So I watched the movie Ray last night because I had nothing better to do. I’m not certain why it got all those awards, sure the music was catchy I guess, but it was such a cliché biopic. The funny thing is I finished the movie with an extreme dislike of Ray Charles, and I’m not sure if that was the movie’s intention. Here is the movie in a nutshell: Ray, who is an extremely self-centered individual, does something really terrible - either to himself or someone else. This leads to step two where he gets inspired and writes a hit song. Step three is a five minute montage of step two song. Step four everyone loves him even if he is a jerk because he’s such a genius. Rinse and repeat for 2.5 hours. (more…)
2/27/2008
Does Everybody Love Ray, Man?
2/20/2008
Sunshine
Sunshine is probably the best scifi film I’ve seen in years. Finally a decent “Lost in Space” genre movie that doesn’t stink. The science was as good as it could be, and the story was largely character driven and very thoughtful. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised since it was Danny Boyle who made the film. Love or hate his movies, they are definitely never shallow or trite. Do yourself a favor and watch the movie with Brian Cox’s commentary after you’ve seen it once. Cox is a physicist at the University of Manchester and also works with the CERN super collider. His commentary makes the movie even more thought provoking.
Boyle also throws in two short films on the DVD that are also worth a gander. Boyle’s theory is that DVD’s are a great way to distribute short films from up and coming film makers and help them get noticed.
2/9/2008
We Will Miss You Sheldon
Many of you that follow bicycles will know that Sheldon Brown passed away on Sunday February 3, 2008. I’ve quoted him many times on this blog, and when anyone asks me about cycling advice, I almost always end up pointing them to an article Sheldon wrote. Most of my knowledge about bicycle compatibility, maintenance, and history comes from hours of reading Sheldon’s articles and usenet chatter. I am glad his legacy lives on in the body of knowledge that exists online and at Harris Cyclery. When I built up my fixed/free single speed about four years ago, I called up Harris Cyclery and got the legend himself on the phone. I was amazed that he could recall the rear axle spacing and seatpost diameter of my Bridgestone MB-3 from memory. He worked out my appropriate gear ratios on his slide rule and told me what rear cog sizes I should use with the brilliant White Industries eccentric ENO hub (another discovery via Brown).
I feel bicycling is facing a problem of homogenization. Components now only work with other components made by the same company. Everything is sold in kits and packages. Everything is the same. Everything is made to be disposable or abandoned in a year or two. The industry only caters to racers now, and oddball equipment that doesn’t enhance speed or is more than two years old is seen as passé. Sheldon was the great champion of the odd and fantastic in cycling. My fear is that without him, who will let the public know about great finds like Shlumpf’s planetary bottom bracket, the ENO eccentric hub, or the MKS detachable pedal? I’m afraid that with Sheldon gone, it’s up to the rest of to keep bicycling fun and diverse.