Woody Allen has kind of saved himself to me. My love was wavering a bit there but the little 70-something paranoid man I love has redeemed himself in parts. Part of it may be because I had lowered expectations for the film. After seeing Melinda and Melinda I lost a bit of hope and thought perhaps Allen was losing it. I was a bit skeptical of his new pairing with Scarlett Johansson and so naturally, I had to see what has come of his recently developed love affair with her.

The Premise:
Vicky (engaged to a boring wall street type) and her best friend Cristina (romantic, idealistic and slightly unconventional) go to Spain for a summer and meet a local Spaniard man, Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) who shakes their worlds up a bit. He wants to sleep with them both. Cristina is into it. Vicky is not. They begin a series of awkward, sensual encounters that at some point involves Maria Elena, Juan's passionate and suicidal ex-wife (Penelope Cruz).

The Quick:

I've noticed Allen's wit has slipped a bit in his more contemporary films. His dialogue seems less quick-witted and snappish and has taken on a much more subtle tone while still retaining the tragedy of his usual mis-guided wandering characters. Still I fear I've grown tired of the groaning.

The Dirty:

• The lustful looks from Johansson are dangerous...very very dangerous. I've started an open letter requesting she cease and desist immediately. I think the NSA should refocus on a different terrorist...a sexy terrorist.
• Its really unfair that everything she wears in this movie looks great.

• Best outfit she wears in the movie: bedsheet (nearly falling off bedsheet)

Highlight:

Penelope Cruz in a Spanish-speaking role. I've always felt weird about her in English films. Its similar to hearing spanish music translated or listening to English Opera but Cruz was back in her full form. She is perfect at playing a passionate, crazy in love, romantic. I've been trying to convince everyone that's on the fence about her to just watch her in a Spanish film and my roommate finally agreed but only after Cruz made out with Johansson. I suppose a convert is a convert no matter how you get them. Just like the Catholics!

Anyway, back to the movie. The thing I liked best about Vicky Cristina Barcelona is the very thing many critics disliked: the voiceover. I liked the shots of the two young women, next to each other in the car, the voiceover literal and staccato, like the voice that accompanies educational film strips. I felt as if I were watching a film whose screenplay is based on a slim, slightly salacious, and middle-brow novella. Sort of like Damage, which isn't a novella, but is a book and a movie. Oh, you know what I mean!

I liked the movie, Jonathan didn't, and his parents seemed to reserve judgement. We four watched the movie in a theater on the upper east side, in the late afternoon, on opening weekend, and had pizza afterwards while discussing the film. The others had some very smart things to say about parallel and contrasting actions, but I felt a bit dull, and added, "I loved the clothes the girls were wearing." And I did. I liked the soft faded colors, the expensive worn jeans and gauzy, soft blouses.

I think a lot of the critics got this wrong about the movie: It's not a movie about a more playful and open European lifestyle compared compared to American prudery (and if it is, I reject that meaning!). It's a movie about dissatisfaction with choices we make. Don't forget that everyone is slightly dissatisfied at the end of this movie. Remember, 'not quite what I was planning' above? Isn't that a kind of universal feeling? Well, that and young women can be very dreamy and unknowing. I should know. To this day, and I am the kind of person who obsesses over everything, I can't tell you why I made certain decisions when I was twenty or twenty-two. I had no idea back then, and I have no idea now.

*Update: I don't think middle-brow is a derogatory term. I like middle-brow, in fact, middle-brow is just fine.

Two diametrically different women decide to spend 2 months in Barcelona and share adventures with a charming bohemian don Juan artist type, Juan Antonio, who propositions them within 5 minutes of approaching them at a local bar.  An omniscient narrator relates the story in 3rd person as you watch the series of interrelated events that unfold in unpredictable and at times awkward ways.

Vicky is the classic type-A New Yorker you see in a lot of Allen's movies -- control freak, has her life planned to the gils, seriously needs a drink and is probably repressing all joy in her life.  Cristina is the classic easy lay American women are rumored to be -- she's the hippy, what you'd call someone with very little direction, any which way the wind blows, she goes.  Her best line in the movie is, " I'll go to your room, but you'll have to seduce me."

It's Maria Elena that takes the cake though -- she is the depressed, super talented psycho bitch on wheels that is Juan Antonio's ex-wife, inspiration and mentor for the budding photographer Cristina. The interplay between a recently-returned Maria Elena staying with Juan Antonio and Cristina, who has moved-in, is classic Woody Allen -- high strung New York romantic dysfunction transferred to Iberian situational dialogue rather than a Jewish stetl. Therein lies its genius.

The contrasts in the movie are also classic Allen -- Vicky and Cristina, Vicky and the unhappy and cheating hostess, Juan Antonio and Vicky's husband, Doug,  Barcelona and New York. You don't have to have been to Spain to get that once again, this is a relationship movie and that human weakness, especially in relationships, transfers across cultures.

And oh, by the way, for the guys who could care less abou Allen, Spain, art movies or relationship crap -- there is the three-some and Cruz kissing Johansson.

Go see the movie, it's probably not good as a wedding anniversary movie, but as a date movie, it's great, it will spark interesting conversation.

But what is next for me? I am floating for the moment, though justifiably so. All the sudden the city that has seemed my home reminds me of a tourist destination, a place I'm only temporarily visiting. 

Kevin, who doesn't live in the city quite yet, often comes to see me from San Jose. Usually he stays with me, but my precarious sleeping arrangements have made it so that this has become quite a complicated matter. Yesterday we headed to Ocean Beach later in the day. The sun was still up, and it was heavily populated despite that the evening was soon coming.

Just the day before we had hung out and caught a movie at a weird theater in the Stonestown Plaza. It was "Tell No One" a French thriller that came out in 2006, but only hit USA shores recently due to the fact that many thought it's plot was too complicated for American audiences (I'm not joking about that btw). I say the theater is weird, because it didn't feel like it was in San Francisco. It reminded me of a theater near my hometown in Pennsylvania. It was populated by old people and a practically ghost like entry way which required you to yell "Excuse me" if you wanted someone to ring you up for your pop corn. 

The movie was excellent, and I had no idea what was going on till the end. The color schemes especially attracted me. The movie opened with an Ottis Redding track making it seem somewhat vintage. Perhaps this caused me to see some old school connection to it. I did notice a brown-orange trend in the color scheme though. I imagine they used a film camera to make it, and I would be interested in finding out which one. 

Despite that we'd just seen a movie, Kevin and I decided to see Woody Allen's Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona following our trip to the beach. We missed the earlier showing because we had to pick up stuff from my old place, so we went and had dinner in Japantown to pass the time. We ate lightly and drank heavily (three large crafts of sake one hot, two cold). We went to the Kabuki theater, and definitely didn't have to compete for a seat (the show was at 10:10). 

Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona is definitely one of Allen's best films in a long time. I particularly enjoyed the use of voice over in the film. The characters were highly developed. I was worried that Scarlette Johannson would be used as a sex pod, but her character's confusion about what she wanted in life made her far too real to be a mere icon. Johansson also acted and looked very different from other films she has been in, especially in Matchpoint. Penelope Cruz did an especially good job. I never doubted her character was a crazed nut for one second. I liked the movie so much I'd see it again.

Following the movie we decided we wanted to be alone. We called around looking for hotels and finally settled on a motor lodge in the Castro. We picked a dark room so we could sleep in late. By the time we even found a place it was 2. When I was waiting to get our key I was reminded of my hotel searches in Mexico a month earlier, except there it made sense that I wouldn't have a place to sleep at night. 

This morning I woke up thinking about my parents, and how I missed Philadelphia. I feel so far from where I am from and the things that have made me. I know this is just a symptom of my situation, but the feeling can be rather overwhelming at times. Something seems different is all I know. I don't think it is a bad thing, but a change is about to take place. Or maybe nothing will happen at all.

So instead I'll give you 2 bits of information - one a gripe and one a movie recommendation.

First - go see Vicky Cristina Barcelona. What a delightful way to spend 96 minutes. Delightful. One more time - delightful. I am not a huge Woody Allen fan - many of his movies I just never "got" always thinking I had somehow been denied the artsy movie gene. But this one is a gem. It's also not too hard on the eyes watching the talented Javier Bardem.  My movie companions Mel and Vanessa would probably say the same about Penelope and/or Scarlett. The only downside was I left wanting to frivolously pick up and move to Barcelona with Javier. Yeah - first name basis. What can I say?  

Gripe - Far be it from me to criticize anyone for cussing - I'm totally down with a well-placed f bomb and have always had a tendency to use a decent quantity of naughty words here, there and here especially when I get angry or worked up or had a couple glasses of wine. Spending a few days with 6 impressionable sponges (kids ranging in age from 6 months to 5 years) required I tone down (if not out) my potty mouth which I have to say I did pretty well all things considered - Jen, Dana and Shannon may or may not agree :) Anyway so while those living in glass houses should not be throwing f bombs, here I go.  I've had to ponder removing a couple of blogs off my To Read list lately because of the profanity. It has nothing to do with being offended or a good southern belle (ha) - I could care less about that. And again as mentioned above a well-placed f bomb can really punch up a sentence or blog or insult. Scott is the master, in my opinion, of using just the right curse word in the right circumstance. Which when I think about it is less a reflection on his cursing talent and more a reflection on his writing talent - of which he has much - writing talent, that is.  Back to the point. The other day I stumbled on a blog where literally every other word was f this or s that.  Why was I annoyed? More than anything it was distracting. So distracting. I couldn't even finish the post and moved on. It was like reading a telegram that instead of being a few lines was 6 paragraphs. "Stop!" every couple of words. So we f-ing went here to this f-ing place to f-ing eat the f-ing s&^%%$ food the other f-ing night. I could barely make it through a sentence much less the entire blog entry. So I moved on and lo and behold what do I find another 4 or 5 blogs later in my reader?  Another f-bomb telegram waiting just for me.  As with anything I suppose it's all about moderation. Or writing for my lack of attention span.

Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johanson) are friends, but polar opposites. Vicky is practical, and as such, is engaged to marry an upper crust east coast steady. Cristina is more adventurous and is on a constant search for romance with thrills. Pic opens as they arrive in Barcelona to stay the summer at one of Vicky's parents friends who now live there. The friends are very well off and socially connected, which gets the young women in on the Barcelona scene.

While having a late night dinner the women are approached by a local artist, Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem), who they saw at a gallery opening earlier that day. He is famous for having had an extremely messy divorce, which included his wife trying to kill him. He offers to whisk the women off to a small village for the weekend, where they will all make love. His boldness intrigues Cristina, but Vicky is of course uninterested.

We are guided by a narrator throughout the film who keeps the talk simple, but insightful, telling only what's necessary. Mr. Allen packs a lot into this relatively short film, with sharp dialog and comedic touches as only he can. It's a short leap of the imagination to hear Woody's voice in the narration.

We discover that Juan's ex wife is Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz) and she re-enters his life through an attempted suicide. By this time Juan is living with Cristina and so the three of them occupy Juan's house. Juan and Maria are made for each other. They make wonderful love, inspire each other's artistic endeavors, but they always end up in a huge blow out. Since Christina has entered their lives they are getting on famously. Perhaps she was the missing ingredient.

This is the theme of the film. Finding the glue that holds your relationships together during the trying times. Some things work, others don't mesh when you are in a relationship. Most people accept the misses and focus on the hits, but Vicky, Cristina, Juan and Maria want it all. They know what doesn't work and what they don't want, but can't quite piece it all together.

The acting is excellent all around. Penelope Cruz nails the hot tempered artistic type who is insane and keeps the film from falling into table (or bed) talk. Javier Bardem, fresh from his Oscar winning performance in No Country for Old Men, plays it completely different. He is very effective as the smooth artist, borderline womanizer, who has great comedic timing. Rebecca Hall's performance as Vicky, was the biggest surprise for me. She played the straight and narrow with perfect pitch, but when it's her turn to be the linchpin, she does it exceedingly well. Ms. Johansson plays Cristina smart but with a touch of vulnerability. She ends up doubting her ability to live on Juan's level and her decision late in the film is the catalyst for the stories' climax.

Regardless of what you think about Woody Allen, I would highly recommend this film for it's interesting treatment of love and life, without taking itself too seriously. Visit the official Vicky Cristina Barcelona web site here.

By mission's end, NOAA can warn everyone in the hurricane's path. "We love flying into hurricanes," says Kenul. "What we do helps a lot of people." Plus it's like getting all the free "roller coaster rides" they can take!

BIG WIND
The word "hurricane" comes from Huracan, the god of big winds and evil spirits once worshiped by the Maya people of Central America.

STATS
The average life of a hurricane is nine days. The hurricane is most destructive during its first 12 hours onshore. A typical eye measures 20 miles (32 kilometers) across.

IT'S HURRICANE SEASON
The record for the most hurricanes in a season is 12, set in 1969. Though hurricanes can occur at any time, the official hurricane season in the Atlantic falls between June 1 and November 30. An average year has six to eight hurricanes, which occur mostly in August, September, and October.

NOTORIOUS
The deadliest hurricane in the United States struck Galveston, Texas, in 1900. A storm surge almost two stories high broke over the city, causing 20-foot (6.1-meter) floods and more than 8,000 deaths. The costliest hurricane was Andrew in 1992, which caused damages totaling more than U.S. $25 billion in parts of Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia.

FLYING INTO THE EYE OF A HURRICANE | EYE OF THE HURRICANE | MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES | HURRICANE SURVIVAL TIPS | HURRICANE PATHS

HURRICANE PATHS In the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans "hurricane" is the word generally used to describe what scientists call a type of "tropical cyclone." Hurricanes in the western Pacific are called "typhoons," and those in the Indian Ocean are simply called "cyclones."	Check out a video showing how hurricanes form.

]]> http://devintaliaferrostormchaser.wordpress.com/?p=81 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:23:20 +0000 devindevtaliaferro http://devintaliaferrostormchaser.wordpress.com/?p=81 HURRICANE NAMES IN 2003

— Ana
— Bill
— Claudette
— Danny
— Erika
— Fabian
— Grace
— Henri
— Isabel
— Juan
— Kate
— Larry
— Mindy
— Nicholas
— Odette
— Peter
— Rose
— Sam
— Teresa
— Victor
— Wanda

Hurricane names come from six official international lists. The names alternate between boys' and girls'. When a storm becomes a hurricane, it's named from the list, in alphabetical order. Each list is reused every six years. A name "retires" if that hurricane caused a lot of damage or many deaths.

CLEAR YOUR YARD of any loose material, such as tree branches and lawn furniture, that might blow around. Anchor what cannot be removed.

BOARD UP WINDOWS or brace them with crisscrossed strips of heavy tape so glass won't shatter in strong winds.

KEEP FLASHLIGHTS, batteries, a battery-operated radio, a first-aid kit, water, and essential medications on hand. Stock up on nonperishable food.

STAY INSIDE. A sudden calm may mean only that the eye of the storm—the center of the doughnut-shaped mass (above)—is passing over you. Continuously listen for bulletins about the storm's progress on the radio.

MAKE A PLAN. Have a family emergency communication plan in case you become separated from family members. Also review your family's evacuation plan.

Album: Featured - America's Greatest Heartbreak

Album: Mississippi Smashed to Smithereens by Hurricane Katrina

Album: Submerged City - Photos and images of the great city of New Orleans, Louisiana eighty percent underwater.

Album: Survivor Photos - Hurricane Katrina Images - The Faces We Will Never Forget

Album: Cleaning Up - Hurricane Katrina cleanup, decontamination, and the beginning of rebuilding efforts.

Album: NOAA Images: You Can't Believe Your Eyes - Illinois Photo enhanced NOAA Aerial Photos of the Coastal Destruction Caused by Hurri

Album: Leadership Crisis - Hurricane Katrina photos and images of the people in charge.

Album: The Animals - Photos and Images of the dogs and other animals affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Album: Unclassified Hurricane Katrina Photos and Images

Album: Fema trailers and trailer parks and other after Katrina temporary housing setups.

Album: The Shelters - Hurricane Katrina displacement pictures from the Houston Astrodome, Reliant Center and other evacuation centers

Album: - Amateur Photographer and Search and Rescue Swimmer Chris Billings Captures Katrina

Album: Slidell Aerial - Cooper Aerial Captures Massive Damage and Destruction in Slidell, Louisiana.

Album: NASA Displays of the giant storm: Hurricane katrina aerial photos, satellite images and other displays.

Album: Indoor Damage - Hurricane Katrina photos of interior damage and destruction.

Album: Digital Globe Satellite Photos and Images of Hurricane Katrina Destruction

Album: North Dakota National Guard Hurricane Katrina photos and images

Album: Mapping and Analysis Photos, Images and Overlays of Hurricane Katrina.

Album: Jessica Talamo's Images of Katrina's Destruction

Album: Tony Lamson - Hurricane Katrina through the eyes of SSgt Tony Lamson.

Album: Ariel Pietrello: Hurricane Katrina aftermath photos by an affected local photographer

Album: Oil Spills - Hurricane Katrina photos of oil, petroleum, and other toxic spills.

Album: Boats & Cars - Photos of Cars, trucks, and boats in unusual positions due to Hurricane Katrina.

Album: McDowell photos of Pascagoula after Hurricane Katrina.

Album: Florida Hurricane Katrina images and photos.

Album: Assorted Hurricane Katrina Photos from Vista Park, St Bernard Highway, Schools. Paris Road, Arabi, and other devasted areas.

http://www.nola.com/katrinaphotos/

City of New Orleans

The Mayor is urging New Orleans city residents to visit www.cityofNO.com for updated hurricane information.

New Orleans citizens can also register for the City assisted evacuation plan by calling 311, 504-658-2299 or 877-286-6431.

Hearing impaired can call 800-981-6622. The 311 helpline offers assistance in both Spanish and Vietnamese.

Gearing Up For Gustav

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who was a key speaker this morning for the Oregon, Washington and Minnesota delegations at the Democratic National Convention, has decided to return to New Orleans immediately to closely monitor Hurricane Gustav.

Gustav, which has hit the southwest coast of Haiti and is threatening Cuba, appears to be on a likely course toward the U.S. Gulf region. The area, which will mark its third anniversary of the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on August 29, is still in the recovery stages.

"While it is too early to tell exactly where Gustav will hit and how strong it will be, I'm deeply concerned about the emotional and psychological effect on our citizens," said Nagin.

"Although we have made strong strides in rebuilding our infrastructure, the levees have not been fully repaired and we have an $800 million budget gap to complete our sewage and water systems," Mayor Nagin continued.
The city of New Orleans has been lobbying the federal government for this funding to revitalize the area for three years and has received less than 50 percent of FEMA funding needed to repair or rebuild key public facilities. In May of this year, the City of New Orleans received notification that it will finally receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that was promised by the federal government.
The Mayor is urging New Orleans city residents to visit www.cityofNO.com for updated hurricane information. New Orleans citizens can also register for the City assisted evacuation plan by calling 311, 504-658-2299 or 877-286-6431. Hearing impaired can call 800-981-6622. The 311 helpline offers assistance in both Spanish and Vietnamese.

THE SALVATION ARMY PREPARING TO RESPOND TO GUSTAV
Preparedness for Gustav begins as Hurricane Katrina’s third anniversary approaches

Jackson, Miss. (August 28, 2008) – Salvation Army personnel throughout the Gulf Coast are mobilizing to respond to Tropical Storm Gustav, expected to develop into a serious category three hurricane by early next week.  Army units in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas have 100 mobile feeding units and three fully-equipped 54-foot field kitchens ready for immediate response.  Additionally, The Salvation Army is prepared to supplement Gulf Coast states with 70 canteens from inland states, as was necessary in response to Hurricane Katrina.   In total, The Salvation Army is prepared to provide a minimum of 560,000 meals a day as necessary.

“The Salvation Army is prepared to respond immediately to the needs of survivors, emergency aid workers, and volunteers in communities affected by the storm’s landfall,” said Major Gene Hogg, Divisional Secretary for Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.  “The Army recognizes how difficult these circumstances can be and will do everything in our power to assist individuals and families following this storm as we do in these communities 365 days a year.”

In addition to feeding, The Salvation Army is prepared to provide:
Clean-up kits containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies
Hygiene kits
Drinking water
Shower units
First-aid supplies
Missing persons support through The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (www.satern.org) and
Emotional/spiritual care

The Salvation Army encourages all residents of areas in Gustav’s path to prepare an Emergency supply kit, an evacuation plan and stay informed to all warnings and evacuation orders. Disaster response professionals recommend having a three to five day supply of food and water for each individual of your family as well as flashlights, medication, and battery powered radio.

“It is imperative that residents of New Orleans and the central Gulf Coast region heed all warnings and orders associated with Tropical Storm Gustav, regardless of its path,” said Captain Ethan Frizzell, Area Commander for The Salvation Army in New Orleans. “It is important that each of us prepare now for Gustav.”

The Salvation Army asks people who want to help those affected by Hurricane Gustav to visit www.salvationarmyusa.org or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Monetary donations are needed to meet survivors’ most immediate needs.  A $100 donation will feed a family of four for two days, provide two cases of drinking water and one household cleanup kit, containing brooms, mops, buckets and cleaning supplies.  The Salvation Army is currently not accepting donations of clothing and furniture for storm victims, please forward these donations to The Salvation Army Family Store nearest you.

The company is committed to remaining open as long as possible, both prior to and during, a tropical storm or hurricane, but also takes the safety and well being of its Associates, its customers, and its stores very seriously.

“We will follow all local and state mandates for store closings and evacuations in advance of Hurricane Gustav,” said Robin Miller, Winn-Dixie’s director of communications. “As always, we will work diligently to reopen any closed locations as quickly as possible after the storm passes in order to serve our neighbors.”

WHEN: As of 6 p.m. CDT on Saturday, August 30, designated stores are closed until further notice.

WHERE: The following stores have been closed because of Hurricane Gustav:

NEW ORLEANS AREA

Store # Street Address City

1329 211 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie

1404 8601 Jefferson Highway River Ridge

1405 2112 Belle Chasse Highway Gretna

1406 4041 Williams Blvd. Kenner

1408 4600 Chef Menteur Highway New Orleans

1411 5901 Airline Highway Metairie

1412 2104 Williams Blvd. Kenner

1416 5969 Lapalco Blvd. Marrero

1418 3001 U.S. 90 Avondale

1425 3645 Lapalco Blvd. Harvey

1426 3008 Holiday Drive New Orleans

1428 3623 Jefferson Highway Jefferson

1430 5400 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans

1431 1070 Westbank Expressway Westwego

1432 3300 Paris Road Chalmette

1439 9701 Chef Menteur Highway New Orleans

1440 4627 WS Expressway Marrero

1444 12125 U.S. 90 Luling

1446 619 N. Causeway Blvd. Mandeville

1463 1803 Louisiana Highway 3125 Gramercy

1583 1830 W. Airline Highway Laplace

1588 12519 Airline Highway Destrehan

LAFAYETTE AREA

Store # Street Address City

1456 1104 E. Main St. New Iberia

1558 2210 Veterans Memorial Drive Abbeville

BATON ROUGE AREA

Store # Street Address City

1559 204 Northwest Blvd. Franklin

BACKGROUND: Unless otherwise noted, all other Winn-Dixie stores will remain open to provide much-needed items to residents affected by Hurricane Gustav. Store hours remain the same as in normal operating conditions.

Preparing for Gustav could bring peace of mind