C'mon Baby Light My Fire

Within a few days I saw two pop culture icons – the Olympic Torch and George Clooney! And another rarity – Snow!

Last Sunday, we woke to 2 inches of the white stuff! In April! It was actually pretty cool, because it made London look, well, pretty…lol. And no amount of snow showers could dampen the Olympic flame on its relay through the city (that was left to the Tibet protesters). My flatmate, a huge Olympics junkie, and I made our way to a great spot across from the British Museum (where, fittingly enough, China’s Terracotta Warriors were on display). Anyone using the phrase “Brrr….it’s cold out here” would not be accused of crazy talk. It was freezing!

However, we kept warm through the wonder that is Starbucks, conveniently located behind where we stood, and through the warm and friendly Chinese who made up the majority of onlookers on our street. They bore their Beijing banners and mascots and kept us entertained with songs. The procession was quite something to see with music, cheerleaders, a bus promoting Coke (of course) and then the torch itself, which was carried for our stretch by England’s former rugby coach. Was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that was incredible to see.

Also incredible to see? Gorgeous George Clooney!!! Yes, one of the benefits of being unemployed is that one can make their way down early to Leicester Sq to get a good spot along the red carpet. George and Renee Zellweger were in town to premiere “Leatherheads,” and let me tell you, they sure turned our heads. OMG, George is just gorgeous in person, charming, friendly, the whole nine yards! The cold snap was still hitting London, so he kept asking if we were doing ok, if we weren’t too cold, and continually thanked us for coming out. Sighh…Then, as they were leaving (they didn’t stay for the film), his car rolled right by us with the tinted window up, but he rolled it down and gave a big smile and wave and yelled “Bye!”

Renee was also quite friendly. When I said to her “Your dress is beautiful (which it was). Who are you wearing?” She gave me a big smile and said “Thanks, thank you so much for that. It’s Marchesa.” Interesting, as she is usually clad in Carolina Herrera. While it was amazing to see these two, we were a bit disappointed that their co-stars, John Krasinski and Jonathan Pryce did not put in appearance. Krasinski, best known as “Jim” from “The Office,” (LOVE HIM!) hails from Newton, Mass, so I’d brought my Boston Red Sox cap to wave and everything, but alas, he was stuck in L.A. taping the show. Really not sure why Pryce was not there as he lives right here in London in Highgate Village (I saw his home on a walking tour!) Oh well, did I mention I met GEORGE CLOONEY!...lol Photos of snow, torch and George, etc. are now online. Thanks to Liz B for some of these pics.

Rock of Ages

Easter Weekend brought a trip with my friend Rachel out to Salisbury and Stonehenge. Salisbury is a lovely town with the piece de resistance of the beautiful and gi-normous Salisbury Cathedral. The cathedral is surrounded by some great period homes, many of which have been used in films and t.v. series. After a very tasty lunch in town, we then traveled out through the gorgeous Wiltshire countryside to see Stonehenge. As it was the Spring Equinox, the place was packed, which took a bit away from the whole ‘mystical’ experience, but it was still incredible to see it. The whole day we’d had pretty ‘mystical’ weather going on with sun one minute, hail the next and then snow showers. We literally had all three of those going on at Stonehenge, so maybe it does have some kind of power! The photo to the left shows the storm clouds rolling in (and an amazingly barren shot, I think everyone else must have run for cover..lol). More photos can be found here.

Weebles Wobble But They Don't Fall Down

I’ve been feeling like a bit of a Weeble myself the last few weeks as I continue the job search rollercoaster. Since the Triycle Theatre job ended in early March, I’ve had some promising interviews, but nothing has come through yet, save for one offer, which, gasp, I ended up turning down. It was for QVC (yes, the home shopping channel), in a corporate writer type position, but many factors (mainly low pay), led me to say no. I continue to stay positive and know the right job is out there somewhere. In the meantime, have also kept myself busy by checking out the Amazing Vanity Fair photo exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery and seeing a sweet French film, “The Flight of The Red Balloon” at the BFI. Does anyone else (save my mom and sis..lol), remember that great children’s book/film “The Red Balloon?” Loved it as a child! This is kind of an updated take on that with Juliette Binoche playing a stressed single mom to a young boy, whose nanny is a documentary film maker filming red balloons. Not as good as the original, kind of meanders and doesn’t go anywhere, but beautiful scenes of Paris. Oh hey, in looking for a link about the film, just found an Entertainment Weekly review of it from Friday. Check it out. Not sure I agree with the “A-“grade, but I would recommend it.

What else do I recommend? Damages! OMG, who else is watching this incredible show with Glenn Close and Ted Danson?! We just had the season finale here on Monday. I am so glad to hear it’s coming back. More twists and turns per episode than even "Heroes"; it was must-see viewing the entire season. Danson is even darker and complex than when he played a child molester in “Something About Amelia” which also starred Close as his wife. Reunited 20 years later, here she is a ruthless lawyer who keeps you guessing whether she’s good or evil. Can’t wait for season 2!