As usual, amore eroma has some movies you may want to watch his Valentine’s Day. Let us know if we’ve added to you V-Day goings on!

-100 Girls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NNxZj8bZg8

Cute film about a college student trying to find the girl he shared a moment with in an elevator during a black out at his school. No, this is not an Animal House – like T&A romp. (Well…it does have a little T&A, but….) It falls into the soul searching category. Very well made little romance a la SAY ANYTHING.

- Return to Me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFD8ZE0Muf0

Syrup and cotton candy on a romantic tip. Return to Me is a romance with…heart. Duchovny and Driver fall in love among old timers and married couples. He’s the classic good guy who’s getting over his wife’s death and she’s a beauty trying to hide the fact that she had a heart transplant. Comedy ensues. It’s sweet and campy and filled with good intentions. Looking for something sweet this V-Day? This is it.

- Date Night

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aspBKFz2dBI

Steve Carell and Tina Fey doing what they do best – wacky. This comedy of errors and mistaken identity is fun and silly and well worth a viewing. The writing is basic for sure, but it delivers some giggles and some “feel good comedy” moments that will entertain as long as you’re not looking for anything too high brow. Rekindle the romance comedy fun.

- Frankie and Johnny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS_5oooCGv8

Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer made a movie together? Yes, and it’s not bad. Another classic “will they or won’t they get together” plot from the director of PRETTY WOMAN with some memorable scenes and true romance, but nothing too deep. Keep it surface and fun and you’re bound to enjoy this little Golden Globe nominated smooch fest. Keep tissues handy for waterworks at the end of the film. This is a classic, 90’s romantic comedy with all the bells, whistles and “goofy friends of the lead character” we love.

-A Wedding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBgM5nzb8Us

The lighter and sometimes much darker side of love, marriage and relationships is explored in this Robert Altman classic. It’s a “bottle story” where a family wedding reception reveals that things are not at all well with the family units involved. Some grand performances and spot on Altman dialog and situations make this a fun and wacky film.

-Arthur

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zH3tG5t9cN0

This lovely nugget from 1981 stars Dudley Moore as an alcoholic billionaire and Liza Minnelli as a “common person” he falls in love with. Instant classic. This film still holds up with Moore’s insane drunken laughter and Sir John Gielgud’s amazing performance as his butler. Fun dialog and a sweet love story. Well worth checking out!

-Somewhere in Time

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI-rGuVt4zo

Another movie that will warrant a full box of tissues. This tearfest will have you swooning. The late Christopher Reeve travels back in time sans time machine – just with the power of his mind. His mission is to meet the lovely Jane Seymour – the love of his life. But, can their love stand the test…of time. Ok…sorry, but that’s what you get here. It’s SUPER sweet and love filled. PERFECT for a romantic, wine filled night by candlelight.

- Rushmore

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hQel3noQeI

“Maybe I’m spending too much of my time starting up clubs and putting on plays. I should probably be trying harder to score chicks.” Max Fischer

Wes Anderson’s classic tale of schoolboy love told with his unique flair. A must see – period.

- Play It Again, Sam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl_DBzrNFzc

Woody Allen…IN COLOR! That’s right – one of Allen’s early color films. Filmed in San Francisco, this film explores a very Casablanca-like set up. Allen’s wife leaves him and he’s forced to get back out in the world of dating. His good friend Diane Keaton is there to help him through and get him on the right path. But, will her helping merely fuel Allen’s love for her?

Filled with fantastic slapstick humor and grand dialogue, this has to be one of my favorite Woody Allen films.

- Turn Left, Turn Right (( http://amoreeroma.com/turn-left-turn-right/ ))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDP85dOe9BM

In short, this film will give you insulin shock with how sweet it is. It’s a romantic comedy in the classic Asian tradition. Two people are meant for each other and – time and time again – miss each other by inches. Fate keeps sending them in opposite directions and on a series of near misses. It’s a fairytale and so light it will have you floating above your sofa after you finish watching it! It has some really silly comedic moments in it as well. Fans of When Harry Met Sally or Sleepless in Seattle type movies will dig this for sure. It helps if you are familiar (and prepared for) Asian film stylings as well. If you like romantic comedies, pick this up. You’ll like it.

Big hugs to you!

Well worth a visit!

http://www.urbanscreen.com/

http://motionographer.com/2009/07/24/building-projection-round-up/

This may be a sort of “one trick pony”, but it never fails to wow me when I see it. Video is projected onto the surface of a building at night to create a massive art piece. While it would be wondrous to actually be there on site to see these, I almost think seeing them shot like this – preferably in HD – is almost as entertaining.

http://www.dreadcentral.com/
http://www.dreadcentral.com/page/dread-central-podcast-directory
http://twitter.com/dreadcentral

As a horror fan with too many things going on, DREAD CENTRAL keeps me involved in the genre I love when time doesn’t allow for me to view the movies themselves. They have a fantastic selection of information and manage to give me MANY avenues to reach it.

The DREAD CENTRAL site has a wide selection of media and articles that talk about the horror genre, upcoming events, and other news related to horror. They host horror clips, trailers and interviews, present press news and media, and present it in a fun way. They truly love the horror genre and everything that goes with it.

When time doesn’t allow for website browsing (which is most of the time), the Dread Central Twitter feed allows me to get site updates and news sent directly to me through my Twitter account. I ca scan through their updates and, when one of their posts strikes me as interesting, I can click a direct link that takes me to the area of the site where that item is held. Direct and easy.

I can also get updates and entertainment through their podcasts. HIGHLY entertaining and fun. The Dread Central crew meets and discusses industry events and news with an energy and vibe that I love. This isn’t a pompous, “we know more than you” podcast. It’s a group of friends talking over what’s going on and having a hell of a lot of fun doing it.

Horror fans need to have all these items at their fingertips at all times – it’s a must for horror fans and loads of fun.

Podcast available through iTunes.

http://www.podomatic.com/search?query=dj+ryb&x=0&y=0

When I find a DJ that has a good sense of timing and style, I’m  in heaven. DJ RyB’s mixes are fun and playful with a fantastic blend of styles and beats. Again, the music flows for over an hour in many cases and doesn’t have the jarring and disjointed feeling that some DJ mixes have. Instead of a quick jolt to another tune, RyB’s flows are smooth and well thought out.

Some “funtastic” flows for sure! Some personal faves are listed below.

Michael Jackson Tribute Mix – amazing mix that really highlights a wondrous career
http://truemixtapes.podomatic.com/entry/2009-07-23T20_07_16-07_00

Pop Mix – Good Pop fun!
http://www.djryb.com/2009/08/dj-ryb-hit-pop-volume-3-mix-download.html

DJ Mumbles Trancefixion Podcast Show
http://www.djmumbles.com/podcasts.php

Short, sweet and to the point – DJ Mumbles is a fun and freaky ride through the musicscape of trance, hip hop and more. The hour plus podcast is an endless stream of good beats and fun music that has driven me to complete many a task. You can pop in your headphones, start it up, and get stuff done to he tunes flowing through your brain. These podcasts are ideal for a long drive, a work day, or just slapping on your iPod while you take a run. Mumbles has a cool style and awesome music sense that makes the music a pleasure to listen to. Try it, you may love it.

Take a listen! Available on the site and in the Apple Store.

Little Baobab

http://littlebaobab.com/

Located at 3388 19th Street in San Francisco in between Mission and Capp Streets.

Phone: (415) 643-3558

LITTLE BAOBAB is a delightful, exotic, and delicious place to hang out and get away to. Unlike it’s larger counterpart, Little Baobab is a cozy little spot to venture to when you are looking to get away from it all, but are not looking to fly all the way to Africa to do it.

Earlier in the eve, one can partake in some wondrous African food like plantano, salads, crevette coco shrimp, and my favorite cari yap – grilled lamb in a curry with veggies. Mmmm.  Take a walk around the block or slip up to the bar while they put the tables away, then dance the night away to some fantastic Afro-beats.

The somewhat minor $5 cover is well worth it. My wife and I dropped in with some friends, dropped our $10, then danced for 45 minutes straight without bothering to hit the bar. Better than a gym membership! The dance floor is small and the place itself is done up in island style cool, so don’t venture in if you are afraid of dancing in a packed, friendly space. There’s a little wiggle room, but it can get a little crowded. There is some outside seating for cooling off and some cozy spots to snuggle up in inside if you’re looking to drink, listen and people watch.

All in all – a great time, fantastic food and a fantastic spot to get your dance on! 

LITTLE BAOBAB VIDEO

Schedule

]]> http://amoreeroma.com/little-baobab/feed/ 0 http://amoreeroma.com/sf-intl-animation-festival/ http://amoreeroma.com/sf-intl-animation-festival/#comments Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:28:47 +0000 malcolm http://amoreeroma.com/?p=583

WEBSITE AND INFORMATION

November 11–15, 2009
One of the most fertile practices in contemporary film and television, animation occupies a unique space between artistic, experimental, commercial and industrial media. The five-day San Francisco International Animation Festival celebrates San Francisco’s prominence as a hub for one of the most creative cinematic forms.

Landmark’s Embarcadero Center Cinema
One Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
Free four-hour validated parking is available after 5:00 pm Monday-Friday and after 10:00 am Saturday & Sunday at any Embarcadero Center parking garage. With validation, reduced rates apply at all other times.

Here is a very brief list of film festivals in the Bay Area this summer. Sometimes it’s nice to escape the summer heat in a dark theater. There are some interesting festivals this summer.

Take a look!

The Mill Valley Film Festival / San Rafael Film Center
Year round amazing cinema – check it out!
1001 Lootens Place, Suite 220, San Rafael CA 94901
T 415 383 5256 E mvff@cafilm.org

Zeitgeist International Film Festival
San Francisco – June/July/August
Celebrating the short independent film since 1999.

Brainwash Movies Drive-In/Bike-In/Walk-In Movie Festival
Oakland - July
Shows approximately 25 shorts and the occasional feature. Bring an FM radio so you can tune in to the film!

San Francisco Silent Film Festival
San Francisco – July
Annual celebration of silent movies.

Wine Country Film Festival
Glen Ellen – July/August
Showcase of indie and international films in the Napa and Sonoma Valley.

Jewish Film Festival
San Francisco/Berkeley/Menlo Park/Marin – July/August
The first and oldest Jewish film festival in the world, with screenings of more than 40 films by Jewish filmmakers from around the world.

San Francisco International Short Film Festival
San Francisco – August
Strives to screen a range of films so wide viewers will have trouble getting their arms, and heads, around it.

About 1 hour 34 minutes from San Francisco, Bodega Bay is great for a day trip or a longer stay. Leaving SF by around 10am will get you there right in time for lunch. I’ve taken the liberty of pointing out some places you may want to look into while visiting. Enjoy!

Time Frame of Our Trip: Monday through Thursday – June 22nd thru 25th
Crowds: Nonexistent! Definitely the time to go if you can swing a trip during the week.

Bodega Bay Inn

CA Highway One
1588 Eastshore Road , Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-3388  ruth@bodegabayinn.com

• The Bodega Bay Inn is not at the top of the list, but it’s not priced at the top either. Let’s face it, the inn is just a place to keep your clothes, rest up and sleep among other private activities. The BBI was comfortable local, the staff was very friendly and helpful and the spot itself was sweet. We got the upstairs room and had front row seats for sunsets and wine on the small back porch. All in all, money well spent at around $120 a night.

Roadhouse Coffee

2001 Highway 1 Bodega Bay, CA – 94923
(707) 875-8820

• Coffee and local color. What more could you ask for? Pastries and fresh bread? You got it! Sandwiches? Sure. Snacks? A given – it’s a coffee shop. The coffee was the best we had on our stay and was served by friendly locals in a non-corporate, down home environment. I was All In! We played a game of checkers on the board they had there, enjoyed coffee, bread and a muffin and relaxed in between Bodega Adventures. ® Check it out.

Lucas Wharf

595 S Highway 1 Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-3522

• Oh yeah. Seafood. Good seafood served by friendly and knowledgeable staff. THAT is what Bodega Bay is about! (Besides the taffy.) The Lucas Wharf was cozy and comfortable. They had a spot in front with a fireplace that was ideal for a nightcap or something from the smaller bar menu. Super comfy and warm. The dark furniture and plants in the main area provided a nice atmosphere. A row of windows provided a fantastic view of the inlet area. It leaned towards the multi-dollar mark, but it was well worth it. The fish was fresh and prepared well. The salads were delicious and crisp. The wine list had something for everyone. And, in a head to head “Clam Chowder Off” with Tides Wharf Lucas Wharf walked away the winner. I’m looking forward to a future visit.

Cioppino
1400 Highway One, Bodega Bay , CA 94923

• Friendly service and a small, but fun menu make this my second fave in the spots we ventured to. They have a nice atmosphere with warm, window view seating inside and a outside porch area with heaters for the more daring on a foggy day. The prices were about the same as Lucas Wharf – not super cheap, but reasonable. The menu had some Cioppino Specials mixed I with pretty standard fair like Fish and Chips and Caesar Salad. Add wine if you like that sort of thing and round out the meal with a delicious desert from the menu and you’re set. It was nice as well because we didn’t feel rushed or pushed to eat and get out. Thumbs up!

Tides Wharf

835 Highway One Bodega Bay, CA 94923

• Honestly, this place was ok but not thrilling. The upside is that it has a wonderful view. Glass all along the side with a view of the water and two rows of tables close to it, so it’s easy to get a window seat. However, the food wasn’t amazing. (See: Lucas on the Wharf!   )  If each meal was $5 less, I would have been happy. As it stood, it just was not as good as Lucas or Cioppino and I didn’t feel like I got my money’s worth for the cost. I also wasn’t thrilled with the atmosphere – fine, but not very warm feeling. It felt a little like a restaurant at Disneyland. Very surface.
I don’t usually like to post negatives like this, but if I can save a few folks disappointment I need to in the name of amore eroma!

Patrick’s of Bodega Bay Saltwater Taffy
915 Highway 1 Bodega Bay, CA 94923
(707) 875-9816

• Throw a rock in Bodega Bay and you’re sure to hit someplace that sells salt water taffy. It’s a Bodega Bay standard. Gas stations, bookstores, and coffee shops all sell it. Hell, BAIT SHOPS sell the stuff. However, Patrick’s sticks out in my mind as THE place to get taffy. I think this place was around when I was a kid. I seem to remember my parents taking me into the garish pink and white building and loading up with taffy and little treats. A good time as a kid. Of course, the whole of the place seems about 50% smaller now that I’m a grown up. Need treats and things for coworkers, family or friends? This is the place to stop. We got treats for a good sized group of people for around $24. That included THREE MAGIC FORTUNE TELLING FISH, mind you! My pick for taffy.
Second Wind

http://www.secondwindfun.com/

• One thing Bodega Bay has is wind. They have it in abundance at times. And what goes well with wind? Kites! Second Wind has a nice little selection of kite, candies and fun little toys and things. If you find yourself in B.B. During a windy time and need something to do, hit Second Wind and buy a kite and some candy and prepare to unleash the fun! The store owner can even help you with kite instructions as well. Well worth a visit.

King Sports

16258 Main St. Guerneville, CA 95446
(707) 869-2156

• About 37 minutes outside of Bodega Bay, King Sports is the place to go for a fantastic day trip on the Russian River. We rented two “sit on top” kayaks and were dropped off up river by one of the nicest people I’ve met in a long time – Jimmy Dean. He gave us the rundown of the river, hat to look out for, what animals we might see and let us know that he was going to be around until 5pm, so if we saw a nice beach we wanted to hang out on, we should feel free to do so. With that, he carried our boats to the water, wished us well and left us to our own devices.
And it was WONDROUS.
We put in, got used to things for a hot minute and were on our way down river. The sun was shining and a cool breeze kept us from getting too hot. The sound of water splishing and splashing was calming. The Russian River was cool and the scenery changed about three times on the way down. We pulled over a few times to eat and re-apply suntan lotion and lazed our way down the river at a slow and steady pace. It was heaven.
Four hours or so later, we were back to where we started. All we needed to do is pull up on shore, drag the boats up and leave them right there along with the oars. We made the three block walk back to Kings and got our keys and that was it. It was a great workout in the sun and was so relaxing that I actually managed to avoid thinking of work for three solid hours!
If you like nature and are not afraid of a little workout, I highly recommend a trip like this. Make sure you call ahead to reserve your boats – they have kayaks and canoes – and make sure you go up at the right time of year. You want there to be water in the river. Kings can help you sort the whole of the trip out – just give them a call. Great shop, great service and a great time on the river.