Mom & Pop Culture

A Fixer-Upper with Potential

This morning I was cursing the shower for taking ten minutes to get hot and at the same time cursing myself for thinking that buying a fixer-upper was a good idea at this stage of life. Sure the house has potential, but at that moment, standing in a cold, dark, old, out-dated shower, all I could think was "what the hell did I do?"

A moment later the hot water kicked in, and I was instantly soothed. It was then that I began thinking about the renovation potential of the space around me. I told myself to be patient, and in time I'd have the luxurious master bathroom I desired. It was also then, as the hot water worked its way down my sore, aching limbs, that I had an epiphany:

My new home -- much like my old self -- are both fixer-uppers with great potential.

We both have creaky joints, outdated plumbing, and are a bit saggy around the middle, but with a little overhaul, ongoing maintenance, and a lot of TLC, we might just rise above and allow our true beauty to emerge.

“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring--it was peace.” ― Milan Kundera

Kaboom

 

I had to go to L.A. to appreciate NJ

Last week I flew to Los Angeles for a writing conference/pitchfest.  When I told people I was from NJ they immediately recoiled, and got an apologetic look in their eyes. I could only imagine what they were thinking. Eww...you live in a oil refinery along the NJ Turnpike!

Or worse.

Next to Snooki!!

Sawyer Time

I am getting kinda excited for the final season of "Lost" and wishing February was just here already. Impatient, much? In case you couldn't figure it out, I'm on TEAM SAWYER.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/01/tca-press-tour-damon-lindelof-on-lost-season-premiere-get-ready-to-scratch-your-heads-america.html

After nine months of treatment, I was officially discharged by my headache doctor today. You don't know how wonderful it feels to be almost headache-free after years of chronic pain and torture.

Hey Jacob, put on your damn shirt. You look like the Baby Hulk. Sorry, but I'm definitely in "Camp Edward."

Is wondering if I should trash the blog now that I rarely update it.

Michael Mann is Public Enemy #1 to Filmmaking

The story of John Dillinger and his escape at Little Bohemia was so dramatic and exciting as written on the pages of Vanity Fair that I assumed the film that followed would be equally mesmerizing. I'd be wrong.  Michael Mann's Public Enemies is mediocre filmmaking at best, and at worst it is an insult to anyone who really loves the art and craft of good filmmaking.

I have to ask: Why do directors like Michael Mann and Michael Bay have careers?? They lack style and substance and their films always disappoint me. They edit in a frenetic matter (shots literally seem slapped together), shoot mostly in close-ups for no apparent reason (so that we can't see any action), and lack storytelling skills on many levels. I should have listened to my gut about Michael Mann, but Johnny Depp lured me into seeing Public Enemies against my better judgment, Besides, I figured even a hack couldn't ruin this one.

waking up: a documentary about juvenile arthritis