As I finish up my final week of Recruiter school, I look back at the times I have had and the times that are to come. Because we are in our last week of school, we have a great deal of confidence, like being seniors in high school. We can see our exit...just ahead.
There are 13 of us (considered a very small class) receiving our Recruiter badge or "cookie" as it is known in the field...or "rookie cookie" as ours will be known - at first. The badge is about the size of a half dollar coin and is emblazoned with the seal of the Navy and the words Navy Recruiter. After 5 weeks of some excellent training - we feel we have definitely earned it.
It has been an amazing experience for me at this point in my career and life.
First, I have been immersed in to the Active Duty Navy life. Having been a Reservist for 8 years, I had never been to a Navy school or been actively participating with so many of my Active Duty counter parts. Needless to say, I am older than just about everyone, not just in the class but probably the entire building (there are always students rotating in and out of the 5 week program). With that in mind, I prided myself in being able to finish our 1.5 mile run ahead of other students.
Secondly, I discovered how un-hip I am. Shocking as that may seem to those that know me - it's true. My pop culture references (and jokes) are not in the same framework as my classmates. I am dated. My classmates on average are probably 25 years old. So, with that being said...I was pretty clueless. It was painfully obvious that I was un-hip and I didn't mind poking fun at myself by making references to taking Centrum Silver and drinking Ensure (I don't do either!). Thankfully there is Star Wars which seems to be a reference across the generations. But in the end, I was told I needed to see the movie Boondock Saints and the Dave Chappelle Show (season 1 & 2). I guess if you don't know what I am talking about...sorry...you are un-hip too.
Lastly, it was fun to see the future of not just recruiting but of the Navy and ultimately our society. These are sharp and well trained young people that are confident at their jobs and their mission. I know they will all be great Recruiters and when they are done recruiting they will head back out to the Fleet. I do wish them well.
On Friday I fly back home and on Monday I report to my Recruiting Station (office). I will start the first day of the rest of my career. I am nervous but feel I have been prepared the best way the Navy can.
The rest is up to me.
Stand by.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Mimzy Whimzy
There are very few movies out there that strike that childlike chord with me. I don't mean nostalgic like watching the original Superman. I mean that somehow make you transform, as you are watching it, into a child. You have wonder, hope and a feeling that maybe, just maybe, there is a bit of magic in the world. Two movies that do that for me are Flight of the Navigator (1986) and Batteries Not Included (1987). These movies may seem dated and even corny but there is something about them. The Last Mimzy is now one of these movies in my book.
Mimzy is a stuffed rabbit found by boy and his little sister as they are playing on the beach. Life isn't horrible for these children. There father is a workaholic but they do have a nice vacation home on the beach. They are just ordinary. When they find Mimzy and some other strange artifacts on the beach something starts to happen to them. Mimzy attaches herself to the little girl with whom she communicates through a quiet purring sound and the boy is fascinated with a shard of colored glass. At first it's just childlike chatting and curiosity but then both children develop unusual abilities that include telepathy, increased intelligence and talking to insects. There is also the curious picture in a copy of Alice in Wonderland. The picture shows the real Alice holding what appears to be a stuffed rabbit and it looks just like Mimzy. Coincidence? It will keep you wondering. The children's abilities draw attention to them from the spacey science teacher who thinks the children are some kind of reincarnations of Tibetan Lamas, to the Department of Homeland Security who don't know what to think of them. The truth about why Mimzy is there does come out and then the race is on to return Mimzy to where she came from in time to save her own life and the lives of those that sent her.
By the end of the movie you will look in the mirror and see yourself or rather your inner child. And maybe, like me, you will find yourself on ebay bidding on a Mimzy. You will have to have one. Because you will miss your inner child...and your Mimzy.
Mimzy is a stuffed rabbit found by boy and his little sister as they are playing on the beach. Life isn't horrible for these children. There father is a workaholic but they do have a nice vacation home on the beach. They are just ordinary. When they find Mimzy and some other strange artifacts on the beach something starts to happen to them. Mimzy attaches herself to the little girl with whom she communicates through a quiet purring sound and the boy is fascinated with a shard of colored glass. At first it's just childlike chatting and curiosity but then both children develop unusual abilities that include telepathy, increased intelligence and talking to insects. There is also the curious picture in a copy of Alice in Wonderland. The picture shows the real Alice holding what appears to be a stuffed rabbit and it looks just like Mimzy. Coincidence? It will keep you wondering. The children's abilities draw attention to them from the spacey science teacher who thinks the children are some kind of reincarnations of Tibetan Lamas, to the Department of Homeland Security who don't know what to think of them. The truth about why Mimzy is there does come out and then the race is on to return Mimzy to where she came from in time to save her own life and the lives of those that sent her.
By the end of the movie you will look in the mirror and see yourself or rather your inner child. And maybe, like me, you will find yourself on ebay bidding on a Mimzy. You will have to have one. Because you will miss your inner child...and your Mimzy.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Movie Time!
I have finally gotten to the movies and caught up on some rentals. I won't write lengthy reviews...except for maybe the second one:
In Theaters:
Sneak Peak!
Hairspray: Went to a sneak preview of Hairspray. I had no intention of all of seeing it. I loved the original non-musical movie and every time I saw John Travolta as a woman in the commercials made me want to puke. I was so glad I saw it. Maybe because I am a bit blue being away from home or maybe because of the passion of youth displayed in this film...I found it to be an absolute delight! The young actors in this film embraced every aspect of singing and dancing and bringing this story to vibrant life. John Travolta didn't ad anything to the picture and in fact took the audience away from his co-stars. Every time he appeared on screen there was a giggle and when he was singing and dancing it was a distraction. This movie does not need his gimmick - it can stand on it's own. The story of the chubby girl who wants to dance on the popular local dance show is timeless. And her victory over the nay-sayers and racists that existed in 1962 make you want to stand up and cheer. You have to really like a lot of singing and dancing! Lots of fun!
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix: I have to first say that this is my least favorite book of the Harry Potter series and it is also the first of the real thick ones. It is sort of like the middle story of a trilogy. Not really moving along the plot but setting up for further adventures. I got bored with the book. The MOVIE however, has nothing boring at all happening in it! It is a wild ride start to finish. Be warned...it is dark. Readers of the books know that they do get darker. When a student died at the end of the last movie - that was a signal that things weren't going to be all fun and games anymore at Hogwarts. I have noticed that people say that each movie is better than the next, including this one. I think because the characters are older and dealing with more adult topics...these aren't children anymore and they don't want to be treated like children. The characters have to face real life, death and dangerous situations.
The movie did an excellent job of simmering down this thick book into the movie. Like the other movies, it covers all the things that a book fan wants to see BUT won't leave a non-reader of the books in the dark. Harry is a teenager and all the things that go with it. Daniel Radcliffe does an excellent acting job in this movie as he has to display a wide range of emotions while having to deal with all the special effects around him. You get a sense of Harry as a real person. Radcliffe has most of the acting and screen time in this movie and I think he has improved greatly because of having to work closely with such actors as Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman and Gary Oldman as well as the other well known actors who might carry only small parts in this movie. Harry has to face such things as facing ridicule from his peers, harsh treatment by teachers and nightmares he can't escape...just another day for a high school student, right? I won't go into the plot of the movie - just go see it on the big screen!
MMMMM (out of 5 M's)
Transformers: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/life/entertainment/news-article.aspx?storyid=85600
Okay, maybe this is cheating but this reviewer hit the nail right on the head. And pretty much said exactly what I was going to say...only better. One note: It is worth seeing on the big screen if you are a big effects fan.
MM 1/2M (out of 5 M's)
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer: I might be a bit late on this review as this movie is probably out of the theater by now! I was surprised they did another Fantastic Four movie. The last one got mediocre reviews and didn't even peak in the rental market...maybe it did better overseas. I liked the first movie - it was fun. I also like superheroes fleshed out on the big screen. This movie follows our four genetically mutated superheroes as they go through their daily life of being heroes. There is no secret identity...everyone knows who they are and they have trouble doing the simplest thing, like getting married. They have gadgets, costumes and their superhero lab - everything they would need except normal lives. The movie could have been boring but the special effects and humor keep the movie alive and enjoyable. The Silver Surfer is very cool! I would have rather seen an entire movie about his inception. He is an alien that searches the universe, for his "master," for planets that can be literally consumed. Earth is now the target and well, there is nothing that can be done about it. I think it will be very worthwhile renting and is something the whole family can enjoy.
MMM (out of 5 M's)
Ocean's 13: Okay, so I am late on this one as well! It's probably out of the movies or down at the dollar theater. Well, go see it! I admit, I am not a fan of the Ocean movies. They are clever but not impressive. This movie is the best of the three. I saw it on a whim because I arrived at a theater and it was the only thing playing at that time. I am glad I did!
Ocean and his gang decide to not just do a heist but a sting. One of the original 11 is cheated out of his dream casino by a nasty casino owner played by Al Pacino. His friends decide that the casino owner and the casino are going to get what is coming to them. With this they have to enlist the help of their old nemesis played by Andy Garcia. I can't go into to much or I will give away the clever sting and impressive style of the gang. I might actually go see this again...it's playing at the $2 theater on base.
MMM (out of 5 M's)
Shrek The Third: I am not a Shrek fan. Don't get the appeal, etc. BUT I did like this one! I have talked to several Shrek fans that feel this one is a disappointment. I didn't feel that way at all. I think this one was the best of the three. It has less gross humor and more real plot and emotion. I know...it's animated but there can still be plot and emotion. I guess because I am a parent and the plot has to do with Shrek being a parent and facing what that means. Instead of sticking to fairy tale references and characters, this movie introduces the King Arthur legend and characters. Shrek must go on a search for the heir to the thrown who turns out to be a geeky teenager named Arthur Pendragon. Meanwhile back in Far Far Away, the humiliated Charming decides that he and other fairy tale characters, that have been put in a bad light, should unite and take over the kingdom. A fun romp. Definitely put on your list of rentals!
MMM (out of 5 M's)
Rentals:
(Okay, you have read enough...some very quick ones!)
Astronaut Farmer: Heartwarming and fun! Something you can watch with your parents, grandparents and children. A must rent that will leave you hugging and happy!
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
Miss Potter: The story of beloved children's author Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit) and how she got published and fell in love. Charming and sometimes magical - it does have a very sad part that if you can get past it...you will enjoy the rest of the movie. *Box of tissues alert.
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
A Good Year: Russell Crowe...Russell Crowe...Russell Crowe in French wine country...what more can I say! Okay, there is a more universal appeal than that. Russell Crowe plays a bastard of a stock broker from London who inherits his Uncle's estate in France. At first he is just interested in selling it until he gets there and gets flooded with the memories of a happy childhood and who he used to be. Did I mention Russell Crowe?
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
Bridge to Tarabithia: This movie is good but sad. A pre-teen boy who is bullied at school makes friends with an odd new girl who opens his eyes to his imagination. His home and school life are unhappy but in the end does find happiness in the most important place...his heart. *Box of tissues alert.
MMM (out of 5 M's)
In Theaters:
Sneak Peak!
Hairspray: Went to a sneak preview of Hairspray. I had no intention of all of seeing it. I loved the original non-musical movie and every time I saw John Travolta as a woman in the commercials made me want to puke. I was so glad I saw it. Maybe because I am a bit blue being away from home or maybe because of the passion of youth displayed in this film...I found it to be an absolute delight! The young actors in this film embraced every aspect of singing and dancing and bringing this story to vibrant life. John Travolta didn't ad anything to the picture and in fact took the audience away from his co-stars. Every time he appeared on screen there was a giggle and when he was singing and dancing it was a distraction. This movie does not need his gimmick - it can stand on it's own. The story of the chubby girl who wants to dance on the popular local dance show is timeless. And her victory over the nay-sayers and racists that existed in 1962 make you want to stand up and cheer. You have to really like a lot of singing and dancing! Lots of fun!
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix: I have to first say that this is my least favorite book of the Harry Potter series and it is also the first of the real thick ones. It is sort of like the middle story of a trilogy. Not really moving along the plot but setting up for further adventures. I got bored with the book. The MOVIE however, has nothing boring at all happening in it! It is a wild ride start to finish. Be warned...it is dark. Readers of the books know that they do get darker. When a student died at the end of the last movie - that was a signal that things weren't going to be all fun and games anymore at Hogwarts. I have noticed that people say that each movie is better than the next, including this one. I think because the characters are older and dealing with more adult topics...these aren't children anymore and they don't want to be treated like children. The characters have to face real life, death and dangerous situations.
The movie did an excellent job of simmering down this thick book into the movie. Like the other movies, it covers all the things that a book fan wants to see BUT won't leave a non-reader of the books in the dark. Harry is a teenager and all the things that go with it. Daniel Radcliffe does an excellent acting job in this movie as he has to display a wide range of emotions while having to deal with all the special effects around him. You get a sense of Harry as a real person. Radcliffe has most of the acting and screen time in this movie and I think he has improved greatly because of having to work closely with such actors as Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman and Gary Oldman as well as the other well known actors who might carry only small parts in this movie. Harry has to face such things as facing ridicule from his peers, harsh treatment by teachers and nightmares he can't escape...just another day for a high school student, right? I won't go into the plot of the movie - just go see it on the big screen!
MMMMM (out of 5 M's)
Transformers: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/life/entertainment/news-article.aspx?storyid=85600
Okay, maybe this is cheating but this reviewer hit the nail right on the head. And pretty much said exactly what I was going to say...only better. One note: It is worth seeing on the big screen if you are a big effects fan.
MM 1/2M (out of 5 M's)
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer: I might be a bit late on this review as this movie is probably out of the theater by now! I was surprised they did another Fantastic Four movie. The last one got mediocre reviews and didn't even peak in the rental market...maybe it did better overseas. I liked the first movie - it was fun. I also like superheroes fleshed out on the big screen. This movie follows our four genetically mutated superheroes as they go through their daily life of being heroes. There is no secret identity...everyone knows who they are and they have trouble doing the simplest thing, like getting married. They have gadgets, costumes and their superhero lab - everything they would need except normal lives. The movie could have been boring but the special effects and humor keep the movie alive and enjoyable. The Silver Surfer is very cool! I would have rather seen an entire movie about his inception. He is an alien that searches the universe, for his "master," for planets that can be literally consumed. Earth is now the target and well, there is nothing that can be done about it. I think it will be very worthwhile renting and is something the whole family can enjoy.
MMM (out of 5 M's)
Ocean's 13: Okay, so I am late on this one as well! It's probably out of the movies or down at the dollar theater. Well, go see it! I admit, I am not a fan of the Ocean movies. They are clever but not impressive. This movie is the best of the three. I saw it on a whim because I arrived at a theater and it was the only thing playing at that time. I am glad I did!
Ocean and his gang decide to not just do a heist but a sting. One of the original 11 is cheated out of his dream casino by a nasty casino owner played by Al Pacino. His friends decide that the casino owner and the casino are going to get what is coming to them. With this they have to enlist the help of their old nemesis played by Andy Garcia. I can't go into to much or I will give away the clever sting and impressive style of the gang. I might actually go see this again...it's playing at the $2 theater on base.
MMM (out of 5 M's)
Shrek The Third: I am not a Shrek fan. Don't get the appeal, etc. BUT I did like this one! I have talked to several Shrek fans that feel this one is a disappointment. I didn't feel that way at all. I think this one was the best of the three. It has less gross humor and more real plot and emotion. I know...it's animated but there can still be plot and emotion. I guess because I am a parent and the plot has to do with Shrek being a parent and facing what that means. Instead of sticking to fairy tale references and characters, this movie introduces the King Arthur legend and characters. Shrek must go on a search for the heir to the thrown who turns out to be a geeky teenager named Arthur Pendragon. Meanwhile back in Far Far Away, the humiliated Charming decides that he and other fairy tale characters, that have been put in a bad light, should unite and take over the kingdom. A fun romp. Definitely put on your list of rentals!
MMM (out of 5 M's)
Rentals:
(Okay, you have read enough...some very quick ones!)
Astronaut Farmer: Heartwarming and fun! Something you can watch with your parents, grandparents and children. A must rent that will leave you hugging and happy!
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
Miss Potter: The story of beloved children's author Beatrix Potter (Peter Rabbit) and how she got published and fell in love. Charming and sometimes magical - it does have a very sad part that if you can get past it...you will enjoy the rest of the movie. *Box of tissues alert.
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
A Good Year: Russell Crowe...Russell Crowe...Russell Crowe in French wine country...what more can I say! Okay, there is a more universal appeal than that. Russell Crowe plays a bastard of a stock broker from London who inherits his Uncle's estate in France. At first he is just interested in selling it until he gets there and gets flooded with the memories of a happy childhood and who he used to be. Did I mention Russell Crowe?
MMMM (out of 5 M's)
Bridge to Tarabithia: This movie is good but sad. A pre-teen boy who is bullied at school makes friends with an odd new girl who opens his eyes to his imagination. His home and school life are unhappy but in the end does find happiness in the most important place...his heart. *Box of tissues alert.
MMM (out of 5 M's)
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