Next Week

Next week I will be going to another film presented by the Arts and Lectures department called "Up the Yangtze."

Check out the trailer:

Arts and Lectures Series

Ah the yes, the Arts and Lectures summer film schedule. Tonight I went to see "The Band's Visit." This film was kind of slow in the beginning, but picked up some steam and had some very funny parts and some mild awkwardness mixed in. The film felt very genuine and did a nice job of showing individual connections between people of very different cultures. I enjoyed myself watching this movie. I don't think this movie is for everyone, but check out the trailer and see for yourself.

Youtube: Public Awareness?

Out to the Movies: The Dark Knight

Last night some co-workers and myself went to go see the latest Batman movie. This movie opened last weekend to record setting numbers and to my surprise the showing last night was sold out as well. This movie is a summer movie blockbuster people, and it is well worth the admission!
Batman Begins took the Batman franchise back to its dark and grungy Gotham City that had been lost in the previous two installments. The Dark Knight continues the trend. Growing up as a kid I used to hate it when my brother wanted to watch "Batman"; I was more of a Ninja Turtles kid, but looking back on the series the original Batman movie was my favorite because it was more dark and real feeling than the movies that followed it. It doesn't hurt that Jack Nicholson was a pretty good Joker either.
There was a lot of buzz leading up to this movie because Heath Ledger had died earlier in the year and sources close to the movie were saying that he hit gold in his portrayal of the Joker. After seeing the film I would have to agree. Took what Jack had developed and delved even deeper into the sadistic and troubled mind of the criminal master mind.
The Dark Knight may have been the most interesting and mesmerizing film I've seen all year. The Dark Knight is everything you want in a movie. It's two and half hours that keeps your eyes glued to the screen, action, adventure, a good supporting cast, and a great story.

If you have not already seen it; go and go now, you won't be disappointed!

Dentist Visit

Ugh, what a morning. There is nothing quite like spending almost 2 hours at the dentist office. That is my own fault however since it has been about three years since my last visit to the dentist chair. Growing up as a kid I never had a lot luck with the dentist. I seemed to have always had a a bad visit followed by a good visit over and over again. I thought I had been doing well.
So it turns out I have some tooth decay that needs to be taken care of next week and one that can be observed. In addition to having to get another filling I was told I have marginal gingivitis. On the bright side though I came away with some dental floss, a toothbrush, special toothpaste and some special mouth wash to combat the gingivitis. I was also instructed to go out and buy an electric toothbrush.

Some other interesting things I learned from the Dentist this morning:

I am a bilateral chewer, which apparently is a fairly rare characteristic. Score some unique points for me!
My teeth alignment makes me more susceptible to biting my lip increasing my potential risk of lip cancer, yeah double ouch there people.
My lower lip is very dry also making me more susceptible to lip cancer. Good thing I carry Chapstick around with me everywhere.

It was a pretty informative and disappointing day at the Dentist this morning. I hope my eye exam goes better on Friday.

Photos from Sea World

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Taking a Vacation

I'm officially taking a vacation people! This weekend I will be heading down south to the land of Ron Burgundy. In other words I'm heading to San Diego for the weekend. Sea World here I come! I'll try to get photos up as soon as I can. Have a good weekend everyone.

Alternate Careers

For a little over six months now I've been throwing the idea around of possibly getting out of Athletic Training and pursuing another career. I've been throwing around a couple of different ideas that I'll discuss further in a new blog series.

Here are some of my ideas:

Physician Assistant
Physical Therapist
Biologist
Naturalist

That's the short list.

From My Portfolio

"Clear Lake, Oregon"

From My Portfolio

"Mackenzie Pass, Oregon"

Wildfire Update

Here's an update on the Gap Fire here in Santa Barbara County. The fire is at 90% containment and is expected to be extinguished in two days. Four out buildings were destroyed, but no homes were lost. The cause is still not known, though there has been some speculation that global warming is partly to blame.



*These photos are not mine

Reading Corner

I've begun my next book and I must say that it has been very interesting and I can't wait to read the rest of it. "Under the Banner of Heaven" takes a look at fundamentalist Mormon sects.

Wildfire: Santa Barbara

It's fire season again here in California. Most of you are probably familiar with the fire currently consuming Big Sur. Well apparently on Tuesday night a fire began in the foothills of Goleta, which is the city next to Santa Barbara and where UCSB is located. In that first day the fire had only consumed 300 acres but since then the fire being called the "Gap" fire has charred 2,300 acres and has forced mandatory evacuations and evacuation warnings for other areas.

Last night the entire Santa Barbara area experience a power outage caused by heavy smoke in the lines. I spent that time last night helping my boss evacuate from his condo and then head to our Athletic Director's house to help evacuate the important items for him since he is out of the country right now. I haven't heard many updates on the fire today, but at night you can definitely see the red glow on the hills. I'll try to get some pictures taken so you all can see.

Out to the Movies: Wall-e

The latest film from Pixar and Disney. One word: Magnificent! Go see it in the theatre and then buy it on dvd! The short film before the movie from Pixar is grade A also!

Pixar Short