The Descendants

"The Descendants" has a happy ending. Therefore, technically, it's a comedy. It takes place in the paradise of Hawaii. It stars George Clooney. That may lead you to expect a pleasant good time, but this film is so much more than that. Clooney gives one of his best performances in this film directed and co-written by Alexander Payne, who in "Sideways" (2004) and "About Schmidt" (2002), showed a special affinity for men learning to accept their better feelings.

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Shame

There's a close-up in "Shame" of Michael Fassbender's face showing pain, grief and anger. His character, Brandon, is having an orgasm. For the movie's writer-director, Steve McQueen, that could be the film's master shot. There is no concern about the movement of Brandon's lower body. No concern about his partner. The close-up limits our view to his suffering. He is enduring a sexual function that has long since stopped giving him any pleasure and is self-abuse in the most profound way.

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Ocean Acidification Rate May Be Unprecedented, Study Says

This might be more serious problem than the global warming. What can we do about it in next few decades?

"the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum, or PETM, some 56 million years ago, ... more than 5 to 10 percent of species ... (went extinct in) ... over less than 20,000 years," 

"During this time, ... ocean pH ... may have fallen as much as 0.45 units" 

"In the last hundred years, atmospheric CO₂ has risen about 30 percent, ... (and) ... ocean pH has fallen by 0.1 unit." 

"pH may fall another 0.3 units by the end of the century" 

"the larvae of bay scallops and hard clams grow best at pre-industrial pH levels, while their shells corrode at the levels projected for 2100."  

"The decisions we make over the next few decades could have significant implications on a geologic timescale."

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Link:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301143735.htm

WHOLE LOTTA LARD

Lard is actually not really bad for you and useful.

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Link:
http://www.gourmet.com/food/gourmetlive/2012/022912/whole-lotta-lard

SZECHUAN PEPPER & SALT CHICKEN

Looks great. I'm definitely gonna try it.

Sichuan Peppercorns, Long-Banned Chinese Spice, Gains National Audience

I didn't know Sichuan Peppercorns were banned in US.

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Link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/01/sichuan-peppercorns_n_1313300.html?ref=food

Smashing Pumpkins Webisode #3 - Starla

Smashing Pumpkins Webisode #2 - Rhinoceros

Smashing Pumpkins

Smashing Pumpkins Webisode #1 - Daydream

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear

Burberry

Link:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-BURBERRY

First Listen: Julia Holter, 'Ekstasis'

Link:
http://www.npr.org/2012/02/26/147294456/first-listen-julia-holter-ekstasis?ps=cprs

Hiromi On 'Piano Jazz: Rising Stars'

Brings me tears. So beautiful songs. So beautiful heart.

Link:
http://www.npr.org/2012/03/02/145520960/hiromi-on-piano-jazz-rising-stars

A Caretaker's Conflict: Love, Resentment Collide

Julia Holter - Ekstasis

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Link:
http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16352-ekstasis/