Theater Review - MM Cinemas, Paseo San Pedro

Saturday night Emily and I walked up to Paseo San Pedro, the ritzy mall near our home. The movie theater there was finally open, after several delays and great anticipation on our part. We can walk to this theater in about 15 minutes. The next closest is a 30+ minute walk, not to mention that they shut down the Bennigan's Express! (Last week we found this out when we planned a gringo meal at Bennigan's - with Guiness! - followed by air hockey and a movie, only to have the first part crushed.)

The new theater is all VIP-style, with comfortable leather reclining seats and, so we discovered after we sat down, delivery service from the concession stands. The prices appear excellent: two paninis and drinks for $125 (pesos, 10 or 11:1 exchange rate, so maybe $12 US). Tickets were 75 pesos each, with assigned seats. The theater still had that "new car" smell from the leather seats! The seats may be a bit less comfortable than some of the other theaters, but I think it will take more experimentation to be sure. I've volunteered for that onerous duty, considering that matinées cost 35 pesos. It's a high cost, but in the interest of reporting, I guess I'll just have to endure it, somehow.


Movie Review - "Knocked Up"

I was hesitant to see Knocked Up based on the previews I had seen. Its humor seemed too typical, too sophomoric for me. I had, however, already rejected the other comedic option, "License to Marry" based on the reviews at Rotten Tomatoes. Knocked Up had rather favorable reviews, so I gritted my teeth, slightly, and went. I realize this review may seem a little late, but the movie just opened here.

Although there were points where I was a bit disappointed with it, the movie was very funny and Emily and I both enjoyed it. The language is, of course, very adult. Nudity is mostly confined to clips from other films, although there is a bit of flesh during the earthquake scene. Sex isn't particularly graphic, certainly less so than many other films of this type and rating (R). Honestly, most of the sex scenes are also humorous, so that sort of deflates any potential eroticism. There's quite a lot of recreational drug use as well, so the film certainly earned its rating. I was pleased to see Harold Ramis in the film; he's always been a favorite of mine. I expect those of you who have been through pregnancy and childbirth will appreciate portions of the film even more than we did (Curt, Cheryl - this means you). I prefer to see big special effects films in theaters and comedies and dramas on DVD at home, but either way, Knocked Up is worth it.

Yet another critter

On Friday I tried repeatedly to get more pictures of the hummingbird, but he would have none of it. I also tried to get a picture of a nice butterfly, but that also proved problematic. After my last attempt with the hummingbird, I spotted something else of interest. Unfortunately there was a bit of a wind initially and the first shot isn't the best, but it gives you an idea of the color and why I spotted it in the first place.

For the second shot, I managed to crouch down and get a more interesting angle. I'm rather pleased with this one. If you look carefully, you can even see the mantis's antennae.

A new semester begins...

Sigh. It's that time again. I've now started another semester, 14 hours at the moment with a possible additional 3 credit class to be added (although I doubt it). I have a Biology class (with lab), Advanced Composition (first term paper since 1988 - eek!), Intro to Programming (yeah... I've only taken, oh, two or three programming classes at THIS college plus several at JMU and yet I have to take "Intro"? What a wise use of my money and time!), Physical Geography (okay, this one is mostly fun for me, but it will transfer elsewhere), and (drum roll, please) Student Development 100. What's that, you ask? It's a required class for new college students, particularly online students. What's that you say? Why yes, I have taken 31 credit hours of online classes in the past year and probably half a dozen other online classes previously, plus a couple years of classes on campus. Did I mention that my cumulative GPA is currently 3.92? I think I have the basic concepts down, thanks.

Sigh. Stupid required classes! Of two advisors, one for IT and one for English, one said "No problem, I'll waive the Student Development requirement - you're obviously past that point." The other one said I could test out of the class... if I flew back and visited the campus. Yeah. It's cheaper to take the course.

One day soon I have to force myself to do something I pledged to do last semester... and over the summer: take a math assessment test. It's been so long since I've taken a college math course that it's required. Scary thought. I'll probably test at the "remedial middle school" level. Either way, Statistics and Advanced Calculus will prevent me from getting my degree for a while as I work my way *back* to that level of math competency. Of course there is a handy aspect to that: I have time to work on an English degree and improve my writing skills. After all, my dream is for IT to be the fall-back career.

Time to hit the books and Blackboard.

One last post (for today)

I really only have time for one more quick post today, and then I really need to get some work done!

Bid List - Coming Soon!
We get our bid list next Monday. This will be the list of all available positions world-wide for which Emily can bid. We have to compose a list of our top 20 and submit them. We won't actually know where we're headed until October, with a departure of approximately July 2008. Everyone asks where we want to go. That's not an easy question. We have created a sort of "things we want" and "things we want to avoid" list, but not so much a "where we want to live" list. I've told Emily repeatedly that her career and happiness come first, me and the dog second and third (or perhaps that should be third and second). If serving in Iraq is what she wants and needs to do, I'll support her. If Canada is a better choice, I'll root for it. If she decides she really wants to learn Tagalog and serve in the Philippines, that's fine.

My only real need is for high-speed internet. It makes our lives so much easier and more enjoyable. We can keep in touch with friends and family via Vonage and email, take online college classes (we're both enrolled now), and order things online that we just can't find here. I listen to NPR on the web on a daily basis, both for news and music. Living without these opportunities would indeed be a step toward hardship. Don't get me wrong, I can live with less, but I'd much rather live without a lot of other things than internet at this point.

School update
I'm continuing to take classes toward a degree in Information Technology and a certificate in professional writing, which is likely to turn into an English degree down the road.

Emily has signed up for another graduate class. She has my pity. :-) This one only has one movie requirement (the last one had three): 12 Angry Men. I think I'll enjoy it.

Travel update
I'll be back in the States in October for a few days, but I haven't finalized my plans yet. I have a laboratory section for a Biology class on a Saturday and I will take the opportunity to visit friends and relatives while I'm back.

Writing update
I'm giving thought to participating in the National Novel Writing Month event this year. I'll have to watch my time carefully, though: school must come first. Even if I don't try it, I have committed to spending more time writing or reading books on writing (I have a small shelf of useful reference material) .

That's all I have time for today. As I've said before, and failed to do, I'm going to attempt to post more often. Honest!

Critter Updates

Periodically I try to throw a few "critter pix" up here and let you know what beasties we've spotted here recently.

Yesterday one of the neighborhood cats (I don't think he's feral, but can't be sure) came through the yard twice. You'd think after Boots chased him up the tree and out of the yard the first time he'd get the idea, but no. So, Boots chased him again. I haven't seen him today.

A couple months ago we had a problem with which I was very familiar while living in Manassas: baby robins. The robins here are a bit more drab than back home: no ruby breasts, just brown. They also seem to sing less, although their calls have a bit more of an exotic sound to me. In any case, a pair decided to have a nest in one of the trees in our yard. I have no problem with robins, so that's fine by me. One day Boots and I go out into the yard and what does she spy with her little eye? Birdies! Charge! Normal birds are not a problem. They are plenty fast to elude our old dog. Two of the three fledglings managed to fly up into the tree. The other did a 90 degree turn and flew across the yard and landed in the grass. Dumb birdie. Boots pretty much had it caught and I had to scold her to get her away from it. I then had to herd the blasted beast into the hedges where it could hide. Meanwhile the parents have started their strafing runs, so I have to watch my head.

If only the story ended there, but no, this last little birdie didn't build up enough strength to fly UP into the tree for several days. Every day I'd have to be careful letting Boots out and periodically shoo the baby into safety. Our dog became rather neurotic. She was afraid of going outside and doing her business in the yard because she might get yelled at. She was thoroughly confused. Finally, after nearly a week, the baby managed to get up into the tree and out of our hair. Here's a snapshot of the darling little monster:


Interestingly enough, we had another nest in the same tree, but one I was never able to locate. Apparently the local hummingbirds built a nest in our yard. I was sure of this when I repeatedly spotted one or both parents perched in the tree over my head, "scolding" me with little "tsk tsk tsk" sounds. I did manage to get a few decent shots of both feeding and scolding. I'm actually rather proud these turned out. I've found that getting shots with a digital camera takes a bit more patience in some respects (re: blog posting about a butterfly (Oct. 26)). The delay between pushing the button and the actual picture sometimes means the difference between a good shot and a useless one. The actual, non-chopped-for-the-web shots include more background, particularly the flower.




Our other beasts are well known to just about everyone this time of year: cicadas. They have been emerging from the ground for a couple months, but more heavily in recent weeks. I've found the shells scattered around my patio, as well as wings from those unfortunate enough to be caught by the local birds. Here are a few shots, first of a few shells, then an "occupied" shell (tried for a before and after shot, but a bird snatched the un-emerged cicada while I was away), and finally an adult.




Thankfully I haven't had encounters with any scorpions or tarantulas, both of which have been reported by other consulate families here.

Evan Almighty

Emily and I went to see Evan Almighty (called Todo Poderoso here) recently. I'm not a big comedy film or (shudder) TV sitcom fan; I generally get annoyed with the stupidity of the plot lines and dialog. There are exceptions, but in general I avoid them. So it was with some slight trepidation that I went to this film. I had seen Bruce Almighty and enjoyed it, so I had some small hope.

I was pleasantly surprised. Although predictable in many parts, I found it very funny. As always, I found Morgan Freeman an absolute joy to watch. I can't think of a time I haven't enjoyed him on screen. I didn't find the religious message a massive, over-the-top bludgeon. It stuck to some very basic premises that few would find objectionable, other than the entire Old Testament Ark arc (so to speak) story. In summary, Emily and I recommend it.

My review of the VIP theater in Mall San Augustin, on the other hand, is not so good. We previously viewed Spider Man 3 in a VIP theater in another mall (Valle Oriente) and were impressed: leather reclining seats with foot-rests, small tables between groups of two seats, wide aisles, waiter service, etc. This theater had the seats and tables, but all food was sold in the lobby area. Admittedly it included a sushi counter, but not what we expected. (Don't ask me why sushi is so popular here. I have yet to figure it out.)

Our biggest complaint wasn't the seats, but the aisles: none were labeled! In order to find your seat (you purchase assigned seats in VIP theaters), you have to count the rows yourself! This resulted in a mild argument with a guy who was sitting in one of our seats. After recounting the rows a few times, he realized he was in the wrong spot, apologized, and moved. Heaven forbid you should walk into the theater when it's dark! Ridiculous!

Surreal Moment

Yesterday I accompanied Emily to an appointment. Sitting across from us in the doctor's waiting room was a man wearing what I've come to recognize as a uniform here: beige (occasionally OD green) vest (link to similar one) with pockets. That means he's likely a bodyguard/driver and definitely a paid personal employee. Sitting on the table next to him were three cell phones.

This was all fine, until I happened to notice the music playing in the background: the theme from The Godfather. No, I'm not kidding. A few minutes later a couple in their 50s or 60s emerged from the doctor's office and the guy in the vest immediately got up and left the room, no doubt to pull the car up.

I've seen these vests before, you see. While on our way home from the grocery store recently, we were passing through Centrito in San Pedro. Suddenly a car on our left stopped and a guy in a beige vest hopped out and hurried up onto the sidewalk in front of the juice bar. I then noticed that not only had that car double-parked, but another car had done so ahead of him. This was a case of the bodyguard (in a separate car) reacting to the employer's decision to stop for a drink. In all likelihood the employer was a local "narco" (drug trafficker), although it's possible he was simply one of the many wealthy people of San Pedro.

A few weeks ago a small group of us decided to visit what was reputedly a Swiss restaurant. Emily and I walked, as we do to any dinner or party we think is walkable (we can each have a drink, no parking issues, we need the exercise, etc.), and as we arrived we drew the hard stares of two guys in OD green vests. As we entered the restaurant, I spotted a third bodyguard. Our party discussed them, but we were never certain where their employer was. Best bet was the spa upstairs or one of the expensive furniture/decoration/kitchenware stores in the plaza. Given we were eating on Gringo time (before 8 or 9 PM), it was unlikely anyone in the restaurant.

So, I can now add these vests to the maid/nanny uniforms (some much like hospital scrubs, some more "maid-like") for quick reference. If you spot the vest, stay alert: at the very least there is someone wealthy and (at least in their own eyes) important in the area, possibly someone dangerous.