Sigh. Woody Allen once again creates a masterpiece of American filmmaking with his latest film, “Midnight in Paris.” I waited for the film to come out on DVD, so excuse me for just now writing about a film that was in theaters last year.

From watching the trailer, Owen Wilson’s character, Gil, is believed to be cheating on his fiancée, Inez—played by the lovely Rachel McAdams; we witness Gil leaving his hotel room at night to walk the streets of Paris alone. It is presumed that he is rendezvousing with a glamorous Parisian woman. While this is partially true, the film is, in fact, much more complex than your average romantic comedy.

Gil is actually leaving his hotel at night and being transported back to 1920s Paris. In his current life, he is unfulfilled by the lackluster American city in which he lives. His relationship with Inez is strained, and she doesn’t seem to understand his psyche. As a writer, Gil is nostalgic about the great writers who emerged during the early 20th century in Paris, and the era and city itself. When he is transported back in time, he encounters some of the literary greats, and truly feels like he has found his place. The idea of time travel can be hokey, to say the least, but “Midnight in Paris” works it in seamlessly and with comedic freedom—as only Woody Allen could do.

The film closely mimics the era, when up-and-coming American writers, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, flocked to Paris for inspiration—usually leaning on each other for camaraderie while simultaneously being each other’s competition. Every party that Gil attends is like the Who’s Who of the Roaring Twenties. For the audience, it’s like a literary trivia game.

Intentionally or unintentionally, the film’s greatest attribute is its underlying theme of nostalgia. Although the film is ultimately a love story, it is the nostalgia premise that will resonate with anyone who has an appreciation for literature, the arts or history. In truth, you’ll become nostalgic about the film that is about nostalgia; although, the youngsters will undoubtedly be hard-pressed to grasp the essence of what makes “Midnight in Paris” so mesmerizing.

The film is Oscar-nominated for Best Picture, although I believe either “The Help” or “The Artist” will beat it. Woody Allen is nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, both of which would be a well-deserved win.

All in all, “Midnight in Paris” is a truly heartfelt and whimsical film that will leave you wanting to be transported to the Jazz Age with Gil to drink a stiff drink with Fitzgerald and Hemingway … and then maybe get in a boxing match with the latter.

When I was five years old, I underwent surgery to remove both my tonsils and adenoids. Apparently, I was rather “nasally” when I spoke. The surgery required a two-night hospital stay and I was put in a room with five other beds, most of them empty.

There was a girl about my age in the bed across from mine. I remember her vividly because she had tubes going in her nose and she wasn’t able to leave her bed. At certain points during the day, the nurses would enter our hospital room and section off her bed with a curtain for privacy. At this point, they would beat on the little girl’s back with such force that she would cry, and I would sit in horror listening to all the commotion.

On my second evening in the hospital, I was recovering from my minor surgery while my mom read to me from my favorite “My Little Pony” book. A few pages into the story (which I had heard a thousand times), my mom stopped and looked across the room at the little girl who was sitting all alone. My mom got up from my bedside and said, “I’m going to go read to her for a little while.”

What happened next is something that I am still ashamed about to this day. As my mom walked away from my bed, a pang of jealousy hit me. I started kicking the bed and screaming, “No! That’s my book. I don’t want you to share it with her. It’s mine!” My mom hadn’t even made it halfway across the room before she turned on her heel and marched right back to my bed with fury on her face and her finger pointed in mine. Whatever she said shut me up quickly. She then walked back over to the little girl (who looked mortified to be the unintentional cause of such commotion), and read her my “My Little Pony” book. I sat there seething over the next hour as I watched the little girl warm to my mom’s presence as they read, laughed and talked together.

The next morning, I awoke feeling rather guilty for my selfishness; I felt bad that I had embarrassed the little girl with my behavior. I sat up in bed and looked across at her bed, smiling apologetically; however, the little girl was not there. Her bed was neatly made and what little belongings she owned had been removed.

It turns out the little girl had succumb to her illness during the night. I would later find out that she had spent her short life battling cystic fibrosis.

My mom later told me that the little girl had been sick for so long, her parents had no choice but to go back to work and take care of their other children at home. Understandably, they did the best they could and made sure to visit her at least once a day.

I can only hope the kindness that my mom showed to the little girl overshadowed my actions that night – I will always regret the way I acted. I was too young to truly understand the situation. Now, when I think about the little girl, I can’t imagine what her life must have been like to live in a hospital and to be so lonely and scared. Sadly, a story similar to the little girl’s is one that you will find in every hospital, in every town, in every country across the world.  

This Thanksgiving, I would like to give thanks for my health and the health of my family members; our health is something that we often take for granted, but it should be cherished as it can be taken away without a minute's notice. On Thanksgiving Day, I will take a moment to think about the families that are spending their Thanksgiving in a hospital room or with a sick family member. I certainly have a lot to be thankful for again this year.

Remember when Facebook was new and mysterious—sort of like a dark, attractive stranger eyeing you from across the room?

Remember when Facebook was an elite entity, only available to those who possessed a college email address?

Remember when Facebook basically existed to chronicle the debauchery of college students?

No? Well, I do.

The original Facebook had only one rule: you had to have a college email address to sign up. There was no moral filter and no unspoken rules; it was just college kids sharing pictures from fraternity parties and theme nights—and trust me, these pictures weren’t always rated PG-13. (Have you seen what college kids pass off as Halloween costumes?) The novelty of Facebook was exciting. Unfortunately, steady changes caused it to quickly wear off.

In the first of many changes that would leave Facebook members disgruntled, Facebook announced that they would let “outsiders” join. (Outsiders definition: anyone who wasn’t an original, college email-possessing Facebook member.) The result of this long-awaited invitation was over 700 million people acting like kids all hopped-up on Mountain Dew. The excitement and jubilation was anticlimactic, to say the least. (The reason James Dean was cool was because he didn’t go around talking about how cool he was.)

It spiraled from here. Next, your parents were “friending” you on Facebook. Accepting this request, as any dutiful son or daughter did, brought on a modern-day inquisition: “Are you dating so-and-so in that picture with you?” “Why did you think it was appropriate to post that as your status?” And the worst: “Don’t tell me you actually wore that as a Halloween costume, let alone out in public?” All of a sudden, college-age kids were being told what they could and couldn’t do with their own Facebook page—and by their own parents, nonetheless!

THIS was the point when the Facebook rules changed. The elite group was compromised and your Facebook etiquette had to be tailored to accommodate the outsiders.

Today, Facebook has all of these “unspoken rules” that have changed it entirely from what it used to be. Since your list of friends now includes your boss, your co-workers, your 13-year-old cousin, your grandma, your parents, and the kids down the street who you babysit on Saturday nights, you are limited in what you can post. No profane language; no risqué pictures; no late-night, grammatically-incorrect status updates that will raise eyebrows as to your sobriety; no complaining about your job; and most importantly, no Halloween pictures!

Sometimes I get a little nostalgic and try and remember the carefree Facebook I once knew. This is nearly impossible considering the amount of changes that have taken place over the years.

Understandably, I could spend hours meticulously going through my friends list, editing the privacy settings for each individual as I see fit. But, to be honest, I can’t be bothered!  

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I don’t like Facebook (because I’m as enthusiastic about it as the next person); it’s just that Facebook isn’t ever going to be what it used to be—which is probably a good thing, considering I’m not in college anymore.

London is considered to be one of the top tourist attractions in the world, and rightly so. The city exudes history, pomp and swank, and there are historical attractions on every street corner. It is home to some of the best restaurants, museums, architecture, shopping and nightlife that you can find.      

London, however, can be a daunting city to traverse as a tourist. The streets are complex (not the typical north to south, east to west street grid common in most American cities), and the underground and bus systems can be confusing to any newcomer.

So, let me introduce you to what I consider one of the greatest entrepreneurial developments to hit London in recent years: smallcarBIGCITY. Aptly named, smallcarBIGCITY offers tours of London in classic Mini Coopers. Whether you are planning to visit London for the first time or you have been before, you must make an appointment to take a smallcarBIGCITY tour.

The idea is ingenious – a native Londoner acts as your driver and tour guide, giving insight into facets of London that you can’t find elsewhere. The tour is personal – no craning your neck to hear the muffled sounds of a tour guide over the loud speaker of a bus – it’s just you and your fellow travelers along for the ride. The Mini’s small size gives it the ability to weave in and out of heavy London traffic, exploring smaller streets and back roads that buses and other tours just can’t navigate.

Another benefit of smallcarBIGCITY is that you pick a tour that suits your interests – and there are plenty to choose from. The Royal London tour is great for those interested in the monarchy, while the seasonal William and Kate tour is perfect for people still enamored with the recent Royal Wedding. Film buffs will love The Italian Job tour, which actually includes a blue boiler suit and tweed cap for each passenger to wear. (Great photo opportunities here!)

For the more adventurous types, the Tale of Two Cities is the tour for you; a tour of London and Paris in the same day, with all of the details coordinated for you. If none of these tours peak your interest, no problem. smallcarBIGCITY also let’s you be the boss. Just hire a Mini (complete with driver) for a full or half day and tell them where you want to go! The smallcarBIGCITY drivers are extremely knowledgeable (not to mention young and charming), and since you are one-on-one with them during all the tours, they can personally answer any questions you might have about London.

Above any other sightseeing experience, smallcarBIGCITY tours are the best, most stylish way to experience London. Plus, the presence of the classic Mini Cooper doesn’t scream “tourist” like most organized sightseeing tours – people will actually stop and stare in awe as you whiz by in a classic Mini looking like one of London’s elite.

Learn more about smallcarBIGCITY on their website: smallcarbigcity.com or on Facebook: facebook.com/smallcarBIGCITY

Oh, and did I mention, it happens to be my brother, Alastair, and his two friends, Robert and Oliver, that started the company? Book your tour today – you won’t be disappointed! 

Henley, my Pomeranian, is a little devil. He is equivalent to a mischievous little toddler; you can’t turn your back on him for more than a second without something happening. On paper, he seems perfect: housebroken, well mannered, and good with kids and other dogs. However, in truth, he is the Eddie Haskell of pint-sized dogs.

One evening, I was in the kitchen making dinner and listening to Bruce Springsteen. I wasn’t even two minutes into “Thunder Road” before I thought to myself, “Where’s Henley?” It was then that I peered into the living room and made the gruesome discovery. Henley had devoured an architecture model that my boyfriend, Domingo, had spent days building for a school project that was due the next day. The remains that Henley didn’t digest were strewn all over the house.

I swear he is the Tasmanian devil disguised in a cream puff exterior. It looked like a cardboard bomb had exploded in my house. The architecture model was beyond salvageable; in fact, it deserved a proper burial after what it had endured. I tried to explain to Henley how much time and effort had gone into building it, but he didn’t care. He just stood there, staring at me flippantly. Needless to say, his extracurricular appetite cost him his real dinner that night.  

We have Four-Legged Fridays at my work and Henley attends on Fridays when I have an ounce of hope that he’ll be well behaved. Having him at work is as exhausting as chaperoning a bunch of screaming kids to Six Flags.

One day at work, Henley was the epitome of the well-trained dog, just sitting quietly under my desk while I worked. I bent down to pet him and praise this unusual behavior when I noticed something in his mouth. To my utter horror and disgust, he had been proudly chewing on a giant cockroach the entire time.

On a different Four-Legged Friday, Henley decided to befriend my boss and jump into her lap while she was working. He didn’t stay long and with one swift move, he was on top of her desk. A tiny whirlwind ensued (think Tasmanian devil), and before anyone knew what was happening, everything on her desk went crashing to the floor. Thankfully, my boss thought it was funny. I, on the other hand, did not.

Everyone that meets Henley falls in love with him. People gush about how cute he is, how fluffy his hair is, how they want to take him home with them. “He’s yours if you want him,” I always joke, because I know they would return him the very next day, explaining to me in disbelief that a scene from the 1984 movie “Gremlins” took place while he was in their possession.  

I often peruse various design blogs, getting inspiration for design projects that I will probably never get around to executing. On more than one occasion, I had noticed the simplistic idea of arranging books on a shelf by color. It made me think of my current display of haphazardly stacked books and after some deliberation, I came to the conclusion that they weren’t adding anything to the overall appeal of my living room.

So, last weekend, I decided to go for it. I wasn’t exactly diving off the deep end in the world of design; I was simply arranging my books by color. After nearly two hours of coughing up dust and separating books by hue, I realized how much fun I was having. Every book I took down from the shelf evoked a different memory.  

When I took down “Catcher in the Rye,” I remembered the summer my mom gave it to me to read; I was a teenager and just reveled in Holden Caulfield’s every word. Looking at the worn cover and torn pages of “Rebecca,” I was transported right back to my dorm room at boarding school, jaw open in shock when I learned the truth about Rebecca’s death. The smell of my old copy of “The Night Before Christmas” brought a tear to my eye—I was six years old again, filled with the excitement of Santa’s impending arrival, sitting on my dad’s knee in my Christmas pajamas while he began with words, “Twas the night before Christmas.”

We now live in a world of iPhones and Kindles; a world where we are constantly trying to distance ourselves from the material book. We are made to believe that real books are such an inconvenience, that they take up too much space and are a commodity we need to dispose of in order to be current in this technological age.

Call me nostalgic, but I like to cherish every book I’ve ever read. I don’t care how much room they take up; in fact, I hope to have a whole library of books one day. My color-arranging design project made me understand the importance of holding on to things we cherish, even if others are changing with the times. You never know how something could become a portal to a memory long since forgotten. 

The workplace can be a fast-paced and hectic world. New graduates can feel lost and confused at the direction they are supposed to take; even seasoned employees can find themselves in sticky situations now and then. Luckily for us, the Bs have compiled an extensive list of recommended reading for everyone from new graduates to advertising and business professionals.

These recommended books contain information to help you choose the right career, hone your networking skills, deal with common workplace issues, become a successful entrepreneur and so much more! Perhaps some of the best advice of all is in the words of Dr. Seuss: "Step with care and great tact and remember that life's a great balancing act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left."

Advertising & Business Professionals

• "Blue Ocean Strategy: How to Create Uncontested Market Space and Make Competition Irrelevant"
  by W. Chan Kim & Renee Mauborgne
  Stephanie Scott

• "Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies"
  by Jim Collins
  Stephanie Scott

• "Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done"
  by Larry Bossidy & Ram Charan
  Stephanie Scott

• "Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap…And Others Don't"
  by Jim Collins
  Stephanie Scott

• "How to Market to People Not Like You"
  by Kelly McDonald
  Lynne Swihart

• "Never Eat Alone: And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time"
  by Keith Ferrazzi with Tahl Raz
  Chip Hanna

• "The Art of Client Service"
  by Robert Solomon
  Jennifer Haynes

• "The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World With Kindness"
  by Linda Kaplan Thaler & Robin Koval
  Lynne Swihart

• "Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life"
  by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
  Lauren Turner

New Graduates

• "Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type"
  by Paul D. Tieger & Barbara Barron-Tieger
  Stephanie Scott

• "Go Put Your Strengths to Work"
  by Marcus Buckingham
  Stephanie Scott

• "Life After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want"
  by Jenny Blake
  Lesley Mason

• "Now, Discover Your Strengths"
  by Marcus Buckingham & Donald O. Clifton
  Stephanie Scott

• "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"
  by Dr. Seuss
  Mick Swindall

Everyone

• "48 Days to the Work You Love"
  by Dan Miller
  Stephanie Orges

• "Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions"
  by Guy Kawasaki
  Brian Blankenship

• "Grammar for Grownups"
  by Val Dumond
  Lynne Swihart

• "Harold and the Purple Crayon"
  by Crockett Johnson
  Lynne Swihart

• "How To Win Friends and Influence People"
  by Dale Carnegie
  Alan Parchman

• "Rework"
  by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
  Brian Blankenship & Scott Nichols

• "The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law"
  by Associated Press
  Lynne Swihart

• "The Little Red Hen"
  by Diane Muldrow
  Lynne Swihart

I remember when I was 9 years old, my mom made me sit down and watch “Gone with the Wind” from start to finish. To give her some credit, I was thankful the movie was in color. However, I had no idea what the so-called “Civil War” was; and Scarlett O’Hara seemed to complain about everything! It honestly seemed like the movie had no end in sight. After hours of squirming in my seat the movie finally ended. “Okay,” my mother told me, “now you can take a bathroom break - it’s intermission.” Intermission? Was she serious?

Also during my adolescence, I was made to watch any movie my mom considered “one of her favorites.” This list was extensive; but here are a few examples: “Schindler’s List,” “Doctor Zhivago,” “Giant,” “Summer of ‘42” and “Casa Blanca.” Apparently, war and heartache was a common theme. At such a young age, I didn’t understand why I was being made to sit through these excruciatingly long and often times depressing movies. (The girl with the red coat!) None of the kids my age had even heard of these movies and they were spending their weekends watching “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” for crying out loud.

However, the sentiment was not completely lost on me. As I got older, the little seed that was planted in my mind began to grow and I started going back and re-watching all of these movies. Subsequently, I was overwhelmed by their ability to invoke my emotions. But more importantly, I was fascinated and intrigued by the many facets that made these movies so great: the cinematography, acting, directing, costumes, editing and screenplay. I went on to study film in school and for my generation, I am oddly nostalgic about these classics, most of which I can quote by heart.

Consequently, my mom’s evil plan worked and I can now laugh at the many years she tortured me as a child. (Although, I’m not sure my bladder has ever forgiven me for “Gone with the Wind.”) I now share the same appreciation for film as my mom; and I give her credit for instilling this in me. It is now a common interest that we both share and we enjoy spending hours discussing the topic.

So thank you and happy Mother’s Day, Mother! I promise I won’t ever use wire hangers again … 

Just a few days ago, I awoke in the middle of the night unable to breathe. As I opened my eyes and tried to catch my breath, I realized there was a large mass weighing down my chest. I had fallen asleep on the couch and it was now 3 o’clock in the morning. A huge thunderstorm had rolled in and my three dogs (with a combined weight of 130 pounds), had found solace from the storm on top of my lungs. I felt awfully sorry for them, they were shaking uncontrollably, but they had to get down from this perch or they were going to suffocate me.

At this point, I was able to get two of the three dogs into a crate respectively. However, I only have two crates, so Sloan was left using me for protection. The night consisted of her pacing to and from the kitchen, then jumping on top of me as soon as I started to fall asleep. This routine lasted most of the night and solidified my determination to go out and buy a third crate the very next day. However, in the end, I got the short end of the stick. The ‘suffering’ dogs slept soundly all the next day (with zero signs of trauma from the previous night) while I had to get up and complete an 8-hour workday. I haven’t been that sleep deprived since college.

 A few months previous to the storm, I had been administering my dogs their monthly heartworm medicine. Using my trusty method, I had all three dogs sit in front of me, patiently awaiting their ‘treat.’ (I pretend the heartworm pill is a treat, give it to them, and then quickly follow it with a real treat.) However, this was the day that my trusty method would fail me. This was also the day that would live in infamy. On this day, I swore off ever having children because I realized I couldn’t handle dogs, let alone kids, and I cried more than I did the day that Elvis died. (Okay Elvis’ death was a little before my time but it still upsets me.)

Anyway, here’s how it all went down: Schatzie, my German shepherd, took her heartworm pill and waited while I gave the others theirs. I came back to her with a real treat but within a flash, she dropped the heartworm pill she had been hiding in her mouth while simultaneously taking the treat from my hand and eating it. Before I was able to comprehend this ingenious trick play on her part, let alone have time to bend down and retrieve the pill, Henley (my Pomeranian) ran over, scooped the pill up in his mouth and swallowed it whole.

I suddenly realized the gravity of the situation. Henley had just ingested a heartworm dosage strong enough for a 100-pound dog -- he weighs only 10 pounds. I frantically tried to retrieve the pill from his mouth (which was long gone at this point) and then proceeded to call my boyfriend hysterically crying that Henley was going to die. However, after a frantic call to the vet and many tears later, Henley ended up being just fine; although he did look confused as to why mass hysteria had erupted.

Obviously, in hindsight, I realize my mistake in not separating the dogs for medicine time. But as my friend pointed out, at least I didn’t have to worry about Henley getting heartworms any time soon! Hopefully, my ignorance will educate others to not make the same mistake as me.  

Next time, I’ll tell you about the time Henley ate my homework …

The Balcom Bs certainly are a diverse bunch, especially when it comes to personal reading preferences. From true crime thrillers and science fiction, to historical novels and autobiographies, our employees stay informed and intrigued away from the office while immersed in their books.

Take a look at which books the B’s have recently enjoyed - and maybe you’ll find your next novel from this list: (All are available from Amazon)

Autobiography

• “Tomboy Bride”
  by Harriet Fish Backus
  Alan Parchman

Biography

• “Georgia O’Keeffe: A Life”
  by Roxana Robinson
  Toni Stuard

• “Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West”
  by Stephen Ambrose
  Scott Nichols

Business

• “Content Rules”
  by Ann Handley & C.C. Chapman
  Carol Glover & Stephanie Orges

• “The New Community Rules: Marketing on the Social Web”
  by Tamar Weinberg
  Lesley Mason

Fiction

• “Apologize, Apologize!”
  by Elizabeth Kelly
  Toni Stuard

• “Book of the Dead”
  by Patricia Cornwell
  Trey Sprinkle

• “Crispin: The End of Time”
  by Avi
  Stephanie Orges

• “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand: A Novel”
  by Helen Simonson
  Toni Stuard

• “Outliers: The Story of Success”
  by Malcolm Gladwell
  Chip Hanna

• “The Help”
  by Kathryn Stockett
  Carol Glover

• “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest”
  by Stieg Larsson
  Lesley Mason

Historical

• “Breakfast at Tiffany’s: The Official 50th Anniversary Companion”
  by Sarah Gristwood
  Jennifer Haynes

• “Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History”
  by S.C. Gwynne
  Alan Parchman

• “Ireland: Awakening”
  by Edward Rutherfurd
  Bruce McLain

Science Fiction

• “Shadow of the Giant”
  by Orson Scott Card
  Phillip Ridlen

• “Space Trilogy: Out of the Silent Planet; Perelandra; That Hideous Strength”
  by C. S. Lewis
  Phillip Ridlen

Self-Help

• “Rich Dad, Poor Dad”
  by Robert T. Kiyosaki
  Trey Sprinkle

• “The 4-Hour Body”
  by Timothy Ferriss
  Scott Nichols

• “The 4-Hour Workweek”
  by Timothy Ferriss
  Chip Hanna

True Crime

• “A Deadly Secret: The Strange Disappearance Of Kathie Durst”
  by Matt Birkbeck
  Stephanie Scott

• “Murder in Italy: The Shocking Slaying of a British Student, the Accused American Girl, and an International Scandal”
  by Candace Dempsey
  Stephanie Scott

• “Small Sacrifices: A True Story of Passion and Murder”
  by Ann Rule
  Jennifer Haynes