Categories
Stranger than Fiction

“You had me at ‘grenade’” / “Show me the MAC-10!”

Clearly, I missed out by not watching the director’s cut of Jerry Maguire!

But seriously — when films go abroad, especially to Asia and Africa, they’re promoted with hand-painted signage made by people who haven’t seen them, and often are following the most cursory description of the plot and a couple of photos.

The roots of “Show me the money!” are still visible in the translation from film to poster…

…but I have no idea what’s going on with dismembered Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character). I think the machete-wielding guy to Rod’s left is supposed to be Frank Cushman’s dad (played by Beau Bridges), and that his holding Rod’s severed arm, which in turn is holding a grenade, is an action-film allegory for what actually happens in the movie.

Want to see more movie posters like this? Deadly Prey Gallery is an Instagram account that features wild Ghanian interpretations of American films.

Categories
funny Music The Current Situation

The “Home Alone” Yule Log

How did I not know about the Joe Pesci Home Alone yule log stream until now? This version’s got 24/7 music, so you can put it on your TV as “video wallpaper” for your Christmas dinner or holiday vibes.

Categories
Tampa Bay The Current Situation

If you’re in crisis on Christmas, remember 211 and 988

As the lyrics say, all is supposed to be merry and bright during the holidays, but there are times when life has other plans. It’s been a while since I’ve faced a “Long Dark Christmas of the Soul,” but it has happened, and “merry” and “bright” were not words I’d use to describe that time.

If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and things for you are far from merry and bright, take advantage of First Contact (formerly 211 Tampa Bay Cares).

First Contact originated in the 1970s as the 2-1-1 Helpline, a crisis intervention hotline in Pinellas County, that offered support to individuals facing challenges like loneliness and thoughts of suicide. Over the years, it merged with the United Way’s Information and Referral line and evolved into a comprehensive resource for crisis intervention, family support, and referral services throughout the Tampa Bay region and across the state of Florida.

211 is a three-digit phone number that will connect you to information and referral services to health, human, and social service organizations. If you’re in the Tampa Bay area, that service is First Contact, but if you’re elsewhere, it will connect you to the equivalent services in your area.

988 is a three-digit number that will connect you to a suicide and crisis lifeline. If you are in crisis or experiencing thoughts of suicide, call 988!

You can dial 988 to receive support and resources for thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.


Here’s hoping that your holidays are safe and happy. If they’re not, please take advantage of 211 and 988 — that’s what they’re there for.

Categories
It Happened to Me Tampa Bay

Last Friday evening at Davis Islands

Joey de Villa and Anitra Pavka, in front of a dock on Davis Islands at twilight, with Tampa Bay in the background.
Me and Anitra at a Christmas party on Davis Islands last Friday evening.
Categories
funny The Current Situation

Special edition picdump for Thanksgiving 2024

Here’s a special edition of my weekly picdump that features Thanksgiving-themed pictures, infographics, and meme. Happy Thanksgiving, and enjoy the pics!

Categories
funny

I’ll admit it: “D” all the way!

Here’s an early treat in advance of the special Thanksgiving-themed picdump that I’ll post tomorrow.

Categories
How to be a Grown-Up

The REALLY important reminders go on physical sticky notes

Yes, calendar and “to-do list” applications are useful, but when you need to be continually reminded of something, there’s no substitute for physical sticky notes.

Also: I hope this person gets over her.