Mar 09 2009
Ah, Winning
Despite the nearly comatose nature of today (as it to be expected, rising in the middle of the night thanks to DST), today has mostly been a good day. I got some breathing room financially. My fence is done. And, as almost never happens, I won–twice, first a Blu-ray DVD of Igor , which I’ve been meaning to watch as twisted stop motion is a favorite in our house and, from the same source, 80 Years of Oscar , which is chock full of wonderful movie stuff (and retails at $75). I probably would never have been able to convince myself to purchase the latter, but I know I’ll get a lot out of it. Both contests were offered by a clever and indepth little movie/TV blog called RU Screening , which is somewhat heads and shoulders above the nominal “I’ve-been-so-anxious-to-see-[insert movie name here]-and-I-did-and-it-rocks” kind of review site. I find the reviews, even for movies I haven’t the slightest interest in watching, insightful, interesting and entertaining. What I don’t understand is why there isn’t more notice of this slickly built little gem of a review site. Or as much interest. I mean, to enter these contests for free goodies, one only had to leave a comment on the review. Only three left comments on Igor and I was the only comment for the exceptional (and expensive) book. Anyway, if you’re interested in movies, some of them long released gems and some upcoming/current releases, it might be worth your while to check out RU Screening .
But, as opposed to that kind of meritless winning, I thought I’d mention another big winner. Last month, during Black History month, I made a point to note some of the many contributions made to science and technology by African Americans. This month is focused on women and today is International Women’s Day , and, by a strange coincidence, 2009’s Black Engineer of the Year is Dr. Wanda Austin , President and CEO of the technically prestigious not-for-profit Aerospace Corporation which operates “a federally funded research and development center for the US Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office and support all national-security space programs.”
Since I noticed this little tidbit, I just thought I’d pass on more reminders that technical know-how brains and excellence are notrace or gender specific, although I doubt any of my readers need reminding.
Congrats on the wins!
Thanks for the reminder that women and African-Americans have made significant contributions to our society.
Davida
I checked out RU? since you mentioned it. I had a chance to read the “Watchmen” review and comment. Didn’t seem like it was something you wanted to watch, but it should be right up my alley. I’m particularly looking forward to Billy Crudup’s performance… and the violence.
Davida
See, I find several movies that aren’t my cup of tea, several movies I didn’t know were my cup of tea (but are) and happy agreement generally on the rest. Even if I see things differently than he does, I find his reviews interesting reading.
Marc, I only say it if I mean it. You have a great site, which it’s on my “never miss” list - and you know darn well I never miss it.