Movie: The Escapist

Strong B-movie about the lengths that a man will go to venge the death of his wife.

Movie: Say Anything

Warm sweet movie about adolescent love with a great cast.

Movie: Two For the Money

Over the top movie about the sports betting information business. Based on a real person. Partially captures the mania of sports betting but only partially succeeds as a movie. Still, worth watching.

Movie: The Constant Gardener

Aggravating film about corruption in the pharma business in Africa. Unfortunately, the protagonist, played by Ralph Fienes, tunrs out to be a wimp and a loser. Emotionally disappointing.

Movie: Happy Endings

Interesting ensemble movie about relationships. Starts out a bit trite but ends up being quite profound.

Movie: Secuestro Express

Harrowing movie about quick kidnappings in Caracas Venezuela. Brutal and surprising.

I remember visiting Maracaibo, Venezuela in the mid-1990's. I was picked up at the airport by some very very rich people. As our Mercedes would to red lights, the driver would slow down, honk, and then speed through the red light. I couldn't believe how unsafe their driving was!

Turns out that they will never stop at a stop light for fear of kidnapping. As we got out of the car at their house, I saw the shotguns on the inside of the driver's door just like the highway patrol in the west. I then looked up and saw that their house was completely surrounded by high walls, razor wire, and the windows were covered by bars.

They lived with fear every day. Secuestro Express - Movie Info - Yahoo! Movies

Alas, the Bears do not make it to the Super Bowl

Ah well, there is always next year.

Movie: Secuestro Express

Harrowing film about quick kidnappings in Caracas, Venezuela. Scary. This is a real horror movie.

Technology and Poker

I have always been totally fascinated with technology and investing. How can technology be used to create more profits and reduce risk?

The same questions apply to gambling. I recently started a new blog related solely to the use of technology to make money in poker. In particular, I am focusing on poker bots and other poker software. Check out Ppokerr.com!

Movie: 9 Songs

Sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Explicit sex. The usual drugs. Live performances by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Von Bondies, Elbow, Primal Scream, The Dandy Warhols, Super Furry Animals, Franz Ferdinand, and Michael Nyman at the Brixton Acadamy. Rock N' Roll rhythms. The rhythms of a love affair. Oh yes, and a lot of love too.

Movie: Toy Story 2

Remarkable animation, excellent characters, sappy moral. Still, the animation takes my breath away.

Movie: Amores Perro

Three brutal tales. Totally non-Hollywood film is way too real. Bravado film making but somewhat melodramatic.

Movie: 2046

Wong Kar-Wai's 2046
Lush love story. Beautiful but ultimately empty. Each frame is filled with beauty. Each frame is exquisite. But the ennui is palpable.
This is a story told more by voice over than action. Zhang Ziyi can move through several emotions within just a second or two. Few actresses have such finesse.
We can now see that Beauty comes from film, not "fine" art.

Chicago Bears to win Super Bowl?

Well, I don't know but this is an article that makes the case that Da Bears can go all the way. Be still my heart! The Rex factor - NFL - Yahoo! Sports