Nice long weekend

[greatbear]

Sadly, our long weekend draws to an end. While Jeff was stuck working Friday and Saturday, I had the three days off, and with it a chance to catch up on stuffs. Much of the usual goings-on, interleaved as the days went along. No going to overcrowded fireworks displays, but we did have some eats typical of the holiday.

We worked hard in the yard today, cleaning out flower beds and spreading a half ton of mulch. Things look a lot better outside now. Kodi had an afternoon with the groomer and is looking doggie fierce. The server I recently built got put into service, with only a bit of frustration and is currently behaving and helping to bring this post to you. I was using an old keyboard with a built-in trackball that had seen better days. When the trackball would resist all my attempts to clean in order for the thing to actually control the cursor, I finally lost it and put my fist through it repeatedly. Sometimes beating the shit out of recalcitrant hardware is like therapy. Having to clean up dozens of keytops scattered about the room is it's vengeance, however.

Saturday night we went out to the movies. We saw WALL-E. Once again, Pixar had me charmed in my seat. I highly recommend this film, and I see it as one that will grow with repeated viewings. I don't know how the folks at Pixar do it, but they manage to explore the human condition so well, not needing to use humans. In this case, not having to use many words either. Go see it. You won't be disappointed.

This is a short week for me. I get to use my first 9-80 Friday off to travel up to Provincetown for the week. Both of us can't wait for this, our first 'real' vacation of the year. Because of time constraints, it will most likely be our only long vacation as well. We still have a couple Hillside weekends, and one at Knoebels in the fall. Hey, I am happy just having the ones we have planned. All work and no play makes me one grouchy, emo dude.

Hope everyone has a good week.

Comments

[beartech420.livejournal.com]

I went to see WALL-E last Thursday by myself. I really enjoyed it but the strangest thing happened to me. I stayed to the very end and even enjoyed the credits. When the lights came up I was surprised that I felt very happy. And it just brought to my mind that Americans are always accused of producing and wanting "feel good movies". Well that movie actually made me feel good and I can't remember the last time a movie did that to me. It was pretty cool. I gotta see it it will do the same when I get the DVD.
BestRegards,
Pete

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Pixar excels at the 'feel-good movie'. I think it's because they tell the stories in unconventional manners and when you take it all in and process it, the experience hits you in a pleasant way due to it getting past the usual filters. None of their movies are preachy, yet they each have a solid moral. The characters are delightfully engaging and 'human', even if they are monsters, fish, toys or insects.

Re: Wall E.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

Yep, stayed and enjoyed the end credits. You never know what Pixar ends up doing for the end credits, and every time they do something cool. The Peter Gabriel song was really good. I have the actual soundtrack album, it's mostly songs from Thomas Newman, and that's a good thing.

Have you heard PG's new one, "Big Blue Ball"? It's a good one filled with world music, something Peter Gabriel has always done well with.

Re: Wall E.

[greatbearmd.livejournal.com]

I miss vinyl. I have lots of it, but the stereo system is dismantled. Currently the turntable gets occasional use in the studio for transcribing. I cant wait to have it back as a component in the home theater. As high tech as everything else in the setup will be, my 30+ year old turntable will still be one of the most engaging component.

I missed out on the Genesis tour. I wish I had made more of an effort to see them, though it was one damn pricey show.