For the Record

Before the Nuggets/Lakers game starts I want to get my prediction out there and on the record. This isn't based on any statistical measure or observation. I'm making my prediction purely on my homerism as a Nuggets fan. The fact that I absolutely LOATHE the Lakers makes my prediction even easier.

This is the year the lowly Nuggets emerge as winners. Nuggets take the series 4-2.

Mini Meditation

We're trying to introduce the concept of "quieting the mind" to TLO. He has become exceedingly verbose in recent weeks (verbose as in he NEVER stops talking) and it's starting to wear on both STK and me. TLO has also inherited almost all of my bad personality traits--odd and sundry obsessions, fiery temper, the inability to let something go--which he really doesn't need. I've worked on these issues for the better part of 16 years, with varying degrees of success (and still a lot work to do), and it pains me that he probably has similar struggles ahead.

With these things in mind, we've decided to introduce five minutes of family meditation right before bedtime. We started the practice last night and it went surprisingly well. After completing TLO's usual pre-bedtime ritual we made our way to our meditation space (we have a family altar in the house), lit the candles next Buddha, fired up some incense, and assumed the customary sitting position. TLO rang our small singing bowl at the start and conclusion of our five minutes. He did surprisingly well. He sat, quietly, with his hands in his lap.

STK and I have talked about this experiment as an attempt to introduce some sense of spirituality into TLO's life. As we don't attend church and have a difficult time finding our way out to the local monastery, this appears to be the next best thing. The more I think about this, though, I realize this is as much about STK and me as it is about TLO. We haven't been doing much meditation lately (none would be more accurate) and there was a time when STK and I were far more dedicated to our respective spiritual practices. I miss that. My beliefs haven't changed all that much but my sense of connection with those beliefs has faded. Maybe this will help reestablish some of that spiritual connectedness.

Nuggets Talk: Lips Tattoo

Derek: Mavs fans were hassling the families of the Nuggs during the game.

Bob: classy

Derek: Totally.

Bob: The nuggets look like a tattoo factory exploded

Derek: I love it. And Birdman's hair. I'm thinking about getting some of those big red lips tattooed on my neck.*

Bob: EEEE, that's one I don't really like

Derek: Cracks me up every time I see it.

Bob: Gives me the willies

Derek: I think that's what Kmart wants. Tattoos as psychological warfare.

Bob: yeah. in some cases I think they are very cool

Derek: Although given his numbers, I'd say the jury is out regarding effectiveness.

*

Franchise on the Edge of Forever

Tickets are purchased. Anticipation is building. The only way I could be more excited about Thursday's Star Trek premiere would be if this were a new Star Wars movie. The geek buzz about the film is tremendously positive.

New Trek Should Love Long and Prosper.

After my dreadful experience with Wolverine (that movie truly sucked), I'm ready for a most excellent movie. If the film does well, and I believe it's likely to be the summer's big money maker (how 'bout that for turning around the Trek franchise), can a new TV series be far behind?

American Stonehenge

I haven't posted in a while but simply had to share this:

The strangest monument in America looms over a barren knoll in northeastern Georgia. Five massive slabs of polished granite rise out of the earth in a star pattern. The rocks are each 16 feet tall, with four of them weighing more than 20 tons apiece. Together they support a 25,000-pound capstone. Approaching the edifice, it's hard not to think immediately of England's Stonehenge or possibly the ominous monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Built in 1980, these pale gray rocks are quietly awaiting the end of the world as we know it.

The entire thing is quite an interesting mystery. STK wants to take a trip down to the Savannah College of Art and Design, her alma mater, and the Georgia Guidestones would be a perfect side trip.