Happiness may be a warm puppy (although that means I'm allergic to happiness!), but I have figured out friendship is a 240-page manuscript.
Technically, it's editing a 240-page manuscript.
My good friend Eric Anderson recently took on this task to help me meld my novel from the mess it was to something I might be able to publish someday. Eric took the task seriously and offered outstanding comments on everything from character continuity to timeline.
Coming from newspapers, I understand the need to have others look at your work to help edit it. My wife faithfully edits my regular columns (although I probably too often ignore her suggestions!).
Eric saved me from a number of embarrassing mistakes and rightfully questioned some of the motivations of characters and plot points. His input to this has been unforgettable. Hell, he was the one who got me into Nano in the first place.
Eric keeps saying that editing my book will help him edit his own. I truly hope this is true. Eric has always had keen insight into issues and a great flair for the English language and I can't wait to see the results of his months of labor.
Thanks, EA!
Monday, January 31, 2005
Thursday, January 27, 2005
A wee-bit early
Just saw this story... kinda freaks me out since I'll be coaching Mighty Mites this year...
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- At this rate, sonograms will become a soccer recruiting tool pretty soon.
Jean Carlos Chera, a 9-year-old who is 4-foot-6, is attracting interest from Manchester United and other top European teams. Chera, who weighs 77 pounds, currently plays for the youth teams of Associacao Desportiva Atletica, a small club in the southern Brazilian state of Parana.
"Seven or eight European clubs have already contacted us to know more about Jean," team president Adilson Batista Prado said in a telephone interview Thursday. "They want to know what he is all about, and I tell them he's a phenomenon, probably the best player to come out of Brazil."
Prado and team officials would not identify all the clubs interested in Jean, but confirmed that representatives of Manchester United have asked for videotapes of his matches.
Prado said teams from Portugal, France and Germany have made contact, and local media identified FC Porto as one of the teams.
The club said the European clubs haven't made official offers yet, but some have asked for permission to send representatives, and others have invited the midfielder and his family to go to Europe.
"He still needs to be a kid," said Prado, who does not allow Jean to talk to reporters.
Jean began to attract attention after the club put videos with highlights of Jean's matches on its Web site. In the videos, Jean is seen scoring goals from midfield, dribbling past several defenders and playing among 13- and 14-year-olds.
After the videos were posted, the site's page views nearly tripled and some of them had to be removed to keep the site from crashing, the club said.
Two years ago, Manchester and Inter Milan were among top clubs that expressed interest in then 14-year-old Freddy Adu, who signed Major League Soccer instead. European clubs generally are not allowed to use players from outside the European Union on their first teams until they turn 18.
SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- At this rate, sonograms will become a soccer recruiting tool pretty soon.
Jean Carlos Chera, a 9-year-old who is 4-foot-6, is attracting interest from Manchester United and other top European teams. Chera, who weighs 77 pounds, currently plays for the youth teams of Associacao Desportiva Atletica, a small club in the southern Brazilian state of Parana.
"Seven or eight European clubs have already contacted us to know more about Jean," team president Adilson Batista Prado said in a telephone interview Thursday. "They want to know what he is all about, and I tell them he's a phenomenon, probably the best player to come out of Brazil."
Prado and team officials would not identify all the clubs interested in Jean, but confirmed that representatives of Manchester United have asked for videotapes of his matches.
Prado said teams from Portugal, France and Germany have made contact, and local media identified FC Porto as one of the teams.
The club said the European clubs haven't made official offers yet, but some have asked for permission to send representatives, and others have invited the midfielder and his family to go to Europe.
"He still needs to be a kid," said Prado, who does not allow Jean to talk to reporters.
Jean began to attract attention after the club put videos with highlights of Jean's matches on its Web site. In the videos, Jean is seen scoring goals from midfield, dribbling past several defenders and playing among 13- and 14-year-olds.
After the videos were posted, the site's page views nearly tripled and some of them had to be removed to keep the site from crashing, the club said.
Two years ago, Manchester and Inter Milan were among top clubs that expressed interest in then 14-year-old Freddy Adu, who signed Major League Soccer instead. European clubs generally are not allowed to use players from outside the European Union on their first teams until they turn 18.
Here's Johnny
I was flying back home from California on Sunday when I heard Johnny Carson died.
Usually when I hear about celebrity deaths, I get this "ahhh" feeling. But for Carson it was different. He was practically a member of my family.
I remember when I was a kid and I would go out to visit my grandparents in Oklahoma. They would let me stay up late and watch Carson with them in their big bed. I was allowed to watch through the third commercial break which meant I usually got to see his monologue, any opening sketch and his first guest.
Through college, I always watched Carson (and then stayed tuned for Letterman).
When I was in high school, my family went to Southern Cal to see Phantom of the Opera (before it was a movie, it was a play!). We visited Disneyland and we had one day to try to get in the audience of some show. We all agreed it had to be Carson.
We stood in line for hours, but it paid off because we got in. The guests that night were Tony Danza and Chris Isaac. I was blown away by how small the theater was for the show. It looked so much bigger on TV. There was Doc. And Ed.
During the commercial breaks, Johnny usually talked with his producer while he smoked a cigarette. But during one break, he came out to tell the audience a joke. I don't remember what the joke was, but I do remember it involved something like an elephant in a bar and it was very dirty.
I was shocked to see Carson swear, but it was a very funny joke.
After the commercial break, Carson came out as Carnac the Magnificent. After a couple jokes, he held the envelope to his head and said, "An elephant in a bar..."
The audience just screamed laughter. We couldn't believe he would tell the dirty joke on the air and it was just hysterical. Of course, he didn't do the dirty joke. It was some silly thing. But the audience was cracking up. I loved the fact he shared that with us as an inside thing. It was wonderful.
He will be missed.
Usually when I hear about celebrity deaths, I get this "ahhh" feeling. But for Carson it was different. He was practically a member of my family.
I remember when I was a kid and I would go out to visit my grandparents in Oklahoma. They would let me stay up late and watch Carson with them in their big bed. I was allowed to watch through the third commercial break which meant I usually got to see his monologue, any opening sketch and his first guest.
Through college, I always watched Carson (and then stayed tuned for Letterman).
When I was in high school, my family went to Southern Cal to see Phantom of the Opera (before it was a movie, it was a play!). We visited Disneyland and we had one day to try to get in the audience of some show. We all agreed it had to be Carson.
We stood in line for hours, but it paid off because we got in. The guests that night were Tony Danza and Chris Isaac. I was blown away by how small the theater was for the show. It looked so much bigger on TV. There was Doc. And Ed.
During the commercial breaks, Johnny usually talked with his producer while he smoked a cigarette. But during one break, he came out to tell the audience a joke. I don't remember what the joke was, but I do remember it involved something like an elephant in a bar and it was very dirty.
I was shocked to see Carson swear, but it was a very funny joke.
After the commercial break, Carson came out as Carnac the Magnificent. After a couple jokes, he held the envelope to his head and said, "An elephant in a bar..."
The audience just screamed laughter. We couldn't believe he would tell the dirty joke on the air and it was just hysterical. Of course, he didn't do the dirty joke. It was some silly thing. But the audience was cracking up. I loved the fact he shared that with us as an inside thing. It was wonderful.
He will be missed.
Cranky
It's pretty easy to tell when the boys don't get enough sleep or something's bothering them. They usually get really cranky and start crying for no real reason. The other night Alex was inconsolable over losing a cheap, magnetic dart for this free toy he got from the barbershop. Andy was freaking out full-bore when he spilled too much glue on an art project he was doing.
I know this isn't really a revelation, but what I thought was interesting is that adults are very similar. Folks around the office or some of my friends or me... we're all the same. Cranky.
So much for growing up, huh?
I know this isn't really a revelation, but what I thought was interesting is that adults are very similar. Folks around the office or some of my friends or me... we're all the same. Cranky.
So much for growing up, huh?
Friday, January 21, 2005
Stupidity
Sometimes I am just overwhelmed at how dumb some people are.
There's a couple Christian groups who are now mad at Spongebob (and a couple other cartoon characters). Now, the fact that a group is mad at a cartoon is dumb enough. But these people are upset because these characters were in a video together promoting people working out their differences and loving each other. Here's the story.
If people stopped worrying what other people were doing, think about how much time and energy we'd save. (I know it's not an original thought, but things like this really make me sick!)
I say Spongebob for President ... and Tinky-Winky as a non-speaking vice-president!
There's a couple Christian groups who are now mad at Spongebob (and a couple other cartoon characters). Now, the fact that a group is mad at a cartoon is dumb enough. But these people are upset because these characters were in a video together promoting people working out their differences and loving each other. Here's the story.
If people stopped worrying what other people were doing, think about how much time and energy we'd save. (I know it's not an original thought, but things like this really make me sick!)
I say Spongebob for President ... and Tinky-Winky as a non-speaking vice-president!
Mirrors
There are moments when I look at my kids and I see Tracy or my mom or my dad -- even my grandparents. But when I glance at them and see myself, I have to admit it's a little disconcerting. Andy says, "Dude" all the time. Alex has a biting sarcastic sense of humor. It's simply amazing what little sponges they are, but they are sponges that retain their own unique shape which is what makes them so incredible.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
PR/Marketing in action
The other night I saw an example of some of the best PR/Marketing I've ever seen.
On the news, the No. 2 story for the night was about the increasing number of injuries from the rodeo during the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. They said the stock show officials announced this and explained the reason for the increase is because of the outstanding bulls and broncs for this year's rodeo... like it's a bad thing.
Of course, to anyone who enjoys rodeo (not me) this is just awesome. It's like practically guaranteeing that if you go, you will see someone get injured. It's like NASCAR promising a brutal wreck.
So, inspired by this brilliant marketing move by the rodeo, I have decided to send out a few press releases to help with my book sales...
"Fathers who laugh more likely to do the dishes, study says..."
"Men who read 'Fumbling Thru Fatherhood' 83 percent better in bed..."
"Author Jared Fiel promises personal injury to himself if book sales jump..."
Any other thoughts?
On the news, the No. 2 story for the night was about the increasing number of injuries from the rodeo during the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. They said the stock show officials announced this and explained the reason for the increase is because of the outstanding bulls and broncs for this year's rodeo... like it's a bad thing.
Of course, to anyone who enjoys rodeo (not me) this is just awesome. It's like practically guaranteeing that if you go, you will see someone get injured. It's like NASCAR promising a brutal wreck.
So, inspired by this brilliant marketing move by the rodeo, I have decided to send out a few press releases to help with my book sales...
"Fathers who laugh more likely to do the dishes, study says..."
"Men who read 'Fumbling Thru Fatherhood' 83 percent better in bed..."
"Author Jared Fiel promises personal injury to himself if book sales jump..."
Any other thoughts?
Exercise
Because of my current post-holiday eating frenzy size, I am presently in danger of being declared my own country. So, I know I need to exercise more (eating less is an obvious, but not palatable choice).
About a year ago, I got an exercise DVD and I used it quite a bit and actually started losing weight.
But, that faded quickly.
Now I am going to start playing racquetball twice a week (once in my Aims class and once with my friend Dan) and this morning I dusted off the ol' DVD so I could work out.
What I realized was that after watching a guy in a leotard telling me to stretch, I wasn't really that hungry for breakfast anyhow. Funny how that works.
About a year ago, I got an exercise DVD and I used it quite a bit and actually started losing weight.
But, that faded quickly.
Now I am going to start playing racquetball twice a week (once in my Aims class and once with my friend Dan) and this morning I dusted off the ol' DVD so I could work out.
What I realized was that after watching a guy in a leotard telling me to stretch, I wasn't really that hungry for breakfast anyhow. Funny how that works.
Monday, January 17, 2005
Make Love, Not War
According to CNN, the Army gave up on plans in 1994 to develop an aphrodisiac bomb that apparently would have been so powerful, it would have made the enemy so lusty that they would have thrown down their guns and started having homosexual sex on the battlefield. "OK, Frank, we have got to take that hill ... but, you know, you're looking pretty cute in those fatigues..."
As any guy who had dreams of Spanish Fly and other magazine remedies solving their issues with not getting women knows, no such aphrodisiac exists.
This whole thing just makes me laugh, but I guess I have to salute the Army trying to find ways to beat the enemy (no pun intended ... OK, yes, it was) without killing. But who thinks of this stuff, anyway? Cool gig, if you can get it!
As any guy who had dreams of Spanish Fly and other magazine remedies solving their issues with not getting women knows, no such aphrodisiac exists.
This whole thing just makes me laugh, but I guess I have to salute the Army trying to find ways to beat the enemy (no pun intended ... OK, yes, it was) without killing. But who thinks of this stuff, anyway? Cool gig, if you can get it!
Playing games
The boys are at a really fun age right now.
Alex has developed a love for games. And we're not talking Candyland anymore (thank God!).
Nope, first he got into dominoes which is one of our family favs. He wanted to play every night. He taught Andy as well and Andy is really fun when he wins because he does a little victory dance, shaking his butt while standing on his chair.
And then Grandma Ruth (a.k.a. Babysitting Grandma) taught them Monopoly. Yes, they are only 7 and 5 but they really love Monopoly. We now have to have regular Monopoly games (we still haven't actually ended one, but Alex thinks the winner is the one with the most hotels ... guess I'm raising a Trump Jr.).
On Friday, I had some friends over for a poker game and we left the table and stuff out. So, the boys were interested. My buddy Donovan taught them how to play and now that's the game-du-jour.
Of course, my sons are naturally very enthusiastic about games -- which doesn't really mix with poker ... "Oooooh, that was AWESOME!" Alex said as he looked at his cards.
So much for that game.
Alex has developed a love for games. And we're not talking Candyland anymore (thank God!).
Nope, first he got into dominoes which is one of our family favs. He wanted to play every night. He taught Andy as well and Andy is really fun when he wins because he does a little victory dance, shaking his butt while standing on his chair.
And then Grandma Ruth (a.k.a. Babysitting Grandma) taught them Monopoly. Yes, they are only 7 and 5 but they really love Monopoly. We now have to have regular Monopoly games (we still haven't actually ended one, but Alex thinks the winner is the one with the most hotels ... guess I'm raising a Trump Jr.).
On Friday, I had some friends over for a poker game and we left the table and stuff out. So, the boys were interested. My buddy Donovan taught them how to play and now that's the game-du-jour.
Of course, my sons are naturally very enthusiastic about games -- which doesn't really mix with poker ... "Oooooh, that was AWESOME!" Alex said as he looked at his cards.
So much for that game.
Friday, January 14, 2005
Doodles with meaning
One of the few things I miss about the newspaper biz (other than the low pay, long hours) is getting to see all the cool editorial cartoons. When I was the Opinion Page editor at the Trib, I loved looking at current events through the eyes of some of the most talented toonists in the world. I just found a site that lets you see the best of every day's toons!
Banished words
Any writers out there need to note which words need to be banned this year...
Of course, "blog" is one of them, so this is no longer a blog, it's an online journal -- or a "urinal."
Of course, "blog" is one of them, so this is no longer a blog, it's an online journal -- or a "urinal."
Buried by newspapers
We subscribe to both the Greeley Tribune and the Denver Post.
Why? Well, both my wife and I enjoy the local news in the Trib. It's a great local paper that has just enough world news for my taste (the rest I get online through CNN and others). My wife is the reason we get the Post, too.
However, with kids, jobs and all the other craziness in our lives, all that happens is that the Posts stack up in a pile on the dining room table until the end of the week when she finally decided to toss them in the recycle bin.
I read this column... which reminded me of our situation. Not sure what this means for the future of newspapers, but it's interesting.
Why? Well, both my wife and I enjoy the local news in the Trib. It's a great local paper that has just enough world news for my taste (the rest I get online through CNN and others). My wife is the reason we get the Post, too.
However, with kids, jobs and all the other craziness in our lives, all that happens is that the Posts stack up in a pile on the dining room table until the end of the week when she finally decided to toss them in the recycle bin.
I read this column... which reminded me of our situation. Not sure what this means for the future of newspapers, but it's interesting.
34 days!
Pitchers and catchers report for Spring Training Feb. 17.
Rockies hopes of a winning season: Over by Feb. 22.
Rockies hopes of a winning season: Over by Feb. 22.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Reading to keep you from sleeping
First, a confession. I am a complete Dean Koontz freak.
It all began many years ago when my parents told me I should read "Watchers." I was completely blown away at the way Koontz wove humanity, science, thrills, humor and a moving theme into one novel. It remains to this day as my favorite book. Since then, I have read everything Koontz ever wrote and I even wrote him a gushing fan letter (for which I received a very nice hand-written reply that I have framed and a signed copy of a book for helping him with an inaccuracy in an Olivia Goldsmith book).
So, now I'm reading his latest book called "Life Expectancy." Dean's most recent books have included even more humor and more spiritual elements. The spiritual side would be a turnoff if it were done by a lesser writer, but Dean is simply brilliant. From his amazingly textured descriptions to his thrilling plots, I never fail to be amazed at his talent. Dean inspired me to write and his quality of writing continues to be a goal I can only hope to achieve. I am now about 50 pages from finishing "Expectancy" and it is another outstanding piece. Funny. Wonderful and original plot. Great characters. I can only hope that one day I can write half this well.
I just received notice (from Dean's dog, Trixie, who apparently has developed canine e-mail abilities) that Dean is releasing a four-part paperback series called, "Dean Koontz's Frankenstein" where he reimagines the classic tale with the monster granted not only life but immortality by the lightning storm. He picks up in modern day New Orleans. I have to admit I was a little worried about this selection for a series of books, but I can't think of any writer who I would trust to continue the Mary Shelley's original story.
I can't wait.
It all began many years ago when my parents told me I should read "Watchers." I was completely blown away at the way Koontz wove humanity, science, thrills, humor and a moving theme into one novel. It remains to this day as my favorite book. Since then, I have read everything Koontz ever wrote and I even wrote him a gushing fan letter (for which I received a very nice hand-written reply that I have framed and a signed copy of a book for helping him with an inaccuracy in an Olivia Goldsmith book).
So, now I'm reading his latest book called "Life Expectancy." Dean's most recent books have included even more humor and more spiritual elements. The spiritual side would be a turnoff if it were done by a lesser writer, but Dean is simply brilliant. From his amazingly textured descriptions to his thrilling plots, I never fail to be amazed at his talent. Dean inspired me to write and his quality of writing continues to be a goal I can only hope to achieve. I am now about 50 pages from finishing "Expectancy" and it is another outstanding piece. Funny. Wonderful and original plot. Great characters. I can only hope that one day I can write half this well.
I just received notice (from Dean's dog, Trixie, who apparently has developed canine e-mail abilities) that Dean is releasing a four-part paperback series called, "Dean Koontz's Frankenstein" where he reimagines the classic tale with the monster granted not only life but immortality by the lightning storm. He picks up in modern day New Orleans. I have to admit I was a little worried about this selection for a series of books, but I can't think of any writer who I would trust to continue the Mary Shelley's original story.
I can't wait.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Location, Location, Location
We went to Denver Sunday... Too much traffic and too many people. The whole drive home, all I kept thinking was, "I can't wait to get home to Greeley."
Greeley is the perfect size community for me. We have our Rush 10-minutes instead of an Hour. We aren't elbow to elbow in the stores. But we are still big enough to get first-run movies and some good restaurants.
But one thing drives me crazy about my home town.
Here's a good example of the problem: Our local paper recently announced it would start publishing a Spanish-language weekly paper called LaTribuna. You would have thought they planned to print naked pictures of Mother Theresa. All these anonymous whiners started yapping about how this was terrible.
I can't figure out why people freak out so much about things that have no effect on them (I mean how can gay marriage really hurt hetero marriages?!?).
I am not a liberal nor a conservative (staunchly independent, thank you!). But I can't believe the people who are spouting this insanity can wear any label other than racist or bigot.
Sorry for the soapbox, but it makes me really sad to love a community and at the same time think many of the residents are just looped. Guess I'm starting to see what my buddy Eric Anderson is always talking about.
Greeley is the perfect size community for me. We have our Rush 10-minutes instead of an Hour. We aren't elbow to elbow in the stores. But we are still big enough to get first-run movies and some good restaurants.
But one thing drives me crazy about my home town.
Here's a good example of the problem: Our local paper recently announced it would start publishing a Spanish-language weekly paper called LaTribuna. You would have thought they planned to print naked pictures of Mother Theresa. All these anonymous whiners started yapping about how this was terrible.
I can't figure out why people freak out so much about things that have no effect on them (I mean how can gay marriage really hurt hetero marriages?!?).
I am not a liberal nor a conservative (staunchly independent, thank you!). But I can't believe the people who are spouting this insanity can wear any label other than racist or bigot.
Sorry for the soapbox, but it makes me really sad to love a community and at the same time think many of the residents are just looped. Guess I'm starting to see what my buddy Eric Anderson is always talking about.
Are frogs stock?
When I worked at the Greeley Trib, I used to have to cover the National Western Stock Show. This is a terrible thing because I suffer from horrible allergies from all the animal dander in the air -- which makes me sneeze, cough and wheeze with my asthma.
But every few years I forget how bad my reaction will be and I think, "Oh, the kids will love it" and so we go.
Well, this year I was given free tickets to the Mexican Rodeo at the Stock Show. And we went on Sunday.
What happened?
Lots of people, cows, pigs, sheep, cowboy hats, sombreros, beer I couldn't drink, free crap vendors handed out, screaming kids, animal dander, sneezing, coughing, not breathing...
And my kids were bored during the rodeo, thought the cows and pigs were smelly and had no interest in the free crap from the vendors... But then they saw the frogs. Yup. Frogs. Some vendor was selling African dwarf frogs that actually swim in regular aquariums (they can't live out of the water -- so much for that whole amphibean evolution thing, huh?).
So, the kids decided to spend their money on getting frogs for their aquariums. We now how two gigantic fish (Henry and Andy 1) and two small, really scared frogs (Herman and Andy 2).
I asked the kids, "What was your favorite things about the Stock Show?"
"The frogs."
"Other than the frogs, what did you like?"
"The frogs."
"If the frogs weren't there, what would you have liked?"
"Wishing there were frogs."
I am posting this as a reminder to not go back!
But every few years I forget how bad my reaction will be and I think, "Oh, the kids will love it" and so we go.
Well, this year I was given free tickets to the Mexican Rodeo at the Stock Show. And we went on Sunday.
What happened?
Lots of people, cows, pigs, sheep, cowboy hats, sombreros, beer I couldn't drink, free crap vendors handed out, screaming kids, animal dander, sneezing, coughing, not breathing...
And my kids were bored during the rodeo, thought the cows and pigs were smelly and had no interest in the free crap from the vendors... But then they saw the frogs. Yup. Frogs. Some vendor was selling African dwarf frogs that actually swim in regular aquariums (they can't live out of the water -- so much for that whole amphibean evolution thing, huh?).
So, the kids decided to spend their money on getting frogs for their aquariums. We now how two gigantic fish (Henry and Andy 1) and two small, really scared frogs (Herman and Andy 2).
I asked the kids, "What was your favorite things about the Stock Show?"
"The frogs."
"Other than the frogs, what did you like?"
"The frogs."
"If the frogs weren't there, what would you have liked?"
"Wishing there were frogs."
I am posting this as a reminder to not go back!
Alex's story
Alex wanted to write a story and I had work to do so I set him up on another computer at the office and let him go to town... here's his story...
Ouns apon a time there was a mowse.He was a invintr.He invintid a musheen that flid.It was a hit.And othr Things like rocitpowerskats.But wen he dide he gav the invinchins to a frend.
And wen the frend dide he gav the invinchins to a frend .AND….so on .and…. so on .and…. so on.
(He printed it out and illustrated it with a picture of a dead mouse).
I'm so proud.
Ouns apon a time there was a mowse.He was a invintr.He invintid a musheen that flid.It was a hit.And othr Things like rocitpowerskats.But wen he dide he gav the invinchins to a frend.
And wen the frend dide he gav the invinchins to a frend .AND….so on .and…. so on .and…. so on.
(He printed it out and illustrated it with a picture of a dead mouse).
I'm so proud.
Friday, January 07, 2005
The answer to the ice
Figured out my kids plans for freezing their toys in ice!!!
Last night, with at least six different toys frozen in various forms, my kids brought the ice chunks into their bath and watched them melt (as the water temperature dropped significantly). They had so much fun. They squealed and laughed as each toy emerged from its frozen encasement.
Not sure why we parents spend a lot of money on fancy electronic gadgets.
Maybe we should talk to Mattel about marketing some sort of frozen toy game. We could make some big bucks.
Last night, with at least six different toys frozen in various forms, my kids brought the ice chunks into their bath and watched them melt (as the water temperature dropped significantly). They had so much fun. They squealed and laughed as each toy emerged from its frozen encasement.
Not sure why we parents spend a lot of money on fancy electronic gadgets.
Maybe we should talk to Mattel about marketing some sort of frozen toy game. We could make some big bucks.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Winter antics
Here in Greality we have been hit with a pretty good snow storm. Actually Greeley -- as always -- missed the brunt of the storm (not sure why). We got a few inches of snow, but it is bone-chilling cold.
Literally.
When it snows, most kids think about sledding or snowmen. Not my kids.
Instead, they decided to fill one of their old plastic pails with water, stick their rubber skeleton from Halloween in the water and put it on the front porch to see it freeze.
I have strange children.
I love them.
... Oh, and in case you were wondering, this morning the skele-sicle is encased in his frozen tomb covered with two inches of snow. I have no idea what the boys are going to do now.
I have strange chidlren.
Literally.
When it snows, most kids think about sledding or snowmen. Not my kids.
Instead, they decided to fill one of their old plastic pails with water, stick their rubber skeleton from Halloween in the water and put it on the front porch to see it freeze.
I have strange children.
I love them.
... Oh, and in case you were wondering, this morning the skele-sicle is encased in his frozen tomb covered with two inches of snow. I have no idea what the boys are going to do now.
I have strange chidlren.
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Resolutions
It's now the fourth day of 2005. Given this strange format of public/private banter, I think this would be the ideal area to proclaim my goals for this year ... but in an attempt to be positive, I am going to make my resolutions in the form of predictions...
By the end of 2005 ...
* My novel, Wrath, is in the hands of an agent who champion it to the NY publishing houses. Contract?
* My novel, Deadlines, that I have been "working" on for the last 12 years, is finished (ironic, given the title, huh?). This was my National Novel Writing Month novel.
* All the copies of my book, "Fumbling Thru Fatherhood," are finally out of my basement (special note: I didn't say how they will be gone).
* I am happy with my job.
And now the important things...
* Alex is a happy second-grader. He still loves to give his mom and dad hugs. He reads voraciously (actually that's going on already). He loves his little brother.
* Andy is a happy kidnergartener. He still loves to give his mom and dad hugs. He wrestles with his dad often. He loves his older brother.
* Tracy is happy (this is a toughie!). She is doing something that she finds satisfying. We have enough money to keep the house and feed the kids.
* Enjoy and support a small cadre of friends.
Anything else I do this year that does not work toward those goals will take a back burner...
Other things that are allowed (but not allowed to take over)...
Relay For Life volunteer work
Softball
Racquetball
GreNoFiMo(Yr?)
Baseball (Rockies opening day is a requirement)
Poker nights
Movies with Tracy
Guy movies without Tracy
Vacation
Baking bread and learning to cook new foods
Fantasy baseball
Soccer (coaching?)
By the end of 2005 ...
* My novel, Wrath, is in the hands of an agent who champion it to the NY publishing houses. Contract?
* My novel, Deadlines, that I have been "working" on for the last 12 years, is finished (ironic, given the title, huh?). This was my National Novel Writing Month novel.
* All the copies of my book, "Fumbling Thru Fatherhood," are finally out of my basement (special note: I didn't say how they will be gone).
* I am happy with my job.
And now the important things...
* Alex is a happy second-grader. He still loves to give his mom and dad hugs. He reads voraciously (actually that's going on already). He loves his little brother.
* Andy is a happy kidnergartener. He still loves to give his mom and dad hugs. He wrestles with his dad often. He loves his older brother.
* Tracy is happy (this is a toughie!). She is doing something that she finds satisfying. We have enough money to keep the house and feed the kids.
* Enjoy and support a small cadre of friends.
Anything else I do this year that does not work toward those goals will take a back burner...
Other things that are allowed (but not allowed to take over)...
Relay For Life volunteer work
Softball
Racquetball
GreNoFiMo(Yr?)
Baseball (Rockies opening day is a requirement)
Poker nights
Movies with Tracy
Guy movies without Tracy
Vacation
Baking bread and learning to cook new foods
Fantasy baseball
Soccer (coaching?)
Monday, January 03, 2005
Best and worst movies of 2004
First, I must give credit where it's due. I'm stealing this idea (not the movies) from my buddy Eric Anderson.
Second, I will also admit I'm a movie freak. I have several people to thank for this... my wife who is as much of a freak as me, my mother-in-law who offers free and frequent babysitting and my sister-in-law who offers her movie passes (she won the local Oscar contest).
So, here are my thoughts for the best flicks of the year (I admit to the ones I still have to see below)
BEST OF 2004 (to date)
#1 Finding Neverland (Saw it over the weekend and it is simply outstanding. Best movie, by far. Until I see The Aviator, it's my vote for Best Picture)
#2 Ray (Brilliant performance by Jaime Foxx. My vote for Best Actor)
#3 Dawn of the Dead (rent it and then you can laugh)
#4 Manchurian Candidate (may not be as great as the first one, but still fantastic)
#5 Shrek 2
#6 Kill Bill No. 2 (WAY better than the first)
#7 Harry Potter (WAY better than the first two)
#8 The Incredibles
#9 Collateral
#10 Shawn of the Dead (simply the funniest movie of the year
#11 Spongebob (any movie with references to both David Hasselhoff and Twisted Sister is just awesome... plus it answers that question we have all had "What would Patrick look like in fish-net stockings?")
Honorable mention
Spidey 2
The Terminal
Home on the Range (There were some really funny parts in this, plus the music was pretty good!)
Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Mind
Saw (Creepy movie with horrible acting)
The Village (OK, so it wasn't even close to his best, but there were some brilliant shots in it and it still would have made a great Twilight Zone episode)
Worst of 2004 (in no particular order)
Envy (What a complete waste of talent)
Closer (ditto -- except the English guy is pretty good)
Day After Tomorrow (I wasn't smart enough to leave like my friend Eric Olsen, but when the world is about to end, do you really think you have to throw in WILD WOLVES!?!?!)
King Arthur (I just don't understand the appeal of the main dude -- but he was the only thing decent in Closer)
Christmas with the Kranks (you know when you are sitting with your kids at home and you think, "hmm, let's go see a movie. We have passes so it'll be free and at least it will entertain the kids."? Well, I was wrong.
Ladykillers (this wouldn't be on the worst list if it had not been done by The Coens. I guess I have higher expectations).
Jersey Girl (this wouldn't be on the worst list if it had not been done by Kevin Smith. I guess I have higher expectations).
Hellboy
Movies I still need to see...
Sideways
The Aviator
Team America
Flight of the Phoenix
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (I know it's not out yet, but I just can't wait for this!!!!)
Meet the Fokkers (I hate Babs so I might just wait for NetFlix)
Life Aquatic
Spanglish
Metallica -- Some Kind of Monster
Second, I will also admit I'm a movie freak. I have several people to thank for this... my wife who is as much of a freak as me, my mother-in-law who offers free and frequent babysitting and my sister-in-law who offers her movie passes (she won the local Oscar contest).
So, here are my thoughts for the best flicks of the year (I admit to the ones I still have to see below)
BEST OF 2004 (to date)
#1 Finding Neverland (Saw it over the weekend and it is simply outstanding. Best movie, by far. Until I see The Aviator, it's my vote for Best Picture)
#2 Ray (Brilliant performance by Jaime Foxx. My vote for Best Actor)
#3 Dawn of the Dead (rent it and then you can laugh)
#4 Manchurian Candidate (may not be as great as the first one, but still fantastic)
#5 Shrek 2
#6 Kill Bill No. 2 (WAY better than the first)
#7 Harry Potter (WAY better than the first two)
#8 The Incredibles
#9 Collateral
#10 Shawn of the Dead (simply the funniest movie of the year
#11 Spongebob (any movie with references to both David Hasselhoff and Twisted Sister is just awesome... plus it answers that question we have all had "What would Patrick look like in fish-net stockings?")
Honorable mention
Spidey 2
The Terminal
Home on the Range (There were some really funny parts in this, plus the music was pretty good!)
Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Mind
Saw (Creepy movie with horrible acting)
The Village (OK, so it wasn't even close to his best, but there were some brilliant shots in it and it still would have made a great Twilight Zone episode)
Worst of 2004 (in no particular order)
Envy (What a complete waste of talent)
Closer (ditto -- except the English guy is pretty good)
Day After Tomorrow (I wasn't smart enough to leave like my friend Eric Olsen, but when the world is about to end, do you really think you have to throw in WILD WOLVES!?!?!)
King Arthur (I just don't understand the appeal of the main dude -- but he was the only thing decent in Closer)
Christmas with the Kranks (you know when you are sitting with your kids at home and you think, "hmm, let's go see a movie. We have passes so it'll be free and at least it will entertain the kids."? Well, I was wrong.
Ladykillers (this wouldn't be on the worst list if it had not been done by The Coens. I guess I have higher expectations).
Jersey Girl (this wouldn't be on the worst list if it had not been done by Kevin Smith. I guess I have higher expectations).
Hellboy
Movies I still need to see...
Sideways
The Aviator
Team America
Flight of the Phoenix
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (I know it's not out yet, but I just can't wait for this!!!!)
Meet the Fokkers (I hate Babs so I might just wait for NetFlix)
Life Aquatic
Spanglish
Metallica -- Some Kind of Monster
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