
Nominated for Best Foriegn Film in 1999, Central Station lacks the gravitas associated with the film style (Italian Neorealism) it is inspired by. Only for a true cinephile.

The story of a gifted pianist, controlled by his father for the better part of his childhood and later in life haunted by his unrealistic expectations and yearning for acceptance / love.
Pushed to insanity by his fathers wish for him to master Rachmaninoff’s 3rd Concerto he suffers a mental break and is admitted to a mental institution. Years later he is released and once again discovers the joy of playing and the adoration of his peers, the audience and family.
My Impressions
An entertaining movie with some outstanding performances. Geoffrey Rush earned his Oscar for best lead actor.
My Job Made Easy
March 23, 2010 • Technology • Comments
Like all great vacations most of time is devoted to eating. We started the day with a delicious guilty pleasure at The Griddle Cafe.
The Golden Ticket
A serving of three massive pancakes filled with Banana, caramel, walnuts and streusel. Topped with real whipped cream, caramel and streusel.
Riddled with guilt we decide to try and flush our systems with a little healthy eating at M Cafe de Chaya. The picture may not look appetisizing but the trust me, the food was amazing.
Madras Tempeh Wrap
masala-baked tempeh, brown basmati rice, toasted almonds, raisins, frizzled onions & crisp vegetables with curried soy yogurt dressing in a whole wheat lavash.
I think all the biking we’ve been doing on this trip has convinced me to pick up a bicycle when I get back. I admit to not being an expert on biking but I’ve narrowed it down to the Montare by Gary Fisher.

If you have any recommendations please let me know. Now, before you sent me links to Cannondale please keep in mind i am on a $1,000 budget.
I’ve always contended that working out using my own body weight as resistance would be more effective that joining a gym and using weights. My inspiration and measurement of success would be the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test.

Two years have passed and according to the chart above I score 95 points, a 1st class fitness test score. On top of achieving this score I had given myself the challenge of reaching the top of a 25 foot rope climb. Using only my upper body strength.
Santa Monica & Muscle Beach
Popularized in the 1950s and featured in many films since then, the network of outdoor workout equipment is where Jack LaLanne and other famous bodybuilders trained. Fully restored and refurbished, Muscle Beach serves gymnasts, acrobats and youth with an extensive gymnastics training area. Features include chinning bars at various heights, parallel bars, rings and a 25 foot rope climb.
I can’t describe the feeling of accomplishment I felt when I reached the top. Two years of busting my ass had truly paid off. I had achieved, no, exceeded my goal of losing weight and getting in shape.
I am officially in the best shape of my life.
With SXSW behind us we set off for LA. A short flight and nap had us energized for a Friday night in West Hollywood. We bounced from bar to bar before landing at Crane’s Hollywood Tavern. I wasn’t expecting much but when Little Bird (of Los Angeles) took the stage I realized the music scene in LA is for real.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
SXSW Interactive 2010 – Day 8
March 18, 2010 • Food, Technology, Travel • Comments
Now that the Interactive portion of SXSW was officially over we had time to explore Austin.
First stop, FOOD!
Sampler @ Iron Works Barbecue

Blackened Talapia PO Boy w/ Grilled vegetables @ Whole Foods Flagship
Foodspotting
While gorging myself I learned about a new blog / iPhone app that is perfect for foodies called Foodspotting and decided to test it out. Check it out here.




