The Rook by Daniel O'Malley and Taken by Robert Crais

 I finished two books today, the first being 'The Rook' by Daniel O'Malley. Myfanwy Thomas wakes up with no memory of who or what she is, but soon discovers she is a high ranking official in a centuries old British agency devoted to dealing with the supernatural. Someone in the agency betrayed her and stole her memories, and oh, by the way - mutants from Belgium are getting set to invade England. I loved the book. It had plenty of action, a great protagonist in Thomas, slime, tentacles, and a lot of humor. A.

The second book of the day? 'Taken', an Elvis Cole/Joe Pike novel by Robert Crais. Cole is hired to find a young Hispanic woman abducted by the drug cartels along the Mexican border.The POV switches back and forth from Elvis, to the girl, to Pike, and let me tell you, it's a nail biter. A few times I got squeamish, anticipating the worst case scenario to come. Grade: A

School Art

 

Raylan by Elmore Leonard

 I finished reading "Raylan", the new novel by Elmore Leonard. It's a Raylan Givens story, aka the character from the TV series "Justified". I love 'Justified' and Leonard's a legend, but . . . I don't know. I've always felt Leonard is overrated. Sure his dialogue is sharp, but he relies on it too much - think Quentin Tarantino. Sometimes you just want the characters to STFU, and it wouldn't hurt to read a description of something once in awhile. I didn't love it. Maybe you will. But my opinion is the one that counts in this here box, so I give it a C.

Friends S2/E1

 watching the 2nd season opener of 'Friends' and repeatedly LOL. Great episode. It was the 2nd episode I ever saw back in the day; small wonder I came to worship the show.

School Deocrations

a school decoration lisa's working on

A Review

Just want to thank you, I had two dear friends who were sick, and I purchased two flower arrangements at the Chase & Oklahoma Piggly Wiggly, they were awesome, and the made a big hit. Thanks again Chase Piggly Wiggly, you are my go to flower store - Grandma J

Breakfast at Tiffany's and 30 Rock

I saw 'Breakfast at Tiffany's" for the first time a few days ago. I don't think it holds up very well after 50 years. But, that could just be me. I would also like to publicly announce that I believe '30 Rock' to be one of the ten best written sitcoms in broadcast history.

Three Movies

 "My Fake Fiance" is a tv movie starring Melissa Joan Hart, aka "Sabrina the Teenage Witch", and Joey "Blossom" Lawrence. I'm pretty sure the only memory they took away from the film was of cashing their checks, but it wasn't bad for what it was; a light, superficial rom-com. C

"Play the Game" is another romantic comedy this time starring TV legend Andy Griffith as a senior citizen whose playboy grandson helps make him a hit with the ladies. It was long for a rom-com but sweet and entertaining, and I'm immature enough to enjoy seeing Andy Griffith talk about Viagra and bumping uglies. B

"Larry Crowne" is a comedy starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Hanks loses his job and returns to college, where he befriends a gang of scooter riders and falls for his teacher (Roberts). It was pleasant, but the script seemed loose (relying on too much fluff and filler early on, then forcing the romance at the last minute). It should have been better, esp. w/ these two in the lead. C+/B-

Junie lining up for Church

 

Big News

I have a longstanding rule not to talk about work online. Think about it: if you didn't know me in 'real' life, would you even know what Job Prior - my career of ten years - was? Howsabout where I work now? Probably not. "Don't sh*t where you eat" is a nice rule I picked up watching the Sopranos, but I'll break it just this once:

On Friday I received word that the long drought was over. I was offered, and accepted, a 'real' job. Not great pay, but a big swing in the right direction.

 That's about all the details you'll get out of me online, but yes, I'm very happy :)

Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwell

Late last night I finished reading "Death of Kings", the newest book in the Saxon tales by Bernard Cornwell. Uthred, the fierce pagan warrior, remains loyal, if indifferent, to Alfred the Great and his quest to unite 9th century England. With Alfred's death Wessex faces its greatest test: a Danish invasion from the north and dissension from within, and Uthred must ride forth, no longer as the shield of the Saxons, but as their sword. A GREAT historical adventure by the master of the form, and even as a devout Catholic I LOL'd at Uthred's blasphemous retorts to the Bishop's who seek to reign him in. Well worth a read. A+

Red Lobster

Just back from a rare trip to Red Lobster, celebrating news I received Friday. I am stuffed full of wasabi rubbed salmon and those damn cheddar biscuits. Busy evening ahead: me thinketh a nap might be just the right dessert.

WOT

Just a quick dork note: I think it's grand that the final book of the Wheel of Time series will see the light of day in the Chinese year of . . .you guessed it, The Dragon. 

Sister Wives

Last night we finished watching Season 2 of "Sister Wives", a reality show about a polygamous family in Utah. I have ZERO problem with a loving polygamous family that obeys the law (well, outside of that pesky 'bigamy' crap). A good show and I hope there's a season three.

Monster Truck Jam

Last night I took Smiley to a Monster Truck rally at the Bradley Center, courtesy of his Cub Scout Pack. We had great tickets only two rows back from the action. (good thing we had ear plugs!). Now personally, I was bored as hell. There's an awful lot of downtime and I have zero interest in trucks/cars/BMX's/ten minute tributes to the American flag, etc. That's just me. Smiley enjoyed most of it, but I was amused to see that he too was generally unimpressed on a whole - when it comes down to it, he's a 6 year old Danny. Still, we had fun. 

Joe Paterno

CNN reports that legendary coach Joe Paterno has died at age 85. He didn't deserve to die a broken man. His vision was obscured by the sexual blinders of his generation, but he still reported the crime, a hell of a lot more than could be expected of many then-75 year olds forced to acknowledge such predators. Hell, there are middle aged adults NOW who think a rape victim 'asked for' it for one imaginary provocation or another. Anyone who thinks that Paterno willingly sacrificed a child is themselves blinded by hate. What a crappy last few months to cap such a long and productive life. RIP.

Some Pics of The Kids Things

Ellie Sparkles

Beowulf

I was stuck at work tonight for two hours after I punched out, waiting for my ride (mainly due to the snow). No bother, as I used the delay to read Seamus Heaney's translation of 'Beowulf' cover to cover. Over the years I've read every bit of Beowulf in various chunks, but this was the first time I've read it straight through so it's the first time it counts for my obsessive "Books Read" list. It is, was, and probably always will be one of my personal favorites. I am also unduly proud to have attended a poetry reading of Heaney's back in the day.

Build A Bear

Etta James

 RIP Etta James, age 77. The music world will miss you

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

In the wee hours of the night I also watched "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest", a Swedish film that concludes the trilogy based on the blockbuster books. It was very good (as was the 1st; the 2nd, so-so), and Noomi Rapace is mucho hot. Yes, I noticed the conspiracy at the center of it is cliche, but big deal. Take note, europhiles who blast America, of the 'trial' in the film. If that's the best their justice system can do, we should all fall on our knees and thank the Founding Fathers right now.

This Film is Not Yet Rated

 Last night we watched "This Film Is Not Yet Rated" a documentary about the MPAA movie rating system. It's a propaganda piece alleging the rating system is censorship, it restricts freedom of speech, blah blah. No. It's a rating system. You can make whatever film you want and deal with the rating or choose not to have it rated at all. Will a 'bad' rating limit distribution? You bet, and good. There's too much sex and violence in films as it is. God help us all if there wasn't …

So Cold the River by Michael Koryta

Last night I finished reading Michael Koryta's "So Cold the River",  a horror novel set in Indiana (as if those poor people don't suffer enough just by living there). 

I'm jealous of Koryta. Not only is he young and prolific, his writing style is beautiful; his "Cypress House" made my 'best of' list of 2011. 

I had to read this novel in spurts, which as always makes me resent it and want to hurry it along, but that's my schedule's fault, not the book's. Keep Koryta in mind as a successor to King. B+/A-

So Cold the River by Michael Koryta

Last night I finished reading Michael Koryta's "So Cold the River", a horror novel set in Indiana (as if those poor people don't suffer enough just by living there). I'm jealous of Koryta. Not only is he young and prolific, his writing style is beautiful; his "Cypress House" made my 'best of' list of 2011. I had to read this novel in spurts, which as always makes me resent it and want to hurry it along, but that's my schedule's fault, not the book's. Keep Koryta in mind as a successor to King. B+/A-

My Life

 just in case you think my life is all 'sit on his butt and watch movies', here was my day, one no doubt mimicked by Lisa 1000x over: take kids to school. Drive to work in snowstorm. Finish shift, go to fabric store for Girl Scout supplies. Pick up two little ones from sitter. Go to grocery store. Put groceries away. Make tacos for dinner. While that is on the stove, run dishwasher and prep clothes for interview tomorrow. Do a load of laundry. Pick up two oldest from play practice. Return home to *eat* dinner. Take out recyclables. Read Lauren a book. Break up 30 fights between the kids. Take oldest to basketball practice. Get gas. Pick up Lisa. Straighten the kitchen. Work on script I'm writing for a local recital. Collect school uniforms and toss them in the washer. Facebook. Sit on butt and watch a movie.

Junie

 

My Thoughts

 A guaranteed vote = guaranteed inaction by those in office

You Take the Good with the Bad

The good? I found my lost credit card, right where it must have fallen from my wallet yesterday. 

The bad? I slipped on the back porch stairs and landed with the edge of one step in the small of my back and another saying howdy just below my neck. Yeah, I'm fine. In fact I got up and took Junie sledding. 

The good? The fall oddly seemed to make my headache better for a bit. 

The bad? I think it was because my sore back soaked up the attention, and the headache resumed a few hours later. 

The good? I have replaced my mobile phone. 

The bad? It's a downgrade from my old one, and what's worse I've lost all my #'s.

Money Never Sleeps & The Sentinel

Ok, yesterday we watched "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps", the sequel to the iconic '80's original.. I think director Oliver Stone must have had trouble deciding where to focus his ire, because to me it seemed listless and devoid of the passion and righteous indignation of the Charlie Sheen vehicle. Michael Douglas was superb and LaBeouf was adequate, but Carey Mulligan, who played Gekko's daughter, should take home an award for Most Lifeless, Boring, Personality Deficient Portrayal in a Motion Picture. Cut twenty minutes from the film and tighten its focus and I'd bump it up a grade, but as is I mark it down for a B/B-.

Meanwhile, over the weekend Lisa & I Netflix'd "The Sentinel", a 1977 horror film about a fashion model whose furnished apartment comes with a catch - it's built over the gates of Hell! I have a deep and unhealthy love for '70's horror films, and this is no exception. But while the movie seems to have been widely well regarded, I thought it was subpar. That's surprising, given the amount of star power at play: Chris Sarandon, John Carradine,José Ferrer, Ava Gardner, Burgess Meredith, Eli Wallach, Christopher Walken, Jerry Orbach, Beverly D'Angelo, Jeff Goldblum and Tom Berenger. On the plus side, lots of boob and butt shots, plus an odd scene where D'Angelo masturbates until orgasm to annoy a guest at a tea party. An odd, but fun movie experience. Grade: C.

Sledding

 

Quite the Day

In the last half hour I have lost my credit card and my cell phone is broken. Nice. Real nice.

How Do You Know?

Last night we watched "How Do you Know?" a rom-com starring Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson and Jack Nicholson. Financially, this film was one of the biggest flops in history, and it's scorned by critics. I enjoyed it, even while I cataloged a host of problems with its script: the extraneous, under-developed Rudd-Nicholson plot; the fact that Reese's character seems less a human being than proverb spouting robot; and of course the fact that in the end she seems to chose the wrong guy for no apparent reason. Still, like I said I liked it. C+/B-

Misc

Miscellaneous: a - this is day 7 a bad, unchecked headache. The Hoff believes it to be caused by a muscle I pulled in my neck, & I believe she is right. Here's hoping it goes the bleep away soon, as nothing seems to be helping. b - w/ Milwaukee now having had its first real snow (~5") so late in the  year I have now come to the conclusion that I would prefer a climate where snow is not *unknown*, but far more rare than it is here c - after having only the right boot for a year, then losing it and finding only the left for TWO more years, I have finally reunited my beloved black steel-toe shit kickers in time for said snowfall. Yay me!

A Message from Grandma Kathy

Hope they told Santa everything they wanted and how good they were.You. both are so cute.Love you. Santa looks so Christmasie. - Grandma Kathy

Country Strong

i just stayed up waaaay too late to watch Gwyneth Paltrow in 'Country Strong'. The script does its job, crafting believable and multi-layered characters and Garrett Hedlund steals the show, IMO. Very solid film and well worth the inevitable exhaustion tomorrow @ work.

The Switch & Rise of the Planet of the Apes

I Redoxed "Rise of the Planet of the Apes" today but watched only 40 minutes before  returning it. Maybe I'll give it another go at a later time, but I was put off by the performance capture technology used to create Caesar. Sometimes I want to watch a movie, not a glorified cartoon. Grade: Incomplete  

OTOH, I rented Jennifer Aniston/Justin Bateman's "The Switch" merely to appease the Mrs. and wound up enthralled by a touching, intelligent romantic comedy. If you didn't go Awwww" during the scene where Wally takes care of Sebastian's lice you have no soul. Grade: a hearty A

Smiley is introduced to Star Wars!

Smiley saw his first Star Wars movie over the weekend, and was excited to tell me about it. He didn't know the name of the film, but mentioned it had a tall gold robot, a little round one, a hairy guy (Chewbacca), a green lightsaber, Boba Fett (our favorite character), and a big monster that could eat people. I'm thinking "Return of the Jedi", though he made no mention of Ewoks or a certain gold bikini. Any guesses?

We were at Bounce Ream this weekend and it was playing in their little theatre area....It was a star wars film, not the first, and the monster had princess Leia captured, and she wasn't in her white robe. Sorry I'm not a Star Wars fan, and I didn't know Smiley was so interested in it either, other than he complained about not being able to hear it....the sound was turned down. - Grandma Jeanne

gotstabe Jedi then. Thx Jeanne

I Said It

Anyone who spends this sunny, 50 degree day excited about the 5-8 inches of snow expected tomorrow is a g-damn idiot with the brains of a donkey.

Home Depot Banks

At Home Depot making banks with the Grandkids - Grandma Jeanne

Yippee!

A picture of  YaYa and LuLu graces page 12 of the new UWM College for Kids catalog, a quote from Lisa is on page 14, and we're pretty sure Smiley is the boy sitting w/ his back to the camera on the cover.

The Conspirator

Tonight I watched "The Conspirator", a film by Robert Redford that follows the military trial of Mary Surratt, the woman hanged for her part in the conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln. It is a well constructed film with a host of great performances, but it clearly seeks to sell the notion that Surratt was innocent. For Redford, her innocence is vital in linking the perceived injustice of the tribunal to the Gitmo courts of today; but he does it subtly, so subtly that ten years down the road the unspoken association will be lost to the viewer. B+/A-

Quote

We cannot absolutely prove that those are in error who tell us that society has reached a turning point, that we have seen our best days. But so said all who came before us, and with just as much apparent reason. When we see nothing but improvement behind us, we are to expect nothing but deterioration before us." - Thomas Mcaulay 1830 

Our Day

After a fierce afternoon argument with Lisa (*completely* her fault, naturally) we're poised to tackle a typical school night: homework (done), dinner (done), I'll take YaYa  to dance class while Lisa attends a room parent meeting. Hopefully we'll finish off the night early enough to catch "The Bachelor". I don't miss cable, but I do miss my DVR

. BTW, Lisa's quote of the week last Monday: [referring to Monica, a bachelorette I was crushing on during the season premiere]. "Well, she does have the 3 B's you seem to love in a woman: beautiful, bitchy, and bisexual".

Congrats to Barry Larkin!

Congratulations to Barry Larkin, the sole player elected to Cooperstown this year by the BBWAA!

Labor Pains & Scream 4

"Labor Pains" is a recent-ish Lindsay Lohan flick about a woman who fakes a pregnancy to avoid getting fired and naturally winds up promoted and has the boss fall in love with her. It wasn't an awful film, but minus Lohan this would have been a TV movie on basic cable. C. 

Also watched "Scream 4", and loved it. It was just as smart and well done as the original. I was put off by Courtney Cox's face however, which had clearly been worked on by a surgeon in the lead up to the film. Sad to see her reach the age where she feels its necessary for her career. A.

'Nuff Said

TEBOW!

Quote

(on symbolism in The Old Man and the Sea): "No good book has ever been written that has in it symbols arrived at beforehand and stuck in . . . I tried to make a real old man, a real boy, a real sea and a real fish and real sharks. But if I made them good and true enough, they would mean many things." - Ernest Hemingway

Quote

If you do not want America to be the strongest nation on Earth, I am not your President. You have that President today. - Mitt Romney

Manny

I just ran into Manny, I guy we lived above back in '97. For those not in the know, he was a crazy drug dealer who served time for carjacking. He looks good, and younger (oddly enough). Said me 2night: "Remember the time we were shoveling snow and this guy walked by, and you whacked him on the side of the head with your shovel, and I asked "WTF was that for?" and you said "Cuz"?" Good times, good times.

Bullies

When I picked up YaYa  from school she was being picked on by a group of girls who accused her of stealing a bracelet, and the principal and her teacher quickly(and loudly) stepped into to squash the incident. Well, I just got an email from her teacher, saying the bracelet in question had been FOUND by a 4th grader and turned into his teacher by the time the accusations began. YaYa is relieved to have been vindicated, and I complimented her teacher for being on the ball.

Nigh Omnipotent by A. Lee Martinez

Time for bed. It's been a long day, but generally a good one. I did want to mention that I finished the book "Nigh Omnipotent" by A. Lee Martinez today. The god who created the universe keels over, leaving chaos and entropy behind. It's up to his estranged and laid back brother to figure out a way to save the universe from certain disaster. And giant eggs with guns. But mostly the certain disaster part. Great fun, as all of Martinez's work is; at 107 pages it's listed as an extended short story, but to me that's at least a novella, so I'm officially listing it on my tally of 2012 reads.

The Three Investigators and the Secret of Skeleton Island

1st thing this morning, after dropping off the kids at school, I fired up a DVD of "The Three Investigators and the Secret of Skeleton Island", a kids movie based on a series of books I worshiped as a kid. As for the movie, it was Goonies-esque and fun (LuLu enjoyed it a lot the other day). It was actually made in 2007 in Germany, but only released here on DVD in '10. A sequel was made in 2009 and presumably will hit shelves here soon.

Yes!

Winter Wipeout is premiering as we speak. Hot dog!

The Future (film)

After work we stopped off at the cemetery to pay our respects to my Big Grandpa, then headed home to a great dinner of meatloaf. Later in the evening (post Winter Wipeout) we watched "The Future". A couple in their mid-'30's decides to adopt a stray cat, but the impending responsibility causes them to over-react and seek radical changes in their lives. It's a semi-dark, very quiet comedy that does a great job of showing the emotional depth of their relationship. I recommend it. B+

25 Years Gone

25 years ago today, on the 1st day back @ school after Christmas vacation, my paternal Grandfather died of lung cancer. RIP Big Grandpa.

Mr. Pollack

I just got word from my Dad that St John Kanty's Boy Scout leader Mr. (Chris) Pollack passed away yesterday of cancer. He was 64. RIP

Um....

Oddest comment I've seen online tonight (and no, it isn't mine) "Most of you probably won't read this, but I would love for nothing more than to become a walrus. I know there's a million people out there just like me, but I promise you, I'm different. On January 11th, I'm moving to Antarctica. I've already cut off my arms and wiggle around on my stomach everywhere I go as I've been training for life on the ice. I may not be a walrus yet, but I promise, if you give me a chance and the support I need, I'll become the greatest walrus ever."

Apollo 18 and Bridesmaids

A few minutes ago I finished watching "Apollo 18", a horror movie culled from 'leaked' Dept of Defense footage of the secret (and fictional) last flight to the moon. It's done Blair Witch/Paranormal Activity style, a technique that should get lost in space itself, thank you very much. Still, while its not like you couldn't see death and mayhem a'comin', it was reasonably well done. No true scares that I recall, but the claustrophobic and isolated lunar landscape helps give you the heeby-jeebies. C/C+

I suppose, just to ensure the hatred of every woman here, that I should finally out myself as someone who thinks "Bridesmaids" was the most over-rated comedy in years. Hey, I rented it expecting to LOL and all that, but nope. None of the characters were people you would want to spend time with; the much ballyhooed 'ad libs' were so blatant that some scenes could pass for a Comedy Sportz gig; the main character was pathetic, latching onto losers to boost her own self esteem & failing even at that; and why is there only one cop in all of Wisconsin, and why is he a f-ing Scot? My take:a wannabee 'Hangover', minus, you know, *the laughter*. C-

Yippee!!

Hot dog! Mitt wins Iowa by eight votes! It's about time the wannabees and never can's drop to the wayside. We need Mitt to get the nomination. He's the best opportunity for this country to reverse 3+ years of lousy, teleprompter 'leadership'.

Cowboys and Aliens

Right after I dropped the kids off at school I fired up a Redbox of "Cowboys and Aliens" with Harrison Ford and Daniel Craig. Lisa initially refused to watch it ("It has cowboys. And aliens. Yeah . . no") but wound up enjoying it. I thought it was a well done, imaginative film that won't win any Oscars but certainly rises above the expectations of a typical Hollywood action flick. B/B+

The Leopard by Jo Nesbo

I've finished reading the first book of the year, "The Leopard" by Jo Nesbo,  a serial killer novel featuring detective Harry Hole (hee hee). It's the latest in a line of Scandinavian crime novels imported in the wake of 'Dragon Tattoo's" popularity. The plot has a gazillion twists and turns, so many I more than once felt exhausted by it all. I'd rate the story itself a B. BUT the writing . . . yowsas. Nesbo has a gift and at times - not always, but often - he makes the words on the page get up and dance a little pirouette for your pleasure. What a gift. A damn fine writer.

Hangover 2

We just got done watching "Hangover 2". It was nowhere near as funny as the original. In fact, I'd describe this as an action/thriller with some laughs, more than a straight comedy, but as such it was pretty good. ( BTW, Bradley Cooper really shined. Kudos to him). B/B-

Iowa

As I write this the results in the Iowa caucuses have Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum separated by 34 votes. I wanted to stay up to see who's crowned the winner, but I've been awake since 6:30 and it's time to say nighty-night. Here's hoping for an inaugural win for Mitt . . .

Big 10 for the Win!

Oohee was that a good Outback Bowl. Congrats MI State! Way to represent the Big 10!

How Was Your NYE?

To our surprise Lulu and Smiley managed to stick it out until midnight proper, so it wasn't exactly Animal House last night. But, to be fair, that little girl can mix a hell of a margarita ;) Hope your New Years Eve went well.