There'd be no distance that could hold us back. So, this is the new year...
2009!
I will be a little sad to see 2008 go. It is the year that I graduate nursing school, got an RN job, moved to Portland. It was beautiful year for a lot of reasons. Time to makes some plans for 2009. Also, I find myself wondering about what will happen to the new year glasses once it's 2010. I'm afraid for their existence.
I'm moody, so I can only think of one. It's the things my patients say. Yesterday, an elderly women needed help moving from her chair to her bed. I'm nearly 6 feet tall and...shall I say...curvy? Anyway, the other nurse and CNA asked for my help. When I went into the room the patient said "you are a fine figure of a woman." That made my week.
My sister and I saw 'Milk' on Sunday night. Great film. As she said in the car afterward, Sean Penn is the best living American actor. He is spot on genius in everything he does. I was so drawn into the movie because of his performance as Harvey Milk.
Gus Van San is a brilliant director. I know there have been missteps but in general, his movies are always witty and thoughtful. He did very well with this film. The screenwriter did a fantastic job, as well. At times it reminded me of 'My Own Private Idaho.' The scene in which Cleve calls up all of his friends for the rally, it was just like the scene in MOPI when the hustlers are all magazine cover boys in the porn shop. The color and style were very similar. I liked that.
The cast was amazing. Josh Brolin was Dan White. Very good casting move. Who else loved the scene with Dan, Harvey, and Jack outside of the birthday party? Not many people play drunk well but he did it. Diego Luno was fantastic, too. It was a nice touch of humor for the movie.
The relationship between Harvey and Scott was sweet. It was this very touching story in the middle of the heaviness of what was going on. They loved each other. Sean and James did wonderful. I will say that I thought James would have a bigger part in the film. There has been a lot of buzz about him and he did well but I wasn't blown away buy any one thing.
Sean deserves the Oscar. I don't know how he does it. The first scene with Sean taping himself in the kitchen, you know it's going to be amazing. Especially if you've heard the actual recording of Harvey Milk saying it. He becomes him.
Emile Hirsch. Oh Emile...you're the new love of my life. He was adorable as Cleve Jones. I didn't think he had it in him and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the film.
In the end it fired up my little activist heart and made me motivated to rage against the machine. That's all I ever really want from a film. :)
It is winter. Snow has fallen. Scarves have come out of the closest. [pun intended] Noses and toes are cold. In honor of all of the seasonal joy, I thought I'd give you a song list. A few songs by some artists that I think are great and come highly recommended...by myself. Click the names for the Myspace links and have a listen.
Johnny Flynn 'I wonder where you learned to be so good I wonder if I'm doing the best I could..'
Johnny is amazing. He's a new find for me. He feels old. I love that. It's romantic. It doesn't hurt that he's very pretty. Almost boy band pretty but he doesn't come with shiny outfits or choreography. Just sweet, sweet tunes. I'd recommend Brown Trout Blues, Shore to Shore, and The Wrote & The Writ.
Radical Face 'I see the airplanes, they're pouring from the chest they fill the air and burn and bury just like the rest...'
Radical Face is incredible. Incredible. I can't even remember the first time I heard him. I just remember listening to Wrapped in Piano Strings and crying. Lyrically and musically very talented. I'd recommend that song, as well as Welcome Home and Let the River In.
The National 'Turn the light out say goodnight no thinking for a little while lets not try to figure out everything at once It’s hard to keep track of you falling through the sky we’re half-awake in a fake empire...'
Who isn't from Brooklyn lately? The National is a great band. The vocals are unique and you can't really help listening to it. Great music, as well. Listen to Start a War and Fake Empire.
Joanna Newsom 'This is an old song, these are old blues and this is not my tune but it's mine to use and the seabirds where the fear once grew will flock with a fury and they will bury what'd come for you...'
This is the part when my sister leaves the blog. Okay, okay. Joanna is a definite acquired taste. I just can't help but love her. She's quirky as F but in a really cool and haunting way. I'm in love with the sound of the harp. Give her a chance. I'd listen to Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie and Peach, Plum, Pear.
Land of Talk 'A little thunders good, I thought maybe you would but it's okay, we all feel left out sometimes growing up, it can get you down...'
Don't doubt Canada's ability to put out decent music. I know Obama was elected, so we no longer need to threaten to move to Canada but pay attention to their music. Land of Talk is great. Lovely and simple lyrics. I mean that is the best of ways. I recommend It's Okay and Some Are Lakes.
'There's hope for a better world, there's hope for a better tomorrow. Without hope, not only gays, but the blacks, the asians, the disabled, the seniors. The us's. The us's. Without hope the us's give up. I know you cannot live on hope alone but without it life isn't worth living. You and you and you have gotta give 'em hope. Thank you very much." -Harvey Milk.
My sister and I watched 'The Times of Harvey Milk' tonight. It is the Academy Award winning documentary from 1984 about Harvey Milk. Because my public school education failed me I didn't know about Harvey Milk until I was 16 and read about him on my own time. It's an amazing and inspiring story. I cannot wait to go see 'Milk.' Sean Penn and James Franco were nominated for Film Independent Spirit Awards today for their roles in the movie. In my opinion the Spirit Awards win over the Oscars any day.
Are you still crying? Me too. What an amazing and overwhelming week it has been. I keep watching YouTube videos of the speech and the reactions of people when Wolf Blitzer called it on CNN. The images are great as well. So, it's time for a list of pictures, of course.
Jon Stewart on November 5th. I waited for this since his "all huddled together in a blue state" speech in 2004.
The Kenyan reaction. Amazing.
The American reaction. :)
Rev. Jesse Jackson crying. It makes me cry when other people cry.
The team. Ooooh chillld things are gonna get eassssieeer...
Grant Park on Election Night. Incredible.
Mr. President and the First Lady.
The infamous color map. Aww, Florida.
OPRAH!
The 44th President of The United States of America.
Four years ago I voted in my first Presidential Election for another boring man who really didn't inspire me. Today I voted in my second. I whole heartedly voted for Barack Obama and now I can say that he is the 44th President Elect of the United States of America. We did it. No more Bush, no more.
"It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America."
Election Day is almost here! Do you feel it in the air? I'm hopeful that we can all make this one right. Get out the vote!
In honor of this coming week I'm going to make a list of politically charged [& awesome] songs you should hear.
U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday
'And its true we are immune When fact is fiction and tv reality And today the millions cry We eat and drink while tomorrow they die The real battle yet begun (sunday, bloody sunday)...'
This is musically a brilliant song. I realize it's not an American political song but go with it. Very powerful, very U2. It was released in 1983 and it still matters today.
Ani DiFranco - Your Next Bold Move
'coming of age during the plague of reagan and bush watching capitalism gun down democracy it had this funny effect on me i guess i am cancer i am HIV and i'm down at the blue jesus blue cross hospital just lookin' up from my pillow feeling blessed and the mighty multinationals have monopolized the oxygen so it's as easy as breathing for us all to participate yes they're buying and selling off shares of air and you know it's all around you but it's hard to point and say "there" so you just sit on your hands and quietly contemplate your next bold move the next thing you're gonna need to prove to yourself what a waste of thumbs that are opposable to make machines that are disposable and sell them to seagulls flying in circles around one big right wing'
You can't possibly have a list of political songs without some Ani, she's the queen. This song is not only lyrically amazing but musically beautiful. It was hard for me to choose just a snippet of lyrics to post, so I chose my favorite clump. Listen to it...
Eddie Vedder - No More
'Well nothing's too good for a veteran Yeah, this is what they say So nothing is what they will get In this new American way...'
Not only is this song moving but the video makes me cry. Eddie did this song for a documentary called 'Body Of War.' The live version with Ben Harper is great. You can see both on YouTube.
Le Tigre - New Kicks
'We must stand here, token, abound and unchained. We need healthcare! We need education! We need freedom in this nation! Freedom in this nation! Freedom in this nation! Freedom in this nation!'
This is more of a rally chant than a song but the girls [grrls?] do it well.
>R.E.M. - Bad Day
'Shit so thick you could stir it with a stick free Teflon whitewashed presidency We're sick of being jerked around Wear that on your sleeve Broadcast me a joyful noise unto the times, lord, Count your blessings. We're sick of being jerked around We all fall down.'
Musically joyfully, lyrically heavy. I'm down.
There you go! Until we meet again [when we'll have a new president!]
Look! It's not a video post! Firstly, fall is here and I'm in love with it. It is colder than I care for at 6:30am in the dark while driving to work. That's okay.
Secondly! Amy Poehler had my Will Arnett's baby today. Congrats to them. Potentially the funniest offspring ever. Amy [along with Tina Fey] has made all of the political BS worth it.
Thirdly, REGISTER AND VOTE [FOR OBAMA!] You can even vote early, check it out! I registered to vote in Portland on Tuesday. I have been a registered Democrat since I was 18. However, I've recently felt as though I don't share the beliefs or ideals as the Democrats. So, I re-registered as a Green Independent. The Maine Green Independent Party lists 10 key values:
Grassroots democracy; social justice and equal opportunity; ecological wisdom; non-violence; decentralization; community based economics and economic justice; feminism and gender equity; respect for diversity; personal and global responsibility; and future focus and sustainability.
HOT DAMN, it's me! I love Maine and I love Portland. Cumberland County has the most elected Green Party officials in the United States. Make sure you research the issues and people you are supporting are voting for. Keep informed.
Lastly, I have a few music, movie, and tv things to mention.
Ray LaMontagne. Now, I know I mentioned him a couple of blogs ago but BUY 'Gossip In The Grain.' It's beautiful and haunting. I've been listening to it a lot lately. He makes an appearance on the song "Duet" on Rachael Yamagata's new album. It's great.
The Office. Who else loves Michael and Holly? I do. They're adorable. I must say I'm unsure about this season thus far. I miss Pam and Toby. I hope it picks up.
"It squeaks when you bang it." "That's what she said."
Candy. I finally got it from Netflix. Melissa and I watched it Tuesday night. It took a lot of convincing. My sister and I drove to Canada to see Brokeback Mountain together in 2006 . After Heath Ledger died we've been hesitant to watch him in anything. I had heard good things about this movie. It was good. It was slow at points. It was your classic boy-meets-girl, boy and girl do heroin story. Both Heath and Abbie Cornish were great. It was sad but actually had some funny moments. I'd recommend it.
"We're the coolest people in McDonald's."
Finally, watching Heath reminded me of Michelle Williams. I love her. She's talented and beautiful. I think she's pretty bad ass. I want to be her BFF.
I was reminded of this episode tonight while grocery shopping. I went to Whole Foods and on my way in was nearly killed by a gigantic black Yukon SUV that practically took up two parking spaces.
"I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart: I am, I am, I am."
I first read The Bell Jar when I was 21 and sad. I read it after my 8 months of therapy [TMI? ;)] and right before deciding to go to nursing school. After reading it I got off my ass and did something with myself. Now, I'm living in Portland, I'm an RN and most of all...I am absolutely happy.
So,Thursday afternoon, I went [with MelissaTheSister] to Sanctuary Tattoo on Forest Ave. It's was quick, cheap, and relatively painless. Thanks, Danielle.
Usually, I love September. It is the month of my birth. [I love the cool weather, as well] If you know me personally, you know my birthday was cancelled on Tuesday and rescheduled to Saturday the 13th.:)
Amongst the BS of my birthday, we have tons of new music coming out this month. Here are a few albums I think you should consider:
Ani DiFranco - Red Letter Year [Release Date: September 30, 2008]
'i won't forfeit my creativity, to a world that's all laid out for me i will look at everything around me and i will vow to bear in mind that all of this was just someone's idea it could just as well be mine i won't rent you my time i won't sell you my brain i won't pray to a male god cuz that would be insane and i can't support the troops, cuz every last one of them's being duped, and i will not rest a wink until the women have regrouped'
She is back. She is so back. Ani has offspring now, this worked out perfectly. Her new music is refreshing and a joy to listen to. It has been touch and go for awhile with the experimental moaning and clusterfuck of instruments. I feel like we've turned the corner. I love it. When I saw her in January I heard some of the new music and it was amazing. I cannot wait for this album. I've listened to the whole thing on imeem and now I'm in a good mood and I'm ready to put on my riot gear. Songs I particularly love: Alla This, Present Infant, and The Atom.
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue [Release Date: September 23, 2008]
'it's a bad man's world.'
Jenny's new album, yay! Jenny [minus the Watson twins] is trying a new style. I like it, I'm just not sure if I like it better than Rabbit Fur Coat. She's working with Johnathan Rice, that can never be a bad thing, correct? This gives me hope. It might take a few listens but I think it will grow on me and everyone else. Check it out. I suggest the song Pretty Bird.
Ray LaMontagne [Release Date: September, 2008]
'you are the best thing to ever happen to me.'
First of all, listen to Ray LaMontagne, period. He's phenomenal. Plus, he's based in Maine. [Support local music, for sure.] I jumped up and down a little when I found out he was releasing a September album, as well. He's voice is soothing and new. I appreciate his talent and you should, too. Pick this one up. For a preview of this album and to hear him go to his Myspace.
Other notable releases this month:
Cold War Kids Travis Ben Folds Thievery Corporation
Five Riot Grrrl Songs I Think Everyone Should Hear.
Sleater-Kinney - 'The Ballad of a Ladyman'
"I'd rather be a ladyman how many times will you decide how many lives will you define how much control should we give up of our lives"
I love Sleater-Kinney. They're a Portland band. Not my Portland but still. I love them. They should not have broken up. Also, the song "Jumpers" is a good tube.
Bikini Kill - 'Rebel Girl'
"Rebel Girl, Rebel Girl Rebel Girl, you are the queen of my world Rebel Girl, Rebel Girl I think I wanna take you home I wanna try on your clothes When she walks, the revolutions coming In her hips, there's revolution When she talks, I hear the revolution In her kiss, I taste the revolution."
Oh, Bikini Kill. Oh, Kathleen Hanna. This song makes me want to throw on some Doc Martens [maybe take my shirt off] and scream at the top of my lungs. True story.
Heavens to Betsy - 'My Red Self'
"what is the color the color of shame I know its red..."
Another Washington/Oregon band. This song is about menstruation. How punk rock is that?
Le Tigre - 'Deceptacon'
"Wanna disco? Wanna see me disco? Let me hear you depoliticize my rhyme One, two, three, four You got what you been asking for You're so policy free and you're fantasy wheels and everything you think and everything you feel is alright, alright, alright, alright..."
Another Kathleen Hanna band. Le Tigre makes me dance [with shirt on] while feeling empowered. I appreciate that in a band. They need to make a new album. While we're at it, check out Julie Ruin.
Bratmobile - 'Queenie'
"sweeter than sugar, cuter than pie."
They say "fuck" a lot. Sometimes we all just feel like that.
