Netflix Instant Pick: Fat Sick and Nearly Dead
Fat Sick & Nearly Dead (Documentary) 2010
Available on Netflix Instant Streaming
I think we all could do a bit better in the health department, but for those of us that need a jolt of inspiration, this documentary was a great find. With similar goals as Super Size Me, this one takes the inspiration route instead of the scare tactics.
It follows a regular guy who finds himself overweight and sick and ready to try something new. He does a 60 day all fruit and vegetable liquid detox diet. While the premise turned me off and I just wanted to check it out, his easygoing manner and showing different methods for different people kept me hooked.
Along his journey he tours the country and talks to others about their feelings on health and eating and gently encourages them to do better.
He meets a trucker about halfway through the film who seems interested and he tells him to call him if he’s every serious. At this point the movie starts to take off and some really inspirational stories of the rest of the main character’s journey and where it leads him begin to unfold.
I’m not a health nut and I enjoy far too many burgers, but this movie mixes some easy-to-understand animations of why our diets are so bad and why he chose to do this one. His case was unique, but the benefits are universal.
Lots of great entertainment on Netflix Instant, but for those looking to change things up and jumpstart a healthy lifestyle, this inspiring (and sometimes cry-inducing) tale was worth the watch.
3 out of 4 stars
More infomation: http://www.fatsickandnearlydead.com/
Movie Review: Should You See Atlas Shrugged?
Updated: The main reason you should see this movie, the NY Times refused to review it and MSNBC and others refused to run advertising on it. Which means there must be something in there worth seeing.
While generally a big fan of Ayn Rand, I have to admit I still haven’t quite made it through the gargantuan of a book that is Atlas Shrugged. I was pretty stoked to see the movie, though, when I heard that Atlas Shrugged Part I was being made. There couldn’t be a better time in history for the message.
As a very low budget film and reading the ultra negative mainstream entertainment media reviews, I lost interest pretty quickly. At the end of the day, however, I think it’s important to support efforts like this and hopefully see more successful and higher budget films get made, plus audience reviews were much more positive. So I finally decided to see it.
Is the film worth seeing? I’d say yes. It has all kinds of problems from a movie-making standpoint. Sometimes poor acting, uneven pacing, confusing scenery and wardrobe (it seems to jump from 1950s to 2012 styling back and forth) and some strange camera angles. But through all this the message shines pretty clearly. Who is John Galt? Despite all the issues, by the end you’ll want to know the answer to that question and understand why it is asked.
While no actor shines in their role (it was reported hollywood agents wouldn’t let their talent anywhere near the controversial film) the Dagney Taggart role stands out pretty well. Though feminists will shriek in terror at the thought of a woman who doesn’t derive her power via government social policy, Taggart will blow you back in her seat the way she slaps around all the males in the movie and drives the story. Seeing her tell multiple bureaucrats to “shutup” and letting other know she “will destroy” them was a breath of fresh air. Much more of a role model as a strong individual for young girls then any bitter bra burner. The sense of self-worth derived from achievement, individualism and optimism is a shot across the bow to today’s egalitarian push.
Mostly the film serves as a warning. Meddling in freedom, attacking the producers, corrupt, centralized government…what if the heroes and creators of our society decided to pack up and leave? Atlas Shrugged Part I (of a 3 part series) begins to answer that question and shows a society just past where we are this very day in history.
I encourage anyone to support this film. It isn’t an artistic masterpiece. But it does a fine job (and in a short running time) displaying the danger of the rhetoric that’s popular now. The populist creed of “evil” rich, redistribution of wealth, and demagoguery for a new generation to beat back once again. After a sluggish start it stays interesting and move pretty quickly. If the ability to generate conversation about the topics in a movie well after it is over are a sign of a good one, then this was a good one.
There are no specific plans for Part II unless this one makes any money. It looks like a labor of love. As flawed as it is, my hope is that this will be the beginning of a more perfect Part II that will begin to show what happens when Atlas finally shrugs.
Visit the Atlas Shrugged Part I official site to see local theater listings
2.5 out of 4 stars
What if we applied the US tax system to college GPAs?
The initial reaction is to say that it’s an oversimplification to show liberal college students who are pro-soaking high income earners with taxes. And that’s exactly their reaction. But when asked why is it different..the answer always seemed to be “it just is.” Maybe a juvenile exercise, but the contrasting how people feel about giving up things they feel they’ve worked hard for is a lot different because they know they worked hard for them. Maybe income’s the same way… but the talking points always are that income by the rich is somehow stolen. But what if it’s your income? And how do poor performing college students feel about 4.0 folks? Maybe the same way?
Worth a watch.
Every Clothing Store. Ever.
Funny comics site I just stumbled on. Doghouse. Check it out.
This one is dead on. Just in time for warm weather clothes shopping season 
Wayne’s World Returns (Briefly)
A few weeks ago, Wayne’s World, with the original cast, returned to SNL. A worthwhile watch..as funny as any of the original sketches and a reminder how unfunny the show has been the past few years.
Mike Myers is a little rusty, but Dana Carvey looks like he just did his last one yesterday.
Hidden Gems: Chick-fil-a Breakfast Platter: Order by Name
My favorite breakfast item at Chick-fil-a isn’t even on the menu. I’ve been ordering it for years, but one day it mysteriously vanished from the selection list. If you’ve tried you’d have great confusion as to why.. the Chick-fil-a breakfast platter. But say it outloud and you’ll get a friendly nod of approval and a “coming right up.” It’s almost if I’m in a secret club now. A delicious secret club.
If you’re overwhelmed by the grease of a chicken biscuit and hash browns, the platter comes with a chicken breakfast filet, a biscuit (by itself), a cup of sausage gravy, and a serving of scrambled eggs. As I found out recently, you can now substitute the Spicy Chicken breakfast filet for a wonderful start to the day. It will wake you up.
So remember to ask for it by name – the Spicy Chicken Breakfast Platter. Pour the sausage gravy on the biscuit, or put the filet on the biscuit. It all comes individually on a tray. Or, if you don’t want gravy, pour it all over your body and bask in the knowledge that you’re the only one who knows about this hidden gem.
Blast From the 90′s! ‘Dumber’ and ‘Pie’ to Return?
I’m not so much a fan of the new style of comedies… a gross-out style which oddly started with some of my favorites like American Pie, but over time devolved into the Judd Apatow raunch fests and somewhat incoherent “The Hangover.”
But at least they were original ideas. As Hollywood does, these days, it looks like the vault has opened and they are resurrecting some of the new classics, with confirmation of American Pie 4 in a reunion movie, and rumors of a new Dumb and Dumber.
Check the links below for the latest info. I’m secretly looking forward to both of these, and hopefully a Super Troopers 2. Even if they will probably end up like American Wedding. As these things tend to be, Dumb and Dumber 2 likely won’t happen, but American Pie Reunion looks to be a go.
American Pie 4
Universal, which made and distributed the pop-phenomenon original, is developing a new version with an eye toward resetting the property as a theatrical franchise.
The studio is poised to bring on “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle” writers Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg to script a new take on the franchise, which is being described in the development community as “American Pie 4.”
- read the rest at The LA Times
Dumb and Dumber 2
..Bob Farrelly at the “Hall Pass” junket in Sydney this morning, the filmmaker – one half of the veteran comedy duo known for their ridiculously over-the-top laffers, “There’s Something About Mary” and “Kingpin” – let slip that he and his brother Peter are currently developing their first sequel.
“[Dumb and Dumber] has run a bunch of times on TV in the states, and kids will come up and they’ll be able to quote lines from that – lines that I’ve long forgotten. If we could get those two guys back together, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels that might be a worthwhile sequel – and that ball is in motion.
20 Commandments for Runners
After a particularly grueling 5k race this past weekend from pushing too hard and setting expectations a bit further than my original intent of “running for fun,” it was nice to come across these “20 running commandments” on Strictly Running.
They aren’t guidelines for how you should physically run, but more for how to put running, or really any kind of exercise program and personal goals, into perspective. A good read… (normally I wouldn’t post this in its entirety from a site, but this list can be found in various forms on the internet, though Strictly Running edited out the more silly ones from a larger Top 40 list).
Top 20 Running Commandments
- Don’t be a whiner. Nobody likes a whiner, not even other whiners.
- Don’t make running your life, make it part of your life.
- When doing group runs, start on time no matter who is missing.
- Don’t compare yourself to other runners.
- When standing in starting lines, remind yourself how fortunate you are to be there.
- The faster you are the less you should talk about your times.
- Don’t always run alone.
- Don’t always run with people.
- The best runs sometimes come on the days you didn’t feel like running.
- Be modest after a race, especially if you have reason to brag.
- All runners are equal; some are just faster than others.
- There are no short cuts to run excellence.
- There is nothing boring about running, there are, however, boring people who run.
- Look at hills as opportunities to pass people.
- Don’t try to out run dogs.
- With out goals, training has no purpose.
- Go for broke, but prepare to be broken.
- Unless you make your living as a runner, don’t take running too seriously.
- Runners who never fail are runners who never tried anything great.
- Running is simple. Don’t make it complicated.
The Sounds of Spring – Craidio Spring 2011 Mix
As the dead trees finally start to show some signs of life and the days get longer and warmer (let’s not think about the pollen part right now) here’s what’s spinning on my playlist as Spring begins to..err..spring.
> More: Follow me on Rdio
Top Picks
The Dirty Heads – called one of the best new bands of 2010 by Rolling Stone, caught them at the St. Patrick’s Day festival. Pretty good in general, but as a Sublime/311 reggae type mix, nearly the ultimate band to welcome in Spring.
Check out their album “Any Port in a Storm” and take it for a spin. Featuring the semi-hit “Stand Tall” but it’s better as a straight-through listen.
The Limousines - Having trouble categorizing this band. Their sound isn’t that odd, but the peppy rock band with a tint of pop gets infectious. Play the album from start to finish…hard to turn off. Running mix approved.
- Dancing at Her Funeral (* * * 1/2 out of four stars)
- Wildfire (* * * out of four stars)
Linkin Park – The End (* * * out of four stars) Running mix approved.
Airborne Toxic Event – Changing (* * * out of four stars) Running mix approved.
Unwritten Law – Starships and Apocalypse (* * 1/2 out of 4 stars) Been a while since I heard an old favorite. Not bad for their return. Standard Unwritten Law sound, if you’re a fan it won’t disappoint.
Awolnation – Sail (* * * out of 4 stars) Slow. Rhythmic. Moody. Probably depressing. Just the way we like it.
The Decemberists - acoustic guitar driven light alt rock. Throw in some harmonicas and you’ve got yourself a barbeque soundtrack.
- This is Why We Fight (* * * out of 4 stars)
- Don’t Carry it All (* * * out of 4 stars)
Yellowcard – For You, and Your Denial (* * * out of 4 stars) Running mix approved.
Arcade Fire – Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) (* * * out of 4 stars) Running mix approved.
Black Eyed Peas – Just Can’t Get Enough (* * 1/2 out of 4 stars)
Greenville, SC Lands on Men’s Jounal Best Places to Live
Most Greenvillers scratch their head when northern folk talk about how lame the South and South Carolina is (as thousands continue to flock here and run from up there). Greenville offers the best of most worlds, for myself and those who know. Outdoors adventures (biking, hiking, climbing, kayaking) within minutes in any direction, an oddly vibrant downtown for a city this size, strong economy, and day-trip access to the beach.
Men’s Journal seems to agree as Greenville was just named one of the Best Places to Live in the United States, a list of 18 cities.
Cities to join Greenville on Men’s Journal’s list are Durango, Colo.; Sarasota, Fla.; Des Moines, Iowa; Memphis, Tenn.; Fargo, N.D.; Northampton, Mass.; Huntsville, Ala.; Minneapolis; Frisco, Texas; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Portsmouth, N.H.; New Orleans; Jacksonville, Ore.; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Louisville, Ky.; Philipsburg, Mont.; and Flagstaff, Ariz.
