Phoenix

Review: Her (2013)

When I first heard about this film and saw the trailer, I was attracted to it because of two main things - the presence of Joaquin Phoenix and the fact that it was a story about an artificial intelligence. When I finally sat down the other day and watched the film, I discovered that it was so much more. Though I’ve been lukewarm about Spike Jonze’s previous movies (except for Where the Wild Things Are - loved that one to death), I must say that he’s refined his strange storytelling style to a point of near perfection with Her.

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FilmBar, Phoenix

Right in the middle of the big city of Phoenix is a great drinking spot where you can sit down and enjoy a movie as well. FilmBar offers up a standard bar where you can have a few drinks while you wait for your movie to start up. Better yet, you get to bring your beer along with you once the movie does get going. And the films they show there are some of the best of the best, from old cult flicks to classics and award-winners. They even show a locally made film there from time-to-time. FilmBar is a great way to enjoy a date all i

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Media Hijinks - Reboots, Casting and Lists

Well, this week has been another of mixed blessings. For while original projects have been getting some good news, Hollywood still has its head firmly up its backside and is looking to adapt and reboot even more franchises, the latest being some of the worst ideas in the world (not quite as bad as Naked Gun or The Crow, but pretty close). So scroll down to experience all the horror.

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More awards: Critics' Choice Awards nominations are out

I'm fully immersed in crazy awards season happenings now. Things are happening so quickly, it's difficult to keep track. This week, the 19th Critics' Choice Movie Awards nominations were announced, and I'm paying close attention. Nominees for these awards are quite often also Academy Award nominees. If you're into this sort of thing, take note: A few films are clearly separating from the rest of the pack now.

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Scottsdale, Arizona

Located right beside Phoenix, the town of Scottsdale is the place to go if you’re trying to find the tourist part of the city. For couples that want to spend some time in the desert environment, enjoying luxurious spas and other entertainments, this is a place to check out. Scottsdale’s claim to fame is its density of vacation attractions such as top-notch resorts, golf courses and art galleries. In addition, they boast a wide selection of great restaurants, the best hotels and upper-class shoppin

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Rokerij, Phoenix

If you happen to be in Phoenix and are looking for a good Mexican restaurant to try, stop by a place called Rokerij. The atmosphere at this dining spot is romantic and makes for an excellent date location. The prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality of the food they prepare. And the service is wonderful, the staff always willing to make sure your night is going well. For lovers of Mexican food, Rokerij is one place that you should make an effort to try at least once. Has anyone eaten at Rokerij before? Is it as good as everyone claims it is?

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Geek Crafts: Recycle headband

This clever knit headband is not just a double-sided reminder of the importance of recycling: it's also a Moebius strip, so that it not only lies flat on your head, it also forms the familiar knot shape! Combining double knitting and a Moebius cast-on in the same pattern is a challenge, but it's not a very big item, which makes it a little less daunting.

Image courtesy Ravelry/phoenix

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Friday Fun: Star Wars shelves

Check out this amazing Star Wars book shelf. We went to a story time this week at a library we don’t usually go to, and the librarian had a really cool R2-D2 cart that she used for her supplies, too.

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New trailer alert: Spike Jonze's 'Her'

When I first found out about Spike Jonze's new movie Her, I'll admit I was skeptical. The idea seemed preposterous: Joaquin Phoenix is a lonely man who literally falls in love with his computer operating system. The voice of "Her" is Scarlett Johansson, so maybe some might understand this, but it just seemed utterly ridiculous to me. Sure, Siri is cool and all, but why the heck would anyone ever fall in love with her?

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Michael Saunders and Brandon Maurer...

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Phoenix Terry sez, in the Shout Box,

phxterry: M's Line-Up just posted for today against Rays' RHP Archer. M's OF is Morse, Ibanez, & Ackley, with Saunders sitting. Gotta love the decisions of the M's Field Leadership -- they sit our best-defensive OFer, who is also our hottest hitting OFer at the moment, who happens to bat left handed -- so that we can watch ice-cold, 41 year-old Rauuuul flail on defense and prove something, not quite sure what. This starting OF has to be the worst defensive OF playing today in all of the major leagues, but hey, the hot bats of Morse (OPS since ASB of.558) & Rauul (.453) make up for it. I recall GMZ stating that he didn't make deadline trades to keep winning games; but this line-up provides no evidence to back up his assertion. Go M's.34 min 19 sec ago - See more at: http://seattlesportsinsider.com/article/what-price-cliff-lee#comment-90703

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Ready to have your mind blown? Say ready. "Ready!" ... ok.

Here is this morning's table of John Dewan Runs Saved, by defensive position:

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The Ugly Truth

Ibanez and Morse have been getting beaten on fly balls over their heads, according to Dewan. But then, you knew that. Morse, it turns out, does have a real issue tracking balls he has to get back for. He's probably not a legit right fielder. In retrospect, you only want Morse playing defense if he's in LF and if the other two guys can run. Maybe not then, either, but it's open for discussion.

Saunders, Ackley, and Chavez have been getting beaten, horribly, on balls (1) in front of them, (2) to the side of them, and (3) behind them. All three have been 100% equal-opportunity butchers.

Saunders' numbers have been gasp-inducing. Score one thunderous body blow to Dr. D's (ex-)theory that anybody can play center in Safeco. You've got to adjust to data.

Bay's numbers are passable, according to Dewan. Apparently it's not impossible to play the outfield in Safeco, even for an older gentleman. Although, interestingly, Franklin Gutierrez would be headed for a -20 runs season, prorated. Somebody should rule out the possibility that the conditions are a major factor this year.

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