I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow.🤨

 

 🍂 Which Part of Autumn Is Your Favorite? 🍂

Autumn doesn't arrive as one single season. There's the first cool morning when summer finally loosens its grip, the spectacular weeks of color, the crispness of October, and then that quieter stretch when the leaves are gone and winter is waiting just around the corner. Everyone has a favorite version of fall. 

Take the quiz to discover which part of autumn is yours.

---

1. The first real sign of autumn arrives. You: 

A. Notice the cooler air immediately and feel relieved that summer is finally over. 

B. Start looking for the first leaves that are turning color. 

C. Get excited about sweaters, warm drinks, and everything cozy. 

D. Appreciate the quiet change as the landscape starts to empty out. 

 

2. Which autumn sight would you most like to stop and photograph? 

A. A single brilliant tree standing out against a still-green landscape. 

B. A road covered in red, orange, and yellow leaves. 

C. A porch with pumpkins, blankets, and a warm light glowing inside. 

D. Bare branches silhouetted against a cold blue sky. 

 

3. Your perfect autumn afternoon involves: 

A. A long walk on a cool, sunny day. 

B. Driving somewhere scenic to see the foliage. 

C. Staying home with something warm to drink and nowhere you need to be. 

D. Wandering somewhere quiet after most of the leaves have fallen. 

 

4. What do you most enjoy about autumn weather? 

A. Finally being able to go outside without immediately getting overheated. 

B. Crisp days with brilliant sunshine. 

C. Chilly evenings that make staying indoors feel especially good. 

D. The sharp, almost wintery air that signals a real change is coming. 

 

5. Which autumn feeling appeals to you most? 

A. Relief: summer is finally letting go. 

B. Wonder: the world is putting on one last spectacular show. 

C. Comfort: everything seems designed for slowing down and getting cozy. 

D. Stillness: the year is becoming quieter, and that's not a bad thing.

 

Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Nathaniel Hawthorne, from The American Notebooks: The Centenary Edition]

I say let the world go to hell, but I should always have my tea

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow.🤨

 

☕ Which Flavor of Tea Are You? 🍋

 

 Tea is more than a drink. It can be a morning ritual, a comforting pause, a little burst of energy, or an excuse to sit somewhere quiet and watch the world go by. And just as everyone has a preferred way to take their tea, everyone has a flavor that somehow feels like them. 

Take the quiz to discover which flavor of tea you are.

---

 

    1. Your ideal tea-drinking moment is: 

A. A quiet morning, before the day has properly begun. 

B. An afternoon break with something sweet on the side. 

C. A rainy evening, preferably with a book nearby. 

D. Sitting outside on a sunny day, doing absolutely nothing in particular.  

 

    2. Someone hands you a tea you've never tried before. Your first reaction is: 

A. I'll try it. I'm curious about new things. 

B. What does it smell like? That's usually a good clue. 

C. Is it going to be strong? I like my tea to have some character. 

D. If it looks pretty, I'm already halfway convinced.  

 

    3. Which of these sounds most appealing? 

A. Something bright and refreshing. 

B. Something rich, warm, and familiar. 

C. Something delicate with an unexpected twist. 

D. Something cozy and gently sweet.  

 

    4. If your personality were a tea shop, it would be: 

A. Bright windows, plants everywhere, and a cheerful little bell over the door. 

B. Dark wood, comfortable chairs, and shelves full of old books. 

C. Small and slightly eccentric, with things on the menu you've never heard of. 

D. Warm, welcoming, and probably offering homemade cookies. 

 

    5. What do you most want your cup of tea to do for you? 

A. Wake me up and make me feel ready for the day. 

B. Help me slow down and feel settled. 

C. Give me a little moment of pleasure I wasn't expecting. 

D. Make an ordinary day feel just a bit nicer. 

 

[the title quotation is Fyodor Dostoevsky, from Notes from Underground]

ah, the jungle of finance. Men must work, and women must weep!

Average rating: 6.25, but more entertaining than it might appear from the numbers

Downtown Torpedoes {San tau dip ying} (1997) - "A fast-paced Hong Kong action caper with style to spare, this film assembles an appealing cast—including Takeshi Kaneshiro, Jordan Chan, Kelly Chen, and Michael Wong—for a globe-trotting tale of thieves, spies, and shifting loyalties. More interested in energy than realism, the film mixes gunplay, comedy, friendship, and romance into a breezy late-'90s package that captures an era when Hong Kong cinema seemed determined to make every chase, explosion, and flirtation look effortlessly cool." 

length: 1h, 43m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Teddy Chan  |  why I watched: I'm working my way through Takeshi Kaneshiro's filmography

IMDb: 5.9/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: NA / 45% Audience  |  my IMDb: 5/10  |  MPAA: Not rated

tone & texture: energetic, fast-cut/kinetic

notable quote: "Quick! Get them! Shoot to kill!"

my notes: oh boy, what a mess. There are some elements of a good movie here, but none is fully-developed and too many are sinkholes of lost plot. Kaneshiro is solid as always, with a few moments of grace. I was particularly impressed by Ken Wong's interpretation of Titan, who could have been merely bumbling and silly but was, instead, a compelling mystery. Theresa Lee stole the show as Phoenix, who becomes the emotional center of the story and the force that holds this disparate group together. Unfortunately, the film makes a choice that effectively pulls that center out from under the other characters far too early, and they spend much of the rest of the movie reeling from it. 

    Part of the problem is that the film careens between genres, speeds, and tones. Is it a slick, fun caper? A new-adult exploration of camaraderie and loss? A revenge thriller? A comedy? A tragedy? At 103 minutes, there's plenty of time to answer the most important question: why should we care? Unfortunately, the film never makes that answer clear enough.

themes: loyalty, found family, courage

if this movie were a food it would be:  a veggie burger with sweet potato fries. It's close to being delicious but instead leaves an aftertaste and a sore belly.

overall:  recommended to fans of caper movies or 90's HK films

 

Midnight Lace (1960) - "Doris Day gives a compelling dramatic performance in this stylish psychological thriller, as an American woman living in London becomes increasingly frightened by a series of threatening phone calls. The film makes excellent use of Day's familiar sunny screen persona, making her growing fear and uncertainty all the more unsettling. Rex Harrison and Myrna Loy provide strong support, while London's elegant settings create an appealing contrast to the mounting tension. A suspenseful, atmospheric thriller that keeps its grip without needing to oversell its twists." 

length: 1h, 43m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by David Miller  |  why I watched: I'm curious to see more noir films

IMDb: 6.8/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 83% / 72% Audience  |  my IMDb: 8/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: unsettling, classic Hollywood polish

notable quote: "'Oh, Bea. Don't ever change.' 

    'I try not to, but the bills at the beauty parlor get bigger every year.'"

my notes: excellent mystery! I had real goosebumps for the last 15 minutes. The film is paced and shot like Hitchcock, and lives up to the comparison. I am impressed.

    Day's performance is revelatory, since my prior experience with her had been only squeaky-clean and chipper. Harrison, too, opened my eyes to his depth and subtlety; he's much more The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947, reviewed here and here) than The Honey Pot (1967, reviewed here). Myrna Loy adds a welcome grace, charm, and a sense of stability to the mix.

themes: isolation, identity

if this movie were a food it would be: fresh, hot, salty tortilla chips with surprisingly spicy salsa

Academy Awards nominee  

overall: highly recommended

The Other Guys (2010) - "Terry Hoitz's past mistakes in the line of duty and Allen Gamble's reluctance to take risks have landed them the roles of the "Other Guys", disgraced New York City police detectives relegated to filling out paperwork for cocky hero cops Danson and Highsmith. The mismatched duo must look past their differences when they take on a high-profile investigation of shady capitalist David Ershon and attempt to fill the shoes of the notoriously reckless officers they idolize." 

length: 1h, 47m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Adam McKay  |  why I watched: it got not-bad reviews, and I am always looking to see more comedies

IMDb: 6.7/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 78% / 60% Audience  |  my IMDb: 5/10  |  MPAA: PG-13

tone & texture: playful, crisp & modern

notable quote: "No, I don't like you. I think you're a fake cop. The sound of your piss hitting the urinal, it sounds feminine. If you were in the wild, I would attack you, even if you weren't in my food chain. I would go out of my way to attack you. If I were a lion and you were a tuna, I would swim out in the middle of the ocean and freaking eat you and then I'd bang your tuna girlfriend."

my notes: dumb, forgettable, but not as offensively sophomoric as some of Ferrell's movies (nor Wahlberg's, for that matter). Eva Mendes is by far the high point—she's got great comic timing! Overall, though, it feels like a string of SNL quips that went long. 

themes: identity, courage

if this movie were a food it would be:  Whoopie Pie. Definitely bad for you, cloying, and probably a once-in-a-lifetime taste for me.

overall: mildly recommended, and only to those with a known tolerance for Ferrell

 

The Black Rose (1950) - "In this historical adventure set in 13th-century England and Mongolia, Walter of Gurnie, a disinherited English nobleman, leaves England with his companion Tristram Griffin and eventually joins a journey eastward that brings them into the orbit of the Mongol Empire. The film stars Tyrone Power as Walter and Orson Welles as the Mongol ruler Bayan, with Cécile Aubry and Jack Hawkins in supporting roles. Based on the novel by Thomas B. Costain, the film combines medieval adventure, romance, and political intrigue across a broad geographical setting." 

length: 2h, 0m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Henry Hathaway  |  why I watched: ze Cat shared with me a massive collection of movies on DVD, including a large number of swashbucklers. This is the first on the list!

IMDb: 6.2/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: NA / 41% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: energetic, classic Hollywood polish

notable quote: "'Scholar? Maybe I'm a little sorry I thought of this journey for you, but be sure of this: if they kill you, I'll kill ten of them for every hair on your head. I have a strange feeling I may not see you again; if that's true, I'll miss you, Scholar. ...I don't miss many men.' 

    'Well, for your sake, I'll try not to get killed.'"

my notes: way more engaging and well-paced than I'd expected, I enjoyed this film a great deal. Much of the dialog is witty, thoughtful, and historically... well, it's pretty close. Power makes eager Walter draw the eye of the viewer. Welles works as a Mongol bigwig, larger than life, imbued with blood-thirst and greed and smart enough to make it happen. The only wrong note in this song is Cécile Aubry as Maryam, Walter's love interest. She looks so young and behaves in a manner so foolish and goofy, it's impossible to take her seriously. And her extremely unfortunate resemblance to JonBenet Ramsey's toddler pageant photos is creepy.

themes: tradition vs. change, courage, redemption

if this movie were a food it would be:  spiced nuts. Not something I go for on a daily basis, but once I start with them I don't want to stop. And there's always at least one that's gone off or collected too much spice and makes me regret the choice for a few moments. 

Academy Awards nominee 

overall:  recommended

[the title quotation is from Midnight Lace]

it's not the thing you fling, it's the fling itself

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow.🤨

 

🏔️ Mindplay Friday: Which Northern Exposure Character Is Your Emotional Doppelgänger? 🏔️

 

Cicely, Alaska: 

populated by people who are all just a little bit unusual—and that's precisely what makes them so memorable! Some are practical, some philosophical, some romantic, some stubborn, and some seem to be operating according to an entirely different set of rules. 

 

Take the quiz to discover which Northern Exposure character is your emotional doppelgänger.

---

1. You arrive in a strange new place. What do you do first? 

A. Find the nearest interesting person and start asking questions. 

B. Look around quietly and figure out how everything works. 

C. Find somewhere comfortable and observe the locals. 

D. Start making yourself at home as though you've been there forever. 

 

2. Which quality do you value most in yourself? 

A. Curiosity. 

B. Independence. 

C. Loyalty. 

D. Imagination. 

 

3. Someone comes to you with a complicated personal problem. Your response is: 

A. Ask questions until you discover what's really going on. 

B. Offer practical advice and a workable solution. 

C. Listen patiently, even if the problem makes no sense to you. 

D. Tell them a story that somehow makes everything clearer. 

 

4. Your ideal evening in Cicely would involve: 

A. An interesting conversation that wanders into completely unexpected territory. 

B. A quiet drink and some time to think. 

C. Good food, good company, and people you actually care about. 

D. Music, art, or some other form of creative inspiration. 

 

5. Which statement sounds most like you? 

A. “There has to be more to this than meets the eye.” 

B. “I'll figure it out myself.” 

C. “People matter, more than being right.” 

D. “Why does everything have to make sense?”

 

    Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Louis Chunovic, from The Northern Exposure Book: The Official Publication of the Television Series]

we, who are now in Space, look down on Flatland and see the inside of all things

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow.🤨

 

📍 Mindplay Friday: Which Region of the United States Are You? 🧭

From rocky coastlines to wide-open prairies, every region of the United States has its own personality. Answer these five questions to discover where your inner landscape feels most at home.

---

1. Which quality do you value most?

A. Tradition
B. Independence
C. Hospitality
D. Curiosity

2. Your ideal weekend involves:

A. Visiting a historic town or museum
B. Exploring nature or taking a road trip
C. Gathering with family and friends
D. Discovering a new restaurant, event, or neighborhood

3. Which landscape appeals most?

A. Rocky coastline and forests
B. Mountains and open skies
C. Rolling countryside and rivers
D. Lakes, cities, and varied terrain

4. How do you approach challenges?

A. Draw on experience and proven methods
B. Trust your own judgment
C. Lean on relationships and teamwork
D. Adapt and improvise

5. Pick a motto:

A. "Know where you came from."
B. "Make your own path."
C. "People come first."
D. "Keep learning."

Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Edwin A. Abbott, from Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions]

winning isn’t everything, but losing isn’t anything

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🥜 Mindplay Friday: Which Peanuts Character Would Be Your Spiritual Guru? 🥜

 

Life is confusing. 

Fortunately, the Peanuts gang has plenty of opinions about happiness, perseverance, friendship, disappointment, and the occasional kite-eating tree. 

Answer these five questions to discover which Peanuts character would be your unlikely spiritual guide.

---

1. When life doesn't go according to plan, what is your usual response?

A. Keep trying, even if success seems unlikely
B. Think deeply about what it all means
C. Find something joyful and distracting
D. Trust that things will work out eventually

2. Which quality do you value most?

A. Persistence
B. Wisdom
C. Imagination
D. Kindness

3. What sounds most appealing on a quiet afternoon?

A. Working toward a goal
B. Reading and reflecting
C. Daydreaming or creating something
D. Spending time with people you care about

4. Which quote comes closest to your outlook?

A. "Keep going."
B. "Seek understanding."
C. "Life needs a little wonder."
D. "People matter most."

5. Your ideal teacher would be:

A. Encouraging
B. Insightful
C. Inspiring
D. Compassionate

Results in the comments!

[the title quotation is by Charles M. Schulz, from The Complete Peanuts, 1967-1968]

slang possesses an economy, an immediacy that's attractive, all right, but it devalues experience by standardizing and fuzzing it

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🥸 Mindplay Friday: Which Modern Slang Term Are You? 🤟

 

Language changes. New words appear, old words get recycled, 

and somehow everyone else seems to know what they mean before you do. 

Answer these five questions to discover which modern slang term best captures your energy!

---

1. How do you react when plans suddenly change?

A. Roll with it and see what happens
B. Make the best of the situation
C. Stay calm and figure out a solution
D. Wonder why nobody consulted you first

2. Which quality do you value most?

A. Authenticity
B. Confidence
C. Reliability
D. Humor

3. Your friends come to you for:

A. Honest opinions
B. Encouragement
C. Practical advice
D. Entertainment

4. Which statement sounds most like you?

A. "Just be yourself."
B. "Own it."
C. "Let's think this through."
D. "This story gets better every time I tell it."

5. Pick a weekend activity:

A. Exploring somewhere new
B. Hosting a gathering
C. Finishing a project
D. Following a random rabbit trail of interests

Results in the comments!

[the title quotation is by Tom Robbins, from Skinny Legs and All]

lucky girl - you picked a handsome guy without knowing he's also smart!

Average rating: 7.75

Greed in the Sun {Cent mille dollars au soleil} (1964) - "A rugged French adventure that blends road movie, western, and character drama into a dusty chase across the North African desert. After a truck loaded with valuable cargo is stolen, rival drivers pursue it through unforgiving terrain where greed, pride, and old loyalties collide. Jean-Paul Belmondo and Lino Ventura anchor the film with charismatic, understated performances that keep the focus on the shifting relationship between the men as much as the pursuit itself. Directed by Henri Verneuil, it offers sweeping desert landscapes, dry humor, and a thoughtful look at what people will risk when fortune is within reach." 

length: 2h, 2m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Henri Verneuil  |  why I watched: I saw it in an ad and thought it might be for me

IMDb: 7.0/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: NA% / 84% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: gritty, textured/earthy

notable quote: "It's not a truck, it's a confessional."

my notes: strange film. It's an adventure, and a sort of buddy movie, and it's humor can catch one off guard. It was confusing to me, and I had a hard time getting a grip on it. I did appreciate the camera work, including some amazing shots of the desert from between Belmondo's legs, and a couple that made Ventura appear absurdly huge and powerful (like that at left). Let's say I found it more visually appealing than engaging or compelling. 

themes: loyalty, moral ambiguity, power, transformation

if this movie were a food it would be:  smelly cheese and sourdough bread

overall: mildly recommended

 

The Real Glory (1939) - "A rousing colonial-era adventure with surprising moral complexity beneath its old-Hollywood swagger. Gary Cooper plays an American doctor sent to the southern Philippines, where bandit attacks, cultural conflict, and military pride collide. Though unmistakably a product of its time—with all the baggage that entails—The Real Glory succeeds best when it focuses on courage, leadership, and the uneasy relationship between idealism and force. Worth watching with both appreciation and a critical eye." 

length: 1h, 36m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Henry Hathaway  |  why I watched: I generally appreciate Gary Cooper's movies, and was curious about an early one

IMDb: 6.5/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 80% / 42% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: gritty, classic Hollywood polish

notable quote: "'Mac, don't tell me you've finally found your island?'

    'Yeah, and as soon as we finish up this job, I'm moving in. That'll be the world of Terence McCool. A darling of an island: a Garden of Eden.'

    'You better start looking for an Eve.'

    'Oh, no—I want peace and quiet.'"

my notes: I liked it. David Niven is the real star, in my book: he's bold, witty, and shows such a range of emotions with barely a word. Cooper is wonderful as always, a little awkward and quite heroic. 

themes: courage, sacrifice, loyalty

if this movie were a food it would be:  Phili cheesesteak - hearty, satisfying, and not for everyday

overall:  recommended

Mechanic—Resurrection (2016) - "Jason Statham returns as elite assassin
Arthur Bishop in a globe-trotting action thriller that cheerfully prioritizes inventive set pieces over plausibility. The romance arrives at warp speed and the body count stretches credibility well past the breaking point, but the film's spectacular locations, imaginative assassinations, and Statham's trademark cool make it an easy movie to enjoy on its own terms. Tommy Lee Jones, having what appears to be tremendous fun, steals every scene he's in. Turn off the part of your brain that counts bullets, and it's an entertaining ride." 

length: 1h, 38m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Dennis Gansel  |  why I watched: I was in the mood for a solid fave (previously reviewed here and here)

IMDb: 5.8/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 29% / 40% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: R

tone & texture: energetic, hyper-glossy action

notable quote: "'Cappuccino, Espresso?' 

    'Espresso - no sugar.'"

my notes: the best action movies are unlikely, humorous and/or romantic, and lively. This one fits the bill. Are there elements that strain credulity? Sure. Does that detract from the plot, or make the characters less compelling? Not at all. 

    I'm deathly afraid of heights, but the pool scenes get me every time. I enjoy this one. 

themes: revenge, isolation, courage

if this movie were a food it would be:  chicken Caesar salad with homemade croutons. Fresh, crunchy, nourishing, savory, and tangy. Hits the spot.

overall:  recommended

It Happened One Night (1934) - "One of the foundational romantic comedies,
this film remains astonishingly fresh nearly a century later. Frank Capra's road movie follows a runaway heiress and a down-on-his-luck reporter who would rather argue than admit they're falling in love. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert create a rhythm of banter, exasperation, generosity, and mutual respect that became the blueprint for countless films to follow. Funny, warm, and surprisingly observant about class, pride, and the ordinary kindness of strangers during the Depression, it isn't just historically important—it still feels alive." 

length: 1h, 45m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Frank Capra  |  why I watched: I've seen it many times but never reviewed it yet. It was mentioned here, in a recap of some memorable films for me

IMDb: 8.1/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 98% / 93% Audience  |  my IMDb: 10/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: playful, classic Hollywood polish

notable quote: "'Have you ever been in love, Peter?' 

    'Me?' 

    'Yes. Haven't you ever thought about it at all? It seems to me you, you could make some girl wonderfully happy.' 

    'Sure, I've thought about it. Who hasn't? If I could ever meet the right sort of girl. Aw, where you gonna find her? Somebody that's real. Somebody that's alive. They don't come that way anymore. Have I ever thought about it? I've even been sucker enough to make plans. You know, I saw an island in the Pacific once. I've never been able to forget it. That's where I'd like to take her. She'd have to be the sort of a girl who'd... well, who'd jump in the surf with me and love it as much as I did. You know, nights when you and the moon and the water all become one. You feel you're part of something big and marvelous. That's the only place to live... where the stars are so close over your head you feel you could reach up and stir them around. Certainly, I've been thinking about it. Boy, if I could ever find a girl who was hungry for those things..."

my notes: my favorite movies involve a progression, some way that the characters are deeply changed from start to finish. This is one of the best of those. Gable's Peter Warne is savvy and ingenious, and develops a different sort of backbone and also a more open mind. Colbert's Ellie Andrews starts out naïve, shallow, and a bit thoughtless—though she's genuinely kind and curious, too. By the end of the film, she is aware of others in ways she could not see before, and also much more honest to and about herself. This is the prototype "friendship goals" movie, prehaps the best there will ever be. 

themes: love   

if this movie were a food it would be:  cinnamon toast. It might seem insubstantial, but it is a staple for me: salty, sweet, a hint of spice, and more depth of flavor than it's given credit for.

Academy Awards: this film won the Big Five. 

overall: most highly recommended

 

[the title quotation is from Greed in the Sun]

what I would like to do for a lovely young fairy such as you is to grant a wish you might have, to make your wish come true. Anything. Anything at all that you wish for—assuming that you do have such a wish

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🎁 Mindplay Friday: What Should You Give Me, for My Birthday? 💝

 

Some people treasure experiences. 

Others cherish beautiful objects, practical gifts, or heartfelt gestures. 

Answer these five questions to discover the birthday gift 

from you 

that would make me happiest!

---

1. Which means the most to you?

A. Knowing someone took time to express their feelings
B. Beauty and thoughtfulness
C. Freedom to choose exactly what you want
D. Something tangible to keep and enjoy
E. Time spent together

2. A perfect birthday afternoon would include:

A. Meaningful conversation
B. A stroll through a garden or art gallery
C. Browsing shops or planning a future treat
D. Opening a carefully wrapped package
E. Gathering around a table with people you love

3. Which quality do you value most in a gift?

A. Sincerity
B. Elegance
C. Practicality
D. Lasting value
E. Warmth

4. Years later, what are you most likely to remember?

A. The words someone wrote
B. The way something brightened the day
C. The freedom to choose something perfect
D. The object itself
E. The experience and company

5. Pick a birthday wish:

A. "Tell me what I mean to you."
B. "Make the day feel special."
C. "Help me get something I've been wanting."
D. "Give me something beautiful to treasure."
E. "Let's share a meal together."

    Results in the comments!

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Haruki Murakami, from Birthday Girl]

then we got into a labyrinth, and, when we thought we were at the end, came out again at the beginning, having still to see as much as ever

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🤔 Mindplay Friday: What Type of Puzzle Are You? 🤨

 

Some people thrive on logic. Others love patterns, mysteries, or seeing the big picture come together. Answer these five questions to discover which type of puzzle best matches your personality!

---

1. You are given a difficult problem. What's your first instinct?

A. Break it into smaller pieces
B. Look for hidden patterns
C. Gather clues and investigate
D. Try different approaches until something clicks

2. Which activity sounds most appealing?

A. Organizing a large collection
B. Solving a brain teaser
C. Reading a mystery novel
D. Exploring somewhere unfamiliar

3. Friends would describe you as:

A. Patient
B. Analytical
C. Observant
D. Creative

4. Which statement resonates most?

A. Everything fits together eventually.
B. There is always a logical solution.
C. The truth is hidden beneath the surface.
D. The journey is as important as the answer.

5. Pick a setting:

A. A large table covered with pieces waiting to be assembled
B. A quiet room with a pencil and notebook
C. An old library full of secrets
D. A winding path through unknown territory

Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by François Fénelon, from The Adventures of Telemachus (1699)]

she felt like a marshmallow heading into a house fire armed with chocolate and graham crackers

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow. 🤨

 

🍘 Mindplay Friday: What Snack Cracker Are You? 🍘

 

Crispy, crunchy, dependable, or delightfully odd—

snack crackers come in more varieties than you might expect. 

Answer these five questions to discover 

which cracker best matches your personality

---

1. Which quality do people appreciate most about you?

A. Reliability
B. Creativity
C. Warmth
D. Intelligence

2. You arrive at a party. What role do you naturally take?

A. The dependable helper
B. The person starting interesting conversations
C. The one making everyone feel welcome
D. The observer who notices everything

3. Pick a preferred afternoon activity:

A. Finishing a project
B. Trying something new
C. Visiting with friends
D. Reading or learning something interesting

4. Which phrase sounds most like you?

A. "If it works, it works."
B. "Why not?"
C. "Come on in."
D. "That's interesting..."

5. Choose a beverage:

A. Coffee
B. Sparkling water with something unusual in it
C. Hot tea
D. Whatever pairs best with the occasion

    Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Benjamin R. Smith, from Atlas]

the arts and sciences, And a thousand appliances; The wind that blows Is all that any body knows

More accurate than a Buzzfeed quiz; less accurate than your therapist’s raised eyebrow.🤨

 

⏲️ Mindplay Friday: Which Kitchen Appliance Are You? 🧑🏼‍🍳

 

Every kitchen has its stars, its workhorses, and its unexpected specialists. 

Answer these five questions to discover 

which kitchen appliance best matches your personality!

---

1. How do you usually approach a challenge?

A. Carefully and methodically
B. Quickly and efficiently
C. Creatively and experimentally
D. Dependably and consistently

2. Which quality do you value most?

A. Precision
B. Adaptability
C. Innovation
D. Reliability

3. What role do you often play in a group?

A. The planner
B. The problem-solver
C. The idea generator
D. The steady supporter

4. Your ideal weekend activity is:

A. Finishing a long-term project
B. Tackling a list of errands and crossing things off
C. Trying something you've never done before
D. Spending comfortable time with familiar people

5. Pick a motto:

A. "Details matter."
B. "Work smarter, not harder."
C. "Let's see what happens."
D. "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." 

    Results in the comments!

 

[quiz generated by chatGPT; the title quotation is by Henry David Thoreau, from Walden or, Life in the Woods]

he's not a bit like you. / And you're not a bit like you. I mean you aren't what you seem to be.

Average rating: 6.6

Star Trek: Generations [i.e. Star Trek 7] (1994) - "Captain Jean-Luc Picard faces personal loss while confronting a scientist whose obsession with recapturing paradise threatens millions of lives. At the same time, the film passes the torch from the original Star Trek crew to The Next Generation, giving two iconic captains an opportunity to share the screen. More reflective than action-oriented, it explores regret, purpose, and the temptation to escape the pain of ordinary life." 

length: 1h, 58m  |  source: my Blu-ray  |  directed by David Carson  |  why I watched: I've seen it several times, but haven't reviewed

IMDb: 6.6/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 48% / 57% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: PG

tone & texture: reflective, crisp & modern

notable quote: "'I hate this! It is revolting!'

    'More?' 

    'Please!'"

my notes: it's not the best movie ever, or even the best in the franchise, this is the movie version of "jack of all trades, and master of none." If it were just about Data's emotion chip, or saying goodbye to Kirk and Scotty and Chekov, or Picard's tragedy, or Soran's quest—or any of the half dozen other stories being covered—then it would be a nice, tight, entertaining movie. Instead, it's underdeveloped and scattershot, playing like a Best Of television episode rather than a feature film. Still and all, I enjoyed it, and will see it again. These are my guys, after all!

if this movie were a food it would be:  appetizer platter. There's a lot of tasty things to try, but not enough of any of them. 

themes: tradition v. change, found family, identity

overall:  recommended

 

Walking Tall (2004) - "After returning to his hometown, a former Special Forces soldier finds that corruption, drugs, and intimidation have transformed the community he remembers. Refusing to look the other way, he becomes sheriff and wages a blunt, personal campaign to restore order. Lean, fast-moving, and unapologetically old-fashioned, the film updates the classic 'one good man versus a broken town' story with modern action and a surprising amount of heart." 

length: 1h, 26m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Kevin Bray  |  why I watched: it's another film I've seen before but did not review

IMDb: 6.2/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 27% / 59% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: PG-13 (LOL)

tone & texture: gritty, high-color/stylized

notable quote: "Casinos are all the same. Room full of fake boobs and real assholes."

my notes: before I say anything else: Johnny Knoxville is the heart of this movie, and he is wonderful in the role of Ray. He's a really good actor. 

     I went into it hoping for action and heroism, and that's what I got. I didn't go in looking for cinematic brilliance, and so I wasn't disappointed.

if this movie were a food it would be: Pizza Hut buffet. A variety, but all within a small range. Meaty, salty, flavorful, not at all nutritious, and weirdly enthralling.

themes: justice, found family, courage

overall:  recommended

Secret Beyond the Door (1947) - "After a whirlwind romance, a wealthy New York woman marries a mysterious architect and follows him to his sprawling estate, where she discovers that her new husband harbors unsettling secrets behind a series of locked rooms. As suspicion, fear, and fascination become increasingly intertwined, she struggles to determine whether the danger lies within the house, within her husband, or within her own imagination. Fritz Lang blends Gothic mystery with psychological drama, creating an atmosphere of mounting unease in which shadows and silence are often as revealing as dialogue. The result is a stylish, unsettling character study that rewards close attention to mood as much as plot." 

length: 1h, 39m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Fritz Lang  |  why I watched: it was discounted by my favorite purveyor of unexpected movies, and seemed like something I might like

IMDb: 6.6/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 65% / 54% Audience  |  my IMDb: 6/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: unsettling, noir shadows

notable quote: "I'm marrying a stranger, a man I don't know at all."

my notes: the comparisons to Rebecca (1940, reviewed here) are apt, but only as a first step. Secret is smaller and tighter. Beautifully framed and lit, with spectacular shadows and depth. I didn't exactly love the acting, and the music was 50º beyond distracting, but overall I think this is one to watch. 

if this movie were a food it would be:  there is a sandwich at a local deli called Don't Be a Chicken: Chicken breast, smothered in bacon aioli, Swiss cheese and lettuce served on ciabatta roll. Despite the deceptively simple description, it offers intricate and layered flavors. 

themes: identity, isolation

overall:  mildly recommended

The Meg (2018) - "During a deep-sea rescue mission, an experienced diver is called back into service when a scientific expedition encounters a creature thought to have been extinct for millions of years. As the enormous megalodon begins threatening both the research team and the unsuspecting public above, survival depends on a combination of expertise, nerve, and increasingly improbable plans. Mixing creature feature, disaster movie, and action spectacle, The Meg embraces its outlandish premise with a straight face and a healthy appreciation for larger-than-life entertainment." 

length: 1h, 53m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by Jon Turteltaub  |  why I watched: I'm on a Statham kick lately

IMDb: 5.7/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 47% / 44% Audience  |  my IMDb: 6/10  |  MPAA: PG-13

tone & texture: straightforward hyper-glossy action

notable quote: "Chew on this, you ugly bastard."

my notes: it's no Jaws, for sure. (That is a required line for every review of this movie.) It is entertaining, legitimately startling, and undeniably fun. The romance bits are unconvincing, and the overlong scene of happy beach-goers stretched too thin. Still and all, I liked the action and the drama. (And this is the kind of movie where "6 1/2" or "a low 7" would be a more accurate numeric rating, to differentiate it from the Statham redemption/revenge films that I so appreciate.)

if this movie were a food it would be: Funyons. Lots of people don't enjoy them, they're kind of an acquired taste, too much is WAY too much, they sometimes leave an aftertaste of onion-like chemicals—and I have always liked them anyway. 

themes: courage, sacrifice, found family

overall:  recommended

 

A Double Life (1947) - "A celebrated stage actor renowned for his immersive performances accepts the role of Shakespeare's Othello, only to find that the emotional intensity of the character begins to seep into his everyday life. As the boundaries between performance and reality grow increasingly blurred, those closest to him struggle to distinguish the man from the role he has created. Mixing psychological drama with noir sensibilities, the film explores the intoxicating power of identity, obsession, and artistic ambition." 

length: 1h, 44m  |  source: my DVD  |  directed by George Cukor  |  why I watched: I've liked some of Cukor's other films, and this premise intrigued me.

IMDb: 6.9/10  |  Rotten Tomatoes: 88% / 66% Audience  |  my IMDb: 7/10  |  MPAA: Approved

tone & texture: unsettling, noir shadows

notable quote: "'Say, what's so funny?' 

    'It's nothing. It's a private joke between me and me.'"

my notes: this film distressed me more than I'd anticipated it might. The veil between person, actor, and character must have been very thin for Ronald Colman, playing Anthony John. The idea of walking up to the border of this kind of madness would terrify me. I almost had a hard time getting into the story because I was so fixated on how it would feel to be involved. 

    Edmond O'Brien played Bill Friend with quiet dignity and integrity. Shelley Winters, as always, made her role crackle and spit (that's a good thing, trust me). With the caveat that I found it psychologically intense, this is one to watch again some other day. (Maybe during daylight hours.)  

if this movie were a food it would be: espresso on an empty stomach

themes: identity, isolation

Academy Awards: winner x2 (and nominee x2) 

overall:  recommended, albeit with some reserve

 

[the title quotation is from Secret Beyond the Door]