[RAMBLES Part II]

Hello Miss Applegate,

 

My struggle may not have been an important a one as Atticus', Jem's and Scout's, but those moments of strength on celluloid helped me in the real void...often a public school classroom, and I am grateful for that strength.

 

Don't kid yourself. It was an important struggle.(and one that grows more important every day) As someone who had the pleasure of working around kids of a VARIETY of ages for many years (in the past) it is important to be strong... and also consistent.. and also REAL. Kids are smarter and way more perceptive than most people realize. And they tend to only rise to the level we expect from them,most of the time. Those who work with them and around them all day (especially in a school setting) are a huge influence in their lives... much greater than most people imagine.. even if you are only a small part of their day (as I was). Oh golly.. don't get me started, ha.

 

I guess what I am saying is that if you are "weak" and they see you are not really "up" to the challenge.. they will squash you like a bug.. ha. But if you can get their attention.. and show them that you really are interested in helping them succeed, and you are expecting them to do their best... most of them (not all, but most) will usually rise to the ocassion.. and THAT is a beautiful thing.

 

I really appreciate your comments

 

Thank you for saying that, ha.. but truthfully.. I am just a big blabbermouth. Give me a good movie with great characters and I start yammering all over the place, ha. It is a good thing Miss Goddess has given me such an easy location here in "Rambles" (what an appropriate name to call it, ha) so I can "plop down" and gab. I appreciate the way she (and others) put up w/ me. Once in a while I do shut up though and let others get a word in edgewise, ha. I like to hear what they have to say as much as I like to blab.

 

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite films, and I cry every time I see it.

 

It truly is just a wonderful story. What is your favorite part?

[RAMBLES Part II]

Anything they do, no matter how justified, will only put them right in the same place. Also, Atticus is there. I don't think they would have dreamed of doing anything with him there. I think they respect him too much to do that

 

I imagine you are right, Mr. Movieman... on both counts. And I am sure that it all at least played a factor in their decision as well.

 

Atticus shows no fear. When everyone comes to the jail cell I think he would have been enough to hold them off. What Scout said was really a tension breaker but he stands there resolute and unafraid. I think he still would have held them off.

 

I don't know. I imagine you could be right, but I am glad it did not play out that way so we did not have to find out. I don't know if my heart could have taken it. (ha) I see your point that he was pretty much a "force to be reckoned with" just by his character and stature, etc... resolute is a good word for it. But I liked that her innocence ended up being the final straw in shaming them all and sending them back home. And I also liked how Jem stood up to his dad when he told him to leave. He seemed to understand too that their presence there with him was a way of keeping things from escalating. I think he really understood that his dad could be in serious danger if they left (And I also think he'd have lit into the first person who laid a finger on his dad, if given half a chance). He was a "protector" by nature, it seems to me. (I think it comes from being the oldest)

 

(HA... one thing I DID notice about that scene though that did not ring true.. it was night time.. it was summer.. it was the south.. he is sitting there with a bright lamp less than a foot away from his head... WHERE were the doggone BUGS that should have been buzzing around him EVERYWHERE??? ha... I know.. Get over it, Kathy.. it was only a movie.. ha)

 

The best part of Cal and how the kids love and respect her is when she gets after Scout for insulting Walter for all the syrup he put on his dinner. Cal scolds her and pops her on the butt and Scout doesn't complain to her father. Scout may not have liked it but she respected Cal's authority.

 

I liked that part too. She really was a terrific character. Cal's role in their lives was SO way more important to all of them than just the "hired help". She mattered to them. (and those kids listened to her because of it) And they were important to her too. She was a huge part of their daily life and I loved that they all respected her for it. (including and especially Atticus) And it was a mutual respect.. she was a very reliable and trustworthy friend to him too... Not just an employee. She kept his home and she kept his kids safe and allowed him to be free from worry while he was away.

 

I imagine she would not have been nearly so "involved" with their lives if she has just been there as "the maid".

[GAD! What movie expressions do you use in real life?]

Maybe not an exact quote, but sometimes when I ask my husband to repeat something he said to me.. he'll do a take off of William H. Macy in Fargo:

 

"I'm cooperating here," or "Ma'am I'm answering your questions" ha... to which I usually reply.. "Yeah, well just dont' "flee the interview" HA! And then just for fun, I'll say.. "Do you want so eggs, hon'?"

 

PS: Mr Movieman.."Woman of the House" (LOVE it!)

[RAMBLES Part II]

Hello there, little Ms Favell..

 

I did not realize you had never seen this one all the way through. It is such a great story, and so well done, I am glad you got to watch it from start to finish all at once.

 

The thing I noticed the most was the silence of the men and women who had no voice in society. The way they saw everything, but kept quiet.

 

That is a great point. I liked the look on Cal's face when Atticus asks her to stay w/ his kids. That woman was SOMETHING. I really admired her character a lot. And you were right too... when Ewell comes to the Robinson home (both times, in fact) he could have at the very least been run off the place EASILY.. but all those men there stayed silent. You know, on one level, it was really disheartening to see them NOT give him what he deserved. It was frustrating to see them just sit there and take it. (stick w/ me here, because I will get back to your point, ha) But It was like they understood... this is the way things are... and so long as there were Bob Ewell's in the world... nothing was ever going to change. It was so disheartening to see them be so "accepting" in a way of their lot in life. Did you also notice the look on Tom's face as they were leading him away. It was as if he KNEW that he was never going to get the justice he deserved, no matter how Atticus tried to encourage him. He had lost all faith. You KNEW he was giving up, just by the expression on his face. It was so sad to see it that by the time the sheriff shows up w/ the news of what happened later.. it was no suprise to hear.

 

Her look reminded me of Hattie McDaniel, and the way she saw everything that was going on, and could give a line that told you she was smarter and more knowledgeable than anyone else in that movie. The silence of the old preacher man, tears falling down his face during the trial. The silence of the black men and women who filled the balcony, especially when the verdict was handed down

 

And THAT is what takes those scenes to a whole OTHER level for me (instead of just the frustration I mentioned).. The "disheartened" feeling I felt was only a passing thing, because the silence you are talking about also just added so much to the respect I had for those characters. For example.. when Ewell shows up at the Robinson's... nothing would have been gained by them ganging up on him (except I'd have been able to get the satisfaction of cheering to see him get what he deserved) but in a way they were able to shame him by their LACK of action toward him... by keeping the anger they MUST have felt toward him in check, they rose SO much higher than he was (in terms of true character)

 

I felt the courtroom scene is a really good example of the strength of character aspect I am talking about as well. Those folks showed they had the strength to endure with grace beneath such a great injustice as the ones being carried out upon them daily and it is something that I really admired.

 

I am not saying it is always good to just "sit down and stay silent" because yes.. there is a time and a place to stand up and speak out... but the wisdom they showed... and again.. the grace they exhibited was really inspiring. They could have ranted and raved (and rightly so) at the verdict and all those who were on the jury. (And you are right, I think from look on Paul Fix's face HIS character wanted to do that as well) but instead they held their anger in check. They did not make the low actions of others cause them to do something to be lowered to that same level. Instead, they respected what was GOOD about everything that was so BAD going on around them.. and they did not lose THEIR integrity. That is what I think I admire the most about that scene and those characters. (And PS: That is a good lesson for ME to take away from this story.. and I am still learning it... I have a long way to go sometimes)

 

Atticus was a great example of the whole "maintain your integrity even in the face of justified anger" as well... I LOVED the scene where Peck comes out and Ewell spits on him... and Peck just drives him away w/out saying a word. I like how he took the one step forward as if to say, "NOW you are going to get it..." but he just stood there instead. By saying nothing and just standing there unflinching.. he was able to show all that more what a sniveling coward Ewell was.. . OH MY GOLLY was that a powerful moment in the story.

 

I also loved how Atticus was no respecter of persons.. and that he was teaching his children to be the same way. EVERYONE was shown respect and basic human dignity, and I like how he made sure they understood that those who are the "least among us" deserve it as much (if not more) as those who are the greatest. He wasn't "preachy" about it either. He just quietly led by example and gave those loving reminders from time to time as needed. I say again.. he was a great dad.

 

I noticed the way that trees were integral to the mystery of that place at that time, through a child's eyes....the first shot of the movie was down through the rustling leaves of the tree....

 

You have a wonderful eye for such details. And you are so right.. the creepy trees added to the level of childhood mystery.. and even a bit "fantasy" (especially in the scene near the end when they are caught in the woods) but also at other times, too. And I love the whole love/hate fascination with the "mysterious dark house" thing too. (when they are sneaking over to the Radly's)

 

One thing I liked too about how the whole thing was presented was the use of shadows in that fight scene near the end. And all you really get to see is Scout's eyes through that slit in her costume as she is watching that brutal scene play out in front of her. Pretty much all you get to see were hands and shadows.. and hands... and more shadows... That was really terrifying and yet so simply done. Again... from a child's perspective.

 

(PS: Mr MOVIEMAN... I am liking the idea of "Pa Pa Atticus" for a grandpa name. Wow.. that's a really great sign of the respect you have earned from you daughter... Embrace it! :-) When the day comes, I hope she follows through w/ the idea.) :-)

 

 

PS: Ms Cutter.. alas.. NO Film Fest for KC... sigh. :-)

 

PS: MOLO.. NEW JERSEY??? Where's my ROPE????

[RAMBLES Part II]

I think you have the answer

 

HA!! Was there ever any DOUBT???

 

I'm sure Frank will be happy if I just write something.... about Mogambo, Marnie, Clash By Night, Gilda, Scarlet Street....

 

You left out The Best Years of Our Lives.. I'm still WAITING.....

 

I have a lot of work to do around here. Yikes!!!!!

 

Yikes indeed... get crackin', buster.. (don't MAKE me go get that rope out of the deep freeze) ha.

 

PS... the next TCM film fest... NOT the east coast... THE MIDWEST if you please!!! You "coast people ALWAYS get the good stuff... what about us "middle folk" for a change?? ha. (Kansas City... Please oh please oh PLEASE!!)

[RAMBLES Part II]

You're so much more understanding than I ever was. I just wanted to smack her

 

OH believe me.. the urge to smack was there too. Ha. And the dad.. OH GOLLY.. not just smack.. he got off EASY by the end of the film compared to what I would have liked to have seen done. GOOD GRIEF what a hateful man.

 

do think this was Peck's greatest work as an actor, and a marvelous role to

be remembered for.

 

I have to agree with you on both counts, though I must confess I am not likely as "up' on all his roles as I should be. But based on those I have seen this one is my most favorite for him (The Big Country is likely a very close second)

 

Did you ever see the wonderful documentary about him, produced, I believe, by

his daughter? There is one part that takes place during one of his public appearances,

sort of a chance for him to answer questions from an audience and in this case, one

of the audience members was the girl who played Scout. I think Peck shared that

the author, Harper Lee, sent him her father's watch in tribute to his wonderful performance

 

No, I don't think I ever saw that (at least not that I can recall) What a nice tribute to him that she gave him that watch. That is really something. I did see some sort of documentary that was on a VHS tape of this movie (I think it was vhs) that I checked out of the library sometime last year (which was the last time I watched this film before tonight, by the way) it was more about the story (and the actors) and about Lee, too I think... rather than just about Peck. I can't remember as much about it as I should, but I do remember thinking it was really good to get all that extra insight into the story. (wish I could remember more about it now, ha)

 

What a charming, captivating man he was in real life. And so darn handsome to the end

 

I do not know much about his life, and to be honest.. I never really noticed his career much until about the last 25 years or so... I dont' know why... but he just never stood out much for me before that. But the way you have described him fits the impressions that I have of him now, for sure.

[GAD! What movie expressions do you use in real life?]

Is she a Duke fan yet

 

The short answer is yes. ha. (she loves to go to this one restaurant near us that has "classic movie posters" for decor. There is a great pic of him near one of the booths and she calls that "our table" ha. (she gets very put out if we don't get to sit there)

 

She loves to say "Pilgrim" too. ha. So I guess that would be HER favorite "movie expression" (for the Duke, anyway) ha.

 

OH.. I just thought of one that we got from one of HER movies.. Kung Fu Panda..

 

"There is no charge for awesomeness.. or attractiveness" ha. If someone "your'e awesome" (and usually that is me saying it to her after she does something good..ha) THAT is the standard come back. (sometimes we will just shorten it to 'No charge" ha.)

 

(PS Ms Cutter.. I say "Dude" a lot too, though sadly I don't think it came from TMWSLV, ha. I think I inherited it from hanging around too many school kids for too long, ha)

[RAMBLES Part II]

I never played a ham

 

So are you saying you never got to play "the ham" in a school program about smoked pork products... or (drum roll please) that you ARE one??? (with or without the school play) HA!

 

(OH golly.. someone new to torment for a change.. the Grey Guy will be so happy...) ha.

[GAD! What movie expressions do you use in real life?]

Another "Duke-ism" (from True Grit)... we call the kidling "Baby Sister" sometimes. She gets a big kick out of it. 'What, do you think you are John Wayne or something?) ha.

[RAMBLES Part II]

Well what do you know... MAD HAT is in the house! YOU have been missed, sir.

 

I agree with April about how it perfectly illustrates the child's point of view.

 

It was a terrific way to present such a really heavy and thought-provoking story. Very well told. (I liked the music too.. the way it was so "sing songy and "hummy" sometimes. Very child like as well.

 

On a side note, the reclusive Mary Badham lives just a few miles from me.

 

Oh golly... way cool.

 

You are in "Mockingbird" territory aren't you. Did you get to play a Ham in your school play too?

 

PS: Miss G.. I almost forgot to mention.. something I NEVER noticed before in this movie.. ha.. I FOUND Claude Dagle's LOST spelling medal. It must have gotten blown into the stump of that tree what with that huge lightening strike and all) HA!

 

Edited by: rohanaka on Jun 20, 2010 11:53 PM

[GAD! What movie expressions do you use in real life?]

"Alright... You can be Gus" (from The Right Stuff) That is one that my husband and I pass back and forth to one another quite often just for no apparant reason, ha. (it usually gets used instead of saying "Ok" when one of us asks the other a question)

 

Another one that gets used (more by me, most likely) from the Duke, "That'll be the day".

 

OH... and of course the ever popular: "Madness" (from Bridge on the River Kwai) THAT one gets spoken around here almost every day! (ha) :-)

[RAMBLES Part II]

Now I can appreciate how she was just acting according to the depth of her ignorance

 

I loved the part when Atticus tries to "explain" her behavior to the jury.. by saying she was a victim of cruel poverty and ignorance".... and immediately I also thought how she was an unfortunate by-product of it as well. Hate and maliciousness and low behavior in a parent usually (but not always) begets the same in their children (if that is all they are exposed to). And that is not to say that all ignorant poor people from the south (or anywhere else) will end up as Mayella did.. but wow.. she was a very good "type" of the sort of person who might come from the background that she did (given all she'd been taught by those around her).

 

she reminded me of of my bete noir, Pippi Longstocking, LOL

 

YIKES. ha. I had not noticed it before but you may be right!! ha. I DO see a resemblance.. ha. OH me.. that just adds even MORE pity (AND disgust) for her in my heart. HA!

[RAMBLES Part II]

Hello there Miss G....

 

Don't want to interrupt any ongoing chats.. just wanted to drop a quick note and say how MUCH I enjoyed tonight's Essential's Jr. (To Kill a Mockingbird). Wow.. what a great film. And I also want to say that I am really glad to see the choices they made this year for EJ.. they are to me a bit more in keeping with what I would expect a "kid's version" of the Essentials to be like. I think last year I was a big whiner (ha) about some of their selections.. but this year's bunch is really first rate. (OH, me, ha.. a couple of week's ago when they played Old Yeller.. Sob!!!!)

 

Anyway.. I think they have a really good and well-rounded group of films this year that will appeal to a variety of age groups. (since "kid" is kind of hard to define in terms of age) Admittedly, tonight's selection was a bit mature in it's themes for some of the really younger kids (we decided to let the kidling occupy herself w/ a dvd of her own tonight instead of watching this with us) but I can see someone w/ kids a few years older than she is using this film to not only introduce classic movies to their kids.. but also as a great conversation starter about some of the really important themes (and ideas) in the story. (Not to mention it was a great choice for Father's Day. That Atticus was not your "typical" father.. but wow.. what a dad)

 

I have seen this film three or four times now (over several years) and every time I just find new things to like about it. I have always loved the moment (in the courtroom scene) where all the folks stand up (and the preacher tells Scout, "Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passing".) But now after watching tonight, another new favorite part for me was on the jailhouse steps (when the three kids sneak over to spy on Atticus) and the angry crowd shows up. Everything is so tense and you are just not sure WHAT to expect... and then.. there is this sweet little girl's angelic smile...

 

"Hey, Mr. Cunningham.... tell Walter I said 'hey'. " OH me. The look on that man's face. How she shamed him only by her innocence. WOW what a powerful moment. And a little child shall... send them all PACKING!!! :-) (Golly that part really stood out for me this time)

 

But then this film is just full of great moments like that. And the characters are all so well written. It is truly just a very good story.

 

I will look forward to the day (perhaps a few more years from now) when I share this film with the kidling. Some of the themes are so very strong, and very important to understand too.

 

Wow.. I am sure I could say more about all of this, but I won't blab on and on.(I know.. ha.. a first time for everything, ha) Just wanted to give it a nod and give a quick thanks to the Essentials Jr. folk. And thanks to you, too little gal, for giving me a place like RAMBLES JR to drop in and chat a spell.

[Message Board Code of Conduct]

It's better just to reply to myself, that way there can't be any "stalking" going on

 

Oh, my dear sir or madam Bogle... Not true. Just because someone SAYS they are not harming others because their behavior does not match up to what is "legally" defined, is never enough to excuse them if they truly are causing harm. No matter the "legal" definition, one might still be a stalker if one continues to post in and around conversations involving certain people that one has targeted, especially if that individual is KNOWN to have become a source of harassment to these people, either by their open refusal to talk to this person (for whatever reason) OR by their open comments to this person stating their desire be left alone.

 

Common sense alone (not to mention common courtesy) OUGHT to be enough to make that individual STOP hounding these people and move on to OTHER conversations where he can find folks who do want to talk to him. But a known and willful harasser of people rarely deals in common sense OR common courtesy.

 

If someone continues to willfully post smack in the middle of ongoing conversations of people they KNOW do not want to talk with them, and especially if that someone enlists others (who have been proven to harass too) to continue in that practice with them (OR worse yet.. creates more than one identity to have conversations with themself) in some sort of "game" to interrupt the flow of conversation for those he has targeted... then that individual IS willfully stalking people, even if not "openly" or "legally".

 

And I am here to tell you that hiding behind the "code of conduct" with that sort of behavior is NOT fooling anyone (except perhaps the web admin folks, apparently) and it is only being allowed to continue (and get worse) the longer people who are banned are allowed to return (and adopt new and multiple user names) again and again and again after being "removed".

 

 

As I've already said, the word "troll" is a very handy tool for those who want to manipulate it.

 

And hiding behind a weak and ineffective code of conduct is a far MORE handy tool for those who want to manipulate IT as well.

 

As for the term "troll".... maybe if you do not like that one... it is just matter of finding the right word then. But then again, maybe there IS no real name for the sort of person (or people) who like to disrupt the flow of conversation and hound and harass, and annoy others for sport.

 

Call it what you will. But to borrow from my brother who once misquoted Shakespeare... "A rose by any other name would stink the same".

 

And PS: Dear Web Admin People: With regard to these issues, no one is being held accountable by the present code of conduct except those who are being harmed by its inability to protect them. Ignoring someone who has made a permanent pest of themselves (as you have suggested to us many times) is not an effective solution to this problem. If a poster who has been targeted by a trouble making jerk finally has had ENOUGH and speaks up and responds back, then the victim is made to look like the perpetrator. It is an unfair expectation to place on someone's good nature to ask them to be constantly forced into silence while others gladly prance around in freedom, to harass at will in plain sight). Two simple rules.. that is really all that we have been asking here.. two simple rules that would at least give those of us who feel helpless a chance to MAYBE hope that you understand our situation for what it REALLY is. NO law should be used to punish the "law abiding" citizen and let the criminal go free.. but our present code of conduct gets manipulated this way time and time again. It is very disheartening to see, to say the least

[Message Board Code of Conduct]

You know.. the trouble with going on a witch hunt (ie: proving that there are troublemaking troll/socks/pain-in-the-neck people with too much time on their hands... call them what you will) is... that unless you can PROVE the witch exists.. you get labeled as a "witchhunter". And gee, nobody wants to be called that.

 

But for those out there who doubt there is a real "troll problem" on this board, I am here to tell you that there is a pervasive and persistent and real presence of malicious and unnecessary harassment on this message board all carried out by some who seem to take great delight in coming up w/ new and "fun" ways to bother people they have targeted simply out of spite. I can say this because I have been the target of such people on more than one occasion. And whoever this person/people is/are... they have been here a very long time... and truly do get more and more "crafty" at their craft, so to speak the longer they are here. The trouble has gone on SO long that I doubt now it will ever truly be resolved.

 

So how DO real and legitimate people who truly are here to simply enjoy this message board and desire to post in peace co-exist with such a malicious and meanspirited presence as this troll problem has become? The only answer is true concern on the part of the "powers that be" and their moderation of this board in a real and effective way.

 

And no, we don't need "gestapo" tactics where our every post is monitored and kept record of.. and we don't need "big brother" peering over our shoulder, etc, etc, etc. But we DO need the security that comes from knowing that we don't have to sit and wonder if the person we are talking to today is the troll that hounded us half crazy and posted a lot of hostile and meanspirited NONSENSE to us the day before. A one username per PERSON rule and a "once banned, always banned" rule would be very helpful.

 

Will it stop all the people who just want to harass and cause trouble here from trying again and again to infiltrate our peaceful little message board? No, likely not. But it MIGHT make it easier for them to be caught and kicked out if they can be shown to be the poster formerly known as______ (fill in the blank again and again... and again, if you please)

 

Well what if someone wants to change their username for personal reasons? Go ahead. Make a public note of it. (Such as: ?I am the poster formerly known as _______ and I am now leaving that name behind and you can call me______ instead.) Big deal. (And I can say all this because I have BEEN that person before. I left the board for personal reasons some time ago.. came back.. and started over. But the point is... I LEFT my old name behind. REALLY, all you ?multinamed? posters out there, it is not that hard. You can do it too. I dare ya.)

 

And for those who want to start whining about "Well.. what about if more than one person in a family wants to post on here? That rule is not fair to them", etc etc. I say it is NO big deal. If that really IS your situation, I feel certain that an exception can be made for you and your family member(s) if you can simply PM the moderators and tell them that is what you are wanting to do. Golly, NOBODY wants to break up ?family fun night? around the old computer, for cryin? out loud. But it is when people want to have NUMEROUS repetitious and unbridled freedom to assume identity, after identity, after identity, forever and ever... and EVER.. THAT is the sort of nonsense that really needs to be stopped.

 

But of course.. who am I to say? We are all entitled to our own opinion. But I can't think of any reasonable (and REAL) person having a problem with these two little rules: One person.. one user name.. and once banned.. always banned. Unless of course they were the very ones who would get shut down and made to "play nice" after such a long career of foul play. The only person that would be hurt by instituting such simple rules as these would be the very ones who NEED to be stopped from hurting others. Golly.. that sounds like a GOOD thing, doesn't it? (but then again.. who am I to say?)

[Happy Father's Day! Hope you enjoy the tie.....]

Oh Jackie... every one of those was a treat. THANKS so much.

 

Happy Father's Day all you dads out there. God bless you one and all.

[Next Line Please...]

And I learned to ride, before I learned to stand...

[ROBERT RYAN - The Real Quiet Man]

Howdy, Cheap, Predictable Toastmaker

 

Oh brother, YOU are a laugh a minute, HA! Very funny.

 

You're going to roll your eyes with the femmy stuff just as much as a guy. You're not into female hysterics. That's not you. Where you are most female is family films.

 

Woops.. and you were so close, ha. You ALMOST had me pegged.. but you forgot ONE thing.. ha. I also mentioned that I DO love my romances too. ha. (OH give me a good Jane Austen ANY day, and I am there) I have a little "chick flick" in me from time to time, ha. It just depends on whether it is more about the story.. or more about the "foo-foo" stuff. ha. I absolutely hate a movie or story that is all "glorified" illicit relationships. But I like a good sweet romance tale, so long as it is told well.

 

I think what it boils down to the most is I like my characters and situations to be interesting and have some depth to them, whether they are solving a murder mystery.. roping a steer.. or telling that Mr. Darcy to go take a HIKE. ha. (OH gee... I need to find me a movie where they do all three. THEN I'd be ever so happy. HA!)

 

Of those I talk to most frequently on the board, you are the one who enjoys the "whys" just as much as I do. It's your curious, investigative nature, Mrs. Marple. (I didn't say "nosey"!)

 

Ha.. but I AM nosey.. ha. Sad but true. There is too much evidence against me to deny it, ha. I drive down the street and wonder what people are fixing for dinner.. ha. Or sometimes I will look at a house all decorated for Christmas and I wonder what sorts of Christmas gifts they have under their tree. OH and here is something REALLY gruesome..ha. I sometimes will walk through a cemetary and see a husband and wife tombstone.. and wonder what were they like? Were they happy? Did they have a good life? Did they teach their children to look both ways when they crossed the street? Inquiring minds wanna know! HA. (want to rethink that "your not "nosey" thing?? ha)

 

Women generally want to know how people tick, the most. You're in this boat

 

Well, I don't know if it is a "woman" thing or not. I just like to watch people.. and see who they are and what makes them tick. I think that is why I like those "psycho murderer true crime" things on some of those real dectictive cable shows. I want to hear what MADE that monster into a monster. What were the inner details of their mind that caused them to go nutso. Sometimes there is no answer... but it is an interesting study in human nature trying to find it all out. Oh good gravy.. look at me.. I am the thread hog.. sorry Miss G for rambling on and on in a non-rambles thread. ha.

 

I think Jerry was all about purity in love. He didn't care about what Mae did before meeting him. He only cared about her with him. For a gal like Mae, that had to be very refreshing to hear. And I think Jerry meant it. He's very basic and simple. The more stuff you tell him, the more complicated it's going to be for him. He'd rather "not know." He lacks curiosity.

 

I think sometimes people choose to be ignorant. And it is not like they DON'T know what is true about someone. (especially if it is someone they love) it is more like the refuse to know what is true about them. It is a self defense mechanism maybe.. but it really can cause a lot of hurt when the wool they have been keeping over their own eyes gets pulled off. Better to see someone for real... flaws and all. How can you ever really TRULY love someone that you refuse to let yourself know. If I am understanding you right (and remembering correctly) Jerry only loved his ideal of Mae... not the real woman she was.

 

Mae finds "predictable" to be annoying

 

No one wants to be in a "rut" emotionally... whether alone or with someone else. It sounds as if Mae was afraid of that aspect of predictability in her life. But she went about trying to solve the problem in a very selfish way.

 

I'm sure Mae could come to appreciate Jerry for who is if she changed her definition of love. But is that really love? I guess one can grow to love another. It's not impossible. It just seems forced, to me.

 

Ok.. get ready.. I am going to make you hurl..ha. YOU need to watch... a Jane Austen movie. HA!!! Marianne in Sense and Sensibility will make you rethink your whole idea abuot whether or nto someone can change their definition of love. EVERYTHING she despised about what some folks thought of as "proper" affection and love and companionship (and even dependability and perhaps "predictability) eventually becomes the thing she grows to embrace in someone she once held in GREAT disdain by the end of the story.Ok.. admittedly.. she was still perhaps TOO young as was clinging to childhood fantasies of love at the beginning... but still she does what I said earlier.. a complete 180 by the end of the story. (OH I absolutely love that part of the whole thing.. and she is not even the main character! ha) It is likely one of my all time favorite Austen's. (the version w/ Emma Thompson is my favorite for this story)

 

I have the DVD, I'm just not in the mood for that kind of film

 

Chicken.. bock, bock, bock.. HA!

 

RE: Four Sons

 

Once I finish it, I'll take a look at what was said

 

Goody. I am thinking you will like this movie. It really is an emotional story but VERY well told. It was a very welcome and unexpected surprise.

 

Re: Hatari

I'm expecting "fluff," which is okay with me. So long as it's not McLintock! and Donovan's Reef fluff! I'm hoping Hawks saves me

 

Ok.. I would say if you have to compare them.. it is maybe closer to Donovan's Reef, than McLintock.. but really not as far as the actual plot is concerned. Wayne is nice and "tough", Red Buttons is very entertaining.. the girl is gorgeous.. OH.. and there are some really cute baby elephants in it too. ha.

 

It's the visuals that I'm really interested in with The Big Trail

 

You will not be disappointed. It is a very well done film.

 

But that's the point! I have no idea what you can watch!

 

What about that one I mentioned that Jackie posted over in Westerns. Hell's Hinges. It is easy to watch because it is not very long and you don't even have to keep clicking on youtubes... it is all one link that plays for the whole film. I don't know if you would like it or not.. but it really was another very good and unexpected surprise for me.

 

I need to watch some good film noir

 

Hey.. I just remembered.. we NEVER got around to chatting on The Third Man... hmmmmm.

[A Walk on the Noir Side]

Put something on her

 

INDEED!! ha. (you are too funny)

[ROBERT RYAN - The Real Quiet Man]

Ha... well. Now I am in for it.. ha. He always gives me grief about my cooking anyway..ha. But we will use your pic to it's full advantage..

 

On tonight's episode of "Cooking w/ Rohanaka... Baked Alaska.. staring "The Grey Guy as "The Alaska" Ha!

[Our Favorite Brunettes]

I see a new thread....

 

OH brother.. don't give ANYONE any ideas. ha. There are already enough of them floating around out there. ha. (you are a crack up)

[ROBERT RYAN - The Real Quiet Man]

"I AM GETTING NOODLES!"

 

HA!!!!!! I love it. That might have to become my new favorite saying.. and I wasn't even there!! ha.

 

Awwww. Poor QT. He thinks he got the sweet end of the pop and you think you did. You guys probably sit around trying to out-do each other on who got the best deal. You guys are so sweet

 

He is a funny old man..ha. But I love him! ha. (and ps... I definitely got the better deal..ha. but don't tell HIM. He will just start arguing w/ me again, ha)

 

Oh you know I feel that way too, that we are just right for each other. Andrew might say otherwise though

 

I bet not. Didn't you say his mother was the one who introduced you? See.. even SHE knew that you were the right one for him, ha)

 

Yes, be thankful... who knows what he will say next trying to psychoanalyze us to death

 

Let's PM each other and cook up some sort of scheme where we pretend to be NOTHING like he thinks we are and start saying we like all sorts of weird stuff that we would NEVER really like (just to throw him off..ha.) you know.. REALLY weird stuff like.. I don't know.. TOP SECRET or something.. HA!!! (oh wait.. you might have said that you liked that one too.. I can't remember..ha Better pick something else. HA!! )

 

PS: Mr Movieman.. thanks for saying that.(And I meant what I said about the QT..ha He is definitley stuck w/ me. ha. for 17 year as of the end of next week, in fact) I think you have it right.. we are each other's prize.

 

I imagine that you an your lovely bride are the same.

[Our Favorite Brunettes]

Ladies, who do you find more attractive: John Derek or Jeffrey Hunter??

 

Well now that Jackie's empirical data is in... for me it is Jeffery by a LANDSLIDE. (oh and PS: thanks Jackie for that last pic of him in King of Kings.... We have that movie on tape, and I never even realized that was him ..ha. duh)

[ROBERT RYAN - The Real Quiet Man]

Hello there Ms Favell...

 

I get the feeling that Quiet Gal is the one who creates the fun wherever she goes. I think she is the one who makes the excitement happen, or finds the exciting in the everyday events

 

We call it "free entertainment" ha. Getting a kick out of watching the dog fall in a mole hole (we have so may of those out back I am about to open a golf course,ha) or laughing at the kidling's latest antics.. THAT is my fun. ha. (oh gosh.. I am digging a HOLE for myself.ha. boring, boring, boring, ha)

 

This is a marvelous trait! I can do that sometimes, but my energy level is a lot less than hers.

 

OH don't sell yourself short, kid. You would be surprised. The "old woman" in me is catching up to me day by day. That is my one regret about being so much older than the kidling. From the things I have heard you say, I think you and your family have lots of fun.. and you are the one at the center of it, little darlin'. And I love some of the creative things you have said that you do with your house, too. . I only DREAM about getting some of those sorts of things done... you go out and do them.

 

This is one way Ro and I are exactly the same. I would NEVER cheat on someone I was with, whether I settled for them or not. I might flirt just a little, but the line is drawn. I truly don't want any other man (well, unless he was Ben Johnson, and Andrew has a lot of Ben in him). Luckily, I didn't settle for Andrew. He and I are volatile, but we balance one another.

 

You know from the things you have said about your husband in the past, I can see the "Ben" in him that you describe. You two sound like the perfect complement for one another.

 

And I love that you say you didn't "settle". Sometimes the QT will tell me that I "settled" for him. (as IF) Oh brother..ha. Every now and then, we'll be talking about things and he'll get "reflective" like that. I think it is because he is a bit older than I am.. but not THAT much. But I think when he starts feeling his age he'll say that sometimes... ugh..we are BOTH oldies..ha.. But then I just remind him of two things..ha. FIRST of all.. I did not settle "for" him.. I settled ON him..ha. That is a BIG difference. And then second of all..ha. if I had "settled" for him..ha.. HE got STUCK w/ ME!! ha. So he made his own troubles in life, ha.

 

Neither one of us is any great "prize" I am sure, in the great scheme of things as far as the world is concerned... We have our faults and our failings, but we are exactly right for one another. And that is a really good thing.

 

We are amazed at the extra "good life" type things many others are going after (ie. the big screen TV, trips to Disney every six months, a new home or new car, etc....)

 

It never ceases to amaze me how many people fall into that sort of line of thinking. And I have never understood it, though I do confess sometime it DOES sound like fun. I just get amazed at how people who seem to be living lives very similar to my own will spend and spend... and spend. And here I am hoping we can just pay the light bill this month. ha. (Now I am sounding pathetic.. I don't mean to) I guess I am just saying that I am very glad to be married to someone who views money very similarly to me. It is NICE to be able to go out and spend it and do the fun stuff.. but we try to have our heads on straight before we do. It is better to own things.. than to have things own us. (oh listen to me.. I am such a know-it-all big mouth. Bah, I need to shut up)

 

The Grey Guy says: And I know Mrs. Thrifty Toastmaker surely ain't tossing the loot around in her castle. If you're "Arts," she's "Crafts."

 

Dadgum... HOW does he do that.. ha. I think he has us BOTH pegged. HA!! And he DOES remember my toaster.. ha. (at least he called me "thrifty" and not tight or cheap..ha.)

[A Walk on the Noir Side]

I read somewhere that "Put The Blame On Mame" is almost a feminist manifesto. Blame women for all the corruption and ills of the world

 

Now I had never heard that. But I am not very "up" in my feminist readings,ha. I think parts of the song could be taken that way, maybe, but to me it was more of a "femme fatale" song. I might need to listen to it again...

 

That would wake Johnny up when he came down the stairs for his scrambled eggs and bacon.

 

And I imagine Eddie Haskell would try to be over for breakfast EVERY day. ha. (oh me.)

 

PS: Miss G... thanks very much for the pics of Rita's daughters.. (I loved that link to the imdb picture) Very LOVELY photos. That Yasmin really does look a LOT like her mom. I wonder if Rebecca is still more like Dad of if you can see both of them in her as she got older.