John Carter, or A Princess of Mars

For his birthday, my oldest wanted to go and see the new film, John Carter. This movie is based on a book by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and was written before he wrote Tarzan of the Apes. That means that this book was written over 100 years ago.

To be honest, I haven't read the books in over 25 years. I remember enjoying them, and could remember a few basics. Tars Tarkas was the leader of the green martians, or Tharks. A princess, obviously since the book is A Princess of Mars. And our hero, John Carter who served as a Captain in the Virginia Calvary during the Civil War.

To give me quick review, I liked it a lot. Some other members of the family hated it, but I'm pretty sure they would be happy just watching Remember the Titans. Now that was a good movie too, so don't get me wrong.

My 17 year old nephew went with us. I heard a few grumbles from him during the romantic bits, but he seemed to really enjoy the action.

The CGI was well done, and I thought the way characters and animals moved was great.

Overall, it is a go see. My only complaint was that we were out past 10:00 p.m. on a school night, and our youngest was so hyper that it took almost until midnight to get him to sleep.

Happy birthday!

Yesterday, Sunday, March 18th, was my oldest's 13th birthday. The highlight of the day was him opening his Facebook and YouTube accounts. He has been excited for this for years.

In looking back, I can't believe how quickly the time has gone. I love you, and am proud of you.

12 Years Ago Today

12 years ago, my oldest was born. I remember getting to the hospital, my wife having Pitocin, and finally asking for an epidural. By the time they administered it, my wife was fully dilated, and we were kind of worried that the doctor wouldn't make it in before the baby came.

Duncan was born, and he sure was handsome (I say that realizing that all baby's are pretty ugly when they are born, but I'm biased in his favor.)

Duncan tormented me the early years of his life. My wife would have to work, and while she was gone, there was nothing I could do to settle him down. I usually took him for a walk, or to my mother's house so she, and some of my siblings could share in my misery. Sometimes I took him for a walk in the stroller in my mother's house.

He grew out of that pretty quickly, and has interests in lots of things. He loves (a little too much) playing video games, he has fun camping, recently completed hunter's safety, plays in the orchestra, plays soccer, and is just a great kid.

I want you to know how proud I am of you Duncan. You are doing well in school and life. Keep it up!