Beltmann

Over the weekend I caught of few minutes of Mumford on TV, and heard "Hoodoo Voodoo" in the background of a scene with Jason Lee. I had forgotten about that one.

I credit Ingmar Bergman with jumpstarting my lifelong infatuation with the movies. When I saw The Seventh Seal as a teenager, it completely exploded my notions of what movies could be. Later I tracked down dozens of his other films, and I feel fortunate to have seen a few, including his last film, Saraband, on the big screen. If Fellini is the great extrovert of the movies, then Bergman is its great introvert--for my money, he's one of the four or five greatest filmmakers in history.

Frog Eyes - Tears of the Valedictorian

Long, old story, but here's the short explanation of the in-joke: Years ago a very annoying newbie--I'll refrain from naming him, especially since he's still quite young--once used that term in an argument, and VC latched onto it... first as mockery, now as satire.

I don't really have a preference, but if Tweedy's been grooving on Battles and Panda Bear lately, I'd love to hear a Wilco record influenced by those bands and their sound.

SPIN Interview July 2004

Overrated: Impossible Germany Underrated: We're Just Friends

I caught it last night, and, since it was saved on my DVR, just watched it again. Fantastic performance.

I know how much you like(d) that song, so I'm (genuinely) sorry that the ad has tarnished it for you.

I dunno. I think of the 180-rule for shooting conversations for film, which is a technique that prevents audience spatial disorientation. You can write the most inspired dialogue, and direct the most inspired performances, but if you don't know where to put the camera to clearly communicate that inspiration, all your creativity ends up washed out. It largely remains locked in your head. I think the same thing might be true for music: While creativity and inspiration are the most important ingredients (by a wide margin), an understanding of fundamentals might help at least some artists to

I haven't seen this ad, which, apparently, is fortunate. HI TEEG!

Thanks, guys. Yes, my initial Google search definitely raised my eyebrow...

I love both of 'em.

My stepfather has recently shown interest in the business opportunities offered by Primerica Financial Services. I'm skeptical--it seems a bit like buying something from a guy working out of his van. I'd like to give my stepfather sound advice, but I don't really know much about finance. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with more knowledge. Any useful information, opinions, or personal anecdotes regarding Primerica?

Cool. Thanks, E Sue!

Goodness, where to begin? To keep it short, I

Yes. Watching all three back-to-back ranks as one of the greatest film-watching experiences of my life. I don't believe there are fewer great movies being made today than in any earlier era. The dynamics of production and distribution are certainly very different than they were, say, in the Forties or in the Seventies, but what's changed the most is where great movies are coming from, and how they challenge conventional notions of what a "great" movie looks like. While traditional narrative has (as you pointed out) lost a little steam (at least in America), the masterworks being made toda

I was online at 12:01 and got mezzanine tickets for Madison. Wonder if I should have waited a little longer... when I went back an hour later, there were still some orchestra level seats and front-row balcony seats up for grabs.

$4055, which is $4000 more than that one night in college...

Dear Quartzy, this subject has been briefly discussed here at Via Chicago. Try these links (among others): Studio version of 'the thanks i get" in commercial. The inevitable sellout post More on the "controversy" In Praise of Selling Out... A simple question...

She should have taken a cue from David Niven: "Just think, the only laugh that man will probably ever get is for stripping and showing off his shortcomings."

Well, clearly you have never experienced one of my wife's taco-based dutch ovens.

Farting may be the only language that needs no translation--it's truly universal.