Old Spaghetti Factory in Hollywood

We went to one of our favorite restaurants last Saturday night and had some pasta. Fortunately, we got there early enough to avoid the Hollywood rush. It’s nice to breeze over Los Feliz Blvd. and into Hollywood in fifteen minutes and get seated right away. We got our food, ate and left just as Hollywood nightlife traffic started.

But… as we exited the freeway we realized that we forgot one of Jake’s library books at the restaurant. We had to turn back around and go back. And that’s when we hit the Saturday night traffic we planned on avoiding.

Fortunate for us, Mark Knopfler played at the Greek on Friday night and not Saturday night or it would have taken more than an hour to get to and from the restaurant to retrieve his book. But it did take an hour. That was frustrating!

I took some quick snapshots of the kids. They were blurry so I PS’d (Photoshop) as best I could

Echinacea doesn't help the prevention of the common cold

Whenever I feel a cold coming on I take this garlic extract. It really seems to work. What never worked for me was echinacea. Here's a July 28th article from the New England Journal of Medicine that states Echinacea does not work as a remedy for the common cold.

An Evaluation of Echinacea angustifolia in Experimental Rhinovirus Infections

Ronald B. Turner, M.D., Rudolf Bauer, Ph.D., Karin Woelkart, Thomas C. Hulsey, D.Sc., and J. David Gangemi, Ph.D.

ABSTRACT

Background Echinacea has been widely used as an herbal remedy for the common cold, but efficacy studies have produced conflicting results, and there are a variety of echinacea products on the market with different phytochemical compositions. We evaluated the effect of chemically defined extracts from Echinacea angustifolia roots on rhinovirus infection.

Methods Three preparations of echinacea, with distinct phytochemical profiles, were produced by extraction from E. angustifolia roots with supercritical carbon dioxide, 60 percent ethanol, or 20 percent ethanol. A total of 437 volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either prophylaxis (beginning seven days before the virus challenge) or treatment (beginning at the time of the challenge) either with one of these preparations or with placebo. The results for 399 volunteers who were challenged with rhinovirus type 39 and observed in a sequestered setting for five days were included in the data analysis.

Results There were no statistically significant effects of the three echinacea extracts on rates of infection or severity of symptoms. Similarly, there were no significant effects of treatment on the volume of nasal secretions, on polymorphonuclear leukocyte or interleukin-8 concentrations in nasal-lavage specimens, or on quantitative-virus titer.

Conclusions The results of this study indicate that extracts of E. angustifolia root, either alone or in combination, do not have clinically significant effects on infection with a rhinovirus or on the clinical illness that results from it.

Source Information

From the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville (R.B.T.); Karl-Franzens-Universitaet, Graz, Austria (R.B., K.W.); the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (T.C.H.); and Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. (J.D.G.).

Address reprint requests to Dr. Turner at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, P.O. Box 800386, Charlottesville, VA 22908, or at rbt2n@virginia.edu.

from: New England Journal of Medicine

Some suggest its the power of the mind.

So, what do you think of this?

Do you remember Granny's secret recipe to fight the common cold on the Beverly Hilbillies? Mr. Drysdale was going to make a lot of money on it!

Her remedy truely works and I've used similar remedies for years!

She got Drysdale to take it for his cold. (She informed him that she had the cure for the common cold and that 'hill folks had it for years', even if "modern" medicine didn't.) After Drysdale went through her torturous treatment, he asked her how long it would take until his cold was cured, and she replied that thanks to her remedy, it would be gone in a week or two.

Ha! A week or two! I love that episode!

Video Games versus Board Games

For the past two days I've sat in front of my computer with nothing to write. I've tried to get more pages down for my script but nothing has come out. I've tried to write in my blog but couldn't come up with anything to write about. I could have just been negative and bitched and moaned about my job and lack of interest, but I decided I've done that alot and didn't need to do it again. So instead of writing, I've done some reading. Just reading anything that I come across.

I came across an article about money spent on reasearch being done on violence in video games and effect on kids. It got me to think about how video games, from simple games like "Pong" to violent games like "Quake" effected my life. I think fondly of games like "Pong" and haven't shot and killed anybody no matter how intense I got in a game of "Quake".

So I thought about writing something off the top of my head about video games, board games, a little about role playing games and how great these things are for kids.

When I was a kid, board games were a big part of my life. I tried to introduce the world of board games like "Candy Land", "Chutes and Ladders" and others to my kids. It was hard for me to admit, but what I found fun as a kid was completely boring now as an adult. But that wasn’t just my opinion as an adult. The attention span that Jake had for a board game was quite short. It was just as boring for him as it was for me. There’s not a lot going on in a board game except the roll of a die and the movement of a board piece.

Then came video games.

An Atari console was introduced in my household. It was the most amazing ‘toy’ I ever had. Instead of rolling a die and counting squares you were forced to move a joy stick and press a button in order to control a dot or line on the screen. Hand eye coordination was a must.

Breaking into the teens I went from board games to more advanced video games and Role Playing games like Dungeons & Dragons. A game that stimulated your mind more than any ‘traditional’ board game could. But it was just that. A more advanced form of a board game. With dice and 'board pieces' in the form of warriors, wizards and goblins. I loved role playing more than any kind of game out there. I was able to be creative, I was able to delve into a fantasy world and learn new ways to interact and communicate with other people, and I was able to write scenarios and stories and create characters - which is what I do as a screenwriter. What traditional board game allowed you to do this?

Board games are bound by strict rules. Do this, that, and the other thing and that’s that. Role Playing could take you into situations that you never expected. You made choices as a character that normally would be life or death decisions. There weren't any strict rules at all, and most gamers came up with their own rules. Problem solving skills are much more utilized in Role Playing than in any other traditional board game. Combine Role Playing into a video game and the world is your oyster. And the gods that be did just that! And I thank them for it.

Today, Jake plays video games that force him to use more brain power than any traditional board game could. Not only are the games complicated, the controllers are as well.

Where I started out with one joystick and a button, Jake was thrown into the world of video games with a controller that forces you to use both hands in order to control two thumb controllers that can also act like buttons, triggers for both his index fingers, and eight to ten other buttons to manage. Throw in a multidirectional pad to boot.

I, for one, was very intimidated with this new Xbox controller. I was not eager to learn all the possible combination of buttons but was forced to in order to teach Jake the basics of game play.

He’s not addicted to video games and I realize there’s a reason. But I’ll get to that later.

So what’s better? Video Games or Board Games?

Pull out "Chutes & Ladders", "Candy Land", "Life" or any other board game available and play with your kids. Challenge them to a game and see who wins. It’s pretty even isn’t it?

Now get a game on the Xbox going with your kid and see what happens. It’s not so easy to win anymore. The challenge to learn the game is hard enough, staying alive in a game and challenging your kids to a win is harder. They are way more advanced than we are and can manage all the different things on a game than most adults who decide to try it.

What’s better for your child? Rolling a die and counting squares on a board or managing five lines of a hockey team, passing a puck to a player for a one timer, avoiding an off sides call, icing, and dealing with sudden death overtime. What’s more challenging to do? Counting and managing play money in "Life" or "Monopoly" or timing your swing in order to hit a fast ball, 12-6 curve, slider or off speed pitch, throwing to second base to catch a guy stealing, getting a reliever ready in the pen at an appropriate time and earning enough ‘points’ by game play in order to purchase ‘locked’ teams, jerseys or stadiums that add more to game play?

Of course, playing video games or board games to an addictive level is unhealthy, but that’s when you as a parent have to introduce other things. Give him or her choices. Like sports, reading, writing, music, 'learning games' on the computer or a movie that has morals. Spread out the activities.

Complaints of obesity in today’s children have been all over the place. Parents complain that kids watch too much tv or play too much video games and state this leads to obesity. Yet parents want these same kids to sit in their rooms or at the table and do homework for two or more hours while they eat chips and drink soda. Maybe too much homework has a lot more to do with child obesity than tv and video games.

Parents complaints of violent television shows and violent video games also run rampant. Yet they send thier kids out to play football or get them ready for a full check hockey league and let Karate instructors be their baby sitters for a couple of hours.

I’m glad Jake goes days without playing video games because he’s doing other things like reading, writing or playing sports. But I don’t bitch and moan when I see him playing video games. On occasion I join him. At least his mind is stimulated. He’s not zoning in on a sitcom or cartoon watching others act, he’s making a whole world act.

Don’t bitch and moan if your kid is playing video games. At least he’s not watching TV... or shooting someone.

Paintball on Sunday

Most people would probably react with a look of ‘are you crazy or something’ expression on their face. Most would just repeat what I just said in the form of a question to make sure what they heard was right.

“I’m playing paintball on Sunday”, is all I have to say.

Not because Playing paintball is such a crazy thing. But because we’ve been fighting 90-100 degree weather here in So.Cal with extreme humidity its even hard to breath. Just stepping out of the house at 6:45 AM and getting into your car is approached with dread with the end results of sweat on your forehead before you can even get the engine to turn.

But sometimes harsh weather is the perfect environment for a day of paintball. It puts you up against more than just trying to avoid paintballs flying at you at 280 feet per second. You’re fighting the elements as well as the enemy.

It takes a lot of motivation to actually gear up in the morning and make the drive to play paintball in the dangerous heat. But in the end, its totally worth it.

I managed six games total. Dale and Dean were able to play a few more games before they called it a day.

The three of us skipped the whole “Vietnam” field to pour water on our heads, drink Gatorade and relax as much as we could under our portable tent. That time spent was enough to get us through the rest of the day.

I managed to drive home with only ONE welt from a ball that didn’t break on my arm. I don’t think Dale or Dean got killed at all either so it was a pretty good day. Team work and some really good moves made it a very productive and successful day. Two fills of my tank and 2000 balls later… I was ready to go home.

Highlights:

• Dean got kicked out of a game for shooting 320 FEET PER SECOND! What’s up with that Deaner?


• Some guy charged at me because I shot him after he was already shot. It was an honest mistake! Not one for avoiding hand to hand combat if it presents itself, I stood up and waited for a pushing and shoving match which would have eventually ended up with some ground fighting and probably a nice elbow on a guys chin and screams of 'my arm, my arm, my arm' after an arm lock and a heel kick in the face. But that didn't happen. The ref diffused the issue as best he could and the guy walked past me muttering, "If I see you out there..." followed by my reply, "Bring it on newbie." = of course he didn't hear me say that or else it would have really been 'on'!


• I broke in my new STIFFI BARREL TIP which made my marker lighter, quieter and uglier. I’m not sure on the accuracy improvements (if any) but it didn’t hinder my game at all so that’s good.


• Dean's Camelbak Hydration Pack inspired me to purchase one as well (a smaller version). It saved my life out there!


• Dean's vehicle awning really added extra shade to our 'camp'.


• Dale covered my butt after I face planted during a move to a bunker which caused laughter from all the dead guys on the sidelines


• It wasn’t that hot!

We missed Steve, Chip and Sang… Maybe in August we’ll have everyone there together.

What's a Camelback Hydration Pack?


What's a Stiffi Barrel Tip?


Visit my Paintball Website: Team Rip Factor

More Pictures from Cruise Night…

Here are just a few more. I did some Photoshoping on some for fun.


This was like “The Munster’s” car except blue.


A freaky looking guy was staring into this car so I PS’d him out.


I couldn’t stand far enough back to get the whole car in this picture. Too many people.


This car show inspired me to clean up my engine.


This was a good car to use the pencil filter on so I did it. Then masked a copied layer to make the background a little darker with a darker paper. Then used a small lighting flare on the headlight on the original that I masked through three layers to get to.

Cruising down the Boulevard...

CRUISE NIGHT in Glendale.

Last Saturday night Jake and I went cruisin’ the boulevard on “Cruise Night” in Glendale. I took a few pictures. It was close to sunset so I shot most at a higher ISO without a flash because it would bounce off as a reflection off the cars. So I just shot most of these as a test. I also shot in RAW and adjusted the white balance in post.

Here are some of the pictures.


The cars were parked in front of store fronts and The Alex and down the middle of the boulevard stretching from Wilson to Lexington. About three hundred cars were on display - which was scaled down from four hundred a year before due to street construction.



Cool rims.


These must be expensive.


Every shot I tried to take of this grill included reflections of people, including myself. I finally found the right angle.


Love this interior!


I thought this was an interesting engine.


My favorite car of the night.


Since I was a kid, someone has been driving this car around Glendale and I’ve always wanted to own it.


Jake’s favorite car of the night. Referred to as “The Laker Car”


A nice shot of a building just as the summer sun begins to find its way in the west.


A tree in the alley going to the parking lot.


Lighting in the alley was interesting so I took this shot.

Blackness in my head is interrupted by glow sticks, a burning pit of bodies and even the deadly explosion in a mine field.

Screenwriting

I introduced two important characters into my ‘zombie-esque’ script yesterday. They carry a subplot on their own and of course they help to push the story forward based on the information they know. They are two Maori Natives that I use as a device to convey very important information to my main characters. One is a five year old boy who speaks English and one is his three year old sister who doesn’t really speak at all. Both have witnessed some very serious things and have survived for several days despite the danger surrounding them. I based the boy and girl on my own kids, Jake and Bella. So I can’t help but think of how they would act if they were forced in the situation that these two Marori kids are in. They, because of their age and their back-story, are now the real heroes of the story. Inspired by the ‘Newt’ character in “Aliens” and of course, Jake and Bella. I could have just used one, but both serve as a different plot device for other major characters.

After breaking the forty page count I’ve come across three major writer’s block situation while writing the script. Each time I hit that block I have written the word “BLACKNESS” on the page.

I close my eyes and think of the ‘new chapter’ of the story. I become a character and turn on the light and I try to see what the character would see and imagine what other characters might be thinking or saying to me. At page forty, each character has a lot going on in their heads, a lot they want to know, a lot they want to do, and a lot they want to leave behind. The voice that is loudest is probably where the story will lead me too. And from there, a new scene, an INT. or EXT. is written and the characters continue on with their journey.

So far this has worked with this script. A lot is on the line for each of my characters. It’s life versus death. And the question is, what would you do if faced with this situation?

Dialup internet is for the stoneages

Even Fred Flintstone had faster internet connection.

And I pay way too much for DSL Internet Service. Earthlink is just baaaaad. BAD!

So no DSL service due to a broken modem has finally pushed me over the edge to find a better and cheaper service elsewhere. I can't stand not having high speed internet connection!

I’m looking into SBC Global Yahoo service. There’s a 1.5 mbps and 3.0 mbps service. Can I benefit from 3.0 Mbps service for more money? $14.95 a month for the first year for 1.5 Mbps and $24.95 a month for the first year for the 3.0 Mbps service. Free modems! I'm not sure which one is more appropriate and if I'll 'feel' the difference between the two speeds.

Any suggestions would be nice.

Quote of the day:

"If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative." Woody Allen

Which reminds me… I need to fail more. I miss college. ;)

Yesterday, Wednesday, da wife and I took a day off. Well, she had a day off, I had to take one.

We took our annual passes to Universal Studios where free parking is already worth the price of an annual pass. Imagine, $10 for parking. And they have the nerve to put a sign up that says, “For only $7 more you can have preferred parking.” $17 to park at Universal Studios or City Walk. That’s just ridiculous. It’s the main reason we stay away from there.

We arrived at the park around 9:30 PM and immediately took the eighty or so esculators you need to take in order to get to the lower level of the park where the Jurassic Park ride is. There was NO line so we got on right away and waited excitedly for the drop.

Donna screamed her head off as we plunged into the water. It was not what I remembered. Kinda boring, kinda slow, and not very wet. So I suggested we get on it again.

Again, no line and this time I scooted her to the front of the boat.

And for some reason, there was more water ‘turned on’. Water poured on us during sections of the ride, water squirted at us and the fog made it hard to see dinosaurs that would eventually pop out of the water to scare us.

Then the drop came. And boy, did we free fall into a soaking. We got drenched! It was awesome! Donna didn’t think we would get that wet but we did.

Then we went into The Mummy Ride which was a short, pleasant surprise. I’ve never been on it and it was very fast. Liked it, but it was way too short.

And mothers and fathers, please make sure your kid could handle ‘scary’ rides like this. A poor little girl was balling behind us. She must have been 7 or 8 years old. Just because she’s tall enough for the ride doesn’t mean she could handle it.

We then took the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour. That’s 45-55 minutes of my life I will never get back. I hate that tour for two reasons. One – it’s boring. And two – it is frustrating being inside a studio and seeing the offices and bungalows where I want to work. Someday, one of those parking spaces will be mine!

At 12:15 PM we got out of the park and ate at Cafe Tu Tu Tango. We’ve heard really good things about this place. It was okay. Not that great. But definitely okay. The beer was awesome as I treated myself to a nice cold glass of Red Hook. I haven’t been drinking much lately and boy, did that beer taste good!!!

Then we left Universal City and found a Uniform store where Donna purchased several pairs of scrubs for work.

Back home, around 2:00, we took a nap which capped off a 96 degree summer day off.

Ommm.... Huuu.... Ommm... Huuu...

Today is the day. Donna is taking the NCLEX. I’m probably just as nerve-wracked as she is just worried about it and how she is. Send your positive energy her way, pray, chant, or do whatever it takes to get her through the test and the day!

Good luck, honey! Love you.



FYI:

Chanting - One of the Oldest Healing Techniques, Combines Singing and Toning.

Chanting can be like singing, very musical. Chanting can also be more sound like and less musical. It all depends on how you chant. Chants can be long notes, serene, slow, very calming, lowering the heartbeat. Chants can also be wild and free, like for certain kinds of native american indian dances and events.

You can use chanting in your daily life. Use the long, slow, church type chants when you need to relax and unwind. Use the wild and free type faster chanting, when you need an uptempo uplift. Experiment with chanting in different parts of your voice range. Try words of things you love, chant along with records of chants, or simply make up whatever kind of chants your imagination leads you to try.

Two popular words to chant are OM, and HU. HU is one of my favorites. And both have been chanted for centuries globally. For more on HU, go to www.eckankar.org. HU is one of my favorite chants, I call HU, a Love Song to God. And chanting or singing anything with Love can really turn on the healing or self healing.

Chanting, like singing, and toning, can be better than a glass of alcohol, or the pill of the month. Using your voices natural healing abilities can speed up any kind of other healing program you use, and may even replace them by the sounds and music of your own living voice.

More information found here: MORE INFO

Bowling for Soup

Damn Internet problems kept me down during the weekend. Spent yesterday afternoon trying to figure it out and couldn’t. I have wireless connection through a Linksys router but can’t really do much online unless I go ‘wired’ through the modem or ‘wired’ through the router. I thought it could now be my Linksys wireless PCMCIA card, but my Mac (housing an Airport card) is having the same difficulties as my laptop.

I need to figure this out or just say screw wireless and crawl under the house and ‘get wired’. But for the past five years I’ve had no real problems. There’s got to be something in the air that is interfering or someone else is going through my connection. I enabled security so they’d need to know the password to get online. Nothing is working. I hate the Internet.

Back to the daily life of things that pass you by. That being the year 1985. This song could be my Mantra, except I’m not a girl and I’m cool. But the rest rings true and boy, does this song nail it on the head.

Bowling for Soup 1985 Lyrics

Woo-hoo-hoo

Woo-hoo-hoo

Debbie just hit the wall
She never had it all
One Prozac a day
Husbands a CPA
Her dreams went out the door
When she turned twenty four
Only been with one man
What happen to her plan?

She was gonna be an actress
She was gonna be a star
She was gonna shake her ass
On the hood of White Snake's car
Her yellow SUV, is now the enemy
Looks at her average life
And nothing, has been, alright

Since Bruce Springstein, Madonna
Way before Nirvana
There was U2, and Blondie
And music still on MTV
Her two kids, in high school
They tell her that she's uncool
But she still preoccupied
With 19, 19, 1985

Woo-hoo-hoo

1985

Woo-hoo-hoo

She's seen all the classics
She knows every line
Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink
Even Saint Elmo's Fire
She rocked out to wham
Not a big Limp Biscuit fan
Thought she'd get a hand
On a member of Duran Duran

Where's the mini-skirt made of snake skin
And who's the other guy singing in Van Halen
When did reality, become T.V.
What ever happen to sitcoms, game shows

On the radio was

Springstein, Madonna
Way before Nirvana
There was U2, and Blondie
And music still on MTV
Her two kids, in high school
They tell her that she's uncool
But she's still preoccupied
With 19, 19, 1985

Woo-hoo-hoo

She hates time, make it stop
When did Motley Crue become classic rock?
And when did Ozzy become an actor?
Please make this stop!
Stop!
Stop!

And bring back

Springstein, Madonna
Way before Nirvana
There was U2, and Blondie
And music still on MTV
Her two kids, in high school
They tell her that she's uncool
But she's still preoccupied
With 1985

Bruce Springstein, Madonna
Way before Nirvana
There was U2, and Blondie
And music still on MTV
Her two kids, in high school
They tell her that she's uncool
But she's still preoccupied
With 19, 19, 1985

I identify with this like you wouldn't believe and I'm sure a ton of 30 somethings do as well.

Remember when we were not even 20 somethings and we were watching "Thirty Somthing"??? I guess I can identify with those characters now. How that all seemed so 'fantasy like.' Living the fantasy isn't as easy as represented in the tv show.

I treated myself to a DVD collection this weekend.

After Jake and I went to the Car Show on Brand we went to Barnes & Noble and I couldn't resist the packaging of: "The Fantastic Four Animation Series" The inside is really cool. I love the four disc display when you open it up. Each DVD has the image of one of the FF members. I watched the first episode on the first DVD... It's kinda - eh... but I still like it. I am going to buy the Spiderman animation series from 2003 and the X-Men one as well. Love those.

Jake put some headphones on and it just so happens the Revenge of the Sith soundtrack was on. He was hooked and wanted to listen to it over and over again. I wasn't forced, but I bought it for him because he was so into it. I remember being like that with the theme song back in 5th grade. He's only in Kindergarten. He's way ahead of me. :)

What happens in my head, stays in my head...

In order for you to use the above title you'll have to pay me fifty cents. I believe that's half of what the Vegas slogan is going for... "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

It’s one of those days when your brain is filled to capacity but your mind is blank. I pulled up Word and couldn't write a thing. I couldn't get anything out of my head. It was overflowing, brain synapses were firing away, but it was just too filed I had to close my eyes just to get refreshed. I would have slept till morning if I didn't hear Vin Scully talking about Brad Penny getting thrown out of the game in the 3rd inning. Damn Ump.

So here I am, after a ten minute nap, writing... I finished a three page scene for Dale, well, I rewrote the shitty first draft and forwarded it on. Its for two actors. A piece for their reel. Read it here if you'd like: First Class Tickets (a pdf file)

I took a deep breath, leaned back and thought about the good old days of summer once again.

I was thinking about how great these really hot summer days were as a kid. I remembered biking up to Another World Comics in Eagle Rock and spending an afternoon going through some of their back issue boxes. There I found a comic book that I have till this day.

This was a historic comic book released in 1965 and I was shocked to see it stuffed in a box for nobody to see. I immediately took my three dollars and bought it. It has been a gem in my collection for more than twenty years. One, because it’s a great comic book, and two, I bought it while searching through old boxes at a comic book store. Could I call it a gem if I bought it last year in mint condition from a comic book store? Yes. But it wouldn’t have the same meaning as it does now. And I'd be easily turned on to selling if I purchased it a year ago. Making it a childhood gem, a Wonder Years story, makes me want to hold on to it forever.

History was made with this comic book as Susan Storm and Reed Richards, the first super-hero couple, walked down the aisle.

The near mint value of this book is approximately $225 I believe. My copy is in VF+ + grade so its value is probably around the $180-$200 range.

I love to look at the covers of these older comic book covers. To me, these are the best comics out there to collect. If I were to start collecting again, I’d buy anything and everything produced from 1965 thru 1979. It’s hard to believe these comics are 30-40 years old and they are out there ready for me to buy!

Another gem is the one comic I bought for just a few bucks from a college guy. I was around 14 or 15 years old and my cousin’s friend from UCLA would come over and we’d chat about comic books. He was selling some of his X-Men comics so I jumped at the chance to buy them. I bought several books from him - notably The Uncanny X-Men #94 (and several comics from #94-110). He sold them to me for a very low price of $30.00. It was all the money I had but I knew it was worth it.

I still have these comics and X-Men #94 is now worth around $400.

The guy I bought these from continued an "X" career for himself as a media columnist and critic for Variety and is also the author of two authorized companion guides to the Fox series "The X-Files." He graduated from UCLA in 1984.



Too bad we didn't hang out more... Either I'd have all his comic books in my collection or I'd be on the career path I want to be in now. As a writer.

So at least I got some things out of my head. It was really beginning to wear me down.

Now I can catch the end of the Dodger game and fall asleep on the couch.

A movie review that doesn't even need one...

Or deserve one.

"Shadows of the Dead"

Don’t watch this film!

I’m serious.

But you probably will anyway.

But don’t.

It’s just bad.

Horrible.

And I don’t even have the patience to even review it.

But I will…

After I quote users of Netflix because they’ve said it all already.


Shadows of the Dead
My Rating: 1/10

Quick Review: It’s a test of love as a couple struggles with the fact that they are turning into Zombies.

My comment: Nice premise. HORIBBLE SCRIPT, DIRECTION, ACTING AND EDITING. Climax? What climax? Nothing made sense, everything was forced, and the believability factor... nil.

Netflix comments:

My friend and I spotted this find at our local Blockbuster and thought it would be perfect for Bad Movie Night, a bi-monthly celebration of utter lack of talent, motivation and creativity. That being said, this is the absolute worst movie I have ever seen. Understand, it is so bad that it doesn’t come close to being entertaining. It is not even funny. I sat through the first hour with an unflinching desire to rip off the “actor’s” arms and beat them to death with their own appendages. I endured until I feared I would throw heavy objects at my screen. I would recommend this film for the truly masochistic, or possibly as an alternative to corporeal punishment. Enjoy!

and another

probably the worst movie that I have ever seen. If you have an hour and half of your life that you don't value rent this movie and knock yourself out.

and another one

This was a worthy effort, but it bored me to death. It contained little gore, or any action for that matter, and the movie's main focus is just two people sitting around a cabin talking. The only gore you're gonna get is just a few trickles of blood. The zombies never have anything more than pasty white faces. All the action of the film is only mentioned after the fact. The guy being bitten isn't shown, his first kill isn't shown, his rotten body parts falling off isn't shown! All that's left is one big converstation between a guy and girl. On top of that, most of what they are talking about just isn't interesting. Two zombies lying on a bed making puns with the word dead is not what any zombie fan wants to see. I guess that it was supposed to be inspiring that this young couple stayed together even in death, but that theme was somewhat ill-acheived. The only things in the movie's favor was some decent camera work and the acting wasn't too bad, but the characters really aren't likeable enough so you don't care about them. Obviously any zombie movie is going to lack strong characterization, but if you don't make up for it in other areas then what have you got left. I really don't recommend you see this film unless you are having trouble sleeping.

and finally the one that really wraps it up

1 star is the lowest possible rate, I need a zero star for this movie. I fall asleep after 15 minutes into the movie. It was a good sleep.

So why, you may ask, did I watch this movie?

Although this may bite me in the butt, I guess I need to review it... I met the producer, writer, director, editor of this film - Carl Lindbergh
- at a July 4th party.

He mentioned he did a Zombie-esque Character driven movie and how low budget filming is a pain and is not fun at all. He also said he would never do anything but horror and would never shoot anything but 35mm… He also said he hates Hollywood. – you know... one of those. Sounds pretentious doesn't it? Normally you reserve this attitude for those art-house filmmakers, which he probably is. I mean he did do a character driven movie about zombies.

But here’s the deal… First, low budget filming is a pain, but it sure can be fun. All I’ve ever worked on have been low budget productions. All were fun. I guess its you, and the crew, and planning that can make it fun. Yes, its work, but I’d rather get up to work on a low budget film with a fever than get up and do my day job. Second, if you are so compelled to shoot 35mm there has to be a reason right? You want it to look great! So if you have the money, why not? Well, this movie could have been best served if it was shot on video. Not even digital. Just home video. Because the quality of the film, even watching it on DVD, was just poor. It looked bad and 35mm didn’t even help it. So why waste money on film?

This movie is one of the movies that makes up-and-coming filmmakers such as myself frustrated.

Why?

Because someone got it produced with, get this… $750,000…

It has distribution, people are renting it and falling asleep, and it’s a bunch of crap.

Give me 750K and you’ll get something that keeps you awake.

The District Attorney came to my house last night...

Well, a future DA that is.

My cousin James came down from SacTown to interview in SoCal with a District Attorney's office. So he flew down in hopes to see the kids. Well, timing is everything as they say, and he got here just as we put the kids to sleep.

Jake was surprised that we got him out of bed and very happy to hear his uncle was coming down to see him. And if Jake is out of bed, who else wants to come out and play? Bella.

It was nice to see James and the kids playing. He was extremely sad to have to say goodnight. He read a book to Jake then came out and ate Tommy Burger's with me and wallowed in depression.

James has a lot on his plate. The BAR exam, a wedding and interviews all over California. Oh, and he's maintaining second place in the Fantasy Baseball League we are in. How does he do it?

Here are some pictures dedicated to James and his short visit with the kids...


Rare that we get Bella to look into the camera. But for a few shots, she did.


And she actually smiled!


Jake is a ham. Just like his Uncle.


And if timing is everything...


...then here's the one time where all three were looking at the camera.


The best picture of the night as far as I'm concerned. What a great little moment.

Side note: James had two celebrity sightings on the way down. In the airport in SacTown he saw former governor Pete Wilson (and not Gray Davis as I thought) and shook his hand... and in Burbank airport he saw Joseph C. Phillips (Denise Huxtable's husband in The Cosby Show) and didn't say anything.

That Thing you do... A Fantastic Four Movie Review

I’ll preface this by saying there were THREE comic books that were a huge part of my childhood. Spiderman, X-Men and The Fantastic Four. My sister actually used a black pen and drew on the above comic cover when we were kids. Right on Reed Richards head. I think she was coloring in hair for some reason.

Since then I’ve been waiting for movies to really show off these comic books and their characters. The Fantastic Four was the last of the Glenn Comic Book Era Trilogy to successfully make it as a high budget action movie for the big screen. I was extremely excited about this movie. Especially because I was going to see it with Jake.


Fantastic Four (2006)
My Rating: 6/10

Quick Review: Four scientists’ DNA are altered by cosmic rays during a space voyage. The four, Reed Richards can stretch, Sue Storm can turn invisible, her brother Johnny Storm can control fire, and Ben Grimm’s whole body has turned into a super-strong ‘Thing’. Little do they know there is one more person out there who was also altered and that person is out to destroy, THE FANTASTIC FOUR.

Uh……………

Yes, I was extremely excited about this film!

And unfortunately...

I was extremely disappointed.

The main thing that I found this movie lacked was in the acting. Actually, Alba looked like she tried, and Julian McMahon actually did a decent job. But the poor acting possibly comes from a weak script. The characters lacked depth when in fact these characters have so much depth. Compared to The X-Men, the FF characters were flat and completely uninteresting despite their obvious DNA altering.

The desperation to find a so-called ‘cure’ was only desperate in talk, but not in action, which this film really lacked. An action hero movie should include TONS of action. The last bit of action was great, and made me want to stand up and cheer – because that’s how I remember the FF battling it out with bad guys. But up until then, talk was cheap, dialogue was on the nose, and emotion was worn on the character's sleeves and didn’t come from the gut.

Even Ben Grimm, despite his depression from losing his fiancé, to his obvious deformity, just moped around and hit us on the nose too many times with him breaking dinner ware. This should have been the darkest character of the bunch, and all he did was walk around with his head down.

My rating of 6/10 is very conservative. I give it a 6 because I love the FF. But the movie itself truly deserves less.

HIGHLIGHTS
I saw this movie with Jake. I love the fact that he is finally old enough to go to the movies with me and enjoy it. Right after the film he said, “That was good. It was cool. I liked it. Can we see it again.” Followed by a recap of his version of the movie. Which would confuse anyone who hasn’t seen it.

A quiz later of the characters led to this discussion.

Papa: Did you like the Thing?
Jake: What thing?
Papa: The Thing!
Jake: What thing?
Papa: The guy who turned into a rock.
Jake: Who’s that again?
Papa: The Thing.
Jake: What thing?!!!
Papa: That’s his name.
Jake: Who’s name?
Papa: The Thing’s name.
Jake: WHO’S THE THING?!
Papa: The guy who was super strong who looked like a bunch of rocks and was really heavy and wore a hat.
Jake: Yeah, I liked him. What’s his name?”
Papa: The Thing.
Jake: Yeah, what’s his name!

Papa takes a deep breath.

Papa: His name was Ben Grimm.
Jake: Ben Grimm?
Papa: Yes.
Jake: Yeah, he was cool.

Hair falls out of Papa’s head.

A picture is worth $579 + tax + shipping...

This entry is dedicated to my little cousin who is studying for the BAR EXAM and called me tonight feeling all stressed out. He's got the BAR and his wedding in August. Don't worry, man... the strippers are on their way. YEAH, BABY YEAH!

Now back to the good stuff.

Thanks to all my friends and of course my wife... I was able to purchase my camera (a Canon G6) for my birthday. $579 at Costo with tons of extras!

I've been playing around with it for the past couple of days and finally put it to the test.

I've already found shooting at a higher ISO is much better than the Canon G2 so that's good. Less 'noise' compared to the ISO 400 pictures I took a few months ago. There's some nuiances with the camera that I have to get use to but so far, the upgrades to this camera are very noticable.

Here are some pics I was able to shoot today and yesterday to test the camera.

A test on SUPER MACRO TV:1/20, AV:2.5 no Tripod. (This is Jake's eye. I told him to stay really still. It took like ten shots before I finally got one to focus.)


Around 5:00 PM - TV:1/640, AV:2.8 (this was yesterday after school right after he was given time out with five other kids for pulling leaves off a tree)


Around 3:00 PM indoors w/tripod - TV:1/30, AV:2.8 ISO 400 WB: Tungsten (This was before I made a deal with him that I'd only take two more pictures. I squeezed in several to his dismay.)


Around 3:00 PM indoors w/tripod - TV:1/6, AV2.8 ISO 50 (I barely got him to look at the camera. His look doesn't represent his feelings of... CAN WE PLAY SOCCER NOW PAPA!!!!!!! PLEAAASEEE!!!!)


Picture quality SEEMS better than the G2. It's hard to tell right now until I do more experimentation.

On a side note... Jake did a face plant on the carpet while playing soccer with me inside the house. He looked up with a paintful look but the fall totally looked funny. I mean, what face plant doesn't? So I couldn't hold it in and I risked the 'don't laugh at me' response when I bellied out in laughter.

His teary eyes looked up at me as I laughed and he sucked it up like NORMAL... and he laughed harder than I did. It was almost like we couldn't stop.

Then I kicked the ball and it smacked him in the face and we rolled on the floor laughing once again.

It's nice to know he's got it back after the whole Universal Stuidos incident.

Oh... one more picture...

TV:1/25,AV:2.2 Exp Comp +1/3

I sent this through PHOTOSHOP just to do some B&W with some extra compensation settings.

Today I was able to add a scene to my first act. In between writing and editing I was able to feed the kids cereal, cut up TWO HUGE BANANAS, change a dirty diaper and make coffee. Count that... that's five differen things in an hour that I did WHILE I wrote. Mind you - this is 7:00 AM. Donna was still asleep because she was studying for boards till late. We got her up around eight-ish.

There's a lot of commotion that goes on behind me while I write...

The kids were supposed to be putting away their blocks (WITHOUT THROWING THEM IN LIKE BASKETBALLS). The television was on and Bella decided it was time to play with Elmo. Jake was still sleepy as this is still early in the morning.

So I thought i'd share a few seconds of it... captured with the Canon G6...

Transfered to a .mov file (which isn't that good)


For a true capture from the camera use the following links:
If that doesn't work download it here: "Kids Playing" (an AVI file)

Or try to watch it here: "Kids Playing Webpage" (an AVI file)

OR try this mp4 file: "Kids Playing mp4 file

Whoever invented this is a genius

This is a great thing. I love this thing. This thing is great. I love this thing and want more of these things!!!




I love these things with all my heart.

My writing life...

Yesterday I sat down and rewrote the beginning of my script. I also re-outlined over the weekend so I know where I want to go through midpoint. I already wrote the ending which really helps. And we are in pre-pre-pre production for the short film. Story boarder has the script, makeup just sent it back with a quote: $6,000 for makeup, and initial casting has begun.

It’s neat to see where my characters are at the end and start them with nothing. The goal is now to get my characters from page one and mold them into these completely different individuals as the third act begins. It’s great to see who they are now, and who they will be at the end. It’s a different way to approach my script as I’ve never written the ending before the beginning.

I played the first act in my head while laying down last night and discovered that I didn’t like how it played. I went so far as pitching the new beginning to Dale and after I gave him the first sentence I thought to myself, this isn't going to work. It went something like this... "Okay, you open on a deserted city. Rain is pounding the ground and we see several figures moving through the dark. A military helicopter rumbles past us overhead and dissapears behind the buildings in the distance... We realize the figures are Special Force Agents in full gear protecting civilians as they move to a pick up zone... uh... ummmm... I'll call you back."

So I layed down on the couch and in my head I sat in the theater and watched what I had written. The action is great, and it moves quite quickly from page one to the act break. But, it was very on-the-nose. Forced rather creative. My original start of the script was a lot better. It really was ambitious and creative and the arena of events really made it unique.

So I’m going to rewrite the first 10 pages once again in order to give it the same feel as the original. But it’s a toss up to do that, or continue writing pages from where I left off. Sometimes rewriting gives me the inertia to propel the next pages of the script. Sometimes (mostly) it holds me back. But I need to get it out before I write because its already in my head. Maybe I’ll treat myself to a rewrite after doing 10 or so MORE pages as I reach the midpoint.

Wish me luck.

Jujitsu practitioners, Mixed Martial Artists - You got nothing on Isabella-Te Karate!

The attack wasn't planned. There wasn't foresight or intended malice. It just happened. And the target was easy. An unmoving target oblivious to the world. 3:00 AM with nothing better to do… why not?

I remember feeling the first poke in my eye the first time but excused it as an elbow, foot or hand that may have accidentally found its way in my direction. The second poke was a little odd so I moved towards the edge of the bed to make more room for the occupants of the bed - Donna and baby Bella. The third poke and the odd feeling of someone trying to pull my eyeball out eventually woke me up and forced me to rationalize the situation more effectively. Then the feeling of someone grinding their knuckle into my eye socket finally made me scream in pain.

“OWWWW – DAMNIT!”

I opened my eyes just in time to see Bella jerk her hand away from my face and innocently lay it on her chest.

I rubbed the pain out of my eye. It took a second to realize something was amiss. I was angry, yes, but something was odd in the way Bella was sleeping. Her eyes were closed and she was laying still. Oddly still. Too still. Forced stillness. As if feigning dead in front of a brown bear in order to avoid getting eaten. But unlike a brown bear, papa bear doesn’t fall for such ineffective acts of innocence.

I’ll have to give it to her. She learned all this from me. From my taps on opposite shoulders of the kids, to playfull pokes in the ear or ribcage only to have them turn around to try and catch me as I pretend to be sleeping or watching tv or reading a book. It's all my fault. They say she’s got my mischief. I was the same way when I was a kid.

BUT SHE WAS STABBING ME IN THE EYE WITH HER FINGER AT THREE O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING!!!

I never stabbed people in the eye while they were sleeping.

I never tried to pull someone’s eyeball out at 3:00 AM.

I never tried to grind my knuckle into someone’s eyeball, even during ground fighting nights at the dojo.

So despite my anger, I was a little amused and yes, a little at fault.

“Bella!” I called out sternly.

And her response was not from a two year old sleeping sound as she tried to appear to be. Apparently, when you are two years old and someone calls your name despite your attempt to feign sleep, you answer. You can't help it. Even with your eyes closed. So without hesitation in hearing me call her name she immediately opened her eyes and answered with an irritated, why are you bothering me I'm sleeping, “What?”

“Please don’t poke Papa’s eyes when he’s sleeping” I pleaded. I'm still in the third person speaking stage of toddler talk.

“Okay, Papa.”

“Thank you, Baby.”

“I sorry, Papa.” She apologized then closed her eyes and rolled over closer to her mommy.

I plopped my head back down on my pillow. Somewhat amused. Definitely wide awake. And determined to get bunk beads for Bella and Jacob.

But before I fell asleep, I made sure to face the other way so that my eyeball wouldn’t be so prone to another attack.

What are words for?

It's the 5th of July. People have to work after a night of celebration. I have to work. It's wrong. It's cruel. It's torture. I believe we should have an extra day of rest after July 4th to go full force into our jobs. Imagine how employees would feel? They'd respect management so much more. Management would get more from us - the well rested employee.

So since I have nothing to talk about, I'll just ramble on about nothing. You know... I'll just spout out words upon words upon words. A plethora of words. All for the sake of writing.

I used to work for a hospital that had a quote by Rudyard Kipling posted up in an elevator. I wondered why someone would put up a piece of paper with this quote. What did others get from it if they weren't writers? I mean, writers are a different breed of human. The need to write, the need to use words, the need to express oneself through writing means so much more to a writer than say... to a normal, happy human being.

I jest. I make humor in my frustrations. Of course you can be happy as a writer. Just make sure you have a bottle of red next to you at all times.

Back to the quote:

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." Rudyard Kipling.

I'm assuming that it was a reminder to choose your words carefully - to be cautious when saying that one thing in the hallways, or in the elevator, or in passing patient rooms, that could change a person's attitude, day or even life. Of course, it was a hospital and a senstive area for open conversations.

I think a more powerful quote would be something straight from "The Elements of Style":

Rule 17 states: “Omit needless words.”

But then you'd have to really point out the subtext of what this really means and I'd go as far as posting the following in an elevator in order to get the point across:

Just shut up. You might piss someone off.

At least you wouldn't have to worry about JACHO - The Joint Commission On Accreditation Of Healthcare Organizations.

I'm assuming only healthcare people will get that.

But my point... If you have nothing good to say, shut your mouth. It reminds me of a person I once worked for that had to get the last word in no matter how stupid it was. From made up acronyms to sharing something that she thought might interest you but didn't.

To have the nerve to say something as ridiculous as "H-W-Y-W-E"?

HUH? Yes, my only response... 'huh?'

"How-Was-Your-Week-End"? As if I was supposed to know what she meant.

And I'd be like, shouldn't it be something like H-W-Y-W since weekend is one word?

And she'd be ms. condesending with, "Oh, you're too smart. We can't get anything past you."

Inside I'd be thinking... just shut up. SEE! JUST SHUT UP! Perfect.

And she'd do this all the time. She'd make up acronyms and blurt them out there as if you were supposed to know what she was talking about. Talk about idiots at the workplace.

I completely have gone off on a tagent on Rudyard Kipling's quote.

Month End financials have fried my brain.

"Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind." Rudyard Kipling.

Yes, powerful.

I like words.

But are they powerful when nobody is listening? If they are lost in a piece of paper under 500 other pages and ten thousand other words? - That's something to ponder.

Finally, here's lyrics from "Missing Persons" who peformed last week in the hit show: "Hit me baby one more time".

"What are words for when no one listens anymore." Words by Missing Persons

Do you hear me? Do you care? Are you listening?

Does it matter?

And that, as they say is... THAT!

Afternoon Delight - a July 4th DVD movie review

Gonna find my baby, gonna hold her tight
gonna grab some afternoon delight.
My motto's always been; when it's right, it's right.
Why wait until the middle of a cold dark night.
When everything's a little clearer in the light of day.
And you know the night is always gonna be there any way.

Sky rockets in flight. Afternoon delight. Afternoon delight.

Thinkin' of you's workin' up my appetite
looking forward to a little afternoon delight.
Rubbin' sticks and stones together makes the sparks ingite
and the thought of rubbin' you is getting so exciting.

Sky rockets in flight. Afternoon delight. Afternoon delight.

Started out this morning feeling so polite
I always though a fish could not be caught who wouldn't bite
But you've got some bait a waitin' and I think I might try nibbling
a little afternoon delight.

Sky rockets in flight. Afternoon delight. Afternoon delight.

Please be waiting for me baby when I come around.
We could make a lot of lovin' 'for the sun goes down.
Sky rockets in flight. Afternoon delight. Afternoon delight.

Repeat chorus.

Afternoon Delight
-The Starland Vocal Band

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
My Rating: 7/10

Quick Review: The rise and fall... and rise of a chauvinistic 70s anchorman.

You didn't need to grow up in the 70s to find this movie funny. It helps, especially with the music and styles of the 70s. But all you need to do is put Will Ferrell on screen and you'll get some laughs. This movie wasn't as funny as I expected, but it was definately entertaining. There were some memorable scenes: The rumble with other news crews, singing "Afternoon Delight" in harmony, and the Jazz Flute scene. Tons of cameos from actors were timely and perfect for their characters. Where else could you see, Fred Willard, Luke Wilson, Jack Black, Ben Stiller, Tim Robbins and Vince Vaughn in one movie? What a lineup.

28 days later I didn't write this movie review...

I watched the movie "28 Days Later" with Cilian Murphy of "Batman: Begins" fame. After a day at Universal Studios, I was still determined to stay up and watch the movie without falling asleep. A double scoop of Jamoca and Gold Medal Ribbon ice cream from Baskin Robins helped. But as it turns out, the story, the movie, and the characters were all comepelling enough for me to keep my eyes open.

Eight mintues into the movie, Jessica decided she couldn't handle the suspense. It is a scary movie. I guess its considered 'horror'. And watching it late at night with your papa who likes to scare you at appropriate times of the movie prompted her to visit chat rooms instead of sitting in the dark to watch it.

So, here I am, one and a half days later (not 28), writing the review.


24 Days Later (2002)
My rating: 7/10

Quick Review: An outbreak of a deadly virus wipes out London. 28 days later, only a few have survived and need to protect themselves from the infected.

Scary thing – it seems like something like this could happen. And if it does, what would you do? This is a Zombie movie. Its disguised behind the fact that they never refer to the infected as Zombies and nothing is known about the infected. But in fact, they are incredibly aggressive Zombies willing to bite you if given the chance. And if you’re bitten, within five to twenty seconds you’re one of them! I love these types of Zombie movies.

Unfortunately, it took a turn toward the end that I didn’t think it needed to do. And a big question looms in the air as I watched it. Here it is. Why are some infected people dead, why have some turned to Zombies and how could the survived actually survive the outbreak? It’s something you need to suspend in order to take this ride.

Altogether, a suspenseful, creepy, sit at the edge of your seat movie that I found entertaining.

Interview of paintball player, Glenn Magas, omited from this week's episode of "Bonus Ballin'"

Glenn Magas, the international and world renowned paintball star and player, was interviewed by Dale Fabrigar in this week's show of "Bonus Ballin" - about a Paintballer's life. His interests inside and outside of paintball. From wine to video games to television shows.

Read it here: Glenn Magas Interview

It can happen at the blink of an eye - Tragedy at Universal Studios.

The words, “No running” seemed to be hanging in the air having just left my lips. And with a blink of an eye, the world stopped and the sight of blood seemed to stop my heart as I ran for help.

The day started as a joyous occasion. Baby sitting issues during the week gave me the opportunity to stay home from work. A spur of the moment decision was made as free tickets to Universal Studios dangled in front of my nose. We were going to Universal Studios Hollywood!

We waited for Donna to finish what she needed to do for the day, and by high noon, we were sitting in front of the Dodger Dog stand at Universal City Walk. It was lunch time and before we ventured into the park, we needed to eat something. And if there’s a Dodger Dog within reach, beware… you’ll get bitten if you’re in my way.

By this time we still had about four hours of theme park going time as we stood in line for tickets. Four hours was my guess at how long I’d last standing in lines for rides and shows. Liza, Colby, Donna, Jessica, Jake, Ethan (visiting from Roseville) and I made up the group of fun seekers.

We rushed over for the one o’clock Animal Planet Live show to start our day. The kids loved it and it was a good start for the rest of the day. But as this was prime nap time for Jake, you could see that sitting in the sun waiting for the show to start, was a tough fight for him to stay awake. And this wouldn’t be his only tough fight for the day.

After the show we sent Jessica and Ethan off on their own. That way they wouldn’t be slowed by parents and little kids.

During our wait for Fear Factor Live, we walked over to the Coke Water Zone (or whatever its called). It’s a water area where kids squirt each other, get wet and cool off. When there’s water and kids there are pleadings of getting wet without its consequences. To them, getting wet now was more important than the results of spending the rest of the day in uncomfortably wet, sticky clothes.

I was a kid. I get it. And despite my normal feelings of my kids getting their clothes soaked, whatever they wanted to do was fine. I just had one rule and one rule only. “No running.”

We watched Jake and Colby as they tentatively stepped into the water zone. Eventually they’d venture in and cool off and we’d have to pry them away in order to continue our day. I turned around to go get something to drink. We were in the Coke Zone so what’s more appropriate than an ice cold Coke I thought.

The words, “No running” seemed to be hanging in the air having just left my lips. I turned around for one second and what seemed like a blink of an eye, Jake had turned a corner and slipped. He wasn’t really walking. He wasn’t in the full stride of a run. But he was just getting started with a run and all I saw was a child’s size thirteen shoes give way and forty inches and forty pounds of a five year old boy slap hard against the concrete floor. Face down.

He looked up at me and smiled that embarrassed smile you smile when you fall in public. I figured he’d just get right back up and continue his water play having learned his lesson of no running. His smile prompted me to turn back around to look for a coke when a couple walked by and I overheard the man say with concern, “did you see that?” I’ve been on that end having seen someone fall. By commenting on it it made the situation an incident of concern rather than just a laugh at an innocent trip and fall. I turned back around to see Donna holding Jacob in her arms.

That’s unusual I thought. Jake normally sucks it up. He’d get hit in the eye with a baseball and tear up but suck it up and throw it back. He’ll slip and fall on a hard wood floor as he plays basketball and says ‘ouch’ but gets back up laughing if he’s in the middle of having fun. And he was in the middle of having wet fun which made me believe something like a fall wouldn’t stop him.

I rushed over and the world stopped as the sight of blood seemed to stop my heart. Not just blood from a cut on knee, but blood on the ground, blood on Donna’s shoulder, blood running down Jacob’s nose and blood coming out of his mouth.

I ran for help. Well, help in the sense of more napkins. I found a bunch at the Coke area and ran back. Donna was calm, I was calm, but inside I was fearing the worst.

We rushed him over to the First Aid Station. His lip swelled immediately as he sat on a bed with a nurse who tended to him. His knee was scraped, his nose was still bleeding and his lip was cut up. I felt so bad for him. I felt horrible for him. I wasn’t mad but disappointed that he didn’t listen. But more than anything, I was relieved that it was no more than just a bloody nose, a cut lip, and a scrapped knee.

We stayed in the nice cool comforts of the First Aid station before going on our way. They provided us with two front of the line passes and some free carnival game passes.

Lesson to be learned – if you want front of the line passes have one of your kids wipe out in the Coke Zone and bloody up the place. Just kidding. Its not a pleasant experience to go through. Especially for a paranoid, semi-over protective parents as I am known to be.

The rest of the day went well. Jake loved the Back to the Future ride, the Fear Factor Live show is a show that cannot be missed, and warm funnel cake was a great way to cap the four and a half hours at Universal Studios! By five o’clock, Jacob was asleep in bed for a short nap.

Here are a few pics of the day.


Yes, Dodger Dogs.


I don’t need to be pregnant like my sister to crave one of these!


Passing the Hulk as we make our way to the ticket counter.


Colby and Jake measuring up.


Ethan and Jessica all grown up.


Prime time nap time before Animal Planet Live.


Having fun before:


Jake being tended to by a nurse.


The nose.

And the results of the slip and fall…



A swollen lip.

My poor, baby.