"They're on a cross-country adventure to the world's greatest video championship. It's more than a game...it's the chance of a lifetime."
Well, we passed this prehistoric forest the other day and the only thing I could think of was the reoccurring line from 1989's feature film The Wizard, "California"!!!
The Wizard not only acted as the premiere of Nintendo'sSuper Mario Bros. 3 video game, but also featured such amazing Nintendo gear like the coveted Power Glove.
They just don't make movies like that anymore. And if you are wondering "where are they now," I am here to help. Our own Spiderman, Tobey Maguire makes a mulleted cameo in one of the final scenes. Fred Savage moved on to star in Austin Powers as "the mole." And Jimmy Woods, yes, the Wizard himself, now looks like this:
The past two weekends, I flew back to NYC to see Bryant. The first weekend was pretty busy. I got in late Friday night, worked Saturday, and flew out Sunday. Please meet my Northwest Airlines buddy... apparently he thought there was something wrong with the left philangee.
This past weekend was a little more enjoyable. Bryant finished his first year of law school on Thursday!!! He is officially a 2L! I arrived Thursday night and we had all day Friday to hang out. It was the raining, so we went to see "What Happens in Vegas." Then, I put him to work. "Hey, congrats on finishing your exams... now put of some curtains!" After a year in our new apartment, curtains went up this weekend. I put Bryant on a plane to Houston on Saturday and he started work this morning! So much for downtime.
I flew back to Detroit on Sunday (the airport is only an hour from Toledo). The Detroit Airport is undergoing a major renovation project--- and I was lucky enough to fly into the new terminal. I would like to know the mastermind behind this "tunnel 'o crazy" though. Please note that I did not get cell service in here and nobody else seemed bothered by the random music and laser light show. Total creeps!
The exam is over. That is three down and one to go! If anyone wants to talk about the commerce clause, equal protection, or principles of federalism, you know where to find me.
I got some junk email today that said "Show your mom how much you love her through a free e-card." Well, nothing says "Mom, thank you for all of the sacrifices you made, the unconditional love you gave, and the unending support you provided like a FREE E-CARD. Not only is it an e-card--- suffer!--- it is a FREE e-card.
Kathy and Jan, we love you more than a free e-card. We love you a free blog entry!
You guys really are the best and we are blessed to have you as our mothers! We love you, Happy Mother's Day!
Here is a little window into the Lee Family terminology. I seriously have no idea where this began, but we somehow evolved into calling the toilet a "to-to" (pronounced toe-toe). We never really discussed the fact that "toto" is the acceptable term, and I even find myself making it into an abbreviation--- the tots (pronounced toe-ts, not like "napoleon, give me one of your tots"). Anyways, to my recent amazement, it seems we are not the only ones who refer to their commode as a toto--- I found this in a restaurant bathroom in Toledo... officially labeled as a TOTO.
It seems that TOTO INNOVATIONS not only makes totos, they also have bathtubs, sinks, faucets, showers, and washlets. Now, what in the world is a washlet? After my brief research of TOTO products, I came upon this unknown restroom accoutrement.
WASHLET: def. a toilet seat with warm water, bidet style washing. It is a replacement toilet seat, and can be installed on a new or existing toilet, the same as any regular toilet seat. A Washlet will typically have additional functions and features, depending on the model and price range.
How does a WASHLET work?: It is activated by pressing a button, and in turn a wand will extend from the seat to cleanse you with a stream of gentle, aerated warm water. After cleansing, the wand retracts back under the seat. All installations require a 110VAC GFI outlet.
In response to my findings... I am speechless, therefore I must refer to an expert:
"For washin' your back-side, roight?" -Mic Dundee (Crocodile Dundee)
Bryant here again. Sure, it's been awhile. I've been busy with school, and now I am VERY busy with exams. I'm never too busy too take a break and look through pictures of past vacations and adventures with Sarah, though. And that is why I am posting here right now.
I took this picture of Sarah on our honeymoon in Belize. Isn't she beautiful? She'll be in New York this weekend visiting me and distracting me while I try to study for an exam on Monday. I don't mind, of course. Looking at pictures of her and thinking about our wonderful life together distracts me while she is away. Her cute smile and sweet spirit distract me when she is around. Speaking of distractions, I better get back to work. I need to clear up my weekend for my wife. I can't wait to see you, Sarah! Travel safely.
Toledo Opera's mainstage performances of Cavalleria Rusticana were this weekend. Friday was opening night and a few of us went to dinner after the show. As David (Kaverman, a fellow young artist) and I were driving home in the Toledo Opera Van (the ghetto cruiser), we got a flat tire. It was the absolute best time to get a flat... midnight and raining! perfect! David did find a safe place to pull over and we called the ever-amazing AAA! They were there in 15 minutes. Mike was our "knight in shining armor" and was Mr. pro-flat-tire-changer. Of course i talked his ear off and learned all about him. Mike was in the army--- stationed in Iraq fixing military trucks and cars. Mike was so nice and taught us as he was replacing the tire... David and I mostly just stood there looking pretty useless. After Mike had the flat tire off the car, he pulled out the cause of the drama--- it was a 5 inch long spike that had somehow found it's way into our tire. And why shouldn't a huge hazard of a spike not be in the middle of Toledo's busiest highway? Mike was the man, and David and I lived to tell the tale. While Papa Steve gave me flat tire lessons and jumper cable lessons when I was 15, I realize that many people have no idea how in the world to change a flat tire. So, please use this handy video to teach you... just in case you are stuck without a "Mike" to help you.
I recently had a co-worker tell me that "opera was a dead art." While he later admitted that he was only partially serious, it got me thinking. Just because one does not listen to a certain type of music, does that mean it is a "dead art?" I will be honest, opera is not my favorite genre of music to listen to at all times... it is usually pretty far down the list. But there is something about opera that is pretty timeless. There is so much opera music that is innately blended into our culture that, while always recognizable, many don't even realize it is from an opera. (and no, Beyonce's hip-hopera does not count)
I do think opera plays a very different role in our day than it once did. Opera used to be the "Hannah Montana Concerts" of its time with everyone fighting for tickets. Today it represents culture and music appreciation and art history. I am a firm believer that opera is still very much alive... though in a very different context than it originally was. There are still composers out there creating brand new operas. There is a new wave of "hip" directors that are taking old operas to new levels of creativity and extravagance.
Even with the new ideas (puppets, light shows, mohawks etc.), I will always be moved by some good ole' Mozart... no bells and whistles, just some breathtaking music.
Andy Dufresne thought so too (and how can you argue with him?):
And by the way, this duet is called "Sull'aria" and it is from Mozart's 'Le Nozze di Figaro" (The Marriage of Figaro). This opera was first performed in Vienna, Austria on May 1, 1786. Happy 222nd Birthday!
