"Monkeys, Monkeys, Ted and Alice."

Let us praise the makers of the Criterion Collection, for they have ended the misery of thousands by finally bringing us a DVD of Noah Baumbach's 1995 film Kicking and Screaming, and it is wonderful.

If you don't have any clue what I'm talking about, then please go find a copy now and watch it. Rent it if you have to, but you're going to want to buy it eventually. This is one of those films that, like certain novels or TV shows that are not widely known, once you discover it you wonder why you didn't know about it before, and you'll want to go back to it again and again.

Kicking and Screaming (this one, not to be confused with this crap) is a post-college, what-do-I-do-with-my-life-now film, but told with such a wonderful voice and humor that at times is ridiculous and yet so true. It was the first film I remember where the characters actually talked like I talked with my friends, or at least how I like to think I talked with my friends, because it was the first film I saw where the characters used cultural references the same way many of us who grew up in the '70s and '80s use cultural references – as a short cut for communicating something greater. Anyone who has ever had trouble referring to the sequel of anything without calling it "____ Two: Electric Boogaloo" knows what I mean.

This movie has a small romance at its center that is told in just enough detail to be touching without being mushy, but the sentiment it is laced with such a dry, irreverent humor that there are jokes and references made you just miss until you watch it again and again. Unfortunately, for the past 10 years, this film was only available in a full-screen VHS edition, so that anyone who owned a copy would eventually wear it out from watching it so much. My wife, who first gave me a copy of the film, has dwelled with me so often in the little world Baumbach created that it became a shorthand for us, and we still quote to each other on a regular basis.

I don't want to over describe this film. It has the dry tone of Whit Stillman's Metropolitan without the pretentiousness, and a fantastic cast, including Chris Eigeman, Josh Hamilton, Olivia D'Abo, Parker Posey, and a perfect Eric Stoltz. But really, it's Carlos Jacott who steals most of the film; he's uniquely funny and if this movie had been a hit, he would have been a really big star.

You can find reviews and such online if you want that. If you're familiar with Baumbach's other films, like his Oscar-nominated The Squid and the Whale, you'll find some similar themes here regarding divorce, thoughts on writing, fidelity, etc.. But this is a lot more funny. And knowing about this movie and appreciating it makes you part of a little community that is also in on the secret, you feel part of something special, and you want to spread the word.

So that's what I'm doing: go forth and buy this film and watch it with your friends. You will not be disappointed, and your life will be better for it.

"Cougars!"

PRODUCT: Say it... with ketchup?

Here you go, America. The hot new idea for your Labor Day cook out - customized labels for your ketcup are now available at MyHeinz.com! Just think of the possibilites for gifts and memorable occasions!

Look at the site for their suggestions. Wouldn't personalized mini bottles of ketchup and mustard would be great for your wedding or bar mitzvah (it's kosher!), or perhaps order a dozen bottles to send to your friends to celebrate the birth of your child?

This is the coolest strange idea I've seen in a long time. Strange because I can't imagine who would want personalized condiments at a celebration like that, but cool because there is a part of me that feels I might be one of those people...

PRODUCT: Best Coffee Mug Ever!

Since my post about coffee last Friday morning, I thought I'd mention a related item I'm excited about. I've found the best travel coffee mug and it's less than $20.00. Check out the Contigo Extreme Silver Insulated Mug!

Isn't it beautiful?

Not only does it keep my java hot, it succeeds where so many of my other mugs have failed: it seals shut in every single opening, and refuses to to leak. Okay, I suppose I could probably drop it or smash it and it would spill. But for everyday commuting, I can hang it off my messenger bag with the built-in carabiner handle and the sip-top lid stays shut. The hole you drink out of is closed with a locking rubber gasket that is better than anything I've seen on far more expensive mugs, and it's easy to use with one hand. Even fits in the cup holder in my car.

I got mine at Target, and it's available online. I'm thinking I'll have to go buy another while they're still around, 'cause if I ever lose this one I'm gonna be very, very sad...

PRODUCT: Sticky Notes for Real Life

KnockKnock is a store that I've been browsing through for many years online, and they're always coming up with cool new stuff. I'm a fan of their wrapping paper and greeting cards. Their sense of design and sense of humor always seem to agree with my own.

I got a chuckle out of the new sticky notes they've come up with that feel like they were custom made for my life. I'm tempted to buy a lot of these for those days when I remember something I was supposed to do a long time ago and am ashamed to admit. But the possibilities for mischief here are also very appealing...