The Count of Monte Cristo

I recently finished the book “Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas. The story was quite entertaining, and held my interest from the very beginning.
I was Expecting the story to be somewhat close to the 2002 movie staring James Caviezel, but found the movie quite altered from the book. Knowing that the story must have been made into several movies throughout the years, I turned to the public library to look for hope. It turns out that there are at least 6 different versions available made in 1912, 1934, 1971, 1974, 1999 & 2002. It may take several weeks to view the different versions, but this weekend I was able to view the 1974 version starting Richard Chamberlain. The first half of this version is very accurate. The second half took so many wrong turns, it was beyond disappointing.

I am convinced that to truly make this story in a way that will allow Alexandre Dumas to rest peacefully, it must be a 6-12 hour video.

Hey, they did it with Pride & Prejudice.

I Did It Again

Do you ever have those moments where you swear your brain turns just at the moment you need it most? You’re aware it has happened and while you’re trying to jumpstart the brain, your mouth goes on auto pilot and several things are said that you will NEVER live down. I had several moments like this today, and I’m sure it won’t be easy to loose the reputation of being a real blonde.

I do have this one comfort. I’m not the only one with this problem. Dan Quayle has made a few doosers that are still funny even today. On the Caltech web site, there are dumb quotes from celebrities, Dan Quayle, and some contestants from the TV show Family Feud. You may have seen some of these before, but read to the bottom. It’s certainly worth a good laugh.

Its nice to know that even if my blunders big, at least I’m not famous with my name and picture associated with my faux pas.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles

This evening I finished Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the d’Urbervilles”. Written in 1891, Hardy considered this novel to be one of his greatest masterpieces.

In Tess of the d’Urbervilles, Tess is a peasant girl who goes by the last name of Durbeyfield. Her family was once part of the English aristocracy. Due to their decline, their name was changed from d’Urbeville to Durbeyfield.

Throughout the novel, Tess was thrown into situations that go against the rigid social conventions of the time. She was torn between two men, Alec who seduces and or rapes (this point isn’t exactly clear in the novel, but the reader is left to believe it was possibly rape), and Angel, her husband who abandons her immediately after their marriage.

I believe I cried throughout the last quarter of the book. The situation Tess finds herself in could cause any person to go mad. If at any time you feel life is hard, read this novel. You will walk away feeling that life has been good to you.

Also, I found this fascinating and wildly romantic, so I had to add this tid bit of information regarding Thomas Hardy. His ashes are in Westminster Abbey, but his heart was buried separately near Egdon Heath, a place made famous in his novels.

The Food Chain

According to Iowa State University there is high nutritional value in food that many people never consider eating. It’s a shame more people aren’t eating June Beetles as you can get 13.4 g of protein, 22.6 mg of calcium and 6 mg of Iron. Lets see you try and get that kind of nutrition from your bowl of cherrios.

I can’t help but wonder how one would extract the beetle from the shell.

For all those anxious to learn a few bug recipes:
chocolate covered grasshoppers
Mealworm Fried Rice
Chocolate Chirpie Chip Cookies
Banana Worm Bread

Bon Appetit

Lord Of The Rings

I've read the books, but I still tend to get lost in Tolkien's world. I found some information that is quite useful. You can refresh your memory on the different people and their roles, the creatures and view maps. Here is another site that as it gives some additional information that makes Tolkien's world even more magical.

Hidalgo

Viggo Mortensen will star in the movie Hidalgo, a movie based on an autobiography by Frank T. Hopkins. Viggo plays the part of Frank who is an American cowboy with a horse named Hidalgo. They are invited to ride in a 3,000 mile survival race through the Arabian Desert.

The movie will be out in October, and I honestly believe the wait might drive me mad.

Horoscope Mumbo Jumbo

Almost daily I get on the web and read my horoscope. I start off with the hope and dream that what it says will really come true. Each day I receive even more confirmation that the people who put these things together are beyond cleaver. They dazzle us with the possibilities we only imagine. Even when they don’t come true, we still come back for more.

I have found my calling in life. I will be a dazzler (a.k.a. horoscope writer) and I will give you all one free horoscope. With my new profession I will be rich beyond belief.