Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movies. Show all posts

Monday, June 10, 2013

A Documentary Summer

Today is a sad day. Today our DishNetwork is being turned off (yes I just got up to go check if it had happened yet). No more wasting days watching Gilmore Girls, Sex and the City and Friends.....which is precisely why we don't need to pay $80 a month for TV because all I do is watch re-runs which we can do on Netflix for a fraction of the price (nevermind that I own every season of Gilmore Girls on DVD).

It was my idea to get rid of our Dish and because Drew never actually figured out how to work it he was far from opposed.
When he called the Dish to cancel it at the end of our contract, I guess it's a requirement that they ask why.
Drew's PC response: We want to read more.
Dish Lady: Well that's a very lofty goal but most people find that to be difficult. 

That has absolutely cracked me up.
As difficult as it may be, I think we will make it.

Onto the point of the story: My summer classes end in two weeks and then I'll be blessed with free time to read watch TV in other forms so I'm looking for a list of documentaries that you love. But I'm not just begging here, I'm going to share my list with you too:

The Last Mountain is about MTR in Appalachia.  Disclaimer: If you support it, this documentary isn't for you.

The Color of Fear....which I can't find online but maybe your public library has it.
It may be one of the most powerful documentaries I've seen, it is about a group of men and their struggles with people of other races. It is uncomfortable to watch but honest and moving.

When the Levees Broke... Katrina. I cried from beginning to end and it's a long-ass documentary.

Both of the next two are made by Appalshop which you can rest assured will always do a good job.
Stranger With a Camera
Whippin' the Devil

Born Into Brothels follows children born into the red-light district in Calcutta. They are given the opportunity to take pictures and learn the trade of photography.

Waiting for Superman I have some issues with the way this documentary portrays teachers but I like the overall theme that the system is broken. I don't support the charter school movement but I do support informing people of the injustices in the current education system.

So that's my limited list. I'm looking for deep cuts. I have a whole summer ahead of me people. My interests vary widely so don't hesitate to give me your suggestions.

All of these might be good too. I only watched 3 of them before having to return them to the library. They really don't give you enough time...and now I owe them money.

Monday, November 12, 2012

A Few Of My Favorite Things

I actually hate that song, especially when it's played on Christmas music stations. Blah! Anyway, one of the bloggers I follow recently did a post of things she loves right now so I thought I would follow suit.


Of Monsters and Men

My friend Nicole suggested them to me several weeks ago and aside from Mumford I've listened to almost nothing else. Try them out on Spotify (Mountain Sound is my fave).


Some Nights

Drew has had this song on repeat since we saw them on SNL a couple of weeks ago. The video is moving and I love this song. Plus Nate Ruess is drop dead gorg. Even Drew said so.

The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Test Scorer


This is one guy's story about grading the writing portions of standardized tests. Maybe I'm totally behind on this but my mind was blown. It is very well written and not terribly long. If you are an educator, aide, parent, or a living, breathing human then read it. You will not believe it. For anyone who knows anything about SOL's and the pressure that students and teachers are under this will make you sick. You can read it here:

http://monthlyreview.org/2010/12/01/the-loneliness-of-the-long-distance-test-scorer



The Men Who Built America
 

I haven't watched all of these but rest assured they are DVR'd and saved up for a snowy day. I've heard nothing but good things about them and I will likely stay in my PJ's all day Friday and catch up on them. You can watch full episodes to catch up here: http://www.history.com/shows/men-who-built-america


Lincoln


I can't describe to you the excitement inside of me about this movie. I hope to see it with my whole family while I'm home next week. Lincoln is our favorite. With the exception of my husband. communist I hope they do this great man justice but judging by the previews I don't think it will disappoint.

Okay, somehow this turned into the "entertainment" portion of my favorite things but there you have it. The interests of an aspiring historian/educator. Thrilling.