These are two movies (that are not out yet) that are billing themselves as a "cult classic" before even hitting theaters (I place money they will both be box office failures).

Under the cut: trailers and synopsis for Bitch Slap and Repo! The Genetic Opera.

( Links To Trailers, Websites, and Full Synopsis.... ) 

Tô...: infuriated

I had a number of options tonight, as my last client canceled and I was in no mood to fill the spot. I worked until eight last night, but it was a smart move as I picked up a new return client, someone I can help, some who "gets it". There are a couple of movies I was considering seeing - Gonzo and A Man Named Pearl, but I found that I'm not in the mood to see Hunter Thompson at his wicked best, or a film designed to make me feel all warm and fuzzy about race relations in America. Then there is Ragtime finishing up a run at the local playhouse, but that's in Santa Maria (gas$$) and the seats are so god awful uncomfortable in the theater they'd have to pry me out with the jaws of life' my back is still quirky. 

I picked up the new book about Chief Joseph,  (by Kent Nerburn), went to Starbucks for a latte, and read for half an hour, knowing I had plenty of time to decide. The book immediately pulled me in. I'm fascinated by the description of the Nez Perce, their home on the Columbia plateau, and their first encounter with non-natives - none other than Lewis and Clark. They came close to killing them, the decision to spare their lives was a group decision, heavily influenced by one of the women in the tribe who'd been stolen as a child by the Blackfeet. Wouldn't it be fascinating to know what was said? I decided to stay home and read, though I know the story is going to be a tough one.



I don't know why it is so difficult for me to go out, but most of the time that seems to be how it is.  Somehow I'm never bored at home.    :-)

Tags: chief joseph, kent kerburn, nez perce
Current Location: home
Tô...: contemplative
A rodar...: silence

Next time you buy something even remotely sweet, even if it seems like it should be something healthy like a bottle of Snapple Green Tea with Ginseng or a carton of many brands of yogurt, check to see if it contains high fructose corn syrup. The first thing to remember is that high fructose corn syrup is not a natural occurring substance. It's created in laboratories: High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is any of a group of corn syrups which have undergone enzymatic processing in order to increase their fructose content and are then mixed with pure corn syrup (100% glucose) to reach their final form. (from Wikipedia)

It's in every other packaged, bottled, frozen, or canned item you can buy in a grocery store. Take a look at the ingredient labels.

Here are a few excerpts from a New York Times article about a new study on the human body's processing of this substance:

Does Fructose Make You Fatter?

High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener used in many processed foods ranging from sodas to baked goods. While the ingredient is cheaper and sweeter than regular sugar, new research suggests that it can also make you fatter.

In a small study, Texas researchers showed that the body converts fructose to body fat with “surprising speed,'’ said Elizabeth Parks, associate professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. The study, which appears in The Journal of Nutrition, shows how glucose and fructose, which are forms of sugar, are metabolized differently. -- from Tara Parker-Pope on Health at the New York Times, 7/24/08

Hey, I was looking for a book that would give a good overview of prominent saints and gurus of India. Does anyone know of a good one? (I'm not looking for only Hindu saints but I thought this would still be an appropriate place to ask.

Go to the BBC site this morning and you can take a mini docent led tour of Buckingham palace, rather nice way to start the morning!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
Cheerio!

This is pretty cool, man designs and builds micro houses.  Although I think it's mostly a guy thing - I can't imagine living in a house this small - they are so cute I'm tempted to change my mind.

http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/  ;

Tags: micro houses
Tô...: amused

Following the lead of our progressive neighbors to the north, San Francisco, the City of Los Angeles has decided to ban plastic bags by 2010. A bit of a disclaimer, though - the ban will be implemented only if the State does not impose a 25 cent fee for each bag requested by a customer. This bill (AB 2058) is coming up for a vote in August. Still, it’s a step in the right direction, putting pressure on lawmakers to reduce the 2.3 billion bags used by consumers in Los Angeles.

The announcement comes after Los Angeles County supervisors caused disappointment in January when they abandoned a threat to ban the bags, choosing instead a voluntary program where stores were to “encourage” customers to bring reusable bags. In other words, the status quo.

Full story: http://ecolocalizer.com/2008/07/24/los-angeles-bans-plastic-bags-limits-styrofoam/

Tags: one small step for mankind

http://deputy-dog.com/2008/07/21/if-you-go-down-to-the-beach-today/

Check out the link to the baby tower. That is seriously weird.

Tags: art, baby tower, beach figures
Tô...: artistic

From the BBC

The director of a leading US cancer research institute has sent a memo to thousands of staff warning of possible higher risks from mobile phone use.

Ronald Herberman, of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, said users should not wait for definitive studies on the risk and should take action now.

He said children should use mobiles in emergencies only and adults should try to keep the phone away from the head.

No major academic study has confirmed a link to higher brain-tumour risks.

More here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7523109.stm

Tags: cancer, cell phones, health

 46, The Dark Knight (2008) "Batman and James Gordon join forces with Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, to take on a psychotic bank robber known as The Joker, whilst other forces plot against them, and Joker's crimes grow more and more deadly."  Okay I'm not going to say too much about this movie since my European friends are only just seeing this film today!  I will say that this film is PERFECTLY cast and will appeal to even those who do not enjoy the typical "comic book" movie. 9/10

47. Outpost (2008) "In war-torn Eastern Europe, a world-weary group of mercenaries discover a long-hidden secret in an abandoned WWII bunker."  This movie has some creepiness (and some grizzly death scenes) and fairly good cinematography.  But it does have more than a few plot holes. 6/10

"TEN FAVORITE HOLLYWOOD MOVIE ENDINGS"

Below is a list of my top ten (10) favorite Hollywood movie endings: ( Read more... )

quick question: does anyone know if any (early) silent stars were photographed for coin slot 'kino-graphs', 'what the butler saw' type things etc??

There is a woman who comes into the Center on a regular basis, not for massage, but just to hang out. She's good friends with our receptionist, her son is dating one of the young therapists. Her house burned down on Sunday, it is virtually a total loss. Cause? Faulty wiring on an old freezer they had in the garage. As soon as I heard I told our receptionist to tell to come in for a massage, on me. She was there when I left for lunch, we hugged and talked, she told me bits and pieces of her story between the tears and I set up and appointment for her next week.

I think of all the families all over the state who've lost their homes in the past month or two to fires. I'm glad this time I can do a little bit to help.   

Tags: fire
Tô...: busy