Monday, March 06, 2006
3:27 a.m.
Jennifer Garner almost fell! Now that would have been funny, and would have helped to wake me up. She's looking great, post baby. She's presenting the Sound Editing Award. Yawn. Literally.
3:18 a.m.
I just switched over to E! because this is getting pretty boring. They're doing a Celebrity Goof Up Roundup. Did you know that Geena Davis once had a sitcom? Neither did I.
Back to the Oscars. This has got to be a first: the name of this Oscar-nominated song is, "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp." It looks to me like Jamie Foxx is singing, and there's more strange dancing, but no burning car. Bring back the burning car!
Terrence Howard, nominated for Best Actor, had a really sweet white rose corsage on before, but he's taken it off. Who told him to take it off? I liked it.
No way. The Pimp song won. The Crash lady seems pretty sad about that, but Queen Latifah is happy abou it. I'm pretty sure that IS Jamie Foxx. No, wait, they just showed Jamie Foxx in the audience, so it's not him.
Jon Stewart is beside himself. He doesn't know what to say. Though he does point out that the winners were the most excited people there.
Back to the Oscars. This has got to be a first: the name of this Oscar-nominated song is, "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp." It looks to me like Jamie Foxx is singing, and there's more strange dancing, but no burning car. Bring back the burning car!
Terrence Howard, nominated for Best Actor, had a really sweet white rose corsage on before, but he's taken it off. Who told him to take it off? I liked it.
No way. The Pimp song won. The Crash lady seems pretty sad about that, but Queen Latifah is happy abou it. I'm pretty sure that IS Jamie Foxx. No, wait, they just showed Jamie Foxx in the audience, so it's not him.
Jon Stewart is beside himself. He doesn't know what to say. Though he does point out that the winners were the most excited people there.
3:14 a.m.
I think I just saw whats-her-name from Will and Grace. Debra Messing, that's it. What's she doing at the Oscars? Talk about punching above your weight.
Thanks to my No. 1 fan, Noel, who seems to be the only person reading this blog tonight. Thanks for the support!
Thanks to my No. 1 fan, Noel, who seems to be the only person reading this blog tonight. Thanks for the support!
3:06 a.m.
Lily Tomlin and Meryl Streep present the Honorary Oscar to Robert Altman. I'm thinking that of the fillers we've got left, we only have the Roll Call of Those That Have Gone Before (i.e. actors who died this year). Then we'll finally have all the good awards to do. Maybe we'll get to see our man George again!
Robert Altman, no doubt, is a great director. He's getting savaged by the London theatre critics at the moment, though, for the new play, "Resurrection Blues", which was the last play that Arthur Miller wrote. Apparently the play is awful. But Robert Altman has made some really good movies. He just plugged the play, but I don't think that's going to help ticket sales.
Robert Altman, no doubt, is a great director. He's getting savaged by the London theatre critics at the moment, though, for the new play, "Resurrection Blues", which was the last play that Arthur Miller wrote. Apparently the play is awful. But Robert Altman has made some really good movies. He just plugged the play, but I don't think that's going to help ticket sales.
2:56 a.m.
Jake Gyllenhaal is presenting. He sure does look sad. I think he thought he would win. Poor kid. And now he has to give out an award. At least he'll get to hold one, for a minute at least.
Now would be a good time to talk about the time I saw Jake in a play in London's West End. He was with Darth Vadar/Mr. Sienna Miller Hayden Christensen and Oscar winner Anna Panquin. Jake was very good. Earlier tonight, the Sci-Fi Channel was showing his very first movie, "October Sky," which is a great film. If you haven't seen it, you should.
This appears to be the third set (or possibly the fourth, I've lost count) of self-congratulatory film clips. Again, what's with all the montages? Jon Stewart just said, "We're out of film clips." I think I believe him.
Now would be a good time to talk about the time I saw Jake in a play in London's West End. He was with Darth Vadar/Mr. Sienna Miller Hayden Christensen and Oscar winner Anna Panquin. Jake was very good. Earlier tonight, the Sci-Fi Channel was showing his very first movie, "October Sky," which is a great film. If you haven't seen it, you should.
This appears to be the third set (or possibly the fourth, I've lost count) of self-congratulatory film clips. Again, what's with all the montages? Jon Stewart just said, "We're out of film clips." I think I believe him.
2:46 a.m.
This is my 20th post of the night. In one night I've managed to boost my Blogger posts. I know I haven't done much lately, MarathonMum fans, but I'm making up for it tonight. It's just that Blogging isn't a big priority when you're trying to sell your flat and move to a new house. I won't bore you with the sad details, but the whole process has been a trial, to say the least. However, we have a tentative date to move next Tuesday, but we'll see. We've had two other moving dates, too, and we're still here.
As a result of the potential house move, I haven't done much running, either. There was even a 10K at Greenwich Park today that I missed. I'll do it next year for sure.
Back to the Oscars: Sky Movies One actually cut away in the middle of the Original Score performance by Itzak Perleman. This brings up an important note: I know that I am misspelling some of these names and I'm very sorry. I'm just too tired and lazy to look them all up.
Brokeback Mountaint finally won something, for the score, which I did like.
The interesting thing about the acceptance speeches is how they're starting up the music as soon as the winner starts talking. Is that some sort of subliminal strategy to get them to wind it up quicker? I think it's working.
As a result of the potential house move, I haven't done much running, either. There was even a 10K at Greenwich Park today that I missed. I'll do it next year for sure.
Back to the Oscars: Sky Movies One actually cut away in the middle of the Original Score performance by Itzak Perleman. This brings up an important note: I know that I am misspelling some of these names and I'm very sorry. I'm just too tired and lazy to look them all up.
Brokeback Mountaint finally won something, for the score, which I did like.
The interesting thing about the acceptance speeches is how they're starting up the music as soon as the winner starts talking. Is that some sort of subliminal strategy to get them to wind it up quicker? I think it's working.
2:44 a.m.
Salma Hayak is presenting. I LOVE her dress. It might be my favorite of the night. Though I'm not sure if anyone cares.
2:38 a.m.
More self congratulatory film clips. Again, if they want to make this program shorter, they can cut this sort of stuff out. (Though I'm always happy to see Peter Finch say, "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.")
Now it's the president of the Academy. Yawn. Please be quick. But this is his moment in the sun, and I don't think he's going to give up easily. I wonder if I could just take a short nap and wake up when this is over? Probably not. I'm really starting to flag.
Now it's the president of the Academy. Yawn. Please be quick. But this is his moment in the sun, and I don't think he's going to give up easily. I wonder if I could just take a short nap and wake up when this is over? Probably not. I'm really starting to flag.
2:33 a.m.
Sandra Bullock is presenting. I'm still not sure about the pregnancy rumor. The pockets make me suspicious, but maybe it's a comfort thing. I suspect that if I had to wear a big fancy gown like that, I'd probably like to have some pockets so I'd have something to do with my hands. I like her dress very much, though I wish it were a different colour.
2:21 a.m.
It's official: I definitely DO NOT like Charlize Theron's dress. Yuck. What was she (or more likely, her stylist) thinking?
She's presenting Best Documentary. I hope the Penguins win. They do! Hooray!! That was a great film. Just ask Nicholas.They all bring stuffed penguins up on the stage with them. Nicholas would like that, too. So, at last count, our two sons have seen two of the Oscar winners this year.
Now Jennifer Lopez comes up. I like her dress. I wasn't sure about the colour, at first, but now I think it's much better than boring black. Someone made the point on one of the pregame shows that she always makes an impact at the Oscars.
Now the singer for the "Crash" song is performing. Is it safe that they would have a burning car on the stage? I think that's a Health and Safety problem. It's a good song, but I can't keep my eyes off the fire or the dancers who are nearby. Is it fake fire? I think the fire was superfluous, not to mention unsafe. What happens if it goes out of control and George Clooney is at risk?
Now they're breaking for commercial. Presumably so they can put out the fire. Time for more coffee.
She's presenting Best Documentary. I hope the Penguins win. They do! Hooray!! That was a great film. Just ask Nicholas.They all bring stuffed penguins up on the stage with them. Nicholas would like that, too. So, at last count, our two sons have seen two of the Oscar winners this year.
Now Jennifer Lopez comes up. I like her dress. I wasn't sure about the colour, at first, but now I think it's much better than boring black. Someone made the point on one of the pregame shows that she always makes an impact at the Oscars.
Now the singer for the "Crash" song is performing. Is it safe that they would have a burning car on the stage? I think that's a Health and Safety problem. It's a good song, but I can't keep my eyes off the fire or the dancers who are nearby. Is it fake fire? I think the fire was superfluous, not to mention unsafe. What happens if it goes out of control and George Clooney is at risk?
Now they're breaking for commercial. Presumably so they can put out the fire. Time for more coffee.
2:13 a.m.
This is bad. Legend Lauren Bacall is either having telepromter problems or a senior moment, but she seems to be struggling. Mightily. I'm not sure what she is introducing, but I do think it's one of those filler moments that makes this award show run for 17 hours. If they wanted to shorten the show, they could just cut out this stupid stuff and just give out the Golden Men.
This is boring. I'm starting to wane, slightly. Perhaps I should go get some more coffee.
I still have no idea what she was talking about.
They just did a funny bit with fake commercials for women campaigning to win Best Actress. I thought it was funny, but I'm not sure Reese Witherspoon did.
This is boring. I'm starting to wane, slightly. Perhaps I should go get some more coffee.
I still have no idea what she was talking about.
They just did a funny bit with fake commercials for women campaigning to win Best Actress. I thought it was funny, but I'm not sure Reese Witherspoon did.
2:02 a.m.
Morgan Freeman is on. We must be about to award the Supporting Actress category. Yes, I'm right! I hope Rachel Weisz wins, though Catherine Keenar is one of those actresses who's good in everything. Even the 40-Year-Old Virgin. Michelle Williams looks really nervous, but I don't think she's going to win.
Hooray! Rachel wins. And she looks beautiful, even heavily pregnant. Oh no, it's one of those listing acceptance speeches. Not listing, as in moving side to side, but listing, as in name everyone involved in the movie. Again, kudos, for not thanking her agent, accountant or lawyer.
Hooray! Rachel wins. And she looks beautiful, even heavily pregnant. Oh no, it's one of those listing acceptance speeches. Not listing, as in moving side to side, but listing, as in name everyone involved in the movie. Again, kudos, for not thanking her agent, accountant or lawyer.
2 a.m.
Now they're talking about the Technical Awards ceremony. Now I can see who Rachel McAdams is. I had never heard of her until she recently refused to be photographed naked by Annie Liebowitz for the cover of Vanity Fair.
"I'm glad I could be a part of it," McAdams said, speaking of the Technical Awards show, NOT the Vanity Fair shoot.
"I'm glad I could be a part of it," McAdams said, speaking of the Technical Awards show, NOT the Vanity Fair shoot.
1:56 a.m.
Best Makeup Award. Kudos to the presentation, Will Ferrell and Steve Carrell are very funny.
Narnia wins. Saw that one, too, though my enjoyment of it was somewhat marred by the fact I had two young boys climbing all over me in fear through most of it.
Narnia wins. Saw that one, too, though my enjoyment of it was somewhat marred by the fact I had two young boys climbing all over me in fear through most of it.
1:46 a.m.
Just had time to make some coffee and have another chocolate chip cookie.
I missed some categories, but nothing major. They're doing Animated Short Feature.
Now here comes Jennifer Aniston. She's doing Best Costume. I wonder if she made the Academy promise that the Pitt-Jolie juggernaut would not be in attendance before she said she'd present? I've actually seen the majority of nominees in this picture, except for Memoirs of a Geisha and Mrs. Henderson Presents. Memoirs wins. I liked the book, but I'm not sure I'd like to see the movie. Maybe on DVD.
I missed some categories, but nothing major. They're doing Animated Short Feature.
Now here comes Jennifer Aniston. She's doing Best Costume. I wonder if she made the Academy promise that the Pitt-Jolie juggernaut would not be in attendance before she said she'd present? I've actually seen the majority of nominees in this picture, except for Memoirs of a Geisha and Mrs. Henderson Presents. Memoirs wins. I liked the book, but I'm not sure I'd like to see the movie. Maybe on DVD.
1:38 a.m.
Everybody seemed to like Dolly Parton, she's getting a rousing round of applause. You've got to bet, though, that they're all talking about her horrible suit she wore once she gets off the stage.
Now, REALLY, I'm going to make some coffee.
Now, REALLY, I'm going to make some coffee.
1:31 a.m.
Reese Witherspoon is presenting for Best Animated Feature! The one category where I know all of the nominees. I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed for Wallace and Gromit. They're the best! This is the first time, in a couple of years, that I haven't actaully seen all of the nominees, but I'm still sure Wallace and Gromit will be the best.
I like Reese's dress. It's beautiful.
Yeah! Wallace and Gromit win. Nick Park and his co-director seem to be wearing VERY LARGE Paul Smith bow-ties, and they brought little ones along for their Oscars. Very funny. Poor Peter Sallis, the voice of Wallace, is ALL THE WAY in the back. Though I notice that Helena Bonham Carter is just one row ahead of them, so maybe it was the Animated neighborhood of the audience.
I like Reese's dress. It's beautiful.
Yeah! Wallace and Gromit win. Nick Park and his co-director seem to be wearing VERY LARGE Paul Smith bow-ties, and they brought little ones along for their Oscars. Very funny. Poor Peter Sallis, the voice of Wallace, is ALL THE WAY in the back. Though I notice that Helena Bonham Carter is just one row ahead of them, so maybe it was the Animated neighborhood of the audience.
1:25 a.m.
Ben Stiller is doing something strange in a lime green jumpsuit. Why won't they ever let that nice man wear a tuxedo to this show? He always seems to wearing something odd.
It's the visual effects award. Yawn. King Kong wins. NOW I can FINALLY make some coffee.
It's the visual effects award. Yawn. King Kong wins. NOW I can FINALLY make some coffee.
1:16 a.m.
The first award of the night: Best Supporting Actor. Nicole Kidman is giving out the award. It'd be nice if she could give it to her friend, George. Why didn't the actress who won Best Supporting Actress last year giving out the award? Who was that? A quick check while they show the clips....
No time.
Yeah! George wins. "OK, so I'm not the winning director," is the first thing he says. Oh, so funny. He seems to talking off the cuff, but doing it very well. I'll give him extra points if he doesn't thank his agent or accountant. And he doesn't! Good for him. Now THAT was a great speech. Well done, George!
Poor Matt Dillon and Jake Gyllenhaal look REALLY disappointed they didn't win. Maybe it won't be a Brokeback Mountain juggernaut afterall.
Now I've got time to answer my previous question: Cate Blanchett won Best Supporting Actress last year. Why couldn't they bring her in? (I remember the other three acting awards from last year, though: Hillary Swank, actress; Jamie Foxx, actor; and Morgan Freeman, supporting actor. (Note to self: I still need to see "Ray.")
No time.
Yeah! George wins. "OK, so I'm not the winning director," is the first thing he says. Oh, so funny. He seems to talking off the cuff, but doing it very well. I'll give him extra points if he doesn't thank his agent or accountant. And he doesn't! Good for him. Now THAT was a great speech. Well done, George!
Poor Matt Dillon and Jake Gyllenhaal look REALLY disappointed they didn't win. Maybe it won't be a Brokeback Mountain juggernaut afterall.
Now I've got time to answer my previous question: Cate Blanchett won Best Supporting Actress last year. Why couldn't they bring her in? (I remember the other three acting awards from last year, though: Hillary Swank, actress; Jamie Foxx, actor; and Morgan Freeman, supporting actor. (Note to self: I still need to see "Ray.")
1 a.m.
Ooh. It's starting. Hooray!
It's some sort of CGI compilation of all sorts of movie clips. I bet Jon Stewart, a William and Mary alum just like Mr. MarathonMum, is really nervous right about now.
That introduction was hilarious. How lucky is John Stewart to be in bed with George Clooney? I was wondering what he would do without a desk for his monologue, and now I know: he's going to stand behind a podium.
Charlize Theron has something growing on her shoulder. Has anyone told her that?
Kiera Knightly is sitting next to Jack Nicholson. Is he dating her now? I like her dress, though. It's Vera Wang, apparently. In case you're wondering, Vera Wang is who I'll wear when I go to the Oscars. Someday.
Matt Dillon is looking great. He was good in Crash, too, though I haven't picked him to win. I think my man George will be the one to beat in that category. We saw Syriana on Saturday and he was pretty good, though I think Matt Dillon was better. But I think George will win in acting because he probably won't win in any of his other categories. But only time will tell.
I feel for Jon Stewart. His monologue doesn't seem to be going so well.
It's some sort of CGI compilation of all sorts of movie clips. I bet Jon Stewart, a William and Mary alum just like Mr. MarathonMum, is really nervous right about now.
That introduction was hilarious. How lucky is John Stewart to be in bed with George Clooney? I was wondering what he would do without a desk for his monologue, and now I know: he's going to stand behind a podium.
Charlize Theron has something growing on her shoulder. Has anyone told her that?
Kiera Knightly is sitting next to Jack Nicholson. Is he dating her now? I like her dress, though. It's Vera Wang, apparently. In case you're wondering, Vera Wang is who I'll wear when I go to the Oscars. Someday.
Matt Dillon is looking great. He was good in Crash, too, though I haven't picked him to win. I think my man George will be the one to beat in that category. We saw Syriana on Saturday and he was pretty good, though I think Matt Dillon was better. But I think George will win in acting because he probably won't win in any of his other categories. But only time will tell.
I feel for Jon Stewart. His monologue doesn't seem to be going so well.
12:46 a.m.
Now might be the time to make coffee. There's nothing on either channel. Mariella Fostrup is yammering on Sky Movies. Yes, I know, American fans, you have NO IDEA who she is. Welcome to Sky Movies coverage: When the most marginal of British stars sit down to talk about the movies. She's talking to a casting director and a movie critic, and I've never heard of either one. And I live here!
Hey! The momentary lull is over, since there's George Clooney. Yeah!
"We've been unburdened by success at these award shows," George said. "I'll be the drunk in the back."
This is why people (me especially) love George. Not only is he gorgeous and a good actor, but he's funny, too! Godspeed, George. I do hope you win something. It would be a crime for you to go home empty handed.
Jennifer Aniston is on now. Isn't that great that she's been able to dust herself off and be out on the town. She just finished her interview with someone or other and made the FUNNIEST faces, as in, "Those were the stupidest questions I've ever heard." She's wearing black-- which seems to be the color of the night-- but didn't say who did her dress. It's nice enough, I suppose, but really boring.
Reese Witherspoon and her husband Ryan Phillipe are being interviewed right now. She's wearing a silver dress, but I didn't get a good look at it. I do hope she wins, though. She was amazing in "Walk the Line." You couldn't take your eyes off of her.
"We've been unburdened by success at these award shows," George said. "I'll be the drunk in the back."
This is why people (me especially) love George. Not only is he gorgeous and a good actor, but he's funny, too! Godspeed, George. I do hope you win something. It would be a crime for you to go home empty handed.
Jennifer Aniston is on now. Isn't that great that she's been able to dust herself off and be out on the town. She just finished her interview with someone or other and made the FUNNIEST faces, as in, "Those were the stupidest questions I've ever heard." She's wearing black-- which seems to be the color of the night-- but didn't say who did her dress. It's nice enough, I suppose, but really boring.
Reese Witherspoon and her husband Ryan Phillipe are being interviewed right now. She's wearing a silver dress, but I didn't get a good look at it. I do hope she wins, though. She was amazing in "Walk the Line." You couldn't take your eyes off of her.
12:36 a.m.
Neither Sky Movies One or E! seem to be covering the Red Carpet right now. What's up with that? I think it's time to make some coffee.
12:22 a.m.
Sandra Bullock came with Keanu Reeves. I like her dress, though black is such a boring choice. There's now some speculation that she's pregnant. It doesn't look like it to me, but who knows: they might have sewn her into the dress. She seems to keep stuffing her hands in her POCKETS though, in her dress, so maybe she is pregnant. Why in the world would you put pockets in a beautiful couture dress?
Nicole Kidman looks gorgeous, but I worry that they haven't let Nicole have a proper meal in a long time. Come to think of it, we could say that about a lot of the actresses on the red carpet tonight. I, on the other hand, have just enjoyed a chocolate chip cookie. Yum.
Some of you may be wondering what your host for the evening is wearing. I really made an effort for you, my faithful fans. While I was tempted to wear my very special Circus jim-jams, I decided to push the boat out. I've got on my red Gap sweats and one of Tim's sweatshirts. Damn, do I look good. I am definitely the best-dressed awake person in the house.
Nicole Kidman looks gorgeous, but I worry that they haven't let Nicole have a proper meal in a long time. Come to think of it, we could say that about a lot of the actresses on the red carpet tonight. I, on the other hand, have just enjoyed a chocolate chip cookie. Yum.
Some of you may be wondering what your host for the evening is wearing. I really made an effort for you, my faithful fans. While I was tempted to wear my very special Circus jim-jams, I decided to push the boat out. I've got on my red Gap sweats and one of Tim's sweatshirts. Damn, do I look good. I am definitely the best-dressed awake person in the house.
Oscar Morning, 12:05 a.m.
Oh, the Oscars!! One of my most favourite events of the year, combining my loves of the movies, superstars and fashion.
You have to know how much I love it if I've roused myself from a warm sleep to get up and watch it. In the U.S., being a devotee of the Oscars doesn't require a mid-afternoon nap and the need to get up in the middle of the night.
This year, I was pondering how I would be able to stay up through the whole broadcast. Two years ago, I used the time to create a mail and document filing system that is still in place to this day (I used to just pile things up). Last year, I took notes throughout the broadcast for my next-day blog. I was wondering what I could do this year to stay awake and I realized, "I shall blog throughout!" Now, through the wonder of wireless broadband, I can stay awake and entertain all three of you who happen to be reading MarathonMum.
OOh. George Clooney! Doesn't he look lovely! I hope he wins.
I've switching between the coverage on Sky Movies One (for which I had to sign up specially) and E! (and how great is it that I finally have E! even if Joan Rivers isn't on it anymore).
There's Naomi Watts. Is she pregnant? I don't like her dress, though. It's a terrible, terrible colour: biege. Why in the world would you wear beige to the Oscars. She says it's Givenchy, but yuck.
Now Paul Giamatti is talking. Isn't he witty? I think the airhead woman he's speaking to doesn't fully appreciate his intelligence. She seems a bit befuddled by his answers. I don't think he's going to win, though.
Hey! Helena Bonham Carter with Tim Burton and she looks great. usually, she looks slightly off, in some strange way, but she looks beautiful. I'm guessing she's wearing Vivenne Westwood, flying the British flag and all that.
Now the couple of the night: Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams. Heath is all gushy about the greatest thing about Brokeback Mountain was "Meeting this lovely lady here." She's wearing yellow, but I didn't get a great look at the dress. That'll come later.
You have to know how much I love it if I've roused myself from a warm sleep to get up and watch it. In the U.S., being a devotee of the Oscars doesn't require a mid-afternoon nap and the need to get up in the middle of the night.
This year, I was pondering how I would be able to stay up through the whole broadcast. Two years ago, I used the time to create a mail and document filing system that is still in place to this day (I used to just pile things up). Last year, I took notes throughout the broadcast for my next-day blog. I was wondering what I could do this year to stay awake and I realized, "I shall blog throughout!" Now, through the wonder of wireless broadband, I can stay awake and entertain all three of you who happen to be reading MarathonMum.
OOh. George Clooney! Doesn't he look lovely! I hope he wins.
I've switching between the coverage on Sky Movies One (for which I had to sign up specially) and E! (and how great is it that I finally have E! even if Joan Rivers isn't on it anymore).
There's Naomi Watts. Is she pregnant? I don't like her dress, though. It's a terrible, terrible colour: biege. Why in the world would you wear beige to the Oscars. She says it's Givenchy, but yuck.
Now Paul Giamatti is talking. Isn't he witty? I think the airhead woman he's speaking to doesn't fully appreciate his intelligence. She seems a bit befuddled by his answers. I don't think he's going to win, though.
Hey! Helena Bonham Carter with Tim Burton and she looks great. usually, she looks slightly off, in some strange way, but she looks beautiful. I'm guessing she's wearing Vivenne Westwood, flying the British flag and all that.
Now the couple of the night: Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams. Heath is all gushy about the greatest thing about Brokeback Mountain was "Meeting this lovely lady here." She's wearing yellow, but I didn't get a great look at the dress. That'll come later.
Monday, February 13, 2006
MarathonMum Roundup
There's lots going on at MarathonMum headquarters, which is why the posts have been less than frequent lately. Here's a quick roundup of all the things going on with me right now:
1. British Real Estate Transactions: Having bought and sold a house in the U.S., I can say the following with authority: The British real estate system is downright bizarre. We are in the midst of trying to sell our flat and buy another house (just down the street from this one). The important thing for my American fans to realize is nothing is definite until you get to the pre-closing, which is called the exchange, and happens about a week before the closing (called the completion). Consequently, you get to experience a new kind of hell, like we are at the moment, when you are days away from the exchange and the buyer wants some major last-minute concessions. We've already packed boxes and mentally moved into our new house and now it might not happen at all. Things are much more guaranteed in the U.S.: once your offer is accepted and you've placed your deposit, which happens three days after the offer is put in, it's much less likely that the transaction won't occur. I hate British real estate laws, I really do. We're trying to stay positive about everything at the moment, but it could easily go either way.
2. Running: I have been running, albeit not nearly as frequently as when I was training for the marathon. Last week I actually voluntarily did a hill workout, even though I have no races planned at the moment for the spring. Greenwich Park is great for hillwork, you can't believe the variety of hills from which to choose. Anyway, I was starting up one of the more perpendicular ones, when another bloke was starting as well. "Do you want to do them together?" Now, MarathonMum fans will know that I really hate running with anyone else, but I thought why not. When we finished the first one, he said, "Wow, you're really strong!" and then we went on to do four more. At the end I was ready to pass out and throw up simulataneously. Good times, let me tell you.
3. Go Nova! My alma mater, Villanova University, is currently ranked fourth in collegiate basketball in the U.S. Yeah!! They're having one of their best seasons ever. They're playing so well, I'm tempted to fly back and see a game, but of course, I have to contend with British Real Estate Laws and the possibility of moving. Tonight, Villanova plays Connecticut, who are ranked No. 1, so it'll be a Battle of the Titans. I'm trying to figure out if I can watch the game via the Internet, but I'm not really sure that I have the stamina necessary to start watching at 1 a.m. and stay up until 3 a.m. I might just have to read the recap tomorrow and cheer in my sleep.
4. Chicken Little: MarathonMum's family went out in force to see Chicken Little over the weekend. It got positive reviews all around, though Nicholas thought it was, "A little bit scary."
5. Finally, to all my family and friends who are buried under two feet of snow on the East Coast, remember the final rule: Have fun!
1. British Real Estate Transactions: Having bought and sold a house in the U.S., I can say the following with authority: The British real estate system is downright bizarre. We are in the midst of trying to sell our flat and buy another house (just down the street from this one). The important thing for my American fans to realize is nothing is definite until you get to the pre-closing, which is called the exchange, and happens about a week before the closing (called the completion). Consequently, you get to experience a new kind of hell, like we are at the moment, when you are days away from the exchange and the buyer wants some major last-minute concessions. We've already packed boxes and mentally moved into our new house and now it might not happen at all. Things are much more guaranteed in the U.S.: once your offer is accepted and you've placed your deposit, which happens three days after the offer is put in, it's much less likely that the transaction won't occur. I hate British real estate laws, I really do. We're trying to stay positive about everything at the moment, but it could easily go either way.
2. Running: I have been running, albeit not nearly as frequently as when I was training for the marathon. Last week I actually voluntarily did a hill workout, even though I have no races planned at the moment for the spring. Greenwich Park is great for hillwork, you can't believe the variety of hills from which to choose. Anyway, I was starting up one of the more perpendicular ones, when another bloke was starting as well. "Do you want to do them together?" Now, MarathonMum fans will know that I really hate running with anyone else, but I thought why not. When we finished the first one, he said, "Wow, you're really strong!" and then we went on to do four more. At the end I was ready to pass out and throw up simulataneously. Good times, let me tell you.
3. Go Nova! My alma mater, Villanova University, is currently ranked fourth in collegiate basketball in the U.S. Yeah!! They're having one of their best seasons ever. They're playing so well, I'm tempted to fly back and see a game, but of course, I have to contend with British Real Estate Laws and the possibility of moving. Tonight, Villanova plays Connecticut, who are ranked No. 1, so it'll be a Battle of the Titans. I'm trying to figure out if I can watch the game via the Internet, but I'm not really sure that I have the stamina necessary to start watching at 1 a.m. and stay up until 3 a.m. I might just have to read the recap tomorrow and cheer in my sleep.
4. Chicken Little: MarathonMum's family went out in force to see Chicken Little over the weekend. It got positive reviews all around, though Nicholas thought it was, "A little bit scary."
5. Finally, to all my family and friends who are buried under two feet of snow on the East Coast, remember the final rule: Have fun!
Monday, February 06, 2006
Steelers Win!
The Pittsburgh Steelers became Super Bowl champions Sunday night after beating the Seattle Seahawks 21-10.
But the win raises the inevitable question: If two Steelers fans shout victoriously in London, will anyone hear them?
The victory seems somewhat hollow today because there's no one else locally with whom we can celebrate our joy. That's the funny thing about sports teams victories: part of the fun is the community elation that comes along with any wins. You can dissect the game's every play with friends and conclude, "We won!" You can stop the postman and ask him what he thought of the game. You can look at the front page of every newspaper and see pictures of the game, and then read miles of copy in the sports section exploring every possible angle of the contest. You may even be able to smile at strangers, knowing they're happy too. Not being able to do any of those things makes the win a little less fun.
Don't get me wrong. I'm thrilled the team got its fifth Super Bowl ring I just wish we weren't so "G.U." (geographically undesirable) today.
But the win raises the inevitable question: If two Steelers fans shout victoriously in London, will anyone hear them?
The victory seems somewhat hollow today because there's no one else locally with whom we can celebrate our joy. That's the funny thing about sports teams victories: part of the fun is the community elation that comes along with any wins. You can dissect the game's every play with friends and conclude, "We won!" You can stop the postman and ask him what he thought of the game. You can look at the front page of every newspaper and see pictures of the game, and then read miles of copy in the sports section exploring every possible angle of the contest. You may even be able to smile at strangers, knowing they're happy too. Not being able to do any of those things makes the win a little less fun.
Don't get me wrong. I'm thrilled the team got its fifth Super Bowl ring I just wish we weren't so "G.U." (geographically undesirable) today.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Go Steelers!
Tonight is the Super Bowl in the U.S.
For my non-American readers, I might as well have just typed, "Xslkdhj lkjrt goiu Lkjerg Bpoer in the U.S."
Despite the American's media annual insistence that there is a global audience of many millions of people watching the American football game, it's just not so. Here in the U.K., there's a few freaks (read: Us) who are very excited about the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, but we are firmly in the minority.
To wit: Yesterday I had to drop something off at my friend's house. We were discussing what we were doing this weekend, and I told her we were staying up late to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. "Is that baseball?" she asked.
Let's face it, it's tough being a Steelers fan living abroad. When we talk about Big Ben, our friends think we're talking about a timepiece, not a quarterback. When we bemoan that it may be the last season for the Bus, they think we're talking about a vehicle that is red and double decker.
Nevertheless, Tim and I will be up late in our Steelers T-shirts ready to root our team to victory.
Here we go, Steelers, here we go!
For my non-American readers, I might as well have just typed, "Xslkdhj lkjrt goiu Lkjerg Bpoer in the U.S."
Despite the American's media annual insistence that there is a global audience of many millions of people watching the American football game, it's just not so. Here in the U.K., there's a few freaks (read: Us) who are very excited about the matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, but we are firmly in the minority.
To wit: Yesterday I had to drop something off at my friend's house. We were discussing what we were doing this weekend, and I told her we were staying up late to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday. "Is that baseball?" she asked.
Let's face it, it's tough being a Steelers fan living abroad. When we talk about Big Ben, our friends think we're talking about a timepiece, not a quarterback. When we bemoan that it may be the last season for the Bus, they think we're talking about a vehicle that is red and double decker.
Nevertheless, Tim and I will be up late in our Steelers T-shirts ready to root our team to victory.
Here we go, Steelers, here we go!
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Happy Ground Hog Day
Happy Ground Hog Day!
Today is an important day on the calendar, because this is the day we find out if we will have an early spring or six more weeks of winter. This forecast will be done not by the Farmer's Almanac, the BBC or even the Weather Channel, but instead by a groundhog named Phil who lives in Pennsylvania.
This odd American holiday seems all the more strange when you have to explain it to your six-year-old son. It's one thing to be indoctrinated to the idea by your kindly second grade teacher Mrs. Feno and your classmates seem to think it makes all the sense in the world, but it's another thing entirely when you have to explain it, on your own, without the support of the local popular media to do so.
Sadly for us, Phil has told us today that we will have six more weeks of winter. I still don't know if the groundhog's progrostinations extend to the U.K. I hope not.
Today is an important day on the calendar, because this is the day we find out if we will have an early spring or six more weeks of winter. This forecast will be done not by the Farmer's Almanac, the BBC or even the Weather Channel, but instead by a groundhog named Phil who lives in Pennsylvania.
This odd American holiday seems all the more strange when you have to explain it to your six-year-old son. It's one thing to be indoctrinated to the idea by your kindly second grade teacher Mrs. Feno and your classmates seem to think it makes all the sense in the world, but it's another thing entirely when you have to explain it, on your own, without the support of the local popular media to do so.
Sadly for us, Phil has told us today that we will have six more weeks of winter. I still don't know if the groundhog's progrostinations extend to the U.K. I hope not.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
"Brokeback Mountain" and Me
I went to see the critically acclaimed, Oscar-nominated Brokeback Mountain today.
Am I allowed to say I didn't like it very much?
OK, the scenery was beautiful, even though most of it was filmed in Alberta, Canada and not in Wyoming, U.S. I though Heath Ledger did a fine job, even if he did spend a lot of the time mumbling. I thought the overall portrayal of the love story between the two cowboys was well done.
But overall, I have to say.... Eh. (As in, "Eh, I can take it or leave it.")
Somehow all the nice bits didn't come together, for me, to make a really great film. I think it's a classic example of loads of people telling you what a great movie/book/television show/play it was, only to find the product didn't really reflect the culmulative effect of all those positive reviews.
(On a personal note, I now have seen a nominated Best Supporting Actor for two years running. Last year, I saw Clive Owen (and walked just behind him!) when we went to see "The Producers." I saw Jake Gyllenhaall-- before he was really famous-- in the West End several years ago when he starred in "This is Our Youth.")
I read the original story in the New Yorker and liked it very much, but I'm not sure that they needed to make a movie out of it.
Am I allowed to say I didn't like it very much?
OK, the scenery was beautiful, even though most of it was filmed in Alberta, Canada and not in Wyoming, U.S. I though Heath Ledger did a fine job, even if he did spend a lot of the time mumbling. I thought the overall portrayal of the love story between the two cowboys was well done.
But overall, I have to say.... Eh. (As in, "Eh, I can take it or leave it.")
Somehow all the nice bits didn't come together, for me, to make a really great film. I think it's a classic example of loads of people telling you what a great movie/book/television show/play it was, only to find the product didn't really reflect the culmulative effect of all those positive reviews.
(On a personal note, I now have seen a nominated Best Supporting Actor for two years running. Last year, I saw Clive Owen (and walked just behind him!) when we went to see "The Producers." I saw Jake Gyllenhaall-- before he was really famous-- in the West End several years ago when he starred in "This is Our Youth.")
I read the original story in the New Yorker and liked it very much, but I'm not sure that they needed to make a movie out of it.
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