My Time in the “Windy City” (From a guy’s perspective)

        It was the early 90’s. I graduated from high school in California in 1992 and was pulled away from the sunny skies and fair atmosphere a week later. (IF THAT!)

My then stepfather got a new job and I was forced to move. No time for my high school graduation to set in or any chance to go to at least ONE graduation party. The economy was tough (even back then) and I was torn away with NO chance to argue.

As always however I try to look at the bright side of things! The sports teams were EXCELLENT in Chicago before  I was there. The Bears (an NFL football franchisee) went 15-1 losing only to the dolphins that are the only team to go undefeated in a season. (Alas that happened in 1972) a full year before I was even born. 

Also during this time the NBA team did pretty darn good. Michael Jordon a former North Carolina Tar Heels came to town and help lead the Bulls to 6 NBA Champions ships. He (they) did it in an odd way too. 

         The first run was 3 championships in a row. The then took a sabbatical for two seasons and came back to win three more in a row to shock everybody whom followed basketball. As well a few who did not. (Guess who “retired” for a couple of seasons in the middle of the run.) 

Let me tell you I was blown away by the fantastic sports teams in that time. I am even fond of a nickname given to a baseball player during those daze. He was known as the Big Hurt. Which of the two professional Baseball franchises did he play for? You will have to figure that one out for yourself. 

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Saphphire

In a word, valuable. That’s what precious means to me, as in worth it 100%. This film was worth it 100%. Yes, my friends and fellow readers I can stand the violence and profanity if the storyline come across so clear and precise. That was the case in this movie. 

The acting was phenomenal. From start to finish every role was played magnificently. Gabourey Sibide was golden in her portrayal of the titular role. By golden I mean Oscar nominated on her big screen debut. She shone in the spotlight and deserved to be seated amongst the best like Sandra Bullock and Meryl Streep on Oscar night. 

This film shone as well. It put the spotlight on domestic violence and told that is does happen so very close to home. What also hits close to home is the heartstrings plucked during this 109 minutes epic film. It was poignant, tear jerking and heartbreaking all at the same time. You are put through a flood of emotions during the aforementioned 109 minutes. 

           This is one of those movies that will stick in your craw for a long time. It is not one easily forgot nor should it be. It is powerful and magnificent and deserves all the accolades it got. I will not forget it anytime soon and hopefully you wont either. 

                                                                                                                                                                             Grade A+

Percy Jackson and The Olympians In The Lightning Thief

                                                                                                             By Rick Riordan

                                                                                                              A Book Report

My first thought when I started to read this book is how Harry Potter of you. Lets see a young boy, a multibook series, one is a wizard on is a god. He even calls himself a half-blood in the beginning. The comparison ends there. This book is creative, fun and imaginative. (not to say that Harry Potter is not) I even liked the audio book version read by Jesse Bernstein. 

This book was a hot commodity at the library. I had to borrow it from Media and it was on hold when the due date came up. I listened to the last few chapters on CD. 

The story moved well from start to finish all 25 chapters and 384 pages were easy to read and well thought out. The characters were original (except the Greek gods) and the concept new. This book was the most fun I had reading a book in a long time. 

               This is definitely a book you can read to the whole family. I would recommend it to anyone young or old. The series is off to a good start I just can’t wait to see the movie next month or read the next book in the series. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Grade A