Archive for May, 2007

Going to the Mattresses!

Only 2 episodes left after last night. Are you ready for the end? I’m not. But I suppose I’ll get over it. After all – we lasted 21 months once.

Salon did a nice write up on last night’s episode. There are some very good predictions from their readers as well.

According to the NY Post Syl predicts a bloody war.

sylv

All I can say is that Tony has no choice: he must go to the mattresses! Prepare for battle my friends. The end has to include an attack on the NY crew. How could Tony be expected to tolerate the abuse and offrontery?

R J Escow wrote an excellent summary of the karmic catch-22:

Tony Soprano’s two sides are moving closer to the surface. Like Catholic kids everywhere, you can imagine him having imaginary dialogues with an angel on his right shoulder and a devil on his left. The power of his character has always been the childlike spontaneity that drives both his sweetness and his violence.

I have always felt comfort in the show’s dicohtomy. Being 100% Italian from North Jersey, I have often found strange solace in the show’s familial and cultural references, while also being jolted into repulsion by the acts of violence and abuse (both mental and physical). That combination, that complexity – well, that’s why it’s my favorite show. I am turned on by duality . Thrive on it even, and I do think that Chase gears his plot lines for those that understand this dynamic.

Here’s a game: In 140 characters or less, please state what will be the ending of the Sopranos:

Here’s mine:

The Sopranos finale will show all due respect to its ancestors. An execution-style blood bath, an escape to witness protection, and a gruesome demise!

Sarah Reinertsen Rocks!

sarahrinnytimes.jpg

After getting up on Sunday morning, the first thing I do is make coffee, grab the NYTimes and go right to the Style section. There, I admit it. The Modern Love column happens to be my favorite, in case anyone’s interested. And yes, I do look at the wedding pics (religiously)! Bob Morris deserves a mention as well. I know, I’m so predictable.

This morning I was pleased to see my friend Sarah on the front page! OK – I had a small heads up, but still. How cool is that?

The article highlights the incredible accomplishments of Sarah and other disabled artists, entertainers and athletes. More importantly, the story explores the media trend of representing disability not as a “tragedy” but rather as secondary to the inherent success of those individuals that happen to have disabilities. Back in grad school, I worked for the University of Minnesota Disability Services. I was lucky to know so many people early in my life that taught me these lessons. Big shout out to Gene, Betty, Devora, Barbara & Sue! Wherever you are…

Sarah and I went to camp together when we were kids. On a personal note, my relationship with her as a child helped me wipe away fear of those that seemed physically different. We had so much fun at Camp Koinonia. Hiking the hills, carrying our water, pitching tents, etc. We “roughed it” big time. I should have known Sarah would end up being an Iron Man. Me – well, I’m lucky if I get my 30 minutes on the treadmill. I do know how to build a campfire though.

BTW, Sarah is the first female above the knee-amputee to win the IronMan. She was also on the show Amazing Race last year. Check out her sites: IAmSarah.org and AlwaysTri.net.

Sarah and I had a chance to catch up recently in California at the very awesome Wahoos. A Long Island girl and a Jersey Girl catchin’ up in SoCal, eating fish tacos. Whodyathunkit? We hadn’t seen each other in a really long time. It was so fun to learn all about Sarah’s life these past years and re-connect! Sarah told me all about her 4 different legs. My favorite is the “Barbie Leg.” But again, how predictable of me!

Steph and Sarah