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.

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 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.