Upcoming Movies 2008 Leave a reply

Posted on January 21, 2008 in Movies

A list of 2008 (and beyond) movies that I would be interested in seeing. This is not the definitive list by any means. I am only including movies that have not yet premiered.

James Bond 22 – Come on, I love Daniel Craig. I have seen almost ever Bond movie. Matter of time really.

Mamma Mia – I saw the trailer for this during Sweeney Todd. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Meryl Streep? I am there!

Brothers – I really liked the original Danish movie, and apparently so did Hollywood. Maguire, Gyllenhaal, and Portman are going to star. Doubtlessly interesting.

The Dark Knight – I have been a Batman girl since watching TAS growing up. Nolan and Bale did a wonderful job in Batman Begins so this should be a fun ride too. I also adore Gary Oldman and Michael Caine.

Star Trek – The casting on this is awesome.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – Alan Rickman.

My Blueberry Nights – It’s a Wong Kar Wai film, so I’m there. Not too crazy about the cast even though I like Rachel Weisz. Jude Law does nothing for me, and this is Norah Jones’s first time.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – I liked TLTWTW, but that was my favourite Narnia book. This franchise has a lot of energy left in it.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull – Cate Blantchett is the villain.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – This sounds very interesting, and I hope to read the Fitzgerald short story. Brad Pitt is in it opposite Cate Blantchett.

Australia – My desire to see this film is due to my loyalty to Baz Luhramann.

RocknRolla – Guy Ritchie back to gangster movies. Gerald Butler is in the lead.

Iron Man – Initially, I unsure because I know nothing about Iron Man. Still, I have always liked Robert Downey Jr. as an actor, and Terence Howard is in it too. Very good trailer.

Wall-E – This sounds like a fascinating animated movie.

Blindness – Adaptation of the Jose Saramago book which is a masterful work. Julianne Moore has a lot to do as the lead, but if everything works, this could be excellent.

The Forbidden Kingdom – Director has done mostly Disney and premise iffy (American kid obsessed with kung fu time travels), but the extended trailer looks amazing. Shot in China, and starring Jet Li and Jackie Chan.

Wanted – James McAvoy, call me, but use your natural accent. Jolie does look hot in this too.

Jumper – When I saw this in the theatre, I was skeptical. The extended, longer trailer is a bit more compelling. I hope this becomes the post-SW success for Christensen.

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Tudora 2 Replies

Posted on January 20, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting

Tudora

Tudora, started December 30th 2007, finished January 17th 2008.
Pattern: Tudora by Cheryl Marling from Knitty, Winter 2007.
Yarn: Cascade 220 (100% Highland Peruvian Wool – 100g/220yds) – Cranberry – less than one skein
Needles: US6/4.0mm 16″ circs
Modifications: One row button hole
Tools: Cable needle, button
Lessons Learned: One row button hole
Cost: $2 button + $8 yarn (not really since it was less than one skein and I’m going make another hat out of the leftovers).
Would I knit it again? Yes.

Tudora

Pattern Notes and Comments: Love this yarn, and the historical theme of this piece. I want a toggle button, but the store I went to had an iffy selection of those so I went with this nice silver button. This is a very quick knit; it took me awhile because I ran out of yarn. Guess now I’ll have to make another hat. I also put off buying the button for weeks. A cable needle was used most of the time, and sometimes, I did it without. With large cables, I’m not as good than without a cn. I can not wait to wear this when it gets a bit warmer. It’s more of an autumn/spring piece since this would be too flimsy for Canadian winters. It’s -14ºC today without wind today. It’ll smashing in the Fall though.

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Booking Through Thursday – Let’s Review 3 Replies

Posted on January 17, 2008 in Books

This week’s question is suggested by Puss Reboots:

How much do reviews (good and bad) affect your choice of reading? If you see a bad review of a book you wanted to read, do you still read it? If you see a good review of a book you’re sure you won’t like, do you change your mind and give the book a try? – BTT

In general, I prefer not to read reviews of things such as movies or books. When I was impressionable, I found them affecting the way I watched the film. Usually the bad reviews. I’m the type of person that wants to see the good in these things, and if I can’t, I rather be the one who sees the bad. It’s impossible to not read reviews though or catch news of books. I read book blogs, but I find those reviews connected and closer than newspaper book reviews. If I do see a bad review of a book I want to read, for the most part, I’ll still read it. I usually read book from authors I like, and my relationship with them is fairly stable and committed.  As for good reviews, I do tend to note the books because they are a good way to find other books.

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Booking Through Thursday – May I introduce… 3 Replies

Posted on January 10, 2008 in Books

  1. How did you come across your favorite author(s)? Recommended by a friend? Stumbled across at a bookstore? A book given to you as a gift?
  2. Was it love at first sight? Or did the love affair evolve over a long acquaintance? – BTT

I like many authors. Often, the ones who have past are found through my readings of classic books. Sometimes, I saw the movie version of a book and picked it up. Alot of books were recommended or discussed with others. I know a friend who shares my interest in Nick Hornby, another who loves E. M. Forster as much as I do.

As with most things, it was love at first sight mostly. I tend to know what I like and feel my way first. Some authors grow on me to be sure though.

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Yarny – First Noro Leave a reply

Posted on January 8, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting

Noro Silk Garden #233

Some yarn I got in the last days of 2007. I don’t take a lot of pictures of yarn, but I can’t resist showing off my Noro Silk Garden. This is my first Noro purchase. It’s Silk Garden (55% silk 45% kid mohair 10% wool) in shade #233 which is discontinued. I practically stole it for 2 skeins of $12. I’ve seen the colours of this shade on Ravelry projects, and I can see why they would discontinue it. Still, I’m excited about using this company’s yarn. When I found the first skein, it felt very scratchy and twiggy. I hear it lengthens and softens up after a wash of the knitted product. I bought Eucalan the other day so I’ll use that for the Silk Garden scarf I intend to make. It’ll have to be a skinny scarf since I don’t have much yarn. Though the scarf won’t need to be that warm as it seems to be intended for a warmer season accessory. Am inclined to a drop stitch scarf pattern at present.

Gedifra Volata Tweed

I have four 50g 100m balls of this German produced wool. It’s actually a new 100% wool by Gedifra which I bought 4 for $16. I took a picture because Ravelry didn’t have any photos of it. The colours and the tweed does look rather fetching. 400m would make a very warm winter scarf with fringe too. I am inclined possibly to make “My So Called Scarf”, “Scrunchable Scaf”, “One Row Handspun” etc. Lots of options for the coming seasons.

I am very tempted to also buy a skein of Malabrigo for the first time as early birthday gift to myself. Probably make tiny scarf out of it too. I seem to have moved from hat patterns back to scarf ones quickly enough.

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Knitting Books 001 Leave a reply

Posted on January 7, 2008 in Books, Knitting & Crafting

Dewey has been blogging about the knitting books she’s been perusing and using. I’ve looked through a lot of knitting books for instructions and patterns. Since most of the knitting books are straight forward pattern books so I don’t necessarily count them as books consumed as would others. I have barely knit anything from them, but I save a plethora of patterns. I intend to knit thing from the following books in any case. This is just a simple list of knitting books that have helped me in the past or more likely, books that have really nice patterns. Links to Ravelry (or Amazon).

Stitch and Bitch: A Knitter’s Handbook by Debbie Stoller – The first knitting book that I ever bought. Not too crazy about the patterns, and I’ve found other resources for techniques. Still a really good resource that I often go back to remind me of techniques.

The Knitting Answer Book by Margaret Radcliffe – A technique book that is a treasure. On my wishlist since it has directions, advice, and tips for so many knitting related topics.

Interweave Knits magazine – I’ve browsed Vogue Knitting too, but this is probably the best all around knitting magazine on the market. It consistently has magazines that are wearable, well designed, of different gauges, yarns, styles, etc. It’s multi-faceted and well edited. It seems to have actually gotten better since 2005/6 since I want to knit even more tings in the recent issues.

Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Haverson – This is just a pretty book with simple, quick, and nice patterns. I find myself constantly taking it out of the library. One day I’ll knit the Hourglass Sweater, Chevron Scarf, and that Child’s Placket Neck Pullover.

Mason-Dixon Knitting by Kay Garinder and Ann Shayne – Patterns for useful things! I love the washcloths and really want to make some towels and blankets one day off this book. Not to mention the baby knits.

Sensational Knitted Socks and More Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch – I am knitting a pair of socks from SSK now. Really clear instructions with socks that be customized hundreds of ways. Some of best sock knitting books I’ve encountered.

Favorite Socks ed. Interweave Press – Really nice sock patterns from IK. Embossed Leaves and Ribbed Stockings are the top of my list.

Folk Socks by Nancy Bush – The Scottish Kilt stockings call me often among other lovely sock patterns in this book.

Folk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski – A variety of well designed mitten patterns from around the world. I’m taken with a lot of these patterns.

Scarf Style ed. Interweave Press – One day, I’ll knit that entrelac stole.

Hats On by Charlene Schurch – Schurch’s designs are well written. I love knitting hats and there are lots of traditional hat patterns in this one.

Anything by Elizabeth Zimmermann – I’ve looked through most of the books, but I don’t own any of them yet. There are a lot of fun patterns, but EZ patterns are more like schematics. Still lots of useful tips.

Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel – I am going to knit the vest from this soon. I love form fitted sweaters and tops. The patterns are easy to understand for the most part.

Knitting Nature by Norah Gaughan – A designer with a distinctive style, there are some really nice patterns in this. I like the hats in this.

Charmed Knits by Alison Hansel – As a HP fan, how could one not like some of these patterns? I want to make a Weasley Sweater, though I don’t think it’s exactly my style. The House Sweater, socks, and various other accessories are really nice too.

One Skein by Leigh Radford – Who doesn’t like a good stashbuster book?

One Skein Wonders – Some of the patterns are only so-so, and it really isn’t one skein for some of them. Still, 101 patterns for small projects.

Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss – I have no idea why, but I have a penchant for baby knits even though I have no intention of having children in the near future or know anyone who is expecting. DB’s baby patterns are probably her best though. I even want to knit the teddy bear from this book.

Handknit Holidays by Melanie Falick – Really good gift ideas and a couple of very nice quick knits. I don’t like knitting bags, but that counterpane bag is in my queue.

Socks Socks Socks – Patterns are not as good as the above sock books, but the techniques section has some good info for beginners.

Rowan Scottish Knits/Scottish Knits by Sarah Dallas et al. – I love Rowan yarns. Sarah Dallas patterns are sometimes really nice too. Wish I had more resources to those patterns.

Knitting Classic Style by Veronik Avery – I am consuming this now. So many nice garments. Like many, I am enamored with the Military Cardigan.

Will post more when I have consumed more pattern books as I do often.

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Chunkster Challenge 2008 1 Reply

Posted on January 7, 2008 in Books

Challenge runs between today January 7th to December 20th to read four big books of approximately 450 pages regular type (or 750 large print). Cross posting books from my other challenges as usual. I do not have page counts of all these books, but on my honour or guestimation, they be chunky:

  • Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky – 656p
  • Little, Big by John Crowley – 538p
  • Complete Poems and Plays by T. S. Eliot – 608p
  • Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy – 472p

Alternates/Bonus:
Lord of the Rings Book II and III
Aristocrats: Caroline, Emily, Louisa, and Sarah Lennox, 1740-1832 by Stella Tillyard – 462p
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks – 483p
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco -502p
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
…and probably a lot more.

All the books I read over 450 will be countd towards this challenge.

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These Three Remain Leave a reply

Posted on January 6, 2008 in Books

These Three RemainThe third in a trilogy of Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy’s POV. Remember that I skipped the second  one? The parts that were not Austen were tedious enough. Also, Darcy is quite cheesey at parts, like a Harlequin romance star. The original characters include “Dy” His Lordship of Gary Stu-ness. Basically, I was pretty bored any time Aidan wrote about the plot that were not referenced in P&P. This novel was a bit slow as a result. It would have pleased me more if she had written some epilogue of Darcy and Lizzie together. On the positive side, there was an actual funny scene with drunk Darcy. I also must concede that there are plethora of Regency details the author must have researched for long periods. She also attempts and gives character to some of Mr. Darcy servants whom I liked a lot more than all the stupid society people of Ton. Overall, not a great trilogy, and very slow for the Austenites.

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Koolhaas 3 Replies

Posted on January 5, 2008 in Knitting & Crafting

 

 

Koolhaas, started December 25, 2007, finished December 30, 2007
Pattern: Koolhaas by Jared Flood – Interweave Knits, Holiday 2007
Made for: Intended for self, but given to Dad
Yarn: Cascade 220 (100% Highland Peruvian 100g/220 yards) – 600 Cranberry (variegated red)
Needles: 4.0mm/#6 16″ circs and 4.5mm 4.5mm/#7 40″ circ (Magic Loop)
Modifications: Needle change in ribbing, and I used the slip and switch cable method.
Cost of Project: $8 for yarn
Would I knit it again? Yes, but 4 reps instead of the full five.
Pattern Notes and Comments: Usually, I have to make hats on the larger sizes because they are a bit too small. This hat was a bit too big in the large size, and it’s quite stretchy so I should have just done the normal 4 reps. I’ve given this hat for my Dad. The decreases are a bit ugly because I messed up, but the bottom cables turned out wonderfully. I didn’t realize until after I took these photos that I forgot to block.

The yarn is very nice My first time with Cascade 220, and it really makes Patons Classic Merino look poor in contrast. The 220 is soft, and the variegated red I got it in is a very nice shade. I had to buy another skein since I used the leftovers from the hat to make something else, and then ran out. So another Cascade 220 hat to knit in the near future.

Bought a lot of yarn in the last couple of weeks. It’s a disease I tell you!

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David Boring 2 Replies

Posted on January 4, 2008 in Books

A graphic novel about the eponymous character looking for love at what might be the end of the world. My first exposure to Daniel Clowes’s work, and even though I may not love this graphic novel, it was definitely interesting and I look forward to reading Ghost World (I liked the movie). DB is modern, has subtle characterizations, but the minute details and the style of the illustrations really draws you in. It’s alienation and the search for love in the 21st century with a large dose of black humor involved. Having read Shortcomings the day before, the two have very similar styles in plot, characters, and storytelling. Adrian Tomine and I suspect other young graphic novelists are influenced by Clowe’s modern stylings and characterizations. I did not really feel too much for the characters, but I did find David intriguing. Maybe it was his constant searchings for love, his father, and the end of the story. The graphic novel is a bit meta which I tend to like.

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Sweeney Todd 1 Reply

Posted on January 3, 2008 in Movies

How could I resist a Tim Burton musical movie? Especially one with Johnny Depp and Alan Rickman singing. Actually these two have a duet that is now stuck in my head. The film is of the dark Burtonesque variety (as opposed to the saturated, lighter tones of Big Fish or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). This is probably the goriest of Burton’s films I’ve ever seen, but as usual, it was very stylized. I do not really watch horror movies, and Burton’s films are more artistic than gratuitous violence and blood. This is still essentially a horror story with a murderer as the central protagonist so it’s not exactly for the faint of heart. Aside from the direction and stylized setting, this film’s other strength is the performances. Depp actually has a good singing voice and his creepily intense in this too. Dark film, but fun overall when you consider the musical aspect of it.

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American Born Chinese 3 Replies

Posted on January 2, 2008 in Books

Two graphic novels about Asian-Americans, I seem to be on a roll. American Born Chinese has three separate stories that connects at the end. All the stories have a strong message of self-acceptance. It also deals with racism, friendship, and growing up. The stories are well told; my favourite of the stories is the one on the Monkey King from the famous Chinese legends. Like the author Gene Luen Yang, I also grew up with these tales. The author has a very whimsical and funny take in his art and panels. The illustrations are on the lighter side, but still poignant. The dialogue understated but to the point. This is a graphic novel which both adults and young adults can read and appreciate.

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