When Joseph Barbera passed on this week, I was amazed to know that one of the creators of Tom and Jerry had been alive until now.
As the owner of about 60 hours of Tom and Jerry DVDs, I watch episodes over and over again - ne'er getting tired of it.
The most violent show ever - with bizarre acts of revenge among the protagonists, diabolical attempts to eliminate each other, all the plotting and scheming... and very quick recoveries. So much of it in every episode. And a lot of the physics involved - elasticity, potential energy, hydraulics, resonance etc all demonstrated often. =)
Fav episodes:
- Tom pole vaults, climbs, flies in the air attempting to catch Jerry and a little yellow bird
- Tom skates around an icy kitchen floor, when the refridgerator is connected to the water supply. His nonchalant 'cool' expression as he skates past Jerry is priceless
- Jerry covets Tom's bubble gum, and what he does with it
- The Cat Concerto episode (1946 - wow!), where Jerry annoys Tom on the piano
- Tom and his alley cat friends in the house disturb Jerry, when the family's out
- Spike the dog (just whistle!) and the puppy episodes
- Episodes when Tom's at the ready to eat Jerry or the bird with condiments, fork, knife etc
- Tuffy the baby mouse and Tom get along
The accompanying music on the show is a big part of every story. I didn't like the later (sharp) drawings as much, and some of the sci-fi storylines.
I've never met anyone that has seen and not liked Tom and Jerry, and have often wondered what goes into creating a cartoon like this - from concept to the final production. Thank you, Hanna-Barbera and producer Fred Quimby.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
'The Cuisinart Murderer of Central High'
This faux movie title from Calvin and Hobbes - I can't get it out my mind. Also, can't stop chuckling when I recall that particular strip. Especially Calvin's expression as he asks mom.
C:'Mom, can I have some money so Hobbes and I can go to a movie?'
M:'What movie?'
C:'The Cuisinart Murderer of Central High'
M:'I really think there are more constructive ways you could spend your afternoon, Calvin'
H:'What did she say?'
C:'Oh, she went off on one of her irrelevant tangents again'
Other classic (fict.) movies that C & H have shown an interest in:
Watterson, why did you stop? =)
C:'Mom, can I have some money so Hobbes and I can go to a movie?'
M:'What movie?'
C:'The Cuisinart Murderer of Central High'
M:'I really think there are more constructive ways you could spend your afternoon, Calvin'
H:'What did she say?'
C:'Oh, she went off on one of her irrelevant tangents again'
Other classic (fict.) movies that C & H have shown an interest in:
- Sorority Row Horror
- Venusian Vampire Vixens
- Vampire Sorority Babes
- Killer Prom Queen
- Attack of the Coed Cannibals
- Cannibal Stewardess Vixens Unchained
Watterson, why did you stop? =)
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Meteor Shower Ev'ry November
There's this magic about watching the Leonids meteor shower at this time every year.
Most spectacular - I recall this enchanting early morning, Nov 2002, back in Waltham, MA.
I'd stayed up... and before I knew it, it was 330am. Watched about a hundred shooting stars that icy cold morning, against an inky black sky. Amazing.
Then watched Venus the morning star rise.
What magic. Wish upon a..... staaaaaaah!
Most spectacular - I recall this enchanting early morning, Nov 2002, back in Waltham, MA.
I'd stayed up... and before I knew it, it was 330am. Watched about a hundred shooting stars that icy cold morning, against an inky black sky. Amazing.
Then watched Venus the morning star rise.
What magic. Wish upon a..... staaaaaaah!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Would we miss anything?
Just occurred to me:
Why is it so important to stay close to email, and have a cell phone all the time?
I speak for myself, and likely for many others.
Weren't we all fine - once upon a time - without the ability to contact anyone or be contacted - 24x7?
This occurred to me as I settled in for a nightly ritual - running over twelve years now.
Sitting in front of the TV, with my laptop connected to the net, and a cell phone right by my side.
What am I - Mr Connected? A Breaking News enthusiast? I never turn the television off without a last look at CNN.
There're so many that answer cell phones at the movies, in the car at 65 mph, heck - even in airplanes in blatant disregard for all safety requirements.
Some of us scrurry to check email at airports, on our Blackberries lest it be something drop dead important. Sure, like that update on servers down for maintenance, that double upgrade offer from a car rental co, and some $%^&#@! discount deadline for some tradeshow.
What earthshaking event do we need to be on top of, that we need to know about immediately, that we can't afford to miss? What needs our input that can't wait - all the time?
Nothing - I bet. Honest, more often than not for me.
Why is it so important to stay close to email, and have a cell phone all the time?
I speak for myself, and likely for many others.
Weren't we all fine - once upon a time - without the ability to contact anyone or be contacted - 24x7?
This occurred to me as I settled in for a nightly ritual - running over twelve years now.
Sitting in front of the TV, with my laptop connected to the net, and a cell phone right by my side.
What am I - Mr Connected? A Breaking News enthusiast? I never turn the television off without a last look at CNN.
There're so many that answer cell phones at the movies, in the car at 65 mph, heck - even in airplanes in blatant disregard for all safety requirements.
Some of us scrurry to check email at airports, on our Blackberries lest it be something drop dead important. Sure, like that update on servers down for maintenance, that double upgrade offer from a car rental co, and some $%^&#@! discount deadline for some tradeshow.
What earthshaking event do we need to be on top of, that we need to know about immediately, that we can't afford to miss? What needs our input that can't wait - all the time?
Nothing - I bet. Honest, more often than not for me.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
My overrated iPod Mini - thoughts on the iPod's 5th birthday.
Reviews@CNet asked me if I was sure. I'd given the iPod Mini a 0/5 rating in March '05. This was different than the rave reviews given to it from other users on Cnet.
I thought then, and still think that my iPod Mini is a piece of garbage. I've had it for almost two years now, and it's an unreliable, non-intuitive to use, overrated gadget.
Nothing on it ever works the way it should. The playlists keep changing, and skipping. The volume control is plain unusable. The *&^%$#@#$+! thing freezes on and off. How can this contraption fetch a huge resale price on eBay?
It's now exactly five years since the iPod was introduced - to unprecedented popularity. Did I get a lemon iPod? Or is it cos we're overlooking the lousy flaws, as it's cool and in to use an iPod?
I'm ready to toss it in the water.
I thought then, and still think that my iPod Mini is a piece of garbage. I've had it for almost two years now, and it's an unreliable, non-intuitive to use, overrated gadget.
Nothing on it ever works the way it should. The playlists keep changing, and skipping. The volume control is plain unusable. The *&^%$#@#$+! thing freezes on and off. How can this contraption fetch a huge resale price on eBay?
It's now exactly five years since the iPod was introduced - to unprecedented popularity. Did I get a lemon iPod? Or is it cos we're overlooking the lousy flaws, as it's cool and in to use an iPod?
I'm ready to toss it in the water.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Mel blames the tequila
Here's how I'd wrap up Good Morning America if I were Diane Sawyer -
'Charles, I think what Monsieur Gibson's saying here is:
It takes that one drink to evoke deep rooted anti-Jewish sentiments within.
Or
I'm an anti-Semite, and that drink made me express my inherent feelings.'
To quote the Eternal Mel:
"Years go by, you're fine," he says. "And then all of a sudden in a heartbeat, in an instant, on an impulse, somebody shoves a glass of Mescal in front of your nose and says, 'It's from Oaxaca.' And it's burning its way through your esophagus and you go, 'Oh man, what did I do that for? I can't put the toothpaste back in the tube."
'The interview with Sawyer is the first time Gibson has spoken to the media since sparking a scandal by unleashing what he later called "vitriolic and harmful words" during his arrest. Gibson told the arresting officer: "The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," and asked him, "Are you a Jew?" '
Read up here.
'Charles, I think what Monsieur Gibson's saying here is:
It takes that one drink to evoke deep rooted anti-Jewish sentiments within.
Or
I'm an anti-Semite, and that drink made me express my inherent feelings.'
To quote the Eternal Mel:
"Years go by, you're fine," he says. "And then all of a sudden in a heartbeat, in an instant, on an impulse, somebody shoves a glass of Mescal in front of your nose and says, 'It's from Oaxaca.' And it's burning its way through your esophagus and you go, 'Oh man, what did I do that for? I can't put the toothpaste back in the tube."
'The interview with Sawyer is the first time Gibson has spoken to the media since sparking a scandal by unleashing what he later called "vitriolic and harmful words" during his arrest. Gibson told the arresting officer: "The Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world," and asked him, "Are you a Jew?" '
Read up here.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Recollections - The Amish
The recent Amish school shooting tragedy - the third U.S. school shooting incident this past week - brought back memories of this community. I'd encountered these gentle folks on a couple occasions back East.
It was the winter of 1997 when I first saw the Amish, on a trip from Syracuse University to Canajoharie, NY. My friend, a student of chemical engg had to collect water samples from a treatment plant, and I'd driven along with him. On the country road off the exit that icy cold day, I saw road signs with horse carriages painted on them. Soon enough we were slowed down by a horse drawn buggy in front of us. A bearded man in a black hat held the reins, a member of the Amish community in upstate NY.
The next time I got to meet this quaint ethnic group was during the summer of '99. Traveling through eastern Ohio, we came across an Amish farmer's market. In the blazing hot sun, there were Amish dressed in black, selling produce. By now, I'd read up some on their history and ways. I recall:
- Rollerblading being acceptable among them, as a non-motorized means of transport.
- Being surprised on seeing a bunch of them traveling in a van. Apparently acceptable.
- Smiling genial older folks.
- Curious Amish kids that likely saw their first non-Caucasian - me. =)
- Wondering how they managed to live the way they did, out of choice. Why choose to be so? What made them tick?
- Thoughts on scenes from The Witness and For Richer or Poorer, movies that featured them. Harrison Ford as a faux Amish man punching the lights out of some hecklers that bothered them.
Among the many school shooting incidents over the past decade, this one likely affected my thoughts the most. For a community so opposed to non-violence, and steeped in the values of 'turning the other cheek', and forgiveness - these killings are a god-awful calamity. Unpardonable.
But pardon they did, by forgiving the gunman that killed five of their own.
It was the winter of 1997 when I first saw the Amish, on a trip from Syracuse University to Canajoharie, NY. My friend, a student of chemical engg had to collect water samples from a treatment plant, and I'd driven along with him. On the country road off the exit that icy cold day, I saw road signs with horse carriages painted on them. Soon enough we were slowed down by a horse drawn buggy in front of us. A bearded man in a black hat held the reins, a member of the Amish community in upstate NY.
The next time I got to meet this quaint ethnic group was during the summer of '99. Traveling through eastern Ohio, we came across an Amish farmer's market. In the blazing hot sun, there were Amish dressed in black, selling produce. By now, I'd read up some on their history and ways. I recall:
- Rollerblading being acceptable among them, as a non-motorized means of transport.
- Being surprised on seeing a bunch of them traveling in a van. Apparently acceptable.
- Smiling genial older folks.
- Curious Amish kids that likely saw their first non-Caucasian - me. =)
- Wondering how they managed to live the way they did, out of choice. Why choose to be so? What made them tick?
- Thoughts on scenes from The Witness and For Richer or Poorer, movies that featured them. Harrison Ford as a faux Amish man punching the lights out of some hecklers that bothered them.
Among the many school shooting incidents over the past decade, this one likely affected my thoughts the most. For a community so opposed to non-violence, and steeped in the values of 'turning the other cheek', and forgiveness - these killings are a god-awful calamity. Unpardonable.
But pardon they did, by forgiving the gunman that killed five of their own.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Crikey! Steve Got Stung
See what happens when you go overboard with animals? This guy certainly did, and they got him.
He was known to be a great conservationist, and for that all praise is deserved. Not for his on-camera antics.
Unfortunate, yes - Irwin's death, the current media circus, and the circus he ran.
He was known to be a great conservationist, and for that all praise is deserved. Not for his on-camera antics.
Unfortunate, yes - Irwin's death, the current media circus, and the circus he ran.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Was the chief guest's last name Gibson?
Look at these unbelievably ignorant and insensitive jokers - how crass can people get?
The signage at the entrance also showed the Swastika encircled by the letter O in Cross.
Hitler-themed restaurant
A huge poster of the Nazi dictator, Adolf Hitler, adorned the inauguration function of Hitler's Cross, much to the surprise of the invitees.The signage at the entrance also showed the Swastika encircled by the letter O in Cross.
“We wanted to be different. This is one name that will stay in people’s minds,” owner Punit Shablok told Reuters. “We are not promoting Hitler. But we want to tell people we are different in the way he was different.”
!!!! For shame.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Polar bear anyone?
As a fan of bears - all kinds, I couldn't help showcasing this one.
Here's Coldilocks - a nice AP picture on CNN.
CNN.com: 'Coldilocks, a 25-year-old female polar bear, enjoys bits of fruit in a block of ice in the midday heat at the Philadelphia Zoo.'
I rarely miss bear stories on the net. Here are a few ursine escapades: =)
- This bear, I think, tried to escape from the zoo on a cycle.
- This one had a preference for a particular brew, 36 cans of it. Look at him.
- A cousin of Coldilocks above, maybe? This bear broke in for some oatmeal.
Enchanting.
Monday, July 31, 2006
The Eternal Mel
Yes, others have said the exact same things, but let me add my note to all that's being said about Mel Gibson:
- He's so obviously an anti-Semite. There's been enough evidence .... his behavior, his film and his family.
- The first apology didn't refer to his anti-Jew remarks. Gibson only said he was sorry for these later, when it was pointed out. He wants Hollywood and movie-goers to not boycott him. Make no mistake, he still has the same beliefs.
- Nothing he'll say or do in repentance now and later will ever change that. It can't, because - unprovoked - he chose to express something that he believes in. He'll always be a Jew hater.
And no, drunkeness is not an excuse. How can they defend this SS Nazi? How?
- He's so obviously an anti-Semite. There's been enough evidence .... his behavior, his film and his family.
- The first apology didn't refer to his anti-Jew remarks. Gibson only said he was sorry for these later, when it was pointed out. He wants Hollywood and movie-goers to not boycott him. Make no mistake, he still has the same beliefs.
- Nothing he'll say or do in repentance now and later will ever change that. It can't, because - unprovoked - he chose to express something that he believes in. He'll always be a Jew hater.
And no, drunkeness is not an excuse. How can they defend this SS Nazi? How?
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Syd Barrett
Roger 'Syd' Barrett passed on last week. One of the founders of Pink Floyd, he left the band in the late '60s, well before Floyd's major albums came out. He was replaced by David Gilmour after he lost his mind, and the album 'Wish You Were Here' was with reference to Barrett.
I chanced upon The Piper At The Gates of Dawn, from Barrett's time, in '04. Astronomy Domine, a weird number from this album, wasn't easy to forget.
I chanced upon The Piper At The Gates of Dawn, from Barrett's time, in '04. Astronomy Domine, a weird number from this album, wasn't easy to forget.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Again: Murder in Bombay. Resilience?
'Bastards!' I recall this headline in the Daily Mirror after the London tube bombings one year ago. It was also expressed spontaneously, soon as many of us heard about Bombay now.
Today, a bunch of hatemonger killers left explosives on trains across Bombay and got off, before hundreds were blown up. A curse on these godless heathen.
All Cities Do Step Up During Tragedies
Now about the media that covers Bombay's tragedies. Oh, the city is used to it, right? The city is 'resilient', and it's residents will rise to the occasion, Bombay's spirit shall ne'er die, this is after all 'Bombay'.
Where doesn't this happen?
What city isn't resilient, where don't citizens step up and help each other after a disaster? It happened in New York, London, Madrid, and in any other terror zone. Why does the media keep on about how each city is unique and shall rise from the ashes. Come on, they all do, and it's not extraordinary. Because it's a question of staying employed, not losing an earning opportunity - there isn't a choice for most ordinary survivors. And people will always reach out during a tragedy, like they do in Bombay everytime.
Excitement For Some Of The Unaffected
However I saw a different kind of 'resilience' on television. There were resilient people in Bombay grinning on camera, yelling, laughing as they waved to viewers, and overall having a good time as clueless reporters asked for soundbites. Happens every time, and so terribly crude when viewed against the background of tragedy.
They were obviously not directly affected by the bombings - no damage, no injuries, no loss of life, and for such people this was some welcome excitement. Trains were bombed in the city where they live, nothing happened to them, but wow how exciting - be all buzzed and do nothing. A diversion from their monotonous daily lives. For every genuine donor, facilitator or life saver(there were many), there were several of these jokers on the sidelines. One of them even said 'It is a sad day for Bombay', smiling cheerfully.
News Coverage - Watch Us, We Sensationalize More.
Do any of us care for reporters and news anchors' faux expressions on Indian TV channels? . Those affected are tired of cliched comments about 'spirit' and how 'Bombay is different'. Did anything change for them since the last tragedy? As always, rookie and familiar reporters were competing for stories by asking the most inane questions:
'How do you feel after these explosions?' (I feel great. What do you think?)
'Do you want to go home now?' (Nope, thought I'd standby until the wee hours)
'Will your family be worried about you?' (No, they're hoping I'd be taken)
'Are you going to get on a train now?' (No, heading to the airport)
'Do you feel different than the last time Bombay was attacked?' (Yes, this time I feel really awful. Last time I was happy.)
'Do you think Bombay will get back on its feet?' (Difficult to say. Let me watch and get back to you in 6 weeks.)
Bad enough when posed to dazed victims, and incredibly worse when asked to the grinning/excited folks above. Completely unaffected, their cheerful smiling demeanor, even as they professed sorrow and shock, should make anyone recoil with disgust.
Speaking of expressing disgust, do read this column. Are these attacks a surprise any longer? No.
Today, a bunch of hatemonger killers left explosives on trains across Bombay and got off, before hundreds were blown up. A curse on these godless heathen.
All Cities Do Step Up During Tragedies
Now about the media that covers Bombay's tragedies. Oh, the city is used to it, right? The city is 'resilient', and it's residents will rise to the occasion, Bombay's spirit shall ne'er die, this is after all 'Bombay'.
Where doesn't this happen?
What city isn't resilient, where don't citizens step up and help each other after a disaster? It happened in New York, London, Madrid, and in any other terror zone. Why does the media keep on about how each city is unique and shall rise from the ashes. Come on, they all do, and it's not extraordinary. Because it's a question of staying employed, not losing an earning opportunity - there isn't a choice for most ordinary survivors. And people will always reach out during a tragedy, like they do in Bombay everytime.
Excitement For Some Of The Unaffected
However I saw a different kind of 'resilience' on television. There were resilient people in Bombay grinning on camera, yelling, laughing as they waved to viewers, and overall having a good time as clueless reporters asked for soundbites. Happens every time, and so terribly crude when viewed against the background of tragedy.
They were obviously not directly affected by the bombings - no damage, no injuries, no loss of life, and for such people this was some welcome excitement. Trains were bombed in the city where they live, nothing happened to them, but wow how exciting - be all buzzed and do nothing. A diversion from their monotonous daily lives. For every genuine donor, facilitator or life saver(there were many), there were several of these jokers on the sidelines. One of them even said 'It is a sad day for Bombay', smiling cheerfully.
News Coverage - Watch Us, We Sensationalize More.
Do any of us care for reporters and news anchors' faux expressions on Indian TV channels? . Those affected are tired of cliched comments about 'spirit' and how 'Bombay is different'. Did anything change for them since the last tragedy? As always, rookie and familiar reporters were competing for stories by asking the most inane questions:
'How do you feel after these explosions?' (I feel great. What do you think?)
'Do you want to go home now?' (Nope, thought I'd standby until the wee hours)
'Will your family be worried about you?' (No, they're hoping I'd be taken)
'Are you going to get on a train now?' (No, heading to the airport)
'Do you feel different than the last time Bombay was attacked?' (Yes, this time I feel really awful. Last time I was happy.)
'Do you think Bombay will get back on its feet?' (Difficult to say. Let me watch and get back to you in 6 weeks.)
Bad enough when posed to dazed victims, and incredibly worse when asked to the grinning/excited folks above. Completely unaffected, their cheerful smiling demeanor, even as they professed sorrow and shock, should make anyone recoil with disgust.
Speaking of expressing disgust, do read this column. Are these attacks a surprise any longer? No.
Windows Live Mail - what a mess!
Right off my comments on Cnet -
Been trying this beta 'upgrade' on and off a few months now.
What a complete disaster Windows Live Mail, beta or not, is! What the heck is the MS team doing - nothing works on this piece of trash!
I've anyway switched to Gmail a long time ago. I used Hotmail for 12 years and it became bad to worse to now unusable. Hotmail was already a usability disaster right from login to logout, and so is 'Live Mail' now.
Can MS get anything right?
Been trying this beta 'upgrade' on and off a few months now.
What a complete disaster Windows Live Mail, beta or not, is! What the heck is the MS team doing - nothing works on this piece of trash!
- Can't open an email easily,
- Can't open a link within,
- Can't update contacts,
- Can't delete an email, and
- Microsoft even threatens us ambigiously when we try to opt out of beta?! Just try opting out.
I've anyway switched to Gmail a long time ago. I used Hotmail for 12 years and it became bad to worse to now unusable. Hotmail was already a usability disaster right from login to logout, and so is 'Live Mail' now.
Can MS get anything right?
Friday, July 07, 2006
Did I miss something?
Just finished 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari'.
.......
.......
.......
Now what was so fantastic about the book? Honest. Maybe I didn't get the point. Maybe I didn't like the narration and the way it was all conveyed. Maybe it was too much hocus-pocus? Maybe it was hard to recall it all for self-improvement.
Or
It was all about what most people already knew. It was nothing new. There's a zillion self-help books, new age thinkers, and courses that supposedly do the exact same thing.
Felt like the book was much too simple and random in its message. We get the same preaching in many other ways and often. What was different here?
.......
.......
.......
Now what was so fantastic about the book? Honest. Maybe I didn't get the point. Maybe I didn't like the narration and the way it was all conveyed. Maybe it was too much hocus-pocus? Maybe it was hard to recall it all for self-improvement.
Or
It was all about what most people already knew. It was nothing new. There's a zillion self-help books, new age thinkers, and courses that supposedly do the exact same thing.
Felt like the book was much too simple and random in its message. We get the same preaching in many other ways and often. What was different here?
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Back - after miles and miles back east
Was away a whole two weeks back east. The sun came back after the first week. Think I covered like 2200 miles on the road - Boston, Connecticut, Springfield-MA, Syracuse, Niagara Falls, Westchester County, NYC and back to the Boston area. Whew!
But it was great to go back to familiar places, and meet old friends in each. Ye olde and oft repeated stories and anecdotes. Good times..... ah, am wistful.
But it was great to go back to familiar places, and meet old friends in each. Ye olde and oft repeated stories and anecdotes. Good times..... ah, am wistful.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
'Tis good to be in New England
All ye olde familiar places, and familiar people. Good times recalled from the past, and good times now.
Having a great time in Boston, west of Boston, New Hampshire... and all places in between. Feels like home again.
Real nice to meet with old friends, great recollections from years ago, repeated and still fun. So what if it's been raining. Lovin' it much!
Having a great time in Boston, west of Boston, New Hampshire... and all places in between. Feels like home again.
Real nice to meet with old friends, great recollections from years ago, repeated and still fun. So what if it's been raining. Lovin' it much!
Friday, June 02, 2006
Gone batty?
There is a lot of retrospection:
Now I'm getting somewhere...
- Am I learning anything in what I'm doing?
- Am I missing out on some exciting work or life opportunity?
- Do I feel like I'm making a difference anywhere?
- How come I'm not thinking more often like I did here?
- Are some people and peoples more evolved than others?
- What was I thinking then and before then?
- Why do I endlessly wonder about why I did something?
- Will I be wondering what was I thinking now, next year?
- How come I don't meet more people that think and react like me?
- Why didn't I think of somethings sooner?
- Are there people with the same interests and exposure as I?
- Why do I dislike 'How to' self-help books?
- Why don't I care about the seven habits and the 8th?
- Why do I think sequels to self-help books are a scam?
- Will I always go through the same sequence of actions before turning the tap off, switching off lights, turning off the ignition, closing doors, and leaving a place?
- Is everything around me real or virtual?
- Does everyone see objects, people, colors, scenery... whatever, the way I do?
- Have I lost my mind a lot?
Now I'm getting somewhere...
Friday, May 26, 2006
The Da Vinci Code film
Watched this yesterday, and it ran through the book so fast that I had to think about the sequence of events again.
- Yes, the book felt better.
- Some moments made me laugh that weren't meant to be funny.
- Most of the scenes were exactly as I'd imagined from the book.
- No one should watch this film, that hasn't read the book. It'd be hard to keep up or understand.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
In Hong Kong...
....as I watch giant planes lumber past very close by, out the lounge window. About 500 ft away, airplanes land and take off. I could watch all day at that distance. The sight of a huge 747 whatever it's doing - standing, taxiing, landing or taking off - never ceases to fascinate me. You just have to wonder how that thing gets off the ground.
I'm in Hong Kong International airport, probably the most familiar complex for me in the world. There's nothing I don't know about Chep Lap Kok a.k.a HKIA. I was here when it opened in 1998, and have been here visiting or in transit a zillion times since.
No surprise it's rated the world's best airport - everything works, is available, or is made possible for travelers. Besides, Cathay Pacific's lounges are first rate - long showers, snackies, an amazing noodle bar, drinks, wi-fi, personal television, and lots of space. They make my frequent and long trans-Pacific trips bearable. I actually look forward to transit at HKIA. When I think about transits at airports when traveling as a student years ago, I appreciate the place even more. =)
I wanted to post from the airport, because the view out made me think about HKIA. Off for a little stroll now, and likely some sleep.
I'm in Hong Kong International airport, probably the most familiar complex for me in the world. There's nothing I don't know about Chep Lap Kok a.k.a HKIA. I was here when it opened in 1998, and have been here visiting or in transit a zillion times since.
No surprise it's rated the world's best airport - everything works, is available, or is made possible for travelers. Besides, Cathay Pacific's lounges are first rate - long showers, snackies, an amazing noodle bar, drinks, wi-fi, personal television, and lots of space. They make my frequent and long trans-Pacific trips bearable. I actually look forward to transit at HKIA. When I think about transits at airports when traveling as a student years ago, I appreciate the place even more. =)
I wanted to post from the airport, because the view out made me think about HKIA. Off for a little stroll now, and likely some sleep.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)