Cinema Reborn at the Landis Theater

I live relatively close to the city of Vineland which is right in the heart of Cumberland County and one of the nicest things for the city, in recent memory, is the return of the Landis Theater. It has been restored, retooled and rebooted and has been hosting a variety of musical acts, assorted plays and film festivals. Well the theater will be presenting classic cinematic films once again. Here’s the Daily Journal article by Kristi Funderburk: http://www.thedailyjournal.com/article/20101025/NEWS01/10250315/Movies-return-to-Landis-Theater. The first film that they are presenting will be “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” – Hepburn and Peppard; I’m humming ‘Moon River’ already.

As a movie geek this is simply GREAT news. My sincere hope is that more cinema is explored at the Landis. There are so many great films to choose from. That being said, let’s discuss a movie that I truly and selfishly want to see specifically at the Landis Theater. That film is “Blade Runner” by Ridley Scott staring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos and Daryl Hannah.

“Why Blade Runner?”

Well, apart from the fact that it is a cinematic masterpiece and one of the most influential films ever made there is the fact that my dad and I were supposed to see it together back in 1982 right there at the Landis Theater. We bought our tickets, we were sitting in the theater and we were ready to have our minds blown when an usher comes down the aisle and announces to the handful of people present that the projector was broken and that we would receive passes to come back after the projector was fixed.

“WHAT!” I remember thinking to myself, “That’s just not right!” By the time dad and I were in our seats under the lip of the balcony my mind was filled with flying cars called “spinners”, a futuristic noir city of Los Angeles with buildings that looked like pyramids and genetic androids – replicants who were in a bad mood and had a serious beef with the Tyrell Corporation – the company who created them. Oh I was so ready to see it on the big screen at the Landis Theater. I had read up on the film in Starlog magazine(pre-internet) and I was primed and ready to behold the film in all its rated “R” wonder. But the bubble burst. Dad and I never made it back for Blade Runner but the hope of seeing it on the big screen at the Landis Theater still burns.

Therefore, I would like to lend my voice to the cause. If Blade Runner should become a consideration in the future I will do my part to fill the house. I do not say this lightly. I will full court press this to highlight the Landis Theater, one of the greatest films ever made and to selfishly giggle with geekish delight at seeing Blade Runner at the Landis Theater just like I was supposed to back in 1982. I wish my dad was here to share the experience (should such an occurrence occur). Blade Runner is a classic film and I do not doubt that geeks would travel from far and wide to behold it once again, for the first time, on the big screen at the Landis Theater. I do not doubt that it would be a home run.

Details for the “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” showing as per the Daily Journal website story:

- Tickets are on sale to see the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at Landis Theater Performing Arts Center.
- To purchase tickets, visit the box office at 830 E. Landis Ave., call (856) 691-1121 or go online to http://www.landistheater.com/.
- General admission is $5, plus an extra $2 fee. Online purchases include an additional $3 processing fee.

Go on out and support CINEMA at the Landis Theater on November 18th. I’m looking forward to seeing you there!

Desks of Legend and Yore

My laptop was downstairs for the summer. It was just too hot up in my computer room. I tucked it away next to my bed so that I could use it in the air conditioning of my bedroom. I will be migrating upstairs in the near future to place my laptop back onto its appointed position on my impromptu desk. I use a door laid flat on top of two old metal filing cabinets. It works just fine for what I need it to do but recently I asked myself, “Self,” I said, “what sort of desks are out there for geeks and/or eccentrics to use?”

Gentle Reader, before I knew it I was hitting Google and searching which is where I found this blog: http://www.casemodblog.com/?p=4536. Oh yeah, that’s pretty cool. “Expensive and perhaps a tad extravagant?” you might ask. No doubt about it. Still the steampunk gear desk and the Han Solo are just plain cool.

Hey, Batman has the desk in the Batcave, Tony Stark is surrounded by cool desks – apart from being priced WAY out of our league why not us? Yes, I know that they are both imaginary billionaires but that’s not the point. The point is they have cool desks I thought I’d pass these your way for consideration.

Until next time, Gentle Reader; I’ll be in line at Ikea!

Of Inaugurations and Balls

I had the pleasure of witnessing the inauguration of President Thomas A. Isekenegbe as the sixth President of Cumberland County College this afternoon. (For those of you playing at home that was October 15, 2010 at 2:00 PM.) He is only the sixth President in 40 years. The ambassador of Nigeria and the Grand Chief of Nigeria were in attendance and spoke on the new President’s behalf. All and all it was something to see. Presidents and delegates from dozens of colleges and universities – all in their dress robes were there to witness the inauguration. The Faculty was in the precession too. Family, friends and, yes, even politicians were recognized. It was a beautiful ceremony.

What struck me most about the proceedings was the sense that the community’s best days are still ahead of it – which is one of the primary themes of Isekenegbe’s platform. I truly like that concept. “Engage, Inspire, Transform” are the words that are being put forward. I’ve met the man on different occasions and the truth of the matter is they are not just words for a ‘catchy slogan’; no, he means them. By all accounts he is the real deal.

Tomorrow night is the “Ball”. I’ve never been to one but the tux is hanging on my bedroom door, Mother Hen’s gown is a go and pretty soon we can say that we have been to a real – honest to goodness – Ball. We can’t wait to celebrate the occasion.

All the best President Isekenegbe; this is one blogger and alumni of Cumberland County College who wishes you a bountiful tenure.

I’ll see you there. ...Although I'm still concerned about that whole 'pumpkin after midnight' thing.