Prayer concerns: James in Bagdad, Sonya, Erin, Dave and Brittany, Jennifer's family, Brian and Amey.
Praise for health and finances holding up, John and Melissa house, Ellice's job
Things were shaping up to be pretty busy this past weekend, so Monday and Tuesday we pretty much took it easy, and just walked both nights at the YMCA. We are about 75 miles into the 100-mile club, and we are looking forward to our T-shirts, which we will wear with pride.
Tuesday we also had a writing group meeting. Which is a little funny, cause the meetings have dropped down to just me and Ellice due to busy schedules. Perhaps a few of the readers of this blog would be interested in a virtual writing group that got together once per week, 2 weeks, or month in a chat room to discuss our writing? We could submit a chapter per week/2 weeks/month by e-mail and have a blogpage for our responses. Just a thought.
Wednesday night was packed with church and class. We've started going to the Wednesday night dinner at church. I'm a bit rushed to get to class by 6pm, but we've found the dinners to be a fun bit of fellowship. The food's not bad either. Ellice then goes to a women's Bible study followed by choir. I pick Ellice up then we go walk for 2 miles.
Thursday is basically me going to class and Ellice hosting her married women's Bible study. Then we go walk. I messed up taping the Survivor premier, but fortunately they play them as webcasts, and we watched it Sunday before church. More on Survivor later.
Friday I finally got a call to sub so I worked through the day and we had Dave and Brittany over for games. Brittany won at Risk and was so happy, it was worth getting beaten. Sadly Ellice was the first to bear the brunt of her attacks, and had to watch for some time. Taped Flash Gordon.
Saturday I worked feverishly with Ellice's help on preparing for the game. I am notorious for my copious piles of loose yellow paper with notes scrawled everywhere. Ellice has been trying to get me more organized and it is starting to pay off. She's convinced me that I should go digital with everything, not only to speed play and preparation, but also to reduce clutter around the house. So we played, had a fantastic session and there was much rejoicing. Taped the UK-Arkansas game and watched it in bed while Ellice tried to get some sleep through periodic shouts and exclamations of alarm. UK, having cracked into the top 25 for the first time in 23 years now had to step up and win an SEC (Southeastern conference) game on the road against a tough Arkansas team with the best pair of Running Backs in the country. UK floundered early, and it looked like it was going to be a blowout, but they fought back twice and found victory. The announcers were stunned and said that UK actually is legit this year and is a factor in the SEC race. Next week should be easy, but then we play #2 LSU and #3 Florida. If we can grab one of those games, lookout!
Sunday--I really dragged yesterday, owing in no small part to staying up till 2am watching the UK game. Watched Survivor. After church we gave my dad the tape of the UK game, ate some Rally burgers, and went to our first Volleyball practice. We should have a decent team this year, but I don't know if we can win it all. We'll see.
In other news, Wheel of Time author Robert Jordan died, and I find myself conflicted. Is it horribly selfish of me to wonder what will happen to the 12th and final book he was working on in the series, A Memory of Light? I feel bad for him; I did when I first learned of his rare blood illness. If I had to pick a handful of influencing authors, Jordan would be one of them. I think that my wishing he had completed the last book is more of an homage to the man; a respect and appreciation for his writing talent and a feeling of loss that we won't have it around any longer.
Survivor: China (TV)
Love Survivor, but in this the season premier, there was an incident that raised some questions. The beginning of the first episode had the cast perform a ceremony in an ancient Buddhist temple. Now host Jeff Probst said that this ceremony was not worship. However, there were many prominent idols in the room and the thrust of the ceremony was burning incense to them, getting down on your knees and bowing to the largest Buddha with your head to the floor. I think this is more a sign of respect in their culture, as in my karate classes, we had to do the same bows to the teacher, who returned them in kind. One of the cast, a Christian radio talk show host, was sweating heavily and crying at the display, and could not finish the ceremony. When confronted by Probst, she said she couldn't bow down before an idol. I'm torn myself over what I would do. Even if the ceremony wasn't technically worship to them, it definitely was worship-like. Where's the line between respecting a culture and following your own beliefs? A good question. In this season, I like her and the gravedigger, a big soft-spoken black man. I hope they do well. This week, a Virginia chicken farmer was voted off--bad move guys, that guy was a common-sense driven workhorse and I'm certain he'll be missed. I think the accent hurt him. **1/2
Monday, September 24, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Bluuuue....Whiiiiiiite....Bluuuue.....Whiiiiite
We are settling into a groove; classes, walking every day, Ellice is working, I'm not getting any calls to sub, you know, the usual. At least I am getting good stuff done during the days I'm at home. I'm keeping ahead on my classwork, and keeping the house up. That's me, the house husband.
The big thing that happened this weekend by far was the UK victory over Louisville. (For those of you who didn't get the title of this blog, it harkens to the crowd cheering at UK games.)
We went to my parents' to watch the game and we had a blast. For a little background, UK has lost to Louisville for the past four seasons. Louisville was ranked No. 9 in the country, and Kentucky hadn't beaten a ranked team since 1977. This game came down to the wire, and was won on 57 yard touchdown pass with :28 left on the clock. My dad was sick as a dog, but when WR Johnson caught that pass and sprinted for the endzone, he shot out of his chair like he was healthy as a horse. Now UK has been in this position many times against good teams, letting victory slip away--and almost did it again. Louisville, which has one of the best quarterbacks in college football in Brahm, threw a long pass that was batted around and caught by a Louisville player at the 10 yard line and it looked like he might score, but he was dragged down by a gang of UK players who would not be denied this day. The gun sounded, and UK had pulled off the upset!
UK has subsequently been ranked No. 21 in the country, which I can't remember the last time we were in the top 25. I just looked it up, 1984. This week we play at Arkansas, another ranked team who just got beat in the last minute by Alabama, so they will be plenty sore and eager for a win. We'll need some luck there.
The Hand of Oberon (book) by Roger Zelazny
This is book four in the Chronicles of Amber series.
This episode of Prince Corwin of Amber's struggles against the Courts of Chaos and the political machinations of his siblings was wholly surprising. I mean, the twists and turns of this one turned everything upside down. While there was one major twist that I did see coming, the rest left me reeling. In fact, the way that he turned everything on its head was almost as if the author changed his mind on where the story was going, and wrote to correct it. In any event, the book was entertaining, a little better than its immediate predecessor. **1/2
Mars and Venus in the Bedroom (book) by John Gray
This is a practical guide to improving the sex lives of couples through John Gray's 'Mars and Venus' approach using communication and trust as cornerstones of a relationship. While I typically would have appreciated a more outwardly christian view of sex, the techniques presented herein are very useful. Now don't get me wrong there's nothing bad going on in that department (ahem) but if you aren't striving to improve your relationship, it is stagnating. This book is a recommend not only for couples, but also for singles, as it gives people a better understanding of the opposite sex. If you liked Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, you'll like this one as well. **1/2
The big thing that happened this weekend by far was the UK victory over Louisville. (For those of you who didn't get the title of this blog, it harkens to the crowd cheering at UK games.)
We went to my parents' to watch the game and we had a blast. For a little background, UK has lost to Louisville for the past four seasons. Louisville was ranked No. 9 in the country, and Kentucky hadn't beaten a ranked team since 1977. This game came down to the wire, and was won on 57 yard touchdown pass with :28 left on the clock. My dad was sick as a dog, but when WR Johnson caught that pass and sprinted for the endzone, he shot out of his chair like he was healthy as a horse. Now UK has been in this position many times against good teams, letting victory slip away--and almost did it again. Louisville, which has one of the best quarterbacks in college football in Brahm, threw a long pass that was batted around and caught by a Louisville player at the 10 yard line and it looked like he might score, but he was dragged down by a gang of UK players who would not be denied this day. The gun sounded, and UK had pulled off the upset!
UK has subsequently been ranked No. 21 in the country, which I can't remember the last time we were in the top 25. I just looked it up, 1984. This week we play at Arkansas, another ranked team who just got beat in the last minute by Alabama, so they will be plenty sore and eager for a win. We'll need some luck there.
The Hand of Oberon (book) by Roger Zelazny
This is book four in the Chronicles of Amber series.
This episode of Prince Corwin of Amber's struggles against the Courts of Chaos and the political machinations of his siblings was wholly surprising. I mean, the twists and turns of this one turned everything upside down. While there was one major twist that I did see coming, the rest left me reeling. In fact, the way that he turned everything on its head was almost as if the author changed his mind on where the story was going, and wrote to correct it. In any event, the book was entertaining, a little better than its immediate predecessor. **1/2
Mars and Venus in the Bedroom (book) by John Gray
This is a practical guide to improving the sex lives of couples through John Gray's 'Mars and Venus' approach using communication and trust as cornerstones of a relationship. While I typically would have appreciated a more outwardly christian view of sex, the techniques presented herein are very useful. Now don't get me wrong there's nothing bad going on in that department (ahem) but if you aren't striving to improve your relationship, it is stagnating. This book is a recommend not only for couples, but also for singles, as it gives people a better understanding of the opposite sex. If you liked Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, you'll like this one as well. **1/2
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Murder Masquerade, Prayer and Star Wars
Let's see, other than class, and a day of subbing, what happened?
Umm... we gamed Saturday, and then went to a friend's masquerade party. That was fun as I was a participant in the mayhem. In fact, I committed the murder, heh heh.
Since my breathing is better, we've resumed our daily walk schedule, and I'm losing the few lbs. I gained while infirmed, so that's good. Also...Volleyball! Our next season begins Monday, and other than a scheduling snafu with Ellice, we're really looking forward to it.
My brother-in-law James was deployed this week to the Middle East, so please pray for a safe tour of duty.
Now, as promised, the suggested Star Wars reads for Melissa.
If you do not care much for the prequel movies, then I wouldn't recommend the Clone Wars series of novels. I love them but they are in the spirit of Episode II, Attack of the Clones, so maybe not your cup of tea.
If you liked Episode III, then I would recommend the books Labyrinth of Evil (prequel to the film), Ep. III, then Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (sequel).
During the Rebellion Era (original 3 movies), I'd recommend Shadows of the Empire which happens a few months before Return of the Jedi.
As far as post movie novels, Truce at Bakura takes place immediately after Return of the Jedi and is a must read start-off point. The Courtship of Princess Leia is also a high recommend. Then comes probably the best of the Star Wars trilogies, the so-called 'Thrawn Trilogy' (Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising and The Last Command). These books are the prototype for all the SW novels since. Following that, probably the New Rebellion (great stand alone book), the Black Fleet Crisis and the Corellian trilogy. I would term those books the 'essential' Star Wars--up to where I've read. There are many others, but you get the overall story arc with just those.
Of course, I have not mentioned any New Jedi Order books as I'm not quite there yet. But I'm working on it.
Who Wants to Be a Superhero? (TV)
This week wrapped up season 2. I wanted Hyperstrike to win; he's the super athletic acrobat (who reminds me of James, my brother-in-law), but alas, it was the Defuser. It was hardly fair, I mean, the Defuser was a cop in real life, so he already was a hero. Another entertaining season. I'm glad they had attack dogs again; that was the best part of last year's show. There was a great visual of the Defuser standing up with a massive attack dog hanging off of each arm and frankly, I think that was what won it for him. **1/2
Star Trek: Probe (book) by Margaret Wander Bonanno
This novel takes place shortly after ST IV: The Voyage Home and features the same alien probe that tried to boil the Earth's oceans because we killed off all the whales.
As far as Trek books go, this one started off slow, but once you get past the exposition it's pretty good. There is a definite feel of the original series here. There isn't a whole lot of action, but the story is pretty cool. The descriptions are very good and I could visualize practically the whole book. The sonic hologram scene was very well done. My biggest problem with the novel is the Romulan names; the phonics and similar look of the names made it difficult to tell who was who. Hiran and Kital for example. There is a also an ensign Kittay on the Enterprise. I actually had to keep notes on who was who. The author needs to realize that names need to be very distinctive, especially when you introduce a whole bunch of them all at once. **1/2
Umm... we gamed Saturday, and then went to a friend's masquerade party. That was fun as I was a participant in the mayhem. In fact, I committed the murder, heh heh.
Since my breathing is better, we've resumed our daily walk schedule, and I'm losing the few lbs. I gained while infirmed, so that's good. Also...Volleyball! Our next season begins Monday, and other than a scheduling snafu with Ellice, we're really looking forward to it.
My brother-in-law James was deployed this week to the Middle East, so please pray for a safe tour of duty.
Now, as promised, the suggested Star Wars reads for Melissa.
If you do not care much for the prequel movies, then I wouldn't recommend the Clone Wars series of novels. I love them but they are in the spirit of Episode II, Attack of the Clones, so maybe not your cup of tea.
If you liked Episode III, then I would recommend the books Labyrinth of Evil (prequel to the film), Ep. III, then Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (sequel).
During the Rebellion Era (original 3 movies), I'd recommend Shadows of the Empire which happens a few months before Return of the Jedi.
As far as post movie novels, Truce at Bakura takes place immediately after Return of the Jedi and is a must read start-off point. The Courtship of Princess Leia is also a high recommend. Then comes probably the best of the Star Wars trilogies, the so-called 'Thrawn Trilogy' (Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising and The Last Command). These books are the prototype for all the SW novels since. Following that, probably the New Rebellion (great stand alone book), the Black Fleet Crisis and the Corellian trilogy. I would term those books the 'essential' Star Wars--up to where I've read. There are many others, but you get the overall story arc with just those.
Of course, I have not mentioned any New Jedi Order books as I'm not quite there yet. But I'm working on it.
Who Wants to Be a Superhero? (TV)
This week wrapped up season 2. I wanted Hyperstrike to win; he's the super athletic acrobat (who reminds me of James, my brother-in-law), but alas, it was the Defuser. It was hardly fair, I mean, the Defuser was a cop in real life, so he already was a hero. Another entertaining season. I'm glad they had attack dogs again; that was the best part of last year's show. There was a great visual of the Defuser standing up with a massive attack dog hanging off of each arm and frankly, I think that was what won it for him. **1/2
Star Trek: Probe (book) by Margaret Wander Bonanno
This novel takes place shortly after ST IV: The Voyage Home and features the same alien probe that tried to boil the Earth's oceans because we killed off all the whales.
As far as Trek books go, this one started off slow, but once you get past the exposition it's pretty good. There is a definite feel of the original series here. There isn't a whole lot of action, but the story is pretty cool. The descriptions are very good and I could visualize practically the whole book. The sonic hologram scene was very well done. My biggest problem with the novel is the Romulan names; the phonics and similar look of the names made it difficult to tell who was who. Hiran and Kital for example. There is a also an ensign Kittay on the Enterprise. I actually had to keep notes on who was who. The author needs to realize that names need to be very distinctive, especially when you introduce a whole bunch of them all at once. **1/2
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
This is the week that was...
Still on the tail end of the breathing problem. Almost finished with my antibiotic and I'm doing better. I'm up to walking again and with school starting back, we're trying to establish some healthful routines.
Insurance kicks in November so we are faced with some challenges till then. But we are blessed that there is an end date in sight and we won't have to make decisions like bills or medicine which would be really scary.
Ellice seems to love her new job that God has provided and we are both happy for that. She gets finished early enough that we get to see each other a good bit of the day.
All I have right now are my classes, as I'm not getting very many calls to sub as yet. The courseload is a bit daunting: the biggest thing is going to be getting field observation hours in. I went to one school and they had no idea what I was talking about and looked at me like I was an alien; this school is right next to campus, so you'd think they'd have some idea what's going on. I know that at least 20 people do this every year, and they've never heard of it??
Anyway, on with the reviews:
Balls of Fury
This is a humorous take on Enter the Dragon, Bloodsport, and a little of TV's Kung Fu thrown in, with ping pong (or as the Chinese call it, 'ping pong') replacing martial arts. Christopher Walken delivers his standard stilted form of acting as the heavy, looking as if he's never entirely comfortable in his own skin and it works to great effect. Randy, the ex-olympic washout, is a true awkward underdog who is just trying to get it right for once. George Lopez plays a movie crazy FBI guy and is probably the highlight of the film. On the downside, the jokes are predictable, and a little juvenile. Bottom line though is that I was entertained. I'd watch it again. **
Connie and Carla (DVD)
Yet another cross dressing comedy. This stuff peaked during Tootsie, or maybe even further back with Some Like it Hot. Actually this movie is more inline with Victor, Victoria, what with it being women, dressing as men, dressing as women. I didn't like that movie either. It just gets old. Gender confusion comedies just don't do it for me; they rank barely higher than racial confusion films. Aside from the plot, the dialogue was mildly humorous. I'm sorry though, drag queens just aren't that funny. *1/2
Star Wars: Showdown at Centerpoint (book) by Roger Macbride Allen
This is the third and final book in the Corellian trilogy set 14 years after Return of the Jedi.
Good story, lively action, and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. There is a lot of character development here for Han and Leia's kids, as well as for a few of the adults. That the author can create situations for these characters about which so much is known from film and novels and to have them grow as much as they did is impressive. In this series, we learn a lot about the Corellia system (Han's home system of planets) much of which is as surprising to Han as it is to the reader.
As far as Star Wars books go, this one is good. There are better, but those are spectacular. ***
Little Pilgrim's Progress (book) by Helen Taylor
This is young readers interpretation of the John Bunyan classic Pilgrim's Progress.
This book very cleverly introduces some pretty heavy and adult concepts including some rather difficult theology. It was a good substitute for the original, as I just can't muster the patience to go through many of the hard to read classics. This book is broken down into two to three page chapters that are ideal for bedtime reading for young ones (and adults). The book is broken down into two sections, one detailing the adventures of little Christian and the second part regarding Christiana and company. I like the first part better as there was more action. The second part got a little busy, as Christiana acquired a huge group of people along the way. The downside of the book is that it evokes some powerful emotion at times, and if you aren't for it, it can be a bit of a tear-jerker.
I recommend this book if religious fiction with powerful allegory appeals to you. I also recommend this as a bedtime reading for children who are starting to ask religious questions. **1/2
Insurance kicks in November so we are faced with some challenges till then. But we are blessed that there is an end date in sight and we won't have to make decisions like bills or medicine which would be really scary.
Ellice seems to love her new job that God has provided and we are both happy for that. She gets finished early enough that we get to see each other a good bit of the day.
All I have right now are my classes, as I'm not getting very many calls to sub as yet. The courseload is a bit daunting: the biggest thing is going to be getting field observation hours in. I went to one school and they had no idea what I was talking about and looked at me like I was an alien; this school is right next to campus, so you'd think they'd have some idea what's going on. I know that at least 20 people do this every year, and they've never heard of it??
Anyway, on with the reviews:
Balls of Fury
This is a humorous take on Enter the Dragon, Bloodsport, and a little of TV's Kung Fu thrown in, with ping pong (or as the Chinese call it, 'ping pong') replacing martial arts. Christopher Walken delivers his standard stilted form of acting as the heavy, looking as if he's never entirely comfortable in his own skin and it works to great effect. Randy, the ex-olympic washout, is a true awkward underdog who is just trying to get it right for once. George Lopez plays a movie crazy FBI guy and is probably the highlight of the film. On the downside, the jokes are predictable, and a little juvenile. Bottom line though is that I was entertained. I'd watch it again. **
Connie and Carla (DVD)
Yet another cross dressing comedy. This stuff peaked during Tootsie, or maybe even further back with Some Like it Hot. Actually this movie is more inline with Victor, Victoria, what with it being women, dressing as men, dressing as women. I didn't like that movie either. It just gets old. Gender confusion comedies just don't do it for me; they rank barely higher than racial confusion films. Aside from the plot, the dialogue was mildly humorous. I'm sorry though, drag queens just aren't that funny. *1/2
Star Wars: Showdown at Centerpoint (book) by Roger Macbride Allen
This is the third and final book in the Corellian trilogy set 14 years after Return of the Jedi.
Good story, lively action, and a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. There is a lot of character development here for Han and Leia's kids, as well as for a few of the adults. That the author can create situations for these characters about which so much is known from film and novels and to have them grow as much as they did is impressive. In this series, we learn a lot about the Corellia system (Han's home system of planets) much of which is as surprising to Han as it is to the reader.
As far as Star Wars books go, this one is good. There are better, but those are spectacular. ***
Little Pilgrim's Progress (book) by Helen Taylor
This is young readers interpretation of the John Bunyan classic Pilgrim's Progress.
This book very cleverly introduces some pretty heavy and adult concepts including some rather difficult theology. It was a good substitute for the original, as I just can't muster the patience to go through many of the hard to read classics. This book is broken down into two to three page chapters that are ideal for bedtime reading for young ones (and adults). The book is broken down into two sections, one detailing the adventures of little Christian and the second part regarding Christiana and company. I like the first part better as there was more action. The second part got a little busy, as Christiana acquired a huge group of people along the way. The downside of the book is that it evokes some powerful emotion at times, and if you aren't for it, it can be a bit of a tear-jerker.
I recommend this book if religious fiction with powerful allegory appeals to you. I also recommend this as a bedtime reading for children who are starting to ask religious questions. **1/2
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