Sunday Summary and Suggestions

Driving Ms. Crazy

Monday – I discussed some of the major adjustments I have had to make driving in the Low Country. The main road, Route 17 is an easy stretch between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, but the on ramps, off ramps, and the driving, in general, has been a bit disconcerting. One aspect I did not mention Monday, or in the addendum on Tuesday, is that I think turn signals are optional; I rely on ESP to understand when the car in front of me is going to turn, and it has worked out okay. Up for right signal, down for left. They help. Eileen and I are making progress, but I will keep you up to date.

Tuesday – We were in the Teacher’s Lounge, and I cursorily discussed reading instruction with an emphasis on finding an appropriate place/space for successful interaction, and the power of student choice and teacher tolerance. If you are interested in more direct lessons or more pointed suggestions, please let me know.

P’s. Point of Pellucidity (An easy fix to some common language issues). One of my pet peeves is “every day” vs. “everyday.” The former is two words. I take out the trash every day. The second is an adjective meaning regular or routine. I wear my everyday sneakers seven days a week. I have seen multiple companies including major supermarkets and restaurant chains mess this one up. What are you an English teacher? Yes.

Wednesday – Hump Day Happenings. The Subway contest gone awry, and someone in Florida won the Mega Millions. I would start building the ark. I also commented on the application of language arts in the “real” world. Writers continue to strike for better pay and residuals, and trust me, the movie industry needs good writers, and states are taking steps to ban the banning of books. Ray Bradbury would be proud; however, this same author said, “No need to burn books if no one is reading them.” Lose yourself in a good book.

Thursday – I was a bit fatigued, so I did not create this content until Friday. It is funny that after a brief illness, you get a surge of energy, both in body and mind. I chose a Mexican proverb about doing enough during the day to want and warrant good rest. Full disclosure, I still have trouble sleeping, due to apnea necessitating the use of a CPAP machine. Picture the scene from Alien when the host decides to attach to your face. More on sleep in the coming weeks.

Friday – Focus on food, and several ideas came to mind. Like a kid in a candy store, (which I was today–review next week), I had to show restraint, so I discussed mistakes on many levels. I offered wisdom about candy faux pas to avoid, the problems with aggressive diversification in the donut market, and the topical story of Dunkin’ spiking their coffee with alcohol. I guess if they have drive-through package stores, it is okay to add a bit of liquor to my latte. Sounds like a real safe idea. Go to Parlor Doughnuts. Go, now. Go, hungry.

Saturday – I talked sports. Please set your alarm and give the final four at the Women’s World Cup some love. Intriguing match-up with the host Australia playing England, and Spain meets Sweden. Katie Ledecky is the G.O.A.T., and I started my expose on the NFL. Whether you agree or not, please read the entire argument, and at least, watch the sport with more scrutiny and knowledge. Knowledge is wisdom even if it means a slight loss in entertainment value.

That’s all I have to say about that.

Suggestions

Movies

P’s. Pic Pick

I don’t have much to offer this week, as I have been watching older movies that I have already seen. Someone with anxiety likes knowing the ending. I am also waiting for bad weather to complete the Barbie/Oppenheimer double feature. What I can say is that Eileen watched a movie called Crawl about alligators terrorizing a town during a hurricane. Sounds like Sharknado, but it kept her on the edge of her seat, and according to IMDB, it was Quentin Tarantino’s favorite movie of 2019. Incomplete

P’s. Pick Pass

Once again, I did not spend much time watching movies (see Tube takes); however, I have to warn you about a movie called Paycheck starring Ben Affleck, Uma Thurman, and Aaron Eckhart. Sorry, Aaron, you were in last week’s pass as well. Might be time to stick with Christopher Nolan, or find a new agent. The plot. I have no idea. Based on a story from Philip K. Dick, it is a futuristic world with someone wanting to tap into new technology and time machines and motorcycles and… You get the idea, it was awful. The only thing that got me through the movie was dogged, determined pride. The acting was hammy, the dialogue pointless, and the action sequences flat (Whiff from action stalwart John Woo). The title did not even work. This is a turkey. D- (Paul Giamatti saves it from an F).

TELEVISION/STREAMING

Tube Takes Times Two

Botched

Easy recommendations here. As mentioned, I have been watching more episodic television this week. Normally, the television is inundated with true crime shows: Forensic Files, Motive for Murder, Unsolved Mysteries and the Kendall Rae Podcast. With only one set in our new condo, there have been many negotiations. After the summit, Eileen and I both lighted on old seasons of Botched with a new season just launched. The show follows Beverly Hills plastic surgeons Dr. Paul Nassif, and Dr. Terry DuBrow. Like Forensic Files, the show provides closure. Each episode follows three distinct cases, and at the end of the program, they show the striking results from the surgeries. It is not for the squeamish, but it is fascinating, and the two leads, although top flight doctors, do not take themselves too seriously outside the operating room. DuBrow (brother of Kevin, deceased lead singer of Quiet Riot) has reality tv experience, and it shows. B+

Ted Lasso

I know. I know. I have already finished this, P. Okay, no spoilers. I still have most of the final season to complete. I cannot say enough about this show. It is heartwarming, funny, dramatic, goofy, and most of all engaging. The show is perfectly cast, and the ensemble allows Jason Sudeikis to shine. I especially like the work of Jeremy Swift (Higgins) this season, and Roy Kent (Adam Goldberg) remains a predictably enjoyable curmudgeon. I love all of the characters although I do have to watch it on subtitles to understand Juno Temple’s (Keeley Jones) manic musings. Nicely paced, and enough drama to balance the silliness. Rope in Ted Lasso. A- (Tough grader)

MUSIC

Choice Cut

I have written for two full weeks, and I have not promoted my current favorite band Blue October. The band is led by Justin Furstenfeld, a musician and man with a remarkable life and history. If you want to know more about him, there is a great documentary called Get Back Up (2020) on Amazon Prime. Every song Furstenfeld writes is filled with sincerity and nuance, and he sings with a passion that comes from a troubling life, lived with resilience and hope. The band’s latest product is a three-part album called Spinning the Truth Around. The first track from Part I shares the name of the entire album. The song pulses with a constant, moving beat, and Furstenfeld knows how to write and hang on a pre-chorus, “I don’t want change. We both want more.” The lyrics capture a couple on the brink of separation (ostensibly, Justin and his second wife, who have recently divorced), so there is a genuineness to the cut. The band is on the second U.S. leg of an extensive tour promoting both Part I and the recently released, Part II. Check the song out. Go see them live.

Classic Choice Cut

“Let it Whip,” by the Dazz Band (1982)

Just an awesome groove and dance tune from the winners of the 1982 Grammy for best R & B track by a Duo or Group. I love this tune and according to Wikipedia, it falls into the genre of Post-Disco. Cast no aspersions on disco. I will dance at weddings to the Bee Gees and The Village People, and I will dance anywhere to KC and the Sunshine Band. However, this song has a clearer bass line and echoing infectious backing vocals, an upgrade from the sweeping keyboards and simpler lyrics of disco. Seek out this song, put on your dancing shoes, and let it whip.

TRAVEL

NeverEnding Story of Storyland

I have already mentioned that, for a stretch, our annual family vacation took place in the Franconia Notch area of New Hampshire. There were several memorable places to visit, but the main attraction was Storyland Theme Park in Glen, NH. As its name conjures, this park is based off of nursery rhymes and fairy tales, and is not as aggressive as other major theme parks. It is almost quaint. I recall riding the Dutch shoes (like the Dumbo ride at DisneyWorld), the Swan Boats, and my favorite The Polar Coaster. I also recall taking the Pumpkin Coach pulled by a real horse to Cinderella’s Castle to meet Cinderella (a real teenager from a local high school). Sounds hokey, but it was a blast. Just enough to keep young children entertained without the crowds that glut other options. Once again, full disclosure, there was a stretch where I was too old for the park.

Our family made the pilgrimage when I was in the 8th grade. This park is not designed for this demographic, and that is a good thing. I rode the Dutch shoes, and even at its highest point, I believe I could touch the bottom of the car. Sliding down the exit to Old Mother Hubbard’s House, my feet hit the ground before I felt the slipping.

I mention this, because, several years later, I had the good fortune to go back with my children when they were the appropriate (4-12) age, and they had added new rides including a log flume, and had replaced the real horse with a mechanical facsimile. I guess PETA had paid a visit. Although some of the changes were shocking, the coolest part about the park remained. Every ride has the capability of taking both adult and child aboard. No height restrictions. No left-out short cousins. You can share every ride with your younger children and still get something out of it yourself. That’s a story worth telling.

Until tomorrow,

Love and laughter,

P.