Beltmann

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.

There are few genuine, unassailable truisms in life, but here is one: Farts Are Funny.

That initial trailer definitely worked in generating buzz... when it ended, you could hear half the audience excitedly asking each other, "What was that? Did you catch the name of it?" Even my wife, who normally resists that kind of genre picture, was intrigued. Let's hope it's not another Blair Witch knockoff (it doesn't look like it will be). Speaking of cool creature flicks, El F, this might interest you: The Host comes out on DVD next week. Even though it was one of my most eagerly anticipated movies of 2007, I missed its brief theatrical run and can't wait to finally catch up with i

That album's next on my eMusic list... I'm also thinking of seeing them when they come to Milwaukee on August 12. It hasn't garnered much coverage, has it?

I also saw that trailer before Transformers, and it looks like a lot of fun.

That period of history fascinates me, so a speculative piece about that era, especially one that has potential for modern-day metaphors, is likely to connect with me. I'm only about 50 pages in, but I like it so far... the wealth of details enhances the historical "authenticity" and some of the psychological insights--for example, how Lindbergh's anti-Semitic statements don't just change the way young Philip thinks of his prize stamp, it alters the stamp itself--are very knowing and observant. I'm enjoying the read.