The thing about major surgery is that you place yourself in the hands of others, most of them strangers, and become totally helpless. I remember saying to the anesthesia guy that I had three requests: put me out before the surgery starts, keep me out while it goes on, and be sure to wake me up afterward. …
A lot led up to my complete hip replacement on September 29, 2009. Thinking back on my decision process, I now know it was an evolution directed by my deteriorating condition. It was a long journey from a time where I thought I might need and benefit from surgery to one where no other choice was possible. …
Deep Water is a documentary that has all of the suspense of a drama. It is based on the London Sunday Times’ 1968-69 contest to sail solo around the world non-stop. No one had ever done this, although one man, Franacis Chichester, had sailed solo with an extensive stop for supplies and repairs. Nine men set out on this odyssey, which offered fame and glory in addition to a substantial cash prize. Only one of them was to finish.
…
Look Both Ways is easier to summarize than it is to follow when watching. After seeing it for the first time you may have an impulse to watch it again because you know you missed a lot and because there are things you’d like to try to figure out. If you liked Magnolia you will like this film. If “thought provoking” is not a good thing to say about a film and if you prefer simple entertainment, then you should pass on this one. The gist of it is summed up well in one of its lines: “Every one has to find a way to face his own death.” Almost everyone in the film is dealing with death, either in thought or in reality.
…
Most mornings I go early to the pool and swim a mile. Where I go this means 36 laps, a lap meaning down to the far end and back. It isn’t a very social activity, and some people consider it boring. But a person whose Myers-Briggs type is INFJ can easily enjoy the solitude. This writing actually began while swimming laps. I had noticed a new sign at the entrance to the locker rooms. It warned of the wet floor.
…
I thought about not reviewing My First Mister. I think I was a little embarrassed about liking it. The absolute worst thing I can say about a movie is that it’s “about as good as a soap opera.” Indeed, this film is a little soap operaish–just a little. It is indeed a “tear jerker”–to get that out as well. Now that I have disclaimed myself, let me tell you why I found it a worthwhile and thoughtful tale.
…
The North Chickamauga Creek Gorge, located 15 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a beautiful deep central gorge cut into the sandstone plateau of Walden’s Ridge. It is approximately 10 miles long–steep, and rugged with forested slopes and very limited access. This gorge is the upper portion of the 32-mile North Chickamauga Creek, one of the main tributaries of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga. …
There is a man on my commute who walks the median of a busy intersection, holding out a paper bucket for contributions. His need is pretty obvious. He limps horribly because one of his feet points behind him. His lower leg is twisted around and it hurts to watch him walk. At least it hurts me. On the other hand, I have rarely given him money. But I have often wondered about the thoughts of my fellow commuters. Do others feel this pain?
…
One of my first puzzles on beginning Seducing Dr. Lewis was its location. Set in a small coastal fishing village, the place looked much like Battle Harbour, Labrador, where I have stayed and roamed with my cameras. The treeless tundra-like terrain and starkness of the tiny surrounding islands was remarkably similar. When the film was over, I searched the credits eagerly for the location. Harrington Harbour, Quebec. Close! Harrington Harbour is just below the Quebec/Labrador border and therefore down the coast from Battle Harbour. Now, of course, I want to visit Harrington Harbour. I’m reading up on in already. But I’ve digressed before even getting started.
…
I learned most of what I know about trout fishing on an overnight trip in the Tellico Wildlife Management Area in East Tennessee. My buddy lived nearby and loved to follow the trout streams high up to their source. We caught them by day and cooked and ate them by the evening campfires. As you will see, the following poem both is and isn’t about trout fishing. …