Officially A Renthead!

While I've always loved the show, I've hesitated in using that term. A Renthead is someone who has been touched to their deepest self by the show and is forever changed. Okay, I admit, for those unfamiliar with the messages and lessons within Rent, a statement of that magnitude may seem foolish. The reason why this show stands alone is the inherent honesty it proudly wears for all to see. Never has a musical dealt with enormously intense issues with such grace and dignity. HIV-AIDS, sickness, death, friendship, betrayal, love, acceptance, and loss are given a human face, forcing people to pay attention and dissect their own lives to find deeper meaning. It is my wish that everyone discover the pure beauty that is Rent. You'll find yourself a better person for opening your heart to it. Rent is truly a way of life.

Quote Of The Moment...

"I trust my soul. My only goal is just to be."

-Another Day-Rent

Friends

I would just like to take a moment to say how lucky and blessed I feel to be surrounded by a group of people I can really count on. It's been a long time coming and I'm so glad it has finally happened. You couldn't ask for a better best friend than Tim. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe him. It's so nice to feel I finally have a core. Thank you, wonderful friends.

Animal Farm

One has to wonder if George Orwell foresaw the future destruction of America while penning this timeless classic. Supposedly a satire of Stalin era Russia, Animal Farm could just as easily had been written about George W. Bush's reign of terror. This book paints a terrifying visual of what happens when power gets into the hands of the corrupt and dishonest. Lessons of patience, naivete, and trust are masterfully explored. Animal Farm should be required reading in schools across America. An "A" all the way!

The Importance of Being Barbra: The Brilliant, Tumultuous Career of Barbra Streisand

First, the good. Author Tom Santopietro clearly respects Barbra Streisand and all her accomplishments. Though so obviously a fan, Mr. Santopietro is, for the most part, objective and fair in regards to critiques of material he considers lackluster. A point to accentuate the positive in even the most negative situations is made. It's wonderful to finally see an unbiased inspection of Ms. Streisand's career. (The book only covers until 2005.)

The bad. For starters, quotations. Of the dozens throughout the book, none are accurate. You would think that with all the trouble and care so evident in making this book, one of its most important elements would be properly represented. Next, there are several times where aforementioned criticism is entirely unwarranted and meanspirited. Feel free to draw your own conclusions. The chapter focusing on politics, while not entirely unnecessary, is fairly damaging to the great pace of the book. If a Streisand devotee such as myself, there isn't much new information to be found within the pages.

Final grade, B-

Anna Stuart Returns!

Several reputable online sources are reporting that Anna Stuart will reprise her role of Mary Smythe in the very near future. Apparently, Mary will return to town for Greenlee's wedding and remain until the very unfortunate, unnecessary, untimely demise of her daughter. I am absolutely over the moon about this return. Just wish it was under different circumstances.

New Kicks!

I finally gave in an bought some new footwear yesterday. Found these at a store in the mall and knew they were coming home with me instantly. Love gold and white together.

A Lion Among Men

To begin, I think it only fair to inform individuals reading this review that you must read the first two installments of the series to fully appreciate this book. Cutting right to the heart of things, I found this book slow, boring and difficult to get through. A Lion Among Men strays almost entirely from the concept of the first two offerings, making it extremely difficult to follow in relation. There were times throughout reading that I found myself desperately trying to make connections that would make everything make sense. Unfortunately, that's an almost impossible task. To me, it seems as though Gregory Maguire (author) no longer has an emotional investment in the characters, previously so richly drawn. With few exceptions allowed for brief moments of brilliance, this book was a major disappointment.

For those looking for this tale to tie up loose ends, don't waste your time. Anyone thinking of using this book as an introduction to the series shouldn't. After labored reading, I think it's safe to hold this book responsible for the end of my love affair with Oz and it's inhabitants.

Borders On Gross...

Who the hell does Zach Slater think he is? I've never seen such blatant disregard for human life. While we're asking questions, what made Zach think that he should be the one to shoot Josh, when Chief Of Police, Jesse Hubbard was on the scene? Any regular reader of my AMC posts knows that I've had a longstanding, bitter hatred for Mr. Slater. The fact that he always plays God and never gets called on his shit is ludicrous. Who is he to say that one life is more important than another? The way he bullied Erica into making an immediate decision made me want to puke. I want Zach Slater dead and gone forever!

Drama!

So, I should have been starting school today. Up until a week ago, everything was going along as planned. I get a call saying I have to switch my classes from Fall River to New Bedford and the drama begins. Unable to sort things out on Friday, and with yesterday being a holiday, I was forced to miss my first day of class to get everything straight. As it turns out, because I was told at the last minute, (nobodys fault), one of the two classes I'm supposed to be taking is now full. At least I still have Child Development to look forward to. Fingers crossed that I can somehow find my way into Introduction To Algebra.

Quote Of The Moment...

"One thing I think you should know... I ain't gonna miss you when you go."

-Second Hand News-Fleetwood Mac

RING OF HELL: The Story of the Benoit Family Murders

I don't know quite what to make of this book. I felt compelled to read it because of all the praise it received from critics and fans alike. It was also billed as an "unprecedented look into the workings of pro wrestling." How could I resist. The book gets off to such a slow start that I considered not reading it at all. Just as Chris Benoit's journey begins unfolding, the author sees fit to go on completely unrelated tangents that seem to last forever. By the time everything is put back into focus, one forgets the last thing that made sense.

For those who are wondering, the details of the murder/suicide are extremely horrific and disturbing. I agree with some who say this book could be a vehicle for change and may save lives. I do not however agree with the author's constant insinuation that wrestling fans are of below average intelligence and that anyone stupid enough to dream of becoming a part of this business is a ridiculous fool. RING OF HELL is, in my opinion, a one-sided, biased look into what is considered the darkside of professional wrestling. My last thought: use this tragic tale as a blueprint of how not to achieve your dreams. Please do your best to read this with an open mind and the ability to see both sides of each issue.

Not Expecting Much...

So, the first auditions of the eighth season of American Idol are officially in the can. To say I wasn't impressed would be the understatement of the year. If the first episode is any indication of what we have to look forward to as the season progresses, I won't be watching.

A Lion's Tale: Around the World In Spandex

Amazing, astounding, perfect, beautiful! These are only a few words to describe the novice literary venture of Chris Jericho. It's so rare that a book captivate my attention from the first sentence. This one did. Mr. Jericho has taken the time to ensure that every word written details each experience meticulously. As a reader, one feels as though they have gotten an exclusive invitation from Chris himself to join the journey. The gamut of emotion is run several times through while reading this amazing tale. Whether a wrestling fan or not, the story of a man defying the odds and overcoming countless obstacles on the way to achieving his dream is universal. This book comes with the highest of recommendations. I'm waiting with bated breath for what I'm sure is going to be an equally incredible followup.

Quote Of The Moment...

"What binds the fabric together when the raging, shifting winds of change keep ripping away?"

-Rent-Rent

Amazon Kindle!

For those of you who may be living under a rock and require an explanation, the Amazon Kindle is a wireless reading device. Download books instantly, click buttons instead of turning pages, read at record speed. Does it get any better than this?

Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for me to fully enjoy reading. My physical predicament made it near impossible to turn the pages of a book without expending more energy and effort than the experience was worth. Kindle is an absolute God-Send. No more losing track of plot or risking unnecessary injury. Okay, I know I'm not making much sense. If you get the chance, head over to Amazon.com and see the brilliance yourself. Thank you, Amazon. I can finally be the avid reader I've always wanted to.

In 2009...

1. I promise to ease up on the filthy mouth. It's gotten out of control and I'm going to do my best to put a cap on it.

2. Give up drinking soda entirely. It's nothing but sugar and has absolutely no health benefits. Bet I could lose a little around the midsection just by doing away with it.

3. Exercise more. Really no need for an explanation with that one.

4. Stop obsessing over making other people happy. I have a tendency to forget my own needs and self-neglect is not a good thing.



Okay, so the list isn't all that long. The most important thing is that I commit to seeing it through. Will be interesting to see how many I've accomplished a year from now.

A Day Late...

Just wanted to take a minute to wish All My Children a happy anniversary. Thirty-nine years young on January 5th. Would have done it yesterday, but got caught up in school drama all afternoon. I love you, AMC. May you continue forever.

New Dishes!

Have been wanting to show everyone my new dishes for almost a week but haven't had the time until now. I was super-excited Christmas morning to find that Santa had left them for me. Apparently, he has a better memory than I do. I commented once about six months ago about how awesome I thought they were, being yellow and all. I guess the big, jolly man does know everything.. I couldn't be happier with them!