Well, hmmm. It's been almost three weeks and I'm still dealing with this back issue. I'd call it more of an ache than a pain that comes and goes, reminding me of its presence whenever I'm walking or rising from a sitting position. The two doctors I've been to suspect it's a muscular problem but…
October 6, 2013: Let’s Get Controversial!
Wow. It feels like forever since I've said anything remotely controversial on this blog. And so, at the risk of offending those people who foolishly disagree with my opinion, here are my thoughts on some recent controversies in the news... THE CAPTAIN PHILLIPS CONTROVERSY A movie called Captain Phillips opens on October 11th. It's a…
October 1, 2013: News of note!
News of note: How are you doing in our Fantasy T.V. Pilot Pool? BROADCAST PREMIERE WEEK: How Did The Networks Do, What Did We Learn? Maybe it's time for another pool? 'The Simpsons' to Kill Off Character - The Hollywood Reporter Wow. I thought the problem with global warming was bad, but not THIS bad: Scientists…
September 29, 2013: Food Glorious Food!
Another football Sunday, another day of feasting. Plenty of delicious dishes - none of them prepared by yours truly... And I would be remiss in not mentioning some of the tasty plates Akemi has made over the past couple of weeks:
September 28, 2013: On Backs and Book Clubs!
She instructed me to: "Walk across the room on the heels of your feet." I obliged, tottering along in Chaplainesque pantomime. "Now back the other way on the tips of your toes." And, suddenly, I was a ballerina, capering back the way I came. "Bend over sideways as far as you can go. Good. Now…
September 27, 2013: Upcoming Under-the-Radar October Movies To Look Forward To! Or Not!
A TOUCH OF SIN Release Date: October 4, 2013 What it’s about: The film shows the impact of China's economic boon through the stories of four different people. What it’s got working for it: Powerful subject matter. What’s it’s got going against it: May be a little too bleak for most moviegoers. NARCO CULTURA Release…
September 25, 2013: The new toothbrush and broadcast season!
"Are you ashamed of your new toothbrush?"Akemi asked me last night while I was brushing my teeth before bedtime. Ashamed of my new toothbrush? Why would I be ashamed of my new toothbrush? It's of the cool, battery-operated variety recommended by most dentists. "Why would I be ashamed of my new toothbrush?"I honestly wanted to…
September 22, 2013: Wedding Gifts for the Japanese Bride!
As many of you know, I'll be heading to Tokyo this November to attend my very first Japanese wedding. Akemi's sister is getting married and, to mark the special occasion, I want to make sure I get her the PERFECT wedding gift. Apparently, cash is traditionally considered the PERFECT wedding gift, but I'd like my…
September 19, 2013: MY Top 20 Favorite Animated Characters!
20. Stimpy (Ren and Stimpy) 19. Dory (Finding Nemo) 18. Yogi Bear (Yogi Bear) 17. Totoro (My Neighbor Totoro) 16. Bullwinkle J. Moose (Rocky and Bullwinkle) 15. Dug the Dog (Up!) 14. Stewie (Family Guy) 13. Gintoki (Gintama) 12. James P. Sullivan (Monsters Inc.) 11. Aardvark (The Pink Panther Show) 10. The Tick (The Tick)…
September 18, 2013: A sneak peek to whet/kill your appetite! And my pre-Birthday celebrations kick off!
Yes, feast your eyes on the trailer for this Monday's Supermovie of the Week Club selection: Black Scorpion. THRILL to the cue card acting! REVEL in such classic lines as "Mind if I drop in?" after our heroine literally DROPS THROUGH A SKYLIGHT! REJOICE in the sassy comical sidekick you'll no doubt want to kill…
September 17, 2013: Since you asked – reading/watching!
Over on the right sidebar of this blog, I keep an running update on what I've watching and reading, or watched and read. Lately, some readers have asked how I've enjoyed a few of the titles that grace those respective lists...READ/WATCHED:Friday, by Robert HeinleinStrong mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I really…
September 15, 2013: Sunday malaise!
Sigh. How infinitely disappointing. All the research and effort I've put into my fantasy football teams has yielded depressingly paltry results. A double loss this weekend have put me at the bottom of both leagues. I think I need another hobby. Maybe I'll switch focus to more practical pursuits like, say, studying Japanese - especially…
September 14, 2013: Dog stuff!
This is what comes of having three dogs and fully 80% of your facebook friends/groups being animal-related organizations. Last night, I dreamt that I took my sister's new puppy to the park - and promptly lost him!. In the dream, I fell into conversation with a fellow dog owner, then turned to check on the…
September 11, 2013: Snow Monkeys win! And lose! Well, this is disconcerting!
Well, one week into the 2013 fantasy football season, and my Snow Monkeys have tasted their first victory AND suffered their first loss of the year. The win came in impressive fashion, on the very last play of the opening weekend. Down late, my Snow Monkeys snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with…
September 8, 2013: The party was subarashii!
Last night's party was a success. Everything went as planned, the guests seemed pleased and, most important of all, I was NOT violently ill like that time I had a bunch of people over for home made ice cream, ate thirteen different flavors and ended up very sick. Less ice cream this time around but…