So, I was eating a slice for lunch today at the local parlor, not intending to evesdrop but was. The conversation which I was unintentionally listening to was taking place between some students from Lagurdia High School which is public high school in New York City.

They first caught my attention with their discussion regarding scholarships. I was impressed that these freshman, possibly sophmores, of all different ethnicities were so focused on scholarships, how much money they offered, and how many students could receive one.

Then it turned out that these students were in the arts, they started putting themselves in the shoes of the people offering scholarships and tried imagining what those people would most likely be interested in; whether it was thier looks, performing Shakespeare, their range of characters, a playwright, or a combination. They wondered if they were accepted into Julliard, would a progressive school like Julliard help them in filmmaking?

I mean really, how cute is that?

Their discussion changed into types of performances, and the difference between television actors, studio actors, independent film actors, and theater actors.

They began discussing their opportunites in independent film and how this is what they wanted to do and what they believed in...you can imagine the tears of joy which were swelling up in my eyes.

They all agreed that they were willing to continue their life without riches, being poor and working "skeevy" jobs in order to work in the arts.

They compared American Univerisities with Univerisities in Italy and other parts of Europe and weighed the pros and cons of working in film here and abroad.

I kept wishing I had a video camera and could have filmed their conversation, I would have went home and played it over and over again. There was something about these kids; they were smart, creative, well-spoken, excited, passionate and ready.

I finally broke down and joined thier conversation after they spoke about writing and re-writing scripts, directing, acting and how they were ready to join the world of bartending and waitressing in order to live as an artist.

I told them that they knew more than most filmmakers.

In all honesty, if I had the money to finance a film then I would hire a good producer to work with these kids and hire a filmmaker to document them making a movie.

In case anyone is interested, I did get their email addresses. So if anyone knows someone who is looking for a subject to document...look no further.

So lucky to have caught the opening night of U2's 2005 tour while vacationing in San Diego, it was an amazing show but the energy from the audience in New York doesn't compare.

Here are some friends from Los Angeles who rented a bus and drove down to San Diego to see U2.

My family and friends on our Easter vacation in Mission Beach, San Diego...all dressed in our Sunday's Best for Easter

family and friends took vacation in Mission Beach, San Diego this year...here we are the day before Easter Sunday preparing and dying eggs

(voicemail)
"Elizabeth, I can't believe we polished off two bottles of wine last night." -my tipsy friend Bill who doesn't realize that I was drinking water.

This is the "Double Check" list.

Here is a list of 6 films which you have most likely seen, but "double check" because if you haven't then definitely rent them.

1. The Station Agent (2003) by Thomas McCarthy
2. The Five Obstructions (2003) by Jorgen Leth and Lars Von Trier
3. Since Otar Left (2004) by Julie Bertucelli
4. Vanilla Sky (2001) by Cameron Crowe
5. De-Lovely (2004) by Irwin Winkler
6. Good Bye, Lenin! (2003) by Wolfgang Becker