This year I am cooking a full turkey dinner in the morning. My daugher is working
and my son is staying in Washington DC for the holiday, so I am going to family-friends for dinner at 4:00pm and visiting with them, and taking a plate home for Chelsea to eat when she comes home at 8:00pm. I decided to cook a full dinner even though we are not going to be home to enjoy it Thanksgiving--it will be available for
Chelsea and I on Friday! Yeah! Thanksgiving is not complete unless I cook!
Chad and Eileen will call one hundred times Thanksgiving with jokes and nice messages, because they will be away enjoying their own tradition with each other and
some close friends! They entertain alot--always something going on with them....so
they will be texting Chelsea at work and calling me all day as usual!!! They always
invite Chelsea and myself to come for Thanksgiving, but we decline because it is a
short weekend...and for us to fly non-revenue it is a hassle. Chelsea usually works
every holiday-at least part of the day....so we all have accustomed ourselves to
her schedule. I am thankful for my children and my job and my life in general...God
is good all the time!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Gaunt to Gargantuan and Back: The Atkins Method of Acting
I have written my paper regarding the article Gaunt to Garantuan and Back: The Adkins
Method of Acting. The paper is on my blog-but I would like to say one more thing
in repetition of my views of this article. It is very necessary for people to understand actors are professionals and they are playing a role. They are not role-models to be copied. They have chosen a highly skilled profession that provides
them with the knowledge and professionals qualified to help them attain their goals.
They are well educated and paid to do their jobs in this field. They are given choices to allow them to role play on the screen or in live performance. They are
following their own desires and decisions to role play and how they accomplish
this feat is their choice.
Method of Acting. The paper is on my blog-but I would like to say one more thing
in repetition of my views of this article. It is very necessary for people to understand actors are professionals and they are playing a role. They are not role-models to be copied. They have chosen a highly skilled profession that provides
them with the knowledge and professionals qualified to help them attain their goals.
They are well educated and paid to do their jobs in this field. They are given choices to allow them to role play on the screen or in live performance. They are
following their own desires and decisions to role play and how they accomplish
this feat is their choice.
Gaunt to Gargantuan and Back
11/15/09
I enjoyed reading the article, Gaunt to Gargantuan and Back: the Atkins Method
of Acting by Caryn James. This article discussed the extremities actors undertake when they decide to play a character. Weight gain and reduction was the main topic
discussed in this article. In reading this topic, I felt the author was not only
stating facts she had researched, but expressed her dissatisfaction and disguist
for this type of preparation for character roles. She talked about specific actors
and films, gaining or losing weight for the role play. She briefly discussed the opinion of Dr. Jean Petrucelli, co-director of eating disorders in Manhattan; "The Biggest Loser" television reality show, and childhood obesity. In a negative undertone these topics were discussed and presented in this article. Her writing did not present itself as neutral or factual, but rather negative and judgemental.
I feel acting is an art as well as an occupation. Actors are well aware of all the techniques available for them in taking on a role in a film. They realize they can
use many facets to appear larger or smaller on the screen. When a person decides to
role play, they have options and choices in which to relay the portrayal of the character they are playing. Actors decide for themselves how they want to reach the
destination they desire. The vehicle they choose is their choice, and should be
respected. Successful actors are well paid for their talent, and the extremes they take to impact on the audience is their own choice. These artists have trainers, chefs, doctors, and many advisors to help them create these roles and make their
choices. Actors have an impact on the audience, but people decide their own fate.
One cannot blame others for their personal issues, because we all have choices in life. It was Robert DeNiro's choice to gain 50 pounds for his role in Raging Bull.
It was Christian Bail's choice to lose 60 pounds for the film, The Machinist. Many famous actors respect realism in films, like challenges and study scripts to become the person they are playing. For a period of time, they literally become the person
they are asked to represent. One can always find a reason for their problem through
blame. Actors are trained to perform their art, and should not be held responsible
for influencing people in ordinary life. Actors are exactly what they are "actors," they are pretending to be someone else. They are acting a role, not literally becoming the person they represent. Holding an actor responsible for role modeling
for our youth, or for eating disorders is absurb. Actors entertain audiences through
their skills and deliverances of a role. It is their choice of occupation in life.
I enjoyed reading the article, Gaunt to Gargantuan and Back: the Atkins Method
of Acting by Caryn James. This article discussed the extremities actors undertake when they decide to play a character. Weight gain and reduction was the main topic
discussed in this article. In reading this topic, I felt the author was not only
stating facts she had researched, but expressed her dissatisfaction and disguist
for this type of preparation for character roles. She talked about specific actors
and films, gaining or losing weight for the role play. She briefly discussed the opinion of Dr. Jean Petrucelli, co-director of eating disorders in Manhattan; "The Biggest Loser" television reality show, and childhood obesity. In a negative undertone these topics were discussed and presented in this article. Her writing did not present itself as neutral or factual, but rather negative and judgemental.
I feel acting is an art as well as an occupation. Actors are well aware of all the techniques available for them in taking on a role in a film. They realize they can
use many facets to appear larger or smaller on the screen. When a person decides to
role play, they have options and choices in which to relay the portrayal of the character they are playing. Actors decide for themselves how they want to reach the
destination they desire. The vehicle they choose is their choice, and should be
respected. Successful actors are well paid for their talent, and the extremes they take to impact on the audience is their own choice. These artists have trainers, chefs, doctors, and many advisors to help them create these roles and make their
choices. Actors have an impact on the audience, but people decide their own fate.
One cannot blame others for their personal issues, because we all have choices in life. It was Robert DeNiro's choice to gain 50 pounds for his role in Raging Bull.
It was Christian Bail's choice to lose 60 pounds for the film, The Machinist. Many famous actors respect realism in films, like challenges and study scripts to become the person they are playing. For a period of time, they literally become the person
they are asked to represent. One can always find a reason for their problem through
blame. Actors are trained to perform their art, and should not be held responsible
for influencing people in ordinary life. Actors are exactly what they are "actors," they are pretending to be someone else. They are acting a role, not literally becoming the person they represent. Holding an actor responsible for role modeling
for our youth, or for eating disorders is absurb. Actors entertain audiences through
their skills and deliverances of a role. It is their choice of occupation in life.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
What I Did Halloween Weekend!
11/2/09
Unfortunately I did college papers all weekend, except for Saturday, when I cleaned
my townhouse, did laundry and watched my favorite show, "NCIS." It was a marathon
and really good!!! I enjoyed my Saturday basically relaxing as I accomplished home
feats necessary to keep the home fires burning.....What I wanted to do was go see
Michael Jackson's Movie, "This Is It." It is his last concert performed in Paris.
I will see it eventually-but with teaching and college I am swamped....therefore I
feel I accomplished a tremendous amount of most important work needed to be done!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Did You Know?
I enjoyed the youtube Video, "Did You Know?" I found it to be fascinating information regarding daily life exposures we take for granted. It put facts in point blank perspective, by stating information calculated out by educated people who have studied these various amounts of statistical data.
There were several statements that impressed me. “India has more honor kids then the USA has kids.” An amazing statement, seeing I never thought India had that type of education available, and children that bright—to compare to our culture and education. I realized Europe leads in the educational field in many ways, but India, that was a surprise.
Another statement was made, “People will have had 10-14 jobs by age 38.”
That statement amazes me, because I thought people were more knowledgeable about their field of interest, and what they desired to do in the working field. This statement leads me to believe we do not know what we actually wanted to educate ourselves in, therefore we change jobs, or careers often. Or does that mean a person is constantly striving to self improve, or financially attain a goal, or exactly what? I really do not know that answer.
“31 billion searches on Google every moment,” was another statistic I was amazed at. I realize people use Google for information on all levels, but 31 billion every moment.Wow!
“China is the #1 English speaking country,” was another surprise. I would have guessed it was Spain, because Spanish is the second desired language to learn beside English.
Another fact that took me aback was, “There are 540,000 English language words.”
It seems the number of our words in English would be higher, that seemed very low to me.
The fact that really upset me was, in the technical field, “Half of what they learn the 1st year of study will be outdated by their 3rd year of study.” What a waste of knowledge learned, that will be outdated before one graduates. Everyone knows you always learn new things on a daily basis, but to know what you have studied as your major to be totally outdated before you graduate is outlandish. Actually very sad to think everything is progressing at that tremendous speed.
The video on youtube went so quickly I had to look at it several times to grasp the information I was interested in. I know this video was put together at a fast tempo to concretely illustrate the fact, technology increases at a rapid rate, and this video was assembled to demonstrate that actuality. The facts I observed surprised and upset me at the same time. I wish the world could slow down a little bit.
There were several statements that impressed me. “India has more honor kids then the USA has kids.” An amazing statement, seeing I never thought India had that type of education available, and children that bright—to compare to our culture and education. I realized Europe leads in the educational field in many ways, but India, that was a surprise.
Another statement was made, “People will have had 10-14 jobs by age 38.”
That statement amazes me, because I thought people were more knowledgeable about their field of interest, and what they desired to do in the working field. This statement leads me to believe we do not know what we actually wanted to educate ourselves in, therefore we change jobs, or careers often. Or does that mean a person is constantly striving to self improve, or financially attain a goal, or exactly what? I really do not know that answer.
“31 billion searches on Google every moment,” was another statistic I was amazed at. I realize people use Google for information on all levels, but 31 billion every moment.Wow!
“China is the #1 English speaking country,” was another surprise. I would have guessed it was Spain, because Spanish is the second desired language to learn beside English.
Another fact that took me aback was, “There are 540,000 English language words.”
It seems the number of our words in English would be higher, that seemed very low to me.
The fact that really upset me was, in the technical field, “Half of what they learn the 1st year of study will be outdated by their 3rd year of study.” What a waste of knowledge learned, that will be outdated before one graduates. Everyone knows you always learn new things on a daily basis, but to know what you have studied as your major to be totally outdated before you graduate is outlandish. Actually very sad to think everything is progressing at that tremendous speed.
The video on youtube went so quickly I had to look at it several times to grasp the information I was interested in. I know this video was put together at a fast tempo to concretely illustrate the fact, technology increases at a rapid rate, and this video was assembled to demonstrate that actuality. The facts I observed surprised and upset me at the same time. I wish the world could slow down a little bit.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Stepping Into The Middle East
On Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. I had the delightful experience of stepping into the Middle East. I entered a beautifully decorated Mediterranean restaurant named LaPita. The atmosphere took my breath away with sparkling chandeliers, quaint pictures of deserts, animals, and people of the Middle East, and valuable displays of artifacts of a land many miles away. The elevated booths were draped dining areas allowing privacy for a couple, or a few people. Wooden tables of various sizes were scattered throughout the main dining facility, enhancing a richly textured carpeted floor. Upon entering the restaurant, located dead center, a huge square table lay with layers of silk and lace surrounding the intimate setting. This secluded space allows the customers to have small, private parties for various occasions.
The focal point of this room was a brightly lit, rounded fireplace where pita bread was being made. The woman preparing the bread was dressed in a simple dress with a wrap on her head. She spoke Arabic to her co-workers and the patrons watching this procedure. It enticed your taste buds, and with your mouthwatering, you became fascinated with this process. Memorized as you watched her kneading the white bread, you observed her place it into the open fire, and then remove a rounded, golden-colored cooked masterpiece—baked pita bread. In observing this process, it brought back memories of my childhood, assisting my mother while she baked Christmas bread. The aroma of cinnamon, nuts, and raisins filled the air, along with the remembrance of kneading the powdery dough. The clatter of tin pans being placed into the oven was also brought back to my mind. I felt great memories as I watched the Arab woman busy at work making her customary, culinary art.
As you passed the entrance, several awards of fine dining hung on the walls, inviting you to experience exquisite food. To the left of the cashier counter was a hall that led you into another space of distinct quality. There was a smoking cabinet with cigars and expensive smokes. A large, fully stocked bar with detailed scrolling invited you to drink fine beverages, liquor, beer, and beautifully prepared, non-alcoholic, tropical fruit blended drinks called “smoothies.”
More detailed private dining was available—and yes, again, yards of flowing, brown and gold fabric were attached to overhead, hanging bars, enhancing the feeling of regal seclusion. One realizes in touring this entity, privacy is regarded highly, and elegance is of utmost importance. Because of the intense decorations, and eloquently designed booths dining in the Middle East must be eloquent! With yards of soft, flowing fabric draped from bars for isolation, one can only imagine Mediterranean restaurants embrace eating as time of restful beauty, and a retreat for families and friends.
The bathrooms were beautifully decorated with textured murals of various deserts, and camels, granite sinks and ornately decorated, gold towel dispensers. The walls and floors throughout the facility were ceramic tile, except for areas where thick, rich, ornate brown carpeting was located on the floors.
There was also a formal banquet room with white linen tablecloths on the tables, and chairs covered to the floor with matching fabric. Wide maroon ribbon adorned the chairs with thick bows tied in the back. White candelabras surrounded with white roses, sat on the tables, and a fresh, variety of white flowers gently cascaded down the fireplace mantel. An eloquent, inviting room indeed! My mind imagined weddings, retirement parties, and various gala events held in this room.
The food is authentic Mediterranean cuisine, served with grace and dignity. I ordered a chicken shawarma platter with pine rice, hommous, and a fattouch salad. Shawarma is sliced, white chicken cooked on a large stick that rotates on a grill. Hommous is chick peas, lemon, garlic and a red sauce combined into a smooth spread; it is served with pita bread. Fattouch is salad made of romaine lettuce, onions, tomatoes and toasted pita bread served with a lemon oil dressing. The meal was delicious and quite filling. Desserts were various types of pallet pleasers, cheesecake, rice pudding, baklava, ice cream and sorbets. Prices of the food served varied from $6.99 to $129.99, slightly pricey, but well worth the money!
The specialties of the house are lamb dishes, generally served with pine nut white rice, or pine nut and lamb brown rice cooked to perfection. Waitresses and waiters dressed in formal, black attire serve the food. They are well-trained in the cuisine and menu selections, which are freshly prepared. The atmosphere is eloquent; the white linens are crisp with starch, and spotlessly presented. The owners of the establishment graciously address the patrons at the front desk, and also saunter over to the tables for more greetings and conversation with the customers. They are eager to know the opinion of the clientele, regarding the food and service received.
This is a 5 star rated restaurant by the Detroit Metro Times. For an experience of remembrance, romance, and authentic food, “LaPita” is a Mediterranean delight.
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