Movie Quotes: Characters Define Themselves Edition
Shortly after Friday’s movie quotes post, I came across this montage, which is, in some ways, even more satisfying…
Various and Sundry
Various and Sundry
That Line from That Film
It’s been a packed week, so I’m looking forward to relaxing with some filmwatching this weekend. But which film? An old one? A new one? That one where they say…? To give you, and perhaps me, some ideas about which films to wile away the hours, the folks at Cine Fix helpfully compiled a list of the top 100 movie quotes of all time: Not content with that (and perhaps because of the comments, they…
Various and Sundry
Costco’s Gamble with Kirkland, its Store Brand
With over 135 million members as of last year, if you don’t have a Costco card, you probably know someone who does. So I was interested in this 10-minute piece that explains something of Costco’s business model and, importantly, the bold decision on what to do with its store brand (aka “private label”) products. And now I’m thinking of the Safeway’s “Cragmont” store brand for sodas, especially their Dr. Pepper clone, “The Skipper.”
Producing Writing
Exercising Stiff Creative Muscles
Motivation to create –and breaking out of perceived writing blocks and creative ruts– feels like an evergreen problem. In fact, there’s enough books and articles and videos about such things that I believe it’s fair to say creative folks find themselves in different shaped ruts so that one solution might not fit all. BUT, in case this video is the one that helps you today, spend 15 minutes with filmmaker Luc Forsyth as he explains…
Various and Sundry
Beware the Stupid
I’ve previously mentioned the unremarkable observation that we’re living in “interesting times,” but it did get me to thinking about some of the aspects the times and I found myself reading up about Dietrich Bonhoeffer for, you know, reasons. There are a multitude of resources written about and by Bonhoeffer which you may find of interest, but here’s a brief introduction to one of his theories that you may find particularly relevant in these interesting…
Various and Sundry
210 Years Later, “What if?” Questions About Napoleon and Waterloo
For however much I’ve read and watched about Napoleon Bonaparte, there always seems to be more to discover, or at least revisit. I suppose, then, I’m posting here today on the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo as a reminder that I ought to visit that battlefield at some point… and probably read a well-received biography. The recommended reading in this case is a longform article by British historian and journalist Andrew Roberts, written…
Various and Sundry
Your Mid-Life Meta-Physical
Thinking of last Monday’s post about how to tackle life and its inherent constraints, here’s a video from leadership speaker and business school lecturer Conor Neill that might scratch some similar self-reflective itches. The video was posted five years ago when the pandemic was in full swing and the title purports to be something for middle-aged folks to ponder, but I would suggest it’s useful for many people. For example, teenagers might not get the…
Various and Sundry
Strange New Space Media!
I’ve had a chance to check out two trailers that have dropped in the past week, the first being the latest trailer for the long awaited third season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (even as it’s been announced this same week that it’s been renewed for a fifth and final season): Very much in line with the trailer from a couple months ago, they are presenting the series that, in Pike’s words is “whatever…
Various and Sundry
Getting Everything Done isn’t Difficult. It’s Impossible
Periodically, some variant of a meme pops up in my feeds that goes “Adulting is saying ‘maybe next week will be easier’ until you die.” Yeah, I know. Great thought to start your Monday, right? Well, author Oliver Burkeman has a different approach in what he’s termed this “age of bewilderment.” It’s not going to get easier, but once you let go of “being on top of everything,” you have some options. Your mileage may…
Various and Sundry
Music to Reflect on D-Day
While it’s not my favorite war film, I confess I do often have an itch to watch The Longest Day on June 6th… and then I think of all sorts of moments from the film, including the repeated use of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony. Maddy Shaw Roberts assembled a collection of music connected to World War II or in remembrance thereof in honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year, but it’s still a good…