The Aftermath . . .

Good Post Christmas Morning,

I was not going to do another blog for a while but my sister Marlene wanted a film review of the two that I have seen since my last entry. So, here goes, unlike the two previous films I reviewed the two that were viewed on Christmas Eve and Xmas Day were good ones. In fact, one of them was excellent and will make my top ten for the year. That was George Clooney's new film, Up In the Air. I had been a bit skeptical when I read the good reviews beforehand, but after viewing it I was very much impressed. It is the study of a man who spends about 350 days a year flying to fire people from their jobs. It is a great character study of a solitary man who loves that lifestyle. His life and attitude changes somewhat when . . . Oh sorry, go see the movie to find out what happens to him. I strongly recommend this one, especially if you like acting and character development without all the special effects.

My Christmas morning film (for which I got the ticket a day ahead anticipating crowds) was Sherlock Holmes, featuring Robert Downey Jr as the intrepid detective and Jude Law as Dr. Watson. This was another highly advertised holiday film. I found it it a very entertaining version of the Holmes saga. Much of his original character resides in Downey's performance with a more energetic upgrade for modern audiences. For example, whereas the original Sherlock was a consummate boxer among his many talents, this version is a martial arts expert. Other allowances for attention deficit modern audiences is a lot of action sequences with a bit of down play of the more deductive detective work which is the hallmark of the original. Although, at the end he ties together all the pieces in typical Victorian detective fashion. Jude Law's portrayal of Dr. Watson is a much more action oriented one as well. I think many modern audiences unfamiliar with Holmes lore from the books will miss the many references thrown in to the mix. One example was the inclusion of the character Irene Adler (played by Rachel McAdams). Her character is only mentioned in a passing fashion in Conan Doyle's writings about Holmes, but in this film she spices things up as a "love interest."

I found the film a bit too long at 130 minutes. With some more selective editing it could have been a much more effective presentation. But still, I enjoyed it and found it entertaining. Especially I enjoyed the villain and his dark presence in the film with a shading in the background of the infamous Professor Moriarty, Holmes' nemesis throughout the original writings. In addition, I liked that the director, Guy Ritchie, kept the backdrop Victorian London, which lent itself to great cinematography.

Christmas day went off OK. With the film in the morning and a couple of hours spent with my youngest offspring in the late afternoon it was a nice day. In addition I was able to squeeze in several phone calls to my daughter, other relatives in California, and friends. Of course, underlying much of the day, was the chronic heartache of missing my mother. I do not know if I will ever get over that.

Have a great New Year and a safe celebration of same.

Winter Solstice!

Good Morning,

Tomorrow the winter solstice occurs, the marking of the official first day of winter and the shortest day of the year in this part of the world. In most North American aboriginal cultures the winter symbolized death. It is the time when the leaves are gone from the trees, the landscape becomes stark, and in the past, food/game becomes scarce. Many tribes of the plains would break-up into smaller band level units to survive. Older, weaker animals, including humans would more often die in this season.

Our culture, at least the quasi-Christian part of it, celebrates Christmas, the so-called birth of Christ, the Messiah. However, historical Jesus was not born during this time of year, but in a totally different season. As is the case with many groups, the early Christian church, the date was changed to coincide with other factors important during that time. Even though it is supposed to honor this man/god and his teachings (that most Christian don't seem to follow), it has become a time of financial gain and garish displays. Although one good result for many is the gathering together of often far flung family members.

As for my Christmas, it will be spent at home in Flagstaff for the first time ever. I will not make the sojourn over to southern California to be with family members there. Instead, the holiday, or at least the dinner part, will take place at daughter Natasha and son-in-law Jason's abode. Since I have not gotten to spend a Christmas with Tasha since she was a little girl it is nice to be able to do that. I will miss being with my sisters, niece, and brother for the holiday meal. Also missed is time spent with my grandsons, daughter Tania, and other son-in-law, Steve. It is a hectic time a year for Tania so I do not get to spend as much time with her as I would like anyway.

Most of all I miss being with my mother on this holiday. She and I spent many a solitary Christmas Eve together sitting in our respective recliners watching Xmas movies on TV while all of our other extended family members had gone off to be with their other kinsman. I remember "way back when" when everyone would stop by Mom's on Christmas Eve. The grandchildren would be running around playing and everyone else talking away with one another. The next day my mother and I would get up, unwrap our presents, have breakfast, and get ready to head over to sister Norma's house where everyone would gather throughout the day. But those days are over. Mom is no longer with us and everyone has moved on in their lives.

Movies: I have seen two films in the last week one that was OK, nothing special, and the other, atrocious. Robert DeNiro's new "family film," Everybody's Fine, struck a cord with me as a father who feels like his offspring have gotten away from him some how as he, and they got older. The movie is a bit too long and drags some, but as previously stated, just OK. The second film, Did You Hear About the Morgans, is truly bad. This cinematic offering proved once again that Sarah Jessica Parker is very limited in her acting abilities. Another actor who is limited (but who I like) is Hugh Grant. Although he is as amusing as ever, his performance here leaves a lot to be desired. I love Mary Steenburgen and Sam Elliot but they are truly wasted here. If you must see this film wait for the DVD.



I wish you all Peace and a very Happy Holiday!


Adios

Just abit more snow . . .

Afternoon from still snowy Flagstaff,

I did get out to go Cross-country skiing on Thursday, the first day the Nordic Center was open. The conditions were great and the few folks that were out early as was I, were pretty ecstatic.

There was about 2 1/2 feet of the white stuff out there at 8000 feet. Just that extra thousand feet from in town was enough to keep me breathless on the trail. After a couple of hours I was "done in" for the day.

This weekend was supposed to be fairly snowy, but no where near the blizzard and accululation of last Monday. It has turned out to be mostly snow flurries without much accumulation. Natasha and I were going to head out to ski this weekend but never made it. My plan is to try to get out again tomorrow with, without the daughter. Temps are supposed to be hirer this coming week so need to get out there again before it gets too mushy.

I did see a movie today that was a 3 3/4 stars in my 5 star rating system. The movie, Invictus, directed by Clint Eastwood had very good acting performances by Morgan Freeman playing South African President Nelson Mandela and Matt Damon as the Captain of the South African National Rugby team. The story chronicles Mandella's attempt to bring blacks and white Africanners together through this teams attempt to win a World Cup in Rugby. It is a very inspiring and true story. I highly recommend it even for those who do not know this sport as I do not.

Adios Amigos y Amigas . . . Felice Navidad

Careful What You Wish For!

Afternoon Folks,

Well, we got it, and are still getting it, snow that is . . . started with a few flurries yesterday, nothing to shout about . . . but, this morning about 5:30 it started in earnest and has not stopped all day. According to NOAA it is supposed to snow all night with accumulation up to around 23." Not only that but it is supposed to snow off and on all week long.

Somewhat interesting is the fact that the Flagstaff Nordic Center had their big sale on Saturday. I went out to pick-up my prepaid season pass and take my XC skis in to get "tuned-up" (1/2 price). Now, it looks like they will be opening up on Thursday. That is great news. Hope my skis are ready!

Other plans and appointments might need to be put on hold or changed. My annual physical was scheduled for tomorrow at the VA clinic but it is 10 miles down the highway and it may not be possible to get there. Daughter Tasha wanted a ride down to Prescott on Saturday. That may not happen if the interstate is at all "iffy." That would also sabotage my plans to visit my friend John, who is getting cancer treatments down in Phoenix . But . . . there is the positive aspect, XC skiing.

Tasha and I went to see Brothers with performances by Toby MacGuire, Natalie Portman and Jake Gyllenhall (sp). It is an excellent movie, especially in terms of the acting, but a real "downer." So, as I usually say for this type of movie, "it is not for everyone." Do not expect it to be "uplifting." As Natasha said, "I really liked it, but do not ever want to see it again!"

Later . . .