No One Can Own Your Soul

Desiderata

2012-01-23T09:08:00.001-06:00

I watched the Master Class episode spotlighting Morgan Freeman last night. I have been a fan of Morgan Freeman since I watched him on The Electric Company when I was a little girl and as I grew up he's been in most of my favorite movies. At the end he paraphrased this poem...and just like that, I am writing again and my muse/inspiration is back. Thanks, Morgan Freeman!

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.

The Al Ringling Theatre

2011-12-01T08:26:00.000-06:00

The Al Ringling theatre was in fact owned by Al of the Ringling Brothers Circus. He picked the Rapp and Rapp architectural firm of Chicago to design the theatre in the French Renaissance style. It was meant to be the one of the largest and finest theaters in Baraboo, Wisconsin. It opened its grand opera doors in November 1915 and has been in continuous operation since....[ Click here to continue reading my article on FilmSnobbery.com... ]

Live With Intention

2011-11-10T16:52:00.000-06:00

I had completely forgotten about this until I randomly came across it recently. It's simple and short but sometimes those little things say so much....

Live With Intention
Walk to the edge
Listen hard
Practice wellness
Play with abandon
Laugh
Choose with no regret
Continue to learn
Appreciate your friends
Do what you love
Live as if this is all there is

Mary Anne Radmacher

20th Century Theatre

2011-10-29T19:33:00.000-05:00

A quick announcement: Down In Front will now be a monthly column instead of a weekly column. All of you ladies who told me that I would be just as busy with my children as teens as I was 10 years ago may now pat yourselves on the back for being absolutely 100% correct!

Built in the Neoclassical Modern or Art Modern style which was popular at the time, the 20th Century Theatre began its long life during the heat of August 1941. The 20th Century Theatre was the first air conditioned theater in Cincinnati, Ohio, one of the first fire proof buildings, and one of the first to offer free valet parking. The guests marveled at the architecture of Fred W. Stritzel when they arrived to watch stars Tyrone Power and Rita Hayworth in Blood And Sand....Click here to continue reading my article on FilmSnobbery.com.

1891 Fredonia Opera House

2011-09-13T12:32:00.000-05:00

This week’s column is brought to you by the letters ‘K’ and ‘G.’ K for Holy sweet glazed deliciousness! They are building a Krispy Kreme donut shop right down the street from my house! G for my new best friend, Gym as I have a feeling I will be paling around with him about 6 times a week now that they are building said Krispy Kreme….

So, I decided to take a break from the usual drive in movie theater history article today and write about one of those other interesting theaters I keep alluding to. I found the 1891 Fredonia Opera House... Click here to finish reading my column on FilmSnobbbery.com!

Dallas Motor Vu Drive In

2011-09-06T11:15:00.000-05:00

When you hear of a city named Dallas, the images that immediately come to mind are cows, horses, dusty roads, and flat land as far as the eye can see. Those of you who have been farther west than Las Vegas, have probably heard of the city of Dallas, Oregon, home to the Dallas Motor Vu Drive In Theater... Click here to continue reading my column on FilmSnobbery.com!

That Man Is Mine

2011-08-28T14:07:00.000-05:00

I saw her spy him from the corner of her eye
She creeped up sneakily from behind
and tapped him on the shoulder
she just wanted to say "Hi."

Walk away little girl
I am not known to be kind
Stroll right along young one
That man, he is mine

I watched them through the ocean-side cafe's window
A spontaneous afternoon trip
As she put her hand on his shoulder
she licked her lip
and giggled as she slanted her head to the side

You are wasting your time little girl
I've already used and know all of your tricks
Every woman has used them at some point in time
So kick rocks harlot
That man, he is mine

He steps back and stands there awkwardly
after he shakes his head and shows his ring
I do have to compliment you, Ms. 20-something
You do have excellent taste
But going after my husband is a waste

So run away, hussy
This is your first life lesson: You don't get to win everything
just because you have a pussy
I'm two steps from my chair, you clearly don't understand the bottom line
That man? That man you wanted to moan with as your legs entwined?
That man who always has me and our 2 children on his mind?

That man will always, ALWAYS be mine.

~8/26/2011

Photo via

Malden Drive In

2011-08-16T17:19:00.000-05:00

In 1947, Mr. Kaup from Malden Pennsylvania built and opened the Cuppies Drive In.Business was smooth and steady and in 1976, the Shashura family bought the drive in theater from Mr. Kaup and changed the name to the Malden Drive In.

Click here to continue reading my article on FilmSnobbery.com!

Sunset Drive In

2011-08-09T11:01:00.000-05:00

In southwest Missouri, you will find the area’s favorite drive in theater, the Sunset Drive In located in Aurora. April 1951 marked the beginning of the theater’s history after being built and operated by Ralph Hough Sr. and family. In 1966, Jesse, Cecil and Clyde Ruble bought the Sunset Drive In. Current owner, David Marks, began working there when he was a high school senior in 1965 and by 1977 he was able to buy the theater from the Rubles. The Sunset Drive In originally had a capacity for 200 cars and a giant wooden screen..... Click here to continue reading my article on FilmSnobbery.com!

Milford Twin Drive In

2011-08-02T12:50:00.000-05:00

The Milford Twin Drive In began its life in 1958 when several area people and laborers built the theater hoping to cash in on the drive in “craze” of the 50s. It was opened with a single 84 foot wooden frame screen, a concession, projection room, and restroom mixture building, a playground and the box office. However, the interest in drive in theaters had waned and by the 60s the theater was sold....[ Click here to continue reading my column on FilmSnobbery.com!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T12:23:00.001-05:00

via

The Showboat Drive In

2011-06-21T12:44:00.000-05:00

The best indicator of how much of a success drive in theaters are still today is the fact that there are actually brand new drive ins being built during this millenium. For example, The Showboat Drive In located just outside of Houston in Hockley, Texas was opened in March of 2006. Just as most drive in theaters, it is family owned and operated and owners Johnny and Chris Rumfolo take pride in providing family entertainment for their drive in patrons.... [ Click here to continue reading my column on FilmSnobbery.com! ]

Skyway Drive In

2011-06-14T12:14:00.000-05:00

It’s no secret that one of the best things about drive in movie theaters is the retro feeling you get. From the ticket booths to the snack bar, you almost feel as if you have gone back in time. Being the second oldest continuously running drive in located in the state of Wisconsin, the Skyway Drive In between Fish Creek and Ephraim is a great example of that 50′s era nostalgia...[ Click here to continue reading this article on FilmSnobbery.com!

Magic City Drive In

2011-06-07T09:46:00.000-05:00

If you ever find yourself in the Akron, Ohio area you should definitely stop by Barberton to catch a flick at the Magic City Drive In. Built in 1953 by Vince Lauter and Lou Ratener, the Magic City Drive In began its life as a single screen ozoner. Mr. Lauter also owned the West Theatre (indoor cinema) and Lou Ratener owned the Montrose Drive In over in Copley. Business was steady at the Magic City drive in theater and both owners agreed that it was a great investment....[ Click here to continue reading my column on FilmSnobbery.com!

Pageant Drive In

2011-05-24T12:10:00.001-05:00

Medicine Lodge, Kansas is a city full of history. Every year they hold the Medicine Lodge Indian Peace Treaty of 1867 Pageant commemorating the Peace Council of 1867 between the United States Government and the proud civilization of the Plains Indians which included the Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, and Kiowa. The Pageant is held from September 23 – 25 and is packed full of interesting and fun activities for everyone. Medicine Lodge is definitely a town worth visiting for the Pageant and of course, The Pageant Drive In....[ Click here to continue reading my column on FilmSnobbery.com]

The Versatile Blogger Award

2011-05-18T16:57:00.000-05:00

I won an award! *squee*

My awesome pal, Christine at Moonlit Dreams picked me for a Versatile Blogger award! Thanks, Christine!

The rules for this award are as follows:

1. Thank and link to the person who nominated you.

2. Share seven random facts about yourself.

3. Pass the award along to 5 new-found blogging buddies.

4. Contact the winners to congratulate them.

And now without further ado, here are seven random facts about me:

1. People who have never met me in person always think I am taller than I actually am. When I DO meet them in person, they are surprised to find that I am only 5 feet tall.

2. Whenever I am having a bad day where I just feel awful, sad, and can't cheer up...I watch the Jerry Springer or Maury Povich show. Just 5 minutes of watching either of those shows makes me feel like the smartest, most well adjusted person in the universe!

3. I recently lost 24 pounds just by changing how I eat. I still have a little more to go but instead of a quick fix, I decided to focus on not drinking soda, quit eating fast food, and really opening up to healthier choices. I don't drink, I don't smoke cigarettes, and I don't do drugs. Now, I'm eating more vegetables and fruit and less carbs and meat and I don't think I have ever felt this great in my entire life! My children have also started to make better choices as well and it feels good to know that I am setting a good example for them.

4. I am horribly addicted to iced coffee with caramel and cream from Dunkin Donuts, however. Coffee is my one and only vice!

5. I get really annoyed when my house is messy. Not by OCD standards or anything, I just don't like clutter. I blame it on all the Hoarders/hoarding shows I watch for making me this way.

6. I have a ridiculous amount of books and bookshelves...but I can't seem to let any of them go. It would be like giving away an old friend.

7. My idea of a perfect day would be spending a nice breezy sunny day on the beach with my family, coming home and having a good meal, and slowly falling asleep on a cool dusky evening while slowly swaying in the hammock on the porch. Bliss!

Now, I choose these five people for the Versatile Blogger award:

Kit at Blogging Dangerously

David at The Writer's Den

Candice at Negative Smart

Joseph at The National Affairs Desk

Caroline at Attorney at Mom

<3

Midway Drive In

2011-05-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

This week I decided to display one of the five remaining drive in theaters in the Mt. Rushmore state. As you will notice, a lot of drive in theaters have the same name. So, even though I have already highlighted a Midway Drive In from Illinois, this Midway Drive In is found halfway between Miller and St. Lawrence, South Dakota. It has been showing double features since its opening day, June 18, 1953. The two movies shown first were, Take Me to Town, starring Ann Sheridan, Sterling Hayden and Philip Reed and San Antone, starring Rod Cameron. Original owners, Ernest Schweigerdt and John Kirschenman ran the Midway until 1963 when Ernest's daughter Alyce and her husband, Marvin Oligmueller, purchased the drive-in. They happily continued to run the drive-in for the next 41 summers..... [ Click here to continue reading the rest of my column on FilmSnobbery.com !

Nobody Said You HAVE To Buy A Mini-Van

2011-05-13T12:38:00.000-05:00

"Your favorite commercial is on again," says my husband as I was walking over to join him on the couch for some much needed veg-out time.

"Bleh, that commercial is so stupid," I replied as I covered up with my favorite blanket and sank into the plump cushions on our couch.

What commercial is it? It's the one where the guy is sitting in the mini-van contemplating buying a mini-van and EEEK! having kids ZOMG.

Spare me.

Because, you know, EVERYONE who has children drives a mini-van, right? Why own a mini-van if it's not used exclusively for toting the sweet being wrought from your very own loins everywhere their spoiled to the core ass wants to go, right? Because YOU KNOW a family who is in a mini-van does activites. A mini-van family has ballet classes and sports events to attend. A mini-van family has*IMPORTANT THINGS* going on and don't you forget it.

I am NOT even close to a mini-van mom.

Sure my son played soccer and my daughter attended just for fun summer art classes, but we were able to accomplish this without any mini-van involved. Shocking, I know!

Now, don't get me wrong. I do realize that some families NEED a mini-van because they have more than 3 children, but I only have one son and one daughter who are 2 years apart.

And for some strange reason, both of them have turned out just fine. They may fight amongst themselves once and awhile but for the most part, their behavior is WAY better than mine was at their age. They are turning 15 and 13 in a few months and I am amazed at how they have grown up to be the smart, responsible young adults that they are. Sure, they've had their moments....

.... but seriously, they are good kids and make me very proud. All without the help of a mini-van. I just don't know how we managed!

And that is the crux of the entire matter. If you were to believe advertising across mass media in this country, it is just assumed that once you become a parent you become part of the mini-van club and totally forget how to be a regular human being without wiping poop or puke off of something. It's like assuming that Newt Gingrich ISN'T a reptile overlord hiding in a man suit. Or like assuming Glen Beck has a conscience and isn't really a moron. *When you assume, you make an ass out of U and ME. I know, sometimes it's easy to forget this is America and we are the badasses of the world. Once those beach bikini beer babes get pregnant, they turn into mousy brunettes who totally love nothing more than driving their wonderkids around all day, right? Right! It's totally in the Constitution.**

Actual representation of America

And, it's not that I don't enjoy being a parent, I love being a parent! My children have taught me more than any book, teacher, or educational film ever could. I just think I don't need a mini-van to be a "good" mom. I followed my own path when it came to parenting and so far, it has worked out pretty well. If your path leads you to a mini-van, then get a mini-van.

Just don't make any assumptions about my parenting style just because I refuse to get one.

And seriously, a "swagger wagon"? Just stop it.

*Terrible mom advice in 3..,2,...1..
**No, it's not.

Park Place Drive In

2011-05-10T11:57:00.000-05:00

Virginia is a very scenic state with many different types of geography to see. If you would like to take a dip in the rolling waves of the Atlantic ocean, there are plenty of beaches. If you like the bustling atmosphere of the city, take your pick of the many cities you will find there. My most favorite part of Virginia is the mountains and the camping available right by historic areas like the Natural Bridge. How do I know so much about Virginia? I was born and lived almost my entire life there so I’m a bit biased in my love for the state. After all, Virginia IS for lovers.

Way up in the mountains out toward Blacksburg and Wytheville, Marion is home to Park Place Drive In. It was built on the very same spot of an older drive in theater, Park Drive In, that was in business from 1954 until 1983. Although it is not a resurrection of that theater, Park Place Drive In has certainly been a welcome asset to the community..... [ Click here to continue reading on FilmSnobbery.com!

Saco Drive In

2011-05-03T14:49:00.000-05:00

If I were to believe every single Stephen King novel I read growing up, Maine would not be somewhere I would like to visit as weird stuff seems to happen there constantly. Luckily, I am able to separate fiction from reality and decided to showcase the Saco Drive In Theater in Saco, Maine this week.

Founder Eugene V. Boragine decided to build the Saco on the “Avenue of America” US Rt 1in 1938 billing it “The Showplace of Maine.” On opening day, July 15, 1939, admission for the first feature, Forbidden Music starring Jimmy Durante was only 35 cents (kids twelve and under were free). Not only was the Saco the first drive in built in Maine, it is the 17th drive in built in the country and is now the second oldest drive in still in operation.... [ Click here to finish reading this article on FilmSnobbery.com

Fun-Lan Drive In

2011-04-26T13:11:00.000-05:00

What I have learned from writing about, reading, and researching these drive in movie theaters is that the owners of every single one of them are completely dedicated to keeping the tradition of drive in theaters alive. Whether it’s by keeping their ticket prices affordable, making the drive in fun for the whole family by building it up to be an entertainment complex, special events like car shows, costume nights, flea markets, or by making a special dish to keep customers coming back to their drive in, these owners are fully invested in making sure you have a great time at the movies.

Like most drive in operators, Chuck Rose has been dedicated since the Fun Lan Drive In opened on January 10, 1950. Original owners, Carl Floyd and Pete Sones, featured I was a Male War Bride starring Ann Sheridan and Cary Grant on the single screen. Admission price was only 48 cents and for 20 cents more you could purchase a small bag of popcorn and a small drink or a hotdog...... [ Click here to continue reading this article on FilmSnobbery.com ]

Hollywood Drive In

2011-04-19T12:25:00.000-05:00

Is there any place other than Route 66 that is absolutely perfect for a drive in movie theater? James Fisher definitely didn’t think so when he built the Hollywood Drive In on Route 66 just outside of Troy in Averill Park, New York in 1952. After opening on May 22, 1953, he ran the drive in year round with the help of his wife, Beatrice and son, Frank for the next sixteen years..... *Click here to continue reading this article on FilmSnobbery.com*

Transit Drive In

2011-04-12T12:44:00.000-05:00

Original owners, Irving and Mary Cohen, started out in movie theater ownership by owning a small theater in Wayland, New York in 1927. In the following years, they purchased or bought many other theaters in the Central and Western New York area, such as the Plaza in Corning or the Strand in Hornell. By 1937, they built the Stueben in Hornell which was considered at that time the most beautiful theater in the northeast. They purchased the historic Allendale Theater in Buffalo, remodeled it in the 50s and leased it to other operators. They built the Van Buren Drive In in Dunkirk in 1949 and operated it until 1979 when they sold it to the Dipson theater chain in 1979. In 1950, they built the Sheridan Drive In located in Towanda, New York which unfortunately closed in 1981. In 1957, Mr. and Mrs. Cohen bought the Transit Drive In just a little bit outside of Lockport, New York from a group of Buffalo area businessmen. All while managing to raise two sons and a daughter..... Click here to continue reading this article on FilmSnobbery.com

Evergreen Drive In

2011-04-05T09:06:00.000-05:00

The Evergreen Drive In opened on June 19, 1947 just outside of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. It was built by Donald J. Ruth and originally called the Ruthorn Drive In. In 1949 however, Mr. Ruth decided to change the name to Evergreen Drive In.... [ Click here to continue reading this article on FilmSnobbery.com ]

Warwick Drive In

2011-03-29T12:34:00.001-05:00

Built in 1950 by Charles & Mary Finger and George & Adeline Miller on 5 acres of land owned by Paul & Emma Miller, the Warwick Drive In sprang to life ready for business in Warwick, New York. George & Adeline soon decided to sell their share of the drive in and land to Russ & Gloria Eurich. The Finger family eventually bought out all shares of the property and ran the business successfully for 25 years....[ Click here to continue reading this article on FilmSnobbery.com ! ]