May 28

This is the exciting weekend for the Sherman and Kamen family as we participate in the Diabetes Walk on Sunday. I wanted to thank those of you who supported us. Sarah has more than reached her goal thanks to the generosity of friends and family. If you'd like to see her progress go to her page at:
http://walk.jdrf.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=extranet.personalpage&confirmID=87348910 Thanks again.

Since I posted my last entry over the holiday weekend, I gave the California people an even chance and Lisa Sherman was the first one to correctly identify the quote,
"He's a man from outer space and we're taking him to his spaceship." "Well, can't he just beam up?" "This is REALITY, Greg." coming from ET released in 1982.

This quote is a bit harder: ""Are you looking to lose weight, or do you want increased strength and flexibility as well?" "I want to look good naked!"

This week we watched two movies that were based on true stories available from Netflix:

The Express - This is the true story of running back Ernie Davis, the first African American Heisman Trophy winner. It is a heartwarming tale of a most talented, but humble young man. It shows how he makes his way to become one of the greatest players Syracuse University ever had and through example how to treat people. It is a great lesson for young and old. Rob Brown stars as Ernie Davis and Dennis Quaid co-stars as Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder. They both turn in compelling performances.

Flash of Genius - Greg Kinnear stars as the engineer/inventor Robert Kearns who sues Ford when they refused to give him credit for inventing the intermittent windshield wipers Although it is a wonderful story of never giving up, we wonder if it was worth the personal cost. I really enjoyed Kinnear in this film. Lauren Graham who has been a favorite of mine since playing Lorilei Gillmore in "The Gillmore Girls" series plays his wife. Somehow she seemed too young for the role and you were never convinced she was the mother of six! Still a good story to see with your whole family.

On TV

"Glee" - I decided to tape this show since I couldn't catch it when it aired. For some reason Fox put the preview on this month, but won't be showing the program until Fall. That being said, if you liked "Fame" (I am dating myself) and "High School Musical" you will like this show. It is about a teacher who revives the glee club which is more of a show choir. The actors are very talented and I enjoyed listening to them sing. The other stories can be lame, but I found myself engaged in the show. I look forward to watching it in the fall. If you want to see the preview, go either to Fox.com or Hulu to view it although I am sure they will rerun it right before the season of shows starts.

As the weather gets warmer, there is lots to do outside, but don't forget the movies!

Roberta

May 23

I thought I'd get this out before we head out to Pennsylvania for the Memorial Day Weekend.

Yolanda Maldonado correctly identified "I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright." came from The Shawshank Rebellion starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman released in 1994.

This quote some might find easy:

"He's a man from outer space and we're taking him to his spaceship." "Well, can't he just beam up?" "This is REALITY, Greg."

On Netflix:

Ghost Town - This film starring Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear and Tea Leoni is a comedy that reminds me of the classic movie Ghost. in that the main character sees ghosts. That is where the similarity ends. Gervais plays a dentist who doesn't like people and has this ability to see ghosts after a routine procedure in a hospital. It is a cute comedy. It was nice to see Ricky Gervais in a starring role. The three main characters work well together. Not a movie that will win any awards, but one that is pleasant to watch.

"Dancing With The Stars"

Well the votes are in by the judges and the public and the surprise winner is Shawn Johnson. Although she was one of my finalists and a favorite of mine (whenever she danced, I just smiled!), the public put her over the top. Gilles really was the better dancer, but his sexuality probably didn't go over well with Middle America. In the final analysis the three strongest dancers went to the finals and that was fine with me. The only glitch in the show was ditching Lil Kim and Chuck Wicks before Ty Murray, but that's what makes the show so unpredictable.

Must Read:

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay - I just finished this book and couldn't put it down once I started it. It is a compelling story about the horrible incident that occurred in France during World War Two. The French police went door to door arresting Jewish families in the middle of the night during the summer of 1942 . This became known as the great Velodrome d'Hiver (Vel' d'Hiv) roundup . What is amazing is that this story is one that even modern day French people were not aware of. The French now regard it as one their darkest hours. The way De Rosnay weaves a modern day story with the historical one is spellbinding. I highly recommend it and thank Laurie Podell for lending this book to me.

I hope all of you have a good Memorial Day Weekend whatever you do.

Roberta

May 12

Jen Kenney was the first one to correctly identify the quote: "You want answers? I think I'm entitled! You want answers? I want the truth! You can't handle the truth!" from A few Good Men 1992 starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore.

This week's quote:

"I have to remind myself that some birds aren't meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright."

Northern Virginia is having an International Jewish Film Festival and I went to a few of the offerings. It ends Thursday and they have three films each day at the Cinema Arts Theater. They are usually thought provoking and a bit different. Here are the ones I saw:

Holy Land Hardball - This documentary follows the formation of the first professional Israeli Baseball League by Larry Baras the Boston bakery owner who patented the bagel with cream cheese inside. He had no sports management experience, but this film shows how he recruits a diverse collection of executives and ballpalyers for the IBL. It truly is a story about going after your dreams.

A Green Chariot - In Hebrew and Russian with English subtitles - Sasha a 22 year old Russian immigrant wants to live an Orthodox life in Israel and separates himself from former friends and family, but finds out some disturbing news just after becoming engaged. I felt this film was incomplete. They never explained why he wanted to become Orthodox and separate himself from his former life. You couldn't even infer the reason which is why I didn't like it that much.

Like a Fish Out of Water - In Hebrew and Spanish with English subtitles - Marcello is an Argentinean actor and single parent who has moved to Israel. He wants to get a job on an Israeli soap opera, but must learn how to speak Hebrew flawlessly. There is a love story and lots of silly happenings, but I loved the movie. It made me feel good.

On Netflix:

The Longshots - Once in awhile you need a feel good movie and this is one of them. It is the true story of the first female Pop Warner football player. It has all the "trappings" of a tearjerker; misunderstood uncle who comes across for his niece who doesn't quite fit in; a town that is down and out due to a plant closing, a love story and an absent father. Everything that has been done, but gets me everytime. If you need to be uplifted, this is a film not only for you, but for the whole family. It won't win any awards, but it will bring a smile to your face and maybe a tear to your eyes.

Book of Interest:

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - Although this book has been out for awhile, my book group has read it for this month's activity. I found it to be of great interest and very moving. It takes place in the 18 century in China and goes through the life of two friends and how their lives change and what they have to go through. A good read.

A few thoughts on "Dancing With the Stars"

Tonight we find out who is in the finals. Needless to say last week's elimination of Ili Kim was shocking. If Ty is not voted off tonight, I am not sure I will watch the finals!! My favorite is Shawn Johnson. Whenever she dances, she makes me smile, but I would be happy with Gilles or Melissa as well.

Roberta

May 4

It has been awhile since I posted, but I do believe that Martha Hutchinson correctly identified "Well what am I supposed to do? You won't answer my calls. You change your number.I mean, I'm not gonna be ignored, Dan!" came from Fatal Attraction 1987 starring Michael Douglas and Glenn Close.

This week's quote is easy, I believe, but that might be because I am showing my age.

"You want answers?" "I think I'm entitled." "You want answers?" "I want the truth!" "You can't handle the truth!"

I have had the opportunity to take advantage of some of the sights in the DC area last week. If you live in the DC area and are looking for a way to spend a few hours here are a few suggestions:

Capital Building - A few years ago they completed the new visitor's center. It is quite grand. The tour is marvelous. Our guide was a history major and I believe the guides here are paid so they better know their stuff. This young man was able to tell you who the statutes from each state were in the hall of statues and why they were important to that state's history. It is a good idea to get timed tickets online so you are sure of a spot. Even so, if something gets scheduled last minute, your tour might be canceled so it is always a good idea to check to see if your tour is still a go. Although I've been to the Capitol Building before, it is always a thrill to walk around and see this marvelous building. There is no fee and there is a cafeteria in the building with lots of choices.

Pope Leighy House - This is a prime example of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture. It is a modestly scaled affordable family structure that uses every bit of space, inside and out, but you don't feel boxed in except perhaps for the hallway. Although I would not like to live there, it is interesting to tour. The docent was great and I learned lots of interesting facts. How many of you knew that Wright's son invented Lincoln Logs?

Woodlawn Plantation - On the same property as Pope Leighy House is Woodlawn Plantation, Major Lawrence Lewis and Nellie Custis' house. She was George Washington's granddaughter, I believe. The docents here were wonderful as well. In addition, they serve an authentic tea that was tasty and fun to partake in. Both of these places have a admission fee, but worth the price.

Last weekend we went to Richmond and had a wonderful tour of the Richmond Holocaust Museum. Those of you from Reston might remember Rena Berlin. She moved to Richmond five years ago and is now the Educational Director of the museum. She gave a group of us a tour of the museum. Although not as big as the holocaust museum in DC, it did have wonderful exhibits and more of an intimate feel to it. Although some of the photos are quite graphic, I found it to be not only profoundly sobering, but quite interesting.

Richmond is full of many museums, government buildings, plantations and gardens. We stayed at the Jefferson Hotel which is a historic landmark. If you have the chance, it is a great place to spend a few days.

In Your Local Theaters:

The Soloist - This was a movie I was anxious to see. By now most of you know it is the true story of the unlikely friendship between a homeless man, Nathaniel Ayers and LA reporter Steve Lopez. Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr. play these roles respectively. The two of them are outstanding. The depiction of the homeless problem in LA is disturbing, but one our country needs to address. Mr. Ayers is a musical genius who deals with demons. Although Sy and I would have liked a happier ending, we had to remind ourselves it was a true story and you can't tinker with the facts. My one complaint is that it was a bit too long and I got antsy during the film.

On Netflix:

Australia - I wasn't sure I even wanted to see this movie as it is quite long and I can take or leave Nicole Kidman, but do like Hugh Jackman. I am glad I sat through it, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is an epic movie and could have ended sooner which would have made it a better movie, but it was engaging. The scenery is magnificent and makes me want to visit Australia even more. The acting is good especially the young boy. The story is interesting as I didn't know abut this part of Australia's history . If you have close to three hours on a rainy day, see this film.

Great value information from Hungry Girl website:

TCBY is giving out FREE fro yo on Mother's Day (this Sunday)!!! Grab your favorite mom (which could be yourself!) and head to a participating TCBY location. Every mom will be treated to a free cup or cone. How COOL! (Literally.) ***Thanks to our recession-savvy pals at Subway ($5 Footlongs ring a bell?), a price-slashing war among chain restaurants has begun. Check out the 10 Under $7 menu at Chili's, $5 sandwiches & salads at T.G.I. Friday's, and The Cheesecake Factory's Small Plates & Snacks menu.		Sniffable Chocolate Alert!

So grab yourself a frozen yogurt and enjoy.

Roberta

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