You know how some things come back to haunt you?
Not always right away, but at some point in your life, you get the sense that you are being paid back for past deeds.
Such was the case yesterday when we were out on the front boulevard.
When I was a little girl, there was a belief that if you picked a seeded dandelion and blew all the seeds off in one breath, you would get whatever wish you made. So, regularly, on the way home from school or playing outside or when visiting friends, I would make a wish, pick an appropriate dandelion, and literally blow it away.
Little did I know I was spreading disaster for homeowners who wanted uninterrupted green grass lawns and dandelion-free gardens ...
... until yesterday, when we spent an hour on our hands and knees, armed with old kitchen knives and wearing comfortable gloves, digging out the little buggers and carefully discarding them in a secure plastic bag. They had not seeded yet, but they would soon, and we wanted to make sure that as much as possible, and for this year at least, we are dandelion free.
Next year, it won't matter so much because we plan to convert our front and back lawns to native gardens, with lots of prairie plants and easy access routes for anyone who wants to enjoy them. But for now, it would be just dandy to have uninterrupted green grass lawns and a dandelion-free garden.
As we de-weeded, I kept thinking back to my youth and all those dandelion seeds I spread in our neighbourhood and beyond. It was a different grass there - kikuyu, known for its rapid growth and aggressive nature, and popular in Australia because it is cheap and drought-tolerant. And kikuyu doesn't like to share with dandelions, which is why I don't remember any in our yard. However, I do remember infestations in lots of other places ... probably some of them courtesy of moi! Sorry.
So, let me just say that if I knew then what I know now, learned at the end of a back-breaking dandelion removal stint on our front boulevard, I would never have actively contributed to the attempted world domination by the dandelion population. But I am going to make up for that now by digging out those little buggers every time they raise their pretty little heads.
And while there might be lots in our neighbourhood, you can rest assured that they won't come from us!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Drink up me hearties, yo ho!
I love movies. And I love movie reviews. I'm always interested to hear what other people think about ones I'm going to see and ones I might see. I don't spend too much time reading someone else's perspective on movies I'm not going to see. You simply can't see them all, right? So, there's got to be some way to keep the list manageable.
Personally, my favourite reviewer is Giles Hardie from the Sydney Morning Herald, and not only because he tackles a lot of Aussie films ... that unfortunately I don't get to see. Giles is plain language, to the point, explores the highs and lows, and employs just enough quirk to make even a bad film sound potentially watchable.
Even so, I try not to let reviews dictate whether or not I see a particular film - I like to make up my own mind. And for sure there are times when a review simply doesn't equate with my experience - anticipated or otherwise.
As a big fan of Jack Sparrow and his crazy antics on the high seas, I was, to say the least, aghast at Randall King's 1.5 star review of the latest installment of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". He spoke of "... lethargic, peg-legged pace, steady-paycheque performances, and a dearth of magic". Ouch!
Okay, so Randall's entitled to his opinion, but "senseless", "weird", "daffy" and "treads water"? Um, I don't know about you, but that's part of why I love the "Pirates" movies so much. They're movies about pirates, their silly and senseless behaviour, weird attire and daffy lines, and yes, they tread water in one way or another as they fight friend and foe, connive to steal and cheat, attempt to trick and deceive, find themselves in all sorts of situations that are plain ridiculous, and they trade allegiances like they were pieces of gold. Ooh, makes me giddy just to think about it!
Good review or not, movies are a great escape. And with so much junk going on in the world today, isn't it better to spend some time drifting "On Stranger Tides" and immersing oneself in some comedy or fantasy or action - or perhaps a combination of all three?
By the way, Randall is not the only one who doesn't like Pirates IV; there are lots and lots who aren't on board with the latest installment - although, in case you were wondering, Giles gave it 3.5 stars. :)
Still, I will not be swayed. For my money, Jack's my man. Makes me laugh, smile, and wish I was a pirate, or at least playing one in the fifth installment - which, judging by the first weekend's take of $256.3 million, there might just be.
"Drink up me hearties, yo ho!"
Personally, my favourite reviewer is Giles Hardie from the Sydney Morning Herald, and not only because he tackles a lot of Aussie films ... that unfortunately I don't get to see. Giles is plain language, to the point, explores the highs and lows, and employs just enough quirk to make even a bad film sound potentially watchable.
Even so, I try not to let reviews dictate whether or not I see a particular film - I like to make up my own mind. And for sure there are times when a review simply doesn't equate with my experience - anticipated or otherwise.
As a big fan of Jack Sparrow and his crazy antics on the high seas, I was, to say the least, aghast at Randall King's 1.5 star review of the latest installment of "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". He spoke of "... lethargic, peg-legged pace, steady-paycheque performances, and a dearth of magic". Ouch!
Okay, so Randall's entitled to his opinion, but "senseless", "weird", "daffy" and "treads water"? Um, I don't know about you, but that's part of why I love the "Pirates" movies so much. They're movies about pirates, their silly and senseless behaviour, weird attire and daffy lines, and yes, they tread water in one way or another as they fight friend and foe, connive to steal and cheat, attempt to trick and deceive, find themselves in all sorts of situations that are plain ridiculous, and they trade allegiances like they were pieces of gold. Ooh, makes me giddy just to think about it!
Good review or not, movies are a great escape. And with so much junk going on in the world today, isn't it better to spend some time drifting "On Stranger Tides" and immersing oneself in some comedy or fantasy or action - or perhaps a combination of all three?
By the way, Randall is not the only one who doesn't like Pirates IV; there are lots and lots who aren't on board with the latest installment - although, in case you were wondering, Giles gave it 3.5 stars. :)
Still, I will not be swayed. For my money, Jack's my man. Makes me laugh, smile, and wish I was a pirate, or at least playing one in the fifth installment - which, judging by the first weekend's take of $256.3 million, there might just be.
"Drink up me hearties, yo ho!"
Friday, May 20, 2011
Two wrongs don't make it right
If you're not paying attention, it's easy to get caught up in the silly goings on that is the world of fame and fortune.
Okay, let me just say that I wouldn't mind a dose of fame and fortune. Been working on it, but so far, unsuccessful in any way that constitutes being able to live without having to worry about money. Successful in other ways, and fortunately, the kind that leaves me unattractive to the world's media. So there are some benefits to relative obscurity!
But getting back to my original thought here. I couldn't help but notice - mostly because it currently features on every print, web and small screen (is 46" still considered small screen?) medium - the mind boggling scenario concerning Arnie and Maria ... and Mildred.
The whole thing is kind of off, but what caught my eye was the claim that Mildred "had kept [the secret] faithfully for 14 years" - as if that's supposed to give her some brownie points in our eyes.
A quick reminder that it takes two to make a child (in most cases), so while Mildred - or at least those who are speaking on her behalf - appear to be painting her as the oh so faithful and innocent party, the act itself and the silence on the matter by both her and Arnie are two wrongs that don't make it right.
It's always the risk when you play with more than one hand. And they should not be surprised that it's finally out in the open, and that the fallout is going to cost a lot and hurt, well, Maria and her children and the boy in question - not to mention those involved in the Terminator franchise, now that Arnie's put that on hold.
Perhaps the moral here is to not do the deed in the first place. But that would be way too simple and obvious, and rooted in common sense - the lack of which appears to be a permanent affliction not restricted to those blessed with fame and fortune.
Fame and fortune is not for everyone. Still, I wouldn't mind giving it a try - but without the cheating and the intense media focus, if that's okay ... and even possible!
Okay, let me just say that I wouldn't mind a dose of fame and fortune. Been working on it, but so far, unsuccessful in any way that constitutes being able to live without having to worry about money. Successful in other ways, and fortunately, the kind that leaves me unattractive to the world's media. So there are some benefits to relative obscurity!
But getting back to my original thought here. I couldn't help but notice - mostly because it currently features on every print, web and small screen (is 46" still considered small screen?) medium - the mind boggling scenario concerning Arnie and Maria ... and Mildred.
The whole thing is kind of off, but what caught my eye was the claim that Mildred "had kept [the secret] faithfully for 14 years" - as if that's supposed to give her some brownie points in our eyes.
A quick reminder that it takes two to make a child (in most cases), so while Mildred - or at least those who are speaking on her behalf - appear to be painting her as the oh so faithful and innocent party, the act itself and the silence on the matter by both her and Arnie are two wrongs that don't make it right.
It's always the risk when you play with more than one hand. And they should not be surprised that it's finally out in the open, and that the fallout is going to cost a lot and hurt, well, Maria and her children and the boy in question - not to mention those involved in the Terminator franchise, now that Arnie's put that on hold.
Perhaps the moral here is to not do the deed in the first place. But that would be way too simple and obvious, and rooted in common sense - the lack of which appears to be a permanent affliction not restricted to those blessed with fame and fortune.
Fame and fortune is not for everyone. Still, I wouldn't mind giving it a try - but without the cheating and the intense media focus, if that's okay ... and even possible!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
When we are at the end
I don't normally write about TV shows, but I feel compelled to natter on about one or two of them at this point in time.
With the apparent demise of Stargate Universe, I have to admit that I feel sad. Although I came into this series a few weeks after it began, I've stayed the course and watched it to the thrilling though bittersweet conclusion. That SyFy has grounded what was meant to be a 5-season series, right when it's come into its own, is confusing and frustrating.
Okay, I know that SGU is somewhat of a niche product, but you have to think that considering its heritage, in all likelihood there are enough fans out there to at least let it run to the finish line, especially given how it has powered the second season to such great heights. Each episode seemed to get getter and better, stronger and more compelling, dramatic and heartwarming, personal and extraordinary.
But hey, that's what I saw and I'm proud to say I'm a true SG supporter, through all it reincarnations.
When we are the end of a series, fans are naturally sad, but when the end is nigh and the fan base is still growing, it's hard to understand the argument for cancellation, or even care about ratings and reviews. When you love a show, you love it, and only you will be able to change your mind.
So, when the wrap is solid, makes sense for the characters, and provides just enough hope while allowing you to say, "Okay, I can live with that", then we are at least satisfied, to some degree, about that final episode. However, when the wrap is 'wrong', and we are left hanging with no satisfaction, no conclusion and no digestible explanation, well, it's hard to make any sense of the decision.
As a fan of Buffy and Angel, two great shows that have sadly wrapped (although still very much alive in various configurations), I experienced both "solid" and "wrong" situations. Yes, I would have liked Buffy to keep going, but the end for me was an end, and I said goodbye with a smile on my face.
However, when Angel was cancelled, the final episode seemed empty, pointless, hopeless, and altogether wrong. Okay, I could choose to speculate that they all survived, blah, blah, blah, but speculation is no substitute for a smile on my face. To this day, I wish there had been a movie or a last-minute reprieve to finish that series the way it deserved to go out, rather than cut it off at the knees, leaving the sick feeling that evil had won in the end.
When we are at the real end of a series, true fans know it and are willing to live with it, to varying degrees. But when it's all wrong, and the end is merely a transition from continuing storyline to budget cuts, well, there's not an ounce of satisfaction for anyone involved with the show.
At least Fringe is still going ... but that show gets better and better, which leaves me somewhat fearful about its future.
With the apparent demise of Stargate Universe, I have to admit that I feel sad. Although I came into this series a few weeks after it began, I've stayed the course and watched it to the thrilling though bittersweet conclusion. That SyFy has grounded what was meant to be a 5-season series, right when it's come into its own, is confusing and frustrating.
Okay, I know that SGU is somewhat of a niche product, but you have to think that considering its heritage, in all likelihood there are enough fans out there to at least let it run to the finish line, especially given how it has powered the second season to such great heights. Each episode seemed to get getter and better, stronger and more compelling, dramatic and heartwarming, personal and extraordinary.
But hey, that's what I saw and I'm proud to say I'm a true SG supporter, through all it reincarnations.
When we are the end of a series, fans are naturally sad, but when the end is nigh and the fan base is still growing, it's hard to understand the argument for cancellation, or even care about ratings and reviews. When you love a show, you love it, and only you will be able to change your mind.
So, when the wrap is solid, makes sense for the characters, and provides just enough hope while allowing you to say, "Okay, I can live with that", then we are at least satisfied, to some degree, about that final episode. However, when the wrap is 'wrong', and we are left hanging with no satisfaction, no conclusion and no digestible explanation, well, it's hard to make any sense of the decision.
As a fan of Buffy and Angel, two great shows that have sadly wrapped (although still very much alive in various configurations), I experienced both "solid" and "wrong" situations. Yes, I would have liked Buffy to keep going, but the end for me was an end, and I said goodbye with a smile on my face.
However, when Angel was cancelled, the final episode seemed empty, pointless, hopeless, and altogether wrong. Okay, I could choose to speculate that they all survived, blah, blah, blah, but speculation is no substitute for a smile on my face. To this day, I wish there had been a movie or a last-minute reprieve to finish that series the way it deserved to go out, rather than cut it off at the knees, leaving the sick feeling that evil had won in the end.
When we are at the real end of a series, true fans know it and are willing to live with it, to varying degrees. But when it's all wrong, and the end is merely a transition from continuing storyline to budget cuts, well, there's not an ounce of satisfaction for anyone involved with the show.
At least Fringe is still going ... but that show gets better and better, which leaves me somewhat fearful about its future.
Anonymous no more
I love it when people make anonymous donations to worthy causes. When they leave little presents on someone's doorstep to brighten their day. When they give time without looking to see if anyone is noticing. When they step up without expecting accolades.
I love it when corporations give money without requiring that their name be attached to the building or arena or school or festival. When philanthropists go about their business without looking for kudos. When the smallest deed goes without saying, the smallest step is taken without knowledge, the smallest thought stirs others' souls without them ever realising the source.
I love anonymous, which is why I hate it when the anonymous benefactor decides to make themselves known for their own recognition. Look, giving in any way for any reason is absolutely to be applauded. But don't change horses midstream just so you can get some public accolades.
Even worse is when someone breaks the news and 'exposes' the anonymous benefactor without their knowledge or approval. Spoil sports!
Personally? I prefer to let the deed speak for itself. We don't all need to know who and why, and we don't all need the accolades.
I love it when corporations give money without requiring that their name be attached to the building or arena or school or festival. When philanthropists go about their business without looking for kudos. When the smallest deed goes without saying, the smallest step is taken without knowledge, the smallest thought stirs others' souls without them ever realising the source.
I love anonymous, which is why I hate it when the anonymous benefactor decides to make themselves known for their own recognition. Look, giving in any way for any reason is absolutely to be applauded. But don't change horses midstream just so you can get some public accolades.
Even worse is when someone breaks the news and 'exposes' the anonymous benefactor without their knowledge or approval. Spoil sports!
Personally? I prefer to let the deed speak for itself. We don't all need to know who and why, and we don't all need the accolades.