Dog walker, yeah

Writer guy

House sitting is a tricky task. On one hand, it’s flattering when someone grants unrestricted access to their belongings for an extended period. Watching someone else’s stuff is also a low effort activity; the biggest problem being an abrupt change in a routine. Soon enough, though, one gets into the temporary digs.

A wicked devil lies in the fine print, however. In this case, the two Satan’s in waiting: aged foxhounds with thimble sized bladders and a bark that wake the dead. Like for instance, myself at four in the morning.

After freezing in the snow at four AM for the past ten days, I must report a major advantage of the cat species is their mastery of a litter box. If only dogs were so equipped.

I did enjoy quite a bit of that new invention they call digital cable ( I don’t own a television – a story for another entry ). Even with a selection of one hundred and seventy-five channels, there was always something on, yet so very little to watch. Oh how jaded the twenty-first century viewer has become. Despite this, I found it hard to look away from the glowing screen hour after hour.

Out to Lunch

Writer guy

Gun magazines, a stack of Tom Clancy books, and a target with one-inch groupings and fifty caliber holes said, this man likes his facts straight. First, a little background. This meeting came about because one of The Eight showed a SWAT officer a passage in the book, and he wanted to chat. So, Tuesday I met with him. We spoke for a bit and agreed he’d make a good technical adviser. On a side note, I met the Chief of Police, entirely by accident in the hall.

Until next Wednesday, I’m not very available, so the updates will be sparse. A small announcement will explain my absence.

Walk the Line

Writer guy

Great performances, good music, mediocre story. Joaquin Phoenix is a credible as Johnny Cash. Unfortunately, Mr. Cash marched a very self-indulgent path in life, thus his film suffers. The story arc is not the only problem. Much blame rests with the release date.

Timing plays a big role in the audience perceptions. When two thematically similar movies hit the market within a short time span, if both are of comparable quality, often the last one out fizzles. A recent example of the first time home run, second time ground ball effect: Cinderella Man. A solid, well-written and executed story, the Depression era boxing docudrama chased the heels of Million Dollar Baby. Audiences had their fill of boxing and the story of Maggie Fitzgerald and Cinderella Man underperformed. Last year Ray, the story of Ray Charles, stormed the theaters, leaving Walk the Line stale popcorn. Had I not seen Ray, I would have enjoyed Walk the Line a bit more.

Verdict: Worth a look. DVD rental.