A Stickler For Detail

I consider myself a person with discerning tastes, but I yield a relatively open sense of flexibility when it comes to the Arts. However, it has recently come to my attention that movies are all too often lackluster, particularly those from book adaptations.

Last night I popped in the DVD The Princess Bride. I had finished reading the book a couple of months ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sadly, the movie did not meet my expectations. In fact, in every case where the literary experience preceded the theatrical one, I was always greatly disappointed.

With The Princess Bride, it was like watching an abbreviated version of the story. It moved too quickly, and seemed to conceal some of the less favorable happenings from the book.

When I read Thomas Harris' Hannibal, I actually went to see the movie with low expectations. It was a fairly graphic novel, and I was unable to imagine that any director had the gall to reproduce any of the gory scenes. Surprisingly, Director Ridley Scott executed much of the terrific bloodiness, including the protagonist detective's demise where he is hung by his feet off of a balcony as his viscera shoots out on to the street below. In a story like Hannibal, such details are not to be compromised. Ultimately, however, the conclusion of this story was sanitized to Hollywood standards, and I left the theater with a heavy heart. I will spare the details of the story's ending, and urge you to pick up the book. Then, check out the DVD to compare - just keep in mind that the movie went soft at the end, like a bad sexual experience.

The screen adaptation of Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code was also executed very close to the book, with the ending modified for cinematic reasons. The book ending was far more satisfying, and the meat of the story provided more scientific, philosophic, and religious background. Consequently, this is where my problem lies. When it comes to movies, I want the details: the before, the after, and all of the subtleties in between. The least any of these screenwriters can do is stay true to the books. It's really not too much to ask.

The movie Choke, based on the Chuck Palahniuk book of the same name is due out in theaters in the next few weeks. I think I may forgo this movie to preserve the satisfaction of the story as I read it. Although the book is simplistic in its plot and in its comedy, the probability that it will fail by my expectations is strong. I've already seen the movie in my own imagination after all, and any other version than that would be disastrous.

Election Drama

This morning's buzz was not only around the spectacular oration by Senator Obama at the Democratic Convention last night, but also surrounding Senator McCain's announcement of vice-presidential running mate Sarah Palin. Governor Palin becomes the first female to run on a Republican ticket, and also the first Alaskan to grace a national election. Her VP run may be significant for the GOP, but her background brings some ambiguity about her ability to contribute effectively on a larger scale to a new administration.

The selection of Palin serves as a strategy that the McCain Team believes might dissuade the Hilary Clinton loyalists into changing their votes, particularly in an election with blurred party lines and overall indecision. And although Palin's VP candidacy seems deliberately intended to bait Clinton voters, it also puts McCain in a new light as a pragmatic political realist. This is politics after all, and this election is about reform. What better way to position the GOP candidate than as progressive? This in stark contrast to the 'old boys' club' image that McCain's candidacy perpetuates. The McCain-Palin ticket is an indirect response to the question of, as Obama had eloquently put, how a 21st century democracy can be run by a 20th century bureaucracy. Clearly, the answer is it cannot.

In fact, the ultimate victor in this election may be perfectly suited to serve as the catalyst for change, for more reasons than the obvious. I can't imagine that an election as historic and as dramatic as this could ever be followed by a ho-hum administration. Two terms of Bush has been enough, so subsequently any change is good. I personally am still undecided, so it will be interesting to see how both parties' platforms pan out.

It's Quiet Here

...As is my mind, currently.

Here's a tidbit to fill the void:

"Our greatest strength comes not from what we possess, but from what we believe; not from what we have, but from who we are." - Michael Dukakis

Another Camera To Destroy

In a previous post, I mentioned my broken camera woes. Well this morning I receive an email update from the retailer stating that I must contact them to proceed with my service order. As it turns out, the repairs assessed would be greater than the value of the camera, which meant I would have to come in and pick up a replacement. Boo-hoo. This is the news I'm dreading. I am pretty certain that the new one would be a less than adequate replacement for my favorite camera.

When I arrive at the store I am instructed to have a rep from the digital camera department find out if by some miraculous chance they still carry the exact same model camera to swap out for my broken one. Sadly, and not surprisingly, they did not. With the previous camera, I had purchased the 4-year replacement warranty, which entitled me to receive a camera with the same or similar specs as my previous one. According to the camera expert, this meant I would likely have to accept another 8 megapixel point-and-shoot, even if its value is less than the price I paid for my old camera. I anticipate the worst as the camera guy browses the inventory for a suitable substitute. To my delight, he suggests I try to make a case for the 10.1 megapixel camera, the newest successor to my irreparable gadget. Mostly the same features, some upgrades, but definitely same size touchscreen, he says. I am elated.

I return to the exchange desk, while the camera saint states my case for the upgrade. After a quick debate between the two associates, I get the thumbs up. As the customer service rep is processing the trade, I ask him about my 4-year warranty and how the remaining 3 years 2 months roll over to my new camera. No such luck. I would have to buy a new protection plan for this one. Rather than submit to my impulse to buy the warranty, I take the advice of the service rep and opt to ride out the 14 day window they offer to make a decision. As I exit the store, I start calculating the warranty depreciation and arrive at the conclusion that with 38 months left on my original 4-year warranty, I had lost about $76. Furthermore, if I end up buying another 2-year warranty for accident insurance (which surely I will need), that would mean another $49. I am essentially out of pocket $125 for warranties, but walk away with a brand-spanking new camera valued at more than 3 times that. Considering I have broken two other cameras prior to this last one, I've come out a winner!

Farewell, Star Trek Experience

When I found out that the Star Trek Experience at the Las Vegas Hilton would soon be closing, I knew I had to experience it for myself.

You don't necessarily have to be a fan of any Star Trek series to enjoy yourself here. Visiting the STE is an educational trip in itself. Star Trek has cultivated a strong following since the original series. The phenomenon paints a diverse fantasy world - not completely far-fetched from what we might imagine our future to be - with numerous extra-terrestrial cultures, galactic worlds, science that defies known space and time, and socio-political issues that endure centuries. Each alien race portrayed in the ST series is distinct and has its own rich history. The STE captures much of this, as well as the fun and adventure I'm sure ST creators intended to bring to people.

A definite must-try here can be found at Quark's. The Warp Core Breach is an alcoholic concoction of rums, juice, and other ingredients, that they recommend you share with friends. It is probably the best mixed drink on the LV Strip, guaranteed to get drinkers tipsy. If you dare try it, act quickly! The Star Trek Experience will be closing forever in early September...

Time For Breaks

I'm finding that the theme of my life this week is "broken things." Please, have no pity on me - it's not serious. I am resilient, and will get over all of it. When it comes down to it, I'm just impressed that there is inadvertent consistency in my life, all unpredictable and not necessarily in my best interest. We all need challenges in our lives, right?

Promise break. One of my gal pals calls me this evening to confirm plans we have for this weekend. She just happens to be the friend who I'd be rooming with for our Cancun vacation extravaganza this November. During our conversation, I casually reminded her to book her flight (she is a regular procrastinator, so I know to take action like this often). Her response: "Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that." This is followed by a long explanation of personal finances, feelings of economic insecurity, and essentially her saying that she's reconsidering. All this, after weeks of urging me to proceed with paying the deposit for the room and reassuring me that she absolutely will not back out. I am astounded by the fact that she would break a promise as significant as this - she's not a 'flaker' by nature - and remind her that I paid a non-refundable deposit that I refuse to lose. Her and I have yet to discuss this further, but best case scenario: I get a room all to myself in Mexico. I've come to the conclusion that she will pay her share of the room whether she decides to go or not. I'm wondering if that's harsh, but then again, I gave up rooming with two of my guy friends, with whom I would totally get naked, in order to room with her. Sometimes there is just no justice in this world!

Car Break. Blah. The first car I ever purchased and owned is a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse. It has been 9 years and I still drive the damn thing. My main gripe is that I haven't had a car payment in years, so why voluntarily get one when I have a vehicle that gets me from Point A to B? Two years ago I smashed the front of the Eclipse in a freeway accident, and I had it repaired immediately. Last October, the timing belt broke. Rather than send it to the shop, I drove my mom's mini-van for 6 months, while my little car sat in my parents' driveway. Since getting it fixed, it has given me persistent problems - the service engine light being the most frequent of those problems. Just this Monday, I had the battery and starter replaced. Just as I was thinking everything was fine, the service engine light pops up while I'm driving to work on Tuesday morning. It hasn't turned off since. Well, I've had enough. My aging Eclipse has already surpassed 100,000 miles, and the time has arrived to consider giving it up. It's like breaking up with a boyfriend: First come the feelings of resentment, then silent contemplation and strategy, until finally you come to the realization that ultimately things just aren't going to work. The next one better be worth the trade-off. And by that I mean the car.

Camera Break?!?!? For the 3rd time in the past year and a half, I have damaged yet another camera. The accident happened at a bar whilst inebriated (Imagine that!). The saddest part is that my recent camera, a Sony DSC-T200 with a super-fun touch screen, was my absolute favorite. Fortunately, I have complete foresight in knowing that any camera in my possession is doomed to break. I had, therefore, bought a 4-year service plan/warranty at the place of purchase. Saved! The camera is currently en route to the manufacturer, where I am hoping they can repair my beloved toy. Should the repairs exceed the value of the camera, the retailer will give me a new camera. Typically, this would be a good alternative, but because they no longer carry the exact same model I would end up having to get a new one that is not all black nor has the same fancy big touchscreen. If I don't get my old camera back, I may cry.

Beer Break! No folks, I'm not saying it's time to stop what you're doing and chug a cold brewsky. Time for Yours Truly to lay off her favorite beverage. Throughout my birthday week, I am pretty sure I consumed nearly 100 units of alcohol (don't ask what that equates to - it was A LOT), primarily beer. Never fear! Detox is a good thing, even if it's short-term. This hiatus is only temporary until I shed another 3 pounds in the next week...or at least free myself of the beer bloat that I'm feeling (Ugh). To my favorite happy hour spots and to my favorite drinks, I say this: I love you. I will be back.

Peter Pan Syndrome

Ask anyone who has known me forever: I stopped growing up when I turned 18. So turning 31 this year was like any other prior year - it was a piece of cake. Since I've reached my 30's, people often ask how I dealt with transitioning into a whole new decade. The truth of the matter is, I never had to "cope" with it in any way. In fact, as cheesy as this is going to sound, getting older always has been and will continue to be an adventure. There are those who are caught up in seeing age as a number that defines who they are, what they can or cannot do, how they should act, and where they should be in their lives. The truth of the matter is, when you start to identify your whole self with your age, you end up cutting out a huge chunk of possibilities from your life. There is no sense in limiting how you live your life. How can anyone live a fruitful life if they shut out the things they love to do or new experiences simply because they feel their age dictates whether or not they can? That's not a life lived to the fullest.

I have witnessed people hold back on doing certain things simply because they felt that they don't belong somewhere or should be "acting their age." I could not disagree with them more. You can be as young as you feel and radiate youth through your spirit and your actions. The getting old part is purely a state of mind. Come to think of it, so is the idea of staying young.

Author Douglas Coupland once wrote about aging, "We have two ages: the age we really are, and the age we are in our heads." This is a magnificent theory, and I'll be glad to cling to it as the decades pass. When I'm 100, I'm sure gonna get a kick out of telling people I'm 18.

Confessions of a Glamourpuss: I went camping...and I liked it! Really!

From what I am able to recall from my childhood, the closest experience I ever had to camping was a trip to Sequoia National Park at the age of 8. We slept in the family van, fully equipped with air-conditioning, a refrigerator, a bed, and even a TV. The campgrounds had showers, an olympic-size pool, and an arcade. By most definitions, this excursion was more luxurious than it was real camping. In fact, the only discomfort that I may have experienced was missing Saturday morning cartoons because my dad and uncles were watching sports in the van.

Fast forward twenty-something years, and I finally slept in a tent for the first time. Outside. No running water or electricity, except for the restrooms. Believe it.

A group of my friends decided to spruce up our usual lake trip by adding camping to the schedule. Clearly this is not an option I would have suggested, and I must admit I was a bit apprehensive at the thought of having to sleep outdoors during the height of summer. I did listen to the optimist in me that always says, "You'll never know whether you like it or don't like it until you actually try it." It's sound advice, so how can I ever ignore it?

There were a few downsides to this new camping experience that did not escape me:

• For a person who showers twice a day, not being able to shower for more than 36 hours was certainly bothersome. I attempted to substitute for it by bringing 2 gallons of water to simulate a bath of sorts. It sucked.
• No make-up. There is no catwalk at the lake, nor is there a need to get dolled up. My fashion philosophy says otherwise.
  
• Summer in the desert means high temperatures all season. Trying to sleep in 80 plus degrees is not comfortable.
• Bugs. I hate them, and they are everywhere near the lake. Fortunately, none of them bit me.
• Being drunk in the heat intensifies inebriation. Being highly inebriated impairs judgment. Case in point: After using the restroom, I found myself in a bit of a quandary. The lock on the restroom stall was stuck and my efforts to pull the door open failed. Refusing to have to climb up and over the jammed door, I decided instead to crawl out from the opening under the door. I scraped my knees and scratched my camera. Later I found out that the door was not stuck - I pulled and pulled when in fact I should have pushed the door open. D'oh!

Needless to say, those were all very minor things that did not deter me from having a great time. Many people close to me - including my own mother - had zero faith that I could tolerate one night in nature. Well, I certainly proved my skeptics wrong. In fact, I am looking forward to the next time when we camp an entire weekend. Next time, however, I'm bringing lip gloss.