|
Our discussion forum is open for business. Come say hello. |
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Kork-Ease, coming back?
Kork-Ease are rugged platform sandals. According to this story, they are being sold again:
The brand is but the latest in a string of shopworn or forgotten fashion labels that have been given a new life, having been positioned and marketed to attract the same consumers who embraced them in their heyday. It also helps that these names, which resonate with the original consumers' children and grandchildren, serve as markers that defined an era.This is what they look like:
"What people are reacting to the most is that they had the best times of their lives in some of these brands," said Mickey Rosmarin, the Houston retailer who bought the rights to the Kork-Ease name last year and is just now distributing versions of the original cork-soled hippie sandals — the equivalent of today's flip-flops — to stores
across the country.
Friday, April 28, 2006
United 93
Some people think this movie is too soon or exploitive. I won’t comment on that; I’ll leave that for others. I’ll just give my opinion purely on the moviemaking aspects.
This is an excellent movie in every sense. The writing, acting, music, editing, camera work… all top notch. From the choice of opening scene to the perfect ending shot, I can’t find a single thing about this movie that wasn’t perfectly made.
Much of the movie covers the various air traffic control centers as the hijacking of airplanes on 9/11/01 start. We get to see how it all develops, painting a great picture of what it must have been like for those who witnessed the events of that day unfold before anyone realized just what kind of day it was going to be.
The events aboard United flight 93 are gripping and heart-wrenching. Fantastic editing and camera work takes into the agony the passengers went thought. All aboard are treated as real human beings, not your typical Hollywood superheroes. And that may be the movie’s greatest strength.
This is a must-see movie. Bring lots of tissues.
This is an excellent movie in every sense. The writing, acting, music, editing, camera work… all top notch. From the choice of opening scene to the perfect ending shot, I can’t find a single thing about this movie that wasn’t perfectly made.
Much of the movie covers the various air traffic control centers as the hijacking of airplanes on 9/11/01 start. We get to see how it all develops, painting a great picture of what it must have been like for those who witnessed the events of that day unfold before anyone realized just what kind of day it was going to be.
The events aboard United flight 93 are gripping and heart-wrenching. Fantastic editing and camera work takes into the agony the passengers went thought. All aboard are treated as real human beings, not your typical Hollywood superheroes. And that may be the movie’s greatest strength.
This is a must-see movie. Bring lots of tissues.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The bigger the better
There's nothing I love more than seeing a movie, a regular release, on an Imax theater. I recently went out with some of the kids from my school to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire at our local Imax theather (it's part of our science center) and just had a real kick ass experience!
Imax just rocks in general because right behind the screen are hundreds of speakers, so when stuff flies by on the screen, you can hear the sound following the images. It's better even than regular surround sound. Harry battling the Hungarian Horntail was just awesome, especially seeing Harry fly on such a huge screen.
I've gotten to see a few other films over the year on Imax. Not all movies make sense on Imax. For instance, I saw Fantasia on Imax and it was no more impressive than it was on a regular sized screen, other movies, epic ones like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings are just made for Imax. I don't think Imax will ever be the standard for all films, I wouldn't bother paying 8 bucks for every movie that comes out, but as a special treat, I have to recommend it.
Imax just rocks in general because right behind the screen are hundreds of speakers, so when stuff flies by on the screen, you can hear the sound following the images. It's better even than regular surround sound. Harry battling the Hungarian Horntail was just awesome, especially seeing Harry fly on such a huge screen.
I've gotten to see a few other films over the year on Imax. Not all movies make sense on Imax. For instance, I saw Fantasia on Imax and it was no more impressive than it was on a regular sized screen, other movies, epic ones like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings are just made for Imax. I don't think Imax will ever be the standard for all films, I wouldn't bother paying 8 bucks for every movie that comes out, but as a special treat, I have to recommend it.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Ads in iTunes and maybe even iPods
According to AdAge, Apple has signed on new "content partners" who will provide visual advertisements to be displayed at the lower right of the iTunes screen while users listen to podcasts. The article points to this development as the tip of a potential iceberg, involving the addition of ads to other types of content within iTunes, and perhaps eventually ads displayed on the iPod itself.
Oh well, you knew it would be a matter of time before that would happen. Just what the world needs: more ads selling us more stuff we don't need but won't do without.
I doubt the ads will be reminding us to save for retirement instead of buying crap.
Oh well, you knew it would be a matter of time before that would happen. Just what the world needs: more ads selling us more stuff we don't need but won't do without.
I doubt the ads will be reminding us to save for retirement instead of buying crap.
Friday, April 21, 2006
One life, with each other, sisters, brothers
In a recent poll, U2's "One" was voted to have Briton's favorite lyrics. "How Soon Is Now," an awesome angsty anthem by the Smiths was number two. All I have to say is, SWEET!
The Top 10 Lyrics According to Britons
The Top 10:
1. U2 – One "One Life, With Each Other Sisters, Brothers"
2. The Smiths – How soon is Now "So You Go, And You Stand On Your Own, And You Leave On Your Own, And You Go Home, And You Cry, And You Want To Die"
3. Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit "I Feel Stupid And Contagious, Here We Are Now, Entertain Us"
4. Bob Marley – Redemption Song "Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, None but ourselves can free our minds, Have no fear for atomi energy, Cause none of them can stop the time"
5. Coldplay – Yellow "Look At The Stars, Look How They Shine For You"
6. Eminem – Lose Yourself "Look, If You Had One Shot Or One Opportunity, To Seize Everything You Ever Wanted, One Moment, Would You Capture It Or Just Let It Slip?"
7. Robbie Williams – Angels "And Through It All She Offers Me Protection, A Lot Of Love And Affection, Whether I'm Right Or Wrong"
8. The Who – My Generation "Hope I Die Before I Get Old"
9. Radiohead – Creep "I'm A Creep, I'm A Weirdo, What The Hell Am I Doing Here? I Don't Belong Here"
10. Marvin Gaye – What's Going On "Father, Father, We Don't Need To Escalate, You See, War Is Not The Answer, For Only Love Can Conquer Hate"
The Top 10 Lyrics According to Britons
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Lucky Number Slevin
Movie review by VictorM
Con movies usually take people for a fun ride, all the while keeping us in the dark, deep in mystery and of course, we expect a nice pay off at the end. In this case, while it will please those most oblivious to what’s going on, I was disappointed. One quarter into the movie the basic con was there before your eyes. And while I couldn’t answer all of the small details, there were no surprises. Bruce Willis is getting boring playing those characters.
The biggest flaw in this movie is that it never makes up it’s mind if it’s a serious movie (the killing of a while family would make you think so), but the goons that chase Josh Hartnett around come out of a slapstick comedy. The other two major stars, Morgan Freedman and Sir Ben Kingsley aren’t quite sure if they are in a comedy or not, and it shows.
Lucy Liu’s character is just a nutty idea. They needed someone to generate one little extra mystery towards the end so they made her up. Her role is plainly dumb, even if she’s totally adorable in the movie. The dialogue in the first scene between her and Josh is stupidly staged. I felt embarrassed for the actors.
I wasn’t totally bored. There are enough good things in the movie to keep your interest, but the more I think about the movie, the less I like it.
Con movies usually take people for a fun ride, all the while keeping us in the dark, deep in mystery and of course, we expect a nice pay off at the end. In this case, while it will please those most oblivious to what’s going on, I was disappointed. One quarter into the movie the basic con was there before your eyes. And while I couldn’t answer all of the small details, there were no surprises. Bruce Willis is getting boring playing those characters.
The biggest flaw in this movie is that it never makes up it’s mind if it’s a serious movie (the killing of a while family would make you think so), but the goons that chase Josh Hartnett around come out of a slapstick comedy. The other two major stars, Morgan Freedman and Sir Ben Kingsley aren’t quite sure if they are in a comedy or not, and it shows.
Lucy Liu’s character is just a nutty idea. They needed someone to generate one little extra mystery towards the end so they made her up. Her role is plainly dumb, even if she’s totally adorable in the movie. The dialogue in the first scene between her and Josh is stupidly staged. I felt embarrassed for the actors.
I wasn’t totally bored. There are enough good things in the movie to keep your interest, but the more I think about the movie, the less I like it.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Ooh I love that!
There's nothing that makes me happier than discovering a musical treasure. Lately, with the price of external hard drives going down, I've been able to copy entire libraries of music from my friends. A few months ago I rediscovered Positive K's, "I Got A Man" a hilarious hip hop battle of the sexes and then today I was driving and listening to some music I got from a friend from high school.
I was so excited I just about launched out of my seat! The song in question was "Lucretia" by Sisters of Mercy. Dude, I hadn't heard that song since I used to go to Alternative Laser Static at the science center where I grew up. Suddenly I was tranformed into my teenage self, grooving along to the bitchin' tunes and singing along with the wicked lyrics! Ain't music grand?
I was so excited I just about launched out of my seat! The song in question was "Lucretia" by Sisters of Mercy. Dude, I hadn't heard that song since I used to go to Alternative Laser Static at the science center where I grew up. Suddenly I was tranformed into my teenage self, grooving along to the bitchin' tunes and singing along with the wicked lyrics! Ain't music grand?
Saturday, April 15, 2006
How You Like Them Apples?
Michael Jackson has had a crap decade. After narrowly escaping child molestation charges, his financial fortress is crumbling to bits. His camp has constantly said he's fine, he's got plenty of money, but then why is he defaulting on loans? Selling the Beatles catalogue is the final kick in the pants.
I remember back in the day (mid 80's) that Michael and Paul McCartney were best buds. They recorded music together (anyone remember "Say Say Say" or "The Girl Is Mine") and palled around. That all changed when Michael outbid McCartney for control of the Beatles catalogue. Personally I thought it was crap that the catalogue went out of the control of the men who created it. While Michael acted like it was all business, he definitely lost the friendship of McCartney.
Now, something that should have been cake has gone astray. Michael's mismanaged the catalogue and the Beatles catalogue is going to his creditors, not a living member of the Beatles. This totally pisses me off. Michael may have had it coming, but the remaining members of the Beatles sure have gotten the short end of the stick!
I remember back in the day (mid 80's) that Michael and Paul McCartney were best buds. They recorded music together (anyone remember "Say Say Say" or "The Girl Is Mine") and palled around. That all changed when Michael outbid McCartney for control of the Beatles catalogue. Personally I thought it was crap that the catalogue went out of the control of the men who created it. While Michael acted like it was all business, he definitely lost the friendship of McCartney.
Now, something that should have been cake has gone astray. Michael's mismanaged the catalogue and the Beatles catalogue is going to his creditors, not a living member of the Beatles. This totally pisses me off. Michael may have had it coming, but the remaining members of the Beatles sure have gotten the short end of the stick!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Passover for Dummies
So I've never held my own Passover. Call me passive, but I enjoy going to someone else's home for big religious holidays. Maybe I'm lazy, but when someone else is running the show, all I have to do is show up and enjoy it. But this year I've been living away from my home town and I haven't really gotten in touch with the local Jewish community. I wasn't able to go to someone else's Seder, so I held my own an invited a friend to come over and join me.
Overall it went well, I probably missed a lot of dishes. I've heard in bigger cities like New York and Los Angeles you can have the whole meal catered and delivered to your home, so all you have to do is eat the right dish at the right time. I've also heard that they make better-tasting Kosher wine, a nice alternative to Manishevitz' usual overly-sweet fortified wine.
Interestingly enough, a local grocery store had copies of the Haggadah for free. The Haggadah is the book that is read by whomever is leading the Passover ceremony. Of course this is great promotion for the grovery store, but it's also a convenience for lazy members of the Jewish community such as myself.
I did Passover, by myself. I'm proud. Next year in Jeruselam!
Overall it went well, I probably missed a lot of dishes. I've heard in bigger cities like New York and Los Angeles you can have the whole meal catered and delivered to your home, so all you have to do is eat the right dish at the right time. I've also heard that they make better-tasting Kosher wine, a nice alternative to Manishevitz' usual overly-sweet fortified wine.
Interestingly enough, a local grocery store had copies of the Haggadah for free. The Haggadah is the book that is read by whomever is leading the Passover ceremony. Of course this is great promotion for the grovery store, but it's also a convenience for lazy members of the Jewish community such as myself.
I did Passover, by myself. I'm proud. Next year in Jeruselam!
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Camping in the Lap of Luxury
I went camping this weekend with my school and it seemed like everyone had their own level of comfort when it came to roughing it. I brought a tent, a sleeping bag, and spent the night sleeping on a rocky ground. Mind you, if I could have had a blow up mattress, I would have! Another family brought a king-size blow up mattress and slept in comfort in a three room tent.
There was the option of purchasing electricity from the camp site, and while most of us just used gas stoves or the fire pit, one of our families' mothers claimed she hated camping and wanted as many creature comforts as possible. She had a coffee pot going 24/7, and had arguably one of the more popular sites as kids and grownups alike stopped by for cold drinks and hot coffee. I would definitely consider her to be roughing it because she was doing without A/C in the state of Florida which is not only hot but humid.
In a camp site next to us, a huge bus-sized RV pulled in and began set up. Their RV was filled with all kinds of amenities but the one that surprised me the most was the satellite dish. How the hell is that roughing it? Doesn't the use of a TV negate the whole point of camping? Of being out in the wilderness? How can you enjoy the sounds of nature and the wild when you're plugged into your satellite TV? How can you spend time with your family and friends when you're glued to the boob tube? Pardon me while I go beat a drum by the fire and sing with the kids from my school.
There was the option of purchasing electricity from the camp site, and while most of us just used gas stoves or the fire pit, one of our families' mothers claimed she hated camping and wanted as many creature comforts as possible. She had a coffee pot going 24/7, and had arguably one of the more popular sites as kids and grownups alike stopped by for cold drinks and hot coffee. I would definitely consider her to be roughing it because she was doing without A/C in the state of Florida which is not only hot but humid.
In a camp site next to us, a huge bus-sized RV pulled in and began set up. Their RV was filled with all kinds of amenities but the one that surprised me the most was the satellite dish. How the hell is that roughing it? Doesn't the use of a TV negate the whole point of camping? Of being out in the wilderness? How can you enjoy the sounds of nature and the wild when you're plugged into your satellite TV? How can you spend time with your family and friends when you're glued to the boob tube? Pardon me while I go beat a drum by the fire and sing with the kids from my school.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Wal*Mart - Love it or Hate it
Walmart's not going anywhere, that's obvious. A trip to a local Walmart is like going to a huge fair, farmer's market, or flea market, where you only have to pay at one register and they accept VISA as well as debit cards. Walmart's cheap, there's no denying that. And honestly, you can get almost anything you need at a Walmart, and a lot of stuff you don't need.
Walmart doesn't always have the best quality, but they do have the lowest prices. Mind you, the prices are only lower than their competetitors by eleven cents, but it is cheaper. Look at most products, things that would cost .99 cents anywhere else will be listed as .88 cents at Walmart. At the school where I teach, Walmart is a hot topic. If you bring in something in a Walmart bag, 8 out of 10 people will lecture you on the evils of Walmart, and that includes the students. It almost makes you want to hide the fact that you shop there.
Now Walmart is making movies. I'm not sure how to feel about it. On the surface, Voices of Color sounds like Walmart is reaching out to the ethnic community that shops there. Is it good PR or what? Then again, do we want Walmart's opinion on racial equality to be broadcast and sold online and in their stores?
Walmart doesn't always have the best quality, but they do have the lowest prices. Mind you, the prices are only lower than their competetitors by eleven cents, but it is cheaper. Look at most products, things that would cost .99 cents anywhere else will be listed as .88 cents at Walmart. At the school where I teach, Walmart is a hot topic. If you bring in something in a Walmart bag, 8 out of 10 people will lecture you on the evils of Walmart, and that includes the students. It almost makes you want to hide the fact that you shop there.
Now Walmart is making movies. I'm not sure how to feel about it. On the surface, Voices of Color sounds like Walmart is reaching out to the ethnic community that shops there. Is it good PR or what? Then again, do we want Walmart's opinion on racial equality to be broadcast and sold online and in their stores?
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Mouth Grills
Extracted from this article:
Like these warnings are going to stop the people bent on having them. We'll see how far this trend gets. As we all know, tattoos and piercings are so passe, so last generation.
The hip-hop culture is sinking its teeth into a new fashion trend. Individual gold-capped teeth have given way to grills and fronts -- removable mouthpieces made of gold, platinum or silver and sometimes studded with jewels... After Nelly's 2005 hit "Grillz," which glorifies the trend, young people all over scrambled to wrap their chops around a shiny grill... Jacob Owens, a 17-year-old South High School student, snagged a diamond-studded silver grill a couple of months ago for $200. "Everybody is getting grills," Owens said... Matthew Messina, a Fairview Park dentist and ADA spokesman, said improper use and care of fronts can result in serious gum disease or cavities... Other dangers include allergic reactions to cheap metals and adverse reactions to jewelry cleaners, which can burn gums, Messina said.
Like these warnings are going to stop the people bent on having them. We'll see how far this trend gets. As we all know, tattoos and piercings are so passe, so last generation.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Don't forget to spring forward
Once again I am questioning why we use Daylight Savings Time. I don't understand the point of it. Apparently back in the day, some farmers decided that if they change the clocks then they can get in an extra hour of work in the daylight. Well that's all fine and well if you're a farmer, but if you're an average Joe, or Jane as the case may be, then changing the clocks is a real pain in the ass.
What has Daylight Savings done for us lately? Mostly it is sure to throw everybody off, people get one hour less of sleep, they show up late for work, crankiness ensues! Somebody's got to stop this Daylight Savings madness before it's too late! Or too early?
I imagine the poor owner of a watch store. They've got to go around resetting hundreds of display watches so they show the proper time. Schools all have to change their classroom clocks. People are driving around with their car radio on the wrong time because they can't remember how to reset the damn thing. Some will go around 6 months without changing it, just trying to remember it's an hour behind. And then, before you know it, it's time to fall back.
Thanks a lot, Daylight Savings indeed!
What has Daylight Savings done for us lately? Mostly it is sure to throw everybody off, people get one hour less of sleep, they show up late for work, crankiness ensues! Somebody's got to stop this Daylight Savings madness before it's too late! Or too early?
I imagine the poor owner of a watch store. They've got to go around resetting hundreds of display watches so they show the proper time. Schools all have to change their classroom clocks. People are driving around with their car radio on the wrong time because they can't remember how to reset the damn thing. Some will go around 6 months without changing it, just trying to remember it's an hour behind. And then, before you know it, it's time to fall back.
Thanks a lot, Daylight Savings indeed!
Chinese Characters Charade
One of the most popular tattoos that people get involve Chinese characters. While most people just like the look, usually there's a word or expression that's important to the person. But it seems incorrect characters are used with much frequency. And for many, their true meaning isn't discovered until it's too late.
This is proving to be a boom to tattoo removal services. A doctor says "his clinics sign up five or six new patients a week who... have discovered that their Chinese tattoos mean something drastically different from what they intended."
One guy thought his tattoo said "one love" but it really said "love hurts". Another found out her characters were out of context.
Even poor little Britney Spears thought hers said "mysterious" but instead it meant "strange". Oops, poetic justice there, I say.
This is proving to be a boom to tattoo removal services. A doctor says "his clinics sign up five or six new patients a week who... have discovered that their Chinese tattoos mean something drastically different from what they intended."
One guy thought his tattoo said "one love" but it really said "love hurts". Another found out her characters were out of context.
Even poor little Britney Spears thought hers said "mysterious" but instead it meant "strange". Oops, poetic justice there, I say.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Organic Martini
Looks like that's the rage these days, organic martinis. This from New York City:
Hey, why not? Actually, if you read the article, they have a recipe and it sounds pretty good.
Mas, in the West Village, offers an array of organic drinks, including a Champagne cocktail, made with Champagne, lump sugar soaked with house-made orange bitters, and pomegranate (all organic), while those having brunch at Josie's Restaurant and Bar in Murray Hill can cleanly kick-start the day with an organic Bloody Mary or spike some squeezed juice with a shot of organic vodka.
The epicenter of organic cocktails, however, is the bar at Counter, an East Village vegetarian-slash-vegan bistro that's been slinging all-organic drinks — and nothing but — since adding hard liquor to its menu a few months back. Deborah Gavito, an owner, explained: "Everything on my menu is organic. If I served meat, it would be organic. So why shouldn't our martinis be organic?"
Hey, why not? Actually, if you read the article, they have a recipe and it sounds pretty good.
