An interesting dining concept...if you turn off all the lights, does the food taste better? I apologize for the ad's around the article, but it's worth reading...click here. The closest most had come to dining in the dark was, in the words of Michael Malloy, a 41-year-old in sales from Engelwood, N.J.: "In front of the refrigerator, 2 a.m., drunk, and I can't find the kitchen light." True...so true.

I was asked today what movie, if any, I had bought...frame unseen? My only answer: High Fidelity with Mr. John Cusack and Iben Hjejle - who had, by most accounts, the most annoying hair style in all of film. But...excellent actress in that role. All the roles were casted perfectly...which led me to another thought. There is another film that was casted perfectly; filmed, produced and executed perfectly; had an excellent story with global subject matter and personal connections to the characters...but received only fractions of the box office, accolades and (always important) buzz.

The Thin Red Line

I know...you say "It's too pretentious." No. You say "It's to ethereal." No. You say "Saving Private Ryan was a much better movie." Big No. Saving Private Ryan was a much more violent movie, with a much reduced story line, simpler characters and contrived "Hollywood" ending. It was good...but not better than Terrence Malik's picture.

Malik presents a thoughtful main character with multiple, deeply involved storylines of numerous minor characters. Malik takes time to point out the duplicity of beauty and repugnance in conflict. He also filmed battle scenes where the good guys win and they blow shit up. I can't explain exactly why I'm so frustrated about this movie not getting it's just rewards...but it may be that Malik is a fellow Texan - and we know Hollywood's ADHD relationship with Texans. Love Wes Anderson....ooouuuu...hate Wes Anderson. Love Renee Zellweger....hate Renee Zellweger...and, ok...Love Renee Zellweger.

Breath...

So, next week...we will be comin' to you live from Austin, Texas...which really WILL be the Live Music Capital of the World. South By Southwest will start next week and we have to get a record signed. Shane reports that "you're not going to believe the strings" and that vocals, trombone and trumpet are recorded this week...mixed...pressed and presto! We're broke. Look for the "Too Soon to Say" release party invites sometime in late-March, early-April.

Sorry to rant so much...but, wow...see that film. And come to Shane's release party. And give me a Valium...cla