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Movie: Where the Wild Things Are

As someone who has never read Where the Wild Things Are, I wouldn’t know how the spirit of the movie fits in with the book. I just can’t imagine that the original story can be as disturbing as the movie’s is though.

This is not a movie for kids. It is dark and troubling.

It’s not really a movie for adults either because it does not go dark enough to make it “arty.” It’s strange to say that a movie about a boy running away to an island with monsters is too literal, and yet that’s how things are. And there, he learns that (spoilers below):

  • being a single mom is hard.
  • his unhappiness can’t really be blamed on his parents because he is messed up himself and hard to love.
  • people and monsters are destructive and hurtful, and they can’t really change that.

If that sounds interesting to you, than this movie about an emotionally disturbed and mentally damaged young boy may be right up your alley.

I’m not saying that the movie is not reflective of truths or that its artistic vision is not valid, but I do say that it is not entertaining and that there’s not enough art in its message.

There were a few moments of charm, and the Henson muppets are pretty cool, but these elements are quickly overpowered by the discomforture of everything else.

Full credit to Max Records though. He is pretty amazing as the lead.

Tags: Movies by Ms. SP
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Book: Leading Change by John P. Kotter

I can wholeheartedly recommend this book. What an interesting yet easy read.

John Kotter is Professor of Leadership (cool title or what?) at Harvard and in this book, he outlines what it takes to institute meaningful change in companies.

While Leading Change speaks to the corporate world, I believe the points inside are valid for any entity that wants change. They work for people who want to know why certain things never get fixed at work. They work for bosses who can’t get things to run the way they want them to. They even apply to those who are tired of failing at New Year’s and other lifestyle resolutions.

This book offers beneficial insights that are applicable all across the board. You need a sense of urgency. You need people who matter in on the change effort. You need to know your effort, speak it often, and match your actions to the message. You need to plan for short-term victories. And you need to change the cultural environment so there will be no backsliding into the old ways.

That’s all off the top of my head! That’s how get-able John Kotter makes everything. I’m sure I don’t remember everything, but there are plenty of ideas to keep in just the first-time through.

No, it probably won’t make you feel better about the stupidity in your place of work, but it should help you be more focused in the use of the serenity prayer.

Tags: Books by Ms. SP
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Bye Bye, Cable

My one year promotional rate is up, and there appears to be no new deals available. Darn you, Xfinity! Get your fake change-over done with so I can get some deals already!

So just when I’ve actually caught up with TV, I’m doing a massive downgrade. No more fancy channels.

I’m going to miss the following shows that I’m actually watching in first-run. I think these are the one’s that I can’t watch online somewhere:

  • Doctor Who (BBC America)—Ok, so this season’s not great, but there are so few episodes left. Now I have to wait and wait for the DVDs.

  • Mad Men (AMC)—This show is awesome. Season 1 was solid enough and showed obvious potential. Season 2 had a bit of a drop off, but Season 3 came back strong and was the best yet. I finally caught up on discs and was greatly anticipating the July premiere of Season 4. D’oh!
  • True Blood (HBO)—A very weird can’t-look-away show. Just when you think they can’t throw any more crazy at you…
  • Entourage (HBO)—People say it’s slipped, but I’m still interested in how everyone’s careers progress. Besides, there is not a larger goal of the series is there? It is what it is.
  • Tour de France (Versus)—le sigh

Now that I have fewer channels and no On Demand, I’m considering getting something that will stream Netflix. They’ve got a lot of instant viewing now. Plus, it’s been a while since I’ve tackled an AI. I miss it.

And there’s always RCN and AT&T. Perhaps they have something better going on.

Tags: TV by Ms. SP
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