More posts from the last third of September . . .

Sept 2oth

I just returned from a dentist appt. It turned out my dentist had broken his arm "cleaning his pool" Saturday night and wanted to reschedule. Huh. Seems to me I remember seeing him wearing a Brewers road jersey and stumbling through Pick 'N Save's parking lot drunk off his ass at 2am the night of the 'pool accident'. My bad; must have been some other Indian dentist who drunkenly waved hello to me . . .

Sept 21st

I worked last night and missed the premiere of NBC's "The Event". I've heard it's the Lost of this decade, which seems like a tall order. Did anyone see it? What's your verdict? [I still haven't seen an episode]

Old yet glorious news, and worth another look. [wipes tears of joy from his eyes] (Alex Rodriguez became the 1st player in MLB history to notch 100 RBI's in 14 different seasons)

We watched Bill Clinton on Letterman last night. Sure, it meant I had to put up with Dave's Lewinsky-worthy love for the guy [retch], but I was still expecting to be entertained; politics aside, Bill is good TV. Alas, he seems to have lost a few steps in the wake of his heart problems. It's sad, really. What was w/ the grade school tectonic plates lesson? Or his habit of quoting studies w/out referencing a source?

If Elmo doesn't want to play with you Katy, then I will. And you won't need those silly dress up clothes. Or any clothes at all, for that matter. (this was in response to Katy Perry's sexy & ultimately controversial appearance on Seasame Street. The show has now removed the video from Youtube.)

Anytime you predict failure you have an excellent chance of being right.

I'm sitting on my porch reading my Nook & enjoying the evening rain. Meanwhile the Evil Four are watching Honey I shrunk the Kids in our living rm and driving Lisa nuts. Shame i'm not inside to help, hee hee.

Sept 22nd

I was happy to see that Glee came back as strong as ever, & I can't wait to see the Britney epis. next wk.

When Taio Cruz's 'Dynamite' comes on the radio everyone starts singing along, and I've caught the kids singing the line "I told you once, now I told you twice" at home many times. The last time the song was on the radio i was distracted & didn't join in. Smiley interrupted me from the back seat by saying "This our song. Why you not singing?"

Do I contradict myself? Wel then, I contradict myself. I am large. I contain multitudes. - Walt Whitman

I just finished 'Dexter by Design' (bk #4), a very good addition to the series & a welcome recovery from the debacle of bk 3.

Sept 23rd

Wed evening we watched the premiere of "The Whole Truth". We were not impressed, finding it nothing more than a cookie cutter courtroom drama. C. OTOH, Hell's Kitchen was great fun, in large part because of the fine cast of piss poor, ghetto-riffic cooks they've cobbled together this season. B+

I've finally finished watching the last of this season's Dr Who. Just this morning I voiced skepticism over the season's overall story arc (the 'cracks in time') but I'm happy to say Moffatt pulled it all together quite nicely. So, for the yr: a great new Dr, quite possibly the hottest companion ever (Amy), the first married couple/companions in the show's run, and a 1st rate writing team - I'm psyched for Season 6!

I've enjoyed reading about the 1876 Catalpa rescue of Irish prisoners from their Australian exile.

Sept 24th

There were 13 honeymoon couples on board the RMS Titanic. One couple survived. The others were lucky.

The End of an Era

NFL.com is reporting that Brett Farve is officially inactive tonight, ending his consecutive game streak.

Hey!

YaYa, to her friend @ dinner, once she giggled at one of my jokes: "Please don't laugh @ his jokes Romy, it only encourages him"

A Future Actress?

Lisa was fencing w/ the kids tonight, using gift wrap tubes as swords. At one pt Junie was 'stabbed' by Lu. She jerked suddenly. Her eyes went wide, her mouth fell open, & she spread her arms out and fell straight backwards, her posture rigid. BAM! She hit the floor. It surprised the heck out of us, and we stood their like fools. Then she got up & did it again. And again. And again. The kid's a heck of an actress.

A trip to the park

Here's some great pics of a trip I took to the park on Sept. 25th w/ my three youngest kids.

I took a lot of flack on Facebook for the pictures, as they clearly show that Ginger was barefoot. To cut short any debate here, she had socks and shoes but refused to wear them. Obviously, while it was chilly, she didn't feel it was too cold to go barefoot, and as an experienced father of four I can tell you this: I have bigger things to worry about than the whims of a goofy three year old.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World

Got home from work around 10:30 last night and put in 'Scott Pilgrim vs the World'.  I didn't know anything about it going in, so when it started all the zaniness my only thought was, WTF?? It was certainly different, but in an entertaining way. I enjoyed it, and for once Michael Cera played a character other than a wimpy, passive kid.

 Even when the kids don't wake this early, I still do....ugh...  - Lisa

Quote

No one has the right *not* to be offended - Ricky Gervais on why people should lighten up

Some FB posts about sports, Benson, books, and the end of 'As the World Turns'

Sept 16th

LuLu is in the dining room reading "The Mouse who Wanted to Marry" to the little ones. Despite a bad cold, she is reading with impressive inflection and emotion; her ma's genes at work. Well done.

I just finished "Dearly Devoted Dexter", the 2nd in Jeff Lindsay's series about serial killer/vigilante/crime lab worker Dexter Morgan. I have to say, it feels a little creepy to laugh out loud during dismemberment scenes; but aside from a novel premise, great characters, and a solid plot, the books are flat-out FUNNY. I tip my hat to you, Mr. Lindsay. Well done sir, well done.

Sept 17th

Today As the World Turns will end its 54 year run on CBS. RIP. I have many fond memories of watching this soap as a kid - the Tom/Margo/Hal saga, the Dusty/Holden/Lily triangle, Stefano . . . ATWT, you'll be missed.

[Robert Plant's 'Band of Joy']is a very good album. Buy a copy.

Sept 18th

Lu last Monday, as we spent an evening of "Dad/Lu" time.



A rule of Life, as certain as death and taxes: However much you hope otherwise, damn near everything told to a person - even in the strictest most pinkie swear confidence - will find its way into the ears of their spouse.

It kind of surprises me, but I like Jerry Lee Lewis' new album 'Mean Old Man'. The Killers voice is still nasty, and the CD is worth the price

Sept 19th

CC Sabathia wins #20 for the first time in his career as my Yanks move to 90-58 on the year.

News from the Philippine's: troops clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen, killing a terrorist wanted since 2001 for the killing of three Americans and 17 Fillipino's during the takeover of a hospital. Good riddance, and a job well done.

Just finished 'Dexter in the Dark', bk #3 in the series & by far the weakest. Demonic possesion? Really? My objection isn't spiritual one. I just think it's far more fun to think of Dex as just one royally f'ed up dude. C.

3 INT and a fumble in the end zone that was recovered for a TD . . . tsk tsk. Time to call home and ask Boss Deanna's permission to retire and do some hillbillin' Brett.

I heard an incredible catch by Ryan Braun on the radio today on the way home from work. The kid has put up some fine D in left field this year.

IMO, the best thing you can say about the Carter Presidency is that it inspired the sitcom 'Benson'. Still, I must call douche on DJ's who labeled Carter's recent comments "sour grapes" against Ted Kennedy and a 'cheap shot when he [Ted] isn't around to defend himself'. Wrong. As early as his bio "Keeping the Faith" he accused Ted of sabotaging health care reform for his own political gain. This is nothing new,nor is it cowardly.

The Disappearance of Alice Creed

Watched 'The Disappearance of Alice Creed', a harsh but tidy British crime thriller that stars only 3 actors and takes place largely in one room. Alice Cred is brutally kidnapped & kept chained to a bed while her ransom is negotiated. Soon she begins a battle of wits, attempting to divide her captors and gain the upper hand. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't - with unpleasant results. Very well made.

A One and a Two

One, and only one good moment yesterday: When it came time for Junie to get off the bus I told LuLu the driver would only release the kid if you did a dance first. 

"Here let me show you," I said, "A one and a two . . ." and started a disco move on the porch. 

"DAD!," Lu yelled, and started physically shoving me inside. "Go away! You are such an embarrassment! Go! DAAAAADDDD!"

Prayers for Sister Virginia

St Adalbert's alum: I ran into Sr. Kathleen today. She told me Sr. Virginia has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer related to asbestos exposure, and is in very bad shape.

1939: Countdown to War by Richard Overy

Finished 1939: Countdown to War by Richard Overy. It's a very small book (124 pgs of text; in height/width it's not much bigger than a CD case), yet it manages to convey a large amount of information re: the outbreak of WWII. I learned a lot, which I'll pompously call surprising. In fact I may pick up a copy to add to my personal library, to supplement the volumes I have on the war itself.

What's the pt of having your ear pierced if you can't wear three safety pins 'round the house once in awhile?

- a FB post and pic from mid September

A Bad Day

 What a shitty day, before 9 am, I quit my new job, our van broke down (alternator) and our computer keyboard took a dump leaving our comp useless until now. Tomorrow has to be better. At least my boss won't complain how much space I take up anymore....bitch! - Lisa

Some People

I needed a jump start outside Junie's school. B4 my Good Samaritan could pull in an some guy parked 5ft from my front bumper. There was 20 ft of clear space in front of him, so I asked him politely to scoot up. "In five minutes," he said. "U wait.". My response included "You're a f-ing a-hole".

FB mid September - elections, books, flags and more!

Sept 12th

I finished 'Body Work' by Sara Paretsky. The writing was good, but it seems to rely on character over plot, which is a problem when much of the oomph lies in the the fact the PI is a woman.That may have been a nice gimmick in the '80's, but not today. As to that plot - conspiracy, conspiracy, blah blah. 'Cuz, you know, no one is murdered by anything less than a secret corporate plot. I grade it a C.

It is my deeply held belief that anyone who insists on backing into a parking spot @ a public venue is a pompous ahole w/ far too high an opinion of their own worth.

LuLu with a pumpkin she decorated at Grandma's:

Sept 13th

I just finished "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay, the 1st in the series that inspired the show "Dexter". It's great fun, give or take a torturous death or two. What really makes it tick is the playful voice of Dexter himself as he narrates the action. I'm going to read more in the series.

RIP 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' actor Kevin McCarthy, age 96

Ok - election day is less than 24 hrs away. My picks? Gov: SCOTT WALKER Lt. Gov: KLEEFISCH Senate: RON JOHNSON Congress (4th): DAN SEBRING. And, if I was in State Assembly District 20, MOLLY MCGARTLAND. In my own assembly district 19, I vote for KRISTA BURNS, not because of her party, but because a district that encompasses Bay View should have a rep w/ an address in, gosh, I don't know, Bay View.

Sept 14th

An accident near the airport has knocked down a Cricket tower, leaving most of the south side w/out mobile service. So if you're trying to call me, try FB'ing instead.

And . . . the polls are closed. Hope y'all voted today. As usual I took YaYa with me after school, but all that meant was that I had to give her my "I Voted" sticker. Sooooo not fair.

The French senate has approved a ban on the burqa. ‎"Given the damage it produces on those rules which allow the life in community, ensure the dignity of the person and equality between sexes, this practice, even if it is voluntary, cannot be tolerated in any public place." Jeesh - whodathunk I'd grow increasingly fond of the French?

The phones are still down. I have a land line, but truthfully I don't even know where we keep the phone; it's certainly not plugged in. Anyhow, I called the service dept to find out when the tower was going back online. A nice Indian woman who insisted on calling me "Mr. Daniel" said she would be happy to assist me but alas, failed to back up her claim.

We bought this flag two or three years ago at the Fireside [Theater], but first put it up this week. Sure it's cheese. But this is Wisconsin. We like cheese here ;)

A Dream

Talk about life imitating art. I dreamt I was called to a high rise office builiding, all sterile steel & glass. Try as I might, I couldn't reach the top floors - the stairs were Penrose stairs, ala 'Inception', & the whole builidng was nothing but a ruse to keep me busy. There was more (an intentional disqualification in a tournament/contest, ending w/ violence) but it's the staircase that stands out in my memory.

That's a Little Harsh

Dan Ackroyd is on Jimmy Kimmel in the other room. What a lousy guest. Listen to this guy for a minute and you understand why his career has been in the shitter since Reagan's 2nd term.

Cricket rocks

I don't understand why every cell phone user isn't w/ Cricket. . No signed contracts, unlimited txt/talk/web for a great rate, coverage that's expanding all the time, free 411(!), & great phones. (The Blackberrry-esque phones we use are 2 of the best purchases I've made in yrs). Is it the urban 'stigma' of the brand? If so, OFW. Why pay $30 more a month for crap service and dubious charges w/ someone like Sprint?

Keep Your Shoes On!

So glad #4 is the last...don't think I could handle the whole 'lets unbuckle and take of our socks and shoes' stage with another 3 year old again. This time I made her walk inside w/ no socks and boots...I know I'm horrible...but nothing else has worked so hopefully that will! My luck it will backfire and I'll just have a sick kid to take care of tomorrow....sigh. - Lisa

Lil Blue Eyes

 

St Nick's 2010

You'll have to forgive the latest Slapinions hiatus, as my Internet service was down for a few weeks. I can update my Facebook page from my phone, but it's a wee bit harder to orchestrate a blog post via that method :)

This Sunday night/Monday morning was the celebration of St. Nick's, a warm-up to Christmas which is widespread here but which is apparently limited to the German-influenced cities of the Midwest. Let me know if the tradition extends to your neck of the woods, as it certainly is a practice that deserves a wider audience.

We slowly chipped away at the stockings over the last few weeks. Each kid got a minimum of some Silly Bandz, a holiday themed Coca-Cola bottle, a small amount of candy, and some socks. Sunday evening, with severe cold on the way for the AM, we picked up a pair of gloves for each child and added them to the mix.

Smiley and Ginger each got a character-themed bath set (Spongebob and Dora, respectively) and YaYa got a 3 DVD set of funny animal videos I bought on super clearance. We also picked up a copy of Taylor Swift's Christmas CD for her, as YaYa is a HUGE Swift fan.

LuLu got a sticker album for the movie Tangled that I found at the Dollar Tree, and a panda bear Lisa found at a rummage sale (Panda's are her favorite animal).

As she's always complaining about not having as many CD's as her sister, we picked up a copy of Selena Gomez's latest for her. She also got a great big can of black olives to enjoy!

Lisa bought me a Farmville gift card (yippee!) and I got her a copy of Ke$ha's newest CD.

All in all, a very nice, very happy, surprisingly robust looking St. Nick's 2010. Good planning Mom and Dad!

Inception

I just finished watching 'Inception', a film we tried and failed to see in the theater and so eagerly awaited on DVD. My verdict: I liked it, but I don't think it lived up to the hype. The idea sounds imaginative, but in reality (no pun intended) it all came off a little literal and rigid on screen, no? I think the visuals mask a failure in imagination that could have made a very good film into a masterpiece.

In lieu of another season of HK on DVD, we started Season 5 of Top Chef. It's not as fun as HK & the endless product placement is repulsive, but it'll do. Now starting Survivor Vanatu.