“My Date with Drew” August 14, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Reviews.1 comment so far
At my mom’s house I get every single television channel imaginable in the world. My brain is over-stimulated and my thumb is calloused.
That being said, I woke up this morning and watched the documentary “My Date with Drew.” It’s the story of this guy who wins $1,100 from a game show, and decides to take the money to make a movie about his 30 day quest to get a date with Drew Barrymore.
I LOVED IT! It was smart and funny and totally inspiring. My heart now feels all warm and fuzzy. So of course I decided to log on here and share.
Watch it!
New York Pics: Days Two and Three July 16, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Millennials, Travel.2 comments
Alright folks, it’s time to see loads of pictures from my weekend in NYC. (Scroll down for Day One pics). First off, I just want to thank my home skillets Joy and Jeff for hosting me and showing me a good time. Never a dull moment in the city that never sleeps…
CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO MAKE IT BIGGER!
DAY TWO
Joy works in the advertising industry and it just so happened that Latina Magazine invited her to an event at the Westin Hotel in Times Square while I was visiting. It was a free day of beauty services open to the public and hosted by the magazine and other sponsors. Because of Joy’s hook-ups, we were able to cut in front of HUNDREDS of crazy latina women and be one of the first to get our pretty on! On our way out, we were given a bag of swag. Yeah, I know, I’m cool.
Publicity, Publicity, Publicity!!
The nail technicians were only allowed 10 minutes to do each woman’s nails!! Yikes!
The contents of the swag bag! I love that the hair products were all about “anti-frizz.” Ha!
After the Latina Magazine event, we hopped on the subway uptown to the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). The top floor was a Dali exhibit, but they didn’t allow pictures, so I just took a picture of the entrance. After that, we worked our way down the six floors of years of art. This was the only thing I wanted to do while I was in NYC. I had the time of my life.
Dali and his ’stache – now that’s art people!
Magritte’s “The Menaced Assasin”
Jasper Johns’ “Target with Four Faces”
Monet! I couldn’t get the whole thing in the shot. It was divided into three panels and extended over an entire wall. AMAZING!
Joy and Picasso’s “Woman’s Head”
(Notice the “security guard” in the background. Is he working or people watching? You decide.)
More Picasso! I love how the teenage boy got in the shot. Art within art, no?
Yes, that’s Picasso’s “Three Musicians” LOVE IT!
What’s up, Warhol?
This piece was titled, “Little Girl.” It’s hanging on a barbed wire from the ceiling. Anyone care to interpret?
A piece by the feminist, Ree Morton.
A general view of one of the strangest rooms in the media gallery. Notice the mannequin standing in the left corner. That piece was titled, “Stand in the corner and be ashamed of yourself.” It doesn’t get more American than that folks!
I like big butts and I cannot lie…
This piece was titled, “Wrist Corsage.” It’s hard to see, but there is a picture of a little girl in the top left corner. It’s a juxtaposition between innocence and sexuality. This was my favorite piece. Many critical thoughts about my role as a woman came up while looking at this.
After getting all nerdy on art, we decided to meet Joy’s cousin Viviene and their friend Patrick for dinner and drinks at the “Boat Basin Cafe.” On the way there, we happened upon Bhangra dancing in Central Park!! The redhead in the green shorts and white top was waaaaaaay into it. I couldn’t believe she was barefoot in the Park. I hope she got a good foot scrubbing after this!
“The Boast Basin Cafe” is an outdoor restaurant located at the very end of 79th street with a view of the Hudson. The wait to be seated by the water was over an hour and a half! Because we were tired, and were in need of ice cold pina coladas, we decided to settle for the more interior seating. Everyone there was in the 25-35 age group. I observed the scene heavily and began to think about what it must be like as a wealthy, young urbanite. I won’t bore you here with my thoughts on the matter. Maybe another day.
NettyD and Joy oi oi !
Joy and her cousin Viviene, who is a dentist.
And now, DAY THREE
I woke up Sunday morning and after a quick chit-chat with Joy and her BF Jeff, I took the subway from Brooklyn to Times Square – again. This time I was meeting my aunt and my two cousins. It was great to catch up after so many years. They didn’t let me take pictures, so that’s all I have to say about that.
On my return to Brooklyn, Joy, Jeff, his cousin and I made it to the Brooklyn Museum of Art to see the last day of the Murakami exhibit. Murakami is an amazing Japanese artist. Some of his stuff impressed me more than exhibits at the MOMA the day before. Check out the madness!
This craziness greeted us in the lobby while we waited about a half hour to get tickets.
These two sculptures were facing each other. On the opposite walls were large pink and blue canvases with white splatter all over them. The room was titled, “Milk.”
The beauty of Murakami…
Jeff, Joy and Murakami
I stole these next three from Joy. (Thanks for that oi oi !)
Outside of the museum there was a really cool urban lawn. Sundays in New York 
We headed back to Brooklyn Heights after that, and decided to enjoy the festivities of Bastille Day! Technically this French holiday is celebrated on the 14th (which was the day after), but I guess Sunday worked better for everyone since they didn’t have to work! Smith St. was turned into an outdoor festival full of French food stands and merchandise. A piece of the street was even sectioned off and covered in sand so that attendees could play petanque (sort of like Bocce Ball). Culture, Culture, Culture!
We happened upon a skateboarding competition. Really exciting!
Playing petanque!
Roof deck party overlooking the madness on the street!
Happy Bastille Day!
One last shot of the Brooklyn Bridge. (oh, and Joy looking very tired and hungry). I love New York. I can’t believe it took me so long to go back, but now I plan on spending many weekends up there over the next year or so. Happiness!
On Cable July 10, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Sociology.2 comments
(photo courtesy of wykc.com)
So, I’ve spent the better part of my last four days in a state of hyper-mediation. That is, my eyes have been stuck in one position – straight on the boob-tube.
I haven’t had cable in the last five years, and now I’ve come to realize how surprisingly inept I’ve been with regard to cable technology. Terms like DVR, TIVO, and HD were never part of my vocabulary, but now I find them rolling off my tongue so easily. HELP ME!!
Even though I know it’s supposed to ease the channel-surfing tendency, the “Guide” button causes me more stress than I think it should. Within 30 seconds I can see a complete list of movies and programs that all sound good to me! So now I’ve started memorizing channel numbers (not just 100 numbers either, more like 500!), and then I utilize the “Last” button during commercial breaks.
The whole thing is seriously ridiculous. Granted, I don’t really have anything to do, or anyone to answer to, and maybe I should embrace my free time by catching up on every BRAVO marathon there is, but I still can’t help feel my brain slipping. I have three books I want to read, and every time I get the urge to pick one up I find myself saying, “Hmm, maybe a new episode of Shear Genius is on.” AAAHHHH!
Alas, I don’t think I’ll be getting cable once I settle into my own space this Fall. Maybe there are some people out there who can balance cable with reading, exercising and work. I can honestly say that I am not one of them.
Northern VA and Ani DiFranco at the Wolf Trap! July 8, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Concerts & Events, Environment, Lifestyle, Music.2 comments
I made it to my mom’s house in Northern Virginia – she lives about 20 miles from Washington D.C. The energy here is very different from all of the places I’ve been so far this summer. First off, it’s more urban and that means lots of people, cars, and just overall madness. Everyone here is connected to the government in some way, and there is a refreshing racial diversity among the upper middle-class. Northern Virginia is the part of the Commonwealth that has made it a political swing state in national elections. As a political junkie, I feel so comfortable in this part of the country.
Last night, my mom and step-dad surprised me with tickets to see Ani DiFranco at Wolf Trap. I’d heard so much about this outdoor venue and was excited to finally go. It’s the only National Park dedicated to live performing arts. Park Rangers were among our ushers! A lady by the name of Catherine Shouse founded Wolf Trap through a donation of 100 acres of her Vienna, Virginia farmland to the U.S. Government. She also donated funds for construction of a 6,800-seat indoor/outdoor theater. The gift was accepted by an Act of Congress in 1966. (wolftrap.org)
Coupled with the amazing venue was the live performance of Ms. DiFranco. Needless to say, her blunt political lyrics were a perfect match for the location. I had never seen her live before, and was completely impressed. She didn’t stop for one minute of the 90 she was on stage. She had about four different guitars that she rotated depending on the song she was doing. One of her band members was even a xylophone player! The crowd was full of hippies, lesbians, and a was a general cross-section of people who probably didn’t fit in very well in high school. It was great.
There is something about seeing live music that makes me feel like I’ve just received an injection of an intense spirit. Since last night, I’ve felt creative, free and full of love for the world. I wish I could see live music every day of my life.
Ani DiFranco
Wolf Trap inside and then the view from the lawn seats.
One night in Chucktown July 2, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Travel.4 comments
Last night we went back downtown to peruse the bar scene on East Bay Street. We had a great time.
When we fist arrived downtown, we parked near the Ashley River and it was high tide. I couldn’t believe how much the water had risen since earlier that day. It made me think that if a Category 2+ hurricane decided to hit Charleston, there would be severe flooding. While we were walking down the side of the river towards the bars, we noticed a homeless man hanging off the side of the railing. There was a police officer talking him out of jumping. The officer asked him if he was okay, and the guy said he was not. We kept walking and didn’t want to be disrespectful spectators, so we didn’t see what happened. It wouldn’t have been a far jump, so I think he just wanted some attention. Poor guy.
Anyway, the first bar we went to was “Wet Willie’s” and it was karaoke night! The bar basically serves alcohol slushys. Behind the bar there were about 15 slushy machines and some had cute names. These drinks were served with either Bacardi Rum, Tequila Souza, or 190 degree grain alcohol! Yikes! I decided to get a margarita. My brother got the “Shock Treatment.” Gnarly stuff…
We then went into “Squeeze,” which was a perfect name considering the size of the bar. Luckily, it wasn’t too packed.
Our last stop was “Brick.” It’s a huge bar with dart boards, pool tables, and even a Wii screen!! I had never seen that before, but I thought that was a great idea. What’s more hysterical than drunk people trying to work their hand/eye coordination skills?
The walk back to the truck was fun. I decided that it was time for a random photo shoot! Enjoy!
CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO MAKE IT BIGGER
See what I mean about the water?
Wet Willie’s !
Why, yes I am!
A total Squeeze!
Wii!
Tried to get Andrew in the shot, but he resisted at first.
Then, success! Sort of
Then he took off when I tried to get a better one!
I want to live here.
Yay for having fun!
Cinebarre July 1, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Reviews.3 comments
Tonight I went to the movies with my brother and his roommate to see “Wanted.” Instead of going to a regular theater, we hit up Cinebarre. We walked into the building, and in the center was a round, beautiful bar. Inside the theater, every other row of chairs were taken out and replaced with bars and tables. Waitresses were running back and forth taking and bringing orders. Everything on the menu was named after a movie, i.e. Lord of the Onion Rings, Children of the Popcorn, and Soylent Greens Salad. I ordered the Fried Green Tomatoes sandwich. I hadn’t had fried green tomatoes in a long time and it was soooooo good!
I’d heard of this concept many times before, and I’d gone to a theater sort of like it in Virginia Beach when I was in high school. This chain, however, was definitely more upscale. There are only three in the nation: the one I went to tonight in Charleston, one in Asheville, NC and one in Thornton, CO. See more at www.cinebarre.com
The movie was fantastic by the way. I’m fixin’ to do a review of it soon, so stay tuned.
Movie Review: The Happening June 22, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Reviews.add a comment
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more inconsistent artist than M. Night Shyamalan. His movies are either incredible, or fantastically anticlimactic. “The Happening” falls into the latter category.
I had high hopes for this film simply because of the cast. Mark Wahlberg, John Leguizamo, and Zooey Deshanel are all faves of mine. Wahlberg in particular has a history of casting a slight spell on me-not just because of how much he reminds me of an ex-boyfriend, but also because he’s pretty darn talented. In this flick, however, not so much. Leguizamo is usually the comic relief in his movies, and here he is everything but. Perhaps it was his attempt to be taken more seriously. To be honest, the best actor in the whole thing was Deschanel. She still brought her brand of quirkiness, but somehow ended up being the “rock” of the entire film.
In this movie, Shymalan takes a stab at teaching us a lesson about how we treat our planet. It’s a good message, but there never really was a “hey, check this amazing scene out,” moment. The whole movie was as stable and linear as ten Tibetan monks chanting for an hour and a half. The only difference? The movie had no spiritual enlightenment.
Shymalan gets two out of five popcorn tubs from me on this one. One for having a good idea, and the other for Zooey Deschanel holding the whole thing together. I would say it’s still worth renting, but on the Shymalan scale, this was truly a disappointing use of his potential.
“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert June 18, 2008
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Health and Well-Being, Lifestyle.add a comment
I am well aware that I’m a little late with jumping onto this book’s bandwagon, but I have to express my appreciation for it nonetheless.
I received this book about a month ago, but was hesitant to start reading it. I guess I didn’t want to feel like a groupie, which is ridiculous because I’m a fiend for everything pop culture anyway. Or maybe I was afraid of the word “pray.” Whatever the cause of my resistance, when I did decide to crack the book open I was kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
For those who haven’t read it yet, it is the true memoir of Elizabeth Gilbert’s travels through Italy, India and Indonesia in search of, well, everything! She’s just getting out of a nasty divorce, and begins a journey to reconnect with herself, all while enjoying the world’s pleasures.
For me, the timing in receiving this book was so incredibly synchronous with my own personal journey. I too am transitioning out of a long relationship and headed for an itinerary of adventure. Reading Ms. Gilbert’s story has been so soothing to me. Her sense of humor is both infectious and intelligent. I feel much stronger spiritually, and therefore more ready to take on what the next few months will bring.
Even if you aren’t currently going through an emotional time in your life, I still would recommend that every woman read this book. It’s like a good kick in the arse!
A return to The Shire! December 19, 2007
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment.1 comment so far
Slap me silly and call me Bilbo!
It was officially announced today that Peter Jackson will, in fact, return to New Line Cinemas to create The Hobbit. Was there really anyone else who could do it? Hooray!
[photo courtesy of davidwenzal.com]
They should really stop breeding… December 19, 2007
Posted by NettyD in Arts & Entertainment, Gossip.2 comments
Wow. Jamie Lynn Spears, the sixteen year-old sister of the trashtastic Britney Spears, is 12 weeks pregnant! Come again? Does Mama Spears have bad parenting skills or what?
[photo courtesy of teenvogue.com]
