Jurassic Park and Monk's Cafe

Yesterday Sarah and I watched Prometheus on Netflix and got wrapped up in an internet conversation. I thought about adding to the Neil DeGrasse Tyson quote/post, but I think it stands by itself.

Photo from lifesciencesfoundation.org

Jurassic Park came out the same summer I turned 5 and its influence was a big pillar of my childhood. Not just the toys and merchandising, but the story telling and ideas as well.

• The dorky kid who likes dinosaurs is resourceful in a survival situation
• The Paleontologist, Paleobotanist, and Mathematician are the heroes
• Jeeps save the day twice, but only because they can drive a manual transmission.
• General satire of corporate interests in science
• Great music and one-liners
• CPR and rescue breathing are effective
• It's worth sacrificing a bit of logic and realism for a cool visual. Why is there raw GATC genetic code being projected on a velociraptor? Because it looks awesome. How did the Tyrannosaurus get inside the visitor's center? Doesn't matter; see above. 

I'm a bit worried about the 4th film that's supposedly in the works; I want to see a compelling story with scientists in ethical and ideological conflict. With dinosaurs added for action and plot, rather than just an exercise of effects ability. I've given this way more thought that I ought to admit; there was a time when I considered writing a screenplay for it. For a bit of star-power, maybe Vince Vaughn could reprise his role as environmental activist Nick Van Owen from the Lost World? Joseph Mazzello, who played Tim as a kid, has developed into a very good actor comfortable with action filming (see his work in HBO's The Pacific). Maybe he grew up to be a paleontologist like Grant or exploitative businessman like others in his family (I can see an "that island is my birthright" monologue)? I also want a good explanation for why there's a damn Spinosaurus on Isla Sorna.

Fun fact: Harrison Ford turned down the role of Dr. Alan Grant. He was also in ET (as Elliot's teacher), but Spielberg cut him from the final version.

Monk's Cafe Flemish Sour Ale

This is an Oud Bruin from Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V. in Belgium that was brewed, blended, and bottled for Monk's Café in Philadelphia. It had a gorgeous deep red color and a decent tart cherry scent, but for me that's the end of the positives. This Flemish style is true to its name, and that pungent sourness didn't grow on me. I won't be getting it or another Oud Bruin again.