Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Riddle

The thing above me is keen to be big,
The thing below me may be thought of as a control freak,
The thing next to me does not appear in me.
What am I?

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Movie Review (yes, another one!)

THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE


I had been aware of the X-Files TV show, but never watched it. I heard that the movie was good and it wasn't necessary to have watched the show to enjoy it. All that said, I still did not like this movie. There were times when the audience reacted to things that I just didn't get, so I think that if I were to have watched the show, I would have been able to enjoy it more.

The plot was uninteresting with a bit of a bizarre, not supernatural, outcome. It involved murders and abductions, and despite the UFO on the movie poster, absolutely nothing to do with aliens and such. It was on the level of a made for TV movie, and did not come across well on the big screen. Extremely disappointing film. The only redeeming quality was watching David Duchovny, who I have always thought of as being a "hottie". That was about it.

The movie is subtitled I WANT TO BELIEVE, but I kept thinking I WANT TO GO HOME.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Movie Review

The Dark Knight


One of, if not THE best Batman movie. It lives up to all the hype, especially the performance of Heath Ledger as the Joker. It was amazing. Great special effects, lots of action and chase scenes that did not get boring. Surprises and thought provoking scenarios kept my eyes glued to the screen. The down side was the "bat voice", the gravely, garbled way Christian Bale spoke as the Batman. Very distracting and almost humorous. I was not thrilled with the first hour's plot of gangster related scenes, although it did set things in motion for what happens later. The movie was rated PG-13 for a lot of violence and tense situations, definitely not for the kiddies.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Movie Review

SPACE CHIMPS


This summer certainly isn't hurting for fun family movies that both the kiddies and adults can enjoy. Space Chimps is an animated film whose plot is exactly what the title states. Three chimps are sent on a space mission and have an adventure on a far away planet inhabited by interesting alien creatures. There is enough one liners that reference things the grown-ups will chuckle at, while the youngsters will be amused by the chimp's antics. Fun for all!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Today's Riddle

I constantly collide into all the others,
The only one of 16 without colors.
Associated with English and banking and breaking,
The answer is right there for the taking.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Movie Review

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH 3D


I've never been a big fan of 3-D movies. I just can't see the 3-D images all the time. It starts out ok, but then looses all effect and it's like I'm looking at a regular screen, but have strained eyes after.

The movie itself was ok. A lot of action and special effects. I liked the dinosaur and monster fish. The story line wasn't very thrilling. Harmless movie, even ok for the younger crowd. Wide open for a sequel.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

The pier lights our carnival life forever........

Tonight was the first night of our parishes annual German Fest Carnival. Niece E imformed me that it's the longest running carnival in Lombard's history. Here are some pictures of tonight's fun.

E and I rode the Ferris Wheel.



Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....



K won a flower by breaking a balloon with a dart, on her first try!



E and her friend M went on all the rides together.



Interesting Carney lady.



E and her friend on a crazy spinning ride.



K and her friend go on a ride, hand in hand.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

And Today's Riddle Is....

When I appear I seem mysterious,
But when I'm explained I'm nothing serious.
When I'm unknown to you, I'm something,
When I'm known to you, I'm nothing


What am i?

Saturday, July 12, 2008

What a wonderful holiday

My sister Kathy and her family hosted the 4th of July celebration this year. It was a small group, together with them were my parents, my brother Mike and I. We enjoyed some tasty cookout food and had a small "fireworks" display on the driveway. Even though it was very low keyed pyrotechnics compared to what I had in my youth, the kids enjoyed the poppers, smoking devices and the sparklers. We had a small water balloon toss and enjoyed the delicious watermelon that Mike brought.

Friends of Kathy's family stopped by for a visit and latter that night we went to a nearby park where we enjoyed Lombard's fireworks. Nephew J wanted no part of it, and buried his head under a blanket and fell asleep. At the end he was "rolled up like a burrito" (described by niece E) and placed in the wagon for the journey home. What a wonderful day!

The watermelon was a big hit.



A very nice, relaxing day.





Our low-tech "fireworks"




Enjoying the sparklers




J the Burrito!


GOOD NIGHT!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

One Minute (give or take a few seconds) Movie Reviews

Guess I'm a little behind on posting about the summer movies I've seen, so here's some mini reviews, working my way backwards.

HANCOCK

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Will Smith was compelling as usual. Story had fresh take on the popular superhero craze. Very entertaining for me. Great!

WALL*E

Pixar's newest hit. Endearing, lovable robots. Some slow parts, fairly entertaining. Not as good as the hype. So-so!

KITT KITTEREDGE



Nice G rated family film. Cute story, good acting, simple plot stuff for the kiddies. Harmless!

WANTED



Not for the squeamish, but if you like "out there" type of action, this is for you. A cross between "Shoot um Up" and the "Matrix". Wild!

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull



It did my heart good to see the old characters back, along with a new one. Not as good as the original, but was faced paced and entertaining. Fun!

SPEED RACER



Kind of a crazy, fun take on the classic cartoon. Heavy on action, light on substance. Cool!


IRON MAN



What a great movie! I really enjoyed this one. It was smart, funny and had "sequel" written all over it. Excellent!

So far, this summer's movies have yet to disappoint me. Looking forward to The Dark Knight and Mama Mia. Stay tuned!

Monday, July 7, 2008

Back to the Regular Schedule..Here Is Another Riddle

Weight in my belly,
Trees on my back,
Nails in my ribs,
Feet I do lack.

Ok, Ok, Here Is A Riddle

It is said among my people that some things are improved by death.

What stinks while living, but in death, smells good?

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Tale of Two Wolves


One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside of all people. He said, 'My son, the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.'

The grandson thought for a minute and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee replied, 'The one you feed.'

Friday, July 4, 2008

JULY 4TH

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

A Couple of Birthday Boys

My nephews "A" and "D" recently had their birthday parties. Here are some pictures of the celebrations:

The birthday boy turns 6

Getting ready to make a wish

While reading his cards, A tosses out some pretty funny one liners

D helping out his big brother.

D hosted his party at the All Aboard Diner. Here is his cousins wating for the train to deliver the food.

Going for the "smartie" win.

Conductor A checking out the prizes

The Birthday Boy turns 4!

Hulk Hands were quite the hit

A little challenging blowing out the candles