Watching the Oscars last night, I found myself really enjoying not only the production but also the commercials. I think the ads this year were far better than the Super Bowl ads that get so much hype every year. But my favorite moment of pretty much the entire evening came from this simple ad for Google. It highlighted a TED Talk from Pixar writer/director/producer Andrew Stanton, which I should have guessed because I actually recognized his voice. Take a look. [youtube … [Read more...] about “We’re All Storytellers”
Letter and Spirit
I don't like to admit it, but I am not a fan of the temporary rector at my church. As such, I have been avoiding going to Mass for a number of months, knowing that I can always come back once he is permanently replaced. However, I did find myself at Mass this past Sunday, and as always, God spoke to me in a way that made plain why I was supposed to be there. We were reading from the gospel according to Matthew: 27 “You have heard that it was said to those of … [Read more...] about Letter and Spirit
Is It A Movie, or Is It A Message? Or Is It Both?
It's official. I have given up. I'm over politics and politicians. I'm over Fox News. I'm over stupid people who blather away mindlessly on television with nothing intelligent to say other than to further their own selfish agendas. Okay, I suppose anyone who crafts their own message in any kind of media has their own agenda to move forward. But any more it seems like most of the content that gains any traction in the public eye is "all sizzle, no steak", to coin a phrase. There's no actual … [Read more...] about Is It A Movie, or Is It A Message? Or Is It Both?
Is It Time to Ask for More from Animation?
This afternoon I finally bit the bullet and went out to the theater to see Disney's latest animated film, Frozen. I knew a lot of my friends (many of whom do not have children, it should be pointed out) really loved this movie, and at the time of this writing it has just received a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Rumors are swirling that it will be headed to Broadway soon, although that isn't so much a benchmark of a quality film as it is a somewhat expected pattern from Disney. I had seen … [Read more...] about Is It Time to Ask for More from Animation?
Just a Little Holiday Something
Perfected Sugar-Free Peppermint Mocha Taking a break from big, heavy topics to bring you a little cup of sugar-free heaven. I'm addicted to Starbucks' peppermint mocha, and I've tried off and on for quite a while to make a suitable sugar-free substitute at home. I'm convinced the last piece of the puzzle was creating a lovely peppermint syrup made with Stevia in the Raw -- I got off Splenda a few months ago, when I started to notice that foods sweetened with actual sugar had started tasting … [Read more...] about Just a Little Holiday Something
Redefining the Idea of Screening
The other day, in my general internet meanderings, I found an article about texting during movies -- examining just how much of a problem it really is, and what should be done about it. Of course, I've been going to the movies for years without the "benefit" of a mobile phone, so the idea of having a text conversation strikes me as completely ridiculous. I love the completely immersive experience of the darkened theater, and even too much whispering near me will distract me from the story and … [Read more...] about Redefining the Idea of Screening