Random Weekend Pic

Revision

One of the things I'm working on is admitting when I was wrong. I was with my thumbnail review of Over the Hedge. I've seen Over the Hedge a few more times, and have to cop to the fact that I like it. Guess I wasn't paying enough attention the first time. This is a fun flick. Not Shrek or Pixar-level, but better than Madagascar and Shark Tale. Still, story isn't perfect--but the characters, voice-work and individual scenes make up for it. I've become quite taken with Bruce Willis' RJ and Steve Carell's Hammy (tho' very little of Hammy has to do with dialogue--mostly animation). There's one particular scene toward the beginning where RJ introduces the rest of the animals to the relationship of Humans and Food. Utterly priceless (the words alone won't do it, gotta have the images).

Not unlike this:

RJ: That is an S.U.V; Humans ride in then because they are slowly losing their ability to walk.
Lew the Porcupine: Wow it's huge!
Hammy the Squirrel: How many people fit in there?
RJ: Usually, one.

...the voice-overs on the credits are great, too.

Revised Grade: B+/A- It's going on my shelf.

Yay Capitalism!

Up in Smoke: Smintair, an Airline for Smokers, Takes Off

Smokers around the world are celebrating the emergence of a new airline, Smintair, or Smoker's International Airlines. The brainchild of German businessman Alexander Schoppmann, the smoker's airline, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, is scheduled to begin flying in March 2007.

Smintair isn't just about lighting up, however. According to the airline's Web site, Smintair "will treat its passengers like the guest of an international Grand Hotel . . . to bring back the exclusivity in flying encountered in the 1960s and [which is] dearly missed by so many." Such things as "telephone, TV, DVD, MP3, Internet" and other in-flight entertainments are being "envisioned" for all passengers.

Not saying I'd fly that airline if given the choice. But I really like the fact that someone's trying it.

Psalm 19:1 in action

(H/T: bluewoad)

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

(click on the picture to be taken to the full-sized picture and explanation)

Not really my kind of movies, but...

Okay, a couple of films I wouldn't normally throw on the top of the pile (and one that I would). But based on what's coming out over the next couple of weeks, I guessed I would be talking about them all a lot at work, so previewed them, and figured I'd share a thumnail or two.

We start off with the Aniston/Vaughn's The Breakup (the movie one, not any of the actual breakups they've been involved with lately). Cute movie. Sucky ending. Aniston was really good--she wasn't Rachel--just a nice, confused gal in a lousy relationship. Vaughn...who will always be Trent Walker to me...was pretty good, too. Really felt for his character--and I almost think we were supposed to root him on more than Aniston. But maybe it's a gender thing. The speech he gave towards the end was eerily like one I've worked on lately. Almost word for word in some places--definitely the same outline. Creeped me out. First Sandler, now Vince Vaughn. I'm going to find myself as one of the Owen brothers before too long.

Best thing about this movie tho? The supporting cast. Always good to see Joey Lauren Adams, even if she's under-utilized as she was here. Justin Long was great (even if he did have a certain Bronson Pinchot-Beverly Hills Cop-rip-off vibe). Jon Favreau was excellent as the best-friend (nah, he wasn't excellent...he was sooo money, baby)--he had the best scene in the flick. Unless he's behind the camera, he needs to be the best friend in everything he does--he can't carry a leading role (outside of Swingers), but he's perfect as best bud. John Michael Higgins was perfect--this guy needs to work more (but he's so off-beat probably hard to find much to put him in)--2nd best scene-stealing here. Judy Davis was her typical self, great. Vincent D'Onofrio reminded me that he's really funny when he's not freakishly-intense. You take these guys out and replace them with whoever from Central Casting and yawn. Without them, Aniston and Vaughn are just...eh.

Grade: B

Okay...Over the Hedge was pretty much a paint-by-numbers computer animated flick. I really don't know what to say about it. Wasn't thrilled with anything, but I really enjoyed it. Most of the voice talents (Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, Nick Nolte, Thomas Haden Church, Allison Janney, Eugene Levy...) rocked. That's what carried the film, the characters' voices/expressions. Story was...eh. Animation was okay. Standard Dreamworks stuff. But my kids liked it, and I thought it was miles better than The Wild.

Grade: B

American Dreamz...ummm, wow. What do I say? It was cute. It was occasionally funny. But direction-less. It couldn't decide what it was: Political satire? Reality TV satire? Was it Dark Humor? Light Humor? Just silly? It was a little bit of each, but not enough of any one of those to be really good. Any one of those things done better, and it could've been saved.

Dennis Quaid/Marcia Gay Harden were a decent First Family Knock-Off. Dafoe stooped too low for his broad (overly broad) for faux-Cheney. Hugh Grant's self-loathing Simon Cowell Martin Tweed was a bit too much. Mandy Moore was okay as a self-obsessed, calculating wanna be Carrie Underwood-type (actually more of a Kelly Pickler with a touch more talent). Chris Klein was too cartoony as her rejected boyfriend (ditto for Jennifer Coolidge as her mom and Seth Meyers as her manager). Okay, so I haven't had anything positive to say since "cute." So here it is: Sam Golzari. Perfect. The only redeeming factor, and he's almost enough to make it worth the $3.99 to rent.

Grade: C+

New Avatar

Not as catchy, IMHO, as the Lego-head stuff, but thought it was sorta fun.

Post of the Day

Today's must read is over at the Macks' stomping grounds, God Change (note to self: add that to blogroll soon): Cheerful Religion.

So, brethren...are you like Whitefield? Why not?

I'm sure not...need to figure out why....

Warning!! Parental Advisory!

No, not an advisory for parent's to censor. Did a Homeschool Field Trip today, and got plenty of pictures. Please be advised that a camera-happy parent is posting below :)

Chip off the Old Block

Frodo

Trip to the Berry Ranch

Went with a bunch of homeschoolers to The Berry Ranch today...did a hay ride, picked our own pumpkins, played with some animals, etc. Fun stuff.

While we were waiting....(Arnold's there, just can't see him...he's too busy talking to "The Sheets")

Frodo's taking it all in on the hay ride

No, really, there is hay on the hay ride...

The first of many "just a milisecond too late" shots of the day

The Princess in the Pumpkins

He literally would've sat on here all day...had to pull him off kicking and screaming

Heading Out

Random Thought of the Day

Think I've decided what lifts the song "Gaston" from Disney's Beauty and the Beast from "cute" to "classic." It's this line:

I'm espcially good at expectorating!

You take out that line...the song just isn't the same.



...hey, what do you expect? I work in a video store...

Writer's Envy

Doing a little reading this morning while the boys do schoolwork and the Princess is hopping around on gymnastic equipment...read this paragraph from Jim Butcher's Summer Knight. Just struck me as the kind of thing a writer should be able to do, should be great at. This is a paragraph that Dan Brown could never write. Me either. Which bugs me more than I can say.

I leaned against my door with my eyes closed, trying to think. I was scared. Not in that half-pleasant adrenaline-charged way, but quietly scared. Wait-on-the-results-of-medical-tests scared. It's a rational sort of fear that puts a lawn chair down in the front of your thoughts and brings a cooler of drinks along with it.

Little bit of humor to create/maintain the tone, gives insight into the character, and you know exactly how the narrator feels--even if you haven't felt that way yourself--and if you have felt that it resonates with you in such a way that you are in the moment.

I have seen the movie, and the movie is me

WOW! Outside of Finding Nemo's portrayal of my parenting skills/paranoia through Marlin, I cannot think of a movie that so captures my life--and in an uncomfortable way--than Adam Sandler's Click. (although Mark Harmon's Freddy Shoop comes close to the depicting that one crazy summer...)* I'm not exactly sure what it says about me that I find myself depicted by Sandler, but hey, truth is truth sometimes...

Click is the story of up-and-coming architect Michael Newman--devoted father, loving husband who wants to provide the best he can for his family. Which means that he must get ahead in his career--which leads to him letting down his family. A lot. He's been half-done with a play fort for 2 months, is canceling camping plans, etc., etc. He hates to disappoint his family, but finds himself doing it anyway. He does it so much, he really doesn't notice. Then he comes into contact with a time-manipulating universal remote control (this is where it departs from my life, because my playing with time-manipulation has never worked).

The rest of the movie shows what happens when you skip/fast-forward through certain parts of your life to focus on other parts.

Yeah, the movie shouldn't be watched by all. Crude, some sexual humor, some drug humor (more of the former than the latter), sometimes juvenile. Even if it doesn't send you off on a tour of self-introspection it's worth the watch. David Hasselhoff that the big & loud lady from Legally Blonde are hilarious. Beckinsale minus her accent is weird, but she does okay (what Michael actually sees in her character, I'm not sure I see, but not sure it matters). Sean Astin does a good job in his new role as Sandler stock-player. Funny stuff on the whole.

The lesson that Michael Newman learns is one I've spent the last couple of weeks learning. It was slightly jarring to find it reflected on that DVD.

The question for me is, since real life is rarely like the movies--when it's never too late for characters who learn something to turn things around--have I learned things too late? Stay tuned....

* I hope it's obvious that this line is a joke

"It is sayd, that at the nede the frende is knowen."

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

I don't have a lot of friends--somewhat on purpose. I have a number of close acquaintances, but few actual friends. Few people I've let in to that inner circle. In fact, until recently I've had one (well, two, but the other guy is so busy/far away we interact very rarely and only via email, so...one on the active roster). There've been several on the "potential friend"/"close acquaintance" list, but for one reason or another, it hasn't gone past that.

I've not been happy about that situation, and really wished it would change. But lately, I've come to understand that such wasn't just inconvenient/unfortunate--it was wrong. I needed to have more friends--I should've made the effort. Not that there's anything wrong with the one I had (or the other one--I understand busy). But I needed to have made the effort, I needed to have shared my life more with others. It was selfish, self-centered, and short-sighted.

But thankfully, thankfully, a couple of brothers have stepped up--showing that they were born for adversity--and have kept my head above troubled waters. Loving me--not in some silly sappy way, but with shoe leather. Even the too-busy guy has made time for phone calls and email, which means a whole lot to me. Several online friends have gone way above the call of duty, too. Not to downplay them, but it's the flesh and blood area that I'm weak in. All these friends have kept me going when I thought I couldn't any more. Tears, pain, disaster, dispair, laughter...you name it, they've seen it in the last couple weeks. And thanks to them I sit here typing, with some hope in the future, a lot of hope in our Risen Lord, and hope in their continued friendship.

At the same time, I've basically been told to stay away from one of my close acquaintances (due to gender, probably doomed to stay there). And while I understand it, that hurts. Bad timing, on that one. Maybe if I'd been a better friend myself, things wouldn't have got to that point. Shame it feels like it's too late to fix things--but I'll give it a shot.

All this has made me think a lot about that phrase: "A friend in need, is a friend indeed/in deed." Google helped me find a couple interesting takes on the phrase (and several others, but I called off the search early). I think the Word Detective's more helpful, but I liked the quotes from The Phrase Finder (as you can see from the title to this post--which is far more interesting than my working title "Friends/Friendship").

But that's a digression. I just wanted to take a moment to publicly thank these men (they know their real identities) and the God they serve for their friendship, to apologize to them for not reaching out in friendship earlier. Love you guys. (In a manly, hugging-with-three-pats-on-the-back kind of way) Also thought it good to mark the moment (a few days after it happened) when I realized what a colossal moron I'd been for my attitudes.

Man is a communal creature. He was made to be in fellowship with others--I'm very glad I've been brought into fellowship with those God has put in my life, real friends indeed.

Battlestar

Battlestar Galactica comes back tonight. Thinking about giving it a shot? Wondering what the fuss is? Think I'm crazy for caring? Give a quick read to a Couple of Side-bars by Alan Sepinwall: What you need to know if you are jumping in tonight & Why you should watch ("Four reasons to tune in even if you could never picture yourself watching something called 'Battlestar Galactica'")

Not sure I'll watch it tonight--but you can bet it'll be recorded.

Books

In the 50th anniversary edition, Christianity Today published their take on the top 50 books in evangelicalism's last 50 years (H/T Ref21). I've read a decent-sized chunk of those. I've got my fingers on the pulse of evangelicalism, I guess. Some of those titles are frightening. Simply frightening (and I've read some of those I call that!)

Does it matter? Does anyone care what a movement considers important? What a magazine considers important? Yes. Tim Challies outdid himself today with his post, By Our Books Shall We Be Known. Challies quotes, Jay Parini's essay "Other People's Books" (which I clearly need to find):

What interests me about other people's books is the nature of their collection. A personal library is an X-ray of the owner's soul. It offers keys to a particular temperament, an intellectual disposition, a way of being in the world. Even how the books are arranged on the shelves deserves notice, even reflection. There is probably no such thing as complete chaos in such arrangements.

Other people's books draw my attention, of course. They excite curiosity about their owners and the worlds they inhabit. But it's finally my own books that matter, as they tell me about where I've been, and where I hope to go.

If that doesn't describe my psyche, I don't know what does. (other than a nasty coal mine...but that's another post for another time)

The rest of the post is just as incisive. Other than the stuff about film, I like to think I'd have written the same thing--were I as talented as Challies, or took the time.

10/5/96

From the Father of lights you came
And I know I'll never be the same again
A beautiful gift has been given to me
Your smiling face is all I see

The look that's in your eyes
And your smile that sets me free
Has made me realize
All that you see in me

Most important day of my life. I entered into a blessed covenant with the most wonderful woman I've ever met, because God was gracious enough to bring us together. I'd do it, and everything since all over again. 'Cept this time with more laughs, more love, and a few different mistakes (not crazy enough to think I'd make less).

My best friend, my heart, my life, my soulmate...

I love you, dear. May be cliche, but love ya more now than then. More now today than yesterday. Here's to many more.

Together now and forever
You are the one
You are my everything
To me you bring
The love that I have waited for

8 years, man...8 years!!!

(that title works better if you channel Jeremy Pivens' Grosse Pointe Blank character, Paul, while reading it)

8 years ago God brought you into our lives, and they haven't been the same since. Thankfully. :)

I cannot think of anyone I'm prouder of...only 1 I'm more blessed to know (tho' there are 3 others at his level). He's the Riker to my Picard. My right-hand man. Trustworthy, honorable, smart, goofy. Everything a Dad could ask for.

Love ya, Frodo. Happy birthday.

Geek Post for the week (hopefully longer)

Trying to tone down the geekiness around here, but sometimes it's hard. Was going to write something about the Robert Downey, Jr as Tony Stark casting news--I think it's inspired. And then I noticed that the good folks over at Aint It Cool News had already said it for me:

I can’t even express how much I love that choice. First of all, congratulations to Paramount and Marvel for having the nerve to pin their franchise on Downey. He’s had some rough years, but if I’ve ever seen anyone aggressively work to rehab their career, it’s Downey. Even in his darkest days, he was doing good work, but lately he seems more in touch than ever with what makes him great as a performer. He’s excellent with comedy, and he can break an audience’s heart with ease. Rare combination.

Words of Wisdom

The 9/25 Partially Clips

I feel violated. . . . and not in a good way.

Watched X-Men: The Last Stand last night (SPOILER WARNING). I'm tempted to utter some imprecatory curse against Bryan Singer for abandoning the project for that Superman flick, but I figure the ....er, did I mention there might be SPOILERS?


Taking a break for those who want to avert their eyes.

...but I figure the disrespectful way that Marsden was utilized and dispatched pretty much makes up for it. And honestly, all the blame for this falls at the feet of Ratner and 20th Century Fox.

I seriously can't think of anything I like about this flick. The storyline...was pretty shabby. I'm willing to bet that last night's Smallville premier had better FX. Ditto for the score! If you notice the score it'd better be because it's the only redeeming thing in a bad flick or just something perfect. This was noticeable because it made a couple of scenes seem better in contrast. The costumes annoyed me. Jackman's hair bugged me (so did Barre's come to think of it--and I promise you, I don't spend a lot of time thinking about hair--just look at my pictures). And don't get me started on Beast--or Angel (tho' the scene at the beginning w/him as a lad--that one worked)--or Leech--or...ack, just have to stop now.

Romijn and Ashmore worked for me. I think that was about it. Even the almost perfect Paquin fell flat (been a fan of hers since The Piano). Stewart was wasted. McKellen couldn't save it with all his gravitas.

I felt so ripped off by the tie-everything-up-in-a-tidy-bow of a happy ending, that I didn't check out one special feature, deleted scene or alternate ending.

Best thing about this DVD? The Sneak Preview of the Simpsons movie that showed up on the main menu. And I'd already seen it from the video grabs that people did at various comic cons this summer and posted on YouTube. But this was cleaner and with better audio.

Grade? D. Save yourself the time and trouble unless you have to know how things wrapped up. And even then, make sure you use a 2-for-1 coupon or something.

Rusty, I know you disagree. Feel free to comment away and convince me I'm wrong. Kletois and I are up to the challenge :) (also have to believe that SpideyGeek will chime in my support, or I will lose all faith in her career.)

Quote of the Day

"The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. 'Tis dearness only that gives everything its value."

-- Thomas Paine

By Popular Demand

(popular there is loosely defined as "1 person")

Despite my self-description as a TV-junkie, there's really only one or two writer's work I can identify w/o looking at the credits (Aaron Sorkin, David E. Kelley, Joss Whedon, maybe David Milch)--Whedon's moved to the big screen, Milch is focusing on cable, leaving Sorkin and Kelley as the 2 distinctive voices. And only one of them doesn't spiral into self-parody and a series being out-of-control within a season or two. Which is why I'm very excited that Sorkin is back.

I first got into Sorkin's style via the summer promos for Sports Night on ABC, which convinced me I was gonna love the show before it premiered. Then it did. And I did. ABC has yet to atone for the way they treated that show. Then he moved on to the West Wing, and I didn't follow--just wasn't up for the politics. A couple years ago I stubmeld into a marathon on Bravo, and have made up for that error. Still hate the politics, but love the writing.

So you can imagine my excitement when I heard about his new gig, Sudio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Yeah, sure, Sorkin is using Whitford and Perry as stand-ins for himself and Schlamme. Who cares? Whitford and Perry were great (and I'd watch them do pretty much anything, anyway).
Not sure that Amanda Peet totally sold me with her performance, but she was good enough; Steven Weber played an excellent network jerk; it was good to see D.L. Hughley get some work; ditto for Timothy Busfield (who has made up for his involvement in thirtysomething by his work as Lloyd Stevens on Ed and Danny on West Wing). Need to see more of the rest of the cast before I really decide about them.

Okay, so I really didn't come to this thing unbiased. But what about the story? Did it work? I think so. Will have a better idea next week--once we're past the whole pilot thing--but I can see myself in for the long haul with this one. Good news: from the "next week on ..." clips, it looks like someone found the lightswitch on the set. Pilot was just too dark (not in tone, but in lighting).

So, Katy, review? Not sure I have enough info for one right now. But I'll tell you this: as the show ended, I found myself smiling. That's just not something I do a lot of.

Now I'm just waiting for Joshua Malina to be written in...

Speaking of schemes ganging aft agley

On the way home from my sleep test this morning, I was listening to ESPN radio (not in the mood for local call-in politics at 6:15 am, and I heard the words that "the Mets' win eliminates Atlanta." WHA--? I knew they were having a rough year, I was pretty sure they weren't going to be in the playoffs...but wow. September's not halfway over and Atlanta's eliminated?

Never a big Braves fan. Not a big NL guy, really. But you gotta tip your cap to 14 consecutive division titles. Braves in the postseason is like the sun coming up in the morning. You just take it for granted. This is such a strage year.



(promise, that's the last Robbie Burns title for awhile, really)

Heading off a best laid scheme ganging aft agley

This sounds like a lot of fun. Would love to do it. But not only do I know I wouldn't get done, my dear, devoted wife would probably wring my neck (in a devotedly endearing way, of course).

At the same time, can you imagine the gross tonnage of sheer dreck that will result from NaNoWriMo? Whoever puts this thing on, pushes for the sponsorships, etc. Should make a promise to read every single line of text put out in this effort. Some would be rewarding, some would lead them to change it to NaNoWriDecade. Parker--who's one of the best around, puts out 4 novels a year. 3 of which generally need a good rework, 1 of which will be hit out of the ballpark. Can't imagine there are a whole lot of folk out there at RBP's level taking part in this. Why do these folks playing at the triple-A level (at best) think that speed is the way to get this done?

I know, it's about doing it. About the discipline, the effort, the growth as a writer that comes from producing something.

Still, the more I think about it, the more something just seems wrong in the idea.

That said. I'm publicly challenging AKA Lucy to take a crack at it. :)

Return of Godzilla Watch 3

Starting lineup, Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium

Johnny Damon CF
Derek Jeter SS (can the streak continue?)
Bobby Abreu RF
Alex Rodriguez 3B
Jason Giambi 1B
Jorge Posada C
Robbie Cano 2B
Hideki Matsui DH
Melky Cabrerra LF

Mike Mussina P

What I wouldn't give to be able to watch this one....to hear the crowd when he comes up to the plate...

UPDATE: Matsui was 4-for-4. Oh man! But that's not the headline. Bobby "His Power's Gone/He's Past His Prime" Abreu was good for 7 RBI's! 6 of those in the first! Ha. Cashman's a genius.

Misc. Notes While Waiting for my Printer to Finish

• First Fall baseball game of the year was today. Fall Ball's a little different than the Spring Cal Ripken season: there are 2 teams (and only 2 teams), they play each other every week. The point isn't to get to the top of the standings, but to improve skills. These are the kids who are out there because they love the game and want to get better--a real pleasure to watch. No machines doing the pitching--it's kids. First time a lot of these players had faced a pitched ball period--much less one from something as inaccurate as an 7 year old with a killer fastball. BTW, I'm describing the starting pitcher for Frodo & Sam's team. The kid blew me away! Frodo's improved a lot over the summer, not sure how. Sam was in there trying his best. Hard when all the pitches are six inches above your head. He'll get there tho...
• Oh yeah, they won by one run. Last inning of the game--finally, finally one kid gets across the plate. There was a total of 3 good defensive plays (2 from our team). But oy vey! Am hoping these guys improve a lot...and quick.
• Would've been a good idea for me to have thought of sunscreen, or, y'know...a baseball cap. 2.5 hrs in the sun = red scalp. Gonna be fun to shave in the morning.
• I think it would be very fun to speak like an Aaron Sorkin character for a day.
• Gonna pass post 900 this week (D.V.). Hit 805 at GA in June. Have had a busy summer 'round here.
• Zowie! My Totino's Pizza Rolls have apparently been exposed to gamma radiation (and have been made angry, wonder if I'll like them when they're angry). They're bleepin' huge! Pizza Rolls are a late-night studying staple food for me, haven't had any since May. How long have they been jumbo-sized?

Prayer Req.

I just posted a prayer request over at my seminary blog, for those of you who are the praying type.

Too Soon?

Remember just before United 93 hit the theaters this spring, and then again just before World Trade Center premiered, there was this refrain of, "It's too soon." It's too soon for a movie...it's too soon for us to remember this...it's too soon for whatever.

Pfui.

Tonight my manager and I are approached by some 30+ year old woman, holding four DVDs--Friends with Money, Just My Luck, some other "chick flick," and United 93. "Have you seen any of these?" I hadn't and said so, manager had seen Just My Luck (which she called "cute") and the "other" one which she said was pretty good. Manager tells her that she's heard "Friends" was "more of a mid-life crisis movie." Customer holds up United 93, "What's this about?"

Ummmmm, I think. "It's about that plane on 9/11 that..." The manager cuts in, "Y'know the one that crashed in Pennsylvania." Blank stare. Me again, "the one that the passengers took over, made crash before it could hit anything." Blank stare. "The one on 9/11?"

This woman had no idea what we were talking about. It's five years later--FIVE YEARS!! She had no idea what we were talking about--thankfully she got distracted by the idea of Antonio Banderas doing ballroom dancing (oh, hey, I remembered--the other chick flick was Take the Lead) and headed off before the conversation continued (and my dismay hit critical mass).

It's not too soon. It's not too soon. It's not too soon.

Nomination for Funniest Yankee Post of the Week

Can't see anyone beating this one: Royal(e) with Cheese from Canyon of Heroes (possibly the nicest looking Yankee blog around).

Hitting for the Cycle

Without really trying to (initially, anyway). On study breaks today, have posted to each blog I contribute to today. Personal best.

• Summer Reading: Kill All the Lawyers by Paul Levine
• Oh, fer cryin' out loud!
• British Police Arrest Evangelical for Passing Out Literature
• On Romans 8:28

Summer Reading: Kill All the Lawyers by Paul Levine

If I started it before Labor Day Weekend, it counts, right? For the record, it's not that I've stopped reading since July 27, my last Summer Reading post--but it seemed that no one really cared, as much as I found the discipline helpful (even had a complaint or two). So I'll limit these to the books I really want to talk about. 'Sides, school's back in session, and I don't have that much time for extra-curricular reading period (but one of my professors last year impressed upon us the importance of doing so to keep our minds fresh. So I'm going to try).

Enough of that. Steve Solomon, Victoria Lord and all the rest are back for #3 in Paul Levine's series about mystery-solving lawyers in love, Kill All the Lawyers. Weighing in at an anemic 368 pages (the first book was 576!), I wondered if it would stack up as well. It did.

The weaknesses I felt about book 2 weren't present. First, there was more Bobby. The heart of the series is Bobby. Period. Let Steve grow/mature. Let Victoria loosen up/accept Steve. Let the supporting cast become more well-rounded characters. Fine. But the emotional core will always be Bobby. He has to be a player in each book. Just don't see who Levine can pull it off otherwise.

Secondly, there was a real element of risk involved. Trying to avoid spoilers, I'll put it this way. The bad guy set out to frame someone for a horrible crime. And it really looks like that person was going to fall into deep legal trouble--maybe so much so that it'd have to be resolved in the next book. Sure, utlimately, there's no doubt that the team of Solomon & Lord will save the day at some point. But I fully expected arrests, interrogations, trials, fall out, etc. I just didn't get that feeling last time out.

Character-wise, I did think Victoria got the short end of the stick this time out, but not sure where Levine could've stuck more of her in. Maybe in Book 4, which the back cover assures us he's hard at work on. Although I didn't mind too much. Rather have Steve's voice than hers dominate the book. They were on their home turf--so most of the supporting cast from Book 1 was back, just not as prominent. Which was good, Levine needs to use them regularly, but sparingly.

The pacing was excellent, yet again. Note to my writer friends out there who haven't picked Levine up: You should just to study this aspect (and you'll discover yourself enjoying the read anyway). The way he can jump between having you chuckle and having you lean forward in anticipation. Good action scene to wrap things up.

Another solid outing for the team, looking forward to the next..

Self-Promotion

Threw up a quickie over at Two at Parbar.

Music for a Brain-Dead Friday...

this is either sheer brilliance or utter stupidity...not sure which.

Update on the Housing thing

3rd try on this post...blogger's eaten this 2x. First time I hit "Publish Post" and it vanished. So the 2nd time I get smart and try "Save as Draft." *poof* (sigh) Is it just me, or has blogger become incredibly unstable since they started the Beta work on the improvements? (and I don't even have 'em!)

Anyway, what I've been wanting to say:

First, I want to thank everyone who's emailed, IM'd, commented or whatever their expressions of concern and well-wishes about our housing situation in the last 24 hrs. Particularly from TBOB and Gerald who really don't know me from Adam. I trust that things will work out well, and I know that the Lord knows what He's doing. It's just going to be a real pain in the, ah, upper-thigh that I really didn't need. Thanks,
folks.

Secondly, just talked to the realtor who'll be handling things. First she started off by apologizing for disrupting our lives. Which, while it was fairly meaningless gesture, is nice. She repeatedly assured me that there was no need to worry about moving right away. Then she listed a number of my rights during the selling/showing phase (even if it wasn't the law, the owners are such swell folk that they'd do it anyway...so I hear). She's letting us set the appointments for showing--phew! Could just see people demanding to see the house during Hebrew class [shudder]. She also said that the marked around here has really slowed down over the last couple of months, and doesn't sound like she's planning on chalking up a sale anytime soon.

The last 2 places we lived in have also been on the market multiple times while we lived in them. None of those were pleasant experiences. I've been lied to, bullied, slandered (one man claimed I grabbed his arm and threatened him--LOL), ignored, and other things I can't think of at the moment. This lady sounds like she'll be good to work with (and even laughed at a couple of my jokes).

Not the same thing as feeling secure about having a place to hang your hat, but it'll do for now.

Snicker, snicker

Today's Boondocks hit the spot. Fellow Homeschoolers, in particular, will chuckle.

I'm looking forward to the end of Aaron McGruder’s sabbatical, but since I'm too cheap to buy comic anthologies anymore, am really enjoying these old strips that are running right now.

Funny how things can change so quickly...

Was having a good day, read some, played a little, studied/did homework (am actually ready not just for tomorrow's quiz, but next Tuesday's), noted that the yanks won this afternoon, was watching a lil' TV with the kids to relax....

and then, the phone rings.

It's Property Manager--yay! Been meaning to call her for a couple weeks now. Time for a new lease. Whoops, not so fast--the owners are selling the place. Sign should go up sometime this week. We'll have 30 days from the time the place sells--she assures me the market's slowed down some, so shouldn't worry too much. But I've seen too many houses sell über-fast around the neighborhood over the last couple of years. Hopefully she closes a deal on another property to manage soon so we can just move in there and make life easier.

sooo, here's our to-do list:

1. Got to get the house ready to show (plus class, plus baseball practice for the kids, plus work, plus church)
2. Figure out where we're going to live once this place sells (or before...)
3. Move

Humbug.

Return of Godzilla Watch 2

from Yankees.com:

Hideki Matsui was cleared to take full batting practice for the first time on Tuesday, a big step in his hopeful return to the Yankees' lineup this season. Matsui is scheduled to hit indoors on Wednesday.

Matsui had no problems with soft-toss hitting drills on Sunday, but he hasn't taken live batting practice yet. The Yankees originally thought Matsui wouldn't be ready until some time later this week.

"In terms of being pain free, that's something I definitely feel good about and very satisfied," Matsui said through his interpreter. "I'm still working on my mechanics and things like that."

The story goes on to say, "Matsui said he's still conscious of his left wrist when he swings," uhhh, ya think?

"We can probably DH him at some point," Torre said. "I think that's the safest thing for him to do, as opposed to have him dive for a ball in the outfield."

And that's why he's a legend, folks. Torre doesn't want to put the man in the outfield right away. Sorry for the sarcasm, I'm sure the question that elicited that response was pretty dumb.

In other injury news...did anyone else see that hit that Seattle's Soriano took last night? Ow. Ow. Ow. Can't imagine that Guerrero slept well last night.

Last baseball thing for now: Vocabulary Lesson: Pavano. One of the funniest things I've read in days.

Uhhhh....

Someone hung on to a tape of this? Worse, that someone took the trouble to put it on their hard drive?

Everytime I begin to have a glimmer of hope for this country...

Request for Help

Why've I been so quiet lately? Working on a couple of projects (including start of the semester).

If there's anyone out there who knows their way around WordPress (and I mean really knows their way, not just used it). Please, Puh-leez, get in touch with me. I'm on the verge of hurting myself working on a project...

Return of Godzilla Watch

Newsday reports:

Hideki Matsui stepped up his rehab yesterday, taking 25 swings at soft tosses. "No problems," he said. He is expected to begin taking batting practice sometime this week, perhaps putting him in line to play in a minor-league rehab game by the weekend.

(H/T: Replacement Level Yankees)

Amens

• Samuel Miller on Confessional Integrity from Confessional Presbyterianism
• Carl Trueman's latest Wages of Spin from Reformation21
• What should move God to love us? from Kerugma
• Boston On the Importance of Obedience from Patrick's Pensees

Illegal "Immigration" News

This promising headline from AP: U.S. ends 'catch-and-release' at border

Nearly all non-Mexican illegal immigrants caught sneaking into the United States are being held until they can be returned to their home countries, the Bush administration said Wednesday.

In it's coverage of the announcement, WND notes:

Chertoff told the Senate in October "a non-Mexican illegal immigrant caught trying to enter the United States across the southwest border has an 80 percent chance of being released immediately because we lack the holding facilities."

But the agency, through a "comprehensive approach, was moving to end this 'catch and release' style of border enforcement by reengineering our detention and removal process," he said.

Nevertheless, Chertoff has been pessimistic toward calls to deport illegals who have been living and working in the country for some time.

WND also quoted from an email to Kathryn Jean Lopez (of National Review Online) from a Heritage Foundation immigration expert, with this imporant observation:

If true, this is an important advancement in deterring illegal immigration. However, something still needs to be done about the catching and releasing of Mexican Illegal immigrants—the majority of all illegal immigrants.

(off topic, NRO's The Corner yesterday had some interesting posts about politics and Firefly/Serenity).

That same Heritage expert writes a very thoughtful paper: Building a Better Border: What the Experts Say

And along those lines...how twisted it this?

On a misty, moonless night, the group scurried down the canyon wall, their feet slipping in the ankle-high mud. The sirens grew louder as their guide, clad in a ski mask and known only as Poncho, urged them to run faster. "Hurry up! The Border Patrol is coming!"

A couple in matching designer tennis outfits loped awkwardly along, the boyfriend clutching a digital video camera and struggling to keep the pop-out screen steady.

The 20 or so people fleeing the fictional Border Patrol weren't undocumented immigrants; they were tourists about 700 miles from the border. Most are well-heeled professionals more likely to travel to the United States in an airplane than on foot.

They've each paid 150 pesos — about $15 — for what is perhaps Mexico's strangest tourist attraction: a night as an illegal immigrant crossing the Rio Grande.

Advertising for the mock journey, which takes place at a nature park in the central state of Hidalgo, tells the pretend immigrants to "Make fun of the Border Patrol!" and to "Cross the Border as an Extreme Sport!"

Prickly City

It's like Calvin & Hobbes + Doonesbury + the politics of Mallard Fillmore...but, y'know, funny). If you're not reading, you might want to consider adding it to your list. Today's strip is a good example.

btw, yeah, I'm in class right now. But he's going over the syllabus. I'm not being lazy already. Multitasking. (and do note the light nature of this post)

Silly Songs with Hob

And now it's time for Silly Songs with Hob, the part of the blog where Hob comes out and radio.blogs a Silly Song. So without further ado, Silly Songs with Hob.

Grace Under Fire

At first glance, your reaction is likely, "Does he do anything but take pictures of his daughter's ear???"

Not lately, honestly. But you will note that this week, we're not focusing on ornamentation, but injury.




This afternoon, the Princess somehow fell over onto a printer cart while trying to get a toy--there may have been running involved--conflicting and confused witness reports and fear of self-incrimination make this foggy. This fall resulted in a nasty gash, torn cartilage (which looks really gross, btw), more blood than her daddy ever wants to see pooling (yes, pooling) in her ear, and 6-7 stitches. Very few tears. Quite the stiff upper lip. She handled the whole experience with poise and grace. Which is good, 'cuz one of us should've.

More and More Gandhi sounds right

Legend tells us (as I understand, the actual documentation on this is shaky) that someone asked Mahatma Gandhi, "What is your opinion of Western civilization?" Gandhi promptly replies, "I think it would be a good idea."

So do I.

La Shawn Barber writes today,

Michael Skube, a journalism professor at Elon University in Elon, NC, reports that some of his students think that Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, is a great writer. Relatively speaking, the book is a good read. Brown does all the formulaic stuff that keeps you turning the pages. But a great writer compared toÂ?William Faulkner? According to Skube, Brown "was the only writer they could think of."

Yikes.

Skube says that words like impetus, ramshackle, lucid, advocate, derelict, satire (no English lit classes in high school?), and afflict stumped his private university students, the same ones who graduated from high school with grade point averages of 3.5 and higher.

(be sure to read her whole post, and pretty much every post she makes)

Brown a "great" writer? I need a new dictionary, 'cuz mine apparently has a misprint under "great." Worse yet, Brown the only writer they could think of?

Jane! Stop this crazy thing!

Boston Massacre '06

with apologies to Scribbler, Julie, and Patrick; and a high-five to Frodo, Samwise and Norris.

Well, wasn't that a fun little series? There are many ways to put it, but I'll let MSNBC commentator, Mike Celizic, do it for me, in his column Yankees are best team in baseball now, he states:

A team that looked last spring as if it wouldn't get through the season has become what its owner insists it be — the best team in baseball. The starting pitching is adequate, the middle relief pretty darned good and the closer still the best in the business. A potent starting line-up has been turned into an opposing pitcher’s nightmare with the addition of Bobby Abreu, who, as The Boston Globe’s Bob Ryan said, seems as if he were born on first base, at the trade deadline.

It has survived injury, resisted the ravages of father time and never caved in to the adversity it has faced. Its manager, Joe Torre, has his share of critics, but when the smoke finally cleared in Fenway, you could argue that this year the imperturbable manager has done his greatest job of managing ever, and that includes the four-titles-in-five-years run of 1996-2000.

Like those old Yankee teams, this one beats you whichever way it has to.

Quick recap for those who might not have watched/read a sports report lately:

Friday afternoon:12-4
Friday evening:14-11
Saturday afternoon: 13-5
(that's 3 games in 28 hours, including the longest 9-inning game in MLB history Saturday night)
Sunday evening:8-5 (in the 10th)
Monday afternoon: 2-0

That's 49-25 for the series. Thank you Boston relievers!

New York is up by 6.5 games in the AL-East. I think that's a 10.5 game change since the All-Star Break. 10.5 Games, baby. Steve Lombardi runs the numbers:

From here, if the Yankees just play .500 baseball over the rest of the season, the Red Sox need to play nearly .700 baseball (.698 actually) to beat New York.

Should note that Lombardi also provided a wonderful rundown of Red Sox blogs this morning reacting to the series at that point. My favorite was this one.

Guess now would be a good time to retract this post. Hate to do it, but. It's the right thing to do. Go Johnny! This series? 2 homers, 3 doubles, 1 triple and eight RBIs and hitting .435 (10-for-26). Sadly, think the Yankee fans will embrace him far faster than A-Rod.

Jeter solidified his run for a MVP award this weekend. Giambi did what he does best (whack the ball and make fields flubs). Poor Scott Proctor worked his arm off. Hope he's not needed in Seattle. A-Rod did some quality defense, and some less-than quality. Jorge showed he's still got some power. Abreu, Melky, Robbie...love you guys! And Mariano, ahhh, Mariano. As Moose put it: "You know, I don't think there's anything to say...That's what he does and that's why he's the best that's ever been and I'm glad he's on our side."

Curse of the Bambino? We don't need no steenkin' curse.

Piece of History: Where's this title come from?

ADHD?

Someone inspired me to go with a "70's Rock" soundtrack this morning. And, as I'm oft want to do, from time to time I call one/all of the kids over for a moment of (pop) cultural literacy education. Last week, for example, before I posted this, I had my kids watch the original on youtube. Frodo and Samwise should be able to tell you that Clapton is one of the greatest guitar players in the universe (granted, they can't identify anything by him, but you gotta start somewhere). They know what color of submarine we all live in. And so on. There's many things vital to get by in this life that you just can't learn from schoolbooks.

So today, I call the lads over to get a little exposure to Skynyrd. Lesson for the day: "Freebird" is too long for the attention spans of 7 and 6 year olds.

Wow, that looked so much better on paper

This from the slice of life file, with no particular punchline/"You See, Timmy" moment/conclusion

With the new job, my schedule is a little different than it was a few months ago (in that I actually have one). This has bade it impossible for us to do our family worship with any consistency. Which is a problem. So the Mrs. and I put our heads together last week and tried to figure out what to do. It was fairly obvious really, but (frankly( I didn't want to go for it, see right now, there's only one time of the day when we both were home--neither at work or on the way to work.

(For those at home keeping their Sanctification Scorecards^®, I do realize you now have to erase whatever points you'd given us for doing family worship because my wife works outside the home. Sorry for the inconvenience.)

So this morning around the table we had quite the motley crew. Arnold was quite awake, but looked confused, because those books are for after dinner. The Princess is unrepentant morning person, perfectly content and happy to be their. Samwise was physically present, his eyes were doing their best not to roll back, and coherent thought was a couple steps beyond him. Frodo was dutifully there, but you could tell from his eyes that it was a major stress on duty that explained his presence. Me? Well, Sam gets it from somewhere. The Mrs, of course, was bright-eyed and ready to go (and probably secretly enjoying seeing Sam and I in this state). We managed to stumble our way through it, and by the end, even the elder males were fully alert and participating.

What is it, 21 days to create a habit? 20 long ones to go...

RBP's blogging

Few weeks ago, Robert B. Parker started one of those amazon.com blog's at the behest of his publisher. Well, his publisher has (finally!) gotten around to getting an official website for the man, and his own (read: non-amazon) blog.

Parker isn't the writer he used to be, I'm afraid (but he still has his moments). One day, when I'm stuck for something to write, and am in a more self-revelatory mood, I might unpack this, but I'm sure it's safe to say that be I wouldn't be the reader/would-be author/person I am today if not for Dr. Parker.

That's not necessarily a good thing.

But it is what it is. We must deal with things the way they are. Not what we'd like them to be.

So, go ahead, give him a click, see what happens.

You'd be fools not to.

It's Gonna Be One of Those Days

First thing I read this morning is Julie's blog, where I learn that the greatest writer/artist/title combo since Marv Wolfman/George Pérez/New Teen Titans is breaking up in a few months. That's right, true believers, Mark Bagley is leaving Ultimate Spider-Man with #110. Ugh. #99 ships tomorrow, so I do have a little while longer to enjoy the magic. Now that I think of it, Wolfman/Pérez got me into comics as a kid, Bendis/Bagley brought me back. Not sure what that means, it just struck me. Silver lining: Bendis is sticking around. Not sure the ticker could've taken him leaving.

And, can't forget that after dropping 2 out of 3 to the Orioles, the Yankees head to Boston for a 5 game series with a meager 1.5 game lead. Today features a double-header, and in Game 2 Sidney Ponson will be throwing a mini-home run derby to Papi and Manny starting. Silver lining: I can watch Wang do his thing at 11 am MDST on ESPN, and it doesn't look like Ponson will be on the tube here.

Man, I need some coffee...

Flight Deck Video

You've likely seen this kind of thing before--I have ('tho most I've seen lately have been from much drier locales). But this was made by a son of one of my wife's co-workers so his family could see what he does (not sure he appears in the video, but his crewmates do). Just wanted to pass this along.

Thanks for your service, Jace.

There's no time to change your mind...

For all those who suffered through LaHaye & Jenkins, this might provide a little cathartic release.

(H/T: bluewoad)

BTW, ever since Monday, my comment count hasn't been working (at least as far as I can see)--just because it says, "0 comments" doesn't mean anyone hasn't opined.

Is this the little girl I carried?

(she actually is smiling, just can't tell from this angle)

Last night the Princess was taken by her Mommy, Grammy, Aunt and Cousin to get her ears pierced. (sigh) If I'm not careful, she'll be bringing some punk home to meet me soon.

In Memoriam

"Sir, in my heart, I know I'm funny."

Bruno Kirby died Monday at the age 57 from leukemia-related complications. Never a major star, but Kirby could be counted on to deliver a great performance--comedic or dramatic.

(yes, I know that the picture is from City Slickers and the quote is from Good Morning, Vietnam ... just my two favorite roles by him)

He'll Get By, with a Little Help from My Friends

Folks, need a favor here. Frodo's going to be working on a paper for school in the next few weeks, and he's having trouble coming up with a topic. Can be anything. The point is to get the 3rd grader to research and write. Can ya help the lil' dude?

(clarified after SpideyGeek points out that not all of you are looking at my lesson plans, and then further clarified after SpideyGeek and bluewoad point out that not all of you know what grade he's in)

Start the Week with a Laugh

The Marriage of 2 Geek Favorites:

If you liked that, be sure to also try this.

This seems appropriate after this last post

Meant to post this last week, but I forgotten. But the timing is better as a follow-up to the post about the Sproul sermon. Pastor Jerrold Lewis of the Free Reformed Church asks: The On-line Sermon- A Blessing?

Put down the heavy and sharp things

oh, and anything you could throw. Drink some hot tea (or whatever calms you), and then give a listen to this sermon by Jonathan Modene of Maumee Valley Bible Baptist Church in Toledo, OH. It's called, "Strange Fire: The Faith of R.C. Sproul" from Leviticus 9-10:2. What? You don't see Dr. Sproul's name anywhere in the Bible? Maybe you're reading something other than a New Geneva/Reformation Study Bible. No? Hmmm.

Well, let me help you a bit...clearly, R. C. Sproul is the 21st century version of Nadab and Abihu. Yup. That's right. It has something to do with the whole Columbo-vibe he gives off, I'm sure of it.

Now, if you've made it for more than 5 minutes of this, give yourself a pat on the back. If you've made it further...wow, I'm sorry. But I bet you have a whole new respect for your pastor's abilities now, right? Here's your reward, Dr. James White was sent this sermon (please don't tell me you thought I found this by myself) and started reviewing it on the latest installment of The Dividing Line (8/10/06). Give it a listen, it'll help ease the pain.

The Sabbath is a Relic of Paradise and Type of Heaven

The first Sabbath dawned on the bowers of a sinless paradise. When Adam was created in the image of his Maker, he was put into the garden to dress it and to keep it. No doubt this called forth all his energies. To train the luxuriant vine, to gather the fruit of the fig-tree and palm, to conduct the water to the fruit-trees and flowers, required all his time and all his skill. Man was never made to be idle. Still when the Sabbath-day came round, his rural implements were all laid aside; the garden no longer was his care. His calm, pure mind looked beyond things seen into the world of eternal realities. He walked with God in the garden, seeking deeper knowledge of Jehovah and His ways, his heart burning more and more with holy love, and his lips overflowing with seraphic praise. Even in Paradise man needed a Sabbath. Without it Eden itself would have been incomplete. How little they know the joys of Eden, the delight of a close and holy walk with God, who would wrest from Scotland this relic of a sinless world! It is also the type of heaven. When a believer lays aside his pen or loom, brushes aside his worldly cares, leaving them behind him with his week-day clothes, and comes up to the and comes up to the house of God, it is like the morning of the resurrection, the day when we shall come out of great tribulation into the presence of God and the Lamb. When he sits under the preached word, and hears the voice of the shepherd leading and feeding his soul, it reminds him of the day when the Lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall feed him and lead him to living fountains of waters. When he joins in the psalm of praise, it reminds him of the day when his hands shall strike the harp of God- Where congregations ne'er break up, And Sabbaths have no end.

When he retires, and meets with God in secret in his closet, or, like Isaac, in some favourite spot near his dwelling, it reminds him of the day when "he shall be a pillar in the house of our God, and go no more out." This is the reason why we love the Lord's day. This is the reason why we "call the Sabbath a delight" A well-spent Sabbath we feel to be a day of heaven upon earth. For this reason we wish our Sabbaths to he wholly given to God. We love to spend the whole time in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as is taken up in the works A necessity and mercy. We love to rise early on that morning, and to sit up late, that we may have a long day with God. How many may know from this that they will never be in heaven! A straw on the surface can tell which way the stream is flowing. Do you abhor a holy Sabbath? Is it a kind of hell to you to be with those who are strict in keeping the Lord's day? The writer of these lines once felt as you do. You are restless and uneasy. You say, "Behold what a weariness is it" "When will the Sabbath be gone, that we may sell corn?" Ah! soon, very soon, and you will be in hell. Hell is the only place for you. Heaven is one long, never-ending, holy Sabbath-day. There are no Sabbaths in hell.

- Robert Murray M'Cheyne

Fringe Benefit: RV

The other day I'm watching a commercial for the movie "The Night Listener," and was trying to remember when it was that Robin Williams made the jump from funny guy who occasionally makes a sappy film to convince everyone he can act to focusing on films about psycho serial killers and related freaks. I honestly couldn't remember what the last funny movie I saw with him.

So last night when I saw RV on the "Pre-Street" pile for employees to rent, I figured I'd give it a shot. Williams, Cheryl Hines...directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. Has to be funny, right?

Wrong.

Very wrong.

Sure, there were a couple of moments that I found amusing. But overall? Sorry, National Lampoon's Vacation 4 RV just didn't get the job done.

Hines did the best she could with what she was given. Jeff Daniels and Kristin Chenoweth did an admirable job as Randy Quaid and Miriam Flynn (should note in passing that it was an overall positive portrayal of homeschoolers/homeschool kids). Williams was a little off his game, but it all can't be put on him. Bad script. Predictable and dumb plot. Just fell flat.

We've seen it all before and performed better. Save your $$ and go for something else. (just don't tell my Store Director I told you that)

It's too early to really get excited about this, but

Red Sox are 3 games behind New York (despite Mo blowing his 3rd save of the year to the White Sox on Tuesday). They've lost 2 in a row to the Royals. One more time, let's say it together: 2 in a row to the Royals. I doubt it'd happen, but if Schilling loses tonight, I will celebrate. Now, sure, the Royals owned the Yankees last year, so it's not a certain harbinger of self-destruction or anything. It's just good for the ol' schadenfreude.

Apparently Red Sox fans are freaking out over this--as are some sports writers. Calling the season a gonner, saying the postseason's out of reach. To be fair and balanced, it's probably too early to say that. But there are several indications that this is correct.

Sox just aren't getting it done on the mound. Schilling's having a great year, no denying that. But he can't start every day. The Twins and the White Sox are just playing too well right now to imagine one of them giving up the Wild Card spot. Yankees are coming together at the right time--Robbie's back, Wilson and Abreu are getting the job done.

50 or so games, to go. Anything can happen. But, good to be in the Yankee Universe.

Family Portraits

Daddy	Mommy
Frodo	Samwise
Princess	Arnold

courtesy of Reasonably Clever!
(H/T: Micah)

Something I just don't get...

Why do grown-ups care about their birthdays? Seriously, I'd like someone to explain it to me.

Now, I get kids going crazy about the day.

1. They get toys/etc.
2. They get cake
3. They get to be center of attention
4. Age is pretty much the primary way that people categorize them (like "What do you do for a living?" becomes in your 20's and beyond)

But once you get to, say, 12/13? What's the big deal? There are a couple of ages that are significant, sure. Get to drive--that's a big one. Get to vote/get drafted--like anyone really cares about either any more. And, of course, 21...when you magically become more responsible overnight. But even then--it's the age, not the day.

Yet adults all around me go googily over that day. Most have to make sure everybody knows it's their birthday, just compulsively mentioning it. They'll take the day off work. Buy something for themselves. Get a free meal/dessert at a restaurant. Whatever.

But come on...you're an adult. You can have cake whenever you want to. You can buy trinkets for yourself anytime you go to Wal*Mart. You're supposed to understand that being the center of attention isn't something to shoot for. Seriously, "Oh, everyone celebrate the fact I was born X years ago...make a big deal out of it, because dang it, I'm something to rejoice about."

Don't get me wrong--I'm all for marking anniversaries of accomplishments--marriages, time of service, etc. But your own birth? Seems a bit narcissistic to me. Grow up already.

New Blog

Was about to link this thing, my buddy, TEXpresby's started himself another blog. He describes it as "mostly silly stuff." Anyway, he'd named it "Two at Parbar," for no reason I can discern (other than to be, y'know, silly).

Then, as I'm updating my blogroll over there on the side, in a moment of weakness, TEX says, "do you want to be a co-blogger on my new blog...that way there would actually be TWO of us." I've got 3 now, but figured somewhere in the cosmos, Adrian Monk would find a little comfort in an odd number going to an even. Still, wasn't sure...and then the blog's background music kicked in, and it was a done deal :)

Drop by sometime...hopefully good for a chuckle or two.

Evangelicalism's Unstoppable Ability

Was stuck behind a van this morning at a traffic light with this bumper sticker:

There ain't nuttin' Evangelicals can't make tacky!

That hits the spot

Got home about 13 hours after we left for church this morning--worship, time with family, fellowship with the saints.

Good day. Very good day.

Oh joy, oh rapture unforeseen...

He's back, baby! And he's expanding!

Yippe Ki Yay

In honor of the news of John McClain's impending return, let's all take a moment to look back on our tragic hero's escapades with this moving musical tribute.

Parental Advisory: This clip features lines and language from the films, if that's not your cup of tea, sorry...um...watch this instead (actually pretty funny, should be watched anyway)

(H/T: Alan Sepinwall)

Fringe Benefit: Jersey Girl

Okay, have had precious few shifts at the video store (getting more tho), but am getting there. But am now taking advantage of my primary benefit--free rentals. So, in addition to the ever-popular Summer Reading series, we're going to begin a series called "Fringe Benefit"--me talking about the DVD's I take home for the night.

I'm having a hard time coming up with films to bring home that Scribbles and I can watch together--dunno why--just not seeing anything that jumps off the shelf. So, I'm bringing home flicks that I couldn't justify spending money on before. You know, you have a limited budget, you can afford 1 movie--what do you get? Something you want to watch, or something you can watch with your main squeeze? Easy answer. So I'm left with a long list of stuff I've been wanting to see and haven't.

So, I start with Kevin Smith's much maligned Jersey Girl. This poor movie came out in the shadow of Gigli and featured Beniffer--the "iffer" part of that was only in it for 15 minutes or so. Still didn't save this charming little flick from being savaged by most of the press because it was "Gigli 2" or whatever.

Ben Affleck (who, honestly surprised me in this--best job I've seen from him) is a high profile music publicist, falls head over heals over this gal in the publishing biz. They get hitched, have a kid. Wife dies in childbirth. Dad's life gets turned upside down--moves back home, lives with his dad, gets a blue collar job, and becomes a dad. Daughter turns out to be sweetheart spitfire, they meet a nice girl working in a video store (shock! Smith has a primary character working in a video store!).

Liv Tyler was sweet, and vulnerable; George Carlin was impressive; Steven Root and Mike Starr were as funny as ever; like I said, best Affleck I've ever seen. Great cameo by Will Smith--and Lady bleepin' Aberlin!!?! What a coup for Smith to land her! But it was Raquel Castro that made this thing work. This little nine-year-old nailed it. What a sweetheart!

Not a hilarious comedy. It was touching, tho--call me a sap if you will, but I liked that--love story about a Dad and his Daughter. Relatively clean flick--as Smith notes on a commentary, probably his first movie that'll end up on Cable/Network TV (not just the premium channels). But it's a nice little look at a Dad learning how to be a Dad. Learning how to be an adult son. Making decisions about how to live his life. Not my favorite thing that Smith has done, but I really enjoyed it. Don't go into this expecting a typical Kevin Smith feel--doesn't have it, sorta like Tarantino and Jackie Brown, or the last part of Kill Bill, Vol. 2--it's the same guy, the same skill (for lack of a better word at the moment), but doing something different. I know this movie would've done pretty well if it had come out before Gigli. Alas, it didn't, so it has been (and will be) ignored.

DVD features:
Now, the Smith-Affleck commentary is useless as far as a commentary on the movie itself. Very interesting listening to a conversation between a couple of friends riffing on the press, media coverage of movies, the business of movies, acting with kids, acting with people you're in a relationship with, and so on.

The commentary with Smith and Scott Mosier (producer) with Jason Mewes sitting in as "the voice of the viewer." Gets pretty raunchy from time to time, but a pretty good look at the movie. Appreciated it. Fairly amusing, too.

Roadside Attractions: A collection of bits that Smith did for the tonight show. Amusing, but, eh, it's from the Tonight Show. 'nuff said.

Interview with Affleck and Smith--that was pretty cool, a little review of their friendship (betcha they don't get invited on Oprah to talk about it tho' like Matt & Ben did ).

Behind the scenes--yeah pretty much what you'd figure them to be.

Okay, good movie, decent special features. Grade: B/B+

Listen to 'em, Ma'am!

Let Harry live!

Trade Deadline Day

Actually been wanting to do a Yankee's post for awhile, after hitting that subject a lot in the early part of the season, I've really dried up lately. But now is not the time to really get into it, but I can start.

Before I start, tho'...I'll take a moment to point to Challies' amusing trade post.

Good batch of trade reports. Cashman is clearly in control of things this year. Shawn, you did great last year, but you're just not doing it in '06--enjoy Pittsburgh. Wilson sounds like a plus, Lidle has to help, and Abreu can't hurt. Hope Torre sticks to the plan and doesn't play Bernie over Melky because of it. Little worried about Andy Phillips, too, in all this. But hey...it's a good day to be a Yankee-fan.

Larry Mahnken, over at Replacement Level Yankees summed it up pretty well:

I'm happy. You're hearing a lot of sour grapes out there ("it can't be fun rooting for a team that buys players!), but we all know it's bull----. It's fun to have a team that'll go out and get those guys when they're available to them. It's fun being in the playoffs every year. It's fun being a Yankees fan.

And all those whining fans of other teams would love it if their teams did the same thing, too.

Fletch Lives On?

Back in 2000 or so, Kevin Smith was signed to working on a third Fletch movie. And many rejoiced. 1. It was Smith not doing something involving Jay and Silent Bob (love 'em, but we need to see you do more, bud) and 2. He wasn't going to do a Chevy Chase-Fletch, he was going to do a Gregory McDonald-Fletch. See, the movie Fletch was based on very clever and well-written novel by the same name. And then for some insane reason, Chevy Chase was cast and it became...well, that movie. The two had about as much relationship to each other as the 60's Batman TV series and Batman Begins, or Pat Paulsen and Alan Keyes.

I encountered the "real" Irwin Maurice Fletcher in the novel Fletch, and then spent a few years hunting down and devouring the rest--am pretty sure that was my first "adult" mystery series (after graduating from Encyclopedia Brown, The Three Investigators, etc.)--no, wait, Gardner's Perry Mason novels were first. Close enough. I still re-read the books with a good deal of pleasure. That man can write wonderful dialogue.

It was a while before I could watch the movie--my father had a ban on Chevy Chase movies in his house at the time. Can't describe the disappointment with what the movie did to the book. But, it was insanely funny (if you didn't think of it as the same characters)--Fletch Lives less so.

So you can imagine my personal joy when I heard things like this from Smith:

We're going to do a real character with no disguises and s*** like that. Yeah. It will be close to (the book). I loved that book. I don't even think we're going to do a pass on the script. I'm just going to hand everyone the book and highlight the dialogue because it works perfectly.

and

We're going to stay very true to the book, as it has all the makings of a terrific story, and needs very little input from me....I actually learned to write dialogue by reading McDonald's 'Fletch' books. If you read his stuff, it reads like one of my screenplays. They're very dense with dialogue, and spartan in descriptive passages (just the way I like 'em).

and

So that's all there is to possibly know at this point. We're all pretty pleased about this very recent yet somehow familiar turn of events. Hopefully, when the flick's done, you'll dig it as much as you've dug the other flicks we've made. There's a certain personal, kharmic symmetry for me in making this flick, as the book is one of my all-time favorite things ever written, and there's a debt I feel I owe Mister McDonald as far as my own writing goes...The whole d*** affair couldn't be more perfect, to be honest.

But then the studio and Smith couldn't agree on Fletch. Smith wanted Jason Lee (this is before My Name is Earl, so nobody wanted to see Lee try to carry a movie), in fact Smith demanded it. And well....things didn't work out and Smith ends up off the project. I give up all hope of seeing Fletch anywhere but in my mind's eye, and forgot about this.

So this week, the Net's abuzz with the announcement that Bill Lawrence was tapped to take it over, speculation's running rampant that Zach Braff will be the man. Now Lawrence is clearly a fan, Scrubs has had at least one reference to JD and Turk loving to watch Fletch, and he's saying, "Not only can I recite the original 'Fletch' movie line for line, I actually read all the Greg Mcdonald books as a kid. Consider me obsessed, - I'm going to try as hard as I can not to screw this up." Promises promises...I sorta recall reading that Chase read all the books, too.

Now, Zach himself says

don't know yet. There are many things up in the air. Most important to me is directing my adaptation of "Open Hearts," which I had planned to shoot next summer...We'll see what happens. But for now, I am very happy for Bill, cause he is the perfect man for the job. Not only is he one of the funniest people I've ever met, but he is a die-hard Fletch fan.

So, who knows what's going to happen. But as a huge Gregory McDonald fan...I really, really wish they'd go back to the Kevin Smith/Jason Lee idea of a strict interpretation of Fletch Won. Bill Lawrence--with or without Zach (who I love)--is going to give us another film like Fletch Lives or Fletch and that's just a cryin' shame.