I've had a huge flatscreen since the days of Job Prior. This was an American Appliances. As soon as he heard the opening music Smiley dropped to the floor like a stone and stared watching Star Wars.

5 yrs 5 months since I quit, and yet today I'm craving a cigarette something fierce.

Unholy Night

 I finished reading "Unholy Night" a novel by Seth Grahame-Smith about role the Three Wise Men played in the days after Jesus' birth. Balthazar is an infamous thief and sworn enemy of Herod the Great who stumbles upon the Holy Family while on the run. Despite the misgivings of his own nature he feels compelled to escort the family to the safety of Egypt, all the while trying to avoid the Judean army and keep his two fellow thieves/"Wise Men" in line. Oddly reverent and action packed, I found myself liking this book far more than I thought I would when I picked it up. Grade: B+/A-

The Navidad Incident

I finished reading the winner of the Tanizaki Jun’ ichiro Prize, 'The Navidad Incident: The Downfall of Matías Guili' by Natsuki Ikezawa. It's set in a small island nation in the South Pacific where a tour bus of elderly Japanese WWII veterans dissapears into thin air. The bus is then seen in a scientist's microscope slide, flying alongside a jet, ordering soda at a grocery store, and attending Mass (but refusing Communion). Meanwhile Guili, the benign dictator of the islands, faces a late mid-life crisis, in part because of the arrival of a young holy woman whom he enlists as an advisor. It's a hard book to explain: part comedy, very small part fantasy, and overall an insightful and engaging glimpse into the soul of a troubled head of state. I really liked it. Grade: A

Caught Inside and The Darkest Hour

We rented "Caught Inside", an Australian film about a group of surfers who set out to sea on an extended trip that slowly exposes the madness of one of their own. It seemed like a good movie, except for accents so thick they might as well have been speaking Klingon. Grade: B-

I also watched "The Darkest Hour", a cliche ridden alien invasion film. It was ok, but I'll forget about it in another day or so. Grade: C

B.A.K.

For the first time since Saturday I'm back online, as I've finally ironed out the kinks I created when I moved my computer desk out of the office and into a new location. Expect a slew of posts of no significant value beyond the music of the angels you hear when you read whatever I write.

The Immortals

I watched "The Immortals" the other day. It was what I expected, a moderately well done but forgettable action flick. I will point out that the big ol' hero of the film accomplishes jack diddly doo diddly, so why he was considered a hero is beyond me. Grade: C+

RIP Dick Clark

RIP Dick Clark, age 82. We'll miss you.

Take Shelter

The best DVD I've seen in recent weeks: 'Take Shelter', a 2010 film about a man who is abruptly plagued by visions of an apocalyptic storm. Uncertain if he is slipping into the same madness that claimed his mother's freedom, he becomes obsessed with expanding the storm shelter in his backyard, even if it costs him his job, marriage, and standing in the community. It's a subtle, finely crafted movie that ratchets up the terror in slow increments, aided by a great performance by Michael Shannon. A great movie and I was (obviously) pleased to have rented it. Grade: A+

Junie at Sammy's Taste of Chicago (Hot Dogs)

100 years ago today

April 14th 1:42 PM: Baltic issues iceberg warning. Message given to Captain Smith who relays to J. Bruce Ismay 

 April 14th 5:30-7:30 PM: Temperature drops by nearly 10 degrees to around 33

April 14th 5:50 PM: Captain Smith makes the decision to alter Titanic’s course southwest.

 April 14th 6:00PM: Chief Officer Wilde is relieved by 2nd officer Lightoller on Titanic’s bridge 

 April 14th 7:30 PM Titanic intercepts 3 warning messages from Californian concerning large icebergs.

 April 14th 8:55 PM: Captain Smith returns to bridge from dinner party and mentions clear weather to Lightoller. 

 April 14th 9:20 PM: Captain Smith retires for the night. April 14th 10:00 PM: First Officer Murdoch relieves Lightoller on bridge. The current temperature is 32 degrees and conditions are clear

A belated congratulations to Alex Rodriguez on hitting his 630th career home run, putting him in 5th place all time. Here's looking forward to #763!!!

An Open Letter from Oftencold

 For group discussion:

Tonight, Dan is doing something we've all done in a fit of madness. That is, disassembling and moving his computer to another room.

Now, we all know that no matter how we lie to ourselves and say "this will just take an hour or so, and then things will be better," such a project always turns out drastically different. The cord is too short, the table won't fit, now the sun through the window reflects in the monitor, and so on.

I suspect, that before dawn, the kids are going to have to be told not to repeat some of the extra-special words, most of one short syllable, and all spoken with great zeal that they might hear Dad uttering as he completes this task.

Thoughts?

Last time my Yankees started 0-3 was 1998. All they did that year was win 125 games and the World Series.

BTW, I'll have a column in Wed's Journal-Sentinel.

Poor Rabbit

 This bunny was found outside this morning, presumably the leftover dinner of a local fox.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 Worked all day, then went alone with Lisa to Old Country Buffet, traditionally one of my least pleasurable places to eat. Surprisingly, the food was good and fresh (probably because they were so busy) and the crowd was friendly and polite (probably because there were many families in their Easter best). It was nice to get out w/ Lisa one-one-one for a change.

Meanwhile the kids enjoyed their Easter baskets, and as a big ticket treat (thx in lg. part to some Walmart YaYa's left over from Xmas) I got the kids an internet streaming device for their TV, so they can watch YouTube and Netflix upstairs and live us the heck alone.

 RIP Mike Wallace and Thomas Kincade, and congrats to Prince Fielder on his 1000th career hit today.

 150 yrs ago today US Grant defeated the Confederate forces at the battle of Shiloh.

Sittin on the Porch, Enjoying Spring

 

13 and 1/2 hr work day, but it went very quickly. Extremely tired tho'. BTW, received word from the JS that my latest column will run in next week's paper.

Work went quickly today. Wrote a column and sent it on in the JS. Lisa's making stuffed green peppers, and we are both looking forward to a drink later . . .

Voting in the Primary

 We voted this morning, taking the home-sick-from-school Lulu with us. Lisa's ballot was inexplicably rejected by the machine, leaving the machine out of commission for a minute or so before she was handed a fresh ballot. Anyhow, I grabbed a sample ballot on the way out and per, tradition, took a pic of my choice for President. A few minutes later I saw LuLu erasing my choice.

What are you doing?" I asked. "Uh, doing it the *right* way," she said, promptly marking Obama's name. She also went through the ballot and marked every female name, up to and including Michelle Bachmann.

DWTS was fun to watch - except the bit involving Kate, who makes me look like Gene Kelly. Geesh. She's LOUSY. Anyhow, I voted for Buzz Aldrin ,soley because he's a certified American hero and a good joe. That ticked off Lisa, who feels his lack of ability violates the the spirt of the show. Plus she thinks he pimps the moon too often; but hey, that's his schtick. What's he supposed to sell, the new season of Chuck?

 As I work 13 hours tomorrow (and it's a Friday in Lent anyhow) I spent part of my paycheck in advance by taking the family out to Applebee's after work. The waitress sucked, the kids portions were sized for toddlers, and the kids were so rightfully bored with the long wait. Still, a dinner out is a dinner out, and Lisa walked the kids to the restaurant while I was driving home from work. The sight of my family walking and chatting together was heartwarming.

 Listening to 'Johnny Cash at Folsum Prison' before work. Great album.

Sacre Blue by Christopher Moore

 Today I finished reading "Sacre Bleu" by Christopher Moore. Per the terms I agreed to when I was given the electronic ARC, I am not allowed to comment on or review the novel until after its publication date. That is bull, esp. since the book was good and deserves some word of mouth advertising. But, c'est la vie. I will say there is a great, almost throw-away line in the book. When his young son asks him to explain the word 'rape', a father asks him if he remembers how he explained that he and his wife "make love". When the son responds that he does, the father says "Well, rape is making hate." Well said.

Melancholia

Last night we watched "Melancholia". It was beautifully filmed (the scene of the horses galloping in the fog was breathtaking) but the movie itself was so suffocatingly depressing that we texted a depressed friend to avoid it at all costs, and Lisa was blue for much of today. I don't know how to rate it. It was . . . different.

In yet another switcharoo, the Waukesha Freeman wrote to say my column should run tomorrow (Friday). It will also run Saturday, as scheduled, in the Milwaukee Post. Please pick up a copy - and note that the Freeman website is behind a pay wall so you won't be able to view it online (for free, that is).

Gussy

 

 Some disappointing news today: the Freeman wrote to tell me my column is in limbo, as they will not be the first paper to print it; that 'honor' belongs to the weekly Milwaukee Post which will publish it on Saturday. They may still run it Tuesday morning, on the day of the primary, but I wouldn't bet on it.

Books YaYa Read Recently

 In recent days YaYa has finished reading "Julie of the Wolves", "Babysitting is Dangerous" and (at my request) the wonderful "Ender's Game". She seconded my opinion of Orson Scott Card's signature work.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I finished reading "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins today. I'd heard this was the darkest of the three books (which it was) and that it 'ruined' the series (it didn't). SPOILERS: I would have preferred if Book 3 didn't devolve into a standard shoot 'em up, but I think the growing realization that the rebellion was just the old gov't in different clothing was an important and mature turn of events. I don't like Katniss' decision to host one final Hunger Games - b.s. is what that was - but I loved the climactic scene of Snow's scheduled execution. And that final exchange between her and Peeta "You love me - real or not real?" was perfect. Grade: B

 I had Smiley in my group today at the zoo - he is such a doll. So sweet and polite and kind. He used his $2 to buy an ice cream sandwich to share with two others. And wow, he knows so much about animals! It was fun to spend the day with him - Chris Pl-man

I Squish Your Head

 

My Nook

 

 Whoa - big news: I wrote a piece about Romney, but instead of sending it to the Journal-Sentinel I decided it was time to be bold and try to get my name better known around the state. I submitted it to two newspapers. Today, the response: both(!) wish to print it, and the editor of one *will contact the other* to see who gets dibs. Hot dog!

Update: The Waukesha Freeman has told me they'll be printing my column tomorrow *if* the smaller paper agreed to hold off running it until after the Freeman published. That was still up in the air as of a couple of hours ago, so . . . I may be in the Freeman tomorrow. Or not. Take a look in the morning and let me know one way or the other.

The Hunger Games

 I just got back from seeing "The Hunger Games". Wow. Seriously - wow. They could have raked in a fortune just by slapping something together on screen that loosely resembled the books. They could have, but they didn't. In every shot, in every scene, in every subtle adaptation from print to script, there is a respect for the source material. The best compliment? Absent the existence of the books, I still think this would rank as a damn fine movie. Well done. Grade: a solid, easy A.

Well after midnight I remembered I need to do a load of wash for school, so I was up til maybe 2 or 3. Somewhere in my exhaustion my inherent paranoia kicked in and I became certain, ab-sa-fing-lutely certain that someone had stolen my camera. It was not where I store it (but I often forget to put it there).

So do I calmly say to myself "You're cuckoo" and go to bed, or do I rip apart two different rooms at 2 in the morning, creating a debris pile the height of Mt. Suribachi? You know the answer.

Then, this AM, LuLu says to me: "Dad, do you mind if I borrow your camera for the zoo field trip?" After I explain that it has vanished, she responds. "Oh, well I wanted to charge the battery in case you said yes, so I took it out yesterday. It's in my backpack." @*&%\%#

The Rutgers Bully

I watched the 20/20 special on the Rutgers "bully" convicted of inspiring the suicide of his gay roommate.

Never mind that the facts fly in the face of the jury's decision, and that even Dan Savage has spoken in his defense. Or that the victim had actually written of the continuing depression inspired by his family's reaction to his coming out (a family that now, natch, claims to have supported him 100% gosh darn it).

The roommate is a jerk, but hardly a criminal.

Regardless, what strikes me as the most ludicrous bit is the NJ law on the books. You can be convicted of a hate crime if the victim 'feels' intimidated - EVEN IF it is proven in court that you had NO INTENT to intimidate. How is that remotely constitutional? Really??

Be careful in your comments on this post; you'd hate to make me feel bad and get tossed in jail on felony charges.

 Today's paper featured a letter to the editor defending my recent column.

The Hunger Games movie - and Junie almost burns the house down!

Last night Lisa woke up YaYa @ 11:15 pm and surprised her with the news that we'd bought tickets for the midnight premiere of the Hunger Games! They went together and had a blast, and even sat next to another STAA kid they saw there.

When they got home and woke me up it was a preview of 'Catching Fire' - YaYa saw smoke coming from LuLu and Junie's room. Sure enough, Junie had fallen asleep with her head sandwiching the desk lamp between the pillow and mattress.

Smoke was coming out, the pillow (Big Fat Kitty) was scorched and melted in bits, and Junie - she was oblivious. How my smoke detectors scream at a slightly overdone pizza but missed this is beyond me, but I'm very glad the ladies changed their minds and skipped a 3am ice cream run on the way home from the show.

 Today's paper featured a letter to the editor defending my recent column.

Catching Fire - The Hunger Games

I just finished reading "Catching Fire", the 2nd book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I liked it, but thought that a return trip to the arena was a predictable and somewhat lazy plot device. And enough with this Gale yahoo already, Katniss; sure, he's the best looking of the two in the film, but it's plain Peeta is the better man. Grade: B

The White Mountains

 Today I polished off "The White Mountains" by John Christopher, a fine young adult sci-fi novel from the late '60's. It was adapted into a long running comic in Boy's Life magazine and I lived and breathed for each issue as a kid. The book was very good - think Hunger Games, (only w/ a boy as the protagonist) but written forty years ago with a more literary edge. While I read it on my Nook, I've kept a hard copy around forever, and borrowed it to YaYa tonight. I hope she likes it as much as I did at her age. Grade: A

The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick

 For the last few days I've been enthralled by "The Last Stand", a history of the battle of Little Big Horn by Nathaniel Philbrick. It's a detailed narrative of the events leading up to that infamous battle, effortlessly weaving both the Sioux and U.S. Calvary perspective. As should be the case, there are no devils - or angels - to be found, but there is plenty of courage and human failings. Reno is given a bit of a (tempered) scourging for his loss of nerve, but so is Benteen for his ill-timed tantrum against Custer. Sitting Bull is praised but also shown to be resented by fellow Sioux who felt he bullied them into a war they didn't want. And Custer? He was careless and wild, but a genius at war, and one who came perilously close to turning this tragedy into a staggering victory. A well deserved A+.

Carnage

 Lisa had me rent "Carnage" a Roman Polanski dark-comedy starring John C Reilly, Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet. It's an adaptation of a stage play, and the script works hard to fabricate reasons why these four people remain in the same room despite hating one another. For a stage production, that works - for a movie, it seems forced and claustrophobic. That having been said, I thought the movie was more fun than I expected, starting - quite literally - at the moment Kate Winslet threw up all over the coffee table.

Carnage

Lisa had me rent "Carnage" a Roman Polanski dark-comedy starring John C Reilly, Jodie Foster and Kate Winslet. It's an adaptation of a stage play, and the script works hard to fabricate reasons why these four people remain in the same room despite hating one another. For a stage production, that works - for a movie, it seems forced and claustrophobic. That having been said, I thought the movie was more fun than I expected, starting - quite literally - at the moment Kate Winslet threw up all over the coffee table.

A Response to my Column

This morning's Journal printed a response to my column by a Capt. in the Waukesha County Sheriff's Drug Unit. This evening I am pleased to see that his letter was skewered quite effectively by readers, all of whom seemed to recognize that his argument was . . . poorly thought out, to put it mildly. Your income directly depends on the continuation of this law, be it right or wrong; to me, that eliminates you as a reliable source of information on its validity.

 Two more people from my training class were fired today. 9 of 19 still remain.