Retro 1, Metro 0

"Retro vs. Metro" is a book/website/political organization trying to convince voters in swing states to vote for Democrats because they're smarter. Here's how the billionaire behind the operation, John Sperling, puts it:

I would say what Democrats should do is articulate a program that appeals to what I would call the “enlightened citizens” across the nation.

Well, I bet some "non-enlightened citizens" might at least know how to find Tennessee on a map.

UPDATE: They've fixed it. Here's the archived screenshot.

Some good things do end with -ium

I guess I'm not the only one that thinks one of the coolest elements of the Athens games is the stadium.

Though apparently architecture isn't nearly the most exciting thing going on at the Olympics... I always wished I was better at sports.

While on the subject of food...

...let me put in a good word for di Mio on Mass Ave in Cambridge. Their pizza is great (try the Pollo Diablo, or the Pizza di Parma), with a paper-thin but crispy crust. Sandwiches and salads are also excellent: the prosciutto panini I had last weekend was unbelievable, with fresh mozzeralla and roasted peppers.

The restaurant itself is tiny, but it's well-worth getting a table even though they deliver. I don't know too many places you can get stopper-topped Grolsches, and the owner/chef is a common sight, making recommendations and checking on the guests.

Heaven for pizza lovers.

P.S. If you're in Back Bay, you can't go wrong with the Chicken Caesar pizza at Croma. I've been told the sound I made when I first tried it was... uhh...rapturous.

mmm...burrito

Just tried the (relatively) new Qdoba at the Prudential mall. I am a big fan.

The chicken queso burrito was great: incredible flavor (even without the habanero salsa, which I'll have to try next time), fresh ingredients, and four kinds of cheese.

More on my fast food obsession later...

Garden State

Intrigued by the trailer, and always up for a quirky independent film, I saw Garden State last Saturday. It definitely lives up to the promise of the trailer. The script is clever and moving. Natalie Portman is by turns funny, charming, and heartbreaking. The soundtrack is also terrific, matching the mood perfectly (Nick Drake is sure showing up a lot lately...not that I'm complaining).

And how can I not like a movie with an ark and lots of rain?

My criticisms are minor. As a writer/director, Braff is a bit too much in love with his script: some scenes rely excessively on dialog rather than trusting the camera and the (quite able) actors to get the point across. Similarly, Braff doesn't trust himself enough as a director on occasion. A scene between his character and Natalie Portman's in a bathtub (sorry Sid, they have their clothes on!) is wonderfully intimate when close up, but the shot eventually switches back wide, as if Braff is afraid he can't sustain it. He's wrong, he can.

Overall a wonderful movie, well worth seeing.

Astrology

So according to Blogger's Profile, I was born in the Year of the Sheep.

That's somewhat disappointing, even if I do like wool sweaters.

Note to self: eat more lamb.

On the other hand, according to the first match on Google, there's much to be said for the Year of the Sheep. We like material comfort and we complain about things. We also count amongst our number Gene Hackman, one of my favorite actors. If you like him, Morgan Freeman or Bacardi 8, you are missing out if you haven't seen Under Suspicion, an Under Promoted 2000 film with some great performances by all three. It doesn't hurt that Monica Bellucci is in the mix, either.

My favorite word:

"antediluvian"

It literally means "before the Biblical flood." I always look forward to rainstorms. I can't get too much of a good thing. 40 days and nights of a deluge would be just about right.

I also like the way it conjures up images of an ancient era: the kind you can only explore if you're Indiana Jones.

I was disappointed when I learned that it has a negative connotation: outdated, archaic, antiquated. Then again, as Hallsey could tell you, I like "old man drinks".

Next time it rains, I'll have to have a Manhattan.