Recommended Read: The Importance of Being Kennedy

I consider myself a fairly avid reader when I get in the groove (vacations, holidays, etc.). I typically gravitate towards suspense and chick lit, depending on my mood. The only things I refuse to read are really sad novels, such as the works of Nicholas Sparks, and self-help books. Some of my all-time favorites, though, have one common theme. They are stories about some time in history. I just find the settings fascinating--and, I love learning about note-worthy people throughout time. Hence, I found this book that I read over the holidays particularly interesting:


Presidents' lives have always attracted my attention, whether it be Lincoln, Nixon, Jefferson, or in this case Kennedy. This book is special because it intertwines a fictional base with facts about the Kennedy family. It reveals alot about the personalities of all 9 Kennedy children and their parents and grandparents. Particularly, it focuses on the childhood and young adulthood of Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy and the oldest daughter Rosie. All is told from the perspective of a Kennedy nanny, Nora Brennen. While I can't say this book was spellbinding, thrilling, or hopeful, it was filled with dry humor and enlightenment of the Kennedy family. I definitely recommend reading it.

p.s. It kinda bothers me that Teddy is not in the photo on the cover. Why not choose a portrait taken once they had all been born?

Happy Holidays

Emily LOVES her musicals!

So, with the continuing downturn of Broadway greats, I have spent quite a bit of time thinking about what musicals may fill my next trip to the Northeast. Obviously, now is not the time to plan a rousing week of Broadway shows, but I am hopeful for the future. This got me thinking about all the classic--and not-so-classic--musicals, and how I think some are massively overlooked...and how I think some are ridiculously overrated. I thought I'd share my thoughts on a mere sliver of some of the well-known musicals.


Emily's top Tier

Les Miserables (war, love, history, the most amazing songs you will ever hear. You will never want it to end.)

Hairspray (As a slightly larger gal myself, I just love those quirky Turnblads! Good Morning Baltimore!)

Mamma Mia (Abba hits intertwined with picturesque scenery of the Greek Isles--very tough to beat)

The Sound of Music (an all-time fave since I was a youngster. How can you argue with Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Brigitta, Kurt, Marta, and Gretl? Not to mention the 1965 movie release with Julie Andrews!!)

Legally Blonde (Bend and Snap! Perfect musical for the 20-30-something women!)

Phantom of the Opera (unbeatable drama and musical performances)


Heartwarming Classics--a very close second tier

Annie (orphans just make your heart melt...)

My Fair Lady

The King and I (Shall we dance? Oh, so beautiful!)

White Christmas (it's hard to beat a holiday hit)

West Side Story (very catchy plot, tunes, and dance)

42nd Street (tap dancing, need I say more?)


Musicals that I consider great for their musical contributions--not so much their plots

Chicago (Fantastic music and choreography, but a bit of a downer)

Guys and Dolls

Oklahoma

Wicked (I know I may get shot on this one. I have never really been a fan of the Wizard of Oz, and, while this is a creative twist on the old classic, it is still pretty creepy. The music, however, is superb!)


Musicals for the quirky souls out there (or great for when you are just having a wacky day)

Hair (The flower child inside of me cannot begrudge the 60s, even if the hair was pretty grotesque. Still some great music and harmony, as you would expect from anything 60s.)

Annie Get Your Gun

The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee (This is the funniest musical you will ever see, no joke!)


Biblical-Themed (may not be the most popular, but if you are a Christian, it's hard to say they are no good, haha)

Jesus Christ Superstar (The theme song will be stuck in your head the rest of your life...)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat


Disney classics that I haven't seen as musical productions, yet. Somehow, I don't think I am missing that much, regardless of decent reviews

The Lion King (I have heard remarkable things about the costumes....)

Beauty and the Beast


Finally, those that I find freakishly overrated

Cats (They are CATS.)

The Producers

Avenue Q (PUPPETS.)

Cabaret (Let's be honest, it is just a bit on the dark side.)

Into the Woods

Little Shop of Horrors (That whole man-eating plant thing just creeps me out. It was really hard for me to buy into that whole story.)


Some of the shows I am looking forward to seeing that have been out a while already

9 to 5 (Who doesn't love a Dolly hit?)

Jersey Boys

Merry Christmas to all! Well, all those that are here legally.

I highly encourage you to read this artlicle from this Sunday's Tennessean:

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20091213/NEWS01/912130366/Nashville-charities-reject-immigrants-kids

It discussed the registration system that families must go through to apply for aid during the Holiday season. Programs such as The Angel Tree and Toys for Tots require social security numbers of both children and their parents in order for a family to be considered eligible for assistance. While I understand the notion of "taking care of our own first," I am not sure that I totally agree with turning families away when they just need a few kiddie toys. I was pleased to learn that these agencies do, in fact, cross-check amongst themselves to make sure families or individuals are not abusing the system and turn the guilty away for fraud. There is at least some justice in that so that resources can be stretched to as many down-on-their-luck-ers as possible. But, there is just something that doesn't sit well with me when it comes punishing innocent children in order to restrict their parents from any societal benefit because of a questionably unethical choice that they made in the past. I am happy to know that there are programs out there catering to the needs of this special minority; and, while I understand the rationale of the Salvation Army and the USMC, I wish that some of these mainstream givers could give a little more unconditionally.

I'm sold!

Well, I have taken quite the hiatus from the blog world. I am not fully back, and I don't want to discuss why I have been distant. Anyway, I just had to say a little something spesh about these precious children doing a little good out there this winter:

"South Korean children smile with tumblers during a year-end campaign to raise funds for the poor in Seoul on December 15, 2009. The event was co-sponsored by the Korea branch of the global charity group World Vision and businessmen which sell the tumblers called 'Heartea (heart and tea)' mounted with a heat sensor for 25,000 won (21.5 USD). AFP PHOTO/JUNG YEON-JE (Photo credit should read JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images)"

I'll take 3....and 3 of those children, as well!!!! How adorable!?! My favorite is the one in the green cap in front. She has hardly any lips just like me!