the ones that didnt make the cut
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Hugo
Every once in a while, you see something so striking, it instantly jumps out at you because it is so different, so intelligent, so good that it is undeniable. I don't "do" movies too often, but Hugo warrants a post. The last time I saw a movie like this was Inception. Why that movie didn't win Best Picture, I'll never know (too much of genre movie?).
If you don't know Hugo, it was originally a graphic novel. But rather than being a comic book collections, it is more an illustrated novel, alternating between prose and art sequences. I have not read it, but Maddy is a big fan (include author Brian Selznick's new book Wonderstruck). So me and her went on a "daddy date" to see it.
First of all, not worth seeing in 3d - doesn't really add anything (although James Cameron said it was the best use of 3d that he had seen). Secondly, the pace is different. I don't want to say "slow" because that doesn't give director Scorsese (yes that Scorsese) credit. I spent the first fifteen minutes wondering how Maddy would sit through two hours, then how I would stay awake. It was undeniably well made, everything from filming to sets. But once I was drawn in, I was entranced. And that is the right word, as the story is about magic: the magic of movies, the magic of youth, the magic of family (in all its forms), the magic of magic. Maddy says the movie follows the novel pretty closely, but with stuff added. But what is added is an enhancement, little details that only add to the story like details in the painting. There are no throw away characters here. I'm told the movie references over 80 classic films - I got maybe 10% of those, but I am curious to figure it out. For instance:
So few films work on so many levels, yet stand out on their own style at the same time. a masterpiece. Maddy agrees. I will have to go read the book now.
A slightly different "hugo" but a classic song:
Pick your "Best of"
For those of you not on twitter, we start the process of whittling the "Best of" down. Send me any suggestions you may have.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
New Car Post aka "Meet the new Boss"
"Meet the new Boss. Same as the old Boss"
The Who, Won't get fooled Again
I picked up the new car today. The Cayenne Turbo was not dead (yet) but damn close and worth more dead than alive. While she was reliable and a joy to drive and ride in day to day, hidden under the surface was a series of issues which were never cheap (much like an old girlfriend; also like an old girlfriend, the internet is not the best place to buy one!). I will share the tale of her demise another time as that story is not fully ended yet. Here is the new baby:
Now you're saying "Andy that's the same car. same color, same license plate."
Well not quite. Here's a photo of the old car (or same model found on the interweb).
Both are the same blue, but mine is a 2008 Cayenne GTS vs. 2004 Cayenee Turbo. IF you look closely on the back, you can see the badge.
Other than that they are pretty similar. The GTS is designed to look like a Turbo: big wheels, big brakes, big air intakes. But actually has about 95 less hp with the improved mileage traded for performance (still 6.5 0-60 vs 5.0 for the turbo, gas mileage gets up into the 20's so its no hybrid). It's the "Gen 2" so everything from the engine to NAV/radio works better as they have worked out some of the earlier problems (see class action suit). I got good value for the Turbo (worth more dead than alive) so while I hadn't planned on a new car, the hit was manageable. It has all the same features of the old one (adjustable suspension, parking sensor which I have come to rely on). The big upgrade is the twin DVD in the head rest and the panoramic sunroof option (see below) as well as heated mirrors/steering wheel. (back seats still have heating). Maddy says its like riding in a convertible without messing up your hair.
Liz also got a new dream car as they swapped our Kia loaner for a Panamera 4. Never thought she would drive one before I did.
The Who, Won't get fooled Again
I picked up the new car today. The Cayenne Turbo was not dead (yet) but damn close and worth more dead than alive. While she was reliable and a joy to drive and ride in day to day, hidden under the surface was a series of issues which were never cheap (much like an old girlfriend; also like an old girlfriend, the internet is not the best place to buy one!). I will share the tale of her demise another time as that story is not fully ended yet. Here is the new baby:
Now you're saying "Andy that's the same car. same color, same license plate."
Well not quite. Here's a photo of the old car (or same model found on the interweb).
Both are the same blue, but mine is a 2008 Cayenne GTS vs. 2004 Cayenee Turbo. IF you look closely on the back, you can see the badge.
Other than that they are pretty similar. The GTS is designed to look like a Turbo: big wheels, big brakes, big air intakes. But actually has about 95 less hp with the improved mileage traded for performance (still 6.5 0-60 vs 5.0 for the turbo, gas mileage gets up into the 20's so its no hybrid). It's the "Gen 2" so everything from the engine to NAV/radio works better as they have worked out some of the earlier problems (see class action suit). I got good value for the Turbo (worth more dead than alive) so while I hadn't planned on a new car, the hit was manageable. It has all the same features of the old one (adjustable suspension, parking sensor which I have come to rely on). The big upgrade is the twin DVD in the head rest and the panoramic sunroof option (see below) as well as heated mirrors/steering wheel. (back seats still have heating). Maddy says its like riding in a convertible without messing up your hair.
Liz also got a new dream car as they swapped our Kia loaner for a Panamera 4. Never thought she would drive one before I did.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
2011 so far (what I've been listening to)
Create a MySpace Playlist at MixPod.com
A few quick comments on what I've been listening to, before the summer rush of new releases.
I'm usually despairing at this point, because the lack of new releases. But 2011 is so far the year of the disappointing follow up. Its not these albums are bad, they just aren't clicking or haven't clicked yet, like TV on the Radio or Jason Isbell, but I havent given up on yet. Fall into categories like Strokes (not that good), Radiohead (why bothers) or Twilight Singers (well crafted but no there there, I was so excited for this album post-Powder Burns) and some I haven't decided yet (hayes carll, peter bjorn, lupe fiasco). Other notes:
Adele - I have surrendered after resisting the critics but it is that good. no beats, pure emotion. Automatic BOF (best of feltus)
New Guys but high hopes: Bon Iver, Dawes, Death Cab, Volume 2 of Old 97's
Classic R&B - premiere of Charles Bradley (he's like 60), Meters (should of known these guys a long time ago), Fitz - money grabber (already got a spot on BOF)
Aloe Black - Liz hates this song but its the bumper music on the sports talk radio we wake up to every morning and I think its catchy
Baseballs - Elvis-like versions of todays hits by Germans - why isnt this number one?
Hugo - mumford meets Jay - Z. proves the genius of Rick Rubin.
Rural Alberta Advantage - Pumpkins with a dollop of alt country? guy really does sound like Billy Corgan (When we still cared)
!!! - best groove band ever. could listen to this stuff forever. Others misses from 2010 include Janelle Monae (biggest miss but not xx level) and Frightened Rabbit (who did get best album title "winter of mixed drinks" which now go to Apex Manor's "year of magical drinking" because it adds beer and wine as well as a year round theme)
Digitalism - Cut Copy goes into the "listened to but didn't take category" have more hopes for this album. Heck, they make the Strokes sound good (see Forrest Gump)
Yuck - BOF. So they sound like Sonic Youth/Dinosaur Jr. that is not a bad thing - heck this beats the J Mascius solo album. But if you're a hater listen to this one which is more in the Posies/Teenage Fanclub/Big Star category. These guys are 21 and on their second buzz band. There is hope for the future.
Candles - you will never hear of them again (unless they go BOF) and thats too bad.
Baseball Project - Dont call them twinkies (1) return to form of Hold steady's Craig Finn (2) supposedly more "baseball centric" but I think the songs are more "pure" and that makes them more accessible to everyone. Its REM/Hold Steady jangly alternative rock but well done.
Monday, May 02, 2011
from readingpatch.com
Saturday, April 23, 12:26 p.m. A Haverhill Street resident reported that she received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the constable’s office. He told her that he planned to go to her home to drop off paperwork, and the caller worried that he might not be who he said he was. An officer waited at the resident’s home and verified that the constable was, in fact, a constable.
It seems to me that the easiest way to solve this would have been to call the constables' office. In other news, we still have constables in America. G'day guv'na.
It seems to me that the easiest way to solve this would have been to call the constables' office. In other news, we still have constables in America. G'day guv'na.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
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