I heard that somewhere about the X's popping up, but I never noticed the bowling score X's. That's pretty neat. As far as Gaffney (Karloff's character) -- since you asked, I'm 95% sure in my guess it was supposed to be Bugs Moran. Only because I'm 100% sure that O'Hara was supposed to be Dion O'Banion. The flower store assassination, when Guino comes back with the flower on his lapel, leaves no doubt on that part. Bugs Moran took over the north side after O'Banion was killed, and in the movie, Gaffney takes over the north side after O'Hara is killed, so it's strongly suggested Karloff is actually playing Moran. Karloff's character also "just misses" a massive massacre because he saw the cops pull up, or what he thought were cops. In real life, that's how Moran avoided the actual St. Valentine's Day massacre. Despite the bowling scene, Moran was never actually assassinated. What a lot of people don't know is, he was a north-sider yet Moran wasn't his real name. He was actually Polish, not Irish, but a lot of guys took Irish names back then so they could integrate into the large Irish community and be able to get a half-decent job. A lot of boxers back in the day took Irish surnames also.   

Yes, I heard they only released it for the reason you stated. Although I also heard that even then, the gov't wanted more concessions, so Howard Hughes fought them on it by using his money to get it shown in any town where it wasn't totally banned. Also in Europe. Capone was indeed a modern Robin Hood -- he did a lot for the Italian communities of Chicago and for people in general. He was ruthless against criminal adversaries but he generally tried to keep the peace and didn't like innocent people getting shot. The thing in the movie, where "three kiddies get hot lead poured in their little bellies" from Tony's thugs, was almost certainly a reference to "Mad Dog" Coll, who accidentally did pick off some kids in a shoot out, and who was condemned and executed by the mob soon after. The old mafia did not allow you to kill kids though you can't tell looking at Chicago now. But back then shooting a woman could get you into a lot of trouble. The mob movies mostly make them all out to be inhuman fiends (that movie about the Farmer I mentioned is a good example -- every mobster character in that was a sadistic psychopathic and either a rapist, a murderer, or an acid-thrower, or some combination of the three). I don't mind them slamming mobsters for the heinous shit they actually do, but it always bugged me that Hollywood turned them into such impossibly depraved and inhuman stereotypes. But I guess Hollywood always tries to put everyone in pigeonholes anyway.

What always struck me most about the two Tonys was how they end up as opposites. In the first Scarface, Tony is crazy and fearless with balls-of-steel, right up to the end where he's alone ... then he breaks down and can't think straight, and eventually flees (tries to) rather than fight. In the DePalma version, Tony is snowblind by the end and too dysfunctional to notice his place is being overrun, then too overwhelmed with grief when his sister dies to do anything, other than shoot the one guy that shot her. It's only when ChiChi (the last one standing) is killed outside the doors and Tony is totally alone that he stands up and takes the war to them. It always struck me as strange how similar the characters were in many ways, but how opposite they were at the end.

John Battles said:

Thanks. Well , the original was under close scrutiny from The U.S. Govt. The movie was meant to be a tell -all expose about Capone's actual career in crime , but  , The Govt. insisted the non - commital stance be dropped , and Capone , or , rather , the variation on his character , be portrayed as a shit - heel. The movie would'nt have been released , I've read , if they had'nt agreed to called it "Scarface - Shame of a Nation". They were afraid of Capone being portrayed as a Robin Hood thug , which he already was to a lot of people.

Was it Bugs Moran that was shot in the bowling alley? I remember it as Boris Karloff , playing the Irish crime boss....Was he supposed to be Moran? Every time someone was about to be whacked , you saw an "X" NEARBY. KARLOFF IS WRITING AN "X" on the Bowling scores. 

Thanks. Well , the original was under close scrutiny from The U.S. Govt. The movie was meant to be a tell -all expose about Capone's actual career in crime , but  , The Govt. insisted the non - commital stance be dropped , and Capone , or , rather , the variation on his character , be portrayed as a shit - heel. The movie would'nt have been released , I've read , if they had'nt agreed to called it "Scarface - Shame of a Nation". They were afraid of Capone being portrayed as a Robin Hood thug , which he already was to a lot of people.

Was it Bugs Moran that was shot in the bowling alley? I remember it as Boris Karloff , playing the Irish crime boss....Was he supposed to be Moran? Every time someone was about to be whacked , you saw an "X" NEARBY. KARLOFF IS WRITING AN "X" on the Bowling scores. 
 
B.B. Fultz said:

All in all you're right, it's not exactly a remake, but anywhere you look the two up, the '83 version is almost always called a remake of the first. Probably because so many elements and even actual dialogue was borrowed chapter and verse. Such as the famous "but I like you more/but I like you better" line. But I agree the original Howard Hawks "Scarface" was a different movie. Directly based on Al Capone, it claimed that ALL events in it were based on fact, but it was actually a mix of fact (Jim Colissimo being shot in the foyer, Dion O'Banion's assassination in the flower shop, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre) and wishful thinking (Bugs Moran gunned down while bowling, Capone himself gunned down by a cop). A very strange pro-government film from the twilight of Prohibition. 

Which is probably why I liked the 1983 movie better, and always have, since I saw it back in high school in the 80s ... WAY before it became a huge hit among today's kids and a ghetto merchandising explosion. It was operatic as hell, and not exactly "realistic" in the sense of accuracy, but it was still an awesome achievement for what it was. Mainly, I think, because Stone neither glamorized nor condemned organized crime. He just said "this is what it is" and left the interpretations to the viewer, whereas the original was pure government propaganda (albeit a worthy enough movie in its own right with some decent artistic flourishes, my favorite probably being the machine gun firing away the calendar pages). I dunno ... Hollywood's weird. The older stuff is usually the better stuff but even back in the golden age they had their share of less-than-admirable knock-offs. I have to wonder how the original Scarface would've come out, had they not had to pander to the government watchdogs. They got so much heat for it that they even shot an alternate ending for the original, where Tony is executed by hanging (they included it as a bonus on the DVD I have) but even this was rejected so they scrapped it and just used the first ending, and just showed it in areas where the theaters were willing to show it. It ended up being a big hit, probably because of Hughes backing it up with a lot of his money.

Which is kinda funny because Stone & DePalma ran into the same heat over the '83 version and remade it with the more violent parts cut out, but it still wasn't good enough for the rating, so they said screw it and used the more violent original ... exactly the same thing that happened to Hawks & Hecht. It's weird how history repeats itself.

 

John Battles said:

You might see if there's a site for Gangster pics that might be able to steer you right. I only got around to seeing Pacino's "Scarface" recently , after seeing a million T-shirts and jackets. I would'nt call it a remake of the original , so much as a reinterpretation of the story , set in modern times , with a totally different set of circumstances. Mind you , I liked it. 

Hey guys im looking for a film a saw on mgm. its about a guy in far future who is competing in box. he mostly fights with aliens. the film looks very late 70's early 80's. any ideas?

All in all you're right, it's not exactly a remake, but anywhere you look the two up, the '83 version is almost always called a remake of the first. Probably because so many elements and even actual dialogue was borrowed chapter and verse. Such as the famous "but I like you more/but I like you better" line. But I agree the original Howard Hawks "Scarface" was a different movie. Directly based on Al Capone, it claimed that ALL events in it were based on fact, but it was actually a mix of fact (Jim Colissimo being shot in the foyer, Dion O'Banion's assassination in the flower shop, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre) and wishful thinking (Bugs Moran gunned down while bowling, Capone himself gunned down by a cop). A very strange pro-government film from the twilight of Prohibition. 

Which is probably why I liked the 1983 movie better, and always have, since I saw it back in high school in the 80s ... WAY before it became a huge hit among today's kids and a ghetto merchandising explosion. It was operatic as hell, and not exactly "realistic" in the sense of accuracy, but it was still an awesome achievement for what it was. Mainly, I think, because Stone neither glamorized nor condemned organized crime. He just said "this is what it is" and left the interpretations to the viewer, whereas the original was pure government propaganda (albeit a worthy enough movie in its own right with some decent artistic flourishes, my favorite probably being the machine gun firing away the calendar pages). I dunno ... Hollywood's weird. The older stuff is usually the better stuff but even back in the golden age they had their share of less-than-admirable knock-offs. I have to wonder how the original Scarface would've come out, had they not had to pander to the government watchdogs. They got so much heat for it that they even shot an alternate ending for the original, where Tony is executed by hanging (they included it as a bonus on the DVD I have) but even this was rejected so they scrapped it and just used the first ending, and just showed it in areas where the theaters were willing to show it. It ended up being a big hit, probably because of Hughes backing it up with a lot of his money.

Which is kinda funny because Stone & DePalma ran into the same heat over the '83 version and remade it with the more violent parts cut out, but it still wasn't good enough for the rating, so they said screw it and used the more violent original ... exactly the same thing that happened to Hawks & Hecht. It's weird how history repeats itself.

John Battles said:

You might see if there's a site for Gangster pics that might be able to steer you right. I only got around to seeing Pacino's "Scarface" recently , after seeing a million T-shirts and jackets. I would'nt call it a remake of the original , so much as a reinterpretation of the story , set in modern times , with a totally different set of circumstances. Mind you , I liked it. 

Scenes From The Class Struggle In Beverly Hills (Paul Bartel)

I'm quite skeptical as to whether there are really any true hangover cures.  I can't handle my booze like I used to, but I find that drinking lots of water while I'm getting drunk makes a HUGE difference the next day.  Waterlogging myself before I go to bed/pass out helps me a lot as well.  Be careful with the Ibuprofen/Acetaminophen.  While most people know that booze & acetaminophen is a recipe for liver failure, many don't realize that in combination with Ibuprofen there is a highly increased risk of renal failure.  Enjoy your parties, dudes & dudettes. :)

50.000 interesting facts. The first time I've ever read anything on a Kindle. Bizarre!!!

Starting a "Comedy d'Art" Sacre Bleu, by Christopher Moore. Comedy and Art, right up my alley.

Also reading Huang Fan's Zero and other fictions. He's Taiwanese, and the title story is a 1984-like story. Pretty cool so far.

I just started reading Timothy Leary's "The Delicious Grace of Moving One's Hand: The Collected Sex Writings"; it's quite fabulous & much more philosophical than one might assume.  But then again, it is Timothy Leary... ;)

Listen to Bruce Sterling at SXSW 2013

It's only an hour long, dive in!

I love anything with a dystopian sort of vibe; Aldous Huxley's "Brand New World" and Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale" both come to mind. :)

From the NYT

 Ol-hy It-shay!! Why Didn't I Think Of This?

Rice tips

I never measure rice, and yet it comes out perfectly every time, regardless of quantity or vessel shape or size. Here is how I do it.

For plain rice: Rinse any quantity of rice that you like in a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid (enameled cast iron works beautifully). Level out the rice with your hand. Next, barely touch the tip of your index finger to the top of the rice. Add liquid until it reaches just below your first joint of the finger. In other words, the distance between rice level and water level is the distance from your finger tip to the first joint, or a little less than an inch. Bring to a boil, cover tightly, turn down the heat to very low, and cook for about 20, 25 minutes for japonica rice, slightly less for basmati or Thai rice.

For Unplain Rice:

Follow the instructions above, but instead of using just water use 1/3 carrot juice and 2/3 water. If you want to up the savoriness, add 1 heaping tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 4 or 5 bay leaves, and mix it into the rice with a wooden spoon. Cook according to directions above.

The rice will take on a light, turmeric color, give off subtly sweet hints of laurel, and will have a slightly different texture than regular rice, thanks to the mustard.

When done, pick out and discard the bay leaves, mix the rice lightly with a fork and add a little salt to taste, if you wish. Use as you would plain white rice.

From Carrot juice as stock? Why not?

Well, you could just have one hole and then loop the thread around the sides of the button. Red thread would complement such a button quite well.

Luchadores! Brilliant! I've done a couple clowns but they always freak me out.

Thanks!

haha. it is. not sure what use a button wi a big hole in it would be? but aesthetically it makes me smile. These are a great idea. A whole bunch of Mexican hooded wrestlers would look fab as well. Clowns traditionally draw there masks onto an egg and submit them (maybe a British tradition?) Clown buttons... now that's funny. Keep up the sterling work my friend! A
Grazianohmygod said:

Sounds like a special request order!

Sounds like a special request order!

could you do one with a big hole in the middle of it and draw Kurt Cobains face on it? sorry!

Nom Nom!

The thinner crust the better This sounds like a good endeavor to take on! Gotta start making my own dough and your link is a good place to start.

Below is the cutter that I have been using, for most of my life I had the little wheel cutter, but this is way better. Now I no longer burn my hand trying to keep the pie in place while cutting. Granite countertops also manage to help the slices cool fast, which means I can devour it quicker!

Wow, that pie does sound badass!

The best crust I've ever had (thin) had a taste like English water crackers, fantastic. I'm looking for a clone recipe of that now.

Yeah, after looking at recipes for awhile I think that the best thing to do is just to improvise.

Just found this. I like the photo that he calls "pizza brain"...

Roasted Peanut Oil

I haven't tried this, but it sounds great if ya like peanuts, which I do.

Buy a container of roasted peanuts, or if ya can't find one, roast plain peanuts in a skillet or in the oven on a sheet-pan.

Warm some of your favorite olive oil. Once the peanuts are ready, pour them into a jar.

Pour the oil over the peanuts (leave about 1 inch of space under the lid), put the lid on and store in a dark place. 

Lentil Soup With Pounded Walnuts and Cream

Adapted from ''Vegetable Soups,'' by Deborah Madison.

Black-Eyed Peas With Mustard Greens and Rice

Adapted from: "Vegetable Soups from Deborah Madison's Kitchen".

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
2 medium onions, finely diced
3 bay leaves
2 celery ribs, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon spanish smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons celery leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups frozen black-eyed peas (soak dried peas overnight) or 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (soak dried peas overnight)
2 quarts water
1 teaspoon sea salt
sea salt, to taste
fresh ground pepper, to taste
1 bunch mustard greens
1 cup cooked brown rice or 1 cup cooked white rice
hot sauce, to serve

Directions:


Melt the butter in a wide soup pot over medium heat and let it brown for several minutes until it smells nutty.

Add the sesame oil, then the onions, bay leaves, celery, garlic, thyme, chile flakes, smoked paprika, cumin and celery leaves.

Cook stirring occasionally, until the onions have browned, about 20 minutes.

Stir in the tomato paste, then add the beans (drain them first if you used soaked dried), 2 quarts water, and 1 tsp salt.

Simmer, covered, until the beans are tender. Taste for salt and season with pepper.

Cut the mustard greens off their stems and wash them. Simmer in salted water to cover until tender, a few minutes, then transfer to a strainer, rinse with cool water, and chop. Stir them into the beans.

Taste once more for salt and season with plenty of pepper.

Add a few spoonfuls of rice to each bowl and serve with Tabasco, Crystal, or other favorite hot sauce on the side.

Here's something I came across:

New Potatoes With Cottage Cheese 

4 cups New potatoes, cut in half

1 container cottage cheese

favorite herbs

Method

This is much better than it may sound, check it out. 

Boil potatoes 'til easily pierced, drain water, put back spuds and sprinkle with sea salt.

While spuds are boiling, drain 1 container of cottage cheese in a colander (you can save the liquid if ya want for another project). When they are the consistency you're happy with, sprinkle 1/2 to 1 teaspoon each of your favorite herbs (I like dill, some cayenne, mebbe oregano) onto the cheese.

After potatoes absorb the salt (while they're still warm), serve the cheese mixture in a bowl. Dab some onto the potatoes. Yum!

You can experiment with added cheeses like feta.

It's been year since anyone posted here?!

Sort it out and stop slackin'