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AFI's 100 YEARS...100 MOVIES

Seeing AFI's top 100 movies is vital to keeping my movie buff title. After this past weekend, I have seen 80 of them. That is thirty classic movies since 2002 when I noticed I had already seen about half. With each film comes a renewed passion for the film industry, both past and present. It is amazing what leaders in the industry were able to accomplish back then and fun to see how far they have come today. Even with the rising costs, the pitiful attempts at epic art, and the horrendous junk that is produced these days, it still remains my favorite pastime. "Let's all go to the movies." ~Daddy Warbucks, Annie 1982

I want my CL2 now.

TechCrunch » Exclusive Screenshots: Google Calendar
Let's hope this comes out soon because it looks awesome.

Updated to note that Google loves to bring out software on April 1 (sort of an April Fool's joke but not). Anyway, here's hoping that CL2 is released in a few weeks!

A list as long as...

So I have a list of Anime that I have seen or want to see in my links section. I redid it last night using a better reference for links (animenewsnetwork.com has an impressive site, I think). After completing the revamp, I noticed that the anime I have seen list is longer than the anime I want to see. That is a first.

Fortune favors the brave

This week marks the end of two anime series on Cartoon Network in which I have been invested for a year; Full Metal Alchemist and Samurai Champloo. One is about two brothers struggling to put back part of their lives and literally part of their bodies. Following its mantra of equivalent exchange, this struggle comes at a huge price. The FMA story has become very complex and political but still retains its stamina. The characters leave me heartbroken but hopeful. The other's story does not live up to the hype of the crew's predecessor, Cowboy Bebop. Champloo is lacking in consistency and true character development. However, its art and action are one to behold and story paucity notwithstanding, I still am eager to learn its conclusion.

Holy smoke!

Goodness, Elizabeth is beautiful and even Paul brings tears to my eyes. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof steams with excellent acting and powerful stage direction. You would think it would be a boring tale of Southern familigia but somehow you are drawn to them and their pitiful lives and wives. I have never felt more adoration for these two young actors in their prime.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

I just finished the Soul Society arc of recent anime, Bleach, and I can safely say this is one of the best anime I have watched in a while. It has everything I love about anime, amazing talent, intriguing character backstory, a convoluted world, and action fights that so live up to the powers of its main character, Ichigo. Still, it was Renji who captured my devotion. And luckily he comes back after the arc finishes. Seriously, we finally are exposed to great animated art that is Bleach. Bring it on.

Those lovable grifters

Hustle

It seems like it has been done before but never quite as entertaining. Oh there have been movies about it. In fact, The Sting is referred to more than once. And sometimes the good guys end up playing a con or two in your favorite crime drama. So, I went in thinking it was just going to be a mediocre show and to tell you the truth, it is. But the characters draw you in and before you know it, you are rooting for them. BBC has brought more than one capable drama to the tele and I have to say, this one is a must see.

A comedic situation

I do not watch sitcoms anymore because they fail to make me laugh, and that is saying something. There are two exceptions to this. The first is Scrubs. It is so hard not to smile at the twisted humor and imaginary antics these characters play on each other, let alone hard to laugh at loud. Then they turn around and move you with their friendship and love. Even with their female names and quirky jokes, I keep coming back for more. Arrested Development is the other show that makes me laugh loudly. It is so off the wall. I await the next season on Netflix.

Composer, conductor, creator

A man among men, John Williams celebrates his 74th birthday this week. 2005 has seen three of his scores, two of which have been Oscar nominated and the other ending a thirty year epic. His music has changed how we have heard films and broken barriers that no one even imagined were there. Acclaimed and accredited, seventy years has nothing on this man.

In honor of Being Green

My Dad, being the nice guy that he is, sent me a book the other day entitled It Isn't Easy Being Green and other things to consider which is a collection of quotes and poems by Kermit, Jim Henson, and Friends. Now my dad is great. A smart and funny man, most of the time. In honor of his goodness and sense of humor, I submit this advice which is identical to some he has given me time and again, minus the pigs part.

"Here's some simple advice: Always be yourself. Never take yourself too seriously. And beware of advice from experts, pigs, and members of Parliament." ~ Kermit

Look what I did

Been wanting a small bag for a while and felting seemed to be the right thing. I have to admit it turned out well.

Glorious Kitano

I have been on a Japanese kick of late, watching three films this past weekend. Two were Kitano films and let me say, the man is glorious to watch. Both acting and directing, his films drive straight to the art of film and storytelling. Everyone should enjoy Kikujiro, a touching story with humor and depth.

Miyazaki san on TCM

Yeah, he has a bit of an ego but hey, the man can tell a story like no other. Turner Classic Movies shows a 9 movie fest of his top credits including the ever charming My Neighbor Totoro which is about to be released in the States with brand spankin' new dubs. His films are beautiful and have deep meaning. Hishasi also composes most of the scores and he never lets me down. I will probably catch all of them even though they already reside on my DVD shelf and memorized in my heart.

Miyazaki san directing and Hisaishi san composing:

• Jan 5: Spirited Away
• Jan 5: Princess Mononoke
• Jan 12: Nausicaa of the Valley of the Winds
  
• Jan 12: Castle in the Sky
• Jan 19: My Neighbor Totoro
• Jan 19: Porco Rosso

Studio Ghibli Films with Miyazaki San either producing or writing the screenplay

• Jan 19: Whisper of the Heart, directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, music by Yuji Nomi
• Jan 26: Only Yesterday, directed by sao Takahata, music by Katsu Hoshi
• Jan 26: Pom Poko, directed by Isao Takahata, no composercredited

The Buckeyes Tempt in Tempe

I have an affinity with my alma mater that I never thought I would. With my spankin' new TV and watching that game in HD, all I truly missed was script Ohio. Nothing beats the loyalty of OSU fans. Win or lose, Buckeye Pride is something I would stand in a crowd and proclaim to all. What a great season!

You Goony!!

Come on, man. You gotta love this. goonies.jpg

Movie buff is missing out.

Ebert gives his list of top ten movies of 2005 and I, a movie buff, have only seen #1 and #10? I need like a month to catch up on eveyrthing I have missed. Where are those dog days of summer anyway?
Ebert's Best 10 Movies of 2005

DaVinci's Cube?

For my brother, Erich, the artist. This was pretty neat.

Pocasting for knitters

Hopefully, I can redo my webpage to showcase some knitting projects. But alas someone has started a podcast. Another show I have to listen to once a week. Soon, I will have no time for work :)www.knittingnewscast.com

They always get their Thin Man

A comedic duo you will never top, The Thin Man movies have captured my funny bone. These two are fantastic.

My friend Christine excels at scrapping.

Check out my friend's scrapbooking canvas. Happenings