Elizabeth Banks

Canadian $20 Bill Bank of Canada Banknote in Canadian Dollars
$25.99
The artwork of Bill Reid (1920-1998), inspired by the Haida culture of Canada's northwest coast, was chosen to represent this theme. Internationally recognized as one of Canada's most accomplished artists, Bill Reid embraced many art forms during his career. His magnificent works range from the intricate to the monumentalwoodcarvings, exquisite jewellery, beautiful prints, and massive sculptures. Depicted on the new $20 note are The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, The Raven and the First Men, The Grizzly Bear, and Mythic Messengers. Bill Reid was a mentor, and his work continues to inspire Canadian artists in all fields.

Great Operatic Arias
$15.98
This is an interesting CD from soprano Elizabeth Futral. The theme of this is a set of operatic arias sung in English, not in the original French or Italian or. . . . I'm not sure how sold I am on the concept, but, after all, it's the singing and musicality that is most important. And, by that measure, Elizabeth Futral does very nicely.

The accompanying booklet begins by noting that (page 8) "The voice of the light soprano has enchanted listeners for centuries." Futral's singing is characteristic of this type of voice.

In this era, any coloratura soprano has two challenges: first, to compare with the past generation's astonishingly talented practitioners, well exemplified by Joan Sutherland and Beverly Sill. Second, though, there are some wonderful coloratura sopranos today against whom others will be compared, with Natalie Dessay and Sumi Jo among the most adept. Thus, Futral will almost automatically be compared with such exemplars. I do not think one could say she is the equal of those four just mentioned, but she does not compare badly either.

From the Wikipedia: "In musical notation, the Italian word staccato (literally detached, plural staccatos or staccati) indicates that notes are sounded in a detached and distinctly separate manner, with silence making up the latter part of the time allocated to each note. The rhythm is not affected. Notes identified as staccato should be played or sung abruptly and short." This is worthy of comment, since the "Bell Song" from "Lakme," one of the selections on this CD, features many such notes. Futral sings them well. Her performance in this work is well done (although it is somewhat jarring, again, to hear it sung in English). She begins with a nice high note and a bang up following trill. She displays good agility and features nice technique on staccato notes. Overall, this is well done. Toward the end, which calls for great ornamentation, she seems a bit hesitant at time, but she concludes with a nicely sung high note.

Other examples of her singing. From Handel's "Alcina," she sings "Come take me in your arms." Her voice is a light, standard coloratura voice (although not all coloratura sopranos have such a voice, of course). She displays considerable agility, a decent trill, and good ornamentation. There is a bit of harshness on a high note toward the close, but hardly fatal to the overall positive effect of her singing.

From Donizetti's "Linda di Chamounix," there is "My soul is filled with love for you" (otherwise known as "O luce di quest'anima"). Her version is not too shabby when compared with such greats as Sutherland and Jo. The cabaletta shows off, again, her agile voice. Good staccato high notes. Nice trills and a well nailed final high note.

Then there is the charming "Son vergin vezzosa" from Bellini's "I Puritani," here entitled "A maiden adorning." Again, nice agility, good trills, well done florid singing technique. While there is some harshness in the penultimate high note, overall, well done.

In short, Futral adds to a currently rich supply of coloratura sopranos, and compares well with the best of them.

Wet Hot American Summer
$14.98
Anyone who would give a movie like this 5 stars obviously hasn't seen very many movies. I doubt that any of the major actors in the film would think of giving it that high of a score. It's making fun of great movies (like Meatballs) and lesser movies of the 80's. It's just a parody. Even a great movie like Meatballs (with superior acting, directing and production) doesn't deserve 5 stars. There are some funny scenes in the film, but that's about it. I'd rather watch Meatballs, or the State.

The Uninvited
$19.99
So I am one of those people who absolutely love horror movies, even the crappy ones like 'The Ring'. So with this movie I had no idea what it was about until me and my cousin rented it.

For those who don't know 'The Uninvited' is about two girls, one of which has been recently released from a psychward after the strange death of their mother. They both start investigating the past of their father's new girlfriend (who happens to have been their mothers former nurse). Later they come to the conclusion that she setup the murder of their mother and they try and get people to believe them.

Anyways, I would reccomend this movie to most people who love the creepy kinds of movies. It really isn't a movie that makes you want to have bad dreams for a week, but their are a few parts thay could be certified as 'creepy'. Furthermore, the movie is really good especially the ending!(which happens to be one of the biggest twists I have ever seen in a movie!