I learned an important lesson tonight: trust my instincts. Several years ago I tried to watch "Taxi Driver," but I stopped about halfway in because it was boring and offensive. Recently, I had heard good things about it, so I watched it again. Long story short, I was right the first time. Here's my verdict on the film. It's frickin' weird. The only redeeming value is the "Are you talkin' to me?" scene in front of the mirror.
Second lesson: never watch Martin Scorsese films (with the exception of the Bob Dylan documentary). Basically, his M.O. is to make movies that shock people. I remember liking "Goodfellas" when I saw it many years ago, but I have a feeling I wouldn't like it again. I don't think I'll ever see "The Departed." I mean, putting Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio together was a good idea because . . .
Martin Scorsese, you are now officially dead to me.
CLARIFICATION
Upon further reflection, I've decided that Scorsese is not completely dead to me. I had forgotten that he did Kundun and Raging Bull (as well as the Dylan documentary), so he is capable of making good films. He does, however, have a group of films that trouble me, including Taxi Driver, Casino, and The Departed, not to mention the fact that he seems to enjoy working with Leonardo DeCaprio (Gangs of New York, The Aviator, and The Departed). Taken as a whole, I don't think I like his work, but I should recognize here that there are some good films in there, too.
Talk to the Beard
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I'm going to be teaching a couple of courses this summer at my alma mater. Well, I just realized the other day that this means I have to shave off my beard. You see, the school has a very strict "dress and grooming" standard. No short shorts or facial hair (for men or women). It's actually a very sad realization for me. I've had the beard for a year and a half. I started it when I broke my hand in an embarrassing incident involving a refrigerator and cupboard. I had a cast on my right hand, and my left is essentially useless for intricate tasks, so I stopped shaving. By the time the cast came off, I had a decent beard going, so I kept it. Well, now it's going to come off.
I suppose I could argue about it or get on my high horse and not take the job, but let's face it, taking the classes is a good career move (and good summer money), and if the only thing I have to sacrifice is my beard, I'll do it. I mean, I did it for the three years I was in college. I can always start growing it back on August 16.
I suppose I could argue about it or get on my high horse and not take the job, but let's face it, taking the classes is a good career move (and good summer money), and if the only thing I have to sacrifice is my beard, I'll do it. I mean, I did it for the three years I was in college. I can always start growing it back on August 16.
I'm a little embarassed, but. . .
Tonight Plainbellied had soccer practice, so I was in charge of Her Nibs. Well, after dinner, we decided to watch a little television. The next thing I knew, I was waking up on the couch as Plainbellied came home. I had been asleep for at least half an hour, and I desperately hope that Her Nibs didn't get into any trouble. The killer is that even when Plainbellied came home, I went back to sleep, and by the time I got up, she was in bed, so I couldn't ask her about it.
Just so nobody thinks I'm lazy, I should explain. Because I'm trying to finish my dissertation right now, I spend my nights editing and my days sleeping (working at night eliminates distractions and makes me much more effective). Since I teach on Tuesday and Thursday, my sleep schedule gets screwed up, and I have to take evening naps before I get to work. Normally I would have waited until after Plainbellied came home, though. I should ask her what happened when she wakes up.
Just so nobody thinks I'm lazy, I should explain. Because I'm trying to finish my dissertation right now, I spend my nights editing and my days sleeping (working at night eliminates distractions and makes me much more effective). Since I teach on Tuesday and Thursday, my sleep schedule gets screwed up, and I have to take evening naps before I get to work. Normally I would have waited until after Plainbellied came home, though. I should ask her what happened when she wakes up.
Suddenly, the Blogosphere Feels Crowded
I thought I would mention a few blogs that I've just added to my "Nice Blogs" list. My brother and his wife have just initiated their own blog, called "conmigo-contigo." Currently, they are in Colombia, where my brother works for the US Foreign Service. They are much more witty and urbane than I am, so I hope you enjoy reading about their exploits. One thing you might notice when you read their blog is that I gave some misinformation about them recently. It turns out that my brother didn't meet the President, but his wife and kids did. I never fixed my blog, though, because I was too lazy. I never figured anyone would notice.
I put "Indigenous Beliefs" on my list as well. I announced not too long ago that this blog would be discontinued, but it turns out that it just took a hiatus (blogging can be exhausting, don'cha know). Well, it's back. I especially like the current post on Netflix and Blockbuster. We do Netflix right now and have considered switching, but maybe we'll stick with what we have.
I also finally added "Rhonda's Blog" to my list. Rhonda is one of our blog buddies from the Great White North. I always like reading her comments.
I put "Indigenous Beliefs" on my list as well. I announced not too long ago that this blog would be discontinued, but it turns out that it just took a hiatus (blogging can be exhausting, don'cha know). Well, it's back. I especially like the current post on Netflix and Blockbuster. We do Netflix right now and have considered switching, but maybe we'll stick with what we have.
I also finally added "Rhonda's Blog" to my list. Rhonda is one of our blog buddies from the Great White North. I always like reading her comments.
What's Next? Dunkin Donut Brakes?
I took my car in for an oil change today, and I learned something new about it. Recently, our car developed a squeal in the brakes (it's a 2006 Toyota Matrix), I asked the mechanic to look at it today when I took it in. He told me that the brakes were "glazed." This meant that the rotor had been worn smooth when it should be rough. They outlined the procedure for fixing the issue, and it sounded wicked expensive to me. So I asked, in my inimitable way, "Is it a safety issue?" They said, "No. It's just a comfort issue." I think you know what I did. . . . I can live with the squeal.
Speaking of glazed, a new Dunkin' Donuts will soon open around the corner. I am partial to their donuts, and I don't like Krispy Kreme, which is all we can get here. I have fond memories of Dunkin' Donuts as a kid. My brothers and I all had paper routes as kids, and one of the best parts of it was being able to get donuts on the morning route. Early on, we went to a local bakery or Cumberland Farms (a convenience store) for donuts. Then they opened a Dunkin' Donuts in a nearby town, and we would drive all the way over there for donuts. They didn't open a shop in my hometown until just before I moved out of town for college. I don't tend to eat sweets, but I am very partial to Dunkin' Donuts and Ring Dings, neither of which is available where I live.
Isn't it just like them to open just before I (hopefully) move somewhere else? Jerks.
Speaking of glazed, a new Dunkin' Donuts will soon open around the corner. I am partial to their donuts, and I don't like Krispy Kreme, which is all we can get here. I have fond memories of Dunkin' Donuts as a kid. My brothers and I all had paper routes as kids, and one of the best parts of it was being able to get donuts on the morning route. Early on, we went to a local bakery or Cumberland Farms (a convenience store) for donuts. Then they opened a Dunkin' Donuts in a nearby town, and we would drive all the way over there for donuts. They didn't open a shop in my hometown until just before I moved out of town for college. I don't tend to eat sweets, but I am very partial to Dunkin' Donuts and Ring Dings, neither of which is available where I live.
Isn't it just like them to open just before I (hopefully) move somewhere else? Jerks.
Odds and ends
Here are a few random thoughts:
I've now watched two episodes of "Andy Barker, P.I.," and I think I like it. It's a quirky little detective show with a pudgy accountant playing the lead. "Raines," a new show with Jeff Goldblum, seems to hold promise, but I've had a hard time getting into the episodes. I may give it one more chance and then bail.
We're going camping in a few weeks, and I'm pretty excited. We are slowly picking up the supplies we need. Next up is a tent. The only thing that scares me is that the place we are going to camp has alligators. I hope they stay near the water.
This summer, we're heading out west for two months. My alma mater asked me to teach two summer courses. The money is good, so we're going.
I recently discovered the Cuban sub (sandwich). I like it.
Her Nibs is teaching me that a 2-year-old has a hard time distinguishing between "want" and "need." She also tends to answer questions like, "Why did you do that?" with "Because I did."
The longer I drink diet soda, the less disgusting it tastes.
I've now watched two episodes of "Andy Barker, P.I.," and I think I like it. It's a quirky little detective show with a pudgy accountant playing the lead. "Raines," a new show with Jeff Goldblum, seems to hold promise, but I've had a hard time getting into the episodes. I may give it one more chance and then bail.
We're going camping in a few weeks, and I'm pretty excited. We are slowly picking up the supplies we need. Next up is a tent. The only thing that scares me is that the place we are going to camp has alligators. I hope they stay near the water.
This summer, we're heading out west for two months. My alma mater asked me to teach two summer courses. The money is good, so we're going.
I recently discovered the Cuban sub (sandwich). I like it.
Her Nibs is teaching me that a 2-year-old has a hard time distinguishing between "want" and "need." She also tends to answer questions like, "Why did you do that?" with "Because I did."
The longer I drink diet soda, the less disgusting it tastes.
Would Tylenol Help?
I read a CNN.com article about Al Gore testifying before Congress about climate change. He said that the earth has a fever. He went on to say, "If your baby has a fever, you go to the doctor. If the doctor says you need to intervene here, you don't say, 'Well, I read a science fiction novel that told me it's not a problem.' If the crib's on fire, you don't speculate that the baby is flame retardant. You take action." Well, I'm calling a foul on Mr. Gore for poor use of imagery.
As a parent, I have some experience with childrens' fevers. A slight fever requires no medical intervention. In fact, the fever is indicative of the body's healing response and is a sign that the body can protect itself. Only an obsessive parent would go to a doctor with a child running a fever of 99.6 or even 100 unless the child exhibited other symptoms. I am not trying to say anything about global warming. I just think Mr. Gore needs to think through his imagery more clearly. His statement about the earth having a fever, if taken to a logical conclusion, could be taken to mean that the earth is protecting itself from an infection and that we should leave it alone until it gets out of control (so far temperatures have only risen about 1 degree). Then we should throw some Tylenol on it until it cools down.
Even though I just called a foul on "You can call me" Al, I kind of hope he runs for president now. We might get more choice quotes about lockboxes and non-flame-retardant babies. That would be so AWESOME!!!! I can't wait.
As a parent, I have some experience with childrens' fevers. A slight fever requires no medical intervention. In fact, the fever is indicative of the body's healing response and is a sign that the body can protect itself. Only an obsessive parent would go to a doctor with a child running a fever of 99.6 or even 100 unless the child exhibited other symptoms. I am not trying to say anything about global warming. I just think Mr. Gore needs to think through his imagery more clearly. His statement about the earth having a fever, if taken to a logical conclusion, could be taken to mean that the earth is protecting itself from an infection and that we should leave it alone until it gets out of control (so far temperatures have only risen about 1 degree). Then we should throw some Tylenol on it until it cools down.
Even though I just called a foul on "You can call me" Al, I kind of hope he runs for president now. We might get more choice quotes about lockboxes and non-flame-retardant babies. That would be so AWESOME!!!! I can't wait.
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