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How Yelp's flaws affect Apple Maps
It's been clear from the start that Apple Maps isn't perfect. In fact, in some instances it's proven to be downright broken. And while the blame ultimately lies at Apple's feet, it turns out that you -- yes, you -- might have played a roll in the new app's less-than-stellar debut. You see, Apple Maps relies on data from Yelp for location information on certain businesses, and Yelp relies on everyday users to provide that data.
Google also leans on crowdsourced data to flesh out its location services, but as Dave Greenbaum of GigaOM points out, details about a business location on Google Maps must be confirmed by the owner of that business before it becomes gospel. Yelp doesn't have such a safeguard, which is why at times a store might actually be located across the street -- or across town -- from where it appears on Apple Maps.
Yelp relies on its local community managers to ensure that duplicate entries for venues are promptly deleted and to help sculpt the user-created information into an accurate picture of each city. Unfortunately, much of the information appears to be too inaccurate to be considered reliable, especially in locations without a vibrant Yelp userbase.
Apple's official stance on the app's issues is that the service will continue to improve as more users jump on board. However, it's going to be tough to convince most consumers that it's their responsibility to fix a broken system rather than be able to rely on it from the start.
Software Updates
more updates- Apple Remote Desktop updated with Yosemite support
- OS X Yosemite 10.10.2, iOS 8.1.3 updates now available
- Sports Illustrated 120 SPORTS channel comes to Apple TV
- Logic Pro X update brings AirDrop support, new effects, tools, and more
- Parallels Access 2.5 released, adds file manager, computer-to-computer remote access
- The Google Translate iOS app is about to get a lot smarter


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Bridging the gap between science and Inuit culture
University of Calgary researcher uses scientific data to help determine ice travel.
For the 2nd year in a row I walked in the Weekend to End Women's Cancer walk. Last year I did the full 2 day 60 km journey. This year we did the 1 day 35km walk (because seriously my feet still have not healed from last year). Last year I blogged about the environmental impacts of the walk. I am happy to say that there were a few improvements this year!
April is Cancer Prevention Month
Presents a PWYC Wannabe Toxic Free Film Series
April is Cancer Prevention Month
Presents a PWYC Wannabe Toxic Free Film Series
From the Office of the Wet'suwet'en: NEWS RELEASE (Moricetown, BC) – Community opposition to the proposed Enbridge pipeline is growing. Over 200 people from communities along the pipeline route gathered Saturday in Moricetown, BC to discuss the impacts of the proposed mega-project. The 1170-kilometre Enbridge pipeline would carry oil from the Alberta tar sands to […]
A union representing workers at a Labrador mine is calling for an investigation into a rash of recent cancer diagnoses.

subset: commoncrawl


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January: The Snow Moon
Full moon:Snow moon or Wolf Moon
New moon: Aquarius
Meanings:find our Inborn gifts, try and open your eyes to the needs of the community, while figuring out your own individuality,Ponder your deep rooted purpose but listen to your intuition.
The Goddess: Maiden form
Meanings: She want's you to follow your new found hopes and dreams and realize new idealistic ones as you go though the month.
Blessed be~*


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Tertullian is the John Wesley of the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
Category Archives: Tertullian
Tertullian and St. John Chrysostom on Isaiah 45.7
The verse in English, Hebrew, and Greek (LXX):
I make the light, I create the darkness;
author alike of wellbeing and woe,
I, the LORD, do all these things. (REB)יוֹצֵ֥ר אוֹר֙ וּבוֹרֵ֣א חֹ֔שֶׁךְ עֹשֶׂ֥ה שָׁל֖וֹם וּב֣וֹרֵא רָ֑ע אֲנִ֥י יְהוָ֖ה עֹשֶׂ֥ה כָל־אֵֽלֶּה׃ ס
Ἐγὼ ἡ κατασκευάσας φῶς, καὶ ποιήσας σκότος, ὁ ποιῶν εἰρήνην, καὶ κτίζων κακά· ἐγὼ Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς, ὁ ποιῶν πάντα ταῦτα.
This is an interesting discussion to have, considering the the nature of evil.
3.1 Seeing therefore, too, these cases occur in persecutions more than at other times, as there is then among us more of proving or rejecting, more of abasing or punishing, it must be that their general occurrence is permitted or commanded by Him at whose will they happen even partially; by Him, I mean, who says, "I am He who make peace and create evil,"—that is, war, for that is the antithesis of peace. But what other war has our peace than persecution? If in its issues persecution emphatically brings either life or death, either wounds or healing, you have the author, too, of this. "I will smite and heal, I will make alive and put to death." "I will burn them," He says, "as gold is burned; and I will try them," He says, "as silver is tried," for when the flame of persecution is consuming as, then the stedfastness of our faith is proved.1
St. John Chrysostom says somewhat the same thing. He breaks away sin from evil, suggesting that evil (natural disasters and other things that chastise us) is in fact God ordained.
5. There is then evil, which is really evil; fornication, adultery, covetousness, and the countless dreadful things, which are worthy of the utmost reproach and punishment. Again there is evil, which rather is not evil, but is called so, famine, pestilence, death, disease, and others of a like kind. For these would not be evils. On this account I said they are called so only. Why then? Because, were they evils, they would not have become the sources of good to us, chastening our pride, goading our sloth, and leading us on to zeal, making us more attentive. "For when," saith one, "he slew them, then they sought him, and they returned, and came early to God." He calls this evil therefore which chastens them, which makes them purer, which renders them more zealous, which leads them on to love of wisdom; not that which comes under suspicion and is worthy of reproach; for that is not a work of God, but an invention of our own will, but this is for the destruction of the other. He calls then by the name of evil the affliction, which arises from our punishment; thus naming it not in regard to its own nature, but according to that view which men take of it.2
- Tertullian, "De Fuga in Persecutione," in Fathers of the Third Century, ANF. ↩
- John Chrysostom, "Three Homilies Concerning the Power of Demons," in Saint Chrysostom: On the Priesthood, Ascetic Treatises, Select Homilies and Letters, Homilies on the Statues (ed. Philip Schaff; trans. T. P. Brandram; vol. 9; A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, First Series; New York: Christian Literature Company, 1889), 9182. ↩
Tertullian – Whose image is this?
From the DailyGospel.org:
At the beginning of the world all things were made by the Word of God «and without him nothing came to be» (Jn 1,3). Now man, too, had his existence from the Word of God because of the principle that there should be nothing without that Word. «Let us make man,» God said before he created him, and added, «with our hand» to express his pre-eminence so that he might not be compared to the rest of creation. «And God,» says Scripture, «formed man» (Gn 2,7)…
»And God formed man from the clay of the earth.» He now became man who was hitherto clay… That poor, paltry material, clay, found its way into the hands of God, happy enough at being merely touched by them. But why this honor? Was it that, without any further labor, the clay had instantly assumed its form at the touch of God? The truth is, a great matter was in progress out of which the creature under consideration was being fashioned. It is honoured whenever it experiences the hands of God, when it is touched by them, and pulled, and drawn out, and moulded into shape. Imagine God wholly absorbed in it: in his hand, his eye, his labor, his purpose, his wisdom, his providence and, above all, in his love, which was dictating the lineaments of this creature. For whatever was the form and expression given to the clay, Christ was in God's thoughts as one day to become man, because the Word, too, was to be both clay and flesh even as the earth was then.
This is the meaning of the Father's first words to his Son: «Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness» (Gn 1,26). God made man, the creature which he moulded and fashioned, in the image of God, in other words of Christ… Thus, that clay that was even then putting on the image of Christ who was to come in the flesh, was not only the work but the pledge and surety given by God.
I dunno… Tertullian with all that talk of the progress of shaping a man and all…wonder what he would have thought of evolution…
Tertullian – Pagan Philosophy the Parent of Heresies
Prescription Against Heretics VII —
These are "the doctrines" of men and "of demons" produced for itching ears of the spirit of this world's wisdom: this the Lord called "foolishness," and "chose the foolish things of the world" to confound even philosophy itself. For (philosophy) it is which is the material of the world's wisdom, the rash interpreter of the nature and the dispensation of God. Indeed heresies are themselves instigated by philosophy. From this source came the Æons, and I known not what infinite forms, and the trinity of man12 in the system of Valentinus, who was of Plato's school. From the same source came Marcion's better god, with all his tranquillity; he came of the Stoics. Then, again, the opinion that the soul dies is held by the Epicureans; while the denial of the restoration of the body is taken from the aggregate school of all the philosophers; also, when matter is made equal to God, then you have the teaching of Zeno; and when any doctrine is alleged touching a god of fire, then Heraclitus comes in. The same subject-matter is discussed over and over again by the heretics and the philosophers; the same arguments are involved. Whence comes evil? Why is it permitted? What is the origin of man? and in what way does he come? Besides the question which Valentinus has very lately proposed—Whence comes God? Which he settles with the answer: From enthymesis and ectroma. Unhappy Aristotle! who invented for these men dialectics, the art of building up and pulling down; an art so evasive in its propositions, so far-fetched in its conjectures, so harsh, in its arguments, so productive of contentions—embarrassing even to itself, retracting everything, and really treating of nothing! Whence spring those "fables and endless genealogies," and "unprofitable questions," and "words which spread like a cancer?" From all these, when the apostle would restrain us, he expressly names philosophy as that which he would have us be on our guard against. Writing to the Colossians, he says, "See that no one beguile you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, and contrary to the wisdom of the Holy Ghost." He had been at Athens, and had in his interviews (with its philosophers) become acquainted with that human wisdom which pretends to know the truth, whilst it only corrupts it, and is itself divided into its own manifold heresies, by the variety of its mutually repugnant sects. What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem? What concord is there between the Academy and the Church? what between heretics and Christians? Our instruction comes from "the porch of Solomon," who had himself taught that "the Lord should be sought in simplicity of heart." Away with all attempts to produce a mottled Christianity of Stoic, Platonic, and dialectic composition! We want no curious disputation after possessing Christ Jesus, no inquisition after enjoying the gospel! With our faith, we desire no further belief. For this is our palmary faith, that there is nothing which we ought to believe besides.
Tertullian – The Universalist?
It is therefore quite in keeping with this order of things, that that part of our nature should be the first to have the recompense and reward to which they are due on account of its priority. In short, inasmuch as we understand "the prison" pointed out in the Gospel to be Hades, and as we also interpret "the uttermost farthing" to mean the very smallest offence which has to be recompensed there before the resurrection,10 no one will hesitate to believe that the soul undergoes in Hades some compensatory discipline, without prejudice to the full process of the resurrection, when the recompense will be administered through the flesh besides.- Treatise of the Soul LVIII
Early Church Fathers on Freedom of Religion
Thanks to MandM for these quotes –
Continue reading Early Church Fathers on Freedom of Religion
5th Century Canonical Criticism
Below is a translation from an anonymous work, Dialogue of Timothy and Aquila, which has been dated to the early 5th century:


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See blog in Ballston Journal. (Times Union photo)
I'll be speaking about my Gordon Granger book at civil war round tables on Wednesday in Portland, Oregon, and Thursday in San Francisco. Stop by if you're in the neighborhood.
I'm also just about finished writing the second book, a historical novel set in New York from March to August 1885, about the death of Ulysses S. Grant. I'm hoping to see it this year on every airport book rack, but meanwhile need to deal with agents and/or publishers; so if you are one and are interested, please get in touch.
Some obituaries of Mario Cuomo complain that for all his rhetoric he didn't accomplish much of anything. But both the negative and positive obits leave out one huge accomplishment, which for political reasons both the governor's supporters and opponents have failed to acknowledge, in most cases even to themselves, for all these years: Cutting crime, as explained here in 2009.
See blog in Ballston Journal.
Joe Bruno wouldn't have done this. See Ballston Journal post here.
See piece here at Ballston Journal.
Check out this post at Ballston Journal.
Or so I argue here at Ballston Journal.
Click here to see post at Ballston Journal.
County Administrator Spencer Hellwig and Saratoga Springs Supervisor Matt Veitch seem to be blocking county board Chairman Paul Sausville's funding initiative. See my post in Ballston Journal.


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Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 35 points -- nearly half of Los Angeles' output -- but the Seattle Supersonics rallied from a 14-point third-quarter deficit to post an 87-80 victory over the Lakers in the preseason opener for both teams.
Sonics-Lakers: 300k |
After losing to the Detroit Pistons in five games in the NBA Finals, the Lakers essentially chose Bryant over center Shaquille O'Neal, re-signing Bryant to a seven-year, $134 million deal, while dealing O'Neal to the Miami Heat.
Coach Phil Jackson, who allegedly did not get along with Bryant, was replaced by Rudy Tomjanovich, whose system is better suited to the guard's talents, in the offseason.
In addition to O'Neal, guards Gary Payton and Derek Fisher and forward Karl Malone did not return from last season's squad.
Stanislav Medvedenko was the only other Laker to score in double figures with 12 points, while Lamar Odom, who came over in the O'Neal trade, scored just six.


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My father is a physician and 68 years old. He has been smoking since he was in medical college and now for 2 years, he has been diagnosed with emphysema. He didn't share it with anyone, but as a daughter and as I am a physiotherapist myself, I forced him to get x-ray chest done. It was then that I came to know. He is having cold and cough almost all the days since 2 years. He is practicing and doing all the activities and has a healthy lifestyle, but due to coughing, at night he is not able to sleep properly and have to sit up many times. This makes me and my mother very worried and we feel very bad but helpless. He is not ready to stop smoking though he has reduced the amount he smokes. I can't see him suffering and get worried about future as it is progressive. He is doctor himself so I can't tell him anything as he knows the consequences, but I am worried and caring daughter..
I am 28 years old and the daughter to my mother who is 63 and has mild/moderate emphysema. I have needed to find any information possible on the treatment of this disease as frankly I find watching my mum suffer everyday just sometimes too much to bear. She found out 3 years ago about her disease. I feel much is kept 'hush hush' from me as I know she doesn't want me to worry. She was hospitalized once, released and still continued to smoke not taking it very seriously and then a year later found herself in the same position again and it was the scariest thing of my life!!! Finally after much emotional begging from me and my family and telling her I couldn't bear to watch her do this to herself she listened and stopped smoking. I knew she 'had' a chance to make a difference to stop smoking and then amazingly she did-cold turkey. She had smoked from had the age of 16 to 61 so I knew how difficult it would be for her-I have never been SO SO proud of her. I am so proud of her but I still have to deal with this and want to do anything to help her as our bond between mother and daughter means everything to me!! Your website has helped me so much and the phase 'it's not a death sentence but a disease to be treated' made my heart so much lighter..


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It was a busy week for construction crews in Bowling Green's new downtown ballpark. After months of trucks and concrete dominating the scene, it finally started to look like a baseball field inside the stadium.
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What's that? You DON'T love math? Come on, it's not like getting a tooth pulled. THAT can hurt. Math is challenging, you say? I'll give you that. But I think everyone can meet the challenge and learn the math they need to learn to pass their courses.
Despite a loss to the L.A. Lakers, the final home game for the Utah Jazz was full of celebration for three of our Night Owls. Kyle Deamer, Jasmin Williams, and Taylor Jones were each awarded a one-year full-tuition scholarship during the half-time show. WGU President Bob Mendenhall presented the checks at center court with the help of Sage, our mascot, and the Jazz Bear.
In the summer of 2012, Jessica Hawk and her husband found themselves asking what many working adults do every day: How could they find the time—and the money—for her to go back to school to gain the education and skills to improve their lives?
From K–12 education to healthcare, business to politics, and the arts to science to all other fields and facets of life, understanding and embracing individuals with autism and all across the neurodiversity spectrum is a goal worth striving for. At WGU, we will be joining the nation in celebrating Autism Awareness Month throughout April.
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Old Fashioned Bread
Flour | 4 Cup (64 tbs) | |
Baking powder | 1 1⁄2 Tablespoon | |
Salt | 1 Teaspoon | |
Lard/Butter, softened | 6 Tablespoon | |
Milk | 375 Milliliter (1 1/2 Cups, Sour / Fresh) |
Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl and rub in lard or butter with the fingertips until mixture is like fine breadcrumbs.
Make a well in the center and pour in milk.
Using a knife, cut the mixture into dough, then turn out on to a floured board and lightly knead.
Shape into a round and place on a greased baking tray.
Cut top of dough with deep slits in a cross, brush with a little extra milk and sprinkle with flour.
Cook in a hot oven for 10-12 minutes, until golden, reduce heat to moderate and cook a further 15-18 minutes.
Recipe Summary
Difficulty Level:
Side DishMethod:
MilkPreparation Time:
15 MinutesCook Time:
30 MinutesReady In:
45 Minutes


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- Years in Practice: 7 Years
- School: University of Central Florida
- Year Graduated: 2008
- License No. and State: MH10933 Florida
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Counselor , MA , LMHC , Spanish
- Avg Cost (per session): $100 - $150
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The first and last thirds are borderline dazzling, as Nicky (Smith) and Jess (Robbie) pull off a variety of scams, heists and outright pilfering. The middle section, though, drags us down so much that it sucks vital juices from the remainder.
Will Smith is playing the classic Will Smith character — skilled, smart and cooler than thou. Nicky is the son and grandson of legendary con men, and is making quite a mark of his own. What's interesting about this depiction is that, rather than the classic lone wolf, Nicky is the leader of a team of dozens of thieves who get together for a variety of small scores, and then disperse.
Brennan Brown and Adrian Martinez play his chief lieutenants, and the closest thing to friends a guy like Nicky allows himself to have. Martinez steals many a scene with his droll delivery and sexualized quips.
The early section is about them working New Orleans in the week leading up to the Super Bowl. They lift watches right off your wrist, nab wallets or pocketbooks, use your credit cards to run up merchandise that they then sell online and pocket the cash. These scenes are much like a well-coordinated ballet, which writer/directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa ably stage.
But then … the girl walks in. Dames usually mark the commencement of troubles in these types of movies, and Jess is no exception. A budding thief, she takes instruction from Nicky, becomes his pupil, partner and lover, and it becomes a contest to see who's putting one over on who.
Unless of course — they actually love each other???
Nicky teaches the art of distraction, getting to know your marks and being able to persuade anyone of anything. "You get their focus, you take whatever you want," he says. He goes on to prove his skills in an elaborate ruse that seems like a complete disaster, until it isn't.
After a hiatus of three years, for reasons I'll not spoil, the pair finds itself together again in Buenos Aires, with both having their eye on the same mark: Garriga (Rodrigo Santoro), a fabulously wealthy and arrogant race car team owner.
Nicky has been hired to pretend to sell his fuel consumption algorithm — a classic nonsensical MacGuffin — to his chief competitor. But Garriga's stern security chief, Owens (Gerald McRaney), suspects that something is up. Jess, meanwhile, claims to have gone straight and is simply dating Garriga — probably for just his money, but in her line that's considered legit.
Robbie and Smith have some real sizzle onscreen, especially as we're forced to guess how much of their steamy romance is pure smokescreen.
(I do feel compelled to point out their 22-year age difference. Smith's young stud-on-the-make days are dwindling, but he seems determined to milk out every ounce.)
"Focus" has got plenty of head-jerking plot twists, surprises and double-takes. Its squishy center, though, robs the film of too much momentum.
3.5 Yaps
]]>In the "Class of …" series, Nick Rogers takes a monthly look back at films celebrating either their 20th or 30th anniversary of initial release this year — six from 1995 and six from 1985. The rules: No Oscar nominees and no films among either year's top-10 grossers.
"Saturday Night Live" recently commandeered a nightlong block of primetime NBC real estate for its all-star 40th-anniverary blowout. The program alternated between bits of feverishly funny brilliance and fizzled, laughter-deprived bores — much like the warhorse series it celebrated and the 11 films featuring "SNL" characters.
Those movies stretch across four separate decades*, too, although impresario Lorne Michaels probably won't be celebrating (most of) them anytime soon. Plus, their time-span asterisk sticks out as much as the celery stalk MacGruber jammed up his anus as a distraction in his movie. Barely scraping this decade in 2010, "MacGruber" was the first "SNL" movie since 2000's "The Ladies Man"; given its measly $8 million gross, it's probably the last. In the YouTube era, who needs 90 uninterrupted minutes of an "SNL" character when they can summon the best bits on a whim? Whatever cultural cachet the "SNL" movie once had is dead. But who knows? Maybe Michaels will try it one more time with movies about Baby Boss or Astronaut Kirby.
Most people would say even victims of extreme firework accidents could count the good "SNL" movies on their remaining fingers — "The Blues Brothers" and "Wayne's World." There are arguments of varying effectiveness to make for "Coneheads," "Wayne's World 2," "Superstar" and even "A Night at the Roxbury," but those are other columns. This one concerns an "SNL" movie that, with admirably torpedo-damning bravery, chooses warm empathy over wacky entropy that often pads five-minute ideas into feature-length movies. An "SNL" movie that dares to go beyond poking fun at its lead character. An "SNL" movie that draws its spark from witty, weary and well-observed human comedy. An "SNL" movie you likely forgot about.
Among the many maligned "SNL" movies, "Stuart Saves His Family's" slings and arrows were the most unfair. Circa 1995, this big-screen story of Stuart Smalley — the lisping, effeminate, self-proclaimed self-help guru and host of public-access TV series "Daily Affirmations" — disappeared from 400 theaters almost as quickly as it arrived in them. Were it not for 1994's "It's Pat," this would be the most ignominious "SNL"-movie earner ever, reaping less than $1 million.
With his bleached-blond coif, powder-blue cardigans and arsenal of aphorisms, Stuart Smalley sent up the early-'90s psychobabble craze. He also became Al Franken's signature "SNL" character during the writer-performer's second stint on the show, from 1985 to 1995. Although not a licensed therapist, Stuart attempted to help "identity-protected" guest hosts like "Michael J." sort out their problems.
Of his many sayings, Stuart's calling card was what he would utter to his own reflection to start every skit: "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!" (Franken also penned a parody novel with that title in 1992.)
Franken wasn't long for "SNL" after the film flopped; losing the "Weekend Update" spot to Norm McDonald allegedly hastened his departure. But before Franken left, he tried to own his feelings (as Stuart would say) about the failure in character, saying "You didn't want 'funny' and 'poignant.' You wanted 'Dumb and Dumber' … and dumber … and dumber!"
People undoubtedly expected some sort of cheerfully asinine Stuart Smalley road-trip movie, overstuffed with cameos by "SNL" bit players and C-list celebrities in on the joke. A scene in which Stuart sprints through downtown Chicago, arms akimbo, with a stolen videocassette is as "goofy" as the movie ever gets, and even the resolution of that scene is rooted in his attempt to stay on an emotional straight-and-narrow. Stuart also finds himself in a bar fight and, at one point, is forced to record 20 episodes of his show in a marathon session. In a broader, baser film, he would slap and crawl his way out of the fight and drown in flopsweat on set. Frankly, the movie finds character-illuminating ways to extricate Stuart from both of these stock situations. And its main plot sends him back to his boyhood home, where a rat's nest of stress triggers with whom he shares a bloodline awaits.
By forcing Stuart to deal with his fractured family, the film doesn't just catapult him out of his comfort zone, it upends the entire expectations of the "SNL" subgenre. That's because Franken (who also wrote the script) and the late director Harold Ramis don't clumsily pursue cheap, cruel laughter. Hell, after the second act, they rarely go for laughter at all. The film's climax concerns an intervention for Stuart's drunken dad, who greets this with all the enthusiasm he would an empty handle-jug of whiskey. While that sounds as appealing as, say, Leon Phelps harnessing his harassment at sensitivity training, Franken and Ramis establish an honest sting to the Smalleys' squabbles that makes it work. In that way, it's a drama in Stuart's comically oversized clothing.
The film is far from a humorless about-face, though, filled with piercing and disarming quips like "My father grew up in the Great Depression … his mother's" or "You were drunk at all of my weddings." Franken also shrewdly and satirically flattens Stuart's simpering self-help sayings without rendering one-dimensional the man who utters them. That's because the script peels back platitudes — like "I'm should-ing all over myself," "Trace it, face it and erase it," "That's stinkin' thinkin' " or "It's easier to put on slippers than to carpet the entire world" — to reveal the kernels of hard truth that can truly push us forward. And it's not just for the addicts, bullies and pushovers in the Smalley family but for Stuart's own realization that he can't save everybody and shouldn't waste his life trying. No one is let off the hook easily, least of all audiences anticipating the usual simple, silly and safe "SNL" movie.
"Stuart" is also an interesting anomaly in Ramis's storied filmography, largely built on concept-comedy craftsmanship ("Multiplicity," "Analyze This"). Given that this arrived just after Ramis's critically acclaimed breakthrough in "Groundhog Day," it's not unreasonable to think he sought room to grow further with "Stuart." The closing credits break out most of the cast by the scenes in which they appear. While Ramis handily brings the funny, he also achieves a bizarrely stage-like intimacy and, even on a clear budget, approximates a distinctive visual style; a black-and-white dream of Stuart's feels strangely stark and haunting. It's like Mike Nichols, but still with the training wheels on.
The story consists of two threads: Stuart losing, and trying to regain, his show; and the money he and his cash-strapped clan stand to inherit from selling the home of late Aunt Paula, of whom Stuart has far rosier memories than his immediate family. Sticking points on both are perfect. The schadenfreude of reading Stuart's viewer hate mail nearly brings Roz Weinstock (Camille Saviola), the homely harridan who runs the TV station, to orgasm. (One, a Holocaust survivor, prefers the station's skinhead programming to Stuart.) And the family payout is complicated by the very construction of Paula's house, which juts out just a few feet too far onto the neighbor's property and for which he asks an ever-escalating easement payment.
This easement is a beautiful metaphor for the inability of any Smalley family member to respect someone else's space. Mr. Smalley, played by evergreen character actor Harris Yulin, would rather not talk. But when his mouth opens, an invasive beratement is sure to emanate. From childhood flashbacks to present-day miseries, Yulin believably morphs from a confident paterfamilias to a shriveled, diminished cur. Meanwhile, Mrs. Smalley (Shirley Knight) is quick to cultivate the disappointment she's endured all these years into a culture the entire family can share. She's the paragon of capitulation, cowed from seeing her every independent thought that may have escaped hit a brick wall, unbelted and at top speed.
Stuart's siblings aren't any better. His brother, Donnie (Vincent D'Onofrio), is an unemployed, dope-smoking layabout who fancies himself his dad's lieutenant in the royal order of Smalley assholes — always a step behind Pops and ready to throw down at the smallest provocation. Meanwhile, sister Jodie (Lesley Boone) has eaten her feelings through several marriages and escalates even the slightest incident with endlessly histrionic phone calls. And all of this is before Cousin Ray (Joe Flaherty), who initiates a feud over Paula's grave that would have the Hatfields and McCoys tipping rifles in respect.
If only by virtue of having physically escaped their clutches, Stuart is the best-adjusted Smalley. He's shed the weight that long defined him, although his lakeside-sashay exercise routine to Ethel Merman may actually be lowering his heart rate. He also gets some thank-yous from viewers whom he's helped, and he avoids alcohol altogether lest it trigger The Gene. Yet Stuart's clothing isn't the only excessively baggy thing in his closet; his spirit remains shackled in his family's suburban hell.
Stuart is quick to point out flaws in everyone but himself, and he often confuses helping out with passive-aggressive lashing. Forced to wait tables, he foists his "expertise" on diners, advising them to avoid fatty foods or booze. The slightest setbacks send him racing into a cocoon of Chips Ahoy and Fig Newtons. He regularly tries to outrank others on a hierarchy of emotional problems. And he's so eager to counter the silence that ruled his childhood home that by talking to fill space, he often inadvertently offends. In swaddling people, Stuart often swallows them up.
He largely confines his contempt for his family to his journal, but that makes it no less corrosive. And as they, and he, complicate the successful sale of Aunt Paula's home, the movie courageously considers that there might be flecks of helpful advice — no matter how microscopic — in the needling conversations the Smalleys initiate.
"Is that one of those little words you use on your TV show?" Mrs. Smalley scolds when Stuart drops a saying on her, sensing it as the smokescreen Stuart hides behind. Stuart may have never hit the bottle, but Mr. Smalley correctly sizes him up as an addict to 12-step programs. And Donnie is on point when he says the Smalleys need to start defending themselves more often; it just shouldn't encompass wild, drunken swings at cops. (D'Onofrio is a delight here as a guy who's not altogether lost, just derailed. A bit where he and Franken cackle in commiseration is a fine, unaffected breakthrough, and D'Onofrio's instinct for intensity propels the last act.)
Franken wisely surrounds himself with dramatically sound actors; Laura San Giacomo also has a nice turn as Stuart's sponsor, who shares her own miseries in an unexpectedly sharp moment at a café. But the star is no slouch, either, at creating someone to root for beyond the perfunctory protagonist demands. We sense Stuart becoming a better person as he slowly pushes down his pathological need to clean up everyone's messes, and we see the efforts to revive his show improve as he ditches his self-love for the man in the mirror to more directly address his faults. "Stuart Saves His Family" may not be the best "SNL" movie, but by tuning in so sharply to Stuart Smalley's turmoil, he is easily the best "SNL" movie character.
Franken and Ramis also eke out a realistically downbeat, but not depressing, ending, as Stuart truly empowers himself and some, but not all, of his family. Neither he nor the movie writes them off as not worth saving; it just accepts that you must give up the dream on "a Norman Rockwell anything."
Couched in such caricatures, everything seems easier — especially comedy. "Stuart Saves His Family" attempts something tougher in a fully fleshed-out portrait of seriocomic misery. In a subgenre littered with "SNL"-inspired films worth forgetting, here is one that's truly good enough and smart enough.
]]>Mike Leigh is one of the few filmmakers today who deserves the title auteur, since he writes and directs movies that are always a clear representation of his own singular vision. He's one of a kind.
Usually Leigh has focused on the unlabored grace of modern British working-class characters, but for "Mr. Turner" he reaches back to tell the tale of one of the 19th century's greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner.
Leigh goes for a very atypical approach to the biopic genre, insomuch as I'm not sure that term even still applies. It's a portrait of the artist told almost entirely through the lens of his craft — how he went about his work, how he felt about it, how others reacted to it and how that affected him.
There is some typical biographical stuff — his colleagues, his lovers, his poor health — but everything is filtered through the art he created. This is a man who literally lived to paint.
Rather than depicting Turner as a child or young man, showing us his formative years and then having other actors take over the part as the decades go by, "Mr. Turner" begins with him already in his middle years and an established talent, and follows him for the last two decades or so of his life. The latter portion of the film is largely taken up with his transition from traditional marine landscape artistry to more abstract styles that served as an important precursor to Impressionism.
The main appeal of "Mr. Turner" is watching Timothy Spall in the title role. You probably recognize Spall from lots of supporting parts over the years, including the "Harry Potter" flicks. He's shortish and agreeably homely and thus got pegged as a character actor, meaning he doesn't get many leading roles (outside of Mike Leigh movies, anyway).
Spall plays Turner as a cantankerous carbuncle of a man, a self-described "gargoyle" who tramps around England with his stocky gait and impertinently puffed-out lower lip, an easel, canvas and paints perpetually tucked under his arm. He relishes his role as the "difficult artist," using it to keep people at a distance — preferably outside his front door — so he could concentrate on his painting.
Spall emotes largely through a series of grunts and grumbles, and a few words spat out here and there with evident reluctance. Turner only really seems to come out of his shell among other artists, enjoying back-slapping and sparring with other esteemed painters at the Royal Academy of Art.
In one of many startling depictions in the movie, the artists are shown altering their paintings after they've already been hung for exhibit. Most people think of art as something that is begun, toiled over and then finished, but this film portrays them as inveterate tinkerers who always think a work can be improved.
Turner continues to dabble with one painting of a sea storm until it becomes a formless, but powerful, wave of hues. He continues this aesthetic with a painting of a locomotive, a landscape, and so on. The queen herself tut-tuts at this style, and soon Turner is being dismissed as having lost his mind, or at least his eyesight.
Watching Turner interact with his canvas is thrilling. He brushes, he dabs, he scrapes, he even spits into the paint and works it around with his knobby thumb to get the desired effect. Leigh gives us the artist completely transported by the creative act.
Turner's interactions with other people, though, are stiff and labored, and these scenes tend to carry that same aspect. Turner has two grown daughters he barely acknowledges, and a live-in servant (Dorothy Atkinson) he ill-uses, in more ways than one.
At one point he falls for a rather plain widow (Marion Bailey) in a seaside town where he often goes to make sketches, and soon he's living a double life there, known locally as "Mr. Booth." The scene of their first sharing of intimacy has great power, in which each acknowledges the beautiful spirit the other has residing behind an ordinary fleshy façade.
But their relationship remains in stasis, never evolving beyond that one moment – unlike his art, which goes through a dramatic transformation.
In a sense, "Mr. Turner" is the purest sort of portrait of the artist, concerned much more with the art he created than the person behind it. We're left with a clear vision of the legacy J.M.W. Turner bequeathed to us. But the man himself remains blurred and indistinct.
4 Yaps
]]>The boys are back in town, and they appear to be dumber than ever. "Horrible Bosses 2″ is a special treat and the perfect addition to anyone's movie collection.
Hollywood is no stranger to spitting out unwarranted sequels one right after the other in an attempt to cash in on prior success. And while most of these cash-grabs are utter garbage, there are a select few that actually come pretty close to the bullseye, and surprisingly enough, "Horrible Bosses 2″ does just that.
Don't get me wrong, the premise to the movie is ridiculous: Nick, Dale and Kurt, three friends who attempted to murder all of their bosses, kidnap the son of a business mogul to exact revenge on the mogul, who has swindled the trio out of their business. Then the son decides to commandeer the kidnapping, and just as all seems to be going to plan, Dale's sex-addicted boss (Jennifer Aniston) joins the party. Everything about this movie seems destined to fail, but thanks to the three stars, it somehow soars.
Bateman, Day and Sudeikis have a lot of fun with their characters, and the three of them play so well off one another, you can't help but laugh. Even if all this movie was about a payday for the three, they still appeared to have a good time all the way to the bank. Granted, the film is pretty much a rehash of the original, with a lot of the same jokes popping up throughout, but that's to be expected. I mean come on, if "The Hangover" can pretty much make the same movie twice, why can't "Horrible Bosses" do it? Especially since they did it better.
The saddest part of the film is the grossly underused star power the filmmakers have at their disposal. Aniston makes her filthy return but falls flat to due to the lack of shock value. Chris Pine, as the mogul's son, could have stolen this show but is given nothing to work with, and having two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz at your disposal should be cinematic gold, but little about his character ever comes to light. The only person who makes perfect use of his screen time is Kevin Spacey, who returns from the original and capitalizes on every moment he's given.
"Horrible Bosses 2″ is funny and witty when, in all reality, it should be stupid. I would highly recommend snuggling on the coach and popping in this DVD.
And if you love the movie, you'll love the special features even more. There's tons of outtakes, gag reels and other great featurettes that will leave you busting a gut long after the credits roll.
Film: 4 Yaps
Extras: 4 Yaps.
Here, Film Yap writers nominated, then voted on, the best of the year in a variety of categories. After extensive deliberations, here are our own version of the Academy Awards — and, if we say so ourselves, we like to think we got it right.
Without further ado, long-winded and/or politically motivated speeches, or Lady Gaga honoring "The Sound of Music," here are the winners of the 2014 Yappie Awards.
BEST FILMWhiplash — RUNNER-UP BEST ACTORJake Gyllenhaal, "Nightcrawler" BEST ACTRESSReese Witherspoon, "Wild" — WINNER BEST SUPPORTING ACTORJK Simmons, "Whiplash" — WINNER BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESSHillary Swank, "The Homesman" BEST ANIMATED FILM"The LEGO Movie" — WINNER LINE OF THE YEAR"It would have saved me the parade of drunken assholes," Mason Jr. "She has no idea. If I had a blacklight, this place would look like a Jackson Pollock painting." " 'Hey Max, remember from before when we did sex to each other? I'm having your abortion. "We are Groot." Groot (Vin Diesel), "Guardians of the Galaxy" "You see, there are still faint glimmers of civilization left in this barbaric slaughterhouse "I think she's bipolar. Or lactose intolerant. One of the two." Jack Brennan (Chris O'Dowd), "Calvary" "There are no two words in the English language more harmful than 'good job.' " Terrence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), "Whiplash" "I'm putting cornstarch on my werewolves." Martin (John Leguizamo), "Chef" "Did you catch the fox, Mother?" – John DuPont (Steve Carell), "Foxcatcher" I would rather have you sit on my face after a brisk walk on a warm day than suffer through "Autofellatio. What's the origin of that?" "Say it with me, you pancake-eating motherfucker." – "Draft Day" "I got my Lambo!" – "22 Jump Street" "Fucking centaurs." – "Hercules" "Fucking gasoline! I knew it would ruin everything" – "Enemies Closer" "I'm distracting you, you turdblossom!" – Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), "Guardians of the Galaxy" "I don't believe anyone is 100% dick." – Corpsman Dey (John C. Reilly). "Guardians of the Galaxy" "Nothing goes over my head. My reflexes are too quick." – Drax (Dave Bautista), "Guardians of the Galaxy" "I'll cue you in." – Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), "Whiplash" "I am the Hague." – "The Expendables 3" BEST ORIGINAL SONG"Lost Stars," Adam Levine, "Begin Again" — WINNER BEST USE OF A PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
Join The Film Yap crew for our liveblog of the 2015 Academy Awards ceremony!
12:10: (Chris): My final tally on predictions: I got 15/24 right, about an average year for me. Tough year with lots of surprises. Thanks to everyone for tuning in!
12:06: (Chris): Birdman is the perfect representation of why most moviegoers dismiss the Oscars as a bunch of elitist, precious BS.
11:57: (Chris): Julianne Moore was the lockiest lock of the night. And for good reason. The role of a lifetime… so far.
11:52: (Chris): Wow, lots of shockers tonight. Eddie Redmayne was really good in a pretty conventional Oscar-bait role. I'd take Keaton, or Cooper.
11:45: (Chris): This is shaping up for Birdman running of the table. Boyhood getting dismissed as extended actors' workshop, which it was.
11:37: (Chris): Absolutely INCREDIBLE acceptance speech by Graham Moore. Brought the house down, and should've. Brave, humble, true.
11:36: (Chris): Was really hoping #Whiplash would win adapted screenplay, but all the prognosticators said Imitation Game would win so I went with it.
11:33: (Chris): History, folks. Gotta be first time somebody thanked their dog.
11:28: (Chris): By my count Grand Budapest Hotel is now 4/5 in its nominated categories.
11:21: (Chris): Ha! Nicole Kidman claps like a drunken penguin slapping its flippers together.
11:18: (Chris): OK, this whole moment with Gaga doing Julie Andrews is just effing surreal. But WHY??????
11:14: (Chris): Not really sure why we're talking about "The Sound of Music." I've never been able to get through it.
11:06: (Chris): Bringing back John Travolta and Idina Menzel to do their shtick was the most brilliant bit of planning. #Redeemed #allisforgiven
10:52: (Chris): Just so we don't have a repeat of the Al Gore thing, just because Glenn Greenwald is holding an Oscar DOESN'T MEAN he won an Oscar.
10:48: (Chris): Do you get the sense Terrence Howard took his attention-grabbing dramatic pause right before the wrong movie, then realized it?
10:45: (Chris): Just sayin', but #Whiplash is 3/3 in its nominated categories so far. A thriller surprise for Best Pic????
10:38: (Chris): That said, "marketing executives" do not belong in the Oscar In Memoriam. Or journalists. And I say that as a marketer/journalist.
10:36: (Chris): Oh my, I just love the artwork portraits of the dearly departed. Moving — always one of my favorite moments of the telecast.
10:27: (Chris): Birdman wins cinematography. Cheap gimmicks > true artistry.
10:24: (Chris): Idris Elba and Jessica Chastain … DAMN that's a handsome couple! How 'bout you two make a movie?!?
10:23: (Chris): Production design award was totally rigged because they used the Grand Budapest sets/extras theme for the Oscar telecast backdrop.
10:19: (Chris): Yes, let's boot screen legend Maureen O'Hara to the sideshow to save time, but the President's boring annual speech is sacred.
10:15: (Chris): Look into your heart and you know it to be true: "Big Hero 6″ was like the 8th-best animated feature from 2014. #TheBoxtrolls was #1.
10:08: (Chris): Dammit, went with my heart in predicting "The Dam Keeper" for best animated short and paid the price. Never oppose Pixar!
10:04: (Chris): Why does Chloe Grace Moretz' gown have pockets?!? And why is she using them in front of a billion people?!?
10:02: (Chris): Looking forward to tomorrow's investigative story on the pay disparity between Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke for #Boyhood.
9:57: (Chris): Honestly, I was pretty indifferent to the entire roster of supporting actress performances. Not a strong year for this category.
10:02: (Chris): Looking forward to tomorrow's investigative story on the pay disparity between Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke for #Boyhood.
9:52: (Chris): Jared Leto is literally ageless. No, I mean, he DOES NOT AGE. Dude is 43, looks 23. Someone needs to check his dressing room for vampire coffin.
9:49: (Chris): Damien Chazelle looks like he's about 17 years old. On plus side, I get to look forward to many, many years of his movies.
9:39: (Chris): By the way, the Glen Campbell doc was absolutely fantastic. Second biggest documentary snub after #LifeItself #ImNotGonnaMissYou #Oscars
9:29: (Chris): So in summary, all live action short film winners this year were about people answering phone calls from suicidal people.
9:26: (Chris): Hate to say it, but is the reason the good-not-great "The Phone Call" won live action short is that it's the only one with recognizable actors in it?
9:19: (Chris): Alas, that Lego Oscar is the only one Steve Carell will be taking home tonight. Well, if they actually let him. He was great in #Foxcatcher, maybe another year.
9:15: (Chris): Is it just me, or has Michael Keaton gotten a LOT better looking the older he's gotten? Gangly becomes gravitas.
9:10: (Chris): Don't feel bad about messing up Chiwetel Ejiofor, Neil. I literally practiced it 30 times before going on #Indystyle.
9:04: (Chris): Channing Tatum is even boring and unemotive as a presenter. Dead eyes. DEAD EYES!
9:01: (Chris): When Reese Witherspoon says "gush," it sounds like a drunk person from Tennessee saying "guess."
8:58: (Chris): We need a term for Jennifer Lopez' frequently-exposed décolletage. The Great Divide? Between Two Melons? The Brown Round Ground?
8:50: (Chris): Looks like we're getting the best Best song treatment after all! #allthewaythroughplease
8:47: (Chris): Can't remember: Are they singing all the way through the five Best Song nominees tonight? Hate when just do that montage skim thing.
8:42: (Chris): J.K. Simmons' story is the story of perseverance and talent finding a way. Much deserved.
8:38: (Chris): Oh Neil, didn't you learn from David Letterman: Never eff with Oprah from the stage?
8:37: (Chris): Opening musical number good, not great. Jack Black thing was cute.
8:31: (Chris): "Best and whitest." Great line, put everyone at ease, acknowledge the controversy and move on.
8:28: (Chris): OK, just gonna say it: Patricia Arquette looks like she's already hammered.
]]>TW | Title (click to view) | Weekend Gross | Average | Total Gross |
1 | Fifty Shades of Grey | $23,246,000 | $6,360 | $130,148,000 |
2 | Kingsman: The Secret Service | $17,525,000 | $5,366 | $67,106,000 |
3 | The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water | $15,500,000 | $4,212 | $125,172,000 |
4 | McFarland, USA | $11,315,000 | $4,107 | $11,315,000 |
5 | The DUFF | $11,025,000 | $4,282 | $11,025,000 |
6 | American Sniper | $9,650,000 | $2,983 | $319,607,000 |
7 | Hot Tub Time Machine 2 | $5,800,000 | $2,014 | $5,800,000 |
8 | Jupiter Ascending | $3,660,000 | $1,462 | $39,517,000 |
9 | The Imitation Game | $2,565,000 | $1,822 | $83,921,000 |
10 | Paddington | $2,289,000 | $1,246 | $67,661,000 |
11 | Still Alice | $2,166,000 | $2,831 | $7,963,000 |
12 | The Wedding Ringer | $1,200,000 | $1,263 | $61,900,000 |
13 | Black or White | $1,004,000 | $861 | $19,609,000 |
14 | Seventh Son | $958,000 | $940 | $16,033,000 |
15 | Project Almanac | $830,000 | $1,002 | $21,468,000 |
As I'm writing this, the Academy Awards ceremony has not yet happened, but by the time you're reading it J.K. Simmons will mostly likely have claimed the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. He deserves it. Writer/director Damien Chazelle has possibly picked up his own golden statuette for Best Adapted Screenplay, based on his own short film. Again, highly warranted.
"Whiplash" was the best film of 2014, the harrowing tale of a promising young musician and the conductor who both inspires and degrades him. It's the sort of movie that sticks in your craw, needling your soul long after you've seen it.
Miles Teller plays Andrew Neyman, an understudy drummer at the country's finest music conservatory. He's thrilled when the powerful head conductor chooses him to play in the top jazz band. But Terence Fletcher (Simmons) commences a cycle of abuse and psychological torture against the young prodigy.
He screams, he spits, he throws things – even slaps the boy around in the name of keeping proper time. Then, when Andrew starts to crumble under this tidal wave of intimidation, Fletcher mocks him as "one of those single-tear people."
He does this, Fletcher says, to make Andrew a better musician. And there's no denying the lad pushes himself to the limits of his ability as a result. But as he comes to resemble his tormentor more and more, we're forced to ask ourselves: What is the price of ambition?
"Whiplash" is a searing character study that raises challenging questions we'd maybe rather not ask ourselves.
Video extras are excellent. The DVD contains a feature length commentary track featuring Chazelle and Simmons; I always feel these are best when at least some of the principal actors are involved. There's also an interview feature from the Toronto International Film Festival featuring both men plus Teller.
The Blu-ray version also has a deleted scene with commentary, interviews with famous drummers discussing their craft, as well as Chazelle's original short film with commentary.
Movie: 5 Yaps
Extras: 4.5 Yaps
By Bob Bloom
For the past several years, predicting Academy Award winners has been easier, especially if you follow trends.
Seeing whom various groups — the Screen Actors Guild, the Director's Guild of America and the producers' and writers' guilds — have honored makes selecting potential winners less of a chore.
But the unexpected can make a mockery of certainty. Take 1998, the year "Saving Private Ryan" was the heavy favorite to win best picture. Instead, "Shakespeare in Love" took the honor. In 2005, "Brokeback Mountain" was the highly touted movie, but "Crash" turned out to be the winner. In 2002, Daniel Day-Lewis was the odds-on favorite for best actor, but when the name of the winner was called, it was Adrien Brody for "The Pianist."
Thus, while you can guess with some certainty the winners, you never know when Academy members will throw you a curveball. Plus, with the makeup of the Academy being mostly older, white males, many of whom have not been to a theater since the introduction of Cinemascope, you never know what will happen.
So, if you go into Sunday night's 87th annual Academy Awards believing you have selected all the winners, prepared to be disappointed and/or shocked.
I will give my choices for the Oscars. And, as I have done in years past, I will offer whom I believe will win and whom I believe deserves the gold statue and should win.
Best Picture:
Will win: Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). I thought director Alejandro G. Inarritu's backstage comedy-drama was self-indulgent. The director's cinematic tricks were a distraction, despite the strong script and very sharp performances. However, movie people embrace films about actors. And it didn't hurt that the producers' guild honored the film and the directors' guild cited Inárritu.
Should win: Of the eight films nominated, my choice would be "Boyhood." The film felt very true and real as if I was watching the life of a family unfold before my eyes. This, too, was a movie filled with memorable performances. Perhaps, the Oscar voters will see the film's merits.
Dark horse: Also, the buzz about "American Sniper" continues to grow. This is the movie that could upset the Oscar cart.
Best Actor
Will win: Eddie Redmayne has dominated the awards season, being honored by many groups for his performance as Stephen Hawking in "The Theory of Everything." He also is my choice among the nominees.
Should win: The reason for that is because my selection for this category was not nominated. I still believe that Ralph Fiennes gave the most delightful and entertaining performance of the year in "The Grand Budapest Hotel." That he was not nominated is an indication of the strong lead performances of 2014.
Best Actress
Will win/should win: Julianne Moore for "Still Alice" will win and deservedly so. Her turn as a college professor battling early onset Alzheimer's is compelling, courageous and heartbreaking. Moore's performance has touched a chord with Oscar voters and audiences who have seen the movie. Plus, Moore is popular among her peers, having been nominated previously, but never having won.
Best Supporting Actor
Will win/should win: J.K. Simmons has paid his dues. He has excelled in drama and comedy on cable (the evil neo-Nazi in HBO's "Oz), on television ("The Closer") and in film ("Juno" and the first "Spider-Man" trilogy). His performance as the bullying music teacher in "Whiplash" is ferocious. When he is on the screen, you cannot take your eyes off him. He dominates the movie and that is why he is a shoo-in for this category. His is one of the most unforgettable acting jobs of the year.
Best Supporting Actress
Will win/should win: Patricia Arquette in "Boyhood" created a fully blown portrait of a single mother trying to balance career and family as well as her own needs. She is not the perfect mom, she makes mistakes. But watching her grow and mature over the film's 12-year span was one of the highlights of Richard Linklater's drama.
Best Animated Feature Film
Will win: "How to Train Your Dragon 2" did not rest on its laurels. It created a darker movie that also advanced the characters and situations from the original. And with the exclusion of the delightful "The LEGO Movie" from this category, "Dragon 2" stands the best chance of earning gold.
Should win: I was impressed with "The Tale of Princess Kaguya" from Japan's Isao Takahata. However, few people saw the film so its chances are rather slim.
Best Director
Will win: Historically, the director honored by the Directors Guild usually takes home the Academy Award. Thus, Alejandro G. Inárritu will collect the statue for "Birdman."
Should win: This is a toss-up for me. I was very impressed with Richard Linklater's commitment and drive on "Boyhood," yet I also was smitten with Wes Anderson's work on "The Grand Budapest Hotel." I would not be saddened if either upsets Inárritu.
Best Foreign-Language Film
Will win/should win: "Leviathan" is a Russian entry that examines the high cost of greed and corruption. It has received very good notices, but the political climate may cause a backlash that loses it the Oscar.
Best Original Screenplay
Will win/should win: Wes Anderson and Hugo Guinness for "The Grand Budapest Hotel.
This was a wonderfully inventive comedy that mixed murder, mirth and romance, with a whiff of nostalgia and a bow to Old World sensibilities. It is a movie you can watch over and over again, savoring the dialogue and characters.
Best Adapted Screenplay
Will win/should win: Damien Chazelle for "Whiplash." Chazelle took his short film, which he shot as a demo to raise money to make his feature, and created a disturbing drama about commitment, ambition and the cruelty of obsession.
Best Documentary Feature
Will win: "CitizenFour" is a look at Edward Snowden, who leaked classified NSA documents that brought to light many U.S. government secrets. It is a compelling movie.
Should win: My choice for this category, "Life Itself," a look at the life, career and legacy of film critic Roger Ebert failed to get a nomination, which indicates how out of synch the voters in this category seem to be.
Cinematography: "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Costume Design: "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Film Editing: "American Sniper"
Makeup and Hairstyling: "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Production Design: "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Sound Editing: "American Sniper"
Sound Mixing: "American Sniper"
Visual Effects: "Interstellar"
Music: Original Score: "The Grand Budapest Hotel"
Music: Original Song: "Glory" from "Selma"
Documentary (Short Subject): "Crisis Hotel: Veterans Press 1"
Short Film (Animated): "The Dam Keeper"
Short Film (Live Action): "The Phone Call"
I will be tweeting during the Oscars. You can follow along @ReelBobBoom.
Who do you think will win Academy Awards Sunday night. Share your picks here:
Bloom is a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. His reviews appear at Reel Bob (reelbob.com) and The Film Yap (filmyap.com). He also reviews Blu-rays and DVDs. He can be reached by email at firstname.lastname@example.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Other reviews by Bloom can be found at Rottentomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.
By Bob Bloom
The following Blu-rays and DVDs are being released on Tuesday, Feb. 24:
Details: 2014, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Rated: R, language, sexual references
The lowdown: Character actor J.K. Simmons has been around for many years, paying his dues with memorable performances as a neo-Nazi inmate in HBO's "Oz," as the dad in "Juno" and in the first three "Spider-Man" movies. So, it is great to see him earn the recognition he deserves for his turn as a very tough music teacher in "Whiplash." His performance is almost a certainty to win him a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award on Sunday night. The movie earned four other Oscar nods, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Miles Teller plays the ambitious jazz drummer pushed to his limits by Simmons' brutal teaching methods.
Available at Redbox.
Technical aspects: 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital and English audio descriptive track; English SDH, English, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don't miss: Bonus materials include a commentary track with writer-director Damien Chazelle and Simmons and an evening at the Toronto International Film Festival with Chazelle, Simmons and Teller.
Big Hero 6 (Blu-ray + DVD + digital HD)
Details: 2014, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: PG, action and danger, rude humor and thematic elements
The lowdown: An animated adventure about a personal companion robot named Baymax who develops a close bond with robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada. They are thrust into a dangerous adventure and with the help of their friends, make the streets of San Fransokyo safe. This is a family-friendly feature that should keep the kids entertained.
Available at Redbox.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.39:1 widescreen picture; English 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 descriptive audio track and Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, Spanish and French subtitles; DVD: 2.39:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital and English 2.0 descriptive audio track; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don't miss: Extras include the Oscar-nominated animated short "Feast," the origin story of the film, a find the Easter egg activity, a look at the film's artists and deleted scenes, including an alternate opening.
Horrible Bosses 2: Extended Cut (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet)
Details: 2014, Warner Home Video
Rated: R, strong and crude sexual content, language
The lowdown: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis return for this sequel which finds Nick, Dale and Kurt launching their own business, only to have a slick investor deceive them and grab the company. The trio plots to get their company back by any means necessary. Jennifer Aniston and Jamie Foxx reprise their roles from the original with Chris Pine and Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz joining the cast. The set features an extended version and the original theatrical release of the film.
Available at Redbox.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 2.40:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 2.40:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don't miss: Bonus offerings include a look at what cast members will do to get a laugh, a featurette on the sex addict group, one-liners that didn't make it into the film, a behind-the-scenes look at who invented the Shower Buddy, a Shower Buddy infomercial and employee testimonials.
Fellini Satyricon: Special Edition (Blu-ray)
Details: 1969, The Criterion Collection
Rated: R, language, sexual situations
The lowdown: Federico Fellini's adaptation of the classical Roman satire created controversy for its sexual licentiousness, violence and grotesque imagery. The film follows two young men as they traverse a landscape of pagan excess. This is not a movie for prudish viewers as Fellini creates an odd, almost science-fiction, old world.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; Italian LPCM monaural; English subtitles.
Don't miss: A documentary shot on the film's set, a commentary track, an archival interview with Fellini, an interview with director of photography Giuseppe Rotunno, a new documentary about Fellini's adaptation of the Roman satire, an interview with photographer Mary Ellen Mark, who was allowed access to Fellini's set and an essay about the film comprise the major extras.
Dumb and Dumber To (Blu-ray + DVD + Ultraviolet)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 2014, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: PG-13, crude and sexual humor, partial nudity, language, drug references
The lowdown: Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their roles as Lloyd and Harry, who go on a road trip to find the child Harry never knew he had. The broad slapstick humor is much like that in the original, but fans of the first movie should enjoy this outing. Among the costars are Kathleen Turner, Laurie Holden and Rob Riggle.
Available at Redbox.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and 2.0 descriptive audio track and French, Spanish and German 5.1 DTS Digital surround; English SDH, French, German and Spanish subtitles; DVD: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, Spanish and French 5.1 Dolby Digital and English 2.0 descriptive audio track; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don't miss: Among the extras are an alternate opening, deleted and extended scenes, a gag reel, a making of featurette and a look at the creation of the film.
Munich (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 10
Details: 2005, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: R, graphic and bloody violence, language, nudity, sexual content
The lowdown: Steven Spielberg directed this movie, based on true events, about Israeli agents sent on a mission to kill those responsible for the murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. The movie is more than a thriller, as it shows the emotional and mental toll of the mission on the agents. The movie received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French 5.1 DTS Digital surround; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don't miss: Among the bonus materials are a look at the team, memories of the Olympic killings, a profile of the era, an introduction to the film by Spielberg, a behind-the-scenes look at the on-set action, a profile of the cast members and a look at the editing, music and sound.
The Majestic (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 24
Details: 2001, Warner Home Video
Rated: PG, language, mature themes
The lowdown: Jim Carrey stars in this drama about a Hollywood screenwriter who, after a car accident robs him of his memory, is mistaken by the residents of a small town as a long-lost World War II hero. The story, set in 1951 and directed by Frank Darabont, deals with the Communist witch-hunt of the film industry and the effort to weed out suspected Reds. The release is part of "The Frank Darabont Blu-ray Collection." Also being released on Blu-ray is "The Green Mile 15th Anniversary Two-Disc Blu-ray Edition" and "The Shawshank Redemption."
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French and Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.
Don't miss: Deleted scenes and the complete "Sand Pirates of the Sahara" movie within the movie.
The Tale of Princess Kaguya (Blu-ray + DVD)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 2014, Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Rated: PG, violence, partial nudity, mature themes
The lowdown: A stunning animated feature from famed Japanese director Isao Takahata that tells the story of a tiny girl found inside a shining stalk of bamboo who grows into a beautiful young woman. She is a princess who must ultimately face her past and the punishment for her crime. The voice talent includes Chloe Grace Moretz, James Caan and Mary Steenburgen.
Technical aspects: Blu-ray: 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English and Japanese 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and French 5.1 DTS Digital surround; English SDH, English and French subtitles; DVD: 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; English, Japanese and French 5.1 Dolby Digital; English SDH, English and French subtitles.
Don't miss: A documentary on the making of the movie featuring Takahata and Japanese trailers and TV spots are among the major bonus offerings.
Watership Down: Special Edition (Blu-ray)
Details: 1978, The Criterion Collection
Rated: PG
The lowdown: An animated adaptation of Richard Adams' novel about a warren of rabbits who must find a new home when their community is threatened by the incursion of mankind and his technology. The film is a faithful and beautiful retelling of Adams' tale and features a first-rate voice cast including John Hurt, Sir Ralph Richardson and Denholm Elliott.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 LPCM; English SDH subtitles.
Don't miss: An interview with director Martin Rosen, an interview with director Guillermo del Toro about the film's legacy and place in animated history, picture-in-picture storyboards, a 2005 featurette about the film's aesthetic and an essay about the movie comprise the major bonus offerings.
The Wild Angels (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1966, Olive Films
Rated: R, violence, sexual situations, drug-related material
The lowdown: This Roger Corman-directed film created quite a stir when American-International released it in 1966. Peter Fonda and Nancy Sinatra star in this film that spurred several imitations. Also featured are several actual members of Hell's Angels, as well as Bruce Dern and Diane Ladd.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
The Master (DVD + Ultraviolet)
Details: 2014, Lionsgate
Rated: PG-13, martial arts violence, drug-related materials
The lowdown: A martial arts master opens a school in this drama set in 19th-century China during the Qing Dynasty. When the teacher refuses to join the army of the corrupt Qing prince, his family, school and students become targets. The teacher decides he must fight to free his students and protect his home and family.
Technical aspects: 2.35:1 (16×9 enhanced) widescreen picture; English and Mandarin 5.1 Dolby Digital; English closed-captioned, English and Spanish subtitles.
The Night They Raided Minsky's (Blu-ray)
Details: 1968, Olive Films
Rated: PG-13, brief nudity, suggestive content
The lowdown: William Friedkin directed this comedy about an Amish girl with dreams of becoming a dancer who auditions at the famous Minsky's burlesque theater and is hired as part of a plan to shame a local moral crusader. The cast features Elliott Gould in his film debut, Britt Ekland, Jason Robards, Forrest Tucker, Denholm Elliott and, in his final film, Burt Lahr.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Beach Blanket Bingo (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1965, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: This feature is another in the then-popular teen movies starring Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. Like the other movies in the series, the plot is secondary to the songs, sand and girls. Among the costars are Deborah Walley, Linda Evans, Harvey Lembeck, Paul Lynde and Don Rickles, with a cameo by Buster Keaton.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
The Road to Hong Kong (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1962, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Bing Crosby and Bob Hope take the road again in this Cold War comedy about two vaudeville performers who, down on their luck, decide to become confidence men. The plot includes a miracle drug to improves memory, a top-secret formula and a beautiful spy. While the film has some laughs, it fails to capture the zip exhibited in the pair's earlier road pictures.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.66:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Caveman (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1981, Olive Films
Rated: PG, adult themes, violence
The lowdown: Former Beatle Ringo Starr heads the cast in this spoof about an inferior caveman who forms his own tribe of misfits and at the same time pursues a lovely woman from another tribe. Barbara Bach, who later became Mrs. Starr, plays the cavewoman. The cast also includes Dennis Quaid, Shelley Long and John Matuszak.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Bronco: The Complete Third Season
Release date: Feb. 3
Details: 1960-61, Warner Home Video
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Ty Hardin returns as hard-riding and straight-shooting Bronco Layne in the third season of this TV series. The two-disc set contains all 10 episodes as Bronco rides with a young Teddy Roosevelt, joins a manhunt to find his best friend who is wanted for murder and teams with Tom "Sugarfoot" Brewster (Will Hutchins) for some adventure. Among the guest stars are Buddy Ebsen, Chad Everett, Lee Van Cleef, Shirley Knight and Robert Armstrong. The set is part of the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.warnerarchive.com, www.wbshop.com or other Internet DVD sellers.
Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4×3) full-screen picture; English Dolby Digital.
Kiss Me, Stupid (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1964, Olive Films
Rated: PG-13, sex-related material, mature themes
The lowdown: Dean Martin, Kim Novak and Ray Walston star in this minor comedy from writer-director Billy Wilder and his writing partner, I.A.L. Diamond. The film centers on a successful crooner, an unsuccessful songwriter and the songwriter's lovely wife.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture, English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Muscle Beach Party (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1964, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello return to the surf and the sand to discover that a group of body builders have taken over their favorite beach spot.
Will the muscle men kick sand in the faces of Frankie and his pals, or will they all learn to coexist? The cast includes John Ashley, Don Rickles, Dick Dale and the Del Tones, Morey Amsterdam, Buddy Hackett and Little Stevie Wonder, making his movie debut.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 2.35:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
1969 (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1988, Olive Films
Rated: R, language, sexual situations, violence
The lowdown: Robert Downey Jr. and Kiefer Sutherland star in this coming-of-age story set during the Vietnam War about two best friends who decide to steal their files from the local draft board after the brother of one of them is declared missing in action. Their decision sets in motion a series of dramatic events. The film costars Winona Ryder, Bruce Dern, Joanna Cassidy and Marietta Hartley.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
How to Murder Your Wife (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1965, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Jack Lemmon stars in this uneven domestic comedy about a cartoonist who gets married after a drunken proposal at a bachelor party. When he realizes his mistake, he asks his new wife for a divorce, which she refuses. Because of the situation, his cartoons take on a darker, more sinister tone.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.66:1 widescreen picture; DTS-HD Master Audio.
Gene Autry Collection 9
Details: 1936-39, Timeless Media Group
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Gene Autry ranked as one of the nation's most popular cowboy stars during the 1930s into the early 1940s. His films, produced by Republic Pictures, were very popular, especially in the rural areas of the country. This two-disc set features four movies starring Autry and his comical sidekick Smiley Burnette. The featured films are "Comin' Round the Mountain" (1936), "Git Along Little Dogies" (1937), "Man From Music Mountain" (1938) and "Mountain Rhythm" (1939). Among the female costars are Ann Rutherford and June Storey. The usual stock company of Republic villains and supporting players, including LeRoy Mason, William Farnum, Al Taylor, Ivan Miler, Earl Dwire, Hooper Atchley, Ed Cassidy, Jack Ingram and Tom London.
Technical aspects: 1.33:1 (4×3) full-screen picture; English Dolby Digital; English closed-captioning.
Wild Orchid (Blu-ray)
Details: 1990, Olive Films
Rated: R, language, sexual situations
The lowdown: Zalman King directed this sexual drama about a young lawyer whisked off to Rio where she meets a millionaire who challenges her to explore her sexuality. The cast includes Mickey Rourke, Carre Otis, Jacqueline Bissett and Bruce Greenwood.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English DTS-HD Master Audio.
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 2014, Cinedigm
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Another in the long line of features about a family that moves into a dilapidated old country home in order to restore it, only to find that evil spirits still live there and are awaiting them. Of course, the family is under attack by the demons, which create all kinds of havoc. The film adds nothing new to this tiresome genre.
Technical aspects: Widescreen picture; English 5.1 Dolby Digital; English closed-captioned.
Lady Chatterley's Lover (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1981, Olive Films
Rated: R, sexual situations, language
The lowdown: A wooden Sylvia Kristel and Nicholas Clay star in this inferior adaptation of D.H. Lawrence classic about a woman who defies convention and takes a lover after her husband is injured in the war. The impotent husband is upset when his bride chooses a gameskeeper instead of a man from the upper class to be her lover.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio.
Psych-Out (Blu-ray)
Release date: Feb. 17
Details: 1968, Olive Films
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: Susan Strasberg stars in this counter-culture drama about a young woman who travels to San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district in search of her brother, an artist who has disappeared. A local band member, played by Jack Nicholson, helps her to discover answers. The cast also includes Bruce Dern, Dean Stockwell and Henry Jaglom. Richard Rush, who later went on to direct "The Stunt Man" and "Color of Night" was behind the camera.
Technical aspects: 1080p high definition, 1.85:1 widescreen picture; English Dolby Digital.
Road Rovers: The Complete Series
Release date: Feb. 3
Details: 1996-97, Warner Home Video
Rated: Not rated
The lowdown: A two-disc set containing all 13 episodes of this animated series about a group of Cano-sapiens who battle evil around the world. These super dogs come from the White House, 10 Downing Street and other nations' capitals to traverse time and space and keep our planet safe from mutants and monsters. The set is part of the Warner Archive Collection and can be found at www.warnerarchive.com, www.wbshop.com and other online dealers.
Technical aspects: 1.37:1 (4×3) full-screen picture; English Dolby Digital.
Other Blu-rays and DVDs being released on Tuesday, unless otherwise indicated:
Dangerously Close (Blu-ray) (Olive Films)
Final Prayer (DVD + Ultraviolet) (Lionsgate)
Green Street Hooligans: Underground (DVD + Ultraviolet) (Lionsgate)
Mountain Men: Season 3 (Lionsgate)
The Shift (Cinedigm)
VANish (Blu-ray) (Dark Sky Films)
Zoey to the Max (Cinedigm)
Walker, Texas Ranger: War Zone (CBS DVD-Paramount Home Entertainment, Feb. 10)
Z Nation: Season One (Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Feb. 10)
Bob Bloom is a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. He reviews movies, Blu-rays and DVDs for ReelBob.com. The Film Yap and other print and online publications, He can be reached by email at firstname.lastname@example.com. You also can follow Bloom on Twitter @ReelBobBloom and on Facebook. Movie reviews by Bloom also can be found at Rottentomatoes: www.rottentomatoes.com.
Share your DVD and Blu-ray preferences. Let's hear from you:
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Key Info |
Our lovely , one bedroomed Gite, (sleeps up to 4 persons) is available for Holiday lets, whether you need to take a relaxed break or house hunting in the Dordogne.
We are nestled in a quiet Hamlet within unspoilt views over the countryside. An ideal base for your Holiday.
Situated in the Perigord Vert, Dordogne, within a 10 minute drive of the picturesque town of Brantome, and only 20 minutes from the bustling 'Capital of the Périgord ', Perigueux.
Idealy based for visiting the Chateau's of the region, local restaurants and amenities.
Easy access to local airports, Limoges, Bergerac (approx 1hour 10 mins drive) and Bordeaux .
Size | Sleeps up to 4, 1 bedrooms |
Nearest beach | Man Made beach & Lake at St Estephe 40 Minutes |
Access | Car essential |
Nearest Amenities | 10 km |
Nearest travel links | Nearest airport: Limoges, Bordeaux, Bergerac, Nearest railway: Angouleme |
Family friendly | Great for children of all ages |
Notes | No pets allowed, No smoking at this property |
Luxuries | DVD player |
General | Satellite TV, Wi-Fi available |
Standard | Kettle, Toaster, Iron |
Utilities | Clothes dryer, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
Rooms | 1 bedroom, 1 bathrooms of which 1 Family bathrooms |
Furniture | 1 Sofa beds, Double beds (1), Dining seats for 4, Lounge seats for 4 |
Other | Linen provided, High chair |
Outdoors | Balcony or terrace, Private garden, BBQ |
Access | Parking |
The Dordogne offers splendid scenery, exquisite food and wine, the finest examples of prehistoric art and some of the most enchanting villages of France.
The northern gems such as Brantome to the "grand" villages such as Hautefort and its magnificent Chateau. The pre historic caves of the region and the abundent chateau's.
There is a huge area to explore.
Brantome, known as the 'Venice' of France to some, is a beautiful town, enriched with history and charm, its Abbey and Bell Tower, which is one of the oldest in France will take your breath away.
The summer months are lively with the bustling local markets and annual fete's. Sports available, canoeing, horse riding, cycling, tennis, walking.


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jersey greeting cards, cow greeting cards, barn greeting cards, farm greeting cards, animal greeting cards, hereford greeting cards, brown swiss greeting cards, bovine greeting cards, greeting cards
This is a wonderful new Jersey girl~ We have Brown Swiss and Holsteins here on the farm, but I am lucky enough to know farmers with Jersey's. They may be smaller in stature but they seem to have attitudes as big as the big girls~! The original is 16 x 20 and she would be great in this size. She would also look great in a grouping. A must have for any Jersey collector~
Welcome to FarmYard Art~ They say that we are born with the skills and gifts we will need to live our lives~ I believe this to be true~Thankfully I need only basic math skills to survive my day to day life~lol I knew from a very young age that art was going to be a strong influence in my life~ My style has been called whimsical, Impressionistic, and folk. I strive to capture each animals unique personailty,and bring it to life in my colourful paintings~ Art is my passion...somedays it borders on obsession, as I am constantly dreaming, planning or executing my newest idea~ I am a full time dairy farmer in Ontario Canada~ I love my girls, as I call them. Each one has a different personality. Some are calm, and steady, some curious,...
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Tired of paying bills? Why don't you kill them and save some money! With Kill Your Bills smash all these ugly bills and increase your savings. The bills will fall from the sky and you have to kill them by touching the bill before it reaches the envelope. Killing the bills when they reach near envelope will give you more score. You have to clear your total bills in a minute, each missed bill will add to your bill total.
What's New in Version 1.1
Collect more money by catching the money bags. Avoid any object other than the bills and money bags, as these will be expenses added to your bills! The game will be over if you touch 3 wrong objects.
iPhone Screenshot
- Category: Games
- Updated: 08 July 2011
- Version: 1.1
- Size: 1.1 MB
- Language: English
- Seller: Hussain Al-Marzooq
- © 2011 NoorMobileApps
Compatibility: Requires iOS 3.1.3 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.


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Lunch at the restaurant was an experience. We had a table by the window over looking the vineyards, the mountains & the valley. Totally breath taking. It was a surreal experience. The food was sublime. The starters were fried calamari, grilled calamari, charcuterie platter, pork belly, Greek salad, pate & tempura langoustines. The latter were particularly scrumptious. Most of the... More
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What does POMC stand for?
What does POMC mean? This page is about the various possible meanings of the acronym, abbreviation, shorthand or slang term: POMC.
We've found a total of 7 definitions for POMC:
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POMC | Pro-OpioMelanoCortin | ||||
POMC | Parents Of Murdered Children | ||||
POMC | Parents Of Murdered Children | ||||
POMC | Pagans Outlaw Motorcycle Club | ||||
POMC | Petty Officer Management Course | ||||
POMC | Pick Off Mirror Cover | ||||
POMC | Preventing Obesity in Military Communities |
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"POMC." Abbreviations.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2015. Web. 4 Mar. 2015. <http://www.abbreviations.com/POMC>.


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Severe congestion at US West Coast ports continues with no resolution in sight. Despite involvement by federal mediators, the stevedores' union ILWU and the port employers PMA continue their dispute, and shippers/importers try to find ways to bypass the ports most under pressure. Some commentators believe the situation is close to complete gridlock.
The two parties have yet to agree to a new three-year contract. The previous agreement expired on 30th June.
Adding to the labour problems - numbers of arrivals escalate, and as ships get larger, they require longer times at berth to unload and reload. As a consequence, severe pressure is being applied to all parts of the local infrastructure, especially trucking and chassis supply. Shipping lines are signalling imminent congestion surcharges on all cargo through US (and Canadian) West Coast ports.
Arrivals and departures in New Zealand are continuing to be seriously delayed, as lines struggle with schedule integrity in the US – NZ – AU – Asia loops which are all connected.
We suggest our clients, both importers and exporters – discuss with suppliers and customers, ways and means to add at least 10 days to current lead time expectations. We hope the parties will soon reach agreement.


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