Expedient MEANS

Notes on Film, Art, Writing, Technology and other things by Steve A Furman

  • My Oscar Picks – 2024

    Predicting (hate that word) what the Academy will choose is risky business. But those of us who follow cinema closely can’t help ourselves. The Academy is all about proclamation. Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Sound, etc. But can there really be a Best of anything in art? The full Academy chooses the Best by voting… Read more

  • Killers of the Flower Moon – Film Review

    It’s hard to imagine a story more “American” than Killers of the Flower Moon. A true story about an Indian tribe being forced to give up their land along with their customs and freedom. Adapted from David Grann’s gripping non-fiction book, Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI,… Read more

  • Gateway Loop Trail – Scottsdale, AZ

    A very different trail. Rocky all the way around the loop. Lots of interesting mineral rocks and mountain outcrops. Wildflowers still showing off their colors and ability to grow anywhere. Read more

  • Pinnacle Peak Hike – Scottsdale AZ

    Stunning day for a hike. Clear skies, mid 70’s and low humidity. At the entrance to the trails a volunteer had a solar telescope set-up trained on, you guessed it, the sun. They use special filters to ensure safe viewing. When you look at the sun through these filters you see a red ball of… Read more

  • Tom’s Thumb Hike – Scottsdale AZ

    A relatively short hike but affords great views. The trail is narrow. Trail head facility is well kept and staffed with very helpful folks. Click any image to enlarge. Read more

  • My 2023 Oscar Picks

    It is tempting vote for everything Everything Everywhere All at Once was nominated for, but I don’t believe it is that kind of film. I recognize why it is so popular and perhaps even influential on future films, but there are other great efforts to recognize. But, who knows what will happen this year??? Actor in a… Read more