I tend to find the best things about movies and talk about those, so do be aware that unless a movie is completely terrible, my review will probably not be that harsh. This is part of the reason that I do not aspire to be a movie reviewer for a living. That said, Under the Tuscan Sun would review well even by someone who was looking for flaws.
Whatever problems were there stemmed from a weak script, a classic sign of a movie adapted from a book. However, the leading lady had amazing acting skills (there is more than one time in the movie where she reacts to something offscreen, and you can see a clear and natural run of emotions across her face … almost Tom Hanks-like), and when you combine her with some good supporting characters (like her gay friend), and the Tuscan countryside, the combination is winning. That is, you believe the message the movie has about life: live it, love it, push through your pain. The movie, to me, was heartfelt without being kitchy.
True, with all the uncertainty about life that being mid-way through college brings, I am searching for things that address the confusion of life and decision in it, but I think this movie would speak to even those who were older and had lived more life.
Solar Powered Water Purification - Berekely has already successfully field-tested this invention. I would love to try the water that came out of it (then again, risking dysentry in the name of science is pretty crazy).
Slate: Rebellion of the Talking Heads - Slate continues to impress me; here they tackle the multi-faceted issues in New Orleans from the perspective of the news reporters “in the trenches” down there actually doing some great reporting.
If this is the beginning of a renaissance of true journalism, I am a staunch supporter.
Yes, it’s time for another round of 5 Questions. The rules are still really simple. Thankfully, the site has advanced some since the last round of 5 Questions, so users no longer have to use QuickMail to ask their questions, they can simply leave a comment. So, for the unitiated, here’s how it works: the lovely visitors to this humble website will ask me (Alex, in case you are wondering) one question each, and I will answer the first five questions submitted.
Commentors may also ask one another questions, such as “why did you ask that?” or “are you free this evening?” However, Tumbledry, Ltd. can not guarantee answers to inter-comment queries of the type outlined in the previous sentence. That said, unlike last time, life will go on around here normally while this open question session lasts: that is, I won’t threaten to boycott posting just because there aren’t five questions. If there aren’t enough, there aren’t enough. Such is life.
Have fun, stay safe, and when necessary, use protection (I speak of these, of course).
I know, I know. All of you out there are saying “I don’t live in a dorm anymore … I want something that is not caf food. In fact, I want something tasty that is not caf food. Scratch that, even: I want something tasty, easy to prepare, snackable, and moderately healthy that is not caf food.”
As Eric Prydz would say “call on me.” Yes, I have my hand up to answer your question, demanding questioner that you are. Indeed, the below recipe has been tested by me (and a lovely female assistant), and deemed to exceed “palatable” into “downright delicious” territory. Prep your ovens, open your mind, and get ready to go shopping quick, because it’s time for Potato-Chip-Crusted Salmon!
It just so happens that good, crisp potato chips make a crust that’s out of this world, especially on salmon. They have an unbeatable crunch, and their potato flavor is an awesome match for the fish. I use kettle-fried chips because I think they’re crunchiest and have the most potato flavor (try the Cape Cod brand if you can get them). They do need a little bit of livening up, though, which is why I mix in fresh dill and lime zest. The side of salmon, which is actually one whole filleted side of the salmon, will cost you about $20, but that can be the only big-ticket item on the menu.
1 side of salmon (about 3 pounds)
Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
One 5.5-ounce bag kettle-cooked potato chips
Zest of 1/2 lime
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
Olive oil
Preheat the oven to 400 °F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
Lay the side of salmon, skin side down, in the center of the baking sheet. Season it lightly with salt and pepper.
Crush the potato chips, lime zest, and dill together in a bowl until the chips resemble coarse crumbs. Mix in 2 tablespoons of oil until incorporated.
Coat the salmon with a thin, even layer of potato chip crumbs. Pat them on the fish gently so they stay put.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chip coating is nicely browned. Use 2 spatulas to transfer the salmon to a serving platter, putting one at either end and lifting them up together so the salmon is in one piece. Lay it gently on the serving platter and put a fork and a knife on the table by the platter so that people can serve themselves. You can also serve the salmon right on the baking sheet - there’s no shame in that, either.
Bonus points to you if you find a good bread to put the salmon in for reheatables … I would try a sourdough, personally.
Today, I would like to present two musical artists. First. I have only heard one song by Dave Barnes, and that is “On a Night Like This.” That said, it made me want to hear all of his album, Brother, Bring the Sun to soak in what he was selling. Sure, Barnes might be “just another” in the batch of acoustic crooners we are inundated with these days (lead, it would seem, by John Mayer). However, his ‘sound’ is really quite pleasant (from the 1:59 of it that I have heard), and would be lovely to have around for these coming crisp Autumn days that beg for wandering acoustic backdrops. Unfortunately, my money that was going to buy this has recently found another outlet. Read on.
Death Cab for Cutie is way more than I realized when I played it the 5th time … or the 88th. You see, the melodies the band crafts can get stuck in your head. Indeed, this stuck-in effect is amplified on the side project “The Postal Service” everyone has been yabbering about. But the great melodies are, literally, only the beginning. The lyrics are utterly poetic and saturated with meaning; all neatly tied together by the lead vocalist Ben Gibbard. His voice blends with the unique (and seriously, let me stress unique) sound of the band better than any pop-music producer could blend high production values in with the Kelly Clarksons of today’s music. This is a sound that has been played, refined, and polished through real soul-searching musicianship. That’s not to say Death Cab’s newest album, Plans is without some ‘poppiness’. From what I have heard, it has some serious mainstream airplay potential. Unfortunately, I have only experienced iTune’s 30 second soundbites. Therefore, it is now time to spend my $10 to Best Buy, and go out and make my first music album purchase in over two years.
eBay … cheaper - Genius: since people misspell things on eBay and those items attract fewer bidders, this system guesses those misspellings, therefore getting you a better deal on overlooked auctions.