google.com, pub-4909507274277725, DIRECT, f08c47fec0942fa0 Slapinions

Search This Blog

Sunday, November 13, 2011

The Beaver

Last night we watched Jodie Foster's "The Beaver", a stunning examination of the impact mental illness has on a family. It's the rare script I wish I could take credit for, and Mel Gibson's nuanced performance was spellbinding. He is a man of incredible talent, & kudos to Foster for thumbing her nose @ the powers that be and casting him. A++

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Pearl Harbor Christmas: A World at War December 1941 by Stanley Weintraub

I finished reading "Pearl Harbor Christmas: A World at War December 1941" by Stanley Weintraub. It's an account of the first month the US spent in WWII, and while it was a decent read I'd classify it as "History Lite" (think a one hour PBS special, as opposed to an in-depth, well sourced treatise). 

Anyhow, I did enjoy the breathtaking story of the "Robert E Peary", a freighter that escaped Japanese detection in the Pacific, survived fierce friendly fire, and managed to limp into Port Darwin, Australia nearly intact.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Smiley and his lady



Smiley and his "wife" of two years, Tempe


Gizmo

Gizzie ~ How odd to think this cat out lived Maddie , Cocoa and everyone else !! Stolen any ham lately :) - Katie 

My Four

Five Chiefs: A Supreme Court Memoir by John Paul Stevens

I finished reading 'Five Chiefs: A Supreme Court Memoir' by retired Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. I learned a lot about the workings of the court, but it was so dry that it seems doomed to be forgotten.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

X-Factor

watching X Factor

Oops

Graphic seen on ABC Nightly News w/ Diane Sawyer: 'Choas reigns on Campus' (sic). Sctuff like that didn't happen when Peter Jennings was alive, let me tell ya.

A People of Hope: Archbishop Timothy Dolan in conversation with John L. Allen Jr

I finished reading "A People of Hope: Archbishop Timothy Dolan in conversation with John L. Allen Jr". It's a book length interview w/ Dolan on many of the issues concerning the Church today. A great read, tempered by Allen's tendency to insert pop culture references into his commentary. I love Dolan's theory of "affirmative orthodoxy" btw.

Elecktra Luxx

Watched "Elecktra Luxx" a film about a recently retired porn star, an adoring blogger/fan, a cheating housewife, and a dead rock star. You'd think it would be raunchy and vulgar, but you know what? It was kind of sweet, and oddly Catholic. Really. A respect for the unborn, an emphasis on love and relationships, and even sincere prayers to the Virgin Mary. An entertaining if odd little film.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Prayers

I'm watching live coverage of the crash on 41/45 near Holy Hill Rd. Two semis, at least 3 cars, and 160 gallons of diesel fuel. Yikes.

Heavy D

RIP rapper Heavy D, age 44

Sleepy Time for Junie

Joe Frazier

RIP "Smokin" Joe Frazier, heavyweight champion of the world and Ali's greatest foe. 

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

A Great and Timely Quote

"It baffles me that grown people must convince themselves that those with whom they disagree are stupid or malevolent," Walt Harrington in 'American Scholar'

Zhu Zhu and Penguins

Today we picked up NINE Zhu Zhu pets (all working, but two not 'running') and one Club Penguin figurine, along w/ various other toys for $5.50. Rock on Value Village, Rock on.

Good Job LuLu!

Yesterday at the school Mass LuLu gave the second reading (Jn 3:1-3). We practiced hard, and I made notations on the script to let her know where to pause and what to emphasize. At the mike she forgot some of it, remembered most, and did an EXCELLENT job overall. Afterwards, at the sign of peace, she hurried up the aisle and gave me a big hug. She was so proud - as was I!