I watched Hamilton last night. 17/19. Tightly written, directed, acted. A+ singing talent - like blows away an pop stars. Does not get full marks because song writing leans heavily on "borrowing" from other songs, but is still a top 10 musical.
I watched it with my parents and grandparents and was pleasantly surprised when they enjoyed it. They're more Rogers&Hammerstein-style musical fans, so I wasn't sure that they'd enjoy the rap/hip hop style.
I agree. I watched it on Sunday and enjoyed it. I need more Charlize Theron badassery in the future. I loved her in Mad Max and Atomic Blond.
I hope Netflix develops an Atomic Blonde 2, that rumor is floating around out there. Obviously we will have a sequel to The Old Guard.
I remember watching her in 2 Days in the Valley and her career has really taken off since that movie.
I also enjoyed Extraction (the new one with Liam Hemsworth and not the old one with Bruce Willis) on Netflix. I also watched Palm Springs on Hulu and I thought it was hilarious.
I liked Palm Springs quite a bit. It's obviously borrowed its premise from one other classic comedy, but there are enough different spins on the idea that it doesn't feel like a total ripoff.
The Old Guard was all right, but it felt a little too much like a setup for a better movie.
I agree that Palm Springs was able to at some fun new spins on a borrowed premise. Did you get the feeling that Nana was also stuck in the time loop? Her comments to the two main characters seemed to indicate she knew what was going on.
I agree that The Old Guard was a bit of a setup and I think that was obviously intentional based on two things:
1. Netflix wants and needs a sci fi/super hero franchise.
Yeah, that right there is one of my frequent issues with Netflix stuff, which is that a number of their shows seem largely calculated to get you to keep watching the show, rather than providing an actual satisfying story in each installment. Stranger Things does this sometimes. So did the Netflix Marvel shows. And those are episodic shows, not something presented as a "movie," typically a stand-alone story.
I feel like if it's gonna be a movie, give me a full satisfying movie, not just a promise of another one. I suppose there can be exceptions where you know going in that this is a "Part 1" (like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter).
Tough to assign a number value to it....I wouldn't say I am overly afraid of heights. I can fly in an airplane just fine, traverse the Brooklyn Bridge sans hesitation, and can definitely enjoy a Booker's neat or 4 from a window table at the Top of the Mark without the slightest concern.
However, I do have a fear of being close to an edge...I wanted NO part of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. There were a couple of prim-lookin'-stargazers sitting literally 6 feet from the edge having a conversation and I was terrified for them...FFS!!! how could they be so close? I couldn't bring myself within 20 feet of the edge...odd. If it's a cliff's edge, I'm 19/19.
Heh, years ago, at the Grand Canyon we're driving along the South Rim, stopping at the various view points, getting taking in the view and some photos. At one stop, I get like antsy to see more so I walk out on the small saddle and on the other side of it some nice sheer cliff, with a ledge about 4 to 2 feet wide. Walk along a bit, interrupted by a crevasse maybe 2 feet wide. Look down 800-900 feet, think about it "Yeah I got this, just don't look down".
This was maybe 30 years, honestly I was a 4-5, but I'm probably more like a 10 now, I wouldn't have crossed that crevasse (also in sandals?). When I rejoined my son & wife, she told me she overheard some of the other tourists pointing at me saying "look at that crazy man, what is he doing!"
Not a fear in the sense that it scares me, but I do get vertigo/dizzy pretty easily (even if I'm just standing on a step stool) and falling because of that scares me.
That about describes me too. My dad was really afraid of heights. He wouldn't go up the Washington Monument with my mom and me and he had to sit on the escalator step when the elevator wasn't working at the very deep Metro station near me.
13 - I used to be a 4. Could walk to the edge of anything and feel okay, but with a sense of caution. But as I aged, a full on fear started gripping me at taller heights. I can still get to the edge of tall heights - say 50 feet. But when you start getting to 100 and above, I have to edge out to look out. Vertical drop rides used to thrill me, but now terrify me. And those clear glass floors in towers make my knees turn to rubber. That being said pressing my face against the glass of the Sears Tower is like a 1. I'm not sure how my brain processes it.
avert your eyes if you are afraid of heights but had a fantastic vacation in the Canadian Rockies with a pretty amazing Via Ferrata with ridiculous views and exposure.
Via Ferrata is Italian for "iron road" because the Italian army used iron bars that were drilled into the mountains for troop movements.
the nice thing is that since you are clipped into the cables the entire time, the risk of death is pretty close to zero.
4 - not afraid, but cautious around large heights. I like peering over the edge of really tall balconies or railings to see how far down they go, but it always induces a slight tingling in my stomach. Whereas if I'm in a controlled environment (tethered or looking through a clear floor on a high rise), it doesn't have any effect.
The thing I usually get is jelly legs. The closer I walk to the edge the worse it is, especially if I look down. Surprisingly the clear floor doesn't really bother me either, probably because subconsciously I know I'm OK (like on a ropes course).
16 - If there is a railing then I can usually walk out to the edge or if I'm attached to something, like a ropes course, then I can do the course. If there is a free edge, hell no am I getting anywhere close. Surprisingly a railing is better than something like a half wall on the roof of a building. Not sure why that is.
Regardless of the degree to which anyone may agree or disagree with the philosophy driving the administrations' decisions and actions, its amazing how many issues the administration has misjudged so severely. I can actually appreciate some of the minority positions and issues that were previously not being addressed, but utterly ignorant incompetence and a total lack of integrity is another thing. A very troubling thing.
(Might have also shown up in yesterday's dump) The Patriot League (DI, FCS) called off all fall sports (except the military academies, which are members for other than football, though they will be left without most of their schedule). They hope to reschedule in the winter of spring, probably dependent on a vaccine.
Because the NCAA has as much leadership, integrity and competence as the trump administration.
It’s such bullshit that he is immediately eligible but Devon Modster had to sit and had so many issues with his transfer to Cal despite actually sitting a year.
No disagreement with the leadership vacuum in the NCAA - it really is a complete, fraudulent joke, with only FIFA being more corrupt at an organizational level.
However, I was more irritated by Justin Fields being immediately eligible at Ohio State after transferring bc he couldn't beat out Jake Fromm....THAT was some NCAA bullshi%. The NCAA often looks at seasons missed due to injury as the "redshirt" tho - the fact that Daniels lost '19-'20 to the knee probably helped his waiver application.
The Fields waiver was also frustrating and upset me as well. Basically the NCAA treats high profile player transfers to high profile programs with much more leniency than it does for other players and programs.
I am okay at landscape / “still life” and terrible at people. My wife is annoyingly good at getting great pictures with her cell phone and I’ll be churning out pictures of her and the daughters with bits of fence in the way 😠
"Grant Imahara, the electrical engineer and roboticist who rose to fame as a host of the show “MythBusters,” died Monday at the age of 49, according to Discovery Channel.
In a Monday night statement, Discovery confirmed the death of Imahara, an enthusiastic influence in the popular science world best known for building robots and operating electronics on the hit show for a decade.
“We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grant. He was an important part of our Discovery family and a really wonderful man,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
A cause of death was not immediately released by the company. The Hollywood Reporter reported that Imahara died of a brain aneurysm.
Imahara joined “MythBusters” in its third season in 2005 after an invitation from host Jamie Hyneman. For more than 200 episodes, Imahara, lovingly referred to as the “geek” of the show’s build team, wowed audiences by bringing tech to life through his ability to design and operate complex robotics that helped test myths in subjects ranging from skydiving to driving stunt cars."
I guess y'all knew him through the show, I knew him as a tenant for 8 years, he took a corner spot with a roll-up door when a development just opened. At that time his main job was keep the Energizer bunny working, and other jobs for ILM. He really was a great guy. Sad.
He was a founding mentor of a high school robotics team at Richmond High before Mythbusters took up his time, and I got a few chances to chat and work with him when our teams would meet up for testing and practice sessions. He was incredibly generous with his time (and tools), and really inspired a lot of us in that community. I'm going to miss him.
He was also pretty humble, I think he was on MythBusters for the final three years of his tenancy, but he never said anything about it, I didn't find out about him being on TV until years later. I'm legit bummed.
I through together a social distance party on the roof deck with a bunch (12?) of tenants, it's windy up there, safe, and people were very happy with it.
DBD AV Club
PALM SPRINGS IS A MUST WATCH
I'm going to watch Money Heist and Greyhound soon. Also the Old Guard.
Apropos: am nextdoor to where they filmed Weekend at Bernie's.
On the point, top of the dune...got any scotch?
I watched Hamilton last night. 17/19. Tightly written, directed, acted. A+ singing talent - like blows away an pop stars. Does not get full marks because song writing leans heavily on "borrowing" from other songs, but is still a top 10 musical.
I watched it as well. I enjoyed it and I agree the singing is incredible. I'm going to watch it again soon.
I get that he wrote the damn thing, is super charismatic and put together everything, but honestly, LMM is the weakest performer in his own show.
Oh for sure. We saw a matinee performance with his stand-in, and hearing the recorded version with LMM was a bit of a let down
I watched it with my parents and grandparents and was pleasantly surprised when they enjoyed it. They're more Rogers&Hammerstein-style musical fans, so I wasn't sure that they'd enjoy the rap/hip hop style.
Well and one jazz number "what did I miss"
The King's songs are my favorites
Well, they're the funniest
Perry Mason keeps getting better. Beecham House is goofy escapism.
Perry Mason definitely surprised me with how good it is
I watched The Old Guard on Netflix over the weekend and it was good!
Might just be that I'm a sucker for Charlize Theron being badass, but like 17/19
I agree. I watched it on Sunday and enjoyed it. I need more Charlize Theron badassery in the future. I loved her in Mad Max and Atomic Blond.
I hope Netflix develops an Atomic Blonde 2, that rumor is floating around out there. Obviously we will have a sequel to The Old Guard.
I remember watching her in 2 Days in the Valley and her career has really taken off since that movie.
I also enjoyed Extraction (the new one with Liam Hemsworth and not the old one with Bruce Willis) on Netflix. I also watched Palm Springs on Hulu and I thought it was hilarious.
I liked Palm Springs quite a bit. It's obviously borrowed its premise from one other classic comedy, but there are enough different spins on the idea that it doesn't feel like a total ripoff.
The Old Guard was all right, but it felt a little too much like a setup for a better movie.
I agree that Palm Springs was able to at some fun new spins on a borrowed premise. Did you get the feeling that Nana was also stuck in the time loop? Her comments to the two main characters seemed to indicate she knew what was going on.
I agree that The Old Guard was a bit of a setup and I think that was obviously intentional based on two things:
1. Netflix wants and needs a sci fi/super hero franchise.
2. The ending obviously sets up a sequel.
Yeah, that right there is one of my frequent issues with Netflix stuff, which is that a number of their shows seem largely calculated to get you to keep watching the show, rather than providing an actual satisfying story in each installment. Stranger Things does this sometimes. So did the Netflix Marvel shows. And those are episodic shows, not something presented as a "movie," typically a stand-alone story.
I feel like if it's gonna be a movie, give me a full satisfying movie, not just a promise of another one. I suppose there can be exceptions where you know going in that this is a "Part 1" (like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter).
Their business model is based on subscriptions so it makes sense that they'd want to make sure that you stay/come back to them.
I keep hearing good things about Palm Springs. Will have to try it.
Did you guys know there's a CGB Discord server?!
I have recently discovered both Discord and that server and I am excited about chatting that way (with notifications!) :)
I was watching it before WFC was started. Haven't looked there since. Have some of the DBDers moved there?
If WFC has a Discord server, I’d join that too
Seems like there are a few, but I’m hoping for more!
but...but...DBDers should be here!
DBDers should be everywhere
Thus far I've only used Discord for Pokemon Go coordinating.
Rate your fear of heights on a 19 point scale
14, maybe getting worse. Not a fan of cliff edges and clear floors in tall places. Better if I have tethering or other support.
Tough to assign a number value to it....I wouldn't say I am overly afraid of heights. I can fly in an airplane just fine, traverse the Brooklyn Bridge sans hesitation, and can definitely enjoy a Booker's neat or 4 from a window table at the Top of the Mark without the slightest concern.
However, I do have a fear of being close to an edge...I wanted NO part of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. There were a couple of prim-lookin'-stargazers sitting literally 6 feet from the edge having a conversation and I was terrified for them...FFS!!! how could they be so close? I couldn't bring myself within 20 feet of the edge...odd. If it's a cliff's edge, I'm 19/19.
Heh, years ago, at the Grand Canyon we're driving along the South Rim, stopping at the various view points, getting taking in the view and some photos. At one stop, I get like antsy to see more so I walk out on the small saddle and on the other side of it some nice sheer cliff, with a ledge about 4 to 2 feet wide. Walk along a bit, interrupted by a crevasse maybe 2 feet wide. Look down 800-900 feet, think about it "Yeah I got this, just don't look down".
This was maybe 30 years, honestly I was a 4-5, but I'm probably more like a 10 now, I wouldn't have crossed that crevasse (also in sandals?). When I rejoined my son & wife, she told me she overheard some of the other tourists pointing at me saying "look at that crazy man, what is he doing!"
4 - meh
7, maybe?
Not a fear in the sense that it scares me, but I do get vertigo/dizzy pretty easily (even if I'm just standing on a step stool) and falling because of that scares me.
That about describes me too. My dad was really afraid of heights. He wouldn't go up the Washington Monument with my mom and me and he had to sit on the escalator step when the elevator wasn't working at the very deep Metro station near me.
4 or 5 I guess
13 - I used to be a 4. Could walk to the edge of anything and feel okay, but with a sense of caution. But as I aged, a full on fear started gripping me at taller heights. I can still get to the edge of tall heights - say 50 feet. But when you start getting to 100 and above, I have to edge out to look out. Vertical drop rides used to thrill me, but now terrify me. And those clear glass floors in towers make my knees turn to rubber. That being said pressing my face against the glass of the Sears Tower is like a 1. I'm not sure how my brain processes it.
avert your eyes if you are afraid of heights but had a fantastic vacation in the Canadian Rockies with a pretty amazing Via Ferrata with ridiculous views and exposure.
Via Ferrata is Italian for "iron road" because the Italian army used iron bars that were drilled into the mountains for troop movements.
the nice thing is that since you are clipped into the cables the entire time, the risk of death is pretty close to zero.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/KbJoPjLedmjHQUez5
5 or 6. Not terribly afraid.
4 - not afraid, but cautious around large heights. I like peering over the edge of really tall balconies or railings to see how far down they go, but it always induces a slight tingling in my stomach. Whereas if I'm in a controlled environment (tethered or looking through a clear floor on a high rise), it doesn't have any effect.
I think my level of fear when someone else peers over railings is higher than when I'm doing it.
The thing I usually get is jelly legs. The closer I walk to the edge the worse it is, especially if I look down. Surprisingly the clear floor doesn't really bother me either, probably because subconsciously I know I'm OK (like on a ropes course).
5 - i have a healthy caution and preservation instinct but i dont specifically fear heights.
on the other hand i have had some situations in the mountains where there were sheer cliffs only a few feet away and i felt a little nervous about it.
16 - If there is a railing then I can usually walk out to the edge or if I'm attached to something, like a ropes course, then I can do the course. If there is a free edge, hell no am I getting anywhere close. Surprisingly a railing is better than something like a half wall on the roof of a building. Not sure why that is.
Elsewhere in college
actually college, not college sports
Trump Administration Rescinds Rule On Foreign Students
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2020/07/14/donald-trump-ice-lawsuit-international-students-rule-coronavirus-pandemic-online-classes/
Did they think the students and schools would go along quietly?
Pretty much any question about this administration beginning with "Did they think" can be answered a resounding no.
Regardless of the degree to which anyone may agree or disagree with the philosophy driving the administrations' decisions and actions, its amazing how many issues the administration has misjudged so severely. I can actually appreciate some of the minority positions and issues that were previously not being addressed, but utterly ignorant incompetence and a total lack of integrity is another thing. A very troubling thing.
They don't fucking care.
(Might have also shown up in yesterday's dump) The Patriot League (DI, FCS) called off all fall sports (except the military academies, which are members for other than football, though they will be left without most of their schedule). They hope to reschedule in the winter of spring, probably dependent on a vaccine.
UCLA gains four grad transfers
https://news.yahoo.com/ucla-football-officially-adds-four-011413268.html
Running back from Duke seems like a good addition. Others not really prime-time guys.
JT Daniels immediately eligible. I have no idea why he doesn't sit a year.
https://247sports.com/Article/Georgia-football-transfer-QB-JT-Daniels-declared-eligible-by-NCAA-USC-Trojans-149108039/
Maybe he doesn’t want the SEC folks to think he’s chicken?
Because the NCAA has as much leadership, integrity and competence as the trump administration.
It’s such bullshit that he is immediately eligible but Devon Modster had to sit and had so many issues with his transfer to Cal despite actually sitting a year.
No disagreement with the leadership vacuum in the NCAA - it really is a complete, fraudulent joke, with only FIFA being more corrupt at an organizational level.
However, I was more irritated by Justin Fields being immediately eligible at Ohio State after transferring bc he couldn't beat out Jake Fromm....THAT was some NCAA bullshi%. The NCAA often looks at seasons missed due to injury as the "redshirt" tho - the fact that Daniels lost '19-'20 to the knee probably helped his waiver application.
Yeah he was out for almost all of the 19 season so that makes sense
I see your FIFA and raise you an IOC though.
FIFA, IOC, and the NCAA are all terrible. If I had to rank them in terms of evil to terribleness.
1. NCAA
2. IOC
3. FIFA
It’s hard to pick because the IOC never met a shady oligarch and self dealing contract it didn’t like
The Fields waiver was also frustrating and upset me as well. Basically the NCAA treats high profile player transfers to high profile programs with much more leniency than it does for other players and programs.
USC gains a very good assistant coach for its W swim team
https://swimswam.com/former-stanford-head-coach-lea-maurer-joins-usc-staff-as-associate-head-coach/
Hope it works out. I’m low key pleased that they’re making an effort with the Olympic sports still
Landscape
most of my camera equipment and lenses are optimized for landscape photography.
that is really the only good photos i take or like taking
I am okay at landscape / “still life” and terrible at people. My wife is annoyingly good at getting great pictures with her cell phone and I’ll be churning out pictures of her and the daughters with bits of fence in the way 😠
I wish I had that level of painting skill. At the moment, I can only do flat cartoon-y things.
Mythbusters
"Grant Imahara, the electrical engineer and roboticist who rose to fame as a host of the show “MythBusters,” died Monday at the age of 49, according to Discovery Channel.
In a Monday night statement, Discovery confirmed the death of Imahara, an enthusiastic influence in the popular science world best known for building robots and operating electronics on the hit show for a decade.
“We are heartbroken to hear this sad news about Grant. He was an important part of our Discovery family and a really wonderful man,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
A cause of death was not immediately released by the company. The Hollywood Reporter reported that Imahara died of a brain aneurysm.
Imahara joined “MythBusters” in its third season in 2005 after an invitation from host Jamie Hyneman. For more than 200 episodes, Imahara, lovingly referred to as the “geek” of the show’s build team, wowed audiences by bringing tech to life through his ability to design and operate complex robotics that helped test myths in subjects ranging from skydiving to driving stunt cars."
I guess y'all knew him through the show, I knew him as a tenant for 8 years, he took a corner spot with a roll-up door when a development just opened. At that time his main job was keep the Energizer bunny working, and other jobs for ILM. He really was a great guy. Sad.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/07/14/grant-imahara-mythbusters-dead/
He was a founding mentor of a high school robotics team at Richmond High before Mythbusters took up his time, and I got a few chances to chat and work with him when our teams would meet up for testing and practice sessions. He was incredibly generous with his time (and tools), and really inspired a lot of us in that community. I'm going to miss him.
That’s too bad. I didn’t watch the show but it says a lot when every response is one of dismay these days
He was also pretty humble, I think he was on MythBusters for the final three years of his tenancy, but he never said anything about it, I didn't find out about him being on TV until years later. I'm legit bummed.
Didn’t learn until now that he worked on so many’s other notable projects, such as Star Wars.
RIP Grant. He had such an infectious enthusiasm for his work.
RIP Grant Imahara.
Our Crumbling Democracy
Today in Covid-19
What's the best pandemic-adapted activity you guys have seen so far?
I'm in 6.5 book clubs now, because they meet via video conference
I through together a social distance party on the roof deck with a bunch (12?) of tenants, it's windy up there, safe, and people were very happy with it.
Welcome home
I'm not going back to the US for a while.
Pro
Cal
Go Bears!