Weekend DVD Review – Date Night & Prince of Persia

DATE NIGHT
Starring
Steve Carell
and Tina Fey

Here's what I thought about 'Date Night'... HAHAHAHAHA! We couldn't stop laughing out loud at the sometimes stupid, but very funny, jokes and dialogue. It was WAY more than I expect it to be. I remember sitting at this pizza place with other designer friends and seeing a bus with the poster art on it, go by, and we said to each other, " that artwork sucks (no offense to the agency who did the initial creative – sometimes the client does get in their own way). And, so... in our minds, the movie sucked.

Happily, this is not the case with the film, itself. Both actors give hysterical and believable performances as a 'normal' couple who get into some unforeseeable trouble when they take someone else's reservations at a high-end New York restaurant. Not since Barbara Streisand and Ryan O'Neal in 'What's Up Doc' have two actors come together to make hysterical comedy together. There is a chase scene in 'Date Night' that reminds me of the chase in 'What's Up Doc' – the energy, anyway. This team also reminds me of the great Jane Fonda and George Segal in 'Fun with Dick and Jane.'

My point is, this is a MUST SEE movie if you want to laugh. Perfect for dates but not great for kids.

THE PRINCE OF PERSIA
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Kingsley
and Alfred Molina

Disney always thinks of the little ones, even when they are making something as big as 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.' No blood spurting, no nudity and no foul language. Which was okay except for the fact that the film, and story, are of violent nature. There is some stabbing, but nothing you have to look away from.

The story was good although I could not get over the fact that no one looked, or even seemed, Persian. Oh well, I guess that is a stretch I must make, as the viewer, with my imagination. The story is a typical biblical type story where the brother who is not of royal blood, but befriended by the King as a young boy, is framed for the death of his father – the King. There is a beautiful princess who falls in love with the Prince. There are evil villains and the special effects are fine. All in all, the film would have had more 'punch' had it been a little grittier but that's Disney for you. Perfect for kids.

It was a fun ride and I would recommend it if you have kids 13 and under.

One Bad Apple Can Spoil The Whole Bunch

Just days ago, I posted a rant about Apple, Inc. and how they are too big to care. I also emailed that post to Mr. Steve Jobs at Apple, Inc.

Today, I received a call from Mr. Nate Dawson, someone in customer relations who mentioned the email I sent to Mr. Jobs and told me that Mr. Jobs extends his apologies for all of the trouble I have had with my computer.

As far as replacing my computer, the customer service representative offered to sell me a refurbished computer at a discount price but they were still not able to offer me a new computer. WTF?

If I felt like no one cared before – now that I have received an extended apology that they can not replace my computer from Mr. Jobs himself – I know no one cares, now. You see, Mr. Jobs:  if anyone could have stepped in and saved the day, it was you. As much as I appreciate your extended apology and for reading my post, there is not much I can do with that or a discount on a refurbished machine. But, thanks anyway?

Wow, if Steve Jobs won't stand behind his product enough to put his money where his apology is, then we are all in big trouble. You thought big corporations had us by the balls before, just wait. The worst is yet to come.

What do you think about this? Will it make you think twice before you purchase an Apple product again?

To read my original rant, please click here.

Happy Birthday, L.A. Link!

It's true. L.A. Link is celebrating its first birthday online and we want to say 'thank you' to our readers, followers and fans, alike. This October will mark our one-year anniversary and we are so thankful for our 'followers', and for our visitors, we want to give something away – an iTunes gift card!

CONTEST

For the entire month of October, L.A. Link wants to know what you love most about Los Angeles and why you love it. Write to us in an email and let us know. We will publish the winning entry in December 2010 and the winner will receive a $20 iTunes gift card and their story will be published on L.A. Link. You can write to us about a favorite hang-out, eatery, theatre, or any other L.A. landmark but be sure to let us know what makes it special to you.

DEADLINE

Sunday, October 31, 2010

PRIZE

The winner will be notified via email and they will receive their gift card electronically. The minimum amount of the gift card will be $20 but a final amount has not been decided.

RULES

You must be an L.A. Link 'follower' on Google so that we can verify.  All entries will be judged on grammar, storytelling and the overall creativity of the writing and only one winner will be selected. There is a minimum requirement of 200 words. The winner will be notified prior to December 1, 2010, at the same email they used to enter. A valid email address is required. If you are not notified, it means you did not win. Send all entries in the body of an email to la_link@att.net – the subject should read CONTEST. Must be 18 years or older to enter and win.

Good luck!

Apple, Inc. – Too Big To Care

I bought a Lemon, not an Apple.

I never thought I would be saying this about anything Apple, but I believe Apple, Inc. has grown too big to care about its customers. Please read this to be informed about Apple, Inc., its policies and what it does for you, if you happen to buy a lemon.

First of all, let me give you a little background on my Apple loyalty. I have been working on a Mac (i.e., Macintosh) since 1989. I have owned my own personal iMac computer since 1998 and I am on my second model. I own and operate an iPhone 3GS and I have two different generation iPods. I have talked at least three people into buying Apple instead of a PC in the last decade and it's what I have used for work since 1989.

The Situation

I have owned and operated my current iMac since 2005 and I have had virtually the same problems with it every year since I purchased it. The first three years were covered by my Apple extended warranty, and last year, the cost to fix it was nearly $2000 dollars and it was not covered by the warranty. I called Apple to complain, but to no avail.

This year, my computer starts to act up again (same problems) and I immediately called Apple to let them know and to see what they would do. They offered to repair my machine but there was nothing they could do as far as a replacement because the machine is 'too old.' The Apple rep told me that I should have requested a new machine while it was still under warranty – even though I did not know it was an option at the time. No one offered.

But that's beside the point. Apple should stand behind their products and replace my machine. There is a valid paper trail that proves Apple sold me a lemon.

The Lesson

I appreciate what they have done to help thus far, but the days of the designer being key customers are long gone. Apple, Inc. was built because designers like me have always stood behind their product. I have invested much time and money in their products because I have never had a problem with them. This is the first time and I can honestly say that I am an unsatisfied customer. With all of my repairs, Apple has already spent thousands of dollars to fix my computer and so have I – it is obvious that the machine I purchased is a lemon – why not just replace it and keep me a happy, satisfied customer?

Buyer beware: Apple does not care about the customer, or the designer, any longer. They have gone mainstream and could care less whether or not you – the customer – are completely satisfied with your product, even with a history of problems. If you are having constant problems with any of your Apple products, be sure to skip the time and hassle of fixing it and request a replacement while your product is still under warranty. Hopefully, your outcome will end up better than mine.

Thanks a lot, Apple.

To read what I wrote about my old Apple Service provider, Mac Hollywood, please click here.

Restaurant Review: CHIPOTLE

Hollywood 'Chipotle' at Sunset and Vine

If you've never been to a 'Chipotle' – you don't know what you're missing. And now, we have one in Hollywood at Sunset and Vine.

I LOVE Chipotle! I have had it several times and I have never been disappointed. So, of course I would want to give our new Hollywood store a try. I downloaded the Chipotle Online Ordering iPhone App (FREE on their site), placed my order the way I wanted it, designated a time for pick-up which was several hours later, and viola...! It was hot, packed and ready to go when I arrived and I didn't have to wait in line. There is one five-minute loading zone in front especially for pick-up orders which is great considering there are only ten parking spaces in the Chipotle lot. Be forewarned – parking can be difficult. Have a plan of where to park before you visit and you won't have any problems. There is plenty of metered parking on Vine, south of Sunset Boulevard.

What is Chipotle?

Chipotle was started in Denver, Colorado by a dude named Steve Ells on the concept of providing delicious food made of the finest ingredients quickly and affordably. Think Subway meets Baja Fresh – all the ingredients are right in front of you – local and fresh –  as you watch your burrito, taco, bowl or salad being created especially to order.

The big stand-out difference with Chipotle, compared to Baja Fresh, is there use of hormone-free meats from ranchers and farmers dedicated to raising livestock and growing produce using responsible, respectful and sustainable techniques. 'Food with Integrity' is Chipotle's commitment to run a business that does not exploit animals, people or the environment.

What They Do

From their site, you can tell that the people at the top know what they are doing as far as branding, design, community outreach and environmental issues. They talk about and practice sustainable designs – two restaurant locations are registered with the United States Green Building Council; and, one of the two has been awarded platinum certification – the highest level of the Leadership in Energy and Design (LEED) rating system.

Chipotle has also proven to be an active part of the communities where they serve. It gives back to communities by sponsoring local programs like:

• Circuit race in Richmond, VA with over 250 cyclists where burritos and chips with salsa were passed out to fuel the riders;
• Yankees World Series Champion Manager Joe Girardi's Catch 25 Foundation, where a New York store held a fundraiser that raised over $5100 for Alzheimer's, cancer and fertility issues;
• A lead sponsor at the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture's 6th Annual Harvest Fest in New York state, where Chipotle soft tacos were being served along with other local, organic and sustainably raised foods.

'Food with Integrity' means that Chipotle will source organic and local produce when practical. They use dairy from cows raised without the use of synthetic hormones. Whenever possible, Chipotle uses meats from animals raised without the use of anitbiotics or added hormones. In short, Chipotle commits to support and sustain family farmers who respect the land and the animals in their care. Something to think about.

I highly recommend a visit to your nearest Chipotle soon. Your tummy, and your wallet, will both thank you for it. If you live in Hollywood, please support our local Chipotle by making a visit and placing an order. It's as easy as one, two, three!

For more information, please visit their site at Chipotle.com.

Fill In 'The Blank' – A Hollywood Theatre

Jim Parrack from HBO's 'True Blood' at The Blank Theatre
in Hollywood from October 2 – November 14, 2010

If you're a fan of HBO's True Blood (and who isn't?) then you recognize actor Jim Parrack for his supporting role as Hoyt Fortenberry – the big but handsome doofus in love with the fabulous, red-headed vampire Jessica Hamby (Deborah Ann Woll).  As reported by David Ng on the LATimes.com Culture Monster page, between seasons, Mr. Parrack will be polishing his skills onstage in Los Angeles, opposite Mike Farrell, at the Blank Theatre in Hollywood, starring in 'Terra Haute,' by Edmund White (October 2 – November 14, 2010).

The Blank Theatre is located at the 53-seat 2nd Stage Theatre in Hollywood on Santa Monica Boulevard and it is known for its outstanding contribution to Hollywood and its arts. In 2008, The Blank Theatre received the Hollywood Arts Council's 'Charlie Award' and has won more than a dozen awards in the past few years, alone.

Founded in 1990 as a non-profit corporation by its current Artistic Director/Producer Daniel Henning, the Blank Theatre is committed to the enrichment of Hollywood's cultural life through the production of first-rate theatre.  The list of Academy Award, Tony Award and Emmy Award winning alumni on their web site is impressive, to say the least, and includes actors like Ed Asner, Karen Black, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Judith Light, Marion Ross, Molly Shannon and Bruce Vilanch, to name only a few.

The theatre also has what they call The Living Room Series, where artists of all levels are given an opportunity to grow and stretch their talents in a safe and nurturing environment. Presented nearly every Monday night from Labor Day to Memorial Day, the Living Room Series presents new plays free to the public. These are 'workshop' presentations and have a small rehearsal process but lend a rare opportunity for a glimpse inside the creation process. They are simply staged, presented with 'book in hand' and give the audience and the playwright a sense of the plays full presence and how it might be staged in a full production.

Plays developed in The Living Room Series have gone onto Laguna Playhouse, Colony Theatre, Transport Group (NYC), Black Dahlia Theatre and Brideswell Theatre (London).

For information about The Blank Theatre or to purchase tickets, please visit their web site at TheBlank.com.

Single At 45: What Lies Ahead?

Yes, it's true. I'm single again... at 45. Now what?

Part I: What Lies Ahead?

Does anyone know what lies ahead for me in terms of my life as a single man at 45? If so, can you please help shed some light on the subject? I'm willing to listen to anyone's words of wisdom.

When I was in my twenties and at the end of my first relationship (you know, the one you thought would last forever), I use to joke with my friends that I would end up like Elizabeth Taylor – married nine times but still alone and single when it's time to go. So far, I’m well on my way to fulfilling that prophecy.

It’s true that some things are out of our control. Things we take for granted – like where your family lives, – can suddenly change and now you are forced to make a tough decision. Sometimes one person gets an amazing job offer they can’t refuse but it’s in another state. Or worse, another country.

But this post isn’t about what happened or what was, it is about what is happening now, today and tomorrow. I mean, I’m 45 and single again. Hello?

One thing I know for sure is that I am totally secure with myself and I know that I am more than what I do for a living or how much money I can earn. I’m beyond that, mentally. But, as a gay man living in the 21st century in Los Angeles, what does this mean for my future in terms of dating or a relationship? How close can a person get to another person who has already lived half, or more, of their lives? I have friends from high school who fell in love, got married, had kids – and today, they’re still married. That is the kind of relationship I have always wanted but will never have. (Ouch, does that sound pesamistic, or what?)

________________________________

So, I’m writing this and all of a sudden, during Project Runway, there was even a commercial with 80s Supermodel, Andie McDowell for Loreal’s Anti-Aging without plastic surgery – whatever. It made me feel old. Did you know that Andie McDowell is 50?! Because she’s worth it. 50 is the new 30. 

________________________________

So, I’m writing this and all of a sudden, during Project Runway, there was even a commercial with 80s Supermodel, Andie McDowell for Loreal’s Anti-Aging without plastic surgery – whatever. It made me feel old. Did you know that Andie McDowell is 50?! Because she’s worth it. 50 is the new 30.

It didn’t really make me feel old. It made me think, ‘How ‘come there’s no cover-up for men? And, I’m not talking make-up. Every eye-lift I have ever known about and seen on a man did not look right. It ends up looking like a lady in men’s clothes and I don’t want that.

I am back to getting my body in shape. After five years of total neglect and punishment with cookies, cakes and candies, it is time for me to get back outside, on a bike, in the gym, hiking, whatever I can to melt the exta pounds away. Madonna can do it and she’s 54! You can’t fake a great body.

At the same time, I’m dealing with a move. Yes, with the end of most relationships, someone ends up moving. In our case, we both are – moving on with our lives and moving forward into our futures.

So, now what? I feel like all I have been doing for the past month is waiting. Waiting for the time to go by before I start packing and moving my stuff. Should I be excited about the possibilities that lie ahead? Or, should I be fearful? In all honesty, I am feeling both.

But I will not let it tear me down. I will make my move, dust myself off and securely march into my future. I’ve down-sized my life to a bare-minimum and I don’t have any kids. (Trust me. I know that for a fact.)

I know in my heart that I should be happy that things are working out for both of us. Let’s see if the Universe agrees with me. ‘Follow Me’ and I promise to keep you posted.