Free Love Freeway

One of the many funny scenes from season one of The Office.

The context: they are supposed to be having a training session with an outside consultant. However, David can't let anyone have the spotlight besides himself.

The Office (UK edition)

Over the last few weeks I watched the BBC show The Office. This show is widely known as the basis for the US version of the The Office, which I have yet to watch. I wanted to see the Brit version first because it came first and because I do love the British sense of humor.

Anyway, The Office, stars Ricky Gervais, Martin Freeman (who was great in Love Actually), Mackenzie Crook, and Lucy Davis (one of three good things about Studio 60) as David, Tim, Gareth, and Dawn. They all work for a paper company in Slough, England and for some reality show they are letting their work lives be recorded. Their jobs are about as exciting as you think it would be to work for a paper company. Where the comedy comes in is in the characters of these people. David Brent is quite possibly the best and worst boss ever. He makes horrible jokes and wants to be your friend but I am not sure he expects his employees to actually work. Gareth is the annoying guy who you want to kill in your office. He's the guy who thinks he is so cool and suave but in reality is kind of a wanker and a jerk. Then there is Tim. Tim is, in a word, adorable. He's the guy at work who you sit with and make fun of all the other people you work with. Tim finds his partner in crime in Dawn.

There are other minor characters who move in and out of the show like Keith the accountant; Finchy, David's friend; Jennifer, David's boss, and in season two all the folks from Swindon.

This show is the kind of funny that is uncomfortable. It makes you cringe and laugh all at the same time. It's only fourteen episodes long, total. So, they make their point and go out on a high note. I know I was left wanting more. So, check it out.

So long, farewell

Sunday night was filled with all sorts of sadness and "oh hell, no" attitudes in my living room. First the sadness, Rome is over. I thought the ending was as tragic and grand as the whole series has been. In the end, as we all know, Antony and Cleopatra die. Although, in this version they do not die together. Antony's death scene with Vorenus holding the sword was brilliantly acted by James Purefoy. I was barely holding back tears. I really hope Purefoy gets an Emmy nod for this season; he was spot on since episode one.

Also, I loved seeing Atia get her spine back. Was she heartbroken over Antony? For sure, I mean, who wouldn't be? But then starting a feud with Livia seems such an Atia thing to do that you know she will not be tasting iron and ashes for the rest of her days. I also loved that Octavia got herself a little backbone too. She's always been a bit flighty but I can see her becoming powerful in her own way. Now, if only she didn't have to look after the children of Antony and Cleopatra.

Speaking of which, I loved that Vorenus stole Caesarion away. Since we all know that he's really Pullo's kid anyway and not the son of Caesar. Anyway, it was nice to see Vorenus rejoin his family and, quite possibly, receive their forgiveness. But I am not sure I believe that Vorenus actually died. I think that might be a little story Pullo told to save his friend from have to explain himself to Octavian.

And finally, Octavian. He turned out to be quite a piece of work. Who would have thought he would be so heartless and cruel and at the same time allow me to feel sympathy for him? Anyway, as we all know, he soon becomes Augustus and then the whole Jesus thing happens.

One last word about Rome, I just frakkin' love that four out of the seven people in that picture above are dead. I mean, who says history is boring?

As for the "oh hell no" portion of the evening, that belongs to Battlestar Galactica. I won't say any more for those of you who haven't seen season three (Angie). But B-Mart is talking about it over on her blog so feel free to comment over there.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie

Last night I watched The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie starring Maggie Smith and Robert Stephens (parents to the stupidly hot Toby Stephens). I wanted to see this movie mostly because while I know Maggie Smith well from lots of things, including the Harry Potter series, I had no idea who Robert Stephens was.

Anyway, the plot of the this movie is that Jean Brodie is a teacher in Scotland in the 1930's. She's something of a free spirit because rather than getting married she chooses to dedicate her prime to her pupils. In the meantime, she has affairs with the married art teacher (played by R. Stephens) and the music teacher. Miss Brodie teaches the girls about art and life and many other things. And in one scene she awesomely states that Giotto is the best of all Italian Renaissance painters (and then goes on to display a picture that was part of a whole chapel he painted and I wrote a paper about; I love me some Giotto). Anyway, apologies about that total sidebar.

So, basically, Miss Brodie has this group of four girls that she takes under her wing and tries to cultivate them. One of them, Sandy, begins to harbor some ill will towards Miss Brodie. It seems to begin with Miss Brodie not calling her pretty but then grows and grows. Finally Sandy has the ultimate betrayal of getting Miss Brodie fired from her job because Sandy disagrees with Miss Brodie's politics. In Sandy's defense, Miss Bordie did support Mussolini's Facism and Generalissimo Franco. But Sandy's real problem was an underlying jealousy of Miss Brodie.

Anyway, I am writing about this movie because I am not sure exactly what the moral of this story is. I mean, it's almost like the movie was saying "well, if you choose to not marry then you deserve to be shit canned by your bitter students." But it's not really all that favorable to the Sandy character either. Personally, I wanted Miss Brodie to smack the little frakker at the end of the movie.

As a final aside, Maggie Smith was quite the looker when she was young. I can see exactly where Toby gets his good looks from. Also, I can see why Smith won the Best Actress Oscar for this film. She acts the heck out of this role. Even though I was a bit perplexed by some aspects of this film, I still recommend it.

Happy New Year and other things

Well, today is the first day of the Iranian New Year. Here's to hoping that this year will only be better than the last year. Although, last year wasn't so bad. I mean, a year ago I was in the middle of nowhere Indiana and today I live in a city. That's a pretty good thing in my mind.

Last night, to celebrate the New Year, I went to see a movie with my sister. Music and Lyrics is pretty much exactly what I thought it would be: light hearted, Hugh Grant filled, cuteness. It wasn't the best romantic comedy I've seen but it wasn't the worst either. Plus, I can't help but like Drew Barrymore. I kept wondering if Hugh and Drew actually sang for the movie. The singing voices sounded close enough and yet different enough to make me wonder. Also, all the Wham influenced 80's flashback stuff was freaking hilarious. Pop goes my heart, indeed.

ETA: According to Wikipedia, Hugh and Drew did sing their songs.

I finally got my Buffy comic last night. Although, I thought my cousin might have a fit when I pulled the comic out of the plastic sleeve he put it in (yes, my cousin is a comic book geek and has been one for like 30 years). Anyway, after receiving my detailed instructions about how to carefully read the comic as to keep it worth money (put the comic on a table, turn the pages at the corner, you might want to wear gloves, OMG already just give me the frakkin' comic!); I went home and read the damn thing. And, it was good. Of course, I wanted more. So much more. It's probably due to the fact that I never had to wait a week for an episode of Buffy let alone a whole month for a new comic book. So, I am kind of impatient with the waiting and all.

I won't spoil it for you all who have yet to read it. But I think we may need to start a Buffy comic reading group. Any takers?

Choke a bitch

Well, on Sunday two great things come to an end. The first is season three of Battlestar Galactica. I am assuming someone is revealed to be a cylon. Many think it's Starbuck but I am seriously leaning towards Tigh, especially after last week's little melt down. Plus, wouldn't that just be a mind frak for ol' Tigh? I guess I will just have to wait and see.

The other thing that's ending, and making me much more sad, is Rome. After Sunday, Rome will be no more. The great empire will fall. Last week's episode was so fabulous I almost don't know where to begin. But I will say that two bitches did get choked. One got choked to death; the other just to climax (speaking of which, who knew Octavian had such a hot bod?). Ha! I loved Antony in Egypt. Who knew strung out could look so good, especially when combined with eyeliner? Man, Ray Stevenson really knocked it out of the park with his portrayal of Pullo this week. The whole scene with Gaia's deathbed confession was amazing. The range of emotions that he conveyed with his eyes alone, from loving, sadness to cold as ice hatred in about four seconds, was amazing. I really am going to miss all these great actors on my telly.


In other news I finished two books this weekend. The first was The Count of Monte Cristo. If you haven't read this book, well, I highly recommend reading it. This is a tale of love lost and revenge. Edmond loses everything when he is falsely accused of being a Bonapartist. He is wrongfully imprisoned for fourteen years and during that time he learns much but also harbors his anger. When he finally escapes prison, he sets his revenge scheme in motion.

I thought the book was so well written and completely engaging. I had a hard time putting it down. Although, I really pitied Edmond because he could never see past his desire for revenge. I kept thinking to myself, this dude needs to get laid. In the end, that's just what he does.


The second book I read this week was John Green's An Abundance of Katherines. Katherines is the story of Colin, a former child prodigy who seems to only date girls named Katherine. On the night of his high school graduation Katherine XIX dumps him and Colin has a melt down. So, Hassan, Colin's best pal, suggests a road trip. Somehow, Colin and Hassan end up in Gutshot, Tennessee. They get jobs taking recording the town's history while Colin tries to come up with the perfect mathematical computation to explain his life of Katherines.

This was another great book. I really like John's writing style (it might not hurt that I have a wee crush on him thanks to his awesome vlog Brotherhood 2.0 which you should totally be watching everyday and yes I know he's married to the yeti.) Anyway, the book was a fun read and it made me wish I was good at math. Since I really didn't understand all the mathematical computations in the book. But you don't need to get math to understand Colin's heartache and his ultimate triumph over the Katherines.

Books Read in 2007:

An Abundance of Katherines ~ John Green
The Count of Monte Cristo ~ Alexandre Dumas
Looking For Alaska ~ John Green
Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest ~ Stephen Ambrose
Drinking, Smoking, and Screwing: Great Writers on Good Times ~ edited by Sara Nikles
Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood ~ Ann Brashares

March Madness: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

I love March. March to me means two things: Iranian New Year and college basketball. I admit, being a girl, that I came late to March Madness party. My love for March Madness did not start until I was in the seventh grade. My awesome seventh grade teacher, Mr. S., made us all participate in the bracket system. Since there were so many kids in our class, we each got two teams assigned to us and we were supposed to follow their rise and fall through the tourney. That first year I was assigned Duke and some other team I don't remember. Folks, you have to remember that these were the Christian Laettner years. And, I was a 12 year old girl. Crushes ensued. I have to admit that the boy is still cute. Anyway, that's also when I became a Duke fan. It's when I got hooked on college basketball. We didn't have cable at home and it's hard to share a tv with six people in a household but in March I would not back down from the watching of basketball. I don't think my family understood my fanaticism, espcially since I am a really crappy basketball player.

When I got into high school my love for Duke and Laettner didn't diminish. I still remember watching that awesome Duke-Kentucky match up (Sorry to bring up old wounds, Ryle). That crazy Laettner shot that no one thought would go in. And then, it did. I was babysitting that night and the kids were all asleep but I yelled so loudly that they woke up. And my love for Duke just increased.

I've been mocked for my Duke love by most guys who know me. In fact, and please don't hurl insults my way, Andrew, I was rooting for Duke when they lost to Indiana. Even after I had sent in my acceptance letter to IU. But then something changed.

Finally, I was able to attend a school with a real college basketball program. I was able to know who the players were. Hell, I even saw some of them in the library. I was able to get season tickets to see basketball games. I was able to sit under the basket and yell and cheer. It was glorious. I miss going to those games. I need to get tickets for a game next year; preferably a game where we play and beat Illinois. Who wants to meet up in B'ton? B-Mart, it seems fitting that you should join me.

After attending IU, I can say that my Duke love is quite diminished. In past years, Duke would have been in my Final Four no matter what. That's how blind my love was but now I realize that I was wrong. Duke will always hold a special little corner of my heart since it's due to Duke and Coach K that I began my March Madness love but now that first true love has been supplanted by a deep and abidding love for my Hoosiers.

This year I am in two pools. Which seemed like a way to make up for not being able to participate at all last year since I was so frakking sick. I am in the GMYH pool, where I am doing pretty well and holding my own. I am also in my annual Redden pool; where my only goal is to beat DiRRty. I made different choices in each pool and right now if I had combined the two I would be dominating both pools. However, I am not. But it's still only round one. And I am along for the ride.

I hope you all are enjoying yourselves some college basketball goodness.

Chaharshanbeh Suri

Last night was Chaharshanbe Suri or the Festival of Fire. For all you non-Persians, it's a pretty special night. Chaharshanbe Suri is the night before the last Wednesday of the New Year (the Iranian New Year is the First Day of Spring). On Chaharshanbeh Suri, people burn bonfires to celebrate good overcoming evil. Traditionally, one is supposed to jump over a flame saying Zardî-ye man az to, sorkhî-ye to az man (literally: "My yellowness for you, your redness for me; ", but figuratively: My paleness (pain, sickness) from you, your strength (health) from me. Essentially, one is supposed to burn off all the old things from the previous year in preparation for the new, clean year.

While it's true that Iran is an Islamic Republic, Chaharshanbeh Suri and really the entire Iranian New Year is rooted heavily in Zoroastrianism. Plenty of people over the years have tried to beat these rituals out of the Iranians but no one has ever succeeded.

Anyway, last night I jumped over a candle to burn off my old year and usher in a new year.

So, happy belated Chaharshanbeh Suri to you!

Looking For Alaska

Last night I finished John Green's, Printz Award winning book, Looking For Alaska. This book was so good that I had a really hard time putting it down. So, what's it about you ask? Well, let me tell you.

Miles "Pudge" Halter decides to spend his remaining high school years at a boarding school called Culver Creek. There he meets Chip, Alaska, Takumi, and Lara. This group causes trouble and spends time bonding over Comparative Religion and PreCalc. When one of them dies, the rest of the group tries to come to grips with the how and why their friend was taken from them.

I thought I already loved John Green (and Hank too) because of Brotherhood 2.0. After reading this book, I realized that I loved those Green boys even more. I am now anxiously awaiting the arrival (via ILL) of John's second book, An Abundance of Katherines (which came in second for this year's Printz Award).

Books Read in 2007:

Looking For Alaska ~ John Green
Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest ~ Stephen Ambrose
Drinking, Smoking, and Screwing: Great Writers on Good Times ~ edited by Sara Nikles
Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood ~ Ann Brashares

Somethings I did and didn't do: Or my weekend

Well, I actually did and didn't do many things this weekend. One thing I did not get to do was watch Indiana lose to the frakkin Illini. Thanks, local CBS station, I am sure that NO ONE could miss NCIS or whatever crime scene show you needed to play instead of the Big Ten tournament. Actually, I am kind of happy that I missed the game because I am not sure my tv would have survived my temper of losing to Chief Illiniwick in overtime. I was not so happy about the gloating phone call I got from Squater. God, sometimes I really hate it that so many of my friends went to U of I.

So, I watched two very good movies this weekend. This first was Jesus Camp. My god was that a scary and creepy film. It made sick in the same way the Supersize Me made me sick. I understand that it's every parent's right to teach their child their values but damn. This movie just explains why I detest organized religion. I have to say that when the camp lady says "I am making them into soldiers for Christ; to die for Christ" she sounds a lot more like Osama than anything I ever heard Jesus say in the Bible. The funny part for me was all the Ted Haggart stuff. I just kept laughing so hard about all that. But I am sure that three weeks in therapy cured his gayness.

The second movie I saw this weekend was V for Vendetta. For those of you who don't know, this movie is about a future Britain where V, a "terrorist", sets about to fight against his totalitarian society. I thought Hugo Weaving was very good as V and for some reason I love everything about Natalie Portman. I even liked her fake accent. I don't know why she charms me so much but I've liked her ever since I saw The Professional.


I also finished a book this weekend. When I went up to Chi-town to lose at pop culture, Jessie let me have her copy of Stephen Ambrose's Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest . As you all know, I floved the HBO miniseries, Band of Brothers. I imagine I have watched the miniseries about six or seven times now. I have my favorite guys and so I was excited to read the book. I think I must have done this in the wrong order because the book was not nearly as interesting to me as I thought it would be. Maybe it's because I already knew the story so well (although I have reread many a book in my lifetime and that's never been a deterrent to me before). I think I just don't like Ambrose's writing style. Anyway, I did like hearing about soldiers we didn't get to meet in the miniseries. But I felt the book was sorely lacking on the details of my personal faves like Luz, Liebgott, and Nixon. Luckily, all the Winters stuff made up for that. I found it very interesting that so many of the soldiers from Easy who survived WWII became educators. I think it's pretty cool. These guys remind me of my much loved and very missed grandpa; he was a teacher too. Anyway, I suggest reading the book, especially if you haven't seen the miniseries. And then go watch these brave, hot men fight on tv. I think I may need to have another BoB marathon soon.

Yesterday was such a gorgeous day that I could not be cooped up inside. A friend and I went on a walk in Laumeier Sculpture Park. I haven't been there in ages. It was nice to walk in the park and see the new sculptures that had been added.

Books Read in 2007:

Band of Brothers: E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne from Normandy to Hitler's Eagle's Nest by Stephen Ambrose
Drinking, Smoking, and Screwing: Great Writers on Good Times ~ edited by Sara Nikles
Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood ~ Ann Brashares

Buffy Top Five

A REALLY long time ago, Beth told us all about her Buffy top five favorite episodes. I admit that when she wrote that I was still in the midst of watching Buffy for the first time around and only glanced at her list marginally so I wouldn't be spoiled. However, I am having a girly weekend with my pal Dragaonchance very soon and part of that weekend is going to include watching our top five favorite episodes of Buffy together. So, I've been trying to put together my top five list. I think I may have it narrowed down. Like Beth, I am putting them in season order and not the order of actual preference because I am not sure that exists.

Season Three: Graduation Day Part II

I believe I have mentioned my love of this episode before. The sentiments haven't changed for me. I really love everything about this episode. So much happens. It's graduation day, Angel and Buffy have sexy time blood rituals, the senior class banding together to survive, the Mayor gets his comeuppance, Angel leaves Sunnydale. You know that their whole world is going to change but you don't know how it's going to change. Plus, OZ!

Season Four: Hush

Undoubtedly, the creepiest episode of Buffy ever. Yet, there are still plenty of funny moment in this Emmy nominated episode. The Gentlemen (very creepy looking creatures who float through the town) come to town to steal heart and voices, leaving Sunnydale in quiet stupification. Thankfully Buffy and the Scooby Gang are able to defeat the baddies in time.

Season Five: Fool For Love

I love this episode for many reasons. Buffy shows her vulnerable side when she is almost defeated by a vamp. It's so rare that we see a truly hurt Buffy. So, she turns to Spike to find out how he slayed the slayers. "One good day" is all it takes for Spike to get his wish. I normally don't care much for the flashback scenes but I really love the tussle between Spike and Robin Wood's mom on the subway. Plus, Spike looks really hot in this episode.

Season Six: Once More With Feeling

Also known as the musical episode, Once More With Feeling is equal parts funny and honest. Each one of the gang is going through a very emotional time. Will Xander and Anya have a happy marriage? Why is Buffy so odd since she's been risen from the dead? Giles can't stand watching Buffy not live life. Tara won't let Willow alter her mind. And then there's Dawn. My favorite songs from this epsiode are Going Through the Motions, I've Got a Theory, I'll Never Tell, and the awesome Anya/Giles duet reprise of Under Your Spell/Standing. Favorite line of song: It could be witches/Some evil witches/Which is ridiculous/cos witches they were persecuted, wicked good, lovelier, women power and I'll be over here.

Heck, I am listening to the soundtrack even as I type this.

Season Seven: Conversations With Dead People

This is maybe the second most creepy episode of Buffy. The big bad, The First Evil, torments Buffy and the Scooby Gang by coming to them as dead people they know and cared about. Joyce coming to Dawn is at turns sad and scary. Tara not coming to Willow is even sadder. Plus, Spike is bad again (or is he?) and Jonathan/Doyle dies. Favorite quote: "See, this is what I hate about you vampires!" exclaims Buffy, "Sex and death and love and pain. It's all the same damn thing to you." It just says so much about Buffy and her relationships with Angel, Spike, and to some extent Riley.

So, that's it folks. I know some of you might have some things to say about this list. Beth, I hope you are glad that we aren't so far apart in our Buffy episode love.

Beautiful Iran

I thought I might post this video too. If only to show the awesome images of Persepolis. I have this fantastic picture of me sitting on my mother's lap at Persepolis. Someday, when I have kids, I hope to recreate that photo. Enjoy.

Iran Iran

I won't go into politics. I kind of hate to do that on this blog. But for those of you who want to know why I must go to Iran some day, well, check out this youtube video. I think it speaks for itself. But I will say that the sweet older man at the end reminds of most every Iranian man I have met, excepting my father. Doost daram is right.

BBC America kind of rules

In my ongoing quest to love all things British, excepting bad teeth, I am going to gush a bit about the miniseries The State Within. Starring Jason Isaacs (looking fine with all that white Malfoy hair) and Sharon Gless (yes, formerly of Cagney and Lacey), The State Within, is like 24 only set at the British Embassy. There is the usual intrigue, the obvious back-stabbing, the "bad guy" who is really a good guy, and a frighteningly realistic portrayal of American paranoia, and a bit of the sexy-time. I won't go into all the politicy issues I had with the show because they are numerous. But at one point I did think to myself, "yes, I could see a governor detaining all Muslims if we had another bombing."

Anyway, in what only goes to show that I do not read enough mystery books, I was never really able to figure out the ultimate baddy until the person was revealed. I have always been bad at that kind of stuff though. Apparently, this show will be released on dvd. I do suggest renting/netflixing/etc. this show if you are into that sort of thing.

Also, coming up on BBCAmerica is the show Robin Hood. I am going to give it a chance. It seems like it might be a winner. It can't be much worse than Lost or Studio 60.

In other things I love that are British, I will now gush about Lily Allen. Love her or hate her, you have to admit that she is taking over the charts. I happen to be on the love side. About two months ago itunes had a free download of Smile by Lily. I downloaded and fell in love. I returned a birthday present (can you believe someone thought that I didn't own Office Space on dvd?) and got the cd. I can't stop listening to it. Anyway, Lily has quite a few influences: ska, rap, rock. I personally love the songs Smile, Everything's Just Wonderful, LDN, Knock 'Em Out, and Alfie (about her pot head brother). LDN is my new ringtone even! You can listen to Fresh Air's review of her cd.


Sorry I have been bad about posting. I just haven't had all that much to say.