The Odyssey: Gatekeeping the best picture format is ridiculous

The Odyssey is coming out soon and I'm excited to see it but I really hate how complicated movie watching has become because of an artificial problem the studios created. I think studios should just do away with reserving the largest image for only a small amount of theaters and screens (some people prefer to wait for streaming!).

There are barely any theaters that are of showing The Odyssey in the largest format (1.43:1).

Rather than having conversions that begin with "what format did you watch it in?", people can actually just discuss the movie.

Do you know anyone that watches movies on a screen that isn't 16:9? It's fine if I see black bars on the side. Just format the movie for home video (digital or disc) consistently with the biggest format. It's really that simple.

Why are we creating a problem and changing the experience for so many people when it can simply be formatted the same for everyone?

Reminder: altering the original aspect ratio can even remove context

Source: https://www.odysseymovie.com/explore-formats/

Suffs on PBS

 

I saw this a few months ago and it is so good! Do enjoy it before this is no longer available on YouTube.

The real star of the 2026 Lexus ES is its camera system

I don't plan on getting a Tesla but I have to give the company credit for its camera system which really set the bar on features cars should include for safety.

Having cameras on cars is now a normal thing for all kinds of features and safety technology. Why not use them to record so we can don't have to setup dash cams that don't clutter visibility?

The Lexus ES also just seems like a great car for those that like hybrids. The all electric model seems pretty nice too if you can manage the range with your lifestyle.

source: Kelley Blue Book 

Ferrari Luce

This car is probably a ton of fun to drive but I don't think this really embodies the spirit of Ferrari. If you took off the badge, it would definitely be debatable who made this car. Does this mean a car designer should some day be offered the opportunity to design a phone? I don't think so.

When you look at cars like the VW ID. Buzz and the Dodge Challenger EV it is impossible to mistake the cars for who make them.

I'm sure Jony Ive worked on this very hard but I don't think it looks very good.

source: theverge.com

Instagram Instants

 Instagram created a new feature called Instants. It's another ephemeral feature because

"we also know that a lot of people don’t really share a lot to their profile grids anymore"

I still use the grid because it lets anyone catch up with me whenever they want. No one should feel pressured to open an app every day just to see pictures from friends. If you want to double check something I posted, all you have to do is revisit my profile.

It's still really annoying how algorithm driven the feed is. It doesn't seem like we're ever going back to chronological order on Instagram.

MapTag

MapTag is a fun daily game that you can add to your routine.

Geography has always been a blind spot for me and I'm hoping this game helps. I'm embarrassed to say I couldn't even tell you where exactly every state is in the USA!

Give yourself some grace though. The USA is definitely a large country. Imagine if state lines were like country borders!

Ideas for new shows like "The Pitt"

I have started watching "The Pitt" and it is very entertaining and also thought provoking. It touches on things like family, mental illness, motherhood, aging, racism, and probably more aspects of life. I'm not even caught up but I have some ideas for other shows that could take place in real time and highlight the intriguing machinations of other industries:

The last operating day for USPS before Christmas
I'd love to see how stressful work is for postal workings rushing to beat the clock and deliver gifts to people around the country

Presidential election day
Have you ever watched Steve Kornacki on an election night? It's truly fascinating but imagine being able see the world of ballot counters as well as candidates. I realize this happens every 4 years but I think the should could work for scripted television.

A day at In-N-Out
The menu is pretty limited but the stress levels of trying to take orders and dish out burgers are through the roof.

A high capacity music venue
Imagine all the work that's involved in setting up a major stage production. The Lights, audio, choreography, and people. Everyone's going through something in their personal life and they have to leave the baggage at home and focus on the performance.