5.3 days (or 127 hours)

Went to see a movie in the theater today! 

127 Hours (2010)

I quite enjoyed this one.  For a movie that is primarily a one-man show, it was captivating and affecting.  Going into it I knew that Aron Ralston (the real life person portrayed by James Franco) cuts off his arm.  I wouldn’t have thought to call it “surgery” per se but I imagine the theater was challenged to think of what to say exactly (this was the sign on the box office today):

So, where to start…the movie is based on a book written by Ralston about his actual experience being pinned by a huge boulder and having to free himself by amputating his own arm – Between a Rock and a Hard Place.  The director, Danny Boyle (director of Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, and – of course – Slumdog Millionaire), handled the translation from book to movie quite well.  Going in I thought it might have a Touching the Void feel but it didn’t at all.  The first quarter of the film was pre-rock fall and was obviously meant to show what a lively, vivacious life Ralston has and juxtapose that exuberance with a grave situation. I liked the way that bit was filmed – very energetic. 

The rest of the movie was basically Franco stuck with the rock in a canyon in Utah, which brings me to Franco’s performance.  From a Fresh Air interview (or it might have been the Colorado Matters interview), I learned that Ralston was a participant in the filming and he allowed Franco to see the video he took during the situation.  In the movie, Franco talks to the video camera and occasionally screams and yells but there was no voiceover/internal dialogue.  This was not a problem because from his expressions, even silently, Franco conveyed everything.

I covered my ears during the part that showed him cutting off his arm.  I had been tipped off by the Slate Culture Gabfest discussion of the movie (the “Farewell to Arms” edition) that the sounds were almost worse than seeing it.  I didn’t actually watch that much of it either.  The parts I did see were pretty gory.

Anyway, see it!

next blog

Last night I was doing the “next blog” exercise, which means I was in Google blogger just jumping from one blog to the next by hitting “next blog.”  Through this, I came across “Kissssing: a love blog” and I was taken by it.  It’s so simple yet so exuberant with it’s photos of classic couples and quotes.  The photo below was my favorite – it’s from The Royal Tenenbaums, a photo of Margot and Richie.

This recent quote also grabbed my attention: "Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired." -- Robert Frost

Interestingly, one of my regularly-patrolled blogs had a love-themed posts today, titled “I was lucky to find you.”  This was the post:

Usually the next blog exercise is fairly fruitless and yields blogs in foreign languages or full of poetry or god-centric.  I guess I got lucky.

Yet more movies

These are three I’ve actually watched in the last 30 days. 

Green Zone (2010)

As a liberal who believes that the US is in Iraq unnecessarily, this movie appealed to me.  It asserts that US officials fabricated a source that told them that there were WMDs in Iraq (gasp!).  It goes on to overtly imply that we are trying to put a stucco cap on a pond of toxic material by pushing a democracy on a country that has a far more complicated past then we recognize.  That said, it was basically an action film – I mean we’ve got Jason Bourne/Matt Damon as the lead.  A lot of military maneuvers and helicopters and gun fights.  Overall I was sort of lukewarm on it.

The Missing (2003)

In this Ron Howard-directed western, Cate Blanchett is a kick ass frontier woman that goes after a band of nasty brutes to get her stolen daughter back – with the help of her faux-Native American estranged father (Tommy Lee Jones). The movie was a bit long and the “Native American” Tommy Lee Jones got a little old, but I never tired of Blanchett.  It was, at times, an emotionally-charged film and I certainly felt it when one or two characters died. It was just a bit too long…

Death at a Funeral (2010)

I don’t know what possessed me.  Must be that everlasting search for a “comedy” that is actually funny. This movie isn’t going on that list.  This quote from the Onion AV Club review sums it up: Death At A Funeral has two primary tones: broad and Tracy Morgan-covered-in-Danny Glover’s-crap super-loud.

Bcycle

I have to admit that I was a little skeptical about the probability of success for the bike share program (Bcycle) that started in Denver this year.  I think they started with 45 or so locations and 500 bikes. I thought they might not have enough bikes and were maybe putting them in locations without enough density. I don’t actually know what level of success the program has achieved but personally I love it!

In July we did the “Tour de Bcycle” which involves renting a bike at one location, going to another Bcycle kiosk, docking that bike, getting another bike, going to the next Bcycle kiosk, and on and on until you’ve hit every Bcycle location in a single day.  It was a great way to spend the day after Independence day and turned into a little bar crawl after 5:00 pm with only a handful of Bcycle locations left.  Here are some photos from that day:

The Tour was my first introduction to Bcycle and an excellent way to get to know the system and become comfortable with it. Since then, I’ve won an annual membership and use it fairly frequently.  Of course, my work and home locations are ideal for its use – I work downtown and live about a mile away in Capitol Hill. 

Speaking of happy hour, last night we made our own little Bcycle bar crawl. We hopped on a Bcycle at 13th/Pearl.  From there we docked and went to the Great Divide Brewing (home of Titan IPA) tap room and enjoyed yummy, fresh-brewed, Colorado craft beer. Next was Tamayo for some mezcal.  We grabbed yet another Bcycle and rode all the way to the Botanic Gardens – free night and has a Bcycle kiosk – to meet friends. We capped the evening at City o City back in the hood.

I was able to wear open-toed shoes and just a sweater because the early November Colorado weather was perfect! The only photos that turned out are one of me and one of Tony Everhart eating a cupcake.  Unfortunately no action bike shots.

movie wrap up part 2

This is a companion post to my previous attempt to close out on the movies I’ve watched but not blogged about.  I’ve been struggling with some of these so my goal is to be brief!

New Jack City (1991)

I watched this late at night on streaming Netflix.  I honestly don’t remember much and, thus, have no opinions. 

I Heart Huckabees (2004)

Fantastic cast: Dustin Huffman, Lily Tomlin, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Wahlberg, Naomi Watts, and Jude Law.  Plot wrapped in existentialism and nihilism with a background of corporate greed and environmental ravaging. This was my second viewing and I liked it a little less than the first time but I still quite enjoyed it.

Greenberg (2010)

I was a little disappointed with Noah Baumbach (director of The Squid and the Whale and co-writer of The Life Aquatic)on this one. The main character, while somewhat humorous with his intense social awkwardness, was just a monster to his “romantic love interest.”  I didn’t hate it but it wasn’t my cup of tea.

A Town Called Panic (2009)

Netflix:

Tag along for the small-town adventures of plastic toys Cowboy, Indian and Horse when they buy 50 million bricks, setting into motion a crazy chain of events at their rambling rural home. Now trekking across distant lands, they end up in another world plunged under water.

Hilarious but bizarre! Only 74 minutes but worth it.

Youth In Revolt (2009)

I have to admit that this was funnier than I thought it was going to be but the expectations were low.  I feel like I’ve seen Michael Cera just a bit too much.  The bad boy alter ego was a refreshing element though. Oh, the marijuana brownie/cookie scene was actually really funny. Didn’t love it, didn’t hate it…

blah/not-so-blah life

I have been struggling with posting because there isn’t much happening in the blah life*.  I mean there was that whole election deal but I’m not much of a political blogger.  Sure, I have opinions but they aren’t groundbreaking. 

Life has felt extra blah lately and I think it’s because the weeks previous to this one have been so not blah, if that makes sense.  October was a fabulous month of travel and taking in new things and meeting truly interesting people.  I went to NYC, San Antonio, and Portland, Oregon.  When I was in the office there were tight deadlines and fast-paced action.  Things in life felt…active, lively, engaging!  Here are some photos of me that express these feelings:

 

Since I’ve been back I’ve been itching to meet people and do things and get out!  Luckily for me, my girlfriends have been happy to help with this, but mostly I’ve been going to yoga, reading transit news, and spending endless hours on itunes and youtube in search of new music. 

The point is that I don’t have any interesting blog material. This is especially true because I’m going on a mental diet – I’m cutting out the cute stuff.   I mean I can’t even find the Icanhascheezburger app for my phone.  This cute stuff supplied some good material but some part of my brain was atrophying due to overexposure.

 

*I must admit that the blah life isn’t bad – I’m not in a refugee camp and my town isn’t about to be covered in lava or toxic material that broke loose from a detention pond.  I know I have it good, but everything is relative, right?

Anxiety-fueled run

“You’re a real trooper.”  That’s what my dentist and dental assistant said to me repeatedly during my two-hour appointment today. 

Now, the truth is that I am not a real trooper.  In fact, when getting dental work done I normally get “the gas” – i.e. nitrous oxide. It helps but they rarely turn it up high enough to cut through the anxiety. I go to a dentist that specializes in patients with anxiety related to dentistry.  You’re probably thinking “who doesn’t have some anxiety related to going to the dentist?”  Well, I’ll tell you.  I’ve been to dentists that basically told me that I needed to buck up or leave.  The difference between those dentists and my dentist is that my dentist is empathetic and gentle, which should be the norm but really isn’t.

I went in for two fillings and a crown.  When I was informed today that the gas was in use by other patients and not available for me, I became, let’s say, visibly fearful.  The dental assistant was so comforting and sweet.  She actually started tearing up when I shed some tears of fear.  The lesson for the day for me is that a little kindness can go a long way to making someone feel better. 

After arriving home post-appointment, I quickly changed and went for a great run.  I think my body was charged with pent up anxiety.  Also the temperature was perfect just after sunset in Cheesman Park.

I took some photos of myself and my numbed lip but I’m not going to share them.

Scary Halloween Movies

In the spirit of Halloween, Saturday night was spent at the home of our friends, Emily and Josh, watching two scary movies.

[REC] (2007)

IMDB synopsis:

"REC" turns on a young TV reporter and her cameraman who cover the night shift at the local fire station. Receiving a call from an old lady trapped in her house, they reach her building to hear horrifying screams -- which begin a long nightmare and a uniquely dramatic TV report.

A Spanish zombie movie! The group generally agreed that the movie was not entirely original as the filming style was reminiscent of Cloverfield.  It’s a short film but starts out slow and lags a bit in the middle, but has an intriguing ending.  For a scary Halloween movie or to round out one’s list of zombie films, I’d certainly recommend it.

I just discovered that there is a sequel – REC 2 – but I don’t think I’ll be able to watch it.  Also, [REC] was remade in the US under the title Quarantine (2008).

I’m not including any images because all the ones I found are pretty disturbing.

They Live (1988)

IMDB synopsis:

A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allow him to wake up to the fact that aliens have taken over the Earth.

This John Carpenter film was an interesting bit of social commentary on consumerism, classism, and corporate culture.  If you go into it expecting camp and bad acting (the protagonist is an ex-wrestler), it’s very watchable.  I had never heard of it but it should be a cult classic.  A Variety review has a good summary:

Conceived on 1950s B-movie sci-fi terms, They Live is a fantastically subversive film, a nifty little confection pitting us vs them, the haves vs the have-nots.

People and movement

Yesterday I deboarded my seventh flight this month.  I’ve been in airports in Denver (of course), San Antonio, Dallas, New York City, and Portland.

I’ve taken in a lot of different people.  Mostly people waiting.  Waiting for flights to board, waiting in line for food, waiting on planes for their life to continue on the ground.  So many large people.  A few interesting looking people – an older woman in black leather Wranglers, a white gauzy button up through which her black bra was on display for instance.  Not too many overtly happy people. 

Not much smiling and warmth happening in airports and on planes.

After so much travel (for me) back-to-back and an amazing week at Rail~Volution, meeting so many fascinating people and doing so many enjoyable things, everything hit me and I felt exhausted.  As a result, on the flight from Portland to Denver, I found myself doing something I haven’t done much lately – I listened to music for a few hours. No writing, no reading, no sleeping - just giving myself over to music.  I listened to Nina Simone, Devotchka, Bebel Gilberto, Iron & Wine, the Willowz, and others. 

Feeling Good by Nina Simone was the impetus.  The song had been rolling through my head for a few days. 

Still mentally sorting things out.

Rail~Volution 2010

I’ve just returned from Portland and four wonderful days of Rail~Volution, a conference that brings transportation professionals together once a year to “Create a national movement to develop livable communities with transit.”  Two thumbs up to the organizers – it was an excellent event.  I learned a lot and met some good people.  The folks from Pittsburgh, Vancouver, and Portland were my favorites (other than the Denver crew that is).

So I’m going to share a few photos from a few jaunts around Portland.

As always, I love the random and sometimes silly stickers and paintings on signs, cars, and walls. Denver seems to be lacking in this area and I know because I’m on the lookout.

This was taped to the greeter stand at Kenny & Zuke’s deli.  I enjoy stick figures and have been pondering the drawing’s origin – a small-breasted (and lop-sided), wild-haired woman throwing the horns with a seemingly complacent dog. It’s amusing.

These three were in various spots:

This is from the back of a Prius, obviously.  I was unusually delighted by it’s lighthearted nature.

There were also some less-random bits of art that I noted – tile work on a wall surrounding a park and a mural:

I ate at some of the food carts near Pioneer Square.  The weather was moist and chilly in the mornings until just after noon and I was drawn to the soup and grilled cheese cart.  The day I visited it was serving a Hungarian mushroom soup and a cheddar, gruyere, and goat cheese grilled cheese. So, so tasty and satisfying.

A few days later, Lacy (a friend and now co-worker) and I got a similar lunch at a food cart on Williams in Northeast Portland.  No food pic, but here’s a photo of the “cart.”

Right across from this cart was a walk-up window for ordering coffee.  It was aptly named a “ped-thru” as opposed to a drive-thru.

On Monday I took a mobile tour by bike of Portland’s green streets and bikeways.  The weather was amazing, the company was great (can’t go wrong with those that want to get on a bike!), and we saw some interesting and innovative stuff.  Near the end we took a break at a park and the tour guides had arranged for coffee and pastries.  The coffee was served by a coffee-by-bike sort of thing – Trailhead Coffee Roasters.  Quite good coffee but I did burn my tongue (user error). 

Walking around Portland in general was such a treat, especially this time of year.  The trees were turning and leaves were falling. We were so impressed by the size of some leaves we got these photos.

We also came across this huge elephant-on-elephant art in one park:

Finally, we rode and ogled at the streetcar:

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Portland, I love you.