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For Christmas, one of my gifts was Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventures, on blu-ray. My boys and I opened it up the other day and decided to start with Temple Of Doom, not Raiders. Why? Because TOD takes place in 1935, one year before Raiders (trivia geek points). Definitely more of a pulp film, TOD veers off course in some ways. It even kicks off with a show tune of all things and moves on to chilled monkey brains and hearts on fire. Yet, it's still quintessential Indy in many other ways and as fun of a viewing as ever. My three favorite moments: 1. Indy and Short Round are in the collapsing room of spikes, while Willie Scott repeatedly hesitates to reach in the creepy crawler coated hole to pull the lever. Indy looks into the hole and pleads, "WE ARE GOING TO DIE!!!" 2. Indy and Short Round playing camp fire cards. "You cheat, Dr. Jones!" I love their banter, love that they both cheated, love how it ends with a massive snake dropped in front of Indy. 3. The bridge sequence. Top to bottom entertainment. It's great watching Indy finally realize he has to cut the bridge with the machete.
Today, I watched Raiders. And just like every other time I watch it, I was instantly nostalgic about my childhood. I remember the hole in the wall two theater movie house off of Highway US 1 by the Indian River in Palm Bay, Florida. I remember my mom shopped at the strip mall next door while me and my little brother watched the Saturday matinee. I remember we stuffed our gobs with popcorn watching a guy with a fedora and bull whip screaming "Jock, start the plane" while he ran from a bare butt, arrow shooting tribe, fictionally referred to as the Hovitos.
There are three films that launched my love for movies as a child: Superman, The Empire Strikes Back, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Superman made me believe that a man could fly while showcasing three eye candy landscapes in Krypton, Smallville, and Metropolis. It was the first true superhero film. Empire introduced me to the concept of the cliffhanger. When Vader drops a bomb on Luke, I could hardly breathe. I was still trying to recover from the fact that Luke's right hand was plummeting into the cloudy atmosphere below. But Raiders for me was extra special because I could be Indiana Jones. Kind of. Maybe not to the extent that Indy is Indy. I'll never go excavating and find the buried resting place of Noah's Ark. But I can have Dr. Jones' spirit of adventure. There are a few signature things that make the man in the hat: he is more than his day job, he seeks adventure, and "it's not the years honey, it's the mileage". I believe life is lived better with these principles, therefore the psychology of Indiana Jones is something I've begun to claim. Rather than bore you with the details of it all, I'll just touch on the adventure aspect.
I realized a couple years ago that my mind can be my own worst enemy. This is true for many people. We let our minds plague us with negativity, insecurity, and flat out lies. We give our own minds power over us, often holding us hostage. Take just a moment and think about some ways that your mind cripples you. It's pretty ridiculous what we let it get away with. The good news is that we can take it back if we so choose. When I came to this realization a couple of years ago, I figured out that just as the mind can be a powerful negative force, it can also be a powerful positive one. And that means, sometimes, for me at least, I have to embrace silly. So I'm quick to look for adventure in the little ways and let my imagination run wild. This came to my attention today when I was out backpacking. It was cold, misty, and raining. This wasn't the first time I've done this. When I was a kid, soccer and football games in the pouring rain were more fun. Why? Adventure! I've jogged on snowy paths in layered sweats avoiding icy patches. I prefer it that way. Adventure! I use to live in Colorado and on my days off of work, I would drive out to the canyons and hit the trails. Now my trails are residential hilly streets. I like living the domestic life in suburbia but when I put on my backpack and step outside to "brave the elements", I still let the little kid come out. I don't listen to a playlist that starts with John Williams' Raiders March or anything like that but I don't mind saying that I more or less pretend that I'm out on an Indy-style adventure! It makes life more fun. That's probably why I love jogging with the Zombies, Run! story app. Why just exercise for 45 minutes when you could turn it into an imaginative quest? Why just walk through day to day life as an adult clone? Why stay comfortable when you can try something different and look back on it with the satisfaction that you did? It's not even about exercise or being outside necessarily, it's just about taking every moment captive. Grab your own fedora and go after your own grail every once in a while.
[I had to quickly take this picture of myself backpacking because it was raining on my phone. I tried to look cool. Very silly. Don't care.]
I saved this document a few nights ago, and by now, I've read several other blogs/reviews of the film that may have an echo here. Nonetheless, the other night I watched The Hobbit as Peter Jackson intended, in a high frame rate, at 48 frames per second, and in 3D. I am very eager to see it now the old fashioned way, 24 fps, 2D. I don't feel that I can truly write a review of the film because I feel like I only saw maybe 50% of it. Now, I did watch the entire film, almost 3 hours long, without stepping out to use the restroom or to get a drink refill. But even though I watched it from the first to last frame, I'm convinced I didn't really see The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey yet. I cannot begin to tell you how visually different this film moves and affects the viewer than if seen in traditional 24fps. For me, the frame rate assisted in the worse possible outcome: I was completely aware of my surroundings, that I was sitting in a theater and watching a screen. When I watched this film, with each new scene my sense of sight was confused, and therefore had to adjust. When this happens, the viewer cannot get lost in the fantasy world known as Middle Earth. I was keenly aware that I was looking at immaculate set pieces. I saw Gandalf enter Bilbo's home at Bag End, and I wanted to feel something familiar. Instead, I was noticing that I had never seen him in that capacity. When he smoked his pipe, instead of smiling, I was thinking, "those smoke rings have a strange motion". This cannot be what Peter Jackson wanted. I'm sure he wanted me to see something with rich clarity, but I doubt he wanted me to see so clearly that I began criticizing the Dwarves hair and makeup blemishes. I will say that all the shots that were suppose to be what the eye views as "slow motion" looked terrific. In battle shots that were slowed down, every movement, such as Thorin's hair, looked so cool. But, alas, you cannot watch a film in slow motion, it's typically set aside as a trump card, something to use for a brief montage. The rest of the time, you watch what should be normal movements and it just looked jittery, choppy, and this was never more apparent than the opening 20 minutes of the film in the Shire and specifically when the dwarves invaded Bilbo's home. I felt like I was watching A Very Hobbit Christmas Special on ABC in the 80's. My guess is that in the old fashioned way of watching it, it plays as a very charming scene. But at 48 fps, when the Dwarves start throwing the plates around, it just looks silly. So this is just one of many scenes I look forward to seeing the old fashioned way. Hopefully I'll like it then. Perhaps most confusing is that at 48 fps, the CG characters looked like poo, except Gollum. He's never looked better, I mean, it's a massive improvement in CG. How is it that Gollum is eye candy and the other animated lives are so distracting? Maybe my friend Josh is correct: Andy Serkis. This is an actor that knows the ins and outs of motion capture. In fact, it's his bread and butter. No one and I mean no one can mo cap like Mr. Serkis. In a group discussion today amongst fellow geeks, it was determined that we'd prefer that Mr. Serkis just played all the CG characters so that we could see the very best representation of the technology. So, there it is, the anomaly of 48 fps, as best as I can describe it. It was easily my biggest problem with my initial viewing experience of The Hobbit.
The second problem is also hard to call a review because it isn't that the acting or ideas are bad, but there just seems to be too many ideas and that makes it hard to capitalize on a few great ones. This may not be Peter Jackson's doing. I am unsure of whether he pushed for 3 films approx. 3 hrs. each for this 300 page book or if the distribution company did. Understandably, they're going to want to make a lot of money off The Hobbit and in some ways it makes sense to make another Middle Earth trilogy. But there's just not enough for Bilbo or Thorin or even Gandalf to do with this much footage. Don't misunderstand me. Bilbo was great. Martin Freeman is ten times the actor Elijah Wood could ever hope to be. I believe when the credits roll at the end of The Hobbit film trilogy that I'll believe the true "Hobbit with the heart of gold" is Bilbo, not Frodo (though delivered well by Wood), but as of yet, no chance for Bilbo to shine. He gets lost in the background to extraneous subplots with rabbit iditarods and character dev on a kabillion dwarves. Ironically, aside from a few, the dwarves were less than memorable. Again, good acting, and there's probably more to come with the other installments, but for now, just too many things happening to emotionally invest in all the dwarves. There were just several scenes that could have been cut and I just flat out didn't care about some of them.
Here's what really works well for me with this film. Despite watching him in a 48 fps version that took away some of the majestic nature of his character, Gandalf was great. This is the character I missed after Fellowship. I understand the need to transform him into The White for Two Towers and ROTK, but he lost some of his twinkle when he got so serious. All was forgiven of course when he brought the army down the side of the mountain in the bright light on his white horse. But, in The Hobbit, Gandalf was not only his old self, he was playful, almost child-like at times. It was my almost favorite Gandalf portrayal on screen second only to Fellowship and that's probably because it was the first one and set the bar high. But the real reason to see The Hobbit is when Bilbo and Gollum meet. Even in 48, these scenes were magic. It was everything I hoped it would be and Bilbo is finally a match for Gollum, who always seemed more clever and a step ahead of Frodo and Sam. There's a brief moment where Gollum playfully rests his chin on a rock to listen to Bilbo and it burned in my memory. The last hour of the film was certainly the best of the 3, and it had so many familiar action beats. They were welcomed by me and I didn't mind that I'd already seen this formula in the first trilogy. For me, it was what I came back for after all these years of waiting. I really want to like Thorin but for now, he's just a lesser comparison to Aragorn, and a mope. The new music cues fit well and were melodically infectious.
In the end, Jackson really had a lot going against him in trying to accomplish this story. The Hobbit is smaller and lighter than the Ring trilogy. So yes, it suffers in comparison, though not fairly. It's had hype and expectation against it from the beginning. The studio money issues kept the film from going to production for a couple of years. And New Zealand red tape made life difficult for Mr. Jackson too. It's actually a wonder he was able to make the new trilogy. Had I never seen the Ring trilogy, I'm sure The Hobbit would blow people away, myself included. In conclusion, I'm sure I'll like it much more when it actually looks like a movie in 24 fps, and I look forward to the development of the story and characters and the next two installments.
I still cannot believe that Episode 7 is going to happen. Last week's announcement of Disney buying Lucasfilm from George for $4.05 billion was shocking. It's consumed me ever since. I simply didn't think SW would get a rebirth until after George passed away years from now. As a result, I've spent the week checking Twitter for updates, talking director wish lists with fellow geeks, even watching a youtube video archive of Maria Shriver interviewing Mark Hamill in 1983 just before Jedi came out where he mentions being involved in Episode 7 around 2004. http://bit.ly/Pwd1OF
I should say before launching into my thoughts on the Disney purchase and the future of SW that I'm aware that I'm a fan with limits and that I've never committed to the extended universe like many other fans. Let me briefly explain what I mean by "a fan with limits". When I drove to Celebration III in Indianapolis back in '05 just before Sith, I could see a deeper level of commitment all around me. I met a father and son dressed in legit bounty hunter attire while standing in line to get in the convention center. Wearing my Empire t-shirt, I asked them how far they had travelled. They had flown in from Norway. I was almost embarrassed to tell them I'd only driven 30 miles. The convention was full of fans with simply amazing costumes, I even saw three dudes walk by as the Ghostbusters just to get laughs. So, I've not spent the time that others have on costumes, and I've probably not waited in near as many lines, and I know I haven't spent as much money on merchandise. As an adult, I have waited in the lines for the first showing (midnight when offered) of all the films. I have read the Timothy Zahn book trilogy (obviously terrific SW literature) as well as Truce At Bakura. All this to say, if this makes me lose credentials, feel free to click away but I plan to persuade whoever you are about my thoughts. In my heart, I am a SW Geek For Life regardless of my credentials. I'm the fan I am without apology. Here now is a short list of my SW opinions that pre-date the Disney buy:
I'm from the old guard but have thoroughly enjoyed sharing SW with my kids, even Episodes 1-3. I was the little kid in denial sitting in the theater watching Empire when Vader told Luke who he was. I was the thrilled kid in the swimming pool at Vista Riviera in Melbourne, Florida when Dad told me and my brother we were going to see Jedi after dinner. I was the youth worker in Grand Junction, Colorado who sat most of the afternoon outside in line with my youth group to see the Special Edition and laughed when Han stepped on Jabba's tail. Yeah, it added nothing to the film, but it was fun seeing it happen the first time. I'm the father who shamelessly owns the entire set of 6 films on blu-ray and enjoys a lot of the revisions. And guess what, when my kids watch Anakin standing in spirit form next to Obi Wan and Yoda at the end of Jedi, it makes sense to them that it is Hayden Christensen. Even if I'm from the old guard and thought that it was a silly revision, the old guard can no longer be the only fans to consider. And this leads me to my main thoughts on the Disney years to come.
1. I don't believe Disney equals the dark empire that George was once against. I think they are capable storytellers that can respectfully take SW to another level for family audiences. Whether the old fans like myself want to add more gripes to a growing list of frustration or not, this new direction of SW is real and will happen whether we want it to or not. Disney can back the big budgets since George isn't financing these on his own anymore and they are interested in giving SW a vibrant and long future with new avenues and a collaborative approach to the stories.
2. I'm okay with Episode 7-9 taking creative liberties in regards to the extended universe but hope they use it as research for how they develop the "original" stories because there are some fantastic new characters, primarily Mara Jade. I would love to see Episode 7-9 be adapted screenplays of Zahn's Heir To The Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command but I know this won't happen. So I'd love to at least see more strong female leads for future SW films like Mara Jade but I'm also really hopeful that I'll get to see Jorus C'baoth and all his crazy wizardry looking like Gandalf on crack. I've come to respect the many years of extended universe fandom so I hope Disney and Kathleen Kennedy respects the characters and chronology as they develop new films.
3. The fans gain decades more of hype thanks to the Disney purchase. For years to come, imagine the geek giddyness of Hall H at Comic Con, and the excitement at future SW Celebrations at convention halls. Every two years there will be something to learn about and it won't be confined to just George's on screen heroes.
4. This could potentially be a brilliant marriage of ILM and Pixar for SW. I would love to see future SW films created not just by the innovation of ILM but the creative choices of Pixar. Wall-E is a great example of what Pixar could do to assist in future SW stories. If John Lasseter is allowed to collaborate, we will receive SW with a whole lot more heart.
5. My daughter gets a cool addition to the family of Disney princesses. Aubrey loves them all and I hope Disney will capitalize on this and reintroduce Leia in all her glory minus the side hair buns.
6. The isolated character film approach is now possible. Joe Johnston approached Lucas this last year requesting the opportunity to create and direct a Boba Fett film. Did he already know what was coming? He was at Lucasfilm in the early days (created Fett), maybe he knew what the public just recently found out. Either way, Disney has a chance to not only tell isolated SW character stories now for The Fett, but for other bounty hunters, jedis, smugglers, the list goes on and on. And I'd see every one of them on the big screen. I've been waiting for the live action Jedi TV show. That was all I could get my hopes up for. The possibilities are endless now for film and TV.
7. I can't wait for the amusement park explosion. In the near future, when I take my kids to Disney parks, it won't be limited to Star Tours or SW Weekends. The characters in costume, the rides, the sections of the parks like Tomorrow Land, or dare I dream, entire SW themed parks. Star Wars World anyone? Are you aware of all the land Disney owns in Orlando that hasn't even been developed yet? Bring it.
8. Gratitude to George Lucas. Here's a guy that, until now, has hoarded this franchise and controlled it all. He made an intentional choice to give SW a larger future for the fans, old and young, and to come. He let go. Here's what he said that I really appreciate: "It's now time for me to pass Star Wars on to a new generation of filmmakers. I've always believed that Star Wars could live beyond me, and I thought it was important to set up the transition during my lifetime." Finally, what does Mr. Lucas plan to do with the 4 billion? Give it to education. Yeah he doesn't need the money, but a $4 billion philanthropic donation is quite respectable. To all the naysayers, give him his due.
9. The Summer of 2015. I could be wrong but I believe the summer line up will include Episode 7, Justice League, and the Avengers followup. Who would have thought that Samuel L. Jackson would be competing against SW? Oh yeah, Disney owns Marvel too. Nevermind. I hope this summer has all 3 of these films. As a DC guy, I've been waiting for Justice League. The thought of all 3 of these films opening in the same summer is crazy to me. It may be the greatest movie summer of all time.
10. Brad Bird. He's at the top of my list for potential directors (not just for Episode 7 but 8 and 9 as well). I also like Jon Favreau based on his good director/actor relationship with Harrison Ford and his creation of Iron Man (he set a new bar for ILM challenging them with better CG). I also like J.J. Abrams, and Matthew Vaughn. But I love Brad Bird. Watch the heart of The Iron Giant. Rewatch The Incredibles (superheroes and James Bond collide beautifully). But please watch Mission Impossible 4. He rebooted a franchise. He respected the roots. But he gave it a bright future if Tom Cruise is smart. Brad Bird can not just handle live action, he knows how to handle CG, he speaks Pixar, and he takes no crap. Is he really preparing to direct 1952, a new Disney sci-film film series? Or is 1952 a fake title for what we're all waiting for? I hope it's a fake title.
This new direction for SW got me blogging again. So excited. Geek for life. More to come.
I've not blogged in almost a year. I was burdened by it. Burdened by my own premise. I don't need to keep up a blog on film criticism. The reason being, I'm about to turn 40 and don't want to approach the second half of my life thinking that the things I want to speak most about are limited to why I do or don't like this or that film. There's just more to life for me. That's not a jab at other film lovers. I am and probably always will be a film junkie. However, what matters most to me are the relationships in my life. So, I decided to write a new entry about a film that was personal to me. And it's called Warrior. If there is a film that makes me want to blog again, I'm glad for it to be this one. Side note- do not watch the trailer or look up the movie poster on IMDB, it gives way too much away.
Director/Writer Gavin O'Connor (Miracle, Pride and Glory) built this mixed martial arts story from the premise that a father (Nick Nolte) and his two sons (Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton) can take a worse beating from family wars with each other than any beat down they could ever receive in the cage. I was moved by this story because of my relationship with my father and my brother and my two sons. I feel it is rare to have such close relationships. My father lives in my neighborhood and I like that. My brother, a Navy man, is in Okinawa and according to Google maps, it would take 37 days to drive there (thought it was funny that it even offered driving as an option). If I had my choice, I'd want them close to me, I enjoy their company, and there is a level of intimacy that cannot be broken. The thought of my sons growing up and putting distance between us hurts, but not as much as emotional distance. So, I can't say I relate to the characters of this film in how broken they are with each other, but it represents places I don't want to ever have to go with the blood men in my life and as a result, I'm pulling for each one these characters. The compelling thing about Warrior to me is that I never knew who to pull for. In the ring, out of the ring, it was always a toss up. They are all severely flawed and in need of redemption. That is the state of man. If I don't care about the characters, I generally don't care for the film. I gotta have at least a glimmer of hope from the lead character.
Nick Nolte's character, Paddy, is more than his youngest son's (Tom Hardy) ex-trainer, he's an ex-father. He doesn't deserve forgiveness for the crap he's pulled, for the years of pain, for the consequences of choices, but man does he want it with his boys. His heart is in his hand and he allows them to pummel it at will if they so desire. Nolte has always been a good actor, but his recent history has seemed to blackball him from the big screen. So art imitates life here. Give him a chance to be a good dad, boys… give him a chance to be a good actor in an outstanding role, Hollywood. He made me cry alot. Buckets. He wants the war to be over, time for a truce. I saw some love coming off of him to his boys, wanting to be close, that reminded me of my Dad and maybe me once my boys are older. So I loved this guy no matter what horrible back story they wrote about him. Probably an Oscar contender.
Tom Hardy's character, Tommy, represents the ferocity of war. He is merciless in the cage and he's relentless in his words to his father and brother. Therefore, the guy is extremely entertaining to watch. He has a brooding charisma that reminds me of the old Tyson boxing days when he'd quietly enter the ring with no gimmicks, take care of business, and get out. His character made me think of the warrior in me. I am ashamed to say that I have an explosive nature that I have to keep in check. Unfortunately, I've unleashed some verbal jabs on those I love the most. I'm sorry Dad. I'm sorry Brother. I'm sorry boys. And while I'm at it, I extend that apology to my wife, mom, and sister.
Joel Edgerton's character, Brendan, is the family man (wife, Jennifer Morrison) that is the reluctant warrior. He thinks that's all behind him but suburban life has offered him more than a few obstacles. You can try to run from family problems but blood is blood. For him to put bread on the table for his wife and kids, he has to deal with father and brother, one shunned, one welcomed. Such is life. I expected Tom Hardy to be a power house, and figured if Nolte was given the right opportunity, could shine again, but I never saw Joel Edgerton coming. He carried such emotion in his face showing his duality of love, willing to give to one, withhold from the other. I've always prided myself on being a guy who reaches out. But I know from my recent history that I've spent years of my life not letting people truly inside. It's one of my life goals now; to share, relax, and explore joy with myself and others. The warrior in me will always be equipped to explode, to find a battle, to say horrible things, but what I've learned from battle is that I really want to make peace.
Establish. Interior. A room full people at a wrap party for a stage play. The writer, Richard Collier, is surrounded by beautiful women hanging on his every word. With his back turned, he never sees her coming… an elderly woman touches his shoulder and as he turns around, she places something in his hand, covers it and says four words, "Come back to me". She turns and leaves. Confused and curious, Richard looks at the item placed in his hand: a pocket watch. This is the opening scene to, in my opinion, the most romantic drama in film history, Universal's 1980 Production, Somewhere In Time.
My spoilers end with the premise: the Chicago playwright becomes obsessed with the female who approached him in the opening scene, and successfully combats the constraints of linear time to find her in the prime of her life. How he learns about her, transports into history, and what happens when he gets there is for you to discover. The premise is tricky in that stories involving time travel must often lend themselves to silly ideas played out in silly ways. It works for later productions like Back To The Future because it has a built-in genre expectation of comedic value. But SIT was a $4 million budget little film with no money for special effects. Therefore it is a major accomplishment for a small film with dramatic intent to tackle the fantasy aspects so well. I remember watching the film for the first time in middle school and being inspired by the manner in which time travel was constructed, a delicate fantasy concept saturated in romance. Part of me thinks this must be a great film because it won my respect at an age when I only placed value on Star Wars, Kung Fu, and break dancing films (and if you could mix any of those together like The Last Dragon, even better). On a very short list, SIT is one of the first films that made me think independent filmmaking was possible for me.
Truth be told, this was a film that never had a real chance of success at the box office. The actors were unable to market the film due to an actors strike and Universal did little to promote it. Though it was widely panned by critics upon release, and a revenue failure, it still developed a cult following over the years including myself. I saw SIT during the boom of the video rental market in the early 80s. That and cable were the new avenues to spread the word about previously released films. Years later, after researching the film, I learned that Universal was only willing to greenlight it because they needed a director for their Jaws sequel when Spielberg passed. Enter Jeannot Szwarc. The French director championed the script for SIT to Universal because he passionately believed in it and therefore used it as a bargaining tool: he'd direct the shark as long as they also let him direct the obscure love story.
How, then, does a minor studio release 30 years ago with failure written all over it become a cult classic? I'd like to present a few reasons on why I believe SIT is worthy of the title:
1. The 3 principal actors-
Christopher Reeve stars as the playwright, Richard Collier; Jane Seymour plays the actress and object of his affection, Elise McKenna; Christopher Plummer plays her stage manager, William F. Robinson. Reeve chose this role over a handful of other offers after his Superman success because he saw in it the opportunity to give a genuine emotional performance. I'm so glad he did. As a kid, I thought he was fantastic as Sups in the blue tights, but for me, this was his greatest performance. There is a scene early in the film where he sees Jane Seymour's character Elise McKenna in a museum portrait (seen above). In less than a minute of real time, he completely sells you on the idea that he went from never seeing her to being completely smitten. The portrait scene is repeated later with even deeper emotional affect. Throughout the film, he puts on a clinic in acting emotion that blurs the lines between the healthy and unhealthy aspects of love and his performance at the end of the film is just astonishing. Jane Seymour in her role is an exquisite beauty of Audrey Hepburn status, but so guarded that she comes across almost unobtainable. Therefore, every little momentum Reeve's character makes with her is a massive victory. And Christopher Plummer as the manager to the actress is the embodiment of territoriality and intimidation. Though unspoken, the potency of his love for Seymour's character is arguably as strong as Reeve's character.
2. The Location-
All but 4 days of filming in Chicago were shot on location at Mackinac Island, a ferry ride away from the South East corner of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The island does not allow motorized vehicles and is traveled on only by foot, bicycle, or carriage. The production of this film was the exception that allowed semi-trailers with production gear brought over. It is truly a storybook backdrop and the main centerpiece of the film is the Grand Hotel, a destination my wife and I still plan to visit someday. The hotel holds annual SIT weekends with cast/crew panels, tours, and costume. Perhaps the fact that not one frame was shot in L.A. transfers over to the viewer; this film feels distinct and attractive due to its beautiful location.
3. The Director-
These days, Jeannot Szwarc mostly runs television production sets such as Heroes and Smallville. But make no mistake, SIT would never have been made without his personal commitment to this film. I imagine directing Reeve on passion came easy. In many ways, Szwarc's own love for this story mirrored the protagonist's love for the leading lady. Rarely do I see love stories where I actually buy it, where the chemistry doesn't have some pushy element to it. This love story is so authentic, I totally believe it, and more than any other film I've seen, I connected with the characters and pulled for them. This has to be because of the delicate handling of Mr. Szwarc.
4. The Score-
John Barry, the now 5-time Oscar winning film composer (Dances With Wolves) arranged the 007 theme that you know how to whistle. A personal friend of Jayne Seymour, she sought him out after pitching him to Szwarc, who assumed Barry was too big, too famous for this project, but Barry agreed to contribute. Seymour stated once that his scores always make her cry and Barry has received more mail regarding the love theme from SIT than any other film composition he created. It was also, oddly enough, the first film theme he composed after the death of his parents. In my family, the love theme to SIT can be recognized within 2 music measures. To me, personally, it is the standard by which all other film scores should be measured (and I know my film composers).
This film is the perfect example of why I blog. If you've never heard of this film, it's time you sacrifice a couple hours within the next few weeks to fully give your attention to this rare find. You can get it on Netflix. If you're a personal friend, I own a copy and would be glad to share it. You might want to grab the tissue box too, you never know. When my wife and I lived in Abilene, Texas, when I was in grad school, the Paramount Theatre (a refurbished theater that showed old movies) hosted a Valentine's Day screening of SIT that we attended. It was the first time I saw it on the big screen and unfortunately, I'm one of the few who was able to see it that way.
Everyone's a movie critic. Some people actually make movies. A select few filmmakers are making their movies with studios and distributors that give their stories a national viewing audience. I'm in the "some people" category. So far, nobody has really seen any of my films. I'm as indie as you can get right now. But when it comes to film criticism, do I have more insight than Joe moviegoer who thinks The Hurt Locker is brilliant because he watched the Oscars? Absolutely. However, I can't say I've ever had a L.A. sit down with an A-list actor at the Urth Caffe to pitch my latest screenplay.
My credentials are honestly more about my discernment than my resume. As arrogant as it sounds, chances are you can't trust the opinions of the last self-proclaimed film geek you talked to more than me. Understandably, that may not apply to your friend in the business who went to film school at NYU. I invite you, however, to trust my instincts more than your drinking buddy. Film is subjective and you may not always agree with me, but I'd being willing to bet my Australian Shepherd that you'll want to revisit the films I'm discussing or see it for the first time.
I understand that many crap films were probably brilliant at some point in the process and that it only takes a couple of bad decisions from powerful people with too much creative control to decimate a pure voice. So before I barrel forward with opinionated posts, let it be said that I salute all filmmakers who work within the Hollywood system and get a single screening for their work. But I am going to have my say on any and every film final product as opposed to judgments on raw ability to craft well.
This exists to stimulate discussion, to re-examine familiar film, and beyond by posting my observations on accessible films with the following subjects (though not every blog will touch on all of these every post):
• overall story structure
• the director's execution
• select scenes of brilliance
• Archetype vs. stereotype (the only thing I've applied from Mr. McKee)
• The unforced performance
• The Director of Photography's presence
• Film Scores that enhance and save films
• The editor's choice
It is my hope that my readers will fall in love with the process as much as I have and watch the stories I'm discussing and formulate their own opinions. Because if they do that enough, maybe they'll go make their own movies. They might even get a chance to become one of the select few who makes films accessible to a national audience. And if they make me cry, I'll blog about it.
Though this first post is just my disclaimer, I thought I would let you inside a little. If I had to choose one film I've seen that I would love to have had a chance to direct, it would be A River Runs Through It. I believe it to be Robert Redford's greatest achievement in film.
A River Runs Through It, based on the autobiographical novel by Norman Maclean, was brought to the screen by director Robert Redford. The 1993 production was filmed in the Livingston/Bozeman area of Montana. The film received an Oscar for Best Cinematography by Philippe Rousselot and was nominated for Best Score and Writing.
Actor Craig Sheffer played author Norman Maclean, in the screen adaptation. Neither Sheffer nor Brad Pitt, who played Norman's brother, had previous experience fly fishing.
Actor Tom Skerritt (right) plays the role of the Reverend Maclean along side Pitt and Sheffer as his two sons who learn about life and grace through fly fishing.
Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, early in his career, played young Norman Maclean with a quiet, subtle performance, earning him a Young Artist Award.
Redford's screen interpretation of the sibling relationship was rooted in the harsh truth that you have to learn to love completely without complete understanding.
Brad Pitt as Paul Maclean. Norman Maclean's description of his tragic brother was that he was an artist, not a fly fisherman.
A vintage photo of the real Paul Maclean. Brad Pitt used this photo to pose for one of his scenes in the film.


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Zevo-3: "Sidekick"
Kewl Breeze and Z-Strap try and save Elastika from the clutches of Brett Ronson III!
Date With Darkness
Zevo-3: "Date With Darkness"
Z-Strap, Kewl breeze and Elastika use teamwork to defeat Blacktop!
Date With Darkness
Zevo-3: "Date With Darkness"
Matt and Ellie use their powers to escape the hostage situation!
Testing 1, 2, 3
Zevo-3: "Testing 1, 2, 3"
Things get weird when Ellie and Matt's powers take over at school!
Testing 1, 2, 3
Zevo-3: "Testing 1, 2, 3"
Matt figures out how to get their powers under control.
Blood Feud
Zevo-3: "Blood Feud"
Matt has to stay at home sick while Jason and Ellie search for the missing people.
Blood Feud
Zevo-3: "Blood Feud"
Ellie finds the missing people, as well as an unlikely cure to everyone's cold.
Operation Z
Zevo-3: "Operation Z"
Jason learns he might have a connection to Stankfoot.
Operation Z
Zevo-3: "Operation Z"
Who or what is behind Operation Z?
Zevo-3: "De-Mutation"
Matt's pet lizard, Trippy, gets lost in the junkyard.
Zevo-3: "De-Mutation"
The Zevo-3 get some help from a friendly face.
Mutation Termination
Zevo-3: "Mutation Termination"
Dark Materia takes control!
- Mystery Mansion Game
Everyone's been ghostified at the Mystery Mansion. Use your ghost-busting vacuum to rescue them!
- Nicktoons: Dance Off, Clash On!
Baddies are crashing the Nicktoons par-tay. Dance them back out the door!

subset: commoncrawl


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I am taking time out of my black and white blogging to show you this beautiful photography set by my friend. It has moved me omfg.
"The Little Merman revolves around the theory that Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Little Mermaid' was inspired by his unrequited love for another man – suggested by the forbidden romance between man and mermaid featured in the tale. Merging this notion, the original story and my interpretation of the relationship, this series becomes a modern adaptation; exploring the clichés of fantasy and reality."
(vía bendoverboy)
mi unico hogar
es el corazon
de quienes me aman
dis bitch..
(Fuente: highlandvalley, vía autohipnose)
deberia hablar mas del rededor
no del temblor de mi columna
sino preguntarme quien levanta
a las palomas arrolladas por los camiones
y asi entonces me descubra
this keeps happening but i don't know who the person is
(Fuente: moviecapss, vía blushlet)
i think…..this is my favorite picture on the internet because wow colors
this keeps happening but i don't know who the person is
(Fuente: moviecapss, vía blushlet)
(Fuente: blushlet)


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CXBSoft DVD To iPhone Converter Download
|Home | Submit | Privacy | Contact Us | Sitemap | Top 100 | New Software | Advertise with us
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text:
Fairfax County News
Va. man charged with stealing Newtown tribute signs after bragging to reporter
Stolen memorial signs dedicated to those killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings were recovered in Herndon, police said.
Silver Line prompts changes in how police patrol Dulles Toll Road
Emergency responses along the Dulles Toll Road are changing because of the construction of the Silver Line.
Jose Andres takes on Tysons with America Eats Tavern
Celebrity chef and food personality José Andrés hopes to bring his brand of American "cool" to the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner.
Va. weekend celebrates balance with fitness, food
Calories earned, calories burned. Cooking Light executive chef explains the importance of balance with Va. event 'Fit Foodie.'
Police: Va. man led mentally challenged woman into prostitution
A Reston, Virginia, man has been accused of manipulating a mentally incapacitated woman into prostitution.
Lorton condo fire claims life of woman, 34
34-year-old woman identified as victim in fatal Lorton condo fire
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Alan Faneca to make his home in Redskins country
This might be Redskins country, but that apparently hasn't kept former Pittsburgh Steelers guard Alan Faneca from planting roots in McLean.
Later high school start times earn mixed reviews in Reston
Fairfax County Public Schools officials were at South Lakes High School Tuesday to discuss with the community plans for changing high school start times.
Laurence Juber talks 'Guitar With Wings,' Paul McCartney (Photos)
Laurence Juber has played guitar with Paul McCartney, snapped behind-the-scenes photos of Led Zeppelin and is now celebrating the release of his first book, "Guitar With Wings: A Photographic Memoir."
Va. fourth grader may have broken running record
Va. fourth grader awaiting certification he broke half marathon running record for his age
For 3rd time in a week, bottle bomb explodes in movie theater
A movie theater was evacuated after a bottle bomb exploded at about 2 a.m. Sunday, the second D.C-area theater to be hit by such a bomb in 24 hours and the third in a week.
Bottle bomb incidents prompt reward offer
AMC will offer $25,000 reward in connection with bottle bomb incidents
Fairfax Co. school board cuts costs, adopts $2.5B budget
The FY 2015 plan is an increase of $39 million (1.6 percent) over 2014, but it also includes reductions of more than $97 million and eliminates 720 positions
Fairfax County police investigate man's death
Investigators say the man found lying on the road was not struck by a car.
D.C. area pools open for Memorial Day weekend
For some families, it's all about The Water Mine park in Reston, Va.
Dogwood's Attanasio named FCPS' outstanding first-year teacher
Christie Attanasio, a first-grade teacher at Reston's Dogwood Elementary School, has been named Fairfax County Public Schools' (FCPS) 2014 Outstanding First-Year Teacher.
Fairfax Co. board chairman plans to 'pull plug' on limits to home gatherings, events
The head of Fairfax County's governing board says she will vote to strike down a controversial zoning change that could limit the number of people who can visit a home and the frequency of gatherings.
Fairfax County police release movie theater 911 calls
Fairfax County Police have released recordings from the 911 calls made during a frightening night last weekend at a Tysons Corner movie theater.
Measles exposure possible in Virginia, Maryland, D.C. (Map)
A second patient with the measles may have exposed people in Virginia, Maryland and the District between May 11 and 15.
2 accused with hacking Navy plead guilty in Tulsa
2 men accused of conspiring to hack Navy computers in Tulsa enter guilty pleas
Hi: 70 °F | Lo: 49 °F


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Click Here to Add your BLACK OWNED BUSINESS to our Social Media Networking Directory for FREE! so we can share it with our 250,000+ Urban Professional AUDIENCE that range in age mostly from 25-54, have children, are graduate school educated and browse this site from home! via Alexa.com
December 7, 2012 from 8pm to 10pm – The Eisenhower Theater, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Chicago Human Rhythm Project will perform at the Eisenhower Theater at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in a rare, full-length performance of American concert tap dance. This performance w… Organized by Bril Barrett | Type: dc tap events, dc performance events, dc events
© 2014 Created by Ryan ~CEO of the BFHS Network.


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Ariat Tombstone Boots
The Desert Mesa Flower is an earthy, elegantly stylized circular bloom with concentric rows of antiqued beads and twisted rope, accented with a mottled turquoise cabochon in the center. This striking cocktail ring features a large bloom on a narrow silver band.
This western boot from Ariat's Performance Collection is a show-stopper that is crafted from premium full-grain leather. Adorned with a triple-stitch welt, The Big City sports a hand-nailed Veg Tan leather outsole, resolable Goodyear leather welt, wide square toe and horseman heel for security in the stirrup. ATS footbed technology delivers superior comfort and stability, making this boot much more than just a good looking piece of footwear.
Nocona Black Tooled Leather Belt
Boulet Men's Brown/Green Western Boots
Shipping Policy|
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About the Contributor
OfMuchHappinessFlourtown, PA
This user has contributed 13 posts into the Teen Ink Forums.
About OfMuchHappiness:
Hey, I'm Denise at PMCA [the best Christian school in the nation :DD] I love to write, read, and take photography. Soccer, running, the list goes on. So look on my page, critique my writing. I welcome you to my World. :D
Articles and Art by OfMuchHappiness:
Poetry section, Teen Ink
OfMuchHappiness's Favorite Personal Quote:"For I consider the sufferings of this world are not able to be compared with the glory that will be revealed to us." --Romans 8:18
OfMuchHappiness's Hobbies & Favorites:
|Favorite books:
|Harry Potter, Delirium, Hunger Games [entire series<33], Uglies [entire series too:DD], The Lost Songs
|Favorite authors:
|J.K Rowling, Lauren Oliver, Suzanne Collins, Scott Westerfield, Caroline B. Cooney
|Favorite music albums:
|Plans, Prospect's March, Codes and Keys, Mylo Xyloto, Sigh No More
|Favorite music artists:
|Death Cab for Cutie, Coldplay, Amy Winehouse, Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons
|Favorite movies:
|Chronicle, Pride and Prejudice, Bed Time Stories, Beautiful Mind, The Awakenings
|Favorite movie stars:
|Daniel Radcliffe, Keira Knightley, Adam Sandler, Alex Pettyfer, Christina Aguilera
|Favorite TV shows:
|Psych, Cold Case, Flashpoint, Switched At Birth, Modern Family
|Favorite actors:
|Dule Hill, Corbin Benson, James Roday, Elizabeth Gillies, Ariana Grande
|Favorite gadgets:
|Cellphone:DD, Radio, Laptop [that I don't own:(...yet. ;D], iPod
|Favorite hobbies:
|Photography, Reading, Writing, Running, Soccer
|Favorite heroes:
|My Cancer-fighting teacher, Mr. Eimer, My "partner in crime", Kitty the Unstoppable, My out-there-on-the-mission-field brother, David


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- You are here:
- Photos >
- 2011 range rover range_e
Geneva 2011: Land Rover shows off Range Rover Sport plug-in diesel hybrid
by Aaron Richardson (RSS feed) on Mar 2nd, 2011 at 10:01AM
2011 Range Rover Range_e – Click above for high-res image gallery Land Rover has debuted its Range_e, a plug-in diesel hybrid, at the Geneva Motor Show. According to Land Rover, the Range_e can go up to 20 miles in full-electric mode, and return 85 mpg and 88 grams of C02 per kilometer. Not too shabby for an SUV. Beyond the impressive electric capabilities, the Range_e is being touted as the world's first 4WD plug-in hybrid diesel. As you can plainly see, the Range_e is based on the Range Rover Sport and is powered by Range Rover's 3.0-liter 240-horsepower TDV6 and a 69 kW electric... Read More


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Specialized Communications Tools
Intercom, Telephone Entry and Emergency Call Systems provide the means to interface people and integrate with other security systems.
Products that fall under the Security Intercom category provide highly reliable and redundant means of controlling, communicating, paging and archiving events and vital information. Not only do they offer convenience in identifying visitors but also allow an additional measure of safety and security in various environments.
Security Intercoms are specialized communications tools used to enhance security and life safety. Although any intercom provides an element of enhanced security wherever it is installed, the units on the market offer the enhanced communication reliability that is essential to security. These intercom products offer features that make them of particular value to security system designers and allow them to provide their customers with the most effective and comprehensive security management solution possible.
Intercom systems play a vital role in, and enhance the overall security of, any facility whether it is a single home, multiple occupancy, business, campus or multiple site/building enterprise. The systems available today allow the user to communicate with visitors, staff and security personnel. They provide varying degrees of integration between surveillance systems, access control systems, and other security/control and life safety subsystems.
The manufacturers and products presented in this month's focus are leading the way in security communications by adapting all the cutting edge technologies you see revolutionizing other segments of the security and IT industries. These products serve a diverse range of applications, from single residence to enterprise applications. Their scalable design and interfacing flexibility enable virtually unlimited expansion, communications options and exciting integration possibilities.
The security dealer/system integrator can choose an entry point, so to speak, in the security intercom market. It is not, after all, a separate entity. Rather it is an integral ingredient in security, just as is the cabling used to connect these devices.
By examining the sampling of products, you should get a better understanding of what is possible. Let them inspire you to be creative on your next challenging project.
Telephone Entry System
DoorKing's Model 1802 Telephone Entry System is available in both a surface mount design and now the new flush mount design. The flush mount unit provides an attractive alternative to the surface mount unit and has increased vandal resistance attributes.
The 1802 can be ordered with memory options of 125, 500 or 1000 and, with all the advanced features that come standard with this unit, it offers an outstanding value for its remarkably low cost.
The 1802 is an ideal telephone entry system that is loaded with features and suited for applications that have limited space. It can be used in residential as well as commercial applications that do not require a directory, or in applications where a separate directory exist. Visitors are easily identified by voice communication and can be granted or denied access directly from a touch-tone telephone.
- Advanced features of the 1802 include:
- Programmable directory codes (1-4 digits).
- 10 and 11-digit dialing capability.
- Two special inputs can be programmed for relay activation or to dial out a preprogrammed phone number.
- 5-digit entry codes for special needs.
- Lighted keypad.
- Built-in time clock.
- Hold open time zones.
- Entry code time zones.
- "Flash" entry codes.
- Built-in postal lock provision.
The system stores up to 125, 500 or 1000 telephone numbers (specify the requirement when ordering) and offers full-duplex communication. An array of options are available. For example, the DK1812-039 Video Adapter is a passive video device with a female BNC connector that allows base band video to be transmitted over regular telephone wire (UTP) for distances up to 3000 feet for black and white video and up to 1400 feet for color. (One device required at the camera end and one at the monitor end). Both the DK1812-130 CCTV color camera and the DK1812-040 CCTV b/w camera can be mounted in the phone system and each includes a camera power supply.
For more information, visit www.doorking.com.
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CEDAR LAKE | A motel garage fire Sunday resulted in $30,000 damage to the structure and an office, Cedar Lake Fire Chief Todd Wilkening said.
The garage was attached to the business office at Crestview Motel.
The fire was mostly contained to the garage with some damage to the office, Wilkening said.
Wilkening said the two-alarm fire, which was called in by the occupants, was under control within 20 minutes. The Cedar Lake Fire Department was assisted in its investigation by the Indiana fire marshal.
Wilkening said the cause of the fire was accidental, probably from an appliance.


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Honda Accord Questions Any type
- Newest
- Recently Active
- Unanswered
Break Horse Power
what break horse power is my car? 1.8 UK model.
Honda Accord
what is the maximum size motor for a 94 honda accord?
Kn Or Aem Filter Cleaner
I have and AEM Short Ram Intake system on my 98 honda accord, and after searching the internet for two months on how to tell if the filter is dry flow or not, I have finally figured out that it is NOT...
Car Running With No Key For No Reason?
Recently, I walked out to my car to find that the parking lights were on and the engine was running. It was doing so without a key in it, and the parking light switch was not turned to on, either. T...
How To Get More Power From A F20b Sohc Motor?
Its 2.O LT . 145 BHP....added K&N airfilter,what more can be done. how about an engine swap, should the transmission be changed?
More Power From A F22 Vtec Motor?
I have a 96 accord and I wanted to replace the head gaskets. Then ideas started popping in my head of things I could do while I was in their. My friend keeps telling me to have the motor bored out, bu...
Cai(cold Air Intake.
i have a 2000 coupe accord 2.3 (f23a1) and wanted to know what size intake would give the most HP and torque and(mpg) out of it? right now i have a 3inch with a bypass valve in it. love the deep soun...
My Battery Went Dead. Now The Car Is Working But The Radio Stopped Working ...
Does The '06 4 Cyl. Have A Timing Chain Or A Timing Belt?
Rear Brake Lights
The rear brake lights will not turn off. Even when the head lights are off & the car is turned off, the rear lights remain on. Has anyone else had this problem or know how to fix it? Thanks, Will
What Engine Oil?
The mechanic put 10W-30 oil in the car last time. I read in the handbook it should be 5W-20. What oil should be used in Central Iowa? Also when it comes to the radiator and the Automatic Transmissio...
Timing Belt Or Chain ? firstname.lastname@example.com
timing belt or chain ?
Engine Shuts Down While Driving...
1998, 5 spd, 4 cyl, engine shuts down while driving between 20 and 60 MPH. I know it's going to happen when i feel the car lose power and the gas won't feed, about 3 seconds later everything shuts do...
Alternator Bracket On 2000 Accord
why does the altenator bracket on my 2000 accord keep braking
Rpm Vs Speed Issue ?
Rpm goes upto 5000 when i m driving around 120 km/hr on highway. it's manual drive. is it ok or do i need some kind of maintenance ? thanks
Cost To Own
What is the estimated cost to buy this car , the maintenance, insurance and fuls costs?
How Fast Would It Go Stock?
How fast can a stock 1991 Honda Accord go?
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The provincial budget delivered by Finance Minister Kevin Falcon continues the attack on public services started by Gordon Campbell in 2001.
Budget 2012 promises three more years of cuts, continuing the dismantling of critical public services and the failure to invest in the well-being of British Columbians.
The budget also shows the Clark government intends to eliminate another 2,000 public service jobs over the next three years, despite the fact that BC already has the leanest public service of any government in Canada.
Clearly, this budget challenges our ability to achieve fair and reasonable wage settlements in all sectors. Budget 2012 caps increases in public spending to 2 per cent each year, a rate that fails to even keep up with inflation.
The government forecasts a $970 million deficit this year, followed by small surpluses in each of the following two years. The Clark Liberals plan to raise additional revenue by selling off revenue-producing public assets including the Liquor Distribution Branch, increasing MSP rates by another 4 per cent (on top of 18 per cent increases), cancelling a planned reduction to the small business corporate income tax rate, and "possibly" increasing the general corporate tax rate by 1 per cent in 2013.
Eight of the government's 17 ministries face either budget cuts or spending freezes over the next three years, including cuts to post-secondary and early childhood education.
Not surprisingly, planned increases to the budgets of the remaining ministries fall well below inflation, which effectively means cuts to these ministries as well. The failures and negative impacts of the budget will be felt in various sectors in which BCGEU
members work.
In short, this is not a budget that is concerned with providing quality public services. It is not even a budget that is focused on 'prudent' fiscal management – as the provincial debt is forecast to increase to more than $66 billion by 2014.
This budget is about one thing – cynical political posturing, to try to appeal to a shrinking conservative base. British Columbians deserve a budget that values the public services that improve people's lives and help our economy to grow. Unfortunately, this budget will have the opposite effect, by shrinking the economy and ensuring a continuing crisis in the public service sector. British Columbians deserve better.
WHY ISN'T THE UNION SEEKING OUR VOTE ON THE 3% INCREASE OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT?!? (as reported on Global News). I vote yes to that - not to making threats for more. I would have accepted status quo at 0% for another two years before I'd strike. To strike for money, in this economy, is sheer arrogance. This isn't the 1920s, we are well protected as employees and a small raise isn't a reason to go through everything a strike entails. As public employees we have more than many British Columbians. I have spent half my career in public service - where I have made more money per hour, have better benefits and job security than anywhere in the private sector, doing the same job. Demand more from a Union that takes our money but does not represent the interests of all. Vote NO to a strike, take the government's offer - a win/win.
I cannot afford a paycut every year.
Every year that we don't receive a cost of living increase we are losing money. Every year everything gets more expensive (gas is expected to go to $1.70 this summer)
I cannot afford to live without a cost of living adjustment.
I am tired of my wages decreasing every year
I am a free man
No longer a slave
Oppression is your word not mine
My right was won through the fight of many
Who died on the battle field for my basic liberties
You cannot take it away
It belongs to me
I say strike! We have to be careful not to give up our fundamental rights. We all need to stand together and support one another. Educate the younger workers so they understand what the Union is about.
The BC Government has established different non-profit societies to do work that should be done by government employees. The Virtual School Society is a great example of this. Tens of millions of dollars are funnelled to these organizations each year to do work that there are BCPS staff willing and interested in doing.
Many of these organizations are also staffed through nepotism rather than through a model that acknowledges that these are public funds being used to do this work. They are also run by boards who receive substantial honorariums for little work. When the government cries poor, the BCGEU should be going after them over things like this.
Eliminating these organizations and having their work done by BCGEU members would provide dollars for wage increases and interesting opportunities for advancement.
What I don't understand is why the BC Government is mandating a Net Zero stance, yet some of the Project Managers who are on contract where I work are billing upwards of $750/day (*yes, really, I process their invoices!! )for their services, AND working on contracts for other non-employers using government resources (computers, photocopiers, phones, etc...)A full time government employee can do the same job at a fraction of that price.
We also pay Deloitte and Touché at our location over $3000/day for contractor services - all work that 2 or 3 full time government employees could do for a lot less.
This is extremely frustrating to me as I am an Auxiliary employee who keeps getting his contract extended and not hired full time. I think my solution is to drop the job and bill the government minimum of $600/day for my services..why not, others are doing this and they are happily paying.
seriously you can afford 3 days of strike in order to make a better future for your kids, isnt that the end goal? A better life and better future?...you guys are acting like 1 day of strike will put you onto the street.
I have 2 kids but i am willing to go into debt and overdraft and all of those things to make sure that next year i dont have to struggle when the government cuts daycare subsidy by $15,000.
You have to give a little to get back what is rightfully yours.
I feel it is time to hold a strike vote. And if we get a Strike mandate, then use it wisely. If, on the last day of bargaining in March, there is no agreement, then slap the strike mandate notification on the table and walk away. Tell them that effective April 1st, we walk. Don't be wishy-washy about it. Government is playing hardball, so it is time the BCGEU steps up to the plate and hits right back.
I also think that the union should be making sure that they publicize the lack of wage increases for the past how many contracts? Make certain that the public knows exactly what kinds of increases the BCGEU members have received over the past 10 years, versus what the members of parliament and management have received over the same period.
Give good examples, such as Minister X got this much while all of the employees below him/her/it got 0%. Then compare that 0% with what private industry has received for similar work and what the economy has done. Be very explicit but keep it simple. If you can give the public good solid information, you can win them over to our cause.
We are asked to respect the picket line set up by the teachers' issues. I see both sides of the issue; however, it isn't 'our' fight...it is only to show solidarity and I'm not sure I completely agree with this. But, what really is annoying me is the fact that at one government location an employee arriving to work was bullied and harassed by a picketer; he also stood right in her face. She was very shaken, upset and frightened. Folks, this is not the way to get other unions' members to support you. This individual should be reported and taken to task. If an employee crosses a picket line, they are severely dealt with...and so it should be the same for the bulliers! Didn't we just have an Anti-bullying day last week???
general strike
I do not think we should strike, why cant we just accept the same contract we have had for the past two years and then go back to the bargaining table then. The government and public dont care if we strike, and I end up going into financial turmoil because of it. I am 100% happy taking two more years of zeros. I have a great job and get paid very well. I just hope the negative feelings of the people down in the lower mainland dont impact my way of life in the north. No to a Strike, No to a strike. this is not the time to be flexing our collective muscles. I, for one will not be walking the picket lines if a strike is forced on me. I will go find another job and continue putting food on my families tables.
Is there any provision to get the employer to properly classify positions?
I am torn between both previous comments. Both are true. The larger public does not in this province see Unions in a good light. The media is far too "owned and dominated" by the conservative right and conglomerates. Truly any action taken by one union alone in this climate is futile, as we are seeing with the teachers. The public is far too easily swayed by a media campaign well waged by the government that somehow union members have had it so good for ever and that only now are they clamping down. I have friends who have been union activists in their work lives who were in complete disbelief when I explained how I had not had a wage increase of anything in the last 3 contracts which equal 10 years of time. The public are largely ignorant of the issues at stake because they too are madly trying to just put food on their tables. The "government" ie the corporations that run the government has everyone so on the run we can't see the big picture.
Winter olympics 2010 were not not zero negotiations, all the private parties made a killing on our collective dime. "We" could afford to blow fake snow onto mountain tops for days on end, but we can't afford to ensure our health or education in this province. This government has sold off the crown corporations that brought money into the province for below market value, been ordered in court to remedy this and other violations to our civil rights and yet continue, with the public happily behind them out of sheer ignorance.
SO no matter whether we strike or not is not the relevant question, the question is how do we help the public see what is really happening to the province and its citizens.
If we are not healthy and well educated(ie to at least a high school level) we have no future. We need a new strategy all together.
Wage increases negotiated with our union members should not be automatically given to excluded members of the public service.
Union members are mandated to pay union dues as part of being a member of the BCGEU. Isn't it fair that the recipients of a negotiated wage increase settlement be the employees that have contributed their bi-weekly dues to the union that represents them at the bargaining table ?
The Employer could save millions of dollars by not distributing the wage increase to non-union employees over the duration of the new collective agreement.
I completely agree with Anonymous.
our family finance are getting tighter and tighter and losing a day's pay will make things exceptionally challenging..as an auxillary employee who's contract keeps getting rolled over and not renewed, it may send me looking for work elsehwere.
2. striking would lower the governments expenditures..and i have often wondered if backroom deals are made so that workers will strike and save the governemnt money.
3. The averge person I talk to belives that government workers are lazy and entitles..(not true) and if the current government uses a strike as an election issue to spin in their favour... just look at the BCTF and how they are being villanized...(sp)
There's a lot that still has to happen before we get to the point of taking a strike vote... but some really good points are made here, particularly regarding
'suggest we should walk away from teh current round of collective bargaining and operate under an expired collective agreement until a new government is elected next year.'
It has become clear to me that this government will merely stall and drag feet until job action is threatened and/or taken, and then legislate the striking party back to work, effectively IMPOSING the contract they want on us the employees.
We don't have to agree to that... we shouldn't agree to that... and considering last time we took a contract that was 'worse' than the one which preceded it (with an increase in extended health deductibles, etc), I'm not inclined to support bargaining another step backwards. If the government doesn't want to give us what we've had coming for too long, then we should get up from the bargaining table, continue on our current contract, and turn our attention to defeating this government that shows no regard for anyone but themselves, and return to the table with a sympathetic one at a time of OUR choosing.
Are you going to ensure FAIR for all this time around?
Could we possibly ensure this time around that there is NO wage increase for only one classification? We ALL work hard not just some.
Fairness for ALL please.
I know from a financial stand point I am not in a position that would allow me to vote to strike - it would impact my child too deeply and I am not willing to do that for the gain of less than 10k over the life of the contract. She means more to me than money.
We should think before making a blanket decision on not voting in favour of a strike vote. Here's why:
1) If the bargaining committee does not have a strike mandate to take to the table, the union has little or no leverage to get the employer to compromise on bargaining proposals. A bargaining unit without a strike vote is like begging the employer to help their employees out of the goodness of their hearts. And we all know how much 'goodness' there is in this government.
2) Job action, if needed, must be strategic. Everyone would not go on strike, as it is largely counter-productive. Plus, there is essential services legislation that restricts how many employees in many workplaces can be picketed off.
3) Some are in a financial position to take 2 more zeroes. Many are not. Inflation has been eroding our wages, and steady increases in fees, like MSP, and Hydro, ferries and other items are eroding workers' purchasing power. The least the union should settle for is an increase to match the cost of living.
Hi Daryl, At the teachers rally on Tuesday someone used the term Anette Zero .... Kind of a joke but personalizing the term. We know Anette Zero is around, but would really like to send her off someplace..... Maybe to the Premier's office where she could meet some of the CEOs or some of the big contractors looking to renew contracts. Have some fun with this...... It could help .....
The arrogance of this government still surprises me. I know, you might wonder why, but I guess I would like to think that logic and the well being of British Columbian citizens would be considered part of the equation; but again this has been blatantly ignored.
I really hope that the scare tactics the government is using .. "cutting more jobs" .. does not influence our Bargaining committee to place a decreased importance on gaining us a pay increase. I am sure the government is hoping we will shift our focus to job security negotiations but this will not help any of us in the long run.
A clear mandate was sent by members that a zero increase was not acceptable this time around. Stay strong in solidarity ... focus on members mandate for bargaining.
Hi Darryl. It is clear to me we are not going to get a settlement through collective bargaining at this time that will come close to restoring the 5% we have lost in earnings power over the last couple of years.
If possible, I suggest we should walk away from the current round of collective bargaining and operate under an expired collective agreement until a new government is elected next year. The union's energies could then be focused on doing whatever is necessary to ensure this government is not re-elected next year.
I suggest that the union should not seek a mandate to strike from its members at this point in time for three main reasons:
1. Many of our members are suffering financially and cannot afford to lose even a day's pay.
2. Going on strike would benefit this government by lowering its salary expenditures for the year.
3. The government is not going to back down on this issue and may use a strike as an election issue.
If possible, I would like to see the money we have in our strike fund reallocated to help members who are suffering financially - perhaps by instituting a union dues holiday until the next election (if the funds would cover that far). In solidarity and with all respect.


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Jeremy Mann
- "Rooftops in the Snow", 2014
- "Winter, New York", 2014
- "Down Through the Fog", 2013
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it's crazy that no one ever talks about that computer in an empty house in germany that's been quietly generating the world's supply of trance music since 1994
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i sell unbelievable combs.
(Source: coongod)
john brosio's tornado series, acrylics on canvas. so much love.
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light pollution is largely the result poorly designed lighting, which wastes energy shining outward to the sky, where it is unwanted, instead of downwards to the ground, where it is needed. billions are spent each year on unshielded outdoor lights, though they are directly responsible for 14.7 million tons of carbon dioxide waste in the u.s. alone.
our overlit cities and suburbs have radically altered the light rhythms to which many forms of life, including diurnal animals such as ourselves, have adapted, disrupting the migratory, reproductive and feeding cycles of nocturnal creatures in potentially devastating ways.
light, for example, makes nocturnal animals easier prey, and acts as a magnet for birds, with the latter effect so powerful that scientists speak of some birds being literally "captured" by searchlights, circling in the thousands until they drop. the effect was notably observed in new york's tribute of lights.
the effect on humans is just as profound. darkness is not only essential to our biological welfare (with light pollution linked to breast and prostate cancer), but the light of the stars and the rhythms of day and night is part our collective evolutionary and cultural patrimony. yet, two thirds of humanity live under skies polluted with light, while one fifth of the planet can no longer see the milky way.
photos by jim richardson from his series "death of night," to consider during earth hour, which is saturday, march 29 at 8:30pm.
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Radians: the natural way of measuring angles
Awesome! I wish I had seen this back in high school. Or I guess I wish I had the internet back in high school? But then maybe I wouldn't have graduated from high school because I'd be on the Internet and not learning math, except in this one case.
(There's a bunch of good animations on his page, worth a look).
Cyanogen is trying to go mainstream but I still don't get it. I mean I understand it, but I don't get what the appeal will be to the average person. The improvements seem too low level to be worth the effort for most people. The UI improvements seem to be limited to shortcuts and gestures, which I'm not sure Android needs more of, but either way doesn't seem to provide enough incentive to risk it all installing a new ROM. Android has always had a hardcore technical user base (just look at the top paid apps), but what they want is very different than the average user. Reaching 10 million users is amazing, but that sounds like roughly the size of that hardcore audience, and I can't imagine any way it'll become mainstream. Perhaps it doesn't need to go fully mainstream to be a big business?
The future that everyone forgot
We wrote a ton of apps for the Sidekick/HipTop. Something like 45 total and we just loved every minute of it. Danger is overlooked because it's phone was only popular with teens, but to say that they were ahead of their time is a real understatement.
Tech is not "shit to buy"
Quartz thinks 2013 was a "lost year in tech", and the summary of their thinking is that there were no breakthrough products. This feels familiar. Remember the end of innovation pieces around 2000? Everything on the internet had been done, and innovation was dead forever, and so on. Of course we were only just beginning to feel the effects of the internet. To think that we'd have seen it all, a mere five years in, is ridiculous. And so here we have Quartz saying the same thing roughly five years into the mobile revolution, which is of course just getting started even though we've all got Angry Birds and Instagram. All of this lead me to these thoughts:
1. Tech does not equal "shit to buy." It does not exist to make you go to Best Buy. Just because you don't have something new in a belt pouch or cargo pant pocket this year is not a failure of technology. However, huge sections of the industry are basically operating on this model. This is what causes Samsung to make that watch thing they're trying to sell during football games.
2. Technology is something different when it's cheap. An $800 smartphone is one thing, an $80 smartphone is basically something different. Smart phones look like they're going to get everyone on the internet, and that really just got going in 2013. The sum of human knowledge available to all people at all times, ya blew it 2013!
3. Remember software is eating the world? Who gives a shit that we didn't have a new breakthrough shiny rectangle, we have millions of new things available to download on a moments notice. Software is where most of the interesting stuff happens. Think of how many amazing things you were able to do on the same old boring laptop over the last decade. Innovation is dead, I still have the same keyboard!
To quote Louis C.K., again, five years later - "Everything is amazing and nobody is happy."


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Weather Links
Humidity 61%
Winds 13.8mph
KATC Investigates | Trick-or-treat Times | Nominate a teacher for LEF awards | Election Coverage | Amendments Explained
Sponsored by: Arceneaux Ford
Humidity 61%
Winds 13.8mph
Jul 10, 2013 1:35 PM by Ian Auzenne
The trial for a Eunice man accused of killing his stepson in 2011 is scheduled to begin next month.
Richard Kresta is accused of shooting and killing Gary Keith Doucet in front of Doucet's wife, children, and mother.
According to the St. Landry Parish Clerk of Court's Office, jury selection will take place beginning August 8. The trial will follow jury selection.
Doucet faces a life sentence if convicted.
4 hours ago


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With a beautiful location overlooking the water, which was once a boathouse, La Barca is the perfect place to sit in the sunshine, enjoy a glass of wine, a few tapas, and chat with friends.
The staff are absolutely lovely, friendly, knowledgable, smiling and really quite humorous. The chefs walk around and assure that their meals are to your liking (+1). The owner will talk to guests and chat for a while. And the food was impeccable.
The fish was out of this world, the lamb was succulent and cooked to perfection, and out of the selection of tapas ordered at our table neither the party I was with nor myself could find fault in anything. I was told the bread rolls are made on location (again +1) and the ham and olives had me temped to start pushing them into my pockets.
A really lovely place for a date or a fun night out. I highly recommend and will be visiting many times over.
(A little tid-bit... when paying your bill you will be given the most divine chocolate covered/filled fig. I would have ordered an entire bowl of them if I could!)
Ok location but hugely over priced. They serve Parma ham claiming (and charging) that it is Iberico.
You can get a better table by the river down the road at the angel.
This user has arrived from Qype, a European company acquired by Yelp in 2012. We have integrated the two sites to bring you one great local experience.


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172-198 West 104th Street has a Walk Score of 98 out of 100. This location is a Walker's Paradise so daily errands do not require a car.
172-198 West 104th Street is a three minute walk from the 1 Broadway - 7 Avenue Local at the 103 St stop.
This location is in the Upper West Side neighborhood in New York. Nearby parks include Bloomingdale Playground, Frederick Douglass Playground and Booker T Washington Playground.
Nearby schools include PS 145 Bloomingdale School, Edward A Reynolds West Side High School and Veritas Young Mothers Program.
The closest grocery stores are Kim's Fruit & Vegetables, Gristede's Foods and Bravo Supermarket.
Nearby coffee shops include Cicoria Brothers Cafe, Buster's Cafe and Dunkin' Donuts. There are 292 restaurants within a 15 minute walk including New Kam Lai, Colosseo Romano Restaurant Pizzeria and Arco Cafe.
172-198 West 104th Street is near Bloomingdale Playground, Frederick Douglass Playground and Booker T Washington Playground.
There are good bike lanes and the terrain is flat as a pancake. 172-198 West 104th Street is very bikeable, biking is convenient for most trips.


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Changes are coming for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Booth No. 1185). School president John Johnson and worldwide campus chancellor John Watret have established an Embry-Riddle Worldwide College of Business, which will effectively replace the current Worldwide Department of Business Administration for the university. This more formally structured college will serve more than 4,000 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students who are participating in eight degree programs.
Hawker Beechcraft (HBC) has donated a Hawker 400XPr jet to serve as the flying classroom for record-setting pilot and educator Barrington Irving's latest project. The "Classroom in the Sky" project, an initiative of Irving's non-profit Experience Aviation, will expose millions of students to aviation by allowing them to interact with him during a planned around-the-world flight, which will take him to all seven continents.
"It will be the only classroom in the world capable of reaching 41,000 feet in 18 minutes," said record-setting pilot and educator Barrington Irving yesterday at the launch of his latest endeavor, known as "Classroom in the Sky." The project, an initiative of Irving's non-profit Experience Aviation, will attempt to expose millions of students to aviation by allowing them to interact with him during a planned around-the-world flight, which will take him to all seven continents.
NBAA is again hosting a general session focusing on careers in business aviation targeted at middle- and high-school students. The event, to be held November 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Orange County Convention Center, is designed to inspire young people to consider aviation careers. Keynote speaker is Barrington Irving, ambassador for the Mitsubishi/Barrington Irving Dream & Soar: Youth in Aviation program, which emphasizes study in science and math.
FlightSafety International is revamping its classroom curricula to be more participatory and less pedagogical. The company says students learn more and faster by doing as opposed to listening to a traditional lecture. The theory is not new, but its application to typical ground school instruction, combined with high-tech training devices, is. "It's a new approach to the way we deliver training," said Greg McGowan, FlightSafety International (FSI) senior vice president of operations.
Western Aircraft recently built and donated a cockpit simulator to be used as a learning tool in Idaho State University's College of Technology.
A refreshing perspective on the European Union's Emissions Trading Scheme went largely unnoticed last week, when organizers of a conference call to discuss a new study commissioned by the German Marshall Fund of the United States canceled the event due to a lack of registrants.
Republic Polytechnic, a Singaporean college, and Pratt & Whitney have signed a two-year memorandum of understanding aimed at training future aviation professionals to be industry relevant and ready. With the anticipated future demand for manpower in the aviation industry, the MOU aims to nurture aerospace aspirants and promote a career for Republic Polytechnics students in this sector.
Today, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association launched a seven-figure initiative aimed at reversing the decline in the number of U.S.-licensed pilots, which is down 25 percent over the last 30 years, and arresting the estimated 80-percent student-pilot dropout rate. The association's Center to Advance the Pilot Community will be funded by the AOPA Foundation and will initially focus on supporting flying clubs, with the goal of creating 1,000 new clubs over the next five years.
British Airways Engineering has entered into a partnership with the University of Glamorgan to offer a bachelor's degree in aircraft maintenance engineering. The partnership will see University of Glamorgan students receive a B.S. degree in aircraft maintenance engineering, having also completed the industry-standard EASA Part 66 training under British Airways' certification license.


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Hot for Hostas15 photos
This shade-loving plant comes in a head-spinning array of hues.
Hosta 'Sum and Substance'
Hosta 'Sum and Substance' is a massive variety, featuring upright, heart-shaped, flat leaves that can reach 20 inches in length. The leaves have a glossy chartreuse hue that changes to gold when exposed to more light. White lilac blooms form on leaning scapes from late July through mid-August. The entire plant can reach 3 feet in height with a 5-foot spread, so make sure to give this hosta plenty of room to grow.
By: Jessica Yonker via HGTVGardens Crew (Original Photo)
We Recommend...
16 Perennial Partners for Roses
Discover perennials that pair beautifully with roses in the garden.
Perennial Plants for Winter and Spring
26 photos
13 Perennials You Shouldn't Divide
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See Also:
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- Growing Astilbe By: Lynn Coulter


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Strangers Without Candy
When I lived on Chicago's South Side, I grabbed tiny adventures where I could find them. Despite all the opportunities my surroundings might have offered me, most of these adventures occurred as a result of my efforts to escape the South Side and Chicago altogether, in order to get back home to Green Bay for a weekend every so often.
These trips always entailed an eight-hour ride in the back of a Greyhound, and that was always exciting. You never know what the hell you're going to see in the back of a Greyhound. At least back then you didn't. The real adventure, however, was usually best found in my efforts to get from the South Side to the Greyhound station in the Loop before my bus left.
I tried any number of methods to do this. I tried taking the El, I tried city buses, but in the end, I mostly settled on cabs. And I settled on cabs, I think, because they were the most dangerous, unpredictable and unreliable means of transport available to me. By hailing a cab to go to the bus station, I was all but guaranteeing myself some kind of harrowing adventure.
One of the most harrowing–and educational–trips to the bus station had nothing at all to do with the ride, the cab driver or any such thing. The ride, in fact, was smooth, calm and pleasant. The driver never said a word, nor did I.
The day was sunny–a little too sunny for my taste. A little too warm and humid as well. But that was August in Chicago. As the cab drew up in front of the bus station, I reached for my wallet–both to get money for the driver, as well as to get my bus ticket. I was usually cutting these things more closely than was wise, so I liked to have the ticket in hand before I even walked through the station doors. What's more, I'd spent enough time in that station to know that pulling your wallet out while in there, at any time, for whatever reason, was never, ever a good idea.
I peeled my wallet open, grabbed a bill for the driver and then realized with that numbing smack of sinking horror that I had left my bus ticket back in my room.
Fuck! I thought so loudly that I was certain the cab driver could hear it. I didn't have the cash to buy another ticket, let alone get back downtown. And though I didn't yet own a credit card, I had a checkbook with me. (This was back in the days when people actually wrote checks for things.)
I went into the station and waited in the ticket line. When I got up to the window, I told the clerk where I wanted to go and whipped out the checkbook.
"Oh, no, no, no," he said. I looked up to see the aging, portly man waving his hands in front of him and shaking his head. That's never a good sign.
"What?" I asked. I was sweating heavily, despite the air conditioning.
"No checks," he said.
"Oh…" I said, my shoulders slumping as I closed the checkbook. "See, I forgot my ticket. So… What do you suggest I do?"
"You got a credit card?"
"You got the cash?"
I shook my head, feeling myself growing still warmer.
"I suggest you get the cash."
"Okay," I said, in a way that almost made it sound like a question.
"Next!" he shouted, looking over my shoulder.
I put the checkbook away, then wandered back toward the escalator that would take me back outside. I guess I missed that bus. But I knew they left hourly, so I wasn't in complete panic mode. Not yet. I could handle this. I hit the sidewalk and began walking.
Two blocks later, I saw what was clearly the answer to my prayers, and, being still quite naive in the ways of the world, I pushed open the door and strolled up to the bulletproof window of a check-cashing place.
I whipped out the checkbook again with all the confidence in the world, and again I began writing.
"What're you doing?" a muffled voice came through the thick glass.
"Writing a check," I answered, without looking up.
"No," the voice said.
"No? But this is a check-cashing place, isn't it?"
"No personal checks."
"You're a check-cashing place that won't cash checks?"
"Not personal checks, no."
"Oh." I closed the checkbook, which now contained two half-finished checks, and put it back in my bag. "Ummm… Any place you'd suggest?"
"You could try a bank, I suppose."
I thanked the voice and headed out into the even warmer, more humid day again, to look for a bank.
An hour and a half later, by the time I found one, I looked a mess. My shirt was soaked and untucked. My hair was plastered to my head. I had a wild-eyed look on my face. I smelled bad. As I stood in line, I wiped desperately at my forehead and my upper lip.
When at last I reached a teller, I had no hope whatsoever left in my heart.
"I don't suppose I could cash a personal check here, can I? I have all the i.d. you could want."
She was a young woman with a kind face. "Do you have an account with us?" she asked.
"Well…" I started, my mind racing. Then it stopped. "Well, no, to be honest–"
"Then I'm afraid we can't."
There was something in her voice that made it sound like she sympathized, so, before I could stop myself, I related the events of the afternoon in rapid-fire detail, and she seemed to listen. When I was finished, she admitted that she was sorry, but there was still nothing she could do–and moreover, she had no ideas for me.
"Oh," I said. "Thanks anyway." I tried to force a weak smile. She'd at least been nice about it.
I walked over to a wall near the doors and leaned there a moment, taking advantage of the air-conditioning before I had to go back outside.
"Excuse me," a voice said, "but I couldn't help but overhear your problem."
I turned to find myself looking at a sharply dressed, if slightly pudgy and balding, middle-aged man.
"I'm a manager here," he said, "and I think I can help you out."
Instead of leading me to an office, however, he led me outside, to where his car was parked. He stepped around to the driver's side and opened the door. "Get in," he said.
Like I said, I was still very naive in the ways of the world, and was still in the habit of freely accepting rides from strangers. Over the years, I don't know how many rides I've accepted. A bunch, though. Many of these rides were in Chicago, and many of them, looking back on it, were probably really bad ideas.
I was sweaty, confused, desperate, just wanting to get a goddamn check cashed so I could get on a bus to Green Bay. I opened the car door and climbed into the front seat.
"Ummm, where are we going?" I asked, as this erstwhile "bank manager" put the car in gear and pulled away from the curb.
"Not far," he said. "By the way, my name's Michael."
"Jim," I said, since I was always really bad at coming up with fake names off the top of my head. I wasn't yet having visions of empty alleyways or dirty hotel rooms. I was just bewildered.
"Going to Wisconsin, huh?" he said.
"Yeah. Green Bay to see my folks."
"I'm from Kenosha, originally," he offered. "We Wisconsin boys have to help each other out."
"Yeah," I said. "Thanks." To be honest, no Wisconsin boys seemed all that eager to help me out while I was living there, and I found it a little odd that one would want to help me out now. There was truth in what he said, but I would only come to learn it later, after moving around the country a bit.
"Here we are," he said. We'd only driven a few blocks, and now he was pulling up in front of an old, red-brick building. The yellow sign outside said "Western Union." I had no idea they still existed anymore.
"You call your folks, and have them wire you the money."
"I can do that?"
"Sure–I'll come with you."
I had no idea why this man was being friendly to me, apart from the fact that he was from Wisconsin. But after the way the day had gone so far, I was willing to accept it.
My memory gets real fuzzy at this point. I don't remember being inside the Western Union office at all. Next thing I know, Michael the banker from Kenosha was dropping me off in front of the bus station. I shook his hand and thanked him for all his help, stepped out of the car and once again ventured into the world of Greyhound.
At the bottom of the escalator, a security guard stopped me.
"Is your name Jim?" he asked. I froze. This was all getting a little too weird.
"Come with me," he said. He turned and began walking, and I followed. What the hell was I going to do at that point? Bolt? I wondered briefly how long he'd been standing at the bottom of that escalator, asking every short, skinny, sweaty white kid who came by if his name was Jim.
He led me past the bathrooms and down a short corridor, where he knocked on the station manager's door before opening it.
"Is that Jim?" asked a wide, smiling man of about 50.
"Umm… Yessir?"
"I have something for you here." I still had no idea what was going on around me, who these people were or why they knew my name. The man pulled open a desk drawer and slid out a bus ticket. "Your dad just called, and wired this over," he said. "We talked for a good long time. He's a good man, your father."
"Yes, he is," I said, accepting the ticket and shaking the manager's hand.
Half an hour later, five hours after that first cab had dropped me off in front of the station, I was finally sitting on a Greyhound headed north, having lost about ten pounds in sweat alone, having also learned a little bit, I thought, about the mysteries of human nature.
Jim Knipfel's latest book–and first novel–The Buzzing (Vintage, $12) has just been released. Here's what Thomas Pynchon had to say about it: "The Balzac of the bin is at it again. With this paranoid Valentine to New York–and to a certain saurian colossus noted for his own ambivalent feelings about large cities–Mr. Knipfel now brings to fiction the welcome gifts which distinguished his previous books–the authenticity, the narrative exuberance, the integrity of his cheerfully undeluded American voice."


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Photos and Description of this 3 bedroom holiday apartment in Cullera - PlayaSol Cullera
We have 4 luxury departments can accommodate from 4-10 people
HAVE CAPACITY 4, 6, 8 and 9 people and we have between the beach of Cullera and Gandia a total of 3 apartments and a luxury villa with accommodation capacity for 8 + 1 people. YOU SEE THE RATES ARE FLAT FOR 6 PEOPLE, PEOPLE ASK FOR MORE
enter our website where you can see them all.
You can decide your best option, choose your luxury accommodation by the sea, in one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, from Cullera Gandia. Visit our website to choose your best option.
All are oceanfront and feature pool facilities, some paddle tennis courts, solarium, parking etec own.
It is best to enter our website to see pictures and videos of the apartment.
- Suitability:
- children welcome
- pets not allowed
- wheelchair accessible
About vicente TOLDRA FERRAGUD
It is best to read the opinions of my clients, it is a pleasure that will be satisfied.
vicente TOLDRA FERRAGUD purchased this apartment in 2008
Why vicente TOLDRA FERRAGUD chose Cullera
The modern apartments are located in areas of exclusive coastline. And all the beaches have Blue Flag quality
What makes this apartment unique
Very close to the airport, the motorway, train station and has a bus stop in 50 m.