November 30, 2004
It's time to tie one on our Christmas tree
It's that time of year already. Time for the annual Benz and Edge Tree Extravaganza, complete with rampaging Xena yells, disgraced evergreens and assorted holiday absurdity.
This year's party features a special treat. Music by Sara Schwabe and her Yankee Jass Band. It's gonna be way cool. Be there or be square.
Here are the details ...
Map?
Lost? Call 691-7731 or 604-7731.
Now Playing: O Tannenbaum from the album A Charlie Brown Christmas by Vince Guaraldi Trio
Posted by Bob Benz at 9:32 PM | Comments (11)
Airport art ...
I spend way too much time in the Atlanta airport. During my frequent layovers and connections, I've started walking between concourses rather than taking the train. It's good exercise and it clears my head before I sardine into the next Delta can that I have to fly in.
On several occasions, I've walked between the A and B concourses, where there's an incredible collection of stone sculpture by Zimbabwean artists. It's great stuff and a wonderful way to kill some time. Even if you're in a bit of a hurry, it's great to dash past these sculptures. Great stuff ...
Posted by Bob Benz at 8:34 PM | Comments (2)
November 15, 2004
On the road again ...
More travel. Two interesting stops ...
New York City, Greenwich Village: We had dinner at Otto Enoteca Pizzaria last week. It's owned by the Food Network's Mario Batali. When a friend suggested it, I was worried it might be pretentious or culinary overkill. Nothing could be further from the truth. The food was incredible and the wine list was extensive. Price wasn't too bad, either. We had several pizzas, all fantastic, and finished the meal with a sampling of gelato. My favorite was, surprisingly, a pumpkin gelato. While in New York, we also stopped by the Chelsea Market. What a great place. Not something you'd expect to encounter in the middle of New York.
Fort Worth, Texas: We went to see Willie Nelson at Billy Bob's in the Stockyards. I had high hopes but was sorely disappointed. Willie was phoning this one in, and Billy Bob's was horrible. It claims it's the world's largest roadhouse, but it was really a sprawling shopping mall of a place. Terrible venue. Thank god we went to the Loon that afternoon. Now that's a real bar ...
This week, it's Stuart and Naples in Florida, then on to Memphis. Maybe I'll get some decent barbecue there. Or at least bump into Elvis ...
Now Playing: Restless Wind from the album The Earth Rolls On by Billy Joe Shaver
Posted by Bob Benz at 8:46 PM | Comments (1)
November 10, 2004
Something strange in the air ...
Sam Reese is nothing if not enthusiastic. During our college days, it wasn't uncommon to see him ricocheting around campus with a fistful of schemes and ideas.
He's passionate about everything he does, but one passion has always been all-consuming: music.
The last time I saw Sam was a few years ago at the alternative music festival over in Nashville, he was talking about a public radio station he wanted to launch in Cambridge Springs, PA (the land that time forgot). After a lot of hard work, it's on the air, and even the local media have taken notice.
It sounds like an incredible asset. Wish I could pick it up way down yonder is KnoxVegas.
Also, they're looking for sponsors to help keep WXCS on the air. My check is in the mail ...
Posted by Bob Benz at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)
November 5, 2004
They're coming to get you, Barbra
I finally got around to seeing "Shaun of the Dead." I was dubious. It's billed as "A romantic comedy. With zombies." Somehow, I wasn't certain that even zombies could rescue a romantic comedy. Thoughts of "When Harry Met Sally" ran through my mind. But I purged them with high hopes of gore and brain eating.
The gore and brain eating won out. The film brought a neat English sense of humor to the table that was much appreciated. There also were a few nice allusions to the masters of zombie films. When Shaun and friends are talking to his mother on the phone, telling her the only safe place is the pub, he shouts, "We're coming to get you, Barbra." Definitely a toss to Romero's Night of the Living Dead. Also, not sure if it's intentional or not, but Shaun's buddy, Ed (Nick Frost), has definite echoes of Gnaghi, the faithful sidekick in Cemetery Man, perhaps the greatest zombie flick ever made, which features the incredible Anna Falchi, to boot.
Added bonuses: Lucy Davis from "The Office" is in the cast. And this is the first zombie movie I'm aware of where a cricket bat is used to dispatch the undead. Very cool.
Posted by Bob Benz at 6:48 PM | Comments (0)