NPR rocks!
Lea Michele named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine
Mathias Clamer / Fox
Time magazine released the 2010 100 Most Influential People List. Lea Michele from Glee & Spring Awakening was among the artists chosen for the list. Olivia Newton-John “interviewed” her for the story. It wasn’t much of an interview, but I’m glad to see Lea get recognition for inspiring others to get involved in musical theatre. I think it’s something the show Glee does as a whole, but with the talent Lea has I can see why she was singled out for the list.
I was a musical theatre geek growing up. I have very fond memories of that time of my life. My experiences being involved in theatre shaped who I am as a person (the good and the bad). I think the dedication and commitment needed to perform in 2-4 shows a year and attend various types of classes (voice, dancing, etc…) multiple days a week taught me a lot about perseverance and dedication (as well as life in general). As a kid, it’s good to be involved and have something that you are proud of doing. It’s also a great way to interact with others and learn that even though life has its disappointments you’ll make it through. There were parts I really wanted that I didn’t get, but I didn’t give up. I practiced harder so for the next show my audition would be even better. I’ve applied that to my career. It’s fantastic to hear that kids are getting inspired to get in to the crazy world that is theater.
Here is a link to Lea Michele’s article: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984685_1984940_1985535,00.html
Posted in Uncategorized.
Quick Review: This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection
Yesterday I blogged about an event I attended where I got to meet Carol Burnett. I wanted to read this book prior to the event. Since I usually fall behind on reading when I have a deadline I made it a priority to read this book. Here is the synopsis from the publisher:
Carol Burnett is one of the most beloved and revered actresses and performers in America. The Carol Burnett Show was seen each week by millions of adoring fans and won twenty-five Emmys in its remarkable eleven-year run. Now, in This Time Together, Carol really lets her hair down and tells one funny or touching or memorable story after another – reading it feels like sitting down with an old friend who has wonderful tales to tell.
In engaging anecdotes, Carol discusses her remarkable friendships with stars such at Jimmy Stewart, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, and Julie Andrews; the background behind famous scenes, like the moment she swept down the stairs in her curtain-rod dress in the legendary “Went With the Wild” skit; and things that would happen only to Carol – the prank with Julie Andrews that went wrong in front of the First Lady; the famous Tarzan Yell that saved her during a mugging; and the time she faked a wooden leg to get served in a famous ice cream emporium. This poignant look back allows us to cry with the actress during her sorrows, rejoice in her successes, and finally, always, to laugh.
My super quick review of this book is that if you are a fan of Carol’s you’ll love it. The chapters are short, usually just a few pages, and are dedicated to a single story. I really enjoyed reading the chapters about her co-stars Vicki Lawrence, Harvey Korman, and Tim Conway. I had no idea Vicki was only 18 or 19 when she started on the show. I also enjoyed the chapters on Julie Andrews and Lucille Ball, two of my other favorites. Near the end of the book there is a very touching chapter on Carol’s daughter Carrie who passed away. They worked on a project to transform Carol’s first book, One More Time, into a play. This is the kind of book I will read over again.
Posted in Books.
Carol Burnett and Tim Conway
Tonight I had a fun evening with my friends Carol and Tim, yes I mean Carol Burnett and TIm Conway. Ok, maybe the night wasn’t as intimate as just the three of us, but it was still a joy to see them interact and tell stories. The night was hosted by an organization called Writers Bloc. They host events with authors who are usually on some sort of press tour for a new book. Along with the author, they have a second guest who acts as an interviewer to get the conversation going. I would have been thrilled just to see Carol, but when I saw that Tim was the second guest I knew it would be a great night.
Carol’s new book, This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection, was a nice read. Each chapter is only a few pages and consists of a story. The stories run throughout her life, but really focus on her career, co-workers, and family. I’ve been a fan of Carol for a long time (like most people I suspect). When I was younger I used to watch reruns of The Carol Burnett Show. It’s been so long since I’ve seen it that I didn’t remember some of the sketches she refers in the book. I plan on remedying soon.
The event tonight was fun. It was just Tim and Carol talking and bantering back and forth. They started out talking about how TV is different now and there aren’t many quality programs on anymore. Carol gave a shout out to Glee and Modern Family for being examples of the rare gems that are on the air currently. Most of the stories Carol told were from the book, so to me, it was nice to also have Tim’s stories about his life.
After about an hour of talking the panel part of the evening ended and a huge line formed for Carol to autograph books. I waited in line for about an hour and then I reached the table and had this conversation with Carol:
Me: I really enjoyed the book. It was a great collection of stories.
Carol stops writing and looks up at me and smiles.
Carol: Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
It may have been a short conversation, but it was a good one. ;) Here are couple of pictures from the night. If I ever figure out how to load video clips on here I’ll post the few I took. (I got a video of Carol doing her Tarzan yell!) Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture with Carol because it wasn’t allowed as she autographed.
Posted in Uncategorized.
Quick Review: The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone
I read about this on the Pop Candy blog on the USA Today website. It sounded fun and similar to books I liked when I was a kid. Here is the synopsis from the author’s website:
Almost everybody who has grown up in Chicago knows about the Thorne Rooms. Housed deep within the Art Institute of Chicago, they are a collection of sixty-eight exquisite – almost eerily realistic miniature rooms. Each of the rooms is designed in the style of a different time and place, and every detail is perfect, from the knobs on the doors to the candles in the candlesticks. Some might even say the rooms are magical.
Imagine… what if, on a field trip, you discovered a key that allowed you to shrink so that you were small enough to sneak inside and explore the rooms’ secrets? What if you discovered that others had done so before you? And that someone had left something important behind?
Ruthie Stewart and Jack Tucker are best friends in sixth grade. Ruthie has the feeling that nothing exciting ever happens in her life, while Jack experiences every day as an adventure. The Sixty-Eight Rooms is the story of an adventure they have together. It starts with a field trip and ends with…well, Ruthie will never say “nothing exciting ever happens” again!
If you love fantasy and adventure and magic, with a little mystery-solving thrown in, The Sixty-Eight Rooms will be a book you can’t put down.
Overall, I thought this was a cute book. From the Pop Candy blog post I thought it would be a YA story, but it’s a kid book (Ruthie and Jack are in 6th grade). Some of the writing was a bit awkward (especially some of the dialogue between Ruthie and Jack). It took awhile for the story to get to the part where they shrink and go into the rooms. It would have been nice to explore more than 4 or 5 rooms with Ruthie and Jack. Prior to this book I hadn’t heard of the Thorne Rooms. Now, I can’t wait to research more about them. If I ever get to Chicago I’ll have to check them out.
Posted in Books.
Quick Review: Shopaholic & Baby
Last night I finished the final (or at least I think it’s the final) book in the Shopaholic series, Shopaholic & Baby. Here is the synopsis from the author’s website:
Becky Brandon (née Bloomwood) is pregnant! She couldn’t be more overjoyed–especially since discovering that shopping cures morning sickness. Everything has got to be perfect for her baby: from the designer nursery . . . to the latest, coolest pram . . . to the celebrity, must-have obstetrician.
But when the celebrity obstetrician turns out to be her husband Luke’s glamorous, intellectual ex-girlfriend, Becky’s perfect world starts to crumble. She’s shopping for two . . . but are there three in her marriage?
This final book is a fun, easy read that wraps up the series nicely. Becky gets into all of the trouble you would expect. If you’ve never read any of the books and have seen the movie I say forget you saw the movie and pick up the books. Becky Bloomwood is a fantastic character. She is a little obsessed, fanatical, and spontaneous, but always well intentioned. I think my mind works a bit like hers. So if you want to some insight to how I think… get to know her. ;)
Posted in Books.
Quick Review: Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
I recently read Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (it is the February pick for the With A Good Book book club). Here is synopsis from the author’s website:
For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can’t seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human… until the cold makes him shift back again.
Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It’s her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human—or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.
I really enjoyed Shiver. The chapters alternate telling the story from both Grace and Sam’s point of view. I liked this style of storytelling because it allowed me to get to know both of them well. Since this story involves teenagers and werewolves I couldn’t help but think of Twilight while I was reading it. Bella always made me want to punch her in the face… Grace never made me feel that way. How can you not give it a try?
Posted in Books.
2010 Reading Challenge
Since I have a goal of 50 books to read this year I knew I would to do second challenge to go along with the YA Challenge I’m already participating in. I want to expand the types of books I read and I think this challenge will do just that. The challenge is being hosted by Bart’s Bookshelf. I’ll add the books as I read them. If you have any suggestions please let me know in the comments.
TwentyTen Reading Challenge
The aim is to read a total 20 books, over ten categories, in 2010. (Was this challenge based solely around the name? I’ll let you decide!)
Rules:
- Read 2 books from each category, making a requirement of 20 books total.
- The categories are intended to be loose guidelines only, if you decide it fits, then it fits. (Apart from those marked **)
- Categories marked with ** have tighter rules, and these must be followed.
- Each book can only qualify for one category.
- Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.
- Books read from 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2010 are eligible.
So, on with the categories:
Young Adult: Any book classified as young adult or featuring a teenage protagonist counts for this category.
1. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (Feb 21)
2. Percy Jackson & the Olympians The Lighting Thief by Rick Riordan (Mar 20)
T.B.R.: ** Intended to help reduce the old T.B.R. pile. Books for this category must be already residents of your bookshelves as of 1/11/09.
1. Here’s The Story by Maureen McCormick (Apr 23)
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Shiny & New: Bought a book NEW during 2010 from a bookstore, online, or a supermarket? Then it counts for this category. Second-hand books do not count for this one, but, for those on book-buying bans, books bought for you as gifts or won in a giveaway also count!
1. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler (Apr 14)
2. This Time Together by Carol Burnett (Apr 19)
Bad Blogger’s: ** Books in this category, should be ones you’ve picked up purely on the recommendation of another blogger count for this category (any reviews you post should also link to the post that convinced you give the book ago).
**Bad Bloggers: Is hosted by Chris of Stuff as Dreams are Made on.
1. The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone (Mar 2)
2. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (May 31)
Charity: Support your local charity shops with this category, by picking up books from one of their shops. Again, for those on book-buying bans, books bought for you as gifts also count, as long as they were bought from a charity shop.
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New in 2010: This category is for those books newly published in 2010 (whether it be the first time it is has been released, or you had to wait for it to be published in your country, it counts for this one!)
1. Get Lucky by Katherine Center (May 5)
2. Greek: Double Date by Marsha Warner (May 15)
Older Than You: Read two books that were published before you were born, whether that be the day before or 100 years prior!
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Win! Win!: Have a couple of books you need to read for another challenge? Then this is the category to use, as long that is, you don’t break the rules of the other challenge by doing so!
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Who Are You Again?: This one isn’t just for authors you’ve never read before, this is for those authors you have never even heard of before!
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Up to You!: The requirements for this category are up to you! Want to challenge yourself to read some graphic novels? A genre outside your comfort zone? Something completely wild and wacky? Then this is the category to you. The only requirement is that you state it in your sign-up post.
- I’m going along with the first example of graphic novels since I’ve never fully read one. (I started Watchmen, but didn’t finish it.)
1. Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O’Malley (July 31)
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Posted in Books.
2010 Read List
I set a goal of 50 books for the year. I’m curious to see how close I can get to that goal. The list is in the order that I read the books. If I wrote a quick review of the book the title is linked to it. Wish me luck! *e = ebook *l = from library
27. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (August 2) *e
26. Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life by Bryan Lee O’Malley (July 31)
25. The Secret Lives of Husbands and Wives by Josie Brown (July 11)
24. Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald (July 6) *l
23. She Ain’t Heavy, She’s My Mother by Bryan Batt (July 2) *l
22. uncharted terriTORI by Tori Spelling (June 21) *e
21. Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin (June 5) *l
20. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (May 31) *l
19. Greek: Double Date by Marsha Warner (May 15) *e
18. Get Lucky by Katherine Center (May 5) *l
17. Here’s The Story by Maureen McCormick (Apr 23) *e
16. This Time Together by Carol Burnett (Apr 19)
15. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler (Apr 14)
14. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks (Apr 8) *e
13. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Apr 4) *l
12. Percy Jackson & the Olympians The Lighting Thief by Rick Riordan (Mar 20) *l
11. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Mar 12) *l
10. Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot (Mar 8) *l
9. The Sixty-Eight Rooms by Marianne Malone (Mar 2) *e
8. Shopaholic & Baby by Sophie Kinsella (Feb 23) *l
7. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (Feb 21) *l
6. The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina (Feb 11) *l
5. Shopaholic & Sister by Sophie Kinsella (Feb 6) *l
4. Specials by Scott Westerfeld (Feb 3) *l
3. Pretties by Scott Westerfeld (Jan 31) *l
2. Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (Jan 19) *e
1. Shoe Addicts Anonymous by Beth Harbison (Jan 8) *e
Posted in Books.
