Oxford Dictionary Term 2

tran-syl-vania:
[noun]

Latin: the land beyond the forest. A region and former province in central Romania: formerly part of Hungary. 24,027 sq. mi.

"Mmm, delicious!"

Too many posts in one day, I know. I just couldn't help myself! I HAD to show you these-- my textbooks for HIST 239--Ancient History of the Near East, Part II. An expensive lot, and all for one class! Much better than Part I of last semester (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Hattusa, Mitanni, and Ugarit--yuck!) this class will be studying Persia, Greece, Rome, and Byzantium. To which I say, "these are few of my favorite things." : )

Trivia: Without cheating, can you name (in order) the first 15 Emperors of Rome? ...I can. (Hee hee. I'm incorrigible!)

photo taken of books as they lay on my desk at work.

Astronomical Clock, Prague

I'm aching to see this.

"One of the most crowd-pleasing aspects of the Astronomical Clock, mounted to Old Town Hall, is its hourly display of moving figures, including the Apostles and figures representing four evils and four disciplines. The oldest part of the clock, a physical interpretation of the cosmos, dates to the beginning of the 1400's. The moving figures were added much later - in the 17th century (allegorical figures) and in the 19th century (figures of the Apostles)."
notes courtesy of about.com

Portrait of a Seaman

Evidence that men used to pose for portraits: all physical traits were captured by the artist and the non-essentials (clothes) were filled in later so you only had to stand there until your face was done. (If you've ever seen Slipper & the Rose you'll see the prince move his head away from a cardboard cut-out of princely-garb after his face was sketched and it's very funny.)

I don't know who painted this or who the man is, but I love him, don't you? The soldier, that is. I'm sure he looked rather handsome in his uniform. The sketch of his hat resembles those worn by lieutenants in 'His Majesty's Royal Navy' around 1810. I think he must have been a dashing "left-tenant." Yum. Ha! I sound just like Lydia and Kitty-- "officers!"

Do you think he sailed on the Indefatigable with Captain Pellew and Horatio?

"Thanks that helps a ton."

This scene is from one of my favorite TV shows, Roswell. 

I once polished the lids of the salt and pepper shakers on the table at Denny's for 40 minutes while bantering with a guy. This scene with Michael, Maria, and the sugar shakers reminds me of it...vaguely...my exchange didn't end this way of course. But boy would I love to have somebody grab me like this and cover for it by saying "that was to calm you down." Especially if it was Michael Guerin. Or Max Evans. Hmm. Either or. ; ) Hahaha 

Literary Hero: Sara Crewe

Frances Hodgson Burnett authored the story of heroine Sara Crewe originally entitled both Sara Crewe and What Happened at Miss Minchin's Boarding School (1888) and was a serialized novel in two separate magazines (which, incidentally is how A Christmas Carol was originally published. I'm so glad that doesn't happen anymore it would be worse than TV). Several years later (in 1905) the story was republished under the name we are all familiar with: A Little Princess.

1995

The 1995 film is, I think, one of the best 50 films I have ever seen. And if you know how many movies I've seen, that should mean something to you. I also recommend the 1986 adaptation.

1986


Useless fact: Liesl Matthews, who played Sara in the 1995 version is in fact, a millionaire's daughter and an heiress. How's that for role casting?

Get Thee To a Library, Elmo

Why is it always so fun to hear that furry guy laugh? "Words! Words! Words!"

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

I didn't expect to like Australia very much, but surprise--it could be my new favorite. Mom, Dad, Grandma and I all went out to see it yesterday and we ALL loved it. So no, it's not just me. And yeah--you need to see this.  I want to watch this again. And again. And again. Over and over and over.  Combine Man From Snowy River with Titanic and To Kill a Mocking Bird. That might sound odd, but really, that's what this is. Oh, and the soundtrack (which I usually care about more than anything) was extraordinary.  I'm fervently awaiting my chance to see this again.  "Again, please!"

Merry Christmas! May God bless us, every one.

I often comment about Scrooge's nephew, Fred. Out of the dreary fog, Fred bursts into the icy counting house cheerfully crying, "A merry Christmas, Uncle! God save you!" 

Unlike Scrooge, who "carried his own low temperature always about him," Fred exudes the warmth of his own bright heart. The "piercing, searching, biting cold" of outdoors couldn't affect him; "he had so heated himself with rapid walking in the fog and frost that he was all in a glow; his face was ruddy and handsome; his eyes sparkled, and his breath smoked." 

I believe we all should be more like Fred, who, more than any other character in the story, really gets the spirit of Christmas right. In his own words,

"I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round--apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that--as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time."  

I implore us all to remember his most famous speech and apply it to ourselves: 

"What right have [we] to be dismal? What reason have [we] to be morose? [We're] rich enough."

MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Snowflake Bentley, My Hero

A scientist named Wilson A. Bentley used his own revolutionary technique to study individual snowflakes, capture and record their images. He discovered most of what we know today about snowflakes, including what makes them look the way they do. He wrote:

"...the beautiful six-sided symmetry of every crystal was evidence of both the character of the cloud it came from, its altitude, electromagnetism, and temperature, as well as the rules inherent to the water molecule."

Take a second to observe some of his work, including the snowflake thermometer, a chart he made showing which general shapes flakes assume at differing temperatures. Learn more about Snowflake Bentley here. I learned about him from a picture book (cover shown below).

Cranford!

I figured out how to post videos and I'm gonna post trailers for all those BBC things I gushed about. Here's a look at Cranford.

"We are no longer merely neighbors. We are friends."

Awareness Test

Is it over yet? Ope. Guess Not.

So you're dressed in black tie to see the symphony? This, undoubtedly, is a part the audience member behind you will play--but don't you dare do it yourself! Ahahhaha.

Fit post Festivities

My friend Bethany told me about a Couch to 5K Plan she tried that tells you how to work up to working out--safely and the right way so you won't kill yourself trying. Maybe if you try this you'll "just feel like running." 

Rarity

I had to have Rodeo Queen hair for a cowboy dance in Christmas Around the World. This was what my hair looked like just after taking it out of hot rollers (before I brushed it into a huge voluminous mess). Remember it ladies and gentlemen, cause you may never see me with curls again. SURPRISE! And I don't know what I was doing with my lip. Something non-smiley I guess. 

Bust of Daedalus

This statue currently resides in Amman, Jordan in an archaeology museum. I instantly was captivated by him, and kept returning to his corner of the museum again and again. He is magnificent. Plus, I actually figured out what the statue was before I read more than the title of the plaque, which made me feel very special indeed. 

Daedalus is the inventor in Greek mythology. He created King Minos' labyrinth, among other things. When the king imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus, they escaped using wings that Daedalus made from feathers and wax. Icarus was warned that the wings were dangerous and that he shouldn't fly too close to the sun lest the wax melt and the wings fall apart. Icarus of course flew too high, the wax melted, and he plummeted into the ocean and died. Tragedy. But then--it is Greek, and they did make tragic endings rather popular.  

This Bust of Daedalus is believed to have originally been a statue including the arms and wings (and the rest of his beard), but they have been missing for centuries. All that remains now is the bust, portraying the straps of his winged invention bound across his chest. 

FINALS...Complete.

Finals are so named not because they are the last thing in the semester, but because when they pass school is finally over. For good measure, Calvin and Hobbes are shown below. (Open in a new window to read)

So Pink

Two sprays a day keeps the "you smell amazing" phrase here to stay! I hear that a lot. : ) My last bottle lasted two years, but now I need more. The Christmas goose is getting fat... hint hint...

Heaven Bless BBC

I have both a passion for mini-series and a best friend addicted to the UK. Both have shown me that BBC entertainment is a treasure chest of entertainment. (Just stay away from their comedy--it isn't funny, and if it is, it's lewd.) Also, remember how British film quality used to be dreadful? (Case and point: ye old Pride & Prejudice six part version.) Yeah, now it's really good. Excellent, in fact. (Example: Cranford, which used digital film and only natural lighting to great effect--that's never been done before, folks!)

Anyway, BBC has a lot to offer. Here is a list of BBC shows I recommend, in drool-worthy order:

North & South (mini-series)
SUPERB. Read the website for synopsis and clips. I can't even describe it, it's that good. Meridian Magazine called it better than Pride & Prejudice. First time I watched it I intended to watch one episode and then sleep. I watched all four parts before I finally made it to bed and bought it the next day. I know dozens of people who have become addicted to this show. Obsessed, even. And who wouldn't? A real windowinto England in the late 1850's with elegant hair and dress, labor unions, riots, white lung disease, cotton mills, social class barriers being tested, service and charity from unexpected places, snobbery, grief, servants, romance, misunderstandings--the best history and passion ever captured by film. Five stars and two thumbs up, North & South has it all. Of anything in this list, THIS should be the one you see!


Jane Eyre (mini)
I've never stopped breathing so many times in a movie. I got sucked in so deep I didn't know what'd hit me. I'd seen four versions of Jane Eyre prior to watching this one, and was blown away with this. Casting is marvellous. You'll recognize a few actresses from other things; Miss Trunchbull from Matilda (Pam Ferris) plays Grace Poole and Lucy from Narnia (Georgie Henley) plays young Jane. I adore Mr. Rochester. Favorite line: "we agreed you'd never be cold again."


Merlin (tv)
The season's almost over and I'm SO upset about it. This show has surpassed my other favorites--not even Fringe can match my enthusiasm for Merlin. WAY better than Robin Hood, but don't tell Joni I said that. Aaron & Diana are also hooked on this show, they'll agree with me that it's phenomenal. Look at this picture larger--if you couldn't guess, Arthur is the dashing knight in the red.


Horatio Hornblower (mini)
Nothing is better than watching Horatio (the attractive Ioan Gruffudd) come of age as he grows from Midshipman to Captain in this wonderful series. You'll love to respect this guy. Great story. If you loved Master and Commander you'll probably like this. Dad and I love watching these together when Mom's out of town. But then, we always watch war movies when Mom's out of town. Patton, anyone?


Sense & Sensibility (mini)
While nothing can tear me from my beloved Kate Winslet version, this is really really good. I like parts of both, but if I had to choose, I still prefer the other. However-- I recommend, I recommend, I recommend this. You'll absolutely ADORE Edward, which is great, since Hugh Grant totally ruins him in the other one. Of course, I've always been a Colonel Brandon girl, and I'm telling you-- the scene in the ballroom after Marianne sees Willoughby--Brandon catches Marianne when she faints. Yeah, I watched that part over and over and over. He's fabulous! AND--oooooh! They left in the duel scene from the book! Did you know there WAS a duel, because there is! Colonel Brandon whips Willoughby to shreds for what he did to Marianne...but then lets him live. VERY dramatic. Anywho-- do watch this if you get the chance.

Cranford (mini)
As seen on PBS, this show is a great look at life in the town of "Cranford." I haven't seen anything so stirring in a long year or two. The intellect and humor here cannot be complimented enough. My favorite parts involve a man who is determined to teach a boy to read, though it is illegal to do so, and then...well--I shouldn't give it away, you'll have to see it for yourself. Wonderful actors, including Judi Dench and the gorgeous Mr. Bingley from the new P&P version (Simon Woods). Adorable romance (that takes a back seat to the antics of the town) and plain wholesome entertainment.


What I really want to see next:
Bleak House, The Lost Prince, The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant, and The Ruby in the Smoke (shown here)


And I can say from experience, NEVER waste your time on these dreadful things:
Daniel Deronda (only the costumes prevent my utter disgust...shown below. See how the villain is the dark figure? LOVE Ramola Garai's bustle...), Robin Hood (9 times out of 10 it leads to an upset stomach), Vanity Fair (hand me the trash, I'm tossing my cookies), BBC Persuasion (anti-clamactic ending that failed to impress. I've seen a better version), and really, just ASK me first before you waste your time. I might have seen it already.


That concludes Rachel's exhaustive review of BBC-DRAMA. Hope you'll find something in the list to strike your fancy.

"Good Thing Too"

I saw this on Elle in their category for "best hair Fall 2008" and about died with happiness. It validated my personal choice to have "lame" hair that does nothing but hang straight and smooth. Constantly. No bangs, and I don't even have layers. This is my haircut! But I'd never part it down the center though.

ALL ONE LENGTH: According to Buckett, this cut should only be attempted on very straight hair, of fine to normal texture. "But anyone can pull that off," he says. The blunt ends will need fairly frequent trimming to keep their very angular shape.

And I have no idea who Buckett is, but I don't care. I have straight hair and I'm the queen of doing nothing to it but dry and go. My fine, ruler straight hair behaves the same way it always has, and it's a good thing too, because I have no talent to speak of, and too little motivation to learn. Yay for my hair, thank you genetics!

Vestfully Dressed Today

• 3/4 sleeve cream T-shirt (Shade)

• "Baby spinach" sherpa vest (ONavy)

• Antique seam jeans (ONavy)

• Caramel Cowboy boots (Brazil, via DI) no swirly "cowboy" designs on them though, mine are straight. Tons of girls ask where I got them--they rock. Thanks Mom. Yeehah, I look hot!
  

Oxford Dictionary Term 1

suc-cumb: 

verb [intrans]

fail to resist (pressure, temptation, or some other negative force) : he has become the latest to succumb to the strain.

I love my complete "Oxford American Dictionary." It's a feature on my mac dashboard that I use CONSTANTLY. During classes I frequently look up words just to be sure they mean what I think they mean. I also look up historical events and terms in case they're in there, and then I can sound really smart when the teacher asks a question about them and I just read about it in my dictionary. HA! Anyway.... "succumb" is the word of choice right now because.... (my family will cringe when they find this out) 

I have succumbed, and now listen to country music on a regular basis. I can blame several things for this, (my idolization for Carrie Underwood included) but really I just like it. :) 

Eric Whitacre is a Genius

Ah, sweet-A Capella-choirs, how I love thee. Especially when you sing songs written by Eric Whitacre. Bliss, lazy smiles, and soothing peace. *sigh* Eric Whitacre is a choral and winds composer, graduate of UNLV and Julliard. I mention UNLV because that's where he first sang in a choir (a girl dragged him in to audition) and he suddenly developed a great talent for contemporary composition. His work always has TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT TIGHT harmonies, usually of more than a dozen parts. We're talking SSSSAAAAATTTTTBBBBB songs. Forget normalcy, and bask in the world of Whitacre.

Top favorites:

When David Heard, the text a direct quote of the biblical verse, "when David heard that Absolom was slain, he went up into his chamber over the gate and wept. And thus he said: my son! my son! my son! Oh Absalom, my son! Would God I had died for thee!" In my biblical Hebrew study I have noticed that the last sentence is written in what is termed the "imperative case," which means it is extremely emphatic, as if to command. He's in great emotional upheaval, and I find it quite touching. I sang the sky-rocket first soprano line in my high schools chamber choir. The song is 16 minutes long... yes I have it memorized...and yeah! it's repetitive.

I Thank You God For Most This Amazing Day. It's a prayer of gratitude which details the glory of nature and the beauty of the earth. I like it for the first phrase (which is also the title) because there is a 17-part harmony split that builds on the last word: day!

Leonardo Dreams "of his flying machine" is just good because of the harmonies and flying tenor line. Breathtaking.

Lux Arumque is also good.

Prison Break

My new favorite TV show: Prison Break. 9 days left! WAHOO!

The plot:

When Michael's brother is framed for the murder of the Vice President's brother, he decides to break him out of prison. Michael is a structural engineer. This is where it gets nuts: he has the blueprints for the prison tattooed on himself in a 3D image....it's insane. Anyway. Part of the plan involves the prison infirmary, where he goes everyday for insulin shots that he doesn't need, but pretends to need by using an insulin suppressant drug called pugnac so he can fool the beautiful doctor (Sara)...who he ends up falling in love with. But that's season one.

Season four is about to start and I'm going crazy, because Michael thinks Sara's head was cut off... but she actually escaped from being held hostage so her head wasn't cut off, but he still thinks she's dead...even though she's not... and I'm dying to know how her head wasn't cut off. Especially since we SAW her head in a box in season three... although, since she's still alive it obviously was fake... dang, man. It sounds worse than it is. I'm just totally in love with this show. And the main character. Michael Scofield, Michael Scofield, Michael Scofield....

Sky High: Irresistible Three Layer Cakes

Since I was little I've loved looking through dessert pages of cookbooks, searching for things to bake. I tend to hit ruts in what I choose to make though. I've made my "triple layer cheesecake with raspberry sauce" more times than I can count, and last week I branched out. I cannibalized three recipes to make a Coconut Cake that was loaded with almond extract. Yum. And it looked good too. I had so much fun, I crept back into dreaming of my fantasy cook book: SKY HIGH. 

Fantasy cook book because I've drooled over it on Amazon.com for months without buying it. But I found it on sale, so I used birthday money my friend Joni gave me and finally caved into purchasing. I can't wait to paw my way through the pages! 

The best part are the rare-combination recipes and complimentary frostings. Take a look at these:

Halloween Sweet Potato Cake

Chocolate-Hazelnut Nutcracker Cake

Something Tasty... name I can't recall

AND THIS ONE, I'M ALL SET TO BAKE...

... a three layer chocolate peanut butter cake. The frosting is peanut butter and cream cheese. The cake has sour cream in it. "Together it's horrible dangerous stuff, but when mixed in the right way (as only I know how) it makes the strongest...." hahahha. Can anybody finish that quote and name the movie?  

KitchenAid 90th Anniversary

Hail the return of the simple tilt-back stand. Seriously, how cool is this? Measurements on the pitcher and a spout? Pitcher bowl should have been added a long time ago.  I took one glance and my eyes glazed over, shallow breathing, etc.