MarcPlace

Checking in...plus "my" Pop-C winners
Hey there. I have been very busy, but I wanted to check in and wish everyone a happy Passover or Easter...and a healthy, pleasant, successful spring.

I know it's a challenging time, and have just three brief pieces of advice: Count your blessings. Connect with your family and friends. Try to find ways to smile and even laugh.

On that note, here are my picks for my Pop-C Awards. I know people have been a bit too busy to vote, so it looks like I'll just have to honor the best of 2008's pop culture myself. :-) But at least you'll know my choices (for that particular year), and at least it's only a week or three past official award season (the Oscars, etc.). They are noted below. Thanks for waiting for this announcement, try out any works by these talented people or the excellent songs and movies I've listed, and take care!

THE 2009 POP-C AWARD WINNERS

BEST SONG (the whole package; writing, performing and recording)

"I'm Yours," by Jason Mraz MY CHOICE
"Leavin'," by Jesse McCartney
"Letter to Me," by Brad Paisley
"Mercy," by Duffy
"Viva la Vida," by Coldplay

BEST MUSICIAN, FEMALE

Beyonce
Alison Krauss
Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland MY CHOICE
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift

BEST MUSICIAN, MALE

Kristian Bush of Sugarland
Jason Mraz
Brad Paisley MY CHOICE
Justin Timberlake
Keith Urban

BEST SONGWRITER

Alison Krauss
John Mayer
Jason Mraz MY CHOICE
Brad Paisley
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

BEST MOVIE PERFORMANCE by a lead actress

Rosario Dawson, Seven Pounds
Cate Blanchett, TCCOBB
Nicole Kidman, Australia
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road MY CHOICE

BEST MOVIE PERFORMANCE by a lead actor

Leonardo DiCaprio, Revolutionary Road
Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, TCCOBB
Will Smith, Seven Pounds MY CHOICE

BEST MOVIE

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Revolutionary Road
Seven Pounds MY CHOICE

Current Mood: contemplative
Current Music: Damian Rice's O album, with the beautiful "The Blower's Daughter" song

The Pop-C nominees!
Welcome to the Pop-C Awards announcement. Thank you for waiting a while for me to finally post the nominees for my pop-culture awards; some folks know this announcement is, at least, earlier in the year than usual. It's just a fun, no-frills celebration of quality in 2008's movies and music, straight from my opinion to you. People I know can receive a ballot by posting a comment of any sort, or e-mailing me, by March 3, 2009 (and I'll e-mail you a ballot). Write-ins will absolutely be accepted, and you can even post some write-ins below. Here goes...

THE 2009 POP-C AWARD NOMINEES

BEST SONG (the whole package; writing, performing and recording)

"I'm Yours," by Jason Mraz
"Leavin'," by Jesse McCartney
"Letter to Me," by Brad Paisley
"Mercy," by Duffy
"Viva la Vida," by Coldplay

BEST MUSICIAN, FEMALE

Beyonce
Alison Krauss
Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift

BEST MUSICIAN, MALE

Kristian Bush of Sugarland
Jason Mraz
Brad Paisley
Justin Timberlake
Keith Urban

BEST SONGWRITER

Alison Krauss
John Mayer
Jason Mraz
Brad Paisley
Taylor Swift
Keith Urban

BEST MOVIE PERFORMANCE by a lead actress

Rosario Dawson, Seven Pounds
Cate Blanchett, TCCOBB
Nicole Kidman, Australia
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road

BEST MOVIE PERFORMANCE by a lead actor

Leonardo DiCaprio, Revolutionary Road
Robert Downey Jr., Iron Man
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, TCCOBB
Will Smith, Seven Pounds

BEST MOVIE

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Milk
Revolutionary Road
Seven Pounds

Yes, I know a couple noms are a trifle "out there." It's all about quality, folks.

Before I go, one piece of advice: Keep a notepad and pen by your bed for any ideas (such as song lyrics or movie dialogue) or reminders that hit you at night. This way, you don't have to scramble to write or type them somewhere.

I'll post the winners here in mid-March (I'll announce the date soon), and there might be one more special category. Voters might just learn the winners first, though, so please let me know if you'd like to vote. Thanks very much!

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Music: See the nominee list

Hooked on phoning
"How is that even possible?" is my favorite recent movie line, even though I have only seen the Madagascar 2 trailer. The way the animal (I believe it's one of the truly wild lemurs) says it is ultrahilarious, and I use that line now and then. I love it like I honestly loved the frantic but funny first film, especially the outspoken hippo, Gloria, and nutty giraffe, Melman (Jada Pinkett Smith and David Schwimmer do fine voice work).

Speaking of nutty, people used to find it strange when someone could receive e-mails on their phone. Now that's normal.

I believe I've suggested this before, folks, but please print out your cell phone's address book at the company's store or, if you have time, by hand. Even if you write down, on a medium-sized piece of paper that you keep with you, the 10 most important or most used numbers, it's a start. It might help you to know that several of your oft-used numbers should be on your paper bill, if you have one. I'm just saying that you never know if you'll need the info on paper; even if you are very careful and don't lose or drop the phone, what if the battery goes pffft and doesn't unpffft itself or charge up for hours, and you need to reach your good friend (or good doctor) but don't have their number memorized?

On the subject of phones, how many people use watches to tell time anymore? I do. But I've asked people for the correct time and some use their phones or (I love this) say their phone is off.

That's completely fine and, well, timely to say, but please tell me, does this dialogue make sense?
"What time is it?"
"Sorry, my phone is off."

Or worse:
"What time is it, please?"
"Sorry, my phone died."

After those ultramodern exchanges, I say to myself: "What? What?!?" (my former favorite line) or..."How is that even possible?"

Current Mood: creative
Current Music: Sugarland's beyond-beautiful songs "Stay" and "Love" (amazing videos, too)

A song and a play
Hi, folks. I have been very busy (I know I say that often). I plan to post the Pop-C nominees (just for 2008's best song, movie, film actor, film actress and maybe one or two other categories) before the Oscars.

For now, I would like to let you know about a song that I have found very moving: multi-Grammy winner Alison Krauss' "You're Just a Country Boy." It's a beautiful ballad with simple but extremely strong lyrics; it happens to share the country/folk artist's A Hundred Miles or More CD, from 2007, with the finest song of the decade, "Whiskey Lullaby" (a duet with Brad Paisley; the video is the best country video of the decade, in my opinion).

I also just realized that it's a good time to recommend Our Town by Thornton Wilder. It might just change the way you look at life...believe me. When I read the play, it took me a little while to get into it, but then it stunned me, and helped me to appreciate life more. If anyone has read it and would like to agree (or not), feel free to post a comment. Thanks, and stay well!

Current Mood: hopeful
Current Music: Alison Krauss' amazing CD of greatest hits and more, A Hundred Miles or More

Pop culture and ice cream
Yes, it took me a little while to get back to posting, but I've been decidedly on the swamped side.

I plan to announce my Pop-C's Award nominations here soon, definitely sometimes this month. I'm just trying to decide on a few. As I've mentioned, I'm still up for suggestions for song of the year (as long as it was released in 2008), and voting will be open to anyone who reads this blog (one vote per category per person, of course).

For now, I need to mention that I am amused by two fast food commercials; to be vague but clear enough, one touts a new burger that is, well, furious (which is hilarious). The other contains a rhyme with ambulance...which is ironic. I'm fine with fast food, but I am regularly attempting to eat healthy. I've even eschewed ice cream for a while...okay, that's partly easy because it's a little too cold to even consider having a scoop of my favorites, which include cookie dough, cookies 'n' cream and dulce de leche. For some reason, I didn't like strawberry when I was a kid, but now I definitely do. And I'm still admittedly something of a kid at heart.

Have a pleasant, and hopefully warm, weekend!

Current Mood: crappy
Current Music: "Tim McGraw" and other strong songs on Taylor Swift's excellent debut album

Two songs, and two suggestions
I'm back, with some quick notes.

Two of my Pop-C Award-nominated songs are up for a Song of the Year Grammy...how about that! I (quite modestly) feel like I know my music.

Here are two words (well, more than two words) of advice regarding cell phones. Please go to your phone's store and have a staffer print your phone list, or manually write it yourself. This will definitely help you if something problematic happens to your phone, where you likely keep many/most of your personal numbers.

Also, if you're waiting on a subway platform near the gate and need to make a call, try your phone; if you're close enough to the outside, it might just work. Parts of some underground platforms (such as the 8th Street N/R, at least on the downtown side) are elevated enough for reception, as well; it's worth a try.

I'll be back soon with more nominees. Happy and healthy holidays in advance!

Current Mood: contemplative
Current Music: Classics (like Sinatra's "The Best is Yet to Come"), Coldplay and Of Montreal

Update on my pop-culture awards
I've finally decided on a fifth nominee for the best song category section of Wilkofsky's Pop-C's. I'll post the nominees for all the awards in January, and I plan to announce the winners sometime in February (and not March or April, like I usually end up doing).

Plus, you can be part of this celebration of 2008's best movies and music. When the nominees are announced, you can vote (with an online ballot, right here) on your favorites for each category (best song, album, movie, film actor, film actress, etc.). Write-ins will absolutely be accepted.

Sans further ado, these are the nominees for the best song released in 2008.

"I'm Yours," by Jason Mraz
"Leavin'," by Jesse McCartney
"Letter to Me," by Brad Paisley
"Mercy," by Duffy
"Viva la Vida," by Coldplay

If you have an idea for a sixth nominee (and those of you who are saying, "Jesse McCartney?!?" probably do; it's truly a very catchy, well-written song, so I'm giving it props here), please post it as a comment, and I'll definitely, gladly consider your choice. Since the year's not over, a sixth one can easily be added. Thanks very much!

Current Mood: creative
Current Music: "Typical Situation," by the Dave Matthews Band...a beautiful song

A few notes
Hi, folks. It's a challenging day for me, but I have a few quick notes. I know they're somewhat out there.

-I've been watching a recording of the VP debate (which I had viewed live), and I'll just comment that no matter what people say about each candidate's performance (and quite a bit has been said), I know that I, and many critics, would find it considerably difficult to handle speaking to the public on such a grand scale. I'll also note that having watched the SNL parody, it changes my view of what actually transpired (in fact, the skit made me laugh at one real-life moment).

-For a few reasons, kids should not be dressing up as The Dark Knight's version of the Joker at the end of the month. Yes, I've been a dedicated DC (and Batman and Robin) fan for decades, and yes, I'm extremely open-minded. But last night, I saw a mainstream store's ad for one quite close costume adaptation for the young set, and as tremendous as Heath Ledger's performance was, I feel this is not a character parents should allow their children to emulate.

-I rarely shop there and do like the place, but I have decided that Abercrombie and Fitch is a club with clothes. When I asked her a question, the saleswoman even had to say, "What?"

-Speaking of music, I still need some ideas for what the song of the year should be. Feel free to leave me a few as comments. I will absolutely consider any tune from 2008. Thanks a lot, and have a fun weekend!

Current Mood: creative
Current Music: Taylor Swift's near-literally thunderous live performance of "Should've Said No"

Awards, in advance
I'm back, with four songs I feel are the best of 2008 (yes, three months early).

"I'm Yours," by Jason Mraz
"Letter to Me," by Brad Paisley
"Mercy," by Duffy
"Viva la Vida," by Coldplay

They have fairly brief titles, apparently, but they're phenomenal songs; the first two happen to be ballads, but the order's just alphabetical by title. I just need to squeeze in a fifth candidate. Any ideas? Feel free to post them as comments. Then look for the winners, as part of my Pop-C Awards, early next year. Thanks!

Current Mood: creative
Current Music: See above

Ready for another month
Yes, it took me a month to get back on here. I've been fairly busy. Yesterday, I was thankfully able to squeeze in a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Superheroes: Fiction and Fantasy exhibit before it closes tomorrow (September 1). This definitely different and entertaining show features actual TV and movie costumes (including the one Lynda Carter wore on her Wonder Woman show, which was faded but amazing, and two of Tobey Maguire's Spider-Man 3 costumes), along with many out-there and extremely out-there outfits inspired by superhero costumes. Behind a crawling Spidey there was a beautiful web-covered dress created by Jean Paul Gaultier. The mutant section (yes, there was one, but the only "real" costume wasn't actually a costume, but the blue skin applications Rebecca Romijn wore as Mystique in X-Men: The Last Stand) had some colorful clothes...which, of course, most people would be hard-pressed to wear anywhere. While listening to attendees' comments ("Is that real?" about an actual armored costume from The Dark Knight; one onlooker didn't remember Superman wearing an "M" on his chest until learning the Moschino creation was inspired by the hero's costume) and being somewhat pleased that around a dozen actual glass-covered comics were on the wall to present a little industry history, I read all the explanatory text I could. Some sentences were well-done (about Wonder Woman and Captain America: "These two characters quite literally wore their flag-waving fervor on their sleeves, sporting red, white, and blue costumes that were composites of the American flag.") and others were truly eyebrow-raising ("Michelle Pfeiffer sported a costume that embodied the alpha-cat/omega-kitten duality of Catwoman's personality..."), but I'm very glad that literally thousands of people learned that the superhero side of comic books is more multifaceted than they thought. Thanks, Met folks.

Current Mood: creative
Current Music: Miranda Lambert's fun, kick-butt "Famous in a Small Town" song

Encylopedia Brown, meet Wikipedia Brown
I'm up early for a Sunday, and watching one of the country video networks (Jewel is a country artist now, and fitting in quite well). I just caught a commercial that stunned me; it was for a major department store and featured a young student making a presentation in front of his class...and using a laptop. I incredulously suppose that is fairly commonplace these days. That's amazing and just a trifle unsettling. I know a sizable amount of work still goes into academic reports and various research projects, but does anyone use actual, physical encyclopedias in secondary schools now? A few schools probably do still have, and find information in, them. I wonder what Laura Ingalls Wilder would say.

In other news, the tremendously talented Jason Mraz has launched an art contest to celebrate the release of his excellent We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things. CD (featuring the beautiful hit "I'm Yours"...ha). If anyone is interested in entering it, please let me know, and I'll send you the details. One note: It simply requires drawing the face of someone you know well...yourself.

Have a fun week!

Current Mood: thankful
Current Music: Keith Urban's live "You Look Good in My Shirt" video; he gives a fan his guitar

Still at bat
I'm back, and I'll try to post more often. (Yes, I say that each time.)

Recently, baseball fans were treated to a Home Run Derby in New York City's Yankee Stadium, where major players attempted to hit homers into the fan-filled stands as a celebration of the All-Star game. I'm sure it would have been fun, and part of me would have loved the excitement, but another part of me (even if I brought a catcher's glove) would have been screaming, "Look out!" and ducking. I'm sure many people walked away with amazing souvenirs...and I'm more excited about the upcoming football season.

I'm also looking forward to The Dark Knight, soaring into theaters tomorrow. Thanks to early critical acclaim, it might become the biggest comic book film yet, and there's already Oscar talk...not only for Heath Ledger (whose passing very much affected me) as the Joker, but possibly even (gasp) Best Picture. For now, I can't wait to see it with a couple of comic book-loving friends. That's one Batman who always hits a grand slam.

Current Mood: contemplative
Current Music: Jason Mraz's consistently entertaining CD, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.

A few words
I'm saying this now. I believe "Mercy" by Duffy will be the song of the summer (which has unofficially started this weekend). It's catchy and original, and it accomplishes the three things I feel a song needs to do: It works hard (meaning it doesn't just go chorus/verse/chorus/verse/thank you, good night), it takes risks (it has a definite '50s feel but is still heavily modern-sounding) and has confidence (a power that many strong songs, including ballads, show).

These happen to be three things a person needs to do in life: work hard, take risks and have confidence. I'm glad to say I've been keeping up with all three, and the first one is generally why I've been too busy to post an entry here for a while. Okay, two whiles. I'll try to be more...post-y.

For now, I will note the few words (one, really...just five times) that have me grimacing during commercial time. I won't mention the company.

"Wow." "Wow." "Wow." "Wow." "Wow."

Oy. However, one of my favorite recent spots (for a store I've wanted to visit for years) does have repeated words: "Start the car! Start the car! Start the car! Whooooo!"

Well, I have to start this Sunday afternoon (as I watch country artists Sugarland, Little Big Town and Jake Owen performing their concert wrap-up, "Life in a Northern Town," the Dream Academy's beautiful '80s song...you have to see this phenomenal video), so I'll wrap up, but I'll be back soon. Really.

Current Mood: thankful
Current Music: "Love Don't Live Here," a tremendous way to launch Lady Antebellum's career

My current faves
Before I fly to Florida today to visit my favorite person, my mom, I thought I'd mention a few of my other favorites here.

Favorite new fictional characters: Hoops and Yoyo. Hallmark's ridiculously cute and hilariously wild mascots are a true riot. Believe me, you haven't heard the true entertainment potential of a sound-enhanced card until you open one of their greeting cards. They joke, they laugh and they yell, both alternately and in unison, all while finding new places on your funny bone and pushing an envelope or two. Speaking of envelopes, why not mail a Hoops and Yoyo card in one to a relative or friend and give them a chuckle, then guffaw? There are also talking pens, photo frames and a bag (I almost bought that one...let's just say they loudly praise the holder). Believe me again, I have nothing to do with Hallmark other than a similar name and a longtime love for the company's cards. I would be thrilled to know who voices these little, bug-eyed critters and what contraption makes their voices so wonderfully wacky.

Favorite new commercial campaign: Altoids' "Slap to the Cerebellum." The theme is: People from the somewhat distant past have various epiphanies after popping one of the mints. The "stuck copy machine" one was clever, but the one with the guy who has a technological idea far before his time is tremendous. Look out for it.

Favorite sci-fi blockbuster: I had my own (mintless) epiphany recently. While the extremely engaging Contact and 12 Monkeys--Jodie, Bruce and Brad rock--are two of my absolute favorite sci-fi movies (make that films in general), as far as blockbusters go, one changed my life years ago. A particular aspect helped change my perspective about life. Would anyone care to guess (with a comment below)? One clue: A photo.

Well, I'm out the door and off to JFK (wonder what Mr. Kennedy would think of today's politics...) in a few hours. I'll try to post another entry when I return...thanks for reading this one!

Current Mood: creative
Current Music: Chuck Wicks' well-written "Stealing Cinderella" song...it's catchy

Going my way
Just a quick subway note: I sometimes have to decide what door to use when entering a subway car, and occasionally the noise level of the other MTA patrons around me becomes a factor. If there's a wild group of people, or someone blasting their MP3 player, getting on a particular car, I'll make sure to jump on a different one. I sometimes don't add two and two, and only walk steps away from the source of loudness, soon finding myself right next to that annoyance. So I have to work on that (another thing to be aware of in the subways), but often, my trip works out well. And I've certainly taken a lot of trips.

Current Mood: creative
Current Music: Brad Paisley's new, tremendous 5th Gear CD

March to this B&N
I recently learned the 22nd and 6th Barnes and Noble will close on Monday, March 31. It's very unfortunate and depressing, as I have patronized and loved that store for several years. Of course, it has to be for financial reasons, which also played into the Astor Place B&N becoming a pleasant literary memory. It looks like bookstores aren't faring as well as they used to, probably due to the competition with the Internet, even though reading a classic or recent page-turner on the screen does not compare to holding the actual book. So for now, I suggest that during the next month, you take a trip to the latest casualty of modern times. To make this change somewhat easier for longtime customers, there was a 30 percent off sale when I last stopped by the place, and I'm sure there will be more such offerings, so that's another reason to stop by the store. As I wonder what in the world will fill the sprawling space, I'm sad to see this pop culture-, information- and fun-filled part of Manhattan go. It's the Union Square and Lincoln Center sites for me now...

Current Mood: gloomy
Current Music: Josh Turner's entertaining CD, Everything is Fine

Another super Sunday
I just wanted to note I'm thrilled that "Falling Slowly," by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, took home the Oscar for best song on Sunday night. Their movie, Once, is a phenomenal, very entertaining film, and I've decided it's my favorite movie of 2007. This powerfully beautiful song definitely deserves the gold guy, and I was glad to recently watch a rebroadcast of Hansard's touching speech, while learning that Irglova, who was played off before she could speak, was asked to return to the stage to say a few words...something that had never happened before during an Oscar show. I thought I had seen the whole show while visiting friends, but I must have stepped away just before that happened. Having met both charming, talented people at a screening of the film, I'm even more proud of the duo's moment, one that only comes along...once.

Current Mood: contemplative
Current Music: Josh Groban's tremendous CD, Awake

Lessons learned
I'm back, with a couple of lessons I've learned in stores.

Each location of Starbucks (one of my favorite spots to visit, as it makes me feel a sense of belonging in the city and offers some quality beverages) is known as a store, so this lesson qualifies. When you order a white chocolate mocha grande or any other drink, do not say, "To stay," or "For here," or anything akin to those phrases. I found that out the hard way when my drink was prepared in a mug instead of a cup. I viewed the visible liquid in the fairly oblong, white porcelain container as abnormal, and, since I love those colorful, covered cups with the quotes on the sides and find them to be part of the experience, a definite gyp. I know this seems small and am glad to be able to have Starbucksian treats, but I was not simply used to this one. I even told the barista that, but didn't ask to change it; later, I did pour some of it into a small cup. Sheesh.

The other lesson: When you're returning or exchanging an item at a store which doesn't have a customer service counter, ask the first staffer you see what the procedure is. If a manager needs to be involved, find out if one can be contacted. This way, you're not standing at the cashier's line for a few minutes and then waiting a few more minutes for a manager to arrive. Efficiency rules.

Well, I won't wait too long to post my next entry...promise!

Current Mood: contemplative
Current Music: Little Big Town's strong A Place to Land CD

Rock on...okay, Contemporary on
I'm an admittedly avid follower of pop culture, and therefore thrilled for the success of several current players in that wild but (thanks to its diverse offerings of entertainment and its assorted distractions) comforting world. These include two top-level musicians.

Josh Groban has broken several sales records with his Noel album of holiday tunes. His tremendous vocal skills continue to musically stun the masses. Earlier this year, I was listening to his breakout album (or CD, whatever they call it these days), Josh Groban, fairly frequently, and along with the big ones ("To Where You Are" and "You're Still You," both of which I'd love to perform at a karaoke night), several songs are simply awesome. "Alejate" has to be one of the finest Spanish songs I have ever heard, and I'm glad to understand about half of his remarkably phrased words.

From Spanish to French...Celine Dion is back with a hit song that's better than any of her last few years' worth of releases. "Taking Chances" packs four-plus minutes of punch. Even cynics who still view Dion as the "belle of the mall" have to agree this far-from-Muzak butt-kicker is a winner. I do wonder if certain people past Generation X have no idea that "walk with me, like lovers do" comes from the Eurythmics' powerful '80s number, "Here Comes the Rain Again." I can hear it now: "Eury who?" "Annie Lennicks?"

Making more than just music, these two (three, if you count Lennox, whose new "Dark Road" single is vastly listenable and a fine choice for her, despite the brief, problematic twist...fork, in this case?...a few minutes into it) make a difference, by giving us (those who are open to "contemporary" artists, along with the amazing alternative ones out there) new sonic treats and replayable smiles.

Current Mood: thoughtful
Current Music: Mary Chapin Carpenter's strong The Calling...finally got her latest CD

Walking, running and shopping
I'm back, with an intriguing lesson, one I learned in high school. I believe Ms. Castimore, a wonderful teacher, was correct.

What's the difference between walking and running? Semiobvious but helpful hint: It regards your feet.

If you feel you know the answer, please post a comment below, and we'll see who gets it right first. (Hey, I didn't say I would complete the lesson...good teachers foster student interaction.)

This walk vs. run subject is actually somewhat timely, as so many people are busily doing both to get their holiday shopping in. It's a pleasant, even exciting, time in which these people are blessed to participate, and I'm glad to be one of them; giving and getting gifts rocks. But as I often say (especially during these spirited days), it's much better to spend time with people you care about than money on them. I hope that's one lesson folks try to learn, because I know I'm correct. Happy, peaceful holidays, everyone.

Current Mood: thoughtful
Current Music: John Mayer's Heavier Things, one of those "Club Med for your ears" CDs

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