Through the Opera Glasses - 51 - New Moon

As you may know, my husband works for Blockbuster and we enjoy his one and only perk - free DVD rentals. Especially the new releases, which staff are encouraged to watch one week before they go on sale, so they can inform customers about the films.

My husband is a film buff extraordinaire. He don't need no encouragement, girlfriend. He watches everything. This weekend he watched Astroboy and The Fourth Kind, among other things.

Yesterday I piled onto the couch with The Pack - my husband, the Alpha Male; yours truly, the Alpha Female and our dog Xena - and settled in to watch the second instalment of The Twilight Saga, New Moon.














Both Brad and I enjoyed it, which we can't say about the first one. It's rare for an origin story to be the weakest of a film series, but that's definitely the case with The Twilight Saga. The change in directors most assuredly helped. Chris Weitz made character-driven About a Boy as well as the suitably sinister Golden Compass, and his handling of the love triangle between Bella, Edward and Jacob in New Moon brings the strengths from both previous films to the fore in this one.












What I enjoyed most was the exploration of a particularly female lament throughout history. Bella has two love interests who insist 'It's not you, it's me', breaking their previous promises never to hurt her, by wounding her deeply. The men in her life make decisions on her behalf despite her protests about how she actually feels.

Given the particular problems these two men in the love triangle are dealing with, their desire to protect her from themselves makes sense and gives the love triangle more pathos. I do so love romantic triangles where each participant is attractive to the audience, where there is no clear bad choice.











What I was truly looking forward to, however, was the supporting role of Aro, played by Michael Sheen. I couldn't help but laugh when I read this review of New Moon from Rolling Stone:

"Late in the film, a real actor, Michael Sheen shows up as the mind-reading Aro, of the Italian Volturi vampires, and sparks things up. You can almost hear the young cast thinking, 'Is that acting? It looks hard.' So Sheen is quickly ushered out, and New Moon begins swanning toward certain box-office glory." - Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

LOL! Burn.

Here's the trailer that showed more Volturi and less beefcake. Enjoy.



Ms Snarky Pants says Loved that movie. Saw it at midnight the night it came out with my best friend. I thought it was actually better than the book.

Akelamalu says I loved the first in the Twilight series but I haven't seen New Moon yet - I really must!

Jennifer Leeland says I just can't bring myself to participate in the Twilight madness. I'm not a big Vamp fan so no surprise really.

Poetry Train Monday - 143 - American sentence 4

I've been working on two stories this weekend, my vampire story and my convict gardener story. Since one of the supporting characters has been on my mind a lot, here is an American sentence from his point of view.

Mr. Bent is a settler on Van Diemen's Land in the mid-1840's. When he hears that Robbie once worked as a gardener at an English country house, he takes Robbie off the road party to work as a convict laborer on his farm.

I always cast my characters, and Bent is based on English actor Ray Winstone.












Neck cloth soaks with sweat, but hides the scar from the iron one I once wore.



















For more poetry, Ride the Poetry Train!

Ms. Snarky Pants says Sounds interesting!

Apprentice Writer says The close-up of the neck chain is very stark. Makes me think of the road crews in 'O Brother Where Art Thou' and what a horrendous life it was to be part of.

Yousei Hime says I agree that the sentence communicates more than just facts. It says something of the man. Thanks for sharing your sentence and a bit of the story behind it.

5 on Friday - Set 5

For my fifth set, I've collected several songs featured in films by one of my favorite directors - Timur Bekmambetov of Kazakhstan, formerly one of the Soviet republics.



If you've seen the Angelina Jolie - James McAvoy action film Wanted, then you've seen a Bekmambetov film.

"Timur Bekmambetov established himself as a master of dense narrative. His films often surprise the viewers with eerie details, hectic pace and unusual twists and turns, and remain a challenge even for experienced audiences." - Steve Shelokhonov

Bekmambetov somehow managed not only to become a filmmaker who pushes the envelope by any country's standard, but he emerged onto the film scene at a time when the collapse of the Soviet Union meant there was no longer a distribution infrastructure for Russian films (a new one is still rising from the ashes.) He comes from the first generation of artists out of Russia who can choose to work in Hollywood without having to defect in order to do so.

"We understood from the very beginning," he says, "that Russia needs big, ambitious and brave film-making. Before us, there was only art-house - great, talented movies for European festivals - and very bad, very cheap and creatively weak commercial movies."

For today's 5 on Friday, here are songs which capture the Bekmambetov soundtrack style: kick-ass rock, often showcasing Russian rock bands. For the sequel to a beloved Russian New Year's film, he put a new twist on the cherished memory of the original.

To play along, visit Travis at Trav's Thoughts.


1 - Every Day is Exactly the Same - Nine Inch Nails - Wanted soundtrack, 2008

I believe I can see the future
'Cause I repeat the same routine
I think I used to have a purpose
Then again
That might have been a dream

- Trent Reznor




2 - Shatter - Feeder - Night Watch soundtrack, 2006

Coming around my senses torn
It's no illusion
It's here everyday
I bleed
As long as you see it
As long as you know
As long as you fake it
Nobody knows

Break down again
I'm suffering
My head's out of sync
And I can't hide the pain

- Feeder




3 - Voronka - Slot - Night Watch soundtrack, 2006

No matter how determined I was, I couldn't find any translated lyrics for this one.




4 - Another Snowstorm (Opiat metel) - Alla Pugacheva and Kristina Orbakaite - Irony of Fate 2 soundtrack, 2007

This real-life mother and daughter duo gives voice to the complicated love lives of the mother and daughter characters in the film.

Translated lyrics:

Not closing the door behind you
I live for another year
And since then
The countdown of my unwitting losses
Has resurrected
Is waiting for someone

Again a snowstorm
And the past
Is getting anxious in the dark
Again a snowstorm
Where two eternities merge into one short day

Forgive me
Without knowing it

Don't suffer, standing there by a doorway
Our resurrected love
Will last for a lifetime

- Konstantin Meladze




5 - If You Don't Have an Aunt (Yesli u vas netu tyoti) - Konstantin Khabensky - Irony of Fate 2, 2007

Translated lyrics:

If you don't have a house
It cannot be destroyed by a fire
And your wife will not leave you for another
If you don't, if you don't, if you don't have a wife
If you don't have a wife

If you don't have a dog
It won't be poisoned by a neighbour
You will never get into a fight with your friend
If you don't, if you don't, if you don't have a friend
If you don't have a friend

The orchestra is playing bass
The trumpet player is blowing his brass
Think for yourself, decide for yourself: to have, or not to have

If you don't have an aunt
You won't lose her
And if you don't live
You won't die, you won't die

The orchestra is playing bass
The trumpet player is blowing his brass
Think for yourself, decide for yourself: to have, or not to have

- Alexander Aronov



Jamie says Since these were movies that I haven't seen it was nice to hear the music as it supported the films.

Travis says I like the way you play! I get to hear the music and see the video.

Jennifer Leeland says I LOVED "Wanted". Even though it didn't really have a happy ending. I still loved it.

Thursday Thirteen - 149 - 13 Ways We Enjoyed The Brier 2010

As you may know, I have a great knack for winning books at my monthly writers' group, and online at blog giveaways. I continued my winning streak by having my name drawn on Valentine's Day for one of three prizes at our festivities at work.

What did I win? Two tickets to Tuesday night's draw at The Brier, the Canadian men's curling championship.

Yay, me!














1 - I met up with my husband after work, we grabbed a bite to eat, then headed over to the World Trade and Convention Centre to check out The Brier Patch.














2 - Though the Brier Patch event is sponsored by Halifax brewery Alexander Keith's, Brad and I aren't beer drinkers. So we indulged in some pinot grigio, instead.














3 - I was actually supposed to be at choir rehearsal. But what can one do? It's not every day that Brad and I would find ourselves with premium seats to a major sporting event. In fact, this was only the second live sports match we've ever been to. The first was a Toronto Blue Jays game for our second anniversary. We also came into those through work. Yay, us!














4 - Being more of an arts person than a sports person, The Brier Patch part of the evening was by far my favorite part. From Lethbridge, Alberta, The Chevelles are a cover band specializing in 60's/70's/80's music, and were highly enjoyable.














5 - They had no trouble getting a packed Brier Patch on its feet and onto the dance floor.














6 - There was also some footage from the night before featuring a Guys In Bras segment, apparently made up of volunteer guys from the audience, volunteered bras from the audience, and a dance-off. Hilarity ensued.

Halifax - a proud pub town, since 1749. We take our drinking and our self-mockery seriously. And to borrow a phrase from official sponsor Alexander Keith's: Those who like it, like it a lot.














7 - The whole vibe of The Brier was goodnatured and out for a good time. This board in the lobby was a perfect example of that.














8 - We didn't want to miss the opening of Draw 11, however. So we hustled on over to our seats in the Metro Centre in time for the opening ceremonies.















9 - As you can see in the center of the shot, TSN was broadcasting The Brier live. I enjoyed watching the camera operators setting up the shots that were broadcast on the large screens high above the rink.














10 - Brad and I are total curling newbies. We didn't have a clue as to how any of it was scored. But we had a ball people watching, since curling seems to coax the Inner Sillies out of its fans. These ones had custom-made curling stone hats.














11 - The curling event was like a three-ring-circus, with all four sheets going at once. Never a dull moment!















12 - I loved watching the various sweeper techniques. It's the dance-lover in me. I love watching men move.














13 - On our way past the Metro Centre, on our way down to the ferry, we passed the fleet of official team vehicles. We had a wonderful night out - thanks so much to my office social committee for including the pair of tickets in the giveaway!

Brenda ND says Are you lucky! I'd love to see curling in person.

Jill Conyers says Looks like fun!

Cate Masters says How cool Julia! Wish I could've been there.

Through the Opera Glasses - 50 - My Top Ten Oscar Gowns From The 2010 Red Carpet

'It's a wonderful night for Oscar! Oscar, Oscar! Who will win...?'

Last night's Oscar broadcast, another red carpet. My second favorite night of the year, after Christmas Eve. Besides all the film industry celebration, of which I can never get enough, besides all the sacrifice suddenly being worth it for the artists and craftspeople who heft the statuette in their hands, the red carpet event at the Oscars is my favorite thing of all.

Here are my personal favorite gowns from the 2010 walk towards the 82nd Academy Awards.


1 - My favorite: Penelope Cruz took my breath away in this dramatic, deep red Donna Karan creation.














2 - Sandra Bullock shimmered in this feminine velvet gown with exquisite lace, by Marchesa.














3 - Anna Kendrick glowed in this ultra-feminine frothy blush-pink gown by Elie Saab.














4 - Helen Mirren sparkled in this soft-gray Badgley Mishka gown.
















5 - Luciana Pedraza, wife of Crazy Heart producer Robert Duval, impressed me with this understated blush-pink slip gown.













6 - Jane Seymour radiated joie de vivre in her brilliant red, sculpted-bodice, strapless sheath.
















7 - Cameron Diaz gleams in golden Oscar de la Renta.
















8 - Amanda Seyfried entranced me with her sweeping white Armani Privé gown.














9 - Kate Winslet knocked me out with this elegant silver full-length sheath skirt and streamlined bodice from Yves Saint Laurent.














10 - Kathy Ireland wore this stretch-sequined sheath with fearless poise.














CLICK HERE to see my favorite Oscar gowns from 2009.

CLICK HERE to see my favorite Oscar gowns from 2008.

Janet says You could work the fashion talk shows, Julia - you had a lot of the same picks as the big guys!

Debby says I believe your favs were mine as well.

Susan Helene Gottfried says I missed the Oscars, so am glad to see a good recap of the dresses. Which are of course more important than the awards. :D

Poetry Train Monday - 142 - Delighting in Our Tribe

Another meeting of my writers' group this afternoon. Something I look forward to with both arms outstretched.

Thanks for a lovely lunch, thanks for the wisdom of craft, thanks for the example set, thanks for every laugh.

For more poetry, Ride the Poetry Train!
















Delighting in Our Tribe


Delighting in our tribe
We draw our strength from words
A kinship undescribed

Laughter peals, we imbibe
Conversations spun, heard
Delighting in our tribe

Affection slung with jibes
Guffaws at the absurd
A kinship undescribed

Rx so sweet prescribed
Embrace our inner nerd
Delighting in our tribe

Inhale creative vibe
Our dreams, here undeterred
A kinship undescribed

No one to circumscribe
Our muses stroked, chauffeured
Delighting in our tribe
A kinship undescribed

- Julia Smith, Mar. 7, 2010

Stan Ski says Always good to be part of a group.

Janet says And I feel honored to be a part of The Tribe - and am beyond delighted to have found you all.

Kelly Boyce says Hey, that's me imbibing! Good times...good times...

5 on Friday - Set 4

For my Thursday Thirteen yesterday, I listed thirteen of my favorite shows currently airing on television. That prompted me to post five of my favorite TV series' theme music for my fourth 5 on Friday set.

Only one of these shows is currently airing - Spooks / MI-5. Other shows will air as reruns. But all are available on DVD.

To play along, visit Travis at Trav's Thoughts and sign up!


1 - Spiderman original 1967 animated series intro - lyrics - Paul Francis Webster - music - Robert Harris




2 - The Prisoner opening intro - composer - Ron Grainer




3 - the Sharpe series opening intro - composer - Dominic Muldowney




4 - Horatio Hornblower theme - composer - John Keane




5 - Spooks opening intro - composer - Jennie Muskett



VABookworm87 says The only one on there I'm familiar with is MI-5... I am so addicted to that show!!!!!

Anna Campbell says Made me think of my favorites and hands down, it's the Doctor Who theme (another Ron Grainer opus).

Michelle Helliwell says Love the theme to Sharpe! Also among my favorites - Greatest American Hero, Battlestar Galatica, Deep Space Nine, and Firefly. Loooove the theme for Firefly.