So The Da Vinci Code has been getting some, how shall I say, shitty reviews. Which is disappointing since I enjoyed the book so much. This morning, when our NBC affiliate was about to run a review of the movie that actually favored it, I was relieved. Until I heard what he said.

I was half-way listening to Jeffery Lyons’ words as I dressed, until something caught both Nate and I’s attention. It was the way he pronouced The Louvre. Yes, he say “Loov-ra.” We both looked at each other and said “No….he didn’t…..did he??” Ok, so I would understand this slip of the tongue (and the intelligence) if it weren’t for a for a couple of factors. One, he watched the movie. I am fairly certain they made reference to the museum SEVERAL times and I am damn certain they pronounced it correctly. Two, I was reading his bio online and the boy is not stupid.

Lyons, the well-known co-host of the PBS series Sneak Previews, 1982-96, has interviewed nearly every major movie and Broadway star over the past four decades….Among his varied interests, Lyons studied acting with Lee Strasberg, attended the Julliard School of Music, trained with the New York Giants, studied bullfighting in Spain, and has been a guest play-by-play announcer for the Boston Red Sox Radio Network, both in English and Spanish.

How is it, then, that a man of this caliber doesn’t know how to pronouce “Louvre?” If he doesn’t know how to pronounce it, then there’s not much hope for the regular movie-goer. I do have to say that he is not alone in his ignorance. I’m sure it sends chills down many French spines to hear Americans speak about Notre Dame. In regards to the college, we don’t pronouce it as they French do, which is fine. But when we roam around Paris as tourists I’m sure they want to ring our necks when they hear some woman from Georgia say “Look honey, it’s the No-ter Dame!”

It seems these were my choices as of late. Here in MA, we were inundated with rain. Down in FL, they haven’t had good rain in months and everything started catching on fire. It’s hard to say who god hates more….

Speaking of rain, I have to point out a vast difference in the definition of a “downpour.” Up North, when people say it’s “pouring” outside, they mean this:

Notice how you can see blue sky through the rain?

In Florida, we count that as plain rain, bordering on sprinkling.
THIS is a downpour:

Can you see sky? I didn’t think so.

People, if you can see outside, more than 10 feet, it’s NOT pouring. Please, you’re insulting those who live in the Lighting Capital of the World. Once again -

Raining:

POURING:

Some other random things that happened in April:

1. I saw John Kerry speak, it was fanatastic and motivating; in fact, if he had campaigned like this a couple of years ago he might have actually won the damn election.

2. I took random pics of flowers because…because that’s what you do when you’re old:

3. And of course I have to include a picture of Toby. I’m sorry, I have no children!

It’s been quite awhile since I’ve blogged, and I have absolutely no excuse. Which normally doesn’t stop me from creating one, but….god, I just can’t lie to you guys

Nate and I headed down to Texas last month, Austin with a little bit of Houston thrown in. It was awesome. I absolutely loved the town. It confirmed for me that people in Boston are generally not friendly, for a number of reasons. Everyone is Austin was laid-back, friendly and open, and more than willing to give you their take on the city. I met a lot non-natives, who moved to Austin and love it. I met several “townies” who actually still adore their hometown. Crazy, right? There’s plenty to do, a great night life (Texas Longhorns anyone?), and the weather was great. Here are some pics:

Barton Springs completely outshines my little DeLeon Springs (although we have manatees, dammit)

The famous 6th Street