The Impossible

A disaster movie that focuses on ordinary, complex characters without computerized effects

     The recreation of the tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia in 2004 is the most frightening sequence in a movie this year.  Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, who made the eerie and poignant The Orphanage in 2007, it’s the true story of one tourist family in the midst of that disaster.  A tank and

Austin: Food Truck Parks and South Congress

South Congress Food Truck Lot

     We became aware of the food truck movement a few years ago while watching a challenge on Top Chef.  We’ve seen (and reviewed) some Cincinnati food trucks.  However, food trucks are an entire subculture in Austin with parking lots of

Java Dive Bistro

Speaking the language of coffee 

in Austin's northwest suburb

Java Dive's Subdued Interior

      Java Dive became our choice for starting our days while visiting Austin.  We joined our friends the first morning and from that point we were hooked.  The environment was pared down with metal tables and chairs, simple display cases and painted concrete floors, all in an unassuming small strip center.  Despite all that, the place is warm and welcoming (anything but a dive), which is the explanation for its

A Tour of the Texas Hill Country

From ranch to city life, the landscape offers a bit of California and Provence

LBJ Ranch in Johnson City, TX

      I was at the LBJ Boyhood home in Johnson City on the anniversary of the 70th birthday of President Johnson, which was August 27, 1978.  It was a 100º+ day in the Hill Country and the staff was celebrating by serving cake to all of the visitors that day.  We then took a rather private mobile tour of

Zero Dark Thirty

The relentless hunt for bin Laden thrillingly defines 
a decade of American foreign policy

Dex Hangs Out with Jessica Chastain

     Kathryn Bigelow directs action sequences that are up there with the best of Ford, Kurosawa, Clouzot, Aldrich, Siegel, and Eastwood.  I laughed with astonishment during Point Break when she staged two chases:  one where the villains were masked and ran through back alleys and around various obstacles, and a second when the protagonist, without a parachute, flew falling after the antagonist, who had one.  However, she also made Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves seem credible as actors; few other directors have done so and that’s telling.  Good and great actors are easier to manage than those that

Get Ready for the Ninth Annual Chicken Soup Cookoff

Sunday, January 27th, 12:15 to 2pm

Wise Temple in Amberley Village

Izzy's Serving Their Chicken Soup at Last Year's Event

      We were asked to be judges at this year's Chicken Soup Cookoff, so I mentioned the opportunity to Eric and Neil.  They were excited about it and thought I should join them, but—well, I'm a little shy in crowds.  So they'll be there doing what they do best…eating!  I hope you'll take this occasion to join them.  There will be lots of soups to sample, door prizes, a silent auction, and lots of fun for all ages.  Mark your calendars now and we'll hope to see you there!

http://www.chickensoupcookoff.org      

Kirby's

An easy formula for lunch proves satisfying in all ways

That sure is a sad dog!

The Brightened Interior of Kirby's in Loveland

      The old Sleepy Hollow Tavern in Loveland has awakened!  What was dark with year 'round Christmas lights and decorations has now been revamped into a neighborhood pub.  Molly and I were there for lunch and were impressed with the transformation, simple as it is.  We also

Hyde Park on Hudson

In the face of impending war, 
leaders require a great deal of positive rallying

The Royal Meeting at Hyde Park

     Set during the weekend of the King and Queen of England’s visit to FDR to secure support for the gathering European war, Hyde Park on Hudson is two movies.  One is

Mitchell's Fish Market

Cameron Mitchell's growing chain 
serves an authentic Northeastern experience

Nautical Interior at Mitchell's Fish Market West Chester

      The decor is nautical.  From the time you enter the door, you'll find it a place that could be near any seashore in America.  Yes, it's geographically transforming with its dark woods, navy fabric with white piping, and ship accessories and designations adding to the details.  But the real star is the

Ruth Rendell Upstages Two Recently Acclaimed Debut Writers

Belinda Bauer and Liza Klaussmann 
range in quality and style, but Ruth Rendell 
delivers brilliantly and seemingly effortlessly

Rendell, Bauer, and Klaussmann

     Blacklands by Belinda Bauer was the winner of the Crime Writers’ Association Gold Dagger in 2010 (this is the British counterpart to the American Edgar Awards).  It’s a page-turner in the best sense and I finished it in two sittings on Labor Day.  It’s a very tightly drawn work that cuts back and forth between a boy trying to deal with his family’s despair and the imprisoned serial child killer who murdered his uncle.  I knew from the beginning where it was going, but the suspense is taut.  Bauer examines the serial killer’s mental state well, but I’ve seen that before.  Where she excels is in showing an ordinary boy having the courage to become