I just ordered the CD. :)
And the word of the day is: GARRULOUS!
My Aunt Betty's obituary.
http://www2.indystar.com/cgi-bin/obituaries/index.php
Thanks again to all for the lovely thoughts.
I'd like to die at 93. but maybe I'll change my mind when I'm 92.
My Aunt Betty's obituary.
http://www2.indystar.com/cgi-bin/obituaries/index.php
Thanks again to all for the lovely thoughts.
Wow, married since 1947...and to the same man! My mom was married that same year, but she managed 3 different marriages since that time.
I'd like to die at 93. but maybe I'll change my mind when I'm 92.
I just don't want to outlive my good health or my money.
:)
I am watching the 1926 silent film THE MAGICIAN starring Alice Terry and Paul Wegener. It is quite good.
I'd like to die at 93. but maybe I'll change my mind when I'm 92.
I just don't want to outlive my good health or my money.
:)
Have we told this old joke lately: (I may have missed it if we did)
An elderly couple walks into a lawyers office and announces that they need his assistance in a quick no-fault divorce. He says he would be happy to help, but wonders why they are making this move after nearly 70 years of marriage.
“Well…” the old man explains, “we haven’t gotten along in years.”
“That’s right.” the lady continues, “but we wanted to wait until the children were dead.”
Larry, did I miss something? is your upstairs neighbor intentionally trying to get your goat now, or is this just the usual?
Greetings from Toyland! Traffic in the City is a mess today due to some event, so I took the subway.I stopped buying "Annie Get Your Gun" recordings at number eight and drew the line at this one. OK, I lie; if I ever see it for $3.98 at a used CD shop, I'll buy it, too. But not full price. At least I hope not. Maybe if I ever get another job, one with a decent wage ...
While I am here, I will work on the BABES IN TOYLAND Main Report and pick up a few things to work on at home tomorrow while the super is painting my bathroom ceiling. On my way back uptown, I'll stop at 59th Street, walk to the Lincoln Square Cinema and pick up the tickets for THE HURT LOCKER.
I'm listening to the Doris Day-Robert Goulet recording of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and wondering why Doris is singing laundered lyrics to "Doin' What Comers Natur'lly." Grandpa Bill has become Grandpa Dick who died at 93, as opposed to Grandpa Bill who at 93 is doing what comes naturally. There's not a single lyric in this song I recognize.
It looks like he's trying to bite the head off a lamb!!!
I'd like to die at 93. but maybe I'll change my mind when I'm 92.
I just don't want to outlive my good health or my money.
:)
Larry, did I miss something? is your upstairs neighbor intentionally trying to get your goat now, or is this just the usual?
The usual. Nearly every goddamned night since January 1, 2010.
So, there's this site where they do screencaps to compare various dvd and blu-ray releases. His image capture software is horrible and none of his caps ever actually look like the film. But at least when he "reviews" a transfer it's quick and to the point because he's not the brightest bulb on the planet. But he's got this other guy there also "reviewing" - one Leonard Norwitz. This guy is perhaps the biggest nincompoop I've ever had the displeasure of reading on these sites. Note to nincompoop: We want to read about the transfer and sound, not your inane thoughts on film. He pontificates, he cannot put a sentence together, he is just in love with the sound of his own thoughts. In the following "review" of Red Cliff, he repeatedly calls the film Red Bluff. I print it here as an example of everything I loathe on these sites:
The Film: 7
So, the question is: Is John Woo's four and a half-hour, two-part original version of Red Bluff unnecessarily long or have sufficient padding that it not only could stand some cutting here and there, but perhaps benefit from it? I can't say I feel I know the film well enough to comment definitively – not after a single viewing of both the original "International" and the American Theatrical cuts. But I have never felt that Woo's ideas about pacing are gospel, though they are his. I feel he is more in love with the beauty of a scene than its place in the overall arc of his movie. His finales seem to have an inertia of their own, almost in defiance of the needs to resolve things of everything up to that moment. I have always felt the lengthy motorboat chase at the end of Face/Off to be destructive of the tension. Excitement should not devolve into exhaustion, but Woo worries the question more than most.
Cutting internally is another matter. Subplots, fleshing out of characters, extended metaphors for this or that relationship – these have special cumulative power in a film, as does the intercutting between scenes. If you pare away at scenes A & B, and cut between them, as he does with Cao Cao's invasion of the village where Liu Bei's wife and child are trying to escape, the effect on the audience will have to be different. In the truncated version, for example, wife and child aborted escape are abbreviated to a few gasps; we don't even see how she dies. And we are proportionally cheated out of General Zhao Yun's heroic attempts to rescue both wife and child, just as his sudden appearance on the battlefield wreaks havoc with our sense of time and space. There are risks and dangers with cutting. Enough said.
While the case of the old truncated American cut of Seven Samurai immediately comes to mind, my impression (for now) is that it had a better chance of making sense and standing on its own. While Red Bluff is no Seven Samurai, what hopes it has of offering a completely satisfying dramatic experience is trashed by such evisceration that would make even RKO blush. You think The Magnificent Ambersons had it rough! Whatever we feel about Red Bluff in its American version, it is clear that the International Version takes time to reflect and develop stories within stories and relationships that enhance our sympathy for what is at stake for both sides of the war.
One more thing: The home theatre experience is different from the Cineplex experience in a way that doesn't get much play in these columns: At home, we can stop and start a movie as we do reading a novel. A five-hour movie isn't likely to be watched in five hours of real time, and it might not even be seen over only two uninterrupted sittings. Even Wagner's Ring cycle is performed over four nights, and each act is separated by a substantial intermission. We can watch the movie again and again, replaying scenes - as encores or for clarification - in the middle of things. We might even openly engage in discussion with others in the room – something we are expected not to do in the theater on pain of raspberries. So, even though I make noises about tension and arc and all, I know that everyone's actual mileage is likely to be different, as it will be every time we see it.
The story pf Red Cliff (named for the fortress held by Yu Zhou) takes place in the early part of the third century and centers around a legendary battle that would bring about the end of the Han Dynasty (and eventually spawn Luo Guanzhong's classic 14th century novel "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms.") Power hungry Prime Minster (now "General") Cao Cao (Zhang Feng Yi) has convinced the young and easily intimidated emperor that two southern warlords, Liu Bei (Yu Yong) and Sun Quan (Chang Chen) represent potential insurgencies and a threat to the throne. To add some spice to the hunt, Cao Cao also has designs on the beautiful Xiao Qiao (Lin Chi Ling), the wife of Viceroy Zhou Yu (Tony Leung Chui Wai.) Kong Ming (aka: Zhuge Liang, played by Takeshi Kaneshiro), the brilliant military strategist to Liu Bei, attempts to unite the southern forces with those of Zhou Yu in a defense against Cao Cao, who armies and navy greatly outnumbers the combined armies of the south.
Greetings from Toyland! Traffic in the City is a mess today due to some event, so I took the subway.I stopped buying "Annie Get Your Gun" recordings at number eight and drew the line at this one. OK, I lie; if I ever see it for $3.98 at a used CD shop, I'll buy it, too. But not full price. At least I hope not. Maybe if I ever get another job, one with a decent wage ...
While I am here, I will work on the BABES IN TOYLAND Main Report and pick up a few things to work on at home tomorrow while the super is painting my bathroom ceiling. On my way back uptown, I'll stop at 59th Street, walk to the Lincoln Square Cinema and pick up the tickets for THE HURT LOCKER.
I'm listening to the Doris Day-Robert Goulet recording of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and wondering why Doris is singing laundered lyrics to "Doin' What Comers Natur'lly." Grandpa Bill has become Grandpa Dick who died at 93, as opposed to Grandpa Bill who at 93 is doing what comes naturally. There's not a single lyric in this song I recognize.
Matt H, I love FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, both the movie & the novel.
When I finished that, I put in LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME. Yes, for the millionth time, but it never pales in entertainment value. I've always loved the movie, and I wish it were one being considered for Blu-ray release. Looks very nice upconverted, but high def would make some of those numbers really pop.
When I finished that, I put in LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME. Yes, for the millionth time, but it never pales in entertainment value. I've always loved the movie, and I wish it were one being considered for Blu-ray release. Looks very nice upconverted, but high def would make some of those numbers really pop.
A few years ago, there was talk about remaking LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME w/Al Pacino in the Cagney role.
Thankfully, it never happened.
"Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself." -- Mark Twain
JRand, you can call the UNI basketball player butt ugly....but last night we just called him a winner ;)
"Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself." -- Mark Twain
Funny Druxy.
Boy you can say that again! I'm voting against every incumbant in the next election. Don't care who is runnning against them, it can't be much worse than this
Matt H, I love FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, both the movie & the novel.Far and away Hardy's best story, and not just because it's the only sort of happy ending.
JRand, you can call the UNI basketball player butt ugly....but last night we just called him a winner ;)Cilla, I said they played a great game, but Shrek is still ugly!
Sherlock looking very guilty.
He slinks off with a sock every chance he gets ;D Fortunately he doesn't chew on them.
He slinks off with a sock every chance he gets ;D Fortunately he doesn't chew on them.
Nilla the cat used to do that. I would find socks all over the house when I came home
Cilla, you are self employed & could take a dog to work with you. Of course you would need a special dog that is good with people.
Both BK and DR Druxy are getting some nice advance kudos for their memoirs - who's next to write theirs?I think you should give it a shot.
Cilla, you are self employed & could take a dog to work with you. Of course you would need a special dog that is good with people.
LOL, DR George, no memoirs from me!
Cilla, you are self employed & could take a dog to work with you. Of course you would need a special dog that is good with people.
I don't think her cats would be too thrilled!
Both BK and DR Druxy are getting some nice advance kudos for their memoirs - who's next to write theirs?I think you should give it a shot.
The Randy Librarian and the Vicar perhaps? ;)
OK, 60 minutes just started about 4-5 minutes ago....TAR will be very late
Wow., TAR, Celebrity Apprentice, Undercover Boss and Cold Case....what a night....when am I going to clean the house?
Wow., TAR, Celebrity Apprentice, Undercover Boss and Cold Case....what a night....when am I going to clean the house?
Tomorrow night?
The House has begun voting.
Wow., TAR, Celebrity Apprentice, Undercover Boss and Cold Case....what a night....when am I going to clean the house?
Tomorrow night?
Tomorrow night I'm going to PEO with a friend. I haven't joined a chapter in Sioux City, so I'm going to visit and see if I like this one. My parents will be here at about 9:00 on Tuesday Morning. I actually have most of the cleaning done. It's to the point that I could throw the rest into a box and put it upstairs, run the vacuum and it would be good enough for the short time they will be at the house
The House has begun voting.
LOL, DR TCB, I thought you were talking about the audience vote on ABC's Thin Ice, but then realized you probably mean the House of Representatives. Hope the electronics work better for Congress than they did at the skating event.
The House has begun voting.
LOL, DR TCB, I thought you were talking about the audience vote on ABC's Thin Ice, but then realized you probably mean the House of Representatives. Hope the electronics work better for Congress than they did at the skating event.
I don't think THIN ICE begins for a couple of hours here.
Wow., TAR, Celebrity Apprentice, Undercover Boss and Cold Case....what a night....when am I going to clean the house?
Tomorrow night?
Tomorrow night I'm going to PEO with a friend. I haven't joined a chapter in Sioux City, so I'm going to visit and see if I like this one. My parents will be here at about 9:00 on Tuesday Morning. I actually have most of the cleaning done. It's to the point that I could throw the rest into a box and put it upstairs, run the vacuum and it would be good enough for the short time they will be at the house
One of the great thrills of my mother's life was when she was asked to join PEO. She was buried with her pin.
Ginny and TCB...great company if you ask me
Ginny and TCB...great company if you ask me
Well, thank you.
We don't the rest of the group!
Ginny and TCB...great company if you ask me
Well, thank you.
We don't the rest of the group!
Ginny and TCB...great company if you ask me
Well, thank you.
We don't need the rest of the group!
We don't WHAT the rest of the group???
Ginny and TCB...great company if you ask me
Well, thank you.
We don't need the rest of the group!
We don't WHAT the rest of the group???
Need.
Matt H, I love FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, both the movie & the novel.Far and away Hardy's best story, and not just because it's the only sort of happy ending.
THE HURT LOCKER is the most intense film I have ever seen and, while I'm glad I saw it and admired its performers, I never want to see it again. I left the theatre with every muscle and joint aching from sitting in a state of tension for two hours. My friend David Morse was in the film but I don't recall seeing him.
After that, Chris and I went to O'Neal's for dinner, where we saw Ron and Dona Raines, who were having dinner with the great opera star Marilyn Horne.
THE HURT LOCKER is the most intense film I have ever seen and, while I'm glad I saw it and admired its performers, I never want to see it again. I left the theatre with every muscle and joint aching from sitting in a state of tension for two hours. My friend David Morse was in the film but I don't recall seeing him.
After that, Chris and I went to O'Neal's for dinner, where we saw Ron and Dona Raines, who were having dinner with the great opera star Marilyn Horne.
I adore David Morse. I have always felt he is one of the most under-appreciated actors working today.
And, as usual, a great blurb from Charles Pogue.
What is the I LOVE LUCY movie....is it that three episode thing they put together with Ann Doran in connecting scenes?
Matt H, I love FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, both the movie & the novel.Far and away Hardy's best story, and not just because it's the only sort of happy ending.
THE HURT LOCKER is the most intense film I have ever seen and, while I'm glad I saw it and admired its performers, I never want to see it again. I left the theatre with every muscle and joint aching from sitting in a state of tension for two hours. My friend David Morse was in the film but I don't recall seeing him.
After that, Chris and I went to O'Neal's for dinner, where we saw Ron and Dona Raines, who were having dinner with the great opera star Marilyn Horne.
I adore David Morse. I have always felt he is one of the most under-appreciated actors working today.
Then I watched FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD on DVD. The use of soft focus is so haphazard during this movie that it gave me a slight headache. And the color varies from very strong and wonderfully hued to looking somewhat pastel and wan.
Good performances though. Of course, Alan Bates was far and away my favorite. Such an underappreciated actor.
I just finished watching THE BLIND SIDE.
We really liked it. It's a very nice movie.
The House has begun voting.
LOL, DR TCB, I thought you were talking about the audience vote on ABC's Thin Ice, but then realized you probably mean the House of Representatives. Hope the electronics work better for Congress than they did at the skating event.
I don't think THIN ICE begins for a couple of hours here.
I watched it both Friday and tonight - it's pretty silly, but fun.
I just finished watching THE BLIND SIDE.
We really liked it. It's a very nice movie.
NetFlix shows it will be released on DVD sometime next month. I'm looking forward to it.
Then I watched FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD on DVD. The use of soft focus is so haphazard during this movie that it gave me a slight headache. And the color varies from very strong and wonderfully hued to looking somewhat pastel and wan.
Good performances though. Of course, Alan Bates was far and away my favorite. Such an underappreciated actor.
I know. I fell in love with him in Madding. I also felt by the end of the movie she did become the person he deserved.
That's right. Forgot that one. Then again, I don't think of Hardy too much. Horrid visions of Eustacia Vye and dreadful senior English class come whooshing back to me. Even the musical was too much to bear.Matt H, I love FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, both the movie & the novel.Far and away Hardy's best story, and not just because it's the only sort of happy ending.
UNDER THE GREENWOOD TREE also has a happy ending.
THE HURT LOCKER is the most intense film I have ever seen and, while I'm glad I saw it and admired its performers, I never want to see it again. I left the theatre with every muscle and joint aching from sitting in a state of tension for two hours. My friend David Morse was in the film but I don't recall seeing him.I've been a fan of David Morse's since the St. Elsewhere days. It's always a pleasure seeing him at work.
After that, Chris and I went to O'Neal's for dinner, where we saw Ron and Dona Raines, who were having dinner with the great opera star Marilyn Horne.
Last night I watched Precious (from Netflix). I'm glad I saw it, but I never want to see it again.Was that based on the novel by Netflix?
I did say sort of. At least by the bleak ending, they aren't dead or groveling in abject poverty wishing they were dead.Matt H, I love FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, both the movie & the novel.Far and away Hardy's best story, and not just because it's the only sort of happy ending.
I haven't read that much Hardy, so I can't say that, but I will say that Bathsheba does not DESERVE Gabriel. For me, it's not a happy ending. He could do better.
This made me feel so good that I wanted to share it with you:
The publisher of my memoirs just sent me back the edited copy of my manuscript for my approval, and he included this note from the editor:
"Please tell Mr. Druxman that he IS a tremendous scribe, and I am SO glad he wrote this book. He is honest, forthright and entertaining, and beautifully illustrated his career(s), while also guiding wannabes on what to do, and what not to do."
;D
Both BK and DR Druxy are getting some nice advance kudos for their memoirs - who's next to write theirs?I think you should give it a shot.
The Randy Librarian and the Vicar perhaps? ;)
LOL, DR George, no memoirs from me!