Month: August 2012

The Campaign

The Campaign (II) (2012)
85 min  –  Comedy  –   10 August 2012 (USA)
Director: Jay Roach
Writers: Chris Henchy (screenplay), Shawn Harwell (screenplay)
Stars: Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis and Jason Sudeikis

 

When long-term congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) commits a major public gaffe before an upcoming election, a pair of ultra-wealthy CEOs plot to put up a rival candidate and gain influence over their North Carolina district. Their man: naïve Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis), director of the local Tourism Center. At first, Marty appears to be the unlikeliest possible choice but, with the help of his new benefactors’ support, a cutthroat campaign manager and his family’s political connections, he soon becomes a contender who gives the charismatic Cam plenty to worry about. As Election Day closes in, the two are locked in a dead heat, with insults quickly escalating to injury until all they care about is burying each other, in this mud-slinging, back-stabbing, home-wrecking comedy. — (C) Warner Bros.

MY TAKE – There are some brilliant and well written scenes… and who knew that Will Ferrell could be so raunchy? But c’mon, it’s an American star-vehicle, so don’t go looking for depth or insight. Just laugh and enjoy… we did.

Continue reading “The Campaign” →

Looks Official (continued)

Got those swell drivers licenses right away.

Got that license plate for my scooter “out of the drawer.”

The swell, blue and white Circa 1982 license plates took a little longer, but were worth the wait (and modest extra charge).

I especially like the darkish plate against my rather dark grille.

Last Time YOU had a Hot Weiner?

Naturally, the challenge for any foodie upon arrival in a (relatively) new city is to ‘get real.’ I’m happy to report that my first foray away from the convention hotel in downtown Raleigh, NC yielded a bullseye.

Apparently The Roast Grill, on S. West Street between W. Morgan and Hillsborough Streets, has been there since the 1930s serving hot dogs and Coke. That’s it. Your choice of toppings are mustard, chili, onions, and/or slaw. Their motto is ‘We burn them for you.’

The interior is tiny, with three two-seaters on one side and a tight bar along the grille that seats maybe 10 people, and has been decorated by the accumulation of Coca-Cola memorabilia. This is a local spot with the folks behind the counter holding conversations with almost every customer, lots of greetings when the door opens from both sides of the counters. What a find!