Community!

I always want to hate most tv shows; they have work pretty darn hard to prove their worth to me. (Sorry, Parks and Recreation.) It even took me a while to warm up to 30 Rock, a show that I love so much it gives me a little tingle, like seeing the boy you had a crush on at, say, community college.

I spent two excellent years at community college, where I met a smorgasboard of freaks and geniuses alike, and honestly, got a better education than at the four-year state school I later attended. Therefore, I was kind of excited to hear about NBC's new show, Community.

The premise is kinda silly; a lawyer who gets caught with a fake degree is forced to back to his local community college, but whatever works to get into the strange dynamics of all 2-year schools. I thought the pilot had potential, and upon watching the second episode today, I am forced to deem this show hilarious! Chevy Chase as the obligatory obnoxious "returning student" is inspired; nobody does pompous ass like he can (I wonder why!). Here's an episode for your judgement.

Sunday Stash!

I couldn't resist this fabric. I am currently making an Amy Butler bag with it; results soon in my shop. In other news, I'm watching The 'Burbs and drinking iced tea with one Sweet 'n Low. I know the saccharine is killing me, but I don't care. A woman has to have some vices.

A day in the life of a shiftless drifter...

I don't think the sale is over, either. Get your own inside pants!

Oh yeah; here's a humorous video about Ghostbusters!

RIP Johnny Castle

RIP, Patrick Swayze. I didn't see Dirty Dancing until I was mostly grown-up, but I've watched it enough since then to make up for lost time. A classic. The Swayz had a weird and varied career (To Wong Foo, anyone?) but was beloved by all. This quote from my fave film website sums it up nicely: "He’s made a lot of bad movies, too, but somehow, most of those only endeared him to us."

Here's how I'll remember his charm and gorgeous dancing skills. Sorry for the terrible quality, but it's the only video with the actual sketch. Enjoy!

Sunday Stash!

Whew, I just made it! This new Kokka fabric is the best; from making little dolls to appliqueing on everything. I'd like to have yards and yards of it, but as I am both poor and cheap, I only have a half-yard.

You mean I have to pay attention?

I swear, guys, I don't just sit around watching movies all day. Wait. Well. Okay, I do. But I do it simultaneously with a million other activities, including any crafting or sewing. It drives people crazy. They ask, "How can you stand not actually watching the movie?" as I'm usually looking up only occasionally from my work to see the picture. But I can hear all the dialogue just fine, and that's enough entertainment for me.

However, this doesn't work with silent movies, which is what I chose to watch tonight after going through 25 screenfuls of Netflix options. I'd never heard of this one, Aelita, Queen of Mars, and for whatever reason, it was the only thing I could consider spending my time on this evening.

Basically, it's about a bunch of poor folks trying to make it through the days during the Russian Revolution. One of these guys really, really wants to go to Mars, and the best parts of the film are his Martian fantasies. Oh, and did I mention it was the first movie about space travel?

I won't lie to you: it's pretty darn slow, but worth it for the scenes on Mars; the sets and costume design are crizzazy! Get a taste, or watch the whole thing on YouTube.

Earlier today, I made this while "watching" Clueless, an equally enjoyable film that takes a little less scrutiny to comprend.

God Gave Rock and Roll To You...

The couch I watched all my vacation movies from.

Whenever I visit Portland, I stay with my beloved friend Derek, who lives in the same building I used to live in. It's a little bit like going back in time, to return to the exact same building where I spent my formative years making all the strange choices one makes in their early 20's, but I love staying somewhere familiar and cozy. Not to mention that Derek's apartment is impeccably decorated with a film memorabilia collection that demands its very own future post.

Derek also has the amazing skill of curating an evening at home with absolutely appropriate drinks and films that you'd never end up watching otherwise, and blowing out your mind with their awesomeness, no matter how avant-garde. On my last trip, I was introduced to the super-trippy short films of Kenneth Anger, and the beautiful underwater cinematography of Jean Painleve. The Criterion Collection recently put out an amazing collection of his works, including a big chunk of films re-scored by Yo La Tengo called "Science is Fiction." Beautiful! Here's a sampler.


Also, I guess when you search "Jean Painleve octopus" on YouTube, the following video comes up as well. A magical non-sequitur to take you into whatever today has to offer you! Enjoy.

Experimentation

I'm pretty proud of myself for stepping up and attempting the most difficult Blythe pattern I own. It was pretty tedious, but doable! The sleeves ended up being way too long, so I shoved them up for a more casual look.

Now on to a week of even more tedious work, manning the front desk at another big technology company. Just kidding. I love boring jobs! Work is work and I'm glad to have it. Hopefully there will be ample time for blogging, though.

The Origin of Love

Portland Teaser...

I saw a lot of things in Portland. This was one of them. A big post is on its way!