Superlatives: Be Enchanted!

             Ok,  I may be a little behind the times on this one, but I simply cannot help myself.  This past weekend, while in search of a movie fit for all ages, we came upon Disney's Enchanted in our pile of DVDs. I was content to sit through this energy filled, cleverly written, funny fairy tale one more time.  Star Amy Adams as Giselle is amazing, funny and she can sing, too!  The comedic talents of the adorable James Marsden as Prince Edward are hilarious. And it doesn't hurt that the dreaminess of Patrick Dempsey  as Robert, is  included in the package!  May I  point out that the incredible stage actress, Idina Menzel (Wicked),  is also in the cast, it's just a shame that she doesn't get to sing! While I realize that this movie was released in 2007 and has been available on DVD for some time, watching it brought me so much joy that it  reminded me that it may just be one of Disney's best films, at least in the most recent years.

            So, in case you have not seen the movie,  the story begins  in the cartoon land of Andalasia.  There, viewers see the cartoon Giselle dreaming of her true love. Once she encounters her prince  and is thrown into the "real world" by her future "evil stepmother" the fun really begins.  Every possibly Disney element is present in the ensuing scenes: the poison apple, the glass slipper, forest critters who like to clean, etc. And each scene allows Disney to be...well...Disney. Whatever you do, don't miss the (award winning) park scene where Giselle sings the infectious,  That's How You Know  and Prince Edward's  apartment building search for his princess. Both of these scenes are unforgettable.  Throughout the movie,  Disney takes every opportunity  to poke fun at themselves.  They say that being able to laugh at one's self is a pretty good sign of honesty and humility.  I really like those qualities in a movie production company!

            Beyond the usual  stuff of fairy tales, princesses and happily-ever-afters, there is a quiet story of personal growth playing out that most kids will not notice. I am referring to the change in the character of Giselle from a one dimensional animated figure to the live person expertly portrayed by Amy Adams.  Watching the subtle progression of this gradual transformation is heartwarming and endearing.  Described as 80% Snow White with traits borrowed from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Ariel from the Little Mermaid, Giselle is romantic, independent and true to her convictions. While she matures as the movie plays she still remains innocent and optimistic. 

            Of course, there can be no happy ending without a villain to stir things up. The cruel stepmother Narissa, played by Susan Sarandon, is completely evil which makes it easy to detest her. Her character appears as an old hag, the evil queen and eventually a gigantic dragon intent on destroying Giselle.  Showing no redeeming qualities at all, Sarandon's performance is just one more fantastic piece of this puzzle and it makes for quite the final scene!

            Towards the end of the movie, there is a  scene where Robert's young daughter Morgan goes shopping with Giselle, it is understated and sweet.  And the icing on the proverbial cake is that this wonderful film is narrated by the incredible actress Dame Julie Andrews.  It is very difficult to dislike this movie and if you hadn't guessed already, I highly recommend it! It can be so very difficult to find movies these days that don't cross a line somewhere and become inappropriate or offensive. This motion picture has all of the necessary little girl princess elements, enough action to keep little boys interested  and plenty of grownup story to keep the adults happy.  It definitely makes my top five movies but that is a story for another column. Why not send me your top five family friendly movies and we can discuss in a future write up!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Superlatives Who Says You're Not Perfect?

Superlatives Who Says Your Not Perfect?

                For the last few years , I have had limited time to enjoy some of my favorite pastimes.  Many years ago, I devoured books, often reading an entire book in a day.  I used to crochet.  I  even scrapbooked for awhile.   I still take tons of photos  but, with digital media, I never seem to get around to printing out the pictures.  Above all of these,  my favorite diversion has to be listening to music. I began my obsession with all things Top 40 when I was about twelve and heard Da Doo Ron Ron on the radio. No, it wasn't the original 1963 Crystals song but the 1977 remake by Shaun Cassidy.  Laugh if you will, but I never missed the Hardy Boys television show.  I believed it was a natural progression after my infatuation with Donny Osmond had faded (sorry Donny!) And it got much worse after that!
                I used to sit glued to the radio on Sundays to hear Casey Kasem's Top 20 countdown.  I think I even wrote down all of the songs so I wouldn't forget any.  I would scrape together whatever change I could earn to buy the latest and greatest 45 record for that week. There was  Andy Gibb, the Bee Gees, Fleetwood Mac, KC and the Sunshine Band, Olivia Newton-John,  Hall & Oates...I could go on forever... This love of music eventually led me to a teenager's dream job - working in a record store! I was fortunate enough to move up quickly and soon found myself in the job of assistant manager. I got to order everything in the store except for records.  There were posters, 45 singles, buttons, stickers, t-shirts, hats  and more.  It was a fun challenge to try to predict what would be the big seller for the following week and order accordingly. I really miss that "job."  But enough about my past...
                Recently, I have become  re-acquainted with the current  chart topping music  thanks to my daughters and their love of song.  While I may be listening more as a concerned parent these days, I do feel like there are many talented performers out there.  Amidst all of the hype, the scandals and a meat dress or shoes, pop music is alive and kicking. American Idol was back on top this year and there is still quality music to be found. I have to admit,  I was pretty surprised where I  discovered two "perfect" songs. The songs have such a similar theme that I had to buy both of them and actually printed out the lyrics as well. Sung by singers that I would consider to be, pretty much, polar opposites,  the songs have a fantastic and remarkably parallel message.         
                First on the turntable was Selena Gomez & the Scene. Singing a song written by Priscilla Hamilton & Emanuel Kiriakou, lead singer, Ms. Gomez took on the song  Who Says,  which has personal meaning for her.  According to Gomez, the song was intended to inspire people. ..particularly those involved in cyber bullying.  "Who says you're not perfect?  who says you're not worth it? ...who says you're not beautiful...who says?" Indeed.  When commenting on the song's meaning, Gomez said, " ...with all the negativity...trying to figure out who you are; it doesn't help when people are constantly trying to tear you down."  Well said. Not scheduled to record a cd, but inspired by this amazing song, Gomez changed her schedule to start recording early. Good thing, because the song was certified platinum and charted in the top 25 in the U.S.               
            Next up was the song Perfect by Pink.  The CD version of this song contains explicit lyrics but the radio edit is more family friendly.  The video is intense and not appropriate for young children but the message is still very clear: accepting people for who they are.  After seeing the video, I reflected on the idea that people tend to live up to your expectations of them. So, if you think someone will disappoint you, they probably will...and conversely, if you think they are capable of great things...then they are just that...capable...of anything!    Shouldn't  we be more encouraging of others? Of ourselves? Definitely. There are enough people out there willing  to rip you to shreds.  Please don't join in on that one.
                As I reviewed this topic, I was reminded of two  other recent songs that are also very empowering: Katy Perry's Firework and Lady Gaga's Born This Way.  Both of these songs are encouraging people to accept themselves and realize that everyone has faults, makes mistakes and is not technically perfect. But what is? Perfect is, by definition, that which is ideal or excellent. The last part of the definition is the one I like the best: exactly fitting a need in a certain situation. So,  while you or I may not be perfect in the true sense of the word...are we not perfect in some way? Are you not the perfect son or daughter to your parents? I bet they would say so! Are your children not perfect for you? Of course they are!  Let's run with that for awhile...because after all...for all of your flaws , insecurities and doubts you may have about yourself,  no one,  absolutely no one can be more perfectly you...than  you!

Thursday July 28, 2011

Superlatives Sprinkles or Jimmies?

Superlatives   Sprinkles or Jimmies

            Darn!  As I sat down to have breakfast this morning, I was informed by the radio announcer  that it was National Ice Cream Day. Having recently started a much needed dietary adjustment program (that's  my  fancy way of saying  I need to lose a few pounds) I was fraught with fear.  Could I actually survive the day without indulging? Upon further investigation, I came to find  that not only was the third Sunday of July National Ice Cream Day,  but in fact,  the entire month of July is National Ice Cream month.  Apparently,  back in 1984, President Ronald Reagan made these designations because he recognized the popularity of ice cream in the United States and stated that these two events should be observed with "appropriate ceremonies and activities."   I may be able to hold out today but all month? Oh well! I didn't really want to be on that diet anyway. 

            As I reflected on my life long relationship with ice cream (yes, my first job was waitressing at Brigham's) I realized that ice cream is really more than just a treat or a dessert. It truly is an event. I don't know about anyone else, but for me, having a dish of ice cream straight from my home freezer just doesn't do it justice.  Sitting and enjoying the indulgence in an ice cream parlor or outside a take-out window on a hot summer day, is really the right way to go.  Who doesn't love a little kid with a face full of ice cream and a cone that is dripping down his arm?

            I began trying to remember  all of the places that I had been where ice cream was involved.  Surprising to me was the number of different places that I had visited.  Many years ago, my Aunt Mary took me to a little place just outside of Davis Square in Somerville  where  the line of people was out the door and up the street. I couldn't imagine what was so amazing to warrant a line of this magnitude. Little did I know that I was about to experience a "smoosh-in." Steve Herrell, founder of Steve's Ice Cream and later Herrell's Ice Cream, trademarked the term which is often referred to as mix-in at other establishments.  With  super-premium ice cream and customized desserts using mixed in ingredients, Steve's attracted  lots of media attention.  MSNBC journalist, Tom Austin  remarked in 2009, "Modern gourmet ice cream is widely considered to have been born at the original Steve's in Boston."    I can't recall what flavor or additive I chose that day but I do know that my life was never the same.  In the years following that ice cream awakening,  I discovered other great frozen treat spots: Buttricks Ice Cream, Brighams,  J.P. Licks in Jamaica Plain,  Emack & Bolios, Ben & Jerry's, Kimball Farms and of course Burlington's own School House Ice Cream. This delightful  list could go on and on. 

            There is even more variety than ever before in flavor choices.  Even though vanilla is still the most popular flavor in the U.S  you  can find everything from French Toast (Baskin-Robbins), Buttered Popcorn (Maggie Moo's), Strawberry Basil (Cold Stone Creamery) to the one I find most intriguing: Denny's new dessert offering, a Maple Bacon Sundae (vanilla ice cream, maple syrup and bacon bits). I think I may just have to try that one!  Here in town, School House recently introduced Nutty Batty Ice Cream to rave reviews. With vanilla ice cream, fudge swirls, chocolate covered sugar cone pieces and mixed nuts, it sounds pretty delicious.  My current flavor of choice is Mocha Chip and I must admit, I am still on a mission to find the best so if you know of one....

            As I tried to finish up this story , I realized that I hadn't even touched on toppings for ice cream. There are so many,  hot fudge, strawberries, whipped cream, marshmallow, etc. And there is the ever present geographic divider: sprinkles or jimmies? According to Wikipedia, jimmies were brought to the U.S by a Russian immigrant who named them after an employee who ran the machine that produced them.  Brigham's was the first to promote jimmies in Boston and has never charged for them.  The story I learned was much more fun. Call it folk lore or rumor, I was told a very different tale.  I heard that many years ago, there was a young boy named James celebrating his birthday. Along with his birthday cake his mother served ice cream to all of the guests. Before he began to eat his dessert, his mother took out a chocolate bar and began shaving small pieces on top of  James' ice cream. When the other children saw this, they all begged to have some on their ice cream as well.  James' mother responded  to that request with, "sorry kids, but today is his special day and these are...Jimmies" Again, I cannot confirm if it is fact or fiction but I love that story!  And so, on that note,  I must finish up as School House is open until 10:30 tonight  and I think  I can make it if I hurry...

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Superlatives Sweet Days of Summer...

             As I drove home yesterday, an old song came on the radio and with it  came a flood of childhood memories....and it started me thinking.  Did you ever notice how just hearing a song can bring you back to another time, another place? The song I heard  epitomized summer back in its day and took me right back to the early 70s and what summer was like then.  There was no internet, no video games and certainly no IPods. We made do with an old transistor radio and a game of kickball in the street. And in a cliché-filled memory, I recalled how we stayed outside all day,  came home only for lunch or to beg money for the ice cream truck and were in for the night only when the street lights came on. That was how it was, back when "life was slow...and oh so mellow..." Please pass  my apologies on to Gladys Knight and the Pips.

                Getting back to the song on the radio, I began to think of all of the great summer songs that get so much airplay this time of year. I checked the Billboard website and found the Top 30 Summer Songs (by chart ranking) since the inception of the charts in 1958. The list includes so many favorites ; Hot Fun in the Summer Time,  Summer Nights and the Boys of Summer, to name a few .  Each of these  songs reminds me of where I was, not necessarily  geographically, but in my life.  Grease was the biggest movie during the summer of 1978 and it's songs filled the airwaves. Didn't everyone know all of the moves to Greased Lightning? For a young teenager, there couldn't have been a more fun summertime soundtrack.  And Don Henley's the Boys of Summer? Here in Massachusetts, in the heart of Red Sox Nation, it's a perfect warm weather tune.

                The majority of the top tunes charted in the 1960s but all decades had at least one song.  There were lots of Beach Boys songs, two versions of Wipe Out and one Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. Two different songs, both called California Girls, made the list. Sadly, the Beach Boys song ranked at number 16 with Katy Perry grabbing the top spot.  Don't get me wrong, Katy Perry is definitely fun but, well, the Beach Boys are (in my humble opinion) great!  As I viewed the impressive  list, I was able to listen to all of the songs, either the original or a live version. It was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon and my family couldn't help but get caught up in the music.  With such a variety of styles and eras represented, there was a song for everyone's taste. 

                As I finished up my musical interlude, I tried to recall last summer.  I actually had to cheat and go back to my computer to pull up some of the photos that I had taken. Then I remembered how we had passed on a big family vacation, opting for shorter trips and long weekend ventures. We did lots of local stuff, like the Stone Zoo,  visiting the U.S.S. Constitution and taking in the sand castle contest on Revere Beach.  Shamefully, I must admit that last year was the very first time that I had climbed to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument.  In sharp contrast to these not-so-long-ago events, I remember vividly things that happened when I was younger. Were these things so much more important?  Were times really easier?  Hard to say why our minds recall certain things or choose not to...but doesn't having a back track of music make things more memorable?  I think so. I wonder what summer memories my own children will hold dear, what songs will be the soundtrack for their youth. Only time will tell...

                Incidentally, the song that I heard on the radio, the one that sparked this idea into a column, was the 1972 smash, Summer Breeze. Sung by Seals & Crofts, the tune had a soft mix of guitar, banjo and the very distinct sound of a toy piano. The duo's vocal harmony gave the song such an easy, laid back quality that, for me, speaks of summer;  of taking the time to enjoy good weather, spending  a day on the beach or just hanging out with friends. Being able to relax, maybe even being a little lazy, isn't that what summer is for? I am sure there will be  many summer breezes this year  and hope that we can seize these moments ...  "Summer breeze, makes me feel fine, blowing through the jasmine in my mind..."

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Superlatives...Remembering Those Serving Overseas

     Next week, as  many Americans celebrate the birth of our country, many  will have the day off from work.  Some will line the streets, awaiting festive parades,  some will have  back yard barbecues and some will stand in awe of a spectacular  fireworks display. While all of these  perfect Fourth of July activities are taking place,  oceans & worlds away,  young men & women will be on duty. Our troops are there to defend the ideals of our country, in the recent words of President Obama "...We protect our own freedom and prosperity by extending it to others. We stand not for empire but for self-determination...with an unwavering belief that all human beings deserve to live with freedom and dignity."
     Not only do we enjoy many freedoms here but we want other countries to have that opportunity as well. I think that is great! And we owe a debt to our service men and women that I cannot adequately put into words.

      Not wanting to make any assumptions, I turned to Google to see what other people thought was great about our country....there were 807 million results...and I read every one of them!  But I jest....   I did, however, read a bunch that were from people who had been  born elsewhere, moved to the United States and eventually  became citizens of our great nation. The gratitude that these people have for America is immense.

      I spoke with a gentleman  who was born in Gambia in Africa. Having arrived here in 1997, Lang Conteh attended high school in Maine,  spent two years at Northeastern University and  eventually enlisted in the Army National Guard.  He told me being a U.S. citizen gave him " the ultimate freedom to become whatever you want to be." He elaborated that  there could be barriers, but if you work hard  you can still achieve whatever you want.  He spoke of personal responsibility for one's own future.

     "Living in a free society (in the U.S.),  it depends on the individual to be motivated and try to be successful" Conteh  loves living in America  and is grateful for the opportunities that  have been available to him. 

     Luis Rosa was born in Puerto Rico but moved to New York at the age of sixteen.  Rosa feels that he has had a much better life living here, "Even though  Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, some  people don't seem to have a lot of pride in the island. I grew up here. I enlisted (in the Marines) because it was the right thing to do. I have pride in my country and I wanted to give back."
       Rosa spent eight years in the Marines, served in Iraq and Afghanistan during Operation Iraqi Freedom and has traveled to many different countries around the world.  Having seen much violence and poverty  has made him appreciate what he has here in the U.S.  "I am proud to be Latino. Proud to be from Puerto Rico. But I am extremely proud to be an American!"

       In contrast to those born outside of the U.S., the people that I spoke with who were born on U.S. soil seemed less happy with the state of our country.  While everyone said they loved the U.S.A., they were quick to point out the flaws they felt our country suffered from; everything from badly behaved politicians to greedy lawyers to inflated political-correctness. While I wholeheartedly agree, isn't it great that we live in a country where we are free to voice those opinions?

     One phrase that was repeated numerous times was  "the pursuit of happiness."  While this is a basic human right (here in the U.S. at least) it is not a guarantee. We are all responsible for what we do, what we commit  our time to, what pursuits we dedicate ourselves to and ultimately, if we succeed. 

     Only a short time ago, we, as Bostonian,  had the fantastic occasion to celebrate our Boston Bruins and their Stanley Cup win. While this was, absolutely, a cause for celebration, the pride and joy that was felt may have even surpassed that felt after  the capture  of Osama Bin Laden just weeks earlier.  Do we feel the joy of our citizenship? Are we  elated to be Americans? Of course we are!  So, on the Fourth,  as we bite into our hotdogs,  sip our cold lemonade  and wave at the passing floats, let's take a moment to remember not only our active troops but also our veterans and this great country of ours that they defend.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Superlatives...the beginning...the part that didn't make it online...

Superlatives...

                        Remember back when you graduated from high school? Or maybe even junior high school. Recall  your yearbook? Full of formal photos, candids, signatures... a treasure trove of memories! Remember the "Superlatives" section? The part of the book where classmates voted for the most popular,  the cutest couple ,  class clown  or the best smile.  I wonder what ever happened to those people. Those chosen few who stood out in a class as being the best at something. Did they go on to do great things? Perhaps, but I wonder,  what does it mean to be "the best"?  Are you great at something because you think you are? Or does someone else have to think so to make it real? Such  vague and subjective terms  and yet we all use them. I find it amusing when someone tells me I am the best.  I realize that it is  usually showing  gratitude but I am always compelled to ask, "the best what?"  That question always confuses people  and I almost never get an answer...the truth is the best is only the best until the "next best thing" comes along!

          Many years ago, I was convinced that I should join the cast of a wonderful cable access television  show. I had never intended to be on TV, nor was I prepared in any way. I fell into the situation and decided that I would go along for the ride. When it came time to list my name in the credits, I shied away from using my real name but had difficulty choosing a stage name. Eventually, I settled on a name that I had given myself years earlier.  Even at the tender age of twelve, not being one to settle for mediocrity, I decided to reach for greatness.  In a family of four Marys, I became known as  "Mary the Great."  It became a running joke in my family and continues to this day.  But, I digress...

          This column will be looking at what is great in this world. There is so much that can occupy our minds and fill our days:  to-do lists, family obligations, meetings, appointments, etc. and yet there is so much greatness that we can find if we just take the time! I would like to suggest that each column will be giving attention to something that is great or the best. Of course,  what is great to one person may not be to another so we need to respect that and try to see the joy in our world where ever we may find it.

          I would like to request your input for a future  column. We will be reviewing  the best free stuff to do during the summer. If you have ideas about what you think is the best thing to do in the summer when you are completely broke, please let me know!  I can be reached by email at MTGreat3@yahoo.com or maybe the best idea would be to write your suggestion down in a letter or on a postcard and mail it to me c/o Joanna Tzouvelis  at the Burlington Union,  P.O. Box 9191, Concord, MA 01742. Writing  letters is a dying art and yet isn't it "great" to get a piece of mail that isn't a bill? So go find an envelope  and a stamp (remember them?) and send me your response!  And lastly, if you see some weird game show on YouTube with some strange blonde woman giving people bunny ears, just remember, it's not me...it's Mary  the Great!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Superlatives...the beginning...online

            The end of the school year is fast approaching and with that comes the quandary of teacher gifts. In recent years there has been some controversy about teacher gifts  and limits on amounts spent on them.  According to the guide lines on the American Federation of Teachers (Massachusetts) website, gifts under $10 do not need to be reported. Anything over that amount    must be disclosed to the superintendent of the school district. Gifts worth more than $50 are prohibited, unless they are class gifts. Class gifts do not require disclosure but cannot contain the names or amounts of contributors.  Now that we have the "fine print" covered....

            I spoke to several of my teacher friends and got a few surprising answers. While there were the usual requests for gift cards to places like Barnes & Noble , Staples and  Dunkin Donuts, one teacher admitted to loving home-made goodies! Some mentioned all of the adorable apple motif collectibles that they had received over the years...and that they have run out of room for any more! Several teachers stated that the best gifts, the kind that they keep and treasure, are handwritten thank-you letters.  How simple. And yet, something that one may not even think of doing. We entrust our children to their teachers for six hours every day, five days a week, nine months of the year. They teach, discipline, encourage and help shape our children and their futures. A tiny token of gratitude, such as a gift card, is a small but important way to recognize what teachers do every day. So why not tuck that gift card inside a personalized letter of thanks?  Is there such a thing as too much thankfulness? I think not. So, get out your pen & paper (forget the computer) and tell your child's teacher how grateful you are! I know they will appreciate it. They told me so! Now if I could just figure out what to give the bus driver....

Originally posted Thursday June 16, 2011 to www.wickedlocal.com/Burlington