If I were a kid (physically, not mentally), this would have been a great weekend.
When I was a kid, I used to read quite a bit. I remember a time I actually missed getting off the bus because I was so engrossed in a book.
The new Harry Potter book came out this weekend. I made the "mistake" of stopping in a local Barnes and Noble for another reason and was overrun by ... fans.
I've never read the books -- any of them -- and I'm not passing judgment on the books or the fans. But I did read the Tolkien trilogy and so I understand their passion.
I wouldn't know a Muggle from a warhog. What I do know about the Potter world I know from bits of conversation and movie clips on television.
However, even without any knowledge of the books, I wonder what the heck some ministers were thinking when they claimed the writings promoted Satanism and witchcraft. This sounds like somebody trying to jump on the publicity bandwagon.
Anything that can get kids to read in these times should be applauded -- not skewered. And any group that uses a book to further their own agenda needs to take a "chill pill."
Books, much like television, video games, friends, etc., should fall under the jurisdiction of the parents. Given how many adults are fans of Potter, I think the grown-ups know what it is all about.
Get out of the spotlight (and out of the way) and let the kids have some fun and imagination. And me, too.
Also, those people who said they wouldn't go see 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' because they love 'Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory' -- get over it. The movie is great. Johnny Depp makes a good Wonka. Gene Wilder made a good Wonka. There can be two. And the scenes are out loud laughable. You will be missing a good family movie and a good time. It is a great movie for kids, too. What a weekend. "There is no Dana -- only Zool."
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Monday, July 11, 2005
Too Much Support?
This past weekend, I ran only the second race ever in my adult life -- and I didn't even run it because I wanted to.
My wife, Kim, is in training for a marathon -- her first. This is the same woman who has recovered from knee surgery -- three of them.
She has been very good about doing things the right way. She got new running shoes. She's been talking to runners for tips and reading books for insight.
Her training has been going well. Over the past few weeks, she's been doing her long runs along a trail that I can rollerblade so it can be a joint venture.
Up front: I hate running for running's sake. I get bored too easily with the thought of running without chasing a ball or someone. I can do 90 feet or 100 yards or 94 feet (baseball, football, basketball) without any trouble.
I just can't mentally do it. I'm weak.
However, I will support her efforts to run a marathon in any way possible. And this time, I decided I would run with her in her first race -- a 5K race in Gettysburg, Pa.
Five kilometers translates to about 3.1 miles. I can do that. I've done it before, which is where I found out how boring running really is to me.
But for Kim, I can converse and encourage. She set out to run a 12-minute mile and her final pace ended up being 11:57 per mile.
I was very proud of her to overcome not only three knee surgeries, but her own doubts as well. She's well on her way to running in her marathon.
Now, she wants to run in a 10K race in about 4 months. And now, I'm torn.
Part of me wants to get myself ready to run with her. Physically, I think I can do it, but then again, I'm not sure if this isn't something she wants -- and should -- tackle on her own.
This is her glory and her time. In wanting to be the support team, do I do what she does or do I just stand on the sidelines and let her have the spotlight?
Even if I was to run at her side, this is her conquest. I'm just glad to be the sidekick. She is doing something very special and something I would never consider.
I just don't know what to do now.
I did marathon support for a very good friend of mine several years ago. As part of her support team, I joined her on the course around the 10-mile mark and stayed with her until the end. But I was on a bike carrying liquids and medications -- she was running on bad wheels. And she did it. As she wrote to me later, she said I was her "guardian angel on the course, never passing judgment, but knowing I would never let her fail." Failure is only if you don't try. I like strong women, can you tell? "'Stay away,' meaning do not approach the vicinity of. 'Do not enter,' meaning stay out, which should not arise if you saw 'stay away.'"
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
My wife, Kim, is in training for a marathon -- her first. This is the same woman who has recovered from knee surgery -- three of them.
She has been very good about doing things the right way. She got new running shoes. She's been talking to runners for tips and reading books for insight.
Her training has been going well. Over the past few weeks, she's been doing her long runs along a trail that I can rollerblade so it can be a joint venture.
Up front: I hate running for running's sake. I get bored too easily with the thought of running without chasing a ball or someone. I can do 90 feet or 100 yards or 94 feet (baseball, football, basketball) without any trouble.
I just can't mentally do it. I'm weak.
However, I will support her efforts to run a marathon in any way possible. And this time, I decided I would run with her in her first race -- a 5K race in Gettysburg, Pa.
Five kilometers translates to about 3.1 miles. I can do that. I've done it before, which is where I found out how boring running really is to me.
But for Kim, I can converse and encourage. She set out to run a 12-minute mile and her final pace ended up being 11:57 per mile.
I was very proud of her to overcome not only three knee surgeries, but her own doubts as well. She's well on her way to running in her marathon.
Now, she wants to run in a 10K race in about 4 months. And now, I'm torn.
Part of me wants to get myself ready to run with her. Physically, I think I can do it, but then again, I'm not sure if this isn't something she wants -- and should -- tackle on her own.
This is her glory and her time. In wanting to be the support team, do I do what she does or do I just stand on the sidelines and let her have the spotlight?
Even if I was to run at her side, this is her conquest. I'm just glad to be the sidekick. She is doing something very special and something I would never consider.
I just don't know what to do now.
I did marathon support for a very good friend of mine several years ago. As part of her support team, I joined her on the course around the 10-mile mark and stayed with her until the end. But I was on a bike carrying liquids and medications -- she was running on bad wheels. And she did it. As she wrote to me later, she said I was her "guardian angel on the course, never passing judgment, but knowing I would never let her fail." Failure is only if you don't try. I like strong women, can you tell? "'Stay away,' meaning do not approach the vicinity of. 'Do not enter,' meaning stay out, which should not arise if you saw 'stay away.'"
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Separation Anxiety or Choose Your Pleasure
Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend. And for those of you who aren't Americans, sorry you had to work on Monday.
The 4th of July weekend means so many things to so many people -- fireworks, hot dogs, independence, freedom. It also means the release of this year's "summer blockbuster" movie.
And if you didn't know, this year's movie is "War of the Worlds" -- Steven Spielberg's remake of the classic. The basic concept is Mars invades Earth with the purpose of wiping us all out.
The story is supposed to be pretty close to the original screenplay with updated effects and background. However, the biggest talk to this movie has been the star of the flick, Tom Cruise.
I'm not going to recount every bit of Cruise's ... publicity. And I use that term lightly.
His actions leading up to the release of the movie had some people questioning his intentions and sanity. I guess we'll see how long he and Katie stay together after the movie to find out whether this is true love or not.
The big thing has been the reaction of the public. While most accept it for what they think it is, some have voiced their displeasure with his (antics, politics, religion -- choose 1).
I asked a friend if an actor's stance on any particular topic makes you more or less willing to attend their performance. There was a quick and unequivocal "yes" and a lengthy explanation about supporting such an actor's stance if you pay to see them.
That's a bit shortsighted.
There have been many performers that I never wanted to see perform, but I shelled out the dough to hear their recordings. When I go to watch a movie, I don't analyze the actors voting records. I want to figure out if there is a good story to be watched.
Am I being naive? Or ignorant? Nah. I just think I'm willing to separate a person's actions from their (antics, politics, religion -- choose 1) without judging either. That isn't to say that people who choose to base their entertainment on an actor's (antics, politics, religion -- choose 1) that they are making a mistake.
They are just exercising their right to choose. We should all exercise as much as possible.
Yes, I do plan to see War of the Worlds, but the one I'm really looking forward to is Fantastic Four. I'm a comics geek from way back. I even have some comics from the 70s and 80s. And no, you can't have them. I'm saving them for my children to show them the true Golden Age of superheros. Flash was my favorite and still is. "At least the bunnies are on fire."
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
The 4th of July weekend means so many things to so many people -- fireworks, hot dogs, independence, freedom. It also means the release of this year's "summer blockbuster" movie.
And if you didn't know, this year's movie is "War of the Worlds" -- Steven Spielberg's remake of the classic. The basic concept is Mars invades Earth with the purpose of wiping us all out.
The story is supposed to be pretty close to the original screenplay with updated effects and background. However, the biggest talk to this movie has been the star of the flick, Tom Cruise.
I'm not going to recount every bit of Cruise's ... publicity. And I use that term lightly.
His actions leading up to the release of the movie had some people questioning his intentions and sanity. I guess we'll see how long he and Katie stay together after the movie to find out whether this is true love or not.
The big thing has been the reaction of the public. While most accept it for what they think it is, some have voiced their displeasure with his (antics, politics, religion -- choose 1).
I asked a friend if an actor's stance on any particular topic makes you more or less willing to attend their performance. There was a quick and unequivocal "yes" and a lengthy explanation about supporting such an actor's stance if you pay to see them.
That's a bit shortsighted.
There have been many performers that I never wanted to see perform, but I shelled out the dough to hear their recordings. When I go to watch a movie, I don't analyze the actors voting records. I want to figure out if there is a good story to be watched.
Am I being naive? Or ignorant? Nah. I just think I'm willing to separate a person's actions from their (antics, politics, religion -- choose 1) without judging either. That isn't to say that people who choose to base their entertainment on an actor's (antics, politics, religion -- choose 1) that they are making a mistake.
They are just exercising their right to choose. We should all exercise as much as possible.
Yes, I do plan to see War of the Worlds, but the one I'm really looking forward to is Fantastic Four. I'm a comics geek from way back. I even have some comics from the 70s and 80s. And no, you can't have them. I'm saving them for my children to show them the true Golden Age of superheros. Flash was my favorite and still is. "At least the bunnies are on fire."
Touch 'em all with me, whether you agree with me or criticize me. I like the way you think! Tell me your opinion. Add a comment below and tell me what you think or write to me if you want to join the ever-growing e-mail list to have my column delivered right to your inbox.
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