The Community

While walking through the mountain town of Katoomba today Patrick and I came across a large group of people, dancing in a circle. It immediately struck me as strange. Not that they were dancing, but rather the fact that they were dancing in the parking lot of an abandoned gas station dressed like extras from Juniper Creek.

I was inclined to bring out the camera. We stopped. Looked.

"Hello, would you like one?" A young girl offered us a pile of what appeared to be newsletters.
"Sure, thanks." I never pass up free words.
"What's going on here?" Patrick always asks the conversation-driving questions, one of his many great qualities.
"We're just out, enjoying day. We all work here," she pointed to a cafe across the street, Common Ground.
Pat: You all work here? Do you all live in the entire building?
Her: Some of us live in the entire building. Others have homes nearby.

The whole time I'm leafing through the newsletter, trying to get a semblance of who they are, and occasionally looking up at the drab, home-sewn garments of the ladies. The dancing circle now has children, lots of children. A lady plays the recorder next to another who plays the violin. The men all have large smiles on their face, women and children at their sides.

Her: Where are you from?
Us: Canada
Her: Oh! There's a girl here from Canada.

She turns and hollers at a girl behind us. As the new girl approaches I can't help but notice how her dark hairline frames the beads of sweat on her forehead. She makes her way towards us with a tray of plastic cups, brimming with golden liquid.

Girl 1: They're from Canada
Girl 2: Wonderful. Would you like some punch?
Patrick: Sure. What's in it? (again, with the important questions)
Girl 2: Oh, I don't know....I didn't make it. (I swear her eyes glazed over and her head tilted to the side when she said it. I swear.)

We both took a cup. It actually tasted alright. Did I detect some tea? Hint of cinnamon?

Patrick: Where did you live in Canada?
Her: Nelson.
Pat: What brings you here?
Her: My heart.
Me: Well that's a good thing to follow!

Before making some "smooth" exit we asked their names.

Girl 1: Urthka
Girl 2: .....to be honest I didn't hear what she said because the first girl's name was URTHKA. Like Earth + Ka!! I don't even KNOW how to spell that!!!

Anyway, we got far enough away to dump the kool-aid (in the bush outside the police station) and opened up the newsletter. That first browse is like a weird dream in my memory. Flashing images and words:

"THERE ARE NO ATHEISTS IN THE IMPACT ZONE"
A Broken Butterfly, by Atarah
Our Master Yahshua
A Very Distinct Culture

I looked on the back cover. Addresses. Australia, Canada, Germany, England, Spain, France, Argentina, Brazil, United States. How did I not know about this Community?? I looked on the cover:

TWELVE TRIBES

I had my first real life conversation with a commune kid. Two of them, in fact. I was scared, but oddly fascinated. Their newsletter is....sloppy, at best, but a wonderful effort. They clearly dig their scene. After all, what's wrong with A Brand New Culture...?

Here are some interesting words from the Community. Here are more. And here.

I just want to say that I am NOT in any way saying that what these people are doing is wrong. Maybe it's right for them. I will not judge. I just think it's creepy and different.

I Think I'm Lost: The Constant

There's just too much to say about this episode so I'll keep it simple:

1) I believe Daniel to be caught in a time loop also (he alluded to susceptibility due to exposure to radiation and he uses Des as a constant)

2) Penny + Desmond = Love!! They HAVE to get back together

3) I think Desmond was maybe just willing himself to remember Penny's phone number. As he approached the ship in the helicopter he knew he would need to contact her. Why did he specifically go back to a time when he KNEW he would get Penny's number? Was that his present self sending a message to his past self? Did the past actually happen? I think so. The reason he didn't remember it freely is possibly because of the hatch's implosion and also possibly because at that time in the past, he was possessed by his future self and therefore didn't register it in his present memory (his present memory being, of course, his memory at the time).

4) Ugh, this episode is just too confusing! It's hard to form coherent thoughts about it because it was just so terribly layered and textured. Kudos to you, LOST writing staff.

5) If there's anyone that should be with you when you forget who you are, when you are, where you are or what you're doing, it should ALWAYS be Sayid!

Pat and I are off LOST while we're in Aus, so be careful what you say! I'll have a season 4 recap up by mid June. Until then, stay LOST...

I Think I'm Lost: Eggtown

One Miss Casey Collins tarnished my appreciation of this episode a bit. I will quote the wall post from her I received the day after this episode’s premiere. Keep in mind I had not watched it.

Aaron: stolen baby or in the hands of his rightful owner after the death of his mother?

You can imagine my horror when I read this. My mind was swarmed with confusing questions: Is Claire dead? Who stole Aaron? When does this happen, in the present or the future? Ugh. It was terrible, but I put it out of my mind until I watched the episode.

This is a great episode, as are all Kate-centric episodes. Think about it. They’re all wonderful. I think it’s because hers is the most conflicted of characters. I also think maximum Evangeline doesn’t hurt the cause.

I am not quick to judge in regards to Kate’s baby-stealing. I even think it’s a little hasty to call it stealing at this point. I did like that her character was literally put on trial this week, and we were forced to examine who she is. The answer, as I said before, is that she’s supremely conflicted. She’s selfish but she’s trustworthy. She loves Jack but she loves Sawyer. She’s a beautiful lady with a killer smile but she’s a fugitive. We know she is good, but Jack (and assumedly the Oceanic Six) need to lie in order to help her cause. Only time will tell why Kate has Aaron. All I know is it’s always great to see another episode about Kate and I’m glad to know they’ll be coming until the end.

I also really enjoyed Sawyer’s arch in this episode. I love that he desires domesticity so much, that he really started showing his love for Kate. He wants to protect her. He wants to love her. And given the turmoil that’s currently going down on the island it’s really refreshing to see LOST go back to its roots in human yearning and a desire to feel accepted.

Something that came up in The Economist was addressed quite poignantly in this episode: Ben’s “occupation.” We know the Frieghter Folk are after him, we saw his special room and all of his passports, we know he has Sayid doing his bidding in the future. Then Miles expresses my confusion so concisely:

“Don’t talk to me like I’m one of them, like I don’t know who you are or what you can do.”

The thing with Ben is that he’s always been impossible to trust. He says he’s a good guy, but he does seemingly bad things. It’s like Juliet says: “Ben’s a liar. Or the people on that boat intend to do us harm.” Ben is quickly becoming a main player in this game. I still think he’s only a regional manager, though, and all I want to know is who the CEO is.

I Think I'm Lost: The Economist

If I hadn’t ruined it for myself (damn you, lostpedia!!) I would have been surprised to find out Sayid was the fourth member of the Oceanic Six. But when I think about it I’ve always known he would be one of the few to get off the island. And he’s definitely my top choice for people I’d stick with if I were one of the castaways, so no surprise, really more like an affirmation. But still, there’s something inherently sad about him now. Just like Hurley before him, and Jack before them, I am deeply upset with the state of Sayid in the future. Whatever happens to make him side with Ben is yet another future mystery to add to the ever-growing pile. He seems trapped though. I feel like there must be a part of him that doesn’t want to be doing what he’s doing. I guess that was symbolized through his relationship with the lady he ended up killing. He’s a romantic. He always has been and he probably always will be. It is comforting to know he has a much better grasp on reality than either Future Jack or Future Hurley.

I love that he’s an assassin! Finally his brilliant and deft skills are being used to their full potential, trotting around the globe with gun in hand, eliminating threats to humanity. Now if someone could just teach him how NOT to have girl hair.

I Think I'm Lost: Confirmed Dead

This was a fantastic episode in my mind, perhaps my favorite of the season so far. I just love that the creators of this show can so seamlessly integrate new characters. I LOVE Daniel Faraday! There are just no ifs ands or buts about it, frankly. Miles is going to need to grow on me, but I believe he may come in VERY handy given the fact that he SPEAKS TO THE DEAD! Yessss! Charlotte is totally the new Juliet and I love that she is responsible for the greatest LOST mind-fuck since Libby in the mental hospital: The Tunisian Polar Bear! What a brilliant addition to the cast and the story. Frank, I like. I don’t yet love, but I feel like he’s almost one of us, given that he was meant to be on Flight 815. He’s sort of comforting in that sense.

Speaking of which, the discovery of this flight in the ocean is really just a nightmare for me, the last thing I wanted or needed as a viewer who thinks he has a relatively good idea about what’s going on. UGH! WHAT IS HAPPENING!?! All I can say is whoever has the power and means to plant an entire plane and hundreds of dead bodies in the ocean and get away with it is just too powerful for me to even comprehend. Confirmed Dead is a true milestone for LOST: it proves we’re playing a whole new ball game!

I Think I'm Lost: Update

As many of you know after watching the LOST season 4 premiere I refrained from viewing week-to-week so that Patrick, Katie and I could sit and watch the first 5 episodes of the season without interruption (except for the occasional break for Dry soda and visits with Mr. Dobbington Price III). Let me tell you, I have not experienced the uninterrupted view for about a year and a half, when I watched the first two seasons on DVD. I was in physical pain by the end of it. This is the ONLY way to watch LOST!! No waiting, no “next week on…”, no days upon days of conjecture and wondering. It brought me back to the times when LOST seemed endless and perpetually significant. We’ve obviously decided to wait until our return from Australia (pending we even make it back through the South Pacific [I think we’re both secretly hoping for a crash on a deserted island]). Ok enough of this, on to my thoughts.

PS. Sorry it's taken me so long to get these up. Wi-fi's hard to come by Down Under.

Bon Voyage

I bid North America adieu tonight as I embark on a whirlwind journey to Australia with Patrick as my traveling companion.

A couple points before I leave: I have watched LOST but I am still brewing and will post my thoughts on the last four episodes as soon as I can. (If you think about my impending trip in terms of LOST I will be flying to and from Australia!)

Pat and I have decided to blog our trip, so I'll put a link on the side here and you can check in on everything we're up to over there. I'll still keep the Ultimate alive though, so don't worry.

Other than that, wish me luck and send some positive energy my way!

And if our plane mysteriously goes down on the way home.....don't come find us, we'll make it back.

Be My Guest: Brand New Heels

The next installment of Be My Guest comes from young Alexa Roach. Along with music, our taste in television is terribly similar, so naturally we're both in love with ABC's Cashmere Mafia. Here are her two cents:

Brand New Heels

Who didn’t love Sex and the City? A show about four women juggling middle age and the single life in New York City. It’s brilliant! Carrie always succeeded in capturing me with her stories. I was never bored. And, most importantly, I built a strong desire to literally walk in her shoes. The show was often light-hearted, and even frivolous: great clothes, lots of sex, Cosmos. But at the same time it meant something. I mean, is it just me or did Carrie’s words at the end of each show always stay with you hours after the episode ended? If Darren Star did one thing throughout the show’s series, he proved that Sex and the City is a TV Show that just works.

Now, Darren brings Cashmere Mafia to our small screens. Although some may see it as a mere cop-out (a lot of that frivolity) Cashmere Mafia should not be overlooked. Sure, the women in Cashmere Mafia only walk draped in designer labels and silky fabrics and enjoy fabulous lunches at divine restaurants to vent about their hectic lives as New York’s Upper Crust, but these four women are bold. They stand out from a crowd, and aren’t afraid to talk face-to-face with the enemy. These four women do not take no for an answer, and personally, a show about four fierce women that practically have the city of New York sitting in the palms of their hands sounds like a show that I want to take notes from.

After watching the first couple episodes I have come to these two conclusions:

1. I want to be a career-driven power woman.
2. I want great hair.

The reasoning behind my first conclusion comes from the aspect that greatly differentiates Cashmere Mafia from it predecessor Sex and The City: the careers. The women of Cashmere Mafia stand up against the leading men in all walks of business – from Wall Street to Bryant Park. They wear expensive clothes, live in great apartments, and exude the meaning of luxury, rightly so! They’ve climbed the ladder and paid their dues to be living the good life. And I quite enjoy seeing them constantly battle the setbacks of being a woman in a so-called Man’s World, examining the skills it takes to juggle ballet recitals and business trips. These women handle so much in one day, and they do it with a little sass and a lot of class.

However if there is one reason to watch the show – one reason only – watch it for the hair! I cannot even begin to explain how luscious and gorgeous their hair is! Maybe out of frustration with my own locks that never stay tame I notice it more, but you can’t deny that their hair is fantastic. And I think their hair defines the real beauty behind Cashmere Mafia.

I am sure that behind the scenes there stand a million stylists with combs and hairspray ready, and the reality of always having gorgeous hair may just not be plausible, but these characters make it look effortless, strutting down the streets of New York looking untouched, carefree, no split ends, no frizz, just smooth hair that curls at the bottom, bouncing with every step. They embody luxury, a trait I never seem to exhibit. The women of this show may not portray an average middle aged woman realistically, but they portray women the way women want to be portrayed: uncontrolled by men, successful, and always with hair to die for.

But their work ethic and beautiful hair aren’t really the deal breakers for me. I tend to feed off their ability to just down a shot and call it a day, cursing whatever new obstacles stand before them and embracing friendship.

This show probably affects me a little too much as, when the opening credits appear, I am already sitting in my fancy black dress, red lipstick and pouring myself some champagne, getting a little too caught up in The Art of Television. Suddenly, I realize I am sitting by myself, dressed up, raising my glass to the screen, alone, on a Wednesday night. I guess my days of good hair will just have to wait.

Conversations

I wanted to give all of you out there an opportunity to get to know me a little better, see what makes me tick. That's why I invited my dear friend Matt McInnis to put me in the hot seat for an interview via instant message. If you ever want to sit down for some Conversations just let me know!

MM: Ok, first of all I'd like to say how honoured I am to be a part of your blog.

TK: Well it's truly an honor to have you

MM: Let’s just get this started: Describe Anderson Cooper in seven words.

TK: Does OMG count as one word or three??

MM: One

TK: “OMG Loves My Future Husband. Silver Fox!”
I mean have you SEEN him?!
I love it
And he’s a blue blood!

MM: I think that All-4-One should sing at the 2008 inauguration. And before Barack gives his pledge, he should begin with "I swear, by the moon and the stars in the sky...to uphold the constitution...etc etc" Do you think this would be good for America?

TK: Would what be good? All-4-One?
I think Barack is good
I think Hillz is good

MM: Duff or Clinton?

TK: Wait, is this a new, unrelated question? Like ‘who would I rather eff?’ or are you asking me to clarify? Because in both cases the answer is Duff.

MM: In both cases I respect your answer.

TK: Thank you.
I adore respect

MM: **********And now for the Lightning Round**********
Cargo Pants?

TK: Hate ‘em

MM: Miley Cyrus?

TK says: I love the idea of her

MM: Super 8 or Days Inn, for a good night’s rest?

TK: Days Inn, hands down. I've frequented the one in SeaTac. It's superb

MM: Doping in pro-sports?

TK: I want it

MM: Doping in College?

TK: I’m sorry I don't understand. Was that a question or an observation?

MM: Favorite Davis sister?

TK: Lot-Bot

MM: Favorite Olson Twin?

TK: Duh, Mary-Kate

MM: Zefron or the Tis? To have over for dinner.

TK: Oh God, NOW we're getting to the tough ones!
…Zac. Oh! But you know I love the Tis!
That’s it. I'm changing my answer to Tis.

MM: Let’s stick with the Disney theme: If you could have two unaffiliated Disney Characters over for dinner, who would you invite?

TK: I'm going to go with Prince Philip and Belle

MM: What would be on the menu?

TK: It would be primarily French, for Belle

MM: Lots of creams?

TK: No creams, that’s not fitness. Reductions for sure, though. Roasts. I'm seeing roasts.

MM: If you could create a spin off for a trio of Disney characters, all from different movies, who would they be, and what sort of shenanigans would we find them in?

TK: I’d really like to see Beast, Mary Poppins and Buzz Lightyear running an upscale hotel in Miami á la Blanche, Rose and Sophia in the Golden Girls’ spin-off The Golden Palace.

MM: Okay, let’s talk music: If you could have one musical artist from the 70s 80s or 90s serenade you for the rest of your life, and that was ALL the music you were allowed to listen to, who would it be? (NOTE: They are playing it live for you at your house or in your car. They can even sit in the front seat)

TK: This is a good one. A question: Do they only sing songs from their repertoire, or can I teach them to new songs?

MM: It is unfair to expect them to learn ALL the top 40 hits of the day, but they can learn a few covers. It’s a free world.

TK: A lot of artists come to mind: Christina Aguilera, Sting, Whitney Houston. But I think it’s between En Vogue and James Taylor. (Or Justin Timberlake)

MM: Favorite Spice Girl?

TK: Then or Now?

MM: For all time

TK: ALL TIME!?
Mel B.

MM: 5ive or BSB?

TK: What are you talking about? I don't even know who 5ive are anymore!

MM: But I'm sure they read your blog

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, what defines the term "Rudebox" to you?

TK: A Rudebox is an offense. A supreme offense. It is typically done out of pure malice often for the enjoyment of the offender and his crew. That, and probably a vagina.

MM: Well, AJ Kous, I’d like to thank you for allowing me into your world for the evening. I think we’ve all learned a little something.

TK: Please, Teo, the pleasure is all mine!

Overheard...

Katie, on "Wild, Wild West" by Will Smith:

This song is so good. This WILL play at my wedding!