Bookstore love

She is & always will be one of my favorite authors.
This article is just a road trip map for sure.
Great ideas for whatever part of the country you're in.
I grew up going to Readmore in Battle Creek. And special trips to the legendary Borders, on State St. in Ann Arbor, back in the 70's. 
Later there were closer trips to John Rollins in Kalamazoo.
The Baranof in Juneau, where I got my first Nancy Drew back in '73.
i've lived in 14 states & loved an indie bookseller in every one of them.
Nashville is a stand out on that list. Happy memories of browsing the now closed Davis-Kidd over in Green Hills, Tower Books, & Bookstar. & the great used haunt of Bookman/Bookwoman still going in Hillsboro.
Not at all surprised to see my 1st bookstore internship on this list.
I was at "Women & Children First" over winter term in 1985, at the old Halsted St. location.
Terrific to see"The Last Bookstore", a favorite L.A. haunt.
Nothing in the world smells or feels or stays with you like a bookstore. Because they sell dreams and memories and imagination.
What more could you want?

Ann Patchett's Guide for Bookstore Lovers


(original post on FB, 8 Dec. 2016)

Rogue One: An Aussie boy's story

There's loads of people who love Star Wars. There's load of people who've adored it their whole lives & for many different reasons.
I always say you can't explain to people who weren't around what it really was like when the original (ep 4) was released. That theatre experience. The then rare experience of a sequel & anticipation, without an internet.
Ben Mendelsohn is an actor I've adored for years. He's a truly rare talent. And age wise, falls right in the sweet spot where that for sure was a huge moment in his childhood.
This is a great piece. By an writer who seems to get him.
I hope maybe people who love him in something larger than live, like this, will go seek out the smaller films. Animal Kingdom. Year My Voice Broke. Love My Way (tv) The Efficiency Expert.
He's really an astonishing talent.
Like I said - people love Star Wars in different ways. & it's not a contest.
But I couldn't wish success on anyone who deserves it more. & loved & appreciated being involved.
and as a kid who had a great Star Wars experience & loves film quite a lot,
it will be a singular thrill to see that face on a big screen as part of that particular universe.
(og post on FB, 8 Dec. 2016)
Guardian interview

#WIE

I will never be as smart as her. I will never be as funny. But every day I try I am a better me. and the world is certainly better & funnier with her in it.
She & her crew have busted their arse to give women a voice & a future.
I love this speech, including bonus #Hamm. I fully support the Golden Girls revival with she, Poehler, Maya Rudolph & Paula Pell 
I am calling my next band "Basement Lupone". our first album will be called "PBS Pretty". 
 This flawed, funny, and fiercely irreverent lady is well worth your time & her voice is worth hearing.

(og post on FB, 12 Dec. 2015)

Speech

Go Greig!

in my serious attempts to avoid any kinds of spoilers, I'd missed this bit of information. But I'm seriously glad I know it going in.
It'll be interesting to see them both through his eyes, so to speak
Pretty impressive & diverse films for a cinematography & the rest of his impression CV reflects that.
I don't believe anyone has ever received a double nomination in this category - for Oscars or Globes or the like.
Would be pretty damn cool for Greig. have been a fan since his work with Bluetongue Films & have promoted a few of his films via #shortfilmsunday.

(originally posted on FB, 15 Dec. 2016)


IndieWire article

Kennedy Center Honors

AKA - the snark I posted. Enjoy it while it lasts. Good chance I won't watch for a few years.


 - Catching up with the Kennedy Center Honors from last night. you've been warned. starting with -
TREVOR NOAH!!!!!! up in the box of honor, seated right behind FLOTUS & POTUS!!!. holy smokes. you've come a long way, kiddo

- I loathe the new format. It completely interrupts the flow of the documentary portions & live music, lacking any coherant connection.

Seriously bad choice.

 - Le Sklar!!!!!

- Mavis' date is Jeff Tweedy:)

- is there a chance they'll be willing to hold the Kennedy Center Honors without inviting the President for a few years?

- Don Cheadle singing along to "Hotel California" is so very Cowboy Buck.

- Bob Seger!

not excited because I love him (I do not much at all)

it's just making me laugh 'cos I saw Don Henley play at the Palace.
Bob insisted on singing "Old Time Rock & Roll" & Don wouldn't even stay & play drums. we could see him standing just off stage, arms crossed. not thrilled.
Bob did that with lots of bands. it was fun when Billy Joel played piano along

-  Not their strongest event.

I think Darius Rucker was maybe the strongest choice & it's quite fun he got to sing "Carolina In My Mind"

One Last Goodbye

I remember with great fondness the episode of M*A*S*H* where Colonel Potter made the whole camp watch "My Darling Clementine". the film keeps breaking so in between bits, they do jokes & the like & eventually bring in the piano for Father Mulcahy to play for a sing a long. And pass around his floppy hat & do impressions of him.
He was, by all accounts, a terrifically nice man. An activist for autism on behalf of his own son & other
84 is good years but cancer can still kiss my arse. He deserved better.
For those of us of a certain age, one last tough goodbye for the year.
Thanks, sir.
William Christopher obit

"The Hippopotamus"

I remember reading a review of the Stephen Fry novel when it was released, stating there would be a point where you'd have to put the book down and just walk away to process for about 2 weeks. But you'd have to return to see how it all turns out. I scoffed, purchased it anyhow and dove in the fiercely smart & funny words he'd put together.
And about 3/4 of the through, I put it down and walked away. Not for two whole weeks but definitely a few days.
I'd have guessed it unfilmable but they've had a go. Can't think of anyone more perfect to pull off the lead role than Roger Allam. Count in Tovey, McInnerny. Shaw. All worth a watch.
Fingers crossed it's the thoroughly inappropriate dark comedy we all deserve.

"The Hippopotamus" trailer