Day 48
I'm sure I'll take heat for this but being a fan of Star Wars since 1977 when the first movie came out, I have to say the latest installment seemed like a 2+ hours setup for the next two movies. I agree with reviews that compare the new movie to the originals. There are great special effects and the storm troopers still have terrible aim. The emergence of past characters gives the movie some a hint of the original as the baton is being passed to a new generation of heroes and villains. I had hoped the new movie would be taken from one of the numerous Star Wars novels but I was disappointed. There are shades of the novels but nothing concrete.
I have to write that the movie, for me, was just OK. With Disney taking over I was hoping for better. I don't want to reveal anything and I'm not a movie critic. The movie has set records for ticket sales which is exactly what Disney was looking for, so in that respect the movie is a great success. As for the story I believe fans deserve better. If your looking for a taste of nostalgia, this movie is for you. I can only hope the next two movies will be better and not follow suit.
Until tomorrow, may the force be with you,
Ken
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Friday, December 25, 2015
A Christmas Story...That Almost Wasn't
Day 47
Being in any branch of the military a member can find themselves far from home and family even during the holidays. Vigilance doesn't take a vacation at least that's what they told us. I was fresh out of submarine school and onboard the USS Surgeon SSN 637 fast attack submarine. And in two weeks we were headed for the Mediterranean Sea for a six month deployment that would keep us away from our home port of Charleston, S.C. past Christmas. Having only been in Charleston for two weeks, I hadn't had time to develop a relationship with someone special. This was to be, however, the first time I would be away from home during the holidays.
During my time in the Mediterranean I had many adventures, but those are for another time. After 4 1/2 months we were told we would be coming home early.
I need to stop here to explain shipboard entertainment. We had a stereo cassette player, we decks of cards and we had movies. Some of the movies were old classics, some were not yet released to theaters (a benefit of fighting for democracy). Back in the early eighties we used reel to reel film projectors shown a pull down silver screen. We would upgrade to VHS shown on a TV within a few years.
Picking a movie was a big deal. Everyone had a favorite in mind and would shout out their selection, The rookies (new guys on board) were then sent to get the movie from the large pile in the bow (front of the ship). On this occasion about 100 movies were stacked beneath the escape hatch. The only thing more useless on a submarine than the escape hatch was the emergency marker buoy. This was a 6 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft orange float that would be released in the event the ship sank a DSRV Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle would follow the attached cable down to the escape hatch and the crew would be rescued. The only problem was the resue buoy was welded to the hull and couldn't be released. The government didn't want the Russians to find an intact US submarine before the US did. More on this at another time also.
The rule concerning retrieving the movie from the bow that many rookies didn't know was "If you go and get it, you get to choose it". As long as you can get it on the projector and started before someone objects to the movie and stops you from showing it. Several methods were used to try to show less desirable films. The all-time worst movie was "I Am The Cheese", not I Cut the Cheese, we would have loved that movie no matter how bad it might be. Some ways to show a movie before being vetoed. 1. Cover it with a blanket and hope no one checked. 2. Run the blockade like a fullback 9Too many people got hurt. 3. (My favorite) switch the film with a popular film so the guys thought they were getting one movie but really they were getting another. Once it starts it stays as long as you can keep someone from stopping it.
Back then we did have teaser trailers on YouTube so we could see what a movie was about and if it looked worth watching. We had to guess by the title. There was a movie on board called "A Christmas Story". You know the story of Ralphie and the Red Ryder bb rifle. Not an exciting title but I was ready for some Christmas. All we knew about this movie was it was rated G. That meant no T&A. Try showing twenty-five, late teen and early twenties, randy young seamen, a movie that doesn't show T&A. A near impossible task. Although there was a leg lamp.
I tried for five days to show this movie. It became my Moby Dick, my white whale, without T&A. Finally, I hired several of the more persuasive members of the crew, but it came at a heavy cost, three packs of Marlboro reds. It was worth it. My minions cordoned off the area around the projector, my fingers faltered as I tried to thread the film. The crew was getting restless. Finally I cried, "Smoke the flick." And it was off and running. Some guys left but most stayed. Some even congratulated me on my moxie. It took only a few minutes and the film was an instant cult hit. That movie held the record for consecutive showings at 12. There was a short hiatus and the film ran again for another 5 days. We learned we would be home for Christmas. And all was right with the world.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
During my time in the Mediterranean I had many adventures, but those are for another time. After 4 1/2 months we were told we would be coming home early.
I need to stop here to explain shipboard entertainment. We had a stereo cassette player, we decks of cards and we had movies. Some of the movies were old classics, some were not yet released to theaters (a benefit of fighting for democracy). Back in the early eighties we used reel to reel film projectors shown a pull down silver screen. We would upgrade to VHS shown on a TV within a few years.
Picking a movie was a big deal. Everyone had a favorite in mind and would shout out their selection, The rookies (new guys on board) were then sent to get the movie from the large pile in the bow (front of the ship). On this occasion about 100 movies were stacked beneath the escape hatch. The only thing more useless on a submarine than the escape hatch was the emergency marker buoy. This was a 6 ft x 3 ft x 2 ft orange float that would be released in the event the ship sank a DSRV Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle would follow the attached cable down to the escape hatch and the crew would be rescued. The only problem was the resue buoy was welded to the hull and couldn't be released. The government didn't want the Russians to find an intact US submarine before the US did. More on this at another time also.
The rule concerning retrieving the movie from the bow that many rookies didn't know was "If you go and get it, you get to choose it". As long as you can get it on the projector and started before someone objects to the movie and stops you from showing it. Several methods were used to try to show less desirable films. The all-time worst movie was "I Am The Cheese", not I Cut the Cheese, we would have loved that movie no matter how bad it might be. Some ways to show a movie before being vetoed. 1. Cover it with a blanket and hope no one checked. 2. Run the blockade like a fullback 9Too many people got hurt. 3. (My favorite) switch the film with a popular film so the guys thought they were getting one movie but really they were getting another. Once it starts it stays as long as you can keep someone from stopping it.
Back then we did have teaser trailers on YouTube so we could see what a movie was about and if it looked worth watching. We had to guess by the title. There was a movie on board called "A Christmas Story". You know the story of Ralphie and the Red Ryder bb rifle. Not an exciting title but I was ready for some Christmas. All we knew about this movie was it was rated G. That meant no T&A. Try showing twenty-five, late teen and early twenties, randy young seamen, a movie that doesn't show T&A. A near impossible task. Although there was a leg lamp.
I tried for five days to show this movie. It became my Moby Dick, my white whale, without T&A. Finally, I hired several of the more persuasive members of the crew, but it came at a heavy cost, three packs of Marlboro reds. It was worth it. My minions cordoned off the area around the projector, my fingers faltered as I tried to thread the film. The crew was getting restless. Finally I cried, "Smoke the flick." And it was off and running. Some guys left but most stayed. Some even congratulated me on my moxie. It took only a few minutes and the film was an instant cult hit. That movie held the record for consecutive showings at 12. There was a short hiatus and the film ran again for another 5 days. We learned we would be home for Christmas. And all was right with the world.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
Thursday, December 24, 2015
Christmas Presents...Not Yet...Under the Tree
Day 46
Just a short few weeks after we had our Thanksgiving feast came Christmas. My mom and dad, like all parents, tried to hide the Christmas presents from us until the great day. We lived in a two story colonial with a walk up attic and a basement so there were lots of places to hide the booty.
My older brother Tom and I would patiently wait for our mom and dad to step out for awhile so we could start our adventure. We would search high and low. Often my brother Tom would suggest we split up so we could search more places. I suspected he already new where the cache of gifts was hidden. He just wanted me out of the way so he could figure out what was in the boxes wrapped in festive paper. Later, he would tell me he had no luck and the shopping for presents hadn't been done yet. Such a lame attempt. I reminded him I was the one who had all A's on the last report card from school.
I followed him to the top of the stairs and turned right toward the attic door. But Tom turned left, toward our parents bedroom. "Oh no" I thought, "We can't go in there." Our parents bedroom was strictly of limits to us. If the goods were in there, we might never see them. Our dad might decide to keep this years toys for himself. He could play with them any time in his bedroom and we would never know. We would get socks and underwear. I didn't want socks and underwear!
"C'mon", said Tom. Beads of sweat began to form on my brow, I couldn't stop now that we were so close. I stepped into my parents bedroom. My brother went straight for the closet as if he had been here before and already knew exactly where the treasure was hidden. "Go listen for mom and dad," he told me.
"Just give them a shake and let's go back downstairs," I said. "Mom and dad could be home any second."
My brother would not be swayed. He examined the biggest box. Like Indiana Jones, rubbing the stubble on his chin, calculating just the right amount of sand necessary to replace the golden idol without triggering certain doom. (This was long before Indiana Jones graced the silver screen) Carefully Tom tugged at the tape holding the wrapping paper, trying hard not to tear it. RIP! A small tear appeared. Could that be fixed so as to be unnoticeable? My brother wouldn't stop now, so close to knowing. So close. Then, bang. A car door slammed and we could hear the back gate creak as it swung open. They were home!
I must confess, I panicked and fled for the stairs, leaving my brother behind to face the music alone. I jumped the last three steps and landed at the bottom of the staircase with a loud thump. The back door opened, my parents were laughing as they stomped the snow from their shoes. They had just been to the grocery store for some last minute items for Christmas dinner. My grandma was very particular about her ingredients for her Waldorf salad.
I thought, maybe I could delay them in the kitchen and give my brother more time to make repairs and get downstairs. "Uhm, how did it go?"
"Fine," said mom. "Where is your brother?"
I was caught. Snooping was one thing but lying was another. It wasn't a leap I was ready to make. I hung my head. "He's..."
"Right here," said my brother, standing behind me.
"Yeah," I repeated, "He's right here."
"Help get the groceries from the car," she told us. "And take out the trash, tomorrow is pick up day."
I asked my brother about the big box later when we went to bed, but he wouldn't tell me what he had seen inside the wrapping paper. No matter how I begged. I assumed he didn't know, just wanted me to think he did. All he would say is, "It's going to be a good Christmas this year."
That year I received a big, yellowTonka Dump truck. It came in a big box. The wrapping paper on the end was ripped and the tape barely held on. No matter. I tore the evidence to shreds when I unwrapped the gift with a child's enthusiasm. One of many great childhood memories.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
My older brother Tom and I would patiently wait for our mom and dad to step out for awhile so we could start our adventure. We would search high and low. Often my brother Tom would suggest we split up so we could search more places. I suspected he already new where the cache of gifts was hidden. He just wanted me out of the way so he could figure out what was in the boxes wrapped in festive paper. Later, he would tell me he had no luck and the shopping for presents hadn't been done yet. Such a lame attempt. I reminded him I was the one who had all A's on the last report card from school.
I followed him to the top of the stairs and turned right toward the attic door. But Tom turned left, toward our parents bedroom. "Oh no" I thought, "We can't go in there." Our parents bedroom was strictly of limits to us. If the goods were in there, we might never see them. Our dad might decide to keep this years toys for himself. He could play with them any time in his bedroom and we would never know. We would get socks and underwear. I didn't want socks and underwear!
"C'mon", said Tom. Beads of sweat began to form on my brow, I couldn't stop now that we were so close. I stepped into my parents bedroom. My brother went straight for the closet as if he had been here before and already knew exactly where the treasure was hidden. "Go listen for mom and dad," he told me.
"Just give them a shake and let's go back downstairs," I said. "Mom and dad could be home any second."
My brother would not be swayed. He examined the biggest box. Like Indiana Jones, rubbing the stubble on his chin, calculating just the right amount of sand necessary to replace the golden idol without triggering certain doom. (This was long before Indiana Jones graced the silver screen) Carefully Tom tugged at the tape holding the wrapping paper, trying hard not to tear it. RIP! A small tear appeared. Could that be fixed so as to be unnoticeable? My brother wouldn't stop now, so close to knowing. So close. Then, bang. A car door slammed and we could hear the back gate creak as it swung open. They were home!
I must confess, I panicked and fled for the stairs, leaving my brother behind to face the music alone. I jumped the last three steps and landed at the bottom of the staircase with a loud thump. The back door opened, my parents were laughing as they stomped the snow from their shoes. They had just been to the grocery store for some last minute items for Christmas dinner. My grandma was very particular about her ingredients for her Waldorf salad.
I thought, maybe I could delay them in the kitchen and give my brother more time to make repairs and get downstairs. "Uhm, how did it go?"
"Fine," said mom. "Where is your brother?"
I was caught. Snooping was one thing but lying was another. It wasn't a leap I was ready to make. I hung my head. "He's..."
"Right here," said my brother, standing behind me.
"Yeah," I repeated, "He's right here."
"Help get the groceries from the car," she told us. "And take out the trash, tomorrow is pick up day."
I asked my brother about the big box later when we went to bed, but he wouldn't tell me what he had seen inside the wrapping paper. No matter how I begged. I assumed he didn't know, just wanted me to think he did. All he would say is, "It's going to be a good Christmas this year."
That year I received a big, yellowTonka Dump truck. It came in a big box. The wrapping paper on the end was ripped and the tape barely held on. No matter. I tore the evidence to shreds when I unwrapped the gift with a child's enthusiasm. One of many great childhood memories.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
As the Hawk Flies...Into My Window
Day 45
I was sitting in my writing chair (aka easy chair, TV chair, napping chair). I was contemplating my blog and what profound information I would share today. When I heard a loud thump. At first I didn't think much of it, being an unseasonably warm day I had let my cats go outside before the inevitable winter freeze. My first thought was one of the cats had jumped onto the deck from a bench, one of their favorite spots for soaking up sun. After a few minutes I remembered the neighbors dog often is loose and likes to chase my cats. I decided to investigate.
Peering out the door I saw nothing amiss, meaning no hyperactive brown hound dog running across my deck. I was curious about the thump and decided to look around. I found the answer almost immediately when I saw the broken glass on my deck. Walking over to the broken window I saw that the upper pane was broken. My eyes were then drawn to a brown feathered bird lying on the sill between the bottom pane of glass and the inner winter window. Carefully I began to pull away the broken glass. Trying to hurry in case the bird was only stunned. Although I was sure from the angle of the neck that it was broken. Still birds have been known to cock their heads at odd angles, even upside down.
Once I had most of the sharp glass shards cleared away, I gingerly reached in for the bird. As I pulled the limp body from the window I felt a pang of regret. I thought of this magnificent bird once flying over fields and riding the currents to soar the lofty heights. I took the hawk out to the woods behind my home and gently placed it on the ground for nature to take it's course, The hawks body will provide nourishment for other of earth's creatures. Nothing in nature is wasted.
I returned to the job of covering the window opening. A quick trip to the Home Depot store for a sheet of wood and some furring strips. Upon my return home it began to rain. It was a gentle rain and did little to slow me down. The opening was covered. Now the search for a new window. Nothing local so onto the internet. Best price $80 plus shipping. The cost to ship? One site read purchase the window first and then they would tell me the cost to ship. On to another site. Window listed $80 cost of shipping to my zip code $120. WOW!!!
Then I remembered my old standby for any repairs. YouTube. BINGO. There are several video's explaining how to replace the glass without replacing the whole window. Easy-peezy-lemon-squeezee. Only problem is it's too cold to properly use silicon caulk. So in honor of my procrastinating nature, I'll do it in the spring.
So that was today's adventure here in Houghton Lake.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
"It was then I saw a young hawk flyin' and my soul began to rise"
Bob Seger
Peering out the door I saw nothing amiss, meaning no hyperactive brown hound dog running across my deck. I was curious about the thump and decided to look around. I found the answer almost immediately when I saw the broken glass on my deck. Walking over to the broken window I saw that the upper pane was broken. My eyes were then drawn to a brown feathered bird lying on the sill between the bottom pane of glass and the inner winter window. Carefully I began to pull away the broken glass. Trying to hurry in case the bird was only stunned. Although I was sure from the angle of the neck that it was broken. Still birds have been known to cock their heads at odd angles, even upside down.
Once I had most of the sharp glass shards cleared away, I gingerly reached in for the bird. As I pulled the limp body from the window I felt a pang of regret. I thought of this magnificent bird once flying over fields and riding the currents to soar the lofty heights. I took the hawk out to the woods behind my home and gently placed it on the ground for nature to take it's course, The hawks body will provide nourishment for other of earth's creatures. Nothing in nature is wasted.
I returned to the job of covering the window opening. A quick trip to the Home Depot store for a sheet of wood and some furring strips. Upon my return home it began to rain. It was a gentle rain and did little to slow me down. The opening was covered. Now the search for a new window. Nothing local so onto the internet. Best price $80 plus shipping. The cost to ship? One site read purchase the window first and then they would tell me the cost to ship. On to another site. Window listed $80 cost of shipping to my zip code $120. WOW!!!
Then I remembered my old standby for any repairs. YouTube. BINGO. There are several video's explaining how to replace the glass without replacing the whole window. Easy-peezy-lemon-squeezee. Only problem is it's too cold to properly use silicon caulk. So in honor of my procrastinating nature, I'll do it in the spring.
So that was today's adventure here in Houghton Lake.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
My Favorite Scrooge
Day 44
Ever since Charles Dickens penned A Christmas Carol the character named Ebenezer Scrooge has been used to describe anyone we feel is not in keeping with the Christmas spirit. Yet everyone loves a villain especially one who eventually see's the error of his ways and tries to rectify the wrongs.
So in keeping with the season I give you my favorite Scrooge.
Many have played Scrooge over the years both in cinema and live onstage. George C. Scott, Albert Finney, Kelsey Grammer, Tim Curry, Patrick Stewart and Jim Carrey to name a few. From The Muppets to Mr McGoo, all with their own variations on Scrooge.
My all time favorite is Alistair Sims in the movie Scrooge, the black and white version. I'm not a fan of colorizing B&W films. I just think he has the look of the character and his change is most convincing and so much fun "I must stand on my head". I like the Scrooge dance and the sincerity of his apology to his nephews wife is priceless.
The Disney version, starring Jim Carrey, is a delight and a marvelous feat of animation. I was not however, impressed with Scrooges being chased all over London by the Ghost of Christmas Future driving a horse driven coach. It was a complete departure from the original and did nothing for the story but add a chase scene.
Well it's been another long day and the holidays will soon be over and I will try to tell more interesting stories. Thanks for stopping by.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
So in keeping with the season I give you my favorite Scrooge.
Many have played Scrooge over the years both in cinema and live onstage. George C. Scott, Albert Finney, Kelsey Grammer, Tim Curry, Patrick Stewart and Jim Carrey to name a few. From The Muppets to Mr McGoo, all with their own variations on Scrooge.
My all time favorite is Alistair Sims in the movie Scrooge, the black and white version. I'm not a fan of colorizing B&W films. I just think he has the look of the character and his change is most convincing and so much fun "I must stand on my head". I like the Scrooge dance and the sincerity of his apology to his nephews wife is priceless.
The Disney version, starring Jim Carrey, is a delight and a marvelous feat of animation. I was not however, impressed with Scrooges being chased all over London by the Ghost of Christmas Future driving a horse driven coach. It was a complete departure from the original and did nothing for the story but add a chase scene.
Well it's been another long day and the holidays will soon be over and I will try to tell more interesting stories. Thanks for stopping by.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
Monday, December 21, 2015
Tip Up Town USA 2016 Is Coming
Day 43
Tip Up Town USA 2016
Tip Up Town USA is coming January 22-24, January 29-31 and it's good it will be so late in January because as of today (December 21) there is still no ice on the lake and it has been raining all day. No snow. But fear not readers. This has happened before, some years back. The last time an el nino tropical storm happened in the Pacific. I believe it's the Pacific. Well, anyway.
If you have never been to our little winter festival you have been missing out on a winter good time. Happening the last two weekends in January, when the cold is in it's prime and the temperature is normally in the single digits. We like to step outside and play. Which includes ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Tip Up Town is a celebration of more. At Tip Up Town you can slide down an ice slide, try turkey bowling, and enter a best beard contest. There will be games, magicians, pie eating contests and entertainment in the heated family tent. For those who prefer a little something stronger there's the adult only beer tent, also heated (not the beer). And live entertainment.
Of course, we have an ice fishing contest complete with rules that you can find here ice fishing contest rules.
Tip Up Town is a celebration of more. At Tip Up Town you can slide down an ice slide, try turkey bowling, and enter a best beard contest. There will be games, magicians, pie eating contests and entertainment in the heated family tent. For those who prefer a little something stronger there's the adult only beer tent, also heated (not the beer). And live entertainment.
Of course, we have an ice fishing contest complete with rules that you can find here ice fishing contest rules.
There's also a Shanty Decorating contest, The crazy part is it doesn't have to be an actual shanty. Click here for rules Shanty Decorating Contest.
The 2016 Tip Up Town Fun Run will be held on January 23, 2016 at 9:45 AM at the Tip Up Town site. There is a $20 fee. For more info and application Fun Run 2016.
More to come.
Until tomorrow,
'Ken
More to come.
Until tomorrow,
'Ken
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Visiting an Old Friend
Day 41
This is a special day as I will be visiting an old friend. His name is Bob and he lives in an assisted living facility in Bad Axe, Michigan, close to his daughter. I was dating their daughter back in the 70's and early 80's. Along with her brother, they were a second family to me. She visited her parents often, helping with her mother. Bob recently lost his wife of almost 60 years. This will be his first Christmas alone.
I've had some experience with losing someone so close to me. A holiday can be a very hard time. I'm sure his daughter and son will visit and that should be a big help. I go to visit an old friend. We'll talk and disagree about the days issues, as we have done since we first met. Just playful banter. We'll reminisce about the old times because those are mostly what we have in common. And we'll probably disagree about those too. We'll skim over the rough spots and remember the good times.
We may make a confession or two about some old conflict we had that never really mattered, although they seemed so important at the time. I like to believe I've moved on from the head strong and sometimes immature youth that I was then. I'm sure he'll remind me of some of the highlights.
With today's social media, where it's a competition to have as many online "friends" as possible, it just seems we've lost the true meaning of friendship. We send our thoughts, feelings and experiences out onto the internet for all to see and read. It's like a huge popularity contest. Today people tell all to their online friends, things we would never have told anyone but our closest best friend. I guess I'm just out of touch.
So I make the two and a half hour drive to see an old friend and tell a few tales on this Sunday afternoon.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
This is a special day as I will be visiting an old friend. His name is Bob and he lives in an assisted living facility in Bad Axe, Michigan, close to his daughter. I was dating their daughter back in the 70's and early 80's. Along with her brother, they were a second family to me. She visited her parents often, helping with her mother. Bob recently lost his wife of almost 60 years. This will be his first Christmas alone.
I've had some experience with losing someone so close to me. A holiday can be a very hard time. I'm sure his daughter and son will visit and that should be a big help. I go to visit an old friend. We'll talk and disagree about the days issues, as we have done since we first met. Just playful banter. We'll reminisce about the old times because those are mostly what we have in common. And we'll probably disagree about those too. We'll skim over the rough spots and remember the good times.
We may make a confession or two about some old conflict we had that never really mattered, although they seemed so important at the time. I like to believe I've moved on from the head strong and sometimes immature youth that I was then. I'm sure he'll remind me of some of the highlights.
With today's social media, where it's a competition to have as many online "friends" as possible, it just seems we've lost the true meaning of friendship. We send our thoughts, feelings and experiences out onto the internet for all to see and read. It's like a huge popularity contest. Today people tell all to their online friends, things we would never have told anyone but our closest best friend. I guess I'm just out of touch.
So I make the two and a half hour drive to see an old friend and tell a few tales on this Sunday afternoon.
Until tomorrow,
Ken
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