It's winter, it's snowing and it seems that PUC needs a class on how to dress for the weather. During a moderate snowfall, I was standing in front of the Gyte building when I noticed a young man - I estimate around age 21 - wearing knee-length shorts as he entered the building. I'd guess either he'd missed the weather report or forgotten to do his laundry, but he is not alone - he's one of three separate guys I spotted in shorts within a week in January.
Though dressing inappropriately for the weather does not actually cause a cold or the flu, it does look ridiculous (and could lead to frostbite if your car broke down on the way to school, stranding you on the side of the road sans artificial heat). Oh, and for the guys who continue wearing your flip-flops despite the snow, you should be aware of how quickly cold, wet toes can develop frostbite if you have to spend much time in the elements (and let's face it, the parking situation here usually demands a fairly long outdoor walk before and after class).
But it's not just the guys that seem oblivious to the weather. Ladies - if you see snow and ice on the ground, leave the high heels at home. The scrapes, bruises, and sprains you receive when you slip and fall on the ice won't be sexy - or comfortable. There are plenty of cute but practical shoes that provide some traction on slippery walkways (not to mention warmth).
Of course, most of the girls in the spiky high heels are also the ones in short skirts - which provide no protection against the weather, or shoe-induced falls. This is college. Just because there is no dress code demanding you dress with decency doesn't mean you no longer should - have some self-respect. If you want to impress your classmates and professors, do it with your mind and not your wardrobe.
Originally published in The Chronicle in February 2007 as JadeLee Culberson
Showing posts with label commentary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label commentary. Show all posts
28.2.11
What happened to local theatres?
I remember when there were local theatres everywhere. As a child, I frequented the theatre just off Ridge Road near Venture (now K-Mart) in Griffith. Of course, that wasn't the only small theatre to frequent - especially as I got older. I found another two-screen theatre a bit further down Ridge Road, just into Gary. That theatre closed more recently - it seems like one day I was driving past it and the next I saw it empty, a shell of the years of local showings with friends.
And how many of us found a place at the Crossroads Theatre in Merrillville on Saturday nights for weekly showings of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show?" As a teen in the '90s, I remember meeting friends from all over Northwest Ind. (and Illinois) on those nights, in a place where looking or acting "different" was completely acceptable. Some of the friends I still hold dear I would never have met if not for those wild nights. How many other students at PUC can help but say the same?
The Crossroads closed this October. A young entrepreneur purchased it in the late '90s, in hopes of keeping our Saturday night dreams alive. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions - and fundraising done at the weekly shows by crowds desperate to keep the theatre going - couldn't stop the theatre from closing eventually. The last Saturday night show sold out (and then some), and as I looked around the crowd that night I knew how much the Crossroads would be missed.
Though the Crossroads Theatre will be the one most significantly missed, the AMC 9 in Merrillville is the one whose closing most surprised me. As I started doing weekly movie reviews in 2004 and 2005, I discovered that I preferred the less populated and more relaxed atmosphere of the AMC 9 instead of the new Kerasotes Theatre chain. As Kerasotes has infected the whole of Northwest Indiana like a disease, killing off so many other theatres, the AMC 9 was destroyed in favor of building yet another Kerasotes Theatre in the Westfield (formerly Southlake) Mall complex.
I have yet to walk through the doors of the Hobart (Merrillville) Showplace 12, and I don't ever plan to. They took the smaller, more friendly theatre where I saw "Serenity" for the first time (along with other favorites), and I don't want to give them my business. Don't we deserve the chance to choose where to see new release films in the Region? If Kerasotes can destroy all the small theatres in an area, they can achieve a monopoly on movie showings and that's bad for the community as well as the area's economy.
Originally published in The Chronicle in December 2006 as Jade Lee Culberson.
And how many of us found a place at the Crossroads Theatre in Merrillville on Saturday nights for weekly showings of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show?" As a teen in the '90s, I remember meeting friends from all over Northwest Ind. (and Illinois) on those nights, in a place where looking or acting "different" was completely acceptable. Some of the friends I still hold dear I would never have met if not for those wild nights. How many other students at PUC can help but say the same?
The Crossroads closed this October. A young entrepreneur purchased it in the late '90s, in hopes of keeping our Saturday night dreams alive. Unfortunately, even the best of intentions - and fundraising done at the weekly shows by crowds desperate to keep the theatre going - couldn't stop the theatre from closing eventually. The last Saturday night show sold out (and then some), and as I looked around the crowd that night I knew how much the Crossroads would be missed.
Though the Crossroads Theatre will be the one most significantly missed, the AMC 9 in Merrillville is the one whose closing most surprised me. As I started doing weekly movie reviews in 2004 and 2005, I discovered that I preferred the less populated and more relaxed atmosphere of the AMC 9 instead of the new Kerasotes Theatre chain. As Kerasotes has infected the whole of Northwest Indiana like a disease, killing off so many other theatres, the AMC 9 was destroyed in favor of building yet another Kerasotes Theatre in the Westfield (formerly Southlake) Mall complex.
I have yet to walk through the doors of the Hobart (Merrillville) Showplace 12, and I don't ever plan to. They took the smaller, more friendly theatre where I saw "Serenity" for the first time (along with other favorites), and I don't want to give them my business. Don't we deserve the chance to choose where to see new release films in the Region? If Kerasotes can destroy all the small theatres in an area, they can achieve a monopoly on movie showings and that's bad for the community as well as the area's economy.
Originally published in The Chronicle in December 2006 as Jade Lee Culberson.
Society hooked on celebrities' addictions
I don't understand why our society is obsessed with celebrities who spend most of their time and money destroying themselves.
While perusing the news online this week, I've seen several versions of the recent "Lindsay Lohan checked herself into rehab" story, which include rumors that she received an intervention from movie executives and her mother's statement that she is very proud of her daughter for seeking help. Since all Lohan seems to have said publicly about the issue is that she would like to be given privacy and she's enjoying this season of "American Idol," I don't understand why she's making headlines.
Britney Spears' career was recently helped by her filing for divorce and then flashing her privates. Since when is this more useful to a star's career than actually making an album or film? We've always enjoyed watching celebrity scandal, but now it seems that society prefers self-destruction to juicy rumors.
So-called "reality TV" now includes VH1's "Shooting Sizemore," in which it seems, so far, the viewer is forced to watch Tom Sizemore rant about how his acting was better when he was doing crystal methamphetamine and how he has no confidence in himself sober.
What is so interesting about a celebrity who claims he/she is miserable and addicted to drugs and/or alcohol because of the "burden" of fame and fortune? If fame and wealth are so difficult to deal with, why not just give it up? Maybe get an education and get a real job?
Celebrities have gotten themselves addicted to drugs and alcohol for as many years as celebrity status has existed - why are we still so interested? My suggestion - skip the article about what Lohan wore to rehab and read about politics or (imagine this) a book.
Originally published in The Chronicle in January 2007 as Jade Lee Culberson.
While perusing the news online this week, I've seen several versions of the recent "Lindsay Lohan checked herself into rehab" story, which include rumors that she received an intervention from movie executives and her mother's statement that she is very proud of her daughter for seeking help. Since all Lohan seems to have said publicly about the issue is that she would like to be given privacy and she's enjoying this season of "American Idol," I don't understand why she's making headlines.
Britney Spears' career was recently helped by her filing for divorce and then flashing her privates. Since when is this more useful to a star's career than actually making an album or film? We've always enjoyed watching celebrity scandal, but now it seems that society prefers self-destruction to juicy rumors.
So-called "reality TV" now includes VH1's "Shooting Sizemore," in which it seems, so far, the viewer is forced to watch Tom Sizemore rant about how his acting was better when he was doing crystal methamphetamine and how he has no confidence in himself sober.
What is so interesting about a celebrity who claims he/she is miserable and addicted to drugs and/or alcohol because of the "burden" of fame and fortune? If fame and wealth are so difficult to deal with, why not just give it up? Maybe get an education and get a real job?
Celebrities have gotten themselves addicted to drugs and alcohol for as many years as celebrity status has existed - why are we still so interested? My suggestion - skip the article about what Lohan wore to rehab and read about politics or (imagine this) a book.
Originally published in The Chronicle in January 2007 as Jade Lee Culberson.
Overpricd books for sale, but no newspapers
Aside from grabbing a copy of The Chronicle on my way in to CLO at the beginning of each week, I get most of my news online - either from a news site or an online newspaper. There are, however, occasions when I actually want a print newspaper so that I can keep a copy of an article, picture or announcement.
The Calumet Campus Shop used to carry newspapers. I remember buying occasional copies of The Times there a few years ago, especially in the days when I did not have reliable transportation to leave campus if I needed to make a purchase. Admittedly, it's been a few years since I went looking for a newspaper on campus but I was recently horrified to learn the bookstore no longer sells newspapers. I thought perhaps Outtakes (the new convenience store) was selling them instead - after all, the bookstore no longer carries candy, either. But, no, a woman working at Outtakes told me they do not sell newspapers and recommended I check the bookstore.
I'm concerned. I have a car and can simply leave campus if I need to buy a newspaper. But what about students for whom mid-day transportation is not so readily available - those who carpool, are dropped off at school by a friend or relative or who live in the University Village and do not have a car. Sure, the library has newspapers, but, again, that provides an opportunity for a copy and not a clip from a real newspaper.
And, need aside, what about want? What about students (or faculty) who would simply like to be able to purchase an occasional newspaper to read over lunch or outside between classes when the weather is pleasant? Even in our fast-paced, technologically-driven society, some things should not change. Please, bring back our (print) newspapers.
Originally published in The Chronicle in March 2007 as Jade Lee Culberson
The Calumet Campus Shop used to carry newspapers. I remember buying occasional copies of The Times there a few years ago, especially in the days when I did not have reliable transportation to leave campus if I needed to make a purchase. Admittedly, it's been a few years since I went looking for a newspaper on campus but I was recently horrified to learn the bookstore no longer sells newspapers. I thought perhaps Outtakes (the new convenience store) was selling them instead - after all, the bookstore no longer carries candy, either. But, no, a woman working at Outtakes told me they do not sell newspapers and recommended I check the bookstore.
I'm concerned. I have a car and can simply leave campus if I need to buy a newspaper. But what about students for whom mid-day transportation is not so readily available - those who carpool, are dropped off at school by a friend or relative or who live in the University Village and do not have a car. Sure, the library has newspapers, but, again, that provides an opportunity for a copy and not a clip from a real newspaper.
And, need aside, what about want? What about students (or faculty) who would simply like to be able to purchase an occasional newspaper to read over lunch or outside between classes when the weather is pleasant? Even in our fast-paced, technologically-driven society, some things should not change. Please, bring back our (print) newspapers.
Originally published in The Chronicle in March 2007 as Jade Lee Culberson
Small venues make for better concerts
I went to see the Pogues perform at the Congress Theatre on March 6. They were fantastic - it's great to see lead singer Shane MacGowan back with the band. The Pogues have a fantastic stage presence and seem to enjoy performing - they performed three encores.
But I think one of the best parts of the event was the location. The Congress Theatre is fairly small and is comprised mostly of a general admission area great for pushing your way toward the stage. With our general admission tickets, we were able to get close enough to the front to read MacGowan's champagne bottle.
Rather than having to either park miles away and then hike to the venue or pay a small fortune to use a parking garage or valet service, we enjoyed the ample street parking (well, as close to ample parking as Chicago ever has) close to the Congress.
I know Chicago is in the process of implementing a fascist anti-smoking policy but this area of the city seemed yet untouched by the breach of civil rights. It was such a relief to enjoy a cigarette in the lobby of the theatre after purchasing a drink from one of the many well-stocked bar stands throughout the establishment.
After not being able to find the merchandise table at the last concert I attended, I was very relieved that the Pogues merchandise was easy to find (and even more pleased that it was plentiful, with a good variety at decent prices).
Had I seen the Pogues at a larger venue, I don't think I would have enjoyed the experience as much. After this show, I'm done with fancy concert halls and I can't imagine going to an arena concert.
Good things may come in small packages and the best concert experiences certainly take place in small venues.
Originally published in The Chronicle in March 2007 as Jade Lee Culberson
Bye bye to the Buffy I knew
Many of us who obsessively watched "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" mourned the loss of this show after season seven, realizing "Buffy" was truly gone from television forever - less, of course, cold comfort from reruns. We watched (in the last episode) as a school bus drove characters - some familiar and dear, others newer and less connected - away from the large hole where Sunnydale was, and they took with them a little piece of our hearts.
I cried. I mourned the loss of a show I'd watched since high school, feeling a connection with Buffy (the character), who was then my age. I wondered briefly if we'd see a return for season eight - maybe even on a new channel - but realized that I'd never again tune in to see a new episode. I'm sure I'm not the only one who was saddened by this fact.
When I recently learned that Joss Whedon would be bringing us season eight after all - in comic book form - I was excited. I was ready to find out what Buffy, Willow, and Xander were up to. And, of course, I wondered what life after Sunnydale was like for Dawn as she worked through her complicated adolescence. I wanted to know more about the reference near the end of the series "Angel" in which we hear that Buffy is dating The Immortal. I was even curious as to how all those new Slayers were balancing their previous lives with their new Slayer duties.
I made a special trip to Creative Comics in Griffith to pick up the first issue of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," season 8. When I got home, I devoured the issue with high hopes.
When I put the issue down, it was with disappointment. The "Buffy" world, once so small and intimate now feels too vast. The first issue alone dealt with space travel, cloning, and the army. This larger world feels filled more with "clever science" than emotion.
I'll keep reading and hoping the first issue was meant as a catch-up issue - that the intimacy will return and the feeling from the show will come through the pages of upcoming issues.
Originally published in The Chronicle in April 2007 as Jade Lee Culberson
Diners - the new endangered species
When I think about Round the Clock restaurant in Highland, I remember nights of catching up with old friends over coffee, evenings of dinner and studying with classmates during finals, and the last stop near sunrise after a long Saturday night out. I'm sure I'm not alone in this recollection-on many visits there I'd look around and see high school and college students from all social cliques at tables or booths chatting for hours.
I noticed that Round the Clock in Highland was remodeling, but I was unconcerned. Even when they shut down completely for a short time, I attributed it to dust and hoped they'd reopen soon-though I have little time this semester for long coffee-soaked conversations, I still enjoy popping in for a bowl of lemon rice soup to go.
The day after they reopened, I dropped in for just that-and I was horrified to see the changes the restaurant has undergone. The diner atmosphere has disappeared, and both the interior and exterior are covered in kitschy décor that seems to be reminiscent of "home cooking" but really just does a bad imitation of what Cracker Barrel specializes in.
The restaurant is now completely non-smoking, as well-fine for the health-conscious, but bad for the smokers who once migrated there for late night coffee and conversation. I can't help but think the owners must be consciously making the environment unfriendly for the young crowds who once made up much of their nightly business.
And Round the Clock it is not, anymore-the 24-hour business now closes at midnight during the week. This change is another reason I believe much of their previous customer base are now unwelcome.
Looking online, I found the Schererville location has also been remodeled-and the Merrillville location, for which there are no pictures, is also listed as having a "new look inside." I think their changes are a mistake, and I won't be patronizing their business anymore.
I hope others will do the same in avoiding Round the Clock's new atmosphere, and supporting actual diners instead - after all, the Denny's in Merrillville/Hobart (on Route 30, near the Radisson, on the way to the mall) is still 24 hours.
Originally published in The Chronicle in April 2007 as Jade Lee Culberson.
Wii adventures
My husband and I just bought a Wii, a compact yet stylish Nintendo next-gen video game system with most games requiring you to wave the controller (that looks like a remote control) around like a monkey flinging bananas.
After missing the pre-orders, we wandered into Target the other night and happened on to a whole pile of Wiis just waiting for purchase. This was far more exciting to him than to me - we also have an X-Box 360, which not only has better graphics and a superior roster of games, but also a controller you can use like a civilized human being.
It turns out the Wii is far more player-friendly than it looks. The controller is fairly easy to use except when games purposely complicate it (such as in "WarioWare Smooth Moves," where you have to do everything from dancing while spanking yourself with the controller to holding it to your face like an elephant's trunk). "Wii Sports" is my new guilty pleasure. How else can you (physically) play tennis, baseball, golf and bowling in your bedroom - alone or with friends - at 2 a.m. without waking your neighbors?
And the Wii is cute - not just because the actual console is tiny and somewhat reminiscent of a wireless router, but because you can design an avatar for game play called your Mii. You can make your Mii actually look like yourself - or have fun creating goofy-looking (or spoofy-looking, with caricatures of celebs) Miis to play with.
The Wii may not have as many titles as the other next-gen systems, but there is plenty of downloadable content in the way of older Nintendo games (which you can purchase with Wii Points). Still, the Wii is not without its major titles - and I look forward to the Wii's take on the "Resident Evil" franchise in October. I'm not saying I'll ever give up my X-Box 360, but I can enjoy a game of tennis or bowling, then check the weather (in Hammond, California or Guam, for that matter), which is at least as amusing as convenient.
Originally published in The Chronicle in September 2007.
After missing the pre-orders, we wandered into Target the other night and happened on to a whole pile of Wiis just waiting for purchase. This was far more exciting to him than to me - we also have an X-Box 360, which not only has better graphics and a superior roster of games, but also a controller you can use like a civilized human being.
It turns out the Wii is far more player-friendly than it looks. The controller is fairly easy to use except when games purposely complicate it (such as in "WarioWare Smooth Moves," where you have to do everything from dancing while spanking yourself with the controller to holding it to your face like an elephant's trunk). "Wii Sports" is my new guilty pleasure. How else can you (physically) play tennis, baseball, golf and bowling in your bedroom - alone or with friends - at 2 a.m. without waking your neighbors?
And the Wii is cute - not just because the actual console is tiny and somewhat reminiscent of a wireless router, but because you can design an avatar for game play called your Mii. You can make your Mii actually look like yourself - or have fun creating goofy-looking (or spoofy-looking, with caricatures of celebs) Miis to play with.
The Wii may not have as many titles as the other next-gen systems, but there is plenty of downloadable content in the way of older Nintendo games (which you can purchase with Wii Points). Still, the Wii is not without its major titles - and I look forward to the Wii's take on the "Resident Evil" franchise in October. I'm not saying I'll ever give up my X-Box 360, but I can enjoy a game of tennis or bowling, then check the weather (in Hammond, California or Guam, for that matter), which is at least as amusing as convenient.
Originally published in The Chronicle in September 2007.
Y comic books are more than just fluff
I've been reading an interesting story about survival and love, a tale that uses an abstract concept to illustrate the importance of perspective. This story is epic in length, well over 1,000 pages, yet absolutely captivating.
"Y the Last Man," the tale of a young man named Yorick who is searching for his fiancé in a post-apocalyptic world, is written by Brian K. Vaughan. "Y the Last Man" is also a comic book. It has substance, addresses issue of philosophy and contains fantastic art. When I started reading comic books (unlike most comic book enthusiasts, I didn't start reading them until college), I imagined most comics were focused on superheroes. However, after reading many series - distributed by various publishers, written by a myriad of authors and covering many genres - I realized, to my happy surprise, that I was wrong.
I've been avidly reading comic books and graphic novels for many years now. I look forward to regular trips to the comic shop - my husband and I frequent Creative Comics in Griffith - to pick up some of our monthly subscriptions (we're up to approximately 30 titles). For me, comic books are a form of entertainment. But, in my graduate research, I've discovered that comic books, graphic novels and even comic strips can be educational tools as well. These things can help students (elementary through high school students as well as college and non-traditional scholars) who are reluctant or remedial readers, or who have English as a Second or Other Language (ESL) concerns, gain context for language.
Many great pieces of literature - including Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," a shortened version of Melville's "Moby Dick," and several Edgar Allen Poe tales - have been translated into graphic novel form. But for those who prefer tales of history, political intrigue, science fiction or actual science, there are comic books/graphic novels for you as well.
I really believe that people - even fairly hard-to-please individuals - willing to spend a bit of time looking at various books will find a genre, author and/or series they enjoy. So, for those of you who have never picked up a comic book - or whose former collection is collecting dust in your basement between high school year books and posters of 80s bands - I suggest stopping by a local comic book shop and perusing the selection. Who knows, maybe next year I'll see you at Wizard World Chicago.
Originally published in The Chronicle in September 2007.
"Y the Last Man," the tale of a young man named Yorick who is searching for his fiancé in a post-apocalyptic world, is written by Brian K. Vaughan. "Y the Last Man" is also a comic book. It has substance, addresses issue of philosophy and contains fantastic art. When I started reading comic books (unlike most comic book enthusiasts, I didn't start reading them until college), I imagined most comics were focused on superheroes. However, after reading many series - distributed by various publishers, written by a myriad of authors and covering many genres - I realized, to my happy surprise, that I was wrong.
I've been avidly reading comic books and graphic novels for many years now. I look forward to regular trips to the comic shop - my husband and I frequent Creative Comics in Griffith - to pick up some of our monthly subscriptions (we're up to approximately 30 titles). For me, comic books are a form of entertainment. But, in my graduate research, I've discovered that comic books, graphic novels and even comic strips can be educational tools as well. These things can help students (elementary through high school students as well as college and non-traditional scholars) who are reluctant or remedial readers, or who have English as a Second or Other Language (ESL) concerns, gain context for language.
Many great pieces of literature - including Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," a shortened version of Melville's "Moby Dick," and several Edgar Allen Poe tales - have been translated into graphic novel form. But for those who prefer tales of history, political intrigue, science fiction or actual science, there are comic books/graphic novels for you as well.
I really believe that people - even fairly hard-to-please individuals - willing to spend a bit of time looking at various books will find a genre, author and/or series they enjoy. So, for those of you who have never picked up a comic book - or whose former collection is collecting dust in your basement between high school year books and posters of 80s bands - I suggest stopping by a local comic book shop and perusing the selection. Who knows, maybe next year I'll see you at Wizard World Chicago.
Originally published in The Chronicle in September 2007.
Things I can't get behind
On William Shatner's album "Has Been" (2004), he performs a duet with Henry Rollins called "I Can't Get Behind That" where they list trends and societal situations with which they disagree. That song is the inspiration for this column.
Things I Can't Get Behind …
1) Burger King restaurants that sell tacos. If I want a taco, I'll go to a Mexican food restaurant. If I want a fast food taco, I'll go to Taco Bell. If I'm at Burger King, it's because I want American food - I'm all for Burger King having the veggie burger option, because it's still a burger. But having tacos on the menu is just ridiculous.
2) Chicagoans who think people shouldn't put ketchup on hot dogs. Apparently, because the traditionally prepared "Chicago-style hot dog" doesn't have ketchup on it, no hot dog should. And they get angry about it - as though it's actually wrong to put ketchup on a hot dog. Ryan Manno, a Q101 DJ, has even had a debate about this on his radio show. I say it's a matter of personal preference, but I can't get behind people who try to dictate what other people put on their hot dogs.
3) The way small, independently owned movie theatres have become an endangered species. Megaplexes are running the small theatres out of business and leaving us corporate-run places that are completely devoid of personality.
4) People who think it's pretentious to drink wine. Yes, wine coolers are girly - I'll agree with that - but there's nothing pretentious (or girly) about a bottle of merlot you can buy for $6 at Meijer, right across from the beer.
5) Anyone who text messages while actively driving a car. I can understand a glance down at an incoming text when you're at a stop light, but either drive or text (or call the person on your hands-free phone, since everyone on the planet seems to have a Bluetooth headset these days anyway).
6) States and local ordinances that ban smoking in taverns. I can understand banning smoking in restaurants because a lot of people don't like to smell cigarette smoke while they're eating. A lot of people who drink smoke cigarettes and a lot of people who don't consider themselves "smokers" smoke when they drink.
Originally posted in The Chronicle in September 2007
Things I Can't Get Behind …
1) Burger King restaurants that sell tacos. If I want a taco, I'll go to a Mexican food restaurant. If I want a fast food taco, I'll go to Taco Bell. If I'm at Burger King, it's because I want American food - I'm all for Burger King having the veggie burger option, because it's still a burger. But having tacos on the menu is just ridiculous.
2) Chicagoans who think people shouldn't put ketchup on hot dogs. Apparently, because the traditionally prepared "Chicago-style hot dog" doesn't have ketchup on it, no hot dog should. And they get angry about it - as though it's actually wrong to put ketchup on a hot dog. Ryan Manno, a Q101 DJ, has even had a debate about this on his radio show. I say it's a matter of personal preference, but I can't get behind people who try to dictate what other people put on their hot dogs.
3) The way small, independently owned movie theatres have become an endangered species. Megaplexes are running the small theatres out of business and leaving us corporate-run places that are completely devoid of personality.
4) People who think it's pretentious to drink wine. Yes, wine coolers are girly - I'll agree with that - but there's nothing pretentious (or girly) about a bottle of merlot you can buy for $6 at Meijer, right across from the beer.
5) Anyone who text messages while actively driving a car. I can understand a glance down at an incoming text when you're at a stop light, but either drive or text (or call the person on your hands-free phone, since everyone on the planet seems to have a Bluetooth headset these days anyway).
6) States and local ordinances that ban smoking in taverns. I can understand banning smoking in restaurants because a lot of people don't like to smell cigarette smoke while they're eating. A lot of people who drink smoke cigarettes and a lot of people who don't consider themselves "smokers" smoke when they drink.
Originally posted in The Chronicle in September 2007
Can't get behind this either
Two weeks ago, I listed a lot of things I can't get behind (from the William Shatner song), but I have one thing left to complain about - places that shouldn't have drive-thrus but do anyway. There are lots of places where a drive-thru is fine - even expected - such as fast food restaurants like Taco Bell, McDonalds and Burger King. I'll even grant the not-quite-fast-food places like Dairy Queen (though ordering a cooked-to-order burger in the drive-thru is likely to irritate all the ice cream seekers behind you), Boston Market and Long John Silvers.
There are places where a drive-thru just doesn't belong - like Starbucks. If you can't get out of your car and wait in line to list off your silly-sounding coffee order, you don't need it. If you're in too much of a rush, skip the "Grande Mocha Latte with skim, no foam, please," and get a cup of actual coffee somewhere. If the weather is too treacherous to get out of the car, you probably don't need the distraction of boiling hot coffee while you drive.
For a long time, there was a Fazoli's Restaurant in Schererville (there's still one in Valparaiso and one in Indianapolis). Fazoli's is one of those not-quite-fast-food places, but it takes awhile to get the food because they prepare dishes to order. They also serve messy, sauce-covered Italian dishes. Fazoli's is a great example of a place with food too complicated and messy for drive-thru service.
But the one that bothers me most - the place at which I think a drive-thru is nothing short of ridiculous - is pizza places. For instance, the Pizza Hut on Ridge Road in Griffith has a drive-thru. Pizza takes a long time to prepare, so ordering it through the drive-thru window (if you can even do that - I'm thinking you still have to order over the phone first) wouldn't make any sense. If you call in your order and don't feel like walking into the establishment, have it delivered. If you call in but don't want delivery, step inside and pick it up. I haven't even begun to figure out the physics of getting a pizza through the drive-thru window, through the car window, and down into the car without a cheese-covered disaster.
Originally published in The Chronicle in 2007
There are places where a drive-thru just doesn't belong - like Starbucks. If you can't get out of your car and wait in line to list off your silly-sounding coffee order, you don't need it. If you're in too much of a rush, skip the "Grande Mocha Latte with skim, no foam, please," and get a cup of actual coffee somewhere. If the weather is too treacherous to get out of the car, you probably don't need the distraction of boiling hot coffee while you drive.
For a long time, there was a Fazoli's Restaurant in Schererville (there's still one in Valparaiso and one in Indianapolis). Fazoli's is one of those not-quite-fast-food places, but it takes awhile to get the food because they prepare dishes to order. They also serve messy, sauce-covered Italian dishes. Fazoli's is a great example of a place with food too complicated and messy for drive-thru service.
But the one that bothers me most - the place at which I think a drive-thru is nothing short of ridiculous - is pizza places. For instance, the Pizza Hut on Ridge Road in Griffith has a drive-thru. Pizza takes a long time to prepare, so ordering it through the drive-thru window (if you can even do that - I'm thinking you still have to order over the phone first) wouldn't make any sense. If you call in your order and don't feel like walking into the establishment, have it delivered. If you call in but don't want delivery, step inside and pick it up. I haven't even begun to figure out the physics of getting a pizza through the drive-thru window, through the car window, and down into the car without a cheese-covered disaster.
Originally published in The Chronicle in 2007
Sequels, prequels, remakes, oh my!
I have a theory about major movie studios. Here's what I think happens: two filmmakers walk into an executive's office to propose an idea for a film. One says, "I want to make a movie unlike anything American audiences have ever seen. It'll be clever, interesting and cerebral - and it'll focus on a character people will talk about for years to come." The other says, "I want to take this movie that was released two years ago and make a sequel. I've figured out how to make it more violent than the original. The plot may not make as much sense as the first one did, but it'll be shocking. It'll also draw in audiences on name recognition alone." The executive considers both ideas briefly - and green-lights only the latter.
I'll grant that sometimes a sequel - or a series - is a good thing. "Star Wars" is a great example of this. But lately it seems there are as many sequels, prequels and remakes hitting theatres as there are original films. "Resident Evil: Extinction" (the third in the series) is in theatres now, "Saw IV" will reach the big screen on Oct. 26 and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" comes out just in time for the holidays. While I'll save my judgment on the last two until they come out, I can certainly say "Resident Evil: Extinction" was a film that suffered the plot degeneration from the original (and even the sequel).
I'm disturbed to know that though "Shrek the Third" has yet to reach DVD, there's already talk of "Shrek 4" (rumored to be titled "The Next Shrek") slated for release in 2010. Though I haven't heard anything substantial as of yet, I won't be surprised when they announce "28 Months Later" or "Saw V" - I'll just be disappointed.
Still, perhaps the sequels are better than remakes. After Rob Zombie's "Halloween" fell apart before the halfway point, I've lost hope that even the best directors can do better than what is already done well in previous films. And with remakes on the way for "Day of the Dead," "Footloose" (as a musical, apparently) and Hitchcock's "The Birds," I can see this trend isn't going away fast enough.
Originally published in The Chronicle on October 21, 2007
I'll grant that sometimes a sequel - or a series - is a good thing. "Star Wars" is a great example of this. But lately it seems there are as many sequels, prequels and remakes hitting theatres as there are original films. "Resident Evil: Extinction" (the third in the series) is in theatres now, "Saw IV" will reach the big screen on Oct. 26 and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" comes out just in time for the holidays. While I'll save my judgment on the last two until they come out, I can certainly say "Resident Evil: Extinction" was a film that suffered the plot degeneration from the original (and even the sequel).
I'm disturbed to know that though "Shrek the Third" has yet to reach DVD, there's already talk of "Shrek 4" (rumored to be titled "The Next Shrek") slated for release in 2010. Though I haven't heard anything substantial as of yet, I won't be surprised when they announce "28 Months Later" or "Saw V" - I'll just be disappointed.
Still, perhaps the sequels are better than remakes. After Rob Zombie's "Halloween" fell apart before the halfway point, I've lost hope that even the best directors can do better than what is already done well in previous films. And with remakes on the way for "Day of the Dead," "Footloose" (as a musical, apparently) and Hitchcock's "The Birds," I can see this trend isn't going away fast enough.
Originally published in The Chronicle on October 21, 2007
"I Blame Flavor Flav"
I blame Flavor Flav for the show "A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila."
A lot of B-list, C-list and even D-list celebrities got another - albeit brief - taste of fame by appearing on "The Surreal Life." The show gave Tammy Faye Bakker a chance to hang out with Ron Jeremy, Vanilla Ice a chance to be known for something other than "Ice Ice Baby" (unfortunately for him, it was his anger problems and abrasive personality) and Janice Dickenson a chance to look even more crazy than usual.
Unfortunately, the show also introduced Flavor Flav to Brigitte Nielson. They weren't the first - or the last - couple to meet on a reality television show, but they were an interesting (or odd) enough pair to get their own show, "Strange Love." Perhaps this is where the trouble began because, obviously, Nielson toying with and then dumping him was a profitable venture. Apparently, more so than the union of Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight, as their reality spin-off "My Fair Brady" ran it's course quickly and quietly - like a mild case of the flu. Unfortunately, Flav-fever was far more virulent.
The next symptom was "Flavor of Love" - a parade of women chasing Flav's fame and money, but pretending to "love" him. Naturally, things didn't work out between him and the woman he selected. So they gave him a second season. And that meant more fame for an obnoxious young woman called "New York" (who, before starting the clock on her 15 minutes of fame, was known as Tiffany Pollard). Before you could say "gold-digger," she had her own show called "I Love New York" (the same premise as "Flavor of Love," but with a house full of men and Pollard's overbearing mother as her sidekick).
Of course, it didn't work out with the man she chose in season one, and VH1 is currently airing the second season - this time, complete with the near drowning of a midget. VH1 and MTV show only bad reality TV in lieu of music videos these days, G-list MySpace celebrity Tila Tequila is now seeking "love" in a house full of cameras. But her show needed a gimmick, so she has both men and women to choose from. Perhaps next we'll watch a "Survivor" reject try to find "love" among residents of a minimum security prison. It wouldn't surprise me - but I'll still blame Flavor Flav.
Originally published in The Chronicle on November 4, 2007
A lot of B-list, C-list and even D-list celebrities got another - albeit brief - taste of fame by appearing on "The Surreal Life." The show gave Tammy Faye Bakker a chance to hang out with Ron Jeremy, Vanilla Ice a chance to be known for something other than "Ice Ice Baby" (unfortunately for him, it was his anger problems and abrasive personality) and Janice Dickenson a chance to look even more crazy than usual.
Unfortunately, the show also introduced Flavor Flav to Brigitte Nielson. They weren't the first - or the last - couple to meet on a reality television show, but they were an interesting (or odd) enough pair to get their own show, "Strange Love." Perhaps this is where the trouble began because, obviously, Nielson toying with and then dumping him was a profitable venture. Apparently, more so than the union of Adrianne Curry and Christopher Knight, as their reality spin-off "My Fair Brady" ran it's course quickly and quietly - like a mild case of the flu. Unfortunately, Flav-fever was far more virulent.
The next symptom was "Flavor of Love" - a parade of women chasing Flav's fame and money, but pretending to "love" him. Naturally, things didn't work out between him and the woman he selected. So they gave him a second season. And that meant more fame for an obnoxious young woman called "New York" (who, before starting the clock on her 15 minutes of fame, was known as Tiffany Pollard). Before you could say "gold-digger," she had her own show called "I Love New York" (the same premise as "Flavor of Love," but with a house full of men and Pollard's overbearing mother as her sidekick).
Of course, it didn't work out with the man she chose in season one, and VH1 is currently airing the second season - this time, complete with the near drowning of a midget. VH1 and MTV show only bad reality TV in lieu of music videos these days, G-list MySpace celebrity Tila Tequila is now seeking "love" in a house full of cameras. But her show needed a gimmick, so she has both men and women to choose from. Perhaps next we'll watch a "Survivor" reject try to find "love" among residents of a minimum security prison. It wouldn't surprise me - but I'll still blame Flavor Flav.
Originally published in The Chronicle on November 4, 2007
Saving money this winter break
It seems Fall Break just ended, leaving us with the final remnants of the term - and of course, the actual finals.
For some, Winter Break is an opportunity to go "home." For others, it's a chance to work full time without having to study. And others, with a bit more time on their hands will enjoy weeks of leisure activities.
But almost everyone finds a little downtime during the holiday season, so here are my suggestions to spend some free time during Winter Break (without spending a lot of money):
•Realized the Screenwriter's Guild's strike has forced your favorite show into reruns? Surely there is another show you've always been curious about. Stop by your local video rental place and rent the first season. If you like it, you can always rent the other seasons. If you don't, you have only wasted a few dollars. My recommendations - "The Sopranos," "House, M.D.," "Heroes" and "The Office."
• Reorganize a room, or even a closet, that you've been meaning to tidy up for awhile. Find clothes that no longer fit or books you haven't read since middle school? Donate them to a charitable organization - everyone wins.
• Go to the local public library and pick up a book to read - it doesn't need to be educational, just interesting to you.
• Check out a matinée at the movie theater. My recommendations - "I Am Legend" and "Sweeney Todd" (the previews for both look interesting, but I haven't actually seen either yet).
• Drag out your old video game system or some old board game and have a games night with friends or family.
• Cook or bake something from scratch. Whether it is an entrée-salad recipe you have seen online and always meant to try, a batch of holiday cookies, a casserole you remember from childhood or a comforting pot of stew, you'll have something to enjoy after your efforts.
Whatever you do this break, please don't drink and drive. Not only is it dangerous, but - from a purely practical aspect - no one wants to pay DUI fines during the holidays.
Originally published in The Chronicle on December 3, 2007
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