So, I was hooking up the laundry machines myself, mostly because I felt guilty that DH and DB were doing all the heavy lifting (including saiud laundry machines.) OK, no problem. I had to go to Home Depot to get a "pigtail" for the dryer. (That is the electric cord. They come seperate and there are a few different types. The new house's outlet doesn't match the old.) I was slightly worried that I had still not gotten the right kind. I was worried I would get it all screwed to the back of the dryer and then have to take it off because it didn't fit the outlet.
I got the brilliant idea to check the fit before I attached the pigtail to the dryer. I neglected to hold to loose end and make sure the connectors didn't touch anything (including each other.) I plugged in the loose pigtail and PWAP! there were sparks, smoke, a bright light, and the smoke detector started sqawking.
Obviously, something went wrong. I removed the battery from the smoke detector, cleaned up the scorched connectors, and tended the burn on my arm (spark attack.) I attached the pigtail and tried again. The plug fit (yay) but the dryer didn't come on. It was 11pm, so I decided I had lost my chance to do any laundry that night. I said "Forget this!" and went to bed.
I was afraid the PWAP! had fried the new pigtail. It would be $20 to replace (after tax.) But, another possibility was that I had tripped a breaker. I checked it out the next morning and it was indeed just a matter of flipping the breaker back on.
I got both machines hooked up (after another trip to Home Depot for a washer, a strap wrench, and a screw clamp) and have started to make headway into the nearly a week's worth of laundry that is patiently waiting to be cleaned.
There is a nasty looking mark on my arm, but it doesn't hurt any more if I don't touch it.
Progress
Sunday, August 14, 2011
What I learned this week
1. August is HOT. Do not move in August if you can at all avoid it.
2. Even if you are just moving across town, rent a truck. The cost of gas for (many) multiple SUV loads will be more than the cost of the rental. Plus, it should cut down on the time spent moving.
3. We have too much stuff. Even after culling a LOT of junk, we still have too much stuff. Moving into a smaller house has made that abundantly clear.
4. Loving husbands are worth their weight in gold.
5. Electricity is a dangerous beast. Modern society has tried to tame and enslave it, but it will bite if you aren't careful.
6. The cable company and the phone company are not my friends.
7. U-haul makes and sells very good boxes.
8. Being able to do your own laundry is a blessing.
9. I can hook up a washer and dryer all by myself, provided I have big strong men to get them from one house to the other.
10. Do not sit on the end of a trailer that is not hooked up to anything (even if you are just 10 years old)
11. I cannot remember what relaxing feels like.
2. Even if you are just moving across town, rent a truck. The cost of gas for (many) multiple SUV loads will be more than the cost of the rental. Plus, it should cut down on the time spent moving.
3. We have too much stuff. Even after culling a LOT of junk, we still have too much stuff. Moving into a smaller house has made that abundantly clear.
4. Loving husbands are worth their weight in gold.
5. Electricity is a dangerous beast. Modern society has tried to tame and enslave it, but it will bite if you aren't careful.
6. The cable company and the phone company are not my friends.
7. U-haul makes and sells very good boxes.
8. Being able to do your own laundry is a blessing.
9. I can hook up a washer and dryer all by myself, provided I have big strong men to get them from one house to the other.
10. Do not sit on the end of a trailer that is not hooked up to anything (even if you are just 10 years old)
11. I cannot remember what relaxing feels like.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Moving On
We did find a house we like. I got a supply of boxes. This week we pack and next week we should be moving. I can't wait.
And that is all I want to say about that.
Public schools in our area get back to their lessons at the end of this week. Since our home school is changing locations in the near future, we are putting off the official lessons until things have settled. Until then we will have sporadic review lessons and the sorts of lessons that can be taught a few minutes at a time, or while doing other things.
dd13 has expressed interest in art, drawing and animation in particular. She also wants to study Japanese. Which means I get to study Japanese. We have been creeping along slowly for a few weeks and both of us are enjoying it. Later in the school year we will take a field trip to a sushi restaurant, or try some easier Japanese recipes here at home. Since I am thousands of miles out of my comfort zone, it will be an adventure. I don't even know HOW to eat sushi.
dd12 says she doesn't have any idea what foreign language she wants to study. So, I devised a combo language/world geography social studies curriculum. We'll pop around the globe, studying countries and cultures, as well as a sampling of the language. Then, next year she can choose which she like and we will focus on that.
dd11 is still focusing on general subjects. I actually haven't finished planning out everything she will be doing. Of course, she gets to tag along on our popping around the globe. She says she wants to study Greek, which is within my experience. Our place is going to look like some sort of weird encryption camp with all the difference alphabets. If, after the sample year, dd12 decides to study Russian, or Hindi (among others) it will get even better.
Here is a picture for you to enjoy - dd13 (when she was dd1) and her uncle.
(She is the one who is upside down.)
And that is all I want to say about that.
Public schools in our area get back to their lessons at the end of this week. Since our home school is changing locations in the near future, we are putting off the official lessons until things have settled. Until then we will have sporadic review lessons and the sorts of lessons that can be taught a few minutes at a time, or while doing other things.
dd13 has expressed interest in art, drawing and animation in particular. She also wants to study Japanese. Which means I get to study Japanese. We have been creeping along slowly for a few weeks and both of us are enjoying it. Later in the school year we will take a field trip to a sushi restaurant, or try some easier Japanese recipes here at home. Since I am thousands of miles out of my comfort zone, it will be an adventure. I don't even know HOW to eat sushi.
dd12 says she doesn't have any idea what foreign language she wants to study. So, I devised a combo language/world geography social studies curriculum. We'll pop around the globe, studying countries and cultures, as well as a sampling of the language. Then, next year she can choose which she like and we will focus on that.
dd11 is still focusing on general subjects. I actually haven't finished planning out everything she will be doing. Of course, she gets to tag along on our popping around the globe. She says she wants to study Greek, which is within my experience. Our place is going to look like some sort of weird encryption camp with all the difference alphabets. If, after the sample year, dd12 decides to study Russian, or Hindi (among others) it will get even better.
Here is a picture for you to enjoy - dd13 (when she was dd1) and her uncle.
(She is the one who is upside down.)
Friday, July 15, 2011
So...it comes to this
My house and I hate each other. It hates me and I hate it right back. (It started the feud, not me. I used to like this house.)
We are currently preparing for foreclosure. I haven't shared this with many people because I am embarrassed about the whole matter. It isn't my fault, though. When we bought this house we were making $85k / year and for the last 2 years earnings have gone to more like $40-$45k. I am already doing just about everything I can to keep expenses down. If I pinch our pennies any further I may face a class action lawsuit. Though, "Pennies v Housewife 2011" isn't likely to make the headlines, not when so many other people face similar situations.
We have been looking at rentals in the area that we can afford and that aren't dumps. There are a few if you are willing to live outside of town. We found one today that we are comfortable with. We'll hear Monday or Tuesday if the owner is comfortable with us. I am optimistic, but trying not to get my hopes up too high.
I am ready to get started moving, but only because I am ready to be done moving. I need to go this weekend and see about getting some boxes. We have some from moving a few years ago, and some from purchases we have made, but no where near enough to move all of this, even after the planned do-we-really-need-this purge. I may be asking friends around town if they have any. I may also be stalking the rear of local stores. If my dishes end up smelling like bananas, you'll know why.
Anyway, pray for a favorable landlord, patience in moving, and nice weather at the turn of the month.
For you enjoyment...a marigold from dd13's flower box, before the heat did it in.
We are currently preparing for foreclosure. I haven't shared this with many people because I am embarrassed about the whole matter. It isn't my fault, though. When we bought this house we were making $85k / year and for the last 2 years earnings have gone to more like $40-$45k. I am already doing just about everything I can to keep expenses down. If I pinch our pennies any further I may face a class action lawsuit. Though, "Pennies v Housewife 2011" isn't likely to make the headlines, not when so many other people face similar situations.
We have been looking at rentals in the area that we can afford and that aren't dumps. There are a few if you are willing to live outside of town. We found one today that we are comfortable with. We'll hear Monday or Tuesday if the owner is comfortable with us. I am optimistic, but trying not to get my hopes up too high.
I am ready to get started moving, but only because I am ready to be done moving. I need to go this weekend and see about getting some boxes. We have some from moving a few years ago, and some from purchases we have made, but no where near enough to move all of this, even after the planned do-we-really-need-this purge. I may be asking friends around town if they have any. I may also be stalking the rear of local stores. If my dishes end up smelling like bananas, you'll know why.
Anyway, pray for a favorable landlord, patience in moving, and nice weather at the turn of the month.
For you enjoyment...a marigold from dd13's flower box, before the heat did it in.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Scorpius and Antares
Thursday the girls and I spent the day cruising around Memphis. In addition to the Zoo, which we have been to so many times over the last 6 years that we no longer need a map, I decided that the Pink Palace would be a nice way to cool off and still learn something.
The Pink Palace has a museum, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium. We did not have a chance to see the IMAX.
The museum has natural history displays as well as some of the history of the city itself. It was interesting. Dd12 lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw the geology hall. (Homeschool mom takes notes, starts to plan science lessons for the fall...) We are still talking about the quartz crystal the size of our television.
The highlight of the visit was the Sharpe Planetarium. dd13 has always loved the sky and I figured even the less enthusiastic girls would like it. I was correct.
The program was different from what I saw when I went to a planetarium as a kid. This was just a pretty straight forward exploration of the Summer night sky from the southern USA. It focused on Antares, in the Scorpius constellation. From there we were shown how to find Vega, Altair, Deneb, Arcturus, Spica, and Polaris. We all walked out feeling rested (I loved those seats!) and educated.
I didn't realize HOW educated until last night (Friday.) JD and I returned home from our bimonthly budget date to a parking spot and walk toward the house that matched the orientation of the planetarium screen.
"Hey! There is Scorpius! And that star there in the middle is Antares," I said. I stopped and gawked for a few minutes. (It was a good night for gawking.) After a short time the girls started coming outside to see what we were looking at. As each one saw something she knew the name of the excitement level rose. All of us cursed the trees around the edge of the yard that are so lovely during the day.
"I can't see the Summer Triangle because of the trees!"
"The big dipper WOULD be over there, but the trees are in the way!"
"Is there a way to turn off the light on the pole?"
"This is SO cool!"
"We can't see the scorpion's tail because the house is in the way."
"Go get the binoculars!"
A trip to a museum that was pretty much chosen because it was indoors and air conditioned turned into a whole lot more. We all had a great time last night. Now I need to figure out where we can go nearby that has a larger open space and as little light pollution as possible.
I want to see what else we can see.
Here is a picture from Thursday that was NOT taken at the Pink Palace.
It is of a giraffe.
The Pink Palace has a museum, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium. We did not have a chance to see the IMAX.
The museum has natural history displays as well as some of the history of the city itself. It was interesting. Dd12 lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw the geology hall. (Homeschool mom takes notes, starts to plan science lessons for the fall...) We are still talking about the quartz crystal the size of our television.
The highlight of the visit was the Sharpe Planetarium. dd13 has always loved the sky and I figured even the less enthusiastic girls would like it. I was correct.
The program was different from what I saw when I went to a planetarium as a kid. This was just a pretty straight forward exploration of the Summer night sky from the southern USA. It focused on Antares, in the Scorpius constellation. From there we were shown how to find Vega, Altair, Deneb, Arcturus, Spica, and Polaris. We all walked out feeling rested (I loved those seats!) and educated.
I didn't realize HOW educated until last night (Friday.) JD and I returned home from our bimonthly budget date to a parking spot and walk toward the house that matched the orientation of the planetarium screen.
"Hey! There is Scorpius! And that star there in the middle is Antares," I said. I stopped and gawked for a few minutes. (It was a good night for gawking.) After a short time the girls started coming outside to see what we were looking at. As each one saw something she knew the name of the excitement level rose. All of us cursed the trees around the edge of the yard that are so lovely during the day.
"I can't see the Summer Triangle because of the trees!"
"The big dipper WOULD be over there, but the trees are in the way!"
"Is there a way to turn off the light on the pole?"
"This is SO cool!"
"We can't see the scorpion's tail because the house is in the way."
"Go get the binoculars!"
A trip to a museum that was pretty much chosen because it was indoors and air conditioned turned into a whole lot more. We all had a great time last night. Now I need to figure out where we can go nearby that has a larger open space and as little light pollution as possible.
I want to see what else we can see.
Here is a picture from Thursday that was NOT taken at the Pink Palace.
Monday, June 27, 2011
I must have a fever.
No, I suppose I don't really; I just feel like I do. It is so darn hot, and the AC in this decrepit old house isn't worth a hill of beans. (At roughly $1 for a 1 lb bag, a hill of beans isn't really a good measure of the lack of value in something.)
I let dd13 drive the car around in a deserted parking lot yesterday afternoon. No, of course she isn't old enough to drive, it was sort of a pre-lesson. We both had fun and the starts and stops were noticeably less jerky after we had been practicing for a few minutes. She had a lot of fun. Still, I am glad it will be a few years before things get serious on this topic.
Here is a pic of dd10 almost a year ago on her birthday. We went to the park and took loads of photos. Some of them came out wonderfully.
I let dd13 drive the car around in a deserted parking lot yesterday afternoon. No, of course she isn't old enough to drive, it was sort of a pre-lesson. We both had fun and the starts and stops were noticeably less jerky after we had been practicing for a few minutes. She had a lot of fun. Still, I am glad it will be a few years before things get serious on this topic.
Here is a pic of dd10 almost a year ago on her birthday. We went to the park and took loads of photos. Some of them came out wonderfully.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Sewing recently and a tree
The current hobby du jour (is that redundant?) is sewing. I managed a handbag from a pattern. It came out nicely. Although, Since I wanted to work from stash (that is, use fabric I already own rather than shopping for new) it is not what I would have chosen for a handbag (since I am not a 10 year old girl) I think it may end up going to a munchkin for her birthday. Still, fabric choice aside, it is well constructed (for a first attempt) and I am proud.
My writing has stalled as I try to decide what it is I actually want to write. I have a number of story ideas crying to be let out; at least, they cry until I sit down at the computer; then they are silent and leave me to figure out what to do.
A tree fell on our house last month. Minor roof damage, nothing huge. It was a bit of a shock, though, going outside and seeing a tree on the house.
Here is DH and the roofer looking at what needs to be done.
My writing has stalled as I try to decide what it is I actually want to write. I have a number of story ideas crying to be let out; at least, they cry until I sit down at the computer; then they are silent and leave me to figure out what to do.
A tree fell on our house last month. Minor roof damage, nothing huge. It was a bit of a shock, though, going outside and seeing a tree on the house.
Here is DH and the roofer looking at what needs to be done.
I'll spare you the "It's been a long time" bit.
I have been actively ignoring this blog. I feel bad that I haven't posted. I feel as if there is no way anyone could be interested in what I have to say. I have been in the dumps a bit, really, with no actual reason to be there. I have been neglecting my writing, as well, and mean to snap out of that. I am tired of the couch potato life, but may have started to sprout, so getting up is going to be difficult.
So, I'll try to get something here at least every week. But don't hold your breath. I'd hate to be responsible for the asphyxiation of someone who actually DID want to read my writing.
Now, I shall search for and upload an completely unrelated photo, because...what the heck.
The space shuttle exhibit at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
It has been a couple of years since we visited. Might look into going back.
So, I'll try to get something here at least every week. But don't hold your breath. I'd hate to be responsible for the asphyxiation of someone who actually DID want to read my writing.
Now, I shall search for and upload an completely unrelated photo, because...what the heck.
The space shuttle exhibit at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
It has been a couple of years since we visited. Might look into going back.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Quest
Over the last few weeks I have been researching my family history. I realize I have been rather sloppy about it, taking the word of previous researchers as fact without verifying or sourcing the information. All fine and good when it is just a bit of fluff and a hobby. Until I stumble upon something really interesting...
I have (sloppily) traced my grandmother's family back to royalty. Cool. But then there is this voice in the back of my mind saying, "Are you sure? Just because this person said that this person told them that someone else said...that doesn't exactly make for concrete proof." So, I am going to refocus on that particular line to document as much of the information and family line as I can. The more solid sources, the more likely the information is accurate.
And if I cannot find the sources, then it is just a legend, a tale that may or may not be true. (Still cannot bring myself to completely let it go.)
I'll let you know.
I have (sloppily) traced my grandmother's family back to royalty. Cool. But then there is this voice in the back of my mind saying, "Are you sure? Just because this person said that this person told them that someone else said...that doesn't exactly make for concrete proof." So, I am going to refocus on that particular line to document as much of the information and family line as I can. The more solid sources, the more likely the information is accurate.
And if I cannot find the sources, then it is just a legend, a tale that may or may not be true. (Still cannot bring myself to completely let it go.)
I'll let you know.
Friday, January 7, 2011
4 to 8 inches of snow expected
I know my friends in Canada and Minnesota will laugh, but everyone here is in a tizzy over the forecast 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) of snow for us here in Mississippi. We generally only get a whopper like that once every decade. If it does get that bad everything will be shut down.
One of the benefits (drawbacks?) of home schooling is that we don't worry about snow days. We can still have lessons. Of course, the girls get to play in the snow (when we have it) whether schools are out or not.
We'll try to keep warm here. You all do the same in your cozy homes.
We now conclude this Mississippi weather announcement and return you to your regularly scheduled furniture rearranging or quilt piecing.
One of the benefits (drawbacks?) of home schooling is that we don't worry about snow days. We can still have lessons. Of course, the girls get to play in the snow (when we have it) whether schools are out or not.
We'll try to keep warm here. You all do the same in your cozy homes.
We now conclude this Mississippi weather announcement and return you to your regularly scheduled furniture rearranging or quilt piecing.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!
Wow! Last post was in March. That can either be interpreted as nothing having happened or too much going on. Either way...
I would like to post more often, but I won't make any promises.
Plans for possible blog posts include; my garden (sorry you missed that this year. It went well.), my hobbies (right now quilting, tatting, crochet, knitting, and photography), my daughters (ages 13, 12, and 10), my wonderful husband, my falling-apart house, and whatever else comes into my head.
One of my resolutions is to take at least one photo every day to document 2011. If I manage, I will try to remember to post then here.
Other resolutions include losing weight, being a better teacher, and getting back to my writing. We'll see how that goes.
Jan 1, 2011 Photo - Family Tree Quilt I made for my mother-in-law's birthday gift.
I would like to post more often, but I won't make any promises.
Plans for possible blog posts include; my garden (sorry you missed that this year. It went well.), my hobbies (right now quilting, tatting, crochet, knitting, and photography), my daughters (ages 13, 12, and 10), my wonderful husband, my falling-apart house, and whatever else comes into my head.
One of my resolutions is to take at least one photo every day to document 2011. If I manage, I will try to remember to post then here.
Other resolutions include losing weight, being a better teacher, and getting back to my writing. We'll see how that goes.
Jan 1, 2011 Photo - Family Tree Quilt I made for my mother-in-law's birthday gift.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Dia duit!
I have begun (in earnest) studying the Irish language. I had puttered around with it in the past off and on, but decided to really give it a go. I am really enjoying myself.
Dd 11 says I sound like I am choking in the back of my throat. I need to work on making my CH sound more subtle, but still distinguishable.
The program I am using is imersion based, which means they aren't actually EXPLAINING anything, just showing pictures and saying ... something ... in Gaeilge. I have to learn to recognize what they are saying, repeat it, and (I hope) figure out what it means. It is actually working pretty well. Though, I do miss having someone spell out exactly what I am learning.
The pronunciation is the hardest part and I am sure I have a terrible accent. With time and practice I think it will get better.
It is nice to learn some of the language of my ancestors. It makes me feel like I haven't totally been disconnected from where my family came from, well, the Irish side that is. I don't know if I could handle Norwegian. ;)
Sla'n ! (How do you put accent marks using an American keyboard?)
That means Good-bye.
And, for your visualy enjoyment...
Dd 9 constructing her gingerbread (graham cracker) house back in December.
Dd 11 says I sound like I am choking in the back of my throat. I need to work on making my CH sound more subtle, but still distinguishable.
The program I am using is imersion based, which means they aren't actually EXPLAINING anything, just showing pictures and saying ... something ... in Gaeilge. I have to learn to recognize what they are saying, repeat it, and (I hope) figure out what it means. It is actually working pretty well. Though, I do miss having someone spell out exactly what I am learning.
The pronunciation is the hardest part and I am sure I have a terrible accent. With time and practice I think it will get better.
It is nice to learn some of the language of my ancestors. It makes me feel like I haven't totally been disconnected from where my family came from, well, the Irish side that is. I don't know if I could handle Norwegian. ;)
Sla'n ! (How do you put accent marks using an American keyboard?)
That means Good-bye.
And, for your visualy enjoyment...
Dd 9 constructing her gingerbread (graham cracker) house back in December.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Movie / Book Review Time!
My husband recently told me, with a cute little pouty face, that his favorite blogger had not posted in a while. I told him Zirbert had a life and family and day job and everything, so not to be upset. He told me he had been talking about Palai Eboulethen. Yeah, well, I have a life and family and all that. Plus, most of my online communiques have been sent out via Facebook or, more rarely Twitter. Sorry this old stand-by has been a little neglected.
+++++
Book Slash Movie Review Time!
Recently I (and then two of my daughters, the hubby, and brother) read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series of children's books by Rick Riordan. (Not kiddie-picture books. These were written for the Harry Potter, Chronicles of Prydain crowd. Perfect for my 11 and 12 year old kids, and me, who never managed to fully grow out of a rolling fantasy adventure.) I read the books before I knew there was a movie coming out, but recently enough to be delighted by the news.
Which should I start with, Book Review or Movie Review? Well, I could mix them together.
Both were EXCELLENT.
The movie took the usually shortcuts of leaving out some scenes and characters completely for time considerations, which I have come to expect and I do cut movie makers some slack for that. Still, the camp was cut drastically short and I really missed Mr. D, who did not appear in the movie at all. Also missing from the movie was Clarisse, whom I did not miss.
There were changes to the story that I don't understand as well, as they would have had little effect on the run-time of the movie. Why remove all mystery about who Percy's father was? Figuring that out was part of the fun of the first book. It added a touch of mystery. Oh well. I do suppose they would have had to extend the camp scenes in order to bring the mystery out and explain it. Still, that would have been a good thing. Characterizations suffered for the rush through slow parts to get to the excitement.
They changed the "law" from THE BIG THREE (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades) SHALL NOT HAVE CHILDREN to GODS CANNOT HAVE CONTACT WITH THEIR DEMIGOD OFFSPRING. What is up there? I realize that the Law covered a series of books originally, but only one movie here, but still... The books were way cooler on this. Since when do movies NOT set up for sequels? That is pretty much standard practice now-a-days, yes? It is as if the studio did not expect the movie to do well and therefore made sure their story could fully be told in only one film. On some level I can respect that, but the extended story was better.
Removing the theft of Hades' helmet was a choice I guess I can understand, but I think the book made more sense. Maybe they thought it would make the movie too much longer (which I do not agree with) or they thought that the theft of another powerful magic/divine item/symbol would cloud the plot for viewers, which I can see them thinking, but also do not agree with. The multi-faceted plot to start a war with the gods made more sense than everyone trying to gang up on Zeus by getting his bolt.
+++++
The acting was passable where the main children were concerned. The girl playing Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) looked so much like Tiffany Amber Thiessen, that if I didn't know Ms, Theissen was an adult now (having seen her on a few episodes of White Collar) I would have thought it was her. (Ironically, Miss Daddario also played a part on White Collar, though I never saw any resemblance between the two actresses there. Then again, I do not remember them ever appearing together.)
The boy playing Percy needed a haircut, but that is somewhat regrettably in style these days and can be forgiven, I guess.
Grover was fantastic. The Lotus dancing scenes were a treat.
The background children were a bit wooden. The campers fighting did not look natural at all. It was painful to watch. Again, if the camp scenes had been extended the director and casting agents might have paid more attention or been more picky. *sigh*
The adults were fabulous. Pierce Brosnan, always so debonair as a slick Remington Steele or James Bond, was WONDERFUL as the hairy, gruff, centaur warrior Chiron. Outstanding!
I would not have chosen Sean Bean for the roll of Zeus, myself. And I would have been wrong. He was amazing.
It was too bad Athena was little seen in the movie. The lovely Anna Kanakarides was wasted on a one-line part. Too bad. She was great. She should have had more to do. (The fake accent was unnecessary, though. I blame the director, not Ms Kanakarides.)
Uma Thurman as Medusa was incredible. When I saw her name in the opening credits I expected she would be playing Athena, or Aphrodite (who was woefully cut out of the film) but she was a treat as the slick and stylishly evil Medusa. Very cool.
I loved Rosario Dawson's Persephone. That character was so much better than the one presented in the book. Persephone has always been one of my favorite mythological characters. There isn't much written about her actual personality, but I had filled in the gaps with my imagination. Riordan's imagination was very different than my own, but the movie was more in line with what I liked. And leaving Demeter out entirely, if she were going to be like the book's version, was a wise choice.
+++++
There were parts of the movie that were really great. The CGI effects were very well done.
I have never been particularly impressed by the story of Theseus and the Minotaur, but after seeing the fight between that monster and Percy last night, I have to give that beast more respect, I would not want to meet him in real life.
The Hydra scene was an IMPROVEMENT on what was in the book. The Nashville, TN Parthenon location beats the St. Louis arch hands down for atmosphere that fits the Mythology-in-Modern times setting of the story. And the Hydra was ... (running out of adjectives) mind-blowing! Much better than a chimera and an echidna...oops, excuse me...much better than a chimera and Echidna. (I did really miss the "I am the Mother of all Monsters, not an egg-laying hedgehog! I hate Australia!" line, though.)
+++++
Despite how much I liked the movie, there was one glaring (to me) area where they fell down on the job. Blame it on my being a classics major.
Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, seems to have done his homework well when it comes to accurately presenting ancient Greek mythology. His acknowledgments include classics professors and I was not able to find any mistakes in his ancient facts as presented (even to explaining how the eternally virginal Athena could have a daughter.) The modern lives, facts, and circumstances are his creation, but still remain true to the personalities presented in mythology. The movie took all that and just washed it away for the sake of ... I don't know what.
#1 (minor complaint) How hard is it to have contacts for Annabeth and Athena so their eyes are GRAY instead of blue? If ancient bards and historians made a point of telling us what color Athena's eyes are, why just ignore it? (I admit, that is very minor.)
#2 No Cerberus? That scene from the book was really cute. Time, I guess. But the presence of the three-headed dog guardian is a staple when heroes are journeying into the Underworld. Could it be that the movie creators were afraid of being compared to Harry Potter? Yeah, well, that was inevitable, so changing the MYTHOLOGY to suit hypothetical critics smacks of insecurity. Probably the same insecurity that led to the removal of the Oracle and her prophecy / set up for sequels. Boo to the movie guys!
#3 The Lotus Eaters were not EVIL!!! They were, in fact, quite friendly. They had what they thought was a great life and had no problem sharing with those they met. They were not evil in The Oddysey and they were not evil in Riordan's book. The movie decided they should try to trap people. Why? To make the scene more exciting? Isn't a casino where all your dreams come true exciting enough? There are flashing lights and games and a roller coaster and dancing; why do you need villains?
+++++
All together, I LOVED the series and recommend it to any child (or adult) who likes a good adventure story. I also recommend it to educators looking for a way to get kids to read AND learn some Greek mythology. I recommend the movie along the lines of former statement, but with a cautious warning concerning the latter, thanks to movie writers apparently not knowing, or caring about, staying true to mythology.
10 out of 10 asterisks for the books **********
8 out of 10 asterisks for the movie (-1 for mythology revisions, -1 for bad sword fighting) ********--
For your visual enjoyment...my number 1 fan. Isn't he handsome?
+++++
Book Slash Movie Review Time!
Recently I (and then two of my daughters, the hubby, and brother) read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series of children's books by Rick Riordan. (Not kiddie-picture books. These were written for the Harry Potter, Chronicles of Prydain crowd. Perfect for my 11 and 12 year old kids, and me, who never managed to fully grow out of a rolling fantasy adventure.) I read the books before I knew there was a movie coming out, but recently enough to be delighted by the news.
Which should I start with, Book Review or Movie Review? Well, I could mix them together.
Both were EXCELLENT.
The movie took the usually shortcuts of leaving out some scenes and characters completely for time considerations, which I have come to expect and I do cut movie makers some slack for that. Still, the camp was cut drastically short and I really missed Mr. D, who did not appear in the movie at all. Also missing from the movie was Clarisse, whom I did not miss.
There were changes to the story that I don't understand as well, as they would have had little effect on the run-time of the movie. Why remove all mystery about who Percy's father was? Figuring that out was part of the fun of the first book. It added a touch of mystery. Oh well. I do suppose they would have had to extend the camp scenes in order to bring the mystery out and explain it. Still, that would have been a good thing. Characterizations suffered for the rush through slow parts to get to the excitement.
They changed the "law" from THE BIG THREE (Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades) SHALL NOT HAVE CHILDREN to GODS CANNOT HAVE CONTACT WITH THEIR DEMIGOD OFFSPRING. What is up there? I realize that the Law covered a series of books originally, but only one movie here, but still... The books were way cooler on this. Since when do movies NOT set up for sequels? That is pretty much standard practice now-a-days, yes? It is as if the studio did not expect the movie to do well and therefore made sure their story could fully be told in only one film. On some level I can respect that, but the extended story was better.
Removing the theft of Hades' helmet was a choice I guess I can understand, but I think the book made more sense. Maybe they thought it would make the movie too much longer (which I do not agree with) or they thought that the theft of another powerful magic/divine item/symbol would cloud the plot for viewers, which I can see them thinking, but also do not agree with. The multi-faceted plot to start a war with the gods made more sense than everyone trying to gang up on Zeus by getting his bolt.
+++++
The acting was passable where the main children were concerned. The girl playing Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario) looked so much like Tiffany Amber Thiessen, that if I didn't know Ms, Theissen was an adult now (having seen her on a few episodes of White Collar) I would have thought it was her. (Ironically, Miss Daddario also played a part on White Collar, though I never saw any resemblance between the two actresses there. Then again, I do not remember them ever appearing together.)
The boy playing Percy needed a haircut, but that is somewhat regrettably in style these days and can be forgiven, I guess.
Grover was fantastic. The Lotus dancing scenes were a treat.
The background children were a bit wooden. The campers fighting did not look natural at all. It was painful to watch. Again, if the camp scenes had been extended the director and casting agents might have paid more attention or been more picky. *sigh*
The adults were fabulous. Pierce Brosnan, always so debonair as a slick Remington Steele or James Bond, was WONDERFUL as the hairy, gruff, centaur warrior Chiron. Outstanding!
I would not have chosen Sean Bean for the roll of Zeus, myself. And I would have been wrong. He was amazing.
It was too bad Athena was little seen in the movie. The lovely Anna Kanakarides was wasted on a one-line part. Too bad. She was great. She should have had more to do. (The fake accent was unnecessary, though. I blame the director, not Ms Kanakarides.)
Uma Thurman as Medusa was incredible. When I saw her name in the opening credits I expected she would be playing Athena, or Aphrodite (who was woefully cut out of the film) but she was a treat as the slick and stylishly evil Medusa. Very cool.
I loved Rosario Dawson's Persephone. That character was so much better than the one presented in the book. Persephone has always been one of my favorite mythological characters. There isn't much written about her actual personality, but I had filled in the gaps with my imagination. Riordan's imagination was very different than my own, but the movie was more in line with what I liked. And leaving Demeter out entirely, if she were going to be like the book's version, was a wise choice.
+++++
There were parts of the movie that were really great. The CGI effects were very well done.
I have never been particularly impressed by the story of Theseus and the Minotaur, but after seeing the fight between that monster and Percy last night, I have to give that beast more respect, I would not want to meet him in real life.
The Hydra scene was an IMPROVEMENT on what was in the book. The Nashville, TN Parthenon location beats the St. Louis arch hands down for atmosphere that fits the Mythology-in-Modern times setting of the story. And the Hydra was ... (running out of adjectives) mind-blowing! Much better than a chimera and an echidna...oops, excuse me...much better than a chimera and Echidna. (I did really miss the "I am the Mother of all Monsters, not an egg-laying hedgehog! I hate Australia!" line, though.)
+++++
Despite how much I liked the movie, there was one glaring (to me) area where they fell down on the job. Blame it on my being a classics major.
Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, seems to have done his homework well when it comes to accurately presenting ancient Greek mythology. His acknowledgments include classics professors and I was not able to find any mistakes in his ancient facts as presented (even to explaining how the eternally virginal Athena could have a daughter.) The modern lives, facts, and circumstances are his creation, but still remain true to the personalities presented in mythology. The movie took all that and just washed it away for the sake of ... I don't know what.
#1 (minor complaint) How hard is it to have contacts for Annabeth and Athena so their eyes are GRAY instead of blue? If ancient bards and historians made a point of telling us what color Athena's eyes are, why just ignore it? (I admit, that is very minor.)
#2 No Cerberus? That scene from the book was really cute. Time, I guess. But the presence of the three-headed dog guardian is a staple when heroes are journeying into the Underworld. Could it be that the movie creators were afraid of being compared to Harry Potter? Yeah, well, that was inevitable, so changing the MYTHOLOGY to suit hypothetical critics smacks of insecurity. Probably the same insecurity that led to the removal of the Oracle and her prophecy / set up for sequels. Boo to the movie guys!
#3 The Lotus Eaters were not EVIL!!! They were, in fact, quite friendly. They had what they thought was a great life and had no problem sharing with those they met. They were not evil in The Oddysey and they were not evil in Riordan's book. The movie decided they should try to trap people. Why? To make the scene more exciting? Isn't a casino where all your dreams come true exciting enough? There are flashing lights and games and a roller coaster and dancing; why do you need villains?
+++++
All together, I LOVED the series and recommend it to any child (or adult) who likes a good adventure story. I also recommend it to educators looking for a way to get kids to read AND learn some Greek mythology. I recommend the movie along the lines of former statement, but with a cautious warning concerning the latter, thanks to movie writers apparently not knowing, or caring about, staying true to mythology.
10 out of 10 asterisks for the books **********
8 out of 10 asterisks for the movie (-1 for mythology revisions, -1 for bad sword fighting) ********--
For your visual enjoyment...my number 1 fan. Isn't he handsome?
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Best Gift I received of 2009
Amazon Kindle
I love it! We are far enough from large bookstores to feel a crunch. There are book stores in Oxford, but they tend to be small and not necessarily carry the books I want. Add to that my health problems of the past year and you have me, sitting at home not reading new books.
With the Kindle I can download books from home instantly. They tend to be cheaper than even many paperback versions. I was shocked at the selection available. It's HUGE!
I loaded it with kids books for our trip to Kentucky for myself and the girls. They love it as much as I do. (Though once they have read all the new books I loaded on that may fade.)
I love it! We are far enough from large bookstores to feel a crunch. There are book stores in Oxford, but they tend to be small and not necessarily carry the books I want. Add to that my health problems of the past year and you have me, sitting at home not reading new books.
With the Kindle I can download books from home instantly. They tend to be cheaper than even many paperback versions. I was shocked at the selection available. It's HUGE!
I loaded it with kids books for our trip to Kentucky for myself and the girls. They love it as much as I do. (Though once they have read all the new books I loaded on that may fade.)
Happy January!
Resolution time!
I fully realize that I almost NEVER keep my resolutions more than a few days, let alone for always. The longest I went was March once.
This year may go the same way, but if I don't try then I am guaranteed to not make a change.
I found some very interesting, Bible-based health books. The primary one in the group is What Would Jesus Eat? (Yeah, I made fun of that the first time I saw it in the book store too.) But it is basically the Mediterranean style diet that has been pushed for a few years as being the most healthy for humans, with a generous dash of scripture and history tossed in.
Also included on my new reading list are books by the same author on biblically treating diabetes, high-blood pressure, and arthritis. Now, these are more than "Pray and if you have enough faith God will send a miracle" books (though prayer is certainly a part of the mix) They rely more on clearing out much of the pollution modern "conveniences" have brought to our bodies, and especially come down hard on guck like fast food.
I know this isn't going to be an easy change. I have eaten like a modern American for all my life. Truth be told, it hasn't served me well, but I am attached to what I know.
For now I am reading through the books and drinking more water and less soda. The really interesting changes come when I start seeing what I can do about eating fish (a lot) and whole grains. Cutting out red meat and processed carbs is not as easy as it sounds.
I'll keep you up to date.
Here is Amazon's Don Colbert list
http://www.amazon.com/Don-Colbert/e/B001IQXMG4/ref=sr_tc_2_0
For your phot-viewing wonder! I present dd9 doing her school work. Enjoy!
I fully realize that I almost NEVER keep my resolutions more than a few days, let alone for always. The longest I went was March once.
This year may go the same way, but if I don't try then I am guaranteed to not make a change.
I found some very interesting, Bible-based health books. The primary one in the group is What Would Jesus Eat? (Yeah, I made fun of that the first time I saw it in the book store too.) But it is basically the Mediterranean style diet that has been pushed for a few years as being the most healthy for humans, with a generous dash of scripture and history tossed in.
Also included on my new reading list are books by the same author on biblically treating diabetes, high-blood pressure, and arthritis. Now, these are more than "Pray and if you have enough faith God will send a miracle" books (though prayer is certainly a part of the mix) They rely more on clearing out much of the pollution modern "conveniences" have brought to our bodies, and especially come down hard on guck like fast food.
I know this isn't going to be an easy change. I have eaten like a modern American for all my life. Truth be told, it hasn't served me well, but I am attached to what I know.
For now I am reading through the books and drinking more water and less soda. The really interesting changes come when I start seeing what I can do about eating fish (a lot) and whole grains. Cutting out red meat and processed carbs is not as easy as it sounds.
I'll keep you up to date.
Here is Amazon's Don Colbert list
http://www.amazon.com/Don-Colbert/e/B001IQXMG4/ref=sr_tc_2_0
For your phot-viewing wonder! I present dd9 doing her school work. Enjoy!
Monday, November 9, 2009
New TV Review part II
V - Started late in the season (relatively speaking)
I don't feel like going in too much depth.
My first concern was how they would make things interesting when anyone over the edge of 30 remembers the basic gist of the 1980's miniseries. They solved that problem by not making the "reptile-ness" a secret from the audience. (Though it is not know to most characters in the show.)
Altogether, I liked the pilot and will continue to watch.
The teenager is annoying, but I remember being annoyed by Robin (the teenager who got pregnant) in the miniseries, so that comes as no surprise.
Eight out of Ten asterisks ********--
I don't feel like going in too much depth.
My first concern was how they would make things interesting when anyone over the edge of 30 remembers the basic gist of the 1980's miniseries. They solved that problem by not making the "reptile-ness" a secret from the audience. (Though it is not know to most characters in the show.)
Altogether, I liked the pilot and will continue to watch.
The teenager is annoying, but I remember being annoyed by Robin (the teenager who got pregnant) in the miniseries, so that comes as no surprise.
Eight out of Ten asterisks ********--
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Palai Eboulethen's Fall TV Review
New Shows!
(those I bothered to watch)
Eastwick- Everybody is typically in a huff about the "witch thing." Blah, who cares? It is not a how-to on witchcraft. It isn't any more dangerous than Harry Potter (which also caused a hubbub), or Charmed (ditto), or Bewitched. I do not know of anyone protesting Elizabeth Montgomery's studio, blah blah blah. Then again, I was not around when it was new. I just saw reruns that nobody cared a whit about.
That said, this is not a great show. It goes too far out of its way to be sexy. It would have been better if it had not. Now, I realize that sex is a major part of the novel (or so I have heard) and the movie that the series is based on. OK, I get that. They go too far here, though. I never would have guessed something could make me wish for the days of Charmed. But here you have it.
The worst part is I am enjoying the rest of the story. I don't know if I can watch it though. Too much sex. Maybe if I were a 20-something who wasn't getting any I would find it enticing. As it is, not so much.
Two out of Ten asterisks **........
Stargate Universe- Wow! OK, there is a lot to say. Originally my post was going to be about how firing the gifted cameramen of SG1 and SGA was a mistake. And that the budget cuts that led to them borrowing someone's camcorder rather than using the steadycam were regrettable. The more recent episodes have let go of the "found footage" feel that had become oh-so-chic. Thank goodness! No need for me to make the snide comment about the Sci Fi Channel airing the bastard love child of Stargate and Battlestar Galactica. (But seriously! Why cancel those shows if you are going to replace them with a mixed up duplicate?)
As to more recent episodes...I am left with wondering who at the Sci Fi Channel (I refuse to call it SyFy, which my entire brain says should be pronounced SIFFY) chose that the problem with Action Adventure Science Fiction was the Action and the Adventure. If things do not get interesting I am going to have to bail, and that really makes me sad, since I really WANT to like this show and am willing to give it all kinds of slack just because it is SG.
I cannot be interested in a show about a raving megalomaniac trying to save a bunch of whiners. Especially when all he is trying to save them from is Suffocation, Starvation, and Slow, Boring Death.
Three out of 10 asterisks ***.......
Flash Forward- my first thought when I heard about this concept (after the "Oo, this might be interesting!) was...but what will happen once they reach the point they all saw? Where will the series go after that? I suppose we'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there.
So far I am really enjoying the mystery and attempt to piece together what happened. I could do without some of the angst, but I can see where it would actually be there if this were real. (Believe it or not, many science fiction fans, myself included, are real sticklers for whether something in their shows happens as it would if this were real life.) If "Oo,woe! my marriage is going to end!" or "Oo, woe! why didn't I see anything?!" get's too heavy, the show will get boring. So far the writers seem to have the right mix of pace and mystery. We'll see if they can keep it up.
Seven out of Ten asterisks *******...
Wow! I cannot believe that I am only watching 3 new shows. I would have worn it was more. Oh well, nothing else interested me enough to bother. I know V doens't start for a little while. We'll see how that goes. I am not sure how they are going to pull it off when everyone remembers the story from the 1980's miniseries. And I miss Morena Baccarin's hair. It was SOOO lovely! Why is it cut so short?!
(those I bothered to watch)
Eastwick- Everybody is typically in a huff about the "witch thing." Blah, who cares? It is not a how-to on witchcraft. It isn't any more dangerous than Harry Potter (which also caused a hubbub), or Charmed (ditto), or Bewitched. I do not know of anyone protesting Elizabeth Montgomery's studio, blah blah blah. Then again, I was not around when it was new. I just saw reruns that nobody cared a whit about.
That said, this is not a great show. It goes too far out of its way to be sexy. It would have been better if it had not. Now, I realize that sex is a major part of the novel (or so I have heard) and the movie that the series is based on. OK, I get that. They go too far here, though. I never would have guessed something could make me wish for the days of Charmed. But here you have it.
The worst part is I am enjoying the rest of the story. I don't know if I can watch it though. Too much sex. Maybe if I were a 20-something who wasn't getting any I would find it enticing. As it is, not so much.
Two out of Ten asterisks **........
Stargate Universe- Wow! OK, there is a lot to say. Originally my post was going to be about how firing the gifted cameramen of SG1 and SGA was a mistake. And that the budget cuts that led to them borrowing someone's camcorder rather than using the steadycam were regrettable. The more recent episodes have let go of the "found footage" feel that had become oh-so-chic. Thank goodness! No need for me to make the snide comment about the Sci Fi Channel airing the bastard love child of Stargate and Battlestar Galactica. (But seriously! Why cancel those shows if you are going to replace them with a mixed up duplicate?)
As to more recent episodes...I am left with wondering who at the Sci Fi Channel (I refuse to call it SyFy, which my entire brain says should be pronounced SIFFY) chose that the problem with Action Adventure Science Fiction was the Action and the Adventure. If things do not get interesting I am going to have to bail, and that really makes me sad, since I really WANT to like this show and am willing to give it all kinds of slack just because it is SG.
I cannot be interested in a show about a raving megalomaniac trying to save a bunch of whiners. Especially when all he is trying to save them from is Suffocation, Starvation, and Slow, Boring Death.
Three out of 10 asterisks ***.......
Flash Forward- my first thought when I heard about this concept (after the "Oo, this might be interesting!) was...but what will happen once they reach the point they all saw? Where will the series go after that? I suppose we'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there.
So far I am really enjoying the mystery and attempt to piece together what happened. I could do without some of the angst, but I can see where it would actually be there if this were real. (Believe it or not, many science fiction fans, myself included, are real sticklers for whether something in their shows happens as it would if this were real life.) If "Oo,woe! my marriage is going to end!" or "Oo, woe! why didn't I see anything?!" get's too heavy, the show will get boring. So far the writers seem to have the right mix of pace and mystery. We'll see if they can keep it up.
Seven out of Ten asterisks *******...
Wow! I cannot believe that I am only watching 3 new shows. I would have worn it was more. Oh well, nothing else interested me enough to bother. I know V doens't start for a little while. We'll see how that goes. I am not sure how they are going to pull it off when everyone remembers the story from the 1980's miniseries. And I miss Morena Baccarin's hair. It was SOOO lovely! Why is it cut so short?!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Palai Eboulethen's TV Fall Season Review
This may come as a surprise to you, since I have said in the past that my family does not subscribe to cable TV, but I LOVE watching good TV. The adjective in that sentence is the main reason I do not feel "deprived" by not having cable. There are some shows I do enjoy, and they are generally available to watch online now, so I can enjoy what I do want without much of what I do not. (I also hope that online viewings are kept better track of than the antiquated Neilson ratings, so that my actual preferences get some consideration. I could be too optimistic there, though.)
So, to the shows I have seen recently, we'll begin with returning series...Hmm, should I go alphabetically, in order by weekly broadcast, by age, popularity? I know, worst to best in my opinion. Or should I go best to worst?
WORST to BEST
Smallville- I have loved Smallville for years. I like the Superman mythos, I liked the writing and acting in the show. Our (my husband's and mine) main complaint was too much teen angst, but seeing as it was a WB (and later CW) show, we cut it some slack there. (That would be like complaining about too much sportiness in an ESPN series.) BUT...this season, after one episode I am left with a deep sense of "Why should I care?" followed by "Meh" I'll tune in this week, but if I am not grabbed by the brain and shaken it will be the last time.
Two out of Ten asterisks **........
Heroes- Ditto **........
Bones- Seems to be progressing much as it has in the past. This isn't a bad thing, since it was a great show. They are, however, dallying very close to crossing the Moonlighting line, wherein they relieve the romantic tension and the spark goes out of the show. Things may go differently, I hope they do. Besides all that, I have no complaint about the season so far.
Five out of Ten Asterisks *****.....
The Mentalist- I am glad that Season 1 did not resolve the Red John serial killer plot line, but I am also glad they have backed off a little. The best part of this show is the way Patrick Jane interacts with the witnesses/suspects and the CBI team.
Five out of Ten Asterisks *****.....
Dollhouse- This was one of my most looked-forward-to premiers. That is possibly simply out of the joy that it managed to have a Season 2 premier at all. So far it isn't ruined or changed too badly. I was worried that Joss Whedon, out of trying to answer other people's problems with the show, would change Echo too much, bring out too much Caroline. The problem is, I didn't like Caroline, I liked Echo. If she changes, I want her to evolve forward, not backward. So far, so good this season.
Six out of Ten Asterisks ******....
Ghost Whisperer- The addition of a child to an established series is often seen as a kiss of doom to an already failing show. Ghost Whisperer may or may not be on it's last legs, but they circumvented the Baby Blues by skipping 5 years in the first episode. I think it was a good move. It remains to be seen whether Aiden will be a benefit to the show or not.
Six out of Ten Asterisks ******....
Numbers- Likewise (see above) moving esptablished characters relationships to other levels. The season premier spent most of its hour without Amita answering Charlie's proposal (we thought.) I think that was a good move, making the answer not as important as other things going on. The show might continue as before. I hope it does. It has been a nice departure from my normal Sci Fi/Smart Comedy TV menu.
Six out of Ten Asterisks ******....
Dexter- Another show that made changes, this one BOTH taking a realtionship to another level and adding a baby. Oddly enough, it seems to have enriched things, at least for the viewer, and at least in the first episode. I still cannot verbalize why I even like this show that I didn't expect to like, but when I gave it a chance, I did; and the marriage and baby hasn't ruined it so far. Keep that up.
Seven out of Ten Asterisks *******...
Fringe- This show has shaken off a lot of my friends' "X-files" clone complaints and really made itself worth watching. I actually like it better than X-files. I have never liked when a show uses amnesia for any reason other than comedic effect, and then they only get to do it once. But, Olivia's amnesia seems to be useful right now, so I'll cut them some slack.
Eight out of Ten Asterisks ********..
Supernatural- Talk about bringing out the BIG GUNS! The show went from hunting ghosts and vampires to demons, then angels got in on the actions and now Lucifer walks and Cas wants to find God. Wow! It does make for some interesting TV. (I can accept fictionalized views of religion if done with respect. So far it has been, as much as can be expected from a battle-hardened warrior who feels put upon by the powers-that-be.) My main concern is, where do they go from here? No matter how this season turns out, really, where can you go after pulling out all the stops like this?
Eight out of Ten Asterisks ********..
Castle- Ah yeah, Baby! This show rocked last season and the first episode in this was just as fabulous. I was a little worried that the Becket's Mom's murder case deal would cloud over the fun with (gasp!) a plot arc, and it still thereatens, but it hasn't interfered too badly so far, and the hilarious team of Castle, Becket, and those other two guys rolls on. This is one of my favorite shows.
Nine out of Ten Asterisks *********.
Next time on Palai Eboulethen's unpronounceable blog...NEW Fall Shows (the ones that at least looked interesting enough to try out.)
*************************************************************
Bleeding Heart Barbie is so happy! Now that President Obama runs the car companies, every car can be a hybrid and stop killing the world. Yay!
So, to the shows I have seen recently, we'll begin with returning series...Hmm, should I go alphabetically, in order by weekly broadcast, by age, popularity? I know, worst to best in my opinion. Or should I go best to worst?
WORST to BEST
Smallville- I have loved Smallville for years. I like the Superman mythos, I liked the writing and acting in the show. Our (my husband's and mine) main complaint was too much teen angst, but seeing as it was a WB (and later CW) show, we cut it some slack there. (That would be like complaining about too much sportiness in an ESPN series.) BUT...this season, after one episode I am left with a deep sense of "Why should I care?" followed by "Meh" I'll tune in this week, but if I am not grabbed by the brain and shaken it will be the last time.
Two out of Ten asterisks **........
Heroes- Ditto **........
Bones- Seems to be progressing much as it has in the past. This isn't a bad thing, since it was a great show. They are, however, dallying very close to crossing the Moonlighting line, wherein they relieve the romantic tension and the spark goes out of the show. Things may go differently, I hope they do. Besides all that, I have no complaint about the season so far.
Five out of Ten Asterisks *****.....
The Mentalist- I am glad that Season 1 did not resolve the Red John serial killer plot line, but I am also glad they have backed off a little. The best part of this show is the way Patrick Jane interacts with the witnesses/suspects and the CBI team.
Five out of Ten Asterisks *****.....
Dollhouse- This was one of my most looked-forward-to premiers. That is possibly simply out of the joy that it managed to have a Season 2 premier at all. So far it isn't ruined or changed too badly. I was worried that Joss Whedon, out of trying to answer other people's problems with the show, would change Echo too much, bring out too much Caroline. The problem is, I didn't like Caroline, I liked Echo. If she changes, I want her to evolve forward, not backward. So far, so good this season.
Six out of Ten Asterisks ******....
Ghost Whisperer- The addition of a child to an established series is often seen as a kiss of doom to an already failing show. Ghost Whisperer may or may not be on it's last legs, but they circumvented the Baby Blues by skipping 5 years in the first episode. I think it was a good move. It remains to be seen whether Aiden will be a benefit to the show or not.
Six out of Ten Asterisks ******....
Numbers- Likewise (see above) moving esptablished characters relationships to other levels. The season premier spent most of its hour without Amita answering Charlie's proposal (we thought.) I think that was a good move, making the answer not as important as other things going on. The show might continue as before. I hope it does. It has been a nice departure from my normal Sci Fi/Smart Comedy TV menu.
Six out of Ten Asterisks ******....
Dexter- Another show that made changes, this one BOTH taking a realtionship to another level and adding a baby. Oddly enough, it seems to have enriched things, at least for the viewer, and at least in the first episode. I still cannot verbalize why I even like this show that I didn't expect to like, but when I gave it a chance, I did; and the marriage and baby hasn't ruined it so far. Keep that up.
Seven out of Ten Asterisks *******...
Fringe- This show has shaken off a lot of my friends' "X-files" clone complaints and really made itself worth watching. I actually like it better than X-files. I have never liked when a show uses amnesia for any reason other than comedic effect, and then they only get to do it once. But, Olivia's amnesia seems to be useful right now, so I'll cut them some slack.
Eight out of Ten Asterisks ********..
Supernatural- Talk about bringing out the BIG GUNS! The show went from hunting ghosts and vampires to demons, then angels got in on the actions and now Lucifer walks and Cas wants to find God. Wow! It does make for some interesting TV. (I can accept fictionalized views of religion if done with respect. So far it has been, as much as can be expected from a battle-hardened warrior who feels put upon by the powers-that-be.) My main concern is, where do they go from here? No matter how this season turns out, really, where can you go after pulling out all the stops like this?
Eight out of Ten Asterisks ********..
Castle- Ah yeah, Baby! This show rocked last season and the first episode in this was just as fabulous. I was a little worried that the Becket's Mom's murder case deal would cloud over the fun with (gasp!) a plot arc, and it still thereatens, but it hasn't interfered too badly so far, and the hilarious team of Castle, Becket, and those other two guys rolls on. This is one of my favorite shows.
Nine out of Ten Asterisks *********.
Next time on Palai Eboulethen's unpronounceable blog...NEW Fall Shows (the ones that at least looked interesting enough to try out.)
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Bleeding Heart Barbie is so happy! Now that President Obama runs the car companies, every car can be a hybrid and stop killing the world. Yay!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Sept. 11 Tribute - Doreen J. Angrisani
Doreen Angrisani
Doreen J Angrisani was born in Queens, New York and lived there with her sister and brother-in-law.
She worked for Marsh & McLennan for 23 years. She started as a clerical worker and over time worked her way up to management. Something like that takes hard work and dedication. But, her job was not her life. Form all that I can find, Doreen loved the finer things in life, family, good music, and Mets baseball.
Wherever I read about Doreen, either from fmaily memorials or notes left by former coworkers, her love of classic rock music is mentioned. For that reason I ca't think of a more fitting memorial than to add some MUSIC to my normally silent blog. I chose songs I hope Doreen would have approved of.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Under Attack
Last weekend's battle of the driveway ended in a draw, although our side did manage to rescue one hostage. Both sides continue to eye one another warily without making any overt moves to continue hostilities.
Recent intelligence reports, however, indicate that covert maneuvers by the enemy are attempting to flank our position and take the bunker from the rear. Sneaky devils! Another hostage has been captured! Rescue attempts cannot be put into action for another 24 hours. By that time, who knows how far the enemy may have advanced?
This battle has been brutal all season. In past years, initial forays were met with swift retribution and incursions were stopped before they could gain a foothold. Unfortunately, last year the bunker's new generals were somewhat lax in their continued surveillance and security measures. That, coupled with injuries and fatigue this year have left a prime opportunity for invasion. If it isn't stopped soon, we may be overrun completely!
(Last week we cut back some of the weeds in our driveway, but only moderately took after the kudzu. It is mostly around the edge of the drive where we do not drive, so it has been ignored, this year and last. It does creep in bit by bit.
Kudzu on the parking lot, where we do not drive.
The kudzu had grown up and was starting to cover one of our fir trees (bushes) but we cut it back and got the poor thing free.
The freed hostage (view from my bedroom window.)
I just saw that kudzu around the side and back of the house, where no one ever goes, has grown up into and all over one of the holly bushes in the rear. It is very close to the house and if we leave it it will start covering the walls.
Kudzu growing up holly bush. I had to look out the back window at an odd angle to see it. (Pay no attention to spider webs. I figure if I leave them long enough I won't have to decorate for Halloween. It isn't procrastination, it is preparation!)
The kudzu on the holly is perfectly visible from my daughters' bedroom windows. Did they think to mention it? NO)
Daughter's window. Why wasn't this reported? (Could she be a kudzu agent?)
Small sample of what kudzu can do. There are trees under there!
Recent intelligence reports, however, indicate that covert maneuvers by the enemy are attempting to flank our position and take the bunker from the rear. Sneaky devils! Another hostage has been captured! Rescue attempts cannot be put into action for another 24 hours. By that time, who knows how far the enemy may have advanced?
This battle has been brutal all season. In past years, initial forays were met with swift retribution and incursions were stopped before they could gain a foothold. Unfortunately, last year the bunker's new generals were somewhat lax in their continued surveillance and security measures. That, coupled with injuries and fatigue this year have left a prime opportunity for invasion. If it isn't stopped soon, we may be overrun completely!
(Last week we cut back some of the weeds in our driveway, but only moderately took after the kudzu. It is mostly around the edge of the drive where we do not drive, so it has been ignored, this year and last. It does creep in bit by bit.
Kudzu on the parking lot, where we do not drive.
The kudzu had grown up and was starting to cover one of our fir trees (bushes) but we cut it back and got the poor thing free.
The freed hostage (view from my bedroom window.)
I just saw that kudzu around the side and back of the house, where no one ever goes, has grown up into and all over one of the holly bushes in the rear. It is very close to the house and if we leave it it will start covering the walls.
Kudzu growing up holly bush. I had to look out the back window at an odd angle to see it. (Pay no attention to spider webs. I figure if I leave them long enough I won't have to decorate for Halloween. It isn't procrastination, it is preparation!)
The kudzu on the holly is perfectly visible from my daughters' bedroom windows. Did they think to mention it? NO)
Daughter's window. Why wasn't this reported? (Could she be a kudzu agent?)
Small sample of what kudzu can do. There are trees under there!
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