Clue: It was The Mayans with The Solar Flare in The Solarium

Posted on March 8, 2012 by
Solar Strom

http://www.smartplanet.com/

Being a big fan of the doomsday genre of film, this actually has me a little freaked! I think my passion for meteorological news began in 1990s. I think it was the graphic interpretations that sparked my interest.

I agree with Joe Kunches, a scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who told The Wall Street Journal “It’s hitting us right in the nose.”[1] Though always the punctual one, I got hit a day earlier…cause I’m sensitive that way. :D I fell down and scraped my leg as I exited the parking lot upon arrival at the Wednesday Morning Knitters. Then last night I got a flat. Fortunately, I was with a friend that was able to drive me home.

Continuing the blessing count, I have such a wonderful dad — who happens to be turning 73 today — Happy Birthday Dad! — who took me over to my car this morning to get a spare made. I suppose being grateful provides for a more open mind and the ability to appreciate the other-worldly beauty in the following video:

1. Laura Shin: Largest solar storm in five years racing toward Earth; March 7, 2012, 7:19 PM PST
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Birds of the Gods

Posted on March 6, 2012 by
Birds of the Gods

courtesy shoppbs.org

SYNOPSIS: DVD Cover
The island of New Guinea in the South Pacific is home to b rids so spectacular and unique that the first Europeans to see the birds in the sixteenth century named the “birds of paradise,” believing they must have come to Earth directly from heaven. The indigenous people of New guinea have lived with the birds for thousands of years, and have long honored and revered them as sacred ancestors and powerful spirits of their world. Their ancient traditions make the birds’ feathers highly prized and the birds very vulnerable. But to find these birds in New Guinea is extremely difficult, and to witness their extraordinary mating displays is even tougher. David Attenborough introduces a young team of New Guinean scientists who are on a grueling expedition to find and film these breathtaking birds. They hope to learn a few of the secrets of these heavenly creatures, and to find a way to ensure their future.

REVIEW
Who’d have thunk to look for nature videos in the library? I was so surprised to encounter this video, which I may have already seen before, that I was eager to see it again. I just love nature shows because they are so informative and provide a glimpse into the secret mysteries of creation.

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Temple Grandin (TV 2010)

Posted on March 6, 2012 by
Temple Grandin

courtesy impawards.com

SYNOPSIS: DVD Cover
Starring Golden Globe® winner Claire Danes (Romeo + Juliet), Julia Ormon (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button), Catherine O’Hara (Best in Show) and David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck), Temple Grandin paints a picture of a young woman’s perseverance and determination while struggling with the isolating challenges of autism at a time when it was still quite unknown. The film chronicles Temple’s early diagnosis; her turbulent growth and development during her school years; the enduring support she received from her mother (Ormond), aunt (O’Hara), and her science teacher (Strathairn); and her emergence as a woman with an innate sensitivity and understanding of animal behavior.

REVIEW
I finally found this movie at the Fairview Library one Saturday while waiting for the other knitters to arrive. I have been wanting to see this ever since I heard about it in the news, reporting on some award show.

I liked it. I was pleasantly surprised to see that David Strathairn appeared in this movie as well. I am not even autistic and I have not even come close to Temple’s perseverance or determination, accomplishing nothing in my sad pathetic life.

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Letter from the White House

Posted on February 8, 2012 by

Letter from the White HouseA while ago, frustrated and annoyed with the government of the United States of America, I penned another letter to President Obama, only this time, I requested a reply. I wish I had saved my original letter, but apparently, I forgot to post it. I am pretty sure my letter was about the fact that I have no resources after I have exhausted my unemployment insurance monies; and that because of my past, I am unable to secure work, while taking full responsibility for my past.

First of all, let me address my surprise that I actually received a reply. Next would be my expected complacency at receiving a form letter that makes no definitive mention of how the government could help me specifically. Then again, I was writing out of frustration.

However, today I would ask what sacrifices politicians making during these tough economic times? I recently remembered the bailout of AIG and the United States auto workers. Did they ever payback the bailouts? What about all the gas wasted on limousines and flying from there to here. You know, there is such a thing as teleconferencing now? And why is it that one must be rich in order to become president? Why don’t we pay a set amount for each candidates campaign? After all, they will be working for us, right?

I could go on and on and on, but I won’t.

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Charade (1963)

Posted on February 3, 2012 by
Charade

courtesy impawards.com

SYNOPSIS: DVD Cover
A trio of crooks relentlessly pursues a young American (Audrey Hepburn) through Paris for the fortune her dead husband stole from them. The only person she can trust is a suave, mysterious stranger (Cary Grant). A deliciously dark comedic thriller, Stanley Donen’s Charade dazzles with style and macabre wit to spare. The Criterion Collection is proud to re-release this ’60s spy classic in a gorgeous new anamorphic transfer.

REVIEW
Love Audrey every since I saw her in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Cary Grant was looking might handsome in this movie. I loved seeing young James Coburn and Walther Matthau. The story was pretty good. I could not figure it out, having to wait until the end for the solution to this thriller.

I suppose I picked up on the “comedic,” but I don’t think it was that funny; just didn’t jive well with the “thriller” part of this movie, which did not suffer. While watching it, I kept thinking I was watching an Alfred Hitchcock movie; that should be a testament to how good the movie was.

Rated 8 out of 10 on IMDB.com

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Carnal Knowledge (1971)

Posted on February 1, 2012 by
Carnal Knowledge

courtesy d.ratingmovies.com

SYNOPSIS: DVD Cover
One of the most controversial movies of its time, this “thought-provoking” (Leonard Maltin) comedy-drama from legendary director Mike Nichols (The Birdcage) is a funny, poignant look at relationships as seen through the eyes of two friends over a 20-year period. Superbly crafted by playwright Jules Feiffer, Carnal Knowledge is brimming with touching insights, sexy banter and powerful performances by three-time Oscar®* winner Jack Nicholson, Ann-Margret, Candice Bergen and pop music icon Arthur Garfunkel.

Jonathan (Nicholson) and Sandy (Garfunkel) are college roommates who share an endless fascination — and obsession — with women. As time goes by, their relentless pursuit for the joys of the flesh becomes more competitive…and more damaging. Soon, Jonathan and Sandy’s lives become a vicious circle of girls, booze and unfulfillment, and they realize only too late that — in the war of the sexes — they are their own worst enemy.

* 1997: Actor, As Good As It Gets; 1983: Supporting Actor, Terms of Endearment; 1975: Actor, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest

REVIEW
Wow! I’ve never seen Jack so young. The funny thing is that I recently overheard or was involved in a conversation and Jack Nicholson comes up. The only statement I remember from that conversation was in reference to Jack’s acting ability “oh yeah, it’s just Jack playing Jack playing Jack…” Had I not heard that statement I think I might have still picked up on that during my viewing of Carnal Knowledge. And to be frank with you, I was not a fan of Jonathan.

Of remark on this movie is the youthfulness of the actors and actresses: Jack Nicholson, Candice Bergen, Carol Kane, Ann-Margret, Rita Moreno. Apparently, this movie was a very accurate portrayal of sex during  60s and 70s. I didn’t start having sense till the 80′s; maybe that’s why I did not “get it.” However, I was able to identify some of the tragic symptoms that casual sex does present.

Overall, it was okay. Rated 5 out of 10 stars on IMDB.com

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Creation (2009)

Posted on January 29, 2012 by
Creation

Courtesy allmoviephoto.com

SYNOPSIS: DVD Cover
Part drama, part mystery, and part lover story, Creation offers a captivating portrait of a deeply complex man. Suffering from ill health and haunted by the memory of his deceased daughter, Darwin (Paul Bettany) is driven to finish his masterwork &mdash even as his enemies increase and the gulf widens between him and his deeply religious wife (Oscar® winner Jennifer Connelly). Torn between faith and science, work and family, Darwin risks everything as he dares to challenge the notion of God’s plan, and embarks on an enthralling journey of self-discovery.

REVIEW
I like Paul Bettany, and the subject matter of the movie, while interesting, prevented me from renting this movie. I finally found it in the library and you can’t argue with FREE. As such, I just finished watching it while I worked on The Painted Desert. I can’t say that the movie was interesting enough to divert my attention away from my knitting, except for the instances in which I was trying to focus on the dialogue, trying to glean some story. It seemed that the story was comprised more of vignettes, which was the cause of my distraction. Another complaint is that the illness Darwin suffered from was never revealed; my best guess from the visible symptomatology was Parkinson’s Disease. Some quick research indicates the cause of Darwin’s illness remained unknown, and attempts at treatment had little success.

The most emotional scene was when he tells the story of Jenny the Orangutan’s death. I almost cried,  feeling much empathy for caged animals. There was also the charming story which the movie opens up with.

Perhaps due to my distraction with knitting, I got a little confused during Darwin’s stay in a hospital. I saw him bundle up a daughter and take her with him, but the plot indicates that this may have been a memory. I am not really clear on that part.

In the end, I found this movie to be a bit esoteric.

Rated 4 out of 10 stars on IMBb.com.

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The Two Mr. Wilsons

Posted on January 27, 2012 by

Joseph Kearns - Gale Gordon

Occasionally, I watch Dennis the Menace on Antenna TV. I have always associated the television show with Mr. Wilson on the left. Today, I saw Mr. Wilson on the right and wondered what event affected the change. This is what I found out via Wikipedia:

On February 17, 1962, after filming the show’s one hundredth episode, Joseph Kearns died of a cerebral hemorrhage. In a 2010 interview actress Gloria Henry revealed Kearns followed a strict six week Metrecal diet that may have contributed to his sudden death.[1] The following two episodes were filmed without the character of Mr. Wilson. Gale Gordon joined the cast for the last six episodes of the season as Mr. Wilson’s brother John. Gordon bore a closer resemblance to the comic strip’s Mr. Wilson than Kearns did. It was explained that John was staying as a guest while George was settling an estate back east. Sylvia Field, who played Martha Wilson, was let go at the end of the season. It was explained that she and George were embarking on an extended trip, leaving their home in the care of John. In the fourth and final season John Wilson purchased the house from his brother. He was joined by his wife Eloise, played by Sara Seegar. Final references to George and Martha Wilson were included in the first two episodes of the fourth season. After that the original Wilsons were never mentioned again.

1. Cobweb TV!

Posted in Outside The Box | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Eternal Search

Posted on January 26, 2012 by

I am going through my computer files, trying to get organized and I ran across this poem I penned in 2005 during an airline flight – from where to where, I do not remember.

In the dormant downy terrain of white, blue and gray, I search for the outline of a sleeping God

As I search, the setting sun melts the frozen climate of an arctic wasteland into the hardness of a lava-covered landscape

Thirty-three thousand feet above the earth’s surface, I encounter a solitary footprint just west of Ol’ Miss, who’s dark waters reflect pools of molten copper

Did I just miss him?

Is he herding the sheep home from the meadow of horizontal hues or does an angle shield him from view with its translucent wings?

On the horizon of the grayscale mesa, crepuscular crests succumb to deepening darkness

As I descend through a misty abyss, a beacon at my side; I pray that I shall find God where I left Him, and my peace of mind

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Jonestown a la Culver City

Posted on January 26, 2012 by

Mom and dad are having both houses recoated and painted. I am so angry that they have destroyed King Acres, but like mom says, “It will grow back.”

This morning I stepped outside to take in some morning air and my first impression was that I had been transported through time to Jonestown. I just hope the Kool-Aid is cherry flavor – my favorite. Oh by the way, white is not going to be the new color, this is just the coating.

Jonestown a la Culver City

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