I know a lot of you (A LOT OF YOU) hated it, and I can't blame you. Two years ago, my least favorite thing about LOST was the mystical element. I wanted scientific abnormalities. I wanted nefarious government, rich guy ne'er do well intrigue. I did NOT want to hear anything else about this bullshit Jacob guy that I was convinced Ben had invented. I did not want to see Smokey ever again.
But here we are. And at the end of the journey, I'm finding the revelations delicious. And I especially love being right.
Last summer, we were re-watching the first season and I started taking notes to track common themes (lame, I know) and I started noticing that backgammon seemed to be imbued with significance.
Don't know anything about backgammon? Yeah, me either. But I looked up the Wikipedia, which basically said backgammon is the oldest board game for two players in the world, and takes luck and strategy to win. A player wins when all his pieces are removed from the board. Players can also raise the stakes in the game.
Hm...that sounds a lot like a game played for a bajillion years by Smokey and Jacob, except they play with people. And perhaps to win the game against Jacob, Smokey has to remove all his pieces from the board (i.e. the LOSTies).
But that could be a lot of mumbo jumbo on my part. Another thing I loved about this episode was that it set Jacob and Smokey up as brothers, just like Jacob and Esau. At the beginning of this season, I mentioned on this blog that I thought it would be interesting if the MIB and Jacob turned out to have a similar story to those Biblical brothers, who were lifelong enemies. Welp, look who gets a cookie! That's right...ME!
The thing I'm struggling with is whether it's good to be right. Because as much as I'm glad I was able to accurately predict some elements of the episode, I don't know if that necessarily made it great storytelling. The whole backstory was a little too simple...when you give a bad guy an empathetic backstory, it becomes kind of boring...like showing us Anakin before he was Vader.
Anyways, let's hit the big notes:
ADAM AND EVE: Well, I was right about the white and black stone being game pieces (not sure if it's backgammon or not). I was not right about the skeletons having to do with time travel. They are the boys' adoptive, murderous mother and what was once the Man in Black.
The Man in Black has a corpse?! If Jacob killed the Man in Black, but we've seen him interact with Richard, then how was that possible? The only thing I can figure is that Smokey figured out how to take form, especially in bodies that could really haunt the people they came in contact with.
The Man in Black is nameless: Did no one ever name that little boy? He was, truly, an afterthought, but from the moment of his birth, the adoptive mom (played by the glorious Allison Janney) seemed to recognize his potential and removed his own mother from the picture.
Why is he special? Is it because he has the power to see dead people? Or because he has the power to lie?
Wine = birthright: In the story of Jacob and Esau, Jacob offers Esau stew in exchange for his birthright. I thought it was interesting that in the LOST world, the power of Island Protector passes through a gulp of wine.
What is that light anyways? Okay, so the island has crazy magnetism and light coming from beneath. Will we ever get an explanation to this? I thought it was cool to see that the MIB had the idea to build the wheel, which we now know only moves the island. But his whole plan was really weird and I thought, "Why does he think this plan will work?"
Why did the light turn him into Smokey? I don't have any theories, but the entire scene reminded me of the scene in Indiana Jones when the Ark of the Covenant explodes with light and you're NOT SUPPOSED TO LOOK!!
How did the Adoptive Mom get to island? She said it was an accident. How did she come to be the Keeper of the Light? I also wondered if she had the same abilities to sway people and infect their brains like the MIB. She seemed to know exactly what to say to both her boys.
Smokey mentioned before that he had a crazy mother, and boy did he. But have you noted that her influence still dictates many of his actions? He still has no qualms about murder (like her) of men, because they are corrupt.
I think, of every line spoken on the whole damn show, Allison Janney spoke the most telling when she said, "Every question I answer will simply lead to another question. You should rest. Just be grateful you're alive."
Again, the show was back in the thick of the faith vs. science debate, and I really do believe that's what the show is about. At times, it seemed like it was about many different things, but at its core, it's always been about different world views. Is it better to question everything and search for answers, or better to have faith in a greater power and accept one's fate as it is? The show seems to have been a six-year-long pros and cons list for both, and I think most of us wrestle with the desire to just go with the flow or to seek for more.
One note about this week's episode: While it was super corny, I found myself disappointed to see that next week, we'll rejoin the castaways. Has anyone else come to hate most of them the way I have?
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TitleLost in Translation (2003) - Insomnia
Well, what is there to say about "Lost in Translation"?
If you've seen the movie you'll know why I chose to make a video about it - and if you haven't watched the movie yet you should definitely give it a try. :o)
"Lost in Translation" is one of the very few movies that I remember watching more than once at the theater (instead of waiting for the DVD release).
The underlying sad truths and the uplifting note (yep, both there at the same time) lingered with me for quite a while, and even made me think about a couple of things (or lack thereof) in my own life.
"I just don't know what I'm supposed to be."
"You'll figure that out. The more you know who you are, and what you want, the less you let things upset you."
:o)
I had a hard time finding a song to go with all the scenes I wanted to include (way too many by the way, but I hope I still managed to combine my favorites without making an unstructured mess), but eventually settled for Electric President's "Insomnia".
Apart from the fitting title, it matches the mood of the movie very well, being both tragic as well as hopeful...
And speaking of hope, I hope you enjoy watching this. :o)
Music: Electric President - Insomnia
Cast:
Bill Murray (Broken Flowers, The Royal Tenenbaums)
Scarlett Johansson (The Prestige, Match Point)
Giovanni Ribisi (Cold Mountain, Saving Private Ryan)
Anna Faris (Brokeback Mountain, Scary Movie)
Title:Lost in Translation - Coldplay "Trouble"
Clips from the movie Lost in Translation
Song: Trouble by Coldplay
Documento sin título
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WHAT: A Chic Affair is an exclusive, one day event for the discerning, modern bride that celebrates the art of getting married by presenting a carefully curated, couture collection of the most distinguished national brands and local gems to delight and inspire the Washington D.C bride-to-be.
WHERE: Long View Gallery – 1234 Ninth St, NW, Washington D.C 20001
WHEN: Sunday, March 21, 2010 11:00 am – 3:30 pm
SPONSORS: Brides.com, Brides Washington, Cartier, Gala Events Inc, Events by Andre Wells, Wolfgang Puck, The Dandelion Patch, Carine’s Bridal Atelier, Bloomingdales, Georgetown Cupcake, Erwin Gomez Salon, Elizabeth Arden, Room Service, DC Rentals, Rodney Bailey, HDO Tents
PROGRAM: Products & services for discerning tastes
Advice from the Experts on style, beauty, etiquette, invitations, the big day and more: Andre Wells, Heidi Kallett, Lauren A. Rothman, Brides.com and Brides Washington Magazine
A Green Affair – special vendor designation for our participants incorporating green initiatives into their businesses for the eco-conscious bride
Runway Show styled by Carine’s Bridal Atelier, a carefully curated collection of the world’s premier designers such as Monique Lhullier and Carolina Herrera presented in a high glamour, urban, innovative and unexpected runway experience
EXHIBITS: The best brands in categories such as beauty, accessories, cakes & confections, catering, rentals, florals, honeymoon, stationary, jewelry, photography & videography, planning & support.
TICKETS: Available online at A Chic Affair for $35.00 and available onsite for $45
ABOUT: A Chic Affair is a one of a kind bridal experience which brings together a select collection of the most lavish national brands and the most distinctive Washington area resources. The event provides brides with the latest trends and timeless elegance.
Discerning brides can view a collection of the area’s premier wedding resources, sample hors d’oeuvres, sip creative cocktails, enjoy a cake and champagne tasting, get expert advice from the country’s foremost experts all before leaving with an exclusive gift bag brimming with products and special offers. A Chic Affair also adds two brand-new concepts to this action-packed event for 2010 – A Gentlemen’s Lounge, and the debut of the eco-conscious collection – A Green Affair.
The climax of the event, a formal runway show highly conceptualized by Carine Krawic of Carine’s Bridal Atelier and A Chic Affair Executive Producer Rachael Glaws and designed by Jamie Greenwald of Gala Events will show a collection of gowns by the world’s premier designers in a high glamour, ‘urban’ chic tour de force exhibition, like nothing you have ever seen on a bridal runway.
A Chic Affair is far more than a bridal show, it is a social and relaxing afternoon to be pampered, delighted and inspired and remember how much excitement this special time has to offer.
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Title: Dallas Bridal Show | Fashion Show
We were proud to be a part the Dallas Bridal Show presented by Bridal Shows Inc. This year's event featured a fashion show by famed designer, Jorge Perez. During the show it was announced that Project Husband's Lisa Linehan will be wearing one of four Perez dresses, and that America gets to decide which of the final four Lisa will wear on her special day.
Jorgeperezdelahabana.com
For more information about Project Husband, and to vote for your favorite dress, visit www.projecthusband.com.
Music provided by:
Nicholas Alan - Hollywood
Kahuna Kawentzmann - Passage to Papeete
The Lascivious Biddies - Odd Bird
Lisa Linehan - Wanna Get Married
Title: Suhaag 2010 Bridal Fashion Show Pt.1
Fashion Studio7 covers the Suhaag 2010 Bridal show. See highlights from the event, clips from the fashion show, and some of the top vendors.
WEBSITE:
http://www.fashionstudio7.com
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Title: Elite Bridal Events - Georgia Bridal Show
Join us for the South's Elite Bridal Event since 1990! Our bridal shows are comprised of the most reliable, trustworthy and professional local vendors including photographers, caterers, florists, entertainment, travel, gowns, formalwear, gift registry and more. There will also be live entertainment and a spectacular, professionally choreographed fashion show! Registered brides will receive a FREE one year subscription to Modern Bride magazine and will be eligible to win a deluxe, all-inclusive honeymoon! Tickets are $10 cash only at the door, or you can click on the links below to purchase discounted tickets. Children 5 years old and younger are free.
UNLIKE ANY OTHER BRIDAL SHOWCOME EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE!
Title: Suhaag 2010 Bridal Fashion Show Pt.1
Fashion Studio7 covers the Suhaag 2010 Bridal show. See highlights from the event, clips from the fashion show, and some of the top vendors.
Hopefully I will update about our Thanksgiving eats, but first I want to write a little recap of all the ridiculously AMAZING food I had in Alexandria and Baltimore this weekend. Eating out is my favorite thing (way more than cooking, I have to admit) and boy, did I do a lot of it!
ALEXANDRIA
Sean, my future sister-in-law Katie, her friend Diane and I all went to Cafe Salsa Grill, a "nuevo latino" restaurant with lots of Cuban and Puerto Rican goodies on the menu. I ordered an appetizer of empanadas, which came with a trio, stuffed with seasoned ground beef, marinated chicken and cheese, and spinach and cheese.
They were delicious, especially the chicken, but three wasn't going to fill me up by any stretch of the imagination. So Diane very graciously offered me half of her sandwich, the Pollo el Aioli, which had shredded chicken, cheese, roasted tomatoes, red onions and avocado piled on a grilled French baguette. It was as good as that sounds.
BALTIMORE
On Saturday night, Sean and I went to meet Arthur (his Best Man) and two of his college friends in downtown Baltimore. I had never been to the city before, but I was impressed by the nicer parts of town and gleefully identified spots from "The Wire" in some of the not-as-nice areas we passed.
Arthur took us to Fell's Point (pictured above), a historic area with plenty of great restaurants, bars and shops. We had dinner at Kooper's Tavern, which specializes in glorious, glorious burgers. The tavern even owns a burger truck that travels around the city, making gourmet burgers on the spot.
I had the "Elvis Got the Blues" 1/2 pound Angus burger, with Maytag blue cheese and apple-smoked bacon WITH a side of sweet potato fries AND a Franziskaner Hefe Weiss beer. It was so delicious across the board. I ate every last bite of that burger and ended up splitting my beer with Arthur because I was s-t-u-f-f-e-d. Everyone spent the entire meal oohing and aahing over their burgers.
Later, we stopped into Bertha's Restaurant and Bar, famous for its green "Eat Berthas Mussels" bumper stickers, for a cream ale for Arthur. It's a tight squeeze, so we ended up leaving pretty quickly, but it seemed like a great bar for a small party.
Finally, we crossed the street from Bertha's to get gelato at Pitango Gelato, a very chic, Eames chair-filled gelateria. I got mojito sorbet, which tasted basically exactly like a frozen mojito and wowed everyone at my table. I paired it with white grapefruit sorbet, which was good, but surprisingly peppery, if that makes sense.
All in all, I was very impressed with Baltimore's food offerings and I heartily recommend a night there to all of you.
Today I'm celebrating two special occasions: my 23rd birthday, and my 4th anniversary with Mr. SE. How special that they're on the same day!
We don't have any fancy birthday plans. I find it a little hard to celebrate with all the sadness in our city right now. But the rain clouds are gone and the sun is out- so there's the good news!
During the entire experience of planning the ceremony, I kept equating it to my small amount of experience in the theater. Scene changes, costumes, places, lines...it all seemed pretty familiar to me, and when people asked me if I was nervous, I figured the worst that could happen was someone would mess up, and audiences love that.
I attribute that experience with my sense of calm on the actual day. When my friend Chanelle got married to her longtime sweetheart, whom she met in high school, she seemed preternaturally calm. I remember I asked her how she could be so calm, and she said she was just excited. Not emotional or overwhelmed, just excited. I wanted to be like that.
In reality, I got a little weepy pretty quickly after I arrived at the venue. I peeked through the windows onto the garden and saw that my vision — my carefully planned, explained, crafted vision — was reality and I couldn't look away. My bridesmaids and I kept running into guests who were unabashedly coming up to talk to me, despite my dress and all that, so we finally had to face our chairs away from the door.
My mother came in and I noticed her chin was wobbling, a tell-tale sign of tears. She said, "I just came in to say goodbye to my baby." I was like, "Oh, don't be silly" but then I said, "I really miss Nana today" and that really got us going.
Before I knew it, it was time to line up. I think Miranda literally said, "It's show time," and I was so excited. It didn't really hit me that this was really happening until the music started.
Our parents walked in to "Dream a Little Dream of Me" by The Mamas and the Papas, and the groomsmen walked in to "Our House" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. That song makes me cry any day of the week, and this was no exception.
My bridesmaids walked down the "aisle" to "Here, There and Everywhere" by The Beatles.
And then it was my turn. I managed to stay composed until I heard that first magical strain of Cat Power's cover of "Sea of Love." I downloaded that song sometime in the winter of 2003 and knew at that moment it would be in my wedding. Despite my best efforts, I immediately felt my composure waver, and before I knew it, I was biting my lip to stop the tears. I decided to just smile through it.
My dad, by the way, thought the song choice was awesome. That's because he is awesome.
I think brides have a tendency to think they'll magically be a different person on their wedding day. A graceful, ballerina-like swan, perhaps. I was totally and completely, maybe embarrassingly, me. The sun blinded me as we walked down the aisle, so I scrapped my original plan of gazing into Sean's eyes and decided instead to look at my guests. I was so excited to see some of them, I mouthed, "I LOVE YOU!" in a big theatrical way.
I cried through most of the ceremony, I have to admit. Sean looked at me with such tenderness, I think I was almost in shock. I squeezed his hand as hard as I could.
But I was still aware of the outside world. At one point, birds flew into the tree and our guests audibly sighed with pleasure. Everyone told me later that it seemed almost too romantic. I heard the birds and the water from the fountain, and I remember thinking, "This must be beautiful."
I remember feeling such a big lump in my throat that I was surprised to hear my own voice echoing through the garden when I said my vows. I focused very hard on repeating them the right way, and was pleased my voice didn't waver. Sean, for once, didn't mumble.
When it came time for rings, I could barely get Sean's on his finger, so I just threw up my hands and said, "Close enough."
And then we kissed! And then we eskimo kissed; when we first started dating, I taught Sean about eskimo kisses.
And suddenly, we were husband and wife. It was an amazing feeling to face this group of people who we love and who love us, and wanted to be there to witness.
And despite our fancy outfits and special words, we were still ourselves, as we walked away. I said, "Are you excited to be married?" and Sean characteristically said, "Yeah."
I had a very hard time narrowing my ideas for the wedding, and I couldn't have written the ceremony without the help of my cousin Deena, who served as our officiant. Deena and her husband are both chaplains, and she has always been my father's favorite cousin. She married my father and stepmother a few years ago, and at that time, I thought she was the best officiant I'd ever seen: warm and friendly, but capable of conveying the depth of the day.
As a former English major, I could have picked hundreds of readings, but I was able to choose just three: a selection from "Anne of Avonlea" by L.M. Montgomery, a selection from "Still Life With Woodpecker" by Tom Robbins and "Union" by Robert Fulgham.
My dear friend Sara, a children's librarian who went through the English program with me, read the "Anne of Avonlea" selection. We both have a shared love of Anne with an E. Here it is:
"It was as if a veil that had hung before her inner consciousness had been lifted, giving to her view a revelation of unsuspected feelings and realities.
Perhaps, after all, romance did not come into one's life with pomp and blare, like a gay knight riding down; perhaps it crept to one's side like an old friend through quiet ways; perhaps it revealed itself in seeming prose, until some sudden shaft of illumination flung athwart its pages, betrayed the rhythm and the music; perhaps...perhaps...love unfolded naturally out of a beautiful friendship, as a golden-hearted rose slipping from its green sheath."
Our friend Mark, a poet himself, read a selection from "Still Life With Woodpecker." Mark has excellent taste and is much more well-read than I, so I was hesitant to share my selection with him. Imagine how delighted I was when he said it perfectly expressed how he feels, too! Here it is:
"Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won't adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is to sign on as its accomplice. Instead of vowing to honor and obey, maybe we should swear to aid and abet. That would mean that security is out of the question. The words 'make' and 'stay' become inappropriate. My love for you has no strings attached. I love you for free."
And this one, "Union" by Robert Fulgham, is the one that made me cry. Deena read this one for us, and I've received many compliments on choosing it. It's very relatable for any couple:
“You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks — all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married,” and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” — all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” — and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.
The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed — well, I meant it all, every word.”
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another — acquaintance, friend, companion, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never be the same.
For after today, you shall say to the world — This is my husband. This is my wife.”
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TitleThe BEST Best Man Speech EVER
My brother toasts us. The awesomest best man toast of all time, in my opinion.
Title:At My Wedding Twitterring and Facebooking at the Altar
This was just done to be funny - we really don't Facebook THAT often :).
A special thanks to Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, MD. If you are in the area and are looking for someplace with great community, children, and small group ministries check us out at http://mountainchiristian.org.
I have a lot of family scattered around the country and we all use Facebook a lot to keep in touch. So when Tracy and I were engaged, most of my family found out via Facebook because we updated our statuses.
I surprised not only my guests, but also Tracy by pulling out my phone and posting on Facebook and Twitter from the altar during out wedding.
I had her phone ready in my pocket, so when she asked for it I could hand it to her. No one knew about this except the minister, and myself.
Here is the twitter post:
http://twitter.com/TheSoftwareJedi/status/5925126890
Documento sin título
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TitleErric and Sally's wedding ceremony
Wedding ceremony, Austin, Texas.
Title:At My Wedding Twitterring and Facebooking at the Altar
This was just done to be funny - we really don't Facebook THAT often :).
A special thanks to Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, MD. If you are in the area and are looking for someplace with great community, children, and small group ministries check us out at http://mountainchiristian.org.
I have a lot of family scattered around the country and we all use Facebook a lot to keep in touch. So when Tracy and I were engaged, most of my family found out via Facebook because we updated our statuses.
I surprised not only my guests, but also Tracy by pulling out my phone and posting on Facebook and Twitter from the altar during out wedding.
I had her phone ready in my pocket, so when she asked for it I could hand it to her. No one knew about this except the minister, and myself.
Here is the twitter post:
http://twitter.com/TheSoftwareJedi/status/5925126890
Documento sin título
Videos Relacionados:below I show related videos and not so related to this article.
TitleAt My Wedding Twitterring and Facebooking at the Altar
This was just done to be funny - we really don't Facebook THAT often :).
A special thanks to Mountain Christian Church in Joppa, MD. If you are in the area and are looking for someplace with great community, children, and small group ministries check us out at http://mountainchiristian.org.
I have a lot of family scattered around the country and we all use Facebook a lot to keep in touch. So when Tracy and I were engaged, most of my family found out via Facebook because we updated our statuses.
I surprised not only my guests, but also Tracy by pulling out my phone and posting on Facebook and Twitter from the altar during out wedding.
I had her phone ready in my pocket, so when she asked for it I could hand it to her. No one knew about this except the minister, and myself.
Here is the twitter post:
http://twitter.com/TheSoftwareJedi/status/5925126890
Title:The BEST Best Man Speech EVER
My brother toasts us. The awesomest best man toast of all time, in my opinion.
Who doesn't love Footloose? I mean, really... Thanks to my incredibly lovely (and newly married!) friend Cat, I came across The Tie Bar. This website has jillions upon jillions of fantastic ties. They're all reasonably priced ($15) and there are so many colors and styles to choose from.
Mr. SE is quite a fashionista, and I want to make sure all of our guys are looking super fly on the big day. Here's what we're thinking: black tuxes, white shirts, and a colored tie. Vets? I don't know. We'll have to try them on at the store. As for ties, I'm totally in love with paisley patterns! They successfully incorporate the formal, but fun vision for our wedding. Here's some of my favorites! What are your thoughts? As usual- I love hearing your opinions!
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wedding planning ideas, developing a wedding checklist, organizing wedding flowers, catering, photography. wedding planner is a professional who assists with planning and organization of weddings
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