Honoring the Master

I watched the coolest thing on TV last night. It was a PBS special about The Johnny Cash Show. The hosts talked about how truly ahead of its time it was. Anyway, the special featured performances by Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Neil Diamond, amongst many others. I've been a fan of the "Man in Black" ever since I saw Walk the Line. He was truly a rebel with a cause. As a result, his show didn't necessarily get high ratings from mainstream America; nevertheless, it introduced and/or cemented the enduring popularity of many artists, including the ones I mentioned above. In fact, Dylan, Charles, and almost all the American artists on the special have been featured on PBS' American Masters series. As for my fave Cash songs, it's a toss up between "The Man in Black," "I Walk the Line," "Ring of Fire," and "Jackson (Duet with June Carter)."

Friday Fitness Corner

I've talked ad nauseum about the things that interest me most-- politics, pop culture, literature, movies, music, etc.-- on this blog. Well, today I'm going to discuss another interest-- fitness. The following is a list of some of my fave workout DVDs. I prefer to cross train, since I get bored easily. (Note: Each of these DVDs is a compilation or boxed set and can be purchased for under $15-$20 on http://www.collagevideo.com/ and less than $5-$10 on Amazon.com.) The selections are in no particular order, although I do have a bias toward alternative workouts, such as yoga and Pilates.
DVDs & Commentary:
1.) Christi Taylor's Humble Beginnings: This is a compilation of CIA (Creative Instructors Aerobics) 5004, CIA 7002, and CIA 9801. I have to admit that this one took some time to grow on me. These are the first video workouts from aero-queen Taylor. Made in the early-to-mid 90s, they definitely have a retro vibe. CIA 5004 is beginner level hi/lo and step, 7002 is intermediate, and 9801 is advanced. The hi/lo workouts are on one DVD, and the step workouts are on the other.
2.) Christi Taylor's Terrific Trio: This Taylor offering is from the late 90s. It contains three workouts: "Happy Hour High/Low," "Stepping Zone," and "Strength, Balance & Flexibility." The hi/lo workout is fun and dancy, the step workout is choreographically challenging but fun once mastered, and the toning workout is one of the best ever. (The two cardio routines contain some abwork.)
3.) Christi Taylor's Fantastic 4: This compilation rocks! The 2-disc set has two floor aero routines, "Hi-Lo Heaven" and "Still Jumpin'" and two step routines: "Step Heaven" and "Still Steppin'." Made in 2000 and 2001, these are a bit more current and feature Christi's trademark all-hits vocal music soundtrack.
4.) CIA 2702: Aerobic Euphoria: This DVD constists of a step workout and a floor aero one. You can do one or the other or both for a super-workout. The moves are very unique and creative, and instructor Kim Miller is an absolute delight. Also, this was just released a year ago.
5.) Kathy Smith's Yoga Sculpt: This disc is comprised of three 90s workouts, two yoga and one traditional toning. "New Yoga" is a beginner/intermediate routine. "New Yoga Challenge" is intermediate/advanced. The toning routine, "Functionally Fit Lower Body Firming," is effective if done regularly and properly. (I did "Lower Body Firming" this afternoon after work and can feel it.) Smith is a fitness authority who loves yoga. This love shows in her "New Yoga" series.
6.) The New Method: Precision Toning and Sculpting: These workouts are led by the lovely and endearingly quirky Jennifer Kries and are based on the classical Pilates syllabus. "Precision Toning" relies totally on one's own body resistance. "Precision Sculpting" requires light weights (1-3 lbs.). Both routines contain elements of Pilates, yoga, dance, and classical ballet. They get into your deep muscles to flatten your abs, define your buns and legs, and sculpt your chest, shoulders, and arms.
7.) Kathy Smith's Strong, Sleek & Slim: Retro haters, steer clear! The three workouts on this disc are straight out of the 80s and early 90s. First, "Weight Loss Workout" is a cheesy early-90s routine aimed at, yes, weight loss. Do it for a giggle. Secondly, "Ultimate Video Workout" is pure 80s, baby. Dig out the old leg warmers and practice your American Bandstand-style moves. Finally, "Ultimate Stomach & Thighs Workout" will work places you didn't know you had. That is, if you can look past all the neon and spandex.
8.) Kathy Smith's Fat Burning Classics: Pretty self-explanatory. "Body Basics" is a very basic and succinct aerobics and total-body toning workout. "Winning Workout" is a cardiovascular journey to the Caribbean, the 1950s, and the Big Band Era. There is a phased toning section as well. "Fat Burning Workout" is by far the best part of this collection. My mom used to have this on VHS back in the day, so it really makes me feel nostalgic. In a sense, I owe my love of fitness to Kathy Smith.
9.) Kathy Smith's Super Slimdown Circuit: Another Ms. Smith classic. "Secrets to a Great Upper Body" works your entire upper half via a technique called low-rep overloading. You also get a little abwork. "Secrets to a Great Lower Body" works the lower half with the aforementioned technique. Lastly, "Functionally Fit Peak Fat Burning" is a fun, sweat-inducing interval cardio routine that uses "functional" movements. Functional fitness training helps prevent injuries in everyday life.
10.) Crunch: The Perfect Yoga Workout: This is a non-intimidating, non-mystical approach to the ancient practice. Sara Ivanhoe gently and compassionately leads a likable all-levels class through "The Joy of Yoga" and "Fat Burning Yoga." In the "Joy of Yoga," practitioners are guided through the basic principles of my cherished discipline. "Fat Burning Yoga" is a bit more advanced and incorporates a "bonus" yoga-style abs workout. Sara is wonderful, and Crunch is one of the most respected brands in the fitness industry.
11.) Karen Voight's Slim Physique: With this unique, programmable offering from uber-woman Voight, you get a 30-min. workout for each day of the week. Actually re-edits of Voight's Burn & Firm and Yoga Power DVDs, daily options consist of cardio, strength training, abwork, and yoga. For example, the Friday workout is a combination of abwork and yoga.
12.) Karen Voight's A.M./P.M. Streamline Fitness: This is a great concept. First, you get a 25-min. "Energizing" workout. Here, you do unconventional sculpting exercises with light weights. These moves increase your stamina and prepare you for your day. Then, you have a 30-min. "Relaxing" workout that you do at the end of the day. You'll do a series of tough, concentrated ab and back exercises, followed by an easy (read: no backbends) yoga/stretch routine. The A.M. workout really gets me going, and the P.M. workout definitely helps me mellow out after a long, challenging day.
13.) Tamilee Webb's Tighter Assets Cardio Blast & Weight Loss: In this boxed set, you get cardio and strength training all in one from the original Buns of Steel star. "Cardio Blast" is designed to work your core muscles, and the blasts burn calories if you take full advantage of them. "Weight Loss" is total-body toning achieved via dumbbells (I use 5 pounders.) and a step. Both workouts run about 30 mins. "Cardio Blast" includes a bonus 10-min. abs workout, and "Weight Loss" has a bonus buns workout of the same length. Among the special features is useful nutrition advice.
14.) Kathy Smith's Cardio Knockout: This contains two tough, boxing and martial arts-type routines, respectively. "Aerobox Workout" is led by Kathy and professional boxing champ Michael Olajide. WARNING: It's tough! I did it with a raging sinus infection and was gasping for air. A jumprope, which I don't use due to a glaring lack of coordination, is optional. "Kickboxing Workout" is a little easier. Kathy, along with martial arts and karate champ Keith Cooke, takes you through the primary kickboxing moves. The cardio is followed by abwork and a stretch. In addition, there is a bonus, approx. 15-min. tai chi routine.
15. ) Jennifer Kries' Pilates Method: The Complete 3-Disc Set: I used to do these workouts regularly in VHS format and just received the DVD version today. I could go on and on about this compilation, but I'll keep my review as concise as possible. First of all, "Perfect Mix" contains core conditioning, a dance-infused, light-dumbbell-assisted cardio routine, and a stress-relieving stretch. Next, "3-D Toning" is a ballet/Pilates/yoga workout in which you use your own body resistance and a yoga mat to do isotometric exercises in order to flatten your abs, sculpt your legs, and create a longer, leaner silhouette. Finally, in "Precision Pilates," you'll use 1-3-lb. weights, a mat, and your bod to improve your posture and create a thinner, sleeker look. With its emphasis on Pilates and yoga-based moves, "Precision Pilates" is my favorite of the three workouts.

The President's Speech, The Republican Response, and Other Weird News

Apparently, everyone has strong opinions about the president's speech. One of those "ones" is Louisiana's Republican governor Bobby Jindal. Even fellow Repubs are panning Jindal's response. As for all the "wild pork" he's claiming (i.e. volcano research; levitating trains), some places, like Washington State and Alaska, need specialized funding for things like volcano research. As for Jindal's state, they need all the cash they can get. In case no one remembers, New Orleans is still trying to recover from Hurricane Katrina. (On a side note, Tuesday was Mardi Gras, French for "Fat Tuesday," the Catholics' last hurrah before Lent. Let the good times roll, ya'll!) Furthmore, the president has stated very clearly that the alleged "pork" accounts for a very small portion of the entire stim package. Okay, in weird news, that octomom, Nadya Suleman, was interviewed by Dr. Phil (Yes, I'm watching his show again.) this week. I swear, she is beyond socially irresponsible. Last but not least, I published another Suite101 article last night called "Was Abraham Lincoln the Great Emancipator?: Separating Fact from Fiction."

How Remiss of Me!

I just now remembered that February's Black History Month. African Americans have indeed made great strides recently. I really don't like talking about this because I think people should be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin. We need to get over the fact that Obama is our first black president and instead view him as our president. Speaking of which, I thought his speech last night was good. He emphasized the point that we all need to work together to solve the problems facing this nation. Also, yesterday was Gorgeous George Harrison's birthday. He was born on Feb. 24, (not 25, as commonly reported) 1943, in Liverpool, England, and became known as the "Quiet Beatle."

My Big Day

I start training for my new job today. I'm a little nervous about the technical part, but I can learn anything. As for the talking part, that's no problem. I think this is the start of something really good. And so begins my foray into the airwaves.

Review of My Favorite Best Picture Oscar Winner

Well, I was basically right on with my Oscar winner predictions. Sean Penn won for Milk, Kate Winslet won for The Reader, Heath Ledger won for The Dark Knight, and Slumdog Millionaire
got Best Picture. Now, I'm going to review The Deer Hunter-- the 1978 Best Picture winner-- in today's post.
Michael Cimino's Vietnam-era before-and-after portrait of blue-collar life in America's Rustbelt (Clairton, Pennsylvania, to be exact) first and foremost boasts an all-star cast. The Deer Hunter (1978, Universal) is about three good ole boy steel workers of Russian descent: Michael (the leader of the pack, played by Robert DeNiro), Nick (the intellectual, portrayed by Christopher Walken, who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role), and Steven (the sensitive mama's boy, who is played by the tragically underrated John Savage). (BTW, the characters' nationality intrigued me, since I am of Russian extraction.) In 1968, Michael, Nick, and Steven are getting ready to join the army and serve God and their country in Vietnam. In the meantime, they party, drink, carouse, and of course, deer hunt. At a little over three hours, the movie is a tad long, but the length is necessary for the storyline. This film can be divided into five distinct sections.
In the first section, the buddies are preparing for Stevie's shot-gun wedding to knocked-up Angela (Rutanya Alda). Also, a love triangle is developing among Michael, Nick, and Nick's girlfriend Linda (the one and only Meryl Streep). Viewers are treated to a proper Russian Orthodox ceremony that is followed by a rollicking, booze-soaked reception. After the wedding, the guys (sans Stevie) indulge in one last hunting trip before going off to war.
In the second vignette, set in 1970, our three hunters-turned-soldiers are at war. At the end of the battle sequence, each guy's true character is revealed.
The third act is the big 1973 homecoming, but only one of our "heroes" returns. He struggles to readjust to civilian life. As for the other two, their lives have two very different outcomes. (Sorry, no spoilers here.) There is also a second, post-war hunting sequence.
The fourth act occurs back in 'Nam, and we find out what happens to one of the other two guys.
Finally, we learn what happens to everybody following the Fall of Saigon (1975). I will say this much: Someone doesn't make it, another is physically damaged beyond repair, and someone else looks alright but is psychologically scarred.
Overall, this film should be viewed purely in the context of time and place. Many viewers are turned off by a supposed political agenda (e.g. liberals think it's pro-war; conservatives think it's anti-war), but there is none-- although director Cimino is known for his extremely right-wing beliefs. As for symbolism, there's simply not enough space in the blogosphere to delve into that. (To read some of the negative and positive viewer commentary about this film, check out its message board at IMDb.com.) This is one of the AFI's (American Film Institute) Top 250 Movies of All Time, and DeNiro's Michael is considered one of the most memorable characters in cinematic history. I consider a certain scene between DeNiro and Savage to be among my all-time favorites. It's a real tearjerker, folks!

Ashleyverse Oscar Special

Tonight is Oscar night. Accordingly, I will discuss the nominees as well as offer my opinions as to who I think will win in the major award categories (best picture, best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, and best supporting actress). In addition, I will list and provide commentary about what I believe are the greatest best-picture Academy Award winners of my lifetime (1980-Present). Tomorrow, I will review one of my fave winners, The Deer Hunter (1978).
Okay, the Best Picture nominees are as follows:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
My pick: Dang, this is a tough one! While I think all the nominees are great this year, I think the buzz surrounding Slumdog Millionaire will cause that film to trump the competition. Personally, I hope Frost/Nixon takes the trophy.
Secondly, the Best Actor contenders are:
Richard Jenkins (The Visitor)
Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon)
Sean Penn (Milk)
Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)
My pick: Again, this is going to be tough. Honestly, though, I think it's a dead heat between Penn and comeback kid Rourke.
Best Actress:
Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married)
Angelina Jolie (Changeling)
Melissa Leo (Frozen River)
Meryl Streep (Doubt)
Kate Winslet (The Reader)
My pick: Pure torture! I say this is a three-way toss-up. Jolie has the buzz right now. Streep is the perennial fave. Winslet, however, deserves to win.
Best Supporting Actor:
Josh Brolin (Milk)
Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder)
Philip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt)
Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road)
My pick: Why do y'all do this to me, Academy? All these actors are phenomenal, but I predict that the award will posthumously go to Ledger.
Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams (Doubt)
Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)
Viola Davis (Doubt)
Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button)
Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler)
My pick: This one's actually easy. Henson will win for Benjamin Button.
Alright, now comes the fun part. Here is a list of some of my fave Best Picture award recipients, followed by some commentary:
1) Gandhi (1982)-- Columbia: Ben Kingsley did an amazing job playing one of my heroes.
2) Amadeus (1984)-- Orion: Tom Hulce's unforgettable portrayal of the mad musical genius proves that Mozart is still cool after all these years.
3) Dances with Wolves (1990)-- Orion: Kevin Costner was smokin' hot back in the day.
4) Schindler's List (1993)-- Universal: The most beautifully harrowing piece of cinema ever.
5) Forrest Gump (1994)-- Paramount: I can't say enough good things about this movie.

Uncovering History's Mysteries

Last night, I watched these History Channel specials about the Abraham Lincoln assassination. One was about the plots to steal Lincoln's body out of his tomb in Springfield's Oakridge Cemetery. Did y'all know that his body was actually moved 10 times? Wow! Talk about an unsettled spirit! The other program was about the events leading up to the assassination. Lincoln had eerie premonitions about his own death. Also, he received volumes of hate mail and death threats beginning immediately after his 1860 election. BTW, the other day I mentioned that Lincoln and Charles Darwin were born on the same day. Well, I failed to mention that Darwin was actually British, born in Shrewsbury, England. Nevertheless, both men influenced U.S. culture and thought in a huge way. Finally, I published a brand-new Suite101 article yesterday called "A President's Eclectic Religious Views: How Abraham Lincoln's Faith Influenced His Political Policies." The title is pretty self-explanatory.

Coming to Y'all Live from the Ashleyverse

Oh, yes I did, folks-- landed the radio station gig, that is. I start training next week. In the beginning, I'll be doing sound engineering and filling in occasionally for a couple regular DJs. I would eventually like to have my own show. I'll give y'all a heads up as to when I'll be on air if y'all are able to tune into 92.9 and/or 103.5 ("The Eagle") FM. ("The Eagle" is the Newton, Ill., radio station.) I'm so excited!

Welcome to my life!

The past couple weeks have been a little rough. I'm just so fed up with my current job situation. Sometimes I feel that I'm simply not getting through to my students. I think all teachers feel that way, though. Also, I think the whole atmosphere is getting to me. A lot of the people I work with have various learning disabilities. I know it's not their fault, but I just want to do something else with my life. Most of the time, I feel like one of those women in a Tennessee Williams play, surrounded by a cast of complex, quirky characters. Overall, I love my life, but it can occasionally be emotionally exhausting being me.

My Latest Application

Yesterday I applied for a job as a back-up DJ at my local radio station, Freedom 92.9. I'll let y'all know what happens with that. I hope I get this job; it would be such an awesome gig. As the guy who interviewed me said, you never know what could happen in that business. It would be so cool to have my own talk show. Yeah, things are definitely moving forward in the Ashleyverse!

Progressivism Triumphs Once Again

Well, the president signed the economic stimulus bill today. It's going to take some time, but positive effects of this legislation will begin to be felt almost immediately. Maybe it's just me, but progressive ideology almost always seems to win out in American society. We're simply too diverse a nation for ultra-conservatism to really take hold for an extended length of time. Thank God! Oh, with all my electronic fluttering over the Lincoln bicentennial, I forgot to mention that Feb. 12, 1809, was also the birthdate of Charles Darwin. It is a true testament to the diversity of this country that these two very different men were born on the exact same day and affected the American thought process in their own distinct ways. I know that looking at Congress might suggest otherwise, but I believe that the American people are more united than ever and genuinely committed to helping our elected officials create a "government of the people, for the people,and by the people." More importantly, I believe that our nation will succeed in all regards.

Happy Presidents' Day!

Today is Presidents' Day. It's a combo celebration of the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Speaking of Lincoln (once again), I wrote yet another article on Suite101 about "The Rail Splitter President." This one's entitled "A Legend in His Own Time: Characteristics That Distinguished Abraham Lincoln." Of course, our current commander-in-chief is due to sign the economic stimulus bill this week. BTW, did y'all catch the news coverage of his trip to Springfield for the bicentennial last week? Wow!

Thoughts on Being a Single Gal on Valentine's Day

As y'all know, yesterday was Valentine's Day. To be perfectly honest, I think the occasion is a bit overrated. Of course, I happen to be single right now. I know my Mr. Right is out there somewhere, though. If there's any fellas who are decent looking, gainfully employed, and half-way conscientious, they're in the running to be my beau. As for Valentine's gifts, it's like this: Since my birthday and the aforementioned holiday are within a-week-and-a-half of one another, the gifts for both occasions can be combined, and I'm flexible as to when this present is received. I'm pretty easygoin' (to an extent)-- just love me for who I am. That said, are there any takers?

"Mood Music" Review for This St. Valentine's Day

Awhile back, I reviewed the Cameron Crowe film Elizabethtown. I told y'all I loved it for its quirky romantic storyline. Well, folks, today I'm gonna discuss its soundtrack.
Track List, Artists, & Commentary:
1.) "60B (etown theme)"-- NANCY WILSON
This short overture was composed by Crowe's wife, Nancy Wilson, formerly one half of the sister duo Heart. It sets the tone for the film. BTW, Exit 60B doesn't run through Louisville. Ya'll would end up in Cincinnati if you took it.
2.) "It'll All Work Out"-- TOM PETTY AND THE HEARTBREAKERS
This is a lovely song from arguably one of the greatest rockers ever. It plays as Claire, Kirsten Dunst's character, first comes onto the screen.
3.) "My Father's Gun"-- ELTON JOHN
I love this song! It has a Southern rock/soul vibe, despite being sung by a British artist.
4.) "io (This Time Around)"-- HELEN STELLAR
This celestially themed selection accompanies Orlando Bloom's in-flight dream sequence. What can I say? This an interesting one, both in terms of melody and lyrics.
5.) "Come Pick Me Up"-- RYAN ADAMS
This is probably my fave track. Performed by alt-country god Adams, this tune accompanies what I consider to be the best part of the whole dang movie: the long, eclectic cell phone conversation between Bloom and Dunst.
6.) "Where To Begin"-- MY MORNING JACKET
I first saw the aforementioned band on SNL. They've got a great folksy/rootsy sound. As for this tune, the lyrics are great (and thought provoking!) as well. For example, one line goes: "It's the art of feelin' naked in your clothes." Hmmm...
7.) "Long Ride Home"-- PATTY GRIFFIN
Gorgeous Appalachia-tinged bluegrass-y ballad with an interesting perspective on long-term romance.
8.) "Sugar Blue"-- JEFF FINLIN
One of several "road trip sequence" songs. (Claire makes Drew a mix tape to listen to on his journey home-- or to "the alternate plan.") Again, it's got that great all-American sound and distinctly Southern flavor. Definitely pop this in the CD player and discover this great nation of ours.
9.) "Don't I Hold You"-- WHEAT
Another road trip tune. It's easy to infer that this is about love gone wrong.
10.) "Shut Us Down"-- LINDSEY BUCKINGHAM
When I first heard this, I had no idea that it was being sung by the ex-Fleetwood Mac frontman. Really showcases Buckingham's musical talent and versatility.
11.) "Let It Out (Let It All Hang Out)"-- THE HOMBRES
The title says it all. This song is an absolute blast! You can't possibly be in a bad mood when you hear this.
12.) "Hard Times"-- eastmountainsouth
I constantly have this on repeat when I listen to this disc at home or in the car. The haunting melody and breathtaking lyrics won't leave your head any time soon. This is gritty reality straight out of America's backwoods and hollows. eastmountainsouth is absolutely worthy of street-cred from the Austin City Limits crowd.
13.) "Jesus Was A Crossmaker"-- THE HOLLIES
This is a classic-rock tune. It leads viewers to witness Drew's (Bloom) firing by his a**hole extraordinaire boss, Phil (Alec Baldwin).
14.) "Square One"-- TOM PETTY
Another beautiful Petty offering. I'm not for sure, but this sounds to me like a break-up and/or rehab song.
15.) "Same In Any Language"-- I NINE
This is a great song about the importance of international brother/sisterhood. Need I say more?
Y'all do yourselves a big ole favor and listen to this CD!
(There is a Vol. 2 to The Elizabethtown Soundtrack, which I'll probably review at a later date.)

A Brief Discussion of the Principles of Karma, Amongst Other Things, on This Friday the 13th

Wow! That was a jumble! Yes, folks, it's Friday the 13th. I've got some stuff to talk to y'all about this morning. First, I hear that the octuplets woman is now receiving death threats. C'mon, people! Crazy begets crazy. Speaking of crazy, just for fun I looked up a few of the neo-con talking heads (Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Ann Coulter, Laura Ingraham, etc.) on IMDb.com. On Ingraham's message board, a lot of folks were incensed that she uses John Lennon's "Power to the People" as her theme song. Honestly, I don't blame 'em. Lennon would be rolling over in his grave. The last eight years have really dished out some bad karma. Speaking of karma, did y'all watch My Name Is Earl last night? Dang, that karma thing is no joke. Also, the re-election of Israeli president Benjamin Netanyahu is really going to cause problems for our new president. Folks, we've gotta work together to promote peace. Finally, I'm actually feeling lucky today for some reason. I'm not sure why. Then again, I'm not a particularly superstitious person. Anywho, I've got to start getting ready for work. Just chill, everybody. Go watch Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Chris Matthews, Keith Olbermann, or Rachel Maddow. Better yet, try yoga and/or meditation. It's alright, we will get through all this.

Bicentennial Info

Today is the bicentennial (200th anniversary) of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Lincoln was born to Thomas and Nancy Hanks Lincoln on Feb. 12, 1809, in a log cabin near Hodgenville, Ky. You can learn more about our 16th president by checking out my articles on Suite 101, which can be accessed via the link I provided in Tuesday's post. There is also an excellent bicentennial-themed TIME publication out on newsstands right now. It's entitled Abraham Lincoln: An Illustrated History of His Life and Times, and I've used it as a reference for my last two articles.

A Little Bit of Everything

Where to begin? I know, the outcome of the recent Israeli election has stalled the Middle East peace process. Oh, I saw this commercial for one of the news shows about an interview with that woman who gave birth to octuplets via in-vitro fertilization. She already has six children, lives with her mom, and is currently unemployed. Seriously, what exactly is the threshold of craziness nowadays? In other news, it's freakishly warm and rainy in my lil' neck of the woods today. Parts of the country, especially Oklahoma (where I lived for a year), have been struck by really bad weather, particularly in the form of twisters. Sometimes it seems as though we're all just caught up in a big ole whirlwind.

Odds 'n' Ends

Well, the Senate ok'd the stim bill. I'm watching M*A*S*H right now. I wrote another Lincoln article this morning and published it on Suite101. This one's called "A President's Reading List: The Books That Shaped Abraham Lincoln." The thesis, or main idea, of it is that great leaders are readers. (I did not intend to rhyme there.) I published one a few days ago entitled "A Biography of Abraham Lincoln: A Timeline of America's Sixteenth President." BTW, the direct link to my articles on the site is, once again: http://www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/obamagirl08. I'm going to pop in Episode 3 of The Beatles Anthology and make a tuna casserole tonight. Yum, yum!

It was 45 years ago today...

That the spaceship from Planet England landed. Actually, that happened on February 7, 1964. On February 9 of that year, John, Paul, George, and Ringo (a.k.a. the Beatles) performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" was like nothing else on the airwaves at that time and merely a pale foreshadowing of what was to come. I'm commemorating the occasion by having my annual week-long viewing of The Beatles Anthology DVDs. I'm on Episode 2 of 8. My favourite (Brit sp.) installments are 5 & 6. I must say that John and George look particularly yummy in those.

Retro Sunday

I just returned home from having supper at my parents' house. They were watching Roman Holiday (1953) on AMC, starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn (whom I've been told I resemble-- whatever!). Gregory Peck was hot! Speaking of hot retro actors, I'm watching a rerun of M*A*S*H on ion or TVLand, which has become my new fave classic TV show. Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) and B.J. Hunnicut (Mike Farrell) were pretty dang sexy. I just had to admit that. BTW, today is the 2nd anniversary of the death of Anna Nicole Smith. Once again, whatever!

Review of a Fine Piece of Obscure Cinema

As a little birthday present to myself, I purchased the DVD version of one of my all-time favorite movies, Inside Moves (1980, Lionsgate). Okay, I know what you're probably thinking: You've never heard of it. Well, that's unfortunate because it's way better than most blockbusters out there. Directed by Richard Donner and previously only available in VHS format, which is how I came to know and love it, Inside Moves caught my attention priamrily due to the fact that it stars John Savage, one of the most tragically underrated actors ever. Savage plays Roary, a man who becomes crippled following a suicide attempt thwarted by an "f-in' Pontiac." After spending some time in a hospital, the down-and-out Oakland, Calif., resident stumbles into Max's, a seedy dive patronized by an eclectic group of individuals with various disabilities and personal issues. Roary quickly forges a friendship with bartender Jerry (David Morse), a wannabe basketball star who is impeded by a serious leg injury-- and Ann (Amy Wright), his druggie prostitute girlfriend. Roary also takes a liking to Louise (Diana Scarwid, who was nominated for an Academy Award for this role), a pretty, sweet waitress. (The Roary-Louise relationship is my favorite aspect of the film. You'll just have to watch it to see what happens.) The movie is based on the rather good 1978 novel by Todd Walton. In terms of plot, the book and the movie are quite different. For example, in the book Roary is a disabled Vietnam veteran. For some reason, Donner felt that this storyline would not go over well with audiences, since the film was released only five years after the end of the war. I find this ironic, considering the fact that Savage gave a haunting portrayal of a paralyzed 'Nam vet in 1978's The Deer Hunter*, which ended up winning the Best Picture Oscar. Anyway, everyone needs to watch Inside Moves-- ASAP!
*I'm going to review this film later this month.

Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead!

Of course, the witch I'm referring to here is conservatism. According to the latest issue of The New Republic, conservatism is officially dead. More specifically, neo-conservatism is dead. I sure hope so! Actually, I know a lot of paleo-cons, and they're not so bad. As for the roots of my "witch metaphor," I got that from The Wizard of Oz. L. Frank Baum's classic novel, which was turned into a 1939 motion picture, is supposedly a political allegory. But that's another topic!

Various Musings

Well, folks, I've got a lot of things in the works. I'm going to be publishing a series of Lincoln-themed articles on Suite101*. There's this new book out (can't think of the title atm) in which the author (likewise) argues that Lincoln wasn't that opposed to slavery and that he was actually as openly racist as anyone else. In fact, Lincoln gave a speech in 1858 in Charleston, Ill., (locale of my alma mater, EIU) in which he basically admitted to racist tendencies. That honestly doesn't surprise me. Despite being a university town, Chucktown is still pretty provincial and, well, yokel-y. Speaking of Lincoln, I've been to the museum in Springfield. It's pretty cool to be that close to distant-- as well as recent-- presidential history. Lincoln may not have been the "Great Emancipator," but he did have a conscience. (Barack wrote in a 2005 TIME essay that he really can't "swallow" that notion.) Anywho, my articles will coincide with the bicentennial of Lincoln's birthday, Feb. 12, 1809. Okay, I've got to get busy on that resume for the Raw Story content editor position, plus I have to teach this afternoon.
*My latest Suite 101 offering is "Helen Herron Taft: A Woman of the People." It's about William Howard Taft's (#27) wife and her contributions and activism. WHT himself didn't do a whole lot, except for get stuck in the White House bathtub! He lost his 1912 re-election bid to then-New Jersey governor and one-time Princeton U. prez Woodrow Wilson.

The Day After

Okay, I'm a little sore today for some reason. I think that Pilates workout I did yesterday really got into my deep muscle tissues. I'm going to do some yoga this evening to counteract the effects. Let's see, what else is going on in the Ashleyverse? Oh, I'm going to apply for another job with Raw Story Media. Also, Tom Daschle stepped down this week. I don't think Barack knew about Daschle's tax situation. Last night, Brian Williams said that the American people have heard three words from their president that they haven't heard from their president in eight years: "I screwed up." To be perfectly honest, I worry for Barack. He's inherited this mondo mess, and I think he feels he always needs to be on the defensive. He needs to follow the Lincoln model and go Machiavelli on the Repubs, especially in regards to the stim package bill.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yes, as you probably already figured out, today's my birthday. I'm 29! Actually, it was pretty much like a normal day-- or whatever passes for one in the Ashleyverse. I went to work, came home at 4, and did Pilates; it was pretty standard. Anywho, I'm not doing anything special tonight. It's uber-cold and snowy. I'm gonna stay in, get comfy, and perhaps watch one of my fave flicks. I haven't decided which one yet. So, that's what I'm doing to celebrate my special day: absolutely nothing!

Notes on the Super Bowl and My Latest Enterprise

Yesterday was the Super Bowl. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23. Personally, I was more interested in the commercials and the half-time show. Did anyone else think the commercials were a bit, um, violent? As for the entertainment, Bruce still has it after all these years. I preferred the post-game NBC programming. Did y'all watch The Office special? Hilarious!
Now, about my latest enterprise. Well, I registered to write on a site called http://www.bukisa.com/. I'm still trying to figure everything out on it. More info on that later.

Check out this awesome website!

I just logged onto the new-and-improved http://www.whitehouse.gov/. There's all kinds of cool, brand-new links on there. Check out the White House blog and watch Barack's weekly presidential addresses live on YouTube. In addition, there's all kinds of neat history links, including interesting bios of all the presidents and first ladies. You can even e-mail the Executive Mansion. I highly recommend this site to all you history buffs out there.