Stuff I've Been Watching and Listening to Lately

Said stuff includes:

• The clever documentary Cane Toads: An Unnatural History, about the lovable-yet-venomous animals introduced into the wilds of Australia in the 30s by well-meaning agriculture officials. Well-worth checking out.
• The late-70s remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Great director's commentary! The film induces paranoia quite well. I've always loved the Kevin McCarthy cameo appearance; I had never realized that Don Siegel was also involved briefly, as were Robert Duvall and Jerry Garcia (!).
• My new Sin City Recut Extended Unrated double-disc set. I'm working through it now, but it's worth the $39 if you're a fan of Frank Miller and/or Robert Rodriguez. Among the things I've learned: The swords used in the "Oldtown" segment are actually Hattori Hanzo swords from Quentin Tarantino's garage. (Note: Here's something on the real Hattori Hanzo.)



• For a great example of the advantages of the "audio" aspect of audiobooks, check out the unabridged reading of Will and Ariel Durant's The Lessons of History. Every so often, they cut from the reading to go to excerpts from an archived interview with Dr. and Dr. Durant, in which they expound on the themes covered in the narrated chapters of their book. And she's a hoot! He's this crusty old intellectual and she keeps him in his place. (Hey! Great idea for a sitcom!)