Small Talk: The Library

[trudi-tru]

Post back when you've seen the last one, trudi.

Here I am. I'm not sure what I witnessed there. It was so spectacularly bad. Basically 40 minutes of blah blah blah. The last two episodes felt like a backdoor pilot for a spinoff starring the new agents, like Erratic said. But the writing was so atrocious, I don't know who'd watch it.

I gotta say, on the whole this mini series was more disappointing than satisfying. One decent episode out of 6 didn't make it worth it.

 

I hope things take a turn for the better, harvester. As for The X-Files, I'd check out episode 3 (Mulder and Scully meet the were monster) and wouldn't bother with the rest.

Edited February 26, 2016 by trudi-tru

[Boliver]

And SilverFox and I hated the were monster episode. Hate. D. He kept saying "Whaaaat is happening?" about the plot, the dialog, the characterizations, etc. 

[Hostile16]

Does any other Oscar-watcher think the musical director is horrid? The "Ride of the Valkyries" play-off music is bad enough, but the segue of the Costume Design winner's warning of a dystopian future followed by "Que Sera, Sera" is just incompetent.

ETA: Aww, Mark Rylance wins to screw up Oscar ballots. The first time I saw him on stage, he was playing Peter Pan at the RSC in John Caird and Trevor Nunn's Christmas production.

Edited February 29, 2016 by Hostile16

[Valny]

Hostile17- I didn't expect the Rylance win only because everyone was saying Stallone was the favorite. I didn't think Sly's performance was that special, it was fine. I would have given to Tom Hardy, that guy is always good. I actually wasn't blown away with Rylance's performance. Quiet performances like that are always tough for me to judge.

[trudi-tru]

And SilverFox and I hated the were monster episode.

Out of all the 6 episodes, it was the only one that felt like a gift for the fans, with all the callbacks to previous episodes. I like that everything was turned upside down: it was the monster that had turned human, while the actual "monster" was just a regular guy. The peeping Tom was spying on the guy instead of the woman. The commentary on the human condition through the eyes of the Lizard Man was also brilliant in his bleakness.

 

Go Ennio!

[Hostile16]

But please don't go any slower. The hug between Quincy Jones and him looked less like an embrace than that they were holding up each other. John Williams looked pretty chipper in comparison; I think he turned 84 last week. But isn't it great that they're all producing award-caliber work?

And forgive me for judging a female on her looks, but what has Kate Capshaw done to herself?

Valny, I haven't seen Creed, but I can't imagine Stallone ever being worthy of an acting award. Those nominations for the statue-less Old Guard are always hit or miss. For every winning James Coburn or Christopher Plummer, there's a Lauren Bacall left sitting looking unbelievably pissed.

Edited February 29, 2016 by Hostile16

[Valny]

And forgive me for judging a female on her looks, but what has Kate Capshaw done to herself?

 

 

Could it be....the bangs?!

 

Probably no one has seen the Independent Spirit Awards, but they did a parody of the movie Carol, where SNL'er Kate McKinnon played the Cate Blanchett role and does one of skits where's she inserted in the actual scene with Rooney Mara.

I thought it was fun.

 

 

Edited March 1, 2016 by Valny

[Hostile16]

OMG, did she cut them herself? I had not seen the outfit (eek!), but when she leaned over to say something to Spielberg, she got that Lee Grant plastic face. Look to Annette Bening, Hollywood!

Edited March 1, 2016 by Hostile16

[Chyna]

Those bangs are hideous. The whole hairstyle looks like a cheap wig (it's probably a very expensive wig). If she had normal-looking hair and a blouse that didn't look like a baby bib, she'd look fine.

[Harvester]

Terrible bangs killed the thread.

[buffyjunkie]

I will try to revive it with the shallow. The Oscars made me sad because although yes I recognize Chris Rock and LdC, I haven't seen any of the movies, didn't recognize anyone else, didn't understand why people were giving the hairy eyeball to that costumer who won (never piss off the costumer is my rule) and yes had to google merkin and now wished I hadn't. But. But, (small voice) I did think that pale yellow dress worn by that one young lady who won something (maybe best supporting?) was unique and pretty.

So Sunday the spousal unit and I went for a walk without coats and then we had a winter storm and are back to down and boots. You know what this means people...it's SPRING!

[Harvester]

The Oscars are always pretty long and boring. I didn't see any of the films this year either, a and I am fine with that.

We have had warm weather here too, but sweet Jehovah, the winds! A little girls actually skidded across a playground today because the wind was so intense. I can't critique anyone's hair when I have been out in this mess all day.

[Chyna]

I saw Inside Out (Best Animated Feature). Does that count?

[Earl Is Dead]

The Oscars are fun for me because they're really the last connection I have to a group of friends I made in high school when we all worked at a video store together. Even today with husbands and kids and careers we do our best to go see some of the nominated movies together and get together for Oscar night. Hostile we all said the same thing every time Ride of the Valkyries played someone off.

We didn't make it to all the best pics this year. I skipped The Revenant because ick. And we sadly couldn't find Room playing anywhere near us, but we did see the rest and a few nominated for acting awards. I thought Carol was just okay, but I thought that about Spotlight too so what do I know.

We did find a small local theater showing the shorts, and if there's any way you can I highly recommend seeing the live action short that won (Yay!) called Stutterer. It's a charming way to spend 12 minutes of your life that you won't regret.

[AnnieF]

Well, here's a thing that made me so sad and so angry: I'm sitting in the anteroom at the marijuana dispensary this morning (they were really busy, so there was a bit of a wait) and I got to hear a Vietnam vet and an Iraq vet compare their PTSD and their horrible experiences with the VA. Both of them were so clearly marked somehow, in a way that seemed like they will never really be whole. I'm crying again now thinking about it because when will it end?

I guess I can be happy that vets with PTSD can finally get legal marijuana here. Both of the vets I listened to this morning said it was the best med, by far. I just...can we stop creating veterans with physical and psychological wounds that will never heal? Damnit.

Edited March 5, 2016 by AnnieF

[Chyna]

My cousin did a long stint in Iraq, and when people thank him for his service, his response is, "Thank us by voting for leaders who won't send us to war."

[trudi-tru]

That is heartbreaking, Annie. I don't know if humanity will ever be able to be at peace with itself.

[cko]

Pouring rain here, gotta say the usual "we need it" but I like warm dry sunny weather, so there.

 

The war  veteran thing is just too awful to contemplate. How can we think it's okay to keep doing this?

 

I watched the Oscars but reluctantly, since I'd already surfeited on award shows. Agree the walk up music was weird.

 

Let's see, what else. Lovely reunion with my high school pals, just back from a meeting in LA, very light and educational, palsy-walsy. It's March! I haven't done so many things!

[AnnieF]

Snow here, but it's not cold enough to stick.

Got another show rec: Sense8. Netflix original from the Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczinsky*. SO GOOD. Twelve episodes, and they're currently filming s2 for release next year. Naveen Andrews is in it, if that helps sway anyone. ;) And it's one of the most ambitious shows I've ever seen in terms of location shooting: when they say they're in Reykjavik, they're in Reykjavik. And Seoul, Nairobi, San Francisco, Mumbai, Berlin -- really, it's pretty cool.

*He's not in charge of dialogue, thank the Babylonian gods. ;)

Edited March 7, 2016 by AnnieF

[romantic idiot]

Dude, Sense8 is so so so awesome. And Season 2 so far away *sobs*. And you guys know about UnReal too, right? Another very awesome show. 

[Chyna]

I gave up on Sense8 after ep 9 or so. I liked a lot of the actors, but I think Lost gave me a strong aversion to shows that keep presenting questions and mysteries without answering any of them. Did Sense8 start giving some idea of what was going on? I don't need any absolutes, but I don't want to be totally confused for too long. I get enough of that in real life. :-)

[Boliver]

We finished ep 3 of Sense8 last night and are looking forward to tonight. :-)

[cko]

I LOVED Sense8. I didn't get the feeling of being left hanging, or confused, but I was in a "go with it" frame of mind for this show, since the look and the characters were so awesome.

[Endeavour]

I watched Sense8 and liked it well enough. To be honest though, I couldn't tell you now what happened so it didn't leave much of an impression. I'll watch the second season when it comes around.

And you guys know about UnReal too, right? Another very awesome show.

I don't know about this one. Details please.

As for awards shows, I've watched a lot of them (my mom likes to watch them) and like the BAFTAs the best.

Still in the midst of trying to find the right caregiver. I'm not thrilled with the one we have now. I know there's an adjustment phase, but...I just don't know. I know I need to be realistic in my expectations and I think I'm doing that but I'm already unhappy with some things. Some of those things are tiny, but is it really too much to ask for someone to follow simple instructions? If they can't do the small things right, how can I be comfortable with them handling large issues when they come up? Ugh, I think I'll have to continue to look.

Anyway, vent over. It will be close to 80 here today and sunny, so I'm looking forward to getting out for a nice walk later.

[trudi-tru]

Could it be that the caregiver misinterpreted the instructions? Anyway, if you're not sure you should keep looking. It could take more than one try to find the right match.

What is Sense8 about? The premise I mean.

[romantic idiot]

8 people across the world wake up connected to each other.

 

UnReal is behind the scenes of a reality show - like The Bachelor. It is dark, brutal, honest, clever and the performances of the lead pair are mind blowing. Highly recommended. 10 episodes Season 1. 

[Endeavour]

Could it be that the caregiver misinterpreted the instructions? Anyway, if you're not sure you should keep looking. It could take more than one try to find the right match.

If I'm anything, I'm direct. No chance for a misunderstanding. It's a very frustrating and exhausting situation. The search will continue. I really would like things to settle down. Hopefully soon.

That sounds interesting' romantic idiot. What channel or is it Netflix or Amazon?

[romantic idiot]

I think it is Lifetime actually. 

[dusky]

Just getting over an awful stomach bug. I wanted to post this on Facebook but decided against it, 

 

Was so sick the last 2 days I would only wish it on Donald Trump but he is so used to spewing shit he probably wouldn't notice.

 

Vibes and thoughts for all.

[AnnieF]

Sense8 is a Netflix original show.

Sending you big vibes about the caregiver situation, Endeavour. That's a tough one, unfortunately. :(

We adopted a kitty! Our previous cat had a brief, fatal encounter with a coyote (who feels guilty? I do I do!) so we've decided to become a good last home for an older cat. If you want to bring happiness to someone, here's a way to do it: walk into the Humane Society and tell them you want to adopt an older animal. They were beside themselves with joy. The kitty is a ten-year-old Maine coon. The F-let named her Ember. She's on my lap right now, purring her head off. Yay for kitties! :-) And this cat doesn't get to go outside. No more deaths-by-coyote.

Get well vibes, dusky. That sounds not- fun. :(

Edited March 11, 2016 by AnnieF

[romantic idiot]

Sorry, yes, Sense8 is Netflix. UnReal is Lifetime. Both have added to my life for having watched them.

[AnnieF]

I've been watching various shows that Netflix is recommending to me, and I watched a Netflix original called Between (six episodes, pretty standard "small town has been used as test subjects by the govt, test has gone awry, town is quarantined"), and I cannot figure out where I know the lead actress from, but she's so familiar, arghhh. So I look her up: it's Jennette McCurdy. Sam on iCarly. Haha, of course I can't place her, the context is completely different. She was always my favorite on iCarly, and she's really good in this show. So good on her for making a career after being a Nickelodeon star.

Happy weekend, everyone. :)

[buffyjunkie]

Aww, congrats on the older cat adoption AnnieF. We do the same thing. May Ember and you have many purring good years together.

I finally submitted my Mom's taxes. What a brain buster. I'm sure they aren't 100% correct but I'm done in at this point and $50-100 just isn't going to make a difference to a 90 year old lady at this point. The state tax instructions were simply incomprehensible.

A beautiful day here. Went for scenic walk with friend. Sitting near water is always a good thing.

The spousal unit and I are trying to catch up on Dowton Abbey. Not much else up. Looking forward to seeing the kids on their spring break.

Hope you are feeling better Dusky. As for your curse, from your lips to God's ear.

[Endeavour]

Hope you're feeling much better, dusky.

Yay for kitty, indeed!

Must feel good to get the taxes done buffyjunkie. For the first year, I'm having an accountant do mine. I don't miss the stress.

I'm going to see Deadpool tomorrow. I know it was heavily advertised but I missed most of that. I think it should be fun. I've heard mostly good things.

Edited March 13, 2016 by Endeavour

[Harvester]

Annie, I am so happy you gave that kitty a loving home. She is one lucky girl!

Glad the taxes are done buffiejunkie. That sounds like no fun at all.

Feel better dusky. The stomach flu is the worst.

[romantic idiot]

Deadpool was fun. Hilarious. But graphic. Very graphic. 

[trudi-tru]

Annie, how awesome of you and your family to adopt an older animal! Ember is a lucky cat.

 

Sorry about the stomach bug, dusky. Those things are nasty.

[Loandbehold]

Erin Go Bragh to any Irish peeps here! I am observing my religious holiday today and tomorrow by ODing on college basketball while scrupulously playing hooky from work. 

 

Sending vibes and congrats to all, as needed.

[Boliver]

We had a triple point of failure for my car to charge this morning (1 I forgot to make sure I unplugged the dryer and plugged in the car last night 2) when SilverFox plugged the car in at 5:00 am, he forgot the timer was on and the car stopped charging at 5:01 and 3) the fast charger 2 minutes from my house was defunct), so I got an extra 3 hours of cross-stitching in this morning while the car charged at home, and am working a half day. They don't tell you these things when you buy the electric car, but there it is: don't be a doofus. 

[Erratic]

Lol. But, hey! Cross stitching is better than working.

Talking about work, I gone and done did it. I quit. Amazingly, even though I wrote my boss a very specific letter about why I was leaving and a long phone conversation, (the ethical dilemmas, an owner who doesn't enforce managerial compliance of labour laws or HR policies, and a disregard for employee equity), he still chalked it up to, "Well, you're a parent now, and that's an important job". Ugh.

[Chyna]

... thus justifying your decision to quit that awful job. Good for you!

[Harvester]

Congrats Erratic! That place gave you some entertaining, if disturbing, stories. But that is it! Goodbye Manager Jackass!

[AnnieF]

Yay, Erratic! I hope the change is good.

[Erratic]

Me too

[KittenPokerCheater]

Sorry to be so absent.  Real life is kind of difficult right now with family and illnesses and stuff.

 

I haven't seen Sens8- Is it as scary as it sounds?

 

Hugs endeavour.  Finding good caregivers is tough.

 

UnReal is amazing.  I highly recommend it, and I didn't think I would like it.  There are some actors on the show who are so good in their roles, I may never be able to like them again.  I can't wait for season 2.

 

Congrats on the cat adoption Annie.  Hope you are feeling better dusky

 

Yay for freedom erratic!

 

Nice to see you posting LoandBehold!

 

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, Happy NCAA basketball watching, Happy Almost Friday!

Vibes and hugs to all.

Edited March 18, 2016 by KittenPokerCheater

[romantic idiot]

I haven't seen Sens8- Is it as scary as it sounds?

Not at all. It is quite uplifting actually, and optimistic.

 

I've been quiet but vibing away, guys.

Edited March 18, 2016 by romantic idiot

[trudi-tru]

don't be a doofus

That could be applied more broadly.

 

That was really brave of you, Erratic. I hope you find a place that's good for you, professionally and personally.

 

I'm sorry you're having a tough time, KPC. Vibes for you.

 

I saved a kitty yesterday. Yay me! I found him dragging his back legs by the side of the road. So I went home to grab a beach towel, went back to pick him up and took him to a vet, who took some x-rays and gave him a pain killer and antibiotics. Then I knocked on a few doors near the place where he was hit and found the owner. I hope he recovers soon, nothing was broken.

[Harvester]

Love and vibes to the wonderful KPC and her clan.

Yeah for superhero Trudi Tru!

Edited March 18, 2016 by Harvester

[Erratic]

Vibes to KPC. I am so sorry for your family troubles.

[AnnieF]

Big vibes to you and yours, KPC.

Good work, trudi! I hope the cat's owner was appreciative of all your efforts on behalf of the kitty. :)