A healthy dose of sarcasm

Read two books recently -

I'm a stranger here myself: [Bill Bryson]
The amusing observations of author Bill Bryson as published in a weekly British newspaper column upon coming back to America after spending 20 years in England. Makes for very entertaining reading. Originally intended for a British audience, I doubt how many Americans themselves will enjoy the book as Bryson takes potshots at the vagaries of the modern American life. Enjoy over a couple of weeks .. reading just a few columns every now and then.

The Dilbert Future: [Scott Adams]
Dilbert is one of my favourite cartoons to read and ponder upon. If you like Dilbert (and you do), you will like this book. Well, sort of. It is mainly Scott Adams' views of the near(?) future peppered with Dilbert comic strips in between. I did enjoy parts of it immensly, but not all commentary is as funny as the strips always are. I am still up for reading 'The Dilbert Principle' .. the original book which preceeded this one.

Movie Reviews

Maria Full of Grace: [Spanish, English subtitles] I had read about this movie somewhere and it had stuck in my mind. Maria is a girl growing up in a small village in Columbia, who wants a better life. She is smart, independent, strong willed and hardworking. The movie revolves on how she gets involved in acting as a 'mule' to get drugs, namely cocaine, across and into the US, and what happens then. Realistic plot, well directed, not overly emotional. What more do you need?

Black: Story based on the life of Helen Keller. As I would probably be the last person who hadnt seen this movie, no sense in writing a review huh? Anyways, acting by both Rani Mukherhjee and Amitabh is good. *The movie has no songs!!* I was overjoyed then I saw this .. this is truly a feat. And I nearly had a heart attack, when after the movie ended .. the credits started to scroll and the first line said .. "Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali" .... he can make watchable films, with understandable plots as well?? That will teach me to judge a person by his previous work. I liked the film, sniffled a bit too, but the Sanjay Bhansali [why does everyone say all 3 parts of his name?] part was the most gratifying one. Honestly.

Surrender pronto, or we'll level Toronto!

I just *cannot* sleep today. Going to set a regular pattern of eating, sleep as well as exercise from tomorrow to avoid this situation.

So .. watched 3/4 movies over the weekend. Here are the ones worth mentioning:-
Canadian Bacon: Movie by Michael Moore. Funny in parts, but drags on sometimes.
Storyline: The prez of the USofA is facing a post-cold war crisis, namely a drop in ratings. Advisors prompt him to start a cold war against Canada to get back the ratings enjoyed by his predecessors.

The Negotiator: [Samuel Jackson, Kevin Spacey] Excellent movie! Must watch! Gripping throughout. Jackson is a hostage negotiator for the Chicago Police Dept. He has to take some drastic steps to clean out the PD and clear his name .. all at one go. Both Jackson and Spacey are brilliant actors. The story itself is well set out and had me on the edge for the most part.