Pixar Does it Again!

Just when you think Hollywood was finished making good movies.

We took Nathanga to see the latest cartoon-type picture, I brought along Carl Hiaasen's Lucky You
and led keychain light, just in case. I didn't even pull the book from my pocket.

First off, I saw the Pixar logo - It had been a while since Finding Nemo, so that was a refreshing sight. As with all Pixar pics - we star with a short. It's called Boundin' It has a sheep and it's funny - Didn't want to spoil it for ya.

I won't tell you anything about the plot of The Incredibles because I hate it when people do that. What I will tell you is that it is completely original and, as always with Pixar, perfectly animated! Although Disney as a corporation is a far cry from what Walt had intended, Pixar has emerged as the resplendent Jewel on the rhinestone-encrusted Disney Crown.

Pixar has only released six films, beginning with Toy Story. They take their time - and with good reason. These films are uniquely designed and finely crafted. The female characters are not perversly oversexed as with Disney's "family movies" like Alladin and Little Mermaid. The plots are deep and well thought-out, yet simply presented. Layered like an onion - Kids get the laughs and adults giggle at the more advanced themes. Then when Kids grow up they will look back at the film and think, "Was that in there when I was a kid?"

Pixar's graphic presentation is so unique that you immediately take notice. The 3-D effect is not gimmicky - It just adds detail to the story.

The Incredibles was Directed by Brad Bird, who gave us Do the Bartman. Bird has worked on Animated series like The Simpsons, King of the Hill and The Critic You might also remember The Iron Giant
- Yeah, he wrote and directed that, too.

The world we enter on this journey is just plain fun - perfectly crafted, richer than double fudge and deeper than Socrates. It's one of those movies you just wish you could be in. Twice I got up and dove into the screen in an attempt to enter that world. I was bruised but not discouraged. The Story is fun for kids but has the depth that forty-something superheroes like myself will appreciate.

I urge you to watch this in the Moviehouse - it's too big to be fully appreciated in your living room. The kids in the audience laughing and even toddlers talking about the things they notice add to the experience.

I would also buy the DVD when it comes out.

March Spring Break Events

This is an excerpt from the Myrtle Beach Events Calendar just so we know What's happening in March.

March 10 - April 24
Spring Break in Myrtle Beach
When Spring Break is brought up one thing comes to mind: the beach. And, what better place to visit a beach on Spring Break than the town named after one. Myrtle Beach boasts 60 miles of beach front to allow for everyone to fit, nicely, into the fun. Enjoy all your hours soaking up the sun and water, or visit one of the other many attractions. Whether through golfing, amusement parks, or the traditional beach, Myrtle Beach has spring fun for all.

Mar. 10 - 13
National Shag Dance Competition
Every spring Myrtle Beach becomes host to the National Shag Dance Competition, and the cult-like following that comes with it. If you're looking to merely soak in the sights and sounds that is perfectly fine. And, if you're looking for a dance competition that can truly showcase your talents this is a can't miss opportunity. Past winners have gone on to appear on television shows such as "Good Morning America".

Mar. 12
17th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

The Myrtle Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival kicks off at 9 a.m. with a parade. After the parade has come and gone the fun isn't over though. With two entertainment stages, a children's area, and a number of arts and crafts vendors the fun will go on and on. Come for the parade, stay for the festivities, and relax in the comforts of Myrtle Beach.

Mar. 12 - 20
The Canadian-American Days Festival
This action pack week on the beach is, in part, to show a hospitable hand to Canada. This doesn't mean the average American can't enjoy themselves during this festive week. With a shag dance competition, international kite fest, little olympics, and a YMCA soccer invitational as just the starting off point for the Can-Am Festival this is sure to be a week for all to enjoy.

If you plan on coming and want to share your spring break pics - send 'em on and we'll make sure everybody sees them.

One of our faithful readers recieved this response from Mary C. Gurrola of Firehouse Subs

Dear Dr. XXXXX,

Thank you for your email and for letting us know of the unfortunate
placement of our inflatable fire hydrant at our Gator Hole store. It can
be said that we make an awesome sub but just like anyone else we can
sometimes be insensitive to the needs of others. We are glad you made us
aware of this before any more time went by so we could insure no
disabled person was inconvenienced.
We instructed the owner of the store to take the inflatable fire hydrant
down immediately which he has done.

Again, thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Sincerely,

Mary C. Gurrola
Guest Relations Liaison
Firehouse Subs Restaurant Group, Inc.
800.388.3473
mgurrola@firehousesubs.com

Thank you Firehouse for handling this in a timely manner - You didn't have to remove the Hydrant altogether, you could have jut moved it from the handicap parking space!

Firehouse subs snubs Bubs with hubs

Firehouse Subs has blocked access for the disabled.


The restaurant chain has a new marketing gimmick - the twenty-foot-tall fireplug.

Great Idea - as long as you're not setting the thing up in a handicapped parking space.

Not only did they use the space, but they covered the parking marking with extra cement block (were they trying to hide the marking? ) they used the signpost to designate this spot as parking for the disabled to tye down the big hydrant.

Full Story here



Feel free to email them and let them know how you feel about this.

this happened - really!

Strolling through the Bass Pro Shop tonight I was taken aback. Not shocked but befuddled. Right there on the aisle was a stack of boxes piled shoulder high. On each box in big letters was a phrase I had never seen before. I skidded to a halt and spun around to make sure my eyes were not fibbin. As I looked at Seachele I noticed that he had a smile on his face, too.
We went back and sure enough there was a stack of the miracle product for the new millenium.
"Jerky Master"

The End of Christmas

Today i finally got all the ornaments and trees and "special tablecloths" and "Christmas towels" and vests and sweaters and sweatervests and lights back up in the attic.

And i'm not bringing them back down.

I'm serious. Not like the end of Remembering Christ's Birth. Just the end of the nonsense. It takes almost a week of dragging things down from the belfry; procuring more bedazzlers from the apothecary; stringing up the palm trees with electric enflasherizers and gold-plated bobble-ooms. Then for the next month you're expected to buy presents for everyone you've had contact with for the last 11 months.

Why can't we just show the Love of Christ all year and spend one day a year in reverent honor and rememberance.

Next year I'm not buying anything for anyone. I'm not going to listen when "multi-cultural diverse persons" tell me "happy holidays".

I'm going to say, "Merry Christmas". I'm going to sing Carols - not generic winter jingles. I'm going to put up a nativity and nothing else.

Ok done with rant - generic salutations to all, goodnight