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Not Your Grandmother's Masterpiece Theatre

January 28, 2010 by

I attended graduate school at a state university located in a fairly rural town. By the time I starting working on my thesis, most of my college friends from undergrad and even grad school had moved on. So, I was left on my own grasping for things to do in such as small town. 

Although I had a nice apartment with a nice television, I could not afford cable. As a result, my television entertainment consisted mostly of DVD’s and shows that aired on the two stations that I did get reception for: CBS and PBS. At the time, CBS didn’t have the line-up like it does now, so I found myself watching a lot of PBS. In fact, I watched PBS so much that I began to look forward to my favorite “shows” each week, particularly Masterpiece Theatre. Now, before you roll your eyes or, worse, avert  your attention, I was not always a fan of Masterpiece.

Jane Austen's "Emma" on PBS. Image from PBS Web site.


When I was a little girl, I associated PBS solely with Masterpiece Theatre. Back then, I didn’t appreciate the amazing adaptations that brought classic novels to life. I always thought of Masterpiece Theatre my mother’s or grandmother’s show, where a stodgy old Englishman was the host. I dreaded Sunday night’s when I had to choose between going to bed early or watching a dry British documentary or drama on PBS. Eventually and quite thankfully, I began to appreciate these educational shows.

Oh, Anne

In fact, watching PBS first opened my eyes to the Anne of Green Gables series with Megan Follows, one of my absolute favorites! Who could forget Follows’ portrayal of the Canadian red-headed, strong-willed, hopelessly romantic Anne (that’s Anne with an e). She left my sisters and I – and many girls our age – wishing we could live on Prince Edward Island. And Anne left me with more, the dream of wanting to be a writer.

The Changing Masterpiece

Oh, how times have changed! I still love writing, but the idea of wanting to reside on a cold and windy, albeit beautiful, Nova Scotia island, has since withered like Queen Anne’s lace. But, one thing that definitely hasn’t changed is my affection for PBS and Masterpiece Theatre. I, like most Americans with a television, now have cable. Not Direct TV, satellite TV, or the DISH, just basic cable. But this, my friends, is completely enough. In addition to not having time to watch television, I feel that as long as I have the basics, including PBS, I am good as gold.

Thankfully, as I have changed, so have PBS and Masterpiece Theatre. As I mentioned, In the old days, British gent George Plimpton was the host of the show. He would come on in your typical tweed jacket and be sitting in front of a bookcase in the quintessential British library, each time to introduce old British or European classics that were hard for me to understand. In 2008, the show introduced a new look and three separate Masterpiece entities, Masterpiece Classic, Masterpiece Mystery, and Masterpiece Contemporary, each with a different focus and different hosts.

The British Greats

Although Anne of Green Gables may be played on occasion, such as during fundraising events, now Masterpiece Theatre (or Masterpiece Classic as it’s now called) showcases updated broadcast versions of beloved novels by Jane Austen, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and more. I was much more familiar with these authors having read their works in high school and college. And the actors in these films are truly amazing. Who can honestly get enough of Dame Judi Dench and Colin Firth?

Plus, there’s something very sophisticated and romantic about these Masterpiece movies. Whenever I watch Pride and Prejudice or David Copperfield, I’m transported to a different time, a different country – a different world – without leaving my home, even if it is just for a few hours. And for someone who loves England and Europe as much as I do, living the European life vicariously through televised novels is a welcomed treat.

If you are a lover of Masterpiece movies, I’m sure you know exactly how I feel. If you are not, I encourage you to turn on your TV on a Sunday night and tune into a Jane Austen classic. I guarantee that what you will find is not your grandmother’s Masterpiece Theatre. Instead, you may just discover a new appreciation, a new love, a new masterpiece – but without the stuffy Englishman in the smoking jacket.

Check out the new Masterpiece schedule – especially the Jane Austen lineup – on the 2010 Masterpiece Classic on PBS:

  • Emma, January 24 – Februrary 7, 2010, 9 PM Eastern
  • Northanger Abbey, February 14, 2010, 9 PM Eastern
  • Persuasion, February 21, 2010, 9 PM Eastern

Ciao!

Filed Under: Joie de Vivre Tagged With: , , , , , ,

14 Movies to Bring Europe Home

January 25, 2010 by

Guest Post: Bistro Chic’s Husband, Scott.

As you can see from Bistro Chic’s previous post, My wife is out of commission today. She’s also booked up with projects. So, she asked me if I would write a guest post.

She sent me a link with something about how guys use womens products, and that didn’t sound too exciting to me. Although, she’s the editor, and so, here’s my blurb about it.

“Growing number of men ‘use partner’s makeup’, survey says”

I don’t really have anything to say other than, I have used my wife’s shampoo and conditioner for years, because I feel soap is soap. Other than that, I’ve been tempted with my wife’s makeup once at Halloween when I wanted to go as a some not very humourous costume, and I was too frugal to buy halloween makeup. Needless to say, I chose a different costume for that party.

As you can see, I can not replace the chicness that is my wife. I’m sure she had a much better idea of how to talk about that article than me. I’m not even sure how European that is?

I also must confess, that while my wife is a Euro Chic Lady, I’m an all American Man. I love apple pie, baseball, trips to the U.S. National Parks, Disney, and anything else American. So, I’m not sure I’m the right candidate for guest posting.

Don’t get me wrong, I love go to Europe, and I can’t wait for my next trip abroad, but I love my United States as well. I do love a good museum and cultural event. I’m a Shakespeare fan. French Bistro and Latin Flamenco music are definitely worth listening too. Hey- if I keep going, I think I’ll realize I have more of a Euro perspective than my fellow American Man might have.

So, I was thinking of topics to write for Bistro Chic while getting a DVD out for my nightly treadmill workout. Funny thing is, I noticed a trend. Many of the movies my wife and I bought have some sort of Euro Flavor. Now, my wife is not that big of a movie buyer. She has influence no doubt, but I tend to make the DVD purchases.

I guess if you can not go to Europe all the time, one way is to bring the sights and stories of Europe home.

Without further adieu, straight from our Movie collection and other favorites,
Movies to bring Europe into your house!

  1. Braveheart
    Braveheart
  2. Gosford Park
    Gosford Park
  3. Mary Poppins
    Mary Poppins
    We’ve debated. Could they ever remake this classic? Who could play Dick Van Dyke’s Part? He was marvelous.
  4. My Fair Lady
    My Fair Lady
    Can I get Henry Higgins’ library?
  5. Shakespeare in Love
    Shakespeare In Love
    Very Funny Romatic Comedy. I love how they are able to tie in many of the William Shakespeare rumors into this one.
  6. Amelie
    Amelie
    When I found out this was not in English, I was not too happy, but then after laughing at this movie, I thought I learned to speak French.
  7. The Godfather
    The Godfather
    (Okay this is a stretch, but the scene where Michael goes back to Italy. Okay, okay. I almost put Saving Private Ryan, Indiana Jones, or Star Wars, and those would have been even more of a stretch.)
  8. Shadowlands

    I loved this movie about C.S. Lewis. I read a ton of C.S. Lewis work after seeing this movie. Although, I have yet to see the BBC version of this movie which I hear is even better.
  9. Remains of the Day
    Remains of the Day
    Who doesn’t love tension between two potential lovers.
  10. Chocolat
    Chocolat
    A great near-the-end-of-Lent movie.
  11. Love Actually
    Love Actually
    British Humor cracks me up. We love to watch this movie at Christmas.
  12. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    Lord of the Rings Trilogy
    Obviously, this is not a European movie, but having been penned by the famed J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s hard not to include it.
  13. Harry Potter
    Harry Potter
    We may have all of the Harry Potter DVD’s, but my wife will always stop on the TV station if Harry Potter is on. Fun movies.
  14. V for Vendetta
    V For Vendetta
    “Remember, Remember, the fifth of November!”

Hope you enjoyed. Now, its back to my regularly scheduled workout. Hmm, I think, I’ll watch Braveheart tonight.

What’s your favorite movie to bring Europe home?

Filed Under: Joie de Vivre Tagged With: ,

Being Sick is Not Sexy

January 25, 2010 by

Hey Bistro Chic readers.

I’ve been wicked sick since 3 AM this morning. Unfortunately, I did not have anything exciting prepared for today’s post.

I’m headed back to bed. See you all on Thursday.

Filed Under: Joie de Vivre

Feel Like a Princess Every Day

January 21, 2010 by

I don’t consider myself high-maintenance (but who does, right?) nor do I think I have princess qualities. But, every girl, at some point in time, wishes she was a princess. We want to feel special, we want to have nice things, we want to appear glamorous. Then, for most little girls, the reality of not becoming a princess sets in and she must come to terms with being a regular person, just like everyone else. But, even though we can’t really be a princess, what is stopping us from feeling like a princess?

A few years ago, I discovered a very fun and rather quirky book by Jennifer “Gin” Sander. The book, Wear More Cashmere, is dedicated to helping women find their inner princess. Although some of Sander’s ideas are a bit of a stretch (who’s really going to design their own family crest?), she offers 151 ways to rediscover and pamper your inner princess. Here are a few of my personal favorites that I try to practice each day. 

  • Stand Tall – When have you ever seen a princess slouch? Standing tall like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, or even Gwyneth Paltrow, gives the allure of elegance and grace – both qualities of a princess.
  • Robed in Style – What could be more elegant than stepping out of the shower or your bath and slipping on a gorgeous robe? And, it doesn’t have to be purple velvet to feel regal – any silk robe that makes you feel beautiful will do.
  • Tea for One - Taking tea is quite an art, but it need not be reserved for British royalty. Start with a steaming teapot or kettle of water poured into a dainty teacup, then add a high-quality tea sachet or loose-leaf tea and a bit of sugar and/or cream; then sip, relax, and practice your princess wave.
  • That’s a Wrap - From silk to cotton, long to short, and chunky to thin, scarves and pashminas are becoming quite popular these days. But, even before their recent popularity, scarves were worn by Jackie Kennedy and Princess Grace, two icons with exceptional princess style.
  • Pearls of Wisdom - No need to wait for a fancy ball or even a wedding to wear those precious pearls, flaunt them during a shopping trip or a night out with the girls. Want instant glamour – add some pearls!
  • Only the Best – You may be on a budget, but that doesn’t mean you need to pinch pennies when it comes to your inner princess. Whatever it is you need or want, buy the best you can afford and enjoy every penny you’ve spent. Need a new bath towel? Buy a luxurious Egyptian cotton towel from an outlet store. No one needs to know it was only $10!
  • The Sound of Music - If there’s one thing I hate, it’s waking up to the sound of an obnoxious alarm clock. Instead, I program my alarm to my favorite classical radio station. So, each morning, I rise to the beautiful sounds of Bach and Mozart – music fit for a princess!

If you’re longing to feel like a little princess again, remember this…take time for yourself, nurturing your mind, body, and soul. And, no matter how small the gesture or behavior, whatever you do, do it with confidence and style – the tiara is optional.

Filed Under: Joie de Vivre Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

When It Comes To Wine, Less Is More

January 18, 2010 by

Nearly a year ago, I posted an article about how the French government was encouraging its citizens to stop drinking wine. This unprecedented call to action was prompted by new research showing that daily wine intake was linked to several cancers.

Now, scientists are saying that consuming wine, or any alcoholic beverage, that has a lower-alcohol content can help reduce the risk for a number of cancers, including breast cancer, liver cancer, and cancers of the mouth and larynx.

The World Cancer Research Fund, a London-based charity that raises awareness about cancer prevention, reports that approximately 20,000 cases of cancer in the United Kingdom every year are linked to alcohol. However, the group calculated that if people who regularly drank a large glass of 14% alcohol wine a day switched to a 10% alcohol aleternative, they could reduce their risk of bowel cancer by 7 percent. This is roughly a reduction from 6 people in 100 getting the disease to 5 in 100.

The researchers note that the findings are not limited to wine, but that switching to lower-alcohol liquor or beer also can have the same benefit. To reduce your risk for cancer, experts not only recommend switching to non or lower-alcohol drinks, but also limiting the number of alcoholic drinks to 2 per day for men and one for women.

Filed Under: Food & Wine Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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