Mom & Pop Culture

plastic fantastic

Back in September, I attended the Independent Film Market in NYC.  It was that event that sort of revved me up and put my butt in gear about making my own film.  It is also the event where I viewed all types of edgy documentaries, all fascinating. 

But on the other end of the spectrum, I discovered a doc called "Tupperware" about the plastic product that revolutionized "left overs."  I was really impressed by this doc because at first, like many, I thought tupperware was a somewhat stupid invention that somehow "wowed" the mindless housewives of the 1950's. 

a little romance

Just in time for Valentine's Day, my essay "Finding True Romance" has been posted over at The Imperfect Parent.  It's been revised/updated from the original essay posted in The Philosophical Mother.

Meanwhile, my husband and I are both recovering nicely from our "night out" about the town.  I think my husband enjoyed it - he told me about a dozen times that he had a good time last night.  He has the day off today and the kids are off too, so we have been moving slow and getting a nice start on the weekend.

new baby pictures

I thought it was about time that I posted some pictures of my NEW BABY!  My new baby, of course, refers not to a flesh and blood human baby, but to a metaphorical new baby --  my short film, The First Date After. 

After a long gestation and labor, I'm happy to announce that I have a healthy 20 minute film. I've updated my film website to include some stills from the film.  I currently have about 80 percent of the film "assembled" which means I've selected which takes of each scene I am using and I have them arranged in an approximate order. 

harry potter, michael landon, and narnia

I loved the Harry Potter films, and regret that I have not yet found time to read the actual books, as Harry Potter fever kicked off right at the moment when I was embarking on motherhood.  All of J.K. Rowling's books are on my lengthy "To Read List" right along beside my "Must See Movie List."

I also am embarrassed to say that as a film buff, I have not yet watched the whole Lord of the Rings trilogy in any kind of cohesive way.  To me, the films are of such epic proportion that until I have the gazillion hours of concentration that they deserve, I'm kinda staying away, holding off, waiting for the perfect moment to indulge in them.  I also want to watch them, if for no other reason, but to catch Viggo and Orlando.

I admit though that I am not the greatest fan of fantasy-type adventures.  I forced myself to read "The Hobbit" as a kid only because my brother (aka "Ron the LOTR guru") forced me to and besides Gollum ("my precious"), I didn't really care for the book. 

lovely and amazing

In the midst of moviemaking (Jersey-style), I was still able to get the latest issue of The Philosophical Mother out on time.  Check out February's "Lovely and Amazing" Issue .  Highlights include an essay by author Gayle Brandeis,  and lots of other original essays on love and motherhood.

no regrets

Yesterday, was the fourth and final day of shooting for "The First Date After."  I am exhausted and relieved, and ecstatic and melancholy all at the same time.  My first time out as a director since NYU was all that I expected and more. 

It took so much time, energy, commitment and required a great many sacrifices from my family.  But I did it.  And I can say I did it. 

And I have no regrets.  

super bowl blunder

So, CBS immediately issued an apology after Janet Jackson's breast was accidentally exposed during a routine with Justin Timberlake. All I have to say is "In your face CBS."  CBS censored ads that it deemed too controversial to show during the Super Bowl (Like those by Peta and MoveOn.org) and yet it had no trouble playing tons of offensive commercials that featured farting horses and other low-brow jokes. 

As always, scantily clad women in beer commercials are always acceptable as is a chimp that makes creepy sexually-harassing remarks to a human woman.

Anyway, if you didn't watch the Super Bowl, you missed a heck of a blunder during the half-time show.  Justin Timberlake accidentally ripped off the top of Janet Jackson's costume exposing her breast on live TV.