Then and Now

These days, I so seldom sit down to write a blog post that it makes no sense whatsoever to limit a post to one topic. Here are some noteworthy items:

We just had the Oscars, and if you've already forgotten I will not blame you. There was nothing of note other than the usual combination of nice-to-see-them-win awards and are-you-joking awards.

Nice To See:
Heath Ledger becoming the first person (to my knowledge) to win an Oscar for portraying a comic book villain. We're all thinking it, but let it never be said that he would not have won had he still been with us. The performance is incredible, all on its own.
Kate Winslet finaly getting a statue on her sixth nomination.
A film inspired and influenced by the Bollywood tradition recognized as the best of the year, and a couple amazing musical performances therefrom.
Seriously impressive star power handing out the awards.

I need something to throw at the TV:
Benjamin Button inexplicably taking away the special effects and makeup awards from fantastic action movies like The Dark Knight, Ironman, and Hellboy II.
The Dark Knight getting no looks for real awards like Cinematography, Writing, Directing and Best Picture. This year pretty much sucked. Batman was one of the best movies made, period.
Cheesy blast-from-the-past filler clips.

Even Hugh Jackman was hit and miss, morphing from pleasantly funny during the opening into stunningly dull through the rest, as presenter after presenter demonstrated how much better they would have been as a host. Will Smith, Ben Stiller and Jack Black deserve serious consideration. Throw in Anne Hathaway, Owen Wilson, or Reese Witherspoon as dark horses.

Okay, what else.

We've already received notice from Canada that I have been approved as a worthy sponsor for Michelle's permanent residency. Basically, the application consists of two parts; my application to sponsor her, and her application to become a permanent resident. Phase one of the process is complete, and the application now moves from Ontario to the Canadian embassy in Buffalo, NY for the processing of Michelle's application. Part two will take longer, and may or may not include requests for more information or an interview. We'll see.

Toby is about to turn five, and, as usual, started acting like it weeks ago. His party is on Sunday, with a good seven or eight of his friends getting dropped off by their parents for an afternoon of Lego Agent fun. Our kids generally get to pick their party themes. Watch for pictures...apparently I'm somehow going to create a Lego Agent Piñata for the occasion.

And let's not forget Alicia, whose latest game is to borrow my wallet, take out each dollar bill, credit card, or other miscellaneous item one by one, then wear it on her head as a hat.


When she's done she hands me back the wallet, then each article which she has removed for me to put back in, one by one.

When she's not doing that, Alicia is still a great dancer. One year ago we posted this video. Just look at her now.