Tuesday Tidbits

St. Pete Egg Platter patron and Red Skelton look-alike here has unique facial hair.  I've never seen anything like it, and when you do off-kilter stuff like this, you get pictures taken of yourself and pasted on the world wide web.  Looking a lot like a patch of yard that doesn't get mowed, this guy has decided this is a cool look.  I'm not sure it will take off, buddy, er Red.

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 This is amazingly good Bloody Mary mix that I had at Tim's Neighborly Bar and Sometimes Grill.  I thought Whiskey Willy's was the best, but it has now been toppled from the top spot by Jimmy Luv's.  Perfect blend of tasty spices that includes 2 important ingredients:  horseradish and anchovies.  An added bonus is it has a watery consistency unlike others where a fork and knife is sometimes necessary.   

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Now that the long tendrils of Fall are upon us and beckon us toward another Winter, let me recommend a couple of movies for your consideration. 

Still Mine is a Canadian flick that stars James Cromwell and Genevieve Bujold.  Cromwell is known as Farmer Hoggitt in Babe, the Warden in The Green Mile, the Nazi doctor in American Horror Story and many other roles.  You may not know his name but he is easily recognizable.  Bujold, well, I don't recall many films of hers, but  do remember that I thought she was cute when I was a wee lad. 

No cars careening, no explosions, no thumping music designed to heighten suspense, Still Mine may be the best movie you see this year.  This is a movie about people and about aging.  I don't want to say more about it, just see it.  Rent this DVD and if you don't like it, let me know and I'll send you the DVD or pay your On-Demand fee.  Promise. 

It's not often you get a chance to see truly great storytelling, great direction, inspired writing, stunning acting and production values all rolled into one project.  True Detective is one such series.  Apparently this is going to be an anthology but if they can top their first endeavor then we really are going to be in for an annual treat.  This whodunit is secondary to the character development between McConaughey and Harrelson as they track a serial killer in Louisiana.  One of the best ever.  Smart, adult, clever, philosophical, metaphysical with unbelievable location shots

My last recommendation is The Normal Heart about the early fight for AIDS recognition and treatment.  

  

Initially people in the trenches had to fight public perception, governmental and political disinterest and each other.  Today AIDS seems to have been swept under the rug but 6,000 people get infected every day.  Ebola is a piker in comparison.  

The acting is superb (watch for the bearded guy's rant/speech toward the end of the movie), the story riveting and heartfelt.  So cuddle in under a blanket one of these cold nights and watch excellent drama.  We still have plenty of exploding cars and action superheroes to turn to when there is nothing better to watch.  

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Tried to take some pictures of the Orionids meteor shower today at 2:00 AM at Vinoy but the cloud cover was too great.  Today is when they peak.  So, back to bed.  While not as numerous or bright as the Perseids, they would have been worth taking while coming in over the Bay.  I'll try again tomorrow morning, weather permitting.