Old man trying to be young!
Me? Or mister Ford?
Despite the effects,
mundane and predictable.
Others were better.
Latest from the New Blog at AriseFromtheDust.com
4 years ago
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
En Route
Just a quick update:
I'm traveling to Seattle for a conference and will be back later in the week. If I took the laptop with me I could probably post from there, but it's just a hassle to lug a laptop 3,000 miles. The laptop agrees.
I got up at the equivalent of 2:30 a.m. Pacific Time, and get there around noon. The over-under for my body to crash is about 8:00 Pacific Time- right during a plenary session. Where I'm sure they'll turn down the lights and mumble incomprehensible things for an hour or so, not exactly a sleep deterrent.
Oh well.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
A Need for Speed
Last Friday, I took the boys to Speed Racer for a 'Boys Night Out' (which from Carma's perspective translates to "Guilt-free Mani-Pedi", to which I have absolutely no objection). After seeing Iron Man the previous evening (which I liked a lot), I was fully prepared for a movie let-down. Granted, I didn't have high expectations walking in, but those expectations were easily exceeded and then some.
I knew both my boys would like it, but they were blown away. There was enough of a storyline to lure in adults as well, but this really is a film for kids. I'm apparently enough of a kid at heart to have enjoyed it thoroughly.
If you're not a fan of the cartoon (and I wasn't) Speed Racer is about a young racing protege named (surprise) Speed Racer. Pops Racer is a mechanic who fixes/builds cars and they've always raced Independent, i.e. without the Evil Corporate Sponsorships. Admittedly the plot, dialog, and characters aren't all that deep- but here's the thing. They're not supposed to be. The movie is essentially a live-action cartoon. Can you imagine someone critiquing Scooby Doo (the cartoon or the movie) expecting Oscar-worthiness? Well, don't look for it here, either. But what is there is done very well, with good character performances, some slap-stick kid-friendly humor, and hyper-surreal racing. It's supposed to be a bit over-the-top, defy physics, and be extremely colorful.
The races are what really make this movie. I guess there's just something in the Y chromosome that loves horsepower and break-necking speeds. These races captured on film and displayed on the big screen are the races that occur in the mind's eye of all boys 3-12 (and beyond?) while playing with Hot Wheels cars. They are the epitome of hair-raising, death-defying, physics-destroying adventures that only occur between a boy (and possibly few fortunate girls) and his favorite car. Any man that denies this has forgotten his childhood.
I humbly submit here an excellent cartoon and review of the movie by Joe Dunn of "Joe Loves Crappy Movies." Check it out, and come back, I'll wait.
As supported by Speed Racer's box office returns last weekend, Joe is spot on, the movie is a bit of a tough sell. People are expecting "Cody Banks 4" or "Shark Boy and Lava Girl", but it is so much better than that. This is the kid-friendly movie elevated to an art form, but not enough people are going to see it, at least until it's out on DVD- where the experience will be about a tenth of what it is on the big screen.
So, if you have young boys, I heartily encourage you to take them to see it on the big screen. It will be an experience that they won't soon forget. You may not either. (But if you get easily motion sick, or are epileptic- stay far, far away.) Just be forewarned, your kids will probably want you to drive a bit more recklessly on your way home.
I knew both my boys would like it, but they were blown away. There was enough of a storyline to lure in adults as well, but this really is a film for kids. I'm apparently enough of a kid at heart to have enjoyed it thoroughly.
If you're not a fan of the cartoon (and I wasn't) Speed Racer is about a young racing protege named (surprise) Speed Racer. Pops Racer is a mechanic who fixes/builds cars and they've always raced Independent, i.e. without the Evil Corporate Sponsorships. Admittedly the plot, dialog, and characters aren't all that deep- but here's the thing. They're not supposed to be. The movie is essentially a live-action cartoon. Can you imagine someone critiquing Scooby Doo (the cartoon or the movie) expecting Oscar-worthiness? Well, don't look for it here, either. But what is there is done very well, with good character performances, some slap-stick kid-friendly humor, and hyper-surreal racing. It's supposed to be a bit over-the-top, defy physics, and be extremely colorful.
The races are what really make this movie. I guess there's just something in the Y chromosome that loves horsepower and break-necking speeds. These races captured on film and displayed on the big screen are the races that occur in the mind's eye of all boys 3-12 (and beyond?) while playing with Hot Wheels cars. They are the epitome of hair-raising, death-defying, physics-destroying adventures that only occur between a boy (and possibly few fortunate girls) and his favorite car. Any man that denies this has forgotten his childhood.
I humbly submit here an excellent cartoon and review of the movie by Joe Dunn of "Joe Loves Crappy Movies." Check it out, and come back, I'll wait.
As supported by Speed Racer's box office returns last weekend, Joe is spot on, the movie is a bit of a tough sell. People are expecting "Cody Banks 4" or "Shark Boy and Lava Girl", but it is so much better than that. This is the kid-friendly movie elevated to an art form, but not enough people are going to see it, at least until it's out on DVD- where the experience will be about a tenth of what it is on the big screen.
So, if you have young boys, I heartily encourage you to take them to see it on the big screen. It will be an experience that they won't soon forget. You may not either. (But if you get easily motion sick, or are epileptic- stay far, far away.) Just be forewarned, your kids will probably want you to drive a bit more recklessly on your way home.
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Brains of the Outfit
Occasionally Carma and I will get into a discussion about who is smarter (we always argue that the other one is smarter) of the two of us. She'll insist that I know things she doesn't, and I'll argue that she knows worthwhile things while my strengths are meaningless trivia and tidbits. Essentially, we eventually agree that we're both pretty smart. However, deep down I totally know she's smarter than I am.
One of the few problems with having a wife who is incredibly smart is that you really can't get much past her. That, combined with my utter lack of a poker face, means that really I am incapable of getting away with anything.
Not that I try to get away with stuff. But you know, husbands have secret things they must do occasionally. Like getting Christmas presents, or planning birthday surprises. However, I should have learned by now.
The last time I tried to surprise Carma with a birthday party was in 2004, soon before we were leaving Iowa form NYC. The details are kind of fuzzy now, but I do remember thinking I had kept everything a secret right up to the moment when, two blocks from our house (where everyone was waiting), Carma asked me something to the effect of "So, how many people are going to be at my surprise party today?" That was before the party was confirmed to her by 1) recognizing some of the cars parked along the street and 2) seeing one of the guests pretending to go to another house in a vain attempt to not spoil the surprise.
So, needless to say, my efforts for Carma's birthday surprises this weekend were mostly not surprises by the time they occurred. In fact, one morning as we prepared to board the ferry to NYC she told me "I can't lie anymore. I know what you have planned."
Despite the lack of surprises, she still seemed to enjoy everything though. She was surprised on Friday to receive flowers and chocolates delivered to her work, or at least I think she was. On Saturday she opened some presents, and we headed into the city for an evening. The first stop (after checking into the hotel) was The View restaurant, for an elegant 2-hour dinner overlooking the entire city. The View is situated atop the Marriott Grand Marquis hotel in Times Square, and is NYC's only revolving restaurant. It is also mostly for tourists, but we let that slide.
After dinner, we went to see "Curtains: The Musical" starring David Hyde-Pierce (not a surprise), which we both enjoyed. We were going to go get ice cream after the show, but were both still too full from dinner. So, we had a nice relaxing night at the hotel and a good night's sleep. On Sunday (no more surprises planned) we had a nice family dinner (with extra family in town!), which was actually breakfast since that is Carma's favorite kind of food. And cake, of course. I made sure to get her favorite (carrot) in addition to the usual chocolate.
I tried not to be disappointed that she wasn't surprised by most things (and mostly succeeded). After all, the main purpose was to for her to enjoy everything, not to be a big "Gotcha!". So, all in all, I think she thought it was a good birthday. Which maybe was a surprise enough. :)
One of the few problems with having a wife who is incredibly smart is that you really can't get much past her. That, combined with my utter lack of a poker face, means that really I am incapable of getting away with anything.
Not that I try to get away with stuff. But you know, husbands have secret things they must do occasionally. Like getting Christmas presents, or planning birthday surprises. However, I should have learned by now.
The last time I tried to surprise Carma with a birthday party was in 2004, soon before we were leaving Iowa form NYC. The details are kind of fuzzy now, but I do remember thinking I had kept everything a secret right up to the moment when, two blocks from our house (where everyone was waiting), Carma asked me something to the effect of "So, how many people are going to be at my surprise party today?" That was before the party was confirmed to her by 1) recognizing some of the cars parked along the street and 2) seeing one of the guests pretending to go to another house in a vain attempt to not spoil the surprise.
So, needless to say, my efforts for Carma's birthday surprises this weekend were mostly not surprises by the time they occurred. In fact, one morning as we prepared to board the ferry to NYC she told me "I can't lie anymore. I know what you have planned."
Despite the lack of surprises, she still seemed to enjoy everything though. She was surprised on Friday to receive flowers and chocolates delivered to her work, or at least I think she was. On Saturday she opened some presents, and we headed into the city for an evening. The first stop (after checking into the hotel) was The View restaurant, for an elegant 2-hour dinner overlooking the entire city. The View is situated atop the Marriott Grand Marquis hotel in Times Square, and is NYC's only revolving restaurant. It is also mostly for tourists, but we let that slide.
After dinner, we went to see "Curtains: The Musical" starring David Hyde-Pierce (not a surprise), which we both enjoyed. We were going to go get ice cream after the show, but were both still too full from dinner. So, we had a nice relaxing night at the hotel and a good night's sleep. On Sunday (no more surprises planned) we had a nice family dinner (with extra family in town!), which was actually breakfast since that is Carma's favorite kind of food. And cake, of course. I made sure to get her favorite (carrot) in addition to the usual chocolate.
I tried not to be disappointed that she wasn't surprised by most things (and mostly succeeded). After all, the main purpose was to for her to enjoy everything, not to be a big "Gotcha!". So, all in all, I think she thought it was a good birthday. Which maybe was a surprise enough. :)
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Rapid fire
Just a quick post today- things have been pretty fast and furious this past week with work and consulting, and this week is a bit more of the same. After I wrap up a couple projects (or phases of projects), I can decompress a bit.
Due to oppressive demand (i.e. sold-out shows), I was unable to see the Iron Man movie this past weekend, but hope to see it on Thursday night. Friday night, I'm going to take the boys to see the new Speed Racer movie (which I've actually read a surprisingly good review for). I'm also looking forward to the new Indiana Jones movie (May 22), along with Wall*E (June 28) this summer.
This Sunday is Carma's birthday, which also happens to be Mother's Day. So, I am planning to just treat Saturday like it's her birthday and Sunday can be reserved for showing her with yet more love and gratitude. We have plans to go to a show on Saturday night, "Curtains" with David Hyde Pierce (whom we like from Frasier and Spam-a-Lot).
Also, it's been a lot of fun so far having Auntie Em and Uncle Richie in town (well, NYC anyway). We like having family nearby, and the boys adore the attention.
Coming up next Friday (weather permitting) will be my first Father-Son campout with Thurman. I'm hoping the hotel is decent and has a good breakfast.
More to come next week!
Due to oppressive demand (i.e. sold-out shows), I was unable to see the Iron Man movie this past weekend, but hope to see it on Thursday night. Friday night, I'm going to take the boys to see the new Speed Racer movie (which I've actually read a surprisingly good review for). I'm also looking forward to the new Indiana Jones movie (May 22), along with Wall*E (June 28) this summer.
This Sunday is Carma's birthday, which also happens to be Mother's Day. So, I am planning to just treat Saturday like it's her birthday and Sunday can be reserved for showing her with yet more love and gratitude. We have plans to go to a show on Saturday night, "Curtains" with David Hyde Pierce (whom we like from Frasier and Spam-a-Lot).
Also, it's been a lot of fun so far having Auntie Em and Uncle Richie in town (well, NYC anyway). We like having family nearby, and the boys adore the attention.
Coming up next Friday (weather permitting) will be my first Father-Son campout with Thurman. I'm hoping the hotel is decent and has a good breakfast.
More to come next week!
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