Greetings,
If you've come for a Top Ten Law and Order episode list, good for you. However, I've made some changes. I originally made this list at the end of 2010, right when the show ended and before I got my massive complete series DVD collection. So, in lieu of a Top Ten, I've done a Top One Hundred. Yes, you can do that with a show that lasted twenty years. If you have read THIS list before, first, thank you for returning, and second, I've made changes to my Top Ten episodes. That can happen when, the first time, you're throwing a list together quickly, trying to narrow it down to only and still also being slightly distraught over the cancellation. However, those episodes did still make the Top One Hundred. So, thanks again, for visiting, and now go ahead and search for more Law and Order goodness.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
For Dennis
Greetings,
Two things make me sad today. First, it's the anniversary of the death of Dennis Wilson. Second, I'm sure there are many people who do not even know who Dennis Wilson is. The easy answer is to say that he was the drummer for the Beach Boys, which is no small thing, but he was so much more than that.
When people think of the Beach Boys, hopefully, the first thing they think of is the wonderful music they created. Then, of course, they remember the problems that Brian Wilson encountered while trying to keep up with the label of genius with which everyone branded him. I sympathize. He was a genius and it must have been difficult to not disappoint everyone by falling short of that title.
But imagine being a genius and not having anyone know. Well, I think that was what happened with Dennis.
Don't get me wrong. I'm certain that his family and those closest to him knew exactly the amazing things of which he was more than capable. It was the public at large that I don't think ever realized what a gift he truly was and still is. All one has to do is listen to his masterpiece album Pacific Ocean Blue to know what we lost.
That album is full of proof positive that Dennis was as blessed, if not more so, than anyone we label as a legend. Each song, each note, each word is drenched with everything that made him what he was, and he was no doubt extremely proud of this piece of art. Anyone who considers themselves an admirer should be proud of him as well. And anyone who listens to this and feels nothing must have only the coldest parts of that Pacific Ocean coursing through their veins.
Without a doubt, Dennis Wilson is one of the most underrated artists of all time. It's fine to remember and honor him today, but I choose to do so each time I get lost in the beautiful music he gave us. It was as much of a treasure as he will always be.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Two things make me sad today. First, it's the anniversary of the death of Dennis Wilson. Second, I'm sure there are many people who do not even know who Dennis Wilson is. The easy answer is to say that he was the drummer for the Beach Boys, which is no small thing, but he was so much more than that.
When people think of the Beach Boys, hopefully, the first thing they think of is the wonderful music they created. Then, of course, they remember the problems that Brian Wilson encountered while trying to keep up with the label of genius with which everyone branded him. I sympathize. He was a genius and it must have been difficult to not disappoint everyone by falling short of that title.
But imagine being a genius and not having anyone know. Well, I think that was what happened with Dennis.
Don't get me wrong. I'm certain that his family and those closest to him knew exactly the amazing things of which he was more than capable. It was the public at large that I don't think ever realized what a gift he truly was and still is. All one has to do is listen to his masterpiece album Pacific Ocean Blue to know what we lost.
That album is full of proof positive that Dennis was as blessed, if not more so, than anyone we label as a legend. Each song, each note, each word is drenched with everything that made him what he was, and he was no doubt extremely proud of this piece of art. Anyone who considers themselves an admirer should be proud of him as well. And anyone who listens to this and feels nothing must have only the coldest parts of that Pacific Ocean coursing through their veins.
Without a doubt, Dennis Wilson is one of the most underrated artists of all time. It's fine to remember and honor him today, but I choose to do so each time I get lost in the beautiful music he gave us. It was as much of a treasure as he will always be.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
For John
Greetings,
Anyone who has been taught well in their lives knows exactly why today is significant. Thirty years ago today John Lennon died. I could say we lost him, but that would be impossible. He made sure we never would lose him.
Now I could do what everyone else will do today and go on and on about how wonderful he was. I guess he was, as an artist. I could say how he was my hero and how his music saved my life. Unfortunately, that's not really true. Besides, he would absolutely hate that!
Anyone who knows anything about John Lennon knows that he wasn't afraid to mess with people, even his fans. And had you gushed over him to his face, if given such a great chance, he would have made you feel like you were insane for thinking such things. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure he appreciated everyone who loved his music, but I don't think he wanted to be anyone's hero or anyone's savior. That's one of the many reasons why I never nailed him to any cross like a lot of people have done; because he didn't want to be there. He can be a cultural icon, even a genius, but the guy was no saint.
I've always wondered, if I had been given the opportunity to meet him, would he have liked me? Call me arrogant, but I think he would have. Why? Probably, because I wouldn't be afraid to call him a jerk to his face. Sure, I would have told him that I really liked his music and I hoped he would never stop making it, but I would also have told him that sometimes he could be a screw-up, and he's got to watch that. He might have been shocked that someone would have the guts to do that, but I think he would have appreciated that truth more than anything. And, of course,I would have thrown in the fact that, when he tried hard enough, he could probably be a decent gentleman.
All I'm saying is this: he was not perfect. People want to act like he was, which proves that they are merely fans, not admirers or students or true followers. He knew he wasn't perfect, and I think it hurt him when people thought he was. If we could love him while knowing about his flaws instead of denying them, that would be what he wanted.
The truth is, John Lennon was, in fact, the one who pushed me to realize what my true calling in life is, and he has continued to inspire me for many years. And even though I never knew him, I still miss him. So, it is accurate to say that God will use anything or anyone to help us find our path. Mysterious ways, indeed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Anyone who has been taught well in their lives knows exactly why today is significant. Thirty years ago today John Lennon died. I could say we lost him, but that would be impossible. He made sure we never would lose him.
Now I could do what everyone else will do today and go on and on about how wonderful he was. I guess he was, as an artist. I could say how he was my hero and how his music saved my life. Unfortunately, that's not really true. Besides, he would absolutely hate that!
Anyone who knows anything about John Lennon knows that he wasn't afraid to mess with people, even his fans. And had you gushed over him to his face, if given such a great chance, he would have made you feel like you were insane for thinking such things. Don't get me wrong. I'm sure he appreciated everyone who loved his music, but I don't think he wanted to be anyone's hero or anyone's savior. That's one of the many reasons why I never nailed him to any cross like a lot of people have done; because he didn't want to be there. He can be a cultural icon, even a genius, but the guy was no saint.
I've always wondered, if I had been given the opportunity to meet him, would he have liked me? Call me arrogant, but I think he would have. Why? Probably, because I wouldn't be afraid to call him a jerk to his face. Sure, I would have told him that I really liked his music and I hoped he would never stop making it, but I would also have told him that sometimes he could be a screw-up, and he's got to watch that. He might have been shocked that someone would have the guts to do that, but I think he would have appreciated that truth more than anything. And, of course,I would have thrown in the fact that, when he tried hard enough, he could probably be a decent gentleman.
All I'm saying is this: he was not perfect. People want to act like he was, which proves that they are merely fans, not admirers or students or true followers. He knew he wasn't perfect, and I think it hurt him when people thought he was. If we could love him while knowing about his flaws instead of denying them, that would be what he wanted.
The truth is, John Lennon was, in fact, the one who pushed me to realize what my true calling in life is, and he has continued to inspire me for many years. And even though I never knew him, I still miss him. So, it is accurate to say that God will use anything or anyone to help us find our path. Mysterious ways, indeed.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Sunday, December 5, 2010
The Bridges of Madison County - Movie Review
Greetings,
Isn't it amazing how people can make something so good and so . . . not so good all at the same time? I thought of this the other night as I watched The Bridges of Madison County.
First off, let me give you some important information about myself. I love Clint Eastwood. I mean, I loooove, like I love him more than anyone my age should. He's an incredible movie maker, storyteller, story finder, but I don't really have to tell anyone these things, do I? I'm sure enough people know how great he is since he has had a career that has spanned, oh, I don't know, a thousand years or so.
However, in all those years, one can never be on a mountaintop with everything they attempt to do. The valleys must be visited. This particular movie, I feel, is a combination of both.
As far as flat-out movie making skills go, this is a brilliant piece of work. Great acting and directing from the Clint and Meryl Streep. Here, she reminds us why she has been dubbed the queen of all accents. Or do only I call her that? There is so much attention paid to detail, and it was beautifully shot. So, technically, great movie. Now, let's move on to the subject matter.
This has always been considered a great, romantic love story. I could agree with that if not for one little glitch. ADULTERY IS ALWAYS BAD!!! I mean, God put it in the top ten! It's bad. While I can never excuse such behavior, I could understand why a woman may fall into such an act. If, let's say, her husband is a drunk who beats her and the kids and runs around with the pros, if you know what I mean, I could sympathize . . . a little. Still, not excusing it, though. That's not the case in this movie. Her husband is not a bad guy at all. His only crime is not being as awesome as Clint Eastwood. Or as hot. Yeah, I said it. Clint Eastwood was 65 or something when he made this movie and he was still hot. So . . . take that. And if being inadequate in these areas compared to him is a crime for any man, well, does the phrase "not enough prisons on the planet" mean anything!
And let's discuss the most unbelievable aspect of the whole "Bridges" phenomenon. As you may know, this was first a book, written by a man. That's not the unbelievable part, by the way. It was a book embraced by many, many women, I think, mostly, middle-aged housewives. They seemed to be swept away by the story of a (duh!) middle-aged housewife being romanced by a handsome stranger, giving her a break from her ho-hum life. Gotcha! But, hey, here's an idea. Let's switch it up a bit.
Let's have it be a husband who stays home alone while the wife and two kids go off to the cow show, or whatever it was. Then, who should come up the driveway in a pick-up truck, but some Angelina looking broad (type-casting) with a camera asking for directions to a bridge. And then, oops!, they trip and fall into bed. Holy double standard, Batman! I have a feeling that quite a few housewives in this country would want to beat the crap out of that "hussy". Maybe even the sames ones who loved this book and movie so much.
Finally, let me bring up the most disturbing aspect of this film. What kind of mother leaves journals filled with the torrid details of her affair to her children?! Grown children, but still. No one wants to think about their parents having sex. Not with each other, nor with some stranger. I would have been like, "Thanks for the secret recipe to your award-winning apple fritters, Mom, but I could have done without your illicit, romance novel diaries!" It proves, yet again, that parents need to be parents to their children, not friends.
Wow. This turned out to be less of a review and more of an indictment of what I and a few others consider bad behavior. My apologies.
Anyway, remember, the best love stories are also the purest. In my opinion. But, hey, the cinematography was great. I know I may have gone a bit off topic here, but I just couldn't help myself. When it comes to movies, sometimes subject matter . . . matters, okay? However, if I am speaking strictly about the skill of film making, this movie is very well done. And if you want to learn how to be a skilled film maker, I say watch it. Actually, watch all of Clint Eastwood's movies should that be your life's goal. And I hope this last statement of acclamation leads to him one day forgiving me for this review.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
Isn't it amazing how people can make something so good and so . . . not so good all at the same time? I thought of this the other night as I watched The Bridges of Madison County.
First off, let me give you some important information about myself. I love Clint Eastwood. I mean, I loooove, like I love him more than anyone my age should. He's an incredible movie maker, storyteller, story finder, but I don't really have to tell anyone these things, do I? I'm sure enough people know how great he is since he has had a career that has spanned, oh, I don't know, a thousand years or so.
However, in all those years, one can never be on a mountaintop with everything they attempt to do. The valleys must be visited. This particular movie, I feel, is a combination of both.
As far as flat-out movie making skills go, this is a brilliant piece of work. Great acting and directing from the Clint and Meryl Streep. Here, she reminds us why she has been dubbed the queen of all accents. Or do only I call her that? There is so much attention paid to detail, and it was beautifully shot. So, technically, great movie. Now, let's move on to the subject matter.
This has always been considered a great, romantic love story. I could agree with that if not for one little glitch. ADULTERY IS ALWAYS BAD!!! I mean, God put it in the top ten! It's bad. While I can never excuse such behavior, I could understand why a woman may fall into such an act. If, let's say, her husband is a drunk who beats her and the kids and runs around with the pros, if you know what I mean, I could sympathize . . . a little. Still, not excusing it, though. That's not the case in this movie. Her husband is not a bad guy at all. His only crime is not being as awesome as Clint Eastwood. Or as hot. Yeah, I said it. Clint Eastwood was 65 or something when he made this movie and he was still hot. So . . . take that. And if being inadequate in these areas compared to him is a crime for any man, well, does the phrase "not enough prisons on the planet" mean anything!
And let's discuss the most unbelievable aspect of the whole "Bridges" phenomenon. As you may know, this was first a book, written by a man. That's not the unbelievable part, by the way. It was a book embraced by many, many women, I think, mostly, middle-aged housewives. They seemed to be swept away by the story of a (duh!) middle-aged housewife being romanced by a handsome stranger, giving her a break from her ho-hum life. Gotcha! But, hey, here's an idea. Let's switch it up a bit.
Let's have it be a husband who stays home alone while the wife and two kids go off to the cow show, or whatever it was. Then, who should come up the driveway in a pick-up truck, but some Angelina looking broad (type-casting) with a camera asking for directions to a bridge. And then, oops!, they trip and fall into bed. Holy double standard, Batman! I have a feeling that quite a few housewives in this country would want to beat the crap out of that "hussy". Maybe even the sames ones who loved this book and movie so much.
Finally, let me bring up the most disturbing aspect of this film. What kind of mother leaves journals filled with the torrid details of her affair to her children?! Grown children, but still. No one wants to think about their parents having sex. Not with each other, nor with some stranger. I would have been like, "Thanks for the secret recipe to your award-winning apple fritters, Mom, but I could have done without your illicit, romance novel diaries!" It proves, yet again, that parents need to be parents to their children, not friends.
Wow. This turned out to be less of a review and more of an indictment of what I and a few others consider bad behavior. My apologies.
Anyway, remember, the best love stories are also the purest. In my opinion. But, hey, the cinematography was great. I know I may have gone a bit off topic here, but I just couldn't help myself. When it comes to movies, sometimes subject matter . . . matters, okay? However, if I am speaking strictly about the skill of film making, this movie is very well done. And if you want to learn how to be a skilled film maker, I say watch it. Actually, watch all of Clint Eastwood's movies should that be your life's goal. And I hope this last statement of acclamation leads to him one day forgiving me for this review.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
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