A 14 year old girl is being brought up on child porn charges because she sent naked pics of herself on her cell to a boy. Yes...she is being prosecuted by authorities for this...on child porn charges.
OK...what the hell is wrong with us? Look, I totally get the dangers involved in this little girl doing this. Once she sends this image out, she no longer has ANY control over it. It easily could be spread around virally, end up in pedophiles hands, distributed on child porn sites on the internet...I get that. She needs to be talked to and worked with on this issue. But to charge her with child pornography? That is the solution?
As long as there has been adolescence, boys and girls have played the game of "I'll show you mine if you'll show me yours." Whether it was called "playing house" or "playing doctor" or spin the bottle, that is part and parcel of adolescence. But nowadays we have some interesting technology...tech that we let all these horny teenagers have. Hmmmm...what a surprise...they start sharing images that are a bit nasty. Throw in that we have increasingly accepted sexuality as part of our advertising and entertainment medium...what do we expect?
So our solution to protect this 14 year old girl from perverts is to charge her with child pornography? A charge that could put her on a sexual predators list for the REST of her life. It will mess up any chance she has to get into a good college...How does THAT look to the dean of admissions? "Hmmm....very good, 4.0 GPA, nice profile, into child porn...let's get her on campus!" Are we trying to ruin her life forever because of some raging hormones and a teenage crush?
This reeks of Orwellian theory all around. "Peace is War"---lets try "Protection is Prosecution" or "To Protect You We Will Jail You"
This is a 14 year old girl who took pictures of herself. Back in my day they had Polaroids...we did it then too...the images were just not saved on a phone. This is so frickin' stupid, such an excess of power, and just plain dumb!
I'll ask again: What the hell is the matter with us?
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Andrew Awards-2009
OK...the press is at the doors, awaiting the first Andrew Awards of the year. I have watched all three nominees for best animated feature film, and the decision has been made. But I will announce it to my devoted readers first...all 5 of you, before the mainstream press!
The nominees from the Academy Awards are: Bolt, Wall-E and Kung-Fu Panda.
I just posted a review on Bolt, so you know that is out of the picture, entertaining, but not nearly great. Kung-Fu Panda was wildly entertaining. And, I must admit, a few people have mentioned the similarity between the title character and myself...a little, shall we say...stout, with a penchant for gourmand delights, but athletically gifted also...HA! But the movie was all about entertainment, and not as much about any deeper subject. And so, the Andrew Award for best animated feature is:
Wall-E!!!!!
This movie made me care about a little robot, using little dialogue. It also had a broader environmental message about where mankind's future lies. This was a animated movie that transcended mere entertainment, though it was very entertaining. This movie had grand themes, about loneliness and love, about killing our planet and redemption. About handing power over to the few and the real power of the many.
My esteemed colleague in this move watching household would have given the award to Kung-Fu Panda just on entertainment value. But, you know what...she doesn't have her own blog, so congratulations Wall-E! Not only did it win the Academy Award, but the Andrew Award also. What an honor!
The nominees from the Academy Awards are: Bolt, Wall-E and Kung-Fu Panda.
I just posted a review on Bolt, so you know that is out of the picture, entertaining, but not nearly great. Kung-Fu Panda was wildly entertaining. And, I must admit, a few people have mentioned the similarity between the title character and myself...a little, shall we say...stout, with a penchant for gourmand delights, but athletically gifted also...HA! But the movie was all about entertainment, and not as much about any deeper subject. And so, the Andrew Award for best animated feature is:
Wall-E!!!!!
This movie made me care about a little robot, using little dialogue. It also had a broader environmental message about where mankind's future lies. This was a animated movie that transcended mere entertainment, though it was very entertaining. This movie had grand themes, about loneliness and love, about killing our planet and redemption. About handing power over to the few and the real power of the many.
My esteemed colleague in this move watching household would have given the award to Kung-Fu Panda just on entertainment value. But, you know what...she doesn't have her own blog, so congratulations Wall-E! Not only did it win the Academy Award, but the Andrew Award also. What an honor!
Movie-Bolt
Bolt was an Oscar nominated film, nominated for best animated feature. It did not win.
This will be a pretty short review. Bolt (2008) is a fun, harmless film, with good animation. It is a good diversion and entertaining. Is it great...not a chance. Will it amuse...yes.
There's just not a lot more to say about it.
This will be a pretty short review. Bolt (2008) is a fun, harmless film, with good animation. It is a good diversion and entertaining. Is it great...not a chance. Will it amuse...yes.
There's just not a lot more to say about it.
Book-The Wall
Author John Hersey was a Pulitzer Prize winning writer, best known for his small first person account of the aftermath of the bombing of Hiroshima, called Hiroshima.
And when he writes historical fiction, as he does in The Wall, it is very close to actual events. Based on the real documents found buried inside the destroyed Jewish ghetto of Warsaw after WWII ended, it tells the story of the Jews who were trapped there by the Nazis who took over Poland in 1939, and the escalating determination to wipe out these people by their oppressors.
But The Wall also is about, not just destruction, but a determination to survive under the most harrowing of conditions. Hersey writes this novel as if it were the journals of one of the characters. He observes and reports on the events of the community...from the trivial to the momentous. He also documents the noose tightening around the community as the years of the war go by, and the Nazi determination to destroy all Jews grew ever stronger.
At times the book is utterly heart-breaking. Tears were in my eyes as the underground fighters had to kill a baby to keep its cries from leading the Nazis to their hiding place, which would have been death for all of them. And yet...somehow Hersey is able to write into this always an underlying hope...a ray of life...a value that while there is life, there is still hope.
Many of the events that Hersey fictionalizes here actually happened, or events very close to them did. That he able to humanize these horrible atrocities, that he is able to individualize this mass destruction, is a gift of a master storyteller and journalist.
The Wall is a devastating work...because of the reality right behind the fiction. It is also an uplifting work, because of the hope that is in life.
And when he writes historical fiction, as he does in The Wall, it is very close to actual events. Based on the real documents found buried inside the destroyed Jewish ghetto of Warsaw after WWII ended, it tells the story of the Jews who were trapped there by the Nazis who took over Poland in 1939, and the escalating determination to wipe out these people by their oppressors.
But The Wall also is about, not just destruction, but a determination to survive under the most harrowing of conditions. Hersey writes this novel as if it were the journals of one of the characters. He observes and reports on the events of the community...from the trivial to the momentous. He also documents the noose tightening around the community as the years of the war go by, and the Nazi determination to destroy all Jews grew ever stronger.
At times the book is utterly heart-breaking. Tears were in my eyes as the underground fighters had to kill a baby to keep its cries from leading the Nazis to their hiding place, which would have been death for all of them. And yet...somehow Hersey is able to write into this always an underlying hope...a ray of life...a value that while there is life, there is still hope.
Many of the events that Hersey fictionalizes here actually happened, or events very close to them did. That he able to humanize these horrible atrocities, that he is able to individualize this mass destruction, is a gift of a master storyteller and journalist.
The Wall is a devastating work...because of the reality right behind the fiction. It is also an uplifting work, because of the hope that is in life.
Movie_Hellboy II: the Golden Army
OK...Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008) is just one big comic book. And I don't mean that in a bad way. Pure escapism and fantasy, this sequel is not quite as good as the first movie, but still great fun.
The best part of Hellboy is his personality. He is rough and gruff, but he just wants to be able to enjoy himself, maybe get a few accolades for the work he does, sending demons to their deaths. Maybe have some brews and cigars with fans. But no, he has to be top secret.
Played by Ron Perlman, who in bygone days wore lots of makeup as another monster in TVs Beauty and the Beast (opposite Linda Hamilton), Hellboy, or Red, is adjusting to married life with Selma Blair, who is like a human torch. And he seems to be losing the married squabbles they are having. These are the touches that make this movie. The main story line is fine, fight scenes etc are good. But it is the interaction of the characters that is the fun part, the part that keeps me watching.
Hellboy III??? Hell yeah...I'll try it!
The best part of Hellboy is his personality. He is rough and gruff, but he just wants to be able to enjoy himself, maybe get a few accolades for the work he does, sending demons to their deaths. Maybe have some brews and cigars with fans. But no, he has to be top secret.
Played by Ron Perlman, who in bygone days wore lots of makeup as another monster in TVs Beauty and the Beast (opposite Linda Hamilton), Hellboy, or Red, is adjusting to married life with Selma Blair, who is like a human torch. And he seems to be losing the married squabbles they are having. These are the touches that make this movie. The main story line is fine, fight scenes etc are good. But it is the interaction of the characters that is the fun part, the part that keeps me watching.
Hellboy III??? Hell yeah...I'll try it!
Movie-Amores Perroes
Amores Perros (2000)is an excellent movie out of Mexico. Taking place in a vast and gritty Mexico City, it takes three separate stories, but provides points of intersections for all three.
Translated to "Love's a Bitch," the title indicated truly that the storylines will not have a Hollywood happy ending, and they do not. But each story is compelling, and the way they are layered over each other only deepens the whole movie.
Great performances by all the leads, Amores Perros is dark and often brutal. But it is not trying to be anything else. The title tells us that, and the movie lives up to the title completely.
Translated to "Love's a Bitch," the title indicated truly that the storylines will not have a Hollywood happy ending, and they do not. But each story is compelling, and the way they are layered over each other only deepens the whole movie.
Great performances by all the leads, Amores Perros is dark and often brutal. But it is not trying to be anything else. The title tells us that, and the movie lives up to the title completely.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
TV Thoughts
Tried a new show..."Better Off Ted." It is called a comedy. Trouble is I did not laugh once. I think a smiled, barely twice. Not a good sign for a comedy at all. Watched once, and not again...this is a show dead in the water.
Dollhouse continues to get better and better. I am pretty much hooked, and can't wait to see how some of these themes play out. The intrigue gets deeper and the motivations of the characters keep getting more complex.
Dollhouse continues to get better and better. I am pretty much hooked, and can't wait to see how some of these themes play out. The intrigue gets deeper and the motivations of the characters keep getting more complex.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Movie-Monsoon Wedding
Ok, yes, two wedding movies in a row...just happened, no sub-conscious pattern going on or anything.
Monsoon Wedding (2001) was a movie we had seen before. But as we started watching we didn't remember too much about it, and so were carried away with it...and it is a movie to carry you away. It is about an Indian family preparing for a wedding...an arranged marriage, between two quite attractive young people. But with any family gathering, there comes some conflict. I remember quite a few weddings that I have been to that featured a fair amount of family angst. And in Monsoon Wedding there are family secrets that will be revealed, and secrets that the bride and groom will reveal to each other.
This is really a good movie. The colors burst and you can almost smell the spiciness and feel the humidity. The actors are wonderful, playing fully realized characters, the costumes beautiful, and the various story lines all played out perfectly. It was a movie that was really worth watching a second time, not something I often say.
If you haven't seen it, I really recommend Monsoon Wedding.
Monsoon Wedding (2001) was a movie we had seen before. But as we started watching we didn't remember too much about it, and so were carried away with it...and it is a movie to carry you away. It is about an Indian family preparing for a wedding...an arranged marriage, between two quite attractive young people. But with any family gathering, there comes some conflict. I remember quite a few weddings that I have been to that featured a fair amount of family angst. And in Monsoon Wedding there are family secrets that will be revealed, and secrets that the bride and groom will reveal to each other.
This is really a good movie. The colors burst and you can almost smell the spiciness and feel the humidity. The actors are wonderful, playing fully realized characters, the costumes beautiful, and the various story lines all played out perfectly. It was a movie that was really worth watching a second time, not something I often say.
If you haven't seen it, I really recommend Monsoon Wedding.
Movie-Rachel Getting Married
Rachel Getting Married was an Oscar nominated film, with Anne Hathaway nominated for best lead actress. She did not win.
Anne Hathaway plays Kym, a young woman just getting out of rehab, and on her way to her home with her family, where her older sister is about to get married. This character that Hathaway plays so well, is wrapped in contradiction, and carries the audience with her. At one moment I felt complete antipathy towards her, and the next complete sympathy. And that is how Kym's family reacts towards her too.
Hathaway really shows she has emergered as a powereful and wide ranging young actress here. I mean, I just saw her as Agent 99, very funny and tongue-in-cheek in Get Smart. And here, she carries this drama on her shoulders.
The movie is all about this weekend of her sister's wedding, and what an odd wedding it is. It is in no way traditional, and at times, I wished the wedding itself was not so prominent. I wanted to see more of the characters interacting than wedding guests dancing. Because it is the love/hate relationship between Kym and her sister, and them and their mother (played by the beautiful Debra Winger), that makes this movie so riviting.
Anne Hathaway makes Rachel Getting Married (2008) work. There is a good supporting cast, but without this excellent performance, the movie would not have worked. The characters are not soon forgotten, and Hathaway's Kym may become an iconic movie character.
Anne Hathaway plays Kym, a young woman just getting out of rehab, and on her way to her home with her family, where her older sister is about to get married. This character that Hathaway plays so well, is wrapped in contradiction, and carries the audience with her. At one moment I felt complete antipathy towards her, and the next complete sympathy. And that is how Kym's family reacts towards her too.
Hathaway really shows she has emergered as a powereful and wide ranging young actress here. I mean, I just saw her as Agent 99, very funny and tongue-in-cheek in Get Smart. And here, she carries this drama on her shoulders.
The movie is all about this weekend of her sister's wedding, and what an odd wedding it is. It is in no way traditional, and at times, I wished the wedding itself was not so prominent. I wanted to see more of the characters interacting than wedding guests dancing. Because it is the love/hate relationship between Kym and her sister, and them and their mother (played by the beautiful Debra Winger), that makes this movie so riviting.
Anne Hathaway makes Rachel Getting Married (2008) work. There is a good supporting cast, but without this excellent performance, the movie would not have worked. The characters are not soon forgotten, and Hathaway's Kym may become an iconic movie character.
Restaurant-Banbu Sushi
We went out with our friends Emily and Seth (and Kailey) to Banbu Sushi, a fairly new place on Fletcher Parkway (http://www.banbusushibarandgrill.com/). Our evening did not start off well.
You see, Em had called and made reservations, but when we got there they told us that they do not accept reservations, so we would have to wait about 30 minutes. OK, we were all pretty pissed, but we found some seats at the bar (yes, with Kailey) and ordered some sake and eda mame.
But the night started getting better, as they realized someone they blew it, so they got us seated quickly, and brought our eda mame and sake to us. And from then on, everything was great. We had a very nice server, who was so sweet, and the food was quite good. We had rolls and maguro and unagi. We had too much sake, but it was good too.
The place is very busy, but has a happening atmosphere, good for people watching. Nice decor, with a beautiful outdoor courtyard.
They accepted Emily's 40% off coupon (on food AND drink) and at the end, the manager came over and apologized for the beginning of the evening, and they gave each couple a 10% off card for our next visit. So they really tried to make up for the poor start. I like to think it is because they heard me say I would mention this in my blog, but that is just me-HA!
We would definitely go back to Banbu Sushi Bar and Grill.
You see, Em had called and made reservations, but when we got there they told us that they do not accept reservations, so we would have to wait about 30 minutes. OK, we were all pretty pissed, but we found some seats at the bar (yes, with Kailey) and ordered some sake and eda mame.
But the night started getting better, as they realized someone they blew it, so they got us seated quickly, and brought our eda mame and sake to us. And from then on, everything was great. We had a very nice server, who was so sweet, and the food was quite good. We had rolls and maguro and unagi. We had too much sake, but it was good too.
The place is very busy, but has a happening atmosphere, good for people watching. Nice decor, with a beautiful outdoor courtyard.
They accepted Emily's 40% off coupon (on food AND drink) and at the end, the manager came over and apologized for the beginning of the evening, and they gave each couple a 10% off card for our next visit. So they really tried to make up for the poor start. I like to think it is because they heard me say I would mention this in my blog, but that is just me-HA!
We would definitely go back to Banbu Sushi Bar and Grill.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Movie-Transsiberian
I had Transsiberian in my queue, but my friend Sharon had seen it and gave it rave reviews...and she does not give rave reviews that often. So I moved in up in my queue. And she was right. Great movie.
It focuses on a 30-ish, married couple, played by Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer. We see them in China, at the end of their church's missionary work there. Everybody was leaving now, and this couple decides to add some more adventure to their rewarding work. They take the Transsiberian train from China to Russia.
On the train, they meet a young couple, who share a berth with them. A handsome Spaniard and his very young American girlfriend. These two are not all they say, and are a catalyst for a terrific psychological thriller involving sexual desire, drugs, police and betrayal.
Harrelson and Mortimer are fantastic in their roles. And Ben Kingsley continues a resume of characters that is rarely equaled in variety. He plays a Russian detective, part Sherlock Holmes, part Darth Vader. He is an amazing actor and brings forth an incredible amount of menace to this deep character. I think he is trying to balance out his earlier Gandhi work!
This was a great movie. Transsiberian should have been more known, I had barely heard of it, because it is one of the best psychological thrillers I have seen in recent years.
It focuses on a 30-ish, married couple, played by Woody Harrelson and Emily Mortimer. We see them in China, at the end of their church's missionary work there. Everybody was leaving now, and this couple decides to add some more adventure to their rewarding work. They take the Transsiberian train from China to Russia.
On the train, they meet a young couple, who share a berth with them. A handsome Spaniard and his very young American girlfriend. These two are not all they say, and are a catalyst for a terrific psychological thriller involving sexual desire, drugs, police and betrayal.
Harrelson and Mortimer are fantastic in their roles. And Ben Kingsley continues a resume of characters that is rarely equaled in variety. He plays a Russian detective, part Sherlock Holmes, part Darth Vader. He is an amazing actor and brings forth an incredible amount of menace to this deep character. I think he is trying to balance out his earlier Gandhi work!
This was a great movie. Transsiberian should have been more known, I had barely heard of it, because it is one of the best psychological thrillers I have seen in recent years.
Natasha Richardson
I have to tell you, I am kinda freaked out by what happened to Natasha Richardson this past week. A bump on the head during ski lessons, and the next couple of days, you are dead! She was my age too, which I am sure freaks me out even more.
But media outlets have been speculating that if she got immediate medical attention, she may have lived. But I think that is BS, especially from my experiences in emergency rooms. Now granted, she is a star, so it may have been different for her, but I'll tell what would happen if I went in for bumping my head.
Check in...have a seat, wait for HOURS to see a doctor. He would do a cursory exam, see if my eyes tracked OK. Ask me how I felt. "Well, I don't feel too great, I have a bit of a headache."
"Hmmm...well you did bump your head. Let me get you some motrin, and if the headache does not go away by tomorrow, call your doctor. Bye bye now!"
Seriously. I went to the ER in dire pain. I could not even swallow without writhing in pain...it felt like glass shards were in my throat. Doctor in the ER told me it probably was a cold. "Uh...no, I have had sore throats before...this is different!"
"Here take this motrin...call your doctor if it isn't better...Bye bye now!"
Turns out, after I went back to the ER again, saw my own doctor, and got into ENT, I had a dangerous ulcer on a part of my throat that could have blocked off my breathing if it got any worse.
Another story...my 89 year old mother-in-law was in pain, could not eat, could not move. We brought her to the ER. They made us wait for a long time in the waiting room, but she could not sit anymore she was so bad off, so grudgingly they gave her a cot to lie on. She could not control her bodily functions, and they left her to lie in her urine and feces. My wife had to clean her herself, begging for some new bed clothes. My mother-in-law was shaking she felt so cold. Again, my wife had to beg for more blankets, and finally went to a cabinet and just took them., It was several hours before she was seen by a doctor. We had brought her in about 3 in the afternoon, and she was admitted to the hospital about 10 hours later.
She almost died a day or two later from internal bleeding. A blood transfusion saved her. My wife felt like she was in a third world country in that ER.
So forgive me media...I don't buy it.
I feel terribly for the family of Natasha Richardson. May she rest in peace.
But media outlets have been speculating that if she got immediate medical attention, she may have lived. But I think that is BS, especially from my experiences in emergency rooms. Now granted, she is a star, so it may have been different for her, but I'll tell what would happen if I went in for bumping my head.
Check in...have a seat, wait for HOURS to see a doctor. He would do a cursory exam, see if my eyes tracked OK. Ask me how I felt. "Well, I don't feel too great, I have a bit of a headache."
"Hmmm...well you did bump your head. Let me get you some motrin, and if the headache does not go away by tomorrow, call your doctor. Bye bye now!"
Seriously. I went to the ER in dire pain. I could not even swallow without writhing in pain...it felt like glass shards were in my throat. Doctor in the ER told me it probably was a cold. "Uh...no, I have had sore throats before...this is different!"
"Here take this motrin...call your doctor if it isn't better...Bye bye now!"
Turns out, after I went back to the ER again, saw my own doctor, and got into ENT, I had a dangerous ulcer on a part of my throat that could have blocked off my breathing if it got any worse.
Another story...my 89 year old mother-in-law was in pain, could not eat, could not move. We brought her to the ER. They made us wait for a long time in the waiting room, but she could not sit anymore she was so bad off, so grudgingly they gave her a cot to lie on. She could not control her bodily functions, and they left her to lie in her urine and feces. My wife had to clean her herself, begging for some new bed clothes. My mother-in-law was shaking she felt so cold. Again, my wife had to beg for more blankets, and finally went to a cabinet and just took them., It was several hours before she was seen by a doctor. We had brought her in about 3 in the afternoon, and she was admitted to the hospital about 10 hours later.
She almost died a day or two later from internal bleeding. A blood transfusion saved her. My wife felt like she was in a third world country in that ER.
So forgive me media...I don't buy it.
I feel terribly for the family of Natasha Richardson. May she rest in peace.
Movie-Milk
Milk was nominated for several major Oscars, including best picture, best actor (Sean Penn), best supporting actor (Josh Brolin) and best director. Sean Penn won the best actor award.
Milk is a biopic about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to hold political office in the U.S. He was on the San Fransisco board of supervisors. Milk was assassinated, along with Mayor Moscone, by Dan White, another man who had served on the board, but was mentally unstable, repressed and more than a little upset the Milk was a better politician.
The story is moving, and some may accuse it of being pro-gay, and advocating that life. I think it is pro-freedom. It addresses the need to allow everyone to lead the life they wish, without persecution or harassment. Harvey Milk happened to be gay, but the story is about black and Latino and women and Jews and anyone who is not white, anglo-saxon, Christian and accepted.
Sean Penn is excellent, as he so often is, as Harvey. At 40 years old, he is closeted, and working as an anonymous worker bee in a big corporation in New York. And he decides that that isn't the way he wants the rest of his life to go. So he and his partner move to the Castro, open a business and become part of a community that is constantly picked on by the city police. Harvey got into politics because of the persecution he saw.
He was killed when he was 48. In 8 years the changes he made were transformational in the rights of gay people everywhere. He fought back Anita Bryant and her anti-gay crusaders and he won.
Josh Brolin is also excellent as Dan White, Milk's co-supervisor and assassin. He plays White as conflicted and earnest, trying to understand himself and the confusing changes in the world around him.
Milk is an excellent movie, with a great cast. It uses some archival footage, and really gets the feel of the 70's down pat. It also has a message of hope-- that some time, no one will be denied the same rights as the aforementioned "accepted" people. It should not matter, and one day it won't, your sexuality and who you love, it won't matter the color of your skin or your religion...all that will matter is the quality of the person. That is what will count.
Milk is a biopic about Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to hold political office in the U.S. He was on the San Fransisco board of supervisors. Milk was assassinated, along with Mayor Moscone, by Dan White, another man who had served on the board, but was mentally unstable, repressed and more than a little upset the Milk was a better politician.
The story is moving, and some may accuse it of being pro-gay, and advocating that life. I think it is pro-freedom. It addresses the need to allow everyone to lead the life they wish, without persecution or harassment. Harvey Milk happened to be gay, but the story is about black and Latino and women and Jews and anyone who is not white, anglo-saxon, Christian and accepted.
Sean Penn is excellent, as he so often is, as Harvey. At 40 years old, he is closeted, and working as an anonymous worker bee in a big corporation in New York. And he decides that that isn't the way he wants the rest of his life to go. So he and his partner move to the Castro, open a business and become part of a community that is constantly picked on by the city police. Harvey got into politics because of the persecution he saw.
He was killed when he was 48. In 8 years the changes he made were transformational in the rights of gay people everywhere. He fought back Anita Bryant and her anti-gay crusaders and he won.
Josh Brolin is also excellent as Dan White, Milk's co-supervisor and assassin. He plays White as conflicted and earnest, trying to understand himself and the confusing changes in the world around him.
Milk is an excellent movie, with a great cast. It uses some archival footage, and really gets the feel of the 70's down pat. It also has a message of hope-- that some time, no one will be denied the same rights as the aforementioned "accepted" people. It should not matter, and one day it won't, your sexuality and who you love, it won't matter the color of your skin or your religion...all that will matter is the quality of the person. That is what will count.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Restaurant- Chow's Noodle House
We went out with to a nice dinner with our old friends Bill and Yvette...sorry Bill, I mean long-time friends, Bill and Yvette, and tried a new place, Chow Noodle House (http://chownoodlehouse.webs.com/index.htm) in Hillcrest.
Well, as usual, parking in Hillcrest in problematic, but we were lucky, finding a spot right around the corner from the University Ave. restaurant. Chow is mostly Thai, but offers noodle dishes from around Asia, and other unique dishes too, not just noodles. The Thai iced tea we ordered was very nice, and then came the main dishes, we ordered four and all shared.
Bill ordered the pad thai, Yvette the pineapple fried rice, Sharlynn had the pad ginger with chicken and I had mango chicken. All the dishes were very good, with my mango chicken being popular at our table. It is kind of like orange chicken, typical in Chinese places, but with a very nice mango sauce and pieces of mango. As I said we all enjoyed every dish, and the prices were quite reasonable. And though we did not order dessert, our waiter still brought over some tapioca for all of us, on the house! How nice is that??
We will want to try more of Chow Noodle House's menu, but we all enjoyed our first impression!
Well, as usual, parking in Hillcrest in problematic, but we were lucky, finding a spot right around the corner from the University Ave. restaurant. Chow is mostly Thai, but offers noodle dishes from around Asia, and other unique dishes too, not just noodles. The Thai iced tea we ordered was very nice, and then came the main dishes, we ordered four and all shared.
Bill ordered the pad thai, Yvette the pineapple fried rice, Sharlynn had the pad ginger with chicken and I had mango chicken. All the dishes were very good, with my mango chicken being popular at our table. It is kind of like orange chicken, typical in Chinese places, but with a very nice mango sauce and pieces of mango. As I said we all enjoyed every dish, and the prices were quite reasonable. And though we did not order dessert, our waiter still brought over some tapioca for all of us, on the house! How nice is that??
We will want to try more of Chow Noodle House's menu, but we all enjoyed our first impression!
Movie-The Band's Visit
This is a movie of gentle humor, and melancholy, of loneliness and the accidents of life that can isolate one, and then reconnect one to others. The Band's Visit (2008)is quiet and sad, but sweet.
The plot has the Alexandria Policeman's Band, a small and close to being defunct ceremonial band from Egypt, arriving in Israel, with no one to greet them, and little savvy on how to get around in this foreign country. Finally finding a bus, they go to a town that should not be their destination...the difference of a single syllable.
They are lost, and when they ask a woman who runs a small restaurant, where the Arab Cultural Center is, she looks a them like they are from Mars. "There is no Arab culture here...there is no Israeli culture here...there is no culture at all here."
Such is the place they have found themselves.
Forced to spend the night, the woman finds the band members, clad in their sky blue uniforms, places to sleep...no hotel in this town either. And this is when the movie gets really good. Because we see subtle acting, as the band members facades crack open just a bit, interacting with their hosts. And we see connections made, shyly and awkwardly, as the hosts too, show cracks into their imperfect lives.
Ronit Elkabetz plays the restaurant owner, with sexiness and verve, and yet with a isolation that is not entirely of her own making. Sasson Gabai is also amazing as the long-time band leader, who has made the band his life with iron discipline...discipline of the band and of his feelings. When the two of them are together on the screen, it is magic.
This movie is not exciting, but it is wise and and endearing. The Band's Visit takes place in the space of a day, but that day is worth watching.
The plot has the Alexandria Policeman's Band, a small and close to being defunct ceremonial band from Egypt, arriving in Israel, with no one to greet them, and little savvy on how to get around in this foreign country. Finally finding a bus, they go to a town that should not be their destination...the difference of a single syllable.
They are lost, and when they ask a woman who runs a small restaurant, where the Arab Cultural Center is, she looks a them like they are from Mars. "There is no Arab culture here...there is no Israeli culture here...there is no culture at all here."
Such is the place they have found themselves.
Forced to spend the night, the woman finds the band members, clad in their sky blue uniforms, places to sleep...no hotel in this town either. And this is when the movie gets really good. Because we see subtle acting, as the band members facades crack open just a bit, interacting with their hosts. And we see connections made, shyly and awkwardly, as the hosts too, show cracks into their imperfect lives.
Ronit Elkabetz plays the restaurant owner, with sexiness and verve, and yet with a isolation that is not entirely of her own making. Sasson Gabai is also amazing as the long-time band leader, who has made the band his life with iron discipline...discipline of the band and of his feelings. When the two of them are together on the screen, it is magic.
This movie is not exciting, but it is wise and and endearing. The Band's Visit takes place in the space of a day, but that day is worth watching.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Movie-Black Hawk Down
I had missed Black Hawk Down when it came out, and put it on my queue on the strong recommendation of my friend Sharon. Good call Sharon!
Black Hawk Down (2001) seems to me to be an example of a movie that shows war as it looks from the view of the man on the ground (not that I have ever been at war). It is not about battle plans and troop movement...it is about confusion and sweat and blood, and loud noises.
It is also about going into situations where you know you may be hurt or killed, and doing it anyway. It is about taking care of the people around you. Politics disappears and it is visceral.
The movie shows this in an extremely graphic and harrowing way, but not expliotatively. And what is more, it is about events that actually happened in the early '90s, as the US was trying to help feed people in Somalia, and got involved in trying to take out a warlord. An operation that was planned to take less than an hour became a running firefight that saw 2 Black Hawk helicopters shot down.
An excellent ensemble cast is in the movie...with no one star getting too much face time, but all merely parts in a bigger machine. The story is fast-paced and tense, and offers little time for the audience to decompress as one battle scene runs into another.
This is an excellent movie and I am glad I put it in my queue.
Black Hawk Down (2001) seems to me to be an example of a movie that shows war as it looks from the view of the man on the ground (not that I have ever been at war). It is not about battle plans and troop movement...it is about confusion and sweat and blood, and loud noises.
It is also about going into situations where you know you may be hurt or killed, and doing it anyway. It is about taking care of the people around you. Politics disappears and it is visceral.
The movie shows this in an extremely graphic and harrowing way, but not expliotatively. And what is more, it is about events that actually happened in the early '90s, as the US was trying to help feed people in Somalia, and got involved in trying to take out a warlord. An operation that was planned to take less than an hour became a running firefight that saw 2 Black Hawk helicopters shot down.
An excellent ensemble cast is in the movie...with no one star getting too much face time, but all merely parts in a bigger machine. The story is fast-paced and tense, and offers little time for the audience to decompress as one battle scene runs into another.
This is an excellent movie and I am glad I put it in my queue.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Movie-Get Smart
I am really wary of over-hyped comedies, especially those that are remakes of old TV shows. So I was really glad that I laughed so much watching Get Smart (2008).
I thought it was very funny, and did a nice job of re-inventing the Maxwell Smart of the TV show, but not losing what essentially made him a great character. It kept his bumbling, but also provided him with very endearing characteristics that a movie watcher needs to maintain interest.
Steve Carell takes Maxwell Smart (originally played by the under-appreciated Don Adams) and makes him a nice guy, not just a silly, somewhat bumbling secret agent. He also makes him actually really good at some aspects of the spy game. I mean, how many times did we think in the old series..."Why does he still have a job?" We don't think that in this movie. Carell does a perfect job balancing all of Max's idiosyncrasies.
Get Smart is funny, smart and nicely paced. It has an excellent supporting cast, with Alan Arkin, Dwayne Johnson and the terrific Anne Hathaway as Agent 99. It also pays homage to the old show, keeping lines like, "Missed it by that much," the cone of silence and other touchstones of the old series. It updates the show, but does not corrupt it. Really nice job...I wish other movies could do as well remaking old TV shows.
I thought it was very funny, and did a nice job of re-inventing the Maxwell Smart of the TV show, but not losing what essentially made him a great character. It kept his bumbling, but also provided him with very endearing characteristics that a movie watcher needs to maintain interest.
Steve Carell takes Maxwell Smart (originally played by the under-appreciated Don Adams) and makes him a nice guy, not just a silly, somewhat bumbling secret agent. He also makes him actually really good at some aspects of the spy game. I mean, how many times did we think in the old series..."Why does he still have a job?" We don't think that in this movie. Carell does a perfect job balancing all of Max's idiosyncrasies.
Get Smart is funny, smart and nicely paced. It has an excellent supporting cast, with Alan Arkin, Dwayne Johnson and the terrific Anne Hathaway as Agent 99. It also pays homage to the old show, keeping lines like, "Missed it by that much," the cone of silence and other touchstones of the old series. It updates the show, but does not corrupt it. Really nice job...I wish other movies could do as well remaking old TV shows.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Movie-Alexander
Wow...Alexander (2004) was a big movie. Big stars, lots of extras, big battle scenes, big director in Oliver Stone, about Alexander the GREAT, big special effects and LONG! You know what else was big...it was a big fat failure! Bad bad bad on almost every level.
Starring a terribly miscast Colin Farrell as Alexander, this movie seemed to have no life, no real emotion and was overacted to the point of ridiculous. Angelina Jolie played Alexander's strange mom, and she was almost decent. Anthony Hopkins was bad...how often can you say that? Not very!
About the only good thing...the only good things in fact, were Rosario Dawson's naked breasts...and to coin a Seinfeld phrase...they were spectacular! But that was five minutes of distraction from an otherwise painfully bad movie.
Look, you can forgive a small movie for not being so great, but because of the immensity of this one, with the cast and director and budget, it has to go down as a huge huge mistake.
Just a bad movie.
Starring a terribly miscast Colin Farrell as Alexander, this movie seemed to have no life, no real emotion and was overacted to the point of ridiculous. Angelina Jolie played Alexander's strange mom, and she was almost decent. Anthony Hopkins was bad...how often can you say that? Not very!
About the only good thing...the only good things in fact, were Rosario Dawson's naked breasts...and to coin a Seinfeld phrase...they were spectacular! But that was five minutes of distraction from an otherwise painfully bad movie.
Look, you can forgive a small movie for not being so great, but because of the immensity of this one, with the cast and director and budget, it has to go down as a huge huge mistake.
Just a bad movie.
Cooking with Andy
Last week was not a big cooking week, but I made a couple of new dishes that I really liked.
For my work lunch I made a Tomato, Black Eyed Pea and Bell Pepper Stew, that was so good. The sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes just made this dish an instant favorite for me.
Another dish that I liked was Tortellini with Mushroom Carbonara Sauce. I little heavy, but the taste was fantastic!
I made a few other things, but those were the standouts.
Good Eating!
For my work lunch I made a Tomato, Black Eyed Pea and Bell Pepper Stew, that was so good. The sweetness of the peppers and tomatoes just made this dish an instant favorite for me.
Another dish that I liked was Tortellini with Mushroom Carbonara Sauce. I little heavy, but the taste was fantastic!
I made a few other things, but those were the standouts.
Good Eating!
Wandering the Gaslamp
We decided to got down to the Gaslamp district and walk around this past Saturday. Sure, we drive through there, or park and go right to our destination, but we hadn't wandered in some time, looking through shops, looking at restaurant menus...just enjoying the day.
And we spent several hours, and did not hit nearly all the streets and side streets. One of the places that really impressed us was The Wine Bank Inc. at 363 Fifth Ave.
Wow, this shop was loaded with wines from all over the world. Upstairs is booze, and as you go downstairs you are surrounded by tequilas. And then the mother lode! Hundreds of wines, of every variety and price. It was fun just browsing around.
After a couple of hours, we started looking for a place to eat. It was not that many years ago that the only choices in the Gaslamp were pretty much Italian bistro and seafood. But there are many different cuisines now, and we were looking for something not too pricey, and that had a bar.
That is when we stumbled across Nicky Rottens Bar and Burger Joint. It seemed like a good place for a bite and some libations, and we were not disappointed. My margaritas were pretty good, and much better with my extra shot of tequila in it. And my dining companion enjoyed her wine, a house Merlot, that was decent.
I ate a burger... but they called it the breakfast burger, with a fried egg, a potato cake, and applewood smoke bacon. And was it ever good! Best burger I have had in a long time. Of course, on Monday I went to the hospital and had my arteries cleared out, but besides that....LOL!
The nachos came for my wife, and wow, were they piled high with LOTS of toppings, including guacamole and sour cream. Again, not exactly health food, but they were very good too (though my burger was better.
Nicky Rottens seems like a place you could just go an hang out for awhile watching the world pass by.
We did not get to see all the Gaslamp, so are saving another trip for a nice weekend day. But it was nice seeing the city close up. Fun to poke around in shops and find a good burger joint. All in all, a good day.
And we spent several hours, and did not hit nearly all the streets and side streets. One of the places that really impressed us was The Wine Bank Inc. at 363 Fifth Ave.
Wow, this shop was loaded with wines from all over the world. Upstairs is booze, and as you go downstairs you are surrounded by tequilas. And then the mother lode! Hundreds of wines, of every variety and price. It was fun just browsing around.
After a couple of hours, we started looking for a place to eat. It was not that many years ago that the only choices in the Gaslamp were pretty much Italian bistro and seafood. But there are many different cuisines now, and we were looking for something not too pricey, and that had a bar.
That is when we stumbled across Nicky Rottens Bar and Burger Joint. It seemed like a good place for a bite and some libations, and we were not disappointed. My margaritas were pretty good, and much better with my extra shot of tequila in it. And my dining companion enjoyed her wine, a house Merlot, that was decent.
I ate a burger... but they called it the breakfast burger, with a fried egg, a potato cake, and applewood smoke bacon. And was it ever good! Best burger I have had in a long time. Of course, on Monday I went to the hospital and had my arteries cleared out, but besides that....LOL!
The nachos came for my wife, and wow, were they piled high with LOTS of toppings, including guacamole and sour cream. Again, not exactly health food, but they were very good too (though my burger was better.
Nicky Rottens seems like a place you could just go an hang out for awhile watching the world pass by.
We did not get to see all the Gaslamp, so are saving another trip for a nice weekend day. But it was nice seeing the city close up. Fun to poke around in shops and find a good burger joint. All in all, a good day.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
TV On Netflix- Weeds Season 2
Poor Nancy. Like many suburban moms, she has problems. Problems with her small business expansion...she is trying to turn dealing into growing with the help of suspisious and nervous Conrad, her partner. She has trouble with competing busineses, namely the Armenians who have serveral growhouses in the gated community she has set her own up in. Nevermind her new boyfriend who she did not know was a DEA agent. Hmmmm...did I mention Nancy deals weed in the suburban city Agrestic.
Now add to that her own personal issues...the aforementioned DEA agent boyfriend, two boys, one on the cusp of becoming a man, the other on the cusp of adolescence. A brother-in-law who just is a total mooch, and a maid who has become a bit too big for her britches.
Nancy Botwin, played by Mary-Louise Parker, is such a great character in Weeds. She is the antithesis of the suburban ideal. But that is what this show is about, the disenchantment of the suburban ideal. Weeds (2006) is subversive and funny as hell, and it hits its mark every time in season 2.
The theme song even hits the mark--"Little houses on the hillside, little house made of ticky tack, little houses on the hillside and they all look just the same." This season, each episode is sung by a different singer and in a different style, so with this show, I even watch the opening credits!
Poor Nancy...just a suburban widow's dilemma. To deal or not to deal, that is the question.
Now add to that her own personal issues...the aforementioned DEA agent boyfriend, two boys, one on the cusp of becoming a man, the other on the cusp of adolescence. A brother-in-law who just is a total mooch, and a maid who has become a bit too big for her britches.
Nancy Botwin, played by Mary-Louise Parker, is such a great character in Weeds. She is the antithesis of the suburban ideal. But that is what this show is about, the disenchantment of the suburban ideal. Weeds (2006) is subversive and funny as hell, and it hits its mark every time in season 2.
The theme song even hits the mark--"Little houses on the hillside, little house made of ticky tack, little houses on the hillside and they all look just the same." This season, each episode is sung by a different singer and in a different style, so with this show, I even watch the opening credits!
Poor Nancy...just a suburban widow's dilemma. To deal or not to deal, that is the question.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Book- Skin City by Jack Sheehan
Skin City's subtitle is "Behind the Scenes of the Las Vegas Sex Industry." And boy, does it take you behind the scenes and in the front row!
Author Jack Sheehan is a Las Vegas resident and has written other books about the city. In younger days he was a teacher at one of the community colleges. One of his students from back then turned out later to be a major porn star. Yes, he taught drama to Ashlyn Gere! (Side note...we have seen her perform at the Mitchell Brothers O'Farrell Theater in San Francisco...just had to brag about that)(one more side note...one of best films is Put It In the Rear With Gere...or so I have heard! LOL!). He later did an interview with her for a magazine (that was very well received) and he was hooked. The interview does form a chapter in this book.
He starts out with attending the AVN Awards...that is the porn equivalent of the Oscars. His sense of humor sparkles here, with biting sarcasm. As he lists the names of the men nominated for best male performer, with names like John Steele or Pete Hardwood, he wonders if there is a marketing firm that specializes in these names. That just had me laugh out loud.
Sheehan is not too mocking though...he travels a fine line, as he goes into swingers clubs, strip clubs, escort services and every thing tawdry and wonderful about sex in this most sexual of cities. We meet prostitutes and strippers who each disdain what the other does for a living, as well as madams and couples that love to swing (and not in the typical playground). Even the oldest man in porn, Dave Cummings (see what he means about the names) And Sheehan makes them all real people, not just cardboard cutouts. (Side note...Cummings later produced a series called Fuck My Wife Please that is still going strong after 50 or so volumes...or so I have heard).
And his sense of humor keeps it all rolling along.
Wow, there really is something for everyone in Vegas. And Sheehan, despite his Catholic guilt, shows it to us full frontal (as well as rear and side views)( maybe even an upside down view).
This was a fun, funny and very interesting book, for anyone with an interest in sexuality and kinkiness. Not that that describes me at all! I'm just saying...
The book was a gift from my friend Paul, for a birthday a few years back. Thank you Paul, it was an inspiration! HA!
Author Jack Sheehan is a Las Vegas resident and has written other books about the city. In younger days he was a teacher at one of the community colleges. One of his students from back then turned out later to be a major porn star. Yes, he taught drama to Ashlyn Gere! (Side note...we have seen her perform at the Mitchell Brothers O'Farrell Theater in San Francisco...just had to brag about that)(one more side note...one of best films is Put It In the Rear With Gere...or so I have heard! LOL!). He later did an interview with her for a magazine (that was very well received) and he was hooked. The interview does form a chapter in this book.
He starts out with attending the AVN Awards...that is the porn equivalent of the Oscars. His sense of humor sparkles here, with biting sarcasm. As he lists the names of the men nominated for best male performer, with names like John Steele or Pete Hardwood, he wonders if there is a marketing firm that specializes in these names. That just had me laugh out loud.
Sheehan is not too mocking though...he travels a fine line, as he goes into swingers clubs, strip clubs, escort services and every thing tawdry and wonderful about sex in this most sexual of cities. We meet prostitutes and strippers who each disdain what the other does for a living, as well as madams and couples that love to swing (and not in the typical playground). Even the oldest man in porn, Dave Cummings (see what he means about the names) And Sheehan makes them all real people, not just cardboard cutouts. (Side note...Cummings later produced a series called Fuck My Wife Please that is still going strong after 50 or so volumes...or so I have heard).
And his sense of humor keeps it all rolling along.
Wow, there really is something for everyone in Vegas. And Sheehan, despite his Catholic guilt, shows it to us full frontal (as well as rear and side views)( maybe even an upside down view).
This was a fun, funny and very interesting book, for anyone with an interest in sexuality and kinkiness. Not that that describes me at all! I'm just saying...
The book was a gift from my friend Paul, for a birthday a few years back. Thank you Paul, it was an inspiration! HA!
Restaurant- Tsuruya
I have been amiss in not mentioning a new Japanese place that we have tried a couple of times, Tsuruya Sushi, at the intersection of Sports Arena Blvd and Rosecrans, in a little strip mall.
We first went there for lunch, a couple of months after it opened. We sat at the sushi bar, and got very good service. Even with just a few couples in for lunch, they had three men behind the bar making sushi. And the sushi was pretty good. Not up to Kazumi Sushi or Sushi Ota standards, but much better than Sushi Deli type sushi.
We went again for dinner, and this time sat at a table. While my gorgeous companion again ordered sushi, I had udon soup. Udon is the thick noodles used in Japanese soups, and other dishes. It was quite good, and not pricey at all.
The restaurant is really nicely decorated, and has a good feel to it. Service is sometimes a little to unctuous, as the remove dishes almost too quickly, but it is done with good intent.
It seems like a lot of overhead, and I don't know if they are getting that good a business. But, if you want to have some decent sushi, or other Japanese food, try it and see if you want to return. We did, and will again.
We first went there for lunch, a couple of months after it opened. We sat at the sushi bar, and got very good service. Even with just a few couples in for lunch, they had three men behind the bar making sushi. And the sushi was pretty good. Not up to Kazumi Sushi or Sushi Ota standards, but much better than Sushi Deli type sushi.
We went again for dinner, and this time sat at a table. While my gorgeous companion again ordered sushi, I had udon soup. Udon is the thick noodles used in Japanese soups, and other dishes. It was quite good, and not pricey at all.
The restaurant is really nicely decorated, and has a good feel to it. Service is sometimes a little to unctuous, as the remove dishes almost too quickly, but it is done with good intent.
It seems like a lot of overhead, and I don't know if they are getting that good a business. But, if you want to have some decent sushi, or other Japanese food, try it and see if you want to return. We did, and will again.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Restaurant- Casa de Pico
I have not eaten at Casa de Pico for many years, since the state decided, ill-advisedly, to get rid of Bazaar del Mundo.
So, we went out to La Mesa at Grossmont Center, to eat in the "new" location.
As always, Casa de Pico served up a very good meal. I had the carnitas, big pieces of pork, perfectly seasoned. With fresh flour tortillas, and guacamole, salsa, cilantro and other things to wrap with the pork, this was a very good, and very filling meal. The beautiful woman with me had the grilled fish tacos, and she really enjoyed them. Light and nicely seasoned, they went down well with a beer.
Casa de Pico is very worth going to, even if you have to take a trip up the 8. Good food, reasonable prices and a nice atmosphere. If you haven't visited since Bazaar del Mundo, it is worth a visit to get reacquainted.
So, we went out to La Mesa at Grossmont Center, to eat in the "new" location.
As always, Casa de Pico served up a very good meal. I had the carnitas, big pieces of pork, perfectly seasoned. With fresh flour tortillas, and guacamole, salsa, cilantro and other things to wrap with the pork, this was a very good, and very filling meal. The beautiful woman with me had the grilled fish tacos, and she really enjoyed them. Light and nicely seasoned, they went down well with a beer.
Casa de Pico is very worth going to, even if you have to take a trip up the 8. Good food, reasonable prices and a nice atmosphere. If you haven't visited since Bazaar del Mundo, it is worth a visit to get reacquainted.
The Chain Restaurant Quest Continues-Outback Steak House
I have mentioned my resolution on New Years Day in 2008 to eat at many of this nation's chain restaurants. I soon became quite convinced that I would not be able to get more than 3-4 of them every year (or specifically, my taste buds could not take it), so this became a multi-year quest.
As our credit card company was kind enough to ask us if we wanted a restaurant gift card, and as my lovely wife knows of this strange resolution (if she doesn't entirely approve of it) she ordered the gift card for Outback Steak House, home of the famous Bloomin' Onion.
Well, we did not order that at least, though almost every other table did. Look, it was OK...but only that, and it was terribly bad for you food. The appetizer at least was not on Olympic proportion, the crab stuffed shrimp. But with breadcrumbs and cheese on it, it was not exactly healthy. I am not saying everything has to be good for you at all, but there were scant choices on this menu.
My patient wife ordered the rack of ribs. Which, once they were in front of her allowed me to say, "Nice rack!" She hears that a lot from me anyway, but from a very different perspective! And they were OK, with too much BBQ sauce, and nothing to make them stand out. I had the 3 ribs with chicken breast. Not too bad you say...well the breast is covered in cheese and bacon...
Chain restaurants have one good thing. If you eat at any of these places, you know what the food will be. Pretty much over salted, pre-fabbed meals, that if not tastless, lack any subltey or nuance. What amazed me is the line of people waiting to get in as we left. I wonder if these people really think this a fabulous food?
I am not trying to put down Outback, or any of these places too much. But as I experiment, I worry about whether people who eat here all the time are losing a real connection to food as something that can be fun, and amazing, filled with artistry of preperation and flavors that just explode on the tongue. Are we actually turning to the generic and believing it is food to die for?
The experiment will continue...beware!
As our credit card company was kind enough to ask us if we wanted a restaurant gift card, and as my lovely wife knows of this strange resolution (if she doesn't entirely approve of it) she ordered the gift card for Outback Steak House, home of the famous Bloomin' Onion.
Well, we did not order that at least, though almost every other table did. Look, it was OK...but only that, and it was terribly bad for you food. The appetizer at least was not on Olympic proportion, the crab stuffed shrimp. But with breadcrumbs and cheese on it, it was not exactly healthy. I am not saying everything has to be good for you at all, but there were scant choices on this menu.
My patient wife ordered the rack of ribs. Which, once they were in front of her allowed me to say, "Nice rack!" She hears that a lot from me anyway, but from a very different perspective! And they were OK, with too much BBQ sauce, and nothing to make them stand out. I had the 3 ribs with chicken breast. Not too bad you say...well the breast is covered in cheese and bacon...
Chain restaurants have one good thing. If you eat at any of these places, you know what the food will be. Pretty much over salted, pre-fabbed meals, that if not tastless, lack any subltey or nuance. What amazed me is the line of people waiting to get in as we left. I wonder if these people really think this a fabulous food?
I am not trying to put down Outback, or any of these places too much. But as I experiment, I worry about whether people who eat here all the time are losing a real connection to food as something that can be fun, and amazing, filled with artistry of preperation and flavors that just explode on the tongue. Are we actually turning to the generic and believing it is food to die for?
The experiment will continue...beware!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
TV-Reaper, Medium and Dollhouse
Reaper has finally returned. I have a fondness for this show. On the CW (which is barely a network) it is about a schlep named Sam, who finds out that his soul was sold to Satan before he was born, and now he has to become Satan's bounty hunter and recapture escaped souls. But---its a comedy. And it is funny, with some really good performances, especially by Ray Wise as Satan, and Tyler Labine as Sam's friend, Sock. And Missy Peregrym is pretty nice to look at.
I have said the marriage in Medium is one of the best parts of the show. But they finally addressed a complaint my lovely wife has had for several seasons. How the heck does Joe get ANY sleep, with Allison always waking him up to tell her about her wacky dreams. This episode concerned Joe's lack of sleep, and we are very happy that this important issue has been put to rest.
And Dollhouse is on my viewing list, though the relationship is still tenuous. It varies from OK to pretty good episodes, so I am giving it a long leash.
I have said the marriage in Medium is one of the best parts of the show. But they finally addressed a complaint my lovely wife has had for several seasons. How the heck does Joe get ANY sleep, with Allison always waking him up to tell her about her wacky dreams. This episode concerned Joe's lack of sleep, and we are very happy that this important issue has been put to rest.
And Dollhouse is on my viewing list, though the relationship is still tenuous. It varies from OK to pretty good episodes, so I am giving it a long leash.
2 Magazines
National Geographic, March '09. A good issue, but on a few articles that REALLY took me. The article on Mystic Waters in Jiuzhaigou, in China had beautiful photos. Just amazing imagery. The jaguar article was excellent also, and my favorite was about blue whales. These animals have always captured my imagination, and this article, with the images really blew me away. These animals are immense, the largest animal ever to exist on Earth. An elephant could sit on the tongue of a blue whale. Wow.
Playboy, march '09. Not my favorite issue at all. The interview was with Kenny Chesney, and I am not into country music at all. I mean, I would be interested if it was someone like Willie Nelson because he has so much to say about so many things. Chesney likes talking about himself. the article on Boom cars, cars that are given sound systems so loud they break windows, was a total waste of space. And it was frickin' long. Even the short fiction by Jim Harrison disappointed. And who is Aubrey O'Day? I mean, nice photo shoot, but I don't see all the fuss. Waiting for April.
Playboy, march '09. Not my favorite issue at all. The interview was with Kenny Chesney, and I am not into country music at all. I mean, I would be interested if it was someone like Willie Nelson because he has so much to say about so many things. Chesney likes talking about himself. the article on Boom cars, cars that are given sound systems so loud they break windows, was a total waste of space. And it was frickin' long. Even the short fiction by Jim Harrison disappointed. And who is Aubrey O'Day? I mean, nice photo shoot, but I don't see all the fuss. Waiting for April.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Movie- Guess Who?
It is said to be a reinvention of the classic Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, but Guess Who? (2005) is so not that movie, or even in the same realm.
That being said, it is a somewhat amusing look a racial stereotypes by both black and white. Ashton Kutcher plays a young man meeting his fiance's parents for the first time...thing is...she is black, and her parents do not know she is going to marry a white man.
The father, played by the late Bernie Mac, is, to say the last, not overly joyed by this development. And then, through a series of miscommunication that serve as plot twists, the two come to an understanding and respect.
Pretty typical fair...somewhat amusing, but nothing to write home about.
That being said, it is a somewhat amusing look a racial stereotypes by both black and white. Ashton Kutcher plays a young man meeting his fiance's parents for the first time...thing is...she is black, and her parents do not know she is going to marry a white man.
The father, played by the late Bernie Mac, is, to say the last, not overly joyed by this development. And then, through a series of miscommunication that serve as plot twists, the two come to an understanding and respect.
Pretty typical fair...somewhat amusing, but nothing to write home about.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Movie-The Incredible Hulk
The Incredible Hulk (2008) is certainly NOT one of the top tier super-hero movies, two of which, The Dark Knight and Iron Man, also came out in 2008.
But it was no where near the bust of the first Hulk movie. So it was fun entertainment that did not rise to the WOW! level a great film-making. Starring one of my favorite actors, Edward Norton as Bruce Banner who transforms into the Hulk if he gets angry, or excited in any way.
We find Banner in Brazil, living off the grid, with a beautiful cattle dog---And I have said it before--stop killing the dogs dammit! He is trying to master meditation to help him control the Hulk emerging. Well, of course the US military finds him, and he becomes the big green monster.
All kinds of havoc comes after this of course, and it is a fun ride. The special effects have much improved in the five years between the movies, and I think that helped this movie too.
A few little odes were nice in the movie. Of course Stan Lee (founder of Marvel Comics) did a cameo as he does in every movie with a Marvel character. And the using of the musical theme that was used in the Hulk TV series was nice...it is a haunting little tune. And, having a cameo by Lou Ferrigno, the Hulk of the TV show was a really nice touch. , a series This guy just needed to be painted green, no other special effects needed! Also an ode to Bill Bixby who was Bruce Banner in the series by showing a clip from The Courtship of Eddie's Father which also starred Bixby.
All in all, fun, if not great.
But it was no where near the bust of the first Hulk movie. So it was fun entertainment that did not rise to the WOW! level a great film-making. Starring one of my favorite actors, Edward Norton as Bruce Banner who transforms into the Hulk if he gets angry, or excited in any way.
We find Banner in Brazil, living off the grid, with a beautiful cattle dog---And I have said it before--stop killing the dogs dammit! He is trying to master meditation to help him control the Hulk emerging. Well, of course the US military finds him, and he becomes the big green monster.
All kinds of havoc comes after this of course, and it is a fun ride. The special effects have much improved in the five years between the movies, and I think that helped this movie too.
A few little odes were nice in the movie. Of course Stan Lee (founder of Marvel Comics) did a cameo as he does in every movie with a Marvel character. And the using of the musical theme that was used in the Hulk TV series was nice...it is a haunting little tune. And, having a cameo by Lou Ferrigno, the Hulk of the TV show was a really nice touch. , a series This guy just needed to be painted green, no other special effects needed! Also an ode to Bill Bixby who was Bruce Banner in the series by showing a clip from The Courtship of Eddie's Father which also starred Bixby.
All in all, fun, if not great.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Cooking with Andy
I haven't done a entry under this category in awhile. Not because I am not cooking...no no...I am cooking away, but simply I forget.
I enjoy cooking for the most part. Not only is a necessity, but it is a hobby. I like to make flavors come together, and change tastes through the week with different ingredients and different ethnicity's of cooking.
This weekend I did a couple of nice dinners--Penne with Spinach, Shrimp, Tomatoes and Basil, a nice pasta dish loaded with fresh veggies and herbs. And I made Mahi Mahi with Fresh Cilantro Chutney...very easy dish, especially with Costco frozen Mahi fillets.
For a work lunch I made another pasta dish--Mixed Herb Pasta with Red Peppers and Feta. Again, lots of fresh herbs and red peppers, and mixed with the feta...it is good!
I made a very easy Stir Fry Cabbage, with the lovely taste of Asian sesame oil. And made fresh Apple Walnut Muffins...these have wheat germ and I omitted the butter, so they are pretty healthy, even using whole wheat flour in the mix.
OK- I splurged and made my Banana Cream Pie in an Almond Crust. I gotta say, these pie rocks!! I make the egg cream myself, and the crust is the best pie crust I have ever had. Yes, I am sharing with my parents so we don't eat the whole thing...dammit.
To counteract the pie, I need to take in some fruit...its healthy, right? One of the best ways is a Mango-Banana Daiquiri. You get banana, mango, lime juice...I mean, so what if some rum gets in there too? Your eating (OK drinking) fruit. How bad can that be?
And that...was my weekend!
I enjoy cooking for the most part. Not only is a necessity, but it is a hobby. I like to make flavors come together, and change tastes through the week with different ingredients and different ethnicity's of cooking.
This weekend I did a couple of nice dinners--Penne with Spinach, Shrimp, Tomatoes and Basil, a nice pasta dish loaded with fresh veggies and herbs. And I made Mahi Mahi with Fresh Cilantro Chutney...very easy dish, especially with Costco frozen Mahi fillets.
For a work lunch I made another pasta dish--Mixed Herb Pasta with Red Peppers and Feta. Again, lots of fresh herbs and red peppers, and mixed with the feta...it is good!
I made a very easy Stir Fry Cabbage, with the lovely taste of Asian sesame oil. And made fresh Apple Walnut Muffins...these have wheat germ and I omitted the butter, so they are pretty healthy, even using whole wheat flour in the mix.
OK- I splurged and made my Banana Cream Pie in an Almond Crust. I gotta say, these pie rocks!! I make the egg cream myself, and the crust is the best pie crust I have ever had. Yes, I am sharing with my parents so we don't eat the whole thing...dammit.
To counteract the pie, I need to take in some fruit...its healthy, right? One of the best ways is a Mango-Banana Daiquiri. You get banana, mango, lime juice...I mean, so what if some rum gets in there too? Your eating (OK drinking) fruit. How bad can that be?
And that...was my weekend!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Bev Mo
Bev Mo is having its 5 Cent wine sale right now! For anyone who likes wine, it is a great time to stock up. If you buy a designated bottle at the marked price, you get the second bottle for 5 cents. What a deal! This gives a great chance to get wines that you normally may not try just because they are a price point too high for you.
Of course, while we were there, I did some additional browsing to supplement my closet of happiness. And I found something new. It is called Faretti, from Northern Italy...Faretti-Bisotti Famosi. And it tastes like biscotti, hazelnut and citrus, and, as decribed, the taste of anise seed or fennel in its undertones. It is fabulous!
So go get your wine, and look around a bit too. Some good stuff there at Bev Mo.
Of course, while we were there, I did some additional browsing to supplement my closet of happiness. And I found something new. It is called Faretti, from Northern Italy...Faretti-Bisotti Famosi. And it tastes like biscotti, hazelnut and citrus, and, as decribed, the taste of anise seed or fennel in its undertones. It is fabulous!
So go get your wine, and look around a bit too. Some good stuff there at Bev Mo.
TV on Netflix- All Creatures Great and Small-The Specials
When the first three seasons of the BBC show, All Creatures Great and Small ended in 1980, it seemed like the show was over. But the show came back with 2 specials, in 1983 and 1985, with most of the original cast back (except for Mary Hignett who had played Mrs. Hall and had died).
This disc had both of these specials. And while they did not have quite the charm of the first three seasons, they are still better than much of what is on TV now. It is after WWII in Yorkshire, and James Herriot and his vet partner Siegfried Farnon have come back from the war to resume their practice in the Dales. James now has son, Jimmy, and is having a bit of trouble readjusting to civilian life.
Along with Tristan, Siegfried's brother, and Helen, James's loving wife, the specials are filled with great moments, funny and sweet, along with moments of great pathos.
After these specials, the BBC starting making the show again in 1988. While it has most of the cast back, Carol Drinkwater did not return as Helen, a loss that will be felt I am sure.
All Creatures Great and Small is based on real life vet, James Herriot's books about his life in Yorkshire. The wonderful books really do translate well onto the small screen.
This disc had both of these specials. And while they did not have quite the charm of the first three seasons, they are still better than much of what is on TV now. It is after WWII in Yorkshire, and James Herriot and his vet partner Siegfried Farnon have come back from the war to resume their practice in the Dales. James now has son, Jimmy, and is having a bit of trouble readjusting to civilian life.
Along with Tristan, Siegfried's brother, and Helen, James's loving wife, the specials are filled with great moments, funny and sweet, along with moments of great pathos.
After these specials, the BBC starting making the show again in 1988. While it has most of the cast back, Carol Drinkwater did not return as Helen, a loss that will be felt I am sure.
All Creatures Great and Small is based on real life vet, James Herriot's books about his life in Yorkshire. The wonderful books really do translate well onto the small screen.
Movie- Jesus Christ Superstar
I really like musicals, and I think the 1970s were a time of great filmaking. So waht could be better than a musical from the 70s? So I was really looking forward to Jesus Christ Superstar (1973).
Uhhh-how wrong was I? Wow, talk about a dated film. The music was for the most part annoying, the singers/actors were not that great, and the whole thing was a 70s hair fest. With only 2 songs worth a damn, "I Don't Know How to Love Him," and "Jesus Christ Superstar," I am so glad I have not paid to see this on stage.
While the story of Christ's passion can be told well, this does not do it. And this 1970s entertainment fails to walk on water...hell, it fails even float...it just sinks.
Uhhh-how wrong was I? Wow, talk about a dated film. The music was for the most part annoying, the singers/actors were not that great, and the whole thing was a 70s hair fest. With only 2 songs worth a damn, "I Don't Know How to Love Him," and "Jesus Christ Superstar," I am so glad I have not paid to see this on stage.
While the story of Christ's passion can be told well, this does not do it. And this 1970s entertainment fails to walk on water...hell, it fails even float...it just sinks.
Movie-Marathon Man
Marathon Man (1975) is one of the well-known '70s movies that I have heard so much about, but have never seen. And Netflix is helping me get through so many of them. While some seem ancient and very dated, Marathon Man holds up pretty well.
Starring Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier and Roy Scheider, Marathon Man is a thriller, dealing with a shady U.S. Govt agency that plays in all the gray areas of world affairs, Nazi fugitives, and a naive, idealistic student, training for a marathon, Dustin Hoffman as Babe Levy.
The plot sometimes is a little fantastic, as are the plots of many thrillers, but the movie sustains its tension. And the famous scene where the Nazi dentist (played very well by Olivier) tortures Levy with dental instruments, is as painful to watch today as it ever was.
Not quite a great film, Marathon Man is very good, and it holds up well into this century.
Starring Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier and Roy Scheider, Marathon Man is a thriller, dealing with a shady U.S. Govt agency that plays in all the gray areas of world affairs, Nazi fugitives, and a naive, idealistic student, training for a marathon, Dustin Hoffman as Babe Levy.
The plot sometimes is a little fantastic, as are the plots of many thrillers, but the movie sustains its tension. And the famous scene where the Nazi dentist (played very well by Olivier) tortures Levy with dental instruments, is as painful to watch today as it ever was.
Not quite a great film, Marathon Man is very good, and it holds up well into this century.
Movie-Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! (2008) is not a bad movie, but I think it must have been much better as a stage production. Starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan, the movie version is very uneven, at times really soaring, and at other times really missing.
I think it missed most when it tried to be too much like a live production, and it did not translate well to the big screen. They are different genres and require different things to make the same story work.
The story is written to make the songs of ABBA fit into a coherent play...at times that works too, and at times it doesn't. The music was fun to hear, but dammit...I can't get Chiquiquita out of my head! Make it stop!!!
Somewhat fun, Mamma Mia! never really performs well.
I think it missed most when it tried to be too much like a live production, and it did not translate well to the big screen. They are different genres and require different things to make the same story work.
The story is written to make the songs of ABBA fit into a coherent play...at times that works too, and at times it doesn't. The music was fun to hear, but dammit...I can't get Chiquiquita out of my head! Make it stop!!!
Somewhat fun, Mamma Mia! never really performs well.
Book-The Secrets of Mariko
Journalist and author, Elizabeth Bumiller, writes a fascinating book in The Secrets of Mariko. Part of its fascination is that it explores the life of a ordinary Japanese woman in a very personal way, not trying to make a huge sociological statement with the study, but to make the life of this woman open for all to have empathy for.
Bumiller was in Japan for a few years on assignment, with her husband and family, and had heard so much about the life of the "normal" Japanese housewife, that she set out to chronicle it, to find out if it was as bad as many people said. She found her typical housewife in Mariko, and met with her for over a year, learning about her, her family (a husband and 3 kids), her feelings, and her wants and needs. Mariko also took care of her elderly parents, who live in the same house, both of who are ailing from failing health.
Bumiller's narrative is personal...she states that sometimes she had pre-conceived notions that get changed along this year-long journey. And she does not merely focus on Mariko, she looks at things in Mariko's life that fascinate her and explores those too. Fro instance, Mariko takes part in a shrine carrying festival, where she mingles with Yakuza, the Japanese mob. Bumiller is intrigued with how this very middle class woman relates to the Yakuza, and finds a way to interview the local gang's leader.
What we get out of this curiosity is a larger picture of Japanese society, a society that is homogeneous to the point of xenophobia, and that is so strictly structured that to be different is to be ostracized by the group mentality. But Bumiller is also sympathetic and caring and tries (and succeeds) in letting us understand the differences between our cultures. Even more, she, and in turn her audience, understands the similarities between two cultures, and how we all strive towards some kind of acceptance.
The Secrets of Mariko is an excellent book, (and as true as I can see from my own experiences staying with Japanese friends). Anyone interested in Japanese culture should read and will enjoy it.
Bumiller was in Japan for a few years on assignment, with her husband and family, and had heard so much about the life of the "normal" Japanese housewife, that she set out to chronicle it, to find out if it was as bad as many people said. She found her typical housewife in Mariko, and met with her for over a year, learning about her, her family (a husband and 3 kids), her feelings, and her wants and needs. Mariko also took care of her elderly parents, who live in the same house, both of who are ailing from failing health.
Bumiller's narrative is personal...she states that sometimes she had pre-conceived notions that get changed along this year-long journey. And she does not merely focus on Mariko, she looks at things in Mariko's life that fascinate her and explores those too. Fro instance, Mariko takes part in a shrine carrying festival, where she mingles with Yakuza, the Japanese mob. Bumiller is intrigued with how this very middle class woman relates to the Yakuza, and finds a way to interview the local gang's leader.
What we get out of this curiosity is a larger picture of Japanese society, a society that is homogeneous to the point of xenophobia, and that is so strictly structured that to be different is to be ostracized by the group mentality. But Bumiller is also sympathetic and caring and tries (and succeeds) in letting us understand the differences between our cultures. Even more, she, and in turn her audience, understands the similarities between two cultures, and how we all strive towards some kind of acceptance.
The Secrets of Mariko is an excellent book, (and as true as I can see from my own experiences staying with Japanese friends). Anyone interested in Japanese culture should read and will enjoy it.
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