Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
St. Elmo’s Fire - 25 Years Later
I nearly fell off my chair when I read the date the movie came out: 1985. Fug! When did THAT happen? (Dare I sound like my parents, “where did the time go?”) 
The movie itself? Watching it again I can see what I connected with originally, the friendships, the drama, the high camp (Demi Moore is a hot mess!). I laughed my ass off at the clothes and the hair this time around too. I remember being in LOVE with Judd Nelson’s hair (but not his nostrils). I’d forgotten, however, that many of the individual stories are tied up too nicely at the end of the film. And Emilio Estevez’s character Kirby should have been in jail for stalking Andie MacDowell. 
Back when I first saw the movie I thought of all the Brat Pack, Andrew McCarthy should be a huge star. He was in “Pretty in Pink” - good - “Less Than Zero” - great - and “Mannequin” - oops! Hollywood can be so cruel. Here’s a scene how I’ll remember him:
What I really remember about the movie is mixed emotions about friends, growing up, and moving on in life. But one thing is for certain, I’m buying this on Blu-ray!
I haven’t seen the film in about as many years, even thought it’s omni-present on TV reruns. Actually, I didn’t WANT to see it for fear it would change the perception I have about the film. You know, it always seemed better when you were a kid... bigger, faster, more delicious. But I watched it over the weekend and enjoyed it.
The movie itself? Watching it again I can see what I connected with originally, the friendships, the drama, the high camp (Demi Moore is a hot mess!). I laughed my ass off at the clothes and the hair this time around too. I remember being in LOVE with Judd Nelson’s hair (but not his nostrils). I’d forgotten, however, that many of the individual stories are tied up too nicely at the end of the film. And Emilio Estevez’s character Kirby should have been in jail for stalking Andie MacDowell. 
Back when I first saw the movie I thought of all the Brat Pack, Andrew McCarthy should be a huge star. He was in “Pretty in Pink” - good - “Less Than Zero” - great - and “Mannequin” - oops! Hollywood can be so cruel. Here’s a scene how I’ll remember him: What I really remember about the movie is mixed emotions about friends, growing up, and moving on in life. But one thing is for certain, I’m buying this on Blu-ray!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
A drive to the ocean? No. An outing in the country? Not exactly. A road trip to drink beer? You hit it on the head!
Driving up the highway a bit to Chico, we went to lunch at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Might seem like a far off destination for lunch, but years ago I had a list of brewpubs I wanted to visit. And with some arm twisting from a friend (and some emails I sent him from 2003!), we drove up for the afternoon.
Their beer sampler had a whopping 16 samples, from the weak summer ale to the scary 1,200% alcohol brew (OK, it was only like 9% alcohol but surprisingly, I didn't like it. I drank it, but didn't like it). Of the selection only that and the Porter were not so good, otherwise, great tasting stuff.
I came home with a large bottle of their 30th Anniversary Sierra beer (aka Charlie, Fred & Ken's Bock - really that's the name) and their Summertime brew. Looking forward to both in the coming weeks.
Oh yea, the food was delicious too. The lone female at the table had the best meal of us 4: the steak salad (I'm still jealous!). But my gumbo special was tasty with all those beers (I swear it wasn't that much - the server said it was equivalent to only 2 pints total!).
The town of Chico? Not sure if we were in the wrong area (since none of us knew where to go) or maybe it's more lively when school is in session (it's a college town after all), but it seemed pretty dreary. The brewery was the definite highlight and shining star in what felt like the middle of nowhere!
Driving up the highway a bit to Chico, we went to lunch at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Might seem like a far off destination for lunch, but years ago I had a list of brewpubs I wanted to visit. And with some arm twisting from a friend (and some emails I sent him from 2003!), we drove up for the afternoon.
Their beer sampler had a whopping 16 samples, from the weak summer ale to the scary 1,200% alcohol brew (OK, it was only like 9% alcohol but surprisingly, I didn't like it. I drank it, but didn't like it). Of the selection only that and the Porter were not so good, otherwise, great tasting stuff.
I came home with a large bottle of their 30th Anniversary Sierra beer (aka Charlie, Fred & Ken's Bock - really that's the name) and their Summertime brew. Looking forward to both in the coming weeks.Oh yea, the food was delicious too. The lone female at the table had the best meal of us 4: the steak salad (I'm still jealous!). But my gumbo special was tasty with all those beers (I swear it wasn't that much - the server said it was equivalent to only 2 pints total!).
The town of Chico? Not sure if we were in the wrong area (since none of us knew where to go) or maybe it's more lively when school is in session (it's a college town after all), but it seemed pretty dreary. The brewery was the definite highlight and shining star in what felt like the middle of nowhere!By the way, on the way home we stopped at a fruitstand set waaaaaaaay back from the highway. Came away with some lovely cherries, plums, and some apricots. Actually they're hybrid apricots with plums (can't remember the funny name they gave them). Yet, another great find so I wanted to give the stand a shout out!
A nice drive in the country... for beer...
A nice drive in the country... for beer...Monday, June 7, 2010
Sharon Corr sings en Español
Sharon Corr singing in Spanish? Sure The Corrs sang en Español w/ Alenjandro Sanz a couple of years ago, but that was just a Spanish version of a Corrs hit.
This is Sharon. She's solo. She plays violin. And she's fabulous!
Had to google Alex as I've never heard of him. Seems he's the hottest Spanish pop singer out there these days. Interesting...I like it!
This is Sharon. She's solo. She plays violin. And she's fabulous!
Had to google Alex as I've never heard of him. Seems he's the hottest Spanish pop singer out there these days. Interesting...I like it!
Nortec Collective - Tengo La Voz
Coming in August to UC Davis for a (can't believe it) FREE concert is Nortec Collective. Ought to be fun, because I have lost complete days recently with this song roaming through my head. How can one not? With their nifty combination of norteño + techno = makes my head spin!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
I Am From Bavaria (Oktoberfest Song)
I heard this song on a podcast and it stopped me in my tracks, literally (I was on my daily walk at the time). I laughed my ass off! Thinking it was a one-off track that would be impossible to find, SHAZAM...I just googled what I thought was the title. And POW! It's now my favorite song!
Give it a listen. It's in English. And it's fun!
Give it a listen. It's in English. And it's fun!
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