Hasley Hall at COC

(Yeah, I know it’s Saturday. I ran out of minutes yesterday.)

School. My first on-campus class was great. I got a spot in the upper parking lot and arrived at my classroom early. Well, it’s not really a classroom, but a good sized movie theatre, with cushiony seats, cool air conditioning, great sound system… My instructor is Melinda Johnson, and she describes herself as the foremost expert on Tinkerbell, among other very impressive things. Like working with Disney on the restoration and re-release of vintage animated movies. Snow White is next, she told us. Liked her a lot. Lots of energy and an obvious love of sharing knowledge. The class is “Cinema 123 – Crossing Cultures” and it meets the “diversity studies” requirement.

We talked about Senator Ted Kennedy, and she chose a film which, she felt, would spark some thought about Kennedy’s career:  Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur. Well, as Jimmy Stewart is one of my most favorite actors, I was delighted. My nephew, a big fan of Mr. Smith, just commented that he doesn’t remember Kennedy filibustering for Boy Scouts. He may have something there.

Fire. We are again living under the haze of smoke and the fear of flame. Just another hot August in So Cal.

Film. Today, hubby and I went to see District 9. Not at all what we were expecting. Peter Jackson’s reputation put our anticipation higher than warranted. Not a bad film, but just not anything on par with his previous blockbusters.

Book. Last night, I finished The Rosary Bride: A Cloistered Death by Luisa Buehler. Wow! Great first-person mystery. Well-paced, interesting settings, great writing. First in the Grace Marsden Mystery series, so I’m hopeful of downloading the second this week.

Funeral. I did watch Ted Kennedy’s services. Once again inspired by Barack Obama’s public speaking skills. Well done, Mr. President. Moved by Edward Jr.’s speech. Surprised that although the cameras paused on Jimmy Carter, Bill & Hillary Clinton and swept past George & Laura Bush, I must have blinked when they showed our governor and his lovely wife Maria.

Website:  I am seeking someone with experience in making flash animations. I’d do it myself except that the learning curve would put me into next year, and I need it sooner than that.

Have a great weekend! Or what’s left of it.