Gaskin Wedding

On Saturday, two of our good friends, Rob and Becca, tied the knot at Stephen's Lake Park. Rob and Becca are pretty much the most un-lame couple around and are a blast to hang out with in virtually any setting. Their wedding was beautiful and the reception was like none other. Hy-Vee Chinese food, the DJ expertise of the one and only Willis, and a bocce ball tournament...yes, that's right: bocce ball. This was our introduction to the fun game, but I'm seeing more bocce ball tournaments in our future. Has anyone else ever played bocce ball?

So while Rob and Becca are enjoying their honeymoon in Maine, enjoy some pictures from their big day:

The Lovely Bones

I picked up this book at the library this week because I'd heard so much praise and acclaim about it when it first came out several years ago. The plot itself is interesting, and the author (Alice Sebold) is quite an incredible writer. The story is that of a young girl, Susie, who watches the life events of her family, friends, and other strangers from "heaven" after having been raped and murdered at fourteen years old. Interesting concept, to be sure. Susie's death throws her family into a tempest of emotions and places them on a path that alters their relationships with each other and with the outside world in a manner in which the family could never imagine. Susie's friends are left to understand the loss- each using a very different method of coping. Sebold does a magnificent job of character development, drawing the reader further into understanding as she peels back the inner thoughts and dreams of characters layer by layer.

Not surprisingly, the theology of The Lovely Bones is lacking. But I don't think the novel is in any way speaking to any argument concerning Heaven, Hell, and spirits among the living. Rather, the story is all about relationships between people, how we are connected to one another. Sebold focuses on human nature and how we react and cope with the challenges and surprises which life doles out and how something we think is insignificant can impact our lives in significant way. Read the novel thinking about that concept, rather than from a strictly theological concept, and I think you will enjoy the story.

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Children's book time! I was reading and watching some pretty heavy stuff lately- Schindler's List, The Hiding Place, Valkyrie (which really wasn't as bad as I'd heard)- that I decided I wasn't allowed to read any more books or watch any more movies about World War II and the Holocaust until I read one children's book and finished my current novel (The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James, which honestly, sometimes I have a hard time picking up- once I'm reading the book, I'm into it...it's just getting to that point first).

Enter Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, a Newberry Award winner. If you're wondering why the title sounds vaguely familiar, you may be thinking of the movie The Secret of NIMH, which came out way back in 1982. Several months back, I saw the movie in the five dollar bin at Wal-Mart. I had to have it- not because it's necessarily a great movie or anything, but it was nostalgic. Who wouldn't pay five dollars for a piece of nostalgia?

Anyway, the movie is loosely based on the book, and I know you've heard me say this before, but the book is way better than the movie. The book tells the story of Mrs. Frisby, a widowed field mouse, and her four children. At the beginning of the book, the Frisby family is living in their winter home, a half-buried cinder block in the Fitzgibbons' garden and are looking forward to moving back to the forest for the summer with all the other field mice. We soon discover her son Timothy is very ill, and will not be able to survive "moving day" back to the forest. Mrs. Frisby goes in search of answers and help, first to Mr. Ages, then to the great owl, and eventually to the rats living in the rosebush by the Fitzgibbons' farmhouse. What she learns while speaking with the rats is more than she would have thought possible.

I won't go into more detail because it would give the whole of the story away. Just know that if you watch The Secret of NIMH, you might want to check out the book from your local library. Trust me, it's a much better story.

The Hiding Place

I know what you're thinking. I know- how in the world is it possible that I haven't read this book in my twenty-six years of life? And the answer: I have no idea. But I am so glad that my husband brought it home from the library several weeks ago and thus reminded me that I had not actually read the story of the ten Boom family.

This book is not by any means a large or difficult read, and so I finished this powerful short account in just a few days last week. It didn't even make it to my 'Currently Reading' list because I couldn't put the book down to do so. The ten Boom family lived in the town of Haarlem outside of Amsterdam; the family business was watch and clock repair as it had been for over one hundred years. Well-loved and respected by community members, the ten Booms led a life dedicated to the service and love of others; the family was well-known for passing out hot soup and coffee to those who wished it, as well as taking in numerous homeless children through the years.

When the German Army invaded the Netherlands in 1940, the ten Boom family began to realize the danger presented to others, specifically Jewish individuals, under the Nazi regime. Corrie ten Boom, the youngest of the ten Boom children, eventually became one of the leaders of the underground Dutch resistance, helping to weave together a network of individuals and families dedicated to helping Jewish families hide from SS and Gestapo officers. The ten Boom house, known affectionately as the Beje, served as a central place among individuals who were a part of the underground resistance; the ten Booms often took in those Jewish individuals most difficult to hide because of their strong Semitic appearance. The two ten Boom children who were married and living in different towns also took in those individuals who would have otherwise most surely perished at the hands of the Nazis.

Eventually, many members of the ten Boom family were arrested; Corrie and her sister Betsie were then sent to the Vught political concentration camp in Holland and finally transferred to Ravensbruck concentration camp in Germany. It is here that her beloved sister Betsie, who had medical difficulties all her life, died shorty before Corrie was released on Christmas Day 1944. Before her death, Betsie shared with Corrie a vision of a safe place for individuals hurt and traumatized by the war, a place where the victims could recover. Almost immediately before her death, Betsie also mentioned a place where the persecutors could learn "it is better to love".

Corrie survived Ravensbruck and went on to establish the house of refuge and recovery about which Betsie was so passionate. Corrie later learned that her release has been a clerical error, and all women her age were scheduled to be sent to the gas chambers at Ravensbruck one week after Christmas. Corrie led a long life, publicly speaking about her experiences in over 60 countries. She died on her birthday, April 15th, 1983 at the age of 91.

The ten Boom story is one which you cannot easily forget. I admire Corrie ten Boom, not just for her bold actions and strength to fight against the strong and oppressive when they are wrong, but for her honesty throughout the memoir. She does not build herself up as a hero, but rather is brutally upfront about her mistakes, pains, and faults. She is quick to speak love about others, most notably Betsie. Corrie often mentions her struggles to forgive the perpetrators, but that Betsie continually reminded her of God's provision and will, often saying, "They don't know Corrie. We will show them it is better to love."

This book is challenging to me for several reasons, two of which I can articulate well enough to share. The first is that the ten Booms stood up for what they believed and practiced what they preached. This consistency is in itself often a feat for individuals, but I can only imagine how much more difficult it is to do so in situations where denying the authorities is almost a certain death sentence. We live in relative ease, and I still find it difficult to stand firm in my beliefs and convictions- how much more difficult will it be when I am given a choice to either do what is right and most likely suffer or to turn my back on my faith to avoid pain and persecution? This is a most sobering realization for me.

The second challenging aspect of the book is Betsie's focus on forgiveness. In the book, Corrie would often describe accounts which were difficult for both Betsie and her to witness. Both women would react similarly: "Those poor people. We need to pray for them." It was much later that Corrie realized Betsie was not just talking about the victims of the violence, but about those individuals and groups who inflicted such acts of hatred. This is not to say that Betsie's attitude toward the perpetrators diminished her care and concern for the victims or that she in any way lessened the pain done to them; rather she focused on God's mercy and forgiveness for all. We tend to rank sin: "This one isn't so bad, this one is really bad" and so forth. The Lord doesn't see it that way; all sin is punishable by death, and that's what Betsie realized- in the eyes of the one true God, her sin was the same as the sin of the Nazi officers who beat her for not working fast enough. Her sin was the same as the sin of the Dutch boy who betrayed the secret of the underground resistance to the police. Her sin was the same as the sin of her fellow prisoners. How often do I think to myself, "Well, I may do this...but at least I'm not as bad as him"? Indeed, much too often.

If you've never read this book, I highly recommend it. In my opinion, this is a book that every believer must have on their list. Isaac also recently reviewed this book- check out his blog for some excellent thoughts.

Dracula

Well, I can check off another book from my list of the 100 greatest novels. I'm not so sure how I feel about Dracula- the book actually took me a rather long time to read, and I'm not exactly sure why. The entire story is told through journal entries of various characters and through letters written between said characters. Count Dracula himself is ever-present in the sense that the entire story is about his actions and plans, but of course there are no letters or journals from his perspective. Though this is admittedly not a favorite literary technique of mine, the suspense is heightened somewhat because of the elusive quality of the Count. Stoker is excellent at presenting a very visual image; in fact, I was reading one of the first chapters of the book while in the waiting room of a doctor's office. The specific scene was so intense and realistic that I found myself breathing faster and jumping at virtually every sound. Yes, I was frightened...while sitting in the very-bright waiting room in the middle of the day. Now, if that's not literary ability- to scare someone out of their wits (without spewing gore and guts all over the page), I'm not sure what is. Eventually, I tried not to read the book before going to bed because I realized just how much my dreams were affected by the characters' plights.

I appreciated the story for what it's worth and for its significant role on other literary and film works, as well as a significant impact on pop culture. Also enjoyable to myself and other lovers of Latin are the numerous Latin phrases dispersed throughout the entire novel. But in the end, it's not necessarily a book I would read twice.

Movie Answers...Part Two

And now for the conclusion of the movie quotations topic (refer to the earlier post if you can't remember the specific quotations):

7. The Chipmunk Adventure. Oh, boy. If you haven't seen this movie, you are missing out! The Chipmunks and Chipettes are in a race around the world to win one million dollars. How are they racing? With hot air balloons, of course! But danger lurks unbeknownst to them- who will make it back safely, who will win the million dollars, and most importantly, will Dave find out what Alvin and the boys have been up to? This movie contains some excellent music as sung by the Chipmunks and Chipettes. You can go to YouTube and search for songs from the movie so you can watch the scenes. My recommendations: "Off to See the World" and "Girls of Rock 'N Roll". Blow your stinkin' mind.

8. The Last of the Mohicans. Obviously, this is one of the funny lines from the movie; actually, this movie gave me the greatest difficulty in choosing one specific quotation because there are so many that I like a lot. Based on the book by James Fenimore Cooper, all I have to say about this movie is that it is awesome. Even non-history geeks will love it. I've actually heard that people who hated the original book loved the movie; I haven't read the book yet (but will soon because of its presence on my list of 100), so I can't weigh in on that particular discussion. The movie is a bit violent at times, but the setting is the French and Indian War, so I feel it is somewhat justifiable. The music is phenomenal- it is probably one of my favorite original scores of all time (I think Edelman and Jones totally got gypped by the Academy) and though it's not necessarily a happy-go-lucky film, it's still one I find myself watching over and over.

9. Schindler's List. Now this is the kind of movie that everyone should see (once they are mature enough to handle the content). Directed by Steven Spielberg, he called directing this film "the most satisfying experience of my career." This adaption of the book by Thomas Keneally is one of the most authentic, artistic, and haunting films I have ever seen. It recounts the remarkably true story of Oskar Schindler, a man that is the most unlikely of heroes. However, Schindler is credited with saving the lives of over 1,000 Polish Jewish men and women during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories. This film won several Oscars, including Best Picture, and was ranked ninth by the American Film Institute on their list of the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time.

10. Good Will Hunting. In my opinion, this is the film that should have won the Oscar for the 1997 Best Picture. I mean, seriously- Titanic? Come on, Academy. You have to admit you missed that one. Good Will Hunting is the story of a young man from South Boston- one of the roughest areas in the city. Will grew up in a rough neighborhood and had a difficult childhood, and yet finds himself working under one of the most prestigious math scholars of his time. The film follows Will through the attempts by others to transform him from a tough Southie kid to a well-respected scholar in an ivory tower. I think anyone who works in a social work-type setting enjoys this movie because of the characters and the content; perhaps I was drawn to this movie originally because helping people is a part of my job on a daily basis. Whether or not that is the case, the film is excellently written (Ben Affleck and Matt Damon won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay) and brings to light specific issues about which we should continually dialogue. Also, the actors (specifically Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Robin Williams) turned in exceptional performances. Please note it is rated R for strong language.

11. Home Alone. Seriously- how can anyone not like this movie? Whenever I am sad and need a good laugh, my solution is: chocolate, pajamas, and Home Alone. Do you realize I was almost eight years old when this movie debuted? I was in second grade, but this movie still doesn't get old. I love- absolutely love- to watch it around Christmas time (because the setting is around Christmas, after all), and I still almost pee in my (pajama) pants when Marv whacks Harry in the chest with the crow bar in an attempt to kill the tarantula. Sometimes, if I'm pressed for time, I just pop in the DVD, select the scene where Kevin is running home to defend his house, and proceed to laugh so hard I usually have tears rolling down my cheeks. Ah, God bless Macaulay Culkin (did you know he was nominated for a Golden Globe for this role?).

12. The Princess Bride. Of all movies, this is by far the most quotable one I have ever encountered: "Anybody want a peanut?", "Inconceivable!", "Hold it, hold it. Are you trying to trick me? Where's the sports? Is this a kissing book?", "Your vote of confidence is overwhelming.", "My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father; prepare to die.", "Get used to disappointment." The list could go on and on and on. In fact, this movie helped me and my dear friend Laina survive Algebra II in high school; during class, we would pass notes with quotations from this movie and the other person had to respond with the next line from the movie. Trust me, it made that ninety minute class bearable. If you haven't seen this movie, let me know. I will personally come to your house and make you watch it. You'll thank me later.

13. Bridget Jones' Diary. Again, not a children's movie, but oh so funny. I think just about every female can relate to Bridget's character in some way or another. And yet again, Colin Firth makes an appearance on my list. This movie is also actually based on a book by Helen Fielding. The movie sticks to the book pretty accurately, but the sequel (Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason) is nothing like the second novel. If you're going to watch just one Bridget Jones movie, this is the one to watch. This is also not appropriate for young minds, but again- watching it on TV eliminates most of the language and inappropriate scenes. I love to watch this movie with other girls; I think that since most girls can relate to Bridget on some level, it makes it more enjoyable because we're laughing at Bridget, but remembering when the same situation happened to us. My favorite scene of the entire movie? The fight scene, hands down. I have actually been known to watch the clip on YouTube at work when I need a good laugh.

Well, I hope you enjoyed my list of quotations, as well as the explanations behind why these are some of my favorite movies. And just because I think you guys deserve it that much, I'm posting one of the songs from The Chipmunk Adventure. You are highly welcome.

Singin' Songs about the Southland

As I mentioned before, wedding season is here- so here, in fact, that Isaac and I had two different weddings in two different states on the same day. While he drove to Louisville to see our friend Christina go from a Miller to a Smith (I know, I know; she definitely understands about the curse of common names), I trekked down to Jackson to see my college friend India get married. Several great college friends were in attendance, including Beth, the Kyzars, Lizzie, and Troy. I had a wonderful time catching up with them and reminiscing- specifically about Troy's wedding fiascoes. Ah, memories. Here's a glimpse of the ceremony and reception:






While in Jackson, I stayed with my cousin Beth, who is a sophomore at Union. It was the weekend before finals, so campus was pretty much dead, but I did get to spend some time with her and take her to lunch at Dumplin's *insert drool here* and enjoy my Chicken and Rice soup. I also got to hang out with this mug:


If you don't know this fine young man, this is my friend Nick from Maine, and therefore enjoys the nickname of "The Maine Squeeze". We were in SAC together, along with all the other cool kids. We had a great time just hanging out and talking about the past few years. But here is the kicker: he has a Southern accent now. He's from Maine, people!

On the drive back to CoMo, I was able to stop in St. Louis and visit my friend Jenny (formerly known as Jenny Mac) and see her pregnant belly. She's having a boy to be named Benjamin this fall. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of her pregnant-ness due to camera difficulties, but I plan on being in St. Louis sometime this summer and will try to get on that action for you all.

Movie Answers...Part One

I was just going to list the movies which corresponded to the quotations I posted, but then I began to feel the need to justify my list of favorites. Call me crazy or insecure. Therefore, I'm including the movie title as well as the reasoning behind why the movie is one of my favorites. Since I can get a little wordy at times, I decided to split this post into two so my readers don't become too overwhelmed when they see an extraordinarily long post. Here is part one:

1. Better Off Dead. This is quite possibly the funniest movie of all time. Please watch it. The film has so many memorable lines- such as "Man, it's a real shame when people be throwin' away a perfectly good white boy like that." and "Do you realize the street value of this mountaintop? It's pure snow!"- that I promise you will begin quoting the movie on a regular basis. You'll also find yourself randomly thinking about a particular scene and then begin laughing out loud. Of course, you then have to explain to your coworker while you're in your office alone and laughing...

2. Gettysburg. Okay, I admit it. We all knew already anyway. I'm a pretty big dork. I love history; it utterly and completely fascinates me (some eras more than others). This movie was based on the phenomenal book, The Killer Angels, which recounted the Battle of Gettysburg through different viewpoints of several of the key players. I loved this book and movie so much that I wrote my research paper my sophomore year of high school on Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, who is credited with the quotation I posted. If you're wondering, he pretty much saved the battle for the Union Army, and therefore also pretty much saved the war. If he and his men hadn't successfully defended that flank, we could all be living in a different country right now. Seriously. Look him up. But, honestly, his best line in the movie is... "BAYONETS!!!!!" Love it. I can watch that scene on repeat for hours. Like I said, I'm a dork.

3. The Man From Snowy River. Come on, man. Has anyone ever heard of A.B. "Banjo" Patterson? Don't you remember watching the opening ceremonies to the 2000 Olympics? Remember all the people who came riding into the Stadium with inspirational music playing over the speakers as the television commentators talked about a poem that is indelible to the Australian people? This movie was based on that poem written by Patterson. I admit, there are some super-cheese parts, but I grew up watching it, so there is a nostalgic element to it. Plus, it has awesome music. And if you do find yourself ever watching this movie, please know that the actor who played Jim rode the horse in that very climactic chase scene all by himself. For real, flying down the mountain wasn't a stunt. Go ahead. Let your jaws drop.

4. Pride and Prejudice (A&E Version). Sorry to Drew, but I still love Jane Austen. Yes, all of her books= amazing. This version of Pride and Prejudice is by far the best adaptation of any of her novels; the version with Kierra Knightly completely pales in comparison. Plus, this one has Colin Firth. I like Colin Firth (as you will see evidenced by the rest of my list). The character portrayal in this movie is spot on and everything so well done (scenery, costumes, music) that every time I watch it, I wish I lived in 19th-century England and was friends with Bingley and Mr. Bennett. I also find myself speaking like an Austen character...indeed.

5. Shakespeare in Love. I freely admit this is not a family movie. Please do not let your children watch it, and I would not recommend watching it with your parents, in-laws, etc due to the awkwardness factor (I bet if you watched it on television, most of the inappropriate scenes would be almost completely removed). However, the movie really is beautifully done and is actually rather hilarious! If you enjoy Shakespeare specifically, it's a fun movie to watch- you'll catch all the little nuances throughout the film and enjoy a little chuckle. This movie also has Colin Firth in it, but he is definitely not a likable character, so don't watch this film after you're fawned over him as Darcy in Pride & Prejudice because you will feel completely betrayed by him.

6. And the Band Played On. This is an original HBO film which chronicles the early stages of the AIDS pandemic, focusing on the efforts of the CDC and other international medical entities (namely the Pasteur Institute) to isolate the cause behind the mysterious illness that was spreading throughout the world so quickly. The movie is based on Randy Shilts' classic and incredibly well-researched book by the same title. This movie will anger you and inspire you simultaneously. The quotation is from a scene that gives me goosebumps every time I watch it. Made almost twenty years ago, this film appeared when HIV and AIDS was still considered pretty taboo. Kudos go out to HBO for having the courage to produce this film. And double kudos to HBO for getting so many wonderfully famous people to commit to cameo appearances, including Phil Collins, Alan Alda, Steve Martin, and Ian McKellan, among others.

I'll be posting part two of the movie answers soon! Does anyone want to hazard some guesses for movie numbers 7-13 since you've now seen the first half of my favorite movies?

Pet Peeves

My husby and I often talk about pet peeves and the like. I thought it might be fun to inform my readers of what I consider to be some of the most...well, peeving things in life. Remember that these are my pet peeves, and not yours, so please don't be offended by some of the following statements.

1. Stepping in something wet while wearing socks. This is rather annoying and extremely inconvenient if you are not at home. You see, I don't really like socks or shoes all that much (something I attribute to my Floridian need to remain barefoot for the majority of the time), so when I am actually wearing socks, I am wearing them for the strict purpose to warm my feet. Stepping in something wet while wearing my socks makes my feet cold and completely defeats the entire purpose of putting the socks on in the first place. I would rather step in something wet while barefoot; it is so much easier to clean off, and you don't waste the water and detergent to wash a useless pair of wet socks.

2. Individuals who drive without their lights on when it is raining. Is is just me, or does it seem like more and more people are guilty of this act? Seriously, if you are using your windshield wipers, that should send an alarm to your brain to turn on your lights! And I'm not just talking about your parking lights or your daytime running lights. The purpose of turning on your lights while it's raining is not necessarily so that you can see better, but so that other people can see you. Specifically, if you are the owner of a gray or silver car, please turn on those lights when it's raining for pete's sake! This is more than a pet peeve; this is a safety issue.

3. Gum smacking. This sound is worse than nails on a chalkboard. Honestly, where did people learn their basic manners? If we understand it is considered rude to chew with our mouths open, would we not be able to make the connection it is also inconsiderate to masticate gum so noisily that others around us can clearly hear? This pet peeve is doubly annoying to me because- don't freak out on me here now- I don't like gum. At all. Period. I realize that I am in the minority here on this preference, and I don't hold anything against the pro-gum chewers out there. However, if you start smacking your gum near me, we'll need to have a conversation about the potentiality of your habits affecting our friendship.

4. Incorrect grammar. I'm learning to be more merciful in this area, because after all, not everyone had Mrs. Baxter for 7th and 8th grade English and developed a deep appreciation for correct grammar, but I still get perturbed (yes, more than annoyed) when I see incorrect grammar in published writing. At the Columbia Regional Airport, there is a sign that reads: "Your already smart, be savvy." No, you're not already smart because you don't know that 1) it should be you're and 2) you should use a semi-colon, not a comma- unless you were meaning for that to be a run-on sentence. I am, however, happy to report that I recently noticed The Add Sheet corrected their horrible grammar on their TV commercials. Yes, please notice that you no longer "save alot," but rather "save a lot" with the Add Sheet. *Sigh* I felt so much better when I saw that.

So now that I've bared my soul to you all, what are your pet peeves?

Ryan + Melissa

The wedding season has officially begun! Even though attending numerous weddings in a year can be tiring (and expensive), I still love going to weddings. It's always fun to see how the ceremony and reception reflect the bride and groom's personalities and values. Truly, you can determine a good deal about a person by how they have chosen to celebrate their marriage. I've been to many, many weddings over the years, and the thing I look forward to the most remains the same. My favorite part of the wedding? It happens right when the bride walks in. No, I don't swivel my head in order to catch a glimpse of the lovely bride as most people do; I look at him, at the groom, to see the expression on his face as he sees his bride walking towards him. That look, my friends, is what moves me to tears each and every time.

Yesterday, Isaac and I had the privilege of attending the wedding of two of the greatest people on this earth (not an exaggeration). Ryan (who was the DJ at our wedding reception) and Mel's wedding was one of the most God-honoring events I have witnessed and ranks as quite possibly the best wedding ever (after mine, that is). I am so excited to see what the Lord has in store for this couple! Ryan and Melissa, may your marriage glorify the Lord and demonstrate the love of Christ. Here are some shots from the beautiful ceremony and the amazingly fun reception:



Next up: This Saturday, I go to Jackson to see India's wedding, and Isaac travels to Louisville to watch Christina become Mrs. Smith!

Clio Awards

Wow. I would have figured more people would have at least attempted to guess the movies on the previous post (my mom claims she got all but two, but she has this inability to produce comments). I'm hoping everyone is just busy with finals and the upcoming wedding season instead of the possibility that no one is actually reading my blog. Hmmm...at any rate, I'll post the answers to them later...somewhere.

The 50th Annual Clio Awards, to be held in Las Vegas this year, are approaching. Named after the Greek muse of history, the Clio Awards recognize creative excellence in several distinct areas within the field of advertising. I looked at the list of some of the commercials up for accolades this year and noticed Audi had several commercials listed in several different categories. Kudos to my second-favorite German car designer and manufacturer (gotta go with VW because a Jetta is my dream car and...well, you know, Volkswagon is "for the people")...but we used to have an Audi; my family bought it when we lived in Germany, so it was a lot cheaper than you might expect...but it was still beautiful. I wish we still had that car. Dang.

Anyway, back to the Clios. Even though Audi put out some stunning commercials in terms of cinematography, animation, and sound, my all-time favorite CLIO award winner goes to a Nissan commercial from 1996 (and yes, wow- that was thirteen years ago):



What about you- what's your favorite commercial?

Movie Quotations

Several weeks ago, my friend Erin published a list of some quotations from her favorite movies so her readers could figure out the corresponding movie. I thought it might be fun to do the same, so here are quotations from some of my favorite movies; I really enjoy movies and have a lot of favorites, but the following are ones which I could watch multiple times a week. Enjoy the guessing game- and no cheating by means of Google or IMDB!

1. "I've been going to this high school for seven and a half years. I'm no dummy."

2. "This is a different kind of army. If you look at history you'll see men fight for pay, or women, or some other kind of loot. They fight for land, or because a king makes them, or just because they like killing. But we're here for something new. This hasn't happened much in the history of the world. We are an army out to set other men free. America should be free ground, from here to the Pacific Ocean. No man has to bow, no man born to royalty. Here we judge you by what you do, not by who your father was. Here you can be something. Here you can build a home. But it's not the land. There's always more land. It's the idea that we all have value, you and me. What we're fighting for, in the end, is each other."

3. "Well, sir, I think you'd sooner hold back the tide than tame the mountains."

4. "But your good opinion is rarely bestowed, and therefore, more worth the earning."

5. "I will have poetry in my life. And adventure. And love. Love above all. No...not the artful postures of love, not playful and poetical games of love for the amusement of an evening, but love that...over-throws life. Unbiddable, ungovernable- like a riot in the heart, and nothing to be done, come ruin or rapture. Love- like there has never been in a play."

6. "How many dead hemophiliacs do you need? How many people have to die before it'll be cost effective for you people to do something about it? A hundred? A thousand? Give us a number so we won't annoy you until the amount of money you start losing on lawsuits makes it profitable for you to save people than to kill them!"

7. "I want my couscous!"

8. "'There is a war on! How is that you are headed west?'
'Well, we kind of face to the north and then, real sudden-like, turn left.'"

9. "'I could have got more out. I could have got more. I don't know. If I'd just...I could have got more.'
'There are eleven hundred people who are alive because of you. Look at them.'
'If I'd made more money...I threw away so much money. You have no idea. If I'd just...'
'There will be generations because of what you did.'
'I didn't do enough!'
'You did so much.'
'This car. Goeth would have bought this car. Why did I keep the car? Ten people right there. Ten people. Ten more people...this pin. Two people. This is gold. Two more people. He would have given me two for it, at least one. One more person. A person. For this. I could have gotten one more person...and I didn't! And I...I didn't!'"

10. "Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself."

11. "This is it! Don't get scared now!"

12. "Have fun stormin' the castle!"

13. "I don't think you're an idiot at all. I mean, there are elements of the ridiculous about you. Your mother's pretty interesting. And you really are an appallingly bad public speaker. And, um, you tend to let whatever is in your head come out of your mouth without much consideration of the consequences...but the thing is, um, what I'm trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, I like you, very much. Just as you are."