Whoops

Been 4 years since last post. Lots changed/ More to come... 4 years!! Crap...

The old "Freds Picks" section of the video store was often changed up, around, and back again to keep things somewhat interesting. There was plenty of consistency, as well, as I made sure to have my all-time fave movies well-represented. Most of these were (objectively) brilliant films that were timeless classics that spanned all kinds of genres. The fun part of that section, and stocking it, was the inclusion of films that connected to me in a way that was strictly subjective. "Grizzly", a 1976 JAWS ripoff, was by no means classic cinema, but I loved it so much we saw it 3X at the drive-in one summer while in grade school. The majority of the films, though, were a combo of hidden gems, classics, and the occasional oddball that had a connection to me.
SIXTEEN CANDLES was one of those films, along with THE BREAKFAST CLUB, that pretty much straddled all of those classifications. They were the key films of my 10th and 11th grade years; teen films that spoke TO us rather that AT us, that captured the essence of what it meant to grow up in middle-class suburbia, and took obvious pride that the scripts and direction treated the target audience with respect and smarts. Up until that point, most teen films were exercises in exploitation; cheap laughs, titillation, and populated with nobodies. Cash cows whose release virtually guaranteed an easy profit. 1984's SIXTEEN CANDLES, with its hilariously bittersweet take on high school love, relationships, and friendships launched the careers of Molly Ringwald, most significantly, along with a host of costars. The following year saw the release of the more dramatic (and angsty) BREAKFAST CLUB. This film tackled the issues of cliqueishness, of class, social ranking, and alienation. Both films were anchored by the deft hand of John Hughes. His resume would go on to include the following year's PRETTY IN PINK (The Molly Ringwald trifecta), and FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, and would continue on through the 90s with HOME ALONE, among others.
I was sad to learn today that John Hughes died in New York City today, after suffering a heart attack. This year alone has seen the passing of such icons as Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, and now another generational touchstone has left us as well. He will be remembered, and his legacy will be fondly remembered by those who lived it, and the generations who get the chance to see what it was really like "back then". And his movies had kick-ass soundtracks, too!

Said "yes" to this...

Spent yesterday with Greg, Mike, and Joel... Took advantage of the first really-truly Summer Saturday, and checked out the tall ships (actually, we just walked by them, and the lines to get close to them...), and wandered around the waterfront and the North End (for lunch).
Wound up at the movies, and caught "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. In addition to always liking Bullock, I was curious about the movie since I had spent some time trying to find an apartment rental wherein her character would reside (apparently the initial NY setting was supposed to be Boston).
So, with low expectations (this seems like an obvious Netflix candidate) and some mild interest, we sprung for the tix and headed in...
"The Proposal" is a modern day spin on the Doris Day/ Rock Hudson films of the late 50s-early 60s. Bullock plays the sharklike publishing exec, with no time or patience for love. Reynolds is her assistant, lackey, and obvious eventual romantic foil. The plot kicks in when the two opposites pose as about-to-be-marrieds to avoid a problematic expired visa that would require Bullock's deportation to Canada. So, off to Alaska and a visit to Reynolds' family (complete with another brilliant turn from Betty White!), where the pair will (gasp) realize that they were meant to be together. The ice queen melts despite the Alaskan climate... This is
all cookie-cutter stuff, recycled and reused; predictable as can be, and not remotely groundbreaking. Also, incredibly appealing and well executed. A smart spin on a tired formula, elevated by winning performances by Bullock and Reynolds (great chemistry with these likeable leads), combined with a stellar supporting cast and great scenery (Rockport, MA doubles for Alaska), elevate this Proposal. Audiences are still saying "Yes"-- after a month in release, the theater was crowded... This is Bullock's best box office showing, and has cemented Reynolds' place as Hollywood's hottest leading man. (He has just signed on to play the Green Lantern in the DC comics adaptation). This is a "little film that could" that managed to both entertain its audience, and cement the relevance of its two leads at the same time. A good bet all around.

What a crazy Thursday...

I figure I'd kick in my two cents, as so much has been written (and will forever continue to be written) about Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Farrah, hot on the heels of that amazing pinup that scorched its way into a generation's psyche, reigned over ABC's 10pm Wednesday night timeslot as Jill Monroe in the critically lampooned Charlie's Angels, that turned feminism on its ear with a trio of insanely gorgeous detectives solving crimes while going undercover as hookers and roller derby queens (to single out just two episodes). Farrah represented wholesome beauty, athleticism and health, and the genuine goodness of her own self that punched through the sometimes silly dialog of a program she quickly wanted to distance herself from. One season she completed before bailing, essentially to better herself and to avoid the trappings of instant celebrity. At the time, she was derided and cast aside. Blacklisted. Years later, she was applauded and was vindicated. As far as her role in my elementary school period, my walls were covered with no less than a dozen posters of her, and clippings were everywhere. I was in the fan club. I was ready to be her child-groom. She was the reason I could stay up til 11pm on a school night in the 3rd grade. She continued to fascinate, even as she went through that creepy-loopy period ten years ago. She had that innate ability to engender that feeling of wanting to root for her. She connected, and she continues to resonate. She will leave a greater legacy than she would have ever dreamed possible, thanks to her unflagging tenacity and determination to show how her cancer would not beat her. It claimed her life, ultimately, but she remains victorious...

On the heels of the expected yet devastating news of Fawcett's passing came the completely unexpected death of Michael Jackson. As Farrah defined a huge chunk of my early grade school years, Michael Jackson's OFF THE WALL and THRILLER dominated radios, jukeboxes, turntables, and roller rinks from 1979-1985. An unprecedented run of hit singles and ground-breaking videos and television appearances cemented his stature as the heir apparent to uber-entertainers Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, now to a new generation weened on the media of the 1980s. This time, though, the world felt they already knew their new sensation. I remember a Jackson 5 single that came on the box of Alpha-Bits cereal. MJ had been a star for a decade before striking out on his own, and led the 80s-era of the Mega Star (Madonna and Prince notwithstanding). The day after the Motown 25 TV special (which introduced the famous "Moonwalk") all anyone in school could talk about was the spellbinding performance of "Billie Jean"... And the singles kept coming, each better than the last...
The late 80s foreshadowed the beginning of the end (or what merely seemed an odd detour at the time). The oddball rumors started to circulate. His quirks and idiosyncracies began to overshadow the music. At the time, I thought he was competing with Madonna for the "no such thing as bad press" school of self-promotion. With Jackson, though, it felt he might actually BE losing it. Madonna somehow engendered smarts and canniness (in however questionable her tastes might have appeared to some, one never doubted her control).
The 90s saw Jackson completely fall from public favor, with troubling allegations coupling with an already increasingly looney persona. Child molestation allegations, vehemently denied, left a stink on his career and public perception that he never fully overcame. At the same time, he had the unique ability to still elicit sympathy from his detractors as well as his devoted following. He survived a tortuous childhood, and became an incredibly brilliant (and obviously irrevocably damaged) public figure. He was Elvis. He was Marilyn. His death, however untimely, ultimately comes as no REAL surprise.
Two icons, and certainly two of the biggest, gone within the space of just a few hours. A huge chunk of my childhood went along with them, and I know I am not alone in that...

A long lull, and another getaway...

Haven't posted anything new on here in ages, so its time to check in. Been busy running around with work, and have still managed to squeeze in some movies (got the 'blockbusters" under my belt so far, knocking out Star Trek, Night at the Museum, and Land of the Lost). Nothing major there, but good to get out now and then. Have banged out about 18 books in the past six weeks, though. Im a very productive commuter! Hooked on James Grippando (his stand alones, as well as his series featuring the Jack Swyteck character), and psyched for new ones out this month by all my favorite thriller writers. Just started a Greg Iles one called BLOOD MEMORY from a few years back to tide me over/ Its almost 800 pages. Ive gone back to my own writing project a bit, too, and hope to devote some more time to that before too long.
tomorrow, though, is Las Vegas. Booked awhile ago when the deals were crazy-cheap, the vacation is a Sunday-Thursday Get Outta Dodge thing... Again, definitely need a change of scenery. Tons to do, and costing next to nothing-- The upside of a crippled tourism industry. Still cant believe we've hit the middle of June. Today is the first summery-feeling day we've had (and here I am, at the office...).
Anyway, wrapping up here now. New updates to follow...

If its tomorrow, it must be Tampa...

Mid-week getaway to Tampa, FL, courtesy of Mike and Joel, and the condo Joel's family owns and rents out as a time share! Its M & Js week, so we are joining them for the 2nd part of their week (Wed-Sunday). This vacation cant come soon enough for either of us, and the guys are totally great for including us! Never been to Tampa. We already have tix for Busch Gardens for Thursday (since I recently became the inadvertant KING of ROLLERCOASTERS...). Will be glad to get away from this awful allergy season up here in the Northeast. Pics of ensuing hilarity will be posted upon return...

The Press Release from my new office... More shameless promotion!

William Raveis Welcomes Fred Rose!
William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance is pleased to welcome Fred to formally launch our Boston rental division. With a successful core business
and proven track record as a savvy rental broker, Fred will expand his current relationships with clients and property-owners to create a significant presence in
the rental marketplace in Boston. Raveis will continue to grow the rental team and reinforce the company’s commitment to best serve Boston’s real estate needs.
Prior to real estate Fred spent seventeen years as a small business owner in Beacon Hill. As a graduate of Emerson College, Fred parlayed his love of the arts
with a talent for marketing and has widespread professional ties throughout the City. His past involvement with the Beacon Hill Civic Association and Beacon
Hill Business Association matched with his strong sense of community involvement and links to various local and national charities keep Fred an integral part of
the Boston community.
Fred states that "I joined Raveis because it is a strong company with many business tools and resources for growth and the style and personality of a
neighborhood boutique. As a former business owner and recently as a part of a small real estate team, I look forward to merging the best practices of these two
backgrounds and creating my own identity in a firm with so many powerful resources to take my business to that next level. I am both thrilled and confident to
be working in such a forward thinking, supportive environment. I am a great proponent of teamwork and ethics, and Raveis exemplifies that!"

Hosting some family...

A year after my father's memorial service, we were able to host my sister and her husband here in Boston (their first visit back since 2001). It was great to reunite under a circumstance that wasn't centered around deaths or funerals, and it was fun to be on home turf (although we were saddled with some pretty crappy weather). It also hadn't really occurred to me until after they had left that they had only stayed with me once before, all the way back in 1996 when my nieces were very young. This time, it was just the two of them... A nice long visit for them split divided into equal parts work, visits with old friends, and the final few days with Greg and me. Since they left I have thrown myself into my new position at my new office, and cant believe April is already over. Its been a quick month!

State of Play

Actually went to a movie on opening day, for a change!
State of Play is a brilliant, labyrinthian thriller the sort of which Hollywood hasn't made in years. true, it's been compared to ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, and it certainly shares some similarities. The truth of the matter is that this genre film has sadly found itself incorrectly categorized as "dated". The medium, not the message. Journalism Version 2.0
The dividing line between the old and the new (Russell Crowe and Rachel McAdams, respectively) is presented matter-of-factly in the first reel of the film. While Crowe embodies the grizzled, old-school print journalist, his polar opposite is represented by McAdams' news blogger. Nearly 30 years ago, MTV redefined cinema and television editing for short attention spans, and now the journalism industry (and it is, we learn, an industry) has finally caught up. Not a good thing, necessarily. The inherent battle between old and new is put to the test once two seemingly random deaths are surprisingly linked, launching this political thriller into orbit. Who do you trust? How far will you go to get a story? How important are the facts WITHIN the story? That is the real treat that State of Play offers up. Obviously, a stellar cast shines in this adaptation of a British mini-series. Helen Mirren is brilliant as the ballsy Brit editor, and McAdams is a treat in her best role to date. The film belongs to Russell Crowe, though, and it is his complicated relationship with Ben Affleck's embroiled senator that gives State Of Play its energy and spark. That Crowe's journalist is ultimately vindicated comes as no great surprise; the journey itself is what fascinates us. Great flick!

2 Great Thrillers...

Just banged out my first James Grippando novel- a fantastic thriller that moves faster than anything Ive read in the last few months- "Under Cover of Darkness", and while I finished that one I started the latest by John Lutz: "Night Kills". Lutz is consistent and reliable, and his books fall into the Must Read category for me. Been playing catch-up with his paperbacks over the past several months. I have two Grippando books on deck, so my Commuter Reading is all set through April... Finally caught up with BODY OF LIES on DVD, the Netflix envelope had been sitting on the TV for five weeks and counting. Liked it alot/ A military intelligence thriller that really drives home the difference between giving the orders vs. carrying them out; how it feels to viscerally be in the danger as opposed to being the brains of the operation thousands of miles away, giving direction while caught up in the mundane (feigning interest at a child's sporting event, or engaged in potty training...). The first time I have seen Leonardo DiCaprio in a role where I believed that he wasn't on his way to a prom. His best role yet.

Spring Forward...

Lots happened these last few weeks, primarily my finally making the jump from my former employer, and signing on with the William Raveis office. It marks the first time in nineteen (!!) years that I have not been working on Charles Street. The jump to an office on Newbury Street is, I think, the best thing for me. In addition to being in a professional rut in an imploding professional environment, the new perspective (literally and figuratively) has already resulted in two deals since my switch. I learned a lot where I was, and unfortunately along with the good there was plenty of bad. A spin on the old "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me..." was what ultimately gave me the kick in the ass to go. I will miss the old office, but not what had degenerated to. Total bummer, as it had been a great place to be...

Blithe Spirit on Broadway

Just back from a quick weekend in NY, and was able to catch BLITHE SPIRIT on Broadway. Its currently in previews now, and opens officially on March 15. Along with PRIVATE LIVES, this play is probably playwright Noel Coward's best known play (and his personal favorite). This is the 4th time this Spirited production has played Broadway; a testament to the timeless wit of Coward, and the fact that an audience will never tire of a well-written, sophisticated farce (especially one that deals with sex, not to mention love as well as the supernatural. The play features the triple threat of Angela Lansbury, Rupert Everett, and Christine Ebersole: All three veterans of the stage, and each adding their own veneer of class and sass to the production. The plot, wherein a daffy medium conjures up the ghost of Everett's 1st wife and does her best to split him with his current wife, is hysterically funny and smart. The casting is superb, with Everett a natural as the pithy and suave husband, Lansbury a treat as the dotty medium Madame Arcati, and Ebersole gliding about like Carole Lombard in gossamer. This is a no-brainer for these economic times: a sophisticated classic comedy with a wonderful cast and plenty of laughs. Look for it when they announce the Tony nominations...

Some Facebook cross-posting...

As anyone on Facebook is aware, everytime you log in it seems another poll/questionaire is circulating.. Here is a recent one that turned up; one I actually took time to complete!

Think of 15 albums, CDs or LPs that had such a profound effect on you they changed your life. Dug into your soul. Music that brought you to life when you heard it. Royally affected you, kicked you in the ass, socked you in the gut. Then when you finish, tag others, including me. Make sure you copy and paste this part so they know the drill. It's typically not my schtick to send these things out, but I'm interested in hearing from my music aficionado friends out there.

1.The Beatles- MEET THE BEATLES
2.Blondie- EAT TO THE BEAT
3.David Bowie DAVID LIVE
4.Elvis Presley- THE SUN SESSIONS
5.The Pretenders PRETENDERS
6.The Clash- LONDON CALLING
7.The Beach Boys- ENDLESS SUMMER
8.Donna Summer- BAD GIRLS
9. Frank Sinatra- SONGS FOR SWINGIN' LOVERS
10.Ramones- ROCKET TO RUSSIA
11. Madonna- IMMACULATE COLLECTION
12. Pet Shop Boys- BEHAVIOUR
13. Squeeze- SINGLES (45s and Under)
14. Bruce Springsteen- THE RIVER
15. Go-Go's- BEAUTY AND THE BEAT

Early Beatles killed/ early British Invasion less than ten years after Elvis made it okay to be a bit "dangerous", (and admittedly kept the spotlight from peers Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent). As the Beatles cashed in on their mania, and veered off track to make groundbreaking and seminal LPs just two years after their US debut, my own interest waned (Am I alone here?). The Beach Boys were CONSTANTLY on my turntable growing up, too, and as I grew to like what was current, I went for Bowie and Alice Cooper. Theatrics aside, they made cool records that went against the grain. probably the first iconic frontpersons that really grabbed me. Disco was my Motown, thanks to when I was born. Plenty of crap, but lots of brilliance too. Donna Summer and Giorgio Moroder merged commerce and art with a nod to the future (I Feel Love, etc). Bad Girls managed to merge dance with rock, and she was never better. Pop radio was nuts and incredibly corny back then (although I get a kick out of a lot of it in retrospect, back then it could be tortuous). Thanks to the Ramones, adrenalin was back if you wanted it. Pop and punk blended seamlessly... The Clash went further, and London Calling is still one of the best LPs ever. Blondie did it for me in a big way, and after Parallel Lines made them global phenoms, the follow up EAT TO THE BEAT is a more exciting and representative album of the band at the time. Chrissie Hynde was/is the coolest rock chick ever, and the Pretenders' first two albums are incredible... Madonna defined much of the 80s for me, hence the hits collection- Love her or hate her, that amazing string of singles cannot be denied. has nothing to do with her persona. What else... The GoGos debut remains my fave debut record EVER/ every song is more infectious than the last, and I loved how the production smoothed punk origins (love that) to giddy radio powerpop (love that TOO!). The Squeeze hits collection I included is very similar. A good hook and chorus can never be valued enough... Always loved Sinatra, and this LP made me dig back further, and opened my eyes and ears to stuff that most kids weren't listening to. Whatever makes you want to explore MORE is the sign of something great. Is that all of them? THE RIVER-- My fave Bruce record, a double LP (Christmas, 1981), that is him at his zenith...

Express Yourself...

Recently, I have been preoccupied with my latest obsession, which was compiling the "definitive" (or most representative) songs from my 90s days as a DJ and Video Jock. Songs I have barely thought about for ten years... It pretty much forced my hand to musically reevaluate a pretty hefty span of time.
Now, I had always pretty much viewed the 90s as a pretty vapid music era (or at least a stretch of time marked most notably by the distinctive LACK of anything overly interesting). I wasn't particularly grabbed by the grunge thing that launched the decade, and the boy band/ teen pop thing that closed out the century was pretty disheartening... I grew up in the 80s, which (to me, at least) was a pretty great time. We had "New Wave" and "Power Pop", which were basically radio-ready extensions of the Punk movement that jolted radio back to what "rock" music was supposed to be about in the first place. On the flipside, we also had silly pop groups like Culture Club and Duran Duran, that actually made great records. Artistic pretense was kicked down a few notches in favor of energy and attitude, and the rebellion was pretty exhilerating. Groups like The Pretenders helped make music become exciting again. Despite the trendy disco backlash that closed out the 70s and ushered in the 80s, there was (and is) always a place for dance music. There was some truly great disco music, and was basically my Motown, having been born when i was. So, as an 80s teenager, we listened to what was current at the time, but could also reach not too far back for any punk or disco/ dance music we liked. Radio stations on weekends had "oldies nights" that played stuff from the 50s and 60s, too, so we pretty much had the entire rock era to draw from. The surprisingly crazy popularity of the Doors Greatest Hits record in 1981, coming on the heels of John Lennon's murder, also served to indoctrinate many of us into what bis (now) considered classic rock. MTV, then an incredible cultural barometer, ran the gamut and broadcast everything from new pop music, to artsy stuff like Laurie Anderson, and also gave airtime to what was seemingly the antithesis of what was happening, music-wise, with Rush and Yes grabbing some airtime.
The 80s evolved into the development of (who would become) pop music icons, like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. Even Bruce Springsteen evolved from a 70s phenom to a definitive 80s figure. The writing may have been on the wall, as spectacle began to overshadow (or at least compete with) substance. The amazing trajectory of pop music (and pop stars) could only pave the way for how corporate popular music has become in the post-Y2K era. While the careers of such performers as the aforementioned Madonna and Michael Jackson careened to heights that no one would have forseen, it is important to recognize the input they (and their peers) had in creating what they would become. )Madonna may have "EXPRESSED HERSELF", but she wrote the song and co-produced it...)
Today, it seems, that focus groups and businessmen are the ones doing the creating. While there was/is always room for the prefabricated pop star (the Monkees, anyone?), it is clear that the music industry veered way off course with just a few glances at the Billboard Charts over the past ten years. Personalities (often carefully created) supercede the music, and gossip rags are the ones that now pretty much take responsibility for creating "hits" and "stars", and spawning the celebs who are famous-for-being-famous.
I think its sad, in that I dont see anything INSPIRING in this. Hannah Montana, for example, is a MARKETING Phenomenon. The music is the messenger, and not the message. This is something that kids should be rebelling AGAINST, and not emulating... On the flip-side, I love it when a pop star like Kylie Minogue is "in on the joke", and embraces shamelessly the trappings of disposable pop. She's ironic, and yet she is completely literal at he same time. Perhaps that wisdom comes with age, as she has been in the biz for 20+ years. Thats her angle, though, and it is uniquely hers. Points for Kylie!
My friends and I formed a band in high school because it was fun, and because we admired bands that made us want to do what they did. I cant see anything inspiring about a Britney or an Ashlee. As a disclaimer, though, I am not completely blind. I do realize there is plenty of great music out there, and still being created. You just have to hunt for it a bit more.
I did need a bit of a rant, though, so there it was.
Which brings me back to my 90s DJ music project. I rustled up nearly 500 dance/pop songs that I loved, to varying degrees. Most of these are one-hit wonders (and most weren't, truthfully, even "hits). All take me back to a pretty significant time in my life. With most of these songs, the artist was pretty much incidental. They were the creations of producers and DJs. Much of this music, I freely admit, could be described as pretty expendable... These were, though, a part of a musical "subculture", if you will, and that is "Dance Music" (which, by definition- practically- is the art of the DJ as opposed to singer/performer). The concept of DJ as Artist was perhaps the most significant thing to happen (musically) in the 90s, building upon what preceeded it in the late-80s. It was also the most rebellious thing to the music biz since Punk, and spawned a whole underground of DJ Culture...
There was still some art to be had, and it was, at one time, relatively easy to find.

So, to wrap up this surprisingly lengthy diatribe on "Why Music Was Better When I Was Growing Up", let me just conclude that IT JUST WAS.
Woo-Hooo!!!

And the Nominees Are...

BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire


BEST ACTOR
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn - Milk
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler

BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie - Changeling
Melissa Leo - Frozen River
Meryl Streep - Doubt
Kate Winslet - The Reader

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin - Milk
Robert Downey Jr. - Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams - Doubt
Penelope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis - Doubt
Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler

DIRECTOR
David Fincher
Ron Howard
Gus Van Sant
Stephen Daldry
Danny Boyle

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Courtney Hunt - Frozen River
Mike Leigh - Happy-Go-Lucky
Martin - In Bruges
Dustin Lance Black - Milk
Andrew Stanton - WALL-E

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Eric Roth and Robin Swicord - Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley - Doubt
Peter Morgan - Frost/Nixon
David Hare - The Reader
Simon Beaufoy - Slumdog Millionaire

FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Der Baader Meinhof Komplex
The Class
Departures
Revanche
Waltz with Bashir


ANIMATED
Bolt
Kung Fun Panda
WALL-E

Born To Run, and WORKING ON A DREAM...

Piggybacking handily on his headlining performance at the Obama Inaugural Celebration in DC this week, Bruce Springsteen is ready to take the wraps off his latest CD WORKING ON A DREAM, that hits stores and iTunes next Tuesday. The rapidly-released follow-up to last year's particularly excellent MAGIC, Springsteen's newest DREAM hopes to build upon the artistic and commercial success that greeted his 2007 release. A bit more introspective, perhaps, and certainly not as chock-full of E Street Band stompers, WORKING ON A DREAM sees him content to keep on working, rather than resting on his laurels and basking in much of the glory that greeted MAGIC and its return to the BIG music that defined both Born in the USA and The River. Bruce and his bandmates have seldom sounded tighter than they do on these thirteen tracks, and a few tracks seem destined to become fan favorites. There may not be a "Radio Nowhere" on this latest project, but fans can rejoice that this is not a retreat to the more introspective period of DEVILS AND DUST or the GHOST OF TOM JOAD.
The CD is officially released January 27, and NPR will be streaming it pre-release. A deluxe edition includes a bonus DVD of Bruce and the E Streeters in the studio. Insuring that his presence will continue to be felt for this latest generation (and those that will follow), Springsteen contributed both his classic 1975 anthem "Born to Run", along with his newest WORKING ON A DREAM single "My Lucky Day" to the GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR video game sensation. The two tracks that signal his video game debut will be available next week as well, and insure a new audience for Springsteen and his music who might not otherwise get a chance to hear him. A canny move...

Don't Go Breakin' My Heart...

Opening weekend (intentional), and second row (due to cutting it too close, time-wise), my buddies and I (yes, I had to do some leaning) found ourselves part of the throng attending a screening of MY BLOODY VALENTINE in 3D. Happily surrendering to the goofiness inherent when movies are watched while sporting plastic and cardboard glasses, the four of us 40-somethings (somehow a minority at this show!) surrendered to this flashback of early-80s splatter cinema souped up with state-of-the-art 3D cinematography. As a lifelong horror fan I was psyched to see this, just as a Streep fan I was excited to see DOUBT. They wont be competing this awards season, it's true, but both come strongly recommended. As long as you know what you are getting into. I mean, it IS "My Bloody Valentine in 3-D". So no surprises?
I will start off by just saying WOW! The 3D effects are pretty jaw-dropping (LITERALLY, but that comes later in one particularly gruesome character bump-off). The opening credits come as a classy montage that show off not only some of the artistry of the filmmakers, but just how good this cinematic gimmick has become. The story is set up quickly and efficiently, with the horror standard of "Tragedy Plus Time Plus Revenge Equals Terror" not breaking any new ground. The iconic gas-masked miner-as murderer, often lit ominously from behind, gives both Jason and Freddy serious runs for their money, as the residents of this small mining town are systematically and gruesomely dispatched.
Make no mistake, this is not great cinema. However, it is a great entry in the horror genre that has lately only been notable for lackluster remakes of old B-Horror flicks that have somehow achieved "classic" status. An unconvincing love triangle fails, although DOES manage to succeed in throwing a wrench in the often easily-predicted actual identity of the killer. There is gore and gratuitous nudity to spare, so die-hard 1980s horror fans will have plenty to love. Ultimately, a film that seemed destined to impress no one succeeds spectacularly. Expect nothing, and you will have a much better time than you could possibly expect...

Fred Reveals All (and forgets its going to press...)

Just got into work, and was greeted by the new issue of the Beacon Hill Times-- Very nice feature story written about me; sort of a "Where Is He Now?" story covering the year-plus since I closed up shop. Lots of good info imparted here, and a nice plug for this blog.
Tucked into the middle of the article is the paragraph that the headline of this blog entry references:

"He turned 40, got a tattoo, tried dying his hair black again, took up listening to country music, started writing a novel- a psychological thriller- and eventually began selling real estate..."

It reads kind of like "Fred closes his shop, dabbles in cliched rituals of the newly middle-aged, and eventually finds himself"

Ah, well, we all like a good tale of redemption!


I knew that the hair-dye thing wasn't fooling anyone, and I totally get how the tattoo translates when I read it... 40 isn't/wasn't a bad thing (although THAT secret is now out/ Ha!), but 41 next month is sounding better and better...

It will be cool if this gets the blog a bit more exposure, since for the most part Im pretty much just writing it for myself. When I do hear from people it always catches me off guard and its pretty gratifying.

So Thanks, Beacon Hill Times (and writer Sandra Miller!) for the nice write-up! Something to add to the scrapbook...

Upcoming CDs for Spring!

Fresh from the REMEMBER THE EIGHTIES.COM website, it looks like both the Pet Shop Boys and Bananarama are readying new CDs to drop this Spring... It'll be the first new full-length CD from PSB in five years, and the 'Nanas will be comprised of new music as well as covers of vintage disco anthems. Their take on the Andrea True Connection's MORE MORE MORE a decade ago was pretty brilliant, so this bodes well for them. Any stateside success for these projects is questionable, especially coming on the heels of Bananarama's DRAMA CD from a few years back, which failed to connect despite a few club hits. PSB continue to garner critical acclaim and UK success, but, again, the US is even tougher to crack now than it was when they first hit the Top-10. We'll see...

Debbie at Louis Vuitton's Stephen Sprouse tribute, NYC

...wearing the vintage Sprouse she sported for the encore portions of the 1982 Blondie tour.

The first two stories I came across once I logged on to AOL this morning set me off; two nitwits whoring out their differeing agendas all over the media. The first, and less offensive, was Tom Cruise blabbing about Scientology (again). This time, it was referencing the (by all accounts) horifically tragic death of Jett Travolta. Cruise addressed the questionable accounts of his "religion"'s role in the boy's illness and treatment thereof. Cruise has already gotten his share of bad press for blowing off the funeral, but his role as talking head for the whole Scientology thing is growing increasingly irritating as more and more unsavory aspects of the organization come to light. Anyone who saw that nutty video that had him ranting about that organization -- see below clip--

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFBZ_uAbxS0)

--will never look at him the same way again... As awful as it sounds, if it surfaces that Jett's health would not have been put in jeopardy because of Scientologists refusal in believing that autism, mental illness, etc, can be treated pharmacologically then I look forward to the fallout. Oddly, I am more offended by Cruise than I am by the Travoltas, whom I feel genuinely horrible for. Cruise is pompous, while the Travoltas have at least exhibited class in regards to whatever they choose to believe in.

The other thing that truly disgusted me was Sarah Palin, once again whining about how she was used and abused by the media. How dare she blame Katie Couric and Tina Fey for "exploiting" her, when her own actions were at the root of all the backlash to begin with. And her whole idea of "who better" than she, as a mom of an unwed, pregnant teenager, to best be empathetic to the inherant challenges that come with such a challenge (and how dare the media jump on that?? Umm, maybe the parent of a teen who manges to NOT get pregnant)? At least that would reflect the values in which she espouses so much, all the while casting aspersions on those who disagree with her particular value system?

I DO understand the wrinkles that manifest themselves when someone like Caroline Kennedy enters the fray. While I don't think it's the "liberal media" canonizing her, I do think that her image, a direct result of her family's, works in her favor. While she may not have the experience (yet) to govern a state, she NEVER gave off the vibe of being uneducated, backward, judgmental, or hypocritical. I don't anticipate the vitriol that dogged Palin's 15 minutes of fame, but Sarah (and the machinery behind her) asked for it. And if she didn't, she was clearly a Republican tool that backfired. She was thrown under the very bus that she did not really earn the license to drive in the first place, and never really had a chance.

Finally, reading some of the reader posts in response to these news stories, it is very clear that Palin's defenders use the same old ignorance and bigotry that their party is notorious for. Obama isn't even in office yet, and they are still slagging him. The "Hussein" nicknames still fly, and the awful etnic slurs are still flying. We share one country, but clearly behave like two...

When in Doubt...

Just caught Meryl Streep in DOUBT, which is a brilliant adaptation of John Patrick Shanley's Broadway play. Without giving anything away, this film explores the suspicions of Streep's Sister Aloysious towards her parish's new priest, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman. The allegations against the Father's relationship to the school's sole African American student are certainly inflammatory, and essentially cannot be proven. The film unfolds like a thriller, with Streep injecting her role of the chillingly accusatory Sister with an aversion to the modernization of both the Catholic church as well as the country in general with enough no-nonsense pluck to make her almost endearing. There are laugh out loud moments that might not have read that way on the printed page, so effective is Streep's portrayal. The shadings and nuances of her Sister Aloysious allow for the possibility that perhaps her suspicions are less about Father Fleming, and have more to do with her own resistance to the change that was happening throughout the church as well as the country during it's 1960s setting. Indeed, the little boy at the center of this maelstrom is isolated due not just to his shyness or his newness to the school, but because of the color of his skin. Any affection towards a figure who shows him any sign of empathy or friendship would only be natural, and the forward-thinking Father counters his nemesis' accusations with some pointed (and perhaps valid) barbs of his own. The showdown between these acting titans is nothing less than spectacular, and the script is crafted in a way that, despite what we believe we know to be true, there is always room for Doubt. The climax of the piece reveals that doubt exists in many forms, and in many arenas. While there is no "Happy" ending, per se, the seemingly appropriate resolution still leaves Streep, and the audience, ultimately devastated. And THAT is Doubt's greatest impact. Amy Adams, as the idealistic young nun who gets a crash course in the cruel way the real world can operate, serves as an excellent foil to both Father Flynn as well as Sister Aloysious. Extra points for opening up a stagey theater piece with interesting set pieces, cimematography, and brilliant performances.

Ending 2009 with a cough and a sneeze...

One more full day of 2008, and (like lots of previous years!) its marked by "cold and flu-like symptoms"... Greg has an upper-respiratory infection, discovered after a trip to the emergency room Sunday, and is dosed up on inhalers and Prednisone... I'm not as bad, but have the next few days off to get back on track. In the meantime, I have been catching up on all the books I have been putting off for one reason or another... Fave authors like Janet Evanovich, James Patterson, Jeffery Deaver, and Sandra Brown all have new books out that I never got around to over the last six months, and some Christmas money came in handy to scoop them all up (Used) on Amazon.com (The BEST way to buy hardbacks, as they can often be snagged for $2-$3). So in just a few sittings, I banged out the latest Stephanie Plum book (FEARLESS FOURTEEN), 7TH HEAVEN (Patterson's latest installment in HIS numbered series), THE BODIES LEFT BEHIND (Jeffery Deaver's latest stand-alone), YOUR HEART BELONGS TO ME (Dean Koontz's latest), and have just started THE BROKEN WINDOW, Deaver's latest Lincoln Rhyme thriller...
So I have been keeping plenty busy non the book front.
DVD-wise, I snagged a few box sets. My love of 80s horror is covered with the 8-disc NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET series, and my classic film fix was satisfied with the 6-disc THIN MAN series. Screwball comedy meets sophisticated mystery with these films, the first installment based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett. Myrna Loy and William Powell were the ORIGINAL Jonathan and Jennifer Hart (Hows THAT for Tuesday Night/ ABC-TV 1970s flashback?), in these martini-soaked mysteries set in the fabulous Deco 30s and 40s...
Continuing to fill up my iPod (a new external hard drive was required to hold all that music!), as pretty much everything I own is now on my laptop. Those free/cheap Russian download sites have been awesome, too! I think I own everything now!
That pretty much covers the end of the year hijinks on my end. Not exciting, but no complaints.
Glad to see 2008 almost behind me, a crap year (on every level) I can objectively state. Here's to a better 2009!

Blog Changes/ Update!

Update for the FredsPICKS blog-- I have now chosen to keep this blog strictly "Fred's Picks", and separate the professional, real estate aspect that was present here before. That can now be found at www.marstonvossblog.blogspot.com So now, this site will pertain strictly to updates on things I have been up to, things to recommend (books, movies, music, etc), and anything else that comes up.

Be sure to check out the Marstonvossblog.blogspot.com for all news regarding the Boston real estate biz...

'tis the Season...

As we head into the throes of the winter (yes, that is just around the corner), it’s a nice time to reflect on the past year as part of a thriving business here on Beacon Hill. I started here at Marston Voss a year ago this past Fall, and so much has happened over the course of the ensuing sixteen months. I have met and worked with some incredible people, learned invaluable lessons both about both real estate and working in an office environment in general, and got to see another year come and go in my favorite place on earth, Beacon Hill.

Although I unfortunately have been a commuter these past two years, I love the neighborhood where I have been fortunate to both work and live over the course of nearly twenty years. It still feels like home to me, and it always will (despite that pesky Quincy zipcode I have had of late…). It’s a thrill to introduce potential new residents to this wonderful enclave, and love hearing feedback from clients I have placed here. It is truly a very special and unique place!

As the new year approaches, we can’t help but notice that although the trees that line our streets may now be bare, the wonderful old oil lamps are now decoratively wrapped in garland and bows, and the storefronts are festively decked out for the holidays as well. Because this office is located at the corner of Charles and Revere Streets, we are very lucky to have a front row seat to the holiday magic that transforms this picturesque community into a real slice of holiday Americana. Carolers dressed in the garb of a century ago emphasize the timelessness that is so apparent this time of year, and we are happy observers as well as participants during this one time of year that seems to unite everyone.

I would personally like to extend my own warmest holiday greetings to the residents of Beacon Hill, both new and old, as well as those yet to be. Beacon Hill is truly unique; a “small town” in a big city, unlike any other place I’ve known. Thank you for being such wonderful neighbors, as well as clients. Marston-Voss prides itself on being a thriving and integral part of this community, and on behalf of the office and my co-workers, we wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and ultimately a wonderful and rewarding 2009.

A Novel Idea...

Spent November on my first novel (WRITING one, that is...), and am happy to report I completed a first draft of nearly 60,000 words at this point. Am taking some time away from it for now, as it was a lot of work in a short time span, and then have plenty of rewrites and editing to do.
Participated in National Novel Writing Month (www.NaNoWriMo.org), which was a great motivator and online community that fostered high pressure writing, with deadlines, updateable wordcounts to chart progress and compare with other participating writers, discussion forums, etc etc. If you made it to 50,000 words, you were a winner! So that has been a lot of fun, and a lot of work...

The cool thing about a blog...

...is that sometimes people actually READ IT! Such was the case with the publisher of that Boston photography book I reviewed last month. That was actually sent to me unsolicited, with a request for a review on my site. It was terrific, so I was glad to do it. I may not have discovered that one on my own.
Last night, though, I was thrilled to get a "Thank You" email from Linwood Barclay, the particularly awesome writer who I also featured last month! So a big THANKS BACK from me, Mr Barclay-- you made my week! Now hurry up on that next novel!

Saturday

Back to work after having been out several days... Thrilled to death over the election/ we watched all night as the results came in... First time in forever that I have been this wrapped up in an election, or the voting process. Happy beyond happy, and despite starting out is a Hillary guy, I have to say that Obama adds something more. Probably not having the feel of being a part of a political machine that comes with the Clinton's (or the Bush administration), his youth, the vitality of his family... Not the color of his skin, although that alone is reason for celebration. Wouldnt it be great if this was the beginning of the end (or the END of the end) of racial tensions?
As a sidenote, I think its interesting and I am not at all surprised that Sarah Palin has apparently been thrown under the bus by her own party. Gotta have a scapegoat. I think between her star eclipsing that of her running mate, and the general ineptness and ill-preparedness that she displayed certainly made her an easy choice. Her downfall, if it can be called that yet, was totally an inside job...

GoBAMA!!

Well, its down to three more days until the election… In my 40 years, I can honestly say I can’t recall an election that was more eagerly anticipated, that I felt more connected to, and that was more important. Judging from the reports on early voter turnout (and the news video of people waiting several hours in line) I am obviously not in the minority… I wont miss the mudslinging and fear-mongering that is coming from the Repubs… The character attacks on Obama, the fake speculation on his background and his associations, and pushing his lack of experience in the face of John McCain, his Bush similarities, and the horrific stunt-casting of Sarah Palin that (thankfully) seems to be his undoing ALL have made these past few months so wearing. The upside to this, of course, is that it is mobilizing seemingly everyone to get out and vote. We can only hope that we will actually have a new President-Elect by Tuesday night. I cant imagine another “close” race that demands recounts and general shadiness. Here’s hoping for an Obama landslide…

Boston in Black & White...

Timothy Orwig's 2006 HISTORIC PHOTOS OF BOSTON is a treasure trove of images spanning two centuries, lavishly spread out over more than 200 pages, and richly deserving a place upon any Bostonian's coffee table. These kinds of books (and this one, specifically) make great gifts, as everyone loves a bit of history when it comes to a town or city they love (or grew up in...), and photographs of familiar settings in bygone eras never fail to fascinate. Orwig's compendium knows just what to show and what to tell, as the history of Boston from 1850 through the mid 20th century is brought to life through glorious, nearly full-page photos with just enough exposition to inform and entertain. Boston's burgeoning neighborhoods, inhabitants, and landmarks are all well-represented, and Orwig (and Turner Publishing) gives his subject matter the respect and reverence it deserves. A+ for content, and A+ for presentation!!