Just a rhetorical question: what is the fascination with these bloody, macabre TV shows? Plots involve people breaking the law, clearly, but with reason.
A couple of summers ago, both my stepsons came to visit. They are the same age and they both were raving about two shows we had never seen: "Breaking Bad" and "Dexter." When they told us the plots of each, we were wondering to ourselves, 'why would anyone want to watch something like that?' but we listened and it was hard to discredit their enthusiasm. Both are intelligent, well-spoken individuals, one a writer and marketing coordinator, the other in public relations for a major computer manufacturer.
"Breaking Bad" is a series about a high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with lung cancer. After the diagnosis, his main concern is being able to provide for his family, a son who is in high school and his wife, expecting their second child. His knowledge of chemistry is genius and he runs into (literally) one of his former chemistry students who is dealing meth and making lots of money.
Walter, the main character, figures he could whip up some mean meth and does so with Jesse's (the former student) help. It turns out that it is killer meth, the best on the market. Their adventure begins.
Okay, based upon that, are you going to watch this show? We thought there was no way we would be able to sit through this, having tried to watch such things as "Old School", but we gave it a try. We didn't even know what 'breaking bad' meant! I think it is the modern-day way of saying going bad, falling off the deep end/
We totally love this show!
Which brings me to my question: what is it about this show that keeps us watching?
The plot is great, a high school teacher becoming a meth cook. The characters have their flaws, we love them. The viewer is rooting for Walt and Jesse. They are hapless and get into situations that they never should have been able to get out of - but they somehow do get out. They are making about $7 million dollars a year - each. Jesse is a user, he has lots of ups and downs and Walter needs him as his assistant. There is conflict at every turn, including Walt's brother-in-law being a DEA agent.
Dexter - we have checked out season by season from the library. We are on season three. "Dexter" is aired on Showtime and we have only basic cable. But borrowing from the library costs nothing and you can put a hold on the entire season of a TV show.
Dexter is a serial killer with a code. He is very strict about his code and kills only people that desire to die. He is a vigilante, but a quiet one. He also works as the forensics expert specializing in blood at the Miami Police Department and his sister is a cop too! Again, great conflict, as we are wondering when someone is going to find him out. But the series goes on, he gets out of his tough spots and you are happy to still see Dexter on the screen.
And this show is bloody - somehow we got by this and I at least have no nightmares as a result of watching "Dexter." Also, when you watch a whole series with episodes back-to-back as we do, you know these characters and find yourselves talking about them during the day. "I wonder what Deb (sister) is going to do now?"
We like the writing, we are captivated by the characters, are we vigilantes at heart? Are we living vicariously through these characters?
Suffice to say, never in a million years would I have thought I would like these shows based upon the plot outlines. But not only do we like them....
Oh, gotta go - "Breaking Bad" is about to start - 9:00 p.m. on AMC.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
My sister-in-law, the Artist
My sister-in-law, Lois Eakin is an artist. She is in fact a professional artist, since she has sold some of her paintings. They are beautiful and I am not just saying that because we are related.
A few weeks ago we traveled to Mineral Point, Wisconsin to deliver some of her pieces to Longbranch Gallery for an art tour. Lois developed her website about a year ago and the owner of Longbranch saw her work and asked if she wanted to participate in the gallery tour. Of course, Lois said yes.
The four of us drove to Mineral Point on a Sunday afternoon. It is a nice drive if you take the backroads you can see a bit of the Wisconsin countryside. We hauled the guys' bikes up with us, as they were going to bike into Mineral Point from Gratiot, WI - about a 20 mile trip - while we drove on and delivered the paintings.
Mineral Point is an old mining community in the southwest part of Wisconsin. We stayed a few years ago at the Mineral Point B & B which has a wonderful restaurant and a brewery where they serve their own beers. And it is the only place you can get that beer. The terrain is hilly and there are still some old miners' cabins in the city. They have a great website where you will find lodging, things to do, places to eat and places to browse and shop: Here is the link: Mineral Point
Longbranch Gallery had sent out a postcard mailing to its customers that featured one of Lois' paintings. A woman from Hinsdale who had received the card called the gallery, stating that she was interested in purchasing some of Lois' work. The customer was in Mineral Point for that week and was going to drop by.
As Lois and I were having lunch at the brewpub, we talked about whether we thought we would ever make big money with our art - she painting, me writing. We both thought no, not big money but there is a lot of adventure in trying. Lois also said she had plenty of inventory now, and she could take her time with her next painting endeavors.
Well, the customer showed up and true to her word, she wanted some of the Eakin originals. She bought five on Sunday and then came back later in the week and bought another two for her sister's home.
So much for the inventory. Lois is back at the drawing table - er, painting easel.
http://www.loiseakin.com/
P.S. It turned out that the bike trail is not so good for bikes anymore: the ATV group has put down large-chunked gravel that makes it almost impossible to ride a bike or even walk. The guys called us from a tavern only about 5 miles from their drop-off point. But we discovered a lot of places to rent an ATV for a fall trip.
A few weeks ago we traveled to Mineral Point, Wisconsin to deliver some of her pieces to Longbranch Gallery for an art tour. Lois developed her website about a year ago and the owner of Longbranch saw her work and asked if she wanted to participate in the gallery tour. Of course, Lois said yes.
The four of us drove to Mineral Point on a Sunday afternoon. It is a nice drive if you take the backroads you can see a bit of the Wisconsin countryside. We hauled the guys' bikes up with us, as they were going to bike into Mineral Point from Gratiot, WI - about a 20 mile trip - while we drove on and delivered the paintings.
Mineral Point is an old mining community in the southwest part of Wisconsin. We stayed a few years ago at the Mineral Point B & B which has a wonderful restaurant and a brewery where they serve their own beers. And it is the only place you can get that beer. The terrain is hilly and there are still some old miners' cabins in the city. They have a great website where you will find lodging, things to do, places to eat and places to browse and shop: Here is the link: Mineral Point
Longbranch Gallery had sent out a postcard mailing to its customers that featured one of Lois' paintings. A woman from Hinsdale who had received the card called the gallery, stating that she was interested in purchasing some of Lois' work. The customer was in Mineral Point for that week and was going to drop by.
As Lois and I were having lunch at the brewpub, we talked about whether we thought we would ever make big money with our art - she painting, me writing. We both thought no, not big money but there is a lot of adventure in trying. Lois also said she had plenty of inventory now, and she could take her time with her next painting endeavors.
Well, the customer showed up and true to her word, she wanted some of the Eakin originals. She bought five on Sunday and then came back later in the week and bought another two for her sister's home.
So much for the inventory. Lois is back at the drawing table - er, painting easel.
http://www.loiseakin.com/
P.S. It turned out that the bike trail is not so good for bikes anymore: the ATV group has put down large-chunked gravel that makes it almost impossible to ride a bike or even walk. The guys called us from a tavern only about 5 miles from their drop-off point. But we discovered a lot of places to rent an ATV for a fall trip.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
A Neighbor
The relationship you have with a neighbor is like no other. Outside of the neighborhood, you may never talk to the guy across the street or have coffee with the woman who just moved in. Your neighbor could be a teacher, a lawyer, a writer or a corporate honcho. Your neighbor may be an unsung hero.
I talk with Jim Zwit practically every day, because he is outside with his dog Polly as I am walking my dog Mitch. We talk about the Bears, the Sox, the dogs, the kids, graduation of children, grandkids, traveling, flowers and anything else that is in the local news. So, when I opened the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, I saw an article with a picture depicting the Viet Nam Wall with pencil etchings highlighting some names. There was also a young man in combat gear, smiling for the camera. I spied the name ‘Jim Zwit’ – unusual name, could this be my neighbor?
I turned the page and there was his photo: his story is a wonderful remembrance to his war buddies and also a wonderful Memorial Day story.
Through the years, he has tracked down his war buddies’ families to tell them what happened to their loved ones. There is one family that he was unable to contact: the family of William Ward. It is this story that is so poignant about the quest.
After I read the article, I brought the paper to Jim. He told me that he allowed the Tribune to interview him on one condition: that the article was not about him. He also told me that throughout the day on Sunday, May 30, the day the story appeared, he received numerous phone calls from strangers, applauding his efforts. One call in particular stood out: a 90-year old war veteran called Jim to tell him that he had tried for years to find the families of his war buddies. Both men had tears in their eyes and voices as they spoke.
You can read the article by Mary Schmich and also listen to the video interview of Jim. You may have to copy them into your browser, but it is well worth the visit.
Here are the links:
articles.chicagotribune.com/.../ct-met-schmich-0529-20110529_1_memorial-day-soldiers-elusive-memories
http://www.chicagotribune.com/videobeta/c4d446f6-c566-498c-a61f-57e231be26ee/News/Vietnam-vet-I-ve-looked-for-your-family-for-35-years-
I talk with Jim Zwit practically every day, because he is outside with his dog Polly as I am walking my dog Mitch. We talk about the Bears, the Sox, the dogs, the kids, graduation of children, grandkids, traveling, flowers and anything else that is in the local news. So, when I opened the Chicago Tribune on Sunday, I saw an article with a picture depicting the Viet Nam Wall with pencil etchings highlighting some names. There was also a young man in combat gear, smiling for the camera. I spied the name ‘Jim Zwit’ – unusual name, could this be my neighbor?
I turned the page and there was his photo: his story is a wonderful remembrance to his war buddies and also a wonderful Memorial Day story.
Through the years, he has tracked down his war buddies’ families to tell them what happened to their loved ones. There is one family that he was unable to contact: the family of William Ward. It is this story that is so poignant about the quest.
After I read the article, I brought the paper to Jim. He told me that he allowed the Tribune to interview him on one condition: that the article was not about him. He also told me that throughout the day on Sunday, May 30, the day the story appeared, he received numerous phone calls from strangers, applauding his efforts. One call in particular stood out: a 90-year old war veteran called Jim to tell him that he had tried for years to find the families of his war buddies. Both men had tears in their eyes and voices as they spoke.
You can read the article by Mary Schmich and also listen to the video interview of Jim. You may have to copy them into your browser, but it is well worth the visit.
Here are the links:
articles.chicagotribune.com/.../ct-met-schmich-0529-20110529_1_memorial-day-soldiers-elusive-memories
http://www.chicagotribune.com/videobeta/c4d446f6-c566-498c-a61f-57e231be26ee/News/Vietnam-vet-I-ve-looked-for-your-family-for-35-years-
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Constant Cardinal
Living in the Midwest, we all applaud the burst of spring with the flowers, the scents, the warmth and sun. We love it.
With the beginning of spring, there is also the chattering of the birds early in the morning. The expression ‘up with the birds’ comes to my mind every morning as I hear our feathered friends greeting one another at 4:30 a.m. They sound like they are in our bedroom, when in fact they are in a cluster of trees in the yard. It sounds like there are a thousand birds. Every morning, I wake up at the first ‘peep’ and then drift back to sleep, to be awakened by the twittering of many birds and their friends. In the mix, I can hear the shrill trill of the cardinal – seemingly to be king of the hill or tree.
Somewhere around 5:30 a.m., the group moves a couple of blocks away, still audible but subdued a bit. Once again, I close my eyes and sleep another hour.
The Cardinal, our constant friend, stays here all day. He is high up in the tree or on the phone wire, trilling the entire day. I had heard it is their mating call, the males calling out for a female to please come and rescue him from his perch. And by now, the 11th of May, I think he needs to chart some new territory – she does not appear to be coming to this neck of the woods. May I could import a nice girl cardinal for him.
 |
| Lovely lilac bush at my driveway - more than 50 years old! |
With the beginning of spring, there is also the chattering of the birds early in the morning. The expression ‘up with the birds’ comes to my mind every morning as I hear our feathered friends greeting one another at 4:30 a.m. They sound like they are in our bedroom, when in fact they are in a cluster of trees in the yard. It sounds like there are a thousand birds. Every morning, I wake up at the first ‘peep’ and then drift back to sleep, to be awakened by the twittering of many birds and their friends. In the mix, I can hear the shrill trill of the cardinal – seemingly to be king of the hill or tree.
Somewhere around 5:30 a.m., the group moves a couple of blocks away, still audible but subdued a bit. Once again, I close my eyes and sleep another hour.
The Cardinal, our constant friend, stays here all day. He is high up in the tree or on the phone wire, trilling the entire day. I had heard it is their mating call, the males calling out for a female to please come and rescue him from his perch. And by now, the 11th of May, I think he needs to chart some new territory – she does not appear to be coming to this neck of the woods. May I could import a nice girl cardinal for him.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Village Church Craft Fair
The Village Church of La Grange Park is sekking crafters for the craft fair to be held June 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is $25 for a 12 x 12 outdoor space.
For an application, please leave information at 708-354-0900.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Election April 5, 2011
This year in La Grange Park, there was something new: a political party was formed as a result of some candidates not being endorsed by the La Grange Park Caucus. The Caucus has been in existence in our village for over 70 years and has provided an equal voice to residents throughout the village. There have been times that a candidate was not endorsed by the Caucus and decided to run as an independent. This is not the same as a party-backed candidate.
I have the utmost admiration for the residents in La Grange Park who put forth their individual efforts and funds to send informational mailers to all registered voters in the village. Their letters and newsletters gave an unbiased view of the differences between a Village Caucus and a Political Party and also outlined in detail what the mission is for La Grange Park and how some of the opinions put forth by the political candidates did not match the mission for our town.
There are 8,000+ registered voters in La Grange Park. In a local election, your voice is truly heard: every single vote counts. Scott Mesick at 1416, Patty Rocco at 1406, Susan Storcel at 1405, Tim Hayes at 1394 and Jason Vitell at 1226, it was a well-run and important - and close - ! election. On a local level, it is democracy at its best - we each have a voice - we need to use it!
I have the utmost admiration for the residents in La Grange Park who put forth their individual efforts and funds to send informational mailers to all registered voters in the village. Their letters and newsletters gave an unbiased view of the differences between a Village Caucus and a Political Party and also outlined in detail what the mission is for La Grange Park and how some of the opinions put forth by the political candidates did not match the mission for our town.
There are 8,000+ registered voters in La Grange Park. In a local election, your voice is truly heard: every single vote counts. Scott Mesick at 1416, Patty Rocco at 1406, Susan Storcel at 1405, Tim Hayes at 1394 and Jason Vitell at 1226, it was a well-run and important - and close - ! election. On a local level, it is democracy at its best - we each have a voice - we need to use it!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
What Time is It?
Daylight Savings Time. Again. One less hour of sleep. Is it just me or does it bother everyone? Try as I might, I feel like I have jet lag all week without the vacation or flying part. Yes, I know - it means summer is on the way, which is a good thing. We will be out on our bikes, no jackets, no boots (thanks goodness - this had to be the winter of worn-out boots), enjoying the sunshine - it's just this week that kills me.
Even though presumably it is only one night that we lose an hour, my biorhythm, my cicadian cycle, whatever you want to call it is out of whack. I try to fool my body and my mind by sleeping in an extra hour on the Monday after the time change. It doesn't really help. All I had to show for that was really puffy eyes and a general grogginess that lasts all day long. Plus this morning I was wide awake at 4:00 a.m. old time, 5:00 new time.
My husband tells me there is no such thing as new time and old time - I beg to differ.
There is no answer but to wait out the week. By next weekend, especially if we get some spring weather, all should be restored to the good old summer - time. Then when we go back to Standard Time, yes, we have that extra hour......
Even though presumably it is only one night that we lose an hour, my biorhythm, my cicadian cycle, whatever you want to call it is out of whack. I try to fool my body and my mind by sleeping in an extra hour on the Monday after the time change. It doesn't really help. All I had to show for that was really puffy eyes and a general grogginess that lasts all day long. Plus this morning I was wide awake at 4:00 a.m. old time, 5:00 new time.
There is no answer but to wait out the week. By next weekend, especially if we get some spring weather, all should be restored to the good old summer - time. Then when we go back to Standard Time, yes, we have that extra hour......
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