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!!

TOO CLOSE TO HOME

As if you were on the edge of your seat, but I scored on eBay (and Borders) and am now all booked up for the next several weeks (Woo-Hoo!!)... Still shouldnt keep me from grabbing the new Linwood Barclay book next Tuesday. He wrote a series of 4 novels that were sort of comic-thrillers that were great (reminded me of Janet Evanovich), and then came out with "No Time For Goodbye" last year, which was a FANTASTIC thriller that moved like a rocket-- very much like the Harlan Coben books (who preceeded HIS brilliant suspensers with the lighter, Myron Bolitar series). If you're a reader, and you like good genre fiction, then I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Linwood Barclay. The new one is called TOO CLOSE TO HOME, out 9/30...

What to read, what to read...

As someone who frequently has more than one book going, simultaneously, Ive just noticed that I only have one book left on my stack before Im all out (Yikes)... Big fan of thrillers/ Just finished the lastest John Lutz suspenser "In For the Kill", which was fantastic... Just started "Make Them Cry" by Kevin O'Brien (have read most of his stuff, and have emailed back and forth a few times with the writer), and that will do it!! There are a few series that I have yet to tackle-- Robert Crais' Elvis Cole series, and the Lee Child/ Jack Reacher books (both come highly recommended, and I think I'll be picking up the 1st in each of their repective string of novels. It is almost like when I was a smoker, and I got down to the last few menthols in the pack-- Gotta get more!! I have to say, eBay is a great place to buy books in lots, often by author, although it can be daunting to get a pile of 10 or 15 books at a pop> We'll see how I like the Crais and Child intro books...
Clearly, not a whole lot is going on with me right now :)

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler do Palin/Clinton on SNL!!

The full skit (as seen in bits and pieces on the news/ TODAY SHOW/ etc etc...
BRILLIANT


http://perezhilton.com/tv/?videoid=4a7351283919d

Next Tuesday sees the Double-DVD release of Gene Kelly's 1951 Best Picture winner AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, one of Hollywood's greatest musicals, and the perfect companion to Kelly's follow-up, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN. What sets this apart from "Rain" is its Gershwin score, and it's amazing cinematography (which took incredible advantage of the Technicolor process). Kelly is immensely likeable as Jerry, the "title character", an amiable artist falling for gamine Leslie Caron despite nearly being "kept" by benefactoress Nina Foch (happy to subsidize his art in exchange for companionship...). A wonderful supporting cast round out this deceptively little film that is HUGE on production numbers, namely the "American In Paris Ballet" that comprises the final 17 minutes of this film. Here, Jerry finds himself dancing within painted works of art. Naysayers call this pretentious, but the idea of artist becoming the art was groundbreaking, both thematically as well as artistically, and clearly elevated this film from the genre musicals of the time. A simple story amazingly presented. Finally getting the deluxe treatment on DVD with assorted featurettes, and a full-length bio on Gene Kelly. Brilliant.

She's 63??

I just had to post this/ Debbie Harry is looking more and more amazing. This is from last night's FASHION ROCKS show, where she performed, and was lauded as being a style-trendsetter as well.

More Campaign Silliness...

I LOVE it when this kind of thing happens: The Republicans "adopted" the classic 1977 HEART song "Barracuda" is a quasi-theme for Palin, and HEART responded with a lawsuit. Other rockers have been in similar situations, most famously when Ronald Reagan co-opted Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the USA", not even grasping the cynicism and anti-Reagan era theme that the song was all about. How embarrassing... Anyway, here is the article from the Boston Globe:



The rock group Heart has sent a message to John McCain and Sarah "Barracuda'' Palin: quit playing our 1977 hit ''Barracuda.''
Soon after the presidential nominee finished his acceptance speech late Thursday and running-mate Palin joined him on the Republican National Convention stage in St. Paul, the sound system pumped the throbbing introductory guitar licks to "Barracuda.''
It seemed the cleverest musical choice of both conventions. Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson, like Alaska Governor Palin, are outspoken products of the Pacific Northwest, and the sisters's tune also could refer to Palin's Dazed-and-Confused-Era nickname of Sarah Barracuda, given for her intense high-school basketball play.
But the Wilsons condemned the usage then and earlier in the convention, adding that Universal Music Publishing and Sony BMG have sent a cease-and-desist notice to the McCain-Palin campaign, according to CNN.
UPDATE Friday morning: here's a statement by Ann and Nancy Wilson from EW.com:
"Sarah Palin's views and values in NO WAY represent us as American women. We ask that our song 'Barracuda' no longer be used to promote her image. The song 'Barracuda' was written in the late 70s as a scathing rant against the soulless, corporate nature of the music business, particularly for women. (The 'barracuda' represented the business.) While Heart did not and would not authorize the use of their song at the RNC, there's irony in Republican strategists' choice to make use of it there."
No word so far on whether the tune would be dropped from the GOP playlist. "If the real thing don't do the trick,'' Ann Wilson sang in "Barracuda,'' "You better make up something quick.''

HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

Labor Day Weekend, and all is nuts on Beacon Hill... Everyone, it seems, is moving in or moving out... We have all been juggling key-fetching/ tenant-calling/ landlord-chasing/ etc etc all for the big turnover that is September 1 (complicated further by the fact that it is Labor Day). The is the first time in 3 years that I personally haven't moved, so its nice to just have to deal with everyone else's craziness. Its also the first time as a real estate agent that I was a part of this concentrated period (last year I started a week AFTER it all). So no big holiday weekend plans beyond a cookout at Ken and Brett's tonite> Will take Tuesday off... I imagine the rental-push will ease up a bit in September, but much of the month will be spent on the final condo sale that just went through (Woo-hoo!!)/ the closing is set for 9/30. Will try to solicit more sale properties, as this was my 3rd and last of the summer (and of my career in this so far...). Not too much else to report...

Random link, but too funny!

http://www.lovefred.com

Now why didnt I think of this??? I love the TShirts...

After 25 years, still feeling "Fascination"

Another blast from the past/ last night 4 of us headed over to the Pavilion to see the Regeneration Tour, with Naked Yes, A Flock of Seagulls, ABC, Belinda Carlisle, and the Human League. 10th Grade all over again, and not a bad thing. Once again we were moved up extra-close (3rd Row), and made friends with the people around us. This show, much moreso than the disco tour we saw a few weeks ago, showcased the actual bands (the previous concert featured the vocalists performing to prerecorded tracks). The Human League, as headliners, delivered a solid set of all the hits and near-hits (the highlights being 1982’s inescapable “Don’t You Want Me”, "(Keep Feeling) Fascination", and the encore “Together in Electric Dreams”). Belinda Carlisle drew from her solo catalog, and pleased the faithful with 3 Go-Gos hits as well, before closing with her biggest “Belinda” hit, “Heaven is a Place on Earth”. ABC scored as well, with “The Look of Love” and “Poison Arrow” among their biggest hits… Naked Eyes had the unenviable task of opening this show, which didn’t reach capacity until halfway through the concert. They opened with their signature “Always Something There to Remind Me”, which left the audience with nothing to look forward to. Five songs later, they finished with MTV near-staple “Promises Promises” before A Flock of Seagulls took to the stage. Lead singer Mike Score, looking paunchy and without his iconic/notorious 80’s hair, left pretty much everyone scratching their heads. By the time they closed with “I Ran”, all was forgiven, and the audience was back to going nuts…
Another great nostalgia trip, with perfect weather and that great waterfront location. The seat upgrades didn’t hurt, either!

TROPIC THUNDER

Last night we checked out TROPIC THUNDER, which turned out to be the funniest movie I have seen in forever. Have always like Robert Downey, Jack Black cracks me up and killed in SCHOOL OF ROCK (but kinda lost me with NACHO LIBRE), and Ben Stiller has been grating on me since Zoolander, so my enthusiasm level was only so-so for this. Needing a laugh, and the showtime was right, we found ourselveves plunking down our ticket money...

This movie is BRILLIANT. Hilarious satire of all things Hollywood, lampooning pretentious actors, genre filmmaking, Hollywood insiders and all the behind-the-scenes machinations that go into making a big budget film. I can’t really give anything away, unfortunately, because (not knowing much about this film until the credits rolled…) the best parts all come as surprises. From the opening moments, where we are introduced to the characters via “trailers” to their respective upcoming projects (and in one case, a product endorsement/ alternate “revenue stream”…), to the surprise cameos (The secret Tom Cruise appearance has already been revealed and lauded), TROPIC THUNDER is right up there with WAG THE DOG (1997’s political satire) as one of Hollywood’s smartest and most effective send-ups.

The gist of the plot centers around the film adaptation of a Vietnam War vet’s memoir, and what happens when the plan to shoot the film in a hyper realistic guerilla-style (drop the actors in the jungle with a vague script outline, hidden cameras and special-effects devices planted along the way) goes horribly awry unbeknownst to the actors involved… (To say any more wouldn't be fair to ya...)

Gleefully over-the-top, at times comically violent, and incredibly self-aware, TROPIC THUNDER is so much better than it even deserves to be. I laughed for 105 minutes straight...

DISCO

Last night we got free tickets (THANKS, Robert!!!) for the “Solid Gold Disco Party” concert on Boston’s waterfront, headlined by the Village People, along with various 70s one-offs and minor icons Evelyn “Champagne” King, Maxine Nightingale, the Hues Corporation, Musique, and emceed by Jimmy JJ Walker.

Totally fun, and totally worth the cost of the free ticket! It was basically Karaoke night up there, with the performers doing their signature hit/hits along with a bunch of disco-era numbers. So we got to hear Maxine Nightingale do “Right Back Where We Started From” along with other period tracks, Hues Corporation’s “Rock the Boat” alongside their renditions of similar chart-toppers, etc… It was cool, in that I think everyone was happy to see that, say, Maxine was still getting work!

Best surprise of the night was how strong a performer King was—She sounds better than ever, and really involved the crowd, one of the strangest cross-sections of an audience I have yet to come by—the gay contingent was obviously represented, but there were tons of suburban couples, a much older contingent, and plenty of 20-somethings… Pretty much everyone was on their feet the whole time, and by the time the Village People came out the show had already been going nearly 3 hours..

Okay, the Village People. How crazy is it that these guys have become beloved American icons??? Initially, they were a bunch of guys who responded to an ad to “perform” as gay cultural archetypes that would be the basic concept for this 70s version of the Boy Band; the "visuals" to session musicians... It was an “in-joke” that most of America didn’t even get, and they were all over the airwaves (and TV) in the late-70s, performing songs with double-and-triple-entendres that would never fly on pop radio today. Now, after 30 years and a few personnel changes, they are still performing to packed houses. They have become the Disco Beach Boys. Im sure none of them ever bet what probably sounded like a gag in 1977 would take them through the next 30+ years, essentially performing the same 6 or 7 songs!! To their credit, they were self-depracating and very hammy, and for what seemed like the ultimate guilty pleasure, it was encouraging to know that everyone was in on the joke!

A really fun (and FREE!!) show that brought me back to my elementary school days. In two weeks we have the "Regeneration Tour", with a bunch of 80s acts that will take me back to the 10th grade...The cool thing is that I think these shows are as much fun for the audience as they are for the performers.

SOLD!

Just closed on the first deal, which had hit numerous snags (I already closed my 2nd condo)! Still one listing on the market, on which we just dropped the price>> This one should go pretty quickly now that we have hit August...

August 1

August already. The non-Summer is hitting its final stretch. This time last year I was wrapped up in the closing of my business (and all that entails), had just moved to the South Shore, and had yet to sign on at my current employers. The past year has proven to be the longest (and, at times, the fastest) 12 months I’ve yet to experience. A lot has happened, some good (and some very bad). Have grown apart from some people, and gotten closer with others, and have seen people at their best and at their worst…
I know this isn’t the calendar year, but to me it feels like the beginning of Book Two/ Chapter Two. Not sure how this book is gonna end yet, but there were twists along the way that I didn’t see coming, a few heroes, some villains, and plenty of drama. (Should make for a fairly quick beach read, regardless)
:)

Best Movie of the last 20 years gets the special treatment!

Finally!!

Amazon has it for pre-order at $14.99...

(from dvdfanatic.com)

It's been a long time coming, but on September 23, 2008, Warner Brothers Home Entertainment will release a new 2-disc Special Edition of the Oscar-winning, L.A. Confidential. Retailing at $20.97, this Widescreen only release will include:Audio Commentary by Critic Andrew SarrisMusic Only Track"Whatever You Desire: Making L.A. Confidential" Featurette"Sunlight and Shadow: The Visual Style of L.A. Confidential" Featurette "A True Ensemble: The Cast of L.A. Confidential" Featurette "L.A. Confidential: From Book to Screen" Featurette "Off the Record" Feature "Photo Pitch" Feature "L.A. Confidential" 2000 TV-Series Pilot Deleted ScenesTrailers and TV Spots And More! It will also be available on Blu-ray Disc (in 1-disc form) for $28.99. Features remain the same.

Facebook...

Finally got around to setting up a Facebook profile after much reluctance! I have a MySpace which I barely check, and (after some prodding in the office) decided to give Facebook a shot. Within an hour of setting up the account, I have heard from dozens of people-- mostly from high school, but a few from college, work, and assorted contacts along the way... Very cool, although I wonder how much it will impact my communications with people- Beyond a few emails catching up with old acquaintances, and the always fun that goes with seeing recent pictures of people after 20 years... It seems that some people are really hooked into the whole Facebook subculture. Not sure if its entirely for me, but Im still at the "intrigued" stage, so the novelty hasnt yet worn off. There were a handful of people on there who I have genuinely thought about over the last few decades (!!), so it has been cool to touch base. My nieces are on there too, and after doing the whole "friend request" thing, I had to laugh (If I were in MY early 20s, would I really want to be online buddies with my aunts or uncles??). On the occasions that I am in my hometown where I grew up, I still get that "I hope I dont run into anyone I know" feeling whenever I hit the mall, etc... So I am not too convinced... Hmmmmmmm...

...from the FRED'S PICKS racks!

... here are some "Fred's Picks"/ Fave DVDs, and all an excellent rent!

http://www.imdb.com/ for any info on the following:

ON THE WATERFRONT
L.A. CONFIDENTIAL
JAWS
SOME LIKE IT HOT
DOUBLE INDEMNITY
HALLOWEEN
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY
TOOTSIE
POSTCARDS FROM THE EDGE
BROADCAST NEWS
WORKING GIRL
BOUND
9 TO 5
CINDERELLA MAN
LANTANA
BLOOD SIMPLE
ACE IN THE HOLE
OUT OF THE PAST
FASTER PUSSYCAT, KILL, KILL
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
GLADIATOR
A PLACE IN THE SUN
ALIEN

Fortune's Favour

New this week: "Fortunes's Favour", the latest from newfoundland's best export GREAT BIG SEA! I got hooked on this group about three years ago, and have been lucky enough to see them live 3X in that interim. A winning mix of traditional Newfoundland and Irish folk with more straight ahead rock and pop, GBS has a hugely devoted and loyal following, and they are incredible live performers. This latest CD features some of the guys' best tracks, some of which were introduced last summer on their previous tour. Standouts include "Here and Now", "Straight to Hell", and the single "Walk on the Moon"...

July 4th

July 4th weekend, here again... No plans beyond working (most of the office is out in some capacity over the course of the rest of the week, so I will either reap the rewards or twiddle my thumbs! Friends from NY are up in Ogunquit, but unfortunately I wont be able to make it up there. I used to spend a week or two up there every year for the 4th, and these past few years I made it up even if just for lunch or something (to reconnect with old friends)... Easier when I was self-employed!! Instead I will be trotting around a client in town for the holiday, who will be moving here in September. Hooky will be played next week, with hopes of hitting Six Flags and Water Country. The second half of the month ends with a bang, as my two condo closings finally happen (the 18th and the 30th). A nice reprieve...

Color Them Your Color, Baby... BLONDIE's back

Musically, the ultimate "Fred's Pick" has been Blondie, for over three decades now... The band emerged from New York's grimy downtown punk scene (along with the Ramones and Talking Heads), and paired a flawless AM radio pop sensibility with the energy and attitude of the new music movement that they helped create. Led by Deborah Harry, already on the plus-side of 30 and an icon herself as a female front-person in a basically All Guys business, Harry brought glamour and sex to punk, yet also brought to the table an icy detachment that never let you feel that she could be yours, unlike more traditional female sex symbols. Her ironic take on sexuality combined with the band's love of Pop Art made her, and them, media darlings and global superstars, and reigned as rock's hottest act of the late 1970s into the early 80s. Now, a reenergized Blondie is touring behind the 30th anniversary of the watershed album PARALLEL LINES, that spawned 6 Global smashes, and finally broke the band in the United States with the first "New Wave" #1 single, disco-hybrid "Heart of Glass". Blondie was and is cool because they were style-setters and trailblazers, thumbing their noses at what was the status quo in popular music, and scored hits that defied genre classification. They scored with "Rapture", the 1st "rap" #1, (and the first rap most radio listeners ever even heard). "The Tide is High" brought reggae to the top of the US charts, and "Call Me" and "Atomic" merged disco with power pop. Excursions into both 60s girl-group territory as well as the "punk" that they were initially identified with were merged seamlessly to create some of the rock era's most perfect pop singles. Their influence is still being felt today, and they are finally reaping the accolades of their place in music history, with last year's induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame sealing the deal. Now (amazingly) 63 years old, the seemingly ageless Harry is still prowling the global stage with Blondie, and is also producing new music herself. (Her solo NECESSARY EVIL was released this past year, propelled by club hit "Two Times Blue"). As for Blondie, and PARALLEL LINES, both sound as fresh today as they did in 1978...