Since my earlier photo of me selling lemonade got such a positive reaction, I thought I would offer up this portrait of the Blust family, circa ~1974. We used to take a group picture like this every winter for the family Christmas card. Interesting bunch.
Month: August 2001 (Page 6 of 8)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show is widely regarded as a watershed event for feminism on TV – a single woman who doesn’t need a man, has her own career, etc. I was watching an episode on Nick at Nite recently, an episode that came fairly late in the series’ run, where Mary not only gets Lou his coffee, but also organizes his poker night – calls up people, arranges for the food, etc. This is how an executive news producer is supposed to act? This episode stood out even more because I don’t remember a lot of incidents like that. Maybe that’s the point. But shouldn’t Mary tell Lou to get his own damn coffee?
I know that I’m dense, but I don’t really understand Blogdex. Can anyone explain it to me?
(I also don’t understand why Bridget Fonda hasn’t had a good part in years, but that’s another topic.)
Just revised my “web heroes” page to add two new inductees: Dave Winer and Edward Tufte. I got a flyer in the mail earlier this week advertising a one-day class in information design Tufte is giving in Chicago in September. It’s expensive – $320 – but you get three of his expensive books, worth about $150. I think I could deduct it on my taxes as a business expense – professional development, you know. Also, it would be nice to take a break with a little mini-vacation to Chicago. As you can see, I’m trying to convince myself to go. Now I just have to find someone to go with me.
So A&E is starting a new feature called “Bio and a Movie,” where they follow a biography program with, surprise, a movie. But (at least in the one I saw advertised) the movie doesn’t star or even include the person profiled. Huh?
<SEINFELD>
Who are the ad wizards who came up with that one?
</SEINFELD>
Holy Empress of the Universe Haidi has graciously invited me to take part in her new collaborative weblog, Top Ten Blog. After a minor scare with publishing, all seems to be well. I am honored to be included – I just added #7 to the first Top Ten List. This is great fun.
Science truly is a tool of the devil.
“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” -Ian Malcolm
‘West Wing’ trivia:
1. There is one fruit whose seeds are on the outside. Which is it?
2. There are only three words in English that begin with “dw”. What are they?
(No fair answering if you’ve seen the episode, which is airing as I write this.)
Pleasant summer surprise: The Princess and The Warrior, starring Franka Potente of Run Lola Run. Quite slow moving, but affecting and fascinating in ways that Hollywood just can’t begin to approach. As one reviewer on IMDB said, it’s a love story without so much as a kiss. For me, it’s about the strange and mystical connections between people. Franka Potente (blond rather than the bright red of ‘Lola’) isn’t beautiful, but she has a face you can’t take your eyes off of. Highly recommended.
Ethical dilemma:
You’re paying for your purchases at the local chain bookstore. The clerk rings up your purchases, then tells you an amount that’s wildly inaccurate in your favor. The clerk should realize this, based on the number of books you are buying, but she doesn’t. Do you say anything?