Monica Turner

Monica Turner
Contributor to Stark Insider for tech, the arts and All Things West Coast for over 10 years.

Even Godzilla likes good wine in Japanese remake of ‘Sideways’

I'm not exactly sure what to make of this. Don't know if it's really news. Or even interesting for that matter. But it does seem quirky. A Japanese remake of the wine movie 'Sideways'? Really? My first question: why? And second, which version of Godzilla will the filmmakers use to stomp...

“Greed is Good”

It seems even more fitting today than ever before; the scene where Michael Douglas, in the classic Oliver Stone 80s movie 'Wall Street' showcasing capitalism gone wrong, addresses shareholders with his "Greed is Good" speech. At the time, Wall Street was going through its standard ethical cleansing and soul...

78 Million American baby boomers racing to retirement, look to Mexico for piece of paradise

I suppose this won't come as a surprise to many of the readers of this site;  Mexico will continue to be a desirable investment opportunity, despite recent drug violence, for many North American baby boomers. Did you know there are over 78 million of us boomers at or near retirement? And...

I hate snakes… I hate ’em!

I recently re-watched Raiders of the Lost Ark, the first in the now epic Indiana Jones serial throwback-style movies from the 1980s. I was curious to see how the film had aged, and wondered if the effects, dialog and tone would hold up almost two decades later. With Spielberg, you're...

‘Slumdog Millionaire’ review: Clever and energetic with Bollywood dancing included

I thought for a moment it could not be true: a Bollywood movie with no musical dancing number? Say it ain't so. But then again, this was an edgier style of Indian movie, not just a feel good dance fest, so maybe it did suit the occasion to not...

Academy Awards Oscar predictions 2009

Will you struggle to watch the whole 81st Academy Awards show tonight, or just FF with your DVR? I will probably do the latter, work on my laptop and get a jump on the week that will be. As if Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie need more attention or accolades....

A Hitchcock classic: “That’s funny… that plane’s dusting crops where there ain’t no crops!”

In the middle of nowhere and chased by unknown foes, Cary Grant still manages to maintain GQ form with classic, well pressed suit and tie, while dashing through corn fields.

Sauvignon Blanc: You say BLAHNK, I (and the rest of the world) say BLAHN

Some times little things make me wonder. Take, for instance, an innocent, grassy wine like Sauvignon Blanc. It's a simple pleasure, and enjoyed in most parts of the world. So why then the controversy? Well it seems the pronunciation of the word Blanc has somehow become Americanized to the point...

5 Things you can do now to improve the world just a little bit

Most of the time I see the glass half full. Other times I rail against irrational, annoying human behavior that seems to rear it's head on a regular basis. Or maybe I'm just in one of those moods. Shrug it off. Think positive. So here are the little things...

Cocktail Heaven in Loreto

The saying "don't blink or you'll miss it" truly applies to Hotel Luna & Eclipse Bar