Nat's Chat

Private Practice Subplot Painfully Real!

2007-10-18T15:03:00.001-07:00

The other night Private Practice had a character on who was having trouble having sex. She had remained a virgin until marriage, but when it came time to do the deed, she experienced much pain.

I can totally relate to this. I have endometriosis. I waited until marriage. Getting examined "down there" is, well, OUCH! And sometimes sex is too.

The actress who played the character did a great job. It was a very real portrayal of what I have experienced during those oh-so-personal examinations.

Kate Walsh's character, however, was written poorly. I've never had a doctor be surprised at my decision to wait until marriage. Maybe they believed me, maybe they didn't. But still, they would never react the way Addison did.

Anyway, the overall episode was great! I'm so glad this show recovered from its first episode! This is quickly becoming one of the best shows on TV.

Cell Phones and Brain Cancer - Be Careful About The New Study

2007-10-18T15:02:00.001-07:00

My dad died of brain cancer. So when I heard about the new study that say cell phones cause brain cancer, I got miffed. The new study suggests that people who use cell phones for more than ten years are at increased risk for brain cancer.

My dad didn't use a cell phone all that often. And he didn't use one for more than ten years.

Another problem is that the study appears to be suggesting that the brain cancers are slow growing. I have a slow growing cancer - follicular thyroid cancer. I've been treated but never cured. The cancer inside of me isn't large enough to treat. It's not detected on scans. It just shows up in blood work. It increases every year. At the rate of growth, I'll be "ready" to have another treatment in about 3 years. If I didn't have the treatment, I could probably live a good 30 more years anyway.

My dad's cancer killed him 18 months after being detected. And when it was detected, it was very very small.

But there's so many other questions:

1. Why not bone cancer, skin cancer, thyroid cancer, or head and neck cancer? You hold your cell phone in your hand and close to your face. You keep your cell phone in your pocket! Where's the increased prostate, testicular, ovarian and cervical cancers?

2. How much cell phone use causes the brain cancer? An hour a day? A few minutes per day?

3. Are the rates of brain cancer overall increasing? If so, why? Is it because medical technology is better at detecting them? Is it because cancer awareness has increased? Or is it cell phone use?

Boston Legal Gets It Wrong About Abstinence

2007-10-18T15:01:00.001-07:00

Boston Legal used data from a crappy study to support its statements about abstinence during tonight's episode.

This study made news about a year and a half ago because it claimed that virginity pledgers have the same rate of STD diagnosis as non virginity pledgers.

The problem is that the data is based on 21 people. 21 people were determined to be "high risk" because they engaged in anal sex without vaginal sex. These are 21 people out of a sample of over 14,000!

When you look at the larger sample, virginity pledgers are less likely to engage in sex (anal, oral, or vaginal). And those who do break their promise, engage in sex less frequently. Virginity pledgers are, overall, at lower risk for developing an STD.

They are also at lower risk for:

- Depression

- Attempted Suicide

- Children Out of Wedlock

- Live in Poverty

- Depend on Welfare

- School Expulsion

- Dropping out of School

In the episode, Alan represents a 15 year old girl who sues her school for teaching abstinence-only education, because she had unprotected sex and ended up with HIV.

In the fantasy world that is Boston Legal (and Alan Shore's perfect record), the girl wins and is awarded $750,000.

It's kind of ironic. The school taught Abstinence-Only education in order to receive federal funds (Don't worry, the Democrats will undo that in 2009).

Now they will need to rely on those federal funds even more because they're going to have to cough up $750,000.

And with the pathetic state that government education is in these days, it's a shame that Alan Shore would feel good about such a victory, but he did. And then he had casual sex in an elevator with a colleague. Hope he had a condom. They certainly missed an opportunity to provide the education they so desperately want public schools to provide.

I don't think this case would hold up in court. Why didn't the girl sue her sex partner, her parents, or even certain Hollywood starlets? Why not sue condom companies for figuring out a way to get her to buy their product?

This girl didn't want to take responsibility for her actions. She knew that unprotected sex could lead to HIV. Certainly, her abstinence-only education taught her that. And yet, she made the choice to have sex anyway.

By the way, did you know that a majority of both parents and students believe that abstinence should be taught in high school sex ed?

And call me crazy, but I want to be the one to teach my kids about sex. You want separation of church and state? Then you can't teach my kid that safe sex is ok. Because that imposes on my religion.

Practicing Muslimism

2007-10-18T15:00:00.001-07:00

Last night, I watched the pilot episode of Aliens in America. It revolves around a Chippewa Falls family who signed up to house a foreign exchange student in order to help their outcast teenage son, Justin. But their beliefs are put to the test when a Pakistani teenager, Raja, arrives at their home.

The mom is determined to send Raja home based on her stereotyped understanding of Arabs. Justin doesn't want this because he's come to like Raja, who befriends him unconditionally.

Eventually, the mom caves when she learns that Raja's parents both died the year prior.

Mixed in with this heartwarming plot was some outrageous humor. The writers pulled no punches. Every stereotype about Arabs was taken to the max.

Aliens in America airs Monday nights at 8:30pm on the CW.

'Reaper' Pilot is Thought-Provoking

2007-10-18T14:58:00.002-07:00

Ok, so the new CW show 'Reaper' didn't make my list of New TV shows I'm watching this season, but my husband is a big Kevin Smith fan (he's a producer of the show), so naturally he watched it this evening.

The show revolves around a guy whose parents sell his soul to the devil.

The devil, in turn, wants the guy to retrieve souls that have escaped hell and return them.

Ironically, his efforts actually produce good for the community. Tonight's escaped soul was starting fires around town and destroying homes. Once he was retrieved, the fires stopped.

This brings up a bunch of theological questions:

1. How good do you have to be to get into heaven?

2. How bad do you have to be to get into hell?

3. Who decides what is good and what is bad?

4. If you do some really bad stuff, could you ever do enough good stuff to redeem yourself?

5. Why would the devil want to bring evil souls back into hell instead of letting them wreak havoc on the earth?

I'm a Christian, and so I believe that Jesus saves us from hell and leads us to heaven (for those who believe).

But I don't believe it blindly. I've given considerable time to thinking about each of these questions. The thing is, we're not good enough to get into heaven. And that's more a statement of how good God is.

C.S. Lewis compared it to men trying to jump to the moon. Sure, some people will jump higher than others, but when we're talking in terms of the moon - then no one is really jumping all that high.

In the same way, no human can really be good enough to get to heaven. But God didn't leave us hanging. He lets us go to heaven if we believe in him.

Now, it's tempting to think that you just have to believe in God. It could be Judaism or Islam or Buddhism. But that's not so. When you dig deeper into any other religion, you realize that it's all about what humans can do to make humans good. But humans can't achieve the God- level of good.

Christianity is different. It's solely based on faith in Jesus. The church doesn't always paint a clear picture of this. It can seem like Bible studies and prayer meetings and communion and all the rest are rituals that make us good. But no one makes us good but God.

By the way, another interesting aspect of the devil in this show is how nice he can be. It's hard to be deceitful without being attractive first. You have to draw people in. And that's why we have to be careful with what we're told and taught. It could be a wolf cloaked in sheep's clothing.

'The Kingdom' is the Most Balanced Terrorism Film to be Released this Fall

2007-10-18T14:58:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: I was wrong about some of the thing I said in this post! Yeah, I'm admitting it. Read my updated thoughts here.

A couple weeks ago I caught a sneak preview of 'The Kingdom' directed by Peter Berg. The film revolves around the bombing of a US military base in Saudi Arabia in 2003. A small FBI team travels to the Middle Eastern country to investigate the crime.

In the film, both the Saudis and the Americans learn to cooperate in order to find the terrorists. The Saudis don't want to admit that it might be one of their own citizens and impede the investigation at the beginning. But then they realize that it is in their best interest to cooperate.

The most powerful part of the film is when the orchestrator of the operation is found. This top guy and his family first appear as a peaceful Saudi family. All the terrorists underneath him in his organization were more rogue and easier to detect. It was stellar imagery on just how difficult it is to determine just who is behind terrorist acts.

It reminds me of school aged bullies. In order for bullies to work, they have to put forth a mixture of being nice and being mean. The confusion prevents their victims from recognizing what they're really all about.

Terrorists are bullies to an exponential degree.

Berg does insert his own politics into a couple of places, but nothing terribly overt. He suggests that the American consumption of oil is the reason the terrorists are against us, though history proves that terrorism has been around since before cars and oil were commodities.

Berg also seems to believe that our desire to protect oil in the Middle East is a bad thing. And on the basis of that belief, he tries to demonstrate that the United States is no different and certainly no better than the terrorists themselves. It's really a shame that so many people believe that.

But if you look a little closer, it's easy to see that even these arguments don't hold up well. In the beginning of the film, Berg presents his audience with a limited historical timeline of the relationship between the U.S. and the Middle East. The timeline suggests that we originally went to the Middle East to search for water.

What if cars were powered by water and therefore were environmentally sound? We might still have an interest in the Middle East and the terrorists would still target us.

This only demonstrates that political issues require more depth of thought than typically offered up by mainstream culture. It's easy to say that Bush was a liar or Pelosi isn't accomplishing anything, but the truth is that politics and lawmaking and foreign policy have no easy answers.

Still, The Kingdom will demonstrate how difficult these issues are more than I anticipate upcoming war-related films will. In seeing the trailers and reading reviews about 'Rendition', 'The Valley of Elah', and especially 'Lions for Lambs' (which Berg appears in), it seems Hollywood will once again be exposing its left-leaning politics. I wouldn't have a problem with this except for the lack of films offering up other perspectives. Even if right-leaning films were produced, they would be accused of being propaganda for the administration.

It would just be really nice if we could cool the harsh rhetoric on all sides and dig a little deeper into the issues instead of just assuming the worst about people we disagree with.

On a lighter note, the cast of 'The Kingdom' did a phenomenal job. Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner gave us the performances we've come to expect from them. Jason Bateman brought his funny guy stuff until he was captured by the terrorists - and then WOW - what an incredible performance! Piven was himself and it was funny. It's nice to have a little comic relief in such a dark subject.

I will give Berg credit for a mostly balanced film. I read that he was trying to produce a balanced film with this effort. The scales still tipped a bit left for me, but overall he did a phenomenal job.

Peter Berg Speaks Honestly and Intelligently About the Middle East

2007-10-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

The other day, I gave my thoughts about the movie The Kingdom. I assumed that Peter Berg was extreme left like the majority of Hollywood. While I still don't know Berg's overall political beliefs, I was very impressed with what he said when interviewed by Chris Matthews. You can read the transcript here. (Full transcript on Matthews site available Mon @ 3pm).

Berg made the following points (and I offer up my response):

1. Not all Saudis hate America.

This makes sense to me. Since Americans are the largest consumers of oil, shouldn't they love all the $$ we send their way? Still, there are Saudis who do hate us, of course. But not for the reason you might think.

2. Arabs hate us for making nice with Israel - not because of oil.

After watching the Kingdom, I was left with the impression that Berg believed that Arabs hated us over oil. But I was mistaken. In fact, I didn't pay close enough attention to the opening timeline of the movie because I assumed it was a bunch of liberal talking points that always come out of Hollywood.

But I went and re-watched the intro online. (Do yourself a favor and go see the entire movie in theaters.)

Berg established that American compounds were built in Saudi Arabia because of the Arab-American relationship formed after oil was discovered. It was a win-win for everyone. Until we formed an alliance in the 70s. Enter the oil embargo.

But the oil embargo lasted less than a year. Eventually, rogue dictators and terrorists would resort to kidnapping, an invasion of Kuwait, and terrorism. But it's because of our relationship with Israel.

3. The Arabs do not like each other.

Berg said that Saudis don't like Iraqis and neither do Kuwaitis. And the UAE, a very safe and wealthy country, doesn't like any of them. Oh - and they all hate Iran.

4. The war in Iraq has helped more than hurt our relations in the Middle East.

What???? I'm not sure Bush would even say that. But again, Berg's opinion is resounding with me. Arabs, even more than Americans, knew what Sadam Hussein was capable of. My guess is that they don't get all wrapped up in the WMD thing. Sadam was a problem and he's gone. This makes me think that if other countries would just get on board, a strong Iraq could emerge. But it's not that easy, is it? There's so much history and a strong dislike for Iraq remains.

Berg may anti-war. He may be a liberal. I don't know. But when he speaks intelligently instead of just blatant, angry accusations, he earns my respect. Suddenly, it doesn't seem necessary to label him. Instead, it seems necessary to listen to him.

Lovin the New Foo

2007-10-18T14:55:00.001-07:00

The new Foo Fighters album came out this past Tuesday. They're my favorite band, so naturally I pre-ordered it on iTunes. The cd is called Echoes, Silence, Patience and Grace.

The music is a bit toned down compared to previous efforts. Perhaps it reflects Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins settling down and becoming dads. There's more acoustic guitar as well as influences of 70s rock, southern rock, and even Ben Folds.

The Foo also gives its loyal fans the type of songs that have drawn us in for years. Great rock songs that build the energy until they resolve in walls of sound. I can't get enough.

My husband and I are going to see the Foo Fighters in concert this Friday. It's my third Foo show (read my review of a Foo Fighters concert here), but the first for my husband. We can't wait.

Pushing Daisies is The Best Thing to Happen to Television in a LONG Time!

2007-10-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Pushing Daisies is without a doubt the best new show on television. I'm not sure I can do this show justice by writing about it. You have to watch it.

Writing - INCREDIBLE - the best out there across both film and tv

Cast -STELLAR - great chemistry, strong performances, and solid emotion - oh my!

Set Decoration - WOW - a pure fantasy land where your imagination can run wild

This show is CINEMATIC! It's like watching a movie - except it's a television series. This show makes me feel happy and inspired. And yet the comedy is decidedly dark.

What's it all about? A guy who has the ability to bring dead people back to life simply with his touch. But there's a catch. If he touches them again, they go back to being dead. And if he doesn't touch them again within 60 seconds, someone else dies.

So he uses his power to find out who killed murder victims in order to collect the reward. But don't worry, he's not completely heartless.

By the way, he does bring back to life his childhood sweetheart, but doesn't have the heart to let her go again. So a crooked funeral director dies and she stays alive. But despite their romantic attraction, they can't touch.

Simply whimsical, simply wonderful. If you're not watching, you might want to go searching for your imagination.

If you missed it, don't despair. It's airing again Friday night at 8pm on ABC. Set your Tivo/DVR/VCR (if you're old school)

Welcome Back to Television, Isaiah Washington!

2007-10-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

I was glad to see Isaiah Washington guest starring on last night's Bionic Woman. Yes, Isaiah screwed up. News Flash: We all screw up. The difference is Isaiah did it in front of people and the rest of us usually do it behind people's backs. But let's not pretend that the ability to hide our judgements and gossip makes it any better.

Moving on, I'm glad that someone had the balls to hire Isaiah Washington. He is a fantastic actor. Very compelling. His performance was so good that I hope he joins the cast, which is currently quite WHITE, I might add.

Seeing Isaiah reminded me of the gaping hole left in the cast of Grey's Anatomy. The departure of both Kate Walsh and Isaiah Washington was painfully obvious last week. And a fresh batch of first year interns certainly didn't make up for it. Just how long does Grey's plan on being a "victim" of Mr. Washington? Kudos to him for moving on. Hopefully, his public gaffes are a thing of the past.

What President Bush REALLY Vetoed Today

2007-10-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

Democrats are complaining about President Bush vetoing a bill that would have expanded government healthcare for children. But let's be clear. President Bush didn't veto funding for healthcare for poor kids. The supporters of the bill were trying to expand it for families who make $40,000 to $80,000 a year!

Instead of complaining, lawmakers need to go back to the drawing board and shore up a bill that will truly provide healthcare for those who need it most. Stop pretending the middle class is poor!

Cool video from Feist

2007-08-10T07:56:00.000-07:00

This music vid looks like one long shot with amazing choreography. Check it out...

Eric Volz Podcasts from Prison

2007-08-05T07:21:00.000-07:00

Recently, Eric Volz recorded a podcast from the payphone in the Nicaraguan prison. Click here to listen.

Also, a newspaper reported on July 31 that a decision on Eric's appeal will be given in two weeks. Let's pray that justice is finally served!

Stay up to date on the case:

Friends of Eric Volz

Free Eric Volz on MySpace

Are you a talent, lifer or mandarin?

2007-07-03T13:48:00.001-07:00

I'm a Talent!

You're a risk-taker, and you follow your passions. You're determined to take on the world and succeed on your own terms. Whether in the arts, science, engineering, business, or politics, you fearlessly express your own vision of the world. You're not afraid of a fight, and you're not afraid to bet your future on your own abilities. If you find a job boring or stifling, you're already preparing your resume. You believe in doing what you love, and you're not willing to settle for an ordinary life.

Talent: 62%
Lifer: 46%
Mandarin: 28%

Take the Talent, Lifer, or Mandarin quiz.

Three Things Wrong with Transformers

2007-07-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

1. When the mom thought Sam was masturbating in his room. Hello? I brought my nine and ten year olds to see the movie. Yeah, I know it was rated PG-13 - but there are TOYS being sold around this movie. It was funny for adults, but added nothing to the movie. Save those scenes for movies like Superbad.

2. Cleavage. Ah yes, hot girls saving the day. And they have large boobs. I've got news for you. When large robots are attacking the world, you don't want some rail-thin actress who only eats carrots because the studios won't give her the gig unless she does saving your ass. You want women with a little meat on their bones. A little junk in the trunk. And I'm flat out tired of Hollywood perpetuating this message. Would the movie make less without cleavage? No. There's too much action geek adventure going on to keep the dudes away.

3. Sam and Mikaela making out on the hood of Bumblebee at the end of the movie. By this time, Bumblebee was like their friend. I know some of you hornballs out there would think this is cool, but for the rest of us - who goes around making out while laying on their friends?

HOWEVER, This movie rocked even with these flaws. My kids never asked what masterbating is and my husband loves me despite my "imperfect" (according to Hollywood, anyway) figure. It would be nice in the sequel to have better women as the heroes. But I won't hold my breath.

I really did love this movie and have bought my son stickers, tattoos, and the junior novel. Transformers is one of the better toys out there. And I much prefer the good vs. evil concepts (like in Spiderman as well) rather than all that weird crap from Yu Gi Oh and Pokemon.

So, not that you need my recommendation - but go see Transformers. This is a film actually worth the price of admission.

I saw Transformers last night!

2007-07-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Last night, my husband, our two kids and myself headed out to the Brier Creek movie theaters for a "sneak preview" of Transformers.

Our experience started off with DRAMA as there was a bomb threat - yes a BOMB THREAT! - at the theater.

I must say, that Raleigh police leave a lot to be desired when it comes to security issues. They wouldn't let anyone through the front door, but you could stand next to the theater on the sides and apparently that was no problem.

Anyway, the movie WAS AWESOME. Easily the best thing Hollywood has produced in years.

There was action/adventure mixed with some incredible comedy. The plot was solid, the writing was excellent, the ensemble cast - John Turturro, Josh Duhamel, Bernie Mac - i wasn't a Shia Lebouf fan before but I am now!

There were so many camera shots that I loved. And when the Transformers transform - it is pure and utter AWESOMENESS.

Still there are a few flaws, which I will cover in my next post.

Eric Volz: Appeals Process and News Coverage

2007-04-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

Appeals Process

The judge who convicted Eric Volz has turned the court papers over to the appellate court. That court by law has six days to hold a formal hearing. I have not heard whether that hearing took place. After that, the court is allowed five days to issue a verdict.

News Coverage

The case of Eric Volz was featured on Dateline on NBC as well as Andersoon Cooper 360 on CNN.

For more info:

Friends of Eric Volz
Free Eric Volz on MySpace

Technorati: eric volz, nicaragua, justice, injustice

Best Stop Motion Short Film EVER!

2007-04-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

Technorati: stop motion, film, short films

Isaac Heckert, bass player and brother in yet another music video

2007-04-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

My brother, Isaac Heckert, an LA-based bass player was recently cast in another music video. This time it was the video for "All She Wrote" by Ross Copperman. Good song. Check it out.

Technorati: ross copperman, isaac heckert, music videos

Defend the Cinekids

2007-04-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, my kids did a podcast called Cinekids. We've canceled the podcast b/c it gets so much traffic and we really do not want our kids to become cewebrities. Unfortunately, despite it's popularity, some guy named Lou over at 10 Zen Monkeys decided to name Cinekids as the 2nd worst video blog of 2006.

He's using crappy info - such as comments and subscribers on YouTube. Josh only posted a couple of the episodes on YouTube, the rest were posted elsewhere (Google Video, etc).

Traffic continues to grow despite the fact that no Cinekids episodes have been posted in months. Additionally, the kids were excited to do the video blog and still want to do it even though we say no.

Still, it's important to me to defend my family. Click here to defend the Cinekids.

Eric Volz Interview featured on Today Show 3-30-07

2007-03-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

NBC reporter Keith Morrisson traveled to Nicaragua and interviewed Eric Volz. While the story is a bit weak on the facts of Eric's innocence, it's good that a major network news corporation is covering the case. As you may remember, Eric Volz's mother was interviewed by Meredith Viera on Monday's Today Show.

You can read the report and find the video here.

Technorati: eric volz, nicaragua, NBC, Today Show, justice, injustice

My heart goes out to Elizabeth and Tony

2007-03-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

In the past week, Elizabeth Edwards (wife of Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards) and Tony Snow (White House press secretary) both announced the return and spread of their cancers. Edwards was diagnosed with breast cancer around the time of the 2004 elections and Tony Snow was diagnosed with colorectal cancer a couple of years ago. They both underwent treatment and they both beat cancer the first go-around.

I'm very sad for both of them that their cancer has returned and spread. My dad has been battling brain cancer. He too beat it and it returned. I myself am a thyroid cancer survivor, though I have never beat my cancer. But then again, my type of thyroid cancer is extremely slow growing and very containable.

Both Elizabeth and Tony have made statements of intent to fight the cancer and maintain or get back to work. As a conservative and as a person who has watched my dad's struggle, it's been hard to understand the Edwards' decision to stay in the campaign. But today I heard a columnist from the Wall Street Journal talk about how Elizabeth doesn't want the cancer to have to get in the way of her husband's career - and to that I can relate. And Tony Snow apparently can too.

There are things I feel inside that I don't have the words for. There's just something about personally being diagnosed with cancer that only other cancer patients understand. Even though I have a "mild" form of cancer - I get the fear. Because not too many people understand what it's really like to go to the doctor all the time or undergo chemotherapy or radiation or in my case, be isolated in a room for 3 days due to the consumption of radioactive iodine.

On the same token, caregivers also share a bond that's hard to explain. These two experiences are very unique and it's so hard to truly understand if you haven't been through it.

So I've sent up prayers for Mr. Snow and Mrs. Edwards. I truly wish them and their caregivers the best.

The mother of Eric Volz interviewed on the Today Show

2007-03-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

If you've emailed the Today Show urging them to cover the Eric Volz case, it paid off. Yesterday, they aired an interview with Eric's mother talking to Meredith Viera.

For more press coverage visit the Free Eric Volz blog on MySpace.

Technorati: eric volz, today show, meredith viera, justice, injustice, Nicaragua

Short Documentary about Eric Volz

2007-03-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Post this short documentary about Eric Volz on your MySpace pages and blogs. Email it to your friends. Grab the code here.

Technorati: eric volz, nicaragua, current events, politics, justice, injustice

Shooter starring Mark Wahlberg

2007-03-23T19:43:00.000-07:00

Mark Wahlberg knows how to pick the right roles. I loved him in The Italian Job. I loved him in The Departed. And I loved him in Shooter, which I saw tonight.

I was pleasantly surprised by the performances of Michael Peña and Kate Mara. Before it was clear [to me] that they would play strong supporting roles, I was rooting for them to stay alive and play substantial roles in the film - which they both did phenomenally well.

While the acting was solid on all fronts, the plot was a bit on the formulaic side. I wish that the first act and maybe even most of the way through the second act, that the audience was still trying to figure out what was going on. The Departed ended that way - but I would have loved to see this film begin that way. Additionally, the character of Alourdes Galindo, aka FBI chick, played by Rhona Mitra, either needed to be cut or fleshed out more.

But what was lacking in plot was made up for in pure action. The film played on multiple emotions from fear to anger to love and thankfully humor.

From a political angle, the movie seemed to play to both sides of the aisle. The idea that people within the intelligence community are plotting against the President would appeal to conservatives. The rants about the Iraq war appeal to liberals. At the end of the movie, a car is driving down the middle of a road, possibly implying efforts to meet the audience in the middle.

Despite these moments this political thriller is refreshingly not bogged down by mainstream politics. The script and direction is well-focused on the plight of the protagonist, which is the meat of this particular story.

Shooter was directed by Antoine Fuqua and adapted by Jonathan Lemkin from the novel Point of Impact by Stephen Hunter.

Technorati tags: shooter, movies, mark wahlberg, action movie, michael pena, kate mara, antoine fuqua, jonathan lemkin, stephen hunter

Toilet Paper Machine

2007-03-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

Taking laziness to a whole new level.

you tube, youtube

Wall Street Journal Article about Eric Volz

2007-03-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

The Wall Street Journal has written an article about the plight of Eric Volz. You can check it out on WSJ's site here.

You can also read the full article on the new Free Eric Volz MySpace page.

Add Free Eric Volz as a Friend on MySpace.

Read the latest update on Eric Volz on the Friends of Eric Volz website. He's still in prison and the appeals process is moving forward. Pray for expediency and wisdom for the appellate judges. Spread the word. Contact the press and tell them to cover the case of Eric Volz.

Technorati: eric volz, injustice, justice, politics, media, current events, wall street journal, nicaragua

The Jeannie Tate Show

2007-03-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

technorati: you tube, bill hader, snl

Eric Volz Update

2007-03-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

I've been checking the Friends of Eric Volz website almost every day for updates. Finally, I did a Google News search and found a thorough write up about the case in The Nashville City Paper.

The article describes in detail the inconsistencies the Nicaraguan press and prosecutors put forth in the case against Eric.

Most importantly is the news that the case is being appealed. The appeal will thankfully take place in the capital city of Managua, which is two hours from the hysteria of the mob mindset that has taken hold of Rivas, where the murder and trial occurred.

It continues to baffle me that the media (outside of Nashville) has ignored this. Even now that Anna Nicole Smith doesn't dominate the headlines as much. Where's Nancy Grace? Where's Greta Van Susteren or Geraldo? Come on, media - get on the ball!

Click here for a list of ways to contact the media!

Technorati tags: media, news, nicaragua, eric volz, justice, injustice, politics

Contact the Press About Eric Volz

2007-02-22T09:07:00.000-08:00

Here are ways you can contact the press and urge them to cover the Eric Volz story:

Nancy Grace (contact form) http://www.cnn.com/feedback/forms/form5c.html?24

Fox News (scroll down for list of email addresses) http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,77538,00.html

MSNBC and NBC: viewerservices@msnbc.com, Today@nbc.com, Nightly@nbc.com, dateline@nbc.com, msnbcinvestigates@msnbc.com

ABC: 2020@abc.com, wnn@abc.com, niteline@abc.com, World News Tonight Contact Form, Good Morning America Contact Form

CBS News Contact Form

Technorati tags: media, news, nicaragua, eric volz, justice, injustice, politics

Eric Volz Gets 30 Years in Prison for Murder and Rape

2007-02-22T04:13:00.000-08:00

Eric Volz, an American citizen who was wrongly convicted of murder and rape in Nicaragua, has been sentenced to 30 years of prison for the crimes.

Witnesses say he was in another city (two hours away) at the time of the crimes.

I also read that his blood type and hair did not match those found at the crime scene.

If Eric was truly guilty of these crimes, then why only 30 years? Why not life in prison or the death penalty?

Volz's lawyers will appeal, but with the threats some of the Nicaraguan people have placed on his life, will he live long enough to be exonerated? I think that eventually there could be a chance for freedom for Volz, as the Supreme Court of the Central American country has said Volz should never have been tried for these crimes.

The city of Rivas is a coastal town where the crimes took place. It has increasingly seen vacation real estate development by Americans, and the citizens have developed a sense of resentment towards Americans as a result. This is thought to be the fuel behind the fire of the mobs who have threatened Volz's life.

Call your Congressman and Senators to urge action on this matter. Also, contact the press and ask them to cover this important matter.

Other Blogs covering the case:
Case of Eric Volz American, Accused of Murder in Nicaragua
Outrageous Verdict for Eric Volz
Living a Nightmare
Eric Volz was found guilty of crimes he did not commit
My Letter to the Governator
Guilty!
American Falsely Accused of Murder and Imprisoned in Nicaragua

Technorati tags: Eric Volz, Nicaragua, justice, injustice, politics

Eric Volz Verdict

2007-02-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Eric Volz received a verdict of guilty from a Nicaraguan judge yesterday. This is a complete outrage as the evidence overwhelmingly proves his innocence. It's time to once again - communicate with our Congressmen and women and this time, throw the press into the mix. Contact the cable news networks and ask them to cover this story.

I would love to see a protest at the Nicaraguan embassy in Washington, DC. The address is:
1627 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 939-6570

Please spread the news through blogs and email. Most of all, pray. Let's free Eric Volz.

eric volz, nicaragua, justice, injustice, politics

Eric Volz update

2007-02-09T04:57:00.000-08:00

According to the Friends of Eric Volz website, Eric has been granted house arrest. The victim's mother accused the judge who granted this of corruption. The Supreme Court then reviewed the situation. They said that the judge acted appropriately and also commented that the case against him has significant flaws.

While that is promising news, the pre-trial is still set for February 13 and the trial begins the following day, Valentine's Day, on February 14.

Continue to pray!

Technorati tags: eric volz, justice, politics

Anna Nicole Smith

2007-02-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

One of my goals is to cut down on the amount of celebrity gossip I follow. The motivation for this became stronger with the news of Anna Nicole Smith's death.

It was easy to make fun of her while she was alive. She came across as a ditzy blond. Whether or not this was an act, we may never know, but despite any of that - one fact remains - she was a human being.

I don't know why we allow ourselves to be conned into the idea that it's ok to have a joke at anyone's expense. Certainly this is different that good natured teasing and playing along with people who know how to laugh at themselves.

The way Anna Nicole Smith was "joked" about was taken to extreme levels.

Some may try to justify it by saying she brought it on herself. But the truth is that even if she was baiting us, we didn't have to be hooked.

Technorati tags: anna nicole smith

Turner should not pay

2007-02-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

I don't think Turner should agree to a settlement with the city of Boston for the "bomb scare" last week.

If city officials think it's necessary to be more safe than sorry, then they need to be prepared to absorb the cost for their precautions.

Also, the "devices" had been up and running around town for 2-3 weeks. Turner did not cause the bomb scare - the government did. And government should pay for it and apologize for it, not Turner.

Technorati tags: boston, turner, bomb scare, terrorism, current affairs

IMDB, Baby!!!!!!!!!!

2007-02-03T18:34:00.000-08:00

So, my husband and I were working on story development for our next film project when he showed me the COOLEST THING.

WE'RE ON IMDB!!!!!!!

The short film, How to Be a Girl, now has it's own record on the most comprehensive movie database in the world.

I use IMDB all the time to look up stuff about movies. Now I'm on there. Granted, I'm on there with my maiden name, Nathania Heckert. But Josh submitted an update for my name, so hopefully that will get updated.

WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!

Get over yourselves, Boston

2007-02-01T07:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know what they're smoking up there in Boston, but this certainly doesn't look like a terrorist bomb to me:

What's completely insane is that they have actually ARRESTED Peter Berdovsky and Sean Stevens, the two 20-something dudes who placed the Marketing ads for Cartoon Network.

You know, it's usually the liberals who claim that we conservatives are spreading an agenda of fear and that we are trampling on people's rights due to the threat of terrorism.

Boston's a liberal mecca. Harvard is close by. Shouldn't they know better?

UPDATE: Much of the media is reporting that the devices shut down Boston. FALSE. The police shut down Boston. The government shut down Boston.

The Shins Music Video - Shot by 200 Photographers

2007-01-31T10:01:00.000-08:00

CurrentTV teamed up with The Shins to create the mother of all video collaboration projects. Over 200 fans participated in creating a music video for the single "Phantom Limb." Check it out below and visit the CurrentTV website for more info.

While this was edited too much like a home video for my tastes, it appears they received more response than they expected. Going through everything must have been a bear. But hopefully this is a first step in great things to come for user-generated content.

Eric Volz Update

2007-01-30T19:36:00.000-08:00

According to the Friends of Eric Volz, web site, the trial was supposed to be last Friday but got postponed at the last minute. It has been rescheduled for the second week of February. Read more on the latest update.

Figure It Out by Lil Chris

2007-01-30T18:46:00.000-08:00

As I previously mentioned, my brother Isaac Heckert was cast as the bass player in a Lil Chris music video for his song "Figure It Out." Here it is in all of its YouTube glory.

Isaac got some great screen time! He looks very confident, as he should be. He's quite talented.

SAG Awards guesses - 77%

2007-01-30T16:43:00.000-08:00

Woo Hoo! 10 out of 13 - 77 percent correct
These are probably my best guesses yet. BTW, this is based on who I guessed would win, not who I would have voted for.

Film

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
My guess: Will Smith
Winner: Forest Whitaker

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
My guess: Helen Mirren
Winner: Helen Mirren

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
My guess: Eddie Murphy
Winner: Eddie Murphy

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
My guess: Jennifer Hudson
Winner: Jennifer Hudson

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
My guess: Little Miss Sunshine
Winner: Little Miss Sunshine

TV

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
My guess: Jeremy Irons
Winner: Jeremy Irons

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
My guess: Helen Mirren
Winner: Helen Mirren

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
My guess: Kiefer Sutherland
Winner: Hugh Laurie

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series
My guess: Chandra Wilson
Winner: Chandra Wilson

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
My guess: Steve Carrell
Winner: Alec Baldwin

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series
My guess: America Ferrera
Winner: America Ferrera

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
My guess: Grey's Anatomy
Winner: Grey's Anatomy

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
My guess: The Office
Winner: The Office

Upcoming Movies

2007-01-24T19:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a list of upcoming Movies I would like to see, sorted by release date

February 2, 2007
Because I Said So Diane Keaton stars as an overbearing mother. She was great in Something's Gotta Give and Family Stone. I'm hoping for more of the same.

February 9, 2007

The Lives of Others A look at East Germany before the fall of communism, specifically how the government spied on the private lives of its citizens. 1984 by George Orwell comes to mind.

February 14, 2007

Daddy's Little Girls A very different film from director Tyler Perry. Follow the journey of a single dad fighting for custody of his three girls, who are living with their drug addicted mother.

February 16, 2007

Breach I love stories about spies. I do. Plus, it looks like much of this is set in DC, where I lived for three years and love. I'm a bit concerned about the pace of the movie since the trailer was a bit slow. But I still want to see it.

February 23, 2007

Amazing Grace The story of a 19th century British lawmaker who fought to end slavery.

Studio 60 gets it wrong about Virginity Pledgers

2007-01-23T12:30:00.000-08:00

Last night, the TV drama Studio 60 ranted on about how teen abstinence and virginity pledgers increase unsafe sexual practices. This was based on really crappy data from a "study" done a couple of years ago.

Turns out this "data" was determined from 21 people out of a sample of 14,116. Not exactly scientific.

Click here more about the truth about this so-called study.

[Disclaimer: I was a virgin until my recent marriage. And I'm glad I waited. Most people tell me they wish they did too.]

New York Times gets it wrong about Marriage

2007-01-23T12:18:00.000-08:00

If you're still reading - or worse believing - the New York Times, then you should know they don't know how to interpret statistics. The latest diversion from the truth occurs about marriage statistics. Jennifer Roback Morse did quite a write up about it for National Review. Find out why, "Only the New York Times could make a headline out of a footnote."

Free Eric Volz

2007-01-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

Eric Volz is an American citizen who has been accused of a murder and rape he did not commit. He has been imprisoned in Nicaragua for 61 days and faces life in prison. He has been physically threatened and his circumstances in the penitentiary are dire.

His trial is on January 26th. Pray for a verdict of innocence. ALSO - contact your Senators and Congressmen and ask them to work with Senator Lamar Alexander from Eric's home state of Tennessee on securing justice for Eric.

And spread the word on your blogs and to your friends and family.

Isaac Heckert, Bass Player Extraordinaire

2007-01-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

My brother, Isaac Heckert, is a bass player who recently moved to Los Angeles. He's been working as a production assistant on music video sets. This music video director guy, Frank (I keep forgetting his last name), put him in the Lil Chris video.

Anyway, he is the bass player in the video. Here's a pic - he's to the right of Lil Chris.

Classic Modern

2007-01-17T20:37:00.000-08:00

Ok, class. Today we're going to view two videos that take classic movie actors and impose them into modern day commercials with popular Music infiltrations.

First is the Gap commercial with a clip of Audrey Hepburn dancing in the film, Funny Face, set to ~~"Walk this Way" by Aerosmith~~ "Black is Back" by AC/DC (thanks, Carson from Content Done Better).

Secondly, we have a remix of Gene Kelly from Singing in the Rain for a Volkswagon commercial.

Golden Globes Guesses - 50%

2007-01-16T05:25:00.000-08:00

10 out of 20 Golden Globes picks ain't bad - for me at least.

Best Motion Picture - Drama
ME: The Departed
THEM: Babel
WINNER: Babel

Best Actress Motion Picture - Drama
ME: Helen Mirren, The Queen
THEM: Helen Mirren, The Queen
WINNER: Helen Mirren, The Queen

Best Actor Motion Picture - Drama
ME: Leonardo DiCaprio - The Departed
THEM: Will Smith - The Pursuit of Happyness
WINNER: Forest Whitaker, The Last King of Scotland

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
ME: Little Miss Sunshine
THEM: Borat
WINNER: Dreamgirls

Best Actress Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
ME: Annette Benning, Running with Scissors
THEM: Beyonce Knowles, Dreamgirls
WINNER: Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada

Best Actor Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
ME: Will Ferrell, Stranger Than Fiction
THEM: Sacha Cohen, Borat
WINNER: Sacha Cohen, Borat

Best Supporting Actress Motion Picture
ME: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
THEM: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
WINNER: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls

Best Supporting Actor Motion Picture
ME: Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls
THEM: Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls
WINNER: Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls

Best Animated Feature Film
ME: Cars
THEM: Cars
WINNER: Cars

Best Foreign Film
ME: Volver
THEM: Letters from Iwo Jima
WINNER: Letters from Iwo Jima

Best Director Motion Picture
ME: Stephen Frears, The Queen
THEM: Clint Eastwood, Letters from Iwo Jima
WINNER: Martin Scorcese, The Departed

Best Screenplay Motion Picture
ME: William Monohan, The Departed
THEM: Guillermo Arriaga, Babel
WINNER: Peter Morgan, The Queen

Best Television Series - Drama
ME: Grey's Anatomy
THEM: Grey's Anatomy
WINNER: Grey's Anatomy

Best Actress TV Series - Drama
ME: Ellen Pompeo, Grey's Anatomy
THEM: Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
WINNER: Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Best Actor TV Series - Drama
ME: Kiefer Sutherland, 24
THEM: Kiefer Sutherland, 24
WINNER: Hugh Laurie, House (possible result of Patrick Dempsey/Kiefer Sutherland split)

Best TV Series - Musical or Comedy
ME: The Office
THEM: The Office
WINNER: Ugly Betty

Best Actress TV Series - Musical or Comedy
ME: America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
THEM: America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
WINNER: America Ferrera, Ugly Betty

Best Actor TV Series - Musical or Comedy
ME: Steve Carrell, The Office
THEM: Steve Carrell, The Office
WINNER: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (possible result of Jason Lee/Steve Carrell split)

Best Miniseries
I have no idea
WINNER: Elizabeth I

Best Supporting Actress TV
ME: Katharine Heigl, Grey's Anatomy
THEM: Sarah Paulson, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
WINNER: Emily Blunt, Gideon's Daughter (possible result of Katharine Heigl/Sarah Paulson split)

Best Supporting Actor TV
ME: Masi Oka, Heroes
THEM: Jeremy Piven, Entourage
WINNER: Jeremy Irons, Elizabeth I

Categories I Didn't Guess:

Best Actress TV Movie or Miniseries
WINNER: Helen Mirren, Elizabeth I

Best Actor TV Movie or Miniseries
WINNER: Bill Nighy, Gideon's Daughter

Original Song
WINNER: "The Song of the Heart" from Happy Feet

Original Score
WINNER: The Painted Veil

2007, The Year of the Trilogy (and Sequels)

2007-01-15T11:40:00.000-08:00

If you're on the edge of your seat just waiting for the final installmant of your favorite film franchise, then 2007 is your year.

Spiderman 3 (May 4)
Shrek 3 (May 18)
Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End (May 25)
Ocean's Thirteen (June 8)
The Bourne Ultimatum (August 3)
Rush Hour 3 (August 10)

And don't forget about a few key sequels:

28 Days Later (May 11)
Fantastic Four: Rise of The Silver Surfer (June 15)
Evan Almighty (June 22)
Sin City 2 (TBD)

What movies are you looking forward to this year?

Golden Globes Guesses

2007-01-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

I like to make two picks - the one i would vote for if I could vote, and my guess for the ultimate winner. This year is surprisingly difficult....

Best Motion Picture - Drama
ME: The Departed
THEM: Babel

Best Actress Motion Picture - Drama
ME: Helen Mirren, The Queen
THEM: Helen Mirren, The Queen

Best Actor Motion Picture - Drama
ME: Leonardo DiCaprio - The Departed
THEM: Will Smith - The Pursuit of Happyness

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
ME: Little Miss Sunshine
THEM: Borat

Best Actress Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
ME: Annette Benning, Running with Scissors
THEM: Beyonce Knowles, Dreamgirls

Best Actor Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy
ME: Will Ferrell, Stranger Than Fiction
THEM: Sacha Cohen, Borat

Best Supporting Actress Motion Picture
ME: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls
THEM: Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls

Best Supporting Actor Motion Picture
ME: Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls
THEM: Eddie Murphy, Dreamgirls

Best Animated Feature Film
ME: Cars
THEM: Cars

Best Foreign Film
ME: Volver
THEM: Letters from Iwo Jima

Best Director Motion Picture
ME: Stephen Frears, The Queen
THEM: Clint Eastwood, Letters from Iwo Jima

Best Screenplay Motion Picture
ME: William Monohan, The Departed
THEM: Guillermo Arriaga, Babel

Best Television Series - Drama
ME: Grey's Anatomy
THEM: Grey's Anatomy

Best Actress TV Series - Drama
ME: Ellen Pompeo, Grey's Anatomy
THEM: Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Best Actor TV Series - Drama
ME: Kiefer Sutherland, 24
THEM: Kiefer Sutherland, 24

Best TV Series - Musical or Comedy
ME: The Office
THEM: The Office

Best Actress TV Series - Musical or Comedy
ME: America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
THEM: America Ferrera, Ugly Betty

Best Actor TV Series - Musical or Comedy
ME: Steve Carrell, The Office
THEM: Steve Carrell, The Office

Best Miniseries
I have no idea

Best Supporting Actress TV
ME: Katharine Heigl, Grey's Anatomy
THEM: Sarah Paulson, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Best Supporting Actor TV
ME: Masi Oka, Heroes
THEM: Jeremy Piven, Entourage

Hitched.

2007-01-14T15:13:00.000-08:00

Josh and I had a courthouse wedding this past Friday afternoon. Then we headed off to the beach for a couple of days. The weather was glorious. We watched the Psych marathon yesterday while having the sliding glass doors open and listening to the waves.

Then today, we stopped in Wilmington and enjoyed a fantastic lunch at Riverboat Landing. I had the best crabcakes I've ever eaten as well as a delectable crabmelt. Josh and I shared a chocolate lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream. The Food was soooooo good. Then we walked to Port City Java for a couple of Americanos to go.

Wilmington is extremely underrated. The downtown area [now?] has the charm of such locales as Old Town Alexandria and Charleston, SC.

Anyway, We're still having a wedding this summer where we're going to party like it's 1949.

Need to find a word that rhymes?

2007-01-11T11:47:00.000-08:00

Try a search engine that finds words that rhyme.

RhymeZone

Rhymer

Great Fantastic News

2007-01-08T20:14:00.000-08:00

I thought I was done with How to Be a Girl, a short film I wrote and co-produced. But it turns out that our fun little project got selected for another film festival. The All-American Film Festival will be held at the Durham Arts Council February 23-24, 2007.

As far as future projects are concerned, Josh and I are in story development for a future web-based projects, as well as possible podcasts. We hope to begin the second seasons of Cinekids soon too.

Personally, I'm toying with new ideas for my next feature length screenplay. Who knows what lies ahead? :)

Which Superhero Am I?

2006-12-30T18:44:00.000-08:00

You are Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman		85%
Hulk		55%
Batman		55%
Supergirl		50%
Robin		45%
Spider-Man		45%
Superman		35%
Green Lantern		30%
The Flash		30%
Catwoman		25%
Iron Man		20%

You are a beautiful princess
with great strength of character.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

My 2006 Playlist

2006-12-29T18:14:00.000-08:00

Favorite songs of 2006 in no particular order...

"Chasing Cars" - Snow Patrol
"Over My Head (Cable Car)" - The Fray
"Unwritten" - Natasha Bedingfield
"Talk" - Coldplay
"Ever the Same" - Rob Thomas
"Daylight Robbery" - Imogen Heap
"Half Light" - Athlete
"Ride" - Cary Brothers
"Stars and Boulevards" - Augustana
"Pump It" - Black Eyed Peas
"Right Here" - Staind
"Aint No Other Man" - Christina Aguilera
"Move Along" - All American Rejects
"Put Your Records On" - Corrine Bailey Rae
"LOVE" - Ashlee Simpson
"Single" - Natasha Bedingfield
"White and Nerdy" - Weird Al
"How to Save a Life" - The Fray
"Wind It Up" - Gwen Stefani
"Say it Right" - Nelly Furtado
"My Love" - Justin Timberlake
"What Goes Around Comes Around" - Justin Timberlake
"Control Myself" - LL Cool J f. Jennifer Lopez
"Cheatin'" - Sara Evans
"My Wish" - Rascal Flatts
"Something's Gotta Give" - LeAnn Rimes

The Friendship of Men

2006-11-29T04:47:00.000-08:00

"Fear makes strangers of people who would be friends." -Shirley MacLaine

Last night on Boston Legal, there was a theme of friendship running through the sript. On the show, William Shatner's character "Denny" and James Spader's character "Alan" are best friends.

Alan shares a unique friendship with an odd man and fellow lawyer, Jerry. While working on a murder case together, Jerry demonstrates uncharacteristically (for him), savvy questioning abilities on cross-examination. Later, Denny catches his best friend in best friend-like bonding behaviors with Jerry - on his own balcony!

What ensues is an argument and then later a conversation that is normally reserved for romantic partners. But Denny makes a good point. Issues of fidelity and jealousy are not reserved simply for romance. What he shares with Alan is special and unique. Men do not share their feelings or reserve time for their best friends the way they do. And he wants Alan to respect that by not engaging in similar behaviors with other men.

In today's society, men have a hard time maintaining such friendships without being labeled homosexual. And while it would be easy to simply blab off a comment about how men shouldn't worry about being labeled homosexual (inevitably for reasons of "tolerance"), no one wants to constantly face a false representation of themselves. It does cause a strain and a stress and it would be difficult to cultivate a sincere and deep friendship of this type.

And besides, why should we automatically assume that two men are homosexual lovers? We don't do that with women.

The Art of Screaming

2005-10-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

"I learned how to play the drums without a drum set." - Dave Grohl

Sunday night, one of my far-fetched dreams came true - seeing my favorite band, the Foo Fighters, play a show in a club. Apparently, the Foo too were excited to take a night off from playing arenas to rock out a packed house at the 9:30 club, a music venue in Washington, DC.

The audience was treated to songs from all 5 records, which span the past decade. Almost every song has received a different treatment than it was given on the record.

Dave Grohl is the consummate performer. He's completely at home on the stage, playing guitar, pounding on drums, goofing around and screaming at the top of his lungs. During "Stacked Actors," he jumped off the side of the stage with his guitar, made his way around the stage and jumped on the bar to finish the song - but not without stopping first for a shot of Jagermeister, which he promptly got a fan to pay for.

Later, after repeated requests to another fan to give him the Jagermeister shirt off his back, the guy finally threw the shirt on stage. Grohl promised the fan he could have anything he wanted from the merch table. But that wouldn't do. The guy wanted the Motorhead shirt Dave was sporting. After a brief moment of hesitation, Grohl was topless (afraid to wear his new Jager attire due to fear of ringworm).

I can't say enough about how good the show was. This was my second time seeing them live, and I was blown away both times. The Foos are true rockers.

Making a Triple Layer Lemon Cake Out of Lemons

2005-09-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

Bethany Hamilton lost her arm during an attack from a 14 foot tiger shark while surfing along Kauai's North Shore. But Bethany wasn't going to let a little thing like a severed limb keep her from her surfing again. Not only did she get back on her board, she recently won her first national title.

Bethany may have lost a limb, but she gained something even greater - compassion for fellow man. She recently wrapped up a tour of Tsunami-ravaged Thailand. While there, she helped Thai children get reacquainted with the ocean they've come to fear so much. And she made it fun - she taught them how to surf. Now they're conquering their fears by conquering waves.

This unstoppable team also has books, perfume and a jewelry line inspired by her life. Tonight, she's throwing out the first pitch at the Yankees game. And a movie about her life begins casting in October.

Now Bethany is planning to reach out to the kids affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Go ahead. Be inspired.

Chief Rehnquist Succumbs to Thyroid Cancer

2005-09-03T20:59:00.000-07:00

As a thyroid cancer survivor, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Chief Justice Rehnquist.

Rehnquist was diagnosed with thyroid cancer last October. Because the information coming from his spokespeople said that he was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, many in the thyroid cancer community believed that he was suffering from the worst type of thyroid cancer: anaplastic.

When people are diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer, they typically pass away within twelve months. Unfortunately, this seems to be the case with our late Chief Rehnquist.

Ironically, Rehnquist died on the third day of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. Approximately 1,400 people will die of thyroid cancer this year.

As with all cancers, early detection is key. Thyroid cancer typically presents itself as a nodule, or lump, on the lower part of the neck, near the collarbone. That's how I found mine, three years ago this very month. On Valentine's Day 2003, after months of tests and a surgery, I was diagnosed with follicular thyroid cancer, which afflicts 15% of all thyroid cancer patients. This type is not typically fatal.

If you are interested in learning more, please visit the Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association at www.thyca.org. I know that we need to give to Katrina victims right now - but if you are so inclined to donate to this organization - I personally would be in great appreciation. I have benefited so much from the services and support offered by this tremendous organization. Additionally, I have been able to better manage my treatment and care, which has made a tremendous difference in my quality of life.

Hurricanes, Horror, and Heroes

2005-09-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

I don't have a coherant piece. Just a myriad of thoughts. In random order.

1. Why haven't they dropped food and water? We have watched as supplies have been dropped over Afghanistan and Iraq, but we can't drop supplies over New Orleans?

2. FOX, CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, etc. - there are tons of reporters in New Orleans. Why is it that there are not enough relief given to these people?

3. Don't forget the PETS!

4. Wait a second, the reporters say that the people don't have food or water. The people are saying they don't have food or water. But here is a lady who is saying she did get food - but that she didn't like it. And then she complained that all they were giving her was water. So what's the deal - are they getting relief - but they just don't like it?

5. No - I'm sure some people have gotten relief. But things are going to keep getting worse unless they get the National Guard down there.

6. They found Fats Domino and rescued him alive.

7. Don't forget about the Pets.

8. Tucker Carlson looks better without a bowtie.

9. It's midnight Thursday night. The Astrodome is full.

10. CNN's Rob Marciano is hot. Literally and figuratively.

11. Oh look - It's Donna Gregory on MSNBC. She used to be a Local Anchor in Raleigh, NC. Her hair is more blond.

12. Shepherd Smith looks exhausted. And yet, the people he interviews look 100 times worse than he does.

13. I just can't believe......a casino is sitting on Hwy 90....all those port containers were blown into neighborhoods...that guy survived in his shrimp boat....that the entire city of New Orleans is devastated- an ENTIRE, MAJOR US city is just closed for business for a long time.

14. Don't forget the Pets.

15. Money NEVER should have been taken from studying and reinforcing the levee system in New Orleans, and I would have said that before the hurricane. Unlike certain unnamed leaders in Washington who cut the budget. Some of whom I voted for!

16. If this doesn't send a message to Washington that our ports are vulnerable, I don't know what will.

17. Most of the animals in the Audubon Aquarium and Zoo survived. And some dolphins are still happily swimming around in a hotel swimming pool.

18. Children will find a way to play no matter what circumstances.

19. Don't forget the pets.

Be Cheesy

2005-08-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

"I just thought the P. was coming between me and my fans." - Diddy

Lately, I've been thinking about what I don't have - namely a job. But in the past few days, I've been challenged to think about what I do have.

I have friends who are really good to me. Some of them have sent me job leads and networked on my behalf. Some of them have bought me dinner or a drink. Some of them have let me know that they really like having me around. That may seem like a given, after all, they're my friends. But I didn't realize how much it meant to hear it.

Sometimes it feels strange if a friend utters something that is obvious or silently understood. It's even stranger to be the giver of such an utterance. It's comparable to the conclusion of a cheesy, made-for-TV romantic comedy.

But that cheesy feeling is worth it.

Let's not forget what's been given us - and equally important - let's not forget to give to others. That may be the secret to this business of pursuing purpose, identity, and perserverance.

The Cat in the Hat

2005-08-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

In 1936, Thomas Geisel wrote his first children's book. Forty-three publishers rejected his offering.

It's a good thing Dr. Seuss didn't give up.

As a result, millions of children have explored the places they'll go, eating green eggs and ham, looking at cats in hats - otherwise known as literacy.

This isn't a long entry. Just a reminder. Don't give up on the things you know you're meant to do.

Fun With Stereotypes

2005-07-05T07:03:00.000-07:00

Word is getting out that I'm a Republican and this is creating some shock and awe among those finding out.

It all started last Wednesday when I was talking with one of my many improv buddies Roger about how important international relief efforts are. He said he just couldn't reconcile the fact that I was a [cold-hearted, ruthless] Republican and my interest in the development of developing nations.

Then Friday, the amazement and wonder struck two of my newest improv buddies, who for now shall remain nameless. We were standing in line at Maggie Moo's in Adams Morgan and again this topic came up, though I don't remember how. Anyway, at first they thought I was joking about being a Republican. When I assured them that was the truth, the response was "Really?" with a confused look.

Then the tables were turned and I faced my own stereotypes when it was revealed that one of these new buddies was a libertarian. Libertarian? I thought for sure his involvement in the Peace Corps made him a card carrying liberAL.

On Saturday, I spent some time thinking about this as I, the Republican, watched Live 8 on MTV and VH1. I realized that as much as I identify with many of the issues of my party's platform (Live 8 not being part of it for most Rep's), I'm not always as concerned with going about them legislatively. These days, Congress is so useless, that it makes more sense to go out and change the world yourself if you can.

Then I thought about my liberal friends, of which I have many, and I don't think they're horrible people who want to bring America down. I think they have good intentions, and I can respect them for that even though I may disagree with them.

Even within the parties, people have slightly different belief systems. Whether it's the issue or the way to implement the issue, there can be a wide range of opinions.

I concluded that all these labels are an unfortunate waste of time. Instead of respect, politicians of both major parties have resorted to nasty smear campaigns and underhanded maneuvers in order to get what they want.

It's a shame too. Because as much as people want to spread democracy, free trade, and other American ideals around the world, we're expecting other countries to look at us as an example. So to Senators Frist, Reid, Grassley, Clinton, Hagel, and Leahy and Congressmen (and woman) Hastert, DeLay and Pelosi, as well as the SCOTUS and the POTUS: If you really want to see change, if you really want to see a revolution, start with respect. Lead by your example.

Identity Crisis

2005-06-28T14:52:00.000-07:00

"I'm a hockey player, but today I'm playing golf." - Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore

I've been thinking a lot about identity lately.

On any given day I might identify myself as a cancer patient, improviser, single girl, or a resident of the greater DC metropolitan area, among other things. I've also gone through experiences that hinder my identity. I've lost my identity in relationships, jobs, social activities, and even church (not to be confused with my faith).

The thing is, identity is not one single entity. But when we try to make it that way, we get ourselves into trouble. We choose careers that don't quite fit us. We date (or worse marry) people who don't quite match.

Discovering the different pieces of who you truly are is a blessing and an adventure. It takes humility and vulnerability to seek it out and courage to live it once you do.

Learning improvisational acting has helped me find my identity more than anything else to date. Viola Spolin taught that in order to improvise, one should let go of his or her inhibitions and be free to play and act on the thoughts and feelings within oneself. Doing this has instilled great confidence and a greater joy than I have ever known in trying to be myself. Attempts to be someone or something else now seem so futile and detestable.

Happy Gilmore almost lost everything he had worked for - trying to be someone for his grandmother that she never asked him to be. He also was relentlessly pursuing hockey (rather unsuccessfully) even though he possessed amazing natural talent in golf. With the help of a few friends along the way, he finally realized that he was indeed a golfer (though one with some very unconventional techniques) and that his grandmother simply wanted him to be happy. After that, he won the national tournament and bought his grandmother's house back for her.

Perhaps if we have the courage, and a little help from friends and family, we too can enjoy the victories waiting for us if we'll only live out our true identities.

Purpose

2005-06-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

I think it's important that people figure out why they are put on this crazy rotating and revolving planet. Each person has a design and a purpose. And the closer they come to fulfilling it, the better off they are - and so are those around them.

Take for example, the person who created Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper. This drink is like 12 ounces of heaven in an aluminum can. The person who concocted this beverage has done a great service to humanity.

Another person I think about when it comes to life's purpose is Ty Pennington. And no, it's not just because he's very attractive (though, that doesn't hurt). Ty studied design in college and then did construction work while tinkering around in modeling. Eventually he got his big break on Trading Spaces. Now, he's the host of one of the most popular shows in television - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Each week, he gets to use his combined skills of construction and entertainment to impact a family's life in a huge way. In turn, this work has impacted the millions of viewers who tune in each week.

But when Ty was my age, I wonder went through his mind. He didn't know what was to come of his life. If he was anything like me, he had some interests, but didn't quite know how to make them all work together. Perhaps he swayed back and forth not quite sure which interest to pursue full time.

But look at him now - it's all come together.

I think about that a lot - especially when I get frustrated. I'm young. I don't know what lies ahead. But I can have faith that one day the pieces will fit. I'm curious about where it will take me, but I also want to relish in the current leg of the journey, even with all of its ambiguity.

Writer's Block

2005-06-08T08:04:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's only my third post and I already have writer's block. But it's not limited to just this blog. I am struggling to write good material for my web site and the two organizations I volunteer for. The only thing I'm not having trouble writing for is my personal journal. And no, I'm not posting that for the world to see.

I thought about reviewing the new Coldplay cd, which came out yesterday. I thought about writing about friendships, crushes, careers, hobbies, insecurity, or the weather. But nothing was working.

So I've decided to just write about writer's block. What causes it? My personal ponderings lead me to suggestions such as stress, apathy, fear, preoccupation, or even feeling like your work doesn't matter. In some cases, I suppose writer's block could even be brought on by a medical condition.

And just how do you get past it? My personal feeling is that "this too shall pass." But there's all sorts of suggestions to be found upon a Google search including timing your writing, writing down ideas, write about something completely different, and reading a variety of other people's stuff.

Perhaps the most significant consideration of writer's block is how a person reacts to it. It's the old "fight or flight" theory. What happens to a person when they encounter an obstacle? Does it defeat them or do they press on?

And it's this idea that reminds me that writer's block is another lesson in living life. It's not a problem, it's an opportunity. An opportunity to practice endurance, express faith, and exert patience. Not exactly glamorous. But worth it.

"Time Heals All Wounds"

2005-06-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Something unexpected happened this week. I watched Law and Order.

Now, I know what you're thinking. How can that be unexpected? After all, the show is on cable 24 hours a day.

Even though Law and Order is a quality drama, I've been avoiding it and other dramas for about two years. Two years ago was when I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Ever since, I've been sticking mostly to comedies on both on the small screen and big screen. My already heavy heart just couldn't take watching programs that involved violent crimes.

But this week I found myself tuning in. My heart didn't feel heavy - I was genuinely curious about the plot. It felt really good, actually.

Sometime after my diagnosis, I read that it can take three years to recover from a traumatic experience. On the other hand, I've also heard people say that it's not time that heals wounds, it's facing and dealing with your circumstances that does the healing.

I think, though, that time plays a significant role in the healing process. With the simple passing of time, you realize your whole world has not fallen apart. If you're getting over a relationship, for example, you've learned that you can live without that person.

Of course, you don't return to "normal." Being diagnosed with cancer has permanently changed my life - mostly for the better. But you can recover. You can live. And you can watch Law and Order again.

Star Quality

2005-05-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

Tonight I saw a great show at the DC Improv. My friend Joe Vargas is doing his first opening performance at the venue. He did a fantastic job and he's definitely as funny as mainstreatm comics I've seen. He got a great reception and I was so happy for him.

The headliner: Jim Gaffigan. I was warned that Gaffigan would be hilarious and he was. That's an understatement.

But I pondered something as I tried to figure my way home from downtown DC. When Gaffigan came out, it was like a larger than life wall of laughter erupted. If I were to retell Gaffigan's jokes - even word for word - I might get sympathy laughs at best. Yet people, including myself, were laughing hysterical when he delivered them. What made the difference?

I've been thinking about this concept of star quality while watching American Idol. This year, both Carrie and Bo have good voices, but I was always left wanting something more. And I create a mental list of different things I would do if it were me. But even with that knowledge, would I be able to pull it off?

Is star quality an intangible characteristic that you either have or you don't? Or can you create it? I'm not sure.

Nat's Chat

Private Practice Subplot Painfully Real!

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Boston Legal Gets It Wrong About Abstinence

Practicing Muslimism

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I'm a Talent!

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The mother of Eric Volz interviewed on the Today Show

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2007, The Year of the Trilogy (and Sequels)

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My 2006 Playlist

The Friendship of Men

The Art of Screaming

Making a Triple Layer Lemon Cake Out of Lemons

Chief Rehnquist Succumbs to Thyroid Cancer

Hurricanes, Horror, and Heroes

Be Cheesy

The Cat in the Hat

Fun With Stereotypes

Identity Crisis

Purpose

Writer's Block

"Time Heals All Wounds"

Star Quality

Talent: 62%
Lifer: 46%
Mandarin: 28%