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.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
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
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
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
Friday, March 30, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
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
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
Saturday, March 24, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, March 16, 2007
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!
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!
Saturday, March 10, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
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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Realize I am being odd. Enjoy.
Woman
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Saturday, March 03, 2007
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!
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!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, February 25, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
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.
Friday, February 23, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, February 19, 2007
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.
Ghost Rider
Let me just say there are sometimes when I believe you can justify seeing a movie and other times where you are on your own. Well this time I guess I can justify seeing this one because I saw it with my soon-to-be brother-in-law Eric. He really wanted to see if so I caved and said sure. He's great so why not?
Anyway to the movie stuff...
So this movie wasn't disappointing because pretty much my expectations for the movie was for another Fantastic 4 Debacle. Honestly, it wasn't a great movie, and I don't think I could stretch it to be a "good movie" but I have to say it wasn't that bad.
The imagery was pretty sweet at times, the plot moved along so I wasn't bored, and the story wasn't horrible. GASP. This isn't the negative post I expected to write. But there was SOMETHING horrible in the movie. Yes... You guessed it Mr. Coppala himself, Nicholas Cage. Ok, horrible may be a bit too strong. I think the word for it is annoying. What the heck is up with his mouth! I can't stop looking at it and wondering if his teeth and lips are real. Actually if I didn't know him before this movie I may have thought him to be funny or perhaps have good timing, but nope. Can't do it. I guess this blog falters in equality. He is ripped like a GI Joe in this movie, so he looks the part. But something just doesn't click for me.
The problem I really had with this movie (other than Roxy's shirt popping open in every scene--honestly it was a little much) (and the whole cheese factor) (and the whole Texas factor) was the ending. I have a much better ending which is far more tragic and believable, but would still lend itself to sequels to satisfy the companies behind the Benjamins.
For those of you looking for a grade, I refuse to put a grade on this movie out of principle. But if you went and saw it I wouldn't hate you for it.
Anyway to the movie stuff...
So this movie wasn't disappointing because pretty much my expectations for the movie was for another Fantastic 4 Debacle. Honestly, it wasn't a great movie, and I don't think I could stretch it to be a "good movie" but I have to say it wasn't that bad.
The imagery was pretty sweet at times, the plot moved along so I wasn't bored, and the story wasn't horrible. GASP. This isn't the negative post I expected to write. But there was SOMETHING horrible in the movie. Yes... You guessed it Mr. Coppala himself, Nicholas Cage. Ok, horrible may be a bit too strong. I think the word for it is annoying. What the heck is up with his mouth! I can't stop looking at it and wondering if his teeth and lips are real. Actually if I didn't know him before this movie I may have thought him to be funny or perhaps have good timing, but nope. Can't do it. I guess this blog falters in equality. He is ripped like a GI Joe in this movie, so he looks the part. But something just doesn't click for me.
The problem I really had with this movie (other than Roxy's shirt popping open in every scene--honestly it was a little much) (and the whole cheese factor) (and the whole Texas factor) was the ending. I have a much better ending which is far more tragic and believable, but would still lend itself to sequels to satisfy the companies behind the Benjamins.
For those of you looking for a grade, I refuse to put a grade on this movie out of principle. But if you went and saw it I wouldn't hate you for it.
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