It is finally here-summer vacation. And not a moment too soon. I wasn't sure I was going to make it this time around. This is the first summer without classes or work, so it should prove quite different this time around.
Baby is on her way. It looks like it may be June 23 as the magical date, and we feel pretty prepared. Well, as prepared as first-time parents can be.
The job front is better than in the past, but not as rosy as we imagined this spring. After multiple assurances of a teaching position next year at two different schools, I was passed over for dubious reasons. But I have my old job as an assistant if I can't get something better. It will be a struggle, but Ellice has her teaching job and well, when has it ever not been a financial struggle and God has always somehow provided despite appearances.
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
Entertaining in a mild sort of way. Not much to say about this one. Performances are passable caricatures. There is some sense that the actors were going through the motions on this one. But the story is predictable and somewhat funny. I think they could have finessed the ending a bit to make the story arc more of a complete circle. The movie could have used a bit more development of the the minor characters and a little less on McConahey and his letcherous behavior. **
He's Just Not That Into You (DVD)
Several characters buy heavily into stereotypes. Completely predictable, with very little about these characters changing. With such a numerous cast, I would expect more than two characters to show personal growth. Three characters just made me sick. The interviews of women outside the story and in between the actual scenes of the film were by far the best part of the movie. The title is appropriate though, as I just wasn't that into this motion picture. *
17 Again
After a string of subpar movies lately, I didn't expect much here. Boy was I surprised. While the premise may be a little tired and old hat, the execution is brilliant. This movie was very funny, with a little campiness thrown in. Efron delivers an excellent performance as a younger version of an unhappy, bordering on midlife crisis Matthew Perry who gets the chance to set things right as his 17 year-old self. The show stealer however is his nerdy best friend Ned, who lives in a geek's nirvana of computer gaming, comic book loving Star Wars/Medieval Fantasy haven and has a crush on the high school principal. This movie was well worth our time, and will probably makes its way onto our DVD shelves someday. ***1/2
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
The One Even More Overdue
A couple of rough weeks. Turns out that I didn't get any of the eight teaching positions I was up for after being assured of one for next year. And I hurt myself playing softball again, so I'm all gimpy on crutches with the same injury as last year but different side. Been kinda down lately, so you'll forgive the infrequent blogs. The kids are done at school but the teachers (and assistants like yours truly) have to go through till next week. I'm sure my outlook will improve as time marches on, the due date for baby Laurana approaches, and job prospects open up for next year. I am thankful that I at least have this job next year as well if nothing else pans out. The Lord will put me where he wants me I suppose.
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
This one is fairly predictable, exactly what we expect, but on a grander scale. Hank Azaria is tremendously funny as the heavy, Kahmun Ra (or something similar), the mummy from the 1st movie's older brother. Virtually the entire crew of characters from the first movie makes it into this one, along with a few new favorites that haunt the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian in Washington, D. C. The ground is familiar, almost comfortable and only rarely dips into the "oh geez, that schtick again" (I speaking here about fighting with the monkey). All in all, an amusing ride that ups the ante a bit and doesn't waste a lot of time. ***
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
This one is fairly predictable, exactly what we expect, but on a grander scale. Hank Azaria is tremendously funny as the heavy, Kahmun Ra (or something similar), the mummy from the 1st movie's older brother. Virtually the entire crew of characters from the first movie makes it into this one, along with a few new favorites that haunt the hallowed halls of the Smithsonian in Washington, D. C. The ground is familiar, almost comfortable and only rarely dips into the "oh geez, that schtick again" (I speaking here about fighting with the monkey). All in all, an amusing ride that ups the ante a bit and doesn't waste a lot of time. ***
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The One Overdue
I haven't blogged in a few weeks, so we have to do a little catch up.
NBA, go Boston. Patterson's back at UK to hopefully win a title. I've been pitching for co-ed and men's church softball. Work is driving us crazy, lots of pink slips and firings going around- but fortunately not us. Baby shower-lots of gifts for Laurana. Survived the tornado in Madison County. Oh, and my computer has shuffled off this mortal coil. It was eight years old, which I've been told, had about as much processing power as a modern cell phone, so it was probably its time to go. Had to get a new one-and I'm slowly growing accustomed to Vista.
Star Trek
Awesome. Recommended for trekkies and newbies alike. This one is action packed with a new look and feel. They also were very respectful of the original, but clearly indicated that they are doing their own thing with this incarnation. The new crew injects much needed life into the franchise. ****
Knowing
Very engrossing setup, slightly stilted acting. The first hour and a half were very enjoyable--the ending was laughably horrible. This felt like they had to wrap the script up overnight with too much caffeine and NoDoze (college kids will get this reference). The ending almost ruined the whole thing. *1/2 (In honor of the first hour and a half)
NBA, go Boston. Patterson's back at UK to hopefully win a title. I've been pitching for co-ed and men's church softball. Work is driving us crazy, lots of pink slips and firings going around- but fortunately not us. Baby shower-lots of gifts for Laurana. Survived the tornado in Madison County. Oh, and my computer has shuffled off this mortal coil. It was eight years old, which I've been told, had about as much processing power as a modern cell phone, so it was probably its time to go. Had to get a new one-and I'm slowly growing accustomed to Vista.
Star Trek
Awesome. Recommended for trekkies and newbies alike. This one is action packed with a new look and feel. They also were very respectful of the original, but clearly indicated that they are doing their own thing with this incarnation. The new crew injects much needed life into the franchise. ****
Knowing
Very engrossing setup, slightly stilted acting. The first hour and a half were very enjoyable--the ending was laughably horrible. This felt like they had to wrap the script up overnight with too much caffeine and NoDoze (college kids will get this reference). The ending almost ruined the whole thing. *1/2 (In honor of the first hour and a half)
Saturday, May 02, 2009
The One with the Overtime
The last two weeks have been primarily work. That's our focus right now as we finish out the last month of school. Also, softball started and I think I may have cemented my roll as pitcher allowing only 3 runs in 7 innings. For softball, that ain't shabby. The coed team on the other hand is having trouble fielding-literally we can't field a team. We have had no more than 1 girl in all three games. Oi. At least last night we got to scrimmage, but we have had 3 forfeits. Its just sad really.
The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and there have been few surprises--with the exception of the Boston-Chicago series. With the loss of Kevin Garnett, I thought the Celtics would fall, but there have been an amazing 7 overtimes in the first 6 games of the series. This one has been a marvel to watch. No NBA playoff series has ever had more than 2 overtime games, and this one has had four. So with the series going back to Boston for a much anticipated game 7 today, I'm predicting for Rajon Rondo and the Celtics to win--in double overtime.
Star Wars: Planet of Twilight by Barbara Hambly
This is the 3rd and final installment in the "Callista trilogy." This Star Wars book was quite different than the others. The dry planet spotted with mountains of crystal has been limited in trade and reduced to a backwater world for decades as the result of a series of automated gun stations that won't let anyone close. Luke goes there looking for his love Callista (this is pre Mara Jade-Luke) and Leia gets kidnapped here as part of a plot to-you guessed it- take over the galaxy. The Planet Nam Chorios is unlike any other, infested with ubiquitous biting drochs that permeate everything and to the force-sensitive, there is an oppressive pall that reacts with lightning quakes when the force is invoked. Nam Chorios is a strange world of twists and turns, plots and feuds. Han, Chewie, Lando, and the droids spend their time trying to find Leia, and play a lesser, but no less interesting role.
I really enjoyed this book, and find myself trying to anticipate the ending. While some of it I got right, I was pleasantly surprised with the big payoff ending. ***1/2
The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and there have been few surprises--with the exception of the Boston-Chicago series. With the loss of Kevin Garnett, I thought the Celtics would fall, but there have been an amazing 7 overtimes in the first 6 games of the series. This one has been a marvel to watch. No NBA playoff series has ever had more than 2 overtime games, and this one has had four. So with the series going back to Boston for a much anticipated game 7 today, I'm predicting for Rajon Rondo and the Celtics to win--in double overtime.
Star Wars: Planet of Twilight by Barbara Hambly
This is the 3rd and final installment in the "Callista trilogy." This Star Wars book was quite different than the others. The dry planet spotted with mountains of crystal has been limited in trade and reduced to a backwater world for decades as the result of a series of automated gun stations that won't let anyone close. Luke goes there looking for his love Callista (this is pre Mara Jade-Luke) and Leia gets kidnapped here as part of a plot to-you guessed it- take over the galaxy. The Planet Nam Chorios is unlike any other, infested with ubiquitous biting drochs that permeate everything and to the force-sensitive, there is an oppressive pall that reacts with lightning quakes when the force is invoked. Nam Chorios is a strange world of twists and turns, plots and feuds. Han, Chewie, Lando, and the droids spend their time trying to find Leia, and play a lesser, but no less interesting role.
I really enjoyed this book, and find myself trying to anticipate the ending. While some of it I got right, I was pleasantly surprised with the big payoff ending. ***1/2
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The One with the Calm Before the Storm
While this week was busy, next week is ridiculous. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, we have PD's to go to every day. That's right, I'm an assistant who has to go to PD. The upside is I get paid for two of them, the third I'm not sure yet. Then Thursday I go to the dentist. Ellice has an appointment on Tuesday--pray that goes well.
NBA playoffs start today. Overall, I'm rooting for Kentucky players, the Rockets or LeBron. Isn't DVR wonderful? I'll be able to watch each game in under an hour.
Coed softball is a fiasco so far, as we don't have enough girls--we had to forfeit our first game. We are going to see if we can combine with a girls team--they didn't have enough for a league this year. We'll see how it shakes out.
34 days left of school, and then baby comes, so we are in full countdown mode.
Star Trek: Ghost Ship by Diane Carey
This is Star Trek Next Generation #1; Set just after the first episode of next generation (Encounter at Farpoint), this novel thrusts the Enterprise into a horrible situation, having to choose whether to put millions of beings out of their misery all while surviving against a superpowered extradimensional creature/machine. The theme here is Euthenasia and the characters get downright belligerent in their debate. Carey takes full opportunity to explore the angst, apprehension and uncertainty of this new crew and how the command officers conflict in trying to define their roles on the Enterprise. The author really delivers in the end with a powerful finale; This book feels like an edgy, slightly more raw Next Generation two-part episode. ***1/2
NBA playoffs start today. Overall, I'm rooting for Kentucky players, the Rockets or LeBron. Isn't DVR wonderful? I'll be able to watch each game in under an hour.
Coed softball is a fiasco so far, as we don't have enough girls--we had to forfeit our first game. We are going to see if we can combine with a girls team--they didn't have enough for a league this year. We'll see how it shakes out.
34 days left of school, and then baby comes, so we are in full countdown mode.
Star Trek: Ghost Ship by Diane Carey
This is Star Trek Next Generation #1; Set just after the first episode of next generation (Encounter at Farpoint), this novel thrusts the Enterprise into a horrible situation, having to choose whether to put millions of beings out of their misery all while surviving against a superpowered extradimensional creature/machine. The theme here is Euthenasia and the characters get downright belligerent in their debate. Carey takes full opportunity to explore the angst, apprehension and uncertainty of this new crew and how the command officers conflict in trying to define their roles on the Enterprise. The author really delivers in the end with a powerful finale; This book feels like an edgy, slightly more raw Next Generation two-part episode. ***1/2
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The One with the Changing Table
We just rebooted the Friends Series, so in honor of that event I'm beginning my blogs with "The One with the..." in the title for a bit.
My parents came over for lamb on Easter Sunday, a yearly tradition. A pleasant visit and an enjoyable meal. Softball starts next week and I don't even have a roster so I can't call anybody; that's my biggest frustration right now. I need to fill out my FASFA.
The highlight of the week was getting the changing table for the baby's room. There was some back pain, some stripped bolts that wouldn't go all the way in, but all and all, its fixed and sturdy enough for its intended purpose. The room is coming together and should be mostly ready by August. She's due in July? Uh oh...
Lots of work and not a lot else. I've got no sports to blog about. I need new slippers.
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
This book started out funny with an excellent premise: two angels, one standard and one fallen, both friends likened to undercover agents on opposite sides of the Cold War trying to stop the Apocalypse because they enjoy the world too much to see it end. The book is advertised as in the same league as Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and while it is zany, it is not in the same league. In fact, sometimes it tries too hard. In the first half of the book, there was an effort to explain the Britishisms found inside, but in the second half, they just quit trying. This book is funny in the way that a US marine brandishing a mackerel like a rifle is funny-- I didn't get it either. **
My parents came over for lamb on Easter Sunday, a yearly tradition. A pleasant visit and an enjoyable meal. Softball starts next week and I don't even have a roster so I can't call anybody; that's my biggest frustration right now. I need to fill out my FASFA.
The highlight of the week was getting the changing table for the baby's room. There was some back pain, some stripped bolts that wouldn't go all the way in, but all and all, its fixed and sturdy enough for its intended purpose. The room is coming together and should be mostly ready by August. She's due in July? Uh oh...
Lots of work and not a lot else. I've got no sports to blog about. I need new slippers.
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
This book started out funny with an excellent premise: two angels, one standard and one fallen, both friends likened to undercover agents on opposite sides of the Cold War trying to stop the Apocalypse because they enjoy the world too much to see it end. The book is advertised as in the same league as Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and while it is zany, it is not in the same league. In fact, sometimes it tries too hard. In the first half of the book, there was an effort to explain the Britishisms found inside, but in the second half, they just quit trying. This book is funny in the way that a US marine brandishing a mackerel like a rifle is funny-- I didn't get it either. **
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Spring Break comes to an end
It has been a productive and restful week--I have no regrets. We could have overdone it, but we didn't. We put forth a deliberate effort to take it easy, and I think it has paid off. I got some writing done, we painted the baby's room and generally picked up a bit.
UK got Coach Calipari, and while I had some reservations going into this, I find that the more I hear from him, the better fit I think he is for the program. I'm looking forward to Kentucky's future again. Michigan State and North Carolina made the finals in the NCAA tourney; we're pulling for State as UNC is approaching Ky's alltime win total and the fewer they win, the better. What's that? Football season is approaching? Don't tell Ellice...
We've put the campaign on hold for a bit and reverted to a new module-based game. There has been a lot of consternation over this, as Ellice and I want to move forward but some people wanted something fresh. We'll see what shakes out, but in the meantime the point is to have fun.
Bedtime Stories
I'm always leery when it comes to Adam Sandler movies. The last one I saw was Zohan, and that was garbage. This one however, hits the mark. It's cute, funny and doesn't fill me with the urge to leave (always a good thing in movies). It won't change the world, but Stories is a good time. **1/2
Love Stinks (DVD)
I use to really like this movie, but our most recent viewing revealed how much our temperament has changed. The language and content of this comedy are just not for us anymore. *1/2
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling
The initial volume of the fantastic magical adventure series featuring the world's most famous boy wizard. It was as good this time reading it as the last. ****
Net Force by Tom Clancy and Steve Pieczenik
This is the aptly-named initial entry in Clancy's Net Force series. While a big fan of the Jack Ryan movies, I had never actually read a Clancy novel until now. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. It was techie, slightly futuristic with a thoroughly modern feel. Net Force basically is a department dedicated to fighting cyber-terrorism. Alex Michaels is appointed the head of Net Force when his boss is assassinated in a gangland style shooting. This is pulled off very well, and had an exciting climax that I found riveting. I plan on following Alex Michael's adventures in the future. ***1/2
UK got Coach Calipari, and while I had some reservations going into this, I find that the more I hear from him, the better fit I think he is for the program. I'm looking forward to Kentucky's future again. Michigan State and North Carolina made the finals in the NCAA tourney; we're pulling for State as UNC is approaching Ky's alltime win total and the fewer they win, the better. What's that? Football season is approaching? Don't tell Ellice...
We've put the campaign on hold for a bit and reverted to a new module-based game. There has been a lot of consternation over this, as Ellice and I want to move forward but some people wanted something fresh. We'll see what shakes out, but in the meantime the point is to have fun.
Bedtime Stories
I'm always leery when it comes to Adam Sandler movies. The last one I saw was Zohan, and that was garbage. This one however, hits the mark. It's cute, funny and doesn't fill me with the urge to leave (always a good thing in movies). It won't change the world, but Stories is a good time. **1/2
Love Stinks (DVD)
I use to really like this movie, but our most recent viewing revealed how much our temperament has changed. The language and content of this comedy are just not for us anymore. *1/2
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by JK Rowling
The initial volume of the fantastic magical adventure series featuring the world's most famous boy wizard. It was as good this time reading it as the last. ****
Net Force by Tom Clancy and Steve Pieczenik
This is the aptly-named initial entry in Clancy's Net Force series. While a big fan of the Jack Ryan movies, I had never actually read a Clancy novel until now. I thoroughly enjoyed this adventure. It was techie, slightly futuristic with a thoroughly modern feel. Net Force basically is a department dedicated to fighting cyber-terrorism. Alex Michaels is appointed the head of Net Force when his boss is assassinated in a gangland style shooting. This is pulled off very well, and had an exciting climax that I found riveting. I plan on following Alex Michael's adventures in the future. ***1/2
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