Entries from April 2007 ↓

Hot Fuzz, movie review

Last night College Girl, her friend, and I went to see Hot Fuzz. It’s gotten very good reviews.

It started off slow, then picked up steam, and never stopped gaining steam as it raced to a power house ending.

It was so slow and cerebral in the beginning, while simultaneously covering a lot of ground, that I wondered where it was heading.

Never fear, it begins to move so fast, you are caught up in the main character’s frustrations, fears and head space in trying to figure out the increasing death count. It had many twists and turns.

The basic premise is a parody of police movies. The main character, Angel, is shipped out of London because he is so good at what he does that he makes the other officers look bad. He ends up being shipped to a perfect, little sleepy town, a la Stepford. Underneath that calm is evil ‘for the greater good.’

Figuring out whodunit…and watching the body count increase, including a scene where he realizes how big the death count really is…while trying to maintain his own sense of self (knowing, as we do, that his predecessor is now mentally ill — ya think he might have figured some of it out too?)

The relationship that develops between the main character and one of the other policemen, his partner, is very well done.

The blood and gore is both bloody and in some cases funny. Heads literally roll, but those heads while resembling the characers who have been beheaded look more like manniquin heads.

We liked the movie. Might even buy it. Her friend (male) loved it. He says it’s the same cast all over again that did the parody of zombies (”Shaun Of The Dead”.)

It is also interesting to see a film where no one is beautiful. They are all odd, crooked teeth, just odd. Well, maybe we could leave Timothy Dalton out of that. And the blonde…who has a distracting laugh, which makes her odd — and a target.

Angel pretty much cleans out the whole town, while never killing anyone, which I thought was brilliant in itself. He packs some pretty mean guns, in a parody of every Die Hard or Clint Eastwood movie.

And Cate Blanchette, in an uncredited part, plays the part of Angel’s ex-girlfriend, in a scene where she is completely covered in forensic protective gear.

Karin

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Working Replica of Noah’s Ark Opens

SCHAGEN, Netherlands (April 28) - The massive central door in the side of Noah’s Ark was thrown open Saturday - you could say it was the first time in 4,000 years - drawing a crowd of curious pilgrims and townsfolk to behold the wonder.

Of course, it’s only a replica of the biblical Ark, built by Dutch creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.

Reckoning by the old biblical measurements, Johan’s fully functional ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That’s two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.

Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.

“The design is by my wife, Bianca,” Huibers said. “She didn’t really want me to do this at all, but she said if you’re going to anyway, it should look like this.”

A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine - biblical scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.

Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005.

On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats. And one camel.

Visitors on the first day were stunned.

“It’s past comprehension,” said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.

“I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big.”

In fact, Noah’s Ark as described in the Bible was five times larger than Johan’s Ark.

But that still leaves enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater, where kids can watch the segment of the Disney film “Fantasia” that tells the story of Noah.

Another exhibit shows water cascading down on a model of the Ark. Exhibits on the third level show ancient tools and old-fashioned barrels, exotic stuffed animals, and a wax model of an exhausted Noah reclining on a bed in the forecastle.

Genesis says Noah kept seven pairs of most domesticated animals and one breeding pair of all other creatures, plus his wife, three sons and three daughters-in-law together on the boat for almost a year while the world was deluged.

The Creation Museum
A museum depicting exhibits based on literal interpretations from the Bible is scheduled to open in Kentucky in May.

Perhaps it was only logical that the replica project would be the brainchild of a Dutchman: fear of floods are ingrained in the country’s collective consciousness by its water-drenched history.

Lois Poppema, visiting from California, said she thought the Netherlands was exactly the right place for an ark.

“Just a few weeks ago we saw Al Gore on television .. saying that all Holland will be flooded” due to rising sea levels, she said.

“I don’t think the man who made this ever expected that global warning will become (such an important) issue - and suddenly having the ark would be meaningful in the middle of Holland.”

Under sunny clear skies Saturday, Huibers said he wasn’t worried about another biblical flood, since according to Genesis, the rainbow is the sign of God’s promise never to flood the world again. But he does worry that recent events such as the flooding of New Orleans could be seen as a portent of the end of time.

Huibers said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands, where churchgoing has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years. He also plans to visit major cities in Belgium and Germany. By TOBY STERLING

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On heaven

If ever I reach heaven I expect to find three wonders there: first, to meet some I had not thought to see there; second, to miss some I had expected to see there; and third– the greatest wonder of all–to find myself there. John Newton (1725-1807)

Well, amen to this. I like the grace and humility he expresses.

Karin

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KIKO LOUREIRO TAPPING INTO MY DARK TRANQUILITY

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A story of remission/healing

I was telling a friend about another’s diagnosis and how it is known to sometimes go into remission, even permanently. Here’s what she wrote in reply:

It really struck me what you said on the phone - when they said [ ] could go into remission and that you considered “remission” a “healing” — I never thought of that until recalling that about 30 years ago, I suddenly came down with some “spinal” thing - extreme pain constantly up to my neck. For three months I was nearly a total invalid. Couldn’t even lift a can of tomato soup, let alone open it. Even had to move in with my parents, as I could not even feed myself. The family doctor diagnosed it as ankylosing spondylitis, an incurable spinal disease, and sent me out to U of Michigan. The first day consisted of 5-1/2 hours of doctors all over me. They confirmed the diagnosis, said it was incurable
and that I would have to be fitted with a steel back brace for the rest of my life, whereby, I could never bend over, etc.

Out of the blue, a woman at work whom I barely knew, called me with her story….bottom line: see Dr. Luke Sheng in Brighton, Michigan. (I could write volumes about his family and that clinic.) He was an M.D. He and his wife (also an M.D.) were both born in China, as were their two sons. They were what we would call those super-devout Christians. When Mao took over in ‘49, he was arrested and jailed, escaped to Hong Kong, made it to Pennsylvania, then Brighton.

I had, for the first time, called [someone] who agreed to continue to pray/work with me while I was having acupuncture from Dr. Sheng. Was driven to Brighton for 14 treatments and a few more trips to U-M. It was obvious to me I was healed. I was well! When I told the U-M doctors, they scoffed, said it was impossible because this was incurable and I was only in a short “remission” and that it would return within weeks. That was 30 years ago. It has never returned.

Thank you Karin, that you even said you consider “remission” a “healing.” I had never even equated that.

And please feel free to show this to [ ] or post it on your blog. No secrets here … just a bunch of gratitude and awe.

Love,
Diane

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2007 FiFi Awards Finalists Announced

The Fragrance Foundation has announced the top five finalists in each of 20 award categories on Friday, April 27th. “The winners will be presented at the 35th Annual FiFi Awards & Celebration event on Thursday May 31st in the Winter Garden at The World Financial Center in New York City.” The top five finalists have been selected out of the top ten semi-finalists.

Fragrance of the Year – Women’s Nouveau Niche
•Armani Privé Cuir Amethyst (unisex) – Giorgio Armani Parfums
•Delices de Cartier – Cartier North America
•Kenzo Amour – Kenzo Parfums
•The Scent of Peace - Bond No. 9 New York – Laurice & Co.
•Tom Ford Black Orchid – Tom Ford Beauty

Fragrance of the Year – Men’s Nouveau Niche
•Armani Privé Cuir Amethyst (unisex) – Giorgio Armani Parfums
•David Beckham Instinct – Coty Beauty
•Fire Island - Bond No. 9 New York – Laurice & Co.
•L’Homme Yves Saint Laurent – YSL Beaute
•Viktor & Rolf Antidote – L’Oréal USA

Fragrance of the Year – Women’s Luxe
•Armani Code for Women – Giorgio Armani Parfums
•Burberry London for Women – P&G Prestige Products, Inc./ Burberry Fragrances
•Donna Karan Gold Eau de Parfum – Donna Karan Cosmetics
•Juicy Couture – Liz Claiborne Cosmetics
•Vera Wang Princess – Coty Prestige

Fragrance of the Year – Men’s Luxe
•Calvin Klein euphoria for Men – Coty Prestige
•Polo Double Black – Ralph Lauren Fragrances
•Prada – Puig USA
•Terre d’Hermès – Hermès
•Unforgivable by Sean John – Sean John Fragrances/Estée Lauder

Fragrance of the Year – Women’s Popular Appeal
•American Beauty Wonderful Indulgence – BeautyBank Inc.
•Bijan Black Women – Five Star Fragrance Company
•Celine Dion Parfums Always Belong – Coty Beauty
•Dianoche by Daisy Fuentes – BeautyBank Inc.
•Stacie J-Golden – Revelations Perfume & Cosmetics, Inc.

Fragrance of the Year – Men’s Popular Appeal (There are only two Finalists)
•Antonio Antonio Banderas – Puig Beauty USA, Inc.
•Bijan Black Men – Five Star Fragrance Company

Fragrance of the Year – Women’s Private Label/Direct Sell
•Crystal Aura – Avon Products, Inc.
•Dream Angels Desire – Victoria’s Secret Beauty
•Mary Kay® Affection™ – Mary Kay Inc.
•Play-Doh – Demeter Fragrance Library
•Thierry Mugler Interprets (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) – Clarins Fragrance Group

Fragrance of the Year – Men’s Private Label/Direct Sell
•Banana Republic Black Walnut – Inter Parfums USA
•Banana Republic Slate – Inter Parfums USA
•Driven – Derek Jeter – Avon Products, Inc.
•Re: Verb – Revelations Perfume & Cosmetics, Inc.
•Thierry Mugler Interprets (Perfume: The Story of a Murderer) unisex – Clarins Fragrance Group

Editorial Excellence in Fragrance Coverage – Women’s Scent Feature
•ELLE – “Making Scents, Shop Talk” – December 2006

Editorial Excellence in Fragrance Coverage – Women’s Scent Bite
•ELLE – “Vision Quest” – September 2006

Editorial Excellence in Fragrance Coverage – Men’s Feature
•GQ – “Stop and Smell…Haitian Vetiver?” – December 2006

Technological Breakthrough of the Year
•Crescent House Publishing - Scentsa Fragrance Finder

Bath & Body Line of the Year
•Exotic Nectars by Victoria’s Secret Beauty
•Juicy Couture by Juicy Couture/Liz Claiborne Cosmetics
•Marc Jacobs Splash Summer 2006 Collection by Coty Prestige
•Naturals by Crabtree & Evelyn
•Pink Jasmine Body Cream & Soap Set by Fresh

Interior Scent of the Year
•Banana Republic Chilled Sangria Candle – Inter Parfums USA
•Banana Republic Fireside Lounge Candle – Inter Parfums USA
•Banana Republic Sunday Brunch Candle – Inter Parfums USA
•Banana Republic Tea Leaves Candle – Inter Parfums USA
•Juicy Couture Candle – Juicy Couture/Liz Claiborne Cosmetics

Best Packaging – Women’s Prestige (Due to a tie, there are six finalists)
•Armani Privé Cuir Amethyst – Giorgio Armani Beauty
•Delices de Cartier – Cartier North America
•Juicy Couture – Juicy Couture/Liz Claiborne Cosmetics
•Kenzo Amour – Kenzo Parfums
•Missoni – Missoni Profumi
•Tom Ford Black Orchid – Tom Ford Beauty

Best Packaging – Men’s Prestige (Due to a tie, there are six finalists)
•Armani Privé Cuir Amethyst – Giorgio Armani Beauty
•Banana Republic Black Walnut – Inter Parfums USA
•Banana Republic Slate – Inter Parfums USA
•Lucky Number 6 for Men by Lucky Brand Jeans – Liz Claiborne Cosmetics
•Prada Pour Homme – Puig USA
•Viktor & Rolf Antidote – L’Oréal USA

Best Packaging – Women’s Popular Appeal
•Claire’s – Revelations Perfume & Cosmetics, Inc.
•Crystal Aura – Avon Products, Inc.
•Icing – Revelations Perfume & Cosmetics, Inc.
•Secrets D’Essences Voile d’Ambre – Yves Rocher Inc.
•Stacie J-Golden – Revelations Perfume & Cosmetics

Best Packaging – Men’s Popular Appeal (There are only three finalists)
•Antonio Antonio Banderas – Puig Beauty USA
•Driven – Derek Jeter – Avon Products, Inc.
•Re: Verb – Revelations Perfume & Cosmetics, Inc.

Best National Advertising Campaign – Print (Due to a three-way tie, there are seven finalists)
•Beautiful – Estée Lauder
•Burberry London for Men – P&G Prestige Products, Inc./ Burberry Fragrances
•Burberry London for Women – P&G Prestige Products, Inc./ Burberry Fragrances
•J’Adore – Dior Beauty
•Juicy Couture – Juicy Couture/Liz Claiborne Cosmetics
•Opium – Yves Saint Laurent
•Tom Ford Black Orchid – Tom Ford Beauty

Best National Advertising Campaign – TV
•Acqua de Giò – Giorgio Armani Beauty
•Armani Code for Women – Giorgio Armani Beauty
•Calvin Klein euphoria Men – Coty Prestige
•J’Adore – Dior Beauty
•Pure White Linen – Estée Lauder reported by Bois de Jasmin

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Valley of Fire, A Memory, poem by VelvetSky + art

Karin, just sent a little something to you via email, for your blog. This morning I was thinking of my first trip to the desert in Nevada last year, so I was inspired to write about it.

I’m so sorry it took me so long…life has been hectic! Hope you enjoy,

Mary

Valley of Fire, A Memory

My eyes,
So accustomed to grass,
trees, water, green on blue.
Looked out
On earth the shade of ochre,
sagebrush and twisted life.
The smell
Of salt, rain and flowers,
The lush and damp of home.
The wind
Now carries the scent of
Rock, iron, pinon, sun.
I lift my head and thank
the Mother Goddess for
Her gift.

Mary aka VelvetSky

Valley of Fire

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Building a life

It’s time to start living the life you’ve imagined. Henry James

We lay the groundwork every day for the life we wish to live. There’s no better time to start than now.

What do you want to see in your life? where do you see your life heading?

I always say, think about what you want for the future, then take the steps today to get there. If I don’t want to wake up a bitter, old woman, the caricature of women, then I’d better handle it today. I don’t think you wake up embittered without going through a lot of days prior to that with some degree of bitterness.

Same with any other quality.

I think about this especially as it relates to the relationship I want to have with my children when they are grown. I know what I was like as I was separating into my adulthood. If I want a good relationship with my grown children, then I need a good relationship all along the way, at least insofar as it is possible. (Of course, being the mom is not always popular, because teaching and correcting along the way is the only way to be a good one.)

We have 2 kids plus College girl and a friend home today. CG is arranging her room so it is new and that there might be room to incorporate all the things from college. Littles have either spent the night or had friends spending the nights this weekend. It’s a full house, and we’re having fun. The stuff a life is made up of. There was even some couple time. How about that.

What are you building into your life today?

Karin

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Andy McKee speaks about influences and his Harp Guitar

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Andy Mckee - Harp Guitar

What a neat instrument! Starting at 2:35 it changes.
Karin

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