Sneaks' Book Reviews: 'The Big Burn' by Timothy Egan (2009)

Book: The Big Burn (2009)
Author: Timothy Egan
My Rating: 9.2/10 Stars *********'
I just want to start by saying that I highly recommend reading this book! The Big Burn is a well-researched and historically-accurate account of the biggest forest-fire in US history, the establishment of the US Forest Service, and the National Parks system under President Teddy Roosevelt, Gifford Pinchot who faced fierce opposition from the land baron's and politicians of the industrial era. If you want to learn a little bit about US history in the early 1900's and the origination of progressive politics in America then this book is definitely for you, and the best part of the story is that all of it actually happened. Check this book out, you won't regret it. The video below is from Youtube.com, and is an interview with the author done by Borders.

Sneaks' Movie Reviews: 'The Forest for the Trees (Der Wald vor lauter Baumen)' (2006)

Movie: The Forest for the Trees (Der Wald vor lauter Baumen) (2006)
Director:Maren Ade
My Rating: 6.1/10 Stars *****'

This movie was stressful to watch. A young school-teacher begins a new position at a new school in a new town after leaving a long-term relationship behind her. This movie is really about relationships, and what happens when people don't know how, or are un-willing to establish strong boundaries between themselves and others, between what is acceptable to them and what is not. I found this movie to be quite realistic from my own experience as I have known very socially awkward people who constantly over-step boundaries and who just don't seem to have an innate sense of what is appropriate and what isn't, and the character in this movie has this problem with her students and with her attempts to make new friends. Be prepared to be stressed, not an upbeat movie by any means. Sorry, couldn't find a trailer for this online.

Your Weekly Song: 'Twin Rays' by Gung Ho (2011)

This week's feature song goes to Australian indie-pop band Gung Ho, and their track Twin Rays. Gung Ho are a Brisbane-based indie band consisting of members Oliver Duncan (bass guitar and vocals), Michael McAlary (guitar and vocals), and James Wright (drums and vocals). Twin Rays is a single release by the band, and it was released in digital form on November 7th, 2011, so you can find it on ITunes. If you like what you hear you can also head to the band's Unearthed page HERE for more music and info. 

Sneaks' Movie Reviews: 'The Baxter' (2005)

Movie: The Baxter (2005)
Director: Michael Showalter
My Rating: 6.9/10 Stars ******'

This movie is funny and worth checking out once. Nerdy and stable Elliot (Showalter, also the Director) seems to have the curse of getting into relationships with women, who then end up reuniting with their ex-boyfriends and running off with them. He calls himself a 'Baxter' due to this happening to him multiple times during his young adult life. Check this one out if you are looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy. 

Steve Judd's Annual Global Astrological Forecast for 2012

Steve Judd January 2012 Global Astrological Forecast

Your Song of the Week: 'Barcelona' by Tinpan Orange (2011)

The song of the week is in, and it goes to Australian indie-roots band Tinpan Orange, and their song Barcelona. Tinpan Orange originate out of Melbourne, Australia and consists of band members  Emily Lubitz (vocals and guitar),  Jesse Lubitz (guitar and vocals), Alex Burkoy (violin, mandolin, and guitars), Harry Angus (keyboards and trumpet), and Danny Farrugia (drums). Barcelona is a single by the group, and was released on September 6th, 2011. Check out their Facebook page HERE, or their Unearthed page HERE for more info and music...and Happy Holidays Everybody!

Sneaks' Movie Reviews: 'The Americanization of Emily' (1964)

Movie: The Americanization of Emily (1964)

Director: Arthur Hiller

Rating: 8.0/10 Stars ********

An interesting and funny movie about a Navy-man (Garner) who is given the ludicrous task by his Admiral of photographing the first body on Omaha beach (on D-Day) to give good press to the Navy and thus avoid the splitting of the Navy and Air-Force. Also a love story in this one between Garner and Andrews which keeps it entertaining.

Your Weekly Song Post: 'The Drummer' by Niki and the Dove (2011)

Your Weekly Song Post has finally arrived, and this time it goes to Swedish indie-electronica group Niki and the Dove, and their song The Drummer. Niki and the Dove is the project of lead vocalist and songwriter Malin Dahlström, who is based out of Sweden and also has been active in various other musical acts including The Dora Steins and DisDishDance. The Drummer is the title track off of the group's first EP, which was just released on October 18th, 2011. Check out their LastFM page HERE, or the MySpace page HERE for more info and music. 

Obama Won't VETO Indefinite Detention of US Citizens, and SOPA Act

Sneaks' Movie Reviews: 'Efter brylluppet (After the Wedding)' (2006)

Movie: Efter brylluppet (After the Wedding) (2006)
Director: Susanne Bier
Rating: 9.3/10 Stars *********'

Wow, I am always impressed by the quality of acting that comes out of Europe, and this movie is no exception. Mads Mikkelsen's character comes back to his home country in Denmark to try and raise funds for his struggling orphanage in India to find that his ex-girlfriend's billionaire husband is the one offering a handsome sum, but there is more to the story than that, including discovering he has a twenty-something daughter he never knew about and more. Check this one out if you get the chance, its quite good, but a little sad too. 

Your Weekly Song Post: 'True Loves' by Hooray For Earth (2011)

Your weekly song post is up, and this week we are featuring American experimental rock/synth rock band Hooray For Earth and their song True Loves.  Hooray For Earth are based out of Boston, Massachusetts, United States,  they have been around circa 2005, and the band consists of members Noel Heroux (multi-instrumentalist and founder), Christopher Principe (bass guitar), Gary Benacquista (guitar), and Joseph Ciampini (drums/multi-instrumentalist). True Loves is the title-track off of their June 2011 release album, which I highly recommend having a listen to. If you like what you've heard you can also head to the band's website HERE.

Sneaks' Movie Reviews: 'Who's Harry Crumb' (1989)

Movie: Who's Harry Crumb (1989)
Director: Paul Flaherty
Rating: 6.4/10 Stars ******'

I gave this one 6.4 stars mainly because of John Candy. Candy plays a clumsy private detective (much like a Pink Panther or Naked Gun sort) who is called up to investigate the kidnapping of a billionaire's daughter. Not Candy's best, but still worth watching at least once for a few good laughs and by the simple fact that it stars John Candy.