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....