Toy Story 1 and 2 in 3-D

Greetings Readers

I am not a fan of Tim Allen. I did not watch his show when it was on TV – what was it called… the Home Improvement Show, I think.

Anyway, I had no desire to see Toy Story when it first came out. And I didn’t.

Then, Toy Story 2 came out, by then I think those movies with that type of animation was getting respect as much more than a kid’s movie. Before seeing Toy Story 2 in the movie theatre I did see Toy Story on DVD. And I have to admit to you Readers, I was so wrong not to see the movie just because of Tim Allen being one of the main voices in the movie.

Thinking back I actually think that Toy Story 2 was the first Pixar movie I saw in the movie theatre. Matter of fact Readers, I was impressed by the visuals as well as the story of the movie. However, what caught me off guard was the adult content that was “hidden” in the movie. Even though the movie is geared for kids is it also very entertaining for the adults.

I found myself laughing along with the other adults when the kids were not laughing at the movie. We shared something in common and that made the movie so much more pleasurable.

Here we are Readers – 2009 and now Pixar has re-released Toy Story and Toy Story 2 for a limited engagement of 2 weeks. There was no question – I was going to see the movie period. What was different for this re-release was that you get to see both movies for the price of one ticket. However, that one ticket was going to cost money extra since the movie was in 3-D.

Yes, I have the DVDs in my collection, but I wanted to see the movie in the movie theatre. Although, not because of the 3-D.

Before actually seeing this movie I have never been to a 3-D movie since the late eighties. Back then you wore those paper 3-D glasses that have one red lens and then one blue lens in the cardboard frame glasses. That was the 3-D I knew of. Matter of fact that was still my thinking until I actually got my first pair of 3-D glasses with my movie ticket.

The 3-D glasses were actual glasses. A plastic frame that sort of look like the Ray-bans of the eighties. However, the lens looked like just any ordinary lens. Clear. No red and blue colors – just a clear lens.

I bought a big tub of popcorn since I was going to be in the theatre for over 3 hours.

I went into the 7 PM showing on a Monday night. There was Monday night wrestling, there was Monday night football and then there was the decisive post game series of the Rockies playing the Philly’s and needing a win to stay in the series otherwise their season is over. So, I was hoping almost all of Denver were at home watching one of those three events.

With all that going on I was the only person in the movie theatre watching the Toy Story movies. I thought that was pretty cool. I had the big screen all to myself as the way it should be.

Soon, the previews started and I put on the glasses. I did not have a clue when I was suppose to put them on. I watched the preview and tried to see if the trailers were in 3-D. It looked 3-D, but I could not tell if the glasses were working or not.

Then, the big screen showed that now was the time to put on the 3-D glasses.

The first movie trailer in 3-D started paying. Holy fucking shit – that was fucking amazing! The movie trailer was “A Christmas Scrooge” or something like that and was an animation movie coming out at Christmas in 3-D starring the voice of Jim Carrey.

One snowflake that was in 3-D was floating in and out of the movie screen and was literally floating in 3-D right in front of me. That whole trailer was amazing to see in 3-D. It is amazing how technology has changed since the last 3-D movie, which technically had nothing like the impact I was witnessing in that movie theatre.

Objects, people had true 3-D depth. There was even the sense of riding an icicle in 3-D at high speed. My mind actually believed the rush of speed.

Soon, the first movie started.

Then, a ten-minute intermission after the first movie was over.

And then the second movie started and was over about 90 minutes later.

I was fucking awed by the 3-D experience. I laughed, smiled and really enjoyed myself watching both of those movies once more. I have seen the Toy Stories over and over, but I pretended I was seeing this for the first time. I did enjoy hearing the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenburger, Don Rickles, Kelsey Grammer, Estelle Harris and Wayne Knight.

I also liked the voice of Randy and Sarah singing again.

I absolutely enjoyed the 3-D. There was depth. There was such detail in the 3-D that I was looking all over the movie screen to see all the effects of 3-D in the movie. What was even more impressive was that even though the movie gave 3-D to objects and characters – they were even able to make the light from a flashlight in the movie 3-D. They made smoke in 3-D. Even the sun’s rays they could occasionally be made in 3-D.

You probably have these two movies in your collection and thought to yourself why should I go and see these two Toy Story movies in the movie theatre. True. But Readers, I think you will be pleasantly surprised and will soon find that the 3-hour plus in the movie theatre will go by quickly. I was worried about fidgeting in my seat since I know both movies by heart, but I think I did not because I was caught up in the 3-D experience.

The movies (double feature) was worth the $ 12.00 dollars I paid and I am glad that I was one of the few to actually catch the limited engagement of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in the movie theatres.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

A Very Nice August Surprise

Greetings Readers

Let me take you off the beaten path - for a bit. Not that this is something new.

There I was last Sunday, up before dawn, with the fan going on the window sill blowing in the early morning air. Yes, cool air, but not as cool as it is going be in a month. Pretty soon I will be putting in the fan away for the summer. I digress.

I was enjoying the coming of a new day and the faint blue glow on the horizon that indicates that dawn is approaching. I was pondering what I was going to do for the day, but I was pretty well limited. Why? Well, I had to be in my glasses since my eyes were acting up. Yes, I wear contacts and something was irritating them this morning. I thought this was going to be a day to just stay home and do some things that I have putting off for a while.

I stood out on the balcony looking to the East and listening to the birds starting to chirp and sing in the coming of a new day. Beyond those sounds I can hear the automatic water sprinklers "click, click, click" and the faint gurgling of a water fountain nearby. Nothing out of the ordinary. For me very soothing. I am also not alone on the balcony - I have Heidi. Poor Heidi. With Rebecca being the new woman in my life and Tracey now being the girl who I go out with regularly Heidi is hardly in the picture anymore. Heidi is not forgotten in my book. She has stories to tell and yet to tell.

Why this particular account? Nothing really and I can not give you a reason why readers that I elected to tell you. I am not going to say that this a regular thing I do every day, but it is something I do almost every day. Nope. I do not drink coffee out on the balcony, but I do have a Coca Cola or Sweet Tea from Chik-fil-A. This of course does not count the bottle of beer, glass of wine or Frozen Margarita that I have on the balcony at other times. I have to say that this is favorite place that I go and it is also the favorite place in my humble little abode. With the kitchen right behind in my list of favorite places.

I progress in time and an hour later - I came back from the store with some breakfast materials and the Sunday Denver Post. This is also something of a weekend ritual. Breakfast and the paper. Some say that print is dead. I disagree. I still enjoy the paper and I hate to say this, but I fucking like looking at the Sunday Ads. Yes, pretty shallow. I like to see what is out there and what is possible to buy. I do not dream. If I see something that I want I will get or save up and get. But, beyond looking at the ads, I also like the Sunday Comics. Granted, paper industries are shrinking the comic size and getting rid of other comics readers are not reading anymore, but I still buy the Sunday Paper.

I did enjoy the Sunday paper more, but with the newspaper industry shrinking the TV guide it is worthless. The TV guide is very thin and they have put in Monday thru Friday on two pages and then sub categories for Morning, Afternoon and Overnight. The only details that they have left alone was the weekend programming and evening program. Otherwise, most of the listings have "Varied programs" which helps shit to me when I need to set my VCR and/or DVD recorder to tape a show/movie. Again, I digress.

I grabbed the first section of the Sunday comics that is always covered with an "Ads flyer" so you have to open to page 2 to start reading the Comics. I opened the paper and I see my favorite Sunday comic second from the top of the page. "Opus". Opus is a character from Bloom County, which is a comic that I grew up with. Berkeley Breathed is the creator. Bloom County was/is funny and I still have numerous original clippings from newspapers of the comic stored in a box. (I am recalling from memory so forgive me readers if a name is spelled wrong) Steve Dallas, Milo, Bill the Cat, John Cutter, Hodge Podge, Portney, Rosebud, Milquetoast(?) Binkley and one of another my all time favorite characters - Oliver Wendell Jones.

I have to admit I did not breathe for a couple of seconds. There was the nighttime galaxy, a huge telescope and sitting next to the telescope with his glasses on - Oliver. (Pictured on my blog today) Oliver Wendell Jones. I also got a lump in my throat and perhaps a bit watering of my eyes. I was extremely happy seeing my old friend. Yes, I consider this cartoon character my friend - a true friend. Oliver looked the same, but with the coloring and shading of the Comic it appears that there is grey in his hair, which would make sense. But it is not, just the shading to give the night and comic some definition. I read the first pane slowly and continued to do so throughout the comic. Oliver was discussing, er doing all the talking to Binkley, Steve Dallas's son and Opus (the usual suspects). Oliver was making us think about things and make us wonder. That was/is Oliver to a T.

Tis the little things that make us happy. I am so glad Oliver finally made an appearance. As well as Binkley did on/around Memorial Day of this year. That was even more touching because of the mood of the comic and topic. Opus was doing what I would be doing if I could. Two new/old characters have made an appearance in Opus within four months is so, as a former co-worker would say, "awesome". Prior to these two characters we have also been re-introduced to Steve Dallas and Bill the Cat.

Thank you Mr Breathed. I am a loyal fan and you have continued to keep me entertained and bring a bit of joy to my life. I am not disappointed that this is a Sunday only tradition. Yes, I want more, but I am not complaining at all. Something is better than nothing - in the particular case.

This entry took more than that I thought it would so I will save the entry I was planning to do for a later date.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

The Happiest Guy...I ever knew...

Greetings People

I guess the title of this blog says it all. I would almost quote the Depeche Mode's song "The Happiest Girl. I ever knew...", but I am not a goil, I'm a guy.

Yesterday, I had another follow up to my eyes and I got the best, er bestest, news I have heard in a long time. I am to wear contacts once more! Oh my gosh. I could not believe it. Granted, me and my eye doctor have to monitor for the next two weeks and make sure that my issues do not start up once more.

As of 12:15 PM yesterday afternoon I was wearing contacts again and I celebrated by buying another computer game yesterday.

So, this morning, roughly 57 days later I picked up my Oakleys off my bathroom counter, washed and dried them off and then put them on for the first time in almost two months. I was so myself and I think I will be more and more later today. I do not have to worry about my vision being impaired partly, nor do I have to worry about pushing my eyeglasses back up on my face.

I, I.... was shaking so badly after putting in the first contact yesterday I could not put in the other side. I had to have my doctor do it for me. Shaking with joy. And not because lack of caffeine. Now, I am walking around with a smile on my face like I just had sex. Yes, that is happiness for me.

I even made the effort to go for a ride yesterday and I was so confident, since I did not have my eye glasses. Whereas, I have not been riding since I have been wearing my eyeglasses. The ride felt so good. No, I did not put my Oakleys on yesterday - I was still so happy and filled with glee that I did not even bother going home to get the Oakleys. I even cleaned my other 6 Oakley lens so I can start using those, since I will be wearing my Oakleys full-time.

Now, switching gears, the Ironman Hawaii that was on t.v. this weekend. The show was good, but it lacked something and I think it was the mood of the music that was wrong. The music and format has been changing for the past two years from the ominous mood music they used. Now, the show has "beat" music and "pick me up" music, which is fine, but the Ironman for us watchers is whether or not they finish, not whether they come in first or not. Yes, it is a race, but in the years of the t.v showings it is about finishing the Ironman and may be not finishing.

I did not cry or tear up through out the show, but I did when the Team Hoyt did not make the cut-off time. We faithful watchers know that there time was up a couple of years ago, but father time has come and taken the toll on Team Hoyt. I did not tear up for that moment, but did thinking about what has transpired in the past 7 years for them.

The last one that I really shed some tears on was the blind guy being lead, by a string, by his guide/friend. The blind guy had a number, his guide did not. This guide did the Ironman Hawaii for this blind guy, probably his friend. However, the guide did not have a number nor did the Ironman Hawaii issue him a number. Fair is fair, but I cried for the guide, because this guy finished the Ironman and he got no recognition of any sort, that I could see. That is dedication my friends! That is loyalty and more importantly, that is what you would, should do, for someone who needs help. Put yourself out for someone who needs it more. That is complete opposite of being selfish and with me being me that is the ultimate sacrifice for yourself in competing. Even the ABC tv replay had no other in depth info was told about this guide.

In closing, with the Ironman Hawaii 2006 I am glad that Norman Stadler won once more. I am also glad he did not fucking meltdown like he did from last year. I have had a meltdown like that before and he acted the same way I did. Natache Baadman had a hard time this year, but I am glad to see her smile as she was coming down the Queen K. There was nothing about Lori, except in the very beginning of the swim. Her smile is also very contagious for me. The stories were okay, but nothing compelling for me to get really emotional about. The Blazeman, I am glad I was able to follow him last year and to see someone remember him this year.

Alright folks, once more I have taken some time from your life and I thank you for sitting a spell with me for a bit.

P.S. I am glad that the "Models" won the Amazing Race. I wished the "sistas" would of, but I knew, yes knew, from the start that they had no chance to make a run for first place

P.S.S. The Nip / Tuck finale is the Tuesday. I am hoping for a good one and I do hope we get to see another season. Rumor mill - Joely will not be back, per one of the tabloids I saw in the grocery store. Nip / Tuck for me interesting and enjoyable.

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

An Orange Snowman or Orange Eskimo in Denver, CO

Greeting People

I was taking the local RTD bus the other morning, because of a flat tire. There I was minding my own business when I sort of noticed an orange snowman moving its legs nearby where I was sitting on the bus. Lo and behold the orange snowman was an orange ski parka that held a former co-worker whom I worked with at Archstone-Smith. For personal reasons I will list her by first name only. Jackie. I had not seen her since she had went out on medical leave for.... anyway, we I left Archstone-Smith she was out on leave and I never got to say goodbye to her. I got up out of my seat said "Hey girl" We only had a few street and bus stops between us before she had to get off at the stop near the Archstone-smith building near Yosemite and Dry Creek. Husband, child and herself is doing well. I told her the same - I am doing well. It was good to see her and if you are reading this now - "HEY Jackie!" She and I are going on vacation next week and both heading in the same direction - South. I could of caught a ride with her. I guess my bad for not contacting her since I left Archstone-Smith.

Other than that, a beautiful day in Colorado and the weather is sunny, in the 60's and a little wind. Alright folks, I guess I better get going and I will try to post a bit more before I leave on vacation next week. Oh, the eye has improved in the past three weeks so I am hoping to be back in contacts by mid-December. Hope the best and never wish. Wishes are for Fairies. Sort of like Applesauce is for babies. =)

Until the next time

Daryl Charley
The Fallen Athlete

SouthPark Re-cap - so far

Greetings People

Some things on Southpark are just too much. Let me see - we are on the 5th episode of the Southpark's 10th season.

The first episode - World of Warcraft
the second -Conspiracy Theory
third - Hall Monitor
fourth - Satan's Halloween Party
fifth - Ms Garrison/Nintendo Wii - Part 1

Where do I begin.

Ike saying to Kyle "You are dead to me Kyle"
Cartman as Dog the Hallway Monitor "Go with Christ"
Kyle talking to President Bush "Really?!"
Butters uttering "Biggie Smalls, Biggie Smalls, Biggie Smalls"

The images are just as bad, especially last night's episode showing Ms Garrison's chest. That gave me the heebee geebees, even now thinking about it - that's just messed up. Ike in bed with his school teacher, Cartman saying that he stuck his finger up his butt and then asked a girl if she smelled lemon grass on his finger. Butters getting down at Satan's Halloween party with Biggie Smalls next to him. How about the image of "Beth" (Cartman's(Dawg's assistant)) and her bosom so big that you could not even see her face, only the top of her eyes. What about the Steve Irwin showing up at Satan's Halloween party as himself. And to close off with Ms Garrison taking a crap in his hand, in the classroom and then throwing his feces at the replacement teacher?!

Man oh man - "that is F'd in the A!" as Cartman would say.

I guess I have nothing more to say about this, for now anyway.

All the snow that had fallen last week has basically all melted away. We are in the mid 50's today and the weather is suppose to get warmer and warmer.

Oh, by the way, I actually had to get fitted for new eye glasses. I have been sidelined with glasses for a bit and I needed a new pair since my old pair is about 15 to 17 years old. I guess I look okay, but I am still a bit self conscious about wearing them. Last Monday was my first day of wearing glasses full time again. I have a follow up check up on November 12 to see how things are going with my eye and I am hoping for the best. Glasses are okay, but I did not realize how much sight I have lost due to the constriction of my viewing of the world through glasses. I really want to wear both of my contacts again.

The Fallen Athlete
Daryl Charley