Aphrotastic!

Last night, Don and I watched the special edition DVD of my new favorite movie, "Hairspray". Since I have seen the movie five times, we chose to view the special features and listen to the commentaries. With the new cinematic and digital technology, the producers and creative team were able to put together really fascinating and enjoyable segments about the making of a Hollywood musical. Using a bit of Brian DiPalma split screen viewing, we were able to watch the dance numbers being choreographed, rehearsed and then filmed. There were interviews with both cast and crew members that were significant to the final product; as well as the history of "Hairspray" with John Waters. I was especially delighted that the DVD also included a brief interview segment which highlighted the incredible production design that was created for the film by a dear friend with whom I went to high school (we worked together in Moody's drama department)! (I don't wish to drop names, but I will tell you that I am not just being biased, he is an Academy-Award winner!)

In one scene, the young ingenue, Tracy who is open-hearted and sees no boundaries even in a racially troubled Baltimore in 1962, shares good news with her new 'Negro' friends, and in her excitement, she squeals, "Afrotastic!"

This morning,as Don was grinding fresh Sumatra,I declared that the aroma of fresh coffee beans being ground is without a doubt, one of the sexiest and most potent smells in the world. Don said, "It's "afrotastic." I heard and saw it my head as aphrotastic. Aphro (as in desiac or dite); tastic (as in fan).

So, on this beautiful sunny San Diego, after prayer and contemplation, I am sipping my Aphrotastic coffee and reading The Week before I launch into today's projects. Many times I have referenced news snippets I spot from this periodical. There were several items I would enjoy sharing either because of their noteworthiness or their humour. I shall share one of each.

Bravo: A nine year old autistic boy in Plymouth, England, because of his fascination with cars and machines, was able to avoid an accident and save lives when he took over driving his mother's car when she blacked out driving on a 70 mph highway. He managed to steer the car over to the side, use the emergency brake and put on the hazard lights while safely waiting for help.

D'OH!: A woman was pulled over after allegedly driving with a 24-pack of beer strapped into a seat belt so it wouldn't jostle, while a 16-month old girl was unrestrained in the backseat.

And now that we have moved beyond Super Tuesday, will someone explain to me how candidates can generate so much money for their campaigns when there is a cap on contributions? Where does all this money come from???? We can't claim that the U.S. is broke if Rudy Guiliani can spend $60 million to garner one delegate vote? I guess I am still too much of a Pollyanna, but I wouldn't have to think hard to come up with better ways to spend excess (?) money in this country.

Speaking of citizenry, tomorrow morning I report to jury duty. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. I have a new book, a blank pad and I am ready to make a difference as my previous stints were not very rewarding.

For now, I am off to Curves to workout to the "Hairspray" CD. The club is closed today, so I can crank up the soundtrack and just dance away to my heart's content. This movie and it's music simply makes me happy--and today is a good day for that.

"... I know where I am going; because I know where I've been ..."