Ellipsis Movie Of The Week... A Perfect Murder

 

"You steal the crown jewel of a man's soul,

 and your only excuse is some candy-ass Hallmark card sentiment?"

~Steven Taylor (Michael Douglas)

~A Perfect Murder

Here I go again. I am a purest when it comes to movies, and a remake is rarely done as well as the original, especially when the original is an Alfred Hitchcock film, but, A Perfect Murder, which is based on, Dial M For Murder, modernizes the story appropriately. That being said, there's something lacking, there's something that just doesn't resonate with me. Despite this movie's superior cast, perhaps it might be the chemistry between the actors? I am not sure, but don't get me wrong, while it seems I am being negative toward the film, I am not. I really liked this version of the classic, film. It's another great movie to curl up with on a Saturday afternoon, when all you want to do is shake off the world. I am grateful for movies like that, and you can count on me suggesting more movies that fit that bill as the year marches on. This movie has Viggo Mortenson, who makes my heart go pitty-patty with every syllable he takes. Michael Douglas who brings the sinister, and Gwyneth Paltrow, who brings more then one emotion to the story, in subtle and nuanced ways, is fun to watch, and did I mention, Viggo Mortensen? Sexy. It's worth watching for the elegance that the movie gets right, and the way it modernizes the tale, while paying respect to the original film. But worth noting, if you have never seen the original movie, give it a watch, and compare the two for yourself. I'm a picky cinephile, and even I know there's a lot like about this movie!

This film is worth watching!

Mondays, Magpies, And The DMV

 

"Hell is not other people, hell is the DMV."

~Unknown

Actually, I kinda think Hell is both other people AND the DMV. I have to be there in a little while, because it seems that my new license plates have not arrived, and it's been nearly a month! The dealership said it would be in a couple weeks. Sigh. You know how things work, it's a Monday, and I am going to the DMV so that means by the time I get home, the plates will be in the mailbox.

I will report back later on how it all went. 

In the meantime, enjoy these Yellow-billed Magpie photos!

The Swag Bag Hag

This year's Oscars Swag Bag is worth over $350,000! And I hate most of what's in it! I mean I'll take the exclusive Artic villa getaway, but what were they thinking with the Prenups? I kid you not, prenuptial agreements from, Trusted Prenups! Is that cynical or what? I'd love to have the tea and chocolate deliciousness though. I am sure this stuff comes in handy to the glamourous, like you and me, but the grateful and secure person that I am will just stay down here in the "extra's call room." On the other hand, if I could customize my dream swag bag, it would contain the following items.

My Dream Swag Bag

1. 10 days stay at the Hotel Le Negresco

With Learn French in France lessons at Centre International D' Antibes

2. A BMW 24 MA40i in San Francisco Metallic

3. Magnolia Bakery "Best Of New York" cupcakes

4. "Tiffany Hardware" watch in Tiffany Blue

5. Amish Popcorn from Williams Sonoma

6. Patricia Green Slippers 

7. 10 Days stay at the Four Seasons Hotel and Spa in Calistoga, Ca

8. !0 Days at the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, Ca

9. Funko worth $500

10. Omaha Steaks $500

11. Z Chocolate French Macarons

12. $500 at Purr & Company

12. $500 at Ghirardelli Chocolate

13. Pumpkin Pecan Butter from Harry & David

10 Days stay at the. Royal Lancaster London

Hyde Park Suite

11. 10 Days Stay at the Hawthorn Hotel, Salem Massachusetts. 

In October

12. $2,000.00 at Barnes & Nobel

13. Dior Medium Book Tote In Green Floral

14. Christian Dior Poison Set

all versions in the Poison range

15. Lancôme Absolute Longevity Facial Cream

And that's it!

 I know, I know, it's a wee bit unreasonable. Expensive. But if I am going to get a retroactive Oscar for the two movies I starred as an extra in, or the Woody Allen movie my car starred in, then why not dream BIG! As you might gather from my choices, I need a vacation. I really wish I could just have a few days in an amazing hotel, with all the wonderful perks available, but I could settle for a stay at Extended Stay America, and all I need is Uber Eats and a book by the pool.

Maybe One Day/Someday

Okay, I got the dress. I got the snacks. I got the beverages.

I got the ballots, and I am ready to have a little fun.

Are you watching too?

You Can't Go Wrong With Valentino

 

"Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak."

~Rachel Zoe

The Oscar's Streaker, Robert Opel

April 2nd, 1974

I think I watch, The Academy Awards, as much for the fashions, as I do to see who wins the golden statue. Glamor! Pure Glamor! Oh my goodness, there have been plenty of reasons to give up on the show over the years. Politics will provide, if there is no other route to the negative, but let's face it, politics is a well paved road, easy to ride your high horse on. The fashion has also had it's moments, and even lack there of, like when a streaker ran across the stage on the live broadcast in 1972. But in the end, it's all about the clothes! Who will wear what? I love the fashion! 

Here is a great article, from Harper's Bazaar of the, 66 Best Oscar Dresses Of All Time. Personally, I think the one Julia Roberts wore in 2001, when she won for, Erin Brockovich, was just about perfect! But really, how can you go wrong with Valentino? As for the gown you see above, that's a reasonably priced gown from J J's House, that I would definitely wear if I were attending the Oscar's. It's simple, with gorgeous lines, and it's age appropriate from me. One of the worst mistakes one can make, is not dressing one's own age! Ugh... crop tops, or sheer halter dresses on a 60 year old! Sorry ladies, you can do better! Especially at the Oscar's!

Edy Williams ( 2000 )

Harper's Bazaar

The 42 Most Talked About Oscar Dresses Of All Time

About The 98th Academy Awards

"Film is dream, film is music. No art passes our conscience the way file does, and goes directly to our feelings deep down into the dark rooms of our soul."

~Ingmar Bergman

Free Sirius XM Oscar's Ballot

My pick for the performance of any category!

If I Had Legs I'd Kick You

Rose Byrne

The Academy Awards is this weekend, Sunday, March 15th, so I thought it would be fun to play along. It's been years since I really did much about checking into the films up for Oscar's and to be blunt, I haven't made much attention to the awards show's in general, since the tedious histrionics of Wil Smith slapping, Chris Rock, and I got upset a couple years after that, when Treat William's was ignored after his death in 2023. The 2024 Academy Awards failed to include him in the "In Memorial" reel show that reflects and pays tribute to artists we have lost in the year prior. I can't imagine why his body of work wasn't celebrated, or good enough! So many of his films touched me, but alas, the last few years have mostly been about artists behind the scenes. And while I agree, the work of those behind the scenes is very important, but run a reel celebrating those folks apart from the Acting category. I don't know, maybe just perhaps they could include less agents for actors, and more of the film actors who become almost friends to us after a while. Anyway, I digress. It was the film, Flow, that got me excited to see if it would win for, Best Animated Feature film in 2025. I wanted it to win, very much, and it did!

So here we are. The Oscar's are on Sunday night, so here are my choices for the big night. I downloaded a free ballot from, Sirius XM, and I am ready. So many strong performances from so many actors. It was great watching the movies, and deciding who impressed me the most. I don't go to theaters anymore, it's just gotten too expensive, so thankfully most of the movies were available to stream. Okay, here we go, These are my choices!

Who do you think will when the Oscar this year?

 If you care to share with me, please leave me a comment.

 I would enjoy hearing about the performances you enjoyed the most!

Here is the fabulous, Ruth Gordon, accepting the, Best Supporting Actress, Oscar for, Rosemary's Baby, and also some key moments from the film. Minnie Castevet was an amazing character, and I think only she could have brought her life!

Patsy Kelley, Ruth Gordon, Mia Farrow

A New Bird

 

"We are nature. We are nature seeing nature. The Red-winged Blackbird flies in us."

~Susan Griffin

It felt good to get out the other day and do a little photography, unfortunately this is the only good photo I got, but I will have more opportunities coming up, so this won't be my last photo this year.

Don't you just love the beauty of the Red-winged Blackbird? And they have a lovely song too!

In Case You Need A Reason To Laugh And Or Vomit

 

New York Times 

All The President's Portraits

By Doug Mills and Larry Buchanan

"Never trust someone who claims they care nothing of what society thinks of them. Instead Of Conquering obstacles, they simple pretend they don't exist."

~Tiffany Madison

Trump's mugshot is my favorite picture of him, but if I just had to pick a different one, I guess I would have to visit the White House in order to narrow it down. There's weird portraits, in what seems like every 20 feet or so, most are merely projections of what Trump believes he is, rather than face the reality that he really isn't a tough guy, MAGA pretends he is. Once MAGA turns their backs on him, gone will be stupid renderings of him in a Superman costume, saving Gotham City from funding schools or medical research, and in will come depictions of him picking up garbage on the side of the road, or cleaning jails. Although, knowing him, he will believe they will make him look awesomely manly and tough. 

That's our hero!

Ellipsis Movie Of The Week... Conspiracy Theory

 

"What do we know? If I know what we know,

 then I could tell you what we know, and if anyone else knows!"

~Jerry Fletcher

(Mel Gibson)

Conspiracy Theory

1997

Jerry Fletcher is crazy! Or is he? Yes, Yes, I know it's a Mel Gibson movie, and I do, of course agree with you, he's horrible, but it's also a Julia Roberts movie, and she's kinda amazing, don't you think? Plus the story is one fun ride, and I don't think I want a common racist and Trump boot licker dictating what I can enjoy. Come for the art, stay for the artists who work really hard to make the art great! Anyway, about the film. It's from 1997, and it takes a good hard look at the viability and dangers of conspiracy theories in general. Once again it's a movie who walks the line on whether or not some theories might sometimes be accurate, but ignored because lets face it, about 99.9% are total bullshit! But this movie is worth watching. Jerry Fletcher goes on quite an odyssey, and along for the ride is Alice Sutton, an employee with the Justice department, who Jerry is in love with from afar. The theory pulls her in and eventually makes her a reluctant partner but, as it turns out, she has a lot riding on it also. It's a good movie that will make your head spin, and is much more than a movie that dick is in.  It's well worth a watch.

Fear Should NOT Be An Option

 
The Next No Kings Rally Is March 28th 2026

Find One Near You!

"I guess"

~Donald Trump

When asked if Americans should be worried about terrorist threats.

Will you be going to the next, NO KINGS, rally? I hope to be, but as of right now, I am still thinking it over. On the one hand, it's the most important march of my lifetime! We are now living under fascism, but there is still time to pushback against it, and take control of our future, by winning in the mid-term elections. But first we have to make our voices heard. But on the other hand, I am deeply concerned about sleeper cells within the United States, considering Trump has been taking such a cavalier attitude toward possible terrorist threats within the America. Look at all the damage that has been done, both geographically and diplomatically in the middle east, not to mention the continued disrespect of our European allies. You can't be too vigilant, and that can lead to feeling paralyzed. Well, if you're like me anyway. I hate that Donald Trump has made fear an option. And I hate that I feel so vulnerable in my wheelchair.

The Plantain (via Instagram)

MS. Magazine has a collection of signs, from recent rallies,

 that they felt hits the bullseye on messaging. They creativity is awesome!

Rod, Macy And Robert De Niro

"Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom or philosophy."

~Ludwig Von Beethoven

It's Sunday, which means it's time to just chill out a bit. This past week has seemed four years long, guess why, so I am going to let music, and Robert De Nero take me away from all the stress! Although, if I ever actually met Robert De Niro, that would be it's own stress! As you know, I don't do well in the presence of celebrities. I giggle and stare and stammer, and lets just say...it would be a mess! Why would I do that to him? He never did anything to me. LOL. Anyway, enjoy the music. And maybe join me in getting lost in a DeNiro film later. Maybe Taxi Driver, Goodfellas or perhaps, Cape Fear? Who knows?

 Do you have a favorite?

 

How About A Nice Picture Of A Squirrel

 

"That women's got nuts lose in her brain, and a bunch of squirrels chasing after them."

~Sleyca

Yep, that just about sums it up.

I'm nuts!

This was a day on earth! Things are getting worse... apocalyptic in fact. 

So, I have nuts in my brain.

Special Envoy For The The Shield Of The Americas

 

There should be a quote in this space, but today I simply have a fact to share.

Fact: The #1 reason for being fired is incompetence.

Maybe that's why this happened yesterday...

Not only did Trump fire her like a dog, he apparently did it over social media, while she was holding a press conference. Do I care that she is gone? NO! Do I care that Trump handled the situation the way he did? YES AND NO. I kinda feel like she was a little naive that things wouldn't end the way they did, it's the cruelest man on earth we're taking about, and that's saying something, considering she once shot a dog in the face! But on the other hand, a tiny piece of me, the irritating side of me that has empathy living in it, feels like no one deserves that. She had it coming, she has done so many horrific things, but I guess I just want the decency back that we had under Obama and Biden. The example of how you treat people, coming from the leader of our country. Decency lives only in the past now, decency is over, at least for now. Hey, at least he made up a new job for her, one where she will probably never be heard from again, and still make himself look good!

She was, "fired like a dog."

From Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota...

Armageddon, I Presume?

 

Lucy Gets A Roommate

Season 5 Episode 7

"Everything's funny, as long as it's happening to someone else."

~Will Rogers

A little less negativity, a little more of the sound of laughter and a little music. 

Afterall Armageddon isn't far away, right?

( Sarcasm )

Do you listen to the, Countdown With Keith Olbermann, podcast? If not, today's episode is one of his very best. I highly recommend this episode in particular.

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

 

"It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished,

 unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets."

~Voltaire

This is how the day begins. How will it end? I'll get back to you!

Ellipsis Movie Of The Week... Sunset Boulevard

 

"I am big. It's the pictures that got small."

~Norma Desmond

Sunset Boulevard

1950

Hubby and I enjoy noir very much, he has his favorites, Key Largo, Casablanca, Dark Passage, To Have And Have Not, and I enjoy those films to, but there is one noir film I consider high above the rest, Sunset Boulevard! How to you play a character that is over the top without going too far over the top? Well, Gloria Swanson could teach a class in the subtleties of the overly dramatic, by using this performance alone. Her portrayal of Norma Desmond, evokes as much sympathy as it does genuine terror. You don't know from one moment to the next, just which Norma you are talking to, because believe me, you don't just watch this movie, you talk to it!. Norma is an aging actress, dealing with superficial perceptions, both hers and others, and the ever changing Hollywood machine, that cast her aside when talkies came along. Also whispering in poor Norma's ear is the self-loathing, suspicious, selfish man-child who seems to have traded his own life, for the safety of life in a depressing mansion on Sunset Boulevard, in Los Angeles. William Holden is great as, Joe Gillis, a writer who takes a job as Norma's plaything, and manly counterpart. He is every bit as lost as Norma is, so can a co-dependency be far apart? The film has some stunning social commentary for the time, and a more than cynical attitude toward Hollywood. With it's slightly eerie feel, it's worth watching on a rainy night, but if you don't have one of those handy, any night of the week, or weather conditions will do, but rainy nights are so dramatic, aren't they?

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