"Paradise Now" is an interesting and sad movie about two friends in Palestine who decide to become suicide bombers in order to retaliate against Israel. See review below.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Paradise Lost
I recently rented an interesting, sad, and thought provoking movie called "Paradise Now." It's the story of two childhood friends in Palestine who decide to become suicide bombers in order to retaliate against Israel.
As you can guess, this is a sad commentary on life in the Middle East and the human race. But this movie is also an education in itself. What makes young men, with many years of life ahead of them, become suicide bombers? What is the thinking behind this violent approach? What is it in this culture that would make this acceptable?
"Paradise Now" is done in a documentary style. So, there's not a lot of character development, action scenes, or suspenseful plotting. I'm not an expert on the Middle East, but the movie seemed to explain or show why these young men decided to become suicide bombers without demonizing Israel.
If you have an interest in what's happening in the Middle East (and who doesn't?), this movie is worth renting. And if you think about it, what an odd situation it is that would cause a person who is not mentally depressed or suicidal to commit suicide. This movie is worth a look.
This movie is rated PG-13 and is avalable at some video stores.
As you can guess, this is a sad commentary on life in the Middle East and the human race. But this movie is also an education in itself. What makes young men, with many years of life ahead of them, become suicide bombers? What is the thinking behind this violent approach? What is it in this culture that would make this acceptable?
"Paradise Now" is done in a documentary style. So, there's not a lot of character development, action scenes, or suspenseful plotting. I'm not an expert on the Middle East, but the movie seemed to explain or show why these young men decided to become suicide bombers without demonizing Israel.
If you have an interest in what's happening in the Middle East (and who doesn't?), this movie is worth renting. And if you think about it, what an odd situation it is that would cause a person who is not mentally depressed or suicidal to commit suicide. This movie is worth a look.
This movie is rated PG-13 and is avalable at some video stores.
Super Suppers
There is a new store in Madison/Middleton called Super Suppers. The concept is that instead of cooking in your kitchen night after night you cook a large batch of dinners at Super Suppers and then take them home. You store these meals in the freezer. When you come home from work, you take the meal out of the freezer, heat it up, and eat.
Supposedly, by using Super Suppers' facilities, there is less fuss (ingredients are already cut up and ready), less mess (you don't have to clean up the kitchen) and more efficient.
Because we work different shifts and are busy, Wendy and I tend to eat on the run. And I'm not afraid to state that I'm the world's worse cook. (That's why we had to buy a new microwave: see below.)
One of our relatives in Oregon has tried this concept and liked it. Wendy and I will have to try it sometime and let you know what we think.
If you want more information on this store, their site is http://www.ssmiddletonwi.com/what_is.php
Supposedly, by using Super Suppers' facilities, there is less fuss (ingredients are already cut up and ready), less mess (you don't have to clean up the kitchen) and more efficient.
Because we work different shifts and are busy, Wendy and I tend to eat on the run. And I'm not afraid to state that I'm the world's worse cook. (That's why we had to buy a new microwave: see below.)
One of our relatives in Oregon has tried this concept and liked it. Wendy and I will have to try it sometime and let you know what we think.
If you want more information on this store, their site is http://www.ssmiddletonwi.com/what_is.php
New Microwave
I don't like buying new appliances unless I have to but I did buy a new microwave today. Our old microwave has been malfunctioning for about six months now.
The last hope for my old microwave died yesterday. My wonderful wife had bought General Tso's chicken from Flaming Wok last Thursday and brought it home for me. Flaming Wok has excellent Chinese food. So, I figured that I could get three meals out of the generous portion Flaming Wok had provided.
I had eaten one meal on Thursday and one meal on Friday. And then yesterday, I was going to eat my last meal of General Tso's chicken. Well, the microwave malfunctioned and burned my General Tso's chicken to something resembling brown charcoal. I was mad.
So, I shopped around and ended up buying a new microwave at Best Buy today. It was $109 and works like a charm (so far). $109 was the middle priced microwave: there were cheaper ones and more expensive ones.
Side note: I read a newspaper article a couple of months ago that said people in China have never heard of General Tso's chicken. So, I guess it's a dish invented by Americans. And as I write this, I am drinking my coffee hot thanks to our new microwave.
The last hope for my old microwave died yesterday. My wonderful wife had bought General Tso's chicken from Flaming Wok last Thursday and brought it home for me. Flaming Wok has excellent Chinese food. So, I figured that I could get three meals out of the generous portion Flaming Wok had provided.
I had eaten one meal on Thursday and one meal on Friday. And then yesterday, I was going to eat my last meal of General Tso's chicken. Well, the microwave malfunctioned and burned my General Tso's chicken to something resembling brown charcoal. I was mad.
So, I shopped around and ended up buying a new microwave at Best Buy today. It was $109 and works like a charm (so far). $109 was the middle priced microwave: there were cheaper ones and more expensive ones.
Side note: I read a newspaper article a couple of months ago that said people in China have never heard of General Tso's chicken. So, I guess it's a dish invented by Americans. And as I write this, I am drinking my coffee hot thanks to our new microwave.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Friday, March 17, 2006
Why I need 200 cable channels
This is why I need 200 cable channels, a video store, and local movie theaters within 2 miles:
"CSI Miami" has been one of my favorite shows. But when I was watching it this morning (I recorded it on Monday), I got really bored with it. Ok. There's a murder. Ok. They go to the lab. Ok. They interview the suspects. Ok. Back to the lab. Usually, that's ok, but for some reason it just bored me silly today.
Spying on Me
This is a new show about people disguising themselves and then solving a mystery or unsolved problem in their life. In the first episode, a boss or employer disguises himself and sets out to find out why one of his favorite employees quit ten years ago. I liked the idea but it started to drag about 10 minutes into the show and I fast forwarded to the end. It turned out that the employee didn't feel appreciated and was underpaid. The former employee never recognized her old boss until he revealed who he was.
The Unit
A bunch of military guys report to the president and go on secret missions, which upsets their wives. So, in between scenes of people being shot and blown up, the wives are back home fretting and fussing and worrying. I probably won't watch this again unless there is nothing else on. Also, there is not one woman in the unit.
Top Chef
This is a another reality show about people competing to be the best student chef and becoming the "Top Chef" at the end of the show. The first episode was good but not great. I'll watch a few more episodes and see how it goes.
Black and White
This was probably the most interesting of the new TV shows I've watched recently. One white family and one black family move in together. Then, through the magic of Hollywood makeup, the white people become black and the black people become white. Then each family is sent out to the community to experience how it feels to be a member of another race. Again, I'll watch a few more episodes to see if it worth watching.
"CSI Miami" has been one of my favorite shows. But when I was watching it this morning (I recorded it on Monday), I got really bored with it. Ok. There's a murder. Ok. They go to the lab. Ok. They interview the suspects. Ok. Back to the lab. Usually, that's ok, but for some reason it just bored me silly today.
Spying on Me
This is a new show about people disguising themselves and then solving a mystery or unsolved problem in their life. In the first episode, a boss or employer disguises himself and sets out to find out why one of his favorite employees quit ten years ago. I liked the idea but it started to drag about 10 minutes into the show and I fast forwarded to the end. It turned out that the employee didn't feel appreciated and was underpaid. The former employee never recognized her old boss until he revealed who he was.
The Unit
A bunch of military guys report to the president and go on secret missions, which upsets their wives. So, in between scenes of people being shot and blown up, the wives are back home fretting and fussing and worrying. I probably won't watch this again unless there is nothing else on. Also, there is not one woman in the unit.
Top Chef
This is a another reality show about people competing to be the best student chef and becoming the "Top Chef" at the end of the show. The first episode was good but not great. I'll watch a few more episodes and see how it goes.
Black and White
This was probably the most interesting of the new TV shows I've watched recently. One white family and one black family move in together. Then, through the magic of Hollywood makeup, the white people become black and the black people become white. Then each family is sent out to the community to experience how it feels to be a member of another race. Again, I'll watch a few more episodes to see if it worth watching.
Monday, March 13, 2006
2006 Trends
Cheaper Memory Cards
In an interview published in the USA Today, SanDisk CEO Eli Harari predicted that memory cards will be as cheap as $10 for a 1 gigabyte card within 2 years. They cost about $50 to $60 now. This will lead to better photos and smarter devices.
Gas Prices
Everything I've read recently indicates that gas prices will reach $3 a gallon again this year.
Working and Learning From Home
Every Year, more and more people are working for companies at home and saving a lot of money in the process. And more and more schools, from high schools to colleges, are offering not only classes but degrees via the Internet.
Video Stores
Video Stores are getting some heavy competition from cable TV, Pay Per View, video games, and a lot of other competing sources of entertainment. I don't expect my video store to close tomorrow but it may go the same way as the 5 & Dime store and the neighborhood bar.
Movie Theaters
This also might be a watershed year for movie theaters. Their ticket sales are down and they also have some heavy competition in the entertainment industry. Except for movies like "King Kong," I'm very happy watching most of my movies in my living room.
In an interview published in the USA Today, SanDisk CEO Eli Harari predicted that memory cards will be as cheap as $10 for a 1 gigabyte card within 2 years. They cost about $50 to $60 now. This will lead to better photos and smarter devices.
Gas Prices
Everything I've read recently indicates that gas prices will reach $3 a gallon again this year.
Working and Learning From Home
Every Year, more and more people are working for companies at home and saving a lot of money in the process. And more and more schools, from high schools to colleges, are offering not only classes but degrees via the Internet.
Video Stores
Video Stores are getting some heavy competition from cable TV, Pay Per View, video games, and a lot of other competing sources of entertainment. I don't expect my video store to close tomorrow but it may go the same way as the 5 & Dime store and the neighborhood bar.
Movie Theaters
This also might be a watershed year for movie theaters. Their ticket sales are down and they also have some heavy competition in the entertainment industry. Except for movies like "King Kong," I'm very happy watching most of my movies in my living room.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
The Prodigal Daughter Does Return
My daughter, Missy, did return safely from Italy today.
She claims to have taken around 2,000 photos.
I'll post some of them whenever I can get them from her.
She claims to have taken around 2,000 photos.
I'll post some of them whenever I can get them from her.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Return of the Prodigal Daughter
Missy, my daughter, is returning from Italy tomorrow. Here are my fears:
1. She has dumped her new boyfriend for a cousin of Tony Soprano's. (This is a reference to the TV show on HBO about a mafia family.)
2. She no longer wants to finish veterinary school and now wants to be a pizza chef.
3. Someone in Italy sold her the coliseum and she charged it on my credit card.
4. She no longer wants to finish veterinary school and wants to be a gladiator.
5. The food at Rocky Rococo's isn't good enough any more.
6. She will want to have wine with every meal, including breakfast.
1. She has dumped her new boyfriend for a cousin of Tony Soprano's. (This is a reference to the TV show on HBO about a mafia family.)
2. She no longer wants to finish veterinary school and now wants to be a pizza chef.
3. Someone in Italy sold her the coliseum and she charged it on my credit card.
4. She no longer wants to finish veterinary school and wants to be a gladiator.
5. The food at Rocky Rococo's isn't good enough any more.
6. She will want to have wine with every meal, including breakfast.
Walk the Ring of Fire
In general, I don't listen to a lot of country music but there are a few singers that I like: Johnny Cash is one of them.
I recently viewed the biopic/movie "Walk the Line" starring Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter.
I do think that Reese Witherspoon did a great job as June Carter, and of the people nominated, I thought Witherspoon was the most deserving. I guess Witherspoon got tired of all those silly romantic comedies.
As to Joaquin Phoenix playing Johnny Cash, I have mixed feelings about that. Phoenix is a talented actor who I have enjoyed in many movies. He had the voice and mannerisms down but he just didn't have the Johnny Cash presence down. And this is petty, but Johnny Cash was 6'2" and Phoenix is 5'8". Johnny always seemed to tower over people, especially if you add in his deep voice. So, I can see why Phoenix, a talented actor, didn't win the academy award.
As to the movie, it was ok. It was the normal roller coaster ride of a singer suddenly becoming successful and famous and not being able to handle it, which resulted in drinking and drug abuse. I like Johnny Cash because of his singing and songs not because he was a saint or wasn't a saint.
If you like country music or are very interested in Johnny Cash, you may like this movie. Otherwise, you may not find it that interesting. It sounds strange, but perhaps if they had focused on June Carter instead of Johnny Cash, this might have been a better movie.
I recently viewed the biopic/movie "Walk the Line" starring Joaquin Phoenix as Cash and Reese Witherspoon as June Carter.
I do think that Reese Witherspoon did a great job as June Carter, and of the people nominated, I thought Witherspoon was the most deserving. I guess Witherspoon got tired of all those silly romantic comedies.
As to Joaquin Phoenix playing Johnny Cash, I have mixed feelings about that. Phoenix is a talented actor who I have enjoyed in many movies. He had the voice and mannerisms down but he just didn't have the Johnny Cash presence down. And this is petty, but Johnny Cash was 6'2" and Phoenix is 5'8". Johnny always seemed to tower over people, especially if you add in his deep voice. So, I can see why Phoenix, a talented actor, didn't win the academy award.
As to the movie, it was ok. It was the normal roller coaster ride of a singer suddenly becoming successful and famous and not being able to handle it, which resulted in drinking and drug abuse. I like Johnny Cash because of his singing and songs not because he was a saint or wasn't a saint.
If you like country music or are very interested in Johnny Cash, you may like this movie. Otherwise, you may not find it that interesting. It sounds strange, but perhaps if they had focused on June Carter instead of Johnny Cash, this might have been a better movie.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Missy goes Italian
My daughter, Melissa, will be enjoying real Italian food for a week. She is leaving for Italy this Saturday.
As a Dad, of course, I have mixed feelings. I like it that she is seeing the world but it's a scary place out there. I'm just concerned about her safety. She is traveling with a boyfriend. So, she won't be entirely on her own.
I checked and her fairly new cell phone will work in Italy at $1.29 a minute. For emergency purposes, that's not bad.
I asked Missy to bring me back an Olympics T shirt. She should bring back some great photos. Unlike me, she won't be bringing her laptop to Italy so that she can e-mail back stories and photos like I do.
I'm hoping she will have fun (but not too much fun).
As a Dad, of course, I have mixed feelings. I like it that she is seeing the world but it's a scary place out there. I'm just concerned about her safety. She is traveling with a boyfriend. So, she won't be entirely on her own.
I checked and her fairly new cell phone will work in Italy at $1.29 a minute. For emergency purposes, that's not bad.
I asked Missy to bring me back an Olympics T shirt. She should bring back some great photos. Unlike me, she won't be bringing her laptop to Italy so that she can e-mail back stories and photos like I do.
I'm hoping she will have fun (but not too much fun).
An Unappreciated Academy
I've been reading some strange news articles and opininon pieces lately about the Academy members who vote for the Academy Awards. These stories talk about how out of touch the academy members are with the average person who goes to the movies on a regular basis.
Well, duh.
The Academy members live in California. Many live in Beverly Hills, California. These members work in the movies. Many are filthy rich. So, yes, they don't have anything in common with you and me (at least not me). And that's the way it's alway been.
I don't pretend to be a Hollywood insider. I live in Madison, WI. So, yeah, my tastes probably aren't the same as Steven Spielberg's, Jack Black's, or Russell Crowe's, or the president and CEO of Time Warner.
The Academy awards are not for the most popular movies or the ones which sell the most tickets. Hollywood has its own culture and reward system.
So, I for one am not surprised that King Kong will not win best picture this year.
Well, duh.
The Academy members live in California. Many live in Beverly Hills, California. These members work in the movies. Many are filthy rich. So, yes, they don't have anything in common with you and me (at least not me). And that's the way it's alway been.
I don't pretend to be a Hollywood insider. I live in Madison, WI. So, yeah, my tastes probably aren't the same as Steven Spielberg's, Jack Black's, or Russell Crowe's, or the president and CEO of Time Warner.
The Academy awards are not for the most popular movies or the ones which sell the most tickets. Hollywood has its own culture and reward system.
So, I for one am not surprised that King Kong will not win best picture this year.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Memoirs of Reading a Geisha Book and Seeing the Movie
I recently read the book and saw the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha."
The book was excellent: well written, a page turner, and filled with Japanese culture, tradition, and interesting information.
The movie was also very good but I'm not sure if someone who isn't interested in Japanese culture would find it all that fascinating.
The movie and book tell the story of Nitta Sayuri. Sayuri is born into a poor family in a fishing village. When her mother becomes deathly ill, Sayuri is sold to a house that specializes in the training of Geishas. Because of her beauty and talent, Sayuri becomes a famous and successful Geisha. Her story is a good one.
By the way, the word Geisha means "Artist."
If you have an interest in Japanese culture, I highly recommend the book and movie.
The book was excellent: well written, a page turner, and filled with Japanese culture, tradition, and interesting information.
The movie was also very good but I'm not sure if someone who isn't interested in Japanese culture would find it all that fascinating.
The movie and book tell the story of Nitta Sayuri. Sayuri is born into a poor family in a fishing village. When her mother becomes deathly ill, Sayuri is sold to a house that specializes in the training of Geishas. Because of her beauty and talent, Sayuri becomes a famous and successful Geisha. Her story is a good one.
By the way, the word Geisha means "Artist."
If you have an interest in Japanese culture, I highly recommend the book and movie.
The Amazing Apprentice Survivor
Three of my favorite reality shows have returned:
The Amazing Race
This year's race looks pretty good. Teams of two people race around the world for a prize of 1 million dollars. The teams are made of a lot of different types of people and relationships: husbands and wives, relatives, best friends, boyfriends and girlfriends.
Last season's Race was disappointing. The teams were made of families that bickered a lot and traveled mainly in the United States. It wasn't very good. This year teams travel outside the US and are made of a good mix of people.
Survivor
Although the show is showing it's age, I still enjoy it. And again this season has a few new twists and turns. And the castaways seem to be a good mix of personalities this year.
One of the new twists is Exile Island. Various members of the two tribes take turns spending a couple of days on Exile Island with no shelter and no company.
The Apprentice
The Donald is back with a new bunch of apprentices. Again this show is also showing its age but I still find it interesting and again it looks like an interesting new group of apprentices.
Martha Stewart's Apprentice show is not back this year. I have grown to admire Martha but her show wasn't very good.
So, now the problem is trying to watch these shows and still get my homework done. Fast forward and TIVO to the rescue.
The Amazing Race
This year's race looks pretty good. Teams of two people race around the world for a prize of 1 million dollars. The teams are made of a lot of different types of people and relationships: husbands and wives, relatives, best friends, boyfriends and girlfriends.
Last season's Race was disappointing. The teams were made of families that bickered a lot and traveled mainly in the United States. It wasn't very good. This year teams travel outside the US and are made of a good mix of people.
Survivor
Although the show is showing it's age, I still enjoy it. And again this season has a few new twists and turns. And the castaways seem to be a good mix of personalities this year.
One of the new twists is Exile Island. Various members of the two tribes take turns spending a couple of days on Exile Island with no shelter and no company.
The Apprentice
The Donald is back with a new bunch of apprentices. Again this show is also showing its age but I still find it interesting and again it looks like an interesting new group of apprentices.
Martha Stewart's Apprentice show is not back this year. I have grown to admire Martha but her show wasn't very good.
So, now the problem is trying to watch these shows and still get my homework done. Fast forward and TIVO to the rescue.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)