The Cheese Stands Alone

Tu 7/31/18 Up 715am; Partly sunny early, to mid 70's, a 40% chance of scattered storms predicted this afternoon. Just sprinkles , and not much of that.  Wrote up 'NIGHT SCHOOL'- Lee Child (A Jack Reacher Novel) for the blog.  Watched Netflix disc, 'WHOSE STREETS?'. After watching 'STRAY BULLET' last night, and this film today, it's obvious that these civil issues are not police problems. They are the manifestation of political and historical differences that are deeply rooted in American society. More police only make the areas more unsafe. It's like trying to treat diabetes with a psychiatrist instead of an internalist. Although they are both medical doctors, they are not equal. 1130am- finished the film and the bonus features, and will finish with 'STRAIGHT LIFE'/ listening to Sandy Denny.  123pm- biked downtown to drop the disc at the Monroe PO and then over to the library to drop 'STRAIGHT LIFE'. Back on the c...

Mo 7/30/18 Up 730am; fierce and intense storms last night- downstairs still water-tight; sixties to barely seventy. For the end of July in Illinois, these are amazing temperatures. Watched 'DARK PLACES' (Netflix) I had seen this one before, but forgot how good it was; Charlize Theron, and the guy that was the addict congressman on HOUSE OF CARDS. Later, I found out the book for the film was written by the same author that did, 'GONE GIRL', so I reserved the new one, 'SHARP OBJECTS' as an e-book from the library. 1130am- Finished, 'NIGHT SCHOOL' and began 'STAY CLOSE'- Harlan Coben. 2pm drove to FitClub South. Various texts from the Brandenburgs- they arrived at Elsie's about 3pm, Phoenix Time. 45" Best Cross (Alabama Shakes (Amazon Music). 45" Walk (last episode Season III, 'THE WIRE'). 45" Recumbent Bike (read/ Adrian Belew (Amazon Music). 45" Cross (THE WIRE). 30" Walk (finished Season III...

Su 7/29/18 Up 6am; almost two inches of rain predicted for today, but it a slow, steady drenching; upper sixties for the high. Watched 'THE CRASH' (Xfinity). A lackluster White Collar Crime film about a cyber attack on the world's markets orchestrated by the American Federal Reserve. The only noteworthy aspect of the film is that Hilary is president- must have been made before the election. Then the first episode of a series on Xfinity, 'WRONG MAN'. In 1995 a Mexican kid in Washington state was convicted of a murder, and he clearly didn't do it. The Brandenburgs are driving through Texas. Noonish to the 'Y'. Still raining, but I don't think we got even close to 2"- just an even, steady rain, and high sixties. For the end of July, I'll take it! 1230pm 'Y'- 45" Walk (All 'The Housewives of NYC' and the ID Channel today). 45" Recumbent Bike (read some of the Art Pepper bio and listened to Black Motorcycle Cl...

Sa 7/28/18 Up 8am; reading late after the movie upstairs on the couch. Lee Child is good! Downstairs PC went off line while watching the film. Got the connection back, but why? Today cloudy and temps just about 80. Nice. Update on the upstairs PC is back and updated fine. What's the problem?  9am; 'DOONBY' (Amazon Prime). The technical expertise of the film is nearly 'student caliber', but it packs a punch because just when you think you've got it pegged, from out of left field, it becomes an anti-abortion film. How d'ay doo dat? Then, an episode of 'DIRTY MONEY' (Netflix). International bank HSBC is caught red-handed working with drug cartels and terrorist organizations to launder their money. They pay a comparatively small fine and no one goes to jail. Equal Justice my ass! 1pm reading the bio of Art Pepper/ on the couch with Fela Kuti. Random texts from the Brandenburgs; Meramec  Caverns (did the go in?)/ An Oklahoma  dine...

Fr 7/27/18 Up 630am; cool and sunny, will barely hit 80 later. Watched Netflix disc, 'PERMANENT'. Set in 1982,Richmond, VA and it's about a junior high school girl who get a bad perm right before she must attend a new school; a quirky celebration of dysfunctional characters in a positive fashion. The next episode of 'QUARRY'. Long periods of inactivity, and then some of the most violent scenes imaginable. I love it! Joe and Janny are on the road to Phoenix and points west. I sent her a text because I was only 90% certain that today was the first day of their trip (she later texted that they actually leave tomorrow morning). 1120am- reading, and the lawn is my 'adventure' for today.  1240pm- mowed the back lawn, but the front only needed attention on Boozer's side area. Looks good, but we need some rain. 130pm on the bike to the Wabash PO and then to Planet Fitness. 45" Walk (RAY DONOVAN). 45" Recumbent Bike (read the Jack Reacher no...

Th 7/26/18 Up 630am; another perfect summer day; 60's to just over 80 and plenty of sun. Watched Netflix disc, 'PERSON TO PERSON'. A low budget film shot on the Lower East Side of NYC about several interconnected relationships; Michael Cera plays a newspaper editor breaking in a rookie reporter, a record collector gets taken for fake copy of, 'Bird Blows The Blues', Philip Baker Hall plays the owner of a small watch repair store who gets involved in a possible murder/ suicide, a young black man is threatened by his girlfriend's brother because he posted naked photos on the Internet, and a young woman is jealous of her girlfriend's new boyfriend.  Then, 'THE SHOOT' (Amazon Prime) Two struggling rock musicians can't pay a $40,000 loan, so they rob a desert fashion shoot. Murder and mayhem ensue. Not bad for a low-budget Independent.  Had trouble logging on to Heartland. Called had old stuff cleared and entered new PASS and ID.  ...

We 7/25/18 Up 8am; more sun and just a few degrees warmer- upper 80's. Wrote up the notes for the blog on 'THE FLOATING WORLD'. Watched 'CALIBRE' (Netflix) A hunting accident in rural Scotland leads to murder- and more murders. Not bad. 1215pm headed on the bike to FitClub. Back in time for more prep for the book club tonight at 6pm. 45" Octane (Music of Nick Lowe) 45" Walk (COUNTERPART). 45" Recumbent Bike (read THE FLOATING WORLD). 45" Cross (COUNTERPART- 2 episodes). legs/ chest. 30" Old Style Cross (finished the interview with THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL). I was surprised that the review of THE FLOATING WORLD was favorable- I would have thought the members would dislike it. 'The Church Lady' panned it- of course.  Stopped at the County Market at Fairhills; $47 (forgot coffee filters and onions!). 'ALL THE QUEEN'S HORSES' (Netflix) A low-level official in Dixon, IL city government is able t...

Tu 7/24/18 Up 740am; another beautiful summer day- 80's and plenty of sun. Watched 'ENEMIES' (Netflix) Another fine, yet perplexing 'doppelganger' film. A mild-mannered history professor and a third-rate movie actor might be identical?  Maybe it's about living in a dictatorship without being aware of it- the 'web' is invisible. I loved it! Then, Two episodes of 'QUARRY' (Xfinity) They're an hour a pop, but I can't control myself. I've said it before, but this is my fave series; great writing,  spot-on period costumes, exacting 70's set design, and a terrific Blues- infused Stax/Volt  soundtrack! 2pm on the bike to Planet Fitness. Want to skim at least half of 'THE FLOATING WORLD' to prepare for tomorrow's meeting...did it! 45" Walk (# 1 Record- 'Big Star'). 45" Recumbent Bike (THE FLOATING WORLD/ Henry Threadgill- Amazon Music). 45" Cross (HOMELAND). 45" Bike (read). 30...

Mo 7/23/18 Up 730am; overcast, then bright and sunny; to 82. Watched 'PIRATE RADIO' (Xfinity) A perfect Monday Morning Movie- upbeat, great soundtrack; with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Bill Nighy. Began an eight part series on Xfinity, 'QUARRY'. Set in Memphis, 1972 and concerns a returning Vietnam vet who becomes a hit-man for 'The Broker'; (1hr20" is the length of the first episode). Watched about 45" and then wrote the Chat Wrap. 115pm; reading 'STRAIGHT LIFE' and on the bike to the 'Y' around 2pm. 45" Walk (last 32" of RAY DONOVAN). 45" Recumbent Bike ('STRAIGHT LIFE'/ listened to 'GIZMODROME'- Adrian Belew's super-group). 45" Cross (COUNTERPART). 45" Bike (COUNTERPART). 30" Cross (interview with 'Marvelous Mrs. Maisel'.  Home to soak and finish, 'THE FLOATING WORLD', listened to MOBY.  Will finish 'QUARRY' on the PC downstairs, and...

Su 7/22/18 Up 7am; cloudy and very cool; high sixties to about 80 with a slim chance of rain late this afternoon.  Watched 'DRUNK BOAT' (Xfinity); John Malkovich, John Goodman. Filmed in Morton Grove, IL; A teenager buys a broken-down sailboat from an unscrupulous dealer, and his uncle is too much of an alcoholic to prevent the sale. Taken from a play, and I wonder would that was like? Another Xfinity show, 'BARRY' the first episode of the HBO series starring Bill Hader; Hitman becomes an actor.  Then, Wyatt Cenac's Problem Areas; 30"-(HBO) Caught up with the last two episodes of Season 3,  'BETTER CALL SAUL'. Can't wait for the next season.  Reading -140pm- on the couch. Listened to a Billy Cobham tape and on the bike by 230pm to LA Fitness. 45" Walk (THE WIRE). 45" Recumbent Bike (started 'STRAIGHT LIFE' and listened to his 1957 album where he jammed with Mile's rhythm  section (Amazon Music)- super...

Sa 7/21/18 1) Microsoft Essentials updated early this morning. 2) Immediately logged on the Xfinity Stream, and no problems with the plug-in. Up 730; high sixties early, 15mph winds from the northwest, and only to 82 later. I'll take it! Watched Netflix disc, 'ACCIDENT MAN'. Bland English 'Chop-Socky' film- from a comic book.  Episode #1 (and the only one offered on Xfinity) 'THE VICE PRINCIPALS'; I hope to see more of this series, McBride is hilarious. 1230pm reading; listening to Billy Cobham. 130pm; biked downtown via Feldkamp/ Edwards; back Edwards/ Monroe/ to FitClub. Stopped to mail the disc, and I picked up 'STRAIGHT LIFE' - bio of Art Pepper' at the library. 150pm on the machines; 45" Octane (Allman Bros. Live at Fillmore East). 45" Recumbent Bike ('COUNTERPARTS'- a new series on Starz (Xfinity) with JK Simmons; it's great!). 45" Walk ('RAY DONOVAN'). 45" Cross (finish...

Fr 7/20/18 Up 650am; sunny, breezy, to mid 80's. Watched Netflix disc, 'A CURE FOR WELLNESS'; (2HRS 26") Not bad, but probably would have been a bit better with a bit of an edit. The film owes a huge debt to the vision of Stanley Kubrick, and while watching 'Wellness' you can't help but remember the stylistic inventions of, 'EYES WIDE SHUT' and 'THE SHINING'. Just before I took a look at The Extras (weren't worth watching), I hooked up the new deck. Had it up and running in less than ten minutes.  Pulled some weeds in the back garden. Reading and listening to Miles on the new deck; 1245pm. 230pm on the bike to LA Fitness. I asked a security guy in a car at the mall if he knew of a mailbox...he didn't. Dropped it in the box next to the battery shop; that's a hassle. 45" Walk (RAY DONOVAN). 45" Recumbent Bike (THE FLOATING WORLD/ 'TV On The Radio'). 45" Cross (DEADWOOD). 45" Bike...

Th 7/19/18 Up 710am; Cool and delicious- high 60's early and only to about 80 with haze and sun. Put 'The Cheese...' into Dropbox.  Watched 'DELIRIOUS' (Steve Buscemi/ Michael Pitt/ Alison Lohman/ Gina Gershon/ and Elvis Costello!!- Amazon Prime). A surprisingly good 'buddy film'. Buscemi's a celebrity photog and Pitt's his assistant- love and friendship ensue. Called Recycled Records and they've got six tape decks for sale. Will check them out tomorrow.  Then re- watched the 'ENLIGHTENED' episode with Robin Wright (dir. Jonathan Demme) and "I'm Stickin' With The Union" episode.  Noon reading 'THE FLOATING WORLD' on the couch. 2pm; in the Accord to Recycled Records. Parked a block north and walked thru the parking lot under the bank to Adams. Got a deck for $45. FitClub South; 45" The Good Cross ('Ace'- Bob Weir's album). 45" Walk. 45" Recumbent Bike ('T...

We 7/18/18 Up 7am; another picture perfect summer day; sunny, 80's. Watched Netflix film, 'HOW IT ENDS' (Forest Whitaker). Not as bad as expected, and it played flawlessly. Some kind of phenomenon of nature is attacking the west coast- the cause is never revealed, because no one really knows; tidal waves and boiling storms of ash and fire. Whitaker's character and his son in law travel from Chicago to the Pacific- mayhem ensues. The next 'VEGAS' and one more 'ENLIGHTENED'. And, three interviews with Laura Dern on YouTube (10"). 115pm trying to finish BASKET CASE on the couch. Didn't make it and still quite a bit left. 215pm; on the bike to FitClub- I was going to hit LA Fitness, but decided it was late and FitClub is closer. 45" Octane (the lonely, cyber-kid asked me what I was reading??). 45" Recumbent Bike (Bravo). 45" Walk (Bravo). 45" Cross. 30" Walk. When I got home I dragged out the ladder to take down ...

Mo 7/16/18 Up 7am; Hot and humid. AC remains 'on' all day and the shades are down. Morning movie downstairs- maybe for the  foreseeable   future? 'THE FORGIVEN' Forest Whitaker as Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 1110am I mowed the lawn, did a 'light rake' in back, pulled a few weeds, and was back inside just about noon. Looks 'fantabulous', yet somewhat dry.  Sent the Chat Wrap and read 'BASKET CASE' downstairs (listened to the album 'EARTHLINGS', David Bowie), then biked to the 'Y'.  245pm on the machines; 45" Cross (Teen Moms). 45" Walk (Teen Moms). 45" Recumbent Bike (Teen Moms). 45" Cross (Amazon Music). 30" Walk (Teen Moms). Learned that the 'Y' app makes you listen to a thirty second commercial, and then after a few more visits, it costs....fuck that! Home to soak and listen to the 'Auteurs' on the cd player. Tried all the connections, and it seems like the ...

Tu 7/17/18 Up 715am; Cooler and sunny. Temps only to mid 80's and less humid- a beautiful summer day. Uninstalled Avis Anti-Virus on the PC. Just sick of the pop ups. Tried to order a cassette player, but I think I'll see what I can find at the record store downtown first. Having 'flickering issues' with the PC, but in a couple of hours it went away. I'd love to know whether it's a computer problem or a monitor issue. Watched Netflix disc,'LEMON'- A morose, 'Theater of The Absurd' approach to failure- a difficult thematic  choice to make failure into something painfully playful or almost fun. A great cast, and I really liked it. Like Nothing Else! Janny called that they had to take the old man to the hospital. He told his helper that 'there's something wrong', and Lannie  was called and she chose to act. No one knows if it's serious or not so serious.  Janny and Joe were planning a two week drive across the country an...

Su 7/15/18 Up 7am; muggy and threatening- nothing yet, but rain in the forecast for today and through tomorrow; mid 80's and tres sticky. Watched Netflix disc, 'INHERENT VICE'; 2 hrs. 28" and I'd seen it before when it first came out (2014), but remembered little. A spoof on the Mystery/ Noir Genre; a hyper-complicated plot with an excellent comedic cast. Paul Thomas Anderson directs a novel by Thomas Pynchon; Joaquin Phoenix, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Jena Malone. 'The Golden Fang' is an Asian heroin smuggling operation or 'The Golden Fang' is a collective of dentists. The title refers to a maritime expression that means that 'accidents will happen'- 'THE BIG LEBOWSKI' as told by Raymond Chandler or maybe Jim Thompson. 1145am- biked downtown via Lincoln/ Edwards to drop off the disc at Monroe box, then south thru Lincoln's Home to just north of Allen and west thru park/ south on Douglas/ over to Ash and State (at the corne...

Sa 7/14/18 Up 630am; overcast and a fairly heavy shower moved through about 715am, and scattered showers predicted for today through Monday; today temps approaching 90. Watched Netflix disc, 'WONDER BOYS' Although not completely faithful to the novel, the screenplay is a wonderful adaptation of the book's major themes, and makes for a fine film. One of my favorite sections of the novel, Grady and James Tripp's visit to Tripp's in-laws for the Passover dinner, is not in the movie, and relationship details between Grady and his wife, and Sara Gaskell and her husband are not fully explored. The screenplay is a 'tightened up' version of the novel, and it works well. 1115am; downstairs to read- it's just too humid!  I watched the next two episodes of 'ENLIGHTENED' and began the next 'VEGAS', but decided to hit the road because FitClub South closes at six pm. Dropped the disc at the Wabash PO and on the machines at 145pm. 45...

Fr 7/13/18 Up 630am; sunny & 70 early- opened the house. 90 later. Paid the cards and downloaded some Dead/ Weir from Hoopla to the phone. Watched 'RISE' (Amazon Prime) Nearly impossible to believe that this is based on 'true events'; a sub-standard prison film about a young man who becomes friends with a tough and violent, much older criminal while in prison for a crime that he didn't commit. He does a year and a half for 'date rape', and at his appeal it's found that the morphine in the girl's system is comparable to what is found in poppy seeds on a bagel. The fact that this was unnoticed at the original trial and the close relationship with the hardened con makes you wonder in what universe that these events could occur. Listened to the voicemail from Cindy and sent a text that I would not be attending the gathering in Crystal Lake on July 28th. Then, another 'VEGAS'. Downstairs 1130am; plan to bike to LA Fitness ...

Th 7/12/18 Up 645am; cool early (house is open), but temps to climb to 90 later. Watched Netflix disc, 'THE GREATEST SHOWMAN' A musical, and I was prepared to dislike it, but it's kind of an unusual surprise. Although the film is not that much concerned with historical verite, it successfully presents a shallow and glossy portrait of a controversial figure as a full-throated roar for 'Diversity'. The whole point of PT Barnum was that 'the truth' wasn't sacred or holy, but just a different way of viewing things. In the Age of Trump, the film's message makes even more sense. Then, rewatched the pilot of 'VEGAS'. Nowhere near as good as 'GOLIATH', but I'll watch it. 1130am; AC 'on' and downstairs to read. The plan is to drop the disc at Wabash PO/ Planet Fitness later. Began 'SICK PUPPY' by Carl Hiaasen, I'll continue with this soon, but back to the Isabel Allende novel for the very near future. 210pm a...

We 7/11/18 Up 615am; upper sixties early, so I opened the house- to 90 and sunny. Wrote up 'PRIVILGED LIVES' Edward Stewart for the blog and then pitched it in the trash. Too bad that this Cardozo novel is the only one on Amazon for a penny plus postage. 'BEHIND THE CANDELABRA' (Amazon Prime; an HBO film) Completely unsettling to see Michael Douglas and Matt Damon as lovers. Scott Thorson's life was a little different than portrayed in the film; he was a witness in the Wonderland Murders, served time in prison for various offences, and was gunned down and nearly died. Began the first episode of 'SECRET CITY' (Netflix). 1245pm Closed up and AC on 82; on the bike to the 'Y'. "Boring Jim" was sitting in the lobby of the 'Y' and I had to talk to him for almost 20" before I could workout. He told me that he got his computer problems solved at the place near Amos and Jefferson. This guy gave him CCleaner and Ma...

Tu 7/10/18 Up 710am; mid 70's already, AC remains on. Slight chance of showers in the afternoon, and the Discomfort Index is spiking, again; 90's. 'GIRL' (Amazon Prime) A decidedly feminine perspective on the Grunge Scene of the 90's. An ordinary high school senior's life changes when she becomes a groupie for a local singer, but soon finds that she's really too smart for it.  Discomfort Index into the triple digits, so downstairs to read; 1030am. I finished 'PRIVILEGED LIVES' and began 'DAUGHTER OF FORTUNE'- Isabel Allende; this one had been on the downstairs hassock for ages. One of Oprah's Picks, and it's good! 2pm on the bike and I was heading to Planet Fitness, but it was so damn hot that I went to FitClub. 45" Octane (Henry Threadgill-'TOO MUCH SUGAR ON THE DIME'; I love this fucking record- glad to get it on Google Play). 45" Walk (THE NIGHT MANAGER). 45" Recumbent Bike ( I brought the ...

Mo 7/9/18 Up 730am; hazy early to 90ish later. Selected a bunch of albums to Amazon-My Music. Used 'Music' from my Facebook to refresh what I'm into....still surprisingly hip. 9am; '2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY' (Amazon Prime) Serpentine plot with a great cast, and well told and well shot. 1130am; too hot, downstairs for the last episode of the Netflix French drama, 'THE FOREST'. When I turned on the DVD player, I kept getting 'no signal'. There seems to be no connection between the player and the TV...I think. What if it's the TV? I'll take the Accord to the 'Y' and stop at Walmart and buy an identical DVD player. Hope this works. Finished the last episode of 'THE FOREST' just after 2pm. 215pm- on the road to the 'Y'. 45" Cross (scanning through all the wonderful stuff I uploaded to Amazon Music this morning). 45" Walk (TEEN MOMS 2; pretty much for the rest of the workout all afternoon). 45" Cross. 45...

Su 7/8/18 Up 645am; a few degrees warmer, but still perfect- sunny and upper 80's.  Watching Netflix disc, 'GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN'. The relationship between Alan Milne and his son, William (Billy 'Moon' because as a small child he couldn't pronounce 'Milne') allows a novel approach to the 'Father and Son' literary genre; an interesting story, well told and shot. The next ,THE FOREST' 1150am to the 'Y' on the bike; found the PO box near Iles and Fridays. 45" Walk. ( ARCTIC  MONKEYS). 45" Recumbent Bike (' PRIVILEGED  LIVES/ 'LITTLE FEAT'). 45" Cross (Will Ferrell interview/ Sam Jones). 30" Bike (interview). 30" Walk (UNBREAKABLE). Home to water the front flowers and called Elsie's. No answer, finished watering, started the weekly cleaning and got Lannie on the line....5" with her, and 3" with him. He's not eating his 'finger food'....what the...toast?.....

Sa 7/718 Up 630am; another perfect summer day- to mid 80's and plenty of sun. Netflix disc, 'PLEASE STAND BY' A sweet film where a girl on the autism spectrum strikes out alone (she's also got her small dog, Pete) from San Francisco to LA to deliver an original Star Trek script to Paramount studio in hopes of winning $100,000; Dakota Fanning/ Toni Collette. The next, 'THE FOREST'. I'm noticing a bit of 'throttling' on Netflix. Then, 2 episodes of 'COMEDIANS IN CARS...' (Aziz Ansari/ Tina Fey). 1230pm- Mowed the lawn, raked a bit in the back, trimmed some in the front, and watered the pansies in the front planters. It took about an hour. I read the warranty card on the waterpik and it looked like the two dollar insurance policy that I paid was still in effect. I biked to Walmart and they told me that I would have to deal with the manufacturer. Fuck that...throw it out and I'll get a new one. $36 for the same model that I know won...

Fr 7/6/18 Not much sleep because the trip to BLH was weighing on my mind. It's a software problem, so will they fix it? It's going to depend on how I sell it. (815am- called BLH and the guy acted like, "Of course you can bring it in....no problem".) Sunny and ten degrees cooler; low 80's for the high. A perfect summer day after the intense, tropical blast furnace punishment of the last several days. Netflix disc, 'ALL THE REAL GIRLS'. A very different take of 'First Love'; Danny McBride's first acting gig, and he's a hoot! "I'll take a hamburger and cottage cheese". The Netflix 'THE FOREST', #3...the suspense builds... 1245pm- Downstairs to disconnect the PC/ watched 2 COMEDIANS IN CARS... (Trevor Noah; John Oliver)/ Monroe PO box/ BLH/ FitClub South. Had to wait a long time at the computer shop, but it was all free. I couldn't believe it! He fixed it on the spot. When he hardwired the connection, it u...