michaeldthomas

Thoughts from the first half of the week:

1- Our friends Sarah and David had a sad Monday; they had to put down their beloved cat, Ronny. Caitlin and I spent the evening at their house trying to help keep things from getting too morose. Our solution: watching the horrendously bad/unintentionally comic G.I. Joe: The Movie. This was the TV movie that effectively killed the G.I. Joe franchise for 20 years. The gist of the film is that they ret-con everything. The cartoon had been about a special forces military group versus crazy world terrorists. Think S.H.I.E.L.D. versus HYDRA. In this movie, they decided that Cobra Commander was a member of a race of snake people that once ruled the earth like the Silurians on Doctor Who. Now the snake people are back with their odd organic tech trying to mutate humanity. Their battle cry is “COBRA LA LA LA LA LA!” It would be hard for this movie to make less sense. Oh, I almost forgot Don Johnson starring as Lt. Falcon, a rule breaker who discovers the true meaning of being a Joe. Ugh.

2- I posted last year about the cowardly and terrible terrorist attacks of 2001. I know that we all still have strong feelings and emotions about that day and its legacy. I think it’s important that today we try to remember that it was a day that many people lost friends and loved ones in an act of senseless brutality.

3- The Cubs won last night. I am off the ledge for a moment.

4- We watched the first half of the Bond film License to Kill with kevinsom. I forgot how awful that film is. It’s like a grim, boring episode of Miami Vice.

5- The writing keeps rolling, and Caitlin still thrives at school. That’s about all I can hope for.

6- Gregory McDonald passed away, one of my favorite authors. His books are a master class in writing dialogue. He will be missed.

Just finished reading- China Mountain Zhang by Maureen McHugh (gorgeous and brilliant)
Currently reading- Blood and Iron by Elizabeth Bear

It’s been a while since I blogged, but not for bad reasons. I have actually been taking a break. I can’t remember the last time that Lynne, Caitlin, and I did this. We’ve just been luxuriating at home, watching TV, listening to music, and reading. I’m beginning to feel recharged.

Christmas was nice. The family got together in low-key fashion. Prezzies were exchanged, and all was well in the world.

Boxing day was spent with our friends [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com] and [Bad username or site: @ livejournal.com] enjoying Bond films and the RiffTrax version of Glitter. Much fun was had.

Fluid Links work was busy with many discussions between the writers and editor. I’ve also been doing a serious rethink of the last third of the novel. I think that I have fixed some problems, and I now have a solid outline for the last four chapters.

The Bears played well today, not that it matters.

The Cubs first spring training game is February 29.

Go Cubs!!!

Fukudome Fever, Catch It!!!

Just Finished Reading: Small Gods by Terry Pratchett
Currently Reading: Dragon Champion by E. E. Knight