Feedback?

Monroe

Let me know if you like the new set up.

Is there anything that isn't working?  Anything that needs to be changed?

Any questions....
                      
....comments....
                                            
....curse words????

Comment or email (shaftindustries@yahoo.com)

(PS - remember to click "Dig this!!!" at the bottom of the posts you like)

Movie Night - The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

Richard Burton and Claire Bloom in
"The Spy Who Came in From the Cold"

Recently, I indulged in an early James Bond movie marathon and re-watched the first three films of the series (Dr. No, From Russia with Love and Goldfinger) and it got me wanting to watch more of the great classic spy movies.  As a kid, I used to watch the James Bond movies, mostly because they were on TV about once every month or two.  When VCR's and then DVD's became the "home theater" options later on (yeah, I'm that old), I watched more movies in the spy genre and really grew to love the intrigue, suspense and action that were combined in a good spy movie.

Last night, the Lady of the Manor and I sat down and watched the 1965 film The Spy Who Came in From the Cold.  Directed by Martin Ritt and starring Richard Burton, the film is based on the book of the same name by John le Carré.

Richard Burton plays Alec Leamas, head of British espionage operations in West Germany during the late 50's and early '60's.  The film opens with Leamas waiting for an East German defector to make it across the line separating East from West Germany.  When things go wrong, Leamas' handlers recall him to London and give him a new operation, which will require Leamas to publicly fall from grace and burrow deep down into the enemy East German spy world.

This is a film that requires your attention while you are watching it.  It's very cerebral with twists and turns, crosses and double crosses and much, much more.

Check it out. (WP), (AMG), (IMDB)

(This film's links will be catalogued in the "Movies" sidebar links)

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes.....

Some minor tweaking has been going on around here.  Nothing too drastic, but moves in a positive direction.


You'll notice some graphics changes (fonts, colors, etc.) and you'll notice some clean up here and there, but the big changes are in the sidebar....


<-------here


Toward the bottom, you'll now find sections for interesting radio shows, local blogs and a listing of my recent cinematic experiences.  In the future, I'm hoping to go more in-depth into the films I post, maybe not so much academic criticism, but just (as always) my humble opinions.


It has always been my hope to make this place more than just a place to share music with my friends, colleagues and acquaintances.  I want it to be a page that helps people connect and bring new ideas and experiences to those who I share it with.  


As this blog continues, I also hope to bring travel news, food experiences and other items of interest to fellow travelers. 



RTS

Playlist for December 30th, 2010

Subject, photographer, year and location unknown
(if you know, let me know so I can properly credit)

Let's hear it for the ladies!

This week, female artists dominate our playlist.   All the songs here are from the 1960's and up, with most still active on the music scene.  Lot's of rockin' here, so let's get goin'.

Playlist for December 23rd, 2010

John Belushi as Santa
"Santi-Wrap" Skit from Saturday Night Live
Season 2, Episode 10

Ho, ho (hic) ho....

So, it's the holidays and, like a lot of other folks, I have set up a list for your yuletide pleasure. 

Me?  I've never really been a "holiday" kind of guy.  But, I like celebrations of most kinds, so let's have some fun.

The tunes run the gamut from old time blues to calypso to swing and rock, with some weirdness in between. 

A recipe for a Filthy Martini

Mmmmmartini!

Recipe for a Filthy Martini

What you need:

Ice

Shaker

Gin 

Vermouth

Spanish Queen Olives (unstuffed)

Apertina brand Feta Cheese Squares

First, you chill your martini glass.  I usually leave mine in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes.  While you are waiting for this, take the Apertina Feta Cheese (packed in olive oil with various spices) and stuff your Spanish Queen olives.  I put in six, but I'm a little bit of a glutton when it comes to these.

Pack your shaker with ice and mix the gin and vermouth.  Shake (even though many folks will tell you that shaking a martini is just, plain wrong).  Put in one tablespoon of olive brine and one teaspoon of the olive oil from the Apertina.  Pour in your gin and vermouth mixture, drop in your olives and enjoy (with this weeks playlist)!

Everyone should listen to this show!!!

Steve Cushing has been sending the blues out to the world for the betterment of all man (& woman) kind.  Please take the time to listen to this great show.  It's a lot better than "Jersey Shore".


Link to Blues Before Sunrise weekly playlist


Link to an unofficial Facebook fan page

Playlist for December 17th, 2010

Catherine Deneuve with saxophone
Location, date, photographer unknown
(if you know, let me so I can properly credit)

Sax-y!!!

Our playlist for this Friday has lots of saxophone.  Some R & B shouters, some exotica from the '50's and '60's and some tunes that were played in "gentleman's clubs" during the same period.

There is some trashy weirdness contained in this one.  Enjoy!

Roller Derby!

The Lady of the Manor and I are always excited to see cultural events occurring out on the prairie and, even though we do not live in Decatur, we are contemplating a road trip (and watching the weather - we are supposed to get another winter storm tonight and tomorrow).

The information below was found on the Soy City Rollers Facebook page.

- RTS

Seasons Bleedings!!!

The Soy City Rollers at the Skywalker International Sports Complex 

(the old armory on Eldorado)

Doors open at 6:30 PM 

7 PM Soy City Rollers vs. Decatur All-Stars (Decatur Celebrities) 

8 PM Soy City Rollers vs. McLean County MissFits

9:30 PM After Party KC Hall

Tickets can be purchased at the door 

General Admission is $15 and VIP is $20.

This bout is a fundraiser to benefit community organizations with special assistance programs during the holiday season.

Playlist for December 13th, 2010

From the History Trust of South Australia
date and location unknown
http://www.history.sa.gov.au/

Out here on the prairie, the Lady of the Manor and I have been hunkered down for the last couple of days thanks to a wonderful little snowstorm, complete with gusty winds, snow and single digit temperatures.  

In honor of the nature imposed quarantine, I present the following playlist.  It's really heavy on pre WWII recordings (with some that are pre WWI), so the quality on some of these recordings are poor.  

All opinions are my own.  All notes are sort of my own, with lots of help from Wikipedia, All Music Guide and other websites that I "research" from.