Nick Smithville
I've written for major newspapers and magazines for several years, mostly about movies, the arts and entertainment, architecture, home design and gardening. I've also spent time in academia as both a professor and administrator. I'm currently deep into a pair of fiction projects -- a novel and a collection of short stories. I hope you enjoy my articles, finding them insightful, informative and, at times, provocative.
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Displaying Results 1 - 138 (of 138) for All Content
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Elvis Inspired 'Bye Bye Birdie' -- Another Look at the Broadway Musical Set in the 50sAn Archive Review of the Popular Broadway Musical inspired by Elvis Presley -
Eugene O'Neill's 'A Moon for the Misbegotten' -- Another LookAn Archive Review of the O'Neill Drama
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William Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' -- a Weird (and Bad) Rock VersionAn archive review of a strange approach to Shakespeare's classic.
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William Shakespeare's 'Love's Labours Lost' -- Another LookAn archive review of Shakespeare's comedy.
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Another Look at Anton Chekhov's 'The Three Sisters'An archive review of one of Chekhov's more important dramas.
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Another Look at Anton Chekhov's 'The Cherry Orchard'An Archive Interview with a Director Focusing on the Play's History
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William Shakespeare's 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' -- ReviewAn archive review of the Shakespeare play featuring Falstaff
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'Nine' -- Before Daniel Day-Lewis, Penelope Cruz and Kate Hudson's Movie, it was a Broadway MusicalA review of the Broadway muscial, performed by newcomers
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Dana Carvey and Mike Myers -- a Comedy ReviewAn archive review of the two comedians who became famous on 'Saturday Night Live.'
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A Popular Mystery -- 'Deathtrap' by Ira LevinAn archive review of the stage whodunit
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Tim Allen -- 'Last Man Standing' ComedianAn archive article on comedian and movie star Tim Allen
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Agatha Christie -- 'The Hollow' Antique Mystery ReviewedAgatha Christie -- 'The Hollow' Antique Mystery Reviewed
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'True West' -- Sam Shepard's Great Drama'True West' -- an Archive Review of Sam Shepard's Drama, one of his best.
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Jerry Seinfeld--Archive Review of George's Best FriendJerry Seinfeld--Archive Review
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George Carlin -- Archive Review of the Late, Great ComicGeorge Carlin -- Archive Review of the Late, Great Comic
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'Shenendoah' -- a Review of the Sentimental Musical'Shenendoah' -- a Review of the Sentimental Musical -
'Godspell' -- a Review of the Broadway Musical Based on ChristA review of a production of the once-popular Biblical musical. Performed by a mostly amateur cast.
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'Steel Magnolias' -- a Review of the Southern-Fried ComedyA review of Robert Harling's popular (and very sentimental) play.
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'The Colored Museum' -- African-American Experience in SpotlightA review of the influential play settling on the so-called Black Experience in America.
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'A Hatful of Rain' -- David Boreanaz as 'Johnny'A review of one of the first "addiction" dramas. Look for mention of David Boreanaz in an early stage appearance.
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Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' -- a Classic ReviewedA review of William Shakespeare's comedy of domestic un-bliss.
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Sondheim's 'A Little Night Music' -- Love and Lust (a Review of the Broadway Hit)A review of a production of Stephen Sondheim's popular Broadway musical.
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Shakespeare's 'Othello' -- a Review of an Unusual StagingA review of William Shakespeare's classic drama. -
'Cat On a Hot Tin Roof' -- a Review of Tennessee Williams' Classic PlayMaggie the Cat (Elizabeth Taylor made her famous in film) and Brick (Paul Newman played opposite her in the movie) and Southern Mendacity. A review of Tennessee Williams' great stage drama.
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Arthur Miller's 'A View from the Bridge' -- a ReviewA review of Arthur Miller's lesser-known, but strong drama, "A View From the Bridge."
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'Sweeney Todd' -- a Review of the Sondheim MusicalA review of the Stephen Sondheim Broadway hit that the movie starring Johnny Depp was based on.
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'Chicago' -- a Review of Bob Fosse's MusicalThe popular movie was based on this Broadway hit. Sexy? Yeah. Tough to beat Bob Fosse's suggestive choreography and staging.
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'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' -- a Review (without Jack Nicholson)A review of the play that the famous movie starring Jack Nicholson was based on.
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Shakespeare's 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' -- a Bawdy ReviewWilliam Shakespeare's frivilous (to a point) play reviewed.
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Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night' -- a Review of a Post-Modern StagingA review of William Shakespeare's classic comedy.
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Agatha Christie's 'The Mousetrap' -- a Quaint MysteryA review of Agatha Christie's antique -- but influential -- stage whodunit. It premiered in England and then went everywhere over the years.
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Joe Orton's Sexy, Subversive 'What the Butler Saw'Joe Orton was a playwright in the right place at the right time. If ever there was a modern society that needed skewering, it had to be London during the '60s. A review of one of his better plays.
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'Brighton Beach Memoirs' -- a Review of Neil Simon's Beloved (why?) Comedy'Brighton Beach Memoirs.' It's a Neil Simon hit. Is it good? Well, it's a hit. Review.
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Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' -- a Review of a ClassicA review of William Shakespeare's historic drama. Toil and Trouble.
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'Company' -- a Review of the Popular Stephen Sondheim MusicalSondheim's 1970 Broadway musical -- reviewed.
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'Waiting for Godot' -- Sexy (no), Commercial (no), but Existential, Sad and Beautiful Beckett MasterpieceA review of Samuel Beckett's seminal drama.
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'A Midsummer Night's Dream' -- a Review of Shakespeare's Classic ComedyA review of one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays. Just ask Puck and Bottom.
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'A Lie of the Mind' -- a Review of Sam Shepard's DramaA review of one of playwright Sam Shepard's lesser known, but better, dramas
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'Oklahoma!' -- a Review of the Classic Musical by Rodgers and HammersteinA review of Rodgers and Hammerstein's famous and ground-breaking musical, the first to add true narrative to the form.
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'A View from the Bridge' -- a Review of Arthur Miller's Classic DramaA challenging review of the powerful play by Arthur Miller, who wrote the seminal "Dealh of a Salesman." And, by the way, loved Marilyn Monroe.
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'Romeo and Juliet' -- a Review of a Controversial Racial Staging of Shakespeare's ClassicA director wanted to cast a black man in the role of Romeo in an Orange County production opposite a white Juliet. It created a mini-outrage. And it wasn't that long ago. We've moved from there. Right? One hopes so.
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'Zorba' -- a Review of the Musical Starring John RaittA review of the musical "Zorba," with John Raitt in the lead role. Raitt, if you're interested, was the father of rocker Bonnie Raitt.
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'An Enemy of the People' -- a Review of Ibsen's Classic DramaA review of Henrik Ibsen's seminal stage play.
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'The Miracle Worker' -- a Review of the Helen Keller PlayA review of William Gibson's popular stage play following the early days of Helen Keller.
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Helen Keller After 'The Miracle Worker' -- a Review of 'Monday After the Miracle'I wrote this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this overlooked drama by William Gibson for anyone who may want to see it, is considering staging it or just wants a different perspective.
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'A Glass Menagerie' -- Tennessee Williams' Classic ReviewedI wrote this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this seminal drama by Tennessee Williams for anyone who may want to see it, is considering staging it or just wants a different perspective
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Is a Slate Roof Right for Your Home?Some people obsess on cars, others on shoes. Joseph Jenkins' mania is slate, especially when it ends up topping your house. This 287-page book, jammed with upkeep tips and historical facts, intrigues because of the author's far-reaching fascination.
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'A Streetcar Named Desire' -- a Review of Tennessee Williams' DramaI wrote this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this seminal drama by Tennessee Williams for anyone who may want to see it, is considering staging it or just wants a different perspective.
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'Evita' -- a Review of Andrew Lloyd Webber's MusicalI wrote this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this popular musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber for anyone who may want to see it, is considering staging it or just wants a different perspective.
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Sartre's 'No Exit' -- This Must Be HellI wrote this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this existential drama by Jean Paul Sartre for anyone who may want to see or read it, is considering staging it or just wants a new perspective.
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The Charm of Log Cabins and Timberframe HomesThese two books -- "Log Cabin Living" and "Timberframe: The Art and Craft of the Post-and-Beam Home" -- explore the rustic beauty of log cabins and timberframe homes. They delve into design, renovation, construction, history and lifestyle.
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'Decorating Kids' Rooms' -- Good Info for Parents and DIYYou can take an easy way out arranging a children's bedroom--get a bunk bed and let them cover the walls with posters--or really get into it with "Decorating Kids' Rooms: Nurseries to Teen Retreats" by the editors of Better Homes and Gardens.
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Growing Hotblooded Summer Bulbs the Jaworski WayHenry Jaworski's useful book for gardeners describes how to cultivate summer bulbs, both outdoors and indoors.
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Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing' -- Review of a ClassicI wrote this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this classic drama by William Shakespeare for anyone who may want to see it, is considering staging it or just wants a different perspective.
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Famed Photographer's Best Nudes: Flowers and PlantsCoffee-table books are always big; combine a love of flowers with a great eye and "Flowers" is a good one to consider. Bela Kalman has been photographing plants since the '30s, and many of his best shots are included in this book.
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Home Design the 'Easy Country' WayKatrin Cargill's book, "Easy Country," touches on just about every style imaginable if you're one of those who believe a simple, more rustic look is the way to go when re-designing your home. An interesting, attractive book for DIYs.
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Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' -- Review of a ClassicI wrote this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this classic drama by William Shakespeare for anyone who may want to see it, is considering staging it or just wants a different perspective.
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'South Pacific' -- a Classic Musical ReviewI did this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this popular musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein for anyone who may want to see it, is considering staging it or just wants a different perspective.
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'Cats' -- a Review of Andrew Lloyd Webber's MusicalI did this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this popular musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber for anyone who may want to see it, is considering staging it or just wants a different perspective.
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'My Fair Lady' -- a Musical ReviewI did this review a few years ago but it wasn't available online. Now it is. It can provide background on this popular musical by Lerner and Loewe for anyone who may want to see it, is considering staging it or just wants a different perspective.
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Spike Lee -- Early Movies Reveal for Black History MonthOne thing about Spike Lee, he generates shock waves. Unlike most filmmakers, his ripples start in the pop culture and swell right into the realm of public debate. He's still relevant today. Just look back at the first movies and you'll feel the sway.
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Filmmaker Oscar Micheaux -- Black History IconOscar Micheaux should be recognized during Black History Month, say cinema experts. Micheaux was the most important figure in the black western, a small but significant film industry that began in the early silent era and continued for a handful of years.
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Japanese Film Review -- Juzo Itami's 'A Taxing Woman'The movie "A Taxing Woman" ("Marusa No Onna"), which can be found on DVD, streaming video and sometimes on Turner Classic Movies (TCM), is rich in craft, humor and awareness of what Japan and its people are about. Itami reveals the Japanese way.
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'The Phantom of the Opera' -- Silent Film Classic"Phantom of the Opera," a cinema thrill now and then, became a legend almost immediately. The newspapers of the day reported that women fainted, children bawled and grown men stepped outside for fresh air after the famous unmasking scene. Oh my.
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FDA Warning on Prostate Cancer DrugsThe FDA issued a warning late last year on certain drugs used to fight prostate cancer. I didn't see an article on Associated Content and thought the information should be disseminated here. The story was gleaned from the FDA report and news reports.
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Cult Films -- 'Polyester' by John Waters"Polyester," isn't quite up to the low movie standards of "Pink Flamingos," but it's still a worthy effort by John Waters, then one of the most on-the-fringe of the fringe directors. Besides, Divine is in great form, if you like forms that way.
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Fighting Depression with ExerciseDepression can be handled, even fought. Even beaten. One of the proven ways is through exercise and the affirmation of self-identity that comes from that. It can help for several reasons. Here's information that can aid depression-sufferers:
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Cult Films: 'Delicatessen' -- Not the Usual French CuisineIn "Delicatessen," Jean-Pierre Jeunet's gruesome little movie, the question is how will French cuisine hold up when society dies? The answer is grinningly tasteless: Most dishes will revolve around the notion that cannibalism is cool. Bon Appetit!
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Alexander Calder: A Great Artist at HomePhotog Pedro Guerrero met famed artist Alexander Calder on assignment for House and Garden. He showed up at one of the three Calder houses to do the mag's usual celebrity pictorial. Guerrero, however, went on to document much more.
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Japanese Film Review -- Juzo Itami's Tasty 'Tampopo'Juzo Itami, one of Japan's most inventive filmmakers, understands food, the reverie of it, its sensual essence. His 1987 movie "Tampopo" gazes lovingly, comically, and sometimes even mysteriously, at plates, bowls and spoonfuls of it.
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Outdoor Projects from Patios to Fences to Garden Beds"Outdoor Projects 1-2-3" is a good resource for anyone who wants to improve their yard, including patios, decks, walks, fences sheds, garden beds, arbors and even furniture.
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Furniture-Making and Weaving with Natural MaterialsAuthor's book shows how materials from Mother Earth can be incorporated into chairs, arbors, sculptures, even small boats. There are also weaving techniques and other projects novices and DIYs can handle.
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Foreign Film Classic -- Bergman's 'The Seventh Seal'As with many of Ingmar Bergman's movies, "The Seventh Seal" is considered a masterpiece, created by a cinematic artist who may have been more than a bit of a brooder but who never failed to interpret the big concerns facing man.
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Cult Films -- Cronenberg's Kinky Sci-Fi 'Videodrome'Cronenberg's ambitions put "Videodrome" beyond most horror movies, but his ideas aren't always clear. Still, this movie tickles.TV is an invasive force that can control the mind and, through a little Cronenbergian black magic, distort the body as well.
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Cult Films -- John Waters' 'Pink Flamingos'John Waters, who directed the fairly mainstream "Hairspray," is as crude as flatulence in his novice stage. Cult fav "Pink Flamingos" is really just a home movie made by a guy with a camera fetish and a lot of nerve. Either you get the joke or you don't.
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'The Maltese Falcon' -- What Film Noir Dreams Are Made OfHumphrey Bogart worked well with the best directors and found a good one in Huston. "The Maltese Falcon" was Huston's first feature, and he also wrote the screenplay, based on Dashiel Hammett's popular novel. Not a bad first shot over Hollywood's bow.
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'Destry Rides Again' -- Sexy Marlene Dietrich in Cowboy Drag"Destry Rides Again" is a film full of cowboy action--galloping horses, snake-eyed outlaws, flying bullets--but that's all broadsided by James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich. This was the first time they were paired and the first Western for both.
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'Rebecca' -- Hitchcock's Oscar WinnerAlfred Hitchcock won the top award in 1940, just after stud-producer David O. Selznick brought the British director to America. The picture was "Rebecca," a Gothic love story and murder mystery starring Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine.
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Save Water with Xeriscape GardeningThis is a good resource book for gardeners interested in saving water or growing plants that aren't as thristy as some.
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'Stagecoach' -- Film Classic by John Ford Starring John Wayne"Stagecoach" won an Oscar for cinematographer Bert Glennon, who captured Monument Valley the way director John Ford liked--as a metaphor of a purer time in our history. John Wayne and Claire Trevor go for love -- and try to keep trouble at bay.
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'The Lavender Hill Mob' -- British Film ClassicThe great Alec Guinness is wonderful in "The Lavender Hill Mob." It all comes down to his relaxed, almost delicate comedic style--a mastery of the small detail and satisfaction with the chuckle instead of the big laugh. Watch this movie and grin.
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Bergman's 'Wild Strawberries' -- Foreign Film ClassicReleased in 1957, "Wild Strawberries" provoked everyone in film, just as Ingmar Bergman's impressionistic "The Seventh Seal" had done earlier. It mixes poignancy, intelligence and glimmers of the subconscious man--it took movies in new directions.
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'Born Yesterday' -- Comedy Spotlight on Judy HollidayAs Billie Dawn, the former chorine with the teapot-whistle voice and lost look, Judy Holliday swipes just about every scene, even acing that wonderful foghorn of an actor, Broderick Crawford. Holliday won an Academy Award for her performance.
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Events at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CAThe popular tourist destination will have a "New Year's Eve Sleepover" and other attractions to celebrate the New Year. Continuing events like "Shark Lagoon Nights" are also available.
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Ingmar Bergman's Sex Play -- 'Summer with Monika'The famous director Ingmar Bergman described the 1954 "Summer With Monica" as a personal statement of his own creative and sexual longings. The heroine, a lusty, loving, troubled and iconoclastic girl, reflected his own youth. Maybe you can relate?
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Family Films -- 'Lassie Come Home'"Lassie Come Home" is hokum, but as pure-hearted as it is sappy. Besides, the film--like any good family entertainment--offers all the proper morals of a child-oriented fable. Devotion, love, responsibility, bravery, gumption, they're all there.
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Ornaments Can Brighten Your GardenGarden ornaments can range from classical cherubs and urns to the witty and whimsical, such as discarded rowboats, buckets or a chandelier. Set your imagination free, and let your tastes be served.
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Provocative Art of MCS in New Aartjones GalleryThe digital artist that goes by the name MCS combines his painting, photography and sculptural elements, then refines them with digital tools. Provocative, intriguing and offered for viewing at Aartjones/chalonsmith studios.
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Chaplin's 'The Gold Rush' -- a Cure for Depression"The Gold Rush" is Charlie Chaplin's earliest full-length masterpiece. The movie takes much from the shorter pictures stylistically while expanding the Little Tramp, the Everyman character Chaplin became famous for.
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Dying House Plants? You Can Save Them!Anyone can have a room full of blooms and healthy houseplants with the right cultivation. Start with paying attention to the directions your windows face and plan for the flora to follow the sun.
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Children's DVDs and Movies -- Billy Crystal's 'My Giant'In "My Giant," Billy Crystal plays a low-rung talent agent down on his luck who accidentally meets a very, very tall man while in Romania. He brings him to America to make him a star. Along the way, they develop a sweet relationship.
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Children's DVDs and Movies -- Beauty of 'Seven Years in Tibet'In "Seven Years in Tibet," a self-serving Austrian played by Brad Pitt escapes from prison and winds up in Tibet, where he befriends the young Dalai Lama and experiences spiritual rejuvenation.
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'How Green was My Valley' -- it Beat 'Citizen Kane' for Top OscarIt's really not surprising that the academy awarded the major Oscars to the more traditional 'How Green Was My Valley.' Welles' 'Citizen Kane' may have been ready to take cinematic risks, but the academy, as usual, wasn't.
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SeaWorld in San Diego Celebrates the SeasonThe famous marine-themed amusement park in San Diego has brought in new attractions for the holidays. Here's a rundown of what visitors can expect.
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Film Lovers: The Merchant-Ivory LegacyCritics, mostly American ones, use the phrase "there's a 'Masterpiece Theatre' quality about it" when they discuss the movies of James Ivory and Ismail Merchant. High-brow? Yes. Boring? No. Lovers of intelligent films tend to embrace these.
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Foreign Film Classics -- Akira Kurosawa's YojimboAkira Kurosawa, one of the world's greatest filmmakers, loved the conventions of the American Western. In 'Yojimbo,' he both honors and teases the famous genre. Toshiro Mifune, Kurosawa's favorite actor, plays the dubious hero.
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Celebrations at DisneylandDisneyland, the most famous of amusement parks, has re-vamped its many rides and attractions to celebrate the Holidays. Here's a rundown of what visitors can expect.
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Children's DVDs and Movies -- Kids Learn with Spielberg's AmistadIn "Amistad," Africans held as slaves become the focus of a courtroom battle for their freedom after staging a bloody revolt aboard a slave ship. Former President John Quincy Adams (played by Anthony Hopkins) argues for them before the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Christmas Tree Ornaments with the Radko TouchChristopher Radko's Christmas ornaments are cherished by collectors and fans for their beauty and whimsical qualities.
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Buster Keaton's 'The General' -- Silent Film ClassicThis great comedy from the silent era is considered Buster Keaton's best by many. It's hard to disagree -- "The General" is always worth a second look, whether on DVD, streaming video or the rare time it's shown on TV.
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Black History Month: A Look at Spike Lee's First Film -- 'We Cut Heads'"Joe's Bed-Stuy Barbershop: We Cut Heads" was Spike Lee's first feature, made in 1982 when he was a student hotshot at New York University's film school. Even then, Lee was showing he had the tools to be someone big.
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Children's DVDs and Movies -- Chris Farley's Beverly Hills NinjaIn "Beverly Hills Ninja," the late Chris Farley plays a chubby ninja who can barely dress himself and who journeys to Los Angeles to pursue an international counterfeiter and save a beautiful woman. Rated PG-13.
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Children's DVDs and Movies -- Kids Embrace 'The Leopard Son'In "The Leopard Son," a cub grows up, encountering dangerous lions, tough baboons and other animals along his hazardous, triumphant way. Rated G.
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Children's DVDs and Movies -- Kids Intrigued by 'The Truman Show'In "The Truman Show," Jim Carrey plays Truman Burbank, a likable guy who has unknowingly spent his entire life in front of millions of TV viewers. When his carefully contrived world begins to unravel, his audience is privy to every moment. Rated PG.
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Children's DVDs and Movies -- Disney's HerculesIn "Hercules," a mythological hero grows from bumbling adolescent to the coolest, strongest and noblest of men (and gods). He also falls in love with a sexy mortal along the way. Rated G.
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Children's DVDs and Movies -- 'Harriet the Spy'In "Harriet the Spy," a young girl writes down all the details of what goes on around her--a hobby that results in a lot of play and more than a little trouble. Rated PG.
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Children's DVDs and Movies -- 'Simon Birch' is Worth a LookIn "Simon Birch," an 11-year-old dwarf (played by Ian Michael Smith) overcomes obstacles, including ostracism by his community, with the help of a kind mom (Ashley Judd), her son (Joseph Mazzelo) and boyfriend (Oliver Platt). Rated PG. Kids liked it.
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Foreign Film: Kieslowski's 'The Double Life of Veronique'Watching this movie can be like strolling through a gallery of expressionistic paintings--individually and cumulatively, the impressions can be seductive, even while you shake your head over what the artist is really getting at. Enjoy the mystery.
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Growing Tropical Plants in Your Garden"The Exotic Garden" is a guide on how to raise tropical and exotic plant varieties from the elephant-eared fontanesii to the deep purple glory bush to the fluted angel's trumpet in many places, many climates. That means even in your garden.
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Meet John Doe -- Stanwyck, Cooper and a Capra ClassicFrank Capra, the master of sentimental film experiences, pushes to the gooey heart on this one. But will you feel something, like you did in "It's a Wonderful Life"? Yes. Besides, there's Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, no slouches at moving us.
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Fun Facts About Santa, Christmas and the ReindeerSanta Claus, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Kris Kringle, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve. Here you'll find a treasure trove of interesting and fun facts related to this favorite of holidays.
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Garden Problems Solved with Beer, Baby Shampoo, Garlic and MoreForget harsh chemicals when killing bugs, weeds and diseases. Instead, try turning to more organic gardening by using baking soda, garlic, pepper, soaps and even booze in your battle against plant and flower threats.
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Steven Spielberg -- A New Look at the Early and Middle MoviesA fresh look at Steven Spielberg's early and mid-career, before he turned his directorial sights to more serious subjects like the Holocaust in "Schindler's List" and World War II in "Saving Private Ryan."
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'The Third Man' -- a New Look at Carol Reed's Greatest MovieCarol Reed knew how to make great movies, both suspenseful and intimate This is his best, ripe with provocative and thrilling passages. Orson Welles said it was one of the seminal films of his generation. A quality DVD or streaming pick.
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Barbecue That's Finger-Lickin' GoodThese BBQ cowboys know a good barbecue when they smell it and taste it. They will get you hungry and inspired to cook up your own barbecue heaven.
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Organize the Kitchen, Bathroom and Livingroom: A Few TipsThese tips are great for storage and can even bring a smidge of style into your battle with clutter.
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The Lady Eve -- Stanwyck, Fonda and Preston SturgesFilmmaker Preston Sturges had a handful of quintessential Hollywood comedies and "The Lady Eve" is one of his finest. He brought the comedic best out of Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda. A great DVD or streaming video choice.
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Turning You House into a Family HomeHousing and home expert gives advice on how home improvement projects--or just everyday house organization--should focus on creating an environment for nesting, where the family mingles and enjoys time together.
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Night of the Living Dead -- the Politics of Flesh-EatersI was just a kid and revolution was still in the air. How did I know that hungry zombies carried the flags of change? A look back at a spook-fest fav. Good for Halloween? Sure, but good for anytime, too.
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Feng Shui -- the Path to Home HarmonyArdent followers of feng shui steadfastly believe you can apply 3,000-year-old principles of Chinese mysticism to create better home and living environments. This expert shows how -- It may even improve your health.
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Great Gardens in Small SpacesGreen expert has searched around the country to find gardens that have flourished even in room-stingy environments, getting the lowdown from professional and amateur designers and gardeners.
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Japanese Film Review -- the Funeral by Juzo Itami"The Funeral" is Juzo Itami's first movie. It's intriguing as a big step in a remarkable career that gave us the ticklish "Tampopo" and "A Taxing Woman."
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Helping Hoarders and Clutter Bugs Get OrganizedUseful and detailed book gives creative solutions for storing and displaying the things people find hard to throw in the trash.
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Lawrence of Arabia -- Greatest Movie Ever?The majestic sprawl and heroic story-telling of "Lawrence of Arabia" argues favorably for a claim to the best film ever made. Here's a new look.
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Casablanca -- a Fresh Look at Bogart, Bergman and Politics"Casablanca" fills basic needs: good for snuggling, super for wooing; tells some decent morals about doing the right thing. It's even political. You'll see.
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Citizen Kane -- a Fresh Look at Orson Welles' MasterpieceIs 'Citizen Kane' the best film of all time? That's debatable. But one thing is clear: Welles' movie remains a monolith on the landscape of American cinema.
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Gardening and the Beauty of the IrisA flower garden expert praises the Iris, which has charmed flower lowers-including artists like Van Gogh-over the ages. She offers growing tips and history.
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Tools for Collectors: Art Inside the ToolboxTool and woodworking expert loves his hammers, screwdrivers, saws, awls and axes, especially when their designs and decorations push into the realm of art.
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Healing Herbs: Medicine in the GardenHerbs can fight illness, according to a garden expert. She advises us to consider their bountiful healing properties-but do proceed with caution.
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How to Make Money at AuctionsAuctions can provide excellent bargains so don't be intimidated. An expert tells how to feel comfortable while bidding and get the most for your hard-earned cash.
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Decorate Your Home with Flea Markets and Garage SalesHow to make the most of flea markets and garage and estate sales: advice for shoppers, from preparing for the bargain hunt to using bathtub feet as bookends. Decorate with vintage style.
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Killing Weeds, Pests and Diseases in Your GardenWeeds attacking your garden? Pests and diseases? How about big winds causing havoc? This book gives straightforward solutions to many gardening headaches.
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Fun Weekend Home ProjectsNothing wrong with a relaxing weekend. But also nothing wrong with tackling a few home projects. An expert has many ideas, from the fun to the practical.
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Plant Propagation for Novice and Expert GardenersMaking new plants from old plants scares many home gardeners, but they shouldn't be intimidated. Propagating flowers to shrubs can be done by anyone - if they know the right steps.
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Needlework, Textiles, Rugs and CraftsTextiles take many forms, from rugs made by home hobbyists to fine art weaves more suited to hang in a gallery. See for yourself through textile books.
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British Film Review -- Mike Leigh's NakedFilmmaker Mike Leigh won the Best Director Award at Cannes for this raw and startling look at the life of a London loser. "Naked" is one of his top movies, perhaps his best.
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American Indian Baskets for Collectors and Home DesignNative American woven baskets can be works of art for collectors or beautiful accents for your home.
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Easy Ways to Clean Your HomeThanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's are wonderful times-also very messy. Here are simple tips on how to cleanup once the fun is done. Good for everyday, too.