I just found out that Fountains of Wayne will be on VH1 tonight! Apparently it is some concert with Sugar Ray, Vertical Horizon and Fountains of Wayne. I am quite excited! If you have VH1, it will be on at 7pm Central. I'll have to record it, since I got my "Gilmore Girls" on at the same time. This just made my day about 50% better. =)

UPDATE: FOW was NOT on this concert. Stupid TV Guide. However, one of the tracks from "Welcome Interstate Managers" was playing in the background of a scene in "Gilmore Girls" last night. That was neat - although I was surprised they chose that track since it says, "I gotta get my shit together". I guess they figured that you would pay attention to the discussion held over the music rather than the song itself.

I'm trying to keep informed as far as this investigation ("Wilsongate"?) goes. If you are as interested as I am, here are some good links to check out:

- Talking Points Memo - Josh is keeping extremely updated of the goings-on related to Wilson and the leak. He was onto the story before the big media picked it up.

- Demand an Independent Investigation! - sign this petition for an independent investigation into the leak. Ashcroft's "Justice" department will not do anything on this.

And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, here is an article about it.

This week is going to be busy. The past two have been and this one is no different. All I can do is look forward to the weekend.

This past weekend I got my hair cut and highlighted and watched "Holes" (about as good as the book, which says a lot) and some old episodes of "Sex and the City". And I read some, cleaned some, and went to the gym. I love weekends like that.

I watched Alias last night and was confused. This whole "gone for two years" thing is pretty whack. I do love watching such intense television though. The only new show I can really see myself getting hooked on is that Joan of Arcadia. The idea is pretty novel and I really liked the first episode. the other new shows I viewed were:

Two and a Half Men - the writing is pretty stinky, but it's Jon Cryer! If anyone deserves a hit TV show, he does. I can't see myself watching it much, but it doesn't suck!
Cold Case - very neat show. I really like the strength of the main character. But why was her partner shooting up at the office? Does he have diabetes? Huh? I might watch this show, except it's on when The Simpsons are. I actually forgot they were on at all last night until 10pm. Whoops!
The Lyon's Den - Watching this show after Alias was not a good idea. It just can't compare. It is a tad melodramatic and I didn't really sympathize with any character - except maybe the paralegal, played by David Krumholz (see 10 things I hate about you). I don't think I'll make a point to catch it.

So my TV schedule is basically the same as last year:
Monday - nothing.
Tuesday - 7pm - Gilmore Girls, 9pm - Queer Eye (it takes Judging Amy's spot).
Wednesday - nada.
Thursday - 7pm Friends, 7:30 Scrubs, 8pm CSI, 9pm Without a Trace.
Friday - 7pm Joan of Arcadia, 8:30 Life with Bonnie, 9pm Boomtown (maybe. After the season premiere I am unsure if it will stack up to last year. Their format has changed and Vanessa Williams is now on it. We'll see.)
Saturday - no way.
Sunday - 7pm Simpsons, and King of the Hill, whenever that's on. 8pm Alias.

So how many hours of TV is that? 8 or 9? That's enough. Throw in Curb your enthusiasm and Monk when those come back on.

CD of the weekend: Seal, Seal IV. I LOVE "Waiting for You". Overall, a great album. My impulse buy at Target. =)

The Handmaid's Tale

My last challenged book of the week is Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. I'm not as surprised that this book is challenged as I am about the others. It is such a forward-thinking work, telling the story of a woman in a future time and how she must deal with the power struggles. In this future, all women have little or no power. I haven't read it in a few years, but if I remember correctly, for some reason a lot of women can't have children. So these handmaids are brought in to procreate with the rich men. I'm probably botching the story, but it is really good, and quite disturbing.

A good feminist novel - and so is her earlier book, The Edible Woman.

A Light in the Attic

I will start out by admitting that I am a huge Shel Silverstein fan. I remember when I was a kid, I performed in the church talent show by reading poems from this book. I read about four or five, but the only one I specifically remember reading was the one about washing the dishes.

I can't figure out why this book is challenged and his others aren't. Or rather, I can't understand why this book is challenged. Period.

Bridge to Terabithia

Katherine Paterson is an ex-missionary who has written such collections as Angels and Other Strangers, which I think is the greatest collection of short stories based around Christmas ever. I also love Jacob Have I Loved, although it is a pretty depressing book. It is interesting to read a book written from the point of view of the lesser sister.

But my banned/challenged book of the day is Bridge to Terabithia, which is probably her best-known work. I remember when I was in elementary school they showed a movie version of it on Wonderworks, which used to be shown on PBS. Does anyone else remember that show?

Anyway, it is basically about a boy who has to deal with a new next-door neighbor. They become friends and share an imaginary kingdom. I really should re-read it, since I haven't read it since elementary school! I do remember the haunting ending, though. *sigh*

For more information on Katherine Paterson and her books, visit terabithia.com.

CD of the week: Lauryn Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I've got that in my car and Shawn Colvin's Fat City in my apartment. Both REALLY good CDs.

A Wrinkle in Time

Madeleine L'Engle's great work A Wrinkle in Time is my banned/challenged book for the day. It amazes me that this book is challenged. Just because there is a fantastical element to it, some kids are missing out on this book. My mom used to read this to us when my sister and I were very small (we read the whole trilogy). I couldn't quite grasp the idea of a tesseract. I reread it in high school and noticed so much more.

This work is about an awkward girl, Meg, who doesn't do well in school (except for math) and her genius brother, Charles Wallace, who doesn't fit in. Their father disappears and they go on a quest to find him, taking along a gangly jock called Cal. I don't think there is an age limit on this book and I definitely consider it one of my all-time favorites.

It makes me so sad to think that some children are unable to check this book out at their library. Well, the whole idea of banning books disappoints me, but the challenging of this one especially disturbs me. This work deals with values and ideas that are intrinsic to our society: familial love, being an outsider, keeping your individuality, etc.

Madeline L'Engle has written many more books than this, but this is really her best, I think. Please go to your library and check it out. Read it or re-read it. It is definitely worth it.

Other L'Engle books to check out:
Many Waters - Meg's twin brothers Sandy and Dennys go on a journey of their own.
An Acceptable Time - Meg's daughter Polly time-travels. Sort-of.
A Live Coal in the Sea - not part of the Murry saga. Camilla (from Camilla) is older and wiser and reflects back on her life.

It's Banned Books Week!

I'm back, yay! Last week was hard, but hopefully will aid me financially.

This week is Banned Books Week and to celebrate how ignorant our nation is, I will celebrate one banned/challenged book a day.

Today's book is In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak. It is #21 on the list of the 100 most challenged books. For those of you unfamiliar with this great book, I'll give you a little background. A little boy dreams of flying around a "night kitchen" in a suit made of dough and almost gets baked into a dish. My sister and I were pretty much raised on this book and Goodnight Moon. I have a feeling it is challenged in libraries because of nudity objections. Whatever! It is a terrific kid's book. Both my sister and I have memorized, "I'm in the milk and the milk's in me! God bless milk and God bless me!" It is worth reading for the illustrations alone. Sendak's style is just amazing.

I am going to be gone for next week - I get to go to Houston for business. I won't be able to blog for a while! Have a good week.

Johnny Cash, 1932 - 2003

New York Times obit

How strange that Johnny Cash and John Ritter died within 24 hours of each other (John Ritter was the son of Tex Ritter). Bizarre and sad.

No one came home

Now hear this. . .

A special speech to the nation.

Here's my favorite part:

"In addition, every American will get his or her own veteran. Veterans benefits are so pathetic anyway we might as well just eliminate them. Please remember the great sacrifice these men and women made for their country. Do you have a spare room in your home? A veteran would like to live there."

And I would just like to say: funny, funny, and funny.

Books you should read.

I just emailed my pal J in Houston a list of books to check out, and have decided to pass them on to you, my loyal (?) blogreaders.

GOOD WORKS:

Cold Mountain, Charles Frazier (soon to be a movie with Nicole Kidman and Renee Z) - I resisted it when it came out, but it really does deserve any kudos it gets.

Three Junes, Julia Glass - not about three gals named June, but three months of June in three people's lives. So well-done, I recommend it to everyone. The first June is a bit tedious, but the other two make up for it, I promise.

The Blind Assassin, Margaret Atwood. I'm working on her latest book right now (Oryx and Crake), but I remember being blown away by this one.

A LITTLE LIGHTER READING:

Open House, Elizabeth Berg. I LOVE this book - it is pretty light reading, but so well-written. I also like Until the Real Thing Comes Along, Range of Motion, and Pull of the Moon.

Back When We Were Grownups, Anne Tyler. I don't know if you are an Anne Tyler fan or not, but this is a good one.

Prodigal Summer, Barbara Kingsolver. Did you read The Poisonwood Bible? I didn't like it as much as I have enjoyed her other books. This one is good, but I also recommend The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven.

Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! and Standing in the Rainbow, Fannie Flagg. I really liked Fried Green Tomatoes, but these really touched me. Good modern Southern lit.

your bibliophile pal -
Elizabeth

My addition for you blogreaders (all three of you):

After Dachau, Daniel Quinn. A mind-blowingly good book based in an alternate present. Definitely makes you think. I read it two years ago, have read MANY books since, and I still remember it. It's that good.

shameless plug. . .

I love this site: So you wanna . . .

So what are your plans for Saturday?

I have to go vote tonight. I was going to go work out and then vote, but realized that the polls close at 7pm, so there's no way I could do that. I have to vote early because I told a work colleague that I would help her on election day. I get to clerk at an all-male co-op at UT on a game day. For a consitutional amendment election no less!! I am sorta looking forward to seeing what kind of turnout we'll get. I can't complain - it is easy money. $100 to sit, read and talk on my cell phone. Oh, and get free food. Maybe I will be surprised and we will have a decent turnout. Maybe.


I was watching Alias last night (big surprise) when someone knocks on my door. I thought maybe it was someone I knew, but no, it was some random guy selling magazine subscriptions. I told him I had no money (which is TRUE!) and I don't think he bought it. He was like, "So how do you go out and drink?" I said, "Honestly, I don't!" He replied, "That's so weird." Then he regaled me with a tale of how he went to Sixth Street this weekend and got plastered and people bought him drinks and someone tattooed his finger with a smiley face.

I thought, Well, now I really want to buy a magazine so you can go to Europe.

It used to be that I couldn't say no to salespeople. Telemarketers would call and would be able to keep me on the line until I could eke out an "I don't think so." Now it just comes so easy. What was I scared of? Salespeople call and I just hang up on them.

I've heard it through the grapevine that my old roommate A has been offered a position with a DC law firm. Before she started law school she told me she wanted to clerk for a Supreme Court justice. Now that that is an actual option, she chose the firm. Frankly, I'm not surprised. The money changed her mind! Or should I say lessened her idealistic dreams. . .

I've thought lately about signing up for evening classes or something. But I honestly don't know how I'd do it. I just know that I can't do what I'm doing now (job-wise) for the rest of my life. There is no point.

CD of the day: Elgar, Enigma Variations.

I just found the best T-shirt design! Stop Mad Cowboy disease!

Go check Tom Tomorrow's new toon out: you can do it here(Tuesday at noon) or here (you have to watch an ad first). It is so funny, especially after reading Rumsfeld Strikes Back at Critics of U.S. Effort on Terror. Ha ha ha! Note the sign in the background "D.N.C.: We hate America!"

I didn't catch Bush's speech last night. I do know that it threw my TV schedule out of whack! But seriously - I heard the last part of the Albuquerque debate last night. What the hell is up with Joe Lieberman? K had called me after she attended the debates and told me the quotable quotes, but it was still shocking to hear him. He was okay for VP, but for the real thing? I don't think so.

I'll vote for the Green candidate before I vote for Joe. Here is who I am open to voting for if they grab the nomination:
Kerry or
Edwards or even
Moseley-Braun -
but I'd prefer Dean. Anyone else is just the same ol', same ol'. I didn't say Kucinich, because there is no way he'll get the nom. I love Carol Moseley-Braun, but I am realistic enough to know that she doesn't have the name-recognition or the financial wherewithall to make it. =( Wouldn't it be awesome to have a black female President, though? Someday.

I spent the weekend dogsitting for two Scottie dogs. I didn't get much sleep, and am looking forward to spending the night in my own pad. And watching more "Alias". When I first got the box set, I wondered if it was really worth it. And it really is - the series premiere is great, and really funny if you listen to the commentary. The second episode commentary is lacking, but a bit interesting nevertheless. I think what I love the most about watching it on DVD is hearing it in stereo. Now I have to get the second season. I think I might ask for that for Christmas, since it won't be out til Dec. 2.

I saw the video for Stacey's Mom yesterday and was a little surprised. I wanted to see more of the band and less of Rachel Hunter. It is a great video, though. Good for FOW! They look cute in the video, although they sure aren't in much of it. I also saw the video for Coldplay's "The Scientist" and was just blown away. Wow. I don't care much for the band, but the video is AWESOME.

CD of the day: Liz Phair, Liz Phair.

I just read on Bill Maher's site that Jessica Lynch has signed a million dollar book deal?!! What the hell? What will it be about? She supposedly can't remember anything. Give me a break.

I'd rather read Al Franken any day. At least he speaks truths - - and he's darn funny.

I am not looking forward to tomorrow. Although tomorrow evening looks to be fun, I will basically be helming the office during the day. I don't like that much. But when two people have relatives that die while your boss is already on vacation, what can you do? The best you can. I will probably not be able to post tomorrow.

But tomorrow night is the Cage concert I've been looking forward to. M will meet me there and then we watch Bowling for Columbine. Yay! I hope he will go see Whale Rider with me on Saturday. I don't know of anyone else who wants to see it (or has even heard of it).

I got my box set of Alias, first season. Exciting, but costly. I'm going to have to wait on the second season. . .

I also got a CD of the Elgar Enigma Variations. I'm very glad about that. Every time I hear it on the radio, I think, "Gosh, that's beautiful." And I call the radio station, only to be told that it is the Enigma Variations. So I bought it and can listen to it whenever I desire. Another work to add to my very small Classical Library.

Not that my CD library is small. . . just the amount of classical CDs.

I really should work out today, but I've got a headache (And I want to watch Alias, let's face it) so my only other outing before going home will be to the grocery store.

And that's all about Elizabeth Small. For today, anyway.

CD of the day: Still The Thorns. Why don't I own any Matthew Sweet albums? Huh? He rocks!

WHAT THE HELL ARE THE 10 THINKING????!!!?? I thought that they knew what they were doing, but this is the last straw. Asking Bush for help? Yeah, that'll get you somewhere. Don't they have a plan??!! Karl Rove does - he and Tom DeLay are the whole frickin reason we are at the redistrciting impasse. Yeah, I'm sure Bush will speak against Perry. As Wayne would say, "and monkeys might fly out my butt." I think he said that.

ACKK!! Now I don't know what to think about my Dems. This sure as hell doesn't make me proud. And the speaking out against other Democrats - that is just too much.

could I be any more random?

This weekend was very nice. I finished two books, scanned some old pictures for my website, and generally pondered life. I love unplanned weekends.

I hope no one is trying to email my lycos account, because apparently it is unavailable for a few days. I love when I get warning about things like that, she noted sarcastically.

I just chatted with the FedEx guy. That was nice.

It's been kinda slow for me at work this week. Which is good. I could be blogging a lot more often. But I haven't really had much to comment on.

I've been looking at dog rescue sites (like I can afford to have a dog right now!), looking at local rescued dogs. I had to stop myself this afternoon because I was about to apply to adopt one. Then I remembered the amount I have in savings. I get to dogsit this weekend - maybe that will get it out of my system.

My mom's uncle died in a car accident. Since my grandpa had 10 siblings, I don't remember what this one looked like. I just remember being at Grandpa's funeral and seeing this man who looked exactly like him. It was like he wasn't really dead. But that was his brother.

CD of the day: The Thorns. I really like it so far, especially "No Blue Sky" and their cover of the Jayhawks "Blue".