How To Pay Your Mortgage With A Gypsy Curse

Drag Me To Hell (2009)
Cinemark - Moosic, PA
This is one of the best horror flicks I've seen in a while.  The gypsy curse theme reminded me a little bit of Thinner, but Drag Me To Hell is a much better film overall.

Two Thumbs Up

Up (2009)
Cinemark - Moosic, PA
When Pixar released an animated feature film, you can pretty much bank on the fact that it's going to be excellent.  I went to see this on opening day without even knowing what it was about, and I wasn't disappointed one bit.  It's an absolutely beautiful adventure from start to finish.

Flea Market Oddities

Hometown Farmers Market
Tamaqua, PA
Where else can you find a Backstreet Boys photo album filled with pictures of Hitler and a skull with salt and pepper shakers in the eyes?

Fun With Panoramic Bathroom Photography

This is the view from the second floor of my grandparents house from the bathroom window; you know, just in case anyone needed to see this.  I was just testing out the panorama features of my digital camera.  It's not going to win any prizes, but I thought that they came out looking kinda neat.

The Saga Begins

Ten years ago, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace was released in theaters nationwide.  At the time, it was marketed like crazy, including in store circulars, like this one from Sears.

It's far from a perfect movie.  I think the saga should have started with Anakin Skywalker as a 15 year old angst-filled teenager.  It would have made his relationship with Padme a lot more believable.  I also think Darth Maul was an excellent villain, and I was disappointed when Episode I killed him off before fully developing his character.

I remember that I enjoyed the movie when I first saw it in the theater, but I grew to dislike it shortly thereafter.  I don't know if the marketing blitz made me sick of it or if I was disappointed by its unrealized potential.  However, when I watch it now, I can more fully appreciate it for what it is.  The plot is centered heavily on three things: the pod race on Tatooine, the battle of Naboo, and the fight between Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan and Darth Maul, but my favorite scene happens before any of these.  It's the part where Qui-Gon is sitting outside of the Skywalker's home at night - when he tests Anakin's blood and talks with Obi-Wan on the communicator.  I can't put my finger on why, but I lose myself in the atmosphere of that scene.  It makes me feel like I'm there on Tatooine, with the cool desert night air and the entire Star Wars saga waiting to unfold.

2008: It Was A Very Good Year

The 2008 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies visited the White House today where they presented President Obama with a #44 jersey. 

Cardboard Drive-Thru

Matchbox Kids Meal Box
Burger King (1989)