Last week Jan and I had the opportunity to watch the new James Bond movie, Skyfall. We went to a mantinee, on a Monday, and were the youngest people in the theatre. I'm not sure 56 and 53 is really young anymore, especially now that we are grandparents. It was nice to ponder about how this could be life in our retirement years.
The movie was excellent, lots of action and usual Bond intrigue. Without giving away too much, a lot of references were made to Bond movies of the 1960's, when Sean Connery was the star. I remembered being eight years old (yes eight, it was a different era) and my Mom dropping me off at the Strand theatre in Brockport so I could go watch Goldfinger. The theatre was packed but I found a seat down near the front and was enthralled with the Bond series from then on.
Now Daniel Craig plays James Bond and I love his portrayal. Actually, Craig as Bond reminds me of ...me! Why? I can think of ten reasons!
1. Craig's close cropped hairdo.
2. Bond runs a lot in this film. I run a lot.
3. Bond swims for exercise in Skyfall. I swim for exercise.
4. Craig's Bond is a bit morose. I have been known to be morose.
5. Craig chooses his words carefully before speaking and really doesn't talk much. I have been told I don't talk much either, though admittedly when I do my choice of words isn't always good.
6. Craig's upper body, biceps, chest, abs, are well developed. Some day I hope mine are, but I realize time may be running out for that dream.
7. The Bond series has been going on in the movies for fifty years. I have been alive for around fifty plus years.
8. James Bond is based on books by Ian Fleming. I like to read books.
9. Bond enjoys a good drink, such as Martinis or Scotch. I recently developed a taste for good Scotch.
10. Bond has a magic touch with women, I have a magic touch with one woman, which is enough for me.
The Erie Canal, Running Paradise
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Debate Topics
Choose a topic based on the length of your run and begin to debate while passing the miles away!
1. If a young man in his twenties, seemingly of good health, is smoking a cigarette near the exit of a Walgreens in Lincoln City, Oregon (any Walgreens would actually do) and at the same time begging for money should I donate?
My belief is that if you can afford the $7.00 or so it costs to buy the cigarettes than maybe you aren't that hard up for money? Second, would it have been rude of me to point out to the young man that the McDonald's and several other places within a few blocks were currently hiring?
Jan wouldn't let me roll down the window to discuss this with him.
Feel free to offer your opinions.
2. If a yip-yap dog is constantly barking in the hotel room next to you and the owners aren't there, should you; a) ignore it and go about your business? b) tell the hotel manager? c) beat on the door and scream at the dog to be quiet?
3. If the local casino has a non-smoking section that is about the size of a small house and only offers slot machines, and not the variety or amount in the smoking section, plus is not separated by any kind of wall but only two steps, do you still gamble in that section or give up and join the smokers? Do you complain to management either in-person or via email? Do you understand many Native American tribes make boodles of money from selling tobacco products and actually want people to smoke? Should I not care since for once I walked away with $50 more than I came in with?
I'll be happy to debate these topics and more during a long run on the canal path once back in New York.
1. If a young man in his twenties, seemingly of good health, is smoking a cigarette near the exit of a Walgreens in Lincoln City, Oregon (any Walgreens would actually do) and at the same time begging for money should I donate?
My belief is that if you can afford the $7.00 or so it costs to buy the cigarettes than maybe you aren't that hard up for money? Second, would it have been rude of me to point out to the young man that the McDonald's and several other places within a few blocks were currently hiring?
Jan wouldn't let me roll down the window to discuss this with him.
Feel free to offer your opinions.
2. If a yip-yap dog is constantly barking in the hotel room next to you and the owners aren't there, should you; a) ignore it and go about your business? b) tell the hotel manager? c) beat on the door and scream at the dog to be quiet?
3. If the local casino has a non-smoking section that is about the size of a small house and only offers slot machines, and not the variety or amount in the smoking section, plus is not separated by any kind of wall but only two steps, do you still gamble in that section or give up and join the smokers? Do you complain to management either in-person or via email? Do you understand many Native American tribes make boodles of money from selling tobacco products and actually want people to smoke? Should I not care since for once I walked away with $50 more than I came in with?
I'll be happy to debate these topics and more during a long run on the canal path once back in New York.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Ten Interesting Factoids On Portland
Of course there are many more than 10 interesting things about Portland, Oregon/Beaverton area, but here are a quick few;
1. My son-in-law and youngest daughter (and 1 week old grandaughter!) live here.
2. There are amazing running and biking routes everywhere. Jan and I are trying to experience as many as possible.
3. Within a one hour drive are mountains, rivers, rain forests, the Pacific Ocean, wineries and much more.
4. Portland is the home of local brewed beer and we are trying as many as possible.
5. Portland voted down having the water supply have flouride automatically added. Coincidently, or maybe not, there is a dentist office within a few blocks of anywhere. Jan printed off a dentistry certificate from the internet and soon we will be opening our own office. I will be the dental assistant.
6. Jan and I have run around the Nike headquarters on their pine mulch 2 mile path a few times. We believe we have seen Olympians Kara Goucher and Shalane Flanagan running on the private Nike paved trail across the street. A bit weird, that area is wooded, has many posted signs, and a security guard traverses the path on his moped keeping non-Nike employees away.
7. You are not cool in Portland unless you wear a winter hat with long tassels, whether you are male or female. Jan and I are not cool.
8. Vehicles do not rust. I haven't seen so many pickup trucks or VW bugs from the 1970's since an antique auto show.
9. Tillamook cheese is awesome! I don't eat cheeseburgers, ever. A burger with Tillamook, Oregon cheese is totally different and delicious.
10. Portland is so far from our workplace and in a three hour time difference that it is impossible to think about the possibility of telecommuting to work.
1. My son-in-law and youngest daughter (and 1 week old grandaughter!) live here.
2. There are amazing running and biking routes everywhere. Jan and I are trying to experience as many as possible.
3. Within a one hour drive are mountains, rivers, rain forests, the Pacific Ocean, wineries and much more.
4. Portland is the home of local brewed beer and we are trying as many as possible.
5. Portland voted down having the water supply have flouride automatically added. Coincidently, or maybe not, there is a dentist office within a few blocks of anywhere. Jan printed off a dentistry certificate from the internet and soon we will be opening our own office. I will be the dental assistant.
6. Jan and I have run around the Nike headquarters on their pine mulch 2 mile path a few times. We believe we have seen Olympians Kara Goucher and Shalane Flanagan running on the private Nike paved trail across the street. A bit weird, that area is wooded, has many posted signs, and a security guard traverses the path on his moped keeping non-Nike employees away.
7. You are not cool in Portland unless you wear a winter hat with long tassels, whether you are male or female. Jan and I are not cool.
8. Vehicles do not rust. I haven't seen so many pickup trucks or VW bugs from the 1970's since an antique auto show.
9. Tillamook cheese is awesome! I don't eat cheeseburgers, ever. A burger with Tillamook, Oregon cheese is totally different and delicious.
10. Portland is so far from our workplace and in a three hour time difference that it is impossible to think about the possibility of telecommuting to work.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Grandpa
My first grandchild was born on 11/21/12 at 2:01 am. in Portland, Oregon. Her name is Ellowyn and, of course, she is beautiful. Jan and I had the good fortune of being in Beaverton, Oregon and will be staying for a couple more weeks.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Casey Jones
Adapted from Grateful Dead, Casey Jones.
Riding that plane
Seems like a dream
Surely wish I had some
...dramamine
This old jet makes it on time,
Leaves Ra-cha-cha bout a quarter to nine,
Hits O'hare in Chicago
At a quarter to ten,
you know it's central time again.
Riding that plane,
Portland ahead, New York behind,
Surely wish I had my dramamine.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that notion just crossed my mind.
Portland ahead, baby Magoo,
Take my advice, you'll be meeting Grandma soon.
Baby Mama's sleeping, weighing in
...well, don't ask if know what's good for you.
Riding that plane,
Seems like a dream
Wish that pilot would increase our speed.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that dramamine finally hit my mind.
Trouble with you is the trouble with me,
Got two good eyes but you still don't see.
Come land on the tarmac in the rain,
The tires squealing hear us scream.
Seems like a dream.
Riding that plane
Seems like a dream
Surely wish I had some
...dramamine
This old jet makes it on time,
Leaves Ra-cha-cha bout a quarter to nine,
Hits O'hare in Chicago
At a quarter to ten,
you know it's central time again.
Riding that plane,
Portland ahead, New York behind,
Surely wish I had my dramamine.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that notion just crossed my mind.
Portland ahead, baby Magoo,
Take my advice, you'll be meeting Grandma soon.
Baby Mama's sleeping, weighing in
...well, don't ask if know what's good for you.
Riding that plane,
Seems like a dream
Wish that pilot would increase our speed.
Trouble ahead, trouble behind,
And you know that dramamine finally hit my mind.
Trouble with you is the trouble with me,
Got two good eyes but you still don't see.
Come land on the tarmac in the rain,
The tires squealing hear us scream.
Seems like a dream.
Friday, November 9, 2012
MCM Finish Video
Mike Weinpress crossing line. He is running on center yellow line, red hat and shirt, long black socks. Mike's clock time is 4:00:30, chip time 3:58:51. IE seems to like to block these videos, so try Firefox if you can't get it to view.
http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm357-404?t=171-432
Lou crossing the finish. He is right in the beginning of this video along right side of road. Red hat with blue visor, red shirt.
http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm-451-502
Jen Katz. http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm342-350
Jen is in pink top, along the center yellow line, looking ready to run another five miles. She is near end of this video.
Charlie Mullen finishing. Clock time 4:41:34, chip time 4:39:55. Charlie is in white hat, dark clothes, near center line and saluting Marines about 20 yds before he finishes. http://www.csnwashington.com/marine-corps-marathon/mcm-440-451
http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm357-404?t=171-432
Lou crossing the finish. He is right in the beginning of this video along right side of road. Red hat with blue visor, red shirt.
http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm-451-502
Jen Katz. http://www.csnwashington.com/video_content_type/mcm342-350
Jen is in pink top, along the center yellow line, looking ready to run another five miles. She is near end of this video.
Charlie Mullen finishing. Clock time 4:41:34, chip time 4:39:55. Charlie is in white hat, dark clothes, near center line and saluting Marines about 20 yds before he finishes. http://www.csnwashington.com/marine-corps-marathon/mcm-440-451
Monday, November 5, 2012
Take It Easy - marathon theme song?
Adapted from Jackson Browne hit, "Take It Easy". (actual song begins at 2 minute mark).
Well I'm a-running down the road trying to loosen my load
I've got twenty-six miles on my mind
Four with too many hills, five into the wind
Two across a bridge that makes me whine.
Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own feet drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don't even try to understand
Why you run marathons over and over, so take it easy.
Well I'm a-nearin’ the corner in Crystal City
With such a fine sight to see
It's the mile 23 sign, my lord,
Starin’ back at me.
Come on quads, don't say maybe
I've got to know if you’re goin’ to cramp and scream
We may run slow or we may win
But we will never be here at MCM again
So c’mon legs just let me get back to Rosslyn.
Well I'm a-runnin’ mile twenty-five trying to loosen my load
Got a world of trouble on my mind
Lookin' for motivation to keep on goin’
But it’s just a little hard to find
Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own feet drive you crazy
Come on quads, don’t say maybe
I gotta get up the hill to finish and see my baby.
You know we got it easy
We oughta take it easy
Well I'm a-running down the road trying to loosen my load
I've got twenty-six miles on my mind
Four with too many hills, five into the wind
Two across a bridge that makes me whine.
Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own feet drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don't even try to understand
Why you run marathons over and over, so take it easy.
Well I'm a-nearin’ the corner in Crystal City
With such a fine sight to see
It's the mile 23 sign, my lord,
Starin’ back at me.
Come on quads, don't say maybe
I've got to know if you’re goin’ to cramp and scream
We may run slow or we may win
But we will never be here at MCM again
So c’mon legs just let me get back to Rosslyn.
Well I'm a-runnin’ mile twenty-five trying to loosen my load
Got a world of trouble on my mind
Lookin' for motivation to keep on goin’
But it’s just a little hard to find
Take it easy, take it easy
Don't let the sound of your own feet drive you crazy
Come on quads, don’t say maybe
I gotta get up the hill to finish and see my baby.
You know we got it easy
We oughta take it easy
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