The Riverside Rambler

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

2011-12-02T20:55:00.002-05:00

So I rarely Blog, and even more rarely write in my journal but lately aside from teaching 7 high school classes and one at community college and raising 2 kids and working on my home business and working security at Rams Head and working on my house I have been building a youtube channel. So please check out this link to my latest video a stop motion animation of my recent de-bearding. Please subscribe if you'd like to see more, check out some of my other videos and old student videos from my class and feel free to share with friends! Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZIJVTVFA5A&feature=channel_video_title

kinetic sculpture race may 7

2011-04-19T21:42:00.002-04:00

What to do about getting things done

2010-11-15T21:16:00.003-05:00

To my whopping 6 followers,

Sorry but this is more of a public verbal vomiting done in an attempt to semi-constructively avoid doing work for school. Somehow by writing , even if it will never be read, I can say I did something tonight besides watching the latest such and such show or updating my facebook status. Tonight I made a self-indulgent entry in a neglected blog! Maybe it is because I am tired of reading student articles for my newspaper... but this feels good.

I am often motivated by counterproductive practices. It might not be such a strange thing but it seems to me to be unusual that I get the most done when I am busiest. When I have very little to do, I do nothing; and when I have more on my plate than I can handle, I squeeze things in-between to test my efficiency. I can do more in the 1 hour I am home between teaching at 2 different schools than I'll do on a saturday off, just because I am off. When I'm off, I prefer to do nothing at all. This is the time I should be using most wisely to accomplish all those things I put off for when I have more time, then wait around to do until the thing is due to be done momentarily or I am blind-sidedly reminded that the thing for which my timely efforts was required has already passed.

I have previously and often lately noted that my talents are too focused on the present and far too unconscious of the future or reminiscent of the past. This of course speaks to my haphazard organization and my faulty record of sending notes of thanks or paying bills for that matter. I am so lucky to have Kristen to do that for me. Maybe this is why my sister thinks I should be the liberal answer to Rush and Drudge. I'd be happy to spread left-leaning rumors that make the world hate me more than the ones really in charge. Maybe I could draw some of the lightning off the ones that have the power to really make changes. I'd probably make things worse but I could channel my abilities to shoot from the hip, to reason with cynicism, and to cite problems without carefully measuring the implications or possible solutions, really stir the pot!

What lout would want that job? It would mean a semi-private life turned public, call attention to my inadequacies, and surely fuel my paranoia about the great American conspiracy. This past summer I deluded myself, thinking I could just decide to become a small business owner, and poof, it would happen. Maybe I should work on my contentedness at my current position, take stock in my wonderful family, and simply try not to procrastinate so often. I'll start tomorrow...

Joe Wilson is a douchebag

2009-09-10T18:42:00.002-04:00

** WARNING** If you are offended by foul language, DO NOT READ the following post.

In a speech that called for working together, ending bickering and putting forth common sense solutions instead of purporting preposterous rumors in order to stymie progress, Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina had the gaul to shout "You lie" at the President.

What a fucking douche.

First, check your facts before you fire up some militant gun show nut jobs. Not that anyone who would believe this racist moron would actually read anything except the bullshit fair and balanced insignia stamped on Fox News, but for due diligence, check out:

http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2009/sep/09/joe-wilson/joe-wilson-south-carolina-said-obama-lied-he-didnt/

If you want to find out more about this loose lipped yokel and you feel like getting your liberal feathers ruffled further check out:

http://dailykos.com/

I am usually one to only blog about the good things in life. Anyone can go online and spout unfounded garbage like Mr. Wilson, but when he decided it was his place to verbally accost the President of the United States on national television, I was inspired to in turn lose my ability to hold my tongue. Regardless of how you feel about President Obama, that was an inexcusable and deliberate attempt to slander the man who is trying to find common ground solutions to fix the problems left behind by ignorant, self-serving, egotistical assholes like Wilson. Who does he think he is? Dick Cheney? At least that guy spins his yarn of crap when his face is on screen instead of shouting from the wings.

Wedding Videos in Baltimore

2009-09-08T18:56:00.002-04:00

For weddings, bar & bat-mitzvahs, and any other grand occasion that you need video taped in the greater Baltimore area, contact Andy Hanover at Aura Productions. I have had the pleasure of working with Andy for 4 years now in my day job at Lansdowne High School and have for the past few years been trying to compete with him in the wedding video market. After seeing the time and effort Andy puts into his products and making his clients happy, I have come to realize that there is no use trying to compete.

Andy is a Master of Arts in Video Production from America University and has produced several small market television shows in the past. For 17 years, Andy has been producing video and film in the Baltimore area. He is a true professional with very reasonable rates who does everything he can to ensure that your special day memories are well preserved. Take my word for it or check out the following link:

http://www.marriedinmaryland.com/tips/guide-to-choosing-a-maryland-wedding-videographer.html

Visit his site at www.auraproductionsinc.com to see Andy and get an idea of all he has to offer.

Home Remodeling Recommendation

2009-09-07T14:25:00.003-04:00

For home remodeling projects from hail storm siding damage to design and build kitchen additions, check out Kris Konstruction. I have seen this company's work both at trade shows and in person and have found their craftsmanship to be outstanding, their people to be professional and the products they carry (like WoodMode Cabinets) to be top shelf. While I haven't been able to contract Kris Konstruction myself, I can recommend this company as if I had due to my experience working with them. After having done some design work for the company I was asked to help staff their spot at the Timonium Home Show and had the pleasure of meeting quite a few of their former customers. It was amazing to me how many people had sought out Kris and his brother Kevin at the show in order to thank them again for a job well done. One couple even helped me set an appointment with a new customer simply by raving about the quality and professionalism they received from Kris Konstruction.

Take my word or theirs, or call them up and ask for references (you'll get as many as you'd like), Kris Konstruction is worth a look if you have a need for a remodeling project or addition that will be indistinguishable from your current home. You can't beat their Unconditional Labor Guarantee which comes as piece of mind, because its not like they have a repair crew rolling around. They do it right, to your specifications, the first time. If you already know Kris Konstruction or have had work done by them before you can find them on Facebook, become a fan, and post your remodeling story. If you have never heard of them before, I encourage you to check out their website and call for a free estimate. Be sure to tell them I sent you because their referral program is excellent. You too can get some money on the back end just by showing off your beautiful new home addition and sending people to Kris Konstruction.

Beat Back 2 School Blues with Chalk

2009-09-02T20:15:00.002-04:00

The Sundance Channel is now showing Chalk a 2006 improvisational dramedy about the trials teaching in a Texas high school that is a little more than rough around the edges. Writer/director Mike Akel put together an outstanding cast of unknowns that at first glance appear to be subject of a true life documentary on teaching. Its not until poor teaching practices are shamelessly enacted in front of the camera without reservation that the comedic aspect becomes readily apparent.

Once the mock-umentary gloves are off the hilarity ensues. A female vice principle coming home for the third time after 10pm admits woefully in an at home confessional that she has not had sex with her husband in three weeks. The teachers compete in an urban slang spelling bee of words like "shawty" and "fo'shizzle"while one teacher looses his cool again and again at the direction of his antagonizing students. Fights, lesson plan critiques, inter-staff relationships, and petty cash and yogurt theft are all spoofed with witty dialogue and quality physical humor. The same administrator flips the bird at her telephone in one scene while talking to a parent of a student who is arguing her son's innocence in a case of knife possession in school.

Maybe its that the school, its students, and some of the faculty remind me a little to much of people I interact with at work but I found this film much funnier than its 2 star Comcast rating. If you are a teacher, know a teacher or just remember good times giving your old teachers hard times, you'll likely appreciate this film. Check it out on Sundance On Demand or your favorite DVD by mail service as Blockbuster will not likely carry this somewhat obscure title.

Will Smith is an Actor!

2009-08-22T23:05:00.003-04:00

In Six Degrees of Separation Will Smith establishes himself as an actor aside Stockard Channing and the more talented of the two Sutherlands, father Donald. In this film Will portrays a con man believed to be the son of Sidney Portier. This Heavily dialogue driven play turned movie takes lace in a back and forth present-past account of a wealthy art collecting couple who naively allows Smith into their lives and apartment. this 1993 film played tonight on WETA/MPT as the Saturday evening movie and was a welcome reprieve from the disjointed silliness that was spent 2 hours prior, trying to understand the purpose of Max Payne. That movie was an assault on the career of Mark Wahlberg. This might account for some of my excitement in seeing an actor I seldom enjoy get it right. Smith is entirely believable in this role, which closely followed the final season of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

The role breaks many molds for Smith who not only portrays the bad guy for the first time but also a closet homosexual. Coincidences pile upon happenstance and the plot thickens with questions of how and why this young faux-riche con artist is actually duping the wealthy couples he visits. The plot is as intriguing as it is frustrating, but these are the motives that keep one watching a movie on public television. Rent this one when you aren't planning on doing much conversing during a film, unless you don't care for interesting plot twists and sensible dialogue. In the latter case Max Payne might be right up your alley.

Mac Repair in Baltimore

2009-08-19T18:43:00.003-04:00

Looking for quality repairs for your out-of-warranty Mac? Not interested in driving to Towson, to take a number, to set an appointment for an hour and a half later, to talk to a "genius" that is only going to ask you if you have the apple care extended warranty, to get looked at like you are an idiot for not getting the warranty and being handed a list of other service providers? Save yourself the hassle of dealing with the apple store, leave that to the Mom's who'll wait an hour to find out why she can't load iTunes to her iPod from her daughter's Dell.

In Hampden, thankfully there is an option. I was actually turned on to Chesapeake Systems 2 years ago by one of those so called geniuses after having done all of the above. Now I know that when my completely adequate iBook G4 that I purchased in 2005 goes on the fritz I have somewhere I can go for support. Mind you Chesapeake Systems is not cheap. A diagnostic test will run you $125.00 but the cost of the test is subtracted from your final repair bill if you should choose to go along with the technicians recommendations.

In my first repair experience the hard drive swap was handled in-house and all of my data (including downloaded programs) was able to be saved in a folder and reinstalled. I have only had this and my latest problem a Main Logic Board failure which is not too bad for a 4+ year old computer. This latest issue did cost me nearly $400 but this was due to having to ship the computer to California for a factory repair. I am at this time pleasantly satisfied to have my Mac back and have it working well.

I know Macs are expensive but at least if you are a one of the few proud mac owners in Baltimore, with Chesapeake Systems you have someone to turn to other than a Best Buy geek who likely has never touched a Mac or a high school kid dubbed genius by a retail manager. It's a little hard to find but once you do you'll find yourself going there again, they offer training too!

Breaking fast with some Classic Mickey Rourke

2009-08-18T18:38:00.007-04:00

OK, so I've given up. A hiatus form technology in the heart of The Greatest City in America (according to our bus benches) is not possible! The more I thought about ways to avoid technology, the more I found myself recognizing the presence of technology at every turn so, this morning, after luckily avoiding jury duty, I turned on the TV and vegged out to a little Showtime and was thoroughly entertained by a late 80's film, The Pope of Greenwich Village.

This film doesn't touch the pristine dialogue and storytelling of one of my favorites and arguably Baltimore's greatest director Barry Levinson's film Diner. But it does offer a similarly compelling look at the former Mickey Rourke, prior to his collapse and self-imposed exile. The movie also offers a uniquely foolish character portrayal by Eric Roberts and an almost believable mafioso character by Burt Young (of Rocky fame).

Rourke plays a street smart small time thief who finds himself wrapped up in a shotty scheme by his bumbling boyhood friend Roberts. The story is comically paced by 80's synth sound-scapes and nostalgic skyline shots of late 20th century New York City. The accidental dramedy is also highlighted by several striking appearances by Darryl Hannah in her prime who plays Rourke's girlfriend and anchors a very nice aerobics class scene.

So for an easy showtime on demand rental or to assuage the blockbuster new release seen-it-all's, check out this 1980's gem for some decent drama, a few laughs (at Eric Robert's acting) and a look back at Rourke and Hannah before they became unrecognizable poster children for taking care of your face.

Tech Reprieve

2009-08-14T23:03:00.002-04:00

I must first recognize the absurdity of blogging about taking a technological reprieve. At least I thought of the idea today when I was swimming in Stony Creek and not after running out of energy on Mafia Wars. I have but one week left of my summer break before school begins, my laptop is in the shop, and I have plenty to do around the house besides dancing with my daughter.

It is also odd to think of backing off the computer when I have just printed myself business cards for a graphic design company I am trying to start with my wife. Now, more than ever I need to be on the computer, learning dream weaver, honing my Illustrator skills, building layouts in inDesign and researching design trends. So why am I writing about trying to put it all at arms length?

I cut grass twice in the past week. I went swimming in the Atlantic and the Chesapeake. I’ve been drawing again. I watched Ghostbusters over some Clipper City Marz Hon and Natty Boh with friends while sitting on the side of Federal Hill. Even in my first and last example there was technology in the works. It is omnipresent in my life but it is the natural things that I am drawn to. The fresh smell of the grass once cut, the current’s drag and the fish’s flutter at the surface, the practice of intently visualizing forms into shapes and dragging them out of lifeless graphite, and the wetness that settles after a morning’s rain is drawn out of the ground by the cotton of my shorts are the mementos I found myself appreciating.

I think it is the process of writing that I am trying to get at here. I’ve never been an avid writer or reader for that matter. I have a private journal but to tell about it would defeat the purpose and I seem to be doing enough of that lately. Maybe it’s turning 30 tomorrow or my daughter growing faster than I could have ever imagined, but I am pretty sure something is driving me to think about things more measured sense. I am setting goals, building a portfolio, and trying to be as “out there” as possible. I’m trying to live the dream and right now my dreams are at odds. One is telling me to work like a mad man, blog about the 40th anniversary of Woodstock man, make some design samples man, set up a website man and the other voice is whispering sweetly in my ear “smell the roses, smell the roses, smell the roses.”

So, I leave this blog for as long as I can stand it with a lengthy inhale and a sigh of contentment.

Farmer's Market at the BMI

2009-08-04T15:09:00.003-04:00

I am compelled to post about my recent treasure trove of edible delights I gathered at the Baltimore Museum of Industry's Farmer's Market this past Saturday. From 9am to 1pm on Saturday's only, the BMI hosts a smattering of local MD and lower PA farmers and a few local artists. The South Baltimore community seems to have responded well to the open-air market that operates waterside under the giant BMI pavilion. Each of the two times I've made the journey down to key Highway, attendance was substantial. Approximately 10 food stands from fresh Breads, to goat cheese, to produce and the Omega 3 stand of eggs and beef line the edge of the pavilion divided by a painter of local 1950's era hot spots, two polar opposites in jewelry design and a grunge-funk wall hanging artist. This past week a lemonade stand also popped up to the delight of some of the younger and more thirsty shoppers. While I haven't yet found any art I had to take home, the food always leaves me delighted in quantity, quality and freshness.

This past trip I collected the following for a mere $40.00:
1 3.5oz. jar of apple butter
1 3.5 oz jar of pear butter
1/2 dozen ears of corn
1 dozen donut peaches
2 fist sized tomatoes
1 large zucchini
1 medium yellow squash
1 large cucumber
1 pint of tremendous blackberries
1/4 lb. of smoked hummus
1lb of fresh mozzarella
1 dozen eggs
4 hamburger patties
and a canvas shopping bag!

While I'm sure one could gather the above items for cheaper by shopping around at various local grocers, there is no comparison in my mind that could feasibly equal the selection, variety and value present at the BMI market. You do have to shop around a bit but that means crossing the breezy pavilion and sampling some goat cheese and honey wheat bread. Believe me, that's a process I can handle. I can not recommend this outstanding collection of vendors enough to friends and family. The BMI even has a table offering canvas bags for $2 that earn the purchaser two reduced admissions to the museum.

So, for top shelf produce at roadside prices, with a gorgeous view and plenty of safe parking right out front, skip the under the bridge version and head south to the BMI for the Farmers' market any Saturday between now and October 31st. Maybe you'll see me there on Halloween dressed in full costume gathering some late corn and early Christmas presents.

Dr. No on the Hill

2009-07-31T18:45:00.004-04:00

Last night I had the pleasure of combining two of my favorite things, movies and Baltimore. Thursdays in the summer the American Visionary Art Museum http://www.avam.org/ hosts Flicks on the Hill. If you've ever been you know the deal: bring a blanket, some food and drink, a little bug spray and your love of movies to Federal Hill between 8 and 9pm to get your spot on the east side of the hill. Once a week, all summer, movies are projected on an enormous screen that almost seems to descend from the giant golden hand on the back side of the museum. Concessions are available but it is BYOB and you are welcome to pack a full picnic or as two of last nights film fiends did, pack a hookah! Baltimoreans of all kinds come out to view films for free and visit the museum for free as well between 5 and 9 on Flicks nights.

Last night was the Ian Flemming classic Dr. No starring Sean Connery as James Bond chasing some of the most ridiculously non-Asians playing evil Chinese terrorists. I had forgotten how much of this particular Bond flick is directly parodied by the Austin Powers series. So, if you are a fan of the mojo detective check out Dr. No for the inspiration behind Dr. Evil's costume, the decontamination shower and many other great Bond references. I had also forgotten how truly hilarious the Bond dialogue is, even if it is not supposed to be. What must have passed for smooth talk and snappy comebacks in Connery's early years is now campy and awkward.

The movie might not have been a cinematic masterpiece but the experience is always outstanding. There is something special about seeing movies outside in general (Bengie's Drive-in is also a lot of fun!) but the Harbor East skyline and the constant calls from the "Candyman, Candyman, Candyman" bring something extra to the table. There are only 2 Flicks on the Hill nights left this summer. Next week is The King and I and August 13th AVAM will be showing Ghostbusters, and if you know me, you know I won't miss that one.

Gallery Imperato Film Fest!

2009-07-29T21:12:00.001-04:00

The current show at South Baltimore's Gallery Imperato is, for the first time, presented on screens large and small. This new collection of short films was assembled by Director Cheri Landry from a nationwide call for entries. The call was specific to artists exhibiting at other 2009 film festivals, so there isn't any content exclusive to Imperato but the show itself is a unique collection that won't be presented together elsewhere.

The artists in the Imperato Film Fest exude professionalism within a genre of undefined expectations. The subjects vary from an autobiographical journey made by a boarding pass to a septuagenarian dancing in a Snow White Mask. These two are entertaining in a comedic sense but the presentations by Butler University Assistant Professor Gautam Rao and San Francisco designer Bill Domonkos dominated the gallery space with size and movement.

Domonkos’ “Nocturne” is the first film seen projected adjacent to the gallery entrance. The sound track and vintage style recall Georges Méliès’ “Le Voyage dans la Lune” without considering the moon motif in the short. Heads are replaced by a glowing lunar orb, illustrating the nonsensical meanderings of a boy’s dream. Rao’s “Restless Portrait: A Disappearing Painting” is a time-lapse animated portrait of a mustachioed man painted over and again on top of itself. The brush strokes seem to magically appear as the artist’s hand is never seen but his skill is readily apparent.

Eleven short films in all adorn the stylish rehabbed foundry on Fort Avenue, just east of Lawrence Street. Stop in to Gallery Imperato to see mosquitoes generating power, a man pretending to be a cow, or a human spider on the wall. Stay for dinner at the trendy Wine Market next door to discuss your viewing experience. You’ll surely have a lot to talk about.

$3.50 Fish Sammy Whoo Hoo!

2009-07-28T19:13:00.003-04:00

Tuesdays for me means Captian Larry's, an old Row home and corner store combined into one of the best neighbor hood bars in Baltimore. As I'd hope any regular might think of his own haunt, I do in fact beleive Larry's could stand up to most any neighborhood style bar in the world. Larry's is the one spot in the Federal Hill/South Baltimore area that I couldn't imagine anyone complaining about. They are rarely empty but when they are its a warm and intiviting emptiness that masks the anticipation of the crowd to come. The prices are low, the food is deliciously fresh (which is of utmost importance in bar food), and the staff is the friendliest. Captian Larry's is operated by by Ivars and Mara, siblings I hear, who are almost always on-hand in the bar.

"Why Tuesdays?" Someone actually reading this might ask... Tuesdays is kids night. No Cussin' 'til 9pm. and 1/2 price Fish Sandwiches. The Islamorada (named after one of the Florida Keys) Fish sandwich is a hearty boneless filet of Mahi Mahi that seems broiled with herbs, served on hearty rye bread and topped with pickles tomato and mayo. There might have been some lettuce in there but it never lasts long enough on my plate for a thorough examination. At a reglaur price of only $7, half-price night is a no brainer. Other fine menu items are the fish tacos, the HoJo style fried clams, the Baltimore Magazine rated Crab Cakes and the super salty Onion Soup and whatever inventive nightly special is going on.

If you are in the Batimore area because you live here, for the big game, or are just riding through 95, Captian Larry's on the corner of Fort Avenue and Belt Street is a spot worth checking out. Tell them I sent you.

3 favorites revisited

2009-07-28T11:40:00.003-04:00

my movie watching this week has been intermittant but fortuitous as three of my all time favorites were played on retroplex or indieplex, I forget which, and I just happened to catch most of each of them inbetween diapers and fits. I thought afterward that i should at least post some justification for having these on my faves list or at best inspire someone to see one of the three for the first time.

The first of the 3 that got me going was The Hudsucker Proxy a 90's era film about 40's era big business corruption and the genius of a simple man caught in the middle. Tim Robbins and Paul Newman give stellar performances in this film that compliment the dramatic cinematography, and melodiuosly edited transition sequences. The illustration of Barnes's (Robbins) idea "you know for kids" from concept at the board room to production and development to the Hula Hoop sales craze is a demonstration of the art of film making. Aside from the obvios technical merits of the film, and the top shelf cast, The Hudsucker Proxy is my random pick of the week for anyone who might have missed it or needs a refresher course in film style.

That same afternoon my childhood favorite (however inappropriate), Animal House graced my big screen for the first time. Realizing that I hadn't seen the film since college and the last time I had a VCR hooked up anywhere, I was hooked into the last hour of the film signing along with Otis Day and the Nights and quoting morelines than i thought I could remember. It may be a little out of touch with today's college kid as scenes like the Fawn Liebowitz plot would no longer be possible but pouring mustard on oneself because you were too drunk to comprehend what you are doing should ring true to the techno-junkie generation. I would almost ignorantly assume that everyone on earth had seen this movie if it were not for a complete lack of recognition form my high school students when I utter references like "You guys playin cards?" or "Do you mind if we dance with your dates?" and I get nothing back. Maybe my references come from one too many viewings but again, if you've seen it or not this is one worth viewing again and again.

The last one is for Beatles fans who have somehow been on Mars for the last 2 years. See Across the Universe and see it again. The story that Julie Taymor, Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais weave together with some of the best of the Beatle catalog is tremendously impressive. Each song used feels as much a part of the story as if it were written with the movie in mind. Often the movie drifts into a music video type of feel and the illustratio of the lyrics takes you on an interpretive ride that seems to have come from a deeper understanding of the events of the time than I think many fans of the Beatles would be able to garner on thier own. The scenes for I Want You, Strawberry Fields and Hey Jude left me wide mouthed in awe.

So if the new releases aren't doing anything for you and somehow you found my blog, check out one of my favorites and let me know what you think.

Reading while watching a movie... Yay!

2009-07-23T11:10:00.003-04:00

Foreign Film Alert! Black and white too! Still reading? You might just have some taste in film. Les Diaboliques is a suspense thriller that is not to be missed. This one comes highly recommended at 8.3 of 10 on IMDB with a spoiler alert. It also closes with a pre-credits plea to the viewer not to reveal the ending to friends and the original poster tagline was "See it, be amazed at it, but... BE QUIET ABOUT IT!" So... Shhhhh... don't tell anybody, but Les Diaboliques is a great film. sure the actign could have been a little more subtle and the camerawork was plain but this was 1950's French Cinema. This movie was even banned in Finland for 2 years! Now I'm building things up a bit... aside from some false eyeballs, women conspiring to kill a man, and a little see through nightie top, there really isn't anything too shocking in the film. This is just simmply a good story. At times I was reminded of The Telltale Heart but overall the suspense was palpable and the twists barely predictable. If you can find it online and especially if you understand French rent this one for sure.

2 New to Rent

2009-07-22T18:34:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, as I often do on Tuesdays, I walked to Blockbuster to see what was new. As those of us obsessed with seeing movies as soon as they are reasonably priced know; Tuesday is the day for the brand new releases. This week marked the DVD release of Coraline and Watchmen.

Watchmen seemed more exciting for the evening viewing and after 2 hours and 40 minutes of unnecessary sex scenes, back story that seemed to leave too many questions unanswered, a blue dude who kept losing his magic thong, and one anti-climax after another I was just tired of watching Watchmen. I didn't think the movie was bad, just long and somehow disappointing. It is possible that I was thrown out of the movie experience and missed some of the aura during our two screaming baby pauses, but those lasted only long enough to grab a fresh pacifier, bounce a few times and snag a tasty libation. It is also possible that I didn't get the wow factor because I, like most people I know, did not read the graphic novel. I must, however, say that after seeing the movie I have no interest in reading the book. In Yoda: entertained for the evening, I was. But, look forward to the sequel, I will not do.

Coraline however was a few hours of afternoon fun I'd recommend to almost anyone. The disc comes in both 2-D and 3-D so make sure if renting to ask for the free 3-D glasses and put the disc in bottom side up for a sweet 3-D experience. Another note on 3-D, relax your exes and just look at the menu for as long as you can stand it, up to 5 minutes, before playing the movie. It really does take some time for your eyes to adjust, kind like the magic eye books in the mall. If you can stand the adjustment period the 3-d effect is pretty cool. Knowing nothing about this movie prior to viewing it, I was anticipating a typical Tim Burton animated triumph and that is what he delivered. The storyline loosely resembles Alice in Wonderland but otherwise was a unique little girl overcoming obstacles to realize that her parents aren't as bad as she thought they were kind of story. Definately check out Coraline even if you don't have kids, as mine surely isn't old enough to appreciate 3-D animation at its finest.

Fatherhood 2 weeks in...

2009-07-20T19:16:00.002-04:00

So its been 2 week since we brought lil' Rae home from the hospital and I am wondering how anyone could walk away from this honored position. In a city like Baltimore, where raising kids is practically a one-woman institution I am tempted to feel like I am raising the bar by doing what is only naturally expected. I had no illusions that raising a baby would be work, and I'm not surprised by the time committment. I was there for 10 months trying to cater to the needs of my ever swelling wife. Now the task of fatherhood is rewarded with gassy smiles, adorable yawns and heart-melting sighs as she falls asleep on my chest.

I couldn't imagine missing all these precious moments. As I write now Rae is struggling to find that spot in my neck where she can be comfotable. I could go on but the wings have arrived... I close with a mesage to all those Dad's who think they are getting away with not having to take care of ther kids. You have no idea what you are missing, if you do and still you stay away, there is something wrong with your priorities.

Subway: Eat Less!

2009-07-19T23:40:00.004-04:00

So I promised some well earned wisdom on the pleasures of good eats and here is my first exclamation: Stop eating Subway! I know the 5 dollar foot long song is catchy as hell but the only thing worse than Subway in the sandwich world is McDonald's and that at least has some clout as a guilty pleasure.

In general Subway has a good idea but its done so much better by just about anyone else. 8 years of Long Island deli frequenting taught me the palatable delights of the "Hero". Whether you call it a Sub, Grinder, Hoagie or Hero the long roll sandwich is where its at for lunch lovers with a big appetite. The home of the "Sandwich Artist" is probably the worst at the art of the sandwich by fault of their ingredients alone. The meat is scant, the veggies waxy, the cheese tasteless and the bread... fresh baked rubber.

If you live in Baltimore, or are visiting the area, you'll surely be able to point out a dozen establishments where a decent cheese steak or meatball sub is available, but a choice deli cold cut style sandwich is harder to find. Its probably because the best sub shop in Baltimore is camouflaged as an Ice Cream Parlor. Beach Bums on Light St. just north of the Cross Street Market is a treat for fans of the sub, sandwich, ice cream and from what I've heard, cream of crab soup.

I have never had the personal pleasure of trying their soup as apparently every time they make some, word travels so fast around South Baltimore that they run out in an hour or two at most. Its likely that's because the crab is fresh from the market just down the block. I have however sampled a variety of Beach Bum's offerings between the bread. The Alcatraz is a face stretching off the boat Italian cold cut sub worthy of the Hero label. Beach Bums also has many more interesting selections like the Mother Clucker (chunky and creamy chicken salad with sliced hard boiled egg and bacon) and anything featuring their roast beef au jus, the pretzel roll, or the chef's special sauce featured in the daily special sandwich, which is always good enough to order blind if you're adventureous.

Stay for Hershey's Ice Cream dessert or hit Dangerously Delicious pies next door for a slice of heaven. Even if you are not a dessert person, because you might not have room after a monster sub with a free pickle and utz chips, Beach Bums is the hidden lunch gem that everyone shold know about. For extra fun you can even stop a poor sap on his or her way into the Subway restaurant next door. Trust me they'll thank you.

The Michael Game

2009-07-19T12:15:00.002-04:00

Anyone know what happened to the muscle-bound, chain-wearing, sax-playing hair band front man from the boardwalk party in the beginning of The Lost Boys?

My college friends and I tried making a drinking game out of this movie a few times, beer shot every time the name Michael is said, never made it to the end of the movie.

Sobriety allows one to witness the quintessential outrageously 80's style of the campy vampire flick starring the Coreys at the height of their careers. I recommend watching it again either way, especially for fans of the True Blood and Twilight series.

2 Films by dead Beatles

2009-07-19T11:05:00.000-04:00

Quite by accident, I happened to screen two films by the two deceased members of the Beatles two days apart. I use the Blockbuster Online ordering system to search for movies of varying interest to me. Some weeks ago I was researching the artist Ralph Steadman in order to better understand the background of the artist introduced to me by a student. His violent penmanship lettering style struck me immediately recalling his Cover artwork for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Further inquiry lead me to Withnail and I, a british film from the mid 1980's that is much of the same subject as the Depp film. This one however seemed to be either adapted from the writings of Hunter S. Thompson or inspired by whomever he was reading befoer deciding to verbalize the insanity of a drug-enduced fantastical journey among friends. Withnail and I also caught my eye because of its production credit to George Harrison. I thought outstanding musician, cool artist, must be a great movie! I was a bit off , as it became readily apparent that the actors make or break a film and the relatively unknowns playing the title charachters broke this one. The story is essentially of two out of work "actors" who never really try to ge a part or audition going on a trip to the countryside to do various silly things with passersby. I couldn't even finish it in two sittings so no spoiler report necessary.

The second dead Beatle film I watched recently was How I won the War starring John Lennon. This film is a study in ridiculous artistic expression on film. From multi-colored explosion montages inserted mid-conversation to actors painted head to toe as green or pink "army men". This film left me with more questions about Lennon's opinion of war than I had before I sat mezmerized befoer the obvious farce with almost lapstick type humor and tongue-in-cheek jokes that are lost in droll delivery. I reccomend this to be put on as a background conversation starting visual display at a party with the sound off. You'll get the infrequent Lennon sighting and "why is that Army man pink?" to talk about when conversation lulls and everyone will get about as much out of it as if they had screened the whole thing at home alone.

First!

2009-07-19T09:46:00.000-04:00

First! well, of course... its my blog. and at this point I'm not quite sure what this blog is going to be about. Its likely that this will read as disorganized stream of consciousness, as that is how I think but as a large man and movie lover it is also likely that many of my posts will food or Baltimore restaurants and movies I'm watching. I am also a father now for 2 weeks so my journey of discovery in that arena will also be a topic of discussion. I close with the need to cook eggs and sausage...