CD Surprise

Short note that is supposedly interesting on my CD revival, I can't stop listening to U2's Rattle and Hum CD. How did I ever put this gem away? It is filled with great songs, messages and memories. My CD revival may get put on hold as I fill up on "Desire," "Sunday, Bloody Sunday," and "In the Name of Love." This one is definitely i-pod worthy.

CD revival

This is the first year that I have a new job in 10 years, and it is also the first time in 7 years that I drive to work alone. So to pass the time (not that I really need an activity to do that) since I do not have satellite radio or any I-pod jacks, I have resurrected my C.D. collection. I have been listening to one or two CD's a day from my (our) "old" collection of CD's. I am 12 CD's into this "project" and I have some surprising interest results. CD's with lasting power include: Sting, Van Halen, James Taylor, and Tear's for Fears. Some disappointing results: John Mellencamp, Dierks Bentley, and Pearl Jam. It has been fun to go back and relive the past through this music. I will check in another time with updated results.

Something I've never thought about.

I watched a movie last night on a topic I had never thought much about. The movie is called Paradise Now. It is about two Palestinian friends who are chosen to be suicide bombers in Tel Aviv in revenge of a Israeli army killing. The movie shows the night before and day of the planned bombing. I found it fascinating because we hear about suicide bombings in the news and as "First World Westerners," we see them then forget about them,"terrible tragedies." This movie puts a face and story to the people and their cause. What was really interesting was the part of the story where we hear a Palestinian voice trying to convince the two not to follow through with their mission. This is a great movie to watch to help understand "the other side." A side note, it is all in Arabic with subtitles.

Star Trek

A couple days ago, I watched the most recent edition of the Star Trek films. Overall, I found the movie entertaining and living up to the reputation of the Star Trek franchise as well as adding some new twists. I did tire a bit of the back story of James T. Kirk; it could have moved on a bit quicker. I did like, however, the Obi wan Kenobi style use of Leonard Nemoy and a Spock from the future to guide the young Captain Kirk. When I realized that it was Leonard Nimoy as a Spock from the future, I have to admit that I groaned a bit, but they really made it work into the story.

The storyline kept me interested and the special effects were realistic and enjoyable. I also had to appreciate the campy style of the Doctor McCoy and Scotty. Not sure I really got the flame between Spock and Nyota Uhura. Was there a relationship between them in the TV show? I would recommend this movie to a Star Trek fan as well as someone who is not familiar with the story (is there anyone?).

One Thing I Love about Summer...Part 4

One thing I love about summer is baseball. I feel fortunate to live in a city where we have some live professional baseball. And, to top it off, our team is a single A Cubs affiliate, so I get to see the young talent before they get to the show. Also, Peoria hosts many Cubs rehab assignments. In the past, Ted Lilly, Aramis Ramirez, Normar Garciaparra, Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, and a host of relief pitchers have come here for one/two game stints.

I just love baseball. It is a truly American game and when one studies the game it has traits that only an American game can have. One aspect that I enjoy is that there is no time clock. Every game has its own pace. You could watch a two hour pitchers' dual or sit through a four hour slug fest with a dozen pitchers and even more runs. I love that on any given day even the worst team in the league could have a spectacular game against the best team in the league, or if you were my beloved Cubs, you could have a good team and still lose to everyone.

I understand how to the casual viewer it is a boring game, but I have to say it is one thing I love about the game. On a summer Sunday afternoon, I can lay down on the couch for the first couple innings, get in a good nap and wake up for the last two innings and possibly not miss that much action. But, I can also study a game and be involved in even the most surface level "boring" game. Try sometime when you are at a live game. Watch one position each inning and see how the player adjusts to each batter and each pitch. For example, in the first inning, watch the right fielder of both teams. Watch how he stands in different places based on how many outs, runners on base, pitch situations, there are. Then the next inning watch the third baseman, etc. You can really see how there is a lot of subtle action and strategy to most situations in the game. It is a great game and one of the reasons I love summer!

One Thing I Love about Summer...Part 3

One thing I love about summer is that I never know what day it is. "What? Today is Monday?" I love that feeling about summer. I love that every night is like a Friday or Saturday night, because I don't have to get up at 5:00 am to get ready for work. This is one thing I love about summer.

One Thing I Love about Summer...Part 2

One thing I love about summer is visiting Chicago! I never know what I will see in the city. This summer we stumbled upon the set of the Transformers 3 movie. What an amazing undertaking! They closed down about 2 blocks of upper Wacker Drive and brought in lots of destruction for what looked like a post-battle set. All this work for what will probably be 5 minutes in the actual movie. It was amazing to see.

One Thing I Love about Summer...Part 1

One thing I love about summer is going to the jazz concerts on the riverfront on Thursday nights. Kaleigh has acquired a taste for jazz or at least dancing/jumping around to the jazz beat.