- Woody Allen
I found this idea over here at a blog I've been checking out occassionally.
Essentially, the deal is to search through random quotes over in this in this pile, find 5 quotes that reflect who you are and/or what you believe and post 'em. Like this:
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt
"To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge." - Benjamin Disraeli
"Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress." - Mahatma Gandhi
"When you feel in your gut what you are and then dynamically pursue it -don't back down and don't give up- then you're going to mystify a lot of folks." - Bob Dylan
"If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything." - Mark Twain
"Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possiblity." - Oprah Winfrey
and, as an extra throw in because I think it's particularly relevant for our time:
"Thanks to TV and for the convenience of TV, you can only be one of two kinds of human beings, either a liberal or a conservative." - Kurt Vonnegut
...you might as well include the internet
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Saturday, August 05, 2006
on building up films
Projectionists who use masking tape for splicing when they're breaking down films to ship out are, in my mind, complete animals.
...and I mutter that to myself every time I see it.
that's not to mention you out there who cut splices instead of peeling them off. Who raised you people??
...and I mutter that to myself every time I see it.
that's not to mention you out there who cut splices instead of peeling them off. Who raised you people??
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Reviews from the booth...Sophie Scholl
It's time again, children, for another 'review from the booth'...the column in which I -a projectionist at a small independant theatre- reviews for you - the breathlessly awaiting audience- films that come through. The twist is that I don't always get to watch the whole thing. Ha! Isn't that just the darndest?
What's special about today's edition is that I probably saw a combined time of one minute of the movie I played on Friday night: Sophie Scholl. The reasons had nothing to do with the actual movie...well, other than one of them is that the movie looks so serious and informative that I didn't want to watch it while working, I want to watch it when the theatre is someone else's responsibility so I can concentrate. Another reason is that I was having a shift of hell that day and the place (as I mentioned before) is not fully air conditioned (I am impressively stinky by the end of my shift, let me tell you) and...AND I ran to the theatre to be there early enough to build the film hours before I played it. That last one is no big deal, really, 'cept that I hadn't built a film for a long time, it was my first time on the new system and I ALWAYS get g-damn nervous.
And now for the review:
It looks good.
I realized on Friday that I can often tell how good a movie is by the body language and facial expressions of the audience that is filing out. If we have a sad/poignant film, if it's good there's a few tell tale signs:
a/ the more people who do not get up during the credits and instead opt to stay in their seats out of respect for the film they just experienced and also to allow themselves time to get ahold of themselves...the better the movie.
b/ people who leave the theatre have a few different ways of dealing with re-entering the current and real world. Some people will stare straight ahead and wander out on their own accord. These people do not want you to ask how the movie was...they don't even want to make eye contact. Others need to talk to you. They need to discuss their thoughts and feelings.
All this is not unlike the reaction to a small real tragedy. In a good movie, THAT'S what you're looking for.
For Sophie Scholl...THAT'S what you're looking for.
Sophie Scholl...and remember, I haven't seen it. Is essentially the biography of the last 6 days in the live of a woman who was part of an underground resistance movement with views to overthrow the Nazi regime.
So..as you can see, when I watch a group of people exiting the theatre as though they've just been part of some sort of train wreck, I'm relatively assured that it is money well spent.
What's special about today's edition is that I probably saw a combined time of one minute of the movie I played on Friday night: Sophie Scholl. The reasons had nothing to do with the actual movie...well, other than one of them is that the movie looks so serious and informative that I didn't want to watch it while working, I want to watch it when the theatre is someone else's responsibility so I can concentrate. Another reason is that I was having a shift of hell that day and the place (as I mentioned before) is not fully air conditioned (I am impressively stinky by the end of my shift, let me tell you) and...AND I ran to the theatre to be there early enough to build the film hours before I played it. That last one is no big deal, really, 'cept that I hadn't built a film for a long time, it was my first time on the new system and I ALWAYS get g-damn nervous.
And now for the review:
It looks good.
I realized on Friday that I can often tell how good a movie is by the body language and facial expressions of the audience that is filing out. If we have a sad/poignant film, if it's good there's a few tell tale signs:
a/ the more people who do not get up during the credits and instead opt to stay in their seats out of respect for the film they just experienced and also to allow themselves time to get ahold of themselves...the better the movie.
b/ people who leave the theatre have a few different ways of dealing with re-entering the current and real world. Some people will stare straight ahead and wander out on their own accord. These people do not want you to ask how the movie was...they don't even want to make eye contact. Others need to talk to you. They need to discuss their thoughts and feelings.
All this is not unlike the reaction to a small real tragedy. In a good movie, THAT'S what you're looking for.
For Sophie Scholl...THAT'S what you're looking for.
Sophie Scholl...and remember, I haven't seen it. Is essentially the biography of the last 6 days in the live of a woman who was part of an underground resistance movement with views to overthrow the Nazi regime.
So..as you can see, when I watch a group of people exiting the theatre as though they've just been part of some sort of train wreck, I'm relatively assured that it is money well spent.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Sunday, July 16, 2006
"They're equal now, so why don't they shut up?"
I've heard that spoken. Recently. More than once. About women. In different words.
To be honest, I'm not prepared to go into a feminist (and pro-male, too) rant about inequality between the genders. It's something I feel and can discuss when I'm with someone on my same page, but am not equipped yet to write about it at any length.
You see...I've gone through a feministic renewal. As one ought to in one's life one undergoes many metamorphoses and I have undergone one recently (or rather, am currently undergoing one). So, as it is often the case in these situations, I'm unable to coherently discuss said ch-ch-ch-changes (Bowie).
It would be difficult to make sense of it on paper/keyboard & monitor right now. Much like the linguistics post I keep working on and I'm not happy with.
Anyway...the point of all this yibber yabber is that I read this and I think she (The Hot Librarian) expresses herself beautifully.
To be honest, I'm not prepared to go into a feminist (and pro-male, too) rant about inequality between the genders. It's something I feel and can discuss when I'm with someone on my same page, but am not equipped yet to write about it at any length.
You see...I've gone through a feministic renewal. As one ought to in one's life one undergoes many metamorphoses and I have undergone one recently (or rather, am currently undergoing one). So, as it is often the case in these situations, I'm unable to coherently discuss said ch-ch-ch-changes (Bowie).
It would be difficult to make sense of it on paper/keyboard & monitor right now. Much like the linguistics post I keep working on and I'm not happy with.
Anyway...the point of all this yibber yabber is that I read this and I think she (The Hot Librarian) expresses herself beautifully.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Farmer's market highs and lows
I am currently having a love affair with the smoothie I just made out of the fruit I just bought at the farmer's market about 2 hours ago. Mango, cherry and strawberry...I am at the mercy of these ingredients.
They are also comforting me at my time of need since the wool lady I visit weekly (although she never remembers me...or at least she doesn't let on) has disappeared...gone. My heart started beating faster and my palms got sweaty as I searched all the other stalls in case she moved like a distraught mother looking for her child who's wandered too far away. Nothing. Just vegetables where once lay the brightly coloured, hand dyed, hand spun yarns I would dream about through the week.
Fuck.
They are also comforting me at my time of need since the wool lady I visit weekly (although she never remembers me...or at least she doesn't let on) has disappeared...gone. My heart started beating faster and my palms got sweaty as I searched all the other stalls in case she moved like a distraught mother looking for her child who's wandered too far away. Nothing. Just vegetables where once lay the brightly coloured, hand dyed, hand spun yarns I would dream about through the week.
Fuck.
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
some stuff
Now...
I thought that we did not pass judgement on others based on certain things. I thought that we did not pass judgement based on ethnicity, religion, gender,
-umm...personally, I think political leanings (as long as they aren't actively harmful) are in this list but of course we all pass judgement on those who's politics do not mesh with our own...however, although I think the coffee shop down the street ought to be perfectly able and allowed to post the sign "no anarchists" on their door...I just don't think it's particularly cool...anyway, where was I? -
, and/or sexual orientation...did I miss any? Oh yes..how could I forget as this is one of the points of this post. What one's country of origin...or residence...is. Which brings me to the unashamed bashing of Americans that I hear all the freaking time. It's not right. There is nothing wrong with Americans no matter what policies you disagree with. I think we've established in many other countries that the government is not the people....so why is it acceptable to bash Americans?
So, just because I'm Canadian, please do not think I will full heartly join you in your mindless bashing of foreigners...even if those foreigners happen to look and speak just like us. It's still not okay.
...and...with that in mind...just because I'm white does not mean that I will join in with your nods and winks when it comes to commenting on those of different colour. Strangers and acquaintances will make a comment on other ethnicities as if I got the white person newsletter and paid my white person dues so that I understand the white person talk. No. I do not accept your bigotry, even if I am white.
...and (thinking about the Stampede party I went to today where our recent acquirers met us (their newly acquirees) at the Palamino bar for an all afternoon eat/drink/boredom fest) just because I'm a girl and you're drunk does not mean you get to grab my arm and rub it as I'm making my way out the door. Or any time, for that matter. What is it with men and their uninvited touching?? None of my male friends who I spent the afternoon chatting with would have dreamed of grabbing my arm and rubbing it, so...Mr. Drunk and Dorky...why on earth did you think that it was a good idea? Besides, who goes to a work function to get laid?
...and...I need to admit that I am ashamed because of three events I just described to you (all of which occured today), none of the perpertrators received more than an akward pause and a change in subject. Well, the last guy got a icy look and a hasty exit...but the first two deserved much worse and I need to work on that.
I thought that we did not pass judgement on others based on certain things. I thought that we did not pass judgement based on ethnicity, religion, gender,
-umm...personally, I think political leanings (as long as they aren't actively harmful) are in this list but of course we all pass judgement on those who's politics do not mesh with our own...however, although I think the coffee shop down the street ought to be perfectly able and allowed to post the sign "no anarchists" on their door...I just don't think it's particularly cool...anyway, where was I? -
, and/or sexual orientation...did I miss any? Oh yes..how could I forget as this is one of the points of this post. What one's country of origin...or residence...is. Which brings me to the unashamed bashing of Americans that I hear all the freaking time. It's not right. There is nothing wrong with Americans no matter what policies you disagree with. I think we've established in many other countries that the government is not the people....so why is it acceptable to bash Americans?
So, just because I'm Canadian, please do not think I will full heartly join you in your mindless bashing of foreigners...even if those foreigners happen to look and speak just like us. It's still not okay.
...and...with that in mind...just because I'm white does not mean that I will join in with your nods and winks when it comes to commenting on those of different colour. Strangers and acquaintances will make a comment on other ethnicities as if I got the white person newsletter and paid my white person dues so that I understand the white person talk. No. I do not accept your bigotry, even if I am white.
...and (thinking about the Stampede party I went to today where our recent acquirers met us (their newly acquirees) at the Palamino bar for an all afternoon eat/drink/boredom fest) just because I'm a girl and you're drunk does not mean you get to grab my arm and rub it as I'm making my way out the door. Or any time, for that matter. What is it with men and their uninvited touching?? None of my male friends who I spent the afternoon chatting with would have dreamed of grabbing my arm and rubbing it, so...Mr. Drunk and Dorky...why on earth did you think that it was a good idea? Besides, who goes to a work function to get laid?
...and...I need to admit that I am ashamed because of three events I just described to you (all of which occured today), none of the perpertrators received more than an akward pause and a change in subject. Well, the last guy got a icy look and a hasty exit...but the first two deserved much worse and I need to work on that.
This just in...
...guy riding a horse down 4th St, barely holding on and slurring the words:
"...I don't drink and ride...no sir...I DON'T drink and ride..."
Sometimes I think there is a reason we stay here.
"...I don't drink and ride...no sir...I DON'T drink and ride..."
Sometimes I think there is a reason we stay here.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Reviews from the booth
Been awhile since I've done this...
Been awhile since i've watched a movie at work...
Actually, it's still been awhile since I've not watched more than 15 seconds of this movie at any time...
My impression after 6 screenings and a few peeps through the door?
*gag*
lame.
ugh.
gross.
Let me tell you why.
Firstly, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bollock.
Secondly, every freakin' time I poke my head into that theatre, I am repelled by what I see and cannot last longer than the 15 seconds mentioned earlier. Let's quickly examine this because I think it is relevant.
My theatre, by my city's standards, is old. Real old (again, by Calgary standards). The insulation has 'jumped the shark' many decades ago rendering it cold in the winter and reminiscent of Hades on days like the past two (both of which I've worked). The breath of Beelzebub himself flows forth from that projector some days.
The only air conditioned/fanned place in the building is inside the theatre in an effort to prevent our customers melting, evaporating and causing sudden thunderstorms while the film is running.
This all being true (and I swear to you it is)...don't you think I want to spend time inside the theatre instead of spreading my 'sitting time' evenly along the couch so that one side does not get sweat stained more than the other? G-damn I do! And Keanu is preventing me as much as if he was physically blocking the entrance.
Anyway...I see this:
Sandra Bullock crying beside her mailbox.
Keanu slowly walking through bushes.
Sandra and Keanu slowly dancing to Paul McCartney songs...
bleeech...ugh...please...no...
(and because of this movie, I've now got a serious bone to pick with Sir Paul as I wasn't aware of the crappy depths his writing could take)
Thirdly, you know when you're watching a tv show, or a movie...usually a comedy...and in it they are using a movie as whatever they need it for in the background? You know when you're meant to overhear whatever movie is playing they make it sound very typical to what ever genre it is supposed to be? Well, let me tell you something, Jack. Everytime that theatre door opens, that's what the movie sounds like. Strings and urgent conversation.
Not a big fan of the Lake House...
As a conversation with a couple went tonight as the late show was clearing out:
"Did you enjoy the film?"
"uh...no...not really"
"yeah...I haven't been tempted in the least. It seems far too sentimental and sappy for my tastes."
"why didn't you tell us this before?"
"I wanted your money before"
Been awhile since i've watched a movie at work...
Actually, it's still been awhile since I've not watched more than 15 seconds of this movie at any time...
My impression after 6 screenings and a few peeps through the door?
*gag*
lame.
ugh.
gross.
Let me tell you why.
Firstly, Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bollock.
Secondly, every freakin' time I poke my head into that theatre, I am repelled by what I see and cannot last longer than the 15 seconds mentioned earlier. Let's quickly examine this because I think it is relevant.
My theatre, by my city's standards, is old. Real old (again, by Calgary standards). The insulation has 'jumped the shark' many decades ago rendering it cold in the winter and reminiscent of Hades on days like the past two (both of which I've worked). The breath of Beelzebub himself flows forth from that projector some days.
The only air conditioned/fanned place in the building is inside the theatre in an effort to prevent our customers melting, evaporating and causing sudden thunderstorms while the film is running.
This all being true (and I swear to you it is)...don't you think I want to spend time inside the theatre instead of spreading my 'sitting time' evenly along the couch so that one side does not get sweat stained more than the other? G-damn I do! And Keanu is preventing me as much as if he was physically blocking the entrance.
Anyway...I see this:
Sandra Bullock crying beside her mailbox.
Keanu slowly walking through bushes.
Sandra and Keanu slowly dancing to Paul McCartney songs...
bleeech...ugh...please...no...
(and because of this movie, I've now got a serious bone to pick with Sir Paul as I wasn't aware of the crappy depths his writing could take)
Thirdly, you know when you're watching a tv show, or a movie...usually a comedy...and in it they are using a movie as whatever they need it for in the background? You know when you're meant to overhear whatever movie is playing they make it sound very typical to what ever genre it is supposed to be? Well, let me tell you something, Jack. Everytime that theatre door opens, that's what the movie sounds like. Strings and urgent conversation.
Not a big fan of the Lake House...
As a conversation with a couple went tonight as the late show was clearing out:
"Did you enjoy the film?"
"uh...no...not really"
"yeah...I haven't been tempted in the least. It seems far too sentimental and sappy for my tastes."
"why didn't you tell us this before?"
"I wanted your money before"
Friday, June 16, 2006
You are the wind beneath my wings...
I've been thinking about this lately and just recently became inspired to write...
One thing I've noticed since the Danish cartoon thing was huge...it seems to me that some people, in their way, insist that free speech/expression now includes not only saying what one will...but saying ANYTHING one can...just to prove they can. For instance, lets say...well...racist jokes and comments. One is, to some minds, now required to tell these jokes in defense of free speech. Without them, apparently, "the terrorists have won".
I say, in my defense of free speech, that one is allowed...even encouraged in some areas...to NOT say some things. Just because you can say something does not mean you have to march up to the mountaintop and scream it out for everyone to hear...and do so particularly if individuals or groups of individuals become offended because they have no business stomping all over your rights by being offended. It wrecks the fun.
Really...I am a strong proponent of free speech. So much so that I reserve the right to a/ not say things I don't want to, b/ differentiate between that which ought to be said in private and that should be said in public, and c/ feel free to tell other people what I think of what they just said (which, frankly, seems to me to be the most forgotten part).
About the Danish cartoons...
I was against the Western Standard's publication (publicity stunt) of them, but I did buy a copy of this month's Harper's magazine. The reason I was against one and for the other? Timing and context. The WS published these cartoons to rub noses in it and to make money. They capitialized on the timing by publishing this particular issue during the riots. And, a visit to the Shotgun Blog will show you that some of this magazine's readers and blog-commenters have no love for Islam or it's members and therefore little concern towards both sides of the issue. Harper's, on the other hand, published them much later...in fact, it's likely that most people had seen the cartoons by then. They invited that wonderful illustrator Art Spiegelman, the creator of Maus (which, if you haven't already read, you really ought to), to comment on the merit of each cartoon as a cartoon and rate the offensiveness of each. It was a truly interesting article.
What can I say? One had taste, the other didn't.
One thing I've noticed since the Danish cartoon thing was huge...it seems to me that some people, in their way, insist that free speech/expression now includes not only saying what one will...but saying ANYTHING one can...just to prove they can. For instance, lets say...well...racist jokes and comments. One is, to some minds, now required to tell these jokes in defense of free speech. Without them, apparently, "the terrorists have won".
I say, in my defense of free speech, that one is allowed...even encouraged in some areas...to NOT say some things. Just because you can say something does not mean you have to march up to the mountaintop and scream it out for everyone to hear...and do so particularly if individuals or groups of individuals become offended because they have no business stomping all over your rights by being offended. It wrecks the fun.
Really...I am a strong proponent of free speech. So much so that I reserve the right to a/ not say things I don't want to, b/ differentiate between that which ought to be said in private and that should be said in public, and c/ feel free to tell other people what I think of what they just said (which, frankly, seems to me to be the most forgotten part).
About the Danish cartoons...
I was against the Western Standard's publication (publicity stunt) of them, but I did buy a copy of this month's Harper's magazine. The reason I was against one and for the other? Timing and context. The WS published these cartoons to rub noses in it and to make money. They capitialized on the timing by publishing this particular issue during the riots. And, a visit to the Shotgun Blog will show you that some of this magazine's readers and blog-commenters have no love for Islam or it's members and therefore little concern towards both sides of the issue. Harper's, on the other hand, published them much later...in fact, it's likely that most people had seen the cartoons by then. They invited that wonderful illustrator Art Spiegelman, the creator of Maus (which, if you haven't already read, you really ought to), to comment on the merit of each cartoon as a cartoon and rate the offensiveness of each. It was a truly interesting article.
What can I say? One had taste, the other didn't.
Don't know how else to do this...
Kelly!!
I lost your email address...could you email me with it??
Thanks
I lost your email address...could you email me with it??
Thanks
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Without naming names
It's odd...
It wasn't until I started going to some blogs that I realized that people are still really upset by political correctness.
Now...I agree. It can go too far and everyone needs to chill out a bit. But we all realize why we use it, right? I mean, when we sort it all out at the end, it'll be a good thing, right? We agree on that, right?
...and I understand that the only way we're gonna sort it out (anything, really) is talking about it, airing our views and opinions, have a little back and forth, a little conflict...that sorta stuff...so shine on all you crazy diamonds.
However...has it ever occured to some of you that you're just not funny?
Really...if someone got offended because you used the n-word, or called a woman a slut, or made that joke about First Nations peoples, or continue to use the oh-so-tired phrase "Islamofascist"....maybe it's the delivery. Maybe you're not that funny. Maybe you're not catching on that those things are way behind the times and you are no longer cutting edge.
Assuming you were 'cutting edge' sometime in 1956.
And chances are you're not that funny if you're not able to sense comedic timing by using outdated material. And, for added measure (unless you're Stuart McLean or someone of his ilk, who is hilarious even if you spot the punchline 10 miles away) surprise is often a key element to comedy. If you look like you're going to make that same gay joke that everyone who looks like you makes, well...*yawn* and, 'maybe you shouldn't say that.'
Hell, I get offended when someone makes the joking reply, 'let's not go there' or some other catchphrase from a lame sitcom or reality show, because...Jesus...do you think I'm so inbred as to think you're clever retort is original? Or I have so little going on that I need to laugh at a joke I guessed you would make 10 minutes ago?
So...to conclude...if you're all fired up because no one laughed at your edgy and in-your-face comedy...maybe it's not political correctness you have to blame, maybe it's you.
It wasn't until I started going to some blogs that I realized that people are still really upset by political correctness.
Now...I agree. It can go too far and everyone needs to chill out a bit. But we all realize why we use it, right? I mean, when we sort it all out at the end, it'll be a good thing, right? We agree on that, right?
...and I understand that the only way we're gonna sort it out (anything, really) is talking about it, airing our views and opinions, have a little back and forth, a little conflict...that sorta stuff...so shine on all you crazy diamonds.
However...has it ever occured to some of you that you're just not funny?
Really...if someone got offended because you used the n-word, or called a woman a slut, or made that joke about First Nations peoples, or continue to use the oh-so-tired phrase "Islamofascist"....maybe it's the delivery. Maybe you're not that funny. Maybe you're not catching on that those things are way behind the times and you are no longer cutting edge.
Assuming you were 'cutting edge' sometime in 1956.
And chances are you're not that funny if you're not able to sense comedic timing by using outdated material. And, for added measure (unless you're Stuart McLean or someone of his ilk, who is hilarious even if you spot the punchline 10 miles away) surprise is often a key element to comedy. If you look like you're going to make that same gay joke that everyone who looks like you makes, well...*yawn* and, 'maybe you shouldn't say that.'
Hell, I get offended when someone makes the joking reply, 'let's not go there' or some other catchphrase from a lame sitcom or reality show, because...Jesus...do you think I'm so inbred as to think you're clever retort is original? Or I have so little going on that I need to laugh at a joke I guessed you would make 10 minutes ago?
So...to conclude...if you're all fired up because no one laughed at your edgy and in-your-face comedy...maybe it's not political correctness you have to blame, maybe it's you.
Friday, June 09, 2006
one of my all time favourites
I was helping, the other day, to evangelize Seanbaby to a group of people...so, to further my cause I beg that you read When Robots Attack.
Dear Seanbaby,
I hope you live forever.
Love, Himbly
Dear Seanbaby,
I hope you live forever.
Love, Himbly
Monday, June 05, 2006
Seriously
I just wrote a huge long post on linguistics, universals and why I don't think all Muslims are evil....but I've got to do some editing.
I encourage people to read this The Western Standard Shotgun Blog. In all honesty, it is blood chilling to say the least when some of these people write about Islam and the current fiasco that is our world situation. I honestly encourage you to take a look. I post occassionally, but they are so far away from my mode of thought it is hard to know how to reply, or what point to reply to.
But, it's always good to learn different viewpoints. If you can't concede to a certain sentiment, at least you know why.
I encourage people to read this The Western Standard Shotgun Blog. In all honesty, it is blood chilling to say the least when some of these people write about Islam and the current fiasco that is our world situation. I honestly encourage you to take a look. I post occassionally, but they are so far away from my mode of thought it is hard to know how to reply, or what point to reply to.
But, it's always good to learn different viewpoints. If you can't concede to a certain sentiment, at least you know why.
Well, it's about time...
I'd been meaning to link The Hot Librarian.
She's funny.
Go read.
I'll put her over here ------------->
She's funny.
Go read.
I'll put her over here ------------->
Friday, June 02, 2006
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