10 Best Films I (Tinsel & Tine) Saw in 2011

Cross-over post - at the time of posting this list, I had wanted to keep my commentary of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and bartering for skiwear at the top of Tinsel & Tine, so I posted my year-end 10 Best Films of 2011 here on my musing's site.

By this time last year, I was in accordance with the rest of the film community and was excited by such films as The Fighter, The King's Speech, Black Swan and Toy Story 3.  This season, there's really nothing that stellar.  Although admittedly, I've yet to see Ides of March and probably will never see War Horse.

So Here's it is - the order is a combination of enjoyment and craft:

1. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
2. Martha Marcy May Marlene
3. X-Men:First Class
4. The Help
5. Limitless
6. Shame
7. Circumstance
8. Toast
9. Kinyarwanda
10. Win Win

Although my list may be somewhat eclectic, these were the films that immediately came to mind when I sat down to do a top 10 list for T & T.  Each of the above films has a combination of seamless storytelling and characters that just struck a chord within me.

Runners up were: MoneyBall, I Will Follow, Contagion and Midnight in Paris.

Words to Live By

I've been watching reruns of Dynasty on my phone through this free site called TV.com.  It's entertaining, but the show really doesn't hold up. I'd forgotten what a ridiculous parody it was on daytime serials.

One thing that I am loving is its ability to bring to my mind words (thoughts) to the effect of: Opulence, Grandeur, Elegance, Abundance, Glamour, Excess, Romance, Sex, Sumptuousness, Lavish, Pampered, Shopping, Fabulousity, Funds, Privilege, Beauty, Idleness, Posh, Sophistication, Parties, Panache and not completely in the full sense of the word, but I have to add Freedom.

Don't you wish this statement were true?

From Geezees Art

It would take so much pressure off if you really could believe that everything you're doing and more importantly, not doing, is not adding up to a waste of time; but rather, no matter how off the track you think you are, you're really on track.

But if it were true, and we all were "Right On Time", when would we recognize it? In the afterlife? 

Then, we come back and do it all again, totally forgetting everything we discovered in the afterlife about our past life, and once again feel like we are wasting time.

11.11.11

text and image from Awakening the Bay - The Holistic Network

Many believe 11.11.11 is a marker for the evolution of human consciousness, a time of greater awakening. Align more fully with Love, our essence, and connect as a community.

I wanted to do something today that signified this awareness, but couldn't think of anything or anywhere significant to mark the ocassion.  So, I like others, set my phone alarm, went outside at 11:11am and said a special prayer of alignment for me, my family and friends and for the coming of the new earth.  Will do so again at 11:11pm

Emergent & Symbotic

“Success depends on how well we relate to everything around us.”

My brother-in-law finds the most interesting videos on you tube. This one has about a million hits, so it's not like a needle in a haystack, but I knew nothing about The Zeitgeist Movement. Fascinating doc. I'll definitely be following Peter Joseph from now on!

The artwork, by the way, is my photography.

Black Panther Dream

I often have dreams that involve big cats. They never maul me, and I never kill them. They are always in my vicinity and I'm nervous, would prefer not to be in their presence; but I never run or wish to do them harm. I wouldn't call it a stand-off either, I just deal with it or them best as possible and eventually I'm onto a new scene in my dream.

This is the first dream about a panther. In trying to interpret the dream, I found out a panther is the same thing as a jaguar and a leopard, the colors just change. I also found out...

Black Panther's Wisdom Includes:

Astral travel
Guardian energy
Symbol of the feminine
Understanding of death
Reclaiming ones power
Ability to know the dark
Death and rebirth

Sing-A-Long

Got invited to a Potluck, Sing - a -Long this Friday!  The hosts are a gay couple, so you know they'll do it right.  I love musicals, standards and corny fun so much, I may as well be a gay man myself.

Weddings, Weddings Everywhere and Never a Groom for Me

Finally found perfect dress for wedding, versatile enough for other occasions

One of my dear friends is getting married next weekend.  I've known about it for over a year, yet I waited until the last minute to choose the reading, buy my dress and nearly waited too long to book my travel arrangements.

I'm truly happy for her and know this will be a very good marriage. But it's the second year in a row that I've had to spend over $1000 to travel for another person's happiness, and selfishly I feel petulant about it! Not only do I not see a wedding ring in my future, I don't even have a date, I know what you're thinking, but I already know the guest list, there's no single guys on it for even so much as a hook up :(  

Okay, I got that out. Now I'm gonna shake if off, look fabulous and feel blessed to be celebrating with such a loyal and lovely friend and new friend, her husband to-be.

Project Camelot

Don't think I've gone off the deep end, but I can spend hours watching these Project Camelot videos!

So much fascinating information. Answers bring up more questions, questions bring more answers. This one by David Wilcox is a good introduction for anyone with an open and expanded mind.

There's such a thing as taking politeness too far!

When I leave my apartment in the morning, freshly coiffed, chicly adorned, strutting in my heels; and I encounter the two cute, twenty-something guys who recently moved in down the hall - I do not want to hear from them "good morning MA'AM!" 

I am not a ma'am, nor will I ever be. A ma'am is a tired washed out old bag.

Well, so much for my fantasy of going to borrow a cup of sugar from these two hotties. I can only hope they are gay.

OMG, I Can't Believe I Just Ordered a Smart Phone!

I'm funny about technology, sometimes I love it, like blogging, and other times I'm good with having way below state-of-the-art, like my TV which is circa 1994.

It's really more like I hate to upgrade until it's absolutely necessary. Ostensibly, this is due to financial restrictions, but sometimes I wonder if I wouldn't do the same thing if I won the Publisher's Clearing House. (Which, I online enter everyday).

Earlier this month, Philadelphia Cinema Alliance contacted me to blog and do social media for QFEST (Philadelphia's Gay and Lesbian Film Festival) This was so excellent, cause it's actually my first paid blogging gig!  And I'm not even Gay! Unfortunately, because I started two weeks ago and will work up until 7/19, my eventual income from it will be about 25cents an hour, but it's a good start.

Anyway, since I need to be able to tweet and fb and check-in (foursquare) at different times during the day; and my day gig blocks employees from social media sites. I decided it was actually time to upgrade my little Cricket phone to a face fingering, Smart Phone.  Didn't go with the IPhone. Orginally was going to get a Blackberry, but couldn't work out an upgrade deal with Cricket.  Then I thought, maybe instead of a phone, I'll just get a Mobile Broadband Device for my Netbook.  So, I went to Sprint and got hooked up with one $70 a month!

I was told it would replace my slow 768kps Verizon DSL.  Only problem the Sprint Sierra Wireless 250U 3G/4G USB doesn't run well on my desktop, it's no faster than my DSL and it doesn't get enough signal strength to interface with facebook applications like adding links, photos or video & sometimes the Twitter page won't come up at all! Works a little better on the Netbook, but often has the same delimmas.

So I called Sprint to say I'm cancelling the service (still within my 30 day trial) And, as sales people are supposed to do, Francis talked me into getting the HTC Evo 4G.  Which according to her is going to not only be my phone, but also my wireless router for both my at home desktop and on the go with my netbook. 

When I said how do you know this will get enough signal quality to give me internet speed on my 5 year old, running XP desktop?  She said I might have to purchase a wireless converter from Radio Shack, but that the technology in the HTC Evo is far superior to the mobile broadband device. 

Cost: $27.00 for the phone itself as a new customer/$69.99 for monthly phone charges/ $29.99/mo for the wireless modem capability /$10/mo for just having the privilege of a smart phone and $7/mo for insurance. God knows what the tax will be, but let's just say another $10. Grand total! = $129.23/mo.

But I'll drop Cricket at $55/mo /drop Verizon which was only $21.99/mo, but too slow to even watch a video on Youtube. And, I had ordered a pocket camcorder on Amazon to use at the festival ($150.00 used) and now I cancelled that order, cause I feel the camcorder on the new phone will be good enough for my festival capturing.

So, I'll let you know how it goes.  It will suck if it doesn't work as my internet service, cause then what!? God willing, my biggest problem will be getting used to a buttonless (touch screen) phone and learning all those apps!

Montauk Memorial Weekend - Designer, Cynthia Rowley

One of her shop locations is on Main Street in Montauk.  The sales girl was so adorable, I asked her if she'd model the matching bag for me so I could get a picture.

Another Stage I'm Not Ready For

Bought my first pair of magnifying reading glasses at the dollar store today. Only the +1.00 strength - having trouble seeing the little numbers on the reports that I'm entering at this temp job. 

Actually, my sight has been getting a bit blurry after reading more than 3 pages of a magazine or 15 pages of a book, and it takes a full 10 seconds to bring labels on the back of food items into focus. 

But still, DAMN! There just seems to be one sign of aging after another anymore.

Summer Vacation Has Come to an End

I was never one of those kids who looked forward to going back to school at the end of the summer. As far as I was concerned, my real life was summer vacation and the school year was just some horrible nightmare that took 10 months from which to awaken.

And so things have not changed in my adulthood.  I went part-time at my job May 2008, left in August and have only worked sporadically and part-time ever since.  Mentally and emotionally this suits me just fine! Financially, no so much.

When I did finally start looking for full-time employment, it wasn't to be had. Still isn't. However, thankfully, I did start what appears to be a long-term temporary assignment - Mon - Fri 9 -5:30pm (only a half-hour for lunch). So just as the student population can practically taste the wonderful idleness of summer vacation. I'm back in the trenches.  Well, at least I do sit near a window.

Cross-Meditative/Prayer

Relationships are so important in the eyes of God. As His children, He desires that we live in unity and stay connected with one another. When we are transparent and pray for each other, something supernatural takes place. We open the door for God to pour out His abundant blessing and healing in our lives.- Joel Osteen

This daily wisdom came from Osteen today, but actually my sister and I had decided earlier this week to start praying for each other every time (a million x's a day) that the panic of having no income comes over us.  Like a good many in this country, we are ready to move back into financial abundance, but something more than just the economy is blocking our respective path's.

When you meditate, pray and try to attract good things for yourself, there's always a residual negative in the mix that gets in the way of allowing the manifestation of what you say you want.  If someone else is keeping you in good thoughts, it's pure and hopefully magical!

Lauren, 

I know your talents, brilliance and energy, now everyone else is going to recognize it in great abundance with positive outcomes.

Too Baby Happy

Had a second date with David we went to the PIFA Broad Street Fair. I've always wanted to take a ride on a Ferris Wheel with a date, but that will have to remain a goal for now cause the line was way too long.

David suggested I take this shot, which is fine cause it does make for an adorable photograph. Problem being he was pointing out cute babies all afternoon; and even though I consider myself passed baby making age, (although Mariah just had twins today!) he seemed taken aback by the fact that I really don't want to have children, nor am I sorry that I didn't have any.  I was taken aback that on a second date we'd even be discussing the topic!

It's always a pleasure to spend the day with children, when you know you get to give them back

Yesterday's school trip to the Philadelphia Zoo with my nephew. I think I struck a good balance as a chaperon - fun, allowing them to rip and race a bit, kept up with them (no easy feat) made sure no one got mauled or went missing and was the keeper of the drinks.

Crush on Martha Graham Cracker

I think there's something wrong with me, or it really has been too long between dates this time, but I found the drag queen performing at Art after 5 to be sexy. Male sexy. Martha Graham Cracker is really less Alexis Arquette and more Jack Lemon in "Some Like it Hot".

He's got great tennis player calf's and thighs and twice he bent over with his ass two inches from my face and I was turned on by the site of his tighty whities peeking out beneath his way too short gold colonial dress/jacket.

I think there's a real man underneath all that lipstick and eyeliner, after all, he didn't have his toenails painted.

Holy Week

I really didn't do much in observance of Lent this year and missed Palm Sunday Service. Still I'm looking forward to celebrating Easter!

2nd Interview with an established filmmaker! Keep em coming!

Pom Wonderful presents The Greatest Movie Ever Sold by Morgan Spurlock

Thank you to those who came out to support me!

Fashion Observation

I was at a Fashion Show tonight featuring 10 different designers, yet I noticed every dress was accompanied by the Nude Platform Heel.  Won't it be strange a few years from now to look back on this shoe and say, that was so 2011!

Art of the Garden

My second time exhibiting as a visual artist, yeah! 

Click for more information

Good from Upheaval

I was so upset about having to move out of my apartment. But the new place is so much better!
Best of all, I now have an office, something I've wanted for a very long time. Blogging really feels like my profession in this setting.  They always say act as if!

Boy, am I going to miss this view from 702

My transitional move to coincidentally 207, has a view of the parking lot and trash receptacles :( 
I'm trying to make it my incentive for getting out of there by June 1st.

The Trick Is Not To Look Too Far Ahead

Golden

I Wonder How Long This High Will Last?

It's Mardi Gras and I have no plans or an entertainment fund to make plans, plus Three Potato Four decided to pass on buying my two antiques.  Yet...

I feel good today!  Energized, hopeful, even made up with my sister!  And I just wrote an excellent post on the movie "Limitless". It really feels like I took one of the movies NZT smart pills.  Yet, I've been dining on Ciabatta bread and butter, almond M & M's and the remainder of that cheap, turn your insides green, Canadian Whiskey, that I've vowed to give up for Lent.

Fighting with my Sister over Money - Not Fun

May we heal the rift and let the dragon of prosperity be among us both.

Please, not again, I've got stress of my own

I tried to make it a good morning but...

my yoga workout was much more Worrier than Warrior.

Oscar Monday

http://www.tinseltine.com/2011/02/83rd-oscar-wrap-up-and-bryn-mawr-film.html

Girl Reporter - Win Win

Got to interview actor/writer/director Tom McCarthy today at a round table discussion at the Four Seasons.  Only female journalist of the group. Well, two school girls arrived late from University, but they weren't a part of the inner clique.

Warm Marketing

Surely my Universal Manager can come up with something better than this!

Hyperbole and a Half is the Best Blog Ever!

Allie Brosh has created a goldmine of humor that is just pure brilliance. Written in such a manner that allows a cross section of people to be truly made happy by it.

I think all bloggers have a muse that inspires us to want to write and share, but it's as if Allie's muse is The Muse God favors.

I am awed by her talent and success and of course envious. But mostly, I just wish her good tidings and that her muse continues to stay in good favor, so we can continue to be highly entertained. Parp!

Feeling Weary, Fat and Poor

Cartoon from Deed The Inky.com

It wasn't my birthday, but I was supposed to go to a birthday get together tonight. After fretting for quite sometime, I wrote this on her facebook page:
Sitting here thinking that not only is the wind crazy and I have no heat in my car. I also have no cute shoes to wear and can't afford to pay for parking. So I'm out for Silk City tonight. But I'll be there in spirit and I truly wish you a Superb and Fabulous 27th Birthday!

Also turned down a visit from a gentleman caller. Why? Because I used to be fabulous and now I just feel Weary (job searching, having to move, no hairdresser, no mani/pedi, old car) Fat (stress eating the wrong cheap stuff) and Poor (self-explanatory). But I will eventually thrive, right?

Orion?

Have you ever had a dream that sounded like someone whispering to you again and again, so as to ensure it would be the first thing you thought of in the morning? It happened to me last night...

Blogstress Network

Met & reacquainted myself with some fabulous women over coffee and blog talk!

The Blogstress Network
Zeroto60andbeyond
Style Maniac
Denise Fike Designs
The Bicycle Chef
Madness, Mom & Me

7 Chakras

Allowing Financial, Sexual, Emotional, Physical, Artistical, Industrial & Spiritual Alignment

No Running Water All Day

Finally came back on at 10:11pm. It was a stay at home alone Sunday, so it wasn't so bad not being able to take a shower or brush my teeth; but before I found out there was no water, I went to the bathroom and then couldn't wash my hands, so I had to wear plastic gloves the rest of the day in order to eat and not spread the kind of germs you find under a blue light.

But Have I Been Validated?

I Can Only Give You Love...