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Movie: Stranger Than Fiction (2006)
A plot-driven film about a character-driven novelist whose story comes to life. It’s amusing, but neither the plot or the characters were very compelling to me. There’s plenty of room for parody and playfulness that just floats by unused, and no background for the characters’ idiosyncrasies is hinted at. Referred by a review on NPR.
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Movie: The Science of Sleep (2006)
All the stories I like have some kind of subconscious element, and in cases like this I don’t mind at all when they are allowed to run free in the “real world” of the story. This movie is bursting at the seams with creative energy and wonderful metaphors. I laughed uncontrollably during parts at the…
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Vedauwoo – Upper Blair
We’re infatuated with the Blair area these days. The wind is coming back to Vedauwoo, but it’s still cool and seductive, and the crags are often sheltered. Sun shines most of the time, interrupted by brief bouts of rain. Life feels full when all this change is going on around you, but also comfortable and…
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We take the cat camping
We’ve always wondered how our cat T-Rex would handle coming along on our camping trips instead of staying behind in the fifth wheel. Now that we have the camper, it seems like time to find out. As practice, we spend a night in our RV park right next to home, so he’ll get used to…
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Movie: Punch Drunk Love (2002)
I’m automatically skeptical of Adam Sandler, but was pleasantly surprised by this performance. Probably because I relate well to socially inept, repressed characters, even if I don’t fly into uncontrollable rages (yet;). The picture of love as a situation where two people can accept and welcome the impulses that society prohibits is a nice change.…
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Blair is cool
Sean and Rogan join us in our rush to escape to Vedauwoo for a weekend of re-energizing. Last weekend’s discoveries at the Lower Blair area were inspiring, so this time we decide to continue to Upper Blair. A campsite presents itself right by “The Eight Ball”, a giant round boulder perched atop a block with…
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Movie: Yi Yi (2000)
I start fascinated and confused by a glimpse into the everyday lives of a family in Taipei. I can’t really follow all of the characters and relationships, but my attention is locked in anyway. Eventually I realize the movie is very skillfully building a story that is meaningful and as real as if I had…
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Vedauwoo – Lower Blair I
Happy with our experience in the Lower Blair area yesterday, we return to try some climbs on another formation. Again it’s all very pleasant, so much so that I forget about my camera until I see this frog on our hike out. Three Roofs 5.7 A nice long route involves friction slab and chimney moves,…
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Vedauwoo – Lower Blair III
Our small party ventures to a new area of Vedauwoo today! The Northwest face of Blair III is quite the blissful spot on a hot day. We tackle some cracks in a leisurely way, most on toprope: Sweet Variation 5.7- My only lead of the day, but a fun one. Random Crystals? 5.8 – a…
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Movie: Breach (2007)
I’m surprised how much I liked this telling of the snaring of infamous spy Robert Hansen. I don’t know how well the real story is represented, but it’s been worked into a very suspenseful story with some commentary on government culture that I can relate to somewhat. Certified Fresh