Star Trek Into Darkness

Last evening, after a bite and beverages, we headed over to see the new Star Trek movie. We are both big Trek fans, and always go to see these movies in the theaters. For the 2009 movie, we even went up to Detroit to see that one in an IMAX theater with our friend Mark! I’ve been a fan since junior high, when I’d watch the reruns of the original series when I got home from school. As I was telling my friend Lisa, some of us in school even went so far as to give ourselves Starfleet rankings. Haha! I was First Officer, just like Spock. (Yes, the geek is strong in this one, if I can be permitted another movie reference!)

I loved TOS’s message of hope, peace, and inclusion. I would say that it had a large part in forming the way I look at the world. Better living through science, right?

I won’t go into an exhaustive review of the movie here, because I hate seeing or hearing spoilers for movie franchises that I especially love (Trek and Bond), and some of the best things in this movie are callbacks to the original series and fun surprises. All I’ll say is that I loved this movie so much. It is dark, action-packed, full of TOS references, and a total freakin’ BLAST. At one point, I was sitting there with tears rolling down my face, and I’m getting teary-eyed just thinking about it.

I’ve loved these characters for going on four decades now, and I love J.J. Abrams’ reboot of the franchise, with the development of the young officers and the bonds that they form. The bond between Kirk and Spock is especially wonderful to see forming. “I have been and always shall be your friend.” I cannot watch that scene from “The Wrath of Khan” without just totally losing it. Okay, let me get a grip.

[deep breath]

Ahh, better. I loved this movie. I’m even thinking of going again to see it one afternoon while Ken is at work, if we have a rainy afternoon this week. Of my friends who have seen it, I haven’t heard anything bad about it, and everyone seems to think it’s a ton o’ fun. Probably the first great movie of the summer. All of the actors doing the young characters are just spot on, as in the 2009 movie, and made me love them even more...if that is possible. Fantastic movie. Seriously. Word-of-mouth buzz is “Go see this movie!”

Today consisted of some work outside, including getting some flowers planted in the front flower boxes, and Ken getting some new little pine trees and planting those between the house and the road. Tonight it’s another movie (a DVD this time: “Flight”), T-bones, salad, zucchini, and a nice 2005 Cab. To quote the original Star Trek again, “May you find your way as pleasant.” (Anyone remember which episode that was from?)

What Am I??

I’m reading the cover story of the May 20th issue of Time, about the Millennial generation. It’s interesting, but I’m not quite done with it yet, so can’t really comment on it.

What surprised me was that one of the graphics included says that rather than being a tail-end Baby Boomer, as I’ve always thought I am, I’m Generation X.

This changes everything.

Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, because it changes...well...nothing, actually.

I wonder about their year ranges...everything I’ve read says that Baby Boomers ran through 1964, although a Facebook friend informs me that a couple of people have said that it ended in 1960. I’m a little fascinated by this, though. I’ve always felt that I had characteristics of both generations. I was born in ‘62, so I’m on the cusp. Here are Boomer characteristics:

I share with Baby Boomers the influence of TV, I remember Watergate, and I have an activist mentality, advocating for equal rights for women, minorities, and LGBT. As for the sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll part, I won’t speak to all of that, but you all know how much I love my music. [wink] I believe it’s not just fun, it can be an agent of social change. I am absolutely idealistic, optimistic, and one of my mottos in college was “Question Authority”! I am totally not kidding! I’ve gotten a little less rebellious as I’ve gotten older, but I’ve always had that “Who are YOU to tell me what to do?” attitude. These are Gen X characteristics:

With Gen X, I share somewhat the influence of shows like “Sesame Street,” but I was absolutely influenced by MTV. I had a PC very early on, back in the mid-’80s, and I had a web page before blogging became common and easier to publish. (Imagine posting pictures via dial-up!) I think most people would say that I’m somewhat eclectic, I have been self-reliant at times in my life (I lived on my own and supported myself for over a decade), and I think it’s pretty obvious that I can be skeptical about both institutions and people. (Another way to put it: I can spot a bullshitter a mile away.) But I definitely was not a latch-key kid; my parents were together for over 60 years, and my Mom didn’t work when I was growing up. Although in my early career, I was highly motivated by work and got some of my ya-yas out that way, by the time I reached the end of my career, I had the attitude that there was more to life than work and began to embrace the Gen X view of “work to live.” I don’t miss the daily grind of working, not at all.

There is a significant gap between me and my older sisters. Thirteen and nine years. My friend Chris tells me that the guy who says Gen X started in 1960 was trying to make the point that there is a distinct cultural difference between early Boomers and late Boomers. I think this is true. I share many traits with both of my sisters, but they embraced technology quite a bit later than I did, and although there is plenty of music from decades ago that I love, I still enjoy hearing new bands and being exposed to new things (as long as they aren’t infectious in nature!).

My post about this on Facebook generated a lively discussion, and I thank my friends for their input and information.

I think it’s very easy to say that a younger generation doesn’t “get it,” or to fall into the “back in my day” trap. I’ve been guilty of it myself. But technology changes, as do attitudes. My Mom thinks I spend too much time online, but that is where I get the bulk of my news. I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect to get four weeks of vacation in your starter job, but I do think it’s reasonable to expect to have a life outside of your job and not be at the complete beck and call of the company. Depending on the job, there is an opportunity for telecommuting. (That wouldn’t have really worked with my job, but for many, it would.)

Every generation has its talents and weaknesses. It’s important for workplaces and employees to recognize that and work together to maximize every person’s strengths and abilities, no matter what age they are.

I’m not sure if that was a Baby Boomer thing to say, or a Gen X remark.

Source (Incidentally, this source puts Boomers at 1946-1960, and Generation X at 1961-1980.)

Hey, how about a little Generation X, featuring a very young and very beautiful Billy Idol? Yeah!

Weekend plans…and beyond!

I got a couple of pairs of tickets today, for the Dropkick Murphys and Ghost Brothers. It’s shaping up to be a really fun summer and fall! This should do it for concerts for a bit...unless something really good comes up, and I’m talking to you, David Bowie! I think it’s unlikely that he will tour, although he might do a show or two in New York or something. Based on what I’ve been reading, I’d be very surprised if he takes on a full tour, but if he comes to Chicago, we’ll be there!

It will be a low-key weekend for us, mostly involved in doing some outside work and taking care of Nutwood. However, Saturday evening is spoken for: a bite to eat and a cool beverage at BW3 and then the new Star Trek movie! I’m excited...I’ve been hearing pretty good things about it, and I loved the previous Abrams’ movie.

There will probably be some grilling involved on Sunday. It will be nice to have a weekend spent mostly at home, because the following two Fridays are concerts and hotel stays. Smash Mouth at a local casino, and then a Chicago trip to see The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World! I am beyond excited for that, as you can probably imagine! Gonna be craaaaaazy!

Beth’s Music Moment: “(You Will) Set the World on Fire” - David Bowie

About a week after it came out, I wrote about the amazing new Bowie album, “The Next Day.”

I listened to it nonstop for two weeks, and although I’ve been on a Stones kick for a while for obvious reasons, I’ve been listening to this album again for the past week.

The entire thing is just fantastic, and the more I listen to it, the more I love it. My favorite track is the one in the title of this entry. It reminds me a little of “(Cat People) Putting Out Fire” in its rock anthem-ness. It is an absolute scorcher of a song, and I cannot get enough of it. Props to the person who did the fan video posted here. Very cool visuals!

1. Bowie’s voice. Holy shit, that ethereal voice!! As someone once described Jim Morrison’s voice, it is “a fist in a velvet glove.” It’s all cognac and cigarette smoke and a caress on the cheek and a finger up the ass. It is nasty goodness, and his voice on this track just SOARS.

2. At around the 1:25 mark in this video, he absolutely chews through the lyrics. When he says, “We are in the wat-uh,” it just makes me feel crazy. CRAZY.

3. The guitar solo around 2:10 is smokin’ hot. That sustained note is just INCREDIBLE.

4. Things really start building around 2:40, and when he yells “You will set it on fi-yaaah!” at 2:50, it’s like a freakin’ climax. After listening to it a couple of times today when working out, I actually said, “Ohhh, David!” haha

This whole song is one big aural orgasm. It unleashes my Inner Lizard. As Rolling Stone said, “Holy shit, David Bowie.”

If I still smoked, I’d have a cigarette right now.

Success!

I was able to get online right when presale tickets went on sale this morning, and scored front row seats for “Ghost Brothers.” Yeah, baby!

At this point, I don’t know if the people who did the soundtrack will be part of this tour, but if so, we’re talking Sheryl Crow, Kris Kristofferson, and...Elvis Costello (!!!). But even if it’s not them, I’ve loved John for many years, and I will enjoy hearing this music.

In the afternoon, I got an email from the Morris that said their presale would be tomorrow, so I got in on the pre-presale! That was because I follow Mellencamp on Twitter.

Then I messaged the guy who is doing the Morris renovation, Drew, asking if they were doing a presale for Rocky Horror. He said yes, both via a website and at Brew Werks (housed in the State Theater building), but if I let him know how many tickets I wanted, he’d set them aside for me. How super cool is that?? Thanks, Drew!

You know, I’m kinda starting to dig this whole social media thing. I think it might have a future. haha Seriously, I love being involved with this stuff and getting early notice about things like this. People are amazingly cool about helping if you have a question, or reaching out to fans and offering them a little extra, a little early. For an unabashed fangirl like me, it can be a lot of fun. One of the coolest moments of my life was getting a shout-out from Peter Coyne, the lead singer of the Godfathers, in Chicago. He said hi to me—onstage!—and told the crowd that I was one of their biggest fans. He was right! I thought it was very sweet of him to do that, as well as sending me a t-shirt and a signed CD. I got to chat with him later and there is a picture out there of me sitting on his lap. :D I even got to dance with Del Bartle, the guitarist. Seriously, just super nice guys.

Anyway! I’ll stop gushing now, but it was a good day. Not just for entertainment purposes, either. After a chilly spell, we’re back up to 80°, and it was a beautiful, sunny day. After my workout, I had a wonderful afternoon listening to music and sunning myself on the deck. I love this time of year so much!

Do I need to turn down the happiness level a little bit? It’s at 11 at the moment.

Stop it, South Bend!

Seriously...just stop being so fun already! Stop tickling me! hahahaha

Not one, but TWO more things to add to the calendar. I mentioned “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County” coming in November. I was able to obtain some VERY IMPORTANT insider information (okay, it’s available to anyone who is paying attention to this), and I will be getting tickets in the presale tomorrow morning. In fact, I need to get to bed soon so I can get up and get the password and get the tickets.

I also learned tonight that the fabulous State Theater in downtown South Bend will be showing “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on June 8th, doing an earlier show for teens and young adults, and then a midnight showing for the rest of us depraved individuals. We had heard rumors of this, and we (Ken, Shane, Matt, and I) agreed that we wanted to go. To give a little background, the State was built in 1919. It was the premiere theater in downtown South Bend, and when downtown sort of dried up and died, it entered a period of decline. It operated as a nightclub for a while, then was sold to some religious group who didn’t have the funds to rehabilitate it, and...finally! A Notre Dame graduate, Andrew Elegante, saw the potential there, and has been working like a bastard to develop it, renovate it, and once again make it a happening place.

Downtown has been experiencing a bit of a renaissance lately, with lots of great restaurants and nightspots opening. The Morris is doing great business, and people seem really interested in seeing the State once again being a downtown destination. We are proud supporters!

I haven’t seen Rocky Horror since college, and Ken has never seen it, so this should be a blast.

Look out...I’m breaking out the fishnets!

Getting Wicked

Last evening we headed to fabulous downtown South Bend for a fun evening.

We met Shane and Matt for a bite to eat at Madison Oyster Bar and had a few pitchers with our yummy dinners. I really like MOB (or as Shane and Matt and I like to call it, MadOyBa). The owners and staff are always so nice and attentive and the food is reasonable and good. It’s kind of dark and atmospheric and just a fun downtown place. I saw the server who attended to us last time we were there and bought our table of eight a round of shots. I asked her name, and said she was so great when we were there last and she said she really appreciated that. Samantha, you rock!

After she walked away, Shane looked at me and said, “You’re such a whore.” We all totally cracked up. This came from some recent nasty comments I’ve gotten from She Who Shall Not Be Named. Of course, she left a comment on my flip-off picture, so I guess she named herself, huh? More about that in a moment.

Anyway, we had a fun dinner, chatting about that whole ridiculous mess and plenty of other things. It had been a while since we’d been able to get together, so it was great to see them and get caught up. Shane and Matt, you guys rock, too!

Then we headed over to the also-fabulous Morris Performing Arts Center, where the final show of this season’s Broadway Theater League is playing: “Wicked.” I wasn’t quite sure that I would completely enjoy this...I tend to prefer shows that have harder-edged music, like “Rent” or “Rock of Ages.” But I’m happy to say that I was just blown away. The set visuals were just stunning. The scene in the picture I’ve posted here came at the end of the first act, and I was like, “Oh my goodness, this is so cool!” The performances were fantastic, and I loved the whole storyline of how the wicked witch got that way. I’m sure many of you have seen this already, so I’m not giving any spoilers away when I say that she was more than a little misunderstood. The interaction between her character and that of the good witch was sweet and wonderful.

This was really top-notch, and a great way to close out the season. Great job, Broadway Theater League! I’m so glad we got season tickets, because these shows have really been a blast. Next season will also be great: “Bring It On: The Musical,” “Jersey Boys,” “Million Dollar Quartet,” “West Side Story” (I have always wanted to see that!), and although it’s not part of the season ticket package, Green Day’s “American Idiot.” Wow! I also just found out that the tour of the John Mellencamp/Stephen King collaboration, “Ghost Brothers of Darkland County,” will be making a stop at the Morris in November. I am very intrigued by this, although I have few details yet. My sisters got season tickets for BTL next season, too, so that will be fun. Oh, and we upgraded our seats, so we moved up nine rows! We’ve also got Cubs tickets for August, concerts coming up for Smash Mouth at one of the casinos in Michigan, the Dropkick Murphys here in town, and I believe I’ve mentioned that we have tickets for a this little band out of England that some of you may have heard of. [wink] It’s shaping up to be a fun and busy year! There will be a couple of vacations and some Notre Dame games in there, as well. Whew. No rest for the wicked. Hey, nice callback, Beth!

We had a very pleasant lunch with both of our moms today, and when we got back to our place, Ken’s Mom stayed and chatted for a while. She got to see our orioles, the hummingbirds, several other birds, and we saw two baby raccoons out back. I was happy she got to see a little of our wildlife, and she really enjoyed it!

As for the recent “unpleasantness,” SWSNBN seems to have crawled back under her rock...for now. All I will say (some of you know the details from Facebook, but I’m not going to post them here) is that it must be a real bummer to be so bitter and joyless, and to hate someone as much as she seems to hate me. What a way to go through life. I hope I never get that way, but I don’t think I will, because that is just not in my nature. Thank goodness!