Bearded Hipsters
The Alchemist of Comedy Harold Ramis, the man behind Ghostbusters, Animal House, and Caddyshack, died at 69. To me his greatest film was Groundhog Day, which I would also rate as one of the greatest movies ever.
GQ had a wonderful interview with Ramis just a few years ago covering a variaty of things from his career, including his general bewilderment at why Bill Murray, once a dear friend, had been mad at him, refusing to speak to him since the making of Groundhog Day. Well worth the read.
"He earned his keep on this planet," said Murray on the passing of Ramis. Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd also gave statements. Read them all here.
Phil The Weatherman Roger Ebert put it as one of his great films, and said of the film: "Groundhog Day" is a film that finds its note and purpose so precisely that its genius may not be immediately noticeable. It unfolds so inevitably, is so entertaining, so apparently effortless, that you have to stand back and slap yourself before you see how good it really is. Read his review.
Buddhists love Groundhog Day, considering it a perfect summery of their beliefs. Here one Buddhist decided to find out what made Harold Ramis tick.
12 facts you may not have known about the film.
The Public Schools Are Failing Or so we have been told for about 30 years now to the point where we accept it without question. But are they failing? And where does this myth come from? (hint: greedy corporation)
But even if the schools aren't failing, it might be time we rethink them a little. Here is an animation RSA made taken from part of an excellent talk on the subject by Sir Ken Robinson.
Here's the full talk.
Bearded Hipsters The beard is back, rapidly gaining popularity in the US, expecially among hipsters. It's becoming so popular that hipsters with patchy beards are forking over $8500 for "facial hair transplants" to help thicken their beards.
But let's face it, there is nothing manlier than facial hair, or so says The Art of Manliness. Here is their list of 20 Manliness beards and mustaches in history.
The Triple Axel As we reported on a few days ago, Former Prime Minister Mori critized Mao Asada for falling during her performance and failing to win Japan her second gold metal of the Olympics. Now Mori is claiming his remarks were misconstrued.
Also on The Japan Times, a writer further critizes Mao, claiming her stubborness at not retooling her skating program after it became clear she could no longer reliably land the triple axel is to blame.
Mao gives a measured response to both.
And now, your moment of zen










