And so it begins (again)

Amidst all of the tornado warnings, thunder, and torrential rain I decided to once again submit an application to become a teacher. Last time, they said they didn't have any open positions or some other BS, but hopefully things will work out. Whatever the decision, I hope things go well and I end up in a good place. That's all I've really wanted--just to be in a place that wants me and where I can work hard and ease in at my own pace. I want to do a good job and help people, though it seems that is always the hardest thing to do.

Weekend Shopping

Having enough of the tornados/rain, I decided to go out thrifting (and hitting up Half Price Books as well). Besides getting wet, I was able to get a bunch of little frames for magnet making and Half Price Books had a lot of DVDs that I've been wanting.

The Claudette Colbert/Fred MacMurray set was great to find, as it is almost impossible to find on sale anywhere. Ebay doesn't have it for less than TCM, and neither does Amazon.

Favorite Things (no. 2)

Music videos directed by Sophie Mueller

Honestly, that's just scratching the surface. She directed a video for The Kills and it made me think of how much I love her work. I wish she'd direct a full feature, it'd be interesting to see if her style (especially her editing) would translate.

If I was a TCM Guest Programmer...

...I would be very excited. Every month TCM grants a special someone the opportunity to select four films from the TCM library and show them in prime time. I am so jealous of these lucky folks, but I spend lots of time thinking about what I'd show (it helps me go to sleep and stop stressing out). So, here's what I'm thinking:

I Fidanzati needs to be more well known. The simple story of fiancees torn apart by finances and lack of career opportunities takes the form of a three part symphony of swirling editing and honest yet romanticized imagery. The first segment at the dance hall is one of my absolute favorite cinema moments, especially as the emotion and speed crescendo just before the two lovers part. I also am in love with the surprising ending, with reality looming on the horizon.

The Southerner is one of the few English language films directed by Jean Renoir. Now, he is considered one of World Cinema's best directors, but his English work is either unknown or undervalued compared to his French films. To me, The Southerner should not be lumped together with the lesser and possibly failed American films, but rather with his best work. I don't want to argue its better than Grand Illusion or The Rules of the Game, but its only a tiny notch below. Renoir is know for his humanism, and this story of sharecroppers trying to create something of their own is romantic and heart wrenching. The two leads are magnificent, and Beulah Bondi steals the show.

Tokyo Story is the best movie I've ever seen. Its not the most personal (Brokeback Mountain will always be my no. 1 film) but it is hands down one of the most beautiful, emotional, and elegant films ever created. Ozu's films are great, but Tokyo Story feels like his definitive film, with all of his favorite themes wrapped up in one. I read that Ozu said that the relationships between children and parents are the heart of the best drama and this is a perfect example of that. However, it goes even further, covering the entire spectrum of life and how we learn to deal with its fleeting happiness and bitter disappointments. I saw this just after completing a human development class, and this film did more to shed light on the stages of life than that class did.

The Traveling Saleslady is a fun little film starring Joan Blondell. Is it all time great or earthshatteringly good in some way? No, but TCM showed it once, I fell in love with it, and it has never been seen again. I can't tell you how many times I checked TCM's schedule and requested it to be shown. If I had my chance, I'd play it (and figure out how to get myself a copy). Heck, I couldn't even find a proper picture of it for this post.

Jams (no. 2)

Just announced

Criterion revealed their July releases today. Fans of Blu-ray would be most thrilled with the Beauty and the Beast and High and Low upgrades, but for me the highlight is the addition of more Jean-Pierre Melville, Jean-Paul Belmondo, and a proper introduction to Satyajit Ray.

Hopefully there will be another Barnes & Noble Criterion sale in July and these will be available.

Sickening

Okay, Okay. Pia getting voted off on American Idol last night is ridiculous. She's the new Celine for Christ's sake. Plus, another girl getting voted off is gross and just another example of the irrationality of tweenage girls (who are apparently the only people who still vote). However, that is hardly the worst reality show elimination that has happened recently. Shangela getting voted off of RuPaul's Drag Race is the most nonsensical decision I've ever seen. She IS this season, and the only one I'd pay money to see. Is she the prettiest? No, but she has BY FAR the most talent and personality. However, she doesn't look like RuPaul junior, so she's out. LAME. This past week's Shangela-less episode was boring as can be too. Who am I supposed to root for? Raja? Alexis? They are nasty and boring (especially Raja, who is really showing herself now). Shangela may not have won, but she should have been in the final at the very least. Getting rid of her just shot the show in the foot and killed a huge part of its entertainment value. Long live Halleloo!

Crafty

So its Spring Break and I've tried to be as low key as I can. I decided to finally attempt to make my own mini shrine, and I think it turned out pretty well. I thought about selling it in my etsy shop, but the hinges didn't go so well and don't really move the way they should. That's okay though, as I still like it.

Summer Plans

I've been wrestling with whether or not I should take a little vacation by myself this summer. Money is low, but I need to get away and not worry about things for a few days. Sadly, I having trouble figuring out where to go. Louisville is centrally located, but the options all seem underwhelming. I thought about Cumberland Falls, but the hotels/lodges look shady, and I don't know if I want to drive to that part of Kentucky by myself. St Louis would be okay, but too big (I'd be worried the whole time, which is counter productive). I then thought of West Baeden in Indiana, but apparently it smells of sulfur. I'm pretty low spirited about a possible trip (I've given the whole thing up several times), and then I see this on Fox Movie Classics:

Way to rub it in vacation gods. I wanted to go there so badly last year (and still do). I bet its not nearly as cool as it sounds, but it sure sounds pretty and relaxing. Part of me wants to say "F-it" and go. I don't know.

Oh, and the Rainbow Cabins don't exist. I checked.

T-H-E-O-P-H-I-L-U-S

Boy am I late to the party on this one. My favorite hip hop artist not named Lauryn or Kanye has a new album out (digital album anyway). By new, I mean it was released in February. Anyway, it is great, especially the singles.

The album is only $5 on Amazon too.

Oh, and here's the song that made me fall for him: