Things We Can Agree On

INGRID THOFT
In a recent issue of "O" magazine, the writer Leigh Haber created a list of "Twenty Things We Can Agree On."  In these divisive times, she thought it was important to come up with something—anything—that we can all feel good about.  I've decided to take a stab at writing my own (shorter) list.

Dessert

It doesn't have to be chocolate or layered or melted.  It can be fresh berries or a delicious selection of cheeses, but I think we can all agree that health concerns notwithstanding, dessert is a good thing.

The Muppets
I have a special fondness for this motley crew because I watched them as a child, but even if you didn't, can you really resist Kermit, Miss Piggy, Animal, and Fozie?  Don't like puppets?  There are two old grumpy men just for you:  Statler and Waldorf.

Flowers*
Is there anyone who has an objection to flowers?  Every color of the rainbow, every shape and size, some scented, some not.  You can even opt for dried if that's your choice.  *If you're allergic, I realize you might not like flowers, but they're still pretty to look at, right?

Fresh Air
Preferably, it's clean and not too hot or too cold, but fresh air is a good thing.  No one wants to spend all their waking hours sealed in a building or an airplane.  It's good to get out there and take a deep breath.

Sleep
We may disagree on the ideal number of hours, but sleep makes us all more agreeable.  No matter your party affiliation, your religious beliefs or country of origin, sleep is essential.  And usually, after a good night's sleep, we're better able to tackle whatever this crazy world throws our way.

Please add to the list!  What else can we agree on?

Giveaway Winners! Marla Bradeen and petite send your mailing address info to ingrid@ingridthoft.com to claim your copies of The Good Goodbye!

OMG, You Have GOT To See...

 

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Our guest blog and discussion of Gothics yesterday made me think of DARK SHADOWS, the Tim Burton remake of the classic low-budget gothic soap opera of the sixties. I was really hoping, when the remake was announced, that the new version would be an homage to the spooky sudser I remember from my childhood. Imagine the waves crashing below Collinswood in full color and Dolby Sensuround! Imagine the witches, vampires and werewolves in the age of seamless CGI! Alas, Burton went with a comical parody. Ross and Youngest are all hepped up to go, but I'm reluctant.

But this is the season of movies. Wave after wave of cinematic would-be-blockbusters are about to hit (or have already landed) in the theaters. Lots of explosion-heavy special effects flicks, several of what I'm calling geezer films, the usual horror movies and a few (of what appears to me to be) lackluster rom-coms.

What have you seen lately at the local Roxie, Reds? What are you looking forward to catching during the summer movie season? And can anything between now and Labor Day equal the glory that is THE AVENGERS?

RHYS BOWEN: I really don't go to see blockbusters. For one thing the sounds is always too loud and I just get sensory overload. I'm looking forward to seeing the new Exotic Marigold Hotel about India with Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and a stellar British cast. As soon as I can sit in a movie seat for long enough without having to move around every few minutes.

DEBORAH CROMBIE: We don't tend to get out to the movies very often.  We have a big flat screen TV in our living room with surround sound, along with every techno-gadget imaginable (my hubby used to install professional audio systems.) So most of the time we wait until things come out on DVD or are available streaming. The last three weekends we've seen, Hugo, MI Ghost Protocol, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and War Horse, all of which I loved for completely different reasons.

The last two movies I actually went to see in the theater were the second Sherlock Holmes, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.I love Johnny Depp but think I can wait to see Dark Shadows on DVD. On the big screen, like Rhys, I want to see Marigold Hotel, but I really, really want to see The Avengers. I'm a big action movie/blow out/blow up junkie.  There. I've admitted it.

 

JULIA: Don't be ashamed, Deb. My English-major Smithie told me the next movie she was dying to see was BATTLESHIP. "Liam Neeson, Rihanna, and explosions as far as the eye can see! What's not to love?"

 

ROSEMARY HARRIS: I'm making a conscious effort to get hubby to the movies. I love to go but we never seem to have the time. I haven't seen the Poe movie or Dark Shadows yet but plan to. I have seen the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - great cast and lots of lovely moments. also saw Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Charming...reminded me of Local Hero.

I have just wrested control of the Netflix queue from my husband after he left me - alone - with Rise of the Planet of the Apes when he went to walk the dog. I suppose it's possible that it got better but I prefer to see Helena Bonham Carter in a corset, not a monkey suit.

 

 HALLIE EPHRON: The last movie I saw in a movie theater was The Muppets. Which I LOVED. So sweet and sappy, really a delight for anyone who loves Miss Piggy and the tropes (Let's put on a show!) of old movies; and I missed "The Pirates! Band of Misfits" from the folks who bring us "Wallace and Gromit." I do want to see Dark Shadows. Not The Avengers. Otherwise, like fellow Reds, I watch movies at home.

JULIA: Hallie, I'm going to show you the most significant reason you should see THE AVENGERS:

 How about you, dear readers? What's on your must-see list this summer? What are going to avoid at all cost? And what have you seen that we all should see?