Where the music comes from

I mentioned on Twitter earlier today that I dig the music in the ads for the movie version of "Where the Wild Things Are."

Local writer, actor and blogger Kevin Marshall was quick to reply that the song is "Wake Up" by Arcade Fire.

Here's the video:



Thanks, Kevin! (Not to mention Shawn and Sarah who also chimed in with the info)

Actually, I'd be looking forward to "Where the Wild Things Are" either way. It looks like it could be a cool movie the whole family can enjoy without being strictly kiddie fare. I hope that turns out the be the case.

'Sorry, dude, it's on the calendar'

I just watched the new ABC show "Modern Family." It's kind of an updated version of the 1989 movie "Parenthood" (which, ironically enough, is getting its own update later this season for NBC).

The show wasn't perfect, but it had its moments that made me laugh. I particularly got a kick out of this scene dealing with crazy parental disciplinary policies and busy family schedules...

Finished!

My dad enjoyed collecting coins. When they first started issuing the 50 state quarters he was excited about collecting them.

Even though I never really picked up the coin collecting bug from him, I thought the idea of the state quarters was pretty cool too. So dad bought me a map to place the quarters in. Nolan had just been born and I thought it would be really fun to work on this with him. It was something to imagine him as an 8-year-old when the final quarters would be issued.

Eventually Kris' Aunt Helen set us up with another map. Nolan wanted the newer one. So Thomas inherited the old one from dad.

Nolan completed his map a few weeks ago. Thomas finally finished filling up dad's map today, with a Washington quarter we got in change this morning at Home Depot. As you can see in the photo, he's pretty proud.

And I'm sure "Pop" would be too.

Before and after

I've always believed in the "If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It" philosophy. That must be why the last several times I've bought myself new sneakers, I've purchased the exact same pair.

I don't set out to do that. I always go into the store with an open mind. I'll browse around and finally come upon this New Balance model. They serve me well, I like the look of them and the price is right. So why bother changing?

It dawned on me today that this is probably the third or fourth time I've bought these exact sneakers.

Maybe it means I fear change. Maybe subconsciously I'm overwhelmed by all the options. So I just settle for a safe choice.

I prefer to think that I simply know what I like and choose to stick with what works.