Wall Drug in South Dakota

To truly appreciate what Wall Drug is, you first have to abandon any notions that you might have about your typical drug store. Located in Wall, South Dakota this strip mall is one of the few reasons you'd probably stop in this little town along the interstate.

Opened in 1931, Wall Drug has evolved over the decades into a massive roadside tourist attraction featuring shops, restaurants, kitschy western displays, and of course, a drug store.  What makes Wall Drug unique is in how it advertises. You can't drive anywhere in South Dakota without seeing a billboard along any of the interstates. 

In fact, there's a display of photos throughout the store showing people holding a Wall Drug sign all over the world and saying how far away they are from it. Wall Drug even marks their geographical coordinates right next to their doors in case you needed further proof that you've actually arrived. We spent an hour looking around and buying souvenirs. It's one of those quirky roadside attractions that you just have to see for yourself.

Welcome to South Dakota.

2011 Oscar Flicks

With 10 Best Pictures to watch I was cutting it close this year, but did manage to cross the bulk of nominees off my list.  I love the challenge and like it even more when I'm surprised by movies that I might not have watched otherwise.  Here's my two cents about the 2011 Best Picture nominees.

The King's Speech

This felt the most like an Oscar movie.  A period biopic, with a handicap to overcome that's based on a true story, starring a prolific and experienced actor in the leading role.  I'm a sucker for British history, and technically speaking this flick checked all the boxes.

The Kids Are All Right

Modern, fresh, and compelling, it was cool to see a movie that featured a same-sex couple without the plot being dictated by social causes.  It just goes to show how complicated 'normal' is for everyone. Big thumbs up!

Inception

I only wish that more studios would push for the originality showcased in Inception.  I'm still in need of a second viewing to fully appreciate it I think, but this was a fun surprise with some incredible imagery and effects to boot.

The Fighter

Another sports biopic about an underdog may not be reinventing the wheel, but I thought this was brilliant.  I seem to be attracted to anything with Amy Adams in it to be honest, but the picture features some really compelling performances throughout. 

Black Swan

If more thrillers were like this I wouldn't despise so many of them.  Portman is incredible and the story is fused with the perfect amount of mystery and suspense.  Who knew ballerinas were so dark?

127 Hours

One of my favorite nominees, Danny Boyles film is an editing smorgasbord of jump cut flashbacks and daydreaming.  I loved the structure of the movie and the euphoria created by merging memories and digital clips with the reality of willing yourself to survive.

The Social Network

It's a powerful story considering the context that it has defined about how we communicate, but I found it hard to care about anyone in this movie.  To be honest, I think I would've been more compelled to watch a documentary feature about the reality of 'the social network' instead of seeing it be so overly dramatized. Still, check it out.

Toy Story 3

This is about as close to a universally heart-warming and dare I say 'perfect' movie as you can probably get.  

True Grit

Do yourself a favor and watch the 1969 original with John Wayne and then ask yourself why this needed to be remade.  The Coen brothers are great, but this certainly isn't their best.

Winter's Bone

Of all the nominees this was the only one that I actually strongly disliked.  It was so dry and country-bumpkin infused that it seemed like a joke to say this was the modern day.  I have trouble watching flicks that don't seem very redeeming, and after it was over all I thought was I could've done without it.  To each their own.

If I was going to call it I'd say the winner is going to be either The King's Speech or the Social Network, but I personally would love it if Toy Story 3 or 127 Hours had chance.

Inspired Singles: Lay Lady Lay

Issue 18: Lay Lady Lay by Magnet Feat. Gemma Hayes

Written and made popular by Bob Dylan, this cover of Lay Lady Lay by Magnet and Gemma Hayes was enough to encourage me to buy their entire album On Your Side.  What I love about the song in general is how it floats from chord to chord.  There's a relaxed groove about it, perfect for . . . well, you know.  

The cover really plays up the weight of the song while replacing Dylan's raspy style with a smooth and more ambient interpretation.  Don't get me wrong, I like both versions.  This one just doesn't remind me of my parents generation as much - given the subject matter that's a huge plus.