LaFountaine

2010-12-13T04:09:00.001-08:00

Monday – December 13, 2010

On Friday morning I got up at 4:10 a.m., and I surfed the Internet. I also watched TV while I surfed the Internet.

In the morning I read the newspaper and drank coffee in the Common Area of the Senior Manor.

For meals I cooked a pot of turkey thighs, spaghetti, corn, tomato sauce, chili pepper, garlic powder and Oregano leaves. Later I ate a meal at the Moose Lodge. Later I ate beef hotdogs with bread.

The weather was partly cloudy and cold, and the snow is melting. The outside temperature reached 36 degrees.

At noon I went Coulee Dam, Washington to check my mail, to look for my pay check and to shop at Harvest Food.

In the evening I went to the Wolf Den’s Bar and the Grand Coulee Moose Lodge.

On Saturday morning I got up at 4:00 a.m., and I surfed the Internet. I also watched TV while I surfed the Internet.

In the morning I read the newspaper and drank coffee in the Common Area of the Senior Manor.

For meals I cooked a pot of ground turkey meat, spaghetti, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, mixed vegetables, chili pepper, garlic powder and Oregano leaves. I ate servings with crackers and buttered bread. Later I ate salami sandwiches.

The weather was partly cloudy and cold. The outside temperature reached 32 degrees.

In the evening I went to the Wolf Den’s Bar and the Grand Coulee Moose Lodge.

On Sunday morning I got up at 3:50 a.m., and I surfed the Internet. I also watched TV while I surfed the Internet.

For meals I cooked a pot of ground turkey, spaghetti, brown rice, tomato sauce, chili pepper, garlic powder and Oregano leaves. Later I ate turkey and cheese sandwiches and hotdogs with bread.

The weather was partly cloudy and cold, though the snow was melting fast, and the outside temperature reached 40 degrees.

In the afternoon I went to the Wolf Den’s Bar.

On Monday morning I got up at 4:00 a.m., and I was feeling well and rested.

Grand Coulee Living

2010-12-10T05:17:00.001-08:00

Friday – December 10, 2010

On Wednesday morning I got up at 4:00 a.m., and then I surfed the Internet. I also watched TV while I surfed the Internet.

In the morning, the weather was cloudy, snowy and cold. Yesterday it snowed about eight inches of snow. The outside temperature reached 25 degrees.

In the morning I read the Monday newspaper and drank coffee in the Common Area of the Senior Manor.

For lunch I ate egg salad sandwich and corn chips, and for dinner I ate salami and cheese sandwiches.

At 10:00 a.m. I traveled to Omak, Washington to work at the Okanogan Bingo-Casino.

On Thursday morning I got up at 7:00 a.m., and I surfed the Internet. I also watched TV while I surfed the Internet.

I spent the night in Omak, Washington. I worked swing shift at the Okanogan Bingo-Casino in Okanogan, Washington, which right next to Omak, Washington. I worked until 1:30 a.m. in the morning. I did rent a room at a motel in Omak.

For lunch I ate beef wieners with bread and cheese, and later I ate more beef wieners with bread.

The weather was partly sunny but cold, and the outside temperature reached 34 degrees. The snow was melting quickly.
Later I went to the Wolf’s Den Bar.

On Friday morning I got up at 4:10 a.m., and I was feeling well and rested.

2009-10-16T04:15:00.000-07:00

Friday October 16, 2009

On Wednesday I got up at 3:45 a.m., and then I surfed the Internet. I also watched TV, including the TV series “Everyone Loves Raymond”, “Sponge Bob Square Pants”, “Reno 911!”, “The Planet’s Funniest Animals”, “Malcolm In the Middle”, Sci-Fi movies, the History Channel shows, news programs and weather programs.

During the day it rained heavily, and moderate temperatures replaced the arctic temperatures.

For dinner we had pork roast and rice. I also ate a tomato.

On Thursday I got up at 3:30 a.m., and I surfed the Internet. I also watched TV, including the TV series “The Planet’s Funniest Animals”, “Everyone Loves Raymond”, “Sponge Bob Square Pants”, “Malcolm In the Middle”, “Reno 911!”, Major League Baseball playoffs, college football game, History Channel shows, news programs and weather programs.

In the morning I worked on cleaning up the bulldog compound. As you can imagine, t was messy work.

The bulldog puppies are well and are growing fast.

For dinner we had vegetable soup with slices of beef pot roast and fry bread. I ate the soup with crackers. I had four pieces of fry bread.

On Friday morning I got up at 4:05 a.m., and I’m feeling rested and well.

Nespelem Domain

2009-10-14T04:22:00.000-07:00

Wednesday October 14, 2009

On Monday I got up at 4:15 a.m., and then I surfed the Internet. I also watched TV, including the TV series “Everyone Loves Raymond”, “Sponge Bob Square Pants”, “The Planet’s Funniest Animals”, “Malcolm In the Middle”, “Futurama”, “Primeval” Sci-Fi movies, the Monday Night NFL game, the History Channel shows, news programs and weather programs.

The bulldog puppies are doing well, and they are eating every three hours.

For dinner we had McDonald cheeseburgers, and I ate four cheeseburgers.

On Tuesday I got up at 3:45 a.m., and I surfed the Internet. I also watched TV, including the TV series “The Planet’s Funniest Animals”, “Everyone Loves Raymond”, “Tom and Jerry cartoons”, “Sponge Bob Square Pants”, “Malcolm In the Middle”, “Reno 911!”, “Scare Tactics”, History Channel shows, news programs and weather programs.

For dinner we had Mexican tamales, and I ate four tamales with cheese.

On Wednesday morning I got up at 3:30 a.m., and I’m feeling rested and well.

Monday-August 25, 2008

2008-08-25T10:45:00.001-07:00

Monday-August 25, 2008

Above is a photograph of a dust storm coming into the Valley. Then came the rain.

Friday was not an extraordinary day. I did my usual routine of surfing the Internet, paying bills, drinking coffee, reading the newspaper at Whataburger, shopping at Fry's, watching TV and taking a short nap.

For meals I made a pot of ground turkey, egg noodles, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, fresh garlic, chili seasoning and mixed vegetables. It was breakfast and lunch. In the late afternoon I popped a bag of microwave popcorn, and then I went to Simpletons to watch NASCAR racing and a pre-season football game.

On Saturday after doing my usual agenda, a friend female and I went to the Tempe Moose Lodge. Then we went to the Mesa VFW, and afterwards I took her to her trailer home. I then went to Simpletons to finish night. Karaoke was the night’s entertainment, and the singers were good.

The monsoon rains and winds returned on Saturday night. I did rain hard.

On Sunday I was not feeling well, though I did manage to do my volunteer work on the Internet. For meals I cooked a pot of ground turkey, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, country noodles and chili seasoning. Later I ate two bowls of popcorn. I finished the night at Simpletons.
My sunflower looked like it was suffering from the heat. On Sunday it reached 108 degrees. I watered the sunflower plant and gave it some Miracle Grow. Hopefully it will recover.
Above is a photograph of a dust storm coming into the Valley. Then came the rain.

Friday was not an extraordinary day. I did my usual routine of surfing the Internet, paying bills, drinking coffee, reading the newspaper at Whataburger, shopping at Fry's, watching TV and taking a short nap.

For meals I made a pot of ground turkey, egg noodles, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, fresh garlic, chili seasoning and mixed vegetables. It was breakfast and lunch. In the late afternoon I popped a bag of microwave popcorn, and then I went to Simpletons to watch NASCAR racing and a pre-season football game.

On Saturday after doing my usual agenda, a friend female and I went to the Tempe Moose Lodge. Then we went to the Mesa VFW, and afterwards I took her to her trailer home. I then went to Simpletons to finish night. Karaoke was the night’s entertainment, and the singers were good.

The monsoon rains and winds returned on Saturday night. I did rain hard.

On Sunday I was not feeling well, though I did manage to do my volunteer work on the Internet. For meals I cooked a pot of ground turkey, mixed vegetables, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, country noodles and chili seasoning. Later I ate two bowls of popcorn. I finished the night at Simpletons.

My sunflower looked like it was suffering from the heat. On Sunday it reached 108 degrees. I watered the sunflower plant and gave it some Miracle Grow. Hopefully it will recover.

Novel Manuscript "Goon Squad"

2008-08-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Friday-August 22, 2008

On Wednesday I was up at 6:00 a.m., and I quickly started my volunteer work on the Internet. For breakfast I ate two egg salad sandwiches, at 9:00 a.m. I took a female friend to the Sky Harbor Airport. Returning I finished my volunteer work on the Internet. For lunch I ate three bowls of vegetable soup. Then I took a long nap, and at 4:15 p.m. I went to Simpletons to read the morning newspaper. Then at 6:00 p.m. I went to the Mesa-Buckhorn Elks Lodge with a female friend. I returned to Simpletons to write an entry to my Blog and to work on the new novel “ Goon Squad”.

On Thursday I got up at 6:00 a.m., and I did my volunteer work on the Internet and paid two bills. Then I read the newspaper at Whataburger while drinking coffee. Then I went shopping for food at Wal-Mart. I bought a lot of meat and other items. Returning home I divided the meat into individual package and put the meat in the freezer. Then I did more work on the Internet, and I watched TV.

For meals I ate chili and a salami and cheese sandwich. Late at night I had French fries, cooked in a microwave oven.

At 4:15 p.m. I went to Simpletons to read my magazines and drink a few beers and to work on my new novel.

My novel manuscript: Black Bears' Revenge

2008-02-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I worked on my novel manuscript: Black Bears' Revenge. It was the first time in months that I worked on it. Hopefully I will continue with my writing.

Novel Progress

2007-07-09T14:20:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I worked on my novel manuscript: Black Bears' Revenge. Progress on the novel is slow, but it is getting written.

I went shopping this morning, and this afternoon I plan to make it to the Tempe Moose Lodge.

Novel Progress

2007-06-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

I'm making steady progress on my novel manuscript: Black Bears' Revenge. On Sunday I managed to work on the manuscript.

I soon plan to go on a diet. I need to get my blood sugar under control. This will mean a change of my lifestyle.

I'm still looking for employment, but I'm not trying too hard. The bills are adding up, so I'm beginning to feel the pressure.

Novel Progress

2007-06-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

The past few days I have managed to work on my novel manuscript. I've been printing out the manuscript and using the pages to write on. I'm making slow progress, but it is getting done.

The weather has turned hot with high temperatures in the 110's and lows in the 80's. It's hard to stay cool.

The trailer home of my girlfriend was damaged by a dust devil (microbust winds). It blew off part of the roof and damaged the car port. She was home at the time, and she is quite upset about the it.

Black Bears' Revenge Progress

2007-06-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

The last few weeks I have made any progress on my writing projects. I'm just not inspired. I'm not very happy with myself.

My life has becomed routine and uneventful.

Manuscript Progress

2007-04-26T10:55:00.000-07:00

The past few days I've been able to work my novel manuscript: Black Bears' Revenge, and I even worked on some poems. Though I only worked a few hours, it is change in habit.

The outside temperature has again reached the ninties.

My landlord told me to stop feeding the feral cats. She plans to have animal control pick them up.

Novel Progress

2007-04-05T11:23:00.001-07:00

Last Tuesday I was elected Governor of the Tempe Moose Lodge. It is a one year term, and it is important position.

Yesterday I finally got my speech recognition software set up. Today I plan to work on my novel manscript: Black Bears' Revenge, using the new software. It should be a big help.

The weather has again turned hot. The past few days the temperatures have been in the 90's.

Speech Recognition Software

2007-04-02T11:51:00.000-07:00

On Friday I bought a speech recognition software, created by IBM. I hope the software will help me to work on my writings projects. The software actually works, but I need to spend more time going through exercises which will improve the speech recognition function. The software needs to recognize the way I pronounce words. I've already use the software, and it does work.

Black Bears' Revenge Progress

2007-03-30T11:35:00.001-07:00

The past two days I have been doing little work on my novel manuscript: Black Bears' Revenge. I need to be more consistent on working on my manuscript.

Royalty Payment

2007-03-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

I will be applying for a Chief Judge job at the Mescalero Apache Tribal Court. The job is in the central part of New Mexico.

I received another royalty payment from iUnverse, Inc. The check was drawn for $24.06.

Sasquatch Return Laurels

2007-03-02T12:05:00.000-08:00

This 60 page self-published book takes on the traditions about Bigfoot in its fictional plot.

http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/crypto-fi-bks-06/

The Top Cryptofiction Books of 2006Posted by: Loren Coleman onDecember 17th, 2006The Top Cryptofiction Books of 2006

*******************************************************
7. Children's Book Choice Sasquatch Returns: A Story of an American Indian Legend by Frank S.LaFountaine

This 60 page self-published book takes on the traditions aboutBigfoot in its fictional plot. Craig Heinselman notes this book,attuned to the young reader, makes good use of First Peoples' legends.© Loren Coleman 2006

Black Bears' Revenge Progress

2007-02-17T11:41:00.000-08:00

I'm nearly finished with the Tempe Moose Newsletter. It has been quite a project.

I did manage to write a few sentences on my novel manscript: Black Bears' Revenge. I introduce one of the main character, who is a young Indian woman. She is back from college, and she is going to work as a social worker for the Colville Tribe.

Novel Progress

2007-02-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

The last two days the weather has been cloudy and at times raining, but it is clear and sunny today.My foot is getting better, but it is still painful to walk on.

My doctor's appointment is scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2007.

I haven't done much about my writing, except to daydream about events in the novel manuscript.

Novel Progress

2007-01-14T08:56:00.000-08:00

I've been working hard at the casino, but I'm losing weight. It is all the walking and standing that I do. There is also lifting of slot machine chairs.I have not made any attempt to begin working on my novel manuscript. I'm still not yet inspired to write.

Novel Progress

2007-01-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

I got a job at the Wild Horse Pass Casino in the Security Department. I'm still adjusting to the job. I have not been writing.

Novel Progress

2006-12-20T08:53:00.000-08:00

It has been a slow month. I'm not in the mood to work on my next novel manuscript: Black Bears' Revenge. Maybe next year I'll start working on it.

Waiting To Be Inspired

2006-12-09T10:35:00.000-08:00

I'm waiting to be inspired before get bak to work on my novel manuscript: Black Bears' Revenge. It has been a quiet week.

Black Bears' Revenge Progress

2006-12-04T09:21:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get started on my next short novel manuscript : Black Bears' Revenge. Again it will take place on the Colville Indian Reservation and will involve the use of Indian Medicine. The story is about gang members and their destruction by Black Bears. I need to begin writing.

Novel Sasquatch Returns

2006-11-30T10:07:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received my five copies of my novel, "Sasquatch Returns". I still have not found good posting of my novel on the internet. I expect it takes time for it to be posted.

Novel Progress

2006-11-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

I'm still waiting for my novel: Sasquatch Returns to be posted on the internet. It is mentioned, but there is no information about the novel.

So far, it has been a slow week for news in general and news article about Native American writers.

Black Bears' Revenge

2006-11-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

I'm beginning to work on another short novel manuscript, entitled: Black Bears' Revenge. It is about black bears attacking gang members on the Colville Indian Reservation. The black bears are summons by the practice of Indian Medicine.

Manuscript Progress

2006-11-14T09:54:00.000-08:00

My novel: Sasquatch Returns should be published in a few weeks. I'm busy applying for jobs as I am short of money.

Manuscript Progress

2006-11-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I approved the final proof for my novel manuscript: Sasquatch Returns. iUniverse will be publishing the novel.

Manuscript Progress

2006-11-06T05:30:00.000-08:00

It has been a peaceful weekend. I'm still waiting for the final proofs of my novel manuscript: Sasquatch Returns. I may go work this week working for Security at a casino.

Manuscript Progress

2006-11-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

It has been a quiet week for me. I'm waiting for iUniverse to e-mail me the final proofs for my novel manscript: Sasquatch Returns.

Yesterday I had a job interview at a tribal casino. Everything went well, and I took a pre-employment drug test. I'm waiting for the results.

Manuscript Progress

2006-10-30T09:25:00.000-08:00

I finished proof reading the proofs for my novel manuscript: Sasquatch Returns. Today I'll again submit the manuscript to iUniverse.

Manuscript Progress

2006-10-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I received via e-mail the proofs from Iuniverse publishing company for my novel manuscript: Sasquatch Returns. Yesterday I began to proof read the proofs. I should be done by Monday.

Doctor's Appointment

2006-10-25T06:08:00.000-07:00

On Monday I had a doctor's appointment with an oral surgeon who removed a growth on my tongue. I've been resting and healing the last few days. I'm not a smoker, and everything looks fine.

I'm still waiting for Iuniverse (my self-publisher firm) to send me the proofs for last novel manuscript: Sasquatch Returns.

“The Departed” Movie

2006-10-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

Today I saw the movie “The Departed”, which starred: Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, Martin Sheen, Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, Alec Baldwin, James Badge Dale, David Patrick O'Hara, Mark Rolston, Kevin Corrigan, Anthony Anderson, Amanda Lynch, Tracey Paleo, Kristen Dalton, Tom Kemp and Gary Lockwood.

The storyline involved the following: “South Boston cop Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio) goes under cover to infiltrate the organization of gangland chief Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). As Billy gains the mobster's trust, a career criminal named Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) infiltrates the police department and reports on its activities to his syndicate bosses. When both organizations learn they have a mole in their midst, Billy and Colin must figure out each other's identities to save their own lives.”

I give the movie a “A”, and the movie was griping and intense. Except for the ending, the movie script was excellent, and the performances of Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson were great.

Manuscript Progress

2006-10-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

It has been a slow week on completing my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. I have not got proofs from iUniverse (my self-publisher). Until then I cannot do anything.

Today I have two doctor appointments.

Manuscript Progress

2006-10-10T10:37:00.000-07:00

I'm about to select a self-publisher to publish my manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches.

Manuscript Progress

2006-10-07T10:33:00.000-07:00

I finished proof reading my manscript for the time being. Next I need to find a self-publisher to publish my book.

Manuscript Progress

2006-10-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

I'm still proof reading my second draft of my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. I should be finished by Thursday.

Manuscript Progress

2006-10-01T12:12:00.000-07:00

I finshed another proofreading of my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. I'll proofread it a second time next week.

Manuscript Progress

2006-09-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

I'm back to proof-reading my novel manscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. Yesterday I got through 13 pages.

Manuscript Progress

2006-09-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

I finished the final draft of my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. This weekend a friend is proofreading it. I've been searching the internet for self-publishers, and I plan to publish novel within a month.

Manuscript Progress

2006-09-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to work on the final draft of my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. So far, I'm happy with the results.

Manuscript Progress

2006-09-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

I'm been working hard on my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. I finally combined the manuscript into one document.

Lately I've been applying for jobs in the Phoenix, Arizona.

Manuscript Progress

2006-09-13T11:22:00.000-07:00

I'm making good progress on finishing my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. I'm about to put the manuscript together into a single document, and then I will start final proof reading of the manuscript.

Manuscript Progress

2006-09-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

This past week I've been working hard on my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. I'm happy with my progress. I still need to find a job.

“Beerfest” Movie

2006-09-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw the movie “Beerfest”, which starred: Paul Soter, Erik Stolhanske, Steve Lemme, Kevin Heffernan and Jay Chandrasekhar.

The movie story involved the following: “When American brothers Todd and Jan Wolfhouse travel to Germany to spread their grandfather's ashes at Oktoberfest, they stumble upon a super-secret, centuries old, underground beer games competition--"Beerfest," the secret Olympics of beer drinking. The brothers receive a less than warm welcome from their German cousins, the Von Wolfhausens, who humiliate Todd and Jan, slander their relatives, and finally cast them out of the event. Vowing to return in a year to defend their country and their family's honor, the Wolfhouse boys assemble a ragtag dream team of beer drinkers and gamers: Barry Badrinath, the consummate skills player with a dark past; Phil Krundle (aka Landfill), a one-man chugging machine; and Charlie "Fink" Finklestein, the lab tech with a PhD in 'All Things Beer'. This Magnificent Five train relentlessly, using their hearts, minds and livers to drink faster, smarter and harder than they ever have before. But first they must battle their own demons--as well as a bunch of big, blond, German jerks who want to destroy the team before they can even make it back to Munich.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and it is the worth of an admission ticket. The movie was funny, but it was weak in the middle.

Manuscript Progress

2006-09-03T10:51:00.000-07:00

Last Week I did work on my manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. It was arduous work, but I am getting the novel written.

Manuscript Progress

2006-08-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

I'm making slow progress on my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. I've been under the weather the last two week, and I haven't been able to do much writing. Hopely next week I will be feeling better.

Sasquatch Manuscript Progress

2006-08-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

Last week I was ill with a kidney infection. I'm feeling better. I need to get back to work on my manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches.

“Material Girls” Movie

2006-08-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

On Friday I saw the movie “Material Girls”, which starred: Hilary Duff, Haylie Duff, Anjelica Huston, Brent Spiner and Lukas Haas.

The storyline involved the following: “Ava and Tanzie Marchetta have it all. The heiresses to a multi-million dollar cosmetics company, the girls approach life as one big party. But when a scandal involving one of their products emerges, the girls are left penniless, homeless, and seemingly helpless. They could, of course, take the easy way out and listen to the board of directors who want to sell the company to their biggest competitor, but that would forever taint the name of their late father, who built it from the ground up. Instead, Ava and Tanzie decide to protect what is rightfully theirs. What it's going to take to do that will require them to do some things they've never really considered--growing up, taking initiative and responsibility, and asking for help from others, rather than expecting it to fall into their laps. If they can find their inner strength, they might be able to clear their father's name. If not, the party might be over--for good.”

I give this movie a “C”, and it is the worth of an admission ticket. It is a very routine movie, which is not very original in content.

“Barnyard: The Original Party Animals” Movie

2006-08-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

On Monday I saw the movie “Barnyard: The Original Party Animals”, which featured the voices of: Kevin James, Courteney Cox Arquette, Danny Glover, Sam Elliott and Wanda Sykes.

The plot involved the following: “Down on the farm, the farmer thinks he's in charge, keeping all the animals safe and sound. But when the farmer is out of sight, the lookout sheep shouts "Clear!" and all of the barnyard animals spring up on two legs, walk, talk, watch TV, and orchestrate practical jokes. For Otis the cow that last one is the most important. He and his best friends--Pip the mouse, Freddy the ferret, Peck the rooster, and Pig the pig--are world-class pranksters and always in the mood for a laugh. Otis is in the state of arrested development and quite happy that way. Otis's dad, Ben, is the cow who makes sure the farm is running on all cylinders. Each morning, Ben leads a meeting to take care of farm business and to issue warnings about their common enemy, the coyotes. (It's a position that Ben takes seriously: "As long as I'm still kickin'," he says, "no animal will be harmed inside that fence!") Ben wants Otis to grow up and take responsibility. Much to Ben's chagrin, Otis's main project comes to life every evening. As soon as the Farmer hits lights out, the barn is transformed into Party Central. On this night, there's even a pretty new cow, Daisy--Otis hams it up for her, and she can't help but be attracted to his fun-loving personality. That world is not for Ben. He's outside, guarding the fence and protecting the farm from the coyotes. When Otis explains to Ben that being on watch isn't "his thing." Ben responds: "Otis, a strong man stands up for himself, a stronger man stands up for others." When Ben is no longer able to lead, Otis tries to keep order but the role of leader does not come as naturally for him. Without Ben to keep everyone in line, absolute mayhem breaks loose and it isn't long before the farmer begins to get to the bottom of the animals' secret--and the scheming coyotes begin to think that the farm could be theirs for the taking.”

I give this movie a “C”, and it is the worth of an admission ticket. I don’t like male cows with udders.

Sasquatch Manuscript Progress

2006-08-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

I've been making slow progress on writing and finishing my manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. I hope to finish the manuscript by the end of August, 2006. It will be a short novel.

I monitor and contribute to a discussion web site for Native American Writers, Storytellers and Movie Actors at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Nativewriters/

“Clerks 2” Movie

2006-08-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I saw the movie “Clerks 2”, which starred: Brian Christopher O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Rosario Dawson, Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith.

The movie story involved the following: “Ten years ago best friends Dante Hicks and Randal Graves were New Jersey mini-mall clerks still slacking off together in their early 20s. Now working in the fast-food universe, Dante and Randal have managed to maintain, and even hone, their in-your-face attitudes, agile skill with vulgarities and unbridled love of screwing the customers. But they're also faced with such shocking prospects as marriage, leaving Jersey and finding real careers. Dante and Randal invade the world of Mooby's fast food restaurant, where the slogan is "I'm Eating It." Behind the counter, where the only other employees are an uber-nerd and an entirely too sexy manager, Dante and Randal are free to offend anybody and everybody who so much as orders fries in their inimitably irreverent way. But, even as riotous debates rage between them over such burning matters as George Lucas v. Peter Jackson v. Jesus, change is on the horizon. When Dante announces that he's going to leave Jersey forever and marry Emma Bunting, Randal plots a going-away party so shocking it will draw the police, the fire department and potential protests from PETA, while altering their lives forever.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and it was a funny movie. Its use of shock comedy was daring, but the movie lacked an overall theme, which would justify its shock comedy.

“The Descent” Movie

2006-08-09T10:04:00.000-07:00

On Monday I saw the movie “The Descent”, which starred: Shauna MacDonald, Natalie Mendoza, Alex Reid, Saskia Mulder, Nora-Jane Noone, MyAnna Buring, Oliver Milburn,
Molly Kayll and Craig Conway.

The movie story involved the following: “One year after a tragic accident, six girlfriends meet in a remote part of the Appalachians for their annual caving trip. Deep below the surface of the earth, disaster strikes when a rock falls and blocks their route back to the surface. The girls soon learn that Juno, the thrill-seeking leader of the expedition, has brought them to an unexplored cave and that as a result no knows where they are to come rescue them. The group splinters and each push on, praying for another exit. But there is something else lurking under the earth - a race of monstrous humanoid creatures that are adapted perfectly to life in the dark. As the friends realize they are now prey, they are forced to unleash their most primal instincts in an all-out war against an unspeakable horror - one that attacks without warning, again and again and again.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and it was frightening movie. It focused on the struggles of six women to survive in a cave, haunted by flesh-eating creatures.

“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" Movie

2006-08-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw the movie “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)”, which starred: Will Ferrell, David Koechner, Sacha Baron Cohen, John C. Reilly and Michael Clarke Duncan.

The storyline involved the following: “Ricky Bobby (Will Ferrell) is a NASCAR racing sensation whose "win at all costs" approach has made him a national hero. He and his loyal racing partner and childhood friend, Cal Naughton Jr. (John C. Reilly), are a fearless duo, thrilling their fans by finishing most races in the top spots - with Ricky Bobby always leading the pack. When a flamboyant French Formula One driver, Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen), challenges him for the supremacy of NASCAR, Ricky Bobby must face his own demons and fight for his place as racing's top driver.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and the movie was a crowd-pleaser, and it had its funny moments. It was hard to understand the movie, as it used plenty of shock comedy.

"Lady in the Water" Movie

2006-08-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I saw the movie "Lady in the Water", which starred: Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Freddy Rodriguez, Jeffrey Wright and Bob Balaban.

The storyline involved the following: ACleveland Heep, a modest building manager, rescues a mysterious young woman from danger and discovers she is actually a narf--a character from a bedtime story who is trying to make the treacherous journey from our world back to hers. Cleveland and his fellow tenants start to realize that they are also characters in this bedtime story. As Cleveland falls deeper and deeper in love with the woman, he works together with the tenants to protect his new fragile friend from the deadly creatures that reside in this fable and are determined to prevent her from returning home.”

I give the movie a "B", and the movie was interesting occult movie, which was based on a Chinese bedtime story. Paul Giamatti was great, and the characterization was good.

“Monster House” Movie

2006-08-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I saw the movie “Monster House”, which featured the voices of:

Steve Buscemi Voice of Nebbercracker
Nick Cannon Voice of Officer Lister
Maggie Gyllenhaal Voice of Zee
Jon Heder Voice of Reginald "Skull" Skulinski
Kevin James Voice of Officer Landers
Jason Lee Voice of Bones
Sam Lerner Voice of Chowder
Catherine O'Hara Voice of Mom
Kathleen Turner Voice of Constance
Fred Willard Voice of Dad
Mitchel Tate Musso Voice of DJ
Sam Lerner (II) Voice of Chowder
Spencer Locke (II) Voice of Jenny
Ryan Newman Voice of Little Girl
Woody Schultz Voice of Paramedic #1
Ian McConnel Voice of Paramedic #2
Erik Walker Voice of Bully #1
Kevin the Dog Voice of Kevin the Dog

The storyline involved the following: “Although no adults will believe them, three children realize a neighbor's house is really a monster. They must find a way to stop the house and save the neighborhood.”

I give the movie a “B”, and the movie script and characterization were excellent. It was an enjoyable scary movie, and the animation effects were good.

“The Ant Bully” Movie

2006-08-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw the movie “The Ant Bully”, which starred:

Lily Tomlin Voice of Mommo
Larry Miller Voice of Fred Nickle
Allison Mack Voice of Tiffany Nickle
Rob Paulsen Voice of Beetle
S. Scott Bullock Voice of Glow Worm/Wasp/Survivor
Mark DeCarlo Voice of Fly
Frank Welker Voice of Spindle/Frog/Caterpillar
Julia Roberts Voice of Hova
Zach Tyler Eisen Voice of Lucas Nickle
Cheri Oteri Voice of Doreen Nickle
Paul Giamatti Voice of Stan
Meryl Streep Voice of Wise Queen Ant
Bruce Campbell Voice of Fugax
Nicolas Cage Voice of Zoc--Wizard Ant
Ricardo Montalban Voice of Head of Council
Regina King Voice of Forager Kreela
Larry Miller Voice of Fred Nickle
Bruce Campbell Voice of Scout Fugax
Jake T. Austin Voice of Nicky
Myles Jeffrey Voice of Steve

The storyline involved the following: “Ten-year-old Lucas is the new kid on the block--and the local bullies make sure he knows it. Tired of being a punching bag, Lucas takes out his frustration on the ants living in his lawn. But when the ants strike back--shrinking Lucas down to their size with a magic potion and forcing him to live like an ant within the colony--an astonishing new world opens up to him. Lucas learns, first-hand, the value of friendship and teamwork, ultimately leading the ants in an effort to save their colony from annihilation. And in the process, Lucas obtains the things he wants most: friends, companionship, acceptance and the courage to stand up for himself.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and the movie was fascinating, but it lacked a good script. The animation was excellent.

“You Me and Dupree” Movie

2006-07-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I saw the movie “You Me and Dupree”, which starred: Owen Wilson, Kate Hudson, Matt Dillon, Michael Douglas and Amanda Detmer.

The storyline involved the following: “Carl and Molly Peterson are just starting their new life together--complete with a cute house, boring neighbors, stable jobs and the routines of newlywed existence. There's just one unfortunate hitch in their perfectly constructed new world. And his name's Dupree. Randy Dupree, Carl's oldest friend and perpetual bachelor, has found himself with nowhere to go after being fired. Carl yanks his jobless/homeless pal out of the bar he's living in and invites him to temporarily crash on the couch--that's just what friends do. At first, Carl is quite pleased to have his good buddy as a permanent couch guest, while Molly bears the brunt of Dupree's immature antics. But, as Carl becomes buried in his grown-up job, he finds it harder and harder to juggle Dupree and his responsibilities as a husband. To make matters worse, Dupree uses his ample spare time to become a great companion for Molly. Even her dad and the neighbors are falling for his carefree wisdom and charm--frustrating Carl to no end. Soon, everyone (but Carl) begins to root for Dupree to stick around. But as Dupree starts to become a fixture in the Peterson's home, three becomes not just a crowd--but a full blown, hilarious catastrophe.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and the movie was a funny romantic comedy. Kate Hudson and Owen Wilson were wonderful in their roles. The script was rather weak and predictable.

“The Devil Wears Prada” Movie

2006-07-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

On Monday I saw the movie “The Devil Wears Prada”, which starred: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci and Tracie Thoms.

The storyline involved the following: “In the dizzying world of New York fashion, where size zero is the new 2, six is the new 8, and a bad hair day can end a career, Runaway Magazine is the Holy Grail. Overseen with a finely manicured fist by Miranda Priestly--the most powerful woman in fashion--Runway is a fearsome gauntlet for anyone who wants to make it in the industry. To make Runway the fashion bible of New York and therefore the world, Miranda has let nothing stand in her way--including a long line of assistants that didn't make the cut. It's a job no self-respecting person can survive, yet it's an opportunity a million young women in New York would kill for. A stint as Miranda's assistant could blast-open the doors for recent college graduate Andy Sachs. More college drab than haute couture, she stands alone among the small army of "Clackers" on staff at Runway--superslim fashion divas clacking their stilettos down the halls of the magazine's Manhattan headquarters. But when Andy comes in for the job, it dawns on her that making it in this industry will take more than drive and determination. And her ultimate test stands before her in head-to-toe Prada. Miranda can spin the fashion world like a basketball but has a devil of a time finding and keeping a good assistant. Andy is completely wrong for the job. But she has something the rest of them don't: she refuses to fail. To become the perfect assistant, Andy will need to make herself over in Miranda's image. Soon, much to her boyfriend's dismay, she can talk the talk, walk the walk and never again confuse Dolce with Gabbana. But the more of life she sees through Miranda's eyes, the more she begins to grasp that Miranda's world is a fabulous but lonely one--and that sometimes great success depends on great sacrifice. But at what cost?”

I give the movie a “B+”, and Merle Streep gave an excellent performance. But the movie had a Hollywood ending which I did not like.

“My Super Ex-Girlfriend" Movie

2006-07-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I saw the movie “My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006)”, which starred: Luke Wilson, Uma Thurman, Anna Faris, Eddie Izzard and Wanda Sykes.

The storyline involved the following: “Everyone's had a painful parting of the ways with a romantic partner. We pick up the pieces and move on. But for one New York guy, it's not going to be so easy. When he breaks up with his girlfriend, he discovers his ex is actually the reluctant superhero, G-Girl. A scorned woman, she unleashes her super powers to humiliate and torment him.”

I give the movie a “B”, and the movie was quite funny, and I enjoyed it a lot. Uma Thurman and Anna Faris were great.

“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest" Movie

2006-07-09T06:36:00.000-07:00

Last Friday I saw the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest", which starred: Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Geoffrey Rush, Stellan Skarsgard, Buddy Dolan, Jack Davenport, Naomie Harris, Kevin McNally, Jonathan Pryce, Mackenzie Crook, Tom Hollander, Lee Arenberg, Clive Ashborn, David Bailie, Vanessa Branch, Winston Ellis and Josef Klus.

The storyline involved the following: “Captain Jack Sparrow discovers he owes a blood debt to the legendary Davey Jones, Captain of the ghostly Flying Dutchman. With time running out, Jack must find a way out of his debt or else be doomed to eternal damnation and servitude in the afterlife. Making matters worse, Sparrow's problems manage to interefere with the wedding plans of a certain Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann, who are forced to join Jack on yet another one of his misadventures.”

I give the movie a “A”, and the movie was an excellent action film. The special effects were great and superb.

“Click” Movie

2006-07-05T11:38:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I saw the movie “Click”, which starred: Adam Sandler, Kate Beckinsale, Christopher Walken, David Hasselhoff and Sean Astin.

The plot involved the following: “A workaholic architect, who has been overlooking his family in favor of his career, comes across a universal remote that allows him to perform TiVo-like functions on his life, such as pausing events or fast-forwarding over them. When the remote begins creating its own memory and choosing what to fast-forward over, the man sees how much of his personal life has passed him by and realizes the importance of spending more time with his family.”

I give the movie a “B”, and the movie was generally funny. But it could have passed for a Christmas movie.

“Superman Returns” Movie

2006-07-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I saw the movie “Superman Returns”, which starred: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, James Marsden, Kevin Spacey and Parker Posey.

The storyline involved the following: “Superman--born on a planet which has long since died--has been raised by adoptive parents on the Kent farm in Kansas. The young boy Kal-El is renamed Clark Kent, and though he has grown up among humans, he is not one of them. Under Earth's yellow sun, he can do two things humans can only dream of, but to co-exist with them he must live a dual life as mild, unassuming Clark Kent, secretly transforming into the Man of Steel when the world cries out for him. But now, the world's crises have gone unheeded for five long years since Superman's mysterious disappearance. Without him, crime has risen in the city of Metropolis and beyond; that's not even counting the future destructive acts of Lex Luthor, who has been sprung from prison with the specific intent of using Superman's technological secrets for his own personal gain and glory. Lois Lane, star reporter for the Daily Planet and the love of Superman's life, has moved on since Superman left without a word. She has even won a Pulitzer Prize for her essay, "Why the World Doesn't Need Superman." Lois has other issues to contend with--she is now engaged to the editor's nephew and has a young son to look after. But for Superman, the long search for his place in the universe ends back at the Kent farm, among the only family he has ever known. His destiny lies in Metropolis, where one look in Lois's eyes tell him that this place, among the flawed but ultimately good people of Earth, is his true home. And with Lex's plan coming to fruition mere hours after his return, the world will never need Superman more than it does now.”

I give the movie a “A”, and the movie was frightening and sensational. The special effects were excellent.

“Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties" Movie

2006-06-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I saw the movie “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006)”, which starred or featured the voices of: Jennifer Love Hewitt, Breckin Meyer, Bill Murray, Lucy Davis, Billy Connolly

The plot involved the following: “When Garfield follows his owner, Jon Arbuckle, to England, the U.K. may never recover, as Garfield is mistaken for a look-alike, regal cat who has inherited a castle. Garfield savors the royal treatment afforded by his loyal four-legged subjects, but his reign is in jeopardy. The nefarious Lord Dargis is determined to do away with Garfield, so he can turn the castle into a resort. Garfield's bigger, better, more purr-fect world is soon turned upside down in this tale of two kitties.”

I give the movie a “B”, and the film was lovable and fascinating. The English Bulldog stole the show.

“Nachos Libre” Movie

2006-06-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

On Monday I saw the movie “Nachos Libre”, which starred: Jack Black, Hector Jimenez, Troy Gentile, Moises Arias and Lauro Chartrand.

The plot involved the following: “Nacho is a man without skills. After growing up in a Mexican monastery, he is now a grown man and the monastery's cook, but doesn't seem to fit in. Nacho cares deeply for the orphans he feeds, but his food is terrible--mostly, if you ask him, a result of his terrible ingredients. He realizes he must hatch a plan to make money to buy better food for "the young orphans, who have nothing" (and if in doing so Nacho can impress the lovely Sister Encarnacion, that would be a big plus). When Nacho is struck by the idea to earn money as a Lucha Libre wrestler, he finds that he has a natural, raw talent for wrestling. As he teams with his rail-thin, unconventional partner, Esqueleto (the Skeleton), Nacho feels for the first time in his life that he has something to fight for and a place where he belongs. As Lucha is strictly forbidden by the church elders at the monastery, Nacho is forced to lead a double life. Disguised by a sky blue mask, Nacho conceals his true identity as he takes on Mexico's most famous wrestlers and takes on a hilarious quest to make life a little sweeter at the orphanage.”

I give the movie a “B”, and the film was original and funny.

“The Omen” Movie

2006-06-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I saw the movie “The Omen”, which starred: Liev Schreiber, Julia Stiles, Mia Farrow, David Thewlis and Seamus Davey-Fitzpatrick.

The storyline involved the following: “Robert Thorn is a senior American diplomat whose wife, Katherine, endures a difficult delivery where their newborn child has died. Thorn knows the news will devastate Katherine, who had suffered two previous miscarriages. The hospital priest presents Thorn with another child born that night, whose mother died in childbirth. The priest compels Thorn to take the infant boy as his own; Katherine will never know the truth, and their son, which they name Damien, will be raised as their flesh and blood. As the child turns five, unsettling events begin to occur: Damien’s nanny hangs herself at the youngster’s birthday party; a strange priest brings dire warnings to Thorn; a children’s trip to the zoo results in a panicked frenzy; Damien becomes hysterical during a drive to church; and blurred movements in a series of photographs portend shocking deaths. Enter Mrs. Baylock, Damien’s new nanny, who seems to have a preordained devotion to the child. Then tragedy strikes closer to home. But only later does Thorn comprehend the truth: Damien is no ordinary child; he is the long-prophesized Anti-Christ. Now, Thorn must make the ultimate sacrifice to prevent the unspeakable terror that awaits the world."

I give this movie a “C+”, and the movie was a re-make of the original movie. It was scary, but the acting was stiff and wooden.

“See No Evil ” Movie

2006-06-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Last Tuesday I saw the movie “See No Evil ”, which starred: Kane, Glen Jacobs, Michael J. Pagan, Christina Vidal and Samantha Noble.

The plot involved the following: “A ragtag group of juvenile delinquents assigned the task of cleaning up an abandoned hotel find out just how deadly community service can be when they are stalked by a monstrous, four-hundred-pound maniac with a grudge in director Gregory Dark's wrestling-infused survival horror flick. It was a mere four years ago that seven-foot menace Jacob Goodnight (WWE superstar Kane) was shot in the head and left for dead by a local police officer. But Jacob wasn't going down that easy. With a steel plate subsequently attached to his skull and ten razor-sharp fingernails ready to scrape grey matter from the skulls of his victims, Jacob retreated to the abandoned Blackwell Hotel, where he resided in the darkened, rotting hallways while planning his ultimate revenge. As fate would have it, Jacob wouldn't have to go far to satiate his raging bloodlust, though, and as the unsuspecting teens make their way through the crumbling corridors of the once-luxurious inn guided by the very same policeman who fired that misguided bullet years earlier, the notorious killer sharpens his nails, stalks his prey, and prepares for a little payback. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide”

I give this movie a “C”, and the movie was a routine horror film. It did fill an afternoon for me.

“The Da Vinci Code” Movie

2006-06-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

On Monday I saw the movie “The Da Vinci Code”, which starred: Tom Hanks, Jean Reno, Audrey Tautou, Alfred Molina and Ian McKellen.

The story line involved the following: “Famed symbologist Professor Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre museum one night where a curator has been murdered, leaving behind a mysterious trail of symbols and clues. With his own survival at stake, Langdon, aided by the police cryptologist Sophie Neveu, unveils a series of stunning secrets hidden in the works of Leonardo Da Vinci, all leading to a covert society dedicated to guarding an ancient secret that has remained hidden for 2000 years. The pair set off on a thrilling quest through Paris, London and Scotland, collecting clues as they desperately attempt to crack the code and reveal secrets that will shake the very foundations of mankind.”

I give the movie a “B”, and the acting was rather sterile and wooden. I liked the movie, though the proffered religious theories were outrageous.

“Mission: Impossible III” Movie

2006-06-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, I saw the movie “Mission: Impossible III”, which starred: Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup and Michelle Monaghan.

The storyline involved the following: “Super-spy Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) has retired from active duty to train new IMF agents. But he is called back into action to confront the toughest villain he's ever faced - Owen Davian (Philip Seymour Hoffman), an international weapons and information provider with no remorse and no conscience. Hunt assembles his team - his old friend Luther Strickell (Ving Rhames), transportation expert Declan (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), background operative Zhen (Maggie Q), and fresh recruit Lindsey (Keri Russell) - to travel the globe pursuing Davian and rescue Hunt's love, Julia (Michelle Monaghan).”

I give the movie a “B”, and the movie had excellent action scenes. The storyline was weak and tedious.

"RV" Movie

2006-06-12T09:59:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I saw the movie “RV”, which starred: Robin Williams, Jeff Daniels, Cheryl Hines, Kristin Chenoweth and Joanna 'JoJo' Levesque.

The storyline involved the following: “An overworked Bob Munro, his wife Jaime, their 15-year-old daughter Cassie and 12-year-old son Carl are in desperate need of some quality time together. After promising to take them on a family vacation in Hawaii, Bob abruptly changes plans without telling them. Instead of a week in a tropical paradise, they're going on a road trip to Colorado in a recreational vehicle. Dragging his wife and kids kicking and screaming into the RV, Bob's togetherness plan (which is partly a ruse to keep him from losing his job) almost immediately hits a major speed bump. Everything that can go wrong, does. Bob's lame attempts to navigate the unwieldy, oversized vehicle are met with silence and scorn from his resentful family. The RV life is a far cry from their comfortable life in Los Angeles, and every attempt Bob makes to get them into the spirit of the vacation threatens to tear them further apart. At an RV camp, the Munro family is befriended by the Gornicke family--an irritatingly endearing happy-go-lucky clan of full-time RVers. The more they try to elude the Gornickes, the more their paths seem destined to cross. But adversity has a way of uniting even the most dysfunctional family members and each setback the Munros experience inadvertently helps them become a true family again.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and it was funny and entertaining. Robin Williams and Kristin Chenoweth were great, but the other characters were not strong enough to keep up with Robin Williams.

“The Break-Up” Movie

2006-06-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I saw the movie “The Break-Up”, which starred: Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Aniston, Jon Favreau, Joey Lauren Adams and Ann-Margret.

The story line involved the following: “Pushed to the breaking-point after their latest, "why can't you do this one little thing for me?" argument, art dealer Brooke calls it quits with her boyfriend, Gary, who hosts bus tours of Chicago. What follows is a series of remedies, war tactics, overtures and underminings suggested by the former couple's friends, confidantes and the occasional total stranger. When neither ex is willing to move out of the condo they used to share, the only solution is to continue living as hostile roommates until somebody caves. But somewhere between protesting the pool table in the living room, the dirty clothes stacked in the kitchen cupboards and the sports played at sleep-killing volume in the middle of the night, Brooke begins to realize that what she may be really fighting for isn't so much the place but the person.”

I give the movie a “B”, and the movie is about couple compatibility and the maturing of a relationship. The movie had a certain plausibility, though it reminded me of many episodes of the TV series “Everyone Loves Raymond.”

“X-Men 3: Last Stand” Movie

2006-06-07T10:39:00.000-07:00

Last Monday I saw the movie “X-Men 3: Last Stand”, which starred: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen and Famke Janssen.

The plot involved the following: “A "cure" for mutancy threatens to alter the course of history. For the first time, mutants have a choice: retain their uniqueness, though it isolates and alienates them, or give up their powers and become human. The opposing viewpoints of mutant leaders Charles Xavier, who preaches tolerance, and Magneto, who believes in the survival of the fittest, are put to the ultimate test--triggering the war to end all wars.”

I give the movie a “B”, and the film was excellent action movie. The special effects were great, but the movie script was weak.

“Just My Luck” Movie

2006-06-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I saw the movie “Just My Luck”, which starred: Lindsay Lohan, Chris Pine, Samaire Armstrong, Bree Turner and Faizon Love.

The storyline involved the following: “Ashley is a young professional just out of college. She also happens to be the luckiest woman in the world, who has lived a super-charmed life and has always taken her good luck for granted. When she kisses a handsome stranger at a costume party, Ashley accidentally swaps her good fortune for his horribly bad luck, and her charmed life turns into a living hell.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and it was good Lindsay Lohan movie. I liked it.

“Over The Hedge” Movie

2006-06-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I saw the animated movie “Over The Hedge”, which featured the voices: Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes and William Shatner.

The storyline involved the following: “Spring has sprung, and Verne and his woodland friends awaken from their long winter's nap to discover that a tall, green "thing" has mysteriously cropped up right through the middle of their home. Enter RJ, an opportunistic raccoon, who explains that the world beyond the hedge is the "gateway to the good life" where peculiar creatures called humans live to eat, rather than eat to live. Suspicious and even a little jealous of RJ, the ever-cautious Verne wants to keep his blended family safely on their side of the hedge. But, proving the adage that one man's garbage is another man's--or rather animal's--treasure, the manipulative RJ tries to convince the woodland band that there is little to fear and everything to gain from their over-indulgent new neighbors. Eventually, RJ and Verne form an unlikely friendship as they learn to co-exist with--and even exploit--this strange new world called suburbia.”

I give the movie a “B+”, and it was an excellent animated movie, and it was very funny.

“Poseidon” Movie

2006-05-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Today I saw the movie “Poseidon”, which starred: Josh Lucas, Kurt Russell, Jacinda Barrett, Richard Dreyfuss and Emmy Rossum.

The storyline involved the following: “When a rogue wave capsizes a luxury cruise ship in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, a small group of survivors find themselves unlikely allies in a battle for their lives. Preferring to test the odds alone, career gambler Dylan Johns ignores captain's orders to wait below for possible rescue and sets out to find his own way to safety. What begins as a solo mission soon draws others, as Dylan is followed by a desperate father searching for his daughter and her fiancee--a young couple who hours before couldn't summon the courage to tell him they were engaged and now face much graver challenges. Along the way they are joined by a single mother and her wise-beyond-his-years son, an anxious stowaway and a despondent fellow passenger who boarded the ship not sure he wanted to live but now knows he doesn't want to die. Determined to fight their way to the surface, the group sets off through the disorienting maze of twisted steel in the upside-down wreckage. As the unstable vessel rapidly fills with water each must draw on skills and strengths they didn't even know they possessed, fighting against time for their own survival and for each other.”

I would rate the movie a “B”, and the is a good remake of the movie “Poseidon Adventure”. The movie did have its flaws, and I doubt that any cruise ship would be designed with so many design flaws.

“Inside Man” Movie

2006-04-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I saw the movie “Inside Man”, which starred: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Willem Dafoe and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

The storyline involved the following: “Four people dressed in painters' outfits march into the busy lobby of Manhattan Trust, a cornerstone Wall Street Branch of a worldwide financial institution. Within seconds, the costumed robbers place the bank under a surgically planned siege, and the 50 patrons and staff become unwitting pawns in an airtight heist. NYPD hostage negotiators Detectives Keith Frazier and Bill Mitchell are dispatched to the scene with orders to establish contact with the heist's ringleader, Dalton Russell, and ensure safe release of the hostages. Working alongside Emergency Services Unit (ESU) Captain John Darius, all are hopeful that the situation can be peacefully diffused and that control of the bank and release of those inside can be secured in short order. But Russell proves an unexpectedly canny opponent--clever, calm and totally in command--a puppet master with a meticulous plan to disorient and confuse not only the hostages, but also the authorities. Outside, the crowd of New Yorkers grows as the situation becomes increasingly intense tense, with Frazier's superiors becoming more concerned about his ability to keep the standoff from spiraling out of control. The robbers appear to consistently be one step ahead of the police, outwitting Frazier and Mitchell at every turn. Frazier's suspicions that more is at work than anyone perceives are justified with the entry of Madeline White, a power player with shadowy objectives, who requests a private meeting with Russell. The chairman of the bank's board of directors, controlling entrepreneur Arthur Case, is also uniquely interested in the moment-to-moment happenings inside the branch. But just what are the robbers after? Why has nothing worked to alleviate the standoff, which stretches on hour after hour? Frazier is convinced that invisible strings are being pulled and secret negotiations are taking place as the powder keg situation grows more unstable by the moment.”

I give this movie a “B”, and the movie was interesting, but plot was very complicated. The movie seemed to be making a political statement about an existing political family.

“Failure To Launch” Movie

2006-04-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I saw the movie “Failure To Launch”, which starred: Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel, Justin Bartha and Bradley Cooper.

The storyline involved the following: “Tripp has never been able to leave the nest. He's always had some reason or other to stay, but now, his desperate parents have finally had enough. They hire the gorgeous and talented girl of his dreams to get him to move out of the house.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and the movie was enjoyable romantic comedy. But it was too predictable, and it needed more original comedy.

“Scary Movie 4” Movie

2006-04-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

On Monday I saw the movie “Scary Movie 4”, which starred: Molly Shannon, Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Craig Bierko and Leslie Nielsen.

The story line involved the following: “The Scary Movie gang is back with send-ups of "War of the Worlds," "The Grudge," "The Village," "Saw" and "Saw II," "Million Dollar Baby" and much more. Legendary comedy director David Zucker ("Airplane!," the "Naked Gun" franchise, "Scary Movie 3," and "Ruthless People") and producer Bob Weiss reunite to take aim at some of the best fright films, the latest box office hits, music, current events, pop culture, and your favorite celebrities. Anna Faris and Regina Hall are back as the loveable, dim-witted Cindy Campbell and her self-serving, sex-crazed pal, Brenda, respectively - joined this time around by Craig Bierko ("Cinderella Man"), as the cute-but-utterly clueless Tom Ryan. Together, they battle to save the world from a ruthless alien invasion. And the outrageous celebrity cameos include: Carmen Electra, Shaquille O'Neal, Dr. Phil, Bill Pullman, Chris Elliott, Molly Shannon, Michael Madsen, rappers Chingy and Lil' John, Leslie Nielsen returning as our fearless Commander in Chief, plus many, many more surprises.”

I give the movie a “B+”, and the movie was very funny. All actors did a good job, and the script was excellent.

“The Hills Have Eyes” Movie

2006-04-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday I saw the movie “The Hills Have Eyes”, which starred: Aaron Stanford, Kathleen Quinlan, Vinessa Shaw, Emilie de Ravin, Dan Byrd, Tom Bower, Billy Drago, Ted Levine, Robert Joy, Desmond Askew, Ezra Buzzington, Michael Bailey Smith and Laura Ortiz.

The storyline involved the following: “A family road trip goes terrifyingly awry when the travelers become stranded in a government atomic zone. Miles from nowhere, the Carters soon realize the seemingly uninhabited wasteland is actually the breeding ground of a blood-thirsty mutant family...and they are the prey.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and the movie was scary and unpredictable. It was very effective horror movie, but there was too much killing and gore.

“V For Vendetta” Movie

2006-04-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday I saw the movie “V For Vendetta”, which starred:: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, Stephen Fry and John Hurt.

The storyline involved the following: “Set against the futuristic landscape of totalitarian Britain, the story of a mild-mannered young woman named Evey who is rescued from a life-and-death situation by a masked vigilante known only as "V." Incomparably charismatic and ferociously skilled in the art of combat and deception, V urges his fellow citizens to rise up against tyranny and oppression. As Evey uncovers the truth about V's mysterious background, she also discovers the truth about herself--and emerges as his unlikely ally in the culmination of his plot to bring freedom and justice back to a society fraught with cruelty and corruption.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and the movie was unusual but it was somewhat dark. I liked it.

“Lucky Number Slevin" Movie

2006-04-14T10:49:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday I saw the movie “Lucky Number Slevin (2006)”, which starred: Josh Hartnett, Lucy Liu, Ben Kingsley, Bruce Willis and Morgan Freeman.

The storyline involved the following: “Set in New York City, a case of mistaken identity lands Slevin (Josh Hartnett) in the middle of a war being plotted by two of the city's most rival crime bosses: The Rabbi (Ben Kingsley) and The Boss (Morgan Freeman). Slevin is under constant surveillance by relentless Detective Brikowski (Stanley Tucci) as well as the infamous assassin Goodkat (Bruce Willis) and finds himself having to hatch his own ingenious plot to get them...before they get him.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and the movie was well-acted. But it had very elaborate plot, which was confusing.

“The Shaggy Dog” Movie

2006-04-11T15:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw the movie “The Shaggy Dog”, which starred: Tim Allen, Kristin Davis, Danny Glover, Craig Kilborn and Robert Downey Jr.

The storyline involved the following: “Tim Allen transforms from family dad to family dog and back again in this update of the Disney comedy. It all begins when workaholic Deputy D.A. Dave Douglas (Allen) takes on a case involving an animal laboratory -- one that will take him away yet again from his wife (Kristin Davis) and kids (Zena Grey and Spencer Breslin), who already yearn for his all-too-distracted attention. But when Dave is accidentally infected with a top-secret, genetic-mutation serum, everything he thought he knew about being himself and his family changes. Yet with his newly perked-up ears, and his front-row seat on the household carpet, Dave is able to gain a whole new perspective into his family's secrets and dreams. Now, he wants nothing more than to stop fetching and return to fathering -- only first he'll have to stop the evil forces behind the serum.”

I give this movie a “C+”, and it was a delightful comedy, though the plot was too complicate for my taste.

“Eight Below” Movie

2006-04-09T12:57:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I saw the movie “Eight Below”, which starred: Paul Walker, Jason Biggs, Bruce Greenwood and Moon Bloodgood.

The plot involved the following: “Inspired by a true story, EIGHT BELOW is an action-adventure about loyalty and the bonds of friendship set in the extreme wilderness of Antarctica. The film tells the story of three members of a scientific expedition: Jerry Shepard, his best friend, Cooper, and a rugged American geologist, who are forced to leave behind their team of beloved sled dogs due to a sudden accident and perilous weather conditions in Antarctica. During the harsh, Antarctic winter, the dogs must struggle for survival alone in the intense frozen wilderness for over 6 months.”

I give the movie a “B+”, and the movie was fun to watch and inspiring. Having dogs in a movie does not hurt its appeal.

“Basic Instinct 2” Movie

2006-04-06T14:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I saw the movie “Basic Instinct 2”, which starred: Sharon Stone, David Morrissey, Charlotte Rampling, David Thewlis, Hugh Dancy, Anne Caillon, Iain Robertson, Stan Collymore, Flora Montgomery, Andre Schneider and Kata Dobóó.

The storyline involved the following: “After re-locating from San Francisco to London, best-selling crime novelist Catherine Trammell once again finds herself on the wrong side of the law. Dr. Michael Glass, a respected London criminal psychiatrist, is brought in by Scotland Yard detective Roy Washburn to perform a psychiatrist profile and evaluation of Tramell following the mysterious death of a top sports star. Physically drawn to Tramell and mentally intrigued by her, Glass, against the advice of his mentor, Dr. Milena Gardosh, is quickly sucked into her web of lies and seduction. The professional boundaries between Glass and Tramell are obliterated when she uncovers his basic instincts. A deadly battle of wits ensues, climaxing as Glass faces a choice that will change both their lives forever.”

I give the movie a “B”, and Sharon Stone stole the movie. It was a good psychological thriller.

"Ice Age: The Meltdown" Movie

2006-04-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Today I saw the movie “Ice Age: The Meltdown”, which featured the voices of: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah, Chris Wedge, Josh Peck, Jay Leno, Seann William Scott, Jason Fricchione and Denny Dillon.

The storyline involved the following: “With global warming threatening their once-icy domain with widespread flooding, Manny (Ray Romano), Sid (John Leguizamo) and Diego (Denis Leary) set out to find a safe haven. Along the way, another mammoth (Queen Latifah), who thinks she is an opossum, joins the travelers on their perilous quest.”

I give the movie a “A”, and it is an excellent animated movie.

Novel Progress

2006-03-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

On Monday I worked on my novel about an encounter with two Sasquatches. I'm making steady but slow progress.

Feeling Ambitious

2006-03-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ambitious. I started working on my novel manscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches. It has been a number of weeks since I last worked on my manuscript.

The weather is getting better by the day as the day temperatures reach the mid-seventies.

Writing Progress

2006-02-17T09:35:00.000-08:00

The last two weeks I've been working at the Fort Mojave Tribal Court. I haven't found time to do any writing.

Manuscript Progress

2006-02-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

I have been making steady progress on writing my novel manuscript about an encounter with two Sasquatches.

The weather has warmed up again, but it is still cool in the mornings.

Next week I will be headed back to the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation. I will be working as a Pro Tem Judge for the Fort Mojave Tribal Court.

Working 0n Sasquatch Novel

2006-01-29T10:36:00.000-08:00

It has been over two and half months since I last worked on my Sasquatch manuscript. On Wednesday I started working on it again.

The weather is again warming up. This week the temperature is suppose to get to the mid-70's. It has been generally cool in the morning, then it warms up.

“Fun With Dick and Jane” Movie

2006-01-06T14:32:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, I saw the movie “Fun With Dick and Jane”, which starred: Jim Carrey, Téa Leoni, Alec Baldwin, Richard Jenkins and Angie Harmon.

The plot involved the following: “History does seem to repeat itself, and so, the story of a successful couple striving for the American Dream through alternative means is just as relevant as the 1977 comedy starring George Segal and Jane Fonda. In this updated remake, Dick (Jim Carrey) and Jane (Tea Leoni) seem to have everything: good jobs, a big house, a Mexican housekeeper named Blanca, and a son who speaks Spanish because he spends so much time with her. When Dick is promoted, he is set up to take a fall for a big corporation, Globodyne, in an Enron-like scandal concocted by corrupt CEO Jack McCallister (Alec Baldwin) and his henchman Frank (Richard Jenkins). When the family falls on hard times--their lawn gets repossessed and they have to sell their prized plasma TV--they turn into modern-day Robin Hoods.”

I give the movie a “B”, and the movie is worth the price of an admission ticket, a large popcorn and a small soft drink. Both Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni were great.

“Cheaper by the Dozen 2” Movie

2005-12-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

On Monday I saw the movie “Cheaper by the Dozen 2”, which starred: Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo, Eugene Levy, Hilary Duff.

The plot involved the following: “So as not to potentially utilize even one of its viewers’ brain cells, Cheaper by the Dozen 2 needs minimal exposition before allowing physical hijinks to set in. After the—you guessed it—12-strong Baker family worries of growing apart, the patriarch, Tom (Steve Martin), orders a mandatory family trip to their rustic vacation home in Wisconsin. It’s there that the Griswalds, er, Bakers meet up with old rivals the Murtaugh family (of eight), led by uber-competitive Jimmy (Eugene Levy) and his much younger wife, Sarina (Carmen Electra)—though she is decidedly more amiable than he. When Jimmy tells Tom how to control his kids, Tom pits his clan against Jimmy’s in a competition to teach him a lesson. Things turn PG-cutthroat, but all must end prettily and benignly if there’s to be yet another sequel.”

I give this movie a “B”, and it is worth the price of an admission ticket, a large popcorn and a small soft drink. The movie was funny, and there was more character development.

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)” Movie

2005-12-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, I saw the movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)”, which starred: Tilda Swinton, Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes and Anna Popplewell.

The storyline involved the following: “Who wouldn’t want to discover a magical world inside their own closet? Lewis tapped into this childlike wonderment when he wrote The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in 1950, his first of seven adventures into Narnia, and the movie picks it right up. Its starts with the four Pevensie siblings—Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes) and little Lucy (Georgie Henley)—who are sent from war-torn London to stay in a country home during WWII. Once there, the children stumble upon the enchanted wardrobe that leads them to Narnia, a fairytale realm of mythical proportions. But Narnia has fallen under the icy curse of the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton)—and only the two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve can break the spell. Now, with Narnia's rightful leader—the wise and mystical lion Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson)—by their side, the four children find strength to defeat the witch and lead Narnia into a brand new era. [Cue the sound of trumpets].”

I give the movie an “A”, and the movie is worth the price of an admission ticket, a large popcorn, a large soft drink and a small soft drink. The movie was entertaining and inspiring.

"King Kong" Movie

2005-12-18T06:10:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, I saw the movie “King Kong”, which starred: Naomi Watts, Jack Black, Adrien Brody, Andy Serkis and Thomas Kretschmann.

The storyline involved the following: “King Kong is the classic tale of beauty and the beast——only the beast may well lie within humanity. With equal parts loyalty and aesthetic enhancement, the film stays true to the 1933 version’’s timeline, following struggling vaudeville actress Ann Darrow (Naomi Watts) who accepts a part in a film by director Carl Denham (Jack Black). They decide to film on undiscovered Skull Island and set sail (out of New York City) immediately; the director also drags along playwright Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody) to finish the script. Ann immediately hits it off with Jack, but when they arrive on the island, chief proprietor King Kong claims her for his own. Jack tries to save Ann while Carl tries to capitalize on the beast he dubs ““The Eighth Wonder of the World.”” Sadly, only Ann realizes that there’’s more than meets the eye with Kong, and she fights to spread the word before it’’s too late.”

I give the movie a “A”, and the movie is worth the price of an admission ticket, a large popcorn, a large soft drink and a small soft drink. The special effects were great and entertaining. It closely follows the original script with some changes.

First Royalty Payment

2005-12-15T08:11:00.000-08:00

On Monday I received my first royalty check in the amount of $21.15 from iUniverse. The royalty payment was for my novel "The Omak Lake Monster".

“Walk The Line” Movie

2005-12-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I saw the movie “Walk The Line”, which starred: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Ginnifer Goodwin, Robert Patrick and Ginnifer Goodwin.

The storyline involved the following: “The story of the late, great Johnny Cash depicted in Walk the Line is not quite all encompassing. The film dramatizes just one moment in Cash's life: his tumultuous 20s and rise to fame. The young Cash (Joaquin Phoenix), married and straight out of the army, struggles with his music, finally finding his patented blend of country, blues and rock music. Haunted by a troubled childhood, Cash sings songs about death, love, treachery and sin--and shoots straight to the top of the charts. On tour, he also meets and falls for his future wife, June Carter (Reese Witherspoon), whose refusal to meddle with a married man only further fuels the fire and contributes to his eventual drug addiction. Their cat-and-mouse love story provides the film’’s core but unfortunately can’’t quite overcome Walk the Line’’s formulaic nature.”

I give the movie a “A”, and the movie is worth the price of an admission ticket, a large popcorn, a large soft drink and a small soft drink . Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon were great as Johnny Cash and June Carter.

Fort Mojave Tribal Court

2005-12-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

Things are going well at the Fort Mojave Tribal Court. I've been extremely busy. Tomorrow I'll be returning to Tempe,Arizona.

Returning To Fort Mojave Tribal Court

2005-11-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

I made to the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation. I'm busy working at the Fort Mojave Tribal Court.

Next week I'll be returning to the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation. Again I'll be working as a Pro Tem Judge for the Fort Mojave Tribal Court.