Eating at Julia Robert's Mystic Pizza

Anyone remember the 1988 indie romantic dramedy "Mystic Pizza"? If not, I highly recommend it. It was a coming-of-age film that casted new comers Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor, and Annabeth Gish as quirky waitresses whose love-lives unfold while working in a small New England pizza parlour. I had the good fortune to visit Mystic, CT and eat at the very same pizza establishment that was in the movie. Too kewl!



I crossed over the little drawbridge that was in the movie into the small seaside town of Mystic, CT. Methodically, I followed the directions of the local tourist map that I had obtained beforehand at the town's visitor's center.



I loved the feel of Old Downtown Mystic, as I passed American flags and renovated old clapboard buildings that had become fashionable specialty shops and restaurants.



And then, my search came to an end as Mystic Pizza loomed ahead of me. The exterior looked the same as the movie's, but the interior definitely had a face-lift. It was more upscale, and it totally befitted its status as a favorite tourist spot by having its interior fully decorated with a bounty of movie paraphernalia and keepsakes.

Mystic Pizza's menu board had an array of unique pizza topping specialties that whetted appetites and satiated visitors, and had them coming back repeatedly. I can personally attest that I ate their several times before I left New England!

The Zelepos family, who opened the pizza parlour in 1973 and still owns it today, were smart enough to take advantage of the movie's popularity by selling "Mystic Pizza" brand named merchandise, as well as developing a line of frozen pizzas sold in food stores that matched the family recipe. And so, the locals tell it that it was "the pizza that made the movie famous." LoL.

I thought these stained glass frames hanging at my booth's window were so kewl.



I also liked the flat screened TVs that were strategically placed throughout that showed the movie. Talk about capitalizing on the little indie movie that could!



And then finally, my pizza was handed to me and the smell of its freshly baked pizza dough, atopped with the Zelapos family's special sauce, wafted its sloganed promise of "a slice of heaven" or in my case, many slices of heaven. LoL. I kept waffling between 2 combo specialties, so I ordered both in halves. One half of my pizza was the Seafood Pizza - clam, shrimp, scallop, oregano, garlic, parsley. The other half was the Mediterranean Delight - basil, artichoke, spinach, tomato, and roasted red bell pepper. BOTH WERE SOOOO PIZZALICIOUS!

I left with a belly full of Mystic Pizza, and the memory of having eaten at the site of one of my favorite 80s chick flicks. Rent it today!

Twerd Update: TTS Eclipse Review

Dear Twerds and Tweeks Club,

I know I've been out of commission lately, but have appreciated all the pre-411 mails and blogs on The Twilight Saga (TTS) Eclipse's premiere in the States. Like the last Twi-film, I was on pins and needles for the premiere in Cairo. I saw it last night and let's just say that I am eagerly awaiting the unveiling of TTS Breaking Dawn 1 & 2! I'm so glad Hollywood is going to split the last book into two Twi-films. I'm not ready yet to say good-bye to my favorite saga characters. But I digress... many have written me wondering what my take was on the third Twi-film installment, so here TTCs, I goeth:

I was pleased that the Twi-film pretty much followed the book. It definitely had better action, acting on the other hand - not so much. That being said, however comma, the essence of the characters stayed TRUE. TTS Eclipse may not win an Oscar, but it will win next year's MTV Awards "Best Kiss" and "Best Punch". LOL. I found it amusing how I reacted to the movie like I did with the book. I wanted to shake Bella with her pamby wafflings, but sheesh both Edward and Jacob were SO HAWT and SO EARNEST in their pursuits that she was quickly forgiven. I kept putting myself in Bella's shoes. LOL. My 18 y/o inner Tween was swooning when both were overtly wooing her... sigggggggh. I was NOT a fan of the directorial choices of camera CLOSE UPS throughout the film (except for Taylor Lautner's face because he is SO old school Hollywood-ly beautiful. Me likes!). On the close ups, I kept getting distracted with Bella's, a.k.a. Kristen Stewart's, pores and weird eyebrows. LOL! I thought the tent scene could have played out better by showing more of Edward's inner/outer struggles with the situation, and Jacob's pleasure in Edward's discomfort. This was one of my favorite parts in the book, so I had been looking forward to this scene. It just didn't live up to my expectations. I did like the line when Jacob told Edward that he was hotter than him; obviously an insider's joke for those that read the book. LOL. Bonus surprise: my conversion to Team Jasper! Holy Twi-Hunk, Batman! The Jasper speakeths. I never realized how yummy his Southern drawl was, and I totally loved his backstory on his life pre-Cullens, as I did Rosalie's. The audience definitely got a more historical perspective of how werewolves and vampires evolved. LOVED that! As for the villainous Victoria, I loved Ron Howard's daughter Bryce Howard's big film debut. I thought she did an excellent job playing the arrestingly beautiful, yet wicked Victoria. Kudos on her acting chops! Looking forward to seeing more of Bryce Howard in the film roles to come. Overall, I give TTS Eclipse two thumbs up! It stayed true to the author's depiction of how and why Edward was the better choice for Bella. Pooooor Jaky. It will be VERRRY interesting to see how TTS Breaking Dawn 1 & 2 will be played out with regards to him.... verrrrry interesting indeedy.

On Pins and Needles!

So, I've been toying around with alternative medicines lately. One that I tried for the first time is acupuncture; the Chinese method of healing through nerve stimulation. In acupuncture, sterile needles are lightly applied to the body's pressure points. I had been suffering from migraine headaches, and had read that acupuncture was an alternative way to combat this. As luck would have it, I found a local Chinese Health Center in Cairo, and therefore made an appointment. As soon as I walked in, I instantly was put at ease by soothing pan flute music played overhead, and greeted with a steaming cup of Chinese herbal tea. The acupuncturist started by patiently explaining the procedure to me and answering my questions. I was then led to a back room where I was given a gingham clinic gown and instructed to lie on my back on an examination table with my arms down and palms up. And then she began....



She placed needles at various pressure points on my face and the top of my head.



Then continued to place them on my neck, wrist, arms, abs, legs, and feet. At this point, my acupuncturist admonished me about taking photos, and hence had to quit. LoL. So, these were the only ones I clicked before I put my camera away.



The acupuncturist was gentle and quick. The needle pricks were slight, and very tolerable. After she stuck me with about 30 needles, she left me on the examination table, dimmed the lights, and told me to relax. I laid there like a pin cushion, and focused on the mystical sounds of Asian pan flute music. It was a surreal experience to say the least.



After 15 minutes, she came back and removed the needles. Swabbing each site with alcohol pads. My head felt really good. I was headache free, and totally relaxed. I don't regret my decision. I definitely would do it again. Next time though, I may bring my iPod... and listen to something a li'l more rockin'. LoL.

The Beatles Music Lives On Through Film!

Last night I saw "Across The Universe" on DVD and was blown away! How did I miss this in 2007? An astounding rock opera of Beatles tunages that told a story of six principle players living in the throes of the Vietnam conflict, anti-Vietnam protests, and the Civil Rights movement. Despite the violence of the times, the fresh voices sung by a cast of new-talented no-names (except for Rachel Evan Woods who revealed her rich singing voice for the first time) were uplifting. The movie wove a medley of impressionable Beatles songs sung amid psychedelic and special effect montages. Cameo performances of Joe Cocker's "Come Together" and (U2) Bono's "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" were highlights of the movie. Although "Across The Universe" wasn't a box office hit, I absolutely LOVED it! It's the kind of film that gets better with every viewing. Don't miss it!

This made me recall another Beatles' rock musical film that I defiantly loved (although it, too, didn't fare well in the box office): "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band". Released in 1978, it featured Beatles' songs from the album of the same name and "Abbey Road". Rock 70s artists Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees played the film's primary characters, along with an assembly of impressive cameos of the time - George Burns, Alice Cooper, Steve Martin, Aerosmith, and Earth Wind and Fire. Like "Across the Universe," its predecessor "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" performed a beautiful tribute of Beatles' hits befitting the famed four from Liverpool. The Beatles Roccccck!

Should Footloose Be Remade?

I have mixed feelings on whether Footloose should be made into a remake. Next month Kenny Ortega, who directed MJ's This is it concert documentary (and what would've been MJ's comeback tour), and choreographed the hit movie Dirty Dancing, is to begin filming the classic remake starring Gossip Girl's Chace Crawford and DWTS's Juliane Hough. At least Hollywood is being smart by picking the BEST director for a film project of this caliber. If anyone could enhance a cultclassic such as this, Kenny Ortega would be the man to do it. Footloose hit the big screen in 1984 and became a runaway hit with its upbeat music, high energy, and no-name stars that overnight became a household sensation, and for some went on to become Hollywood's biggest stars: Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer, Chris Penn, and Sarah Jessica Parker. KB and SJP's rise to fame go without saying. CP died in 2006 at age 40 to "non specific causes," as noted by his autopsy reports. LS withdrew from Hollywood in the late 90s, and pursued her Juilliard-trained passion as a celloist. She has been performing at several venues, Carnegie Hall being the most recent. It will be interesting to see how CC and JH will fare in the new remake. Supposedly, the remake is supposed to follow more of the Broadway musical production with both actors singing and dancing. JH won't have a problem with her triple threat of talent chops, but CC on the other hand.... things that make you go Hmnnnnnnnnnnn.

My First Opera Experience: Aida!

On Friday evening, I got guzzied up and attended the opera "Aida" at the Cairo Opera House with a friend. While I had attended several events at the opera house, I had actually never attended an opera there. In fact, this was my FIRST opera experience EVER. Ironically, the backdrop of my first opera was set in Egypt, where I just happened to live... so needless to say, it was a memorable experience for me.



We arrived there a little early with the intention of touring the Ministry of Egyptian Modern Arts building, which shared the manicured compound of the Cairo Opera House. I had wanted to see the art work inside, but it was not meant to be that evening because it was closed by the time we arrived. I did admire the tower-like minaret behind it. At night it lit up brightly like a bejeweled Christmas tree. It was truly beautiful! During prayers, the minaret is one of many that amplifies chants from the Qur'an (Islamic Holy Book) that is heard widely throughout Cairo.



We spent the remaining time walking leisurely on the well-kept lawn, and admiring the exhibited art work.







And then we hurried to the opera house across the way to find our seats!





Overall, Aida was fantastic! The pharoanic costumes and set designs were brilliant, and the singing was superb as it swept the audience through 4 dramatic acts. In true operatic fashion, "Aida" was sung in Italian, but I was able to follow it fairly well. Thankfully, I read the storyline beforehand! "Aida" was an ill-fated love story set in ancient Egypt about a pharoanic military commander and a captured Ethiopian slave girl. Unbeknownst to the military commander and pharoah (Egyptian king), the slave girl Aida was the daughter of the king of Ethiopia who was warring against Egypt. Events became more dramatic when pharoah promised his own daughter's hand in marriage to the military commander. Already in love with Aida, who returned his love passionately, he betrayed his country by helping her escape. He eventually was captured and sealed in a vaulted tomb alive. Thinking that Aida was safely back with her father, he was surprised to discover that she had hidden herself in the tomb to die with him. The opera ended with the lovers dying in each other's embrace amid operatic arias and intense orchestral music. Truly a powerful ending!

Attending the Carmen Ballet

Tonight I attended a Spanish dance company's (Antonio Gades) performance of Carmen. Ironically, Carmen is ranked as the fourth most performed opera in America, but this particular interpretation focused on the dance.

The story is about a wanton, fiery tempered gypsy named Carmen, who freely gives her love in the backdrop of Seville, Spain circa 1830. She woos a young soldier named Don José away from his current love. Smitten with the alluring gypsy, he incites a mutiny against his military superior, and joins a gang of smugglers. When Carmen grows tired of Don Jose' and shifts her attention to a handsome bullfighter named Escamillo, Don Jose' murders Carmen in a jealous rage.

The energy of the performance was palpable as the Spanish Co. performed Flamenco dances with quick footed ease and energetic hand clapping. The performance was NOT a ballet. It was "Lord of the Dance" meets Flamenco. However, it was entertaining and culturally enriching. In the background, Spanish acoustic guitars were strummed with crescendoed fervor, and there was even singing! It was minimal at best, but was intermixed during the climatic build up of Flamenco foot stomping. Did I enjoy the performance? Yes. Did I love it? Well, let's just say that the operatic version would have been better. As I filed out of the Opera House, I admired the water fountain in the outer lobby that was still adorned in holiday cheer. I found it pleasantly uplifting and for some reason prompted me to hum the theme song as I headed out the door. Hmnn mmmn hmnnn mmnnnn......

Double the Feature, Double the Fun!

I headed to the mall early this morning to watch "Avatar" in 3D. But curses, my plans were foiled when the film projector in the theater room broke down, and the manager had the unfortunate task of telling a packed audience to exit and get their money refunded. I left and exchanged my ticket for "Sherlock Holmes".

Guy Ritchie, Madonna's soon-to-be ex, directed this cutting edge tongue in cheek period caper about the legendary detective and his faithful side kick. Robert Downey, Jr. plays Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law plays Dr. Watson, a brilliant pair with rapier wit, and astounding deductive reasoning. The chemistry between these two men were superb, and Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, Sherlock's nemesis/love interest, was the perfect trimming to the story. It was action packed. Superbly acted. Funny. AWESOME!

When the movie let out, I noticed that the line to the "Avatar" window was forming again. Quickly, I confirmed that "Avatar" was showing, purchased a ticket, and then made a bee-line to the designated theater.

The movie was without a doubt spelling binding, cinematically beautiful, and action packed. The colors were phenomenal, and the story lines sweeping. A "Fern Gully" meets "Transformers" with romance. The CGI specials effects were incredible and the inclusion of 3-D effects made it even more incredible. Both movies are a definite must see! TWO THUMBS UP!

As I left the theater, I admired the giant Christmas tree underneath a suspended Santa Clause and 8 tiny reindeers that decorated the mall's central courtyard. These Christmas decorations are anomalies in an Islamic country, and were evidence of the power of commercialism. Ho! Ho! Ho!

The Twilight Saga: New Moon is HERE!!!

In the last 24 hours I've received texts, emails, and phone calls about the midnight showing and/or plans to attend the week-end's premiere of New Moon. I am so bummed that I'm not taking part in any of the NM activities, since it doesn't premiere in Egypt until January! Ugh!!! I heard from many that attended the midnight showing from the U.S. to Australia! I saw uploaded mobile phone pics of peeps battened down in jackets and blankets as they waited in line in the cold with their camp chairs, games, and snacks. LoL. Many came in groups and wanted the surety of getting seats together. It was interesting to hear reviews from the different time zones. It was like getting a New Year's party report on the varying stages of the party: some beginning the festivities, some halfway into it, and others nearly completing it. How fun! The first report came from Australia. My movie goer there gave NM two thumbs up with alot of "eye candy" mentionings tacked with a "few cheesy bits" and a hearty "would definitely see it again!!!" Basically, it was my opinion of the first movie, so I will not be disappointed. Watching the Twi-films is NOT just about the films, but what the films evoke: seeing the Twi-characters in action, which draws them a li'l bit closer to our Twi-fanatically racing hearts. So, bite us if you can't relate, you naysayers out there!!! LoL. Then I heard from friends in Alabama who were doing a "Twi-package deal" last night by going to the 10 PM re-showing of Twilight, followed with the midnight showing of New Moon. How kewl was that??? You gotta understand that Twi-hard fans see NOTHING wrong with being in a theater for 4 hours to see Hollywood's Twi-hunks. Nu-uhhh!!! We are truly "bitten" by the Twilight craze! LoL. Then friends on the East Coast from NY, MD, NC, SC, and FL headed out to the midnight showing. I saw uploaded pics of Twi-shirts, Twi-blings, Twi-buttons, and Twi-jackets worn in support of the NM opening. As soon as they entered the theaters, and the texting died down, then friends on the West Coast started sending me reports from Seattle, all parts of California, and sin city Las Vegas. It was maddening and silly and soo much fun, just living vicariously through everyone. Today, more fam and friends will be heading out. I know many who took a half day from work just so they could beat the crowds, but going from the reports I'm receiving, I suspect it will still be crowded as adults (primarily of the female persuasion in the twilight of their tween years) will be playing hookey from work, and will probably (LOL!) run into their daughters who will probably be playing hookey from school. Yet, on a sweet note I know several friends who will be taking their daughters to see it this week-end for some mother n' daughter bonding time. Glad to hear that the hype of this movie has crossed the generation gap and have univerally brought people together in their quest to see this long awaited movie! There may not have been a full moon last night or this week-end even, but I know for a fact New Moon's appearance was a howling success! Can't wait to see it when I go home for the holidays!!! Aiiiiieeoooooooooo!

Update: Overwhelming reports confirmed that New Moon triumphed Twilight at the box office, and may be setting a new record high for an opening night release. It has also been reported, albeit unofficially, that Team Edward fans are converting over to Team Jacob's camp, and retail stores have noted a rise in red riding hood purchases. That is all.

"MJ's This Is It!" -- two thumbs up!!!!

[http://www.thisisit-movie.com/ <--Click here to see the trailer.] Something amazing happened today. I went to see MJ's This Is It! and I was so estatic that I did! Talk about a spellbinding and uplifting 2 hours spent! The movie was a running documentary chronicling MJ's comeback concert tour that he was prepping for right before he died. What I found interesting about the movie was the evidence of Michael Jackson's creative genius at play. Forget the eccentricities, allegations, and rumors... when it came to music, MJ was the KING OF POP. The movie was never intended to air in a public and commercial venue. Footages that went into the movie were meant for MJ's personal viewing library. Thank goodness he had the forethought to allow the cameras to roll, so that fans and curious seekers could see him in his prime.... when he was creating... performing... leading... and making music magic. To see him in rehearsal performing songs that brought me back to my youth was incredible: Billie Jean, Beat It, Thriller, Don't Stop Till You Get Enough, Wanna Be Starting Something, Human Nature, The Girl Is Mine, She's Out of My Life, The Way You Make Me Feel, Smooth Criminal, Heal The World, Man In The Mirror.... and the list goes on inclusive of songs from his pre-solo days with the Jackson 5. Every song he performed brought back warm fuzzies to every event and emotion I was experiencing when his songs were released. Another fascinating factor I observed was his meticulous perfection in getting every note, music arrangement, choreography, lighting, and costume "just right." He was a daunting visionary with a sweet disposition. An iconic paradox. His crew loved and revered him. Every interview was uttered in hushed reverent tones, all in a dazed wonder that they were at the pinnacle height of their career by working with THE legendary MJ. The movie was amazing and inspiring, and at the end achingly sad. To see MJ's larger than life presence alive for 2 hours, only to be reminded in the end that he was gone.... was like going through his demise all over again. He was a candle in the wind whose light was snuffed out too soon, and whose flame flickered brightly while he was on the big screen for the last time.

Egads. Is Marge Simpson Really Baring All?

Will wonders ever cease? Case in point, Marge Simpson, the matronly blue bee-hived lockstress of animation comedy is gracing the cover of... wait for it... PLAYBOY! WTF, you utter? MY point exactly. In tribute to The Simpsons 20th anniversary for being the longest running comedy series in the history of television, newly hired CEO of Playboy Enterprises, Scott Flanders, has pushed forward with this campaign. Well, this is his answer to sagging magazine sales due to competing downloadable porn, anyways. The history making cover will be released in November, along with more "photos" of Marge in a 3-page spread posing in sexy lingerie. I can't help but shake my head at Playboy's choice of "first ever cartoon figure" to land on the cover. Wouldn't Jessica Rabbit, Betty Boop, or She-Ra have been more suitable? I'm not sure if I'm ready to see Marge Simpson's twin peaks. D'oh! In this case, the buck (bust?) stopped with Marge Simpson. Ironically, Playboy has adopted a Bart Simpsonesque attitude by thumbing their noses at the nay sayers as if to say in Bart's squeaky little voice, "Don't have a cow, man. Eat my shorts."

A Lesson in Greek Mythology

I leave at o'dark thirty tomorrow for my end of summer vacay to Athens, Greece and I'm so excited! To help me with the historical aspects of the archaeological sites I will be visiting, I brushed up on my knowledge of Greek mythology, notably on the twelve Olympian gods of Mount Olympus.

1) Zeus: Supreme god of the Olympians. Together with his siblings, they overthew their Titan father Cronus, and Mount Olympus became the new ruling kingdom of the universe. Zeus and his brothers drew lots to see what domain of the world they would rule. Zeus drew the skies, thereby giving him authority over the skies and Mount Olympus. His weapon was the thunderbolt, bc he also became the god of rain. He was notorious for his infidelities.

2) Poseidon: Brother to Zeus, who drew the watery domain of the sea. He was lord of the sea, who ruled with a trident that could shake the earth and shatter any object. Although he was second to Zeus in power, he primarily remained in his watery kingdom.

3) Hades: Brother to Zeus, who drew the worst lot. He was lord of the Underworld; ruler over the dead. He was a greedy god, who was always looking for ways to increase his subjects. He rarely let his subjects leave once they entered his dark domain.

4) Hestia: Sister to Zeus. She was the virgin goddess of the hearth. While she started out as one of the original twelve gods of Mount Olympus, it was said that over time she grew tired of the godly bickering and eventually relinquished her seat to the god of wine, Dionysos (son of Zeus and one of his infidelities).

5) Hera: Wife to Zeus and Queen of the Olympians. She often flew in a vengeance rage over Zeus's many infidelities. Ironically, she was the goddess of marriage.

6) Ares: Son to Zeus and Hera. He was the god of war. He was often depicted carrying a bloodstained spear.

7) Hephaestus: Son to Zeus and Hera. Only god to be physically ugly and lame, he was the god of fire and metal, and was the patron god of blacksmiths. He was also the master builder and armorer for the Olympians.

8) Athena: Daughter to Zeus. She sprang forth from Zeus's forehead (after it was axed to alleviate a "splitting" headache) fully grown and in armor. She was the goddess of handicrafts, domestic arts and agriculture, and was the patron goddess of Athens. Her symbol was the owl and she was known for her profound wisdom.

9) Apollo: Son of Zeus and one of his infidelities, and also twin brother to Artemis. He was the god of prophesy, music, and healing. He was an archer who shot with a silver arrow. He was also the god of truth, who could not lie. His daily task was to drive a chariot drawn by four winged horses across the sky as he dragged the sun behind him.

10) Artemis: Daughter of Zeus and twin sister to Apollo. She was the virgin goddess of the hunt. Like her twin, she also was an archer who shot with a silver arrow. While her brother was associated with the sun, she was associated with the moon.

11) Aphrodite: Daughter of Zeus and and one of his infidelities. She was the goddess of love, desire, and beauty. It was said that she rose newly formed out of the ocean in a gigantic clam shell.

12) Hermes: Son of Zeus and one of his infidelities. He was the messenger of the Olympians, because he was the swiftest. He also guided the dead to the Underworld. He wore winged sandals, a winged hat, and carried a snake-wrapped caduceus staff.

Well, this concludes my lesson in Greek mythology, Kids. LoL. Hopefully, this will be helpful in the blog diaries to come out of Athens. I can't wait for the adventures to unfold! Class dismissed!

Bad Manners Strikes Again!

What's with the outbursts and bad manners here lately that have hit the headlines in the last 4 days? First there was Representative Joe Wilson's vehement "You Lie!" debacle as he erupted like a maelstrom of righteous anger during the President's health care speech to Congress on Wednesday. REGARDLESS if he thought the President was wrong about illegal immigrants not being included in a universal health care coverage.... YOU DON'T INSULT OUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN FRONT OF GOD AND COUNTRY! It was the insult heard around the world. What an eff-ing idiot! Living in the Middle East, where terrorism is a constant threat, I shake my head in shame that one of our own gave clearance for people who hate Americans to use this as a propaganda tool for their diabolical causes. Months from now no one will remember (or care) that it was an issue about illegal immigrants and health care reform.... they're only going to remember that President Obama was called a liar by one of his OWN politicians. I mean, sheesh, if a U.S. elected official can insult him publicly, why not anyone else? I would rather Wilson had thrown his shoe at the President. At least he would've gone to prison rather than be forgiven for an insincere apology. I mean it's not as if President Obama represents the United States of America or something. Oh wait. HE DOES. Why? Because he's the friggin' PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.

And then there's tennis powerhouse Serena Williams. All 5'10" and ripped manly-man-muscles of her threatening the mousy li'l umpire chair for making a bad call at the U.S. Open yesterday. Now granted, the official did make a grievous error. She called a foot fault and she was wrong. Case in point: 1) Instant replay verified that Serena did not err. 2) A foot fault call "cannot be made at the end of any match, let alone in the semifinals of the U.S. Open." Y'know it's bad when even John McEnroe (known for his confrontational on court behavior in the 80's) said Serena's behavior was bad. And he was right. She did not let it go. She kept berating the umpire chair persistently, as her powerful frame towered over the diminutive official, who kept running over to the line judge every time Serena would sound off. I guess her infamous, "I'm going to shove this ball down your f------ throat", didn't help either. From what I've gathered Serena was going to lose the match anyways, but the bigger picture is the thousands of aspiring tennis greats out there that want to grow up and be Serena Williams. And now, they have this bad sportsman-like behavior to aspire to? C'mon, Serena! Whatever happened to rising above a bad call? You're too good to have sunk so low. DON'T BE A WILSON! You're sooooo much smarter than he is!

Joe and Serena, I bid you both to go and search for your manners. Class dismissed!

Egyptian Museum of Antiquities

Yesterday, Deb and I visited the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in downtown Cairo. The pics above and below were the only ones that I took, bc the museum didn't allow any pics to be taken inside. The museum had over 120,000 relics that ranged from pre-historic times to Greco-Roman. Like most visitors, we primarily wanted to see the mummy exhibits and King Tut's treasures. We couldn't wait to see King Tut's bling-blings. LoL.

However, when we got there we found the museum's maintenance and cleanliness to be disappointing. The building was built in 1900. It had dingy walls, poor lighting, no central air, dusty exhibits, and still had aged index cards taped on the outside of each display typewritten in English and Arabic. Egypt had moved to the 21st century, but the museum housing a treasure trove of ancient pharonic relics had not. This was disturbing! There were so many sarcophaguses, statues, and ancient objects at the museum that looked as if they were stuffed in any nook and cranny that could fit them, with little regard for design or arrangement. It was total sensory overload! The artifacts were literally piled on top of one another. The museum had 2 levels, and the upstairs contained the primary exhibits we wanted to see. I downloaded some interior pics from the web. Bare in mind these shots were a bit deceiving bc they were taken far away and in the main lobby of the museum that wasn't overly crowded.

The mummy rooms were very eery. Seeing the blackened and gnarled skeletal remains left visitors with a lasting visual. If I was a kid, I would have had nightmares! However, the mummies were still kewl to look at, especially since I saw the newly discovered mummy of Queen Hatshepsut, whose temple I visited in Luxor!

What wasn't disappointing, however, were the exhibits of King Tut's treasures that were found in his burial tomb in the Valley of the Kings that I toured in Luxor. It should be noted that his mummy remains in a climate controlled glass box in his tomb in Luxor, that draws hundred of thousands of visitors annually there. The discovery of King Tutankhamun by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922 catapulted the 19 y/o pharaoh to be the most widely known Egyptian King in the world. This was primarily due to the tomb's nearly intact treasures that still had over 3,500 objects, and were now on display at the Cairo museum. Another factor for his notoriety was the much ballyhooed "curse of the mummy" that was coined after a series of mishaps and fatal accidents occurred after the tomb was opened. Regardless if there was a curse, King Tut's treasures were truly spectacular to behold!

Despite the physical discomforts that we suffered (it was soooo hot!) inside the museum, it was still WORTH viewing the ancient exhibits that remained surprisingly well preserved and beautifully crafted. Ancient crafters of that era were parallel to none! Just be sure to visit the museum when it's cooler out. LoL.