I've enjoyed reading Scott Woods' recap of his year in poetry. Don't know if I can do a top ten, but I think I can go back and pull of few of the most memorable moments down. Give me a day or two.
Headed back to work after a six day vacation. The child goes back to school on Monday. Not a moment too soon. He was bouncing off the walls from about six yesterday morning to ten at night. At least he slept without interruption.
Here's a list of all the movies I saw this year. They're not ranked. If I hated any of them I would have mentioned that already. Ok, I hated Hamlet 2. A few might be missing due to the hard drive failure but most of them are here. It's a pathetic list, but I don't get out to see movies as much as I used to, and I suffer through a lot of Blue Jackets games. Time in which it could be said would be better spent watching a good film.
Film 2010
1) I've Loved You So Long
2) The Horse Boy
3) What's Up Doc?
4) How to Draw a Bunny
5) Slamnation
6) In the Loop
7) The Crowd (1928)
8) Midnight Cowboy
9) The Hangover
10) District 9
11) The Reader
12) Kill Bill Part One
13) Kill Bill Part 2
14) The A-Team
15) The Girl in the Dragon Tattoo
16) The Art of the Steal
17) Dumbo
18) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
19) Hot Fuzz
20) Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World
21) Matinee
22) Crazy Heart
23) Au hasard balthazar
24) Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne
25) Sherlock Jr.
26) Horse Feathers
27) Duck Soup
28) Second Chances
29) Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
30) Inception
31) This Mortal Coil
32) To Be or Not To Be
33) The Kinks: You Really Got Me
34) Black White + Gray: A Portrait of Sam Wagstaff + Robert Mapplethorpe
35) The Sting
36) The Kid
37) Anvil - The True Story of Anvil
38) The Girl Who Played With Fire
39) The Girl Who Kicked in the Hornet's Nest
40) Where the Wild Things Are
41) Hamlet 2
42) A State of Mind
43) The Great Santini
44) 101 Dalmations
45) Toy Story 3
46) Peter Pan (1953)
47) Black Swan
48) Red
Showing posts with label film 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film 2010. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
It's starting to get warm in here and things are starting to get strange
Holiday schedule is keeping me busy. Decorating the tree tonight. Still not done shopping and my wife's been working on getting Christmas cards to the UK.
My son would have nothing to do with 101 Dalmatians last night. Yes, it was the original. I think the opening credits were too boring for him and he quickly lost interest in the whole thing. At least he pooped in the toilet, again. He's become an eating machine at school, they tell me, but he's not eating oatmeal in the morning anymore. This kid!
Going to my his eye therapy session with full intention to write while there. I have nothing worthwhile to submit for the Arts Festival next month. Lacking focus and quality. Trying not to be angry about it or external events. I mean, Obama is hiding behind Clinton trying to get Paris Hilton her tax cut over 9/11 first responders medical care. That's what it's come to.
Hell, I'm trying to get my kid to poop and eat right. That's where I'm at. I can sit here and post links to things I do not like all day long, then do nothing about it, where does that get me?
But, in this time of stress there will be snacks. Andrew Bird is going to make sure of that!
My son would have nothing to do with 101 Dalmatians last night. Yes, it was the original. I think the opening credits were too boring for him and he quickly lost interest in the whole thing. At least he pooped in the toilet, again. He's become an eating machine at school, they tell me, but he's not eating oatmeal in the morning anymore. This kid!
Going to my his eye therapy session with full intention to write while there. I have nothing worthwhile to submit for the Arts Festival next month. Lacking focus and quality. Trying not to be angry about it or external events. I mean, Obama is hiding behind Clinton trying to get Paris Hilton her tax cut over 9/11 first responders medical care. That's what it's come to.
Hell, I'm trying to get my kid to poop and eat right. That's where I'm at. I can sit here and post links to things I do not like all day long, then do nothing about it, where does that get me?
But, in this time of stress there will be snacks. Andrew Bird is going to make sure of that!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
It was bad, really bad
I like Steve Coogan and was excited to see the film Hamlet 2 on this list.
The film was reserved from my local library with ease and my wife and I settled in for what we thought would be an overlooked gem.
What we saw was completely the opposite of what we expected.
I really think this project was originally written with Martin Short in mind, such was the exaggerated gesturing and facial expressions of Coogan. It was bad, really bad.
The musical number "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" scarred my wife as it had the line "Jesus' swimmer's build."
In fact, the best part of the film was the song that was over the closing credits. A classic song from the 80's. Enjoy the best part of Hamlet 2.
The film was reserved from my local library with ease and my wife and I settled in for what we thought would be an overlooked gem.
What we saw was completely the opposite of what we expected.
I really think this project was originally written with Martin Short in mind, such was the exaggerated gesturing and facial expressions of Coogan. It was bad, really bad.
The musical number "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" scarred my wife as it had the line "Jesus' swimmer's build."
In fact, the best part of the film was the song that was over the closing credits. A classic song from the 80's. Enjoy the best part of Hamlet 2.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Ernie, Those Sheep are Tap Dancing
Finally got up the nerve to take my son out to see a movie. The Wexner Center is having it's annual kids weekend and this afternoon they showed Sesame Street Sings!
It has Sesame Street, the muppets, music, I can tolerate those things and he likes them. Let's see what happens if we take the act out of the living room. Plus, it only cost two bucks a piece so if the mission had to be aborted we would not be out much coin.
Speaking of coin, Laurie Berkner is coming to The Palace in February, $33 bucks to sit in the balcony. For those prices she's not building a wall on stage. Sorry, not buying into that!
Got our tickets and gave his to him. Told him to give the ticket to the taker. She tore it up and I told him to take it back. He looked so cute holding the ticket, I teared up a bit.
Found a row toward the back and I let him choose a seat. He picked the aisle.
We only waited a short time before the film started. He amazed me. Not sure how much he paid attention because he was pretty quiet and not singing along. I have to say he was very well behaved. After about an hour he got a bit fidgety, but that was because it was running too long. If he did not like what he was seeing he would have got up and walked around. But he stayed in his seat for 82 minutes.
Tried to get him to eat some celebratory Dark Chocolate Jeni's Ice Cream by calling it pudding, but he was not having any of it.
As I was driving there I realized I forgot my bag with his diapers in it. So I obsessed about that a bit. Luckily there was no poop until he went upstairs when we got home. Not in the toilet though.
It has Sesame Street, the muppets, music, I can tolerate those things and he likes them. Let's see what happens if we take the act out of the living room. Plus, it only cost two bucks a piece so if the mission had to be aborted we would not be out much coin.
Speaking of coin, Laurie Berkner is coming to The Palace in February, $33 bucks to sit in the balcony. For those prices she's not building a wall on stage. Sorry, not buying into that!
Got our tickets and gave his to him. Told him to give the ticket to the taker. She tore it up and I told him to take it back. He looked so cute holding the ticket, I teared up a bit.
Found a row toward the back and I let him choose a seat. He picked the aisle.
We only waited a short time before the film started. He amazed me. Not sure how much he paid attention because he was pretty quiet and not singing along. I have to say he was very well behaved. After about an hour he got a bit fidgety, but that was because it was running too long. If he did not like what he was seeing he would have got up and walked around. But he stayed in his seat for 82 minutes.
Tried to get him to eat some celebratory Dark Chocolate Jeni's Ice Cream by calling it pudding, but he was not having any of it.
As I was driving there I realized I forgot my bag with his diapers in it. So I obsessed about that a bit. Luckily there was no poop until he went upstairs when we got home. Not in the toilet though.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Everybody's a Dreamer, Everybody's a Star
Watched a horrible documentary about The Kinks last night. A wasted hour with horrible production values. At least I did not pay for it. Best not to mention it again.
The clip above is interesting. I'm not familiar with the show "Don't Forget Your Toothbrush" so I looked it up on Wikipedia. That's Jools Holland on the keyboards and former Squeeze drummer Gilsom Lavis playing too.
Here's a mid 70's clip of one of the best songs Ray Davies has written.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
More than 140
So I did the unthinkable and got a twitter account. Hey, Steve Martin's funny! If you want to rag on me after all my diatribes about it, go right ahead I deserve them.
I'll give it at least a week then see about whether or not I want to continue.
Friday night I'm going to see Roger Waters recreate The Wall. Never been much of a Pink Floyd fan, but do like Waters. For the record, my favorite Pink Floyd album is The Final Cut. Spoke to a local reviewer about the concert months ago. He went off, calling Waters a guy who uses his high school diaries for material. Guess that makes him the James Cameron of rock and roll.
Still waiting for the Macbook to be repaired.
In the midst of all this, I have been writing. Whether or not it's any good is part of the answer.
Put Snow White in the DVD player to see if my son would show interest. He sat all the way through Dumbo, which is a short feature. After about half an hour, he switched chairs. Fifteen minutes later, he lost interest completely. This is not a bad thing, he did try for half the film. What's more important is that he pooped in the toilet. Comet sighting celebration. When's the next one?
I'll give it at least a week then see about whether or not I want to continue.
Friday night I'm going to see Roger Waters recreate The Wall. Never been much of a Pink Floyd fan, but do like Waters. For the record, my favorite Pink Floyd album is The Final Cut. Spoke to a local reviewer about the concert months ago. He went off, calling Waters a guy who uses his high school diaries for material. Guess that makes him the James Cameron of rock and roll.
Still waiting for the Macbook to be repaired.
In the midst of all this, I have been writing. Whether or not it's any good is part of the answer.
Put Snow White in the DVD player to see if my son would show interest. He sat all the way through Dumbo, which is a short feature. After about half an hour, he switched chairs. Fifteen minutes later, he lost interest completely. This is not a bad thing, he did try for half the film. What's more important is that he pooped in the toilet. Comet sighting celebration. When's the next one?
Monday, October 18, 2010
This Artifact Belongs in a Museum
This could be the week the Macbook returns. New hard drive is being installed.
Watched an interesting documentary called The Art of the Steal over the weekend. Dr. Barnes assembled a massive collection of post-impressionist art in the early 20th century and built a home in a Philadelphia suburb to display the work. There was never any intent to house the work in a museum like atmosphere but to use the facility as a learning institution.
Barnes and the Philadelphia elite and arts community were often at odds. When Barnes died, he left no heirs. Barnes will specifically stated that the collection not be loaned, moved, or sold. The Barnes Foundation was run successfully as a school with very limited public access until the 1980's. Soon after the endowment ran out of funds and the Barnes Foundation neared bankruptcy. The years to follow brought a long struggle between Barnes' wishes and those of political and moneyed institutions who fought for the collection.
It's a rather shocking story and I have very mixed feelings about the conclusion. The collection should be preserved in the conditions of Barnes' will. But how do you fund it in this day and age without a bunch of so called do-gooders and yoo-hoos with deep pockets and political influence getting in the way?
Watched an interesting documentary called The Art of the Steal over the weekend. Dr. Barnes assembled a massive collection of post-impressionist art in the early 20th century and built a home in a Philadelphia suburb to display the work. There was never any intent to house the work in a museum like atmosphere but to use the facility as a learning institution.
Barnes and the Philadelphia elite and arts community were often at odds. When Barnes died, he left no heirs. Barnes will specifically stated that the collection not be loaned, moved, or sold. The Barnes Foundation was run successfully as a school with very limited public access until the 1980's. Soon after the endowment ran out of funds and the Barnes Foundation neared bankruptcy. The years to follow brought a long struggle between Barnes' wishes and those of political and moneyed institutions who fought for the collection.
It's a rather shocking story and I have very mixed feelings about the conclusion. The collection should be preserved in the conditions of Barnes' will. But how do you fund it in this day and age without a bunch of so called do-gooders and yoo-hoos with deep pockets and political influence getting in the way?
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Things I Have Meant To Say
The progress bar is still as the Disk Warrior does its thing. It has not moved for about thirty six hours now. The number of broken files increases while the likelihood of replacing the hard drive by this weekend goes up. Accepting losing three plus years of work is not easy.
Off to a culture shaping retreat for work today and tomorrow. It's not something I'm being cynical about attending. I'm just anxious as being around a group of strangers and discussing anything with them face to face scares the crap out of me. I do not think we'll end up holding hands and singing Kumbaya or getting Block O tattoos on our biceps, but I'm optimistic for positive results.
As a bitter and disgruntled ex-employee, I grumble when I see a lawn sign, billboard or see other propaganda regarding Issue 4. Let me state here that I am not against it in the least. In fact I will be voting for it, and if you live in Columbus, you should too. If you want reasons, ask me and I'll go off as to why. If you want me to put a sign on my lawn or change my Facebook profile picture go elsewhere. I'm putting as much effort into their campaign as their efforts into my career advancement when I worked there. Yes, there are issues.
My son's IEP meeting is next week. Having a special needs kid is hard when it comes to educational expectations. At this point, limited conversation is seen as a big step. Pooping in the toilet would be nice. Slowly, he's beginning to sleep thought the night regularly - that is massive progress.
Got to love the Wexner Center. Last night they brought in Joe Dante to introduce Matinee. It's a fun movie that was very overlooked about Sci-Fi movies of the fifties and the Cuban Missile Crisis. And Mant, the film within the film about a half man - half ant, was much funnier than I remember. Dante was very gracious and had some important things to say about the state of horror films and today's film in general. He spoke like Scorcese's calmer cousin. Very entertaining.
Off to a culture shaping retreat for work today and tomorrow. It's not something I'm being cynical about attending. I'm just anxious as being around a group of strangers and discussing anything with them face to face scares the crap out of me. I do not think we'll end up holding hands and singing Kumbaya or getting Block O tattoos on our biceps, but I'm optimistic for positive results.
As a bitter and disgruntled ex-employee, I grumble when I see a lawn sign, billboard or see other propaganda regarding Issue 4. Let me state here that I am not against it in the least. In fact I will be voting for it, and if you live in Columbus, you should too. If you want reasons, ask me and I'll go off as to why. If you want me to put a sign on my lawn or change my Facebook profile picture go elsewhere. I'm putting as much effort into their campaign as their efforts into my career advancement when I worked there. Yes, there are issues.
My son's IEP meeting is next week. Having a special needs kid is hard when it comes to educational expectations. At this point, limited conversation is seen as a big step. Pooping in the toilet would be nice. Slowly, he's beginning to sleep thought the night regularly - that is massive progress.
Got to love the Wexner Center. Last night they brought in Joe Dante to introduce Matinee. It's a fun movie that was very overlooked about Sci-Fi movies of the fifties and the Cuban Missile Crisis. And Mant, the film within the film about a half man - half ant, was much funnier than I remember. Dante was very gracious and had some important things to say about the state of horror films and today's film in general. He spoke like Scorcese's calmer cousin. Very entertaining.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Title Defense
Finally got downtown to check out the new record store. Spoonful Records has been open for about a month and has a very good selection of vinyl. There are also a couple of old pinball machines to play, (for free!) as well as other vinyl related items. The journals that have an old vinyl label as its cover are quite cool.
Brett, the owner, is quite friendly and knowledgeable. He's selling a lot of his personal collection and I hope his stock rotates.
I went in there looking for two records, both of which were lost in basement flood damage. I found George Harrison's 33 1/3 within two minutes. Could not find Warren Zevon's "The Envoy" but I have hope it's going to turn up sooner or later.
He's taking a risk opening in a location that has not been conducive to retail. They guy's a pioneer along with the bike shop next door. I wish them all luck, it's hard doing a niche start up at any time, let alone this economy.
When did movie tickets go up to $9.50? I know it's more expensive in other cities, but that was some sticker shock. We went to see Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. I'm not a video gamer, and I had not read the graphic novels, but I really enjoyed this movie. Very entertaining with some very sly wit and visuals. I was all set to write off Michael Cera as the Andrew McCarthy of his generation but he earned a reprieve. I really liked Kieran Culkin in this film, he may be the most talented of the Culkin clan.
Wednesday night is the Writers' Block Grand Slam. Eight poets are going up for the right to represent WB at the IWPS slam in Charlotte in December. It's going to be a tough battle. Seven of the poets have national competition experience. All are hungry. It starts at eight at Kafe Kerouac.
Brett, the owner, is quite friendly and knowledgeable. He's selling a lot of his personal collection and I hope his stock rotates.
I went in there looking for two records, both of which were lost in basement flood damage. I found George Harrison's 33 1/3 within two minutes. Could not find Warren Zevon's "The Envoy" but I have hope it's going to turn up sooner or later.
He's taking a risk opening in a location that has not been conducive to retail. They guy's a pioneer along with the bike shop next door. I wish them all luck, it's hard doing a niche start up at any time, let alone this economy.
When did movie tickets go up to $9.50? I know it's more expensive in other cities, but that was some sticker shock. We went to see Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. I'm not a video gamer, and I had not read the graphic novels, but I really enjoyed this movie. Very entertaining with some very sly wit and visuals. I was all set to write off Michael Cera as the Andrew McCarthy of his generation but he earned a reprieve. I really liked Kieran Culkin in this film, he may be the most talented of the Culkin clan.
Wednesday night is the Writers' Block Grand Slam. Eight poets are going up for the right to represent WB at the IWPS slam in Charlotte in December. It's going to be a tough battle. Seven of the poets have national competition experience. All are hungry. It starts at eight at Kafe Kerouac.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Let Me Grab Your Soul Away
Finally got around to watching Crazy Heart last night. I liked better it when it was called Tender Mercies. It's not that I hated Crazy Heart, but the story has been told before. Jeff Bridges did his usual great performance and I'm glad he finally got the hardware. What did put me off was the relationship between the alcoholic country singer and the writer. Maybe it was the age difference between Bridges and Gyllenhaal (60 vs. 33), or maybe it's that Gyllenhaal, despite her lovely baby blue eyes, was a bit out of her depth in this film.
I watched a couple of Robert Bresson films last week to, which alters how I watch film. If it's not in French, with a bummer of an ending, it most likely will suck.
My wife wanted to kill me after we saw Au hasard Balthazar, saying it was two hours of her life she cannot get back. I get that. It's not for everyone. But after seeing this film, you will believe a donkey can act.
It's a bleak film, but the camera work and sound are magnificent.
Kate Bush turns 52 today. Here's a video to send you off on a positive note from a performance during her only tour. She was 21.
So darn sweet when she jumps and waves at the end.
I watched a couple of Robert Bresson films last week to, which alters how I watch film. If it's not in French, with a bummer of an ending, it most likely will suck.
My wife wanted to kill me after we saw Au hasard Balthazar, saying it was two hours of her life she cannot get back. I get that. It's not for everyone. But after seeing this film, you will believe a donkey can act.
It's a bleak film, but the camera work and sound are magnificent.
Kate Bush turns 52 today. Here's a video to send you off on a positive note from a performance during her only tour. She was 21.
So darn sweet when she jumps and waves at the end.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Spread it Around
This is no secret blog. It's public in that there's nothing going on here that I'd hide from my wife, child, mother or boss.
I put the Share This option just to see if it works. Feel free to work it. I'm not going to put the box in which you check if you think this post is funny, cool, or whatever.
That's too easy.
If I had time I'd post a longer review of Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne. Until then, here's a preview to whet your appetites.
Good stuff there, am I right?
Readership is up. Or, the number of hits this page has had in increasing a bit more than gradually. Thanks for stopping in!
I put the Share This option just to see if it works. Feel free to work it. I'm not going to put the box in which you check if you think this post is funny, cool, or whatever.
That's too easy.
If I had time I'd post a longer review of Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne. Until then, here's a preview to whet your appetites.
Good stuff there, am I right?
Readership is up. Or, the number of hits this page has had in increasing a bit more than gradually. Thanks for stopping in!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Getting out of the House
Last night, during a screening of Sherlock Jr. at the Ohio Theater half a reel of film was shown out of focus, and out of frame. It was also one of the most technically proficient scenes ever put on film.
Buster goes into the screen and the scenery changes around him as he stays in exactly the same place. Pure magic, and my enjoyment of that scene was diminished because of the projectionist's lack of attention.
I did send CAPA an email. A rather friendly reminder to get it right the next time. I did not spout off by making icons of cats out of focus with the caption CAPA FAIL or say that I'm never going to any of CAPA's events ever again.
Admittingly, I'm a grumpy old ass. To spend my time posting links of things I do not like with a snide comment is something I do less and less, which is good for everyone. I'm shunning political debate, especially online because it's not worth the effort. The link of, whatever, gets posted. Look how bad this person is. Look how bad these people are. This is a horrible thing, look! See how terrible our government is? Look at the oppression that continues to this day! People agree, or there is dissent. Links are posted countering the link in question. Arguing ensues. Latin terms are used. Personal insults are exchanged. Someone breaks Godwin's Law and for what?
Great, the ability to archive outrage exists in this day and age. Congratulations. But, again, what are you doing about it besides hating on Comfest?
Keep burning down the forest because there are couple of trees in it you don't like while you hide in the enclave.
Buster goes into the screen and the scenery changes around him as he stays in exactly the same place. Pure magic, and my enjoyment of that scene was diminished because of the projectionist's lack of attention.
I did send CAPA an email. A rather friendly reminder to get it right the next time. I did not spout off by making icons of cats out of focus with the caption CAPA FAIL or say that I'm never going to any of CAPA's events ever again.
Admittingly, I'm a grumpy old ass. To spend my time posting links of things I do not like with a snide comment is something I do less and less, which is good for everyone. I'm shunning political debate, especially online because it's not worth the effort. The link of, whatever, gets posted. Look how bad this person is. Look how bad these people are. This is a horrible thing, look! See how terrible our government is? Look at the oppression that continues to this day! People agree, or there is dissent. Links are posted countering the link in question. Arguing ensues. Latin terms are used. Personal insults are exchanged. Someone breaks Godwin's Law and for what?
Great, the ability to archive outrage exists in this day and age. Congratulations. But, again, what are you doing about it besides hating on Comfest?
Keep burning down the forest because there are couple of trees in it you don't like while you hide in the enclave.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Everton Connection
Very cool to see Tim Howard made the save, then the throw to and eventual game winning goal by Landon Donovan in yesterday's World Cup match. Three months playing for Everton turned Donovan into a man!
Had it on at work, listening in headphones. They know, and appreciate my updates. I don't cuss and click the screen on when something exciting may happen. When the goal was scored I clapped loudly.
Feeling like a wreck physically so I was far from 100% at last night's slam. It's no excuse but my energy was not there. Came in sixth out of seven and had a great time while doing so. My three minute did not grab the crowd but my one minute had them, but not the judges. Oh well, another night perhaps. It's good to have a one minute poem to be able to use on the subway or in a pinch.
Been reading a book that I'm plodding through. Started out exciting enough then took a point of view turn about a third of the way through that initially turned me off, but I'm dealing with it. If it was not over six hundred pages I'd be bailing.
Tonight at the Ohio Theater the CAPA Summer Movie Series is presenting Buster Keaton's Sherlock Jr and Second Chances. Both will have scores performed by Clark Wilson on the Mighty Morton Organ. I've seen both of these films, but never in this setting. My Scottish Wife has not seen either of these treasures. It's going to be a spectacular night at the cinema!
Had it on at work, listening in headphones. They know, and appreciate my updates. I don't cuss and click the screen on when something exciting may happen. When the goal was scored I clapped loudly.
Feeling like a wreck physically so I was far from 100% at last night's slam. It's no excuse but my energy was not there. Came in sixth out of seven and had a great time while doing so. My three minute did not grab the crowd but my one minute had them, but not the judges. Oh well, another night perhaps. It's good to have a one minute poem to be able to use on the subway or in a pinch.
Been reading a book that I'm plodding through. Started out exciting enough then took a point of view turn about a third of the way through that initially turned me off, but I'm dealing with it. If it was not over six hundred pages I'd be bailing.
Tonight at the Ohio Theater the CAPA Summer Movie Series is presenting Buster Keaton's Sherlock Jr and Second Chances. Both will have scores performed by Clark Wilson on the Mighty Morton Organ. I've seen both of these films, but never in this setting. My Scottish Wife has not seen either of these treasures. It's going to be a spectacular night at the cinema!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Not Fitting in the Strategic and Tactical Plans
I was out shopping at the corporate bookstore I used to work at last night. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was that the octagon was gone.
The octagon was the large, eight sided display unit that held all of the new releases. The first impression the customer received of the store was that it sold books, and boom, here are the current ones.
It has been replaced by a kiosk that is promoting the store's electronic book reader.
I have nothing against the electronic reader. It is not something I am interested in using. Give me an iPod Touch and I'd be happy, I'm not that much of a technology hater, but the kindle/nook/reader has little appeal for me. Call me old and in need of paper, still.
I did have an item in mind to purchase when I went in there. Went into the music department and continue to notice that most of the music is being replaced with blu-ray DVDs. Looked around for the cd I wanted by Janelle Monae, looked at the endcaps, in the pop rock and soul sections - did not find it. Finally asked the clerk, who asked my how to spell her name (never a good sign) then told me the store did not have the item. It had one copy, but sold it and they were waiting for another copy to arrive.
This is why people have migrated to shopping online. When you go to a store, have to root around the displays climbing over the new Renee Fleming crossover record or special Celtic music displays and still do not find what you are looking for, why waste your time?
Age has caught up to me, time has passed me by. I have to lower my expectations of going to a store and actually finding what I'm looking to purchase to, well, not getting what I want and taking my money elsewhere.
Remember the days of shopping when you actually found what you were looking for, the first time? Man, those were good times, how long ago were they?
My Scottish Wife insisted on seeing the A-Team movie. I guess the original series was big in Scotland the way Anne of Green Gables is popular in Japan. So she was stoked to see it on opening night.
Seeing Liam Neeson kick ass on screen is worth the price of admission, and in that case, the A-Team delivers. If you like explosions over plot, this is the movie for you. It's a cartoon on film. There are no expectations of thespians showing up on screen. I never watched the A-Team series, but lowered my bar of film snobbery and had a good time, which made my wife happy - and isn't that what it's all about sometimes?
The octagon was the large, eight sided display unit that held all of the new releases. The first impression the customer received of the store was that it sold books, and boom, here are the current ones.
It has been replaced by a kiosk that is promoting the store's electronic book reader.
I have nothing against the electronic reader. It is not something I am interested in using. Give me an iPod Touch and I'd be happy, I'm not that much of a technology hater, but the kindle/nook/reader has little appeal for me. Call me old and in need of paper, still.
I did have an item in mind to purchase when I went in there. Went into the music department and continue to notice that most of the music is being replaced with blu-ray DVDs. Looked around for the cd I wanted by Janelle Monae, looked at the endcaps, in the pop rock and soul sections - did not find it. Finally asked the clerk, who asked my how to spell her name (never a good sign) then told me the store did not have the item. It had one copy, but sold it and they were waiting for another copy to arrive.
This is why people have migrated to shopping online. When you go to a store, have to root around the displays climbing over the new Renee Fleming crossover record or special Celtic music displays and still do not find what you are looking for, why waste your time?
Age has caught up to me, time has passed me by. I have to lower my expectations of going to a store and actually finding what I'm looking to purchase to, well, not getting what I want and taking my money elsewhere.
Remember the days of shopping when you actually found what you were looking for, the first time? Man, those were good times, how long ago were they?
My Scottish Wife insisted on seeing the A-Team movie. I guess the original series was big in Scotland the way Anne of Green Gables is popular in Japan. So she was stoked to see it on opening night.
Seeing Liam Neeson kick ass on screen is worth the price of admission, and in that case, the A-Team delivers. If you like explosions over plot, this is the movie for you. It's a cartoon on film. There are no expectations of thespians showing up on screen. I never watched the A-Team series, but lowered my bar of film snobbery and had a good time, which made my wife happy - and isn't that what it's all about sometimes?
Monday, May 3, 2010
His Soul is Dancing
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans has the best use of reptiles in a motion picture I've seen in a long time.
Nicholas Cage is a cop in post-Katrina New Orleans. He shakes down people for drugs, gambles badly on sports, smokes crack with criminals and threatens to kill old ladies.
Yes, he's bad. He's a bad lieutenant. Somewhere in this two hour film is a murder plot, but it's secondary to Cage's over the top performance that people will love or hate. This film has nothing to do with the Harvey Keitel version from the nineties.
For me, it's about the trust between director Werner Herzog and Cage.
Has Herzog found a new Klaus Kinski? I'd watch another film with these two crazy kids.
Nicholas Cage is a cop in post-Katrina New Orleans. He shakes down people for drugs, gambles badly on sports, smokes crack with criminals and threatens to kill old ladies.
Yes, he's bad. He's a bad lieutenant. Somewhere in this two hour film is a murder plot, but it's secondary to Cage's over the top performance that people will love or hate. This film has nothing to do with the Harvey Keitel version from the nineties.
For me, it's about the trust between director Werner Herzog and Cage.
Has Herzog found a new Klaus Kinski? I'd watch another film with these two crazy kids.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, and There was Snow in March
Slam is being a cruel bitch, and I feel fine. Have not made it into the second round in the last two slams. I blame better poets, damn them.
All that's left in my bouncy ball brackets are my employer's team and Duke, who I picked to go to the final game.
Watched The Reader last night. Could have used some editing as it dragged in spots. Good performances by the leads. Kate Winslet is naked, a lot.
Everton has been on a roll. Beat Man. City soundly on Wednesday. Arteta's back. Jagielka has been a beast on defense and David Moyes would have kicked Mancini's arse in. Is it too late to get into the top six? Who knows?
Celtic sacked Tony Mowbray. Good riddance to a horrible manager.
This is quite possibly the only blog post in the history of the universe to have pictures of Phil Jagielka and Kate Winslet, separately.
All that's left in my bouncy ball brackets are my employer's team and Duke, who I picked to go to the final game.
Watched The Reader last night. Could have used some editing as it dragged in spots. Good performances by the leads. Kate Winslet is naked, a lot.
Everton has been on a roll. Beat Man. City soundly on Wednesday. Arteta's back. Jagielka has been a beast on defense and David Moyes would have kicked Mancini's arse in. Is it too late to get into the top six? Who knows?
Celtic sacked Tony Mowbray. Good riddance to a horrible manager.
This is quite possibly the only blog post in the history of the universe to have pictures of Phil Jagielka and Kate Winslet, separately.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Knee Deep in the Hoopla
The NCAA basketball tournament started yesterday. In filling out my bracket, I realized how little I know.
So picking Marquette to go to the final four was not a good idea, but I did pick Murray State.
My employers team plays today. Ya gotta have wa!
Internet drama is so 2006. Escaping the crazy is a good thing. It was turning into posts being deleted after I'd seen them. Oh yes, that trick again.
Watched District 9 last night and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought. Aliens land over Johannesburg. They're put into refugee camps. When an attempt is made to move them to a concentration camp, bad things start happening. Great action and acting. The special effects are amazing. A very low budget film that was overlooked in the same way In the Loop was.
Busy trying to write and prepare for tomorrow's Arts Fest audition and Wednesday's slam. Annoyed that a poem I spent a lot of time on came in at 3:25. Glad to know I have another four minute piece. Pleased to know I fixed it to 2:54 a few minutes ago.
So picking Marquette to go to the final four was not a good idea, but I did pick Murray State.
My employers team plays today. Ya gotta have wa!
Internet drama is so 2006. Escaping the crazy is a good thing. It was turning into posts being deleted after I'd seen them. Oh yes, that trick again.
Watched District 9 last night and enjoyed it a lot more than I thought. Aliens land over Johannesburg. They're put into refugee camps. When an attempt is made to move them to a concentration camp, bad things start happening. Great action and acting. The special effects are amazing. A very low budget film that was overlooked in the same way In the Loop was.
Busy trying to write and prepare for tomorrow's Arts Fest audition and Wednesday's slam. Annoyed that a poem I spent a lot of time on came in at 3:25. Glad to know I have another four minute piece. Pleased to know I fixed it to 2:54 a few minutes ago.
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Teabaggers Have Lost Their Air Force
How many poor people do you know have a pilot's license, let alone their own plane? Very sad incident. His wife and child get to clean up his mess. Selfish man.
Watched a silent called The Crowd last night. It's hailed as one of the best silent dramas. I thought it was a very good one. Beautifully photographed and directed by King Vidor. It shows off New York City in the same light that Woody Allen did in Manhattan. The Crowd is a depiction of being a smaller than small fish in a huge pond. Being a speck in the corporate world and trying to get ahead in it. Struggling to support a family. Had it not been for an amateur and over blown performance by James Murray, the lead actor, I think The Crowd could be a contender for one of the best American films ever made, instead of merely a very good one.
Then there's the story of the death (not death) of Gordon Lightfoot yesterday. I was duped. While I did not purchase any of his music on iTunes or Amazon, I did reserve a copy of Gord's Gold from the library. Hey, If You Can Read My Mind is still a fine song, dead or alive.
Watched a silent called The Crowd last night. It's hailed as one of the best silent dramas. I thought it was a very good one. Beautifully photographed and directed by King Vidor. It shows off New York City in the same light that Woody Allen did in Manhattan. The Crowd is a depiction of being a smaller than small fish in a huge pond. Being a speck in the corporate world and trying to get ahead in it. Struggling to support a family. Had it not been for an amateur and over blown performance by James Murray, the lead actor, I think The Crowd could be a contender for one of the best American films ever made, instead of merely a very good one.
Then there's the story of the death (not death) of Gordon Lightfoot yesterday. I was duped. While I did not purchase any of his music on iTunes or Amazon, I did reserve a copy of Gord's Gold from the library. Hey, If You Can Read My Mind is still a fine song, dead or alive.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Crushed my Life Savers
My wife and I went out to see one of her favorite movies on the big screen last night. It's also one of the first movies I saw several times, thanks to the early days of HBO.
What's Up Doc? Is a lovely tribute to the screwball comedies of the 1930's. A sell out crowd at the Wexner Center laughed loudly at a thirty eight year old film that is as fresh and funny as it was when released.
One of my favorite bit actors, Liam Dunn, is in this film as the very stressed out judge. The courtroom scene is one of my favorites in the film. Here's a still from him in Young Frankenstein.
He also played the news vendor in Silent Movie.
An added treat to last night's screening was the appearance of the director himself, Peter Bogdanovich. He also showed up at a reception before the film. I wanted to get a picture with him and continue the series of photographs with directors but I broke out with the shys, so this picture will have to do.
Spot the dork, and it's not the earnest young man with the notebook.
Bogdanovich was very gracious and told many stories about old Hollywood. He was adept at doing many impressions as well, doing Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and a hysterical version of Howard Hawks laughing. I suspect he also knows a lot of stories that he does not tell. He looks better than his seventy years would suggest, but moved slowly, with some frailty.
After the film we went to Jeni's. She has a few new flavors out, including a scrumptious Gooey Butter Cake.
Working on the kid to put things in the toilet. It's not easy.
What's Up Doc? Is a lovely tribute to the screwball comedies of the 1930's. A sell out crowd at the Wexner Center laughed loudly at a thirty eight year old film that is as fresh and funny as it was when released.
One of my favorite bit actors, Liam Dunn, is in this film as the very stressed out judge. The courtroom scene is one of my favorites in the film. Here's a still from him in Young Frankenstein.
He also played the news vendor in Silent Movie.
An added treat to last night's screening was the appearance of the director himself, Peter Bogdanovich. He also showed up at a reception before the film. I wanted to get a picture with him and continue the series of photographs with directors but I broke out with the shys, so this picture will have to do.
Spot the dork, and it's not the earnest young man with the notebook.
Bogdanovich was very gracious and told many stories about old Hollywood. He was adept at doing many impressions as well, doing Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart and a hysterical version of Howard Hawks laughing. I suspect he also knows a lot of stories that he does not tell. He looks better than his seventy years would suggest, but moved slowly, with some frailty.
After the film we went to Jeni's. She has a few new flavors out, including a scrumptious Gooey Butter Cake.
Working on the kid to put things in the toilet. It's not easy.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Rowan Named the Reindeer
I'm rooting for the Gateway Film Center, which is now being operated in partnership with the Wexner Center. The complex has had two management teams operate the theaters in its brief existence, with negligible success. They plan on continuing to show mainstream films but will also dedicate a couple of screens to art house fare, and show the movies for longer periods of time. Last night they had their official opening. My wife and I then went to see The Horse Boy.
It's the story of Rowan, a four year old boy with autism. His father, after Rowan bonds with a next door neighbor's horse, comes up with the idea to bring him to Mongolia, where the nomadic shamen will help to heal his condition. Rowan has a number of behavioral issues, some of which hit close to home for me, all of them shown in the film - although we were never told why he sometimes wore band aids on his eyebrows - to keep from scratching himself perhaps?
The film is very powerful, and I'm sure is going to make a lot of well heeled parents of autistic children head to Mongolia and put them on horses.
That's not what The Horse Boy is about though. It is about a desperate family, that loves their child, who will go to the ends of the Earth to give their son a chance to participate in the same world we do.
The documentary is not about a cure for autism, but about hope, and finding it in an unlikely but perfect place.
It's the story of Rowan, a four year old boy with autism. His father, after Rowan bonds with a next door neighbor's horse, comes up with the idea to bring him to Mongolia, where the nomadic shamen will help to heal his condition. Rowan has a number of behavioral issues, some of which hit close to home for me, all of them shown in the film - although we were never told why he sometimes wore band aids on his eyebrows - to keep from scratching himself perhaps?
The film is very powerful, and I'm sure is going to make a lot of well heeled parents of autistic children head to Mongolia and put them on horses.
That's not what The Horse Boy is about though. It is about a desperate family, that loves their child, who will go to the ends of the Earth to give their son a chance to participate in the same world we do.
The documentary is not about a cure for autism, but about hope, and finding it in an unlikely but perfect place.
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