Playing Catch-Up: Good Morning; The Big Sky; The Witness
Good Morning (Yasujirō Ozu, 1959). I’ll admit to being underexposed to the work of the revered Japanese director Yasujirō Ozu. (It’s not a good excuse, by any means, but I’ve devoted most of my relevant geographically-based cinema self-schooling to films of … Continue reading Playing Catch-Up: Good Morning; The Big Sky; The Witness
The Art of the Sell: “Major Points of Interest in Wisconsin”
These posts celebrate the movie trailers, movie posters, commercials, print ads, and other promotional material that stand as their own works of art. In recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to spend some quality time in the small Midwestern town … Continue reading The Art of the Sell: “Major Points of Interest in Wisconsin”
My Misspent Youth: Fantastic Four #191 by Len Wein and George Pérez
I read a lot of comic books as a kid. This series of posts is about the comics I read, and, occasionally, the comics that I should have read. Once I threw my heart into the fierce grasp of superhero … Continue reading My Misspent Youth: Fantastic Four #191 by Len Wein and George Pérez
College Countdown: CMJ Top 250 Songs, 1979 – 1989, 5
5. The Smiths, “How Soon is Now?” “What is Johnny doing? That’s just noise.” Geoff Travis, the founder and chief of Rough Trade Records, wasn’t pleased with “How Soon Is Now?” when he first heard it. As lead singer Morrissey … Continue reading College Countdown: CMJ Top 250 Songs, 1979 – 1989, 5
From the Archive: Running with Scissors
I really should be dropping an old review of a Stephen King adaptation into this space, but I believe I’ve exhausted my supply of writing on the often-dire translations of the prolific author’s work. Instead, I’ll take as my prompt … Continue reading From the Archive: Running with Scissors
One for Friday — Robyn Hitchcock, “(A Man’s Gotta Know His Limitations) Briggs”
I appreciate those songwriters who can look to nearly inspiration in plying their trade. The annals of pop music is overstuffed with songs that offer up generic views of romance and heartbreak, but it takes a special craftsman to pen … Continue reading One for Friday — Robyn Hitchcock, “(A Man’s Gotta Know His Limitations) Briggs”
Beers I Have Known — Cellarmaker Brewing Co. Turok: Mosaic Hunter
This series of posts is dedicated to the many, many six packs, pony kegs and pints that have sauntered into my life at one point or another. It has gotten extremely difficult to be a beer connoisseur — or beer … Continue reading Beers I Have Known — Cellarmaker Brewing Co. Turok: Mosaic Hunter
My Writers: Billy Wilder
Until Woody Allen came along, Billy Wilder had more screenwriting Academy Award nominations to his credit than any other individual. Counting Oscar nominations and wins makes … Continue reading My Writers: Billy Wilder
The Art of the Sell: “Color Me Bo”
These posts celebrate the movie trailers, movie posters, commercials, print ads, and other promotional material that stand as their own works of art. Back in college, I undertook a wildly ambitious project with a friend of mine. At a time … Continue reading The Art of the Sell: “Color Me Bo”
Laughing Matters — Lisa Simpson, “Union Strike Folk Song”
Sometimes comedy illuminates hard truths with a pointed urgency that other means can’t quite achieve. Sometimes comedy is just funny. This series of posts is mostly about the former instances, but the latter is valuable, too. Happy Labor Day, friends! … Continue reading Laughing Matters — Lisa Simpson, “Union Strike Folk Song”
Coffee for Two 