Why Are These A Thing?

The first time I saw a "fidget spinner" was when one of my nieces was over at my house. I hadn't heard of them before, and didn't think a whole lot about it when I saw it. 

The toys apparently are this year's adolescent fad. 

My dad (who is not an adolescent) purchased the fidget spinner I'm holding in the picture above -- at a gas station. I told him I wanted to do a blog post about fidget spinners...so he dropped it by...

There are claims that the spinners relieve anxiety and soothe the symptoms of ADHD. There are also claims stating that those claims are a load of bull. 

Fidget spinners have been banned at various schools for being a distraction. 

I saw a post today on Facebook demonstrating how the washer-like metal circles are a potential choking hazard (the "fun police" are never too far from a new fad).  

I've spent the last four days with this white fidget spinner. I must admit that I feel more anxious since it has been in our home. I'm not sure that is the fault of the spinner, but I feel obliged to be truthful about my current mood since the spinner and I are in close proximity. 

I mean, I guess it's cool to watch it spin. 

I'm not altogether sure why they have become so popular. It doesn't really do a whole lot. My dad said he likes to start it spinning, and then take a pencil and see if he can perfectly thread it through one of the three spinning holes. 

Maybe this is how people felt about the Slinky when it was introduced in the 1940s -- "Look Ethel! That spring can walk itself down a staircase. Shazam!" 

The spinners retail online with prices ranging from a couple bucks all the way up to $15 dollars. (Pro tip: Don't pay $15 for one of these things.) 

I guess there are worse things your daughters and sons could be interested in. In a way, it is heartening that something so "old school" is so popular in 2017. 

Maybe that's the appeal. In a society that revolves around intently looking and tapping on LED screens, there is a certain retro charm in an item that is the epitome of analog amusements. 

Check out my previous post: These Kids Are "Sharp … Cheddar Sharp"

These Kids are "Sharp...Cheddar Sharp"

My favorite classes in school were those that were skill-based -- courses requiring the use of mechanical skills to create something. 

The photography class Bridget and I took at the University of Nebraska at Omaha ranks near the top of my list. This was before digital cameras permeated our culture. Everything was shot on Kodak T-Max 400 film. I captured my pics on a manual-focus Pentax camera my dad purchased for me. 

The course required us to develop our own film, then use those negatives to create black-and-white prints in the darkroom located in the Weber Fine Arts Building. 

As far as I'm concerned, it was the best class I took during my time at UNO. 

THE NEXT GENERATION OF CREATIVES ...

My niece Julia has had a good time taking a similar type of course at the Omaha Public Schools Career Center (located in the former Omaha Technical High School building). 

She is taking Digital Video Production. The course allows Julia and her fellow students to learn the process of making movies in the digital realm. They write, produce, direct, act, shoot and edit their projects with a team. Julia has had the opportunity to learn the tools of the trade, and discover the ins-and-outs of using Adobe Premiere Pro CC to edit and finalize her films. 

As a graphic designer, I'm excited that she has the opportunity to experience the sort of "hands on" learning that is too often shrugged off in favor of a theory-based "college prep" curriculum. 

LOAD UP THOSE PEZ DISPENSERS

Julia and her fellow students had the opportunity to compete in the first-ever Omaha Metro High School 7-7-7 Film Championship. 

The competition was an opportunity for local high school film students to try their hand at making a seven-minute (maximum length) film in seven days. There were seven challenges included in the task (example: the students had to include a Pez dispenser in some creative way).

The competition culminated with the "7-7-7 Screenings & Awards Showcase" (their own low-key version of an Oscar ceremony) at the Durham Museum on May 2. 

HOW DID THEY DO? 

Julia's team created the film "The Robbery" -- a comedy about a nighttime heist in surburbia. She told me that the scripts of her two teammates (the two male stars of the film) were combined together to create the overall narrative structure (along with a dose of improvisation during the process). 

She wasn't sure how her team would fare, but the group finished in 6th place in the overall standings (out of 21 teams). 

Here is the film. Our Oldsmobile Alero -- which Bridget let Julia borrow -- makes an appearance in the film:

These students are really talented, and I think they created a story that was funny and "cheddar sharp" (to reference a line from the film). 

In addition to "The Robbery," the other projects screened on May 2 featured some inventive stories and skilled production work. 

The top finisher ("Best of Show") in the competition was a thriller titled "Memorandum." The team who produced the film is also part of the Digital Video Production program at the OPS Career Center. 

Their film is dark, brooding and visually compelling. Take a look:

The video was also honored for "Best Use of #7" in the competition (another one of the 7 challenges filmmakers had to incorporate in their production). 

What's impressive about these projects is that the students were dealing with difficult time constraints and requirements (considering all the other coursework busy high schoolers have to focus on in a given week). 

The film "Sweet Love of Mime" was one of my favorites. The team from Westside created a cute vibe and a whimsical style for their entry, and the team finished in 3rd place:

It was fun to see how the students included Pez dispensers in their videos. This team (also from Westside) won the award for "Best Use of Prop" and finished in 4th place:

JUDGE FOR YOURSELF

You can see all the award winners in the Omaha Metro High School 7-7-7 Film Championship on the 777 Films YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCCponjkUso&list=PLOtgLRiIz5pUTqSKIGN3IB9qqPCIjwCMR


I know that these talented filmmakers would love it if you checked out their creative efforts. 

Check out the previous blog post: Omaha Needs a Jolt

Omaha Needs A Jolt

Omaha needs a jolt.

Bridget and I live near these dormant grain silos.

Sadly, the silos are no longer home to one of the more novel public art projects we've had the good fortune to experience in this city...

An ambitious young lady named Anne Trumble started an organization called "Emerging Terrain" several years ago. The organization was responsible for the "Stored Potential" art project on the silos (which began in 2010), and had set its sights on bigger urban renewal and revitalization efforts in the Omaha area. 

Trumble left Omaha in 2014. She lives in California now.  

The website -- www.emergingterrain.org -- is still active. I'm not altogether sure if the organization itself is currently working on anything, but the website houses some interesting information on past projects. 

I've never met Anne Trumble, and only followed her efforts from afar. I liked the way she thought, and appreciated her mindful perspective on our city.

One of the initiatives I found fascinating was the group's "Belt Line" proposal. The project would have revitalized a long forgotten north-south transit corridor through the middle of the city (running by the grain silos pictured above, near 35th and Vinton). Emerging Terrain wanted to bring light rail to this area -- hoping to introduce mass transit and renewal to a neglected corridor running from North Omaha down through South Omaha.  

Sadly, the plan never got its footing, but you can read about it on the site:
www.emergingterrain.org/archives/practice/belt-line 

The idea of light rail (or even something less intrusive like street/trolley cars) is a hard sell in Omaha these days. The topic has become a "hot button issue" in this year's mayoral and city council races -- and candidates seem eager to distance themselves from the concept. 

The reality is that older parts of the Omaha are in need of revitalization and forward thinking. We're talking about areas that feature the oldest homes and commercial structures in the city -- property that is often being maintained by a lower income population that struggles to have the wherewithal to improve these structures. 

Projects like train and light rail might sound expensive on the surface, but they help promote development in older areas and jump start private investment and community interest. 

The novel art on the grain silos served as a catalyst to spur conversation on some of these heady topics facing our city. 

We live in a world where people want to shrug off responsibility, and focus solely on "immediate" wants and needs. 

For a city to thrive, it has to think beyond maintaining the status quo, and steer things in a different direction. 

I miss the artwork on the grain silos. The structure stands today as just another withering eyesore in Omaha's urban core...bland and faceless.

But for a while, the silos illustrated what our city could become...

************

Listen to Anne Trumble talk about the "Stored Potential" art project (from 2011):

A Modern Day Treasure Hunt

I remember back a quarter century ago when my high school friends would organize "scavenger hunts." We'd get a list and drive around Omaha looking for the disparate items.

It was fun. We had no means of communication, but we'd meet up later to see how everyone did, and find out whether or not we'd procured the assigned loot.

Fast forward to 2017.

My brother-in-law turned us onto a Twitter account called @NBFindersKeeper. It just popped up recently, and sends curious seekers (basically teens and college students) on a "treasure hunt" in the Omaha-metro area. The excursions happen on weekend evenings.

The Twitter account will tweet out a general destination. Then, additional clues will roll out until someone finds the prize (generally money hidden in a clever place). The individual who finds the prize shouts it out, and tweets a selfie holding their loot.

So, our nieces wanted to play last night.

We were just coming off a depressing UNO Hockey loss at Baxter Arena, and headed home from the game. Bridget received a Twitter notification that the game was afoot. 

The area will be around 144th and center. Details to come in about 15 minutes.

— Finders Keepers (@nbfinderskeeper) February 11, 2017

I declared, "adventure!"

We veered off course, hopped on the interstate, and journeyed out to Millard.

We learned the "gift" (as the account calls it) would be near 144th and Center. So we drove to AMC Oakview 24 and waited for the next clue.

Lo said, "I've never played this game before..."

Vic's Corn Popper was tweeted as the specific destination where the loot was hidden -- nearby, not on the building itself.

"GO, GO, GO!" Lo shouted, doing her best "action-movie-chase-sequence" impression. 

There is a @Vicspopcorn store in the strip mall on NW corner of 144th and center. It's in the lot in front of Vic's. Retweet when found.

— Finders Keepers (@nbfinderskeeper) February 11, 2017

As cars descended on the location, and participants scurried about, it reminded me of the movie "Cannonball Run." 

We hit the parking lot by the popcorn place. Julia flipped forward the seat I was sitting in and squeezed her way out of the back of the car. Lo and Bridge did the same thing on the other side, and set about hunting the money (in this instance, a $20 bill) down.

The Andrew Jackson was hidden on a tree. 

This is where the previous one was hidden. pic.twitter.com/i6ZeqW5Th7

— Finders Keepers (@nbfinderskeeper) February 11, 2017

After the winner was identified, and the players dispersed, we soon got a clue about another hidden prize. The initial clue proved to be a red herring, and took us away from the resting place of the next $20 bill.

But we were soon back on the scent, and found out the prize was located behind the Red Lobster near Oakview Mall. 

There's a store for gamers called @TradepostEnt behind red lobster on center street. It's in that parking lot. Not on buildings!!!!!!!

— Finders Keepers (@nbfinderskeeper) February 11, 2017

Julia, Lo and Bridge ran around the parking lot with the other crazies. Before we knew it, a picture of the bus bench up on West Center was tweeted, and someone found the $20 bill.

Lauren climbed a tree, and managed to break a nail. 

We decided to get some sustenance after the second bout of mayhem, and stopped at the Winchell's Donuts by 120th and Center. We ate our treats, laughed about the night's activities, and tried to gear down. 

As fate would have it, users voted on the @NBFindersKeeper account to have two more treasure hunts. We had given up by then, and we're headed back home in midtown.

But, just as we were moving east along I-80 near 72nd Street, a notification popped up on our iPhones that the next prize would be in Aksarben Village. 

We couldn't give up then! Not only was the destination close to home, it is a locale we know all too well.

So we drove to the village. I decided to brave the cold, get out of the car, and search for the treasure this time.

We learned the money was hidden near Eat Fit Go. We parked along the street and started rooting around every bench, lamppost and planting bed in the area. 

There is a store in Aksarben called @EatFitGo it will be in that area. Not on the buildings or businesses. Retweet and will give specifics.

— Finders Keepers (@nbfinderskeeper) February 11, 2017

The four of us initially dispersed in our search. Then, after a few minutes, Julia and I met up. As we pondered our next move, a black truck slowly rolled north on 67th, and the driver poked his head out the window and said, "Hey...you wanna know where the money is hidden?"

He proceeded to tell the two of us that it was on top of one of the orange construction cones across the street from Eat Fit Go.

Julia and I were kinda freaked out at that point, but we headed across the street anyway. She soon found the $20 bill -- on the aforementioned construction cone -- and the hunt was over for the evening (it was 12:30 at that point, and the Twitter account was calling it a night). 

It has been found. https://t.co/0sSmB5fKD6

— Finders Keepers (@nbfinderskeeper) February 11, 2017

It was a peculiar experience. It kind of reminded us of a simpler version of the social media game played in the movie "Nerve" (if you haven't seen that movie, check it out.)

The concept itself is pretty retro, but with the hyper-connected world we live creates interesting implications and opportunities for something like this.

"Victoria": Is This Brit Import Worthy of "Downton Abbey's" Timeslot?

I had been looking forward to this show the past few months...

PBS's "Masterpiece" label has debuted its latest co-production with British broadcaster ITV ("Downton Abbey," "Mr. Selfridge") -- the period costume drama "Victoria."

"Victoria" focuses on the rise of the 19th century British queen, and the swirling political and familial drama surrounding the young monarch's life.

As is often the case with dramas on "Masterpiece," they appear on PBS a few months after being telecast by their British television counterparts (notable exception being "Sherlock" in recent years, which has aired concurrently). Those episodes then appear following their Sunday broadcasts on the PBS Masterpiece website and PBS app (for mobile and set-top devices).

PBS did something interesting time out and put the entire first season of "Victoria" up to stream after its debut on Jan. 15. The additional episodes are locked and only available to PBS Passport members (read my previous post on Passport) until a particular episode has aired on "Masterpiece." 

A nice perk for subscribers, and it gave me the ability to binge watch the entire first season for this review.

"Victoria" comes to the states on the heels of Netflix's lavish "The Crown" (which recently won the Golden Globe for Best Dramatic Series (read my review here).

Both shows feature plots about the rigid inner-workings of monarchical life, and both feature lovely costumes and set design -- making the largely "interior" shows feel epic in scope.

Both shows are different in terms of timeframe ("Victoria" is set in the 1800s, "The Crown" is set in the 1950s), and the look, feel and societal norms are vastly different.

The diminutive Jenna Coleman (fresh off her tenure on "Doctor Who") plays the titular queen in "Victoria." Her teenage character is at times seems brash, stubborn and petulant, but as the first season wears on those traits start to fade, and her plucky charm comes to the fore.

Victoria, born Alexandrina, ascends to the thrown after her uncle passes away. The naive royal exudes confidence, but still plays will dolls (which she "numbers" instead of names) and her loyal dog Dash.

What follows is a soapy mix of political machinations, family maneuverings, and societal drama in 1830s England.

The show was written and created by Daisy Goodwin.

Those around Victoria question her ability to rule, her mental well-being, and the fact that she is a German descendant. She also has a rather distant relationship with her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Catherine Flemming).

Her biggest ally is Prime Minister Melbourne (Rufus Sewell). The calm and cool "Lord M" (as Victoria dubs him) serves as a mentor, advisor and friend to the queen.

To go much further would be to spoil the experience for those watching "Victoria" for the first time.

Those who have viewed "The Crown" on Netflix (about the rise of Queen Elizabeth II), will notice certain similarities and plot devices in the two series. Some reviewers have suggested "The Crown" of lacks heart. That aspect certainly isn't missing in "Victoria."

"Victoria" spends part of its narrative focusing on the "downstairs staff" (which worked to great effect in "Downton Abbey"), and it adds an additional depth and texture to the affairs at Buckingham Palace -- it also features some of the most touching moments in the first season.

One of the lovely aspects of "Victoria" is its musical score. The music by Martin Phipps and Ruth Barrett (with vocals by Mediaeval Baebes) strikes the perfect chord, and is a beautiful webbing holding the show's theatrics together.

Here is the music from the "opening titles" sequence: 

 

Inevitably, the question will arise, "which is the best of the new queen-centric television properties?"

Both programs show a tremendous amount of promise, and deliver a meal worthy of the seemingly vast appetite of Anglophiles in the U.S.

Both shows feature equally strong performances.

A bit of trivia... actor Alex Jennings plays King Leopold in "Victoria," and he also plays the Duke of Windsor in "The Crown."

"The Crown" might be more relatable to audiences since Elizabeth still rules Britain, and the 1950s setting is more familiar. But "Victoria" might be the more well-rounded drama as its ancillary characters get their own fully-developed plotlines.

Whichever monarch you prefer, you can't go wrong with either of these wonderful series.

"Victoria" fits nicely into PBS's Sunday night "Masterpiece" lineup.

Where to watch?
- Sunday evenings, 10/9 Central, PBS
- Also available on PBS.org, the PBS app, and for purchase from iTunes and Amazon

Check out my previous post: "Sherlock Returns… Plus: What is PBS Passport?"

"Sherlock" Returns... Plus: What Is PBS Passport?

Did You Miss Me?

Those of you who haven't been hooked by the compelling, charming and highly-stylized "Sherlock" (a co-production of the BBC and PBS's "Masterpiece" label) need to delve into this modern take on the popular Arthur Conan Doyle character. 

Tonight marks the debut episode of the show's fourth season (each season includes three ~90-minute episodes), and the only taste of "Sherlock" fans have had since the third season finale in 2014 was last year's holiday special "The Abominable Bride." 

The show has catapulted the careers of Benedict Cumberbatch (playing the titular character) and Martin Freeman (who tags along as John Watson). Due to scheduling conflicts with the in-demand actors, fans have been left hanging for three years waiting to get answers to the season three cliffhanger.

I own the first three seasons of "Sherlock" -- as well as "The Abominable Bride" -- on Blu-Ray. The show is also available to stream on Netflix.

It is well worth your time, and stands as one of the smartest series on television. 

What is PBS Passport?

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) has seen something of a resurgence in recent years with well-received dramatic series like the aforementioned "Sherlock" and the stylish period drama "Downton Abbey" -- co-productions with the BBC and ITV. 

As a result, the broadcaster has improved overall ratings, and has delved into its own original scripted programming with new offerings like "Mercy Street" (a gritty Civil War drama focused on a war-time hospital). 

Since PBS subsists on taxpayer funding -- and annual pledge drives -- they are now offering a new "hook" to get people to commit to making an annual donation. 

"PBS Passport" is a new service being offered with a minimum pledge to your local PBS affiliate. Here in Nebraska, NET offers "Passport" starting with its "Sustaining Star" pledge level ($5 per month, or $60 annually).

"PBS Passport" gives you access to a variety of shows that otherwise would be "locked" on the PBS app (on devices like Apple TV and Roku, as well as various mobile devices) and the PBS website. They show a symbol like this in the upper left hand corner:

This allows members to access additional episodes, specials, and seasons of shows not normally available. 

The other benefit it provides is that during current seasons of shows -- like the upcoming "Victoria" starring Jenna Coleman -- all episodes of the season will be available to stream on demand. Non-Passport members only get the two most recent episodes "unlocked" as the season airs. 

(Note: The PBS app on Apple TV is one of my favorites. The wealth of free content is substantial and includes nationally broadcast programming, as well as original content from local PBS affilinates around the country.)

The benefit for "Passport" members is that all seasons of select shows like "Downton Abbey" are available to watch on demand. 

I've been a fan of the app since I purchased my first Apple TV unit in 2013. I was impressed by the catalog of content offered -- in particular, the documentaries available -- and quickly found it to be one of my "mission critical" apps as a cord cutter. 

Bridget and I have enjoyed series like "Downton Abbey," "Sherlock," "Poldark," and "Mr. Selfridge" on PBS's "Masterpiece," and the PBS app is handy to have when you aren't able to watch an episode live (new episodes generally show up the day after they air). 

I also wanted to support the efforts of our local PBS affiliate (they do terrific broadcasts of local college and high school sports) and get "Passport" as an adjunct to the other streaming services we subscribe to on Apple TV. 

Read my previous post: "Manchester By The Sea": Melancholy in Massachusetts 

"Manchester By The Sea": Melancholy in Massachusetts

First off, writer/director Kenneth Lonergan's "Manchester By The Sea" has all the qualities any typical "Oscar bait" has -- solid writing, adept direction, lovely cinematography, and honed performances. 

The story focuses on world-weary janitor Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck). 

Lee is puttering along in life, following a lonely routine as an apartment custodian, when he receives a call informing him that his older brother Joe (Kyle Chandler) has unexpectedly passed away.

He heads to Manchester, MA, to see the body, make "arrangements," and tell his nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges) that his father has died.

We learn through a series of flashbacks that Joe had a heart condition. We also learn that Lee had previously lived in Manchester, with a wife (Michelle Williams) and kids.

A visit to Joe's attorney leads to the revelation that Lee has been left in charge of the estate, and that he is to be guardian of his nephew. Not only is Lee surprised by this news, he is visibly agitated at the notion.

Lee and Patrick have a familiar, if uncomfortable, bond. It isn't quite that of father and son, but it works in the short term.

Lee is set on returning to his spartan existence in Quincy, while Patrick wants to stay in Manchester at his school, with his friends, and on his hockey team.

The story then veers into both familiar and unfamiliar territory. We learn that Lee has skeletons in his closet, and a problem with alcohol. Patrick is a decent teenager, but his father had been raising him alone (his mother -- played by Gretchen Mol -- left during his formative years). The boy's interpersonal relationships suggest he could benefit from a strong parental influence.

To say the film is "heavy" is an understatement.

That's not surprising given the subject matter, but the narrative -- in all its brooding glory -- is not a neatly wrapped story of redemption that audiences might desire.

Some will argue Lee's journey in the film is truer to real life.

One of the stars of the film is the picture-postcard cinematography by Jody Lee Lipes. Some attractive views of the small coastal town are strewn throughout, adding depth to the story.

I do think the story could have benefited from some judicious editing. The 2 hour, 17 minute runtime was too long for the narrative it encompassed -- you can only take so many shots of a listless Casey Affleck staring off into space.

I also felt the musical stylings in the film left something to be desired.

How you react to "Manchester By The Sea" will ultimately depend on your expectations going in.

The Affleck brothers have a penchant for doing projects that show the existential crisis of blue collar Massachusetts ("The Town," "Gone Baby Gone," "Good Will Hunting").

This film is no exception to that rule, and captures their home state in all its dreary New England glory.

Rated R, Runtime: 2 hrs, 17 min

Read my previous post: "A Tiny House Transition"