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Tuesday, Feb 3, 2009

I couldn't help it; I had to do another review blog. People, there is hope for Heroes. I was so surprised that I had to write a review for it. I know some of you have stopped watching, so I thought I'd include it here so you can take a little look-see.

Redemption may be a word that has recently been associated with Jack Bauer of 24, but I am going to use the word in relation to the Volume 4 opener, Clear and Present Danger. Although Heroes has a loyal fan base (myself included), it has steadily been losing viewers since its sophomore season. The reasons are many and varied. I have found myself frustrated many times. But, what's a girl to do- Heroes has all of the elements of good story telling.

If I were to name a theme for Clear and Present Danger, I have to say its, division. Of course, we've seen that several times throughout the series. Heroes always seems to come down to where a character draws a line. The case can be made for a theme of brother against brother. And it would be a good case, but this episode was larger in scope. The question is, should these power wielders be allowed to roam the Earth, or are they a danger to us all? Nathan and Peter clearly have opposing points of view.

The episode quickly heats up with intensity. We see early on where things are going. Nathan has an agenda and he is moving a fast pace to see it through. He is committed to his cause. Unfortunately for him, others are equally as committed to their own cause.

Our heroes are trying their hand at being normal in this episode. It makes sense that they would try to find a way to lead somewhat ordinary lives. To blend in. To be happy. Claire looks at colleges. Peter tries to return to work, and Matt attempts to do things the old-fashioned way.

On the other hand, Hiro is embracing Ando's newfound abilities. He sees the potential for a great superhero in Ando. Hiro displays the enthusiasm for life that we have come to loved him for. My favorite part of the episode is that we see a new side of Ando.

The intensity continued throughout the episode. There was a clear plot line that left me cheering for our heroes. Peter was not whiny. Claire was not annoying. And Sylar, well, I am still not sure how I feel about Sylar. The writers have done a great job giving Sylar depth. There is emotion in that boy. In his quest for answers, he leaves a heck of a wake. The warning: "Do not get in my way."

So, back to where I began. With this step Heroes has begun to redeem itself. The question is, will it be enough? I know that I will be sticking around to find out.

Category: TV
Posted by ascaffo, 3:23pm
23 Comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, Jan 29, 2009

Well, it finally happened. I have been tagged, or rather tiged. My friend SparkleFarkle, who is no longer in the land of the 404, tagged me and now I am it. I had a tough time with this one. Here is how it works:

1) Go to your documents (or pictures)

2) Go to your 6th file and 6th pic.

3) Blog about it.

4) Tag 6 friends.

This is the pic that was kinda sorta in my 6th file.

Photobucket

Last Spring, my hubby, kids and I took a trip to Gettysburg, PA. I live about 2 hours from this famous and more important- historical place, yet I have never been there. It was a great trip, and I recommend it to anyone who is able to visit. But, this blog is not about that so I must move on.

While in Gettysburg, one of the things that I had read about was a covered bridge that was in the area. There was even a map of sorts. It was the tourist type of map that focused on the historical area, but happened to mention the bridge. It just gave the general direction.

I really wanted to check it out, but I was unsure exactly how I was going to get the rest of the family to go along with my quest. I was crafty, cunning, and creative, and I got my way Go me!! We were off to find the bridge. It was really something to see. The hubby is driving, and I am navigating with this thing that was someone's idea of a map.

We followed it, and after about 15-20 minutes of beautiful countryside vistas we ended up at a dead end on Pump Station Road. At least, I am fairly sure that's what it was called. Here was the tricky part. By this point the patience of the other three travelers was wearing thin. I had to think of something, and quick or we would have to turn back. So I tried to reason it out. I picked a direction and off we went. Within about 10 minutes I saw it in the distance. Sachs Covered Bridge. We had arrived, and I was happy.

Photobucket

Photobucket

We got out and began to look around. We really seemed to be in the middle of nowhere. I was certain that there were many who never did find the bridge. It was something to be seen. After taking a good look at the outside, I read the history of the bridge. Then I walked in. As I entered the bridge, I imagined how it must have been in the yesteryears. So old. So simple. So clean. So much graffiti. Graffiti?? Yes, graffiti. I was shocked. There were notes all of the bridge. "Kacey waz here." "Call Liz for a good time . . ." etc. etc. I never expected it.

But, I thought about it and tried to put it in perspective. The bridge was not really a part of the tourism department. It was interesting and in the area, but not a part of Gettysburg. It was a bridge. And where I am from, most of the bridges have graffiti. Also, I did see a lot of the old, "Tony loves Tina." And "Anne and Mike forever." Written all over the place. I guess that they had graffiti way back when too. I had just never thought of it that way. It was just not expected. I mean who walks into an old covered bridge and expects to see spray paint and ink all over the place? It just seemed out of place. Nevertheless, the experience was really cool.

Oh, and in case you are like me, and you wonder why they made covered bridges and what the purpose was- I'll tell you. I looked it up. There were 2 reasons: 1) They did not have treated wood back in the old days, so the cover protected the bridge- less falling through and dying that way. 2) They made it like a barn so the horses would not be afraid to enter.

So, there you have it. The story of the old covered bridge.

In my experience around here, many people are not fans of the old game of tag. Therefore, I have decided not to tag anyone in particular. I invite any and all to play. If nothing else, it gives you a good idea for a blog J

Now, onto my shiny, new banner. Did you see it? Of course you did. This banner has been brought to me (and you) by my good friend and neighbor, dj_mrt Thanks DJ!! I am lovin' it. Our resident banner king seems to be back in business. Be sure to pay him a visit. Tell him that mom sent you. He'll know what you mean

Peace.

Category: Travel
Posted by ascaffo, 6:54pm
47 Comments | Post a Comment
Thursday, Jan 22, 2009

I have managed to keep my head after my appearance in the spotlight. However, my autographed pics are still available. You must act quickly though, as they are sure to sell out

I have recently been tagged by my friend SparkleFarkle. **waves a big hello to Sparkle** I will need some time to pull off that blog, so . . .

Lost Pictures, Images and Photos

I have never done a review blog before, but I heard from a reliable source that there is a first time for everything. I promise that there are NO SPOILERS here. I love LOST and I have been anxiously waiting for season 5. It was worth the wait. I am so glad that I have not given up on this show. So, here it is

Just when you thought that you had all of those flash fowards and flash backs down pat, in comes season five. And it does not disappoint. You are treated to two hours of great writing and directing. Oh, and talk about plot development. Lost has certainly had a talent for thickening the plot. And this is no exception.

But, the one thing that stood out to me was the acting. This cast has really come together over the years. There is great chemisty. I am not sure who impressed me more. Yungin Kim (Sun) was superb. You could feel her emotions flowing right through the television. Sun's story was not a main part of the plot, but it was certainly noteworthy. Jorge Garcia (Hugo/Hurley) was also amazing. I have always liked Hurley, but now I have a lot of respect for him. These are two characters that are often overlooked. Not in these episodes.

I was also impressed with Evangeline Lilly. I believe that she has really grown in her craft as evidenced by her performance in this season's premiere.



The rest of the gang is here as well. These two episodes are not centered around any one character. We follow the Oceanic 6 and those who remained behind. You would think with all the characters that were featured, you would be left feeling unfulfilled. Not so. I found myself sucked in from minute one. The first hour would have satisfied. It was the main course, and it was everything that I had hoped it would be. There was no second course; they took us right to dessert. Hour two was a pleasant surprise.

By the time it was all over, I had that familiar feeling. My head was spinning and I had a silly smile on my face. I even had to check for drool. It was that good. There were a few surprises, and it would not be LOST without the addition of several more questions.

This is the LOST that fans have come to know and love. This is the writing and acting that keeps bringing us back for more. I can't wait to see what they are serving next week. I will certainly be bringing my appetite.

Category: TV
Posted by ascaffo, 5:29pm
39 Comments | Post a Comment
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