bubblestuff

Libertas

2009-01-31T06:31:00.002-05:00

Libertas - A forum for conservative thought on film

Nothing has been posted here since summer of 2008. But it's a treasure trove of recommendations and reviews.

cagney movies

2009-01-31T06:14:00.004-05:00

Top 5 Cagney movies - a list from John Nolte

I think I could live long and happily without seeing Yankee Doodle Dandy again. Cagney tap-dances like a firecracker, but I've just seen this too many times.

But the Cagney gangster films are another kettle of fish. What a versatile guy.

Somewhere in the distant past I watched White Heat and (probably) Public Enemy and Each Dawn I Die. I'd love to see them all. Maybe get snowed in and have a Cagney fest.

The one with Doris Day, Love Me or Leave Me, sounds great. This goes on my must-see list. She was an underrated singer.

David Lean films

2009-01-28T14:07:00.001-05:00

I read the article below and would like to remember the movies mentioned in it. Aside from the obvious big movies -- Dr. Zhivago, Lawrence of Arabia, Bridge on the River Kwai, Ryan's Daughter -- there were the small films --

Blithe Spirit
In Which We Serve
This Happy Breed
Great Expectations
Oliver Twist
Madeleine
Brief Encounter
The Passionate Friends

I'm sure I've seen the Dickens films and Brief Encounter. A long long time ago.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/17/AR2008121703723.html

jazz

2008-12-29T08:18:00.002-05:00

Two lists from the WaPo:

10 recordings for newbies
Jazz for Christmas

gunga din

2008-12-10T21:57:00.002-05:00

Lots of humor, adventure, and a young Cary Grant. What's not to like? Made in 1939.

the way he wears his hat

2008-12-03T21:37:00.004-05:00

I heart Frank, and just received this perfect book from my wonderful husband (who I also heart).

Life: Remembering Sinatra

a bad sign for western civilization

2008-11-27T10:26:00.003-05:00

Barbie Karaoke Styling Head

Okay, the styling heads I've come to understand. And I know that karaoke fills that need to make fools of ourselves, loudly and in public.

But a combination karaoke machine and styling head? How does this work, do you think?

BTW, not to be a Scrooge, but aren't we 100% tired of seeing and hearing Santa hawk his wares in every tv commercial and radio ad? It's an exhausted concept. Not original, not amusing.

Stan Freberg's United States of America

2008-11-12T13:56:00.002-05:00

From 1961. Listen to this and your kids will learn about radio shows (a show with no pictures?), giant black records, turntables, and needles, and the real story of Christopher Columbus. Stan Freberg is a silly man.

Just a month late for Columbus Day.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

2008-11-09T15:55:00.003-05:00

We watched this a couple of days before the election. If you're not thoroughly tired of politics, get it from Netflix. Family friendly and educational. And fun.

Frank and Peggy

2008-10-14T07:36:00.000-04:00

Chicago and Sinatra

2008-10-13T09:34:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA9iuIkqTxo

one-way ticket to palookaville

2008-10-09T15:23:00.006-04:00

We've staggered numbly away from the train wreck of the Cubs' post-season, and are ready to move on. How 'bout a movie?

On the Waterfront, 1954 Elia Kazan classic starring Marlon Brando in his prime, and the lovely Eva Marie Saint. I haven't seen this in years, but remember it fondly and would love to see it again. Below is a youtube of a famous scene. DO NOT WATCH if you're thinking of seeing the film someday.

Let Steve Goodman cheer you up

2008-10-05T09:48:00.001-04:00

The morning after

2008-10-05T07:32:00.002-04:00

Watch this and have a good cry.

my sinatra collection

2008-09-27T20:57:00.004-04:00

My Sinatra Collection

1. Ring-a-Ding Ding! by Sinatra, Frank


	Not a single dud on this tremendous album. My favorite. Don't be turned off by the hideous cover portrait. (1961)

2. Songs for Swingin' Lovers! by Frank Sinatra


	A classic. Tied with RDD (above) for greatest of the great. (1956)

3. A Swingin' Affair! by Frank Sinatra


	Also wonderful. A must-have. Sinatra at his peak. You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To is one of my top-ten Sinatra songs. (1957)

4. Come Dance with Me! by Frank Sinatra


	Great, though sometimes the arrangements almost drown Frank out. Another must have. (1959)

5. Nice 'n' Easy by Sinatra, Frank


	Unique in style. Not slow and sad, or swingin'. Somewhere in between. Excellent. "You Go to My Head" is among Frank's best. (1960)

6. Sinatra and Swingin' Brass by Sinatra, Frank


	Fun in a breezy, swingin' way. "I'm Beginning To See The Light" and "Don'Cha Go 'Way Mad" are great. (1962)

7. Sinatra's Swingin' Session!!! And More by Frank Sinatra


	Must-have for "I Concentrate On You" if nothing else. Several other great cuts. (1961)

8. Songs for Young Lovers/Swing Easy by Frank Sinatra


	A classic from the early GREAT years. A few too many ballads for me, but still a must have. Contains definitive version of "I Get A Kick Out Of You" - Frank nails it! Also contains the fabulous "Just One Of Those Things." (1955)

9. Come Fly with Me by Sinatra, Frank


	Another must-have for the Sinatra fan. (1957) My faves: It's Nice to Go Trav'ling and Let's Get Away From It All

10. Sinatra Reprise: The Very Good Years by Sinatra, Frank


	A good collection starter, but lacks examples of the fabulous earlier style of the mid-50's. Contains some true greats: Summerwind, Fly Me to the Moon, The Way You Look Tonight, and some even later recordings that are popular (but not with me: That's Life, etc.) (1961-79)

11. Come Swing with Me! by Sinatra, Frank


	Upbeat with lots of brass. Highlight is "That Old Black Magic." (1961)

12. It Might as Well Be Swing by Sinatra, Frank


	Fun collection including Fly Me to the Moon and The Best Is Yet to Come. Arranged by Quincy Jones. (1964)

13. In the Wee Small Hours by Frank Sinatra


	The sad slow songs are not my favorites, but this is a must have for the collector. (1954)

14. Frank Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely by Frank Sinatra


	Ditto. (1958)

15. Sinatra & Sextet: Live in Paris by Sinatra, Frank


	I prefer Frank in the recording studio over live recordings, and he's not in great voice here, but I'm still very happy I have it. Contains my favorite version of At Long Last Love. (1962)

16. Classic Duets by Sinatra, Frank


	There are a few "Rat Pack" selections here, and famous duet with Elvis. I'm not enamored of those, but love the duets with Ella and Peggy Lee. (1957-60)

17. Sinatra at the Sands by Basie, Count


	A great example of Frank during the Vegas era. A must have for the collector. (1966)

18. Live in Australia, 1959 by Norvo, Red


	This would be great if the sound quality was better. :-/ Very cool and surprising version of Night and Day. (1959)

19. A Man and His Music by Sinatra, Frank


	I'll Be Seeing You" is worth the entire cd.

20. Sinatra's Sinatra by Sinatra, Frank


	Faves: How Little We Know and Frank's gorgeous rendition of Call Me Irresponsible.

21. The Concert Sinatra by Sinatra, Frank


	To be honest, I haven't listened to this much. Not the Frank I prefer. But I'll put it in the car and give it a chance.

22. The Complete Capitol Singles Collection by Sinatra, Frank


	Unfortunately lots of duds here. Some of Frank's choices are a little hard to understand (e.g., Lean Baby). Contains just a few greats that you might not find elsewhere. Mine was a great deal - I wouldn't pay a lot for it.

23. 57 In Concert by Frank Sinatra


	Received this collectible cd from husband :) Yes, it's wonderful. But I do prefer the studio Sinatra.

24. Francis Albert Sinatra & Antonio Carlos Jobim by Jobim, Antonio Carlos


	This contains a few hauntingly lovely recordings. A different side of Frank. Change Partners is a highlight.

25. Sinatra-Basie by Sinatra, Frank


	Haven't had this long, so I'll reserve judgment.

man of the hour

2008-09-15T08:19:00.007-04:00

Carlos Zambrano pitches his first no-hitter, first for the Cubs since 1972.

And he's learning self-control:

The only thing that frustrated Carlos Zambrano Sunday night was his at-bat in the seventh inning. He struck out and looked as if he were about to snap the bat across his knee. But he stopped himself.
"I was feeling too good to do that," Zambrano said with a smirk. "I saw Lou's face. I said, 'No, not today.'"

With 2 (count 'em - 2!) losses for the Brewers yesterday, the Cubs Magic Number has dropped to an electrifying

my darling clementine

2008-09-07T14:39:00.003-04:00

John Ford's 1946 classic account of the shoot-out at the OK Corral, starring Henry Fonda (great in this role), Linda Darnell (playing a Mexican woman named Chihuahua -- no lie) and the unfortunately unappealing Cathy Downs as Clementine. And of course Ward Bond.

gaslight

2008-09-07T14:26:00.002-04:00

An unforgettable movie, starring Ingrid Bergman at perhaps her most luminously beautiful (this photo doesn't do her justice), and that dirty rat Charles Boyer. Made in 1944.

the general

2008-09-04T21:48:00.002-04:00

Buster Keaton was a genius. And what a face--

Amazon.com essential video
Buster Keaton's career reached its creative apex with this rousing comic adventure. Not merely one of the finest silent films, this remains one of the great film comedies of all time. The Great Stone Face stars as Southern railroad engineer Johnny Gray, a man with only two loves: the sweet Annabelle Lee (Marion Mack) and his trustworthy engine, the eponymous General. . . . Keaton's love/hate relationship with technology and machinery shines as he becomes one with his beloved locomotive and wrestles with a finicky cannon that threatens to blow his engine off the tracks; with tremendous dexterity, he nails the humor with inimitably deadpan takes. Spunky Marion Mack makes a perfect partner for Keaton, not merely a foil but a gifted comedienne in her own right. Other Keaton films contain more laughs and inspired comic stunts, but none combines romance, adventure, and comedy into a solid story as seamlessly as this silent masterpiece. --Sean Axmaker

brickfair 2008

2008-08-31T06:26:00.010-04:00

Friday, August 29, 2008; Page WE22

What kid, or kid in all of us, can resist a huge pile of Lego bricks? Very few.

The ultimate in Lego creations will be on display Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sheraton Premiere hotel, 8661 Leesburg Pike in Tysons Corner. There will be a brick or two (thousand) to toy with yourself.

For $10 for adults and $5 for ages 6 to 12, visitors can view more than 360 Lego creations, including a chessboard, castles, robots and huge structures made out of the iconic plastic bricks, and create a few things of their own. For more information, visit http://www.brickfair.com.

Our boys attended and took some photos:

cloister

evil castle

aquarium

mosaic

probably not what obama had in mind, but . . .

2008-08-29T08:11:00.007-04:00

this type of thing has inspired the audacity of hope in the hearts of Chicago fans this year. Cubs are breaking team records left and right. The crowd at Wrigley was in full playoff mode last night, and would not be denied.

vintage cover art

2008-08-28T17:42:00.002-04:00

national museum of the marine corps

2008-08-28T14:39:00.000-04:00

From the museum's website:

"In one immersive exhibit, visitors are briefed on their pending assault landing on the island of Iwo Jima before boarding a Higgins Boat for the perilous trip to the beach. Motion, sound and video provide a realistic experience. Close by is the flag raised on Iwo Jima and photographed by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal. In a poignant display, some 6,000 small Marine and US Navy insignias represent the cost in human lives to take that one island. The Uncommon Valor gallery honors the sacrifices and accomplishments of America’s “Greatest Generation.”

Our family was thrilled to find the actual Iwo Jima flag on display in this incredible museum.

everything old is new again

2008-08-25T16:49:00.004-04:00

This is "the beloved 1963 edition of Betty Crocker's Cooky Book, now in a brand-new, authentic facsimile of the original book."

Or you can find a used copy from the usual sources. It's not just a pretty face; it contains some cookie recipes we couldn't live without. For example:

Chocolate Crinkles
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, melted and cooled
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup powdered sugar

1. Mix oil, chocolate, granulated sugar and vanilla in large bowl. Mix in eggs, one at a time. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours.
2. Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease cookie sheet.
3. Drop dough by teaspoonfuls into powdered sugar; roll around to coat. Shape into balls. Place about 2 inches apart on cookie sheet.
4. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until almost no imprint remains when touched lightly in center. Remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.

Chilling overnight is even better than chilling for 3 hours.
Bake a test-cookie. It's hard to tell when they're done - they're similar to brownies, and will harden if over-baked. Experiment with the timing. 7 or 8 minutes may be long enough.

newsroom, larry sanders, the office

2008-08-23T08:16:00.011-04:00

We're watching The Newsroom again, something we saw a bit of when it was originally shown in the U.S. on PBS about ten years ago. It's in the tradition of the earlier (1992) Larry Sanders Show, but set in a Toronto news studio instead of an American talk show. The Newsroom is certainly funny, dealing with sensationalism and the naked frenzy for ratings, but it has a very sharp edge. The Larry Sanders Show has this edge, too, but goes a little deeper into its characters and gives them more humanity.

The Office follows in this vein, but evokes a lot more empathy for its characters, partly through the documentary style that allows for all those great reaction shots.

We saw a little of the original British Office, but it was just too raunchy to finish. I've heard that it settles down and gets a little cleaner as it goes along. Warning: Newsroom and Larry Sanders also contain raunchy material.

cold war continues on dvd

2008-08-22T16:43:00.010-04:00

For satire and absurdity, get moose and squirrel from Amazon or Netflix.

vive le difference

2008-08-20T11:10:00.014-04:00

Classic paint color scene from Mr. Blandings Builds his Dream House:

triple bypass for triple crown winner

2008-08-20T05:50:00.003-04:00

Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski

Yaz resting after heart surgery

The last player to capture the Triple Crown - Yastrzemski led the American League in batting (.326), home runs (44), and RBIs (121) in 1967 - he won three batting titles, seven Gold Gloves, and was an 18-time All-Star before he retired in 1983 as the all-time leader in games played (3,308), a record later eclipsed by Pete Rose (3,562).
Yastrzemski is best remembered in New England for his remarkable '67 season in which he won the Most Valuable Player Award and led the Sox to the World Series for the first time in 21 years.
What Yastrzemski lacked in natural ability he compensated for with a peerless work ethic. He was elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot in 1989.

photos of Yaz through the years

the prisoner

2008-08-18T11:58:00.006-04:00

From Wikipedia:

The series features striking and often surreal storylines, and themes include hypnosis, hallucinogenic drug experiences, identity theft, mind control, dream manipulation, and various forms of social indoctrination.

Throw in espionage, political oppression, Big Brotherism, and human freedom and individuality.
Co-created by Patrick McGoohan, who also starred.

Opening theme is a classic .

willing suspension of disbelief required

2008-08-18T09:32:00.004-04:00

Lost in Space, 1965-68

Lots of fun, if you can get past the costumes, the preposterous plots, and Dr. Smith.

chorus of the hebrew slaves

2008-08-16T11:56:00.015-04:00

Verdi's Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves from Nabucco, DVD above, performed at the Met in 2002.

before there was house . . .

2008-08-16T10:33:00.007-04:00

. . . there was Bertie Wooster

Like House, but without the ego, American accent, or stubble. Okay, nothing at all like House.
Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry star in A&E's Jeeves & Wooster series, and do justice to P G Wodehouse's genius. Watch these, but read the books, too.

handel aria from alcina

2008-08-16T07:49:00.007-04:00

"Tornami a vagheggiar"

One of the most beautiful arias ever composed, performed here by Natalie Dessay. Listen to the very end. Missed the performance at Wolf Trap this summer, but Renee Fleming, Susan Graham, and Natalie Dessay made a gorgeous recording of Alcina in 2000.

natalie dessay

gargoyles

2008-08-16T07:28:00.007-04:00

The kids watched this animated series in the mid-nineties and are revisiting it on DVD. Not your usual after-school cartoon fare. Creatures from the middle ages return to life in 20th century Manhattan. Dark and complex. You may recognize some of the voice cast members.

Opening theme provides some exposition:

secret of roan inish

2008-08-16T06:48:00.005-04:00

This movie by John Sayles is a combination Irish fantasy/family drama. Enchanting in an earthy sort of way.

before there was michael phelps . . .

2008-08-14T21:45:00.006-04:00

. . . there was that other man/fish, Mr. Limpet

(No, don't get the movie. This youtube clip will be more than enough.)

bringing up baby

2008-08-13T09:59:00.003-04:00

One of our favorite funny movies.
Pictured, Cary Grant, without a tie.

"Dolphins resent him."

2008-08-13T06:10:00.014-04:00

*from a great column by Thomas Boswell in the Washington Post.

We worried that Michael Phelps (reacting, right) might rupture something after the 4x100 free relay victory.

But he's not made like you and me.

If you've resisted phelpsmania thus far, or are just turned off by the Olympics in general, it's not too late to jump on the bandwagon. He has three more events.

To catch up, here's the incredible come-from-behind relay from NBC (starring Jason Lezak, surging at top, not Phelps), and an article by Mike Vaccaro of FOX sports.

Also from the Post, fascinating explanation of what makes a "fast pool."

another tv favorite

2008-08-12T07:10:00.006-04:00

Lucas McCain and son Mark live in their own little bubble called Northfork.

Get if from Netflix. And pay attention. The opening sequence in the first episode is worthy of John Ford.

Laura Cantrell at Jammin' Java

2008-08-11T15:36:00.018-04:00

Laura Cantrell shone best with
deeply felt interpretations of others'
songs. (By Ted Barron)

Monday, August 11, 2008; Page C03
Washington Post review

After a nearly three-year break following the birth of her first child, singer Laura Cantrell is back with a new album, and her engaging Saturday night show at Jammin' Java served as a welcome reminder of how refreshing her musical presence can be.

With a spry acoustic quartet anchored by guitarist Mark Spencer and mandolinist Jimmy Ryan, the 70-minute set featured several of Cantrell's modestly charming original songs, but soared on its cover versions. Not entirely surprising, given that Cantrell first made her mark with "Radio Thrift Shop," a radio show that explored all corners of country music. But no amount of record-spinning accounts for the kind of deeply felt interpretations displayed Saturday: Amy Rigby's "Don't Break the Heart," Roger Miller's "Train of Life," Merle Haggard's "Silver Wings," and her new recording's title track, "Trains and Boats and Planes," a nugget from Burt Bacharach via Dionne Warwick. Only one cover fell flat -- an ill-advised stumble through Gordon Lightfoot's "Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald."

Two that came near the end of the set were clearly the highlights: Lambchop's "Cowboy on the Moon" was stripped of deadpan reminiscence and turned into a charming flashback, and the finale, New Order's "Love Vigilantes," was re-imagined as a heartbreaking ballad. Both songs served as a fine reintroduction to Cantrell's unique talent.

-- Patrick Foster

(I would say she charmingly stumbled through that song.)

D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths

2008-08-11T06:49:00.004-04:00

Audiobook version of d'Aulaire classic read by actors (see image for names). Very entertaining for adults as well as kids.

life with father

2008-08-09T07:09:00.001-04:00

Dog medicine? You gave your mother dog medicine?

take a break

2008-08-08T23:34:00.006-04:00

Turn on your speakers and pop some bubblewrap.

would you believe it's next in the queue?

2008-08-07T18:48:00.006-04:00

The Craw:

more sinatra

2008-08-07T11:42:00.006-04:00

a priceless duet with Peggy Lee

sit right down and write yourself a letter

2008-08-07T06:40:00.005-04:00

best stamp (and singer) ever

mother and child

2008-08-07T06:39:00.000-04:00

the bath
by mary cassatt

one of life's necessities

2008-08-07T06:38:00.001-04:00

a hot cup of tea in the afternoon

The Cup of Tea, ca. 1879
by Mary Cassatt

baseball in the bubble

2008-08-07T06:37:00.000-04:00

Go Cubs Go! by Steve Goodman

ships are their own bubbles

2008-08-07T06:35:00.002-04:00

Great reading. But after immersing yourself in Patrick O'Brian's 20-book series, you may be reluctant to return to the 21st century.

jane austen's bubble

2008-08-07T06:34:00.004-04:00

All the books are wonderful. But the screen adaptations vary in quality.

Pride and Prejudice
The A&E production (1996) is tremendous. It's so good it makes the old Greer Garson-Laurence Olivier version (1940) look foolish. But check it out anyway. It has its moments.

Emma
Another excellent A&E production, with Kate Beckinsale (1997). Then there's Clueless (1995), which is pretty good if I remember correctly. What you'd call a "loose adaptation." And the 1996 film with Gwyneth Paltrow. Haven't seen that.

Sense and Sensibility
1995 film with Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet, and Hugh Grant. I've seen it, but need to see it again to give it a thumbs up or down.

Persuasion
Adaptation with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds (1995) is practically perfect. The 2007 tv production with Sally Hawkins is also good.

Mansfield Park
Don't know of any good adaptations, but this one (2007) is just wrong.

Northanger Abbey
1986 and 2007 adaptations, haven't seen either one.

what the children are watching

2008-08-07T06:31:00.001-04:00

so retro

tolkien reads tolkien

2008-08-07T06:26:00.000-04:00

The Hobbit
The Two Towers
An Entish Chant

Many more Tolkien readings can be found on youtube.

red red robin

2008-08-07T06:16:00.000-04:00

Live, love, laugh and be happy

an instant cure for depression