1 Reel Film Festival or What I Would Be Doing This Weekend if I Were Around Seattle

I'm leaving town this weekend.

But if I weren't, this is what I'd be doing:

1 Reel Film Festival
http://www.siff.net/cinema/seriesDetail.aspx?FID=244

SIFF Cinema is using Bumbershoot as excuse to have a little mini-fest.
This is good news to you loyal reader because you get to experience some of the best short films from around the world.

Top Picks would be:

-Best of SIFF Audience Choice Shorts at 4:30pm on Sunday.
-Astonishing Tales, Sunday at 7:00pm
-Around the World in 50min, Monday at 1:00pm.
-Cupid Attack, Sunday at 2:00pm

Really you can't go wrong. Just go.

What to do this Weekend: Fireworks in Vancouver

I know I haven't been posting much these days, but not due to lack of Good things to talk about. In fact, there's been so much Good that there hasn't been room for much else.

However, there's something so good that if I don't tell you about it, then this blog is pretty much worthless. So pay attention:

I you are ANYWHERE close to Vancouver, BC this Saturday you need to get in your car and drive. Even if you need to fly in it would be worth it. Why? Because the weather looks like it will be perfect for an evening of FIREWORKS over the bay in front of Vancouver. Every summer there is something in Vancouver called The Celebration of Light and countries compete to give all who care to watch the best show around.

This Saturday at 10pm is the final night. China (who first developed fireworks) is set to close out this, the 20th anniversary of the festival.

Picture yourself basking in the sun, by the ocean, with mountain in the distance, hundreds of boats in the harbor and delicious food in your belly. You're enjoying all the interesting people passing by, the elaborate picnics, the smells of food and the sound of languages from around the world. This is Vancouver on such a night as this Saturday.

Trust me, as one who was there last weekend, there is no better place to be (maybe anywhere) on a summer's night. I seriously, without question would be there again, but can't since I'm out of town for a friends wedding. I'm begging you, go there for me.

Cookie from Heaven

I just had the best cookie of my life.

Maybe my blood sugar was out of whack and the cookie hit that needed sweet spot. Or maybe it was the crack cocaine they put in this thing, but I'm telling you it was out-of-control good. So good in fact that I may never be able to enter Macrina's again with out eating one. And for only $2, how can one NOT justify the buying the best cookie of one's life?

So you're probably wondering, "what kind of cookie was this?" Well let me tell you. It was a ginger-molasses cookie sent from the heaven. It wasn't too gingery, it was nice and sweet, with a touch of salty(?) something to balance it out. And then there was the texture. It was this glorious soft, yet chewy combo with slight hint of crispiness only around the edges. It was just perfect. Go get one. Now.


View Guide to Good in a larger map

Times They are a-Changing

It seems like lots of people are fond of dismissing Apple's new iPad as a larger iphone that seems pointless. However, by and large these people haven't actually seen what it can do and/or lack the imagination to understand the potential this thing holds. I think the iPad's strength lies in its flexibility and availability for developers to create new content. At this point there's stuff it's going to do that we haven't the foggiest notion of. We're in the midst of a profound shift in the way humans are relating to their world and the iPad is part of this. This video gives a fascinating glimpse into this potential, especially its effects on print media:

VIV Mag Featurette: A Digital Magazine Motion Cover and Feature for the iPad from Alexx Henry on Vimeo.

YikeBike!

Yikes! this is AMAZING. I want one, I need one. I wonder if it will make it up and down the Queen Anne hills I live on top of? At around $5,000 I better get saving. But seriously, this is cool.

Watch the YikeBike in action here

The Best Thing I've Seen Since the Last Time I Watched It

Just Go

Clear your calendar and do it quick! Because you've got from now until Thursday (2-25) to catch the best short films of the year in the theater. These films only show for one week and I'm late in giving you the heads up on it.

They are only playing at select theaters to the easiest thing to do is Google "Academy Nominated Shorts" in your local area and see you get.

They show two programs: One for Live Action another for Animated. Both promise to be an entertaining combination of humor, wit, soul-searching and creativity.

Seriously, don't miss this! You'll be the same if you do.

Official Website with Trailer