While the characters are unusual, there is little story to speak of in this novel. It’s more like a series of short stories than a novel. I would have liked more narrative tension, suspense, or drama. The novel is about isolation, so there is some justification for the feeling of disconnection that the lack of story generates.

Essays on Zen meditation, which basically boils down to sitting still and being aware of . . . whatever you’re aware of in your body, mind, and environment.

This is an ensemble star vehicle and was revolutionary in the 1930s for having more stars in one film that any before it. There’s definitely some good acting here. Garbo is amazing. Her face is so expressive. It’s fascinating to watch. Lionel Barrymore is good; John Barrymore’s not bad either.

Old movies are paced slower than modern movies, but this one is particularly slow. Part of the reason is that it tries include the Berlin hotel itself in the cast, showing the variety of characters and situations that occur within it. People who liked Gosford Park would probably like this film.

The plot is not compelling until the end of the film. This is frustrating for modern viewers, and I found myself waiting for something to happen.

The story is somewhat unsatisfying because the antagonist undergoes a transformation, not the hero. The score by Danny Elfman is OK. The animation looks good.

This film brings up the age-old question of how to respond to violence. Both the Palestinians and the Israelis have done horrible things. The question is how to stop the circle of violence. Killing one enemy simply causes more to spring up in his place. At some point, you just have to let go of your anger and be determined to find a peaceful solution.

A series of funny spoofs on current and old Broadway shows. Good singers.

At the Monterey Museum of Art. Good photos make you see the world in a different way. It’s all there to see; it just takes a good eye.

Stalled a few months ago at around #850. Going back to try again.

An amusing live performance. Main topics: the small seaside town he grew up in, his mother, his father, Monty Python, Fawlty Towers, and his medical problems. More Info

This movie had nothing new to offer. Its story was so predictable. It’s an age-old tale of infidelity and its consequences. We’ve seen it a thousand times before.