a99kitten's Musings

I finally finished reading the Entertainment Weekly mag featuring vampires. I must admit, I wanted to buy it to see where Angel/Angelus and Edward Cullen placed :) But I have loved vampires much longer than I have been familiar with these 2 characters.

I was first really intrigued by vampires after seeing the 1979 version of  “Dracula” starring Frank Langella. I remember seeing that movie with my Mom and just thinking vampires were the *coolest* ever. I didn’t go to public school. I had a private tutor (my Dad did not like the local public schools) and so I was allowed 1 period of my study for a subject of my choosing. So I chose vampires, werewolves, witches, etc. I was already kinda there with so much Arthurian reading and delving into Merlin,Morgan Le Fey and paganism. So just one or two more steps…I read every book I could find. I was such a regular at the library.

Although, in looking back, it does seem strange that neither my parents or my tutor thought this troubling. I guess since I had excellent grades, never caused any trouble, did all of my chores voluntarily and didn’t wear black – I could safely study the pagan arts and creatures of the night without causing any adult worry :)

I was quite annoyed by EW’s assertion (or the story’s author’s assertion anyway) that the first “sexy” vampire was Tom Cruise’s portrayal of LeStat.  Langella was HOT in this role. By far sexier and certainly before LeStat was ever even created. This entire movie is GREAT. Sir Laurence Olivier plays Dr. Van Helsing. And Frank Langella as the Count – awesome. And very creepy parts too. I *highly* recommend watching this version.

Frank Langella's Dracula

I read Interview With a Vampire before the movie was cast and enjoyed it. But when I heard Tom was cast as LeStat I was mortified. And I actually LOVE Tom Cruise – especially back then!  But I simply could not see him as LeStat. He was Maverick.  And Maverick-like characters. Completely different characters from LeStat.

Now, I really liked this book. But I didn’t love this book. Louis is a frackin’ whiner and I simply could not deal with his constant whine, whine, whine. LeStat was a welcome distraction to his whining for sure! And when I saw the movie I was taken aback by how much I loved Cruise’s LeStat. He definitely made the movie fun. And did not have to have a creepy movie kiss with kiddie Kristen Dunst (heebie-jeebies…). Good for him going against type and showing the nay-sayers (me included!) that he could rock the role.

I did NOT like Coppola’s “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” at all. And not because of Keanu Reeves. I just thought it was a boring, overly pretentious movie. And I liked the book, like the director and all the actors. Just the movie as a whole practically put me to sleep and I’m not that hard to please in the movie-watching department. How Gary Oldman ended up on the EW Top Vampire list (#10??) and not Frank Langella is mind-boggling. I like Gary Oldman…but not as Dracula in this movie.

And Gary’s vamp (#10) was ahead of Kiefer (#14) in Lost Boys?? Kiefer’s David was excellent. That movie ruled! Obviously completely different version but thoroughly enjoyable, entertaining, jumpy/scary and funny. The Coreys simply couldn’t do better (and so they seriously took a digger to avoid any kind of comparison obviously.) Dianne Wiest was excellent as the clueless Mom. Plus *great* soundtrack. I will always watch this if I come across it on TV.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (the movie) – meh. I can remember I only really cared to see it because Luke “Dylan McKay” Perry was in it! However, Buffy the series – I loved from Episode 1. Still love it. When I’m flipping through the channels and come across a rerun – I will absolutely watch it. My favorite character was Angel/Angelus. Yes – he is absolutely physically hot (met David Boreanz at SD Comic Con – RAWR!! and very sweet in real life too!) But Angel was also tortured and bad but good and just awesome :) I was so sad when he left Sunnydale but watched every single episode of Angel (more than once) and feel they did a better job with the Angel series than Buffy after Angel left Buffy. The writing was darker, more grown-up but they also kept a dark humor to it. One of my favorite episodes was “Smile Time.”

My Angel puppet from the "Smile Time" episode

And of course whenever Angelus took over and came out to play…he was great when he was being the ultimate baddie (and yes, where I got my dog’s name from.)

Sure, they lost it a bit during the whole Conner/Cordelia and Jasmine story lines but still – always loved the show. Buffy went downhill with Angel leaving, then Dawn arriving, Buffy turned into a whore, died, came back and then fell for Spike?? No. Eww. No offense to Spike – great character – but as a BAD guy!!! He and Drusilla were awesome together! Second vampire with a soul who Buffy falls for – no, yuck. Cheap, blonde imitation of Angel at that point. But was sad to see Buffy end. And was VERY sad when Angel ended. Much darker series ender…I just recently found out they have made some graphic novels as a follow up to that ending. I need to get on reading those (into my never-ending stack of reading!) But now with both off the air…there were no more vamps :(

We did have the Blade movies (first movie was good but the others – meh) and the Underworld series which I liked. But again – the first one I loved and the rest – ok. Although I did just read a rumor today that Selene (Kate Beckinsale) is returning in #4 (she was not in #3.) Notice though having said meh to the movies…I did see them :) What can I say – I love the vampire/werewolf story.

And to really capture the apparent epic battle between vampires and werewolves comes Twilight. And yes, I fell for Edward Cullen’s charms :) The author definitely hit a nerve in the girl market with these. She writes teen-angst very well. Edward is written as the perfect soul mate. Oh sure, there is one small issue – he’s a vampire – but whatever. True love conquers all, right?! :) I made fun of this movie when I saw the ad for it and heard all the commotion for it on TV. They (the cast) came to a mall in San Francisco to promote it before it came out and he (Robert Pattinson) was nearly trampled to death (according to the news.) I remember thinking “Are you kidding?” But then a friend and I saw it on a lark – and I think we were swooning in about 10 minutes :) Such suckers for the idealized romantic hero. So then I bought the books and am now a proud member of Team Edward. hehehe…

But now that I am almost done with Book 4 of the Twilight series and have to wait for each of the next 3 movies to come out, I will start watching True Blood and reading the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Not sure how I will like it. I saw about 10 minutes of an ep and didn’t like it when it first aired on HBO last year. But everyone I know loves it so I bought the Season 1 DVD set and will give it as try. But none of the guys are very cute :( At least in the pictures I see of them – I want my vamps hot! ;)

Plus the EW article had a couple other book suggestions that I will check out (maybe once I get a Kindle!?) namely the “Blue Bloods” series by Melissa de le Cruz (probably my next one) and “Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter” by Laurell K. Hamilton.

Plus the CW has a new Twilight rip-off/copy coming this season called The Vampire Diaries (starts Sept 10 – set your DVR!) Who knows, it could be entertaining :) At least worth watching the first couple…

Our company has an office in Romania…aka Transylvania. I’d like to go there sometime. Prince Vlad “the Impaler” Tepes’ castle is big tourist attraction. You know, because why wouldn’t it be? :) Many more vampire tales elsewhere but can you find and go into those castles? And it’s where the name Dracula started so I think a fun visit!

All the newer tales have definitely changed up the vampire (and werewolf) lore though. So no matter how many books, legends, historical tales, and movies you consume on the subject, you can’t be sure you know everything. Because then they come along and sparkle in the sun on ya!

But at least I can say I was way ahead of this fangy fad :)

…so of course it’s about shopping and shoes (with a hint of husky) :)

Wore my black Steve Madden Makel’s today – let me say again how much I LOVE these shoes!! This is my first time wearing the black version.

It’s another warm day today (been a glorious week weather-wise if you are not a fluffy husky) so I wanted to wear another dress. Chose a semi-work-y black (that magically doesn’t collect husky fur!!) dress. Semi-work-y means I could totally wear it shopping or to Napa as well :)

With it, I decided to wear my black strappy Makels with it for a little extra zing (versus wedges or a more conservative shoe.) Not only did I get extra cuteness but these really are comfortable. And considering they are 4+ inch heels – that’s saying something!

So if you are in the market for a cute, sexy strappy heel – seriously check out the Steve Madden Makel! They have black, a pinky-fuschia color and cobalt blue. I can attest they are all great colors in real life :) The only caveat to wearing any of them is you MUST make sure your toes are cute. Bad pedi/toes in cute shoes – not good. French pedi is best with any of these colors in my humble opinion….

Plus – black is on sale at Endless right now!! And really…who doesn’t need another cute black shoe :)

I’ll take the black/pink version in a 7.5 :)

…the one who has to have their s** together, to have a smile on, to be tough.  I’m a generally positive person. Glass half-full, make the best of things, etc. but today I’m tired….

I’ve lost my Mom, basically lost my Dad, constantly and always worry about my little brother (for good reason.) I stress about work and about making sure everyone there is OK. I stress about other losses endured. I stress about my husband, and making sure his stress is only work-related and I keep any home stuff off his plate as much as I can. And all sorts of other stuff that runs though my head all the time.

And then I always stress about my dogs. They are my kids. But I really can’t always be the one who has to be tough about that too. Not today.  Storm probably has Cushing’s Disease. He’s 7. I know he won’t last as long as me (assuming no bus incidents for me!) but I really need my buds to be happy & healthy for as long as they can be. They make my life happy. Every day. Their little faces make me smile every single day.

I’m clearly tired. I’ve had a weird bout of insomnia for the last couple of days which has resulted in 6 hours of bad sleep over the last 48. Hopefully I sleep tonight. But I will blame any bout of emotional babyness on being this tired. I don’t allow myself to ever break down so hopefully some sleep will do me good….

Tomorrow I shall find some good shopping deals or celebrity gossip to post…

I saw these online a couple months back and loved them. Then saw a pic of Jennifer Aniston wearing them and they are soooooooo cute! Ridiculously pricey for a pair of wedge sandals but I still covet them :)

Bottega wedge

I looked and looked to see if they ever went on sale but they seemed to sell out before any went on sale (Barney’s put them up for sale for a split second but in a different color.)

I bought these instead:

Report Signature Lucie 2 Platform Raffia Sandals

Much more reasonable :) Less than 10% of the cost of the Bottega wedges. Not all that similar *really*…but I already have a few pairs of wedges (of course not as awesome as those BVs!!) so I went with a heel instead.

Wearing them today.  Pretty darn cute if I do say so myself :) Of course…she looks cuter (damnit!!)

Jennifer Aniston looking cute in the BVs

I have been wanting these for 2 years. They were not made for the US market originally but looks like TR got smarter and realized girls love pink here…oh boy….I *WILL* get these…must find good deal somehow…

True Religion - pink rainbow Joeys...

They will make friends in my closet with my sunshine and earth rainbows :)

Must find these in my size…preferably not at full retail (or my friend Helen will defriend me!)

…at his concert in Kansas City for his KISS a Girl :)  OK – that’s great!!! (she’s the KISS member singing next to him the most :) )

Storm updated his Dogster diary tonight…he wanted to pupdate his friends on his paw boo-boo :)

http://www.dogster.com/dogs/114778

The buds had a good weekend I think. Storm seems much happier. Angelus has been pretty happy but wishes I would let him catch critters. He definitely gets that annoyed look on his face when he chases a chipmunk and I stop him from catching one!!

But they are having a good time this weekend :)

Hi Mom!

Ummm...Mom.....dinner?

Mmm...dingo bones are delicious...

Are you going to finish that?

I just finished reading Marvel’s New X-Men “New Worlds” graphic novel. It was third in a series. The first 2 were “E is for Extinction” and “Imperial”. I really, really liked these.

The X-Men have been my favorite comics since I was a kid. Now, there were X-Men, New X-Men, The Uncanny X-Men, Astonishing X-Men, and then of course the New Mutants, Weapon X and Wolverine and then allllll of the cross-overs they did. Seriously could go broke trying to keep up!

Some very fond childhood memories are of having my Dad take me to the comic book store to pick up my new arrivals. Always a good Saturday!! I would pour over them there and then again, in more detail, at home. Other favorite regular titles at the time were Wonder Woman, Justice League, The New Teen Titans, Alpha Flight, Batman and the Outsiders, and of course every new X-Men title/crossover they pumped out.

But I do have to admit, I slowed down and then finally stopped. I always wanted to go back and start back up again but when I would grab a few issues, I seemed soooo out of the loop in terms of story and characters, that I never stuck with them.

I was in line opening weekend for each new X movie and they always made me want to start reading the comics again. My favorite story arcs were the Hellfire Club storyline and, of course, the Dark Phoenix saga. If Hollywood could ever make these 2 story arcs correctly – these would rule! Although can not possibly be done in a 2 hour movie. So maybe best left to pages. I reread my Dark Phoenix comics a few years back and loved them just the same. What I always loved about X-Men (and Marvel titles in general) were they were darker and far more convoluted than the DC titles were back then. DC figured it out and revamped. Good move.

These 3 graphic novels were fairly dark. Murdered mutants, murdering mutants, apocalypse, death and mayhem – just a regular day in the X universe :) I highly recommend reading these. They cover New X-Men issues 114-133. Although not for someone who isn’t familiar with the X and Marvel universe for sure. The continuity for me was a bit hard (especially Scott and Jean’s multiple issues) since I have been so out of the X Universe for so long but I could figure most out and it really made me want to find the before and after stories! My only real complaint with any of them is the artwork in the first 2/3 of the 3rd novel (New Worlds.) I have seen this art type in past X-Men comics and never liked it. Much prefer the normal artist renderings of my beloved characters :)

I guess I do wish they had more Wolverine and Storm. Wolverine is in them but not as a MAIN character all the way through. Storm only appears briefly. They were always my 2 favorites. But seeing Emma Frost was great. And I was quite confused to see James Proudstar and Sunfire since last I read they were dead. So clearly (umm…yeah notsomuch) we are now in a different universe? Or they were reborn? Or never killed after all? Or…..? See why I need to get back issues??

I am desperately waiting for Amazon (or Sony?) to make a color-screen Kindle. And then being able to read my comics using that. I would end up spending so much $$$ in monthly titles (hear that Amazon, Marvel and DC???) I LOVE real books. And real comics. But the fact is it will just be easier to get and store. I have 2 huge acid-free comic boxes holding my individually bagged and boarded comics. I just don’t have more room (my Star Wars collectibles take up a *lot* of room…)

I did see that you can buy Marvel titles on CD. Maybe. But still prefer the idea of a color screen Kindle for comics/graphic novel viewing.

So for now, I will likely pick up a few more graphic novels. And maybe bring out my boxes and start re-reading my old ones :)

The Allergists were in favor of  scratching it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.

Meanwhile,  Obstetricians felt certain everyone was laboring under a misconception, while the Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.

Pathologists yelled, “Over my dead body!”, while the Pediatricians said, “Oh, grow up!”

The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.

Surgeons  decided to wash their hands of the whole thing and the Internists claimed it would indeed be a  bitter pill to swallow.

The Plastic Surgeons opined that this proposal would “put a whole new face on the matter”.

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea.

Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and those softy Cardiologists didn’t have the heart to  say no.

In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the assholes in Washington….

(as received from my Democrat mother-in-law..even she knows it’s all crap!) ;-)