Yeah, so the most random thing happened in the History of International Sound Film class tonight. Tibbets got up and did his spiel, and reminded everyone that Patty Jenkins, the director of "Monster," will be at the Union tomorrow to discuss the film after a screening. Well, before we knew what was going on, Patty Jenkins pops up out of nowhere and says that it's great to be back in Lawrence. Apparently, she's from here and attended KU and wanted to invite us to the thing tomorrow. Anyway, that's not that random, as I mean, she was scheduled to be here anyway. What WAS random was what she said next:

"Ladies and gentleman, I'd like to introduce my special guest and friend, Steve Perry, the lead singer of 'Journey!'"

What... the... hell?!

He popped up, waved, and then they both left... It was just so damn weird... The freakin' lead singer of "Journey" just showed up at my class out of nowhere and then left just as quickly.

Anyway, Leslea Newman, the author of "Heather Has Two Mommies," came and spoke on campus tonight. I attended, and I'm really glad I did. It was a very interesting lecture, especially when she spoke of all the opposition for such a benign book. Between this, and the workshop with Joe Kort, it's been a pretty educational week.

PS - I just ran Blogger's spellcheck and instead of "freakin'," it suggested "foreskin." ;)

Well, got back from the Smothers Brothers show not too long ago and had a pretty good time. The concert itself was absolutely amazing. Tom and Dick are still as funny as ever, and it was definitely cool that they played "The Impossible Dream" as their last number. My only regret is that I was a little star-struck when I got to meet them and didn't say much. Oh well, maybe next time? At least the picture turned out all right...

Just saw "Kill Bill Vol. 2" and must say I'm surprised. I'd heard mixed reactions, but I thought for the most part, it was a pretty damn good film. My only complaint would probably have to be that it seemed to drag on for just a little too long, but other than that, pretty cool.

Yeah, so it's Friday night, and I'm at the room trying to study. Only problem is, my allergies are bothering me like crazy, so I can't concentrate. Oh well, I'll give it a bit.

Interesting sidenote: The paper I'm researching is about Louis Armstrong. Did you know that two of his favorite things were marijuana and crapping? Not at the same time, I'm guessing, but who knows? How cool is that?

Saw "Dawn of the Dead" a week ago. Brilliant remake. It works on so many levels. The masses love it because it's a kick-ass horror film, and the film geeks love it because it's an homage.

This last week has been hell. Stress. Drama. Ugh. Good thing I get to meet the Smothers Brothers this weekend, otherwise, I might go crazy... ;)

Just got done taking my REL 107 (Living Religions of the West) test on Christianity... I think I should have at least a "B" on it, just glad to be done, really...

Caught "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" last week. Worth checking out, and not just because T-Dub is in it...

Inter-library loan rules. I found out you can get practically any DVD, CD or what-not sent to you for free. Rock over London, Rock on Chicago.

Did I mention that I get to meet the Smothers Brothers next week? That is, if I can get a ride to KC... :D

Man, it's been crazy since I got back to Lawrence from the break. I've actually done coursework, can you believe it? I know, shocks me, too. I've actually spent two nights at the library this week... Am I actually becoming a good student? *shudder* Only time will tell...

On a related note, we watched "Pinky" in class on Tuesday night. Very interesting movie. In case you don't know about it, it's a film about a bi-racial woman. Instead of actually casting a bi-racial actress, they cast Jeanne Crain. Before seeing it, I had the knee-jerk reaction of being appalled by the decision. After watching it and considering the time in which it was made, I don't think it could have been done any way. By casting a white actress, it caused the white audience that watched it to feel even more for the character, because the person on screen looks just like them. Casting someone like Lena Horne might have just been a bit too progressive for the time. As it was, the film was reflexive in the fact that it made the audience realize what kind of injustice actually went on. Anyway, I really liked it.

As if that wasn't enough, after class we got our first papers back. I was so worried about this one; I didn't know what to expect. Well, I ended up getting an "A!" That means I got all "A's" on everything that I did for mid-terms. :)

Well, I guess it's time to get back to the books. Hard to believe that commencement is just about seven weeks away... Lots to be done before then!