Message 603

Yesterday I had a quiet day at home and worked a little on my memoirs. I also picked up my prescription that my urologist sent in, and I deposited a check that came in the mail as a Medicare refund for part of the cost of my catheters, etc. In the evening I watched a DVD of the movie Tess, which is based on the novel by Thomas Hardy. I had never read this novel, but a few years ago I watched a BBC production also based on this book, but it was not as impressive as this version. This movie production came out in 1980 after about three years of preparation, shooting and editing. It was directed by Roman Polanski after he skipped out of the US on his rape trial, so the story bears some relation to his personal experience. The movie was nominated for six Academy Awards, but only won three (for things like costumes and photography). I once tried to read another book by Hardy called Return of the Native, but after about a hundred pages nothing was happening and I judged it unreadable. The strength of this movie, and I suppose of Hardy's books, is his realistic description of the social system and the farming technology of the time when the industrial revolution was beginning to transform Great Britain, and eventually the world. Natasha(SP?) Kinsky was an unknown 15-year-old German actress when she was chosen to play Tess, although she had turned 18 by the time it was released. She does a very good job. The film is three hours long and is somewhat depressing. I give it only four stars because it is not much fun to watch such a tragedy even though it is completely realistic and true to the society and environment of the time and place, and it is an outstanding example of the cinematic art. The special features are interviews with all the main contributors to the movie, and these are very interesting

Message 602

I saw my urologist yesterday. He said the lump on my testicle is just an inflamed epididimus, or whatever it is called. He gave me a prescription and said it should be no problem. This news is a big relief for me. Yesterday I picked Beech up at school and took him to Burger King for lunch and then dropped him off at Maureen's place. He has had some trouble with some kid at his after-school program who bullies him, so he wants to stop going, After I talked to his teacher, I think this problem will be fixed so he will return eventually. Last night Joshua brought in burgers from Jack-in-the-Box and watched the Sharks game with me. They beat Los Angeles 5-1, so we were happy with the results.

Message 601

The power went out while I was asleep last night, and it has just now come back on. Yesterday I watched the Sharks beat Calgary 9-1 and I watched hours 3 and 4 of 24. Joshua had to go to a dinner for his work, so he was not able to join me. After 24 I watched a DVD of the movie (500) Days of Summer, the girls name was summer. I give it only 2.3 stars. It reminded me a lot of Paper Heart, which I saw only a few days ago, and which I did not care much for either.

Message 600

Yesterday I watched the two NFL playoff games. Julian and Beech came over and watched the Jets beat San Diego with me. In the evening Joshua brought in Mexican food from Baja Fresh and watched the first two episodes of the new 24 with me. I also finished reading this week's The Economist.

Message 598

Yesterday I walked up to Starbucks and joined Vanessa and Maureen for coffee. Annie was in her pre-school, which she now attends three half-days a week. It is the same one Beech attended for years. In the afternoon I went to PAMF for my ultrasound. I'll tell you more about that after I meet with my urologist next Tuesday.

After the Friday PBS shows were over in the evening, I watched a DVD of the movie Paper Heart. It was a harmless piece of fluff but not really worth watching, so I give it only 2.3 stars. You can't win them all.

Message 599

Yesterday I joined Helen and Jim and Joan and David at Starbucks as usual on Saturday. In the afternoon I watched the Sharks beat Edmonton 4-1. In the evening Maureen and I joined the Ariagnos and Willetts and about a dozen other people at the Morrell's house for a surprise 70th birthday party for Larry.

I am now watching Dallas play Minnesota in the NFL playoffs. Maybe Julian and Beech will join me.

Message 597

Yesterday afternoon I picked Beech up at school and took him to Kung Fu and pizza. He pulled three stuffed animals from the crane-machine again. Vanessa was dismayed, but Beech was very proud of himself. In the evening I watched the Sharks game. Josh and Jason went to the game, or at least that was the plan before Josh went skiing. The Sharks lost to Boston 1-2 in an overtime shootout.