Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Caption: Go Go Gadget Truancy!

Finally saw this film. It had some charming moments and a few chuckles, but for the most part seemed to me to be a mishmash, like every John Hughes film: equal parts slapstick, treacly love story, melodrama, crackpot philosophy, and anti-establishment rant. The little guy wins. Yada yada yada.

The woman hosting the screening said she could watch Ferris over and over. I didn't dislike the the film but once was/is enough for me. I have a suspicion this is one of those films where a sheen of nostalgia is required.

Infantilization II

Not so fast, you fun-loving little bugger!

Kite flying is now banned in a Toronto park, The Toronto Star reports. One of the reasons cited was that some kite-flyers were cutting people with their nylon kite cords. Well, isn't that a question of assault at that point? Furthermore, is anyone really doing this cutting intentionally?

I hate this city some days.

I agree with the prof, mostly

Click to read about the Grammar Stickler Booted from Starbucks.

I agree on principle, but to fight the staff who are already forced to stick to the script borders on being a bit of an asshole. Her problem is with the corporate culture. She should not take it out on the low-paid workers, er, sorry, Baristas.

Abbey Lincoln, 1930-2010

This week saw the passing of one of the world's greatest jazz vocalists, Abbey Lincoln. For those of you who have not heard her, do yourself a favour and find yourself a copy of We Insist! Freedom Now Suite. It's as powerful and harrowing as her later works, such as Painted Lady, are sublime.

This quote from Ms. Lincoln encapsulates her time on earth:

"How can you have a career and never say anything? To experience it all and not say a word, you're supposed to stand up and speak your mind in the music. Some people like to hear some reality. I'm not trying to save or fix the world. I'm just singing about my experiences. My songs are observations."

And the world is a richer place because of those observations, left for us to hear.

More from NPR here.

The Infantilization of society continues...

Is it just me or is everyone getting stupider, unable to complete the simplest of tasks without someone helping them or consulting a "smart"phone application?

While browsing Lifehacker, a site I quite like, I came across this reader's question:

Any[one] have suggestions on tools to open those clamshell plastic packages? I usually try a combination of scissors and a knife but would definitely appreciate something easier.

Easier?! Tools don't get much simpler than a knife or scissors!

Cue the Dunce Apocalypse.

What if The Avengers Movie was made in 1952?

Sure it's just old serial footage repurposed, but it's done well, and is keeping in the style of the period being swiped from. Say what you will about the silly stories or the cheap effects of the serials, at least they're fun.



More, including an annontated vid that reveals all the Marvel characters featured.

Snuff Box

Just discovered Snuff Box, a British sketch show starring and written by Matt Berry and Rich Fulcher (pictured).

I've only watched the first episode. It's quite good, by turns surreal and vulgar, and the narrative is often subverted for comedic purpose. Sketches loop in back in on themselves and through a bizarre framing story.

No one plays hapless schlub like Fulcher. If you chuckled at his character, Bob Fossil, on The Mighty Boosh, you'll like this series.

Fordin' Hell

He's worse than Mel Lastman... at least Mel was, for the most part, a well-intentioned idiot. Rob Ford is proving again and again that he's a mean-spirited idiot.

When the time comes, get out there and vote!