FRIDAY FROTH...

If you are an aspiring filmmaker, a film buff, or just interested in finding a movie to see this weekend, then you have to check out MakingOf.com. This website was started by my friend, producer, Christine Alyward and actress Natalie Portman. Ms. Portman was inspired to give outsiders, an insider’s view of movie making by her very interested and enthusiastic friends visiting her on movie sets. Being a producer, Ms. Alyward has a love for the craft of filmmaking and an understanding of the need for more information to help fledgling artist. The site has tips from working experts on all aspects of movie making, as well as movie clips, interviews, photo galleries, and much more. It’s a well designed website with tons of FUN information—check it out!

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It’s inexcusable that republican gubernatorial candidate, Meg Whitman didn’t vote for years—surprisingly, those are her words, not mine. Ms. Whitman stated her reasons for not voting: working, raising a family, supporting her husband’s career and moving many times, but didn’t try to make excuses. She also said that going to work at eBay and seeing how government regulations hurt small businesses inspired her to get involved in politics. How refreshing to hear a politician take responsibility for their actions–I think I could vote for her on this alone!

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I love driving my daughter to school in the morning, even if she doesn’t talk to me. We listen to the radio together as our form of communication. This week some DJ’s were talking about a just released poll that named the countries that produced the best and worst male lovers. I yelled “earmuffs” to my daughter. She used to cover her ears when I did this, but now, at 15 and 2/3, she just rolls her eyes. And now for the results: Drum roll please… German men were voted the worst lovers; English men came in second worst; and those handsome, but from the poll reports, too quick Swedes, came in third. It probably won’t surprise anyone that Spanish men, Brazilian men and then Italian men came in as best lovers. If you want to comment please know that there is an anonymous option for your privacy!

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The very controversial PATRIOT ACT is reported to be what led to the arrest of Najibullah Zazi, the man who allegedly planned to attack New York’s subway system. Counterterrorism experts say that this is the most serious terror plot since 9/11. I say we suck it up and let the government listen in on our phone calls and read our emails instead of sending more troops and money to Afghanistan. I have a great appreciation for civil liberties but even more so for safety. Maybe this is a war that has to be fought at home. And now for the part you are going to really hate: Anyone who rides the New York subways owes George Bush a thank you.

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Bright Star is poetry in motion. Jane Campion wrote and directed this wildly romantic film that tells the story of English poet, John Keats and his love affair with the girl next door. Fanny is literally the girl next-door, yet anything but that figuratively. Fanny is outspoken and interested in fashion design–a modern woman living in Victorian times. She is drawn in contrast not only to her peers, but to Keats and his fanciful, yet tortured existence. A beautiful job by Ms. Campion on both the writing and directing fronts–cheers!