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For Virtuella and Illereyn for their birthdays, and for Thanksgiving.
The Wedding Invitation
Frodo and Gandalf were walking back from one of the smaller markets in the Fourth Circle toward the gate to the Fifth Circle when a voice called out behind them. "Lord Frodo! Please—wait!"
Frodo stopped, shuddering at the sound of the title, one that continued to leave him feeling somehow unnatural. Gandalf looked down at him with concern, allowing one hand to touch the Hobbit's shoulder. "What is it, my friend?" the Wizard asked.
"Someone is calling out to me," Frodo murmured. He took a deep breath, and turned reluctantly. A young Man and a woman were coming toward him, the Man on crutches, one leg missing below the knee, a hat askew upon his head not fully hiding the scar where the slash of an enemy sword had removed his left ear. The woman was young—quite young, and very pretty, her right hand upon her escort's back, her face somewhat anxious and protective. Something in that expression made the Hobbit reluctant to take the young Man to task for the use of the unwanted title. For he was quite young, Frodo realized, young and rather excited. Instead, Frodo held himself respectfully still, watching the two approach.
"We thought at first we saw a child," the young woman said, letting her hand fall and giving but a half a curtsy before she stepped closer. "But then Derunol told me, no, it was not child but one of the Pheriannath. He said that he'd come to recognize the Pheriannath in the camp at Cormallen, and that one of them had befriended him while he recovered in the healers' tents. I'd told him I wanted to thank you, to thank you all, for saving him for me, and for giving him hope when he lay in the tents thinking that he would have no life, what with losing his leg and an ear, thinking I would not want him back again. And he said that you would come through the tents with the King, and all rejoiced to see you come, for doing so gave them heart to live again, and hope for the future.
"I understand that you, too, were badly wounded, and far closer to dying than was my Derunol, to the point some despaired of you waking yet again. I rejoice that you did so, so that we could thank you. Had you not succeeded in making it all of the way to the Mountain when you did I understand that it is likely my Derunol would not have come back to me. So, I thank you, and ask that you bear my thanks also to your kinsman Meriadoc who comforted my beloved in the healers' tents. Thank you for your faithfulness and for your endurance, that you made it possible for the Enemy of us all to be finally brought down completely. And I ask that you bear my thanks to your esquire, also, who it is said accompanied you all of the way through Mordor. I do not know what I would have done, should I have lost my beloved either to his wounds or to despair."
She leaned down and kissed the top of his head, and Frodo felt his cheeks burn with both embarrassment and an unexpected pleasure. "I thank you, mistress," he managed. "But I feel you perhaps think more highly of us than we deserve. We only did what was needed, you know."
She laughed rather breathlessly, touching his cheek gently. "And what was needful was that you reached the Mountain before all who fought the forces of Mordor were lost, and that you did! And you allowed me to find my love again, and to know that he also helped protect us all. We all bless you for it, Lord Frodo! And we—well, Derunol and I wished to ask if you and your companions would honor us by attending our wedding next week? We've been betrothed for a year, you see…." Her cheeks were pink with her own presumption, and Frodo felt himself warming to the two of them in spite of himself.
At last she was done, her eyes bright because Frodo had promised for himself and for the other Hobbits to come to an inn in the Fourth Circle where the wedding was to be held on the Treesday next, and with another fumbled curtsy and as awkward bow from her intended the couple turned away, her arm once more possessively across her beloved's back.
"Well, that was interesting," Gandalf mused, watching after them with approval. "I remember seeing him in the camp at Cormallen as they taught him to use crutches, watching after the one for whom so many worked to give him that wheeled chair you thought of. I never thought I should give much thanks for the example of Lalia Took, but I did on that day."
Frodo noted, "At least she had both legs on which she could stand, even if walking more than a step or two was no longer possible for her."
The Wizard nodded his agreement. "That was true enough. But it was you who inspired so many to work together to help make such a chair for the one who'd lost both his legs, and that one to stand once more and to walk with crutches. As Sam would say, where there's life there's hope."
"And want of vittles," finished Frodo, surprising himself with a small but heartfelt laugh. "Well, what do you know? I'm to attend a wedding, here in the White City!"
"And one that they both appear to feel is happening only because of what you and Sam—and Gollum—achieved together. Well, perhaps we should get those pigeons you just purchased back to the guesthouse so that they can be placed in the cool room until they are wanted for dinner, and then you can pass on the invitation to Merry, Sam, and Pippin and begin thinking on what you all should wear."
As they turned again to resume their return to the Sixth Circle, Frodo murmured, "Well, at least they called me by my proper name, and with a minimum of bowing and scraping and that 'Lord Iorhael' nonsense."
Gandalf laughed loud and long, and many watched after them as they passed the gate into the Fifth Circle.
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ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkish Airlines say a plane with 114 people aboard made an emergency landing after it was struck by lightning and one of its engines caught fire.
It said the plane, en route to Izmir from Istanbul, was preparing to land at Izmir when the lightning struck late Thursday. The pilot quickly activated the motor's own fire-extinguishing gear, declared an emergency and landed safely.
The company said Friday no one was hurt.
Amateur video taken from the ground and broadcast by private NTV television showed a flame shooting in the night sky.
The state-run Anadolu agency said residents in Izmir who witnessed the flame rushed to the airport for news of the plane.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tea Glass Holders
For more than 200 years, tea glass holders were considered essential in many Russian households. After all, Russia was one of the world's main tea consumers. Having started off as an ingenious tool to avoid touching a hot glass, the podstakannik (as it is known in Russia) soon evolved into an elitist tableware item. Precious metals, filigree design, and exquisite enamel painting suddenly became apt in cases of works intended for aristocracy. At the same time, many types of casting holders were produced at a foundry owned by Kolchugin, a merchant based near the city of Vladimir. Post-revolution, the foundry grew to become the largest factory supplying holders for the whole country. Influence of Soviet communist propaganda led to a change in design of tea glass holders. Slogans, stars, hammers and sickles appeared. In subsequent years, glass holders have been mostly associated with railways. Structure of a holder is particularly useful in constantly shaking train carriages. Thanks to such an eventful history, we are now able to offer a broad selection of vintage and modern pieces made of various alloys with nickel, silver, and gold plating.
Result Pages: 1 2 Displaying 1 to 20 (of 26 products)
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By Shira Schoenberg | MassLive.com | January 3, 2013
With all the discussion about the compromise bill that President Barack Obama signed into law averting the so-called "fiscal cliff," how will the bill impact you? Here are a few scenarios.
The Unemployed
In November, the state Division of Unemployment Assistance notified 45,000 Massachusetts residents who were receiving federal extension benefits that their benefits will end Dec. 29. Those benefits were an additional 28 weeks of unemployment compensation approved by Congress as a way to help those struggling in the recession. The federal benefits were added to the 26 weeks of benefits provided by the state.
The compromise bill extended the federal unemployment benefits extension for another year. Alison Harris, director of communications at the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, said Wednesday that the state is still working to understand the details of the bill – including who will be eligible and for how many weeks people can receive extended benefits. In previous benefits extensions, after the bill was passed, the U.S. Department of Labor would analyze it and give instructions to the states. Harris said anyone receiving unemployment benefits should continue to file for benefits as they would on any other week, as the state works out the details.
Individuals with income above $400,000 and couples with income above $450,000
This is the group that will be hit by the biggest tax hike. For these taxpayers, the tax rate will rise from 35 percent to 39.6 percent. The capital gains tax rate will also rise on these taxpayers from 15 percent to 20 percent. The Affordable Care Act adds another 3.8 percent surcharge on investment income for singles earning more than $200,000 and couples earning more than $250,000. So for the highest earners, capital gains will actually be taxed at a rate of 23.8 percent.
Ben Forman, research director for the think tank MassINC, estimated that less than 1 percent of households in Massachusetts earn more than $450,000 a year.
Even so, Alan Clayton-Matthews, associate professor and director of quantitative methods at Northeastern University's School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, said a higher percentage of households in Massachusetts will be impacted by the tax increases on high-income individuals, compared to households around the country, because Massachusetts is a wealthy state. "We have a number of households with two earners which combined would put them over the threshold, and combined many households would have income that high from investments," Clayton-Matthews said.
Individuals with income above $250,000 and couples with income above $300,000
These individuals will also pay higher taxes because of new limits on deductions and exemptions. According to Roberton Williams, a senior fellow at the non-partisan Tax Policy Center, taxpayers above that threshold who itemize deductions – including deductions for charitable contributions, mortgage interest, or anything else – will see their deductions reduced by 3 percent of the amount by which their adjusted gross income exceeds the threshold. For example, a couple earning $400,000 – $100,000 above the threshold – would see their itemized deductions reduced by $3,000. (A taxpayer is guaranteed to keep at least 20 percent of their itemized deductions.)
The personal exemption – which last year was a $3,800 deduction for each individual in a household – will also be reduced for those taxpayers, but on a different scale. Above the $300,000 threshold, a couple will lose 2 percent of their personal exemption for every additional $2,500 they earn – so a couple earning above $422,500 will lose their entire personal exemption, Williams said. The phasing out of personal exemptions for high income earners was part of the law until 2001, but was eliminated gradually by President George W. Bush's tax cuts.
The U.S. Census does not provide data specifically about income above $300,000. But according to the Census Bureau's 2011 American Community Survey, 7.2 percent of Massachusetts households earned more than $200,000 a year, compared to 4.3 percent nationally.
Individuals with incomes below $250,000
For these taxpayers, the tax cuts implemented under Bush will be continued permanently. Rates will not rise and deductions will not be impacted. The deal also extends for five years Obama's expansions of the child tax credit and earned income tax credit, as well as Obama's new American opportunity tax credit, a tax credit for higher education costs for low-income families.
However, all taxpayers will be affected by the expiration of a 2 percentage point break in the Social Security payroll tax, which was put in place for 2011 and 2012. The rate will go from 4.2 percent to 6.2 percent for all taxpayers.
The Social Security payroll tax break is worth around $1,000 for a worker earning $50,000 a year.
The Associated Press, citing the Tax Policy Center, provided a chart estimating the total tax increase on households earning different amounts, ranging from an average tax increase of $297 for those earning $20,000 to $30,000 annually to an average tax increase of $170,341 for those earning over $1 million.
MassLive.com reported Wednesday on the impact to businesses of the fiscal cliff deal. Business tax breaks on research and development and on equipment write-offs were continued – though possibly too late to make a difference in 2012 spending. Tax credits for renewable energy production were also continued.
One of the biggest potential impacts on Massachusetts – the spending cuts – remains uncertain. The compromise bill postponed "sequestration," scheduled cuts split between defense and domestic spending, for two months. But it left open the possibility of cuts in the future.
Forman said Massachusetts has a large number of defense and medical research companies, both areas that could be impacted by the proposed cuts. "The key question for us is what will happen with the defense budget…and domestic spending on research," Forman said. "Those are the things on the chopping block and we still don't know. We kicked the can down the road two months on those things, and uncertainly is never good for the industry."


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You are here: Root > Standards and SpecificationsGo directly to another tag
Core Server
Continuations + Parser Combinators + Generic Streams + Javascript Generator + HTML generator/parser + several RFC implementations + Unified client/server javascript components + Indivisible working UN...
A library for high-performance I/O and network I/O. It currently provides a sockets library, a DNS resolver and basic support for I/O multiplexing. There are plans for adding support for client protoc...
A library for sending, receiving and handling e-mail. It can access messages in Maildir format and supports the SMTP, POP3, and IMAP protocols.


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A metric structure is a many-sorted structure with each sort a metric space, which for convenience is assumed to have finite diameter. Additionally, there are functions (of several variables) between sorts, assumed to be uniformly continuous. Examples include metric spaces themselves, measure algebras (with the metric d(A,B) = m(A*B), where * is symmetric difference), and structures based on Banach spaces (where one interprets the sorts as balls), including Banach lattices, C*-algebras, etc.
The usual first-order logic does not work very well for such structures, and several good alternatives have been developed. One is the logic of positive bounded formulas with an approximate semantics (see [3]). Another is the setting of compact abstract theories (cats) (see [1]). A recent development, which will be emphasized in this course, is the convergence of these two points of view and the realization that they are also connected to the [0,1]-valued continuous logic that was studied extensively in the 1960s and then dropped (see [2]). This leads to a new formalism for the logic of metric structures in which the operations of sup and inf play a central role.
The development of this continuous logic for metric structures is an ongoing project being carried out as a collaboration among Itay Ben-Yaacov (Wisconsin), Alex Berenstein (Illinois), Ward Henson (Illinois), and Alex Usvyatsov (Jerusalem).
The analogy between this logic for metric space structures and the usual first order logic for ordinary structures is far reaching. Continuous logic satisfies the compactness theorem, Lowenheim-Skolem theorems, diagram arguments, existence of saturated and homogeneous models, characterizations of quantifier elimination and model completeness, Beth's definability theorem, Craig's interpolation theorem, the omitting types theorem, fundamental results of stability theory, and appropriate analogues of essentially all results in basic model theory of first order logic.
The theory of definable sets and functions in this continuous logic for metric structures has novel aspects and there are numerous open problems of apparent interest.
Extending important concepts from first order model theory to this continuous logic often presents a challenge.
The purpose of this tutorial is to present this logic for metric structures, and to show a few of its application areas, with emphasis on probability spaces and certain linear spaces from functional analysis.
[1] I. Ben-Yaacov, Positive model theory and compact abstract theories, J. Math. Logic 3 (2003), 85--118.
[2] C. C. Chang and H. J. Keisler, Continuous Model Theory, Princeton Univ. Press (1966).
[3] C. W. Henson and J. Iovino, Ultraproducts in Analysis, in Analysis and Logic, London Mathematical Society Lecture Notes 262, Cambridge University Press (2002), 1--113.


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LANSING � A normally routine meeting of the Michigan Republican Party this weekend could get dicey when activists move to rebuke statements such as GOP National Committee member Dave Agema's recent assertion that gay people want health coverage because of the threat of AIDS.
Jason Watts, secretary of Allegan County's Republican Party, has proposed a resolution for Saturday's meeting to disavow Republicans who use the party platform to "espouse demagogic rhetoric that is incendiary and unbecoming of civil discourse."
Agema's name does not appear on what is being called a de-facto censure motion, which also affirms the party's support of marriage as only between a man and woman.
Agema, who came under fire in March for posting an article on Facebook claiming gays account for half of murders in large cities, told Berrien County Republicans last week that his experience as an American Airlines pilot made him familiar with efforts by gays to get health insurance coverage because of the ravages of AIDS.
"Folks, they want free medical because they're dying between 38 and 44 years old," he said.
Agema, who said his words were twisted out of context, has not backed down and has accused some in the GOP who support gay marriage of causing dissension within the ranks. It wasn't clear if he planned to attend Saturday's meeting, as he couldn't be reached for comment Friday.
Gov. Rick Snyder and other top Republicans condemned Agema's comments this week. But Watts said the party should respond, too, when it meets in Lansing.
"He just made up things toward the end of the speech about homosexuals, and that's what I have a problem with," Watts said.
The committee has no power to remove Agema from the RNC because he was elected to a four-year term at a 2012 party convention.
Because the resolution was introduced so close to the meeting, Watts missed a seven-day deadline to introduce the measure. It is possible, though unlikely, that the full committee could waive the rule with two-thirds support, said party spokesman Darren Littell.
So the issue may just be taken up by a subcommittee for now or tabled altogether.
"This is a chance for the Republican Party to prove that it has learned its lesson that tone and message matters," said Dennis Lennox, a GOP activist who has been critical of Agema.
Also Saturday, the party plans to adopt rules for its 2014 convention to require lieutenant governor candidates to give notice of their campaigns in advance like other statewide candidates already do.
Gubernatorial candidates run in primaries, but the attorney general, secretary of state and other statewide officials are nominated at party conventions. In past conventions, it was possible for a lieutenant governor candidate to show up at the last minute with signatures, something backers of Lt. Gov. Brian Calley want to avoid.
Tea party activist Wes Nakagiri has announced a bid against Calley to protest Snyder's expansion of Medicaid.
"The grassroots has always had a say in who is nominated to secretary of state, attorney general and all the other offices," Littell said. "We are going to continue that with the lieutenant governor."
The party also is expected to consider censuring Doug Sendequist, a committee member from Delta County facing criminal charges stemming from incidents in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Activists want GOP rebuke of anti-gay comments
LANSING � A normally routine meeting of the Michigan Republican Party this weekend could get dicey when activists move to rebuke statements such as GOP National Committee member Dave Agema's recent assertion that gay people want health coverage because of the threat of AIDS.


text: Two months before the famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington, King used many of the same words, rhetorical techniques, and themes. King expresses gratitude and inspiration and warns against hatred and separatism at what he thinks is the largest US demonstration to date, a march in Detroit June 23, 1963. The legacy of slavery and segregation induced a false sense of inferiority in Negroes. But with newfound self-respect and the discipline of nonviolence, they are confronting discrimination and hatred with militancy, loving but powerfully determined to be free.


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Pump Stations
Most of the wastewater collection in San Diego relies on gravity for the flow of wastewater through sewers to a treatment plant. In some instances, it is necessary to pump this wastewater uphill before it can return to a gravity flow. There are nine major pump stations in the Metropolitan Sewerage System and 75 smaller pump stations throughout the Municipal Sewerage System.
The largest Pump Stations are Pump Stations #1 and #2. Pump Station #1, located on East Harbor Drive, collects all of South San Diego's wastewater and has an average daily flow of 75 million gallons. It sends the wastewater flow north via the 8-mile South Metro Interceptor to Pump Station #2 which is located on North Harbor Drive. The average daily flow into Pump Station #2 is approximately 180 million gallons. This station pumps the wastewater to the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant through two 87-inch diameter force mains. The two pump stations have 24-hour staffing.


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Gabe Powers' 2007 DVD Awards
Gabe Powers rambles on and on and on about his favourite DVDs of 2007...
I can't deny the beauty of the image in either format, and my eyes have already started adjusting, but the difference isn't as astronomical as I'd been expecting (in fact, the upscaling abilities of my Blu-ray player are rather amazing in their own right). Those split down the middle, faux-DVD/HD comparison screens they stick up at Sears and Best Buy lie like the dickens. If I didn't need the players to keep up with my reviews I wouldn't have bought either yet, and anyone still on the fence should probably just wait there for now. I'd perhaps recommend a more hasty approach to purchasing new standard definition DVDs for the next year.
However, with Warner Bros. shifting gears to Blu-Ray exclusivity we may not have to worry about the format war anymore this time next year...
For the third consecutive year television animation collections are the most entertaining subset of home video entertainment around my house. I've found myself entirely incapable of not watching an entire season at once. Cartoon Network's late night line up, Adult Swim, continues to be a solid source of joy ( Venture Bros.), cheer ( Metalocalypse), and seething frustration ( Tim and Eric Awesome Show! Good Job). There was no Boondocks DVD release this year (the show took forever getting its second season started), and several of the promising pilot episodes haven't panned out yet, but between multiple viewings of the second season of Venture Bros. and the first of Metalocalypse (plus the most
brutalmetal album of all time) I got by.
On the more kid friendly side of cartoon entertainment is the second season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, one of the most addictive and well written series on television for kids or adults, and the final episodes of Justice League Unlimited, possibly the finest superhero series in television history. Avatar's third, and supposedly final season is about half way finished on television, and things are coming to a head in style. I look forward to getting my hands on the final collection this time next year. Justice League's creative staff has been lying rather low of late ( Superman: Doomsday was just above average), but hopes are high with their New Frontier STV feature release, which is just around the corner (a great book, by the way).
My Avatar Season 2, Justice League Unlimited Season 2 and Venture Bros. Season 2 reviews.
Runners Up: Classic Genre Collections
2007 was also a good year to play cheap catch-up. Despite the HD revolution most likely wrapping up in the next few years, I find myself gathering collections of 'classic' releases I never bothered or managed to get my hands on before. The three biggest this year were the two Anchor Bay/Starz Mario Bava Collections and MGM's Vincent Price Collection. Even if DVD is slowly slinking into its waning years, these older and less expensive features don't require HD video to be fully enjoyed (though I do admit that something as beautiful as Black Sunday might look spectacular if the material is there for the upgrade). Again, like potato chips, I can't watch just one, and these sets have stolen many a weekend hour.
My Mario Bava Collection Volume 1 and Mario Bava Collection Volume 2 reviews.
From Beyond: Unrated Special Edition (R1 DVD)
Before they were sold to Sony, the folks at MGM teased horror fans with the promise of an uncut version of Stuart Gordon's colourful and lurid sophomore release From Beyond, then sat quietly on the information for about three years. In the interim I was forced to buy an edited, far from decent quality Japanese release to hold myself off, and it was very taxing (seriously, there were tears). Though the eventual release wasn't quite as huge on extras as Anchor Bay's re-release of Gordon's classic Re-Animator, it did feature a spirited cast and crew commentary, and a brief but informative behind the scenes documentary, not to mention the previously deleted footage, which melds nicely into the well maintained feature film.
First Runner Up: El Topo (R1 DVD)
Finally all us region one folks can have our very own copy of Alejandro Jodorowsky's psychedelic western masterpiece. The few frills disc was released to very little fanfare by Anchor Bay studios, alone and as part of an Jodorowsky three disc set, which includes two even more bizarre features, Fando y Liz and The Holy Mountain. Even European based fans have had a hell of a time finding the flick on DVD over the years, as Raro's Italian release wasn't exactly cheap, and went out of print. Other options included a super pricy Japanese release that only the richest of collectors could ever pick up. El Topo isn't for everyone, but it's a must see for those fond of abstract and experimental filmmaking. The disc isn't filled with the multitude of extras I'd hoped for, but the remastered A/V is worth a re-purchase for fans, especially considering the very affordable SRP.
Second Runner Up: Duck You Sucker (R1 DVD)
It took for freaking ever for anyone to release Sergio Leone's masterpiece Once Upon a Time in the West on DVD, but we got it, and it was great. Then Europe got super special editions of Leone's Dollars Trilogy, plus the director's 'lost' 'final' Western, Duck You Sucker (aka: Fistful of Dynamite). After a year of waiting fans in the states were finally able to upgrade those non-anamorphic, zero extra editions, and it was great once again. This 'About Damn Time Award' goes to me, because I was finally able to actually see the dark Spaghetti Western with this release.
Duck You Sucker is even more underrated than I had been led to believe. Most reviews count it as a simple satire of the genre, but the reality is more complex. The film is a deeply nihilistic meditation on the futility of revolution, and unlike any other in the director's career. The DVD is packed with extras, meaty ones, and the audio/video quality is nearly immaculate. This belongs in every Western fan's collection.
300 (RA Blu-Ray, HD DVD
Zack Snyder's 300 isn't a very good movie, in fact, most signs point directly to a down right bad movie, but it's not entirely his fault. His guilt lies in his steadfast devotion to Frank Miller's beautifully drawn, but overwrought and overly simplified graphic novel. The film is gorgeous, undoubtedly, and surely worth seeing at least once, but its repetitive nature and dreary dialogue make it hard trudging the second time around. Questions of blatant homoeroticism in the face of blatant homophobia, misplaced comparisons to current political events (honestly folks, it really is just a movie), and objections to historical accuracy or political correctness are more or less moot, but David Wenham's vomitus narration, and the sad fact that this stuff gets real old real fast is hard to ignore. It all worked well for Sin City, it just didn't quite work here. Hopefully Snyder's learned a few lessons, and his Watchmen adaptation will be thicker then a sheet of paper. Working from the oceanic depths of Alan Moore's mind will probably help.
The DVD extras reveal the deeper and more intriguing story behind the legend, and actually make the final film look worse in comparison. The Spartans were much more fascinating people than this version of the legend makes them out to be, their society was multifaceted, cruel, and even downright communistic. Though I'd prefer a little more behind the scenes information, the HD DVD's inclusion of the entire bluescreen version is an excellent use of the new format's abilities. The HD DVD game kind of sucks, but the webisodes are an informative touch. I have a feeling a thicker special edition may be on the horizon, and will probably be aimed at consumers around the same time as the release of Watchmen.
Oh, and it looks pretty good too in HD too. Chris' R2 DVD review.
Hot Fuzz (R2 DVD, HD DVD)
Did you get to see Edgar Wright's Shaun of the Dead follow up Hot Fuzz in theatres this year? I did, and it was the most fun I had with an audience all year. Though the rest of 2007 was peppered with mostly dismal theatrical experiences (talking teenagers, idiots asking questions too loudly, cell phones, obnoxious eating and drinking sounds, morons talking back to the screen), the audience for Hot Fuzz was savvy enough to catch every call back and in-joke before the punch line was even finished, and the laughter was infectious.
There was one unfortunate moment when I laughed out loud at the Chinatown joke ("Forget it Nick... it's Sandford.") and broke the dramatic silence of the theatre, but that's everyone else's fault for not memorizing the classics (nya).
Not only could I not wait for the R1 release, but I also knew the R2 release would be better, so I was sure to special order from the UK at first chance. Little did I realize that a three-disc R1 release was on the horizon (that was a very quick little double dip, Universal), nor did I think I'd be offered a free HD DVD copy from Amazon.com when ordering my HD DVD player. The rushed import purchase seems a little silly in hindsight. Regardless, the only thing funnier than Hot Fuzz this year was the extra features. Missing, however, is a Wilson Brothers commentary track.
Chris' R2 DVD review.
Ratatouille (RA Blu-ray)
Ratatouille was a welcome return to form for Pixar studios after the slight quality speed bump that was Cars, and of all the good releases that were made for the high definition format Brad Bird's culinary masterpiece is the five star main course. Usually Pixar films are aimed at children, but still realistically enjoyed by adults. Ratatouille appears to have been made for adults specifically, featuring romantic relationships, bastard sons, paternity tests, dozens of dead rats, and a realistic outcome to a fantastic situation, but the kids will probably still enjoy the breathless chases and cute creatures.
The Blu-Ray release is stunning in its molecule slicing detail. I'm not sure if it's possible to have a more details per square millimetre on a television set. The disc's special features are in keeping with Pixar's usual high bar standards, including some stuff not available on the standard DVD release. Also included is the gut-busting pre-feature short Lifted in full 1080p. If Blu-Ray owners can find the patience to sit through the three-minute-plus load times for the main menu and main feature (!), this is one disc that should adorn their shelf.
Horrors of Malformed Men (R1 DVD)
2007 was the year I was finally able to get a hold of the fine folks at Synapse Films, and the effort was not in vain. I expected nothing from Teruo Ishii's Horrors of the Malformed Men beyond its undeniably catchy title, and was enthralled by its innovative manipulation of the bizarre. Bathed in monochrome, steeped in perversion, and swimming with divinely weird camera work, Malformed Men is way out there, but worth every second of its ninety-eight minute run time. If you can find a copy, and have an appreciation for nightmarish pulp, you should probably buy it immediately.
My R1 DVD review.
Runner Up: Who Can Kill a Child? (R1 DVD)
Along with developing new ties to Synapse, I managed to re-forge some bonds at Dark Sky Films. I found this relationship immediately rewarding because Narciso Ibáñez Serrador's Who Can Kill a Child? was the first disc I checked out. The relatively obscure feature (obscure even to a cult buff like myself) was not the thoughtless exploitation machine I was expecting, but rather a smart and slow burning thriller that treats its somewhat silly premise with absolute sincerity. An obvious influence on Eli Roth's Hostel films, Who Can Kill a Child? cannot be recommended enough to Euro-horror fans sick of the same old stalk and slash Gialli.
My R1 DVD review
Second Runner Up: The Perfect Crime (R1 DVD)
My initial review may not have been as glowing as it should've been. Upon a second viewing I've realized that Álex de la Iglesia's The Perfect Crime (aka: El Crimen Ferpecto) has stuck with me for the long haul. Any time someone asks if I've seen any good foreign films lately, this comedic bee's knees is the first thing to come out of my mouth. This is the movie you Netflix cue was made for, but make sure you're renting the Tartan version.
My R1 DVD review.
The Fountain (HD DVD)
I waited six years for wunderkind Darren Aronofsky's promising Requiem for a Dream follow-up, and though the final film couldn't have possibly lived up to my astronomical expectations, it was still one of the most moving experiences of 2006. Minimal returns and a general lack of faith on the part of Warner Bros. insured that the initial DVD release was a huge disappointment. The HD DVD (and I'm assuming Blu-Ray) release added a few extra features, and corrected some of the obvious compression issues, but still skipped Aronofsky's commentary track, which was later released over the internet. I've bought the disc twice now, and I'm willing to buy it again if Warner Bros. is willing to go all out the next time around.
Runner Up: Children of Men (HD DVD)
2006's best theatrical release looks pretty good on HD DVD, and the hi-def disc features some PIP extras not available on the standard edition release, but this impressive and delicate production is too highly detailed to have not squeezed more behind the scenes information from its filmmakers and cast. Most of the special features waft with the aroma of 'tease', hinting at a more encompassing release some day down the line. Just like The Fountain, I've bought it twice already, there isn't much stopping me from trying it a third time if the extras are worth the dime.
Scott's R2 SE review.
The Jungle Book: 40th Anniversary Platinum Edition (R1 DVD)
It took the House of the Mouse two tries and eight-years to get a decent release of this personal favourite on shelves, but it was almost worth the wait. The availability alone was reason enough to purchase, but the finely detailed remastering doesn't hurt. Like every other Platinum Edition release, the extras on this disc are split into two sections, one for the kids and one for the grown-ups. The kid's games and songs are pretty lame, but the wealth of behind the scenes historical information for the grown-ups is most attractive.
Runner Up: Stanley Kubrick Collection (RA Blu-Ray)
No, I didn't have the money to buy all these re-releases just yet (that image is of the DVD collection, you have to buy them one by one on Blu-Ray), but I had to get 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange (my personal favourites of Kubrick's Warner Bros. releases), and Full Metal Jacket came with a proof of purchase when I got the Blu-ray player. The Shining and Eyes Wide Shut will just have to wait, though an immediate rental of Eye's may be necessary considering the uncut nature of the release. Full Metal Jacket and Clockwork Orange don't actually benefit from high definition video all that much, but the extras are meaty. In fact, any extras at all would've made this worth the re-purchase.
Second Runner Up: Taxi Driver: Collector's Edition (R1 DVD)
One of the most quintessential motion pictures of the '70s, perhaps even all time, Martin Scorsese's New York Gothic masterpiece was given a half decent treatment upon its second DVD release, including the 'God's Lonely Man' featurette. I had my doubts concerning the need for a third release, but was proven wrong by an even greater selection of additional extras (including commentaries) and a somewhat cleaned image. Taxi Driver is one of those films I don't think I want to see in HD with 5.1 surround, so hopefully this release will hold me off for a while.
Everyone with even a passing interest in modern motion pictures should probably read 'Down and Dirty Pictures', author Peter Biskind's 'Easy Riders and Raging Bulls' follow-up about the dog eat dog world of independent film in the '80s and '90s. The acid tongued tome does not paint the feared and revered Weinstein Brothers in a particularly pleasant light. It was written and released before Bob and Harvey left their company, Miramax, to Disney to start the Weinstein Company and Genius Products, but describes a ruthless and often self-destructive modus operandi that appears to still be set firmly in place.
When Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez's little weekend project went over time and budget, and then proceeded to flop like a beached whale at the box office, the Brothers stayed true to form and proceeded to milk the relative failure for every penny it was worth. First each film that made up the Grindhouse double feature, Death Proof and Planet Terror was released separately. This wouldn't be a problem if the theatrical release had also been made available, because the point of the production was to emulate the grindhouse experience—a double feature, complete with trailers. The experience is thus ruined.
Apparently the Weinstein Company supports HD DVD, yet there was no hi-def release of either Grindhouse or the two films that made it up in the US. Extra features on the DVD releases of Death Proof and Planet Terror mostly consisted of promotional material (especially in the case of Death Proof), and Rodriguez even mentions a better release on his extras disc. A double-dip is unavoidable at this point, but when we'll see it is anyone's guess. Personally, I'll be importing the Japanese special edition release, which has been announced. Only God knows when Harvey and Bob will put out their promised special edition. The not so ironic truth is, of course, that this is exactly how 1970s Grindhouse promoters would handle the material.
Scott's Death Proof and Planet Terror R1 reviews.
Beatrice Cenci: Limited Edition (R0 DVD)
Why do I not so secretly hope that by some miracle Blu-ray loses this format war? Is it image quality, branding, features or compatibility issues? Nope, it's regional coding. I love my region free DVD player, have enjoyed importing hard to find discs from other countries for several years now, and don't look to stop any time soon. I waited a very long time to finally see gore-maestro Lucio Fulci's most revered drama, and it turns out the wait was worth it.
Beatrice Cenci is easily one of the director's most restrained features, and fans of the dripping guts and running claret will probably be disappointed by the film's relative lack of graphic bloodshed. Fulci fanatics should instead be impressed by the tactile and disturbing nature of the violence they get, and should recognize the film as a developmental step in the director's career. Besides the maturity and class of the visuals, and the melodramatically appeasing of its performances, the feature's most impressive aspect is its successful non-linear storytelling.
My German R0 DVD review. Buy it from my friends at Xpliotedcinema.com here.
Blade Runner: Final Cut (5 disc Blu-ray DVD)
Looking back, it's hard to believe that I never owned a copy of Blade Runner on DVD, despite it being one of my all time favourite films. I remember renting the original Director's Cut DVD and wondering how the image quality could possibly be worse then my VHS copy. I've managed to hold off buying the film for nearly a decade now, but with the final release of this 'Final' cut, I can own the film in good conscious. From VHS straight to Blu-ray.
I still haven't finished my review of the set, which is huge, but figured it earned its spot as number one on my list based on special features and cut availability. This is one of those definitive releases you often hear about, but rarely see. The hi-def video is quite an upgrade as well, of course, revealing details I didn't even know were there the first dozen times around.
Runner Up: Pan's Labyrinth (HD DVD)
Of the three most incendiary theatrical releases of 2006 ( Children of Men, The Fountain and Pan's Labyrinth, imho) only Guillermo Del Toro's tale of the beautiful and the macabre produced a collection of extra features worthy of the event. I've leaned towards the HD DVD over the Blu-Ray disc because compatibility issues have robbed me of the picture in picture option on BR, but both versions, and the original two-disc DVD release are valuable commodities.
The behind the scenes footage, in depth explorations and art galleries are all fantastic, but once again it is Del Toro's provocative commentary track that makes the disc the year's second most special. Few filmmakers of note put this much effort into communicating with their audiences, and whether it's DVD, HD DVD, Blu-Ray or even Laser Disc, this is what extra features and post VHS filmmaking is all about.
Chris' RB Blu-ray review
Bug (R1 DVD): William Friedkin's return to 'horror' was a surprise, with potent performances, sharp dialogue, and tight direction. Lionsgate really skimped on the extras, however. My R1 review.
Casino Royale (R1 DVD, Blu-ray): James Bond's triumphant revamp was just what the franchise needed, and another one of 2006's best films. The Blu-ray release looks and sounds fantastic, but extras are weak, unlike just about every other 007 DVD release ever. My R1 DVD review and Scott's R3, uncut DVD review.
Deadwood: Season 3: How can there possibly be no more Deadwood? Season three was the best season yet, but it ended without closure, causing fountains of tears and dozens of sleepless nights for this super fan. Oh well, there's always new episodes of David Milch's latest creation, John from Cincinnati. Wait a minute…
Fido: One of the few zombie movies since Shaun of the Dead to bring something original to the formula, this '50s nostalgia throwback is warmly amusing, and apparently overlooked by both indie fans and gorehounds for not fulfilling enough of either fan base's expectations. My R1 review.
Hard Boiled: Ultimate Edition: The extra features didn't pan out as golden as I may've wished, but owning Hard Boiled in anamorphic widescreen is a privilege most state-siders haven't had yet.
The Host (R1 DVD, HD DVD, Blu-ray): Bong Joon-ho's multi-layered monster movie was another one of last year's best films, but the special edition DVD's extras, though plentiful, were a dry sit through. A definitive motion picture, and a must own disc anyway.
Masters of Horror: The Black Cat (R1 DVD): The Masters of Horror series was by and large a huge disappointment, but it did produce on genuinely great mini-film, Stuart Gordon's The Black Cat. With a little help from his favourite actor, Jeffery Combs, Gordon was able to make up for his poor performance during season one of the series ( Dreams in the Witch House). My R1 review.
Re-Animator: Limited Edition (R1 DVD): Anchor Bay's first release of one of my all time favourite films (horror, comedy or otherwise) is actually one of the years better discs overall. I can't find the gumption to include it as anything other than an honourable mention because the previous Elite release is almost as good. The new documentary is the real draw here, and I think it's worth the double dip, but just barely. My R1 review.
Spider Baby (R1 DVD): Spider Baby really is a quintessential cult feature, and up until this year it was only available on an out of print and drably produced non-anamorphic disc. Dark Sky has remedied fan's thirst with their modestly well-packed special edition, complete with a nicely remastered audio and video. My R1 review.
The Spider-Man Trilogy (RA Blu-ray)
I love the Spider-Man series (yes, even number three, in its own special way), and I love watching them in hi-def. My only question to Sony is: where are all the extras? Bare-bonesing episodes one and two was a little nasty of them.
My Spider-Man 3 Blu-ray review.
The Stendhal Syndrome (R1 DVD): Tough not one of director Dario Argento's best films, this psycho-thriller is the closest he's come to greatness in a decade. The previous R1 release, under trash merchant's Troma, was a waste of disc space, but Blue Underground has gone out of their way to make this the definitive DVD release of the film. My R1 review.
TMNT (R1 DVD): Almost good enough to qualify as a 'Biggest Surprise' runner up, the Ninja Turtles return to the silver screen was more fun then every single summer blockbuster I saw this year. I only wish I could've reviewed it in HD. My R1 review.
I missed a lot of supposedly good stuff this year while I spent the bulk of my time reviewing a whole lot of junk. I regret missing these releases, and will hopefully catch them soon:
Close Encounters of the Third Kind: Ultimate Edition (Blu-ray), The Departed: Special Edition (HD DVD, DVD), Last King of Scotland, Eastern Promises, Knocked Up, Superbad, La Vie En Rose, The Third Man Criterion 2 disc set, The Bourne Ultimatum, Troy: Director's Cut, Robocop: Special Edition, and so on and so forth.
Editorial by Gabriel Powers
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Art & Beyond - your local East Roswell art school and art studio is pleased to announce their fall art class schedule. Most classes begin the week of August 21 with others starting the week after Labor Day. Complete details and Registration online at: http://bit.ly/2beAjYS
Contact the Studio with questions 770-954-6102 | email@example.com


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The Johnny King Buck is set to be panel scored in Montana tomorrow by the Boone and Crockett Club. What will the panel decide? If you've followed this story as closely as we have here at Deer & Deer Hunting, the final score — and the integrity of the process — is pretty easy to predict. There are only a few scenarios.
Here are my predictions.
1. World-record final score of 215-4/8 net typical. If the panel arrives at this decision, they will have adhered to the letter of their scoring manual as stated in 2006-2007 when the deer was killed and could have been first officially scored. That is the score that was originally given to the rack by B&C scorer John Ramsey of Wisconsin. He never submitted this score, however, because he was unsure if the rack could be scored due to a break in the beam. When the beam break was deemed acceptable, he was instructed by B&C to score the deer differently.
2. World-record final score of 215-1/8 typical. This score was after calculated by longtime scorer Marlin Laidlaw. The score was one after the rack continued drying after Ramsey's initial score.
3. World-record final score of 213-6/8 typical. This score was calculated two years after the buck was killed. The score was derived by 25-year B&C scorer Ron Boucher and Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club scorer Herman Feller.
The discrepancies in these first three scores indicates normal "shrinkage" by a rack due to the drying process. All of these scorers used the same procedures when scoring the rack.
4. Final score of 180-0/8 typical. This score would not indicate any shrinkage. This was the score that was originally assessed to the deer after one quick measurement and no panel review. This score involves calling what would be the rack's G-3 points as nontypical.
A further prediction: If the panel chooses Option 4, the Boone and Crockett Club will further subject itself to criticism of "framing" the King Buck with a loaded panel.
Check back to this site for more breaking news on the King Buck.
Learn more about Legendary Bucks!
Whitetail Legends provides snapshots of the greatest whitetails ever taken, including the back-story, score sheet and other critical details. As former editor of North American Whitetail, author Duncan Dobie knows the details behind all these deer and uniquely qualified to tell their story. Antler replicator Klaus LeBrecht has worked with each rack and has produced unique photography to show readers the full scope of these magnificent antlers.
- Stories behind the largest trophy bucks ever taken, including hunter interviews, score sheets and never-before-seen photography
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- Special behind-the-scenes look at the antler-scoring details that make these deer the greatest.
To order your copy of Legendary Whitetails III CLICK HERE!


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* The IEC 60529/IPX7 is an European system of test specification standards for classifying the degrees of protection provided by the enclosures of electrical equipment. An IPX7 designation means that the unit withstands immersion in one meter (approx 3ft) of still water for up to 30 minutes.The factory guarantees this grade for 1 year provided all the jack covers are properly and securely closed. However, Please understand that DJ-V17 is not an IPX8 (water-resistant) grade, NOT even IPX7 COMPLIANT (but compatible); water-pressure such as washing the unit with running water may cause damage to the unit and voids warranty. Never immerse the unit uselessly under the water. V/UHF signal does not propagate in water.If the unit is dropped in water, please pick it up immediately and wipe with a clean dry cloth.
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A week until our big art show @111 Minna- THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTERNET! Should be good times, and it's pretty much all work from here on out till opening night. I'll have the steak.
On our way to The Attic for Smith's Night, we stopped by Ritual to see some collages from Alexis Mackenzie. So intricate. Must have taken some serious time per piece.
Normally coffee shop shows blow, but not this one. Alexis is now curating here, so I expect shows here to be good ones from here on out.
Speaking of Alexis
Completely unrelated to this photo of Tara Foley- I just pinched the shit out of my hand trying to prop the window open here. Fuck, it hurts. Ugh.
Went and checked out the last Sketch Tuesdays @111 Minna. Here Jay Howell gets his draw on.
and then went to Zeitgeist to have some beers with Breezy, Andrew, Jesse, and the Swedish girls
and ended up @Red Rock after the bar closed.
Love Red Rock and the Swedish girls... Breezy and Andrew are pretty cool too.
Afternoon Giants game where they came back to beat the Brewers in the bottom of the ninth. Such a good one.
Bonds started off the inning with a single to right field. The crowd was going nuts for him. Everyone wanted to see another homer.
The winning hit
and putzing around town afterwards on the old bike
So that's who buys those plates.
Stefan and Ray outside the Attic- Jesse's, Jay's, and Jane's Smith's Night.
Speaking of Jane
Nice one, Archie.
Bram's in town from Brussels.
Jay and friend
The Swedes
The best bathroom in SF
Brian from Mesh
And then to Dolores
Ghetto fires
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08 December 2011
National Genealogical Society 2012 Family History Conference Slide Show
Would you like to share about the conference with your local genealogy, history or other society, family or friends?
If yes, check out this short slide presentation about the conference and its host city!
Editor's Note: Under the presentation, click on "Speaker Notes on slide x" so that you can see additional information
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~copyright © National Ge
Republication of UpFront articles is permitted and encouraged for non-commercial purposes without express permission from
Think your friends, colleagues, or fellow genealogy researchers would find this blog post interesting? If so, please let them know that anyone can read past UpFront with NGS posts or subscribe!
Suggestions for topics for future UpFront with
Posted by Diane L Richard at Thursday, December 08, 2011
Labels: conference, NGS
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March 12. 2014 10:07PM
Video on molestation, shown to Manchester 3rd graders, upsets parents
By TED SIEFER
New Hampshire Union Leader
— A group of parents is calling on the district to review its policies after they say their children were shown a video in school, without their knowledge, that dealt with molestation.
The parents, who spoke out at a Board of School Committee meeting on Monday, say their third-grade children were deeply upset by the video, which depicted an inappropriate interaction between a boy and his uncle.
In response to their concerns, district officials are reviewing the health education curriculum and its parental notification policy.
Victoria Sullivan, mother of a student at Highland Goffe's Falls Elementary School and the head of its parents' and teachers' group, said she knew something was wrong when she heard about the video and asked her son if he had seen it.
"At first he didn't want to talk about it, and that's not like him," she said. "Looking at it from an 8-year-old's perspective, I'll be honest, I cried. It's horrible that some kids are aware of this, and have experienced it, but for kids with no knowledge, it was really scary."
Sullivan was among three Highland Goffe's Falls parents who spoke at Monday's board meeting.
Another, Jennifer Brown, said parents should have been informed that such a video was going to be shown. "I can decide whether or not this material is appropriate for my child based on their maturity," she said at the meeting. "Every parent should be allowed to make these choices for their child. That is responsible parenting."
Another parent said her child told her the video depicted a man putting his hands down the pants of a boy.
Sullivan, however, said in an interview that the video actually showed the boy confronting his uncle about committing the act in the past. She viewed the video after approaching the principal of Highland Goffe's Falls.
Sullivan said the fact that kids envisioned the act of molestation showed how disturbing it was for them — and she added that the video potentially modeled dangerous behavior for children by showing the boy confronting his uncle.
Sullivan said that the video was at least a couple decades old, noting that the guy had a mustache, which made it "all the creepier."
The district adopted a policy in 2012 allowing parents to substitute materials of their choosing for ones they deem objectionable. The change was made in response to a law enacted by the Legislature in 2011. The policy, however, assumes that parents are aware of or have already been notified of the materials.
Another district policy, concerning the use of videos, requires that parents of elementary school students "be notified two school days prior to the showing of a G, PG, PG-13, or segment of R-rated video/DVD/supplemental electronic resource."
It's not clear if administrators or teachers at Highland Goffe's Falls or other schools attempted to notify parents before the video was shown, or if they have done so in the past.
Superintendent Debra Livingston said this was part of the review she and her staff were undertaking. But she said her understanding was the district's policy was to inform parents.
"I go by what was adopted by the district, however, like I said at meeting I think it is important we review this from time to time," Livingston said.
The superintendent said the video was part of the Michigan Model for Health curriculum and has been shown "for a while now."
Sullivan, for her part, said she first became aware of the video a couple years ago when another of her children saw it. She said she sent an email to the administration at the time indicating she wanted to be "informed when showing a video like that."
Mayor Ted Gatsas said he believed a review of the district's policies was appropriate.
"I've not seen it," he said of the video. "But I hear what the parents are saying, and I certainly can appreciate if they don't want their children to see it. And there should at least be proper notification sent home."


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Between managing work, family, friends, and more, it's easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. Instead, take a moment to relax with one of these suggestions.
If you're oh-so-busy and need a break, check out these simple, easy ways to take five minutes and recharge.
When it comes to downsizing and decluttering, don't just think about the things you see — also think about what you hear.
I am the only tenant on the floor of an apartment building otherwise entirely under construction, and it's taught me a few things about finding quiet.
Sometimes all you need is a moment of silence to gather your thoughts. But out in the world, serenity can be in short supply. Here's where to find the quiet you crave.
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LocationRaynham MA
720 Church St. Rt. 44
Raynham, MA 02767
New 2019 Coachmen RV Freedom Express 248RBS
Stock# 35425
Interior Color:
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Scan this QR code with your smartphone to save this page and have mobile access to this unit's information.
At Coachmen you will find a rich history of commitment from our Team Members. This commitment extends to our owners and in the pride we have for our brand. The close relationship that we share with our owners and our dealers is a quality that others have been trying to mimic over our 50 year history. Our goals and principles remain well in focus.
Coachmen RV products have been on North American roads and in North American campgrounds since 1964.
With over five decades of building Recreational Vehicles and over 600,000 RVs built and sold we know how to design and build a reliable RV with exceptional value, dependable design, practical innovation and the comforts and features you desire.
*All calculated monthly payments are an estimate for qualified buyers only and do not constitute a commitment that financing or a specific interest rate or term is available. Financing terms may not be available in all Campers Inn locations. Campers Inn RV Sales is not responsible for any misprints, typos, or errors found in our website pages. Any price listed excludes sales tax, registration tags, and delivery fees. Manufacturer pictures, specifications, and features may be used in place of actual inventory in stock on our lot. Please contact us for availability as our inventory changes rapidly.


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Beyonce: Blue Ivy's Face Revealed!
Beyonce flashes a smile while holding her adorable baby girl Blue Ivy in a newly leaked image from her upcoming documentary Life Is But a Dream, airing on HBO today!
The 31-year-old entertainer revealed her one-year-old bundle of joy's face without shadows, blankets, or scarves.
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Beyonce
This is a big weekend for Beyonce, with her interview with Oprah Winfrey on Oprah's Next Chapter also airing on Saturday (February 16). We can't wait!
"I would not be the woman I am if I did not go home to that man [Jay-Z]," Beyonce shared during the interview. "It just gives me such a foundation. [He's helped me] on so many levels."
Bigger pic inside…


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Book Vs. Film: Let The Right One In
"Ah, let the right one slip in, slip in, slip in.
And when at last it does, I'd say you were within your rights
to bite the right one and say, what kept you so long?,
What kept you so long?"
If you ever just see Let the Right One In, you've had a nearly perfect film experience. If you've also read the book, you've had the whole enchilada. It's not necessary, but it never hurts. The democratic whole shebang. Look, allow me to illuminate, readers: I will just tell you what the book adds, where it differs in a way that would interest you, probably crush a little hard on the movie, and Matt Reeves is a douchebag.
While we are on the subject, and since you asked for my opinion, I have never seen the American remake, Let Me In. And I won't be, ever. And I'm only half a snob when it comes to Americanized versions: I prefer the American version of the Japanese Ringu, for example, and enjoyed Haneke's shot for shot remake of his own German Funny Games. I liked it the first time, too, and his bristled contempt for an American audience was gleeful. For every Ringu there is a Grudge, and for every Funny Games there is a painful The Vanishing. To remake a beautiful film for Western audiences just so they don't have to do any of that bothersome reading stuff or look at an albino for 90 minutes, and will pay handsomely for anything vampire related, especially if it already has great word of mouth, is a dreadful grab for ducats. I knew that they were just giving people lip service when they changed Eli's name. Eli. Yeah, it's weird to the Swedish kid, too, but there's a reason it's a strange name for a girl. Reeves was all, yeah, I want to be true to the book and stuff, faithful to the source and stuff, and yeah we're changing Eli's name to Abby. One of these things is not like the other. He had a good cast. There are my $.02. So, feel free to discuss your opinions down yonder re: Reeves's gilded lily bastardization. Moving on to the good stuff!
The book is certainly going to add many a note to the main characters, Eli and Oskar. In a book you can be privvy to inner monologues, so much endless narrative wealth, and in a film you have to trust that what people can see the actors doing is enough to define their character. So, I'm going to say that this is a no-brainer. Oskar spends much of the film looking very Swedish and oddly like a weak-necked puppy. This seems to be expounded when added to water, note. Kinda creepy with the scrapbook thing, but dresses smartly and has good taste in music. I had to make sure that this wasn't one of the Icelandic kids in those Sigur Ros videos. Glosoli, specifically. I confess: he is not, sorry. But you should listen to that now, it'll be good for you. In the book, Oskar is kinda fat. Which is endearing, but added to his incontinence issues, hyper-obsessive behavior, turn the creepy scrabook thing to eleven and I can see why he isn't socially well adjusted. He's a little off-putting, say. He doesn't just stab trees; he has entire fantasies about killing his bullies where he calls himself the Murderer and yeah, okay, stabs trees roleplaying those fantasies. But manages to be creepier. To be fair, his bullies really do want to kill him in the book, and not just administer some light, yet threatening water torture. But he also does carry around something he calls the Pissball. Do your sums.
As for Eli, yeah, they leave a lot of the iffiest stuff out. During one of their kisses where she transfers her memories to him, she passes onto Oskar a memory of her life pre-vampire and, of course, the revelation that she was castrated during some ritual. She is a he! Just like she kept saying! He. Eli is Elias (note: not Abby). But really, she is mostly an enigma, given little segments of her own. So, I guess I'd say the biggest difference is that it's made clear that Eli is a boy--well, a boy but a vampire but, a boy--and those circumstances are pretty effective on the psyche. In the film, for some people there's still that question, and others didn't see the blink-or-you'll-miss-it but maybe you-want-to-miss-it crotch shot. But, several other tidbits are to be gleaned from her brief spells with narration, like the logistics of "flying" and being a vampire, but this is a vampire in a book concerned more with the human side of things, friends, and for that reason Eli's aloof and distant manner to all but Oskar is felt by the reader, as well. In the film, I think that though Eli is fleshed out less as a character, the film performance purposefully asks for empathy from the audience. This is little of it but Eli's backstory is weird and gruesome and it is definitely worth the read, but the character between the mediums is different.
The book version of Håkan I do appreciate more, and that is probably because I can form a more solid opinion of him. The film is rather empathetic to his character, and to his suffering, but the book also informs you that he is definitely a pedophile. Sinister apples, Terry Gilliam feeling stuff. This man pays for blowjobs from boy prostitutes, for one, and is powerless to his urges for young boys. This is the real, true reason he is around Eli. Smally sad but wholly vile, and I'd spit when his name came into conversation--Håkan, ptoo!--knowing makes things more clear. He is so possessed and humble, so much martyred piousness and such seldom seeming vulgarity, that to keep the book's lurid motivational shade of him is helpful. So when he asks Eli not to see Oskar for the night in exchange for his fetching of dinner, you will know it is not because he is lonely; it's because he's jealous. I feel bad that you are being ordered around by this vampire, old pasty-faced milk drinker. No, wait: you're a pedophile. Right, no, on with the acid. Also, he turns into a zombie and tracks through the countryside to find Eli--but that part is cool. Not so much? The raping zombie thing. Thin line, readers.
The book is 500+ pages, which should tell you that a number of things were left out of the film. A good bulk of this is subplot involving other townspeople connected somehow to our leads, for a more layered and less young, pale love effect, but is far-reaching enough to include a squirrel. Some of them, honestly, get boring: Lacke, you yawnish brute. Virginia gives some great insight into what it means, as a human, to turn into a vampire, and at least it's an extra on the DVD. Not only is it from the perspective of a woman, which I appreciate, but it's an intelligent, journalistic, somewhat sobering look at the mythos of vampirism and what happens when you're dead, only not really. I suppose it might involve eating the bloody bandages off your own face. The horror, right? Seriously. The horror.
One scene that is unfortunate in the film version that the book would never confuse is when Oskar is visiting his father, whose friend stops by one night with some booze, inappropriately dressed but sloshed and WERK, and everyone just kinda stands around in the frame, awkward, and it feels a lot like it's trying to insinuate something, namely homosexuality, that resulted in their estrangement as a family. In reality, though, Oskar's father is just an alcoholic who got busted by his kid when his sloshed, inappropriately dressed friend dropped in to get drunk with him.
In the end, sometimes it's just a fine adaptation and the film can say things better than the book can: some of the things I like most in this story are the score and the lighting and things that you can't read from the book, like the use of a vintage poster showing a woman shielding her eyes from the glaring sun above as material for blocking the window's of Eli's room, the pristine tried and true terror of white on red, the ice in the freezing trees catching the meager sun just enough to sparkle like diamonds and it's beautiful and ominous, somehow. Which perfectly describes the movie. Watch the film, and then do read the book and treat it as glorious supplementary experience.
Officially, then: FILM. It is necessary to acknowledge Lindvquist's haunting novel of layers for the story it provides, and it is a truly a story that will people your dreams. It is the film, however, that best accomplishes this, with a tonality and style not superior in the novel. The film trims the necessary fat, in such a respectful way that to read the novel later is a bonus, exponentially appreciative experience. It might color some opinions differently (namely that of Håkan, and Oskar's fate), as all extra information tends to do. It is beautiful dulcet horror: sounds nice, looks nice, with an iced grip that sleets into your veins its winterhearted love story that can only really end one way, with one of the two coming to the realization that Eli is going to be a vampire, forever, and that Oskar will one day die. Like how you know one of them is going to sadly eat it, sadly, in Beaches, so you sit through their histrionics for two hours because it's Bette Midler (bless). But still knowing that things will end badly, non? Horror movies have a way of doing that to you. Let the right ones in!