ARMCHAIR-CRITIC.COM 2010 MOVIE REVIEW
January 13th, 2010
After a fairly decent 2009 movie season I was curious to look ahead and see what is coming down the pipe for next year. Looks like 2010 may be an even bigger year than the previous one. If 2009 was the time for sleepers and innovation (Paranormal Activity, District 9) 2010 looks to be strictly blockbusters, so here… we… go…
DAYBREAKERS (Jan 8th, 2010)
Plot: It’s 2019 and vampires have taken over the world. In fact they have fed on every human being there is and are starting to run out of a food source. While the vampires figure out how to survive with the dwindling blood supply, the remaining humans plot their revenge.
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Isabel Lucas, Ethan Hawke, Sam Neill
Director: Michael & Peter Spierig
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Horror
Why it made my list: Well first of all it has Willem Dafoe in it. But it looks to be a stylish, futuristic take on the overplayed, over romanticized vampire story that has recently been such a fad. I’m thinking this will be less “emo” twilight vampires, and more “Gattica” meets “Blade”.
THE BOOK OF ELI (Jan 15th, 2010)
Plot: In post-apocalyptic America one man is on a mission to protect a sacred book that may be the salvation of us all.
Cast: Mila Kunis, Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Malcolm McDowell, Jennifer Beals, Tom Waits
Director: Albert & Allen Hughes
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Disaster, Western
Why it made my list: It has Mila Kunis in it. Eli looks to be a movie taken straight out of the video game Fall Out. With the directors of “From Hell” and “Menace II Society” this stylish post-apocalyptic western should live up to the hype. Where “The Road” was a moody drama about living after a disaster, this should be more steam-punk action and a lot of fun.
Posted in Arts, Movie Review, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Lucky Thirteen — Alabama Wins BCS National Championship
January 10th, 2010
Alabama’s thirteenth national championship comes home to Tuscaloosa. It was a game for the ages as they say. #1 Alabama versus #2 Texas. Alabama was 0-7-1 against the horns all time. Was. After all was said and done, after all the battle scars were engraved, after all the laughter and all the tears, The University of Alabama defeated Texas 37-21 in Pasadena, California for the BCS National Championship in the Rose Bowl where Alabama won their first four national titles.
It turned out to be a true war. Alabama was behind early 6-0, after a fake punt resulted in an interception, and field goal and the ensuing kick off was allowed to hit the ground, a live ball, that Texas recovered. They would be held to another field goal. Their All-American quarterback Colt McCoy went out of the game on the first drive, after being hit in the shoulder by the Tide’s defensive tackle Marcel Dareus. In came freshman QB Garrett Gilbert. Gilbert struggled on and off throughout the night, with some throws that let you know that Texas football will be just fine and a few that made you feel bad for the kid. He arrived to that game expecting to watch Colt McCoy do his thing one more time, then wound up playing pretty much the entire game. He seemed to be growing up live on TV, right before our eyes after throwing two interceptions early, one, with three seconds left in the half, returned by Dareus for a TD. Then he seemed to get comfortable and mature and led the Horns back for two scores and a two point conversion to dwindle Bama’s lead to just three. 24-21.
Then the game turned again. With Texas holding all the momentum. After a missed 52 yard field goal by Leigh Tiffin and a stalled drive by the Tide, Texas got the ball back with 6 minutes left. Plenty of time to take the lead and win the game. Not to be. Maybe the biggest play of the game came on Texas’ second play of that drive, when Tide linebacker Eryk Anders sacked Gilbert and forced a fumble that Bama recovered on the Longhorn three yard line. Mark Ingram would score the touchdown, his second of the night to put Alabama up 31-21. They would add another score by freshman Trent Richardson, his second. Tiffin missed the extra point, leaving Alabama with a 37-21 victory to crown a wonderful season.
14-0. Alabama’s first Heisman winner, Mark Ingram led the Tide with 118 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Proving he didn’t buy the Heisman jinx talk, becoming only the second player in the BCS era to win the Heisman and the National Championship in the same year, the sixth player since 1950 to accomplish the feat, the first running back since Tony Dorsett for Pittsburgh in 1976. Trent Richardson had 109 yards on 19 carries and two TDs, also. Greg McElroy was 6 of 11 for 58 yards passing. He just never seemed to be comfortable and thankfully wasn’t forced to throw, thanks to our running game.
The Tide brings home lucky thirteen, their eighth major poll title, tying them with Notre Dame for the most. They lead the nation in bowl appearances and bowl wins also.
Alabama is picked to be the pre-season number one for next season as well. Next season will bring what it will when it will. For now they can bask in the glory and relish every second of fame that comes with winning a National Championship. What Coach Nick Saban has brought to the Capstone is nothing short of amazing. Bringing a storied program back to where it once was, back to where Crimson Tide football belongs. At the top. Where it looks they may be to stay.
Congratulations Alabama, on your unbeaten season, your Heisman Trophy winner, your unprecedented six first-team All-Americans, your 22nd SEC title, and your 13th National Championship. Congratulations Alabama on lucky thirteen. May it bring thirteen more. Roll Tide!!!
By MP
Comments?
Tags: Alabama versus Texas, BCS National Championship, Pasadena California, Rose Bowl, University of Alabama
Posted in National News, Schools, Sports | No Comments »
Who Is My Neighbor?
January 9th, 2010
Yes, Virginia and he lives in Greenwood, Alabama
As the hustle-bustle of the holiday season ends and we stash away decorations in
the attic, ever wonder what comes of old Saint Nick? I am not speaking of the
light up model you took off the roof but the living, breathing one. Does he
drift back to the North Pole and start making toys for next year or to the
Caribbean for some fun in the sun? I found out that he actually goes back to
work for Norfolk Southern Railroad as a dispatcher for the Southeastern region.
Bo McDonald is one of many Santa’s helpers from our area who help spread Holiday
cheer around Christmas parties and local retailers like the “Bass Pro Shop” in Leeds.
He first donned a Santa suit many years ago for family events.
He was a natural with his prematurely gray whiskers; a thing that sets him apart from
many would be Santa’s who try to pull off fake beards. Bo has the personality to
go with the job description and being jolly is just being Bo. He is the kind of
person who makes you smile being around him.
For Bo the Christmas ritual began in earnest in 2005 and has taken his family a
bit by surprise. His daughter Ashley must now share her personal Kris Kringle
with thousands of others and wife Mae has to let moms kiss Santa beneath the
mistletoe without jealously. The family seems to have adapted although a couple
of brothers in- law think the whole thing is a bit much, reminding Bo “he is NOT
Santa Clause”. But Bo isn’t deluded in his role playing, just having the time of
his life. “The Christmas of 2008 was one of the best. It just makes Christmas
real and fun again to share it with so many people and to see the light in
children’s eyes.”
The job can be frantic at times. On one double shift over 1700 sittings/photos
were done in two days. Sometimes he gets a baby on his lap that needed a change
before landing there and of course some cry out of sheer terror and Mr.
Christmas must smile through the pain. Another integral part of the job is
listening to all the requests. Some are down-right silly but others tug on your
heart strings. “What gets to me most is how many children don’t ask for a toy
but for a happy home life for Christmas”.
Bo reminds everyone that Christmas is a celebration of giving more than of
receiving brings the real joy of the Holiday and that “Jesus is the reason for
the season”. “I am always meeting people and having the chance to talk with them.
You can touch the lives of children, they run to see Santa Clause excited beyond
words.” It’s not just children drawn to the bearded Saint. Adults love him too.
“One lady took my picture in the theater yesterday without asking.” The adults
usually have more unusual request and the toy list changes with the years but
for St. Nick and his helpers one thing remains the same ; people love the rosy
cheeked man in the red suit who has become a part of Christmas tradition.
When he is not busy with photo ops and parties, he is dispatching trains or
helping his mom Willine or doing some other regular Joe (Bo) stuff around
Greenwood Alabama.Bo hopes to one day soon make it a year round job. It seems
he’s found his calling.
Tommy Littleton
Who is my neighbor invites you to meet the interesting people around you and,
like Jesus said, be a neighbor to them.
Posted in Events, Inspiration, Local News, Uncategorized | No Comments »
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
December 12th, 2009
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas — A Parody
By Keri Pugh—Student Brookwood High School
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house
Everyone was restless, including the mouse.
Scurrying around in search for a snack, he found Santa’s cookies
And he won’t give them back.
The children, all peeking out into the snow
Patiently waiting on Santa to show
Leaving us gifts neatly under the tree
Lots of great toys for sister and me.
When all of a sudden, I heard a big crash.
I ran from my room, gone in a flash
I arrived to a living room full of debris
Santa crashed right through the roof, destroying the tree
He looked at me with eyes really wide–
The reindeer are gone just the sleigh is inside!
I looked at the hole Santa came through
He says with a sigh “what will I do?”
Santa chanted a merry little chant
“Soon” he says “the elves will be here”
“Without a doubt they’ll fix this mess.
So, other children won’t go Christmas-less”
The elves ride in on candy canes
Zipping through clouds like airplanes
The elves, like magic, fix the place up
Fresh cookies on the plate, even milk in the cup!
He leaves tons of great gifts all festively wrapped,
Continues his trip–he has it all mapped.
This night is a night, I won’t soon forget
This Christmas is the best one yet!
“Merry Christmas!” I shouted as he flew away
Off into the night reindeer pulling his sleigh
He proclaims a loud “Ho, Ho, Ho!!” with great cheer
“Good night to all! I’ll see you next year!”
Tags: Brookwood High School Tuscaloosa County Alabama, Student Reporter Program
Posted in Schools, Student Reporter Program, Uncategorized | No Comments »
McAdory High School Participates in VSA Arts of Alabama
December 3rd, 2009
McAdory High School would like to congratulate students Anthony McElroy and David Romine. Both students participated in the 2009 VSA Arts of Alabama “Call for Art.” The artwork was on display at Children’s Hospital for months.
Tags: Arts, McAdory High School
Posted in Arts, Community Activism, Education | No Comments »
SHM’s Glycemic Control Mentored Implementation Targets Hyperglycemia
December 3rd, 2009
The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is announcing the launch of its new Glycemic Control Mentored Implementation (GCMI) project. Now in place in 30 hospitals across the country, the new program will improve early detection and treatment of hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients.
Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and the fourth most common co-morbid condition complicating all hospital discharges. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, in hospitalized patients complicates a variety of illnesses and is an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Lake View Elementary Fall Festival
November 26th, 2009
Lake View Fall Festival Created Smiles for All!
Tags: Lake View Elementary, Tuscaloosa County School System
Posted in Community Activism, Education | No Comments »
Breakfast With Santa at Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q Tannehill State Park
November 25th, 2009
Make your reservation now to have a special Breakfast with Santa at
Bob Sykes BBQ in Tannehill State Park.
You will be able to enjoy a delicious Southern breakfast, decorating a holiday cookie, Christmas Carolers, Christmas elves as servers, and a special visit at your table from Santa. This is a great way to get your photo with Santa in a relaxed yet fun atmosphere.
Cost: $20.00 per child and adult
Each child receives chocolate chip or regular pancakes, bacon, fruit, and drink
Adults receive a breakfast casserole, scones, fruit, and drink.
A visit to the cookie station to decorate their own cookie, a visit with Santa and an 8×10 sheet of photos with Santa.
Dates: December 5th, 6th,12th, 13th, 19th and 20th
Time: 2 different sitting times to choose from 9am and 11am
Where: Bob Sykes Bar B Q in Tannehill State Park
Tannehill State Park
12632 Confederate Parkway
McCalla, Al 35111
205.477.4121
Tags: Alabama, Bob Sykes Bar B Q, Christmas, Tannehill State Park
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University of Alabama News
November 21st, 2009
UA Joins Rural Partners to Expand Tourism along Lower Cahaba with Unveiling of Nature-Historic Site Signs
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama Center for Economic Development in partnership with several agencies will be unveiling a series of signs highlighting Alabama’s natural beauty to guide visitors through a four-county area along the Cahaba River.
Facts about rare birds, mussels, butterflies and where to see these endangered species are included on the signs, as well as a synopsis of 10 highlighted historic/nature and outdoor recreation sites that can be explored and visited.
The signs can be used as a guide to explore Alabama’s past, says Nisa Miranda, UCED director. ”Whether you want to connect with the Civil War, the civil rights movement, watch the birds, bicycle, camp, or browse through a museum, there is plenty to discover along the lower Cahaba River. The signs include a detailed map so travelers can locate charming towns and their nearby historic treasures - all within a 1-1/2-hour drive.”
To mark the unveiling of the new signs, five unveiling events will take place in selected areas on Friday, Dec. 4, including:
-The ceremonies will begin in Hale County at 8:30 a.m. at the entrance to the Moundville Archaeological Park.
-The next ceremony will take place in nearby Brent at 10:30 a.m. at the park in front of Brent City Hall, 22 1st St.
-Following will be the Cahaba River Historical Park, 421 Montevallo Road, in Centreville with a ceremony at 11:30 a.m.
-From Centreville, the next ceremony will take place at 1:30 p.m. at the Perry County Chamber of Commerce, 1200 Washington St., Marion.
-The final ceremony will take place at the Alabama Aquatic Biodiversity Center on Hwy. 175 near Marion at the entrance road to Perry Lakes Park and Bartons Beach Preserve at 2:30 p.m.
UCED has partnered with the Corp. for National and Community Service-AmeriCorps VISTA, USDA Forest Service Oakmulgee District, Bibb County Commission, Alabama Historical Commission, Perry County Chamber of Commerce and Moundville Archaeological Park with the goal of expanding tourism and outdoor recreation in west central Alabama. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: Cahaba River, Historic, Nature, University of Alabama
Posted in Community Activism, Events, Local News, Schools | No Comments »
Bob Sykes Tannehill World Class Bar-B-Q and Blues—
November 15th, 2009
Van Sykes from the Historical Tannehill State Park Bob Sykes B-B-Q
A Flavor of the Historical South
I found Van Sykes to be an articulate, learned man, yet humble with his successful culinary art. Even though Sykes is an extremely busy man he exuded every bit of traditional southern charm as time and questions passed effortlessly. Sykes kicked back, speaking with me as old friends of the South might do — sharing southern culinary techniques, processes and future aspirations in his life and within the Bob Sykes Restaurant business.
Bob Sykes Bar-B-Q, Pride of the South, has expanded to a new location within the Historical Tannehill Ironworks State Park. What could be more appropeaux? A historical product served within a historical setting. As some things will remain the same, some will change and evolve within this location. What will remain the same is the authenticity of the product, and the changes will take place methodically– not radically. The excitement for Sykes’ plans, spilled over into our conversation.
He revealed, “This year we are offering sweet potato casserole and pans of dressing for people who do not like to cook. “I am working on a smoked ham product, breading our own chicken tenders, and I want to have a good southern style light bread catfish.” During this arm of his career Sykes said he would like to experiment more with Southern food, do a few things that are fun and seasonal such as festivals. He also plans to produce a barbequed turkey for holidays sometime in the future and to introduce a cooking class conducted by a chef. (This writer was possibly the first to enroll.)
In regards to Sykes deeper involvement with southern food recipes, is the fact that Sykes is a founding member of the Southern Foodways Alliance, along with well known chefs such as Frank Stitt, Paul Prudhomme, and Ella Brennan of Brennan’s in New Orleans. This interaction with other great food artists enables him to draw from a vast cabinet of recipes created and preserved by some of our greatest southern chefs. Sykes shared, “I am able to reach out and find recipes to keep it fresh and exciting for people who come to the park.” Sykes plans to share from his own collection of southern recipes monthly via the Tannehill Trader. He will have a food column filled with recipes, tidbits and book reviews. This column will begin in the December issue. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: BLues Music, Bob Sykes Bar B Q, Historical State Park, Tannehill State Park
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Arguing with idiots may be a waste of time, but reading Beck’s new book isn’t
November 9th, 2009
A BOOK REVIEW
Ah, Glenn Beck. Let’s not sugarcoat it. I luvvv him. Wanna marry him, but both he and I are both already attached. And happily so. But were we not…
OK, seriously, it seems there are only two kinds of people out there when it comes to Glenn Beck: those who love him and those who loathe him. Those who are ecstatic that somebody is finally saying what they’ve been thinking all these years, and those who hate that books by conservatives are enjoying more time on the New York Times Best Seller list than books by liberals. Because that means the latter folks are surrounded by brainless half-breeds, of course! Ugh!
Glenn Beck’s new book, Arguing With Idiots: How to Stop Small Minds and Big Government, points the finger in the other direction. The book is written in debate form – two characters going back and forth, each with a different point of view. They banter on the topics you’d expect: Second Amendment rights, education, illegal immigration, universal health care, capitalism, economics, energy and more. Glenn Beck naturally takes the conservative/libertarian position, and the other guy, the imaginary idiot who appears to be part Rosie O’Donnell, part Keith Olbermann and part Roseanne Barr, takes the “living in a separate reality” position. The goal of the book seems to be to prove, using facts, that some positions out there really are just plain crazy.
I say “using facts” because Beck does, in fact, use facts – there are, count ‘em, 25 pages of footnotes in about size 8 font at the back of the book. Amongst these footnotes for Beck’s chapter on gun control: a 2007 London Times article that notes a 340% increase of gun-related crimes between 1998-2005 in Britain, where Parliament enacted a near-total handgun ban in 1997. In his chapter on universal healthcare, a footnote from a U.S. Census report showing that 18 million people without insurance have a household income of over $50,000 a year, and more than half of those folks have a household income of more than $75,000 a year. On the same page, a footnote from a book called Reality Check: The Unreported Good News About America, which highlights the fact that of the famous “46 million uninsured” figure, 10 million of those are illegal aliens.
But Arguing With Idiots isn’t just a bunch of boring facts (that Glenn Beck coerced people into fabricating for his sake, of course!). It’s also chock full of “Guest Ideeot” quotes – real quotes from real people who said stupid things on tape, such as Rosie O’Donnell quipping “It’s not really a right” to Elizabeth Hasselbeck’s assertion that the right to bear arms is indeed in our Constitution.
Beck fills the book with all kinds of “A.D.D. Moments” – his term for comments and tangents that are related to the topic at hand but that don’t necessarily fit in with the discourse (by the way, Glenn Beck has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The opening “A.D.D. Moment” to the chapter on home ownership: “Looking at my mortgage statement, using the word “owned” is as ridiculous as using the word “married” to describe the way I look at Gisele.”
Bottom line: if you believe what Glenn Beck believes, Arguing With Idiots amounts to one heck of a fun read. But, truly, it’s more than just fun – it’s solid argument, too. Beck says in his intro, “There are plenty of good debates to be had in America, but we often forget that opinions should end where facts begin.” Serious point from a guy who doesn’t take himself too seriously. No matter what you think on the various issues discussed, Beck lays out his arguments with facts that readers can verify for themselves. That’s a tactic we would all do well to emulate. Only when we can back up our arguments with facts does it make any sense to open our mouths. Otherwise, as the Bible says, we just reveal we’re fools. And idiots.
By Bonnie Bailey
Tags: Book Review, Glenn Beck, Health Care, Republican
Posted in Arts, World News | No Comments »
Zombie Fun Land!
November 9th, 2009
Sometimes you want to just see a movie that is fun. Where for two hours you can sit back and enjoy a wild ride through some crazy movie that’s not about winning awards, but is about just having a good time. That movie is “Zombieland” and it’s the most fun I’ve had watching a movie in a very long time.
First time director Ruben Fleischer found his niche with this film about post-apocalyptic America where the few survivors have all found a special way to cope and live on. Some live by a code, some dress like zombies themselves, some con their way ahead of the competition, and some are just badass’ trying to find the world’s last Twinkie before it expires. “Zombieland” has everything that I love from this genre of film. There are gory zombie kills, but they are all in such good fun that while you are looking away your also cracking a huge grin over it. There are witty one-liners, insane video game-ish battles, some jumpy scares, and the greatest cameo ever in movie history.
Woody Harrelson is awesome going back to the type of role I love for him to play. His character is almost a perfect mix of Mickey Knox from “Natural Born Killers” and Charlie from “Money Train”. He’s both a crazy madman and a loveable idiot, both roles he was born to play. Not to discount the other actors, but his character of Tallahassee is truly what makes this movie great; that and the fore-mentioned cameo which I will not ruin.
In short everyone who is a fan of fun mindless cinema should go see this movie. It’s not for kids but they can check it out when they’re older. The rest of us should go get the box of popcorn, sit back and enjoy the rollercoaster. The kids can go into the other room and watch Garfield.
By Michael Kennedy
Comment? TheArmchairCritic@yahoo.com
Posted in Arts, Movie Review | No Comments »
Figs, Birds, and Mosquitoes
November 7th, 2009
One late evening I was invited to my neighbor’s house to pick figs in the backyard. The tree was huge and was bowed over with those brown sweet figs. We used a crooked stick to pull the branches down to pick the figs, which were growing on high limbs. Bending over we also found ripe figs hidden beneath the large leaves.
The old-fashioned fruit bearing fig tree is so old it is mentioned in the Bible…. Remember the fig tree that bore no fruit?
There are several types of figs grown in the U.S. namely: Sierra Figs which are green in color, the Brown Turkey fig, and the Black Mission Fig.
The enemy of the fig tree is drought, and birds. Fig trees thrive on slow summer rains. Birds love ripe figs! You almost have to pick early in the morning to beat the birds to the real ripe figs.
Mosquitoes are human’s worst enemy while trying to pick figs. In the warm humid South the mosquitoes will eat you up when you appear at the fig trees. So first, before you go out to the fig trees you must wear long sleeves, long pants and cover yourself with “Off” bug spray.
All of the figs don’t ripen at the same time so you have to pick them usually every other day. Figs will ripen at room temperature if they are picked before ripening.
A favorite way, besides just eating the figs, for my mother was to can them. I recall my mother canning pint jars of fig preserves. Later, she would use the fig preserves to make fig cakes. Today, some of my friends use strawberry jello in canning the figs.
After I married, I used my mother’s handwritten fig cake recipe to make fig cakes. I entered one of my fig cakes in the Jefferson County Fair at the fairgrounds one autumn and won a first prize!
Now, I just eat my neighbor’s figs for enjoyment!
Jean Butterworth
Tags: Figs, Home Town Story, Remember When
Posted in Arts | No Comments »
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