A recommendation

God Grew Tired of Us is a totally compelling story of some Sudanese refugees who are given the chance to come to America and we then get to see our world through their eyes.
It reminded me how complicated and wonderful and awful life can be. I cried a minimum of 6 times. It was really good. Like important good - not lighthearted good.

Quote of the Day: "Don't try to be original...

....just try to be good."
- Paul Rand



via: grain edit

"Music For Fools To Dance To"

There is an artist whom I admire. His name is David Shrigley.
He has created this movie. It is not for the sensitive among us. And -No-, you cannot have the seven minutes back afterwards.



Favorite quotes include:
"Daddy was a beautiful man."
"I'm sooooooooo tiny - get off me."
"I want to be fried in a pan with butter and garlic, mmm I'd be delicious."

Thanks for the heads up Ma.

Quote of the Day: "That sounds like fun..."

I was talking to James (my 4 year old nephew) on the phone Sunday afternoon.

James: "What are you doing?"
Me: "My taxes."
James: "That sounds like fun!"
Me: "...Really? ...It does?
James: "I've never been to Texas!"

Good Paintings of Barack Obama

At www.badpaintingsofbarackobama.com.

via: www.subtraction.com

Drum Set

Wheeeeee


via: minirobot

Devastated

Tonight the Parkway Speakeasy Theater is closing and I am grief stricken.

This Oakland institution has been around since 1926 and the most recent "Speakeasy" incarnation has been open since 1997 (which also happens to be the year I arrived in California - adding personal poignancy). Gone now are the days of being able to walk 2 blocks out my front door and catch a second run flick while enjoying beer and pizza on a couch for $5. They also often held fundraisers and played the classics (Desperately Seeking Susan, Blade Runner, Spinal Tap and others) many of which became my one and only opportunity to see these gems on the big screen.

I am now moving through the second stage of mourning - anger. We just tried to go see the final showing of "Let the Right One In" and cry a salty tear in the dark - but we were turned away. All final shows were "Sold Out". How will I find closure?

Farewell old friend, the neighborhood won't be the same without you.