The King's Speech: B

THE KING'S SPEECH poster - Polish style, originally uploaded by Sam's Myth.

Scott (in protest), Sheena, Ma, and I saw The King's Speech last weekend after Christmas Day. This movie had all the typical attractions -- British accents, royalty, period setting, WWII, all-star cast -- for the white-haired art house film crowd (although, Judi Dench was somehow not cast). I've become a bit of an Anglophile after watching so much BBC America, so I'm probably rating this movie better than it deserves. It wasn't a ground-breaking movie, but it was enjoyable and the performances were good. The nearly sold-out showing we went even applauded the movie.

"friendliest cat ever" or "blood thirsty killer"?

How can such a sweet kitty, be so proud of killing so many squirrels?

rant: deceptive packaging

What the heck?!? Food prices are going up and corporations are screwing-over their customers, but really? Shame on you Ernest and Gallo Winery.

Winnebago Man: B

Okay, I didn't actually leave the house to see Winnebago Man last weekend. I lazily watched it On Demand. Like DVDs, it feels like cheating watching movies at home - especially since it was recently at Cinema 21.

I've seen the Winnebago Man YouTube video, but I wouldn't consider it a top viral video. In the Michael-Moore style documentary, the filmmaker, Ben Steinbauer, is frank about his decision to make a documentary about this particular viral video. He acknowledges the problems the subjects of other viral videos have had such as the Star Wars kid. Profiling corporate video spokesman is probably less problematic than exploiting the possible mental issues of those secretly filmed. It was interesting to learn that the Winnebago Man video was viral years before YouTube in bootleg VHS tapes.

When Steinbauer does track down the "Winnebago Man" Jack Rebney, he finds a well-spoken, crotchety old hermit living in a remote cabin. The documentary becomes Steinbauer trying to reach-out and understand the reclusive Rebney. It is entertaining to watch the young-old conflict that isn't exploitive.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1: C

We joined the masses and saw Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 on Friday night. I admit that I'm not a huge Harry Potter fan. I've never read the books and have only reluctantly seen the prior movies (out of sequence). I can see their appeal and have enjoyed some of the movies, but haven't really followed the overall character arcs or story. Besides a vaguely recollection that the headmaster wizard died, I don't remember any specifics of the prior Potter movie.

Deathly Hallows is definitely not a stand alone movie. It reminded me of a TV series grand finale the way it brought back characters from prior movies. For a seventh movie, it's unfair to consider a movie outside of its franchise. But even within the franchise, Deathly Hallows is one of the weaker Potter movies. It's only been two days since seeing it, but I can't recall anything that stands out as particularly interesting -- which is sad impression for a fantasy movie to have.

What I mainly recall was how the magic premise didn't make sense to me and sounded more like Star Trek techno-babble. The magic in this movie is much less awe-inspiring. For example, the magic wands became mere handguns leading to mundane action movie shootouts. I guess for the first part of the finale, they really didn't need to introduce the magic, but it seems this movie was far less magical and more about wrapping-up loose ends and building-up to the series' end.

train disaster move weekend

I ended up watching two train disaster movies this weekend:

I was sick on the couch watching bad daytime weekend television (which is somehow worse than daytime weekday television) and ended-up watching the 1979 TV movie Disaster on the Coastliner. The steady, predictable pacing of a 1970s disaster movie was all I could handle with my head cold. Then today, since I felt better, we went to Unstoppable. Oddly enough, both movies feature former Capt. Kirks heroically saving the day.

Red: B

RED, originally uploaded by dodobear1020.

Last weekend, Scott, ma, and I saw Red. We all left the theater with the same review, "That was cute." It was an enjoyable movie: simple story, good pace, with funny moments and a large all-star cast.

2010 Election Endorsements

	ME ↓	WILLA- METTE WEEK ↓	OREGON- IAN ↓	PTLD MERC ↓	BASIC RIGHTS OR ↓	NARAL ↓	SIERRA CLUB ↓	OLCV ↓
CANDIDATES
US SENATOR	WYDEN	WYDEN	WYDEN	WYDEN		WYDEN
US REP OR 3RD	BLUMEN- EAUR	BLUMEN- EAUR	BLUMEN- EAUR	BLUMEN- EAUR		BLUMEN- EAUR	BLUMEN- EAUR
OR GOV	KITZ- HABER	KITZ- HABER	KITZ- HABER	KITZ- HABER	KITZ- HABER	KITZ- HABER	KITZ- HABER	KITZ- HABER
OR TREAS	WHEEL- ER	WHEEL- ER	WHEEL- ER	WHEEL- ER	WHEEL- ER	WHEEL- ER		WHEEL- ER
OR ST REP 42ND	BAILEY	BAILEY	BAILEY	BAILEY	BAILEY	BAILEY	BAILEY	BAILEY
METRO PREZ	STACEY	HUGHES	HUGHES	STACEY			STACEY	STACEY
EMSWCD DIR 2	KUEHLER							KUEHLER
	EAST MULTNOMAH SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT DIRECTOR AT LARGE 2: Through my work, I know a little bit about this obscure agency; however, I was surprised to see four candidates on the ballot for this unpaid position. Only three candidates managed to get statements in the official voters' guide. And only two candidates responded to the League of Women Voters (PDF). Decidedly, Kuehler is the only candidate with endorsements and a related resumé.
	ME ↓	WILLA- METTE WEEK ↓	OREGON- IAN ↓	PTLD MERC ↓	BASIC RIGHTS OR ↓	NARAL ↓	SIERRA CLUB ↓	OLCV ↓
STATE MEASURES
OR MEAS 70	YES	YES	YES		E.M.O.: YES
	EXPANDS WAR VETERANS HOMEOWNERSHIP LOANS: Updates program to include recent vets.
OR MEAS 71	YES	YES	YES	YES	YES	LWV: YES
	REQUIRES LEGISLATURE TO MEET ANNUALLY: The legislature already meets annually, but has to pretend there is an emergency.
OR MEAS 72	YES	YES	YES
	AUTHORIZES EXCEPTION TO $50K BORROWING LIMIT: I'm still pondering this one. Although Republican legislators voted against this measure, no arguments against this measure were filed and I haven't found anyone recommending a no vote. Apparently this measure changes an 1859 law by allowing the state to obtain slightly lower interest rates by issuing general obligation bonds instead of certificates of participation. Recently, governments have defaulted on certificate of participation, therefore they are riskier and have higher interest rates. General obligation bonds are fully secured by the 'full faith and credit' of the government and are therefore less risky and have lower interest. It seems to make sense. Our state should use all available resources (i.e. taxes, general revenue, etc.) to repay its loans. (djcoregon.com)
OR MEAS 73	NO	NO	NO	NO	NO	E.M.O., L.W.V.: NO
	INCREASES MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE FOR REPEATED SEX CRIMES AND REPEATED DUI: This seems like a good idea on the surface, but it's unclear what the unintended consequences will be. The state already spends more on prisons than universities. This measure would increase spending $29 MILLION, but doesn't specify where the funds will come from. There has to be a more effective and less costly alternative to warehousing criminals for longer periods.
OR MEAS 74	YES	YES	NO	NO
	ESTABLISHES MEDICAL MARIJUANA SUPPLY SYSTEM: The state should control marijuana distribution like it does liquor. This measure is a good start, but it unfortunately doesn't replace the current problematic grow-your-own or find-a-'dealer' system.
OR MEAS 75	NO	NO	NO	NO	E.M.O.: NO
	ALLOWS MULTNOMAH COUNTY CASINO: There is no reason Multnomah County should be exempt from the non-tribal casino ban. Worse, the state government (not our county) receives a portion of revenue.
OR MEAS 76	YES	NO	YES	YES	E.M.O./LWV YES		YES	YES
	CONTINUES TO DEDICATE 15% OF LOTTERY PROCEEDS TO PARKS, BEACHES, WILDLIFE HABITAT, AND WATERSHED PROTECTION: Yes, it seems appropriate to me to lock-up funds from an essentially recreational activity for the benefit of the environment.
	ME ↓	WILLA- METTE WEEK ↓	OREGON- IAN ↓	PTLD MERC ↓	OTHERS ↓
LOCAL MEASURES
MULTCO 26-109	YES	YES	YES	NO	BOJACK: NO
	REPEAL TERM LIMITS: Term limits don't work (see: state legislature). Also, county commissioner is such an unknown office that it is unlikely an incumbent would become politically unbeatable.
MULTCO 26-110	NO	NO	YES	YES	BOJACK: NO
	ALLOW COUNTY COMMISSION TO RUN FOR ANOTHER OFFICE: The county's critical problems are too important to have part-time commissioners campaigning for other offices.
MULTCO 26-111	YES	YES	YES	YES
	SALARY COMMISSION TO SET SHERIFF'S AND D.A.'S SALARIES: Shifts salary-setting from county board to a salary commission appointed by the county auditor.
MULTCO 26-112	YES	YES	YES	YES	BOJACK: YES
	RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT FOR COMMISSIONERS: Fixes current loophole that allows commissioners to move out of county.
MULTCO 26-113	YES	YES	YES	YES	BOJACK: NO
	LIMIT COUNTY ELECTIONS TO FILL VACANCY TO MAY AND NOVEMBER: Fixes the current law that would potentially force the county to hold a costly ($400k) and rare March or September election (wweek.com).
MULTCO 26-114	YES	YES	YES	YES	TRIB: YES BOJACK: NO
	ALLOW FORMATION OF A LIBRARY DISTRICT: Seems like a routine change. It makes sense for the library system to eventually become separate from the county.
MULTCO 26-118	YES	YES	YES	YES	TRIB: YES BOJACK: NO
	FIVE-YEAR 0.005% TAX FOR OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Certainly a worthy cause, but it is unfair that county residents should subsidize a state non-profit. I changed my mind after reading the measure will provide FREE ADMISSION to Multnomah County residents. That seems like a reasonable offer (the "Oregon" Zoo and other locally-subsidized attractions should consider rewarding local residents).
PTLD 26-108	NO	YES	NO	YES	E.M.O.: YES BOJACK: NO
	PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FINANCING: A nice idea, but the City's inept plan has turned into an embarrassing cash give-away. In five years and $1.7 MILLION, the plan has only produced one elected official (not counting the plan's brazen designer). I would support a public campaign financing plan that had more effective safeguards to the public's cash (i.e. limit funds, adhere to City's purchasing rules, etc.). Unbelievably, instead of fixing and fine-tuning the current experiment for the greater public financing movement, proponents instead defend the fraud and waste as well worth the enormous cost.
PTLD 26-117	NO	NO	NO	YES	BOJACK/TRIB: NO
	0.009-0.014%* TAX FOR FIRE TRUCK & RADIO UPGRADES: Certainly a worthy cause, but the City should have budgeted for these normal upgrades. This is merely a City scare tactic of putting vital items to a vote while quietly approving discretionary items like the new, unneeded fire yacht, consultants, etc., etc. *(wweek.com)
TRIMET 26-119	NO	YES	NO	YES	TRIB: YES BOJACK: NO
	21-YEAR 0.008%* TAX FOR SENIOR/DISABLED BUS UPGRADES: I changed my mind and decided to vote against this tax. It's a worthy cause, but TriMet should be able to cover this cost in its normal budget. TriMet has put rail expansion before the needs of the disabled and elderly. *(lwvpdx.org)

Here are the endorsements I've found so far. I was a little surprised and disappointed that Just Out did not issue any endorsements due to lack of staffing. Also, I can't find Portland Mercury's list either.

UPDATE: I'm surprised the alternative alternative-weekly, The Merc, opposes Measure 74 (marijuana dispensaries) supposedly because the quality safeguards and criminal background requirements may not be strict enough. Their fuzzy headed reasoning doesn't make sense. The current grow-your-own or get-a-'dealer' system certainly lacks any sufficient rules and regulations. Measure 74 would at least give patients an alternative to becoming pot farmers or finding a suspicious unpaid grower. I cynically suspect The Merc really fears this law will eventually lead to the demise of the current murky grow-your-own/black-market system which benefits recreational users' access.

Montreal (part II) and Quebec churches

(More vacation pics. Fantastic photos are of Scott's Flickr collection. The shaking videos are from my iPhone (YouTube).)

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Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal
(aka Saint Joseph's Oratory)

This was my first time seeing this amazing hill top basilica. It was a great place to explore. We quietly watched a service held in the 1917 Crypt Church at the base of the building. The adjacent 1948 Votive Chapel and tomb of Brother André contained candles and crutches of those healed by Brother André. Our occupational therapist friend observed that apparently all the people healed seemed to have used the same size crutch. Coincidentally, Brother André was canonized as Saint Brother André just after our trip.

The 1967 Basilica is huge. Apparently, the dome is the third largest in the world and the church is the largest in Canada. We were warned by a native Montrealer that while the view and the church's exterior were beautiful, the interior was not so much. In contrast to the exterior, the interior is modernist/minimalist 60s. The interior style conflicts with the exterior.

The view from the hill top at sunset was terrific. It was a dark and a little windy so we didn't walk through the garden or the small chapel built by Brother André.

One of the strangest sights was seeing pilgrims climb 99 steps on their knees to the basilica. I don't mean disrespect, but it's sort of like riding an escalator next to someone struggling to climb stairs. It felt like we were cheating merely walking up the steps. (Although as an out-of-shape fatty, the stairs were plenty hard.)

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Université du Québec à Montréal's Judith-Jasmin Pavilion
(formerly Saint Jacques )

For a city that probably wouldn't miss losing a church building, it's great that this university kept this church's bell tower and ornate entrances.

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Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral
(aka Our Lady of Quebec City)

During our one full day in Quebec City, we made sure to visit the Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral in Old Quebec City. Yet another beautiful basilica.

I was a surprised to see large flat screen monitors lining some of the columns like a sports bar (or a tacky megachurch). Tammam pointed out that they were probably to allow those seated in the side aisles to see around the columns.

Montreal churches (part I)

[Photos by Scott (see blog)]

...This is the first time I was ever in a city where you couldn't throw a brick without breaking a church window... - often cited Mark Twain In Montreal

Ironically, a native Montrealer we met proudly touted that Montreal was one of the most non-religious cities in North America. Scott and I politely countered that Portland also known for being non-religious. I haven't been able to find comparable statistics. In 2009 Oregon was rank #1 US state in residents with no religious affiliation. Another study somewhere mentioned that Quebec was ranked the worst in Canada for church attendance. It is surprising considering the importance of Catholicism in Quebec's history and the overwhelming number of beautiful church architecture.

As someone who was raised in a fundamentalist (and very anti-Catholic) church that met in a rented gymnasium, the huge ornate churches in Montreal and Quebec are ostentatious and impressive. After first seeing these churches in 2000, I really wanted to attend high church services; however, no church building in Portland can really compare.

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Basilique Notre-Dame de Montréal
(aka Notre-Dame Basilica)

Probably the most ornate sanctuary I've visited, it was the only church that charged a modest $5 tourist admission (no charge for pilgrims) -- which is well worth it. Tammam mentioned that Celine Dion had a wedding and baptism in this church.

Scott was upset that the square in front of the church was under construction.

The "chapel" behind the sanctuary is just as amazing. Apparently it was quickly rebuilt after a 1978 fire.

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Cathédrale Marie-Reine-du-Monde
(aka Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral)

In any other city, this cathedral would be amazing. However, its architectural style pales compared to the other Montreal churches. It's scaled-down version of St. Peter's in Rome reminds me of a Las Vegas tourist attraction. It doesn't help that the building is dwarfed by the surrounding office towers.

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Christ Church Cathedral
(montrealcathedral.ca)

The only non-Catholic church we visited, Scott and I preferred this Anglican church's style and scale. It seemed much more approachable and friendly than the massive catholic churches. The rainbow flag in the sanctuary was a nice touch too.

Also, we learned that an underground mall was built under the cathedral which caused the cathedral to be nicknamed the Cathedral-on-stilts during construction.

Old Montréal

On October 4, Scott and I figured out how to take the Metro from Tammam's apartment to Old Montréal. We used an handy iPhone app from ArchiGuides.com to take a walking tour of 25 buildings.

We tried to cross the Champ-de-Mars (a.k.a. lawn), but like many places, it was under construction as more of the 1717 fortifications were uncovered. As we recorded below, we admired the beautiful 1856 Old Courthouse and 1878 City Hall (now under construction), but horrified how the 1971 "Palace" of Justice office tower was dropped next to the Old Courthouse. Even the guide books admitted the tower was an architectural mistake.

We walked through an upscale tourist trap, Bonsecours Market, and met a very friendly gallery owner. Although we were very careful not to touch any of the paintings, the gallery owner had Scott touch one of the more colorful souvenir paintings.

Jardin botanique de Montréal

We returned from our one-week visit with Tammam in Montreal and Quebec last night. The week seems like a blur. We are still sorting through our pictures and recalling our great trip.

Last Sunday was our first full day in Montreal. It was Scott's first time in Montreal and my second. Although I wanted to revisit some of the places I saw in 2000, I also wanted to see some new places like the Olympic Stadium area. So, I chose Jardin botanique de Montréal (a.k.a. Montreal Botanical Garden) as our first outing.

IMG_0029, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

IMG_9610, originally uploaded by sweber4507.

Like other former Olympic and world fair sites, I wrongly assumed the botanical garden was merely salvaged land re-purposed by the city after the 1976 Summer Olympics. However, I was surprised to learn that the botanical garden was started in 1931.

The gardens were beautiful. Even though Tammam and I are not gardening, we enjoyed the different gardens and arrangements. One hundred year-old bonsai plants in the Japanese garden were impressive, but the most eye-catching garden was the lantern display in the Chinese garden -- apparently an annual tradition.

For better or worse, it is nearly impossible to visit or photograph the Jardin botanique de Montréal without the alien Olympic Stadium tower.

The Last Exorcism: D

Scott and Sheena dragged ma and me to The Last Exorcism. Well, I did seriously consider the George Clooney movie The American, but its professional and 'user' reviews were only as good or worse than Last Exorcism. I've complained before about this summer, but it is surprising that there is nothing worth seeing in theaters.

Anyways, The Last Exorcism is yet another twist on exorcism. Although I have to admit that I've never seen The Exorcist. Scott did drag me to 2005's The Exorcism of Emily Rose which similarly teased the audience with the question of whether a teen girl was supernaturally demon-possessed or merely exhibiting psychological problems. Also, like Emily Rose which re-framed the familiar exorcism story within a courtroom drama, Last Exorcism re-framed its exorcism story through the tired Blair Witch-style shaking documentary footage format. (I actually left the theater nauseous. Note to filmmakers: many reality shows do use Stedicams now.)

Although I'm not a fan of the horror movie genre, I did sympathize with some of the interesting themes the movie tried to incorporate. The Last Exorcism's set-up is that while a disillusioned preacher prepares to leave his flim flam exorcism business, a documentary film crew records his last exorcism of a girl in the stereotypical rural South (which apparently completely lacks cell phone coverage and African Americans). As someone who toyed with the extreme fringe of Christian faith-healing, I was interested in some of the main character's religious disillusionment. However, since the movie was only a fake documentary that was setting-up for a predictable scary movie storyline, there was no compelling reason to seriously ponder the pastor's dilemma.

More annoyingly, the horror movie had the usual foreshadowing making the ending completely predictable. For a movie barely 90 minutes long, it seemed to last much longer -- especially as we waited for the foreshadowed events to finally occur. The question of whether the demon possession was real is disappointingly answered in the last scene leaving little doubt. Thankfully there was no twist ending with unanswered questions or a set-up to a sequel.

Overall, the movie was okay for the horror/scare genre, but I think even horror fans will find nothing original in this tired re-hash. The movie just wasn't entertaining - no humor, no pleasantness, few exhilarating moments, and no sympathetic characters. The typical silent, reality show cameraman was the only relatable character (since we see the movie through his perspective), but, again, the filmmakers were too concerned with maintaining the fake documentary theme and held back his role. The demon-possessed character was well-played, but predictable with nothing new. The movie's biggest problem is that the filmmakers let the fake documentary format break the basic rules of entertainment -- give the audience something to enjoy or ponder, but the last scene pretty much destroys any mystery and undermines the story's premise. In the end, the movie was pointless for the characters and the audience.

(09/13/2010 revised repeatedly.)

cute: fat bee

Scott and I just came home and were surprised to find this enormous bee practically breaking the flowers. Maybe it's just funny to us, but it is hilarious.

Backsplash DONE!

trim Originally uploaded by sweber4507 After much debate about an accent trim, we settled on a boring same-color trim tile. However, after seeing them up, we loved how it turned out. It's a nice detail that isn't distracting. Our main challenge was setting these in the mortar. They're concave on the back, so I am a little concerned that there isn't much for the mortar to hang on to. Time will tell. cutter Originally uploaded by sweber4507 My nemesis. It worked okay, but its accuracy isn't great. Next time (the stove back splash), we'll definitely buy or rent a tile saw -- especially after we watched a little British lade overcome her tile saw fear on a home improvement show. bits&pieces Originally uploaded by sweber4507 We're so glad that we did not pick an expensive tile for our first tiling attempt. I probably wasted nearly a half box on bad cuts -- of course, we reused as much as possible. tiles Originally uploaded by sweber4507 Stupid spacers. They never seemed to stay in where we specifically needed them. I'm not even sure we needed them since we prefer the least possible space and our wall tiles may even be self-spacing.

Kitchen Remodeling - Day 420: We finally installed the back splash behind the new counter top. 0. DESIGN: We spent months putting off the back splash project because we were indecisive. Scott had always talked about subway tiles, but there were so many distracting design options in the tile stores and design catalogs (i.e. ceramic tiles, stone tiles, glass tile, etc., etc.). We spent a long time going over the possibilities. There were many modern and stylish options, but we didn't want to do something trendy that would become dated and not match the house's age. Even though we plan on staying in the house a long time, we continue to be mindful that installing something too edgy/modern might turn-off potential buyers. We started buying samples about a month ago such as the subway tile and a sheet of colored glass tiles. However, I was very apprehensive about installing a color that we would be stuck with for years since changing tile is not as easy as painting. Eventually, we went back to Scott's original idea of classic white subway tile with a simple white trim row. 1. WALL PREPARATION: When we finally bought the tile, we were delayed a week just to prepare the walls. Most of the wall was new wall board; however, the baseboards were missing and the window trim wasn't right. A chunk of the left baseboard was torn out during the wall demo and the entire right baseboard was missing. Also, a prior owner cut into half of the window trim to install the previous linoleum back splash. It was surprisingly simple to replace the missing baseboards and window trim. I also found some handy extenders for the three electrical receptacle boxes. I understand that code requires that no gaps can be in the box, so the extenders were a good solution other than ripping open the wall and repositioning the boxes. 2. CUTTING AND SETTING TILE: Figuring how to cut the tile was the most difficult aspect of the project. Since subway tile is relatively small and thin, we figured that we did not need to rent or buy a tile saw. However, we did buy a RotoZip for the L-shape cut-outs. It took me a few days to figure out how to assemble the RotoZip and the best way of making cuts. Eventually I learned that I could make the straights cuts by pulling it toward myself. Although the RotoZip was handy, it is still a hand tool that isn't great for long, straight cuts. The most frustrating part of tile cutting was trying to consistently cut tiles lengthwise at the same height with the snap cutter. We'll definitely consider using a tile saw for the remaining tile projects. Aligning the tiles and spacers was tedious. We used the countertop as the reference for most of the first row of tiles, which worked well except above the sink. The area above the sink was tricky because we had to cut the most important first row of tiles, which came out a bit too low. It doesn't look awful and isn't worth tearing out and redoing, but it is noticeable if one studies the grout lines. It is bothersome to us because we know the defect is there, but I'll try to keep myself from pointing out the flaw to everyone. The top row under the wall cabinets was probably the worse because it borders the wallboard and plaster seam. Fortunately, it's hard to see unless you're sitting down or stick your head under the cabinets.

3. GROUTING We procrastinated much of Sunday before doing the grout. We were both apprehensive about grouting. So, instead of just buying the grout, we went on a shopping spree to three other stores. However, we eventually came home a got the grout. Surprisingly, it wasn't difficult at all. It was messing, but clean-up was easy. The white grout made a huge difference in hiding all the little defects. Had I known what a difference it would have made, I would have grouted much sooner.

In a perfect world, we would have removed the cabinets and plaster, installed new wall board, tiled, and reinstalled the cabinets. However, considering that we did all the work on the weekends and while still using the kitchen, it still came out great. We just need to seal the grout. For some reason, the guide says we need to spray water on the grout for three days before sealing.

Next Projects: Tiling the back splash on the stove wall and then kitchen flooring. We're leaning toward hex floor tile with grey grout, but that may require too much upkeep for a kitchen. We found some neat ideas online, but we haven't found a local supplier for black hex tile. We're also considering other options such checkerboard tile or Marmoleum, but hex tile seems to be the direction we're going since it is already in the bathroom.

finito, originally uploaded by sweber4507. We placed tiles working left to right figuring the wall area next to the left doorway would be the most visible. Our first day cutting and setting tile went very fast and we made it all the way to the sink. However, it took us two partial days to cut and set the tiles under the window to the wall. There were a lot of small frustrating cuts, the wall was very uneven as it transitioned from drywall to plaster, and all the tiles at the corner had to be custom sized as the adjoining wall is not straight.

GroutinProgress, originally uploaded by sweber4507. Wow, grout makes a huge difference. We briefly considered gray grout, but the white really helps hide all of my bad cuts and uneven tiles.

backsplashandhall, originally uploaded by sweber4507. Danaya will be very happy that we finally screwed the electrical receptacles in and put covers on. She scolded me for leaving the receptacles hanging out of the walls for so long. I got slightly over-sized receptacle covers to hide any bad cuts, but normal sized covers would have worked fine too.

sugar mountain

My kind part-time coworker often brings in treats to the office break room to share (and solicit donations for his charity). Lately, he has been extremely generous as seen with this mountain of candy and doughnuts.

What's a bit odd though is that -- not counting him -- I'm the only other person who regularly works in the office, so I guess this is all intended for me. I do have some self control, but it is challenging to be here all day with sugar mountain just down the hall. Apparently he is trying to give my diabetes.

Inception: B

Inception Chibis, originally uploaded by nicoleleepeterson.

To beat the heat, Scott, Ma, and I went out to a movie on Saturday afternoon. I'm not sure how theaters are staying in business as there have been very few movies this year that I wanted to see. The Regal theater we went to had only the manager working concessions and the multiplex seemed vacant -- on a weekend.

Anyways, we settled for Inception. My main reluctance to seeing Inception were the comparisons I heard of it with The Matrix. Fortunately, Inception doesn't take itself as seriously as Matrix, but it is as convoluted with endless revelations regarding the shared dream sci-fi tech premise.

Ellen Page's college student character is supposed to be the audience's newbie stand-in walking through the technology with wonder, awe, and questions. Although it's a bit surprising a college student in the field doesn't know the intricacies of the technology. What kind of irked me was that she basically plays the same character in her Cisco ads in which she again wanders into the technology with wonder, awe, and questions:

Overall, it was an entertaining movie. Yes, I will make my standard complaint that the movie was too long. It's probably an unfair standard to hold against filmmakers, but my knees have a limited time in theater seats, so a movie had better be compelling to keep my interest past 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the dream within a dream within a dream premise and psycho-babble foreshadowing made for a predictable ending that merely had to play through.

Gma's revenge from beyond the grave

Years ago, one of the oddest comments my late grandmother made was that the city should cut down the giant trees lining the streets in historic Ladd's Addition. Her reason? They were a safety hazard because she slipped on some fall leaves while picking up my sister at Abernethy Elementary. Oh grandma...

Well, Gma somehow got her revenge. Although we saw the signs about the Dutch Elm disease, it was very surprising to see the stumps this weekend around Abernethy. It is very sad.

Save Our Elms is trying to save the neighborhood trees.

Predators: D

Trailer

Ugh. Scott and Sheena dragged me kicking and screaming to Predators on Saturday. With so few movies worth seeing this summer, I didn't have a good counter-argument or a compromise movie to offer. Also, Scott insisted that I owed him for last weekend's documentary.

I'm really not a movie snob, but the reviews for this movie re-affirmed that this would be a pointless sequel. I vaguely remember not caring for the original 1987 Predator starring Schwarzenegger and this sequel seemed to have the same basic story. I really have no idea what the sequel's purpose was. The whole movie seemed very dated -- especially considering that first-shooter action games would be far more entertaining than a traditional movie. No fast-paced cinematography tricks or styling was used to update this 20-year-old sequel. Even the soundtrack, which Scott said was based on the original's themes, seemed dated and more like a bad TV movie. Worse, instead of just killing all of the annoying and unlikeable characters, the movie ended setting up for the unlikely sequel. (Geez, can you imagine creepy Gov. Schwarzenegger coming back?)

Happy Independence Day!

I think I've been watching too much History Channel, but I really wanted to decorate the house for Independence Day. We went to Elmers Flag and Banner. I admit that I was a bit weary about putting up a flag. Will neighbors assume the worse -- that we're gun-toting, right-wing, Republican? The awkward trip to Elmers didn't settle my weariness. It's probably just me, but I couldn't help but feel like we walked into some secret Tea Party/militia man's basement bunker. That said, I was happy to find the same flag kit my grandmother had.

Joan Rivers – A Piece Of Work: C

Wow. I can't recall when I last saw a movie in the theater (or when I blogged a review for that matter). Scott and I did see IMAX's Hubble 3D last weekend during our impromptu day trip to the Evergreen Air Museum. We have been watching more movies at home. I probably did miss blogging whatever the last movie I saw, but I haven't been going to the movies as much. There really hasn't been anything compelling us to go out (wow, that sounded middle-aged suburban).

Ma, Scott, Sheena and I saw Joan Rivers –A Piece Of Work at Cinema 21, which is another place I haven't been to in a long time (Good news! They finally accept plastic!). The previews for 9500 Liberty, Countdown to Zero, and Winnebago Man looked promising.

I mainly know Joan Rivers from the praise she regularly receives from Kathy Griffin, her 2009 Comedy Central roast, and her recent Fresh Air interview. Unfortunately, Fresh Air aired the most interesting moments and spoiled the documentary. But it was still interesting to actually see what was happening. That said, I probably would have never heard of the documentary if not for the radio program.

A Piece Of Work follows Rivers through a year and shows Rivers as being painfully self-conscious, professionally narcissistic about her brand/business/career, thankful for her successes, and very bitter about her losses. Rivers' non-stop work schedule at 75 is amazing and while she whines about the unfairness of the entertainment industry (and is a bit excessive at portraying herself as a victim), she seems to enjoy her craft.

Overall, an interesting documentary about a barrier-breaking woman, but not a ground breaking movie. It did drag on a bit toward the end. I hate to admit it, but some TV reality shows like My Life on the D List do a better job of making entertaining documentaries.

Kitchen cabinets: DONE!!!

Yesterday, we finally finished the kitchen cabinets (mostly). The cabinets and microwave/hood for the kitchen's east wall have been sitting the basement for more than six months, but we finally got back into the kitchen remodeling mood.

Originally uploaded by sweber4507	When we originally bought the house a year ago. The east wall had an old electric stove, tiny spice cupboard, and tiny base cabinet. The first thing we did was pull out the cupboard and cabinet (which is how we discovered everything in our 1929 house is held in with nails and can be easily pried loose with enough tugging).
	Although it's a bit tacky, we decided to install the new full-size fridge next to the stove and blocking part of the window. We had new electrical outlets installed, the furnace people installed a gas line, and we installed an old gas stove from craigslist. We also installed some metal racks above stove before we committed to cabinets.
	Installing cabinets on the east wall wasn't really a priority; however, IKEA had a sale if we bought two appliances. So, we added the microwave/hood and east wall cabinets to our order. And then left them in the basement for seven months.
	The electrician installed a dedicated circuit for the microwave/hood according to my detailed drawing.
	I did a terrible job patching the electrician's hole, but it doesn't matter 'cuz it will be hidden behind the cabinets, right?
	Last weekend, I got my first jigsaw and stupidly practiced my first cuts into our cabinet making a less than perfect hole for the hood vent. Even more stupid, I realize that we can't vent out the side of the kitchen because a stud in the exterior wall (and we have no interest in opening-up the wall to move studs). So, the jigsaw hole was for nothing -- although it will be helpful for when we do eventually decide to vent.
	Yesterday, we hung the cabinets and microwave. For some strange reason, IKEA assumes we would leave space above the cabinets to reach around and screw-in the top molding. Our cabinets are nearly to the top of the wall, so we're going to ponder how to attach the molding.
	Scott demonstrating that the cabinets were a terrible idea now that we will have to reach over the fridge to get to our precious cereals. More than the cabinets and microwave, Scott is excited about simply having a light over the stove.

The only left to do now are to get some knobs from IKEA, finish the molding .... and tile the backsplash, and tile the floor, and maybe some more lighting, and the hood vent, and....