Pumpkin Carving

Well, since they're rotting on my porch as we speak, I reckon it's about time to post pictures of our pumpkin carving, circa 2009. Note our lovely, original-to-the-house 1892 farm sink in the first photo.









The best part of this business are the seeds of course, and Lisa has perfected the preparation process. Something about salting the water before boiling, I think . . .









Smiley's pumpkin . . .





Here's YaYa's Club Penguin entry . . .





And LuLu's moon and stars . . .

Knowing

I liked this movie. A lot.

Fifty years ago a time capsule is buried at an elementary school, and included in its contents are the frenzied scribbles of the class oddball.

When the capsule is opened in the present day, Professor John Koestler's (Cage) son is given the note and sneaks it home. The seemingly random numbers on the page are anything but; they are the date and longitude/latitude of every large scale disaster of the last half century.

There is one set of numbers left, and the date is fast approaching.

* * *

It doesn't take long to figure out that the final predicted event is going to be a doozy, but the script does a fine job of pacing events so as to keep each revelation a surprise. There were a few plot points that were 180 degrees from what I expected, and the film is genuinely creepy at times. I caught myself shaking off a shiver now and again.

Is the complexity of the riddle a ridiculous means of passing on the information? Of course. A simple "hey, looks what's gonna happen!" would have been much smarter - but then we wouldn't have a movie :)

Again, a good film, and worth the rental.

3.2 out of 4

Slapinions is Five Years Old!

Five years ago today this blog was born.

That was right after the 2004 election, and I'd spent many a month writing 600 word pieces and emailing them to friends and family (most of whom, I'm sure, deleted them unread). Then it dawned on me. I read a lot of blogs, I admired a lot of blogs, I enjoyed writing. Why the heck wasn't I blogging?

And so I did. There's not much more to say about the birth process, other than I give Lisa full credit for the blog's title, a combination of my last name and "opinions". Kudos on that hon.

A blink of an eye later and here we are,five years and 1468 published posts later. Five years - that's a respectable run for most marriages nowadays. Color me impressed.

Will Slapinions be around for a grand 10th celebration? I guess we'll just have to wait and see ;)

Oh, and to all those who've stopped by to say hello over the years, a sincere "Thank You". I could do it without you, but it wouldn't be half as fun.

Great TV

Just finished watching the Dr. Who episode "Turn Left". Great episode, wonderful character development, and a grand performance from Catherine Tate. Here endeth my dork status report for the night.

Beneath Still Waters

I'm told the movie version of this book was so gawd awful it isn't worth watching, even for laughs. If you've seen it, my apologies - but don't hold that against the book. It's actually a pretty strong effort by Mattew J Costello.

Fifty years ago the town of Gouldens Falls was submerged beneath a man made lake, sacrificed to a dam project that seemed to be very quickly conceived and carried out, almost as if there was something to hide in the town. Now, as the anniversary of the dam approaches the town is beginning to stir, and from the depths an evil once contained has risen to claim its place among us.

It's a pretty darn good book, full of suspense and a few genuine scares. There's good characterization, a decent plot, and a sturdy if pedestrian writing style.

Well done.

2.9 out of 4

LuLu sings a Jonas Brothers song

Ah, listening to Jonas Brothers sing "I fell in love with a pizza girl, now I eat pizza, now I eat pizza, now I eat pizza everyday" while LuLu sings along perfectly, note for note.

YaYa's 3rd Grade Photo - fall 2009

My Mom was hospitalized today. Any extra prayers would be appreciated.

What's Wrong with the Office?

Is it just me, or is Pam on the Office really annoying since she got engaged (now married)? The character seems off this season. I get the sense the writers are a bit unsure of how to handle her now that Jim/Pam is resolved.

Nothing to Look Forward To

Heading off to bed. Lu had two teeth pulled yest evening, so I'm sure this morning will be a happy, joyous parenting experience.