Thursday, December 25, 2008

Merry Christmas

Here is a quick Bible study about the prophecy, birth, death, resurrection, and fulfillment of Christ Jesus.  I know it's long, but read it!  It what we're celebrating and it will do you some good!

Isaiah 9:6-7

For to us a child is born, 
       to us a son is given,
 
       and the government will be on his shoulders.
 
       And he will be called
 
       Wonderful Counselor,
 [a] Mighty God, 
       Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  Of the increase of his government and peace 
       there will be no end.
 
       He will reign on David's throne
 
       and over his kingdom,
 
       establishing and upholding it
 
       with justice and righteousness
 
       from that time on and forever.
 
       The zeal of the LORD Almighty
 
       will accomplish this.

 

Luke 2:8-12

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 
 "Glory to God in the highest, 
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

 

Matthew 27:33-50

They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.[b] And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Two robbers were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!"

 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.' "In the same way the robbers who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

 From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi,[c] lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"[d]

 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

 

John 20:1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"

 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.)

Then the disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?"

   "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

 "Woman," he said, "why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" 
      Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

 Jesus said to her, "Mary." 
      She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means Teacher).

 Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.' "

 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.

 

Revelation 21:1-7

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true."

 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Happy Birthday Papa!


Happy Birthday Papa!
We love you and we'll see you soon!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Solstice

So today is the shortest day of the year.  According to the U.S. Naval Observatory Astronomical Applications Department there will be 9 hours and 11 minutes of daylight today; compare that to the 15 hours and 22 minutes on June 21st!
In keeping with our little tradition, we've changed the look of our blog again to a more wintry look.
Also, if you're bummed about the daylight being so short today...cheer up!  Tomorrow it will be brighter for a whole 1 minute longer!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

New Poll

So blogger seems to be having some trouble with the post feature. I was going to put a new one up today and it doesn't seem to be working.
I am interested, though, to see who voted for "needles for leg hair" and who voted for "magnetic head." We actually had a tie!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Merry What?

This is a poem written by Douglas Wilson. He's a very faithful man and I have read a lot of his literature. I even had the privilege of hearing him speak once at a Classical Christian Education conference in Kentucky. He tends to be a little extreme at times, but I think, for the most part, he makes some really good points.
Anyway, after attending and then teaching in public schools, I found this poem very accurate.

The Night Before Whatsit
'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land,
We still mark the birth of the One who is banned
From public discussion or public display.
"Get rid of the Christ child--but still keep the day!"

So public school children must practice with stealth
Those carols which threaten our strange commonwealth,
And now and again someone's runaway creche
Will abruptly appear in some government place,
Right out in the open where children can view
This threat to the folks at the ACLU.

So drink to the health of our once happy nation,
And deck all the halls with strange litigation.
Then eat all you want to, drink rum by the quart
But don't say that name, or you'll wind up in court.

Pretend that this holiday just always was.
Don't ask whence it came like a smart child does.
Just talk about Rudolph or Santa's small elves,
Or sing little ditties of days bunched in twelves.

Now this is all right because (please get this straight)
There's no separation of North Pole and state.
So sing all you want of this sort of stuff
In the public arena, folks can't get enough.

If you do sing the carols, then please, just be careful.
Look over your shoulder, keep watch and be prayerful.
Edit those carols, avoid our law's curses,
(You'll have to leave out quite a few of the verses.)

So you won't get the secular humanists riled
With songs about sinners and God reconciled.
"Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay,"
Angers the People for the Humanist Way.

But if you believe the time is now ripe
To stand up for Christmas, don't sit there and gripe.
The secular Scrooges and Grinches will hear
If you say, "Merry Christmas," with all the right cheer.

It's time to be counted for what's good and right,
To all, Merry Christmas! To all, a good night!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Christmas Kids

Here's some more pictures of the kids. We had just finished putting up the tree and they were excited. It took a little while to get a smile out of Carmellina, though.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Thanksgiving in New York 2008


Another Thanksgiving in New York - what a great time we all had!
Take a look at our proud Mom/Grandma/Great-Grandma with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren!







Carmellina (and Aunt Jeanna) enjoyed their meatballs made especially for them by Great-Grandma!

The turkey was delicious too!





Here is Joey posing with Ernie, his (and his father's) favorite Sesame Street character.

The Sinagra family is growing!

Who is Who??


Rosemary and Joe helping Papa put up the Christmas lights!
And we're off!! Let the shopping begin!!






Monday, December 1, 2008

Happy December

It's December at last and as our little hour glass continues to count down to the 25th, everyone's mind is focused on what they're buying me for Christmas. But as the marginally insane would have us remember, there's so more to December than buying me presents. Here's another list of questionable hoidays to celebrate:

December Monthly Observances:
Bingo's Birthday Month
Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month
National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month
Choose A Summer Camp Month
National Write A Business Plan Month
National Tie Month
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Spiritual Literacy Month
Take a New Year's Resolution to Stop Smoking (TANYRSS)

December Weekly Observances:
National Aplastic Anemia Awareness Week: 1-7
Tolerance Week: 1-7
Recipe Greetings For The Holidays Week: 1-8
Operation Santa Paws Week: 1-22
National Handwashing Awareness Week (hand what?): 7-13
Clerc-Gallaudet Week: 7-15
Human Rights Week: 10-17
Gluten-free Baking Week: 14-20
Posadas: 16-24
It's About Time Week: 25-31

December Daily Observances:
Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day: 1
Special Kids Day: 3
Chase's Calendar of Events Birthday: 4
Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day: 4
National Dice Day: 4
Bathtub Party Day: 5
International Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development: 5
Miners' Day: 6
National Pawnbrokers Day: 6
Skywarn Recognition Day: 6 (First Saturday in December)
International Civil Aviation Day: 7
National Cotton Candy Day: 7
Weary Willie Day: 9
International Mountain Day: 11
Poinsettia Day: 12
International Shareware Day: 13
Day Of The Horse: 13
Cat Herders Day: 15
Barbie and Barney Backlash Day: 16
National Chocolate-covered Anything Day: 16
Clean Air Day: 17
Wright Brothers Day: 17
International Migrants Day: 18
Day for South-South Cooperation: 19
Underdog Day: 19
International Human Solidarity Day: 20
Sacagawea Day: 20
Mudd Day: 20
Forefathers Day: 21
Humbug Day: 21
Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day: 21
National Haiku Poetry Day: 21
World Peace Day/Winter Solstice: 21
Festivus (the holiday for the rest of us): 23
A'Phabet Day or No "L" Day : 25
National Candy Cane Day: 26
National Whiner's Day: 26
National Chocolate Day: 28 & 29
Tick Tock Day: 29
Falling Needles Family Fest Day: 30
Leap Second Time Adjustment Day: 31
Make Up Your Mind Day: 31
No Interruptions Day: 31

Oh yeah...I think there's some other holiday in there somewhere...Christmas, or something like that...I'm not sure.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Breaking the Mold

Okay faithful readers...today (November 24th) is Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day!

So this is your chance to tell the world (or at least the other half dozen people who actually read this blog) what unique and special talent you posses.

Don't be shy. Can you lick your nose? Can you burp the national anthem? Do you know the names of all of "Hogan's Heroes"? Can you draw a life like picture of Ernest Borgnine with ketchup and tissue paper? I don't care what it is, just as long as it's unique and as long as it's clean then go ahead and post it! I'll celebrate it with you by playing Amazing Grace on the harmonica with my nose.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Sugar and Spice


...and speaking of Jeanna, today (November 18th) is Married to a Scorpio Support Day!
According to astrology-online.com, a Scorpio:

LIKES
Truth
Hidden Causes
Being involved
Work That is Meaningful
Being Persuasive

DISLIKES
Being Given Only Surface data
Taken Advantage of
Demeaning Jobs
Shallow Relationships
Flattery and Flattering

Also, some possible health concerns for a Scorpio:
Scorpio governs the pelvis and reproductive and urinary systems and its subjects are said to be prone to ailments of the liver and kidneys, stones and gravel in the bladder or genitals, and other genital ills such as priapism. Abscesses, boils, carbuncles, fistulas, piles, ruptures and ulcers may also affect the Scorpions.

Sounds like fun! Those wacky scorpions.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Jeanna's Birthday





HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEANNA!!!

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

LOVE, MOM AND DAD

Monday, November 3, 2008

Step One: Apply Pressure

Just thought I'd put my hourglass up there to get everyone panicking!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Happy November!

It's time, once again, to see what helpful and constructive holidays the human race has thought to create. Now that National Pickled Pepper month os over, here's what brewing on the Events Calendar for the Marginally Insane in November:
Aviation History Month
Family Stories Month
Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month
International Drum (Percussion) Month
Military Family Appreciation Month
National Georgia Pecan Month
National Home Care & Hospice Month
National Impotency Month
National Inspirational Role Models Month
National Life Writing Month
National Long-term Care Awareness Month
National Novel Writing Month
National Peanut Butter Lovers Month
National Pet Cancer Awareness Month
National Pomegranate Month
National Roasting Month
National Scholarship Month
Prematurity Awareness Month
Vegan Month

November Weekly Observances:
National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week: 1-7
World Communication Week: 1-7
Intimate Apparel Market Week: 2-6
Pursuit of Happiness Week: 8-14
National Rad Tech Week: 8-14
Fraud Awareness Week 8-15
National Young Reader's Week: 9-15
World Kindness Week: 9-16
National Farm-City Week: 20-26
National Bible Week: 22-29
National Family Week: 22-28
National Game & Puzzle Week: 22-28
National Teens Don't Text and Drive Week: 22-28
Better Conversation Week: 23-29
Church/State Separation Week: 24-30

November Daily Observances:
National Authors' Day: 1
Zero Tasking Day: 1
Cookie Monster Day: 2
Plan Your Epitaph Day: 2
Cliché Day: 3
Sandwich Day: 3
National Chicken Lady Day: 4
Use Your Common Sense Day: 4
National Men Make Dinner Day: 5
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict: 6
Pumpkin Chunkin Days: 6-8
Fala Day: 7
International Tongue Twister Day: 7
National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day: 7
Abet and Aid Punsters Day: 8
Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day: 8
National Parents As Teachers Day: 8
Area Code Day: 10
Death/Duty Day: 11
Guinness World Record Day: 13
World Kindness Day: 13
Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day: 14
National American Teddy Bear Day: 14
I Love to Write Day: 15
National Bundt (Pan) Day: 15
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims: 15
Homemade Bread Day: 17
Married To A Scorpio Support Day: 18
Mickey Mouse Day: 18
Push-button Phone Day: 18
National Educational Support Professionals Day: 18
Great American Smokeout: 19
Have A Bad Day Day: 19
Cat Days: 20-22
Children's Day: 20
Name Your PC Day: 20
World Hello Day: 21
World Television Day: 21
Alascattalo Day (About Alaska & humor): 21
National Survivors of Suicide Day (Saturday before Thanksgiving): 21
Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day: 24
D.B. Cooper Day: 24
Shopping Reminder Day: 25
Tie One On Day: 25
Turkey-free Thanksgiving: 26
Black Friday: 27
Buy Nothing Day: 27
Flossing Day: 27
Maize Day: 27
Sinkie Day: 27 (Some call it "The Sink Day" when you eat over the sink all the Thanksgiving leftovers.)
Yawm Arafat: 27
You're Welcomegiving Day: 27
International Aura Awareness Day: 28
Electronic Greetings Day: 29
Computer Security Day: 30
Stay Home Because You're Well Day: 30

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008

Friday, October 24, 2008

YouTube

Sometimes trying to find a funny video on YouTube is like trying to find clean water in a public swimming pool.
This one was sent in by my sister, Jeanna. I still can't watch it without cracking up!

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Carmellina Virna Sinagra

Just thought we'd give out oft overloked Carmellina a little moment in the spotlight. Here's 40 shots of her that Jess took for fun a couple days ago. Enjoy.

Thursday, October 16, 2008





For those of you who noticed Grandpa was missing from yesterdays photos, here are some more pictures for you to enjoy!
Our visit started with Grandpa painting Jeanna's kitchen.
The next day he decided to try
the slides with the girls!
Look at his face in this one, he and Rosemary almost had a collision.
Can't wait to do this again next year!

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Our Visit to Jeanna's








What a great time we had visiting Jeanna last weekend in Virginia!


Who knew our granddaughters were such "country girls".

And of course there is our grandson Joey, smiling all the time. Isn't he adorable?
We are so blessed with such a happy and healthy family. Enjoy the photos!
Love,
Grandma and Grandpa




Sunday, October 12, 2008

Ughhh...

Last night Jess and I went on a date. We took the motorcycle to a Persian restaurant in Old City, Philadelphia. We had a very nice meal, and in an effort to pretend I was a cultured world traveler I chose an authentic Middle Eastern drink: Arvand Sparkling Yogurt Beverage...or Dou-gh.
I'm not sure I know what I was expecting, but I did not expect what I got.
Its ingredients were translated as: carbonated Canadian spring water, milk, live bacterial cultures, sea salt, and natural flavours - oh, and I got the "mint" flavored one.
I wish I could let all of you try a sip because I'll never be able to fully describe the flavor. It was like an unsweetened menthol milky baby formula spit-up mixed with unflavored seltzer water. I forced myself to chug down at least half of the bottle, hoping I would, in time, get used to the flavor, which never happened.
My question is: What are people thinking when they buy this stuff? The entire company can't possibly survive on accidental sales to hapless customers like myself. They obviously have a client base. Can you picture the commercial? A bunch of guys playing ball in the hot desert sun. They work up a serious Persian thirst so they crack open the cooler and grab a couple bottles of thick and creamy bubbling yogurt Arvand, available in Plain, Mint, and Tart flavor. Then - Persian thirsts quenched and stomachs filled with milk, sea-salt and live bacterial cultures - they get back out there in the heat and win the pennant! And then throw up.
I guess America has its own questionable beverages too. When we were growing up my friend Jack used to drink Celery Soda and I've seen cans on Clamato Juice in the super market. There was a science teacher in high school who used to make tea from aloe leaves for her sore throat that smelt exactly like fat-guy BO. When I was in college there used to be a juice in stores called "Orbit" that had little pieces of wax floating in it, apparently meant to look like planets or stars. It was like having a friend drink from your glass and leave floaters in it. Then of course there's Mountain Dew.
But I still think the Arvand I had last night takes the cake. I don't think I'm going to buy another bottle of that any time soon. I'll just stick to my sauerkraut juice, thank you.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Happy October!

October is here. The tenth month of our year named for the Greek god Dr. Octavius (aka. Dr. Octopus). October is, of course, most commonly associated with Halloween (from the Greek hallo meaning "trick" and ween meaning "raw egg in your hair"). But October is a month full of rich and diverse cultural celebrations. Here are just a few of the many wonderful holidays and events that perfectly sane and balanced people observe in the month of October:

This month is :
Adopt-A-Dog Month
Computer Learning Month
National Apple Jack Month
National Car Care Month
National Clock Month
National Cosmetology Month
National Dessert Month
National Pickled Pepper Month
National Popcorn Poppin' Month
National Pretzel Month
National Sarcastics Month (yeah, right)
National Seafood Month
National Kitchen and Bath Month
Vegetarian Awareness Month

Also in October:
Frugal Fun Day -- first Saturday in October
Name Your Car Day--October 2
Toot your own flute day - October 4
Bath Tub Party Day - October 5
Come and Take it Day--October 6
American Touch Tag Day--October 8
Bring your teddy bear to work day - October 10
It's My Party Day--October 11
Be Bald and Free Day--October 14
No Beard Day--October 18
Babbling Day--October 21
Sweetest Day of the Year--3rd Saturday in October
Mule Day--October 26
Hermit Day--October 29
Punk For a Day Day--October 25
Gone-ta-pott Day - October 28
Create a Great Funeral Day - October 30
Frankensteins Monster Day - October 30
Haunted Refrigerator Night - October 30
Mischief Night / Devil's Night - October 30
Internet Day, and Mother-in-Law Day 4th Sunday in October
World - Beat a Path to Your Door Week - 3rd week in October

So celebrate! Pop some pop corn! Adopt a dog! Shave your head! Just remember to take your meds and try not to get too creative on the 26th.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Gettin' Old

So today I was walking down 17th street heading to the bank when I passed by this guy in a blazer and tie. He stopped and said, "Mr. Sinagra?"

It was a student of mine from my first year teaching in Philly. He was a 14-year-old freshman boy when I met him, he's a professional architect with a firm now.

Oh crap do I feel old.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Bittersweet Birthday

Happy birthday to my hero, my inspiration and my childhood life-mentor:
Jim Henson
He would have been 72 today.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Happy Birthday Rosemary!

Rosemary is 6 years old today!
Happy birthday Rosie!
Six years ago today I looked at her and thought, "Now what?"
Six years later I'm still asking myself the same question.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Happy Fall!

New Season
New Look
Same Lame Jokes
Today is the first day of Autumn (I think). So we've changed our colors like so many leaves. Hope you like it.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Filler

Okay, I thought the Ed Begely Jr. thing was funny, but now I can't stad seeing his face everytime I go to the blog.
So here's another picture to look at to get him out of my face!

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Busy, Busy, Busy

It's been a little while since I weighed in with a post. The school year has started again so the entries will be a little sporatic until I figure out which periods I can use to accomplish school work and which ones I can use to goof off.
The big news, of course, is that Rosemary started kindergarten this week!
(Next thing you know she'll be finishing grad school.)



Just for the record...the white sneakers are not part of her uniform. It was a gym day.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Joey's First Birthday


Happy first birthday Joseph!

Can you tell he really loved his birthday cake?
How about the photo of the three generations of "Joe"? What handsome guys they are.
Great-Grandma can't hug her great-grandchildren enough.
Aunt Jeanna even drove from Virginia to
celebrate her nephew's first birthday.
Carmellina, Rosemary and Thomas took a few
moments to "jam".
We love you all!
Love,
Grandma and Papa











Monday, August 25, 2008

Happy Birthday Joey!


Today's the day. Joey is officially one year old.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Summer Road Trip 2008

Okay, since Joey and Jessie are having a hard time posting some photos of our grandchildren, we thought we would give it a shot! We don't want to upstage you or anything, just thought we would give this blog another try.
Here are some pictures from our recent road trip during this summer. It was a great vacation!
Check out the "old folks" on Vero Beach!
Love,
Joanna and Joe
(aka Grandma and Grandpa)











This One's For The Grandma's

It has been brought to my attention by my esteemed colleague and editor (Jessie) that I have strayed from the original intent of this blog. As stated above, I'm supposed to have "as many pics of the kids as we can get." I can't remember the last time I put up a picture of the kids.
And so, without further ado, a years worth of pictures, I give you:
GRATUITOUS KIDDIE PICS!


Saturday, August 9, 2008

New Poll

This one is especially designed for my sister, Jeanna...

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

How about this...

Alright, so maybe I'm being a little too difficult with this Objective/Subjective movie thing. So forget the whole "objectively best movie" requirement.

Why don't you just list your three favorite movies. It doesn't matter if it's The Godfather or Killer Clowns From Outer Space. Just tell us what movies you like and (and thins part is optional) why you like them.

Maybe this won't be so threatening.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The Likeable and the Good

I’m writing today about an issue that deeply touches my reading audience:
Movies.

At a number of different times in my life I have been asked what my favorite movie is. I usually respond with a 30 minute monologue about films and filmmakers; much to the dismay of the person who was really only asking to make small talk.

The most difficult thing when discussing movies (or any art form, for that matter) is to keep the objective separate from the subjective. You may ask, “What the heck does that mean?” Well, if you’d be patient I’ll tell you!

An objective comment is a fact; it is something that is true no matter what the individual may think. A subjective comment is an opinion; it is subject to the individual and changes from person to person.
So here are some practical examples:

OBJECTIVE
The fire is warm.
SUBJECTIVE
I like a warm fire.

OBJECTIVE
The sky is blue.
SUBJECTIVE
The sky looks pretty.

OBJECTIVE
You smell like a baboon’s hindquarters.
SUBJECTIVE
You smell good.

As you can see subjective opinions do not always have to be grounded in truth, but objective facts usually answer to some law of science or nature. You may ask, “What the heck does that have to do with movies?” Man, do your questions get annoying.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone tells me they’ve just seen a new movie and when I ask them how it was, they tell me, “I liked it.” That tells me little or nothing about the movie. I liked it tells me about you but I wasn’t asking about you I was asking about the movie. When speaking about movies (and as a general practice) we need to be more selective in the language we choose. We need to differentiate between the good (objective) and likable (subjective). Obsoive:

OBJECTIVE
"The Sixth Sense" used excellent story telling techniques to disguise the true nature of its main character.
SUBJECTIVE
I liked "The Sixth Sense".

OBJECTIVE
"Cast Away" is a stirring tale about the nature of mankind and his capacity to persevere.
SUBJECTIVE
"Cast Away" is a boring movie.

OBJECTIVE
"Gone With The Wind" is an epic period piece set against the back drop of the American Civil War.
SUBJECTIVE
"Gone With The Wind" is an enjoyable film.

Once again you can see that subjective opinions are not always grounded in truth. But the objective facts can not be argued against…not unless the person wants to look like a fool. Personally I don’t like (subjective) "Dr. Zhivago" but I have to concede that it is (objective) a well made movie. On the other hand I happen to really like (subjective) "Ernest Goes to Camp" although I do have to admit that it is (objective) pretty dumb. Now you may ask, “What the heck does that have to do with me?” Alright, this is the last time I’m going answer you!

I want you, the readers, to tell me what you think are the top three best movies you’ve seen. Not necessarily you favorite (subjective) three, but what are the best made (objective) movies you can think of. Try to remember things like acting, special effects, story telling, direction, cinematography, costumes, score, timing and delivery, originality, and overall message. All or some of these things must work together to make a good movie. Make your list and post it as a comment to this blog and we’ll see what movies take the “Meatballs and Ravioli Oscar.”

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Campfires, Birthday's, and Comedic Polkas

We'll be on the road for a couple days and I can't guarantee any Internet access while I'm gone.
But we're going to see Weird Al Yankovic in Scranton on Wednesday, Thursday is my birthday, Friday is the Eventide release (geek stuff) Saturday is Jess's birthday and we're going camping until we come home Sunday night. This will be a pretty crazy couple of days!
I'll fill you all in when we get back.

In the mean time, here's a pretty funny video you can enjoy:

Thursday, July 17, 2008

New Poll

I don't know why, but it seems like I've got Star Wars on the brain. Here's a new poll in keeping with my (and my kids') newest interest.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Who Lives In A Pineapple Under The Sea?

No, it's not Ariel at a luau, it's SpongeBob Squarepants!
And today is his birthday! According to his driver's licence which can be seen in both "Sleepy Time" and "No Free Rides" he was born on July 14th, 1986. That means he's 22 today!

You'd think by now he'd start acting his age...

Monday, July 7, 2008

Da-da Da-da Da-da You Say It's Your Birthday
















Happy Birthday to one of my favorite Beatles, Ringo Starr.
He's 68 today!
  • Just a couple of random Ringo facts:
  • Ringo's real name is Richard Starkey (but you all knew that one already)
  • Ringo is the oldest and youngest member of the Beatles (first born, last to join)
  • Ringo (like Paul) is a lefty.
  • Ringo's son, Zak, received drum lessons from Keith Moon and was the drummer for the band Oasis (who sound exactly like the Beatles).
  • Ringo used to play in a band called "Rory and The Hurricanes"
  • Ringo's favorite color is red.