And the Chicago tradition lives on, as Robert F. Monaghan smiles down on us– with drink in hand no doubt. Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2013!
Category Archives: Reviews
Full Speed Ahead
The much-anticipated cameos came, and respects were properly paid. The scheduled demise of the character appropriately trailed the unscheduled death of the actor. Now comes yet another new chapter of the saga, as the plot of present-day “Dallas” charges full speed ahead in his memory. J.R. Ewing may be as dead and gone as Larry Hagman in body, but even from beyond it appears he’s steering the course for his family. Thankfully his “work” is living on, at least through the remainder of season two! I for one am looking forward to the grand revelation of J.R.’s so-called “masterpiece,” pieces of which any “Dallas” nostalgist might be able to predict.
Doing It Right.
The portions are large and the temperature hot! While unfortunately this cannot always be said for many popular dining establishments, thankfully one of my San Francisco favorites knows what’s important. My previous glowing review stands, even if liver is no longer a daily option. From the rich and hearty beef bourguignonne to one sizable and flavorful marsala pork chop, my menu exploration will most certainly continue. I highly recommend your own visit the next time you find yourself on the Marina-Presidio border. It’s refreshingly clear that now after 40 years of practice, Liverpool Lil’s leads the way in doing it right.
The Entire Lot
At least now I know a new member of the family is on the way. Naturally the spot for the 2014 CLA grabbed and held my attention. Otherwise, with nods to a band of mischievous senior citizens, a supremely confident young Audi driver, and the indelible words of the late great Paul Harvey, the entire lot this year struck me as rather lackluster. While Tide did amusingly remind us that “no stain is sacred,” my overall impression remains.
So comes and goes another colorful installment of Super Bowl commercials. I’m left with just about as little to say as last year, with nowhere near as much to applaud as two years ago. This time around the game itself proved the more interesting show, close but not close enough as it turned out for San Francisco!
His Swan Song
Who’d have thought two or three decades ago that we’d be watching a brand new episode in January 2013? Then, who’d have thought such an event would be happening after the death of the show’s iconic star and irreplaceable centerpiece?
Season two of “Dallas” is off and running. Of course Larry Hagman passed away last November, midway through production of this second round of new episodes. As such tonight’s premiere is bittersweet. We get to see a severely aging J.R. a few more final times, knowing there’s no negotiation on his departure.
As the latest storylines rapidly spin beyond the point of even remote belief, and as we dare not blink in keeping up with exactly who’s one-upping who among the entire corrupt lot, the biggest question will certainly keep all true “Dallas” fans tuned in over the course of the next few weeks: Just how exactly will J.R. exit?
Blink I did not, as in paying close attention to the series of quick frames during the closing credits, my eye caught precisely what was placed there to be found. Apparently we’ll be seeing some more “old” faces this season. J.R.’s swan song, which began tonight, looks like it will grow into a well-attended event. While I could have waited, now under the circumstsances I can’t wait.
His Latest Entrance Before His Final Exit
We’re Reminded…
From the smiling reminder that standard schtick works– thanks to Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig– to the sobering reminder that we all are aging– thanks to Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger– to the intellectual reminder that a well-written speech always wins– thanks to Jodie Foster– the 70th Annual Golden Globes certainly presented us with a series of memorable moments. Most of all perhaps, we’re reminded that the fabulously never-lagging duo of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler can be upstaged– if only for a moment– by one, and only one, figure bigger than the two of them combined, otherwise known as “Hillary Clinton’s husband.”
A Surprise Appearance
Hosts Who Never Fail
One Delicious Deal
It doesn’t get better than this. Well actually it does, if you go for the big meaty frog legs in the extensive hot section. Either way, how can you possibly beat plate, after plate, after plate of all-you-can-eat sashimi, among all else no less, at Hokkaido Seafood Buffet in San Mateo? Go ahead and try, but anywhere else you’ll surely spend far more than the going dinner rate of $20! That’s right. Stuff yourself silly with succulent raw fish, for less than the cost of gas to get there. One delicious deal it is, hands down! Good thing I don’t live next door.
With Our View…
Seeing as the world did not end yesterday– whether to your dismay or delight– we carry on with our view of the planet largely unscathed. With this remains the chance to enjoy a lovely cocktail– or any number of your choosing– before an equally lovely 39th floor view, all at San Francisco’s appropriately named View Lounge. The fish tacos look pretty good as well, by the way. Here’s to the world intact. Cheers!
The Old School Nod, Again.
It’s true once more. As I’ve noted time and again, old school never fails. A visit to the above-pictured historical establishment is highly recommended anytime you happen to find yourself hungry and thirsty– healthy yet not necessarily obese wallet in tow– in the Union Square vicinity of San Francisco. Anytime, this is to say, except perhaps a Saturday night in December when getting the lone bartender’s attention may present a challenge during the extended table wait. Nevertheless, if you’re already guessing the “old school” menu feature that for me of course is a must, then along with a heaping side of history you might enjoy it as well!
A Way + A Will = One Great Life
There’s a big difference between involvement and commitment, and J.R. Ewing once spelled it out. “Like ham and eggs. The chicken who laid the egg is involved, but the pig the ham came from is committed.”
And now, the eldest Ewing brother has died. I learned this late last night. Upon awaking this morning, unlike for Pam with Bobby, I realized to my dismay that what has just occurred is not a dream.
How fitting that Larry Hagman passed yesterday not only in the city of Dallas, but during a time of reprising his legendary character so many people know and even more of us love. In the final year of his life he had the rare yet celebrated privilege of resurrecting his iconic TV role, that which secured his unmatched place in the world while leaving diehard fans yearning for more of their favorite mischievous-yet-endearing schemer.
In 2012 he was back. Now in the same year he’s left us. This ironic timing seems the most comforting and appropriate way for him to make his long-in-coming exit. Hagman died on Friday, November 23, much to our collective sadness, taking with him of course the one and only J.R. Ewing.
When he lived to see his 80th birthday in September 2011, I was delighted. In fact I breathed a sigh of congratulatory relief, mindful that his serious health challenges over the years rendered this milestone quite a feat. Then when the new “Dallas” finally premiered last summer, seeing Larry Hagman as J.R. Ewing once again after so many years was no less than amazing. Who’d have predicted that a longtime smoker and hard drinker a few breaths from death upon his 1995 liver transplant would live to reprise his infamous role in 2012?
Of course Larry Hagman had aged, almost sadly so. While his tongue continued to lash out those fantastic “J.R.-isms” in this year’s “Dallas” episodes, his body clearly was not keeping pace with his revered wit. Though trying not to admit it, I had a sneaking suspicion he was not long for this world. Like all his fans, I was thankful he had made it this far and managed not just the involvement, but commitment, to give it another go.
And one more round– the now-certain last round– is yet to come. Again, Larry Hagman died in Dallas while bringing J.R. back to season two of the new “Dallas” series. Exactly how prepared for his death the writers and producers of the show were– and just how smoothly and acceptably J.R. will make his final exit— remains to be seen once the series returns in January. Perhaps an appropriate contingency plan was already in place. Maybe J.R.– and Larry– thought ahead to this inevitable moment. After all, while I’m far from the only fan to mourn his death, I certainly can’t be the only one unsurprised.
No doubt he will be missed terribly while remembered wonderfully. Personally, I will always cherish my good fortune of meeting Mr. Hagman professionally in 2003. No other individual figure holds a candle to him, decorated bon vivant that he was, realistically and fictitiously speaking. Likely no one ever will.
More than involved, Hagman remained committed to his work, his role and his unsurpassed persona, leaving us a timeless gift under his mantra, “Vita Celebratio Est.” For this we celebrate one great life. After all, like J.R.’s daddy used to say: “Where there’s a way, there’s a will.” Larry Hagman found and mastered both.
Always A Winner
For attentive, efficient and confident service, along with delightfully tasteful live music, an elegantly stunning bar display, and one of the most scrumptious filet mignons in town, Mastro’s Steakhouse is always a winner. Ambiance, tone and overall presentation remained unmatched in my book, not to mention the large martini shaker remains on the table for your own copious second pour! While I’ve yet to be hit with a less-than-thoroughly satisfying experience at Mastro’s, it’s a safe bet to say I never will, thankfully enough.
Still.
After all these years, she still turns heads. The now-classic grand coupe continues to grab my attention every increasingly rare time she crosses my path. Nothing else quite competes with the Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC in terms of overall style and simple elegance. This beauty remains a strong number two on my MBZ wish list!
Another One Falls
A large, rugged and distinctive off-road SUV has been reduced to an over-sized station wagon– again– whose unimpressive styling could easily be mistaken for any number of competitors already on the road. If it wasn’t enough to lose the truck-based Ford Explorer, now too the Nissan Pathfinder has fallen, sadly enough.
If gas mileage is your priority while never leaving pavement, the all-new lighter unibody V-6 Pathfinder might present some appeal. However, if you enjoy navigating eight cylinders through snow, sand and other sorts of challenging terrain– and don’t mind paying for it– you just might miss what’s no longer. I know I do.
The More Things Change…
2000
2004
2008
In the immediate aftermath of the 2012 presidential election, how the Electoral College has changed over the past decade, and how it has not, remains a complex yet interesting study. Click here to examine Politico’s 2012 interactive results map, breaking down the red and blue landscape across every state and county. To borrow the line yet again, “the more things change, the more they remain the same.”
Part II: And It Goes On.
My first question came to mind before the film began to roll. Why, I asked, weren’t at least some if not all the actors from the first installment brought back to their roles for round two? The answer, or a portion of it, seems to have already been presented. Still, the business behind the making of a film certainly does not make the big screen’s overall continuity– or clearly lack thereof– any easier to swallow.
As always, my watching of the movie and the subsequent composing of my thoughts on it came before I endeavored to read any reviews. Now that the time has come to explore what others have to say, I myself have to say I’ve reached some points of agreement with the critics on Atlas Shrugged Part II.
It took me a while to get past the new cast, as I spent a good half of the movie comparing the current actors to those who played the same roles in Part I. My conclusion, alongside one unflattering review I’ve now read: Some were stronger this time around, most notably in my opinion Hank Rearden. Others plainly were not, foremost Hank’s wife Lillian, to borrow the words, “beamed in from a third-rate soap opera.” Francisco: Better. James: A draw. Dagny: Worse, amid more words written for me, even within a positive preview: “She certainly acts well… but she lacks the glamor and beauty of her predecessor in the role.” And it goes on.
Atlas Shrugged Part I, released 18 months ago, took place in 2016 and 2017, as indicated with date stamps throughout. Why then, I next asked myself, is no year attached to the days and months of Part II? For continuity’s sake, why not stay on the same stated time path? Continuity– again– does not carry Part I into Part II, disappointingly enough, drastic crew changes and production enhancements notwithstanding.
The storyline is reasonably clear; I followed the plot even more closely this time, if not for production value because I now feel I have an even deeper understanding of Ayn Rand’s complex and multi-layered story than I had upon seeing Part I. Still, not all moments are easily believable; in fact many remain a downright overstretch of the imagination. While a few intense and mind-triggering scenes boost the overall flow, too much of the acting comes off as shallow, rushed and unconvincing. The energy and cadence of the film remain high, as various punch lines either affirm or rattle our personal philosophies. And of course there’s Hank, powerful to a far yet unfortunate point. And it goes on.
Too many questions might force you to simply suspend belief in order to enjoy the story while processing its content. Why is most of the population of our country inexplicably absent? In this not-far-off doomsday fantasy-tempt-reality, is the majority simply at home and out of sight? How could the executive and legislative branches of government actually work together enough to pass such drastic and objectionable new laws? Have all the brilliant minds really disappeared, leaving but one to try to crack the code of what could be “the engine of the world?” Perhaps this is not the fault of any director, but rather that of the author herself. And it goes on.
For the viewpoints that surely spark controversy and incite argument, and despite the range of appreciation, shall we say, for the philosophy of Ayn Rand, this movie clearly invites you to think for yourself, amid alternating doses of reality and fantasy. Altogether, Atlas Shrugged Part II is securely worth the watch, even if– as proclaimed by the director himself– not for everyone. Read some more reviews first if you feel you must; there are plenty out there. Just take the good with the bad as I have, as you reach your own points of agreement and disagreement, ideally without prejudice, but with– dare I say it– a shrug or two of your own.
And it goes on. We’ve just begun to finally see who he is. Part III is yet to come.
A Post-Presidential Record
On this eve of former President Jimmy Carter’s 88th birthday, a bit of perhaps overlooked presidential trivia is in order. Earlier this month, on September 6 to be exact, Carter broke the record for living the longest post-presidential life. This is not to be confused with the U.S. president who lived the longest life, but rather he who has lived the most time since leaving office. Until this September, the record was held by our 31st president, Herbert Hoover, who left office in 1933 and died in 1964. Now turning another year older but whether living or not, President Carter will hold this quiet distinction for at least the next 20 years!
Former President Jimmy Carter turns 88 on October 1, 2012.
The One.
Of all the timeless and elegant automotive creations I admire– and aspire to own– this uncomplicated ’80s classic remains at the top of my list. There’s nothing quite like a well-maintained factory original to command my attention, in red of course. Recalling my prize sighting two years ago, a 560 SL is still the one in my book!
The “Right” Phone?
The iPhone 5 is now officially on its way, almost an entire year after some of us had thought it might be. If you’re wondering if this is indeed the right phone for you, consider a bit of simple reasoning from those supposedly in the know. It seems to be right for me, as I meet the criteria by falling into one of two groups. Therefore, though no sort of tech geek, I’m ready for my new 5 right away. Are you ready for yours?
Only He…
I know. I miss him too. And what a wonderful trip back in time it was, almost as if we were watching one of his State of the Union addresses, seeing him once again in his element where he always shines at his best. Love him or less-than-love him, align yourself with his party or not, agree with his policies and principles or beg to differ, you’ll be hard-pressed to argue this tried and simple fact: There’s only one Bill Clinton.
His charisma, magnetism and power of persuasion– woven with his undisputable intellect— remain unmatched. He speaks, and continues to speak, for a relatively long stretch of time. But we know this. It’s Bill, after all. His presentation last night at the Democratic National Convention was no deviation from his expected and accepted style and use of time. President Clinton was back– if but for one night, for now at least— stronger, more commanding and even funnier than ever. Only he, the master orator, can do what he does the way he does it, even better after 20 years. This is precisely what you have to love– if not love– about #42.
Old School Never Fails
“One of a Kind.”
“A Tasty Classic.”
“An Institution.”
What can I possibly say now that hasn’t been expressed once, twice or 5000 times over the past 163 years? For all the positive reviews out there of “San Francisco’s oldest restaurant,” both my discerning eye and satisfied palate heartily concur.
The bread, butter and water are already on the counter as you sit down. While images of bygone times decorate the walls as history permeates the air, one very thorough yet no-frills menu awaits. Tadich Grill remains the unmatched place to savor a real meal while enjoying a unique journey through time. Despite today’s higher-than-1930 prices, portions remain more than generous as service proves extremely efficient. After this long it’s safe to say the entire staff has procedure and routine down to a science.
Time and again the rave reviews have poured in, a book awaits your purchase, and a brief yet informative history synopsis covers the daily printed menus. As the establishment’s website proclaims: “The Tadich Grill experience is like no other.” To this, upon my much-anticipated second visit and repeat enjoyment of the best liver-and-onions in town, I happily add my own accolade: Old school never fails!
It’s All in the Name
Following my initial review, I watched and waited. And I was surprised and satisfied. The 2012 “Dallas” season finale seized nostalgia and hit it out of the park, at least for those of us who might see what’s really happening.
The heated exchanges between Bobby and J.R. took us back, while the sight of alcohol before Sue Ellen’s eyes triggered memories. We were even treated to but one extended scene with a very aged Lucy. Still, the final “surprise” twist of the season trumped it all, which for true “Dallas” fans should be no surprise whatsoever.
It’s all in the name, and this name is Rebecca. The coincidence sat in my mind throughout the season, as the name of actress Julie Gonzalo’s character did not go entirely unnoticed. As it turns out of course, there was never any coincidence at all. If this sort of gasp followed by thought followed by understanding is what producers of the TNT series intended, then I’m here to say they did one hell of an excellent job.
For those of you in need of a quick refresher: Rebecca was the name of Pam and Cliff Barnes’ mother; she died in a plane crash in 1983. In 1984 Cliff’s girlfriend Afton gave him the heave-ho and left town, returning in 1989 with a young “secret” daughter revealed to be Cliff’s. In the 1996 “Dallas” reunion movie, Cliff and Afton were reunited, and at this time Cliff finally met his now teenage daughter (her age accelerated just a bit), named Pamela Rebecca after her aunt and her grandmother. Are you still with me?
Sixteen years later, a character appears on the new “Dallas” series, named Rebecca. Low and behold, the season ends with the revelation this Rebecca is, yes, Cliff’s daughter. So again, if we think it out, there’s no coincidence and no surprise. The nostalgia by now is spinning out of control!
Naturally it gets more complicated, leading me to wonder what we the viewers are supposed to remember, and what the new show’s producers might want us to conveniently forget. Take that 1996 movie for one: Then-teen Christopher spent significant time with then-teen Rebecca, all the way to knowing that his uncle Cliff is her father, making her his cousin. And if he knew this in 1996, he would know it in 2012. So why would he marry his cousin? Or does Cliff have more than one daughter, if not more than one named Rebecca? Or is Gonzalo’s character merely impersonating someone named Rebecca, as was suggested in this season finale? Or are we supposed to forget the 1996 movie ever happened? Have I lost you?
If this all seems hard to follow, rest assured: The newest “Dallas” plots have been very hard for even me to follow. With layer upon layer of deceit and manipulation packed into a mere ten-episode story arc, there’s been no moment throughout the new series to blink without missing something. Unlike the old days of the 30-episode season with plenty of time for character and plot development, now everything happens fast. Then it gets either resolved or advanced even more quickly.
Storylines get rushed, various performances prove unconvincing, and the overall flow leaves something to be desired. This is the essence of “Dallas” in 2012. At the same time, as with any new ensemble the actors thankfully grew into their roles throughout this first season, while the overall energy ramped up as I grew a little– just a little– more comfortable with the overlapping complexities coming at us.
All the while we’re hooked by that damn nostalgia proving itself the driving force. From Miss Ellie’s gravestone to the former Ewing Oil offices, from John Ross mastering the ways of his father to a 63-year-old Bobby on his near-death bed (as opposed to a 36-year-old Bobby on his complete-death bed), we the viewers have been generously peppered for a second season of modern-day Ewing shenanigans, come January 2013. Perhaps Afton will appear to deliver us some answers, Rebecca’s mother after all. Among all else I can’t wait to hear how Cliff transformed from a cheap skate eating Chinese takeout in his average condo, into a high roller flying around on his own jet with a team to dispose of a body at a moment’s notice.
May the nostalgia continue, again for those of us who really know ‘Dallas” history and can manage to keep up. If you can’t, then why watch? At the end of the day, this series really is for us, the longtime all-knowing fans. And now we have the name “Rebecca” to lead the way into the next exciting chapter.
It’s Different, Apparently.
So I found the answer: 6.5 inches shorter, 3.3 inches narrower, and 4.6 inches lower. If you happen to be pondering the same question I did, then these specifications might satisfy at least your initial curiosity as well. Suffice to say– even with some challenge to the immediate naked eye– several key differences do exist between the new BMW X1 and its close sibling the X3. We’ll soon see how well the X1 is received here in the U.S., eye-catching as this little guy is. Of course success might depend on whether you choose to call it a crossover or an SU– pardon me– SAV. As I’m not one for “crossovers” myself, let’s go with the latter.
The shorter, narrower, lower X1.
The longer, wider, taller X3.
Watching & Waiting
The focus… is on a younger generation, and the stories of the younger Ewings aren’t as captivating initially as catching up with J.R. and Bobby.” (Porter, zap2it.com)
It’s like The CW has moved into Southfork, and while they look good, they haven’t quite mastered what it means to be Ewings.” (Yeoman, screenrant.com)
“The new Dallas isn’t perfect – it certainly takes a little while to find its feet and not everything clicks straight away.” (Jeffrey, digitalspy.com)
“We could easily have before us any cheesy, unrealistic, poorly acted show made up of yet another generic collection of attractive-yet-dull, scheming-yet-scattered 30-something amateurs.” (yours truly)
My sentiments seem to fit right in among various others. As a lifelong follower of all-things-Ewing, I’ve both anticipated and questioned the premiere of this new TNT series for quite some time. And naturally I have a few things to say about it thus far, now three episodes in with episode four airing tonight.
I’ll of course be watching, and waiting– that is, waiting to see how my initial impressions develop and my overall outlook evolves. Answers to my questions would be helpful, but then non-answers keep us tuned in, right?
Watch the new “Dallas” for yourself and form your own opinion, either before or after reading my first review.
Our Own Pride
Taking the positive with the negative– from a time of celebratory self-expression to a massive and exhausting crowd worth avoiding altogether– another San Francisco Pride weekend has come and gone. As the city now thankfully returns to “normal”– of course a relative term around here– the history behind this longstanding annual event is not far from my mind. Despite a seemingly endless street mess among various unruly elements scattered about, all in all it’s good to remember the fortunate reality that each of us has the right to our own Pride, however it might, or might not, be expressed.
Following The Jubilee…
Here’s to her impressive 60 years as monarch, though of course not a record for her position. This will come roughly three and a half years from now, and I’d say it’s a safe bet she’ll make it. Either way, at least for now Great Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II might finally get some rest upon the conclusion of four days of celebration for her diamond jubilee. If not Her Majesty herself, the city of London may very well need the time to recoup. After all, with jubilee celebrations now at an end, the London Olympics are quite soon to begin!
Looking Back at 75
Now that the Golden Gate Bridge has celebrated its much-anticipated 75th birthday, one more date hereby joins the timeline of San Francisco’s most notable landmark. On such an occasion as this, I find it quite interesting to look back into history, to the birth of what will very likely outlive our grandchildren’s great-grandchildren!
“What The Hell’s The Presidency For?”
In light of one refreshingly frank rhetorical question from President Lyndon Johnson almost 50 years ago, President Obama might very well be asking himself the same thing today. Considering Mr. Obama’s now-clarified support of same-sex marriage, it seems a very solid question on which to base his announcement.
In addition to the expected widespread liberal praise, agreement with the president’s viewpoint is coming even from conservative sources. Former Bush Solicitor General Ted Olson, who more than two years ago wrote the conservative case for gay marriage, wasted no time yesterday in reminding us Mr. Obama has it right. In fact, Mr. Olson goes on to articulate precisely the argument that too often seems to be forgotten:
“How many citizens would have voted to continue separate-but-equal schools, if you’d put that to a vote in 1954? In fact, in 1967, there were 14 states that prohibited interracial marriages, indeed made interracial marriages a felony, and the Supreme Court struck down those laws unanimously in 1967.” (Avlon, DB 5/9/12)
It’s been said before and will be said again: Civil rights, for any group at any time, need not be put to a popular vote. Why gay marriage continues to be left to “the will of the people” certainly baffles many of us. Nevertheless, President Obama has now placed himself in the position of initiating some real and permanent change on this matter, while perhaps drawing on the experience of LBJ. After all, the question that rang true in 1963 should certainly carry its weight in most any circumstance.
Regardless of what comes next, at least Mr. Obama is no longer “evolving.” And in spite of all the tension, argument and debate, we always need a good chuckle!
Ryan R. Sanderson 