Expedient MEANS

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

  • No Longer an Empty (Nest)er

    I received a Nest wireless thermostat as a present this year and I am beyond thrilled. I know Santa can bring many things so why ask for a thermostat? Most of us don’t give thermostats much thought. For decades the thermostat did not go through any evolution. It was a small, round ring on the Read more

  • Lincoln – Film Review

    Lincoln reminds us that there have always been troubling times and politics is a dirty business. Politics is about compromises struck by people with violently clashing differences. If there can be no compromise then we have the gridlock of nothingness. People suffer and die outside Washington everyday while inside the dome, maddening brinksmanship takes place. Read more

  • The Brydge iPad Keyboard – Product Review

    I really wanted to love the Brydge from the moment I saw it on Kickstarter earlier this year. It’s another of those wireless keyboards you can use with you iPad via Bluetooth. I backed the project and took possession of my Brydge with speakers yesterday. There are lot good things. It looks terrific and feels Read more

  • Savvy or Dependent?

    I heard a young man (Generation Y) ask me to finish this sentence about himself, “I am technology _________.” The obvious answer was “savvy,” but the answer he was looking for, to describe his generation and many who will follow, was “dependent.” We’re through the looking glass here and into all new technology territory. Savvy Read more

  • The Big Cats of the National Tiger Sanctuary

    This week I visited the National Tiger Sanctuary in Southwest Missouri for the second time. It’s tucked away just off I65 between Springfield and Branson in Saddlebrooke, Missouri. It has a loyal following but is completely overshadowed by Branson show business. Several times I’ve struck up conversations with locals in stores or restaurants. They ask Read more

  • Life of Pi – Film Review

    Life of Pi is an exquisite cinematic experience based on the immensely popular novel by Yann Martel published in 2001. The director, Ang Lee, is arguably the most courageous and underrated contemporary director we have. He keeps two important regions found in the director’s mind active; versatility and boldness. Many directors stay in their comfort Read more