Check that horoscope!

I wrote this twice; then I wrote it again in word, and the whole stupid thing broke down! Just my luck.

Anyway, I love some Australian movies; I especially like the quirky short films. I remember seeing one, about three years ago, at 3.40 a.m.; it was about this guy obsessed with his underpants being stolen; his drug-taking lesbia ex-girlfriend who is expected to've taken them; and her ex-girlfriend, a hypochondriac who moans about being in the middle of the Dust level. It was really great. Thinking of shortish films, there was one filmed by Channel 4; very sad, but probing, called 'My Night with Julia.' A correspondent from our Channel four was paid to spend the night with... how can I say this without being blocked by the Internet at this library... 'une amie du soir.' It showed the aftermath of communism better than a bona fide documentary could... but, it is near the razor.

I'm going to Armenia, Piffka, because England is not for me, due to the malicious subcultures here. I'm taking a year out from tutoring languages, and will use 2004-2005 as a year to write in. Armenia, though it has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, is also really cheap; one can dine on gourmet meals for five days in a row for about $25 (£18?) for the week! The house itself is rather big, and it's pastoral, and near the mountains, so it will be a perfect place to relax; I hope.

As for the Carry-on movies, I'll explain further. Basically, they have plots weaker than a stream against an ocean; the plot revolves around the women losing their clothes, and the men acting like jackasses. In my opinion, it is very unlike Britain; and yet, it was popular.

I'll think on the question of French and Italian holiday movies; I'll ask my friend, Jacques. I, personally, am no expert in holiday movies, as I'm usually out enjoying winter walks when it's Christmas, and I never watch TV when I'm on a break somewhere; but I know people who may have suggestions.

Were some of the places that you visited very bad? One of my favourite people, music-wise, Beck, wrote a few lines about Whiskeyclone, Hotel City 1997, about your neck of the woods. He had an awful job, as did his girlfriend, who left in the night, but the beauty of where you are made him be not melancholy:

I was born in this hotel, washing dishes in the sink
Magazines and free soda, trying hard not to think
Lay it on to the dawn, everything we'd done is wrong
I'll be lonesome when I'm gone, lay it on to the dawn

[spoken:] She can talk to squirrels
Coming back from the convalescent home
Staring at sports cars
Crying. [/]

Rattlesnake on the ceiling, gun powder on my sleeve
I will live here forever with the ocean and the bees
Lay it on to the dawn, everything we'd done is wrong
I'll be lonesome when I'm gone, lay it on to the dawn...

Incidentally, the picture is a decreased-size version of this portrait of Emily Brontë:



which looks better in full size, I think. I chose it because of both the picture's beauty, and because I am rather like her in appearance and character, (just less talented and prim.) Weirdly, the picture of her is very similar to how I had envisioned her when reading Wuthering Heights...

Classic films which I don't mind seeing again include 'The Big Chill', 'Ordinary People', 'The Four Seasons' (at least I think it was called that, with Alan Alda), all thought provoking and entertaining and no s and v. Aussie films - anything by Jane Campion (New Zealander but works in Oz), she's brilliant. And 'Muriel's Wedding',' A Town Like Alice' with Bryan Brown. French films - any of the films based on Pagnol's writing, 'Manon des Sources' etc. Great new one I saw in the International Film Festival in Hong Kong, called 'Bon Voyage' - really good pace, funny and interesting. 'Life of Brian' which is not at all sacrilegious, if watched in the right spirit (because it makes fun of politics and what people want to see in a religious leader, never of Christianity itself) wouldn't be classed as a holiday movie here, but if you like Monty Python humour, how about the 'Holy Grail'? Our top Xmas films are American - The Snowman comes out high on the list; golden oldies for children include 'Swallows and Amazons' and 'The Railway Children' based on children's classic books. Do you know a lovely Scottish movie called 'Local Hero'? It's quirky and funny and has some great music too.

Drom, I'm sure you smile more than Emily ever did, judging by your wit. And you may be less prim but possibly even more talented - history will show...

Yes, Margo <waving madly -- !!! Hullo, Hullo!!!>, I knew the film Gallipoli was from Oz.

Unfortunately, I made a mistake. It was just wishful thinking on my part. Gallipoli is not one we can show due to restrictions on performance rights -- it was one we wanted very much to show. We also wanted to show Breaker Morant for our war series. Instead we plan to show Paths of Glory, a Stanley Kubrick film made in the USA. As it happens, many Australian films are currently restricted due to the oddities of public performance rights. I sure hope that problem is straightened out soon because we'd love to show more - we love films from Down Under -- some of my favorites (favourites?) are The Piano, Strictly Ballroom, Babe and Cosi.

Thanks everyone for the continued interest in films. I have carefully copied your suggestions and saved them to share with my clever friend. It was she who pointed out to me yesterday that the line-up I had given to you (which was, in fact, copied from an email I sent to the La Vie de Château distributor in New York City) was incorrect.

We do have one Oz film from the Film Movement that we will likely show this year called "He Died with a Felafel in His Hand" -- a title that I find absolutely wonderful. I've heard the film isn't as good... oh well.

Le Roi de Coeur (King of Hearts as it is known here) is also not from the USA. You probably know it by its original name.

Hello MsOlga and Hello to Setanta -- Thanks for the explanation. Setanta's comment was so off-the-wall that I figured there must be a story. MsOlga, I didn't know you were of Ukrainian descent. The husband of one of my dearest friends is also from there and very proud of it. (All the brains as well as the bread, he said.)

Did you look at the kitty website? I thought you'd like it. We still are without a cat -- the two dogs are enough, and the horse, I thought. Unfortunately the mice and squirrels and chipmunks agree and are having a heydey here.

Drom -- You'll laugh -- I also wrote a long message to you... which was lost in the belly of the beast. Very frustrating! I can hardly remember what I said, except to thank you for enlarging the picture of Emily. It is beautiful. Like Clary, I trust that you are like her in some ways, but I hope that you live a longer, happier life and are more prolific with your writings.

The foray to Armenia sounds amazing. Is this the house you'd talked about before? I can only hope that you'll provide us with glimpses of your life there, with photographs, if possible, since I can barely imagine the countryside. I have read a little about Armenia since I know next to nothing about it. I hope that you stay far from any conflicts or disputed borders -- will you promise us that? I must also point out (for the second time) that 18BP is closer in worth to $35 than $25. The exchange rate has, for us, gone down the tubes.

You asked about what I didn't like. (And oh, I waxed on about my trip --- all lost in computer confusion.) I didn't like the temporary feel of Washington D.C. which was caused, in part, by construction scaffolding and plastic tarps, and in part by the anti-terrorist bullwarks and closed streets. I also don't like crowds AND it was beastly hot. I did like Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, and Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson. You may laugh... what I liked about them was how much they seemed built to a human scale. Not quite humble, but surely not the "super-sized" homes that you might imagine.

Finally, I must admit to not recognizing the song you provided. My generation gap is showing, I fear. I will take it on faith that it is about the left coast. <grin>

Yep, Piffka, pure, unadulterated Ukranian peasant ancestry! Brains & bread. I like that!

Yes, I checked the thread & it looks great! I will return there. Soon! Thanks, Piffka!

Right now I'm off to bed ... 1 am & I have a meeting at 10:30 tomorrow morning.

Hi Clary -- I'm off to the beach to prepare for the evening's moon-watching party. Unfortunately I woke to overcast skies but I have high hopes that they will clear later on. My daughter has the day off from work and promised to go out there with me and paddle around in the low tide.

Thanks for the film recommendations -- I also loved The Big Chill and A Town Like Alice. Local Hero is a film I've been trying to watch. We've also heard that A Separate Piece is funny. Know it?

Have a great day!

Rob Brezsny's Weekly Horoscope for us:
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Gypsy Rose Lee (1914-1970) was not
a stripper in the sense we think of it today. Her more precise title was
*striptease artist.* During her performances, she never actually took off
all of her clothes. Her style was rooted in the advice her mother gave her:
"Make them beg for more -- and then don't give it to them." While I don't
suggest you apply for a gig at a strip club this week, Sagittarius, I do
recommend that you incorporate some of Lee's approach in your own
chosen field.


and for MsOlga (I'm shocked!!):
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): My Piscean friend Risa dreamed that the
Buddhist monk and teacher Thich Nhat Hanh wanted to give up his celibacy
to pursue a romantic relationship with her. She was flattered -- the man
is a brilliant saint who has written more than 20 books -- but she
ultimately decided to stick with her husband. The night after she told me
this dream, I dreamed that my three best Piscean friends were making
love with Mother Teresa, Buddha, and the 16th-century Kabbalist holy
man, Isaac Luria. From this evidence, as well as certain astrological data,
I conclude that you Fish are in the midst of trying to integrate your
spiritual and sensual yearnings. To expedite this exciting process, I
suggest you murmur exuberant prayers during your sexual encounters
this week.


and for Drom (this one sounds the best!):
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Some mistakes are too much fun to make only
once. Wouldn't you agree? And that's one reason I'm authorizing you to
repeat a naughty or excessively rowdy adventure from the past, Gemini.
Here's another reason: The same series of actions that had an awkward
result way back when will lead to a breakthrough this time. That's what I
predict, anyway -- especially if you add a little tenderness to your
mischief this time around.

Very raunchy - Pisces seems the most intriguing somehow! As for Gypsy Rose Lee - I am trying out a NATURIST club on Sunday! As well as dancing (in my garden) at midnight tonight, alone - don't know enough mad people to do it with here. How warm is it with you, Piffka? Pretty chilly on the willy, as my kids would say, after dark.
BY THE WAY I'm going to start a Sun/Moon thread to see if people agree with what I say about their sun and moon signs taken together.

btw I don't know A Separate Piece.
Secrets and Lies is a good English film, Mike Leigh is a very interesting director.. Career Girls another of his, but I haven't seen it. All or Nothing is his latest, I think, billed as a comedy. They'll be good.

Billy Eliot: a bit sentimental but a true story; brilliant dancing
Gosford Park: a costume thriller, perfect reproduction of early 20th century aristocracy - but I found it a bit of a yawn
Amélie (French): quirky and very French; funny
Bridget Jones's Diary: I loved it
Calendar Girls: which struck me more suitable for small town America - rather lowkey about middle aged women posing for a nude calendar, based on fact, and brilliantly acted
Monsoon Wedding: my favourite film of the last couple of years, a slice of Indian life, funny, colourful, totally approachable, sad - everything!

Just keep occurring to me!!

Hi Clary!
Well, we had a moon party last night and it turned out well. 'Course, tonight the moon will be truly full but it also rises an hour later. We're early-to-bed, early-to-rise folks, so getting friends to stay up "late" is tough. There were three other women, two who also brought their daughters, one 12 yrs. old, the other 4, plus me & my d, aged 21. It was awfully nice to have so much female energy of so many different ages around!

Prior to the moon's rising, my family & I went swimming in the chilly waters of Puget Sound -- felt great and there were seals watching us from twenty feet away, possibly wondering if we were mad. Ahhh, felt good. The moon was gorgeous, rising past fluffy pink clouds. We stayed at the beach until someone saw the first star (though I pointed out it was actually a planet!) then went up to our beach house and made a fire & had Pinot Gris for the white wine drinkers and Syrah for the red (raising hand) plus some yummy chocolates.

Wish you could have been there, Clary! I'll be watching the moon rise again tonight in the company of my horse who thinks it is very interesting when I have a ritual fire on her hill.

But, oooooh, a naturist society on Sunday... hmmm, some "full moons" to be seen then, as well, I 'magine.

I know most of the films you mentioned -- Secrets and Lies is fabulous. I think if you liked Monsoon Wedding you may enjoy Bend It Like Beckham. Besides having an interesting storyline, there's a great appended cooking "class" by the director on how to make Aloo Gobi. Her mom and grandma are there to make sure she does it right for a bit of reality video.

Haven't seen Calendar Girls, but I relate... yep. Let's see, haven't seen Billy Elliot -- I don't know why. I also thought Gosford Park was slow... but have you seen Cold Comfort Farm? I loved that.

Btw-- another error on my part, I wrote A Separate Piece but I meant An Everlasting Piece -- perhaps you've heard of that one?

Thank you for my horoscope, Piffka. And yes, it seems strangely apt!

For both you & Clary: If you're looking for a very engrossing film, check out Lantana. I my opinion the best Oz film of the past 10 years or so. I've seen it about 3 times now!

Oh yes, I've heard of it; will try to see it!

adored

And, Heavens; not one mention of the horoscope in the above post; here is mine:

July 11, 2004

Today is a great day for you, Drom, in which there is a terrific feeling of expansion in the air. This is one of those times in which a small seed of an idea can grow into a huge bean stalk right before your very eyes. Things are moving fast, and information is being dispersed even faster. Latch on to the wave of energy and set your own dreams into motion. You can accomplish a great deal if you set your mind to it.

Hello Drom!
Good to see (read) you! I think that waiting around in the midst of Europe does sound like a great time. I have always enjoyed being somewhere without having to "be" anywhere. Gives you a good chance to settle in a little and see the sights from a different perspective than the average traveller who must always try to get his money's worth. It is the out-of-the-way places and the rarely-visited ones where I feel most at home. Not to say that the great attractions, like the British Museum, etc. aren't worthwhile -- just it is fun to discover things on your own that aren't listed as "must-sees" in a guidebook. A little bit of both, I guess... that's what I'd like. I hear you're in Paris. Have you gone to visit the cathedral at Chartres which I understand is relatively close by train? I'd love to walk that labyrinth... a friend here has a labyrinth of the same design and size in her woods. We walk it on special occasions. Always gives us a feeling of calm and connection. Great thing to do.



About Washington D.C. -- I didn't spend that much time there to get anything but a brief impression. I would like to go back when the cherry blossoms are blooming and it is (hopefully) not so hot outside. I agree with you that fewer crowds and cooler weather are best. Another way to find that is by visiting places in the early morning when it is cool and the lay-a-beds are still in bed. <grin> I would like to revisit Mt. Vernon and Monticello and walk their gardens and grounds. Didn't have a chance to do that this last time or see and experience many other places.

Benjamin Franklin, btw, is buried in Philadelphia. An amazing fellow, wasn't he?

I know what you mean about Amelie... too cute, really, but I loved it. We just watched another "too cute" film, Fifty First Dates, which was much better than I expected. I'm trying to get the distributors of Marooned in Iraq to let me show that to an audience. Do you know that film? It's about a group of musicians who get caught up in the Iran-Iraq war. I also haven't seen or heard about Lantana, but I'm looking for it.

Your horoscope sounds promising for your plan to work and write in Armenia! Sending you loads of good wishes... P.

Hey, Piffka!

I really should put e-mail updates on this thread; I enjoy replying to it so, but since it is on the General board, it is often way down the page before I get to it again.

I find it usually much better to go nowhere in particular. I don't truly like public spectacles or crowds; I find more beauty in real bits of the country. I'm not in Paris-- I'm delaying that until August--; instead, I am gradually shuttling towards the North of Europe, with no destination in mind, stopping wherever I find becoming. I will definitely visit Chartres though; is there anywhere else that you would recommend that I go?

Yes, you are absolutely right. Yet, if you are in Europe with a tourist attraction really nearby, make sure that you go at night; when all the daytrippers are in bars or hotels. I don't much like tourist attractions; the nearest I got to the tower of London was outside the gates, so that I could take pictures without having to queue around. Have you any plans to go back travelling before the New Year?

Amélie was cute, but in a quirky way. I loved the scene in which they debated who the mysterious man in all the pictures was. 'Fifty first dates?' That's not the one about the man who videod people whom he met from the lonely-hearts, is it? Have you come up with any more films since? I will have to find Marooned in Iraq; it sounds more interesting than a documentary manqué.

My horoscope:

Take it easy today, Drom, and work to internalize some of the input you have received in the past couple days. This is more of a day to contemplate and plan. With matters regarding the heart, you may find that a sensitive, grounded approach works the best. This is not always your favorite mode of operation, but it is one that will provide you with a bit of balance to counteract your usual frenzied pace.


Incidentally; have you been to Philadelphia, Piffka? Did you like it, if you went?

Hi Drom,
How fun to have Paris to look forward to! When you go, if you have time and since you've asked, would you look for the private little marina (it was small anyway, 25 years ago) on the Seine... just steps from the Place de la Concorde. We could see the Eifel Tower quite easily. It was downriver (if that means towards the ocean) from the Ille de Paris. I "lived" there for more than a week one summer.

As I think back, I didn't do nearly as many things in Paris as I wish I'd done, given the time, what should have been "my" young energy and the amazing city surrounding me. I was in love and with friends and it was hot. Those are my excuses. Oh, and we were sadly lacking in money. We were there for Bastille Day though... quite a parade! Cities are so different if you have money to spend vs. pinching nearly every penny. My favorite times may have been the two times I was mistaken for a Parisian (That was a thrill and I was clever enough to just give them a look and not speak, which would have ruined everything!). I also fondly remember shopping and eating in a large store... can't remember the name but there was a small open-air cafe at the very top of the building. Then there was the sidewalk cafe where the waiter opened the bottle of coke by putting it between his legs and snapping off the cap with an interesting gesture. <big grin>

I have been to Philadelphia once. It was also a long time ago. I remember liking it and thinking it had some very beautiful parts. The river and parks around it, the old town, the mainline.

Btw -- I just received this. Maybe it will be of use to you.