I watched Zero Effect last night and found it quite enjoyable, in a goofy sort of way. It's about a reclusive great detective and of course all the detective stuff got me thinking about perception and observation. I think I could know a whole lot more if I paid more attention (not necessarily know more important things of course). So my new plan is to be more observant as I'm out and about. Purchase a coffee? Note stripes on barrista's t-shirt. Crossing street? Observe couple talking casually on corner. Observe them again at Metreon buying popcorn. Etc. etc. Hmmmm…just writing that out makes me think I may be on track to being a wacko.
Who is responsible for this recent spate of movie-viewing? Why NetFlix, of course. Trusty beloved NetFlix, who I heartily recommend if you own a DVD player and watch movies pretty regularly. In fact, I'm so enamored of NetFlix, I've mangled a famous poem in its honor. Behold:
Sonnet for NetFlix
(with many many apologies to Ms. Barrett Browning)
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee for the depth and breadth and height
Your DVDs can reach, when rented on a night
For the ends of Seing and ideal Pace.
I love thee for the level of every film's
Most quiet creed, by gun and barroom-fight.
I love thee (not) freely, as stars strive for Sight;
I love thee purely, as they turn toward Praise;
I love thee and the movies that I choose
From your web site, and with my browser's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With the local storeI love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.