Author Archives: Steve

About Steve

47 and counting.

“Five Easy Pieces” (1970): Thoughts

Bobby works on oil rigs in southern California, hangs out with his girlfriend Rayette, and the two end up on a road trip to the Northwest to visit Bobby’s ill father. And while that’s the movie in a nutshell it … Continue reading

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2013.04.14: Sausage Links, or “The Four Horsemeals of the Eggporkalypse.”

Although Ms. S. and I are clearly not unique in the following, it is one of those things we say or transform around each other that identifies us to ourselves: Wait, wait. I’m worried what you just heard was, “Give … Continue reading

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Show, Don’t Tell

So I remember teachers telling us in middle school and high school. So I still see some writers or teachers telling and retelling today. My favorite writing handbook, my old yellow copy of Writers INC, provided a good demonstration of … Continue reading

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Poppy: “Act one beginners, please!” … or the Three-Act Structure

A couple years ago when reading some television criticism something stuck out at me that had always just floated below the surface for so long: that TV episodes and movies were structured around three acts. And everywhere I went I’d … Continue reading

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Friday Fun Film: “Wyvern” (2009)

Let me tell you what I like — love? — about the almost over-achieving Sci Fi movie, “Wyvern” (2009): it’s a formulaic B-movie that hits its notes and maintains interest.

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Things I want to make #1: Sourdough Apple Cake

Why? I have sourdough starter. I have some apples to get rid of. Option? Sourdough Latvian Apple Cake. Will I do it? Not today; there are simpler ways to get rid of a few apples. But it does look delicious … Continue reading

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Q: Do flaxseeds need to be ground?

A: Must? No. Should? Probably.

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Movie Thoughts: “Naked Fear” (2007)

“Naked Fear” (2007) is a nasty, overlong yet little work that can’t quite decide whether it is social commentary masquerading as exploitation or the other way around. A thriller directed by Thom Eberhardt and starring Danielle De Luca, it is … Continue reading

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2013.03.28: “Emotion is also nature, and the rule of decency is something artificial”

“Wrath of the Titans” is not actually any good. It has a large (enough) budget, it has a(n over-)qualified cast, and its plot is (moderately) coherent. It is not, however, any good. It’s not even mediocre; it is inanely mundane … Continue reading

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2013.03.27: Sugar Rush!

Oh. My. It’s like Feb. 14th all over again … but better! Milk chocolate? Check. Dark chocolate? Check.

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