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The Ghost Writer

By Bob on December 23, 2010 6:08 AM

The Ghost Writer is one of those movies you probably overlooked in 2010. I know it never appeared on my radar screen until I ran across it in my Netflix queue a couple of weeks ago. If it hadn't appeared I might just have missed one of the best films of the year. Yeah, it's that good.

If you're into taught political thrillers (e.g., Clooney's, Michael Clayton, or Hitchcock's, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Notorious) you'll love this movie. If you'd rather not think, then watch Mama Mia! and get on with your life.

As thrillers go, The Ghost Writer has a tidy little - almost film-noir - premise. Out of work freelancer Ewan McGregor signs on to pen the memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan). The money's good - but there's a catch - the previous ghost writer died under "mysterious circumstances" and nobody's sure if the guy killed himself or someone else beat him to it.

 

Director Roman Polanski weaves a web of sexual intrigue and deceit that pits the poor ghost writer against the PM's dreary prose and a daunting deadline. On top of it all there are femme fatales to deal with (Kim Cattral in a nice performance that almost absolves her from Sex & the City I and II) and Olivia Williams (An Education). What's a poor ghost writer to do? Polanski has him doing plenty.

 

 

Before you can haul out your water board, Prime Minister Lang is accused of war crimes and McGregor's research is making waves across the pond. It seems that PM Lang may just be lying about his involvement with terrorists and the CIA. And when it becomes almost too much for the ghost writer to grasp, nice cameos by Eli Wallach and Tom Wilkinson help McGregor fill in the gaps. Spaces that, as far as the covert world are concerned, are best left unfilled.

 

You'll be on the edge of your seat as Polanski skids to the WTF ending. Like McGregor's ghost, it's something that you don't see coming until it hits you.

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Diabetes-Friendly Chicken Burrito Bowl

ChickenBurritoBowlEverydayDiabetes 600.jpg

By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson

Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.

Tips:

If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.

If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.

Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.

Continue Reading »

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Windy City

It's been almost 18 years since Alison Krauss gave us a solo album, but the wait is over with Windy City. The release (her fifth solo studio album) features ten covers of classic songs (and some bonus tracks) she picked with producer Buddy Cannon.

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