This Side of Lost

Settling In

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:51:13 -0500

I promise I'll come up with more original titles soon. I guess it's been more than three weeks since I posted. Well, we're settled now. The moving truck showed up about a week early, amazingly. So Samantha and I were able to do a lot of unpacking together (to her chagrin, I'm sure -- she was expecting me to do the bulk of it while I was unemployed). The place has come together pretty well, though it still looks sparse. We don't have a lot of furniture. We're hoping to add a love seat/small couch and a couple of chairs in the living room and another dresser for Samantha. Send any leads our way. We've explored town a little. We found our grocery store, our Target, our ice cream joint... you know, the important stuff. We're settling on a sports bar though more data needs to be gathered. (Yes, I know there are no Yelp reviews at either of those links. Give me a couple weeks and there will be.) Amy, we still need that advice on pizza. I have done a little church shopping -- nothing impressive so far, though there is more news on that in a moment. I've started my new job. As long time readers know, it's This Side of Lost policy not to discuss work here. So that might be the last you hear about it. I'm still investigating my options for choral singing. We are just far enough away from New York City that going downtown for a weeknight rehearsal is out of the question. But options closer to my commute just don't seem as good. But I do have auditions for two possible church gigs nearby. (Which would alleviate the need for further church shopping. Sadly, there are no Lutheran churches interested in hiring a bass right now, so it may be back to the Episcopalians for me.) Perhaps the directors there can give me some tips. This process has also been assisted by the discovery of my new favorite website ever: Vocal Area Network. Unbelievably useful. It's got a directory sortable by alphabetical, geographical location and rehearsal night. Plus an events calendar, audition postings and church gig ads. I think I'm in love. They need to make this nationwide. Chorus America, where are you? Pay attention. Yes, I am a huge choir nerd. Moving on. The Twins are rocking out. Amazingly the hitting is holding up and our young quintet in the starting rotation is keeping us in the game. They took two out of three from the Yankees at home this week and are giving the White Sox a run for their money for the division championship. Crazy! It's been fun to watch the past couple weeks -- here's hoping they keep it up. That's it. I have plenty more to post about (more AFI reviews, the other two installments on my Singing in LA series) so hopefully I'll be back with more in sooner than three weeks. Peace!

Departure / Arrival

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:26:36 -0500

Well, much of Us has now made the trip. The really important parts of Us (yours truly and Robert) at least. All the less important stuff (bed, clothes, furniture, spatulas, etc.) will be along soon, we hope, though I'm not getting too excited about it. Everything went pretty much according to plan in California: Robert was handed off to the great people at Continental Cargo (having used them twice now with hardly a problem I feel comfortable recommending them now) on Monday and arrived safely, the movers showed up and took away my things on Tuesday, I cleaned the place within an inch of its life on Wednesday and caught my own flight (on the overrated Virgin America) on Thursday. Jessica was a most excellent host for my last two evenings in town -- hopefully those leftover cleaning supplies and bottles of liquor are payment enough. I've got a bit of time to relax before the new job starts, so I've been enjoying sleeping in and lounging around in the new, somewhat sparse place. It's a townhouse, complete with three levels -- small levels, but levels nonetheless. It has a two car garage and a washer/dryer! It's like a real home almost. Props to Samantha for finding a great one. Danbury seems to be a big town/small city in the midst of changing demographics. Much of the core of the town is a mish-mash of old banks and churches and Mexican/Brazilian restaurants and businesses. Further out along winding roads (so winding! I've grown used to ramrod straight city streets crisscrossing the Valley) are the big box stores and chain restaurants. Doesn't seem to be a hive of high culture, at least not at first glance. But it will be interesting to explore nonetheless. I've already ventured out a couple times to find a sports bar to watch my Twins flail pathetically at the Yankees. There is still much to learn: where to worship and sing, where to find good spanikopita, where to buy Soyrizo. I always enjoy that part of moving though. As for today, I made the trip to Samantha's workplace with her this morning, as we are headed out to see a silly movie this evening with some of her colleagues. And Friday is my first fencing trip in a while: off to see Samantha represent her fencing region in the Empire State Games. Traveling, lots of reading, staying with friends and in hotels -- it's almost like a vacation!

Things I Will Miss About California

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:10:54 -0500

In no particular order:

The convenience of the weather. Contrary to what most people think, I will not miss the weather itself. But I can't deny that it makes life very convenient here. Here's the entirety of the thought process involved in going outside: "Is it winter? If it is, grab a light coat and your umbrella. If it's not, you're fine."
The burgers. They do 'em right around here. I can name half a dozen places within a ten minute drive from my apartment where you can get a great cheeseburger, from the internationally-famous to the lesser-known but still high quality local chains to the really, really local joints -- oh, so ghetto, but oh, so good.
The Arclight. I'm never going to be pleased with a movie theater ever again, unless theaters in Danbury also have no ads, reserved seating online and Häagen-Dazs ice cream in concessions.
The friends we've made here. But that is true about every place I've lived and left.

A surprisingly (or, perhaps, not surprisingly) short list.

Moving On

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 21:05:33 -0500

I'm not sure we'll ever be able to move on from our loss. But from what I know about grief, it's something that never totally goes away -- you just don't think of it as often. And, for better or for worse, we've been forced to move on, to not think about it as often, because there's a lot to do. But we're still thinking about it nonetheless. All of our friends, old and new, have been wonderful and supportive. Many thanks to you. But we have to move on. I had my last day at work on Tuesday. The moving truck comes next Tuesday. I have a busy week ahead of me, and it's already three-sevenths over. I've taken care of many details, but there's many left to go and I've barely started packing. Fortunately, everything else appears to be going smoothly -- Robert's flight is booked and I have the name of the driver from the moving company and assurances he'll be in touch on Monday. Meanwhile, Samantha has been kept very well distracted by Rare Book School -- she's learning a lot, making some new friends and enjoying her time in Charlottesville. She heads home tomorrow. Part of me can't believe I'll be in Connecticut next week. But the other part of me thinks it can't come any sooner. I hate these in between times when I have no schedule -- it unsettles me. And I am forever reminded of our missing cat looking around this apartment, and Robert seems to be realizing that something is amiss -- he has been more than needy. We need a change and we need it now. Good thing it is indeed coming soon. Not much else going on around here. I have been distracting myself with Gilmore Girls and Battlestar Galactica in my spare time. I am attempting to eat my way through the rest of my pantry. I hate moving. That is all. How are you?

Angus

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:03:06 -0500

What is there to say? He's gone.

Of Jammers, Pivots and Packs

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:35:49 -0500

I had my first roller derby experience last Saturday. Or, as perhaps I should phrase it: I'm no longer a roller derby virgin. And man did it feel good. My friend Mari skates derby back where she lives and was in town for our professional organization's big annual conference. We managed to slip away for a while to catch the first day of Battle of the Banks, a big two-day tournament hosted by the LA Derby Dolls. It was a great introduction to the sport for me, as I was able to watch almost four full bouts and six different teams. I was pretty lost for the first one, but finally picked up on all the rules for the second bout, and was cheering my voice out by the third. Mari and I were rooting hard for Team Awesome (some photos NSFW), a group of WFTDA all stars from various leagues around the country, including two skaters from Minnesota (Harmony Killerbruise and Biscuit). Despite being unfamiliar with banked track skating, they more than held their own and just barely lost two close bouts with the Derby Dolls top squad. Biscuit did a fantastic job jamming, but not as good as another jammer named Jackie Daniels, who I've decided is my new derby crush. It was a great, great time. I would definitely go back for more bouts. You know, if I wasn't leaving the state in two weeks. Good thing there are leagues popping up all over the country. CT RollerGirls, here we come! In other news:

The aforementioned conference was a good time, especially hanging out with Mari. We took off a little early on Monday to see Venice Beach, stop by an awesome ice cream place (I had pistachio lemon) and catch a showing of WALL*E at the Arclight (excellent movie, but left me feeling very strange).
My trip to San Diego to see the Twins and the Padres was very successful. Petco Park is a wonderful place to watch baseball, I got a picture taken with Joe Nathan, and the Twins trounced the Padres 9-3. Thanks to my colleague Eric for coming along and driving!
Planning for the move continues. I'll be flying out on July 17th. We are tempting fate and hiring movers again (noooooo!) despite our poor experience two years ago. The cats are traveling in style, the same way they did two years ago. Stay tuned...
I'm in the process of planning a happy hour for my birthday/impending departure from LA. How does the 12th or the 14th sound? Let me know.
I never filled you in on my recent Amoeba haul, did I? The bounty: Ciao, Baby by theSTART, The Bird and the Bee (eponymous) and Night Falls Over Kortedala by Jens Lekman. All have been very enjoyable in very different ways.

My days are numbered here in California... it seems like I still have a ton to do, but I know these two weeks will race by. Thanks for coming along on the ride.

#73 - Wuthering Heights

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 11:00:30 -0500

We head to the golden age of Hollywood romanticism for this 1939 adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel. Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon star as forever unrequited lovers Heathcliff and Cathy as life's events bring them together and apart in heartbreaking tragedy. William Wyler directs. Here's another film that totally matches what I was expecting to see coming in to this project. Big stars, big stories, drama, action, passion! I may sound like a movie trailer, but what many movies claim to have, this one truly delivers. First of all, Olivier and Oberon are tremendous. As Samantha put it, "These are very pretty people." Olivier is strikingly handsome, dark and brooding -- perfectly fitting with the character. His acting is at once understated and powerful. Heathcliff's immense contempt for Cathy in the later parts of the film couldn't be clearer on his face (perhaps because Olivier and Oberon didn't get along in real life). Oberon too is well cast as the beautiful but conflicted and selfish Cathy. It's worth the price of admission to see these two making doe eyes at each other. But the rest of the film also matches up. The supporting acting (particularly Hugh Williams as Hindley) is fine. The Oscar-winning cinematography (by Gregg Toland, who would go on to become famous for his work on Citizen Kane) creates a perfect setting with strident dark and light hues reflecting the moodiness of the story. The screenwriting is excellent and makes the cuts necessary to craft a well-paced and concise film out of Brontë's sprawling novel (though purists may take umbrage at the second half of the book being completely left out). The California hills stand in well for the wild Yorkshire moors. It's not an easy sight to watch these beautiful people destroy one another, but darn if they didn't put it together well. Chalk up another winner. (See this post if you're confused why I'm reviewing movies.)

Two More Baseball-Related Notes

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:16:12 -0500

1) Be sure to go vote for Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau for the All-Star Game. They are both second in the running behind Red Sox players and within striking distance -- especially Mauer, who has been far and away the best catcher in the American League this year. You can vote up to 25 times! Win tickets to a Twins game! What are you waiting for?! 2) I am basically this guy, except with less profanity. I have settled in 15th place in my fantasy league and, barring a miracle, am likely to stay there. I blame the entire roster of the Washington Nationals.

Loose Summer Clothes

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:49:59 -0500

I think lazy summers is one of the main reasons I have always wanted to stick around in academia for as long as I can. Being a high school teacher was too much to make the summers off worth it, but academic librarianship provides the perfect balance. I don't get the summer off, but things definitely slow down. Add to this the end of the choral music season, and I've got a lazy week coming up. Woo hoo! Of course, that laziness isn't going to last long. The big annual conference for my professional organization is coming up at the end of the month, and then I've got my cross-country move after that. Guess that means I should enjoy my downtime while it lasts. It's been a while since my last newsy post, so let's try and catch up...

My mom's visit to LA was successful. We visited some mom-worthy spots (the Getty, the Huntington, the coast), she saw my library, she enjoyed the concert -- all went well. Thanks for coming out, Mom!
I managed to get out to Poughkeepsie one more time, thanks to the job search. The highlight of the visit: a trip to the Hyde Park drive in theater for a double showing of Indiana Jones and Iron Man! Tons of fun as we rolled Roz into the parking spot backwards and opened up the hatchback into the cool Hudson Valley evening. Awesome.
Speaking of the job search, it's over now. In case you missed that.
My choral season is also nearly over -- just one last Sunday service at the end of the month for my church gig. It's been a long and very busy year for me, so I'm not sad to see it end. New friends and fun memories, as always, are what I'll miss.
One of said new friends gave me a going away present: the first season of Battlestar Galactica on DVD. I just finished watching it last night, and it's pretty frakkin' awesome. Just put the next few discs on hold at one of the local libraries (using their brand spanking new catalog).
I have been less distracted by baseball of late. I think my 5-year honeymoon with the Minnesota Twins is over. They're not a very good team again this year -- offense is bad as usual, and the pitching has been much better. They're hovering around .500 for most of the season, which might actually cut it, given that the rest of the division is also worse than we expected. Who knows?
But, I am going to see the Twinkies soon. Thanks to the wonders of interleague play, the San Diego Padres are hosting a three game series with my hometown team next week, and I'll be in attendance for the Wednesday game, along with a friend from work. An excellent use of my personal holiday, if I do say so myself. Baseball road trip!
Then, not two days later, my good friend Mari arrives for the aforementioned conference. We're also hoping to do a few extracurricular activities... possibly including an LA Derby Dolls bout and some, uh, research for her cookbook.

What are you looking forward to doing this summer?

Swee Frolls

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 15:32:45 -0500

How much would you pay for this cinnamon roll? Looks awesome, doesn't it? Note that it's approximately as big as my head. Think now. $2.25, you say? Well, yes, that's how much money I gave to the nice lady at Panaderia in San Fernando earlier today. But that's not all I got. Here's the rest. Some delicious pan dulce (which I have since devoured) and a tasty looking cookie. I think I've found my new favorite bakery ever.

Singing in LA #1: The Los Angeles Master Chorale

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:32:37 -0500

The first in a three part series about my crazy year masquerading as a professional choral singer in Los Angeles.

I Has a Job

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 12:24:22 -0500

A job. I has it. I've been offered and have accepted a position at a small, liberal arts college/university within a manageable (not ideal, but manageable) commute distance from Poughkeepsie. It's a great job -- one I would have taken even if not pressed into this job search by other circumstances. I start in August. So we'll start planning my move... well, now, I guess. I am excited for the new work, stressed about the move and (above all) relieved that the job search is over and I can go live with my wife again. But I think it was all worth it. That I can say that now, before it's over, speaks to the truth of that. Oh, and the obligatory lolcat.

#74 - The Gold Rush

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 16:38:00 -0500

The third and final Charlie Chaplin film on the list, once again written, edited and scored by the do-it-all filmmaker. The earliest of the three (1925), Chaplin's comedic sense is well honed as the Lone Prospector (who is a dead ringer for the familiar Little Tramp) who bumbles his way through turn-of-the-century gold rush Alaska, avoiding starvation in a blizzard, courting the saloon girl who doesn't know he exists, and (of course) striking it big and getting fabulously wealthy, through no fault of his own. This is the most unabashedly comedic of the Chaplin films I've seen. Still present are his touches of tragedy (unavoidable as he's making us laugh about people amidst starvation and heartbreak) but I probably laughed the hardest at this one. The two iconic scenes (Chaplin feasting on a roasted boot and Chaplin using two forked-impaled dinner rolls to effect a dapper dance) are just the tip of the iceberg of the comedy on this one. It also features the happiest ending of the three, which is sort of satisfying. We're left on a happy note as for Chaplin's characters, though it kind of seems strange to see the Little Tramp actually getting the girl at the end. As for the rest, I again must point you to my previous two Chaplin reviews, all of which is still applicable as Chaplin is again at the top of his game. The fourteen months it took to put the movie together are evident in the attention to detail. I can't be too clear about this: seeing Chaplin's films are one of the best things that have come out of this project. Though I probably won't seek out seeing any more, I'm very glad to have seen these three and have an appreciation for one of cinema's greatest figures.

#75 - Dances with Wolves

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:30:56 -0500

Kevin Costner directs and stars in this 1990 Best Picture winning epic about a Union soldier at a remote post in South Dakota who befriends a Lakota Sioux tribe of Indians. Ugh. We had a tough time working up any excitement for this one and I'm also having trouble coming up with much to say here. You've probably seen this one and have an opinion about it either way. I found it entirely too long (not helped by the fact that we got the "extended version" from Netflix) and pretty snooze-worthy. The story is strong, but it got diluted by the lengthy running time. The acting was mediocre at best, especially Costner. Many of the features of the other westerns we've seen hold true here (wide open vistas, etc). It does get points for turning the usual "savage Indian, civilized westerner" theme on its head. It's an okay movie for what it's trying to do. But I honestly don't see what the fuss is about. And... that's it. Next.

AFI 100 Update: The Bottom Quarter (76-100)

Thu, 29 May 2008 13:11:35 -0500

For those of you just joining us, Samantha and I are in the midst of an ongoing project to watch the American Film Institute's Top 100 films from the first century of American film (1896-1996). We started our project over three years ago and we are now one quarter of the way through. Well, actually, we're farther than that -- I'm behind on my reviews. But still -- 25% done deserves a recap. Our journey thus far has, more or less, been what we expected. We've seen 25 movies from a variety of eras and genres, with not a lot in common among them. Of course, they all are examples of high quality film making (at least relative to the time). Many of them have featured outstanding acting performances, controversial themes and technical advances -- but not all of them, and not all the time. For several, we have had to throw our hands up and assume that we're not film-nerdy enough to truly appreciate them. In that same vein, we have made it a game of sorts to try and figure out why each was included on the list, and we've been fairly successful in identifying one or several reasons for each film, even for the ones we don't "get." We are hoping that the 'duds' (if you can call them that -- we're still learning a lot from the ones we don't enjoy) will become fewer and farther between as we work our way up. In the meantime, here's some highlights and lowlights. Favorites:

The Apartment (#93). I think this one was straight-up the most fun to watch. Superb acting, heart-tugging plot, excellent direction.
City Lights (#76). Maybe there's hope for the film nerd side of me yet. I really enjoyed all of the Chaplin films we've seen so far and this is the best of them. Classic in the best sense of the word.

Un-favorites:

Easy Rider (#88). Mostly just really painful to watch. I'm not of the right generation, I think.
Platoon (#83). Though it wasn't as difficult to watch as The Deer Hunter, it was less redeeming. An ugly movie for an ugly war.

Exceeded Expectations:

Giant (#82). Then again, I wasn't sure what to expect, but the description on Netflix didn't really sell me. But it was an outstanding film.
A Place in the Sun (#92). A film that ended in an entirely different fashion than we were lead to believe after the first half an hour. Fascinating to watch.

Failed to Meet Expectations:

Frankenstein (#87). We at least were hoping for something entertaining. It wasn't even really that.
The Jazz Singer (#90). The first talkie, right? Well, not quite. Not even a fun musical -- just sort of a weird blend of two movie making styles.

How's that for some crazy recap action? More reviews coming soon. I may be doing two in a row from time to time in an attempt to erase my backlog. You have been warned.