Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Life's Rich Pageant
The last time I wrote about the future, I stated that SHR and I were considering moving in the fall. At this point, it doesn't look like that is going to happen. I haven't heard from the school in Chicago. I heard I was doing well in the first few rounds but haven't heard anything since then. I sent applications to three different international schools in Seoul and didn't even get acknowledgment from any of the schools that they had even received my paperwork. No big deal.
So it seems that we might just be digging our heels in in New York for awhile now - maybe not for good but for now.
The current plan is for me to find a job in September. I've had a number of interviews and hope to have some more lined up soon. It's a competitive job market though considering that the public schools still have not lifted their hiring freeze. If I get a job, then we have to figure out if both of us work or if SHR stays at home next year. Right now we are leaning towards both of us working and then finding a nanny.
The plan at this time last year was to get a public school job. But at this point, who knows? Even if I were to get one at some point, we probably couldn't afford to live in a neighborhood with a good public school option for Double Trouble. So the best solution might be for me to get a job at a good independent school where the boys could go once they hit preschool.
We also don't know where in the city we want to live. One of the schools that I'm hopeful about is in the Bronx. It might make sense for us to move to a neighborhood like Washington Heights in upper Manhattan rather than stay in Brooklyn. Who knows? Or maybe we'll end up buying a house with friends in Brooklyn? At the very least we do need to find a bigger place than our current apartment with the crazy long hallway at some point in the next couple of years.
All of this uncertainty is more than a bit unsettling but it is also kind of exciting. Slowly we are figuring this stuff out and we'll get there eventually. It will be nice when we do.
Our current apartment
So it seems that we might just be digging our heels in in New York for awhile now - maybe not for good but for now.
The current plan is for me to find a job in September. I've had a number of interviews and hope to have some more lined up soon. It's a competitive job market though considering that the public schools still have not lifted their hiring freeze. If I get a job, then we have to figure out if both of us work or if SHR stays at home next year. Right now we are leaning towards both of us working and then finding a nanny.
The plan at this time last year was to get a public school job. But at this point, who knows? Even if I were to get one at some point, we probably couldn't afford to live in a neighborhood with a good public school option for Double Trouble. So the best solution might be for me to get a job at a good independent school where the boys could go once they hit preschool.
We also don't know where in the city we want to live. One of the schools that I'm hopeful about is in the Bronx. It might make sense for us to move to a neighborhood like Washington Heights in upper Manhattan rather than stay in Brooklyn. Who knows? Or maybe we'll end up buying a house with friends in Brooklyn? At the very least we do need to find a bigger place than our current apartment with the crazy long hallway at some point in the next couple of years.
All of this uncertainty is more than a bit unsettling but it is also kind of exciting. Slowly we are figuring this stuff out and we'll get there eventually. It will be nice when we do.
Our current apartment
Friday, March 26, 2010
Too Many Movies & TV Watching & Watching Babies = Not Enough Book Reading
I think this covers like 9 months or so. Pathetic.
Jane Mayer - The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals, 2008
Damn, Dick Cheney was a bad man.
Rich Cohen - Sweet and Low, 2006
I liked the history of sugar stuff. I loved the early history of the family's fortunes. I wasn't as interested in the corruption stuff or the family sniping. I love that the factory is on Cumberland St in Fort Greene though. Love it, love it, love it. I had no idea.
Jon Krakauer - Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith, 2003
I loved this book. Krakauer makes everything so darn entertaining. I like how he interweaves a tale of murder with the entire history of the Mormon church. It also helped me understand some of Big Love a little better. I can't recommend this book any higher.
Michael Lewis - Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood, 2009
I liked Moneyball and I've liked other things I've read by Lewis but for the most part, this book really irked me. He comes across as an out-of-touch whiny doofus in this book. Keep your thoughts and guilty feelings about being a dad to yourself and stick to other more interesting topics dude.
Michael Chabon - Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son, 2009
This book, on the other hand, is very good. In the battle of Michaels for supremacy on the dad writing, the clear winner is Chabon.
Jane Mayer - The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals, 2008
Damn, Dick Cheney was a bad man.
Rich Cohen - Sweet and Low, 2006
I liked the history of sugar stuff. I loved the early history of the family's fortunes. I wasn't as interested in the corruption stuff or the family sniping. I love that the factory is on Cumberland St in Fort Greene though. Love it, love it, love it. I had no idea.
Jon Krakauer - Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith, 2003
I loved this book. Krakauer makes everything so darn entertaining. I like how he interweaves a tale of murder with the entire history of the Mormon church. It also helped me understand some of Big Love a little better. I can't recommend this book any higher.
Michael Lewis - Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood, 2009
I liked Moneyball and I've liked other things I've read by Lewis but for the most part, this book really irked me. He comes across as an out-of-touch whiny doofus in this book. Keep your thoughts and guilty feelings about being a dad to yourself and stick to other more interesting topics dude.
Michael Chabon - Manhood for Amateurs: The Pleasures and Regrets of a Husband, Father, and Son, 2009
This book, on the other hand, is very good. In the battle of Michaels for supremacy on the dad writing, the clear winner is Chabon.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
I'm Turning Into Chris Larry: The I Hate Most New Music Post
Basically, I've been listening to a lot of Big Bill Broonzy, Howard Tate, and L.A. Nuggets recently. And then some other stuff ...
The Cars - The Cars, 1978
Warren Zevon - Excitable Boy, 1978
I hadn't really listened to the first Cars album before. So amazing. Half of the album is hits, the other half are damn good too.
The same can be said for this amazing Warren Zevon album too. It's been sounding an awful lot like 1978 in my apartment recently.
Miles Kurosky - The Desert of Shallow Effects, 2010
I think I was so excited to hear what sounds like a new Beulah album at first that I wasn't actually listening to the album. Not very good.
Midlake - The Courage of Others, 2010
Girls - Album, 2009
Passion Pit - Manners, 2009
White Denim - Let's Talk About It, 2008
Surfer Blood - Astro Coast, 2010
Boring
Two good songs
Not my thing
Wanted it to be better
Might grow on me but just not as good as you'd think based on the raves.
I think I just don't like new bands.
Obits - I Blame You, 2009
Spoon - Transference, 2010
The Flaming Lips, Embryonic, 2009
Or old bands. I think I'm the only person I know not in love with Obits. Then again I never really got into Drive Like Jehu or Hot Snakes either.
The new Spoon is not very good.
The Flaming Lips is good as an album but when I try to remember what it sounded like after listening, nothing really sticks with me about it.
Dodos - Time to Die, 2009
Another disappointment. I really liked their previous album.
Wire - Read and Burn 1, 2002
Read and Burn 2, 2002
Read and Burn 3, 2007
Again - another disappointment. I'd heard about these for years. But I just couldn't get into any of the songs.
Young Fresh Fellows - I Think This Is, 2009
SHR didn't even think I'd want to listen to this when she came home with it. Wha? I'll gladly give all Minus 5 and Young Fresh Fellows a spin. Tons of pop fun on this.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Brutalist Bricks, 2010
I like all of his albums to varying degrees but this one is even better than some of his more recent ones. I like it quite a bit. Hooray for the oldsters!
Red Sticker Collection
The Rolling Stones - Some Girls, 1978
I can't believe I never really had listened to this album before. Man it kicks butt. I knew the hits (Miss You, Shattered, Beast of Burden) but there's a hell of a lot more here. The snide country tunes, the S and M tunes, the drugged out tunes, the lewd tunes. What an album! I'll never get sick of this video either.
Emmit Rhodes - Daisy-Fresh from Hawthorne, California (The Best of the Dunhill Years)
There are some wonderfully pretty songs on here and then some boring ones. Make sure to track down the Michael Shelley interview with him on WFMU if you want to get depressed. A sad story leads to a bitter man.
The Jam - Sound Affects, 1980
I only knew their Best of but this album makes me realize that I need to dig deeper. Much deeper.
The Cars - The Cars, 1978
Warren Zevon - Excitable Boy, 1978
I hadn't really listened to the first Cars album before. So amazing. Half of the album is hits, the other half are damn good too.
The same can be said for this amazing Warren Zevon album too. It's been sounding an awful lot like 1978 in my apartment recently.
Miles Kurosky - The Desert of Shallow Effects, 2010
I think I was so excited to hear what sounds like a new Beulah album at first that I wasn't actually listening to the album. Not very good.
Midlake - The Courage of Others, 2010
Girls - Album, 2009
Passion Pit - Manners, 2009
White Denim - Let's Talk About It, 2008
Surfer Blood - Astro Coast, 2010
Boring
Two good songs
Not my thing
Wanted it to be better
Might grow on me but just not as good as you'd think based on the raves.
I think I just don't like new bands.
Obits - I Blame You, 2009
Spoon - Transference, 2010
The Flaming Lips, Embryonic, 2009
Or old bands. I think I'm the only person I know not in love with Obits. Then again I never really got into Drive Like Jehu or Hot Snakes either.
The new Spoon is not very good.
The Flaming Lips is good as an album but when I try to remember what it sounded like after listening, nothing really sticks with me about it.
Dodos - Time to Die, 2009
Another disappointment. I really liked their previous album.
Wire - Read and Burn 1, 2002
Read and Burn 2, 2002
Read and Burn 3, 2007
Again - another disappointment. I'd heard about these for years. But I just couldn't get into any of the songs.
Young Fresh Fellows - I Think This Is, 2009
SHR didn't even think I'd want to listen to this when she came home with it. Wha? I'll gladly give all Minus 5 and Young Fresh Fellows a spin. Tons of pop fun on this.
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Brutalist Bricks, 2010
I like all of his albums to varying degrees but this one is even better than some of his more recent ones. I like it quite a bit. Hooray for the oldsters!
Red Sticker Collection
The Rolling Stones - Some Girls, 1978
I can't believe I never really had listened to this album before. Man it kicks butt. I knew the hits (Miss You, Shattered, Beast of Burden) but there's a hell of a lot more here. The snide country tunes, the S and M tunes, the drugged out tunes, the lewd tunes. What an album! I'll never get sick of this video either.
Emmit Rhodes - Daisy-Fresh from Hawthorne, California (The Best of the Dunhill Years)There are some wonderfully pretty songs on here and then some boring ones. Make sure to track down the Michael Shelley interview with him on WFMU if you want to get depressed. A sad story leads to a bitter man.
The Jam - Sound Affects, 1980
I only knew their Best of but this album makes me realize that I need to dig deeper. Much deeper.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I Watch Way Way Way Too Much TV
Archer
I didn't like the first episode much after a few minutes so I shut it off. Recently I gave it another chance and lo and behold I like it. I like hearing Coach McGuirk from Home Movies and the mom from Arrested Development in their new roles. Deadpan and fun.
Parenthood
Awful. I watched one episode. SHR is in for the long haul I think.
The Marriage Ref
Speaking of awful. I watched the first episode and no more. Seinfeld needs to be put out to pasture.
Celebrity Apprentice
I wanted to like this. Blago and Darryl Strawberry. I watched about 60 seconds before running in horror.
How I Met Your Mother
There have been some fun moments this season but it needs to wrap up already. Nothing will top the magic of watching 4 seasons of this this summer though. Oh the memories.
Men of a Certain Age
I almost watched this when it was first on but couldn't quite bring myself to do it. Then I kept hearing positive things about it so I decided to give it a shot. It's quietly charming. I love seeing Andre Braugher again especially in such a mellow role. I know some people don't like Ray Romano but I've never actually seen anything with him in it other than the one scene in Funny People so I don't mind the guy.
Caprica
I loved the first half of Battlestar's run. But once the occupation ended, it either seemed to be treading water or getting too new agey for me. I'm ok with this show so far. I almost gave up on it but Marc and Jim convinced me to stick with it. It looks great and I like the aesthetics of the style choices. Plus Patton Oswalt is great in his small role. I just want more things to happen. More action! Also, I have a big crush on Zoe Graystone and hope that one day Double Trouble will be in a band named after her.
The Shield
Just started Season 3. I wish I had watched it when it was originally on. Definitely not a work of art like The Wire but pretty damn fun anyway. Also I hear it doesn't start to get really good until around the fourth season or so. I can't wait. Chiklis!!!!
Damages
Easily the most addictive show on TV right now. Truly unbelievable. Somehow it's complete over-the-top plot twists all feel right when they happen. And while I miss Ted Danson, this current season hits all the rights spots. Martin Short is incredible. I also love how many Wire alumni there are on the show.
Lost
Whatever. I like it but come on. I love that Jim quit watching during the final season. Hilarious. Probably even more entertaining than anything that has happened thus far. And please no spoilers about tonight's episode. I'm not going to watch it until SHR gets back from Austin.
How to Make It In America
Gets better each week. I'm in.
The Office
Why have they made Pam and Jim so unlikeable? This season has been the weakest thus far but I still get excited every time a new episode is on.
Parks and Recreation
The best comedy on TV. I love this show. I defended it last season before it got really good. And now that it's great, I can't get enough of it. I love every aspect of the show, every character, every scenario, and of course - The Stache.
30 Rock
Had been getting a little better recently especially the Jenna stalker episode. But man that last episode with Kenneth having that dumb donkey disease was truly bad.
Modern Family
I'm glad I gave this show another chance. Talk about a show that gets better each week. While Manny was my initial favorite, he now has many contenders. Each character gets funnier each week. My favorite at this point has got to be Luke. Even the dad has been toned down recently and the show is that much better for it.
The Ricky Gervais Show
A fun enough show. So far, I've already heard all of the podcasts that this show is adapted from. I'm wondering what the future of this show is going to be. Will they end up doing shows of all the podcasts? I only listened to the first season so I'm looking forward to hearing some new material eventually. I love how the animated Gervais looks like Fred Flinstone.
The Life and Times of Tim
Not the best thing I've ever seen but I find myself consistently laughing out loud a few times each episode. I never get tired of the idea of a character making bad decision after bad decision and then things getting worse and worse for him. Comedy gold.
Funny or Die
A terrible terrible show.
The Sarah Silverman Program
I definitely was suffering from Sarah Silverman fatigue last season but holy crap this season has been hilarious. Laugh out loud uproariously funny.
Big Love
I liked most of this season despite how ridiculous it was but the final 3 minutes of the season ruined it for me.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Is FX the new HBO and I just didn't realize it until now? I resisted this show for years but just started watching it and I'm enjoying it quite a bit. So far my favorite episode (I've only seen 10 or s0) is the one where Dee is dating a retarded person. Or is she?
And the best news ...
Breaking Bad, Treme, and Friday Night Lights are about to start!
I didn't like the first episode much after a few minutes so I shut it off. Recently I gave it another chance and lo and behold I like it. I like hearing Coach McGuirk from Home Movies and the mom from Arrested Development in their new roles. Deadpan and fun.
Parenthood
Awful. I watched one episode. SHR is in for the long haul I think.
The Marriage Ref
Speaking of awful. I watched the first episode and no more. Seinfeld needs to be put out to pasture.
Celebrity Apprentice
I wanted to like this. Blago and Darryl Strawberry. I watched about 60 seconds before running in horror.
How I Met Your Mother
There have been some fun moments this season but it needs to wrap up already. Nothing will top the magic of watching 4 seasons of this this summer though. Oh the memories.
Men of a Certain Age
I almost watched this when it was first on but couldn't quite bring myself to do it. Then I kept hearing positive things about it so I decided to give it a shot. It's quietly charming. I love seeing Andre Braugher again especially in such a mellow role. I know some people don't like Ray Romano but I've never actually seen anything with him in it other than the one scene in Funny People so I don't mind the guy.
Caprica
I loved the first half of Battlestar's run. But once the occupation ended, it either seemed to be treading water or getting too new agey for me. I'm ok with this show so far. I almost gave up on it but Marc and Jim convinced me to stick with it. It looks great and I like the aesthetics of the style choices. Plus Patton Oswalt is great in his small role. I just want more things to happen. More action! Also, I have a big crush on Zoe Graystone and hope that one day Double Trouble will be in a band named after her.
The Shield
Just started Season 3. I wish I had watched it when it was originally on. Definitely not a work of art like The Wire but pretty damn fun anyway. Also I hear it doesn't start to get really good until around the fourth season or so. I can't wait. Chiklis!!!!
Damages
Easily the most addictive show on TV right now. Truly unbelievable. Somehow it's complete over-the-top plot twists all feel right when they happen. And while I miss Ted Danson, this current season hits all the rights spots. Martin Short is incredible. I also love how many Wire alumni there are on the show.
Lost
Whatever. I like it but come on. I love that Jim quit watching during the final season. Hilarious. Probably even more entertaining than anything that has happened thus far. And please no spoilers about tonight's episode. I'm not going to watch it until SHR gets back from Austin.
How to Make It In America
Gets better each week. I'm in.
The Office
Why have they made Pam and Jim so unlikeable? This season has been the weakest thus far but I still get excited every time a new episode is on.
Parks and Recreation
The best comedy on TV. I love this show. I defended it last season before it got really good. And now that it's great, I can't get enough of it. I love every aspect of the show, every character, every scenario, and of course - The Stache.
30 Rock
Had been getting a little better recently especially the Jenna stalker episode. But man that last episode with Kenneth having that dumb donkey disease was truly bad.
Modern Family
I'm glad I gave this show another chance. Talk about a show that gets better each week. While Manny was my initial favorite, he now has many contenders. Each character gets funnier each week. My favorite at this point has got to be Luke. Even the dad has been toned down recently and the show is that much better for it.
The Ricky Gervais Show
A fun enough show. So far, I've already heard all of the podcasts that this show is adapted from. I'm wondering what the future of this show is going to be. Will they end up doing shows of all the podcasts? I only listened to the first season so I'm looking forward to hearing some new material eventually. I love how the animated Gervais looks like Fred Flinstone.
The Life and Times of Tim
Not the best thing I've ever seen but I find myself consistently laughing out loud a few times each episode. I never get tired of the idea of a character making bad decision after bad decision and then things getting worse and worse for him. Comedy gold.
Funny or Die
A terrible terrible show.
The Sarah Silverman Program
I definitely was suffering from Sarah Silverman fatigue last season but holy crap this season has been hilarious. Laugh out loud uproariously funny.
Big Love
I liked most of this season despite how ridiculous it was but the final 3 minutes of the season ruined it for me.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Is FX the new HBO and I just didn't realize it until now? I resisted this show for years but just started watching it and I'm enjoying it quite a bit. So far my favorite episode (I've only seen 10 or s0) is the one where Dee is dating a retarded person. Or is she?
And the best news ...
Breaking Bad, Treme, and Friday Night Lights are about to start!
Sunday, March 07, 2010
2009 Movie List
I've been putting together a year end movie list since 1998. I used to have a rule that all movies had to have been seen in the theaters by January 1 to be included on the list.
At this point though I've loosened my own self imposed rules by quite a bit. I now allow myself to include movies seen on DVD. I also give myself until the Oscars to put out the first "draft" of my list.
Final Update: 9/20/11
64 Movies
Click on each link for my full review of each film.
My Least Favorite Film of the Year
(500) Days of Summer
A Close Second for Terribleness
Avatar
I Should Have Known Better in the First Place
The Final Destination
Medicore
Funny People
Bronson
Away We Go
Zombieland
C+ Territory
An Education
Tokyo!
Big Fan
At this point though I've loosened my own self imposed rules by quite a bit. I now allow myself to include movies seen on DVD. I also give myself until the Oscars to put out the first "draft" of my list.
Final Update: 9/20/11
64 Movies
Click on each link for my full review of each film.
My Least Favorite Film of the Year
(500) Days of Summer
A Close Second for Terribleness
Avatar
I Should Have Known Better in the First Place
The Final Destination
Medicore
Funny People
Bronson
Away We Go
Zombieland
C+ Territory
An Education
Tokyo!
Big Fan
Public Enemies
Extract
Good Enough
Extract
Good Enough
I Love You, Man
Sugar
Bruno
Outrage
Crazy Heart
Duplicity
Where the Wild Things Are
Headless Woman
Adventureland
World's Greatest Dad
Up in the Air
The Baader Meinhof Complex
Katyn
A Solid B Rating
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers
Ponyo
A Serious Man
The Hangover
Tyson
The White Stripes: Under the Great Northern Lights
A Single Man
Burma VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country
Sugar
Bruno
Outrage
Crazy Heart
Duplicity
Where the Wild Things Are
Headless Woman
Adventureland
World's Greatest Dad
Up in the Air
The Baader Meinhof Complex
Katyn
A Solid B Rating
The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers
Ponyo
A Serious Man
The Hangover
Tyson
The White Stripes: Under the Great Northern Lights
A Single Man
Burma VJ: Reporting From a Closed Country
The Messenger
B+
Food, Inc.
Lorna's Silence
Star Trek
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
The Informant
Goodbye Solo
The Road
Afghan Star
Anvil! The Story of Anvil
The English Surgeon
In the Loop
B+
Food, Inc.
Lorna's Silence
Star Trek
District 9
The Hurt Locker
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
The Informant
Goodbye Solo
The Road
Afghan Star
Anvil! The Story of Anvil
The English Surgeon
In the Loop
A Material
Medicine for Melancholy
The Limits of Control
Moon
Tulpan
Revanche
Hunger
Broken Embraces
Coraline
Treeless Mountain
Drag Me to Hell
Best of the Best
Medicine for Melancholy
The Limits of Control
Moon
Tulpan
Revanche
Hunger
Broken Embraces
Coraline
Treeless Mountain
Drag Me to Hell
Best of the Best
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