Fourth Edition. In the role-playing world, nothing is bigger than the release of fourth edition dungeons and dragons. I’m beginning to think it is no coincidence that Gary Gygax, the inventor of D&D died this same year. From what I’ve seen, I’m going to pass on this one. I’ve dragged my feet in changing over to version 3.5, but now that the series is discontinued and I no longer feel pressured to change, I’m liking it more and more. Especially in comparison to the new version. It has a very, online feel to it, and there is hardly anything in the manner of treasure in the game. I don’t know, the charm seems to be lost. I’ll be content to stick to the old game.
Sunday- Church, swimming, and a Chick family reunion at Ellice’s brother Joel’s. The Chicks brought a load of backlogged gifts for the year past, including a medallion of St. George, some blown glass cups and a whole bunch of chocolate from Austria.
Monday- Classes resume. The class I started is American Sign Language, and it is totally immersive, no voice. It is kinda cool, but it will be a lot of work and time on campus. The rest of the day was taken up by swimming and DND. A good session was had by all.
Tuesday was a little rough, parking ticket, difficulty at the pool, an emotional breakdown, and then an upturn with Get Smart at the Movie Tavern on half-price day.
Wednesday we got our birthday gift to each other, a discounted Gamecube with Ellice's favorite game Mario Kart. (I also got Star Wars: Rogue Squadron as part of the package deal). With our selling back a handful of games and movies, we made out quite well on the deal.
Thursday-bowling and Bob Evans with the Chick family. It was Bob Chick's birthday party, and the kids and momma Chick chipped in for a violin. He was really surprised and rather pleased with his new toy. I also started my other class for this summer session, and it will be another bear. The workload is intimidating, but we've gotten through the other classes, so there is no reason to expect anything different with this one. We also had a picnic lunch on the grass at EKU.
Friday was Cracker Barrel and softball. This was the last makeup game of the season. We lost miserably in the coed game, but fun was had by all. I was asked to play in the men's game too. Long story short, I scored the winning run in extra innings, 19-18. When I came to bat, there were two outs and we were down by 3; one of the guys said I was 'clutch' (I should probably add to this that the only reason we were in extra innings is because I walked a whole bunch of people and we should have won in regulation, but it sounds better to put the good stuff first).
Also on Friday, we had a new addition to our weekly writing group, Kim. We look forward to her feedback and submissions.
Get Smart
This movie was a surprise to me. The comedy was an excellently done fusion between Steve Carrell's deadpan and the shtick 'Get Smart' humor of the original series. That wasn't the surprise. The surprise was how much great action the movie had-I wasn't expecting that at all. Great fight scenes and chase scenes of the proper length. Carrell's Smart is loveable and moral; a guy you can really root for. Carrell's preservation of the character's charm is what is most impressive. Good for the whole family. ***1/2
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Last week on the Gullett's...
Sun- Father’s Day tears at Church because of a Stephen Curtis Chapman song, lunch at Sonny’s, Swimming at EKU with Andi, James, Evan and one of his buds, VBS carnival at church with rowdy kids, NBA game 5 Kobe’s foul and Laker win
Mon- Ellice walked with Brittany at the park while I stayed home and rested. Ellice saw that I was zonked for the day, so we stayed home. Evening time we went to the Richmond theater, David and I saw the Happening, Ellice and Brittany saw Sex and the City. After our movie got done, the mall was virtually abandoned and there was still an hour left in the gals’ movie. We saw that no one was in the Indiana Jones movie that was playing and watched the last hour of it. I felt like such a rebel, but every time I’ve ever asked management if I could watch the end of another film while waiting and my film was done, they’ve looked at me like I was wasting their time, and told me to go ahead, what do they care. Even with the poor review, I had fun.
Tue- We went to Lexington for my Doctor’s appointment. The report wasn’t too favorable, as my lung function hasn’t improved. I think I’m doing better just by the amount of activity I’m capable of now, but he was very disappointed. James tagged along as we got Ellice some much-needed clothes and shoes. We have recently discovered a fast-food joint called Culver’s in Hamburg, and we like it. Also, we took advantage of ½ price Tuesday at Movie Tavern and saw Kung Fu Panda.
Wed- A good session of DND in the afternoon, and a job interview for Ellice. We are holding our breath in anticipation. Also went bowling with James, Evan, his girlfriend and an exchange student. I bowled a 152.
Thur- A trip to the unemployment office, a cold swim, and grocery shopping. I cooked dinner tonight-Brad’s chef special (My selection of Hamburger Helper).
Fri- Our softball game was cancelled, so we had Brittany and David over for cards. I won at Hearts! A very rare event indeed.
Sat- Ellice’s parents are coming to town, so a good portion of the day will be dedicated to cleaning. In the end, we played a lot of Civ and went to Walmart for the third day in a row in our never-ending search for boxes for the move.
The Happening
This one was in a word, weird. In two words it was silly and weird. The gist of it is that people start killing themselves spontaneously. While I’m not one to give the plot away, something is causing it, and frankly we don’t really care. The suicides were numerous and bloody, bordering on grotesque. After a while, it got a little ridiculous. The movie was mildly entertaining, and disturbing enough to affect my dreams. I had a dream that we ran from this “Happening” and holed up with a dude that was living in a KFC. We had all the chicken and biscuits we wanted, but due to vagabonds and thieves, he had to hide the mashed potatoes and gravy inside the drive-thru sign to keep it safe. My dream was better than this movie. *
Kung Fu Panda
This cartoon was a real treat. The action was good clean martial arts and the comedy was golden. The villain was angry and mean, but kinda cool. Our hero was loveable and funny. This isn’t so much a kid’s movie as it is a fun flick for the whole family. Kudos. ***
Jumpers (DVD)
We missed this one in theaters, so we rented. It was entertaining. Lots of action. Plot boils down to these teleporters called Jumpers have been hunted since medieval times by the Paladins. The movie felt somewhat incompete as the characters failed to grow any. I found myself thinking that well, the Paladins may be zealots, but they have a point in trying to take down these Jumpers, who showed no moral character at all. Not much resolved by the end of the film; it felt like they were trying jump start (hehe) a movie series. **1/2
Mon- Ellice walked with Brittany at the park while I stayed home and rested. Ellice saw that I was zonked for the day, so we stayed home. Evening time we went to the Richmond theater, David and I saw the Happening, Ellice and Brittany saw Sex and the City. After our movie got done, the mall was virtually abandoned and there was still an hour left in the gals’ movie. We saw that no one was in the Indiana Jones movie that was playing and watched the last hour of it. I felt like such a rebel, but every time I’ve ever asked management if I could watch the end of another film while waiting and my film was done, they’ve looked at me like I was wasting their time, and told me to go ahead, what do they care. Even with the poor review, I had fun.
Tue- We went to Lexington for my Doctor’s appointment. The report wasn’t too favorable, as my lung function hasn’t improved. I think I’m doing better just by the amount of activity I’m capable of now, but he was very disappointed. James tagged along as we got Ellice some much-needed clothes and shoes. We have recently discovered a fast-food joint called Culver’s in Hamburg, and we like it. Also, we took advantage of ½ price Tuesday at Movie Tavern and saw Kung Fu Panda.
Wed- A good session of DND in the afternoon, and a job interview for Ellice. We are holding our breath in anticipation. Also went bowling with James, Evan, his girlfriend and an exchange student. I bowled a 152.
Thur- A trip to the unemployment office, a cold swim, and grocery shopping. I cooked dinner tonight-Brad’s chef special (My selection of Hamburger Helper).
Fri- Our softball game was cancelled, so we had Brittany and David over for cards. I won at Hearts! A very rare event indeed.
Sat- Ellice’s parents are coming to town, so a good portion of the day will be dedicated to cleaning. In the end, we played a lot of Civ and went to Walmart for the third day in a row in our never-ending search for boxes for the move.
The Happening
This one was in a word, weird. In two words it was silly and weird. The gist of it is that people start killing themselves spontaneously. While I’m not one to give the plot away, something is causing it, and frankly we don’t really care. The suicides were numerous and bloody, bordering on grotesque. After a while, it got a little ridiculous. The movie was mildly entertaining, and disturbing enough to affect my dreams. I had a dream that we ran from this “Happening” and holed up with a dude that was living in a KFC. We had all the chicken and biscuits we wanted, but due to vagabonds and thieves, he had to hide the mashed potatoes and gravy inside the drive-thru sign to keep it safe. My dream was better than this movie. *
Kung Fu Panda
This cartoon was a real treat. The action was good clean martial arts and the comedy was golden. The villain was angry and mean, but kinda cool. Our hero was loveable and funny. This isn’t so much a kid’s movie as it is a fun flick for the whole family. Kudos. ***
Jumpers (DVD)
We missed this one in theaters, so we rented. It was entertaining. Lots of action. Plot boils down to these teleporters called Jumpers have been hunted since medieval times by the Paladins. The movie felt somewhat incompete as the characters failed to grow any. I found myself thinking that well, the Paladins may be zealots, but they have a point in trying to take down these Jumpers, who showed no moral character at all. Not much resolved by the end of the film; it felt like they were trying jump start (hehe) a movie series. **1/2
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Swimming and the Big Green Guy
Greetings sports fans. Another week in the books.
This week, the EKU pool opened up and we've really been enjoying that. But midweek, Ellice began feeling sick, so I played nursemaid for a day or two. She's better now, and having fun again. We went to the doctor for her six-week postop on Thursday and got the all clear for resuming normal activities.
Wednesday, we switched from playing Star Wars to DND again, at least for an adventure, and the change of pace has been welcomed by every one. I think we'll maintain the pattern for some time; it helps prevent burnout.
Plans are still a go for the big move a couple of blocks away. It looks like they will have the place cleaned up by the first week of July. We're excited.
Friday, we actually won our first softball game, 8-6 against river of life. Everyone played fantastic; and with Eric and Phyllis, we have a pretty darn good team. They played only because we had to or forfeit, but they were instrumental in our victory. The subsequent games were cancelled due to the stormy weather. We were going to meet the team at DQ afterwards, but torrential rain and flood waters prevented us from doing so. We almost got washed away in a couple feet of water, but the car made it through.
Saturday was a big day, as I had two Praxis this morning. For those keeping score at home, that's four actual hours of testing, preparation and waiting time aside. It was a long morning. Afterward, my brain was fried but I managed to take Ellice on a date to Movie Tavern to see Incredible Hulk. We had a blast.
This morning is Father's Day, and while it is a little difficult to think about, I'm going to try and focus on honoring my father and God the Father. Have a good holiday.
The Incredible Hulk
This movie was as good as Iron Man. It is hard not to make comparisons between this version and the Eric Bana Hulk from five years ago. While I thoroughly enjoyed that one as well, this film was more visceral and felt more true to the comic. Hulk had some vulnerability, the army wasn't completely incompetent, and he had a comparable villain to contend with in Blonsky's Abomination. This movie was in a word, incredible. ****
This week, the EKU pool opened up and we've really been enjoying that. But midweek, Ellice began feeling sick, so I played nursemaid for a day or two. She's better now, and having fun again. We went to the doctor for her six-week postop on Thursday and got the all clear for resuming normal activities.
Wednesday, we switched from playing Star Wars to DND again, at least for an adventure, and the change of pace has been welcomed by every one. I think we'll maintain the pattern for some time; it helps prevent burnout.
Plans are still a go for the big move a couple of blocks away. It looks like they will have the place cleaned up by the first week of July. We're excited.
Friday, we actually won our first softball game, 8-6 against river of life. Everyone played fantastic; and with Eric and Phyllis, we have a pretty darn good team. They played only because we had to or forfeit, but they were instrumental in our victory. The subsequent games were cancelled due to the stormy weather. We were going to meet the team at DQ afterwards, but torrential rain and flood waters prevented us from doing so. We almost got washed away in a couple feet of water, but the car made it through.
Saturday was a big day, as I had two Praxis this morning. For those keeping score at home, that's four actual hours of testing, preparation and waiting time aside. It was a long morning. Afterward, my brain was fried but I managed to take Ellice on a date to Movie Tavern to see Incredible Hulk. We had a blast.
This morning is Father's Day, and while it is a little difficult to think about, I'm going to try and focus on honoring my father and God the Father. Have a good holiday.
The Incredible Hulk
This movie was as good as Iron Man. It is hard not to make comparisons between this version and the Eric Bana Hulk from five years ago. While I thoroughly enjoyed that one as well, this film was more visceral and felt more true to the comic. Hulk had some vulnerability, the army wasn't completely incompetent, and he had a comparable villain to contend with in Blonsky's Abomination. This movie was in a word, incredible. ****
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Summer Lovin', had me a blast...
And for those of you musically declined, that is a song from Grease.
Anywho, first half of the week was school. Monday was the last day with the kiddos, Tuesday I spent all day breathin' in dust bunnies cleaning out the eighth grade closet. Then school was out and vacation was on. I was still sick, but about Thursday I started to recover from my bout with the crud.
Wednesday we wrapped up this chapter of Star Wars, next week it's back to DND. The change-up allows me to play both and not get burnt out on either.
Thursday we babysit for our nephew, Hayden. Mostly we played Mario Kart. We also went to the YMCA and went for a walk and a swim. It was refreshing.
Friday was grocery shopping and date night. We saw Spiderwick at the budget theater and went to Outback. Finally, we had a softball game. We actually made it to the fifth inning before they had to call it. It was fun, but unfortunately we had a player get hurt. You really don't want someone to injure themselves in a no-pressure game like this. Aaron wasn't too upset, but I felt bad for him. Prayer request time there guys, if you can swing it.
Saturday was Civ at the computer, a cookout at John and Melissa's, then Don't Mess with the Zohan.
Dragonslayer (novel) by Wayland Drew
This is an adaptation of the 1980s fantasy classic movie of the same name. The names are the same and the general plot in that there is a sorcerer's apprentice vs. a big nasty dragon who has arranged for virgin sacrifices from the wimpy King of Urland, but beyond that, the devil is in the details. It is weird that the novel differed so much from the movie, even though it came after the screenplay. Setting aside the movie departures, the book stands pretty well on its own as a short fantasy adventure. One other note, this author has done more to increase my writing vocabulary than any other, except for maybe Charlotte Bronte. I actually started keeping a definitions journal to keep up. A fair read **
Spiderwick Chronicles
Modern fantasy at its best. I was completely enthralled by this film. This movie has excellent production values, has a great story and doesn't mess around getting to the point. The pacing is excellent, the action fabulous, the visuals very good, characters, villains, you name it. I am looking forward to getting my hands on the book(s) and seeing how well they stack up to the movie. I cannot recommend this movie enough; it is a charming, thrill-filled ride. ****
Don't Mess with the Zohan
This movie was garbage. I liked the first fifteen to twenty minutes of it, but then it got down-right raunchy. Few movies fill me with the compelling urge to leave, but this one did. If we didn't agree to watch this with a friend, we would have. It was unbelievably filthy, sexist, racist and not in a funny way, but in an okay, that's just more than I can handle way. Maybe I've become a prude, but this wasn't entertaining at all. I wanted my money back.
NO STARS FOR THIS FILM
Anywho, first half of the week was school. Monday was the last day with the kiddos, Tuesday I spent all day breathin' in dust bunnies cleaning out the eighth grade closet. Then school was out and vacation was on. I was still sick, but about Thursday I started to recover from my bout with the crud.
Wednesday we wrapped up this chapter of Star Wars, next week it's back to DND. The change-up allows me to play both and not get burnt out on either.
Thursday we babysit for our nephew, Hayden. Mostly we played Mario Kart. We also went to the YMCA and went for a walk and a swim. It was refreshing.
Friday was grocery shopping and date night. We saw Spiderwick at the budget theater and went to Outback. Finally, we had a softball game. We actually made it to the fifth inning before they had to call it. It was fun, but unfortunately we had a player get hurt. You really don't want someone to injure themselves in a no-pressure game like this. Aaron wasn't too upset, but I felt bad for him. Prayer request time there guys, if you can swing it.
Saturday was Civ at the computer, a cookout at John and Melissa's, then Don't Mess with the Zohan.
Dragonslayer (novel) by Wayland Drew
This is an adaptation of the 1980s fantasy classic movie of the same name. The names are the same and the general plot in that there is a sorcerer's apprentice vs. a big nasty dragon who has arranged for virgin sacrifices from the wimpy King of Urland, but beyond that, the devil is in the details. It is weird that the novel differed so much from the movie, even though it came after the screenplay. Setting aside the movie departures, the book stands pretty well on its own as a short fantasy adventure. One other note, this author has done more to increase my writing vocabulary than any other, except for maybe Charlotte Bronte. I actually started keeping a definitions journal to keep up. A fair read **
Spiderwick Chronicles
Modern fantasy at its best. I was completely enthralled by this film. This movie has excellent production values, has a great story and doesn't mess around getting to the point. The pacing is excellent, the action fabulous, the visuals very good, characters, villains, you name it. I am looking forward to getting my hands on the book(s) and seeing how well they stack up to the movie. I cannot recommend this movie enough; it is a charming, thrill-filled ride. ****
Don't Mess with the Zohan
This movie was garbage. I liked the first fifteen to twenty minutes of it, but then it got down-right raunchy. Few movies fill me with the compelling urge to leave, but this one did. If we didn't agree to watch this with a friend, we would have. It was unbelievably filthy, sexist, racist and not in a funny way, but in an okay, that's just more than I can handle way. Maybe I've become a prude, but this wasn't entertaining at all. I wanted my money back.
NO STARS FOR THIS FILM
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Sick again
Last Friday I pitched for our softball team in the cold, rainy weather after field day at work--bad idea. I've struggled to breathe due to congestion ever since. A trip to the doctor got me some more meds (just what I need, more meds) and I eventually get a few hours of sleep every night in between bouts of wracking cough. I have a history of cough syncope (passing out while coughing) and as a result I have this rather strong prescription cough medicine that leaves me too loopy to drive, so the Mrs. has had to take me to work some this week. It has been physically demanding for her, between the drive to and from my work twice a day and her still recovering from surgery.
All of our TV shows have ended their seasons the last couple of weeks, and it is quite refreshing to have the free time again-- to watch movies! Yes, I know we have an addiction. And admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. That and we are running out of storage space.
Not much else to go on about, except that school is winding down here, only one day with kids and one without left. In our Star Wars game we have added a new player, Melissa. She jumped right in with some quick training from Ellice and has been a welcome addition. The saga continues...
All of our TV shows have ended their seasons the last couple of weeks, and it is quite refreshing to have the free time again-- to watch movies! Yes, I know we have an addiction. And admitting you have a problem is the first step to recovery. That and we are running out of storage space.
Not much else to go on about, except that school is winding down here, only one day with kids and one without left. In our Star Wars game we have added a new player, Melissa. She jumped right in with some quick training from Ellice and has been a welcome addition. The saga continues...
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