Things That Bother Me, A Single Faux Pas

There's a laundry list of things involving a restroom that bother me, and none of those things occurred today. What did happen involved common bathroom courtesy.

During my lunch hour, I ventured down to the office. The office is situated across from the rather spacious cafeteria which was designed with the popular open-concept in mind. In order to get to the office, you must walk by the watchful eyes of the hoards of pre-teens who are suffering from a constant state of hormonal witchery. This has been known to cause them to beckon passersby with their often awkward, and always unwelcome, comments.

"That dress is soooo cuute!" - I know, that's why I put it on this morning.

"What's wrong with your hair?" - Why thank you for noticing. I'm trying this new thing where I don't brush it in the morning. 

However, today I made it all the way to the office unnoticed. I finished everything I needed to do there - discipline problems, bus issues, etc. - and made it to my last stop, the restroom, without anything putting a damper in my substantially giddy step (especially for a Monday).

And then, common courtesy left the building.

I can understand if there was just one staff restroom and I had been hogging it for a considerable amount of time. Considerable meaning anything longer than the casual 3.5 minutes which allows for some mirror action on the way out. But, my visit today was short and sweet, and annoyingly interrupted.

About a minute and thirty seconds into my stay, just as I hit the nozzle on the faucet and acquired the necessary suds, there was a knock at the door. I wasn't expecting anyone, obviously considering a) this is a place of work so the mile high club isn't particularly high on my list of bathroom goals, and b) as noted, there's another bathroom a mere 4 feet to the left. Naturally, I don't feel compelled to rush or answer for that matter. I dry my hands, take a quick look in the mirror, and head out.

Standing there outside door is a young substitute, or possibly an aide, since I've seen her more than a time or two before. Just standing there. She announces, "that was me knocking at the door."

No Shit, Sherlock. (or sh*t, for the more sensitive reader)

My first reaction is to look to my right and check to see if somehow I'd missed the line which had obviously formed in my 2 minute absence from the corridor and clogged up both bathrooms, but I couldn't find one anywhere. After a suspicious glance her way, I shook my head slightly and walked back into the hallway.

Do social graces no longer exist? And, in case you were wondering, if there's anywhere I don't want to be bothered - it's in the John (which I just taught my students the other day, means restroom).

Thank you.

A Mild But Albeit Innocent Obsession With Kurt Sutter (#SOA)

Until a couple weeks ago the only thing I knew about Sons of Anarchy was that the attractive fellow from Green Street Hooligans played a badass biker and that Peggy Bundy was involved in some capacity.

After devouring season 1, patiently waiting every Tuesday/Friday for the red Netflix envelope to arrive (yes, I do have it down to a schedule), I've found that even though I can jokingly tweet remarks about my newest fictional crush Jax, played by Charlie Hunnam - I really came out of this season with a newfound appreciation for one man, Kurt Sutter.

 

 

Note: "Jax's babies" - I don't know Hunnam, so that would just be weird to say..

In case you don't know who Mr. Sutter is, fret not, neither did I until I was captivated by a cameo from encarcarated Sons of Anarchy member Otto Delaney in 'Better Half' (season 1, episode 10) - which would make my acquintance going on 5 days now.

As mayhem unfolded in Charming and ATF went at SOA from a new angle, the suave gentleman restrained in a 10x10 (best guess) room was the most memorable part of the episode.

It didn't take long before I was googling (what an offbeat verb, I wonder if there's a plan to add it to the dictionary?) to find out more information about this man - the actor, not the character.

Kurt Sutter.

Come to find out, Sutter is more than just an actor that was the lucky result of a casting call. He is the creative genius behind the series. Which leads me to my mild but albeit innocent obsession with Kurt Sutter.

With my limited work in film to spawn my curiousity of his artful process, he is definitely on my list of people in the industry I'd like to sit down with for a few hours, shoot the shit (or sh*t for the more sensitive reader), and pick his brain to the full extent that my stream of consciousness will allow.

I can't imagine what it takes to make something like a simple idea come to be a show that is now rocking its way up the Nielsen rankings in its fifth season on FX.

While most people, understandably, are focused on the actors who are in your face every week carrying the show in one sense - have you ever wondered what's happening to get them there? I love television, but I have a deep appreciation for the day-to-day behind the scenes actions. While Hunnam is delivering that perfect line, I wonder who wrote it? Who chose the music to go with the last epic scene in the season one finale in the cemetary? And, who was responsible for the final shot of him standing at his father's grave that tracked back from a close-up to a wide with the min-flags perfectly lined up (flags no doubt being the result of a fantastic art department)?

And, who's behind it all?

Thumbs up, Kurt Sutter, bravo!

Assistant Woes And Other Related Theories

I think my assistant would poison me if she had a chance.

No, scratch that, I have convinced myself that she would without a doubt lace my coffee with arsenic given the opportunity.

I am so convinced of this fact that I have contemplated leaving a signed note in my desk to that effect. It would read something like the following:

If you're reading this, I am surely in some sort of tragic distress and have been rushed to a nearby medical facility through the use of emergency vehicle as my organs slowly and painfully shut down. I can't be certain of course, but I have a strong inkling that my assistant is to blame. Please follow-up on this crucial clue to solving the heinous crime that has quite clearly been perpetrated resulting in your being authorized access to my desk where this letter is casually stored front and center in the top middle drawer. And, I don't mean follow-up in the same sense as when people write "SEE I.D" on the signature line of their credit cards, I mean it with all sincerity and just as much eagerness. For further proof just ask the co-workers whom seem most likely to have been privy to my well developed theories on the matter, which let's be honest, is just about all the ones I talk to.

P.S. Don't be fooled by her sweet as pie demeanor either! CSI has surely taught you the truth.

I have began taking precautions as my paranoia, which clearly comes from my inner-city upbringing (Detroit, What?!), has skyrocketed right past rational thought at this point. And, in case you were wondering, "this point" is just before I indulge in an adult beverage, after which time my writing becomes stale and I truly believe everyone loves me (well, maybe the latter comes after a few drinks). Although I have no fear that a student would go through my desk and find my log o' misbehavior, I have decided that my assistant might, and have thus started to lock my desk and computer upon leaving the room. Also, considering the pad of paper I use to take the notes on is front and center in the top middle drawer for easy access (much like my imaginary note), I may want to begin thinking about alternative hiding places - and while I'm doing that, I might want to look into locking the cabinet where I actually keep my coffee supplies.

Naturally my father has been caught in the onslaught as every day after school I sit at my desk and dial him up. My guess is that he started to consider changing his personal extension to avoid what is rapidly becoming a tradition sometime around last Tuesday, give or take a day. Of course, I only call to tell him how my day went - and share my misery while ultimately blaming him for my undue stress, and then at the end of the week, e-mail demanding a new purse.

Review: UNREAL™ Candy

 

I'm not sure what it is, but there's a part of me that is always hesitant about the idea of new candy. Perhaps it's the nature of the business. There are so many candy brands that I have become accustomed to seeing on the shelf that the noticeable addition of a new competitor catches me off-guard. Even the sudden scribbles you now see on the classic 'Mike & Ike' boxes throws me off-guard.

 

I definitely have my chocolate loyalty - even though I'm not a huge chocolate fan - so when it came to trying UNREAL™ candy, I was skeptical to say the least.

 

This trendy chocolate asserts itself as 'unjunked," using that at the center of its' extensive new ad campaign as it tries to break into a market that is already very much monopolized by some of the larger and better known brands.

 

The biggest concern I've heard from other adults about cosuming sweets, chocolate in particular, come from the idea of gaining weight. Words like "calories," "fat," and "unhealthy" seem to be synonymous with indulging at this point, which makes a healthier alternative all the more appealing.

 

The packaging proudly boasts its contents' nutrition facts on the back in a bold and colorful fashion. To further make their point, the company website offers a candy by candy comparision for each of its products who all mirror an existing chocolate creation.

 

What does that mean?

 

I mentioned before that UNREAL™ candy is a healthier alternative, but an alternative for what exactly? Not just chocolate treats in general, but an alternative for some of your favorites - for some of the classics. Right now, the five options are:

• Unreal 54 - Candy Coated Chocolates with Peanuts
• Unreal 41 - Candy Coated Chocolates 
• Unreal 8 - Chocolate Carmel Peanut Nougut
• Unreal 5 - Chocolate Carmel Nougut
• Unreal 77 - Peanut Butter Cups

Sound a bit familiar? That's because they are basically: Peanut M&M's, Plain M&M's, Snickers, Milky Way, and Reese's Cups.

When I first realized this when I went to redeem my free coupon at CVS (compliments of BzzAgent), I thought it was genius!

So how do they compare?

After trying three out of the five (54, 8, 77), I can honestly say they're not bad. Even though you can instantly tell the difference - a blind taste test of the product side by side with the original would be no contest for a seasoned candy eater. However, if you were looking to make a healthier choice I would completely recommend  the UNREAL™ option. The difference in taste would, I assume, become unnoticable at some point if you made the switch (like the time I switched from mayonaisse to vegenaise, a mayo alternative made completely of vegetables - after a few weeks I stopped noticing any difference).

Out of the ones I tried, my favorite was the peanut butter cups. I thought they tasted the closest to what I was used to, maybe a little sweeter even.

The packaging is also a plus. The bright colors stand out against a black background and make the entire package pop when placed on the shelf next to other options. It's not only a smart marketing move, but will give you something to smile about.

Disclosure: I received a coupon for a FREE Unreal Candy and several Buy One Get One Free coupons as part of a BzzAgent Campaign. I will not be compensated for this review. All opinions expressed above are my own.

Coffee, Teaching, And Assorted Complaints: Not In That Order

It's not exactly a secret that being a teacher isn't the easiest job in America. Even though it seems like most of the country is oblivious to that fact, it's not a secret. That being said, the first week of every school year possesses its fill of challenges. And, being a new teacher adds volumes to each bump in the road. Now, even though technically it's not my first ride in this particular rodeo - this is actually the sixth year, in a row, that I've been forced to succumb to the sound of my alarm clock at what I consider to be an ungodly time somewhere between 'zero dark thirty' and noon (which seems to me like a much more appropriate hour to stumble out of bed) - [see exhibit A]. Well, "forced" may be a bit overkill considering that most days I really enjoy my job.

Today was not one of those days.

Despite what I consider to be sufficient experience molding the minds of young America, I am now in a new position and legally certified to instruct a whole new demographic of students - which makes me disappointingly considered a "new teacher." Now take the average complications that arise for any new teacher, or teacher in general, and multiply it by the fact that my chosen concentration involves more than one grade which presents its own set of scheduling issues, and that my students are second language learners and may or may not speak any English. The latter being the least of my worries since I happen to be highly qualified in the English subject area - or at least I have a couple pieces of paper that say so.

It seems a bit outlandish of me not to note that there are a ridiculous number of teachers working in poor conditions with limited resources who have it far worse, and on my best day in the classroom outshine, outdo, and out spell me. But, since this is about me, please just keep that in mind while classifying my complaints in the 'fairly trivial' category.

I'm the type of person that suffers from fits of stress over a random, nonsensical array of issues. Things like packing and making phone calls to persons unknown send me into inconsolable stress comas - paralyzed by irrational fear [see: A Suitcase Full of Anxiety]. Yet, I managed to make it through my entire Masters' program vaguely resembling a cucumber - unscathed with the exception of finally being hit with the 'Freshman 15' (only like 7 years late..). Bearing that in mind, I am suddenly convinced that being even slightly unorganized, unprepared, or unknowing will ultimately cause an irreversible developmental road block in my students' academic careers - the start of a downward spiral that will end somewhere in a shallow ditch, or worse, with the phrase "do you want fries with that?"

Since the first couple weeks of school are always touch and go, I know that I will suffer deeply for at least the next 8 days while I complete this once a year transition from leisure summer beachcomber to employed life changer. And, who likes to suffer alone? This is particularly unfortunate for my father, who happens to be my bosses' bosses' boss, and who I feel a strong need to share my catastrophic thought process with.

I think the titles of two of the e-mail strings we shared today say it all:

Worst Week Ever

Code Stress Level Tangerine

**Please note that there is no exclamation point added to the end of either of these subject lines - clearly these word groupings are emphatic enough without going overboard. I may have a flare for the dramatic, but even I know where to draw the line..

Usually my codes simply involve a color, but I thought it was important to expand given the circumstances. 

The first line of inquiry dealt with my amazing assistant being promoted and my concerns over who would replace her which transitioned into a philosophical debate over various teaching styles that I, of course, translated into meaning that the world was going to end. This resulted in the second thread that began with me ordering the immediate purchase of a purse from Bloomingdale's to combat the rising 'fight or flight' hormones brought on by stress overload. 

I feel bad for my father sometimes. He is acutely aware of my mood tendencies; when I am mad, I clean, and when I am sad, I shop - and when I am broke and/or stressed, he is obligated to shop for me. It's an agreement he may be unaware he made, but I strongly believe he signed it in blood the moment I popped, blue no less, from my mother. It goes something like, "until my daughter, Lindsay Faith, is swept off her feet by the man of her dreams I am responsible for the following," and that list extends in the same fashion as a cartoon declaration that unravels until it rolls across the room. 

My first instinct is always to go for new shoes, but since the sea foam round-toe pumps I repinned on Pinterest were sold out, I opted for the bag. 

My stress did subside at one point during the day when the attractive fellow from new teacher orientation replied to my e-mail titled:

Code Aquamarine

Case in point.

I realize that much of my stress is coming from technical issues that I have no control over, yet I simply cannot shake this ominous wave of anxiety. Although, I must admit, this could all just be my body chemically reacting to the comeback that caffeine is making in my system after a three month hiatus. Who really knows.

**

Exhibit A: In order to combat drowsiness due to my untimely departure from my over-priced and simply heavenly mattress, I have now purchased a coffee maker specifically for my classroom so I can hit the snooze button one more time each and every morning in its' honor.

"The Devil Came Down To Georgia"

This post might sound a bit "Dear Diary-ish" so hold on a moment, I'm sure I'll come to a point.
I've been in Atlanta for a little over a week now and even though technically I'm down here for work [see: Magic The Gathering The Musical HERE or HERE] I've had some time to catch up with some of my favorite Atlanta film people - off set.

It is absolutely tremendous the amount of talent in this city.

I have to admit it's a little weird knowing such a growing number of people in a city that until a year ago today, I'd never even been to (with the exception of the airport which I visited once years ago on the way to London). My week was pretty packed and although it would have been nice to just take it easy, there's no immediate plan to come back south.

Tuesday I went to Georgia State University for a break back into reality - Praxis II. My emergency permit expired at the end of June and it was time to commit with an actual license. I passed. I passed with a pretty great score actually.

My goal was to see things in Atlanta that I've never had a chance to experience. Although I still have some favorites from my past trips, like The Independent and The Highlander (order the Caprese Panini - you won't be disappointed), it's nice to see a different side of the city [read as: metropolitan Atlanta-area]. The laser/light show at Stone Mountain National Park is neat. It's also a cheap way to spend an evening, $10 per car. I discovered there's not really much down in Covington when all the vampires are away at Comic-Con. North of the city is exceptionally beautiful, but there's something to be said for the natural beauty of the area no matter where you are.

This weekend was mostly dedicated to a heavier workload of production duties. I mostly always have a good time on set and given the humidity outside that neither my hair nor skin is enjoying very much, it works out great that we're shooting on stage.

Who knows what this week holds? Puppet building, screening a film, kids theater camp, taking stills, strip club for retirees (no joke), crock pot tacos, thrifting, and I'm sure more unplanned surprises.

What are some must see's in Atlanta?

"I'm going back down south now"

Even though I've always been a girl looking for an adventure, I've never been one to do it away from home for long periods of time. That's not to say that I don't enjoy traveling. It happens to be one of my favorite things to do - exploring new places, getting away from the monotony of everyday life, falling in love with a new city/country/continent! However, the comfort of home always seems to beat out the allure of my destination - regardless of how beautiful/historic/relaxing the locale happens to be.  

My parents did everything right when I was a child. They forced me to go away to camp even though half way through I would have a mini-meltdown and want to come home. Which now seems like it should have been a warning sign for a very similar mid-semester meltdown my freshman year of undergrad. We were always to family taking vacations. My parents would pack up the super cool (not) mini-van, strap all four kids in, and drive all night to location unknown. I always preferred if that location involved a beach, but my father is particularly into history and unfortunately not all history occurred on a beach.

Now, here I am, 26 years old and 3 days from embarking on my longest to-date trip. If it was somewhere I'd never been to before, I'm sure there would be a substantial amount of additional stress added to my already overwhelmed personality, but this is actually the fourth time I've traveled there this year.

Where is there? Atlanta, Georgia.

I'm heading down to Atlanta for most of the month of July to work on a short film project (https://www.facebook.com/MTGTM) directed by the naturally talented Molly Coffee.

You may remember that I suffer from significant packing anxiety and as you can imagine packing for an extended amount of time when events are highly up in the air (along with things I need for production) will probably be a clusterf*ck. Despite that issue, I'm still fairly thrilled to be going. Who doesn't want to get away for a few weeks?

Stay tuned for the misadventures of a hoity Yankee b*tch in the south - coming soon!

Pretty Little Liars Bring Style To ABC Family

The hit teen drama Pretty Little Liars which airs on the ABC Family network has more than a suspenseful plot to boast about.

PLL features four seventeen year-old girls - Aria (Lucy Hale), Emily (Shay Mitchell), Hannah (Ashley Benson), and Spencer (Troian Bellisario) - being harassed by an anonymous stalker/team of stalkers that refer to themselves as simply "A."

Despite all the life threatening texts, e-mails, notes, etc. all the girls somehow manage to get themselves dressed every morning. And not in just anything, but in outfits years ahead of their fashion forward minds. The magic of Hollywood - and a team of professional wardrobe-related staff members.

Out of all the girls, my favorite is definitely Hannah. Although some of her outfits are a bit out there and she more often than not can be seen in sky high heels that look like they weren't made for walking the halls of any high school seen - she's altogether consistently trendy.

Even though I'm not convinced her outfits are entirely appropriate for the age of her character, at 26 I would completely rock them!

Are there any characters on TV now that you would want to raid their imaginary closet? Let me know!

Clothing "For"

H&M has followed the Target trend and started offering customers designer lines for less.

It's a remarkable concept when you consider the lust that consumers have for fashion. Designer fashion is usually out of range for the typical shopper [read: broke twenty something-ers]. Consumers have flocked over this type of collaboration - see: contained riots after release of Missoni for Target line - and the bottom line has been generously padded. Notably, some of the items are a bit out there, but mostly they are a great way to own designer duds for a [semi]reasonable price.

Today, I scored a 'Versace for H&M' dress with the original price tag of $149.95 for only $20 on clearance. Versace for $20?! Yes, that's right.

The newest collection H&M is offering ranges from "in the ball park of 10 bucks" to "slightly more than I have dollars on my Debit card not already spoken for" which translates into "on the expensive side for their ordinary customer base" - a 'Conscious' collection. It's less of a collaboration and more of a nod to the eco-friendly movement. The pieces are made using a combination of sustainable materials: organic cotton, hemp, and recycled potyester. 

The collection includes a series of "glamour" gowns [like the one above]. The price tag on this beauty is $299 and I'll take it with or without gift wrapping.

Ooh la la, the lure of affordable [and out of reach] fashion!

About.Me

Support The Arts: "Deadpool: A Typical Tuesday"

Yes, I have found yet another opportunity for you to support artistic endeavors!

The short film, Deadpool: A Typical Tuesday, is filming this January/February in Atlanta, Georgia and they are looking for some financial support to cover odds and ends on set.  This includes, but is not limited to, craft services (which is a highly overlooked department until you are actually on a film set..and hungry), costumes, crew costs, and miscellaneous expenses. 

You can make a donation to the project through the fundraising page set up at IndieGoGo -

Deadpool - A Typical Tuesday - IndieGoGo Fundraiser

I've read the script and it is well-written, original, and hilarious!  This project is being directed by the extravagantly talented Keith Brooks, which he co-wrote with the equally incredible, Trevor Garner.  The two are working on several other projects together, including a pilot aimed at Comedy Central.  Trevor is also starring as the title character, Deadpool, and serving as Action Director.

Whether you're a fan of the Deadpool comic books or not (which I sadly am not), or maybe you just like the idea that Ryan Reynolds has played the character (which I gladly do), you will be able to enjoy the comedic approach that the writers have taken with this concept. The fan fiction genre is one that is quite impressive and has become its own subculture phenomenon.

Taking on a project like this is incredibly ambitious and takes serious dedication. Everyone involved in the film has already put in a generous amount of time, money, and effort to make it possible.

Some of the extraordinary people involved besides the directors themselves -

Behind the scenes: Steven K. Greer (A.D.), Wes Eastin (D.P.), Gillian Gussack (costume designer), Sule Welch (fight choreographer), James Farlow (Editor), Theo Miller (Sound)


In front of the camera: Secret Harris, Anthony McHie, Jay Peterson, with a special guest appearance of the stunt variety from Ace Harney of Doobious.Org.

Check out this promo video with director Keith Brooks where he talks premise and provides you with an extended explanation of how your contributions will be used. If anything, this hilarious clip is worth a small donation!




Once again, you can make a donation (any amount is accepted!) and join in on the fun at IndieGoGo - Click the image below!




Good luck guys! I can't wait to see the finished project!

And, for your viewing pleasure, an extended ad campaign promo video!

Moons-Over-Social-Media

 My various freelance jobs don't allow me to take technological hiatuses very often, but what happens when the information floating around the Internet that is constantly in your face, starts to become more than you can handle?

Most people can agree that not everything they read on Facebook or Twitter is exactly "uplifting."  Frankly, those status updates that many people covet, have a tendency to make other people feel bad about themselves.  What seems like an endless string of news reports have popped up recently advocating for stricter guidelines for social media content.  They identify an increase in low self-esteem among users and incidents of physical violence as the results of this new generation of social media addicts. 

It is no secret that the events on social media sites have contributed to suicide. Most of us can still remember the highly publicized Myspace case in 2008.  Thirteen year-old, Megan Meier, committed suicide after being harassed by a neighbor who signed up for the site posing as a teenage boy. Events as severe as this might be few and far between, but local news crews are constantly covering "breaking stories" that deal with the misuse of sites like these - no different than the effect that chat rooms had during the 1990s when headlines screamed "middle age man lured teenage girl into compromising position." 

Is the Internet becoming an unhealthy use of time in more ways than the physical sense?  I would argue yes.  Social media is addictive, and with easy access almost everywhere you look -smart phones, laptops, iPods, iPads, Internet stations - it's a hard addiction to break. 

Sitting at home on a Friday night may be the responsible choice if you have work to finish, but seeing what seems like everyone else on your friend list updating the Twitterverse on their club-o-choice for the evening doesn't help your reserve.  When you're feeling a little oompa-loompa like, checking out your friends photo albums and glaring at their sex-on-a-stick looks, isn't going to help your cause.  And, when you're dealing with a love-sick-puppy situation, seeing the hearts and love notes all over his wall, isn't going to do anything but bring the water works.

I am a huge advocate of the use of social media for marketing and getting information out there in the most convenient and easy to navigate way, and there are definite perks to be said for the social aspect. But as a user and abuser, I myself have had to establish limits.  Facebook stalking, bad idea.  Constant Twitter updates, get a life.  Mobile uploads that chronicle your day one picture at a time, no thanks!

Stand up, take a breath, stretch, and walk away.  Come again another day!

Weight Loss and Cherry Jubilee

It's an odd feeling when your favorite jeans no longer hug your curves the same way they always have.  In my case, it's a mix of triumph and defeat. 

Triumph?

Well, duh!  I've logged what seems like an unbelievable amount of hours on excercise machines that make you feel like you're not going anywhere.  I've suffered through countless training sessions that I prayed would end before they began.  Anyone who has ever had a trainer (well a good one) can commiserate with me on this.  I have an amazing trainer who has volunteered her time to help me on this crazy workout, weight-loss adventure - BUT, free sessions = serious pain.  I have to earn every minute of her time, and that comes with lots of silent prayers.  I've also had to give up some of the simple joys in life, like overindulging on sour patch kids and goldfish ::tears::

Defeat?

Whoa, why would I feel defeated? sayonara fat, hello a perfect excuse for a wardrobe makeover!  Well, like I said, my favorite jeans don't fit very well anymore.  That may be a little thing, but when staples in your wardrobe stop working for you, it's seriously stressful.  My goal was to lose around 30 pounds.  It's not that I was an oompa-loompa to start with, but I'm going through a change-everything-about-me-phase and it seemed like a good round number.  I'm only halfway there (sometimes more, but one latte too many and I'm back to half) and I don't want to invest in new clothes when I don't plan to stay at this weight.  So, even though I'm super stoked to be losing the weight, my everyday clothes that no longer fit make me feel sort of ucky.

For now, leggings are my best friend..           

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 Is A Long Title..

Now that I have experienced The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1..twice, I feel that I am more qualified to have an opinion. 

The first time I saw the film was at midnight (well, 12:10) on opening night, a tradition that I started with New Moon.  And, just like the last two middle of the night movie forays, I left slightly disappointed.  It's not that I didn't like the film - but I didn't immediately love it.  There wasn't that instant, jaw-dropping moment as the credits rolled down the screen that I wanted to have.  I'm not sure if it was that exhaustion had set in at that point, or that my mind was still consumed in dissecting the differences that exist between the cinematic version and the novel.  Either way, it always takes me at least a couple viewings to decide whether I really liked it or not.

Critics are always quick to dismiss the Twilight films, like those in academia do for the books.  I, on the other hand, can appreciate the escapist feelings that the novels invoked and the attempt to translate that into a visual format.

I must say that after seeing the film for a second time, I am more likely to give it some praise.  There were definitely moments from the book that I would have liked to see expanded on screen, i.e. the scene between Jacob (Taylor Lautner) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) on the driveway after Jacob discovers Bella (Kristen Stewart) is pregnant.  It is supposed to be an enormously complex emotional scene between these two guys that hate each other when Jacob finds something to appreciate in Edward's desperate plea - at this point in the text, we are seeing things from Jacob's point of view.  Jacob describes Edward as a "burning man" and feels this uncontrollable surge of empathy for his situation.  Instead, we get a fairly pathetic, "hey man, can you talk to Bella?" type of scenario.

As for realism, the birth scene - incredible. Bella looked like a corpse for sure, it was quite a sickening sight. As for the dress they choose for her when she is transforming into a vampire - another scene that could have been spoofed up with some additional dialogue, even if it was just Bella's internal monologue, like in the book - wouldn't have been my first choice. The color is darling, but I thought it would have been more flattering to her new "perfect" physique.

Other than that, there were some funny scenes.  Any of them with Charlie (Billy Burke) in it is almost a guaranteed laugh out loud moment!  He is just amazing at delivering those one liners.  The honeymoon after Edward decides that sex is out gets pretty funny as well.  His attempts to distract Bella from naughty thoughts and exhaust her are definitely amusing.

Overall, I give it a solid B (which may or may not improve after I see

it another dozen or so times).  But, let's face it, even if the movie was a total drag, I would have seen it multiple times in theaters and bought every version of it when it hits DVD. 

Worth Movie Theater Prices: The Descendants

Lately, I've been concerned with the lack of Blockbuster films that have rocked my socks.  I find myself falling into the "that was ok" rut when leaving the movie theater.  Considering the outrageous prices that movie theaters themselves are charging these days (costs that I supplement with Fandango gift cards, free passes, and movie screenings) - due to inflation based on economic hardships caused by whatever the latest means of illegally obtaining films - I feel that movies should be more than "just ok."

I want to walk out of a movie and say "wow, that was excellent" or "that just blew my mind."  Even the latest installment of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 didn't do it for me, and I am a huge Twilight fan.  Although my movie viewing time as of late has been lackluster because of other more pressing responsibilities, the time I do spend enjoying a film has been less than stellar - until this past Friday evening.

I was extremely impressed by The Descendants starring George Clooney.  I found it to be a powerfully simple story of responsibility in the light of tragedy and the bond of family.  Clooney plays a father struggling to understand what he's overlooked in life after his wife is in a boating accident that leaves her in a permanent coma.  As he tries to let go, while caring for his two daughters, both of whom have problems of their own aside from the most recent, he learns a lot about the person he really is and who he wants to be.  The director and crew did a great job of bringing this story to life.  It was touching without being overly dramatic.

On a side note, seeing Clooney as a father gave me a new appreciation for his acting range.  I'm so used to him playing the silver fox with a lovely waiting in the wings lately that this role seems almost foreign for him - and I loved it!  Also, the film starred Shailene Woodley as one of the daughters.  If this role is any indication, Woodley has a bright future ahead of her.  I look forward to seeing where her career goes from here.

Shopping Improves the Economy!

The holidays bring about a lot of things.  One of those that we seem to focus on most, shopping. Theoretically, shopping will improve the economy.  However, realistically, shopping also puts people in serious debt.  With the state of the current economy, this cultural construct that has associated love with gifts has made us into a materialistic nation - an image we quite literally can no longer afford to uphold.

The idea of living within your means has become an outdated notion as credit cards have taken over financial woes.  Lack of cash has been replaced with layaway and payment plans, loans and lines of credit, and even better - the offer of bankruptcy as a quick fix with limited strings attached.   

We are living in a generation where money is being thrown around like it does grow in the community garden.  College graduates are so far in debt, with no job in sight, that the prospect of debt-free doesn't seem like a phrase they should consider in their vocabulary.  Citizens are facing an economy that can no longer pretend to support ideas like 'long-term security' and 'low risk.' Yet, the holidays always bring new hope to struggling businesses.

Why?  Because people are unwavering in their willingness to dole out wads of cash [read: credit] during the holiday season to perpetuate tradition, to keep the status qou.  And I am no exception. 

So amen to a legitimate excuse to spend money you don't have on the people you love (and yourself, especially yourself)!

  

Quotes: One Tree Hill 514

More Altered Press!

Altered received a special set visit from the AFP News Agency (Agence France-Press) during this last round of filming.

 Check out the clip below!

Going The Distance: An Open Letter To My Friends

To: The Loves of My Life,

My parents have always been big proponents of diversity, so it's no surprise that my friends don't fit into any one category.  We never lived in places that were predominately anything like us.  They raised my siblings and I to believe that it's the differences between us that make us special.  They encouraged us to surround ourselves with people that could offer us an unique perspective on life.

Over the years I have built an epic resume of friendships.  They span racial, ethnic, and religious groups, geographic boundaries, and cross generational lines.  Some of them have been around since before I can remember - they know my everything (and they love me anyways), our memories weave in and out of each others.  Others have come along the way - meeting me at different points of my life: high school, college, grad school; through organizations, mutual friends; or at parties, work, random chance encounters.  Even more recently has a new group of friends found their way into the mix.  

Not everyone sticks around and even more than those are the ones that come and go without a plan.  My brand of pretty complete honesty combined with my propensity for sticking my foot in my mouth has severed a few ties.  I don't always make the right choice, sometimes I make the decision that makes the most sense whether it's "right" or not.  I never give up on the people I care about. 

I love with my whole heart and it has earned me a long list of extraordinary friends.  I am in constant awe of them and owe them more than I'll ever be able to repay.  Life has given me amazing opportunities and presented me with more than I can ever fully appreciate.  I have more than a few friendships that I would go to the ends of the Earth to protect, and that phrase may make you laugh, but that probably means this letter isn't meant for you.            

This past year has definitely had its moments - some that have definitely effected me in a forever kind of way.

Today is my 26th birthday.  Nothing spectacular happened - there were no surprise presents, no orchids, nothing shiny, and the man my heart still unequivocally and irrationally beats faster for didn't suddenly decide he wasn't better off without me. It was just another day.  There's no mystical guarantee that life will change just because you will it to, no matter how many stars you wish on.  Maybe that's the point.  Sometimes we all need reminders that things don't turn out the way we want them to, even if we haven't found it in ourselves to let go and accept it yet. You can still know that your life is complete just the way it is.   

  

So embrace your emotions, the good with the bad, because the beautiful moments in life aren't always the ones that came easy.  Be scared and go for it anyway, chase a dream that doesn't want you, love without excuse - and remember, that at the end of the day, you are loved, and that love is just as good as any kind that exists.

Until Always,

xo

Lindsay

Quotes: One Tree Hill 203

Altered Wraps Up Another Successful Round of Filming

Last week, Altered wrapped on an exciting third round of filming in Gary, Indiana /Chicago. This time only utilizing a micro-crew, several members of the original crew were joined by new talent. The Atlanta based production crew made up of Dan Slemons (Gaffer/Key Grip) and Ace Harney (Sound Technician) brought along the incredibly skillful Molly Coffee (Art Director) and Kevin McKnight (Script Supervisor/Grip). Molly was also the set dresser for round two of filming in Atlanta . Her incredible vision and tenacity has been an asset to production, and continues to stun everyone around her. Kevin, brilliant in his own right, brought a calm infusion of hard work and persistence to set that on extensively long days everyone can appreciate.

(Molly Coffee)

(Kevin McKnight)

Long days and cold nights didn’t stop the Altered crew from taking care of business. Under the direction of our epic director Kely McClung and amazing AD/DP Jessica Imoto Harney, we captured some great scenes and added a boatload of footage to the archives.

An incredible cast came out to be part of filming, staples such as Rob Pralgo (Vampire Diaries), Amanda Dreschler (Creed), and Keith Brooks were joined by Atlanta-based actors Angele Masters, Nicholas Wolfe, and Jon Chaffin. Special props go out to Angele who endeared more than her share of the cold for the cause.

(Angele Masters)

(Left to Right: Nicholas Wolfe, Jon Chaffin)

We were also in the great company of Zee Gustafson, an awesome FX make-up artist that transformed some hotties into zombies for our production.  She was a pleasure to work with and definitely fun to have on set.

(Left to Right: Stephanie, Molly Pan, Rachael Sanchez) 

A huge production night was shot with the collaboration with Nassau Chainsaw DisGraceLand Demolition Committee - a heavy metal suspension crew out of Brooklyn, NY that was game for anything we could pull off!  Members of this crew were willing to go the extra mile to make the scene look epic!  

The last night on set was one of the highlights, we shot pick-ups in Chicago's hip Wicker Park under the Damen EL train station*.  Even though the wardrobe was skimpy - gangsta's don't like to layer it on in the summer months we were recreating - the guys were all in great spirits.  These fine actors came out again to share in the Altered experience and the footage is amazing!  Special thanks to Chicago based actors Abel Castro, Jordan Dillon, Will Cochran, Yancy Jones, Ivan Ellis, and Glenn Stanton!

 

The images that were captured on set are only a small tribute to the non-stop contribution of cast and crew. If the 20 minutes or so of edited scenes thus far are any indication, the finished product will definitely look amazing!

McClung estimates that after this round was completed, he has between 85% - 90% of the filming done. To finish the project, McClung plans to film scenes in Los Angeles , New York , Atlanta , and back to Gary one more time.

Stay tuned for more updates – but in the meantime, make sure to ‘Like’ The Altered Movie on Facebook for all the latest information!

*If you're in the Wicker Park area, check out the delicous coffee at a cozy local joint, Wormhole Coffee - order the homemade Vanilla bean, you won't be disappointed!

All photos courtesy of our friends at Doobious.Org and Captain Crazy Productions, INC!

'Altered' Brings Positive News to Gary, Ind.

'Altered' the latest brainchild of independent Director Kely McClung continues to receive a steady stream of positive news coverage.  The film was featured on ABC news as part of a segment titled 'Gary, Ind., Sees Increased Film Production.'  Production on this epic project continues in the Gary/Chicago area the first week in November!

Check out the clip below:

Our Generation Responds - Occupy America!

One of the biggest complaints that has been placed on Generation XYZ is that we are lazy. For years, we have been told that we have no sense of social commitment and are apathetic to the issues around us. With the recent Occupy Wall Street Movement expanding into a full blown Occupy America campaign, our generation has found our first real cause to get behind, standing up and shouting "We are the 99%!"


Across the United States, thousands of twenty-something activists have been joined in their fight for democracy. College students are camping out at parks and walking out of their universities to support a movement that they have made their own. The Internet has allowed us a new way to protest, and for years we have taken full advantage of it, supporting from a distance, behind a screen of anonymity, in our comfiest pj's- but the government has now awaken a sleeping giant. We have been pushed to the brink and are now responding in a very public way.

The CW is Fashion Forward on 'Ringer'

Last night, on episode #104 ("It's Gonna Kill Me, But I'll Do It") of the CW's new hit show, Ringer, Gemma (Tara Summers) donned this awesome dress for a birthday dinner in the Hampton's (right side of photo). 

I am totally in love with it!  It is not your everyday dinner dress, but I would completely rock it for an occasion like NYE. 

You can't go wrong with full-on sparkles and a great cut for a memorable night out!

The costumer for this show must be having a ball - keep up the good work!!

Support The Arts: 'Good Grief Suicide Hotline'

Another opportunity to support the arts, by way of independent feature films, has come to my attention.

Why should you support independent feature films?  
Independent films are the backbone of the movie industry.  They allow up and coming filmmakers to make a mark in the community, show their talent, and build their resume.  Some of the biggest name directors got their start this way; it gave them an opportunity to showcase their work and get noticed.  The independent film community in many areas are tight-knit, full of dedicated, hardworking, and talented individuals working for little or no money.  Independent films are comprised of brilliant collaborating talents that truly love what they do. [taken directly from: Support the Arts: Perception]

Good Grief Suicide Hotline is an independent feature, directed by Atlanta filmmaker, Sam Carter, currently in the pre-production stage.  Carter has developed a reputation for his hilarious, yet dark, puppet hi-jinx in shorts like Shadow Puppets and Beast of Burden. 

This dark comedy is about a recent college graduate that goes to work at a crisis call center only to find out that the people doling out the advice might be more damaged than the callers themselves.  When this wholesome new employee starts dating a caller, something that is more than just frowned upon, things only get more awkward.

StoneCarter Media is currently raising funds for the project, and you can help: Help make it happen for 'Good Grief Suicide Hotline' on IndiGoGo

Check out the teaser trailer and see what you can look forward to:



You can also follow the adventure on Facebook and Twitter @goodgriefsh!