Viva Las Vegas

Here were the players: Michael "The Bachelor," Kyle "The Man," Jon "The Eye," Parker "Moneybags." and Austen "The Urban Cowboy." We set sail in a then-clean 2006 Toyota Carola from SM to LA to LV.











Look on the moving walkway! It's a bird! It's a plane! No it's just Kyle.




"Why isn't this fountain show starting? Oh it's, like, 1 am."


Austen! Get your hand off of me!!!



The Eye of Ky


Jon's amazing Eye on Paris


Two thoughts "A" "mazing"




Blue Man! You slay me!


Kyle and Parker role hard with their girlie drinks.


"Celine. I want to be you!"


Oh dear. Celine!!!


Parker scares me! Ahh! Parker, don't ruin my weekend!


The New Gatorade Ad. This is a wacky fountain in front of Planet Hollywood. I'm just saying Jon's ability to capture the moment with a little help from the Eye of Ky.


Parker likes this look.

So aparently it is not a good idea to leave a soda in the car when it is 110 degreees outside. The evidence.


Jon and Kyle on the edge of the world--otherwise known as the Stratosphere Insane Teeter-Totter Ride.



My Winnings from the Penny Slots, Kyle's Winnings from Roulette.




"What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas--your money."


Well for about three days now I have been attempting to load some photos of the weekend on to here. Now it is finally happening I will just let the pictures speak for themselves... Enjoy...

Name Change

I know what you're thinking. I'm going to talk about Farah and her changing her name... Well... No. You're wrong.

I've decided to change the name of the awards show to the Iggy Awards. So there it is. Deal with it.

Also just for my records on June 18, 2007, I got a good phone call about my life. More to come of that for the blogging community later.

The Mikey Awards

Just under a year ago I decided it was a good idea to have an awards show for my friends and the amazing things they do. A year ago I came to the conclusion it is nearly impossible to say because who is the best because everyone has a unique quality, but I think for the following categories I may be able say a definitive statement. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the 2007 SHAW AWARDS, more commonly known as The Mikey's:

Best Laugh/Voice Over:
The Constipated Gnome...
Jennifer and her shrills...
The Firefighter at the Movies and his guffaw...
The Zizzah Zizzah voice who sounds like Bill Cosby on Crack...
Doug Swenson's Sunday School Accent...

Most Random Friend Habits:
Parker and his phone messages...
Parker and his regular schedule (believe me this is a random occasion for ParkMan)
Jon and Morgan riding around Santa Maria in two vehicles at the same time, going to the same place...
Austen and his work schedule...
Mike and his text messages...

Best Overall Look:
Farah...
All other nominees have been sacked.

Best Illusionist:
Kaleb the Disappearing Magician...
The pictures on the wall of my house... Suddenly they just appeared!
My picture of Harry Potter in his invisiblity cloak...

Best Upgrade:
Michael working at Ralph Dunlap...
Parker talking to a girl...
Team Whitney's new look...
The Nest (as opposed to the Black Pearl and the Flying Dutchess)...

Biggest Shock:
No replacement for Stew yet...
Michael shopped at the Grocery Outlet...
Michael doesn't have a job this summer...
We're getting married in less than 20 days...

Best Burrow Moment...
The Yule Ball 2006...
The Burrow Bachelor Party...
The DVD of the Burrow Bachelor Party...
Adding Josh to the Burrow...

Best Traveling Adventurer:
Lisa and Kyle going to Europe...
Michael and Farah going on a Honeymoon up north...
Lowie being in Santa Maria this week...
Saus braving the 101 to come to SM, happening upon Parker...
Michael and Parker digging up the time capsule..

Best Use of Time Consuming Activities:
Farah sunning outside in... cough cough... a tube top..
Parker sitting watching me work...
Michael watching all 4 Harry Potters in less than 24 hours...

Best Sister Catch Phrase:
Lisa waving her finger around telling people, "I'm just saying!"...
Susie saying, "Ig!"...
Kaite saying, "Subbppa subbppa subbbppa, Michael!"...
"Poach off the mooch..."

Best Staff Moment:
Praise God! No more staff! Sorry, I loved you all, it's just easier...

Oh wait there is RD Staff:
Mrs. Lewis asking to see the "Sex Book" and chapter titles...
The guy teacher saying "Yeah. That's really great." wearing his package sweatpants...
Donna painting a portrait of the 4 amigos for 07-07-07...
Miles and his Salsa...

Best Kid Phrases:
"Mr. Shhhhhhaaaawwww (blushing). I don't know."
"It's just doesn't make any sense."
"Double Zero! Triple Zero!"
"Ok, how about 19 laps?"

Best Teacher Shout Out During a Class Session:
"Are you going to finish?"
"Did Michael fall off the edge of the earth?"
"Take the job and shut the door."
"People are definitely going to hate you. Most of them will. But we like you."

Best Person to Sit by in a Class:
Kelli Bornhoft since the first grade...
(there are no other nominees in this category)

Best Way to Talk to Reference Me...
Michael Shaw...
Ig...
Mr. Shaw...
Sweetie...
You @#$&@#! (Parker knows that one)...

Best phrase from a groomsman...
"Your FANCY wedding"...
"Balls."...
"Oh dear, Michael."
"Are you knockin' boots?"



So if you would like to vote, you may. If not, I will just arbitrarily decide which is the most significant. Please place all votes in the way of comments... You don't need to vote for every category, but it would be nice if you did. I suggest the copy and paste method.

Best wishes to the Nominees. Results will be tallied and totaled soon...

Post 500

Wow. I made it to 500 blogs today. I was trying to think of something good to write for this blog so here it goes. Michael's Top 10 things he is bothered by today, and 10 things that made me delighted today. The exciting part about this blog will be you're mental investment into the blog. See you'll need to decide which one delights me and which one aggravates me. Let the games begin.

10. The Burrow Bachelor Party. (video to come soon)
10. The empty Love Sac.

9. My new full guest room.
9. My new sorted living room.

8. Jersey accents.
8. Texas accent.

7. Not having a sale at Michael's when for a week and a half they said they would.
7. Watching all 4 Harry Potters in less than 24 hours.

6. Sneezing all day and then suddenly stopping at 8:00pm.
6. Calling underwear "unmentionables."

5. People who black out somewhat dirty phrases with a marker without telling the owner of the game.
5. Playing a game with people who try to read through the black marker.

4. Harry Potter.
4. Hairy Chests.

3. The word knickers.
3. Underwear.

2. The cinematography in HP3
2. The cinematography in HP4

1. Borrowing the Internet from a neighbor.
1. Borrowing beans from a neighbor.

There she is. My blog is 500.


Long Live the blog.

Oops... Hello June!

Well let me just put it this way... I didn't even realize it is June already! I can't believe how quick these things go by. Oh well, well here's the story, I saw Ocean's 13 and I liked it. Here comes the review:

So I never really LOVED the Ocean's series, yes I liked them, but they always had this slow flow to them. But I was surprisingly happy to find that Ocean's 13 was a little peppier than the previous two. You really can't go terribly wrong when you have three pretty awesome actors as the three "heroes" or are they villains? Clooney, Pitt, and Damon. Gotta love it.

I have to say the two brothers kind of rocked. I loved the stupid Mexican Revolution portion of the show. Silly, silly, and at times laugh out loud funny.

In all honesty I'm running late to work so I'll leave it on these thoughts: Good movie, easy to follow, and interesting story.

Scout's Honor

If I were a boy scout I would have taken to heart the need to always be prepared. I'm just going to put it this way: I'm not a boy scout, but I am rockin' in the department of preperado. I interviewed at the OUSD today, and I think I did pretty well. So woot woot for that! Because of the possibility of my interview being a good thing (one never knows until one hears back from the panel) I will impart some boy scout knowledge to ye ol' readers.

Keep an unwrapped cough drop in your pocket during the ballet so you don't distract from the art, or just don't go to the ballet.

Make sure you have DSL to have quick internet surfing, or if you don't have DSL make sure you can figure out your neighbors passwords.

Be certain you always look good, or at least be around others who wear glasses to see and break their glasses before they can take a look at you.

Go to the Dentist every 4 to 6 months or just buy Crest Pro Health so you feel like you went to the Dentist even if you didn't.

Always wear clean underwear, or save time and don't wear any at all.

Don't mess with Texas, but if you do be sure to say "ya'll."

If you go to an interview expect 7 people to be sitting across from you. If you don't, you're just a fool.

Just call me Dumbledore, baby.

Nu3bers, Part 2

1 couple who I will envy for their purchase
2 excited people about a new apartment
4 more days until my first Open House
5 trips thus far to 1930 number 4
8 more hours in the Pearl
13 more days of Room 2
21 weeks passed by in this year
23 movies I've seen this year
38 days till Mike comes to visit
42 days until I get a new roomie
47 days until the next great movie
55 days until the next great book

Move, Move, Movies.

Well it's true. It's the end of the era of the Black Pearl. By that I mean Parker and I are getting our divorce this weekend and by tomorrow we will be out of each other's lives. I'm a little sad, but I have to say my new place is pretty awesome. I mean it is number 4, and there is a cupboard under the stairs. Sound familiar? Yup. I thought so. So that's the move, just as Rosie leaves The View, I leave the Pearl. How poetic.

Anyway I know I need to get to the real news on hand: The Movies. So let me get to it.

Shrek the Third was a little bit of a let down. Now I should stay positive first.... The animation was really good. I kept admiring the skin texture and the hair this time. It seems they have perfected their craft. So bravo to them for that area of their lives. As for the story line. Gosh! Who wrote this? George Lucas? I can't believe how cheesey this stuff was. Now I'm not saying I don't love GL, but we all know he tends to write rather corny stuff. Shrek was just trying to be too much. I think it should have stuck to the good roots of pop culture comedy and stayed away from deep struggles. Let's keep the theme of love me for who I am, rather than "will I be good enough." Gag me with a fork and call me a ogre.

Rice Cakes and a taste of Peanut Butter.






Sigh. I loved it, loved it. Now I have really gotten into this whole pirate lore, so I am slanted, but it was just right for me. I have been hearing word on the street a lot of people don't understand the plots and characters... But come on people. Watch 1 and 2 and you're fine. I just don't get what was so baffling. The CGI and other visuals were just perfect and the characters (for the most part--except Jack and Jones) were perfect.

Something was a bit over done and yet not done enough with Jack this time. I can't really put my finger on it, but I believe he took too much of a sub-role in the film. Also Jones was a little to sub for me too. Yes, we talked about him a lot, but he's so wonderful let's focus on him a lot, A LOT, more.

There were three, maybe only two, times when I was a little annoyed with the director and writers choices for the film. As to not give any spoilers I would just hint at the giant thing (totally an old horror film--STUPID). And the shoulder thing. What a joke, I mean does it really have to be that childish? Gersh.

Despite these flaws this movie went exactly where I wanted it to go. All the actors were hot and I give it a nice bowl of Spaghetti with a swish of Diet Coke. Yes, I know I love Disney and Pirates so go figure.

The Wind that Shakes the Barley

Ok maybe I am daft, but I didn't really get this movie. I tried. It was a winner from the Cannes. So there must be something I am missing but.... I just didn't like it.

Yes, I was struggling at the start to make sense of the ridiculously strong accents the Irishmen put on, but then once I was past the accents I kept wondering what was going on. I understood the plot (though it was one of the worst plots ever). I like historical drama these days, but they can't just stand on their own unless they are done with a careful eye. I believe what was lacking from this was an intimate story line. You know a good old Kate and Leo, Rose and Jack... I'm not asking for history to be rewritten I'm asking for a few driving characters here.

Cillian Murphey scares me, and did an OK job as the rebel, but other than some good Irish talkin', drinkin' and fightin' I just didn't buy into this film. Oh the shame... At least the popcorn only cost me a buck.


Beans on toast for me.

Ode to My Life

So I pretty much was just sitting here and thought it was time for another blog. I know my blogging world is inconsistent to the masses, but there is rhyme and reason to what I do.... (pauses for a few minutes and tries to rationalize why one can't get online every day, or even every other day to blog) Well I tried, but no luck. Needless to say this is a disappointing time in the world... of movies that is.

I mean they release a "blockbuster movie" and now there's nothing. Nothing for us little folks to watch the next weekend. Sure we could go see Spiderman again, but shouldn't there be another BIG blockbuster released today. I'm just saying where is Shrek? Where is Pirates? Where is Potter? Where is Transformers? Honestly. So I cry, I wait and I beg... Loveme, loveme, say that you love me [movies] fool me, fool me, go on and fool me. I can't care 'bout anything but you.

Oy. My brain hurts.

How can you not want to see more...

Here she is being mad at me.
Gotta love the anger.

Ah, jeeze.

Well maybe I am overly sick (yes this is probably true) but for some reason I really liked this video of the two of us. We are totally ridiculous.

Well here we are...

NEXT

What is happening to me... dare I say it... Next was a surprisingly good movie. I was surprised to see Nicholas Cage in a movie where I didn't want to throw popcorn at the screen during 97% of the film. With this movie I only wanted to throw popcorn at him 15% of the time. So the statistics are improving.

The movie is a Sci-Fi, Superhero-esk movie filled with some good some and very good B-list actors. Jessica Biel and Jullianne Moore to name the two leading women. I thought the concept was good, and dare I say I thought the character Chris was a better superhero than some of the poor excuses for heroes in Spiderman 3. Speaking of which, what happened to the good old Spider Sense? Hum.

The music seems as though it was stolen from Ghostrider or some other Nicholas Cage movie I have seen. I couldn't place it but I am pretty sure it is an exact theft from a previous film.

I wouldn't rush out to see this film though, while the plot is good, and the twists are absolutely there (some simply delightful), this is a good Blockbuster date movie because of the silliness who is Nicholas Cage. However, if you happen to rank up some extra points with your Regal Crown Club Card, and you just so happen to have enough points to get a free movie ticket... then see this film.

Rice cakes and peanut butter with a tall glass of Diet Coke.

Wonderful Things

Wonderful things include:

Fauf
No plans for a Saturday
Mario Cart at the Coulters
Jon's lovely skin
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End with the sweet laugh
Harry Potter: OOTP Preview
Cassidy calling out "Michael! Uncle Michael!" this morning
Paula Deen's Georgia accent
Watching Katharine McPhee and Elisabeth Hasselbeck on the same show
Austen hanging up on me
Andrew and Michael going to the movies
Parker being truly excited to the depths of his soul on Thursday night
Going to the movies by myself this morning
Not showering on a Saturday
Free BBQ today
Watching HP1 at the Coulters
Spring days with a lovely SM Wind--Hooray!

Wonderful things. Simply delightful.

Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz Review:


I had no clue what to expect with this movie. So honestly if this blog is slanted--that is why.

So this movie was really funny. It was a good departure from the stereotypical movies I typically see. It is absolutely gory, filled with some naughty language, and extremely accurate in its depiction of ridiculous British people. Ok... Not really, because there is a total silly, hilarious, funny, laugh out loud scene where this movie goes from off the wall to totally insane. Needless to say I love a good laugh and I liked the atypical enjoyment of gore in a movie.

Good stuff. I have to say this movie is only for those with a twisted sense of humor and silliness.

Spaghetto atop a Rice Cake... Ok that sounds gross but really it is a big compliment because, let's face it I am merging two favorite foods together.

Spiderman 3: Some kind of a battle

Spiderman 3: The Battle Within...

Hum. The Battle Within. We'll get back to this statement in a momeent. As for the overall picture of this picture I have to say it was borderline Batman Forever (those of you who can't keep that franchise straight, it's the one with Carrey as the Riddler), and the most campy and over-the-top of all three of the movies.

I won't give away as much as my first grade little friend did after listening to a spoiler on the radio... But I have to say something about the ending of the movie-- totally predictable. Giant monster-esk creatures who don't read as well as your regular Goblins or Ocs.

The graphics were sweet in parts of the movie. I have never been a fan of the swinging Spiderman shots over NYC, but there was something better to this movie: SAND. It was kinda amazing. Gotta love the use of sand. I have a theory they looked at water when they were mimicking the movement of the sand.

Ok but the whole two, three, possibly four villains is just silly. You can have sub-characters who are jerk-a-ronies going, but please two villains is MORE than enough. Let's cut out the whole need to make it BIGGER than the last one. Let's just stick with the need for a good script which hooks movie goers, and big action scenes which hook in the big bucks.

The Battle Within was not a very good show. IT needed more depth to it. The whole struggle of wanting to be powerful could have been a movie on its own, but no... Let's pack it in there for the masses. Urg.

I have to say I sound totally negative on this--as negative as the critics on Mary Jane on Broadway, but still. I liked it ok. I would say don't rush for this one.

It was a let down. So I give it rice cakes, no peanut butter, and absolutely no Diet Coke.

My Friend

Ohh here are the long lost pictures of our journey...

Jeremy and I went to the Land of Disney on the Pirates 40th Anniversary

Delightful.

The Namesake

The Namesake

Ok before I thrash on this movie I’d have to say I loved, loved, loved the mom in the movie. She had this timeless grace about her and I really liked her. I’d like to see her as a leading lady, or at least the lovely neighbor next-door in more mainstream movies.

Ok, the young actor just bugs me like none other! I can’t stand him. He pouts and is just a goob-nut. I don’t like him. Ok that said the film itself was just ok. It seemed like it would have been more than it was, but, it was just good. Honestly, I don’t have much to say about it. It was OK, not good, not great… Eh.

Rice Cakes with no Peanut Butter and just a glass of Water

Meet the Robinson

Meet the Robinsons

Well I have to say I pretty much love this movie. It was an array of madness and silliness, which ranged from Monty Python antics to Back to the Future Drama. I’m just saying it was a great film to sit down with the Fauf and laugh hysterically with her. I nearly peed my pants at one point—honest.

But I do have to say this movie probably isn’t for the masses. The humor is a little offbeat and would probably be best appreciated by odd third graders or teachers and parents who really “get” kids. The animation is good, and the characters are classic, however I have to say it isn’t Nemo status nor is it as amazingly stylized as Incredibles. So I’d say rent this one, perhaps have a few lemon drops with it and you’ll giggle like schoolgirls at their first dance.

Peanut Butter and Rice Cakes with a tall glass of Diet Coke

Numb3rs

You know Stranger Than Fiction started out with numbers, so I decided today called for a day of numbers and blogging on such things:

2. The number of rehearsal sites which I am torn between.

3. The number of trips I have spent cleaning out my class and my office. Oy!

15. The number of days I have left to complete my taxes. Ay!

21. The number of students I have this year in room 2.

42. The number of minutes I slept past the alarm clock today.

80. The number of minutes I spend at school without kids to teach during school hours (aka Recess).

98. The number of days until I get married.

133. The number of days Orcutt School District has been in session.

280. The number or minutes I spend teaching each day.

300. Still a movie which resonates in my soul.

5 years, 9 months, and 12 days. The duration for which I worked at the Children's Center.

2039. I believe this is the time I worked at the Center in days. Ey!

Anyway, those are the numbers of the day. Enjoy. Hope they show up for your lotto, if not, just figure them to be some curse which will put you on a Science Fiction Island where a giant beast roams around and stuff.

Oh my gosh. My life is all about contrasts. Check it out:

I love living like a bachelor, but I can't wait until I am with my Fauf for the rest of my life.

All I can think about is July because of the wedding, but today all I can think about is Harry Potter in July.

My life is totally slowing down as I leave Hancock, but the days seem to fly by with amazing speed.

I am excited about counseling, but I feel like Fauf and I can do it on our own.

I love the first grade, but I don't---well there's no contrast there gotta love it.

I love the new cover for Harry Potter, but I am a little sad it only features two dominant characters and very few clues.

Here it is:



I rest my case.

Shooter

So I am not totally sure what I loved about this viewing... Perhaps it was my dahling, dahling on my side. Perhaps it was Chet, the delightful leprechaun, sitting behind us. Or perhaps it was Chet's delightful father walking the wrong way to the bathroom. At any case this viewing experience was delightful.

A delightful movie viewing pretty much makes for a delightful film. I really enjoyed this picture. It was a simple story, classic in government deception and conspiracy theories. The story was easy to follow and Mark Wahlberg's character was built up to be the hero among heros. I am becoming a Michael Pena fan, after Babel and Crash I've kept my eye on the guy. This film Pena had a chance to flex the goofy sidekick role. He did very well in this capacity. However, with exception to the two previously mentioned, I thought the casting in this flick was a little sub-par in a few areas. I understand the Angel's in the Outfield star, Danny Glover, is a good actor but just ehhh. I have this theory with his part. I think the casting director says, "I want Morgan Freeman." and they say, "We can't get him, he's too expensive. We'll go broke." So the casting director says "Get Danny Glover on the phone."

Nevertheless this was a great action flick which wasn't overwhelming. There were the classic shoot em down, blow it up, car chase moments, but somehow I felt it was balanced with thoughtfulness and tempo. It never was a debacle like Triple X or so totally ridiculous like the lovable, but very "yeah right," James Bond flicks.

So, Marky Mark does another great performance, solid action film with only a few annoying characters. One last comment on this movie--I hope I don't make this sound more negative than it is--but the musical score was stupid. It tried to be this Firefly BBM type of music which just didn't fit. It was a nice attempt and was good, but didn't do anything for me.

Nevertheless again, hooray for good movies in March---so unexpected.

Rice Cakes and Peanut butter with a big glass of Diet Coke

Breach

So the other night Fauf and I went out to see the film Breach. You can always tell I think of a movie favorably when I call it a film. Last night she had the greatest idea for a "He Said, She Said" Movie Review team. Maybe our pseudonyms would be Mr. and Mrs. Smith. We could totally work it. I'm going to the SUN and SMTimes to ask them if they want us to write a column about it.

This movie was simple, had moderately good acting, a moderately good script, and moderately good plot. I think the overall feel was "OK." There weren't any stelar performances in this film, but there weren't any "bad" jobs. I left feeling pleased with the show, but in reality I could have done with a little more suspense. The few scenes where there was suspense sort of lacked suspense because of over run movie trailers where the end was shown.

Overall this movie was a Rice Cake with Peanut Butter film, because it was good, but not fully satisfying.

Get's rid of dirt and grime and grease in just a minute...

So I have been thinking about all the cleaning out I will be doing in the next two weeks and as a notorious messy person I shudder. However, the teacher inside of me is somewhat, surprisingly, organized. So I leap for joy to start a new like Sandra D and begin this cleaning process. Here is a list of the following places I will be cleaning:

1. J-12. I have three years worth of stuff packed in there. Mission: Find all the good stuff and leave the junk.

2. Office. I have this dumb office I hide all the papers I don't want to do. Mission: leave as much as possible in the office.

3. Trunk of Car: I have been carrying around a bunch of stuff in my trunk and this is just not functional. Mission: find a cabinet at the school which can house this stuff.

4. Room 2. Clean out the dust and the stacks of paper which I inherited from the previous teacher. Mission: Make it my own where allergies and headaches won't enter.

5. Laundry Baskets. I have some (somewhere) that are filled to the brim with laundry. The rest floats on the floor. I am like the phantom of the opera on the gondola, riding to my bed every night. Sadly mine is not a foggy ground, but a swamp of laundry. Mission: Talk Mrs. Hough into letting us move into the condo so I can do laundry and not live in a swamp of clothes.


Well that's my life. Call me Mr. Clean.

Houston, we have lift off...

I've been reading through the gospels this past week, I am ending Luke, so allow me to illustrate my life with a parable:

Once there was a boy who was in kindergarten who desired to be an astronaut. When he would go home he would pretend he was in a spaceship and think like an astronaut. As the young boy grew up he even went to school hoping to learn everything he could about being an astronaut. He grew up and tried to reach for the stars, but only touched the clouds. So the young man decided he loved the art of going through the skies so he would settle for working as a pilot for an important airline. There he was loved, named the golden boy, and taken care of like a star. But he always longed for more.

One day after working at an astronaut training camp the young man received a phone call from NASA. "Can you come work for us? We can offer you a position for the next three months, and we'll try to get you in for the next mission." The young man felt excited, but could he leave the airport? They depended on him there. Then he remembered his dream since he was 4 years old--- to be an astronaut. After careful thought, insights from those he loved, and prayer he called NASA and said a resounding, "Absolutely. I'm there."

And from this day to that, he never regretted following his dreams.

In case you can't figure this out--I have decided to leave Hancock and teach Elementary School as a fill-in for a teacher who took ill this year. I'm so happy. First grade here I come, baby!

300

And we all fall down... Like a toy soldier.

300.


Yup. I saw it today. It was in a few words:

MANLY
RIDICULOUS
AMAZING
GLORIOUS and
SPPPPARTTTTTTAAA!

I loved the blood bath, epic war story. Ok. Please don't see this movie if graphic images offend you. But to me... I really liked it. It was a total guy movie. Ridiculously ripped men running around bashing each other's heads in and stabbing the living daylights out of each other. It was like a realistic superhero movie. This stuff could actually happen---ok not totally, but yes they could battle this way.

The filming of this feature was rockin'. I loved the weird hugh that saturated the film and the blood splatters were actually beautifully artistic. I can't explain it. But it was ten times better than the filming of Sky Captain, and not as colorfully annoying as Sick City (worst movie ever). The actors were totally disciplined for this one. I mean... They must have had a five to ten hour work out each day. They were sick.

The one part they could have done without was the nudity. Men and women the same. A little over the top. Also that Smiggel character was over done. But alas, somehow this movie made me want to work out in a barn and become a hulking soldier who storms into combat. This is saying a lot, especially seeing my views on war and violence.

The moral of the movie: Kill them all or die--but while you die-- kill them all.

Loved it. Girls will hate it.
Heaps of spaghetti sauce on noodles.

Old Habits are Hard to Make

Yes, I know this isn't the phrase. This isn't one of those "from the gecko" and "doggy dog" moments. But I was looking at some old pictures of me and I was thinking it would be lovely for me to start rehashing some old habits... Here it goes...


1. Theme-ing my blogs around songs. I use to start off every blog with a song. I think I'll start that with my next blog.

2. Using my lunch break for exercise. I know believe it or not I use to run on the track at Hancock during my lunch break. I'm bringing that back.

3. Eerkershmeek. This is a phrase I use to use ALL the time. It's coming back.

4. Flinstone Vitamins. I need to eat these again, some partial healthy goodness in a package with one million strong... and growing? How can you beat that?

5. Going on IM. I haven't done this since November or so. I need to totally bust out AOL and go online. What a joke.

6. Patricios! Ahh! All I can think about is that beautiful pizza.

7. Watching movies on Sunday afternoons. Not good ones in the theatre, but really stupid movies from the 80's.

8. Writing. I haven't written anything for my story in well over three months. What a joke.

9. Hanging out with Kaleb. Yeah, I love Team Whitney, but I would like to be on Team Kaleb.

10. Dancing. I use to dance at least once a week. Sure it was by myself, but I haven't gone dancing in over seven months now. What a joke.

So none of these are resolutions, rather they are reminders and echos of the past life I once lead. But these echos, they call to me and remind me... I CAN DO IT. I suddenly feel inclined to wave a flag. Alas, I will ignore such urges and go to bed. I'm out.

Oh--holla STEW. I guess you check this blog now.

CURTIS

Ok for most of you this will make no sense whatsoever. But hey. To at least one of you, you will laugh.

Realize I am being odd. Enjoy.

Woman

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Marching into a New Month

Ok, this blog is just getting more random by the day, so I will refocus again and get back to those resos of mine.

1. I am absolutely in love with a girl named Fauf. I can't get enough of her. I miss her when I don't see her, and I've been learning to prepare for the life of the married man. Ready, set, let's get married.

2. Movie watching season is coming to a close. I fear movies in March will crumble in comparison to February and January. Alas, Oscar season is done but I will still continue my mission of documenting the silly movies I see. Here comes 300.

3. Totally supported my Biblia goals this month. Slower than January, but hey I'm picking up the speed. I love it. Very insightful to go page to page, cover to cover.

4. I have been noticing some of the beauties in my friends here are some of the ones documented thus far (just the qualities): relational, verbally affirming, realistic, honest, brotherly. I'm watching you...

5. I honestly haven't done anything this month with media for the classroom. Oh well.

Here's to March. I really am looking forward to a green beer on the 17th. Click your heels. Yippie!

Ode to Blume

Ban is for Men, not BOOKS!

If only the teachers could just resume
To read the tales of Judy Blume.
The world would be a far better place
If these stupid fears would just be erased.

Because of a parent, a complaint, or a fear
The children are bored, and a teacher in tears.
Blume's stories are so grand, wonderful, and true.
What's so wrong with a chlid saying poo-poo?

Are you there God? It's me, just a simple young teacher
And I'm frustrated with these legalistic preachers.
They ban a book without a second thought
I hope someday their evils are caught.

Their dumb and wacked rules make no sense
Perhaps it's time for rebellion to commence.
A protest, petition, a march or a song
Anyone can see that their methods are wrong.

What shall we do? What shall we say?
Should we go on continuing to live this way?
Heck no! Open a book, and laugh out some more.
If you don't like it, it's time I show you the door.

Read Across America Day is coming this week
So here's the secret that I'm going to leak
Friday as they all read old Dr. Seuss
I'll read Fudge, yes I will, or bring me the noose!



Join me and read a banned book this week.

Oscar 2007

Pretty much I had a great time today. We had the annual Oscar party at the Shaw abode. It was wonderful. I'm a little tired, worn out, and ready to hit the sack but I love pictures so I must post away. Here's how the night went...

Guests were greeted by the following items...

A lovely sign...


A welcome gift...





A table with clever food choices...



Pictures of the nominees for the occasion as well as fun reading material which accented the evening's events....



I came dressed as Al Gore... I carried a globe with a scarf and beanie on to symbolize Global Warming... Get it? I also handed out pieces of paper to the guests with a variety of "Inconvenient Truths"...



Oh yeah and a surprise Pan's Labyrinth character too..



Carl was snazzy in a Bond-esk Suit, while the lovely Alyssa was from Step Up (I think) and came in warm up clothes...



Jenn was decked out in an Oscar-to-Be flick and wore a rollerdurby outfit... Some Will Farrell thing I think...




The Lycan men surrounded An Inconvenient Melting Glacier otherwise known as Parker...



There were the party goers, Nicole Richie , Britney Spears, and Paris Hilton.... Those three girls sure did party it up...



Superman and Lois Lane made an appearance....




As did some others... Including a cute crossword puzzle...











And the winner (technically) for 2007 is...


No. He isn't special needs, just looks that way in the picture. My love from last year... Alas. This year he came as himself.

But there was something from every film, and here it is:
A Framed Picture of Queen Elizabeth, for The Queen
A tiara, for Little Miss Sunshine
A pack of Asian styled note cards, for Letters from Iwo Jima
A pocket translator book, for Babel
And the Departed DVD, for the Departed

Oh yeah0-- The Dreamgirls' Soundtrack, cause Dreamgirls was given a nod in almost every category so I had to show some love there. Plus there is Beyonce... ah...

Hooray for a great year, great party and wonderful time. I am thankful to the acadamey and all of you who showed up. And shout out to Ellen for being a great host this year. Woot. Woot.

Amazing Grace?

So I think the movie needs to be called "Somewhat-Good Grace" because the movie left me with a bland taste in my mouth. I have to admit I didn't really follow the characters very well, my bad. I guess it was mainly because I thought two separate characters were the same guy... I mean Daddy Warbucks and Dumbledore look the same right? Well it took me until the last scene to realize they were two totally different men. And because of this the movie was even more bland.

Well, despite (or in spite) of my lack of character understanding I really think the director and writers of this film had a much bigger story to work with and decided upon the one which would sell best to the mainstream, white Christian viewers. Boring, boring, boring. The historical, period piece was so typical and wasn't even filmed that wonderfully. I was really frustrated during the first few minutes of the film because I thought people were walking in front of the projector. Low and behold it wasn't the theater's fault, but the directors. He had servants and messengers walking in front of the camera. Perhaps this was to subconsciously reinforce the notion of aristocracy and a class based society, but I don't know.

When I picture this movie in my mind I see something more along the lines of The Red Violin, Crash, or Amores Los Peros. It could have been as good as all of those. Something with multiple story lines all happening at once, culminating in the words of the song being expressed. Think of how moving it would be to watch the composer begin to write the words, watch the politician fight the words, watch a slave live the words, and maybe throw in another example of the words being passed on to another. This would be so much more amazing than what we were given.

Alas, the acting was ok. Nothing worthy of great kudos, and yes there were some moving brief moments in the story, but all in all I felt the movie was bland, typical, and while the story was good, it didn't flex it's cinematic muscles enough to be a work of art.

Plain Rice Cakes for Grace. What a shame.

Frrrrreaky Frrrrrriday

OK so I have been feeling ill for the past 36 hours..;. But I slept like a lion in the jungle last night. I'm pretty sure I took a two hour nap after work yesterday and then got to bed about 9:45. So yeah. My body is still a little congested but my joints don't ache. Hooray for sleep.

Today I sub again, and we're having a party in class. I think I will bring in Duck Tales and something else to watch so we can just chill all afternoon. Good plan? I say yes.

This weekend is the big event. You know... The Oscar Party. I have yet to find a costume, however I think I have some big ideas. Last minute costumes always work out well. I suppose I will get one tomorrow afternoon. Anyway here's the picture of the day. And the answer is yes---he is one of our new friends.

Oh my life.

So pretty much today has been me taking over my class at the school. It has been really fun to do all of the direction for the day. Some of the intresting things we have done today include dancing the the digerydoo, saying G'day mates, reminding studnets to only talk in a "whisper, whisper, whisper", comparing ourselves to wombats and dingos (maybe the dingo ate your baby), and observing plants growing in a dark closet.

Yeah, pretty much fun stuff. Anyway. Tonight should be fun we plan to go out with K-and D-dawgs. Should. Gosh, it has been a long time since I wrote one of these. I think I need to take an intesting blogging class where I will learn how to make these posts more intersting. Humf.

Alas, I will now go and enjoy my fudge brrrrownies.

Letters from Iwo Jima

Well here's how I feel about it. Let me premise this blog with a few statements on my life:

1. I love movies
2. I hate war
3. Foreign Language films really grab my attention

Ok with all this said I have to say I really didn't jive with this film. I know! SHOCK! An Oscar pick Michael didn't care for. Maybe it was the saturated green hues of the movie that made me tired, or perhaps it was the awkward camera angles but I just didn't get into it. I have to say I don't really care for war movies (oh bad memories of Gods and Generals--sorry Swenson family --who, by the way, I just found out may have multiple family members who read this blog.) Well, back to the movie--

It was a pretty interesting concept to look at the war one sided from the Japanese perspective, but I felt it fell a little short of my expectations. Also, I have this theory that Clint Eastwood's life goal is to spread the word that killing yourself is ok to do. He's all about euthanasia and suicide in the line of duty. Oh well, that's how the west was won.

Overall this movie left me wanting more. More of an established rhythm, more bonding, more insights, just more. So why the Oscar? Two reasons 1-the varied perspective on a war we know very well and 2-Clint Eastwood.

My grade: Rice Cakes all alone, no peanut butter and absolutely no Diet Coke.