Monday, August 28, 2006
Should I be worried?
For the longest time, my tastes and those of the general critical elite who hand out awards were at complete odds. But, then it started with "Crash" winning Best Picture.
And then, last night, my favorite drama, 24, and my favorite comedy, The Office, took top honors at the Emmys. Plus, Jeremy Piven from Entourage won. I have to tell you this is a little unsettling for me.
The only good news is that the entertainment rags are complaining that the awards have stunk lately. So many people were mad that Brokeback didn't win (I still think it was an average story). And now people are complaining because Desperate Housewives wasn't even nominated. The only thing I agree with the complaints on is that "Lost" wasn't nominated. That show is incredible. It's not quite as pulse pounding but somehow the writers make me think it's OK that polar bears and magic numbers can exist on this island, because I had a really hard time with a lot less crazy things happening on 24 (i.e. the freakin' cougar, the atomic bomb in the desert, the deadly virus that clears a room in 2 seconds just by turning on the air conditioning, etc.)
So, I guess I have become mainstream and, according to the rags, the mainstream sucks. I guess I can live with that.
And then, last night, my favorite drama, 24, and my favorite comedy, The Office, took top honors at the Emmys. Plus, Jeremy Piven from Entourage won. I have to tell you this is a little unsettling for me.
The only good news is that the entertainment rags are complaining that the awards have stunk lately. So many people were mad that Brokeback didn't win (I still think it was an average story). And now people are complaining because Desperate Housewives wasn't even nominated. The only thing I agree with the complaints on is that "Lost" wasn't nominated. That show is incredible. It's not quite as pulse pounding but somehow the writers make me think it's OK that polar bears and magic numbers can exist on this island, because I had a really hard time with a lot less crazy things happening on 24 (i.e. the freakin' cougar, the atomic bomb in the desert, the deadly virus that clears a room in 2 seconds just by turning on the air conditioning, etc.)
So, I guess I have become mainstream and, according to the rags, the mainstream sucks. I guess I can live with that.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
TV for kids
I came home the other night and Andy was vegging out ... zoning out ... spacing out ... whatever you call it ... in front of the TV.
He didn't notice I came home, but then at the commercial he turned and saw me and got excited, "DADDY!"
After giving him a hug, I said, "If you were watching TV, you wouldn't notice if a spaceship busted in here and landed on the couch."
Without even a second's thought, he replied, "Yes I would. They would show it on the TV!"
He didn't notice I came home, but then at the commercial he turned and saw me and got excited, "DADDY!"
After giving him a hug, I said, "If you were watching TV, you wouldn't notice if a spaceship busted in here and landed on the couch."
Without even a second's thought, he replied, "Yes I would. They would show it on the TV!"
Monday, August 21, 2006
SOAP
So, after one of the crappiest weeks I've had in a long time, I went with three of my buddies to see "Snakes on a Plane" this weekend.
Like any good cinematic experience, we started the night off with nachos and drinks at Old Chicago's. Plenty of drinks.
From all the crap I read about this movie, I was expecting something along the lines of "Return of the Living Dead," a decent horror movie that was freaking hysterical because it went crazy. I have seen ROTLD and I can tell you that SOAP is no ROTLD (not even ROTHLD II).
Basically it had a few over-the-top moments, but took itself WAY too seriously (it took like 20 minutes just to get on the M***** F****** PLANE! Nobody needs that much set up! Titanic didn't take that long to get on the damn boat!). There were some fun over-the-top killings (I won't ruin them here, but e-mail me and I'll spill it) but not enuf for me.
We did see Little Miss Sunshine on Sunday, also. Absolutely loved it. Steve Carrell should be in every movie. I also rented "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" over the weekend and I am convinced that Robert Downey Jr. should narrate every movie for the next 40 years. He's awesome.
Ebert out.
Like any good cinematic experience, we started the night off with nachos and drinks at Old Chicago's. Plenty of drinks.
From all the crap I read about this movie, I was expecting something along the lines of "Return of the Living Dead," a decent horror movie that was freaking hysterical because it went crazy. I have seen ROTLD and I can tell you that SOAP is no ROTLD (not even ROTHLD II).
Basically it had a few over-the-top moments, but took itself WAY too seriously (it took like 20 minutes just to get on the M***** F****** PLANE! Nobody needs that much set up! Titanic didn't take that long to get on the damn boat!). There were some fun over-the-top killings (I won't ruin them here, but e-mail me and I'll spill it) but not enuf for me.
We did see Little Miss Sunshine on Sunday, also. Absolutely loved it. Steve Carrell should be in every movie. I also rented "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" over the weekend and I am convinced that Robert Downey Jr. should narrate every movie for the next 40 years. He's awesome.
Ebert out.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
First day
Yesterday was the boys' first day back at school. Andy in first. Alex in third. It was pretty different than any other first day, because Tracy wasn't there. (See previous post).
I was pretty lost for what to do on the first day. In the past we I've dropped off the kids, Tracy tells me where they line up from the playground to go inside. I had no idea how she knew that.
Fortunately, there were some other parents I knew who helped me.
This was Andy's first time to be in school all day and he was a little nervous. He wore a t-shirt and shorts that he picked out (meaning they didn't match). Alex was so excited, he wore a collared shirt and jeans (this is a new thing for a kid who used to live in shorts and sweat pants!).
After school, I took them out to dinner with my mother-in-law to hear about their days. Andy seemed to have a good time, but didn't want to talk about it much. Alex was babbling about every second of the day.
As we went to bed last night, Andy picked out a nice, collared shirt and "hard shorts" (that means his nicest ones that aren't very comfortable) to wear the next day. Not sure what happened at school yesterday, but it's already affected his clothing choices (this is a kid who once cried because he had to wear a collared shirt to hit a ball at the golf range in California).
Guess they're both getting older.
I was pretty lost for what to do on the first day. In the past we I've dropped off the kids, Tracy tells me where they line up from the playground to go inside. I had no idea how she knew that.
Fortunately, there were some other parents I knew who helped me.
This was Andy's first time to be in school all day and he was a little nervous. He wore a t-shirt and shorts that he picked out (meaning they didn't match). Alex was so excited, he wore a collared shirt and jeans (this is a new thing for a kid who used to live in shorts and sweat pants!).
After school, I took them out to dinner with my mother-in-law to hear about their days. Andy seemed to have a good time, but didn't want to talk about it much. Alex was babbling about every second of the day.
As we went to bed last night, Andy picked out a nice, collared shirt and "hard shorts" (that means his nicest ones that aren't very comfortable) to wear the next day. Not sure what happened at school yesterday, but it's already affected his clothing choices (this is a kid who once cried because he had to wear a collared shirt to hit a ball at the golf range in California).
Guess they're both getting older.
Joe
Tracy's dad, Joe, died last weekend.
Joe and Tracy's mom divorced when Tracy was just 4 years old. She kept in contact with him for years and saw him every so often.
He was a former cop when I met him, which was more than a little intimidating. He was socially awkward, but he knew that and he worked very hard at not being that way. I always appreciated the effort that he took and how nice he was to me all these years.
My fondest memory of Joe was on one of his trips through Colorado on his way to Illinois in his RV. He always stopped by Greeley on the way out there and on the way back to California.
This time, we decided that he'd help us decorate my downstairs area of our house with a dart board. Joe loved darts (as well as softball and bowling). It was probably the first time Joe and I really connected... you know the way two guys connect when working on some project involving lots of tools and a goal in mind has no real asthetic or helpful goal, but is just fun. We found just the right electronic board, based on his recommendation. Bought a nice case for it and then set upon putting it up. Cutting through drywall, brackets, placement. It was fun.
And then we spent the next several hours playing darts until I thought my arm was going to fall off. I had never been sore the next day from playing darts until that day. Of course, Joe wiped up the floor with me. He knew all the plays ("All I need is a triple 16 and a 3" and then HE'D DO IT!!!).
Tracy and I tried a couple times to recreate that moment on subsequent visits (like going to a Rockies game with him), but it never quite lived up to that one.
Today, Tracy and Greta are in California with their half-sister Kelly at a memorial for Joe. Since I couldn't be there, I thought I'd do my memorial here.
Joe and Tracy's mom divorced when Tracy was just 4 years old. She kept in contact with him for years and saw him every so often.
He was a former cop when I met him, which was more than a little intimidating. He was socially awkward, but he knew that and he worked very hard at not being that way. I always appreciated the effort that he took and how nice he was to me all these years.
My fondest memory of Joe was on one of his trips through Colorado on his way to Illinois in his RV. He always stopped by Greeley on the way out there and on the way back to California.
This time, we decided that he'd help us decorate my downstairs area of our house with a dart board. Joe loved darts (as well as softball and bowling). It was probably the first time Joe and I really connected... you know the way two guys connect when working on some project involving lots of tools and a goal in mind has no real asthetic or helpful goal, but is just fun. We found just the right electronic board, based on his recommendation. Bought a nice case for it and then set upon putting it up. Cutting through drywall, brackets, placement. It was fun.
And then we spent the next several hours playing darts until I thought my arm was going to fall off. I had never been sore the next day from playing darts until that day. Of course, Joe wiped up the floor with me. He knew all the plays ("All I need is a triple 16 and a 3" and then HE'D DO IT!!!).
Tracy and I tried a couple times to recreate that moment on subsequent visits (like going to a Rockies game with him), but it never quite lived up to that one.
Today, Tracy and Greta are in California with their half-sister Kelly at a memorial for Joe. Since I couldn't be there, I thought I'd do my memorial here.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Mountains
My buddy, Dan, loves to go to the mountains. He likes to climb and push himself to the most extreme end of his endurance.
Fortunately, Dan also likes hair metal and poker because otherwise we'd have nothing in common.
I enjoy the mountains as well. However, I like to go there, maybe go on a leisurly trail ... maybe just sit out by a pond ... more likely, play miniature golf in Grand Lake and sip on a margarita on the porch of the Grand Lake Lodge.
Guess everybody has their own thing.
Fortunately, Dan also likes hair metal and poker because otherwise we'd have nothing in common.
I enjoy the mountains as well. However, I like to go there, maybe go on a leisurly trail ... maybe just sit out by a pond ... more likely, play miniature golf in Grand Lake and sip on a margarita on the porch of the Grand Lake Lodge.
Guess everybody has their own thing.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Gay marriage
I don't understand why so many people are against gay marriage. I don't know why someone else's marriage has to do with your own. But they say that having gay people married ruins the sanctity of marriage as a whole.
But here's why I've been thinking about this... Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson ... Britney Spears and that guy with the ugly hat ... Rene Zelwegger (sp?) and that country guy ... Madonna and Sean Penn ... Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman ... *** and the list goes on (feel free to add your own in the comments)...
If these people haven't messed with the sanctity of the institution of marriage, I really don't think Adam and Steve will either. Just my rant. Sorry.
But here's why I've been thinking about this... Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson ... Britney Spears and that guy with the ugly hat ... Rene Zelwegger (sp?) and that country guy ... Madonna and Sean Penn ... Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman ... *** and the list goes on (feel free to add your own in the comments)...
If these people haven't messed with the sanctity of the institution of marriage, I really don't think Adam and Steve will either. Just my rant. Sorry.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Withdrawls
Softball's over (at least until later this month). The boys' baseball is over. We're going to Grand Lake in a bit. But this week is actually slow (at least at home). Came home from work last night and Tracy and I were shocked to realize we didn't HAVE to be anywhere. So, of course, we went about organizing our mucked up storage area. So much for rest.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Boys at play
I love softball. It's one of the few activities grown men can play and still feel like they are playing a real sport ... while drinking beer.
Last night, our team was booted out of the tournament after a horribly bad day in the field and at the plate.
But the experience was interesting for me as I watched some of the other teams playing. First, you need to know I play in a men's novice league. Parapalegic gerbils are more competitive than my league. Despite this, just about every game a big fight breaks out over a blown call, a rule or somebody bringing the wrong beer brand.
That's where I figured it out. These are grown men playing a kid's game. The minute we step on that field, we are just boys again. (It's when we get off the field and our backs are hurting that we realize we're old men again).
Last night, our team was booted out of the tournament after a horribly bad day in the field and at the plate.
But the experience was interesting for me as I watched some of the other teams playing. First, you need to know I play in a men's novice league. Parapalegic gerbils are more competitive than my league. Despite this, just about every game a big fight breaks out over a blown call, a rule or somebody bringing the wrong beer brand.
That's where I figured it out. These are grown men playing a kid's game. The minute we step on that field, we are just boys again. (It's when we get off the field and our backs are hurting that we realize we're old men again).
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Soggy ending
Well I am still wringing out from the rain that ended the last baseball game of the year for our household. It's been a fun season. Both boys hit really well. Andy has become a lead-off hitter for his team and Alex is surprisingly fast on the basepaths (if you know ANYONE in my family, you'll know why I said it's a surprise). Alex had the strangest bat of the year last night before the rain came. The pitcher threw at his head. Alex ducked, but he forgot to bring the bat down, too. The ball hit off the bat and actually went into fair territory. There was about two seconds of absolute silence because nobody knew what to do. Then everyone yelled at Alex to run. He made it up the line just in front of the throw.
This was actually the first game of the year to get rained out. We've had amazingly great conditions this year. (Not always playing as well as the conditions, but always having fun!)
I have a softball game tonight. Our team lost the first game of the season tournament, but we came back to kill last week. We're hoping to work through the loser's bracket. Stranger things have happened. I almost hope the pitcher throws at my head so I can try Alex's trick.
This was actually the first game of the year to get rained out. We've had amazingly great conditions this year. (Not always playing as well as the conditions, but always having fun!)
I have a softball game tonight. Our team lost the first game of the season tournament, but we came back to kill last week. We're hoping to work through the loser's bracket. Stranger things have happened. I almost hope the pitcher throws at my head so I can try Alex's trick.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Strange world
I went to a seminar last week where they basically told all of us colleges that the only way to communicate with the youth of today is through myspace.com. So, yesterday I decided to check it out.
It was here that I read about the intimate details of other people's lives. Just seems strange. Seems like they should leave that to the professional humor columnists.
But I guess that isn't all that strange. My wife has several notebooks filled with the notes the daycare gave us when our boys were going there. I asked her why she was keeping them. She said (A,N,IANMTU), "If I ever want to know what the boys were doing on June 12 and I know exactly how many bowel movements they each had."
Like I said, we live in a strange world.
It was here that I read about the intimate details of other people's lives. Just seems strange. Seems like they should leave that to the professional humor columnists.
But I guess that isn't all that strange. My wife has several notebooks filled with the notes the daycare gave us when our boys were going there. I asked her why she was keeping them. She said (A,N,IANMTU), "If I ever want to know what the boys were doing on June 12 and I know exactly how many bowel movements they each had."
Like I said, we live in a strange world.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Movies
So, we were gonna go see the new Pirates movie last night. Three shows in a row were sold out. There were more people in line for the movie than for the ride when we went to Disneyland a few months ago...
Instead of waiting, we decided to go see "Click" and it was surprisingly not crappy.
Since I'm going off on movies, here are more of my condensed reviews:
Instead of waiting, we decided to go see "Click" and it was surprisingly not crappy.
Since I'm going off on movies, here are more of my condensed reviews:
- "Superman Returns" ... Crap. Christopher Reeve dead and paralyzed has more life than this new guy.
- "Cars" ... Awesome! The credits are the best. Not better than "Finding Nemo" but WAY better than most kid fare.
- "Garfield 2" ... Bill Murray and Tim Curry doing voice overs ALMOST saves this.
- "The Breakup" ... ZZZZZZzzzzzzzz
- "The Lake House" ... DON'T GO! Trust me. Just don't go!
- "A Prairie Home Companion" ... I don't listen to NPR, but this one was pretty good. Great actors and a fun story. Woody Harrelson and John C Reily should really work together more!
- "The Devil Wears Prada" ... I knew this would be a chick flick, but I think I actually liked it more than my wife did. Very funny and reminded me of some of the crappy bosses I've had.
- "The Da Vinci Code" ... Not nearly as exciting as the book.
- "Over the Hedge" ... Not better than "Cars" but WAY better than most.
- "Poseidon" ... Why do they need to remake classics and make them worse? Skip this and watch the classic on TV (it's on every other hour on AMC).
- "Hoot" ... I'll admit I went there to see Jimmy Buffett. Other than that, I had a nice nap while my kids watched the movie.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
HBO
There was a time (when I lived with my parents) when I had HBO. Only thing I could remember watching was the late-night soft-core porn stuff (I was teenager, c'mon!).
Now, we don't have HBO but I end up getting on NetFlix a whole slew of HBO shows (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Sopranos, Deadwood, Entourage). Strange.
Anyway, Donovan and I just finished the second season of Deadwood and I have got to say that may be the finest season of television ANYWHERE. I'm a huge 24 fan and I obsess on Lost, but Deadwood is just amazing. Fantastic characters. Great dialogue (Shakespear with the f-bomb). Fascinating plot. Please don't tell me what's happening with Season 3. I have to wait for the DVDs.
Tracy and I are now watching Season 2 of Entourage. This is a very funny show. Probably not up there with the BBC version of The Office, but I'd put it up there with the American one. Great characters and fun cameos.
Ebert, out.
Now, we don't have HBO but I end up getting on NetFlix a whole slew of HBO shows (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Sopranos, Deadwood, Entourage). Strange.
Anyway, Donovan and I just finished the second season of Deadwood and I have got to say that may be the finest season of television ANYWHERE. I'm a huge 24 fan and I obsess on Lost, but Deadwood is just amazing. Fantastic characters. Great dialogue (Shakespear with the f-bomb). Fascinating plot. Please don't tell me what's happening with Season 3. I have to wait for the DVDs.
Tracy and I are now watching Season 2 of Entourage. This is a very funny show. Probably not up there with the BBC version of The Office, but I'd put it up there with the American one. Great characters and fun cameos.
Ebert, out.
Lame
I know I've been slacking (AGAIN).
Anyway, the house has been nuts because Tracy's taken on a HUGE grant job, so I've been pulling a lot of the parent duties over the last few weeks. And I really enjoy it. Shuttling the kids around and hanging out with them is nice (not easy, just nice).
Haven't been writing much, but I've been reading. My parents got me a good book, "Pursuit," that's really fun and I have the new Dean Koontz just waiting for me. Good problem to have.
Anyway, the house has been nuts because Tracy's taken on a HUGE grant job, so I've been pulling a lot of the parent duties over the last few weeks. And I really enjoy it. Shuttling the kids around and hanging out with them is nice (not easy, just nice).
Haven't been writing much, but I've been reading. My parents got me a good book, "Pursuit," that's really fun and I have the new Dean Koontz just waiting for me. Good problem to have.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
So sorry
I've now been yelled at by a bunch of people to update this blog... I know I'm pathetic. Sorry.
Anyway, it's been pretty crazy around our place lately. Here's what we're up to:
Alex:
Play rehearsal -- Come see the young Olivier in "Dear Edwina" at the Hensel Phelps Theater Friday night, Saturday matinee or Saturday night.
Baseball -- Practice and games nearly all the time.
Swimming -- Lessons every morning.
Art class -- College For Kids classes!
Andy:
Baseball -- He's hitting the snot out of the ball and loving it!
Swimming -- Same as Alex
Art class -- Yup, same
Time with Dad -- Lots since Alex and Tracy have been at play practice almost every night.
Tracy:
Chauffer (sp?)
Working -- Part-time but she's almost done!
Weight -- Losing a bunch
Me:
Feet -- Still sore from Relay For Life last weekend
Book -- I have a book signing on Saturday from 2-3:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble in Centerra. Please come by. I do get so lonely!
Radio -- Gonna be on KCOL Friday at 5 p.m. (you can listen online) and at 7:45 a.m. the Friday before Father's Day.
Work -- Crazy!
Baseball -- Tired of watching Rockies lose. Now just a fan of sons' teams. (Andy's team is undefeated so I guess my bad luck charm status is gone!)
Play -- Helped Big Andy get set together last weekend for the play.
Golf -- I really stink but I am really enjoying it. Guess it's genetic. Bizarre.
Guess that's it for now.
Anyway, it's been pretty crazy around our place lately. Here's what we're up to:
Alex:
Play rehearsal -- Come see the young Olivier in "Dear Edwina" at the Hensel Phelps Theater Friday night, Saturday matinee or Saturday night.
Baseball -- Practice and games nearly all the time.
Swimming -- Lessons every morning.
Art class -- College For Kids classes!
Andy:
Baseball -- He's hitting the snot out of the ball and loving it!
Swimming -- Same as Alex
Art class -- Yup, same
Time with Dad -- Lots since Alex and Tracy have been at play practice almost every night.
Tracy:
Chauffer (sp?)
Working -- Part-time but she's almost done!
Weight -- Losing a bunch
Me:
Feet -- Still sore from Relay For Life last weekend
Book -- I have a book signing on Saturday from 2-3:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble in Centerra. Please come by. I do get so lonely!
Radio -- Gonna be on KCOL Friday at 5 p.m. (you can listen online) and at 7:45 a.m. the Friday before Father's Day.
Work -- Crazy!
Baseball -- Tired of watching Rockies lose. Now just a fan of sons' teams. (Andy's team is undefeated so I guess my bad luck charm status is gone!)
Play -- Helped Big Andy get set together last weekend for the play.
Golf -- I really stink but I am really enjoying it. Guess it's genetic. Bizarre.
Guess that's it for now.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
