Things That Matter To People Who Matter

Robert Sabuda's popup books | Celine and Julie Go Boating | The Amazing Race | Roots Rockabilly Roadhouse radio show

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Published: Oct 9, 2007

Robert Sabuda's popup books

A few years ago, I read an article about Robert Sabuda, who creates popup books. Immediately, I began investigating these paper-mechanical wonders. The illustrations are beautiful alone. On top of that, the popups open, jump and twirl with such thoughtful purpose. The Wizard of Oz book has a twister that spins out when opened; the Dinosaurs book has a T-rex that leaps out at you; Alice in Wonderland has a tea party with popup tea cups on a popup table. In a world of such immediate gluttony, it is comforting for me to know that someone took the time to create these treasures. Just knowing there is at least one person who calls himself a paper engineer makes me smile.

Celine and Julie Go Boating

French director Jacques Rivette's 1974 masterpiece Celine et Julie Vont en Bateau (Celine and Julie Go Boating) is the tale of two women who meet by chance and end up trying, through fragmented hallucinations of the future, to save a young girl from a murder that hasn't happened yet. A fascinating mix of horror, surrealism, mystery and comedy, the film incorporates magic candy, time travel, ghosts, an evil family and a huge mansion into one of the most creative and mind-bending films ever made. Although a journey at three hours and change, the mesmerizing Celine and Julie is an influential and essential film that has to be seen to be believed.

The Amazing Race

While staying at my mother's house for a few months last year, I became grossly addicted to reruns of The Amazing Race. So my girlfriend and I would make sure to be home by 3 every night. What a hilarious show. I always wanted to get on it, travel the world, win money, compete against gay guys from Brooklyn and mother-son teams from the Dakotas. They would play old seasons every night. My girlfriend thought they were airing new programs and always wondered why they were on at 3 in morning. Eventually, she found out they were reruns and was curious as to why I cared so much. I never had a good answer for her.

Roots Rockabilly Roadhouse radio show

I stumbled upon the Roots Rockabilly Roadhouse radio show (WPRB 103.3FM, Tuesdays 1-3 p.m.) a few weeks ago while flipping through the dial. Being a punk rock kid at heart, I was immediately inspired by the "modern and classic roots, rockabilly, hillbilly, surf, and rock 'n' roll, featuring new artists and obscure finds." Holy crap! This is the sound of my soul! I wish I'd discovered this show earlier, but I don't often have time to listen to the radio on Tuesday afternoons. If you like the sound of 1950s American youth gone wild as much as I do, then you should check out Professor Ouch and Hotrod Scotty Binder while they spin tunes by the Cramps, Bill Haley, Eddie Cochran and all of your favorite rockers and rollers.

 

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