Farine Five Roses

After watching The Testament of Dr. Mabuse last year, my movie watching companion told me this anecdote from Arthur Miller's autobiography, about his inspiration for the naming of the main character in Death of a Salesman:

"He explained that the origin of the name Loman was derived from a character called "Lohmann" in the Fritz Lang film The Testament of Dr. Mabuse. "In later years I found it discouraging to observe the confidence with which some commentators on Death of a Salesman smirked at the heavy-handed symbolism of 'Low-man,'" Miller wrote. "What the name really meant to me was a terror-stricken man calling into the void for help that will never come.""

The moment occurs about halfway through this clip, when the lights go out and Hofmeister is left crying out 'Lohman' to the dark:




I thought of Miller's comment when I came across this video of Montreal's Farine Five Roses sign:

At one point I know the days were numbered for this now irrelevant, but still iconic, neon sign. It is still there so I hope that time has passed. It is possibly my favourite thing in Montreal.

More Farine Five Roses Here.

Lest We Forget

"Oh I've seen people wearing those apple things here!"

Halloween was on Friday

Costume left overs up for grabs:

One hat that fits too small and feels like its about to fall off but doesn't which causes you to hold your neck at weird stiff angles and move unnaturally like you've just gotten your hair done up for prom and you don't want to ruin it.

One ultra suede vest that seems perfect for washing you car.

One plunger.

One toad stool hat. Italian design.

Two Hunter S. Thompson inspired sunglasses and cigar holder sets. Debate continues as to which one gives off a greater authenticity, and which one references HST but through the Deppsian lense.

I think at least two pairs of fake breasts.

One really freaking scary werewolf mask.

One pair of Kim Jong II glasses.

One gray fringe with elastic strap and possibility of super powers.

One pimp cane complete with hoe finding compass and secret compartment for magic potions.

One cable cord. Other possible uses - Indy's whip for the upcoming 'Indian Jones and the Ancient Cyborg Cult'

One pair of hulk hogan muscles. They might be a bit sweaty, but they're Brooke approved.

One little white lie.

One random afro wig.

One random devil mask.

One giant tea bag.

One sleepy Sarah Palin.

A picture frame and a Pollock.

A telephone.

One beard a la Abraham Lincoln. Well you can't actually have it. You can have the necktie though.

One Amie Phipps.