You can see the toy store from here.

Movies - I want my kids to see

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:27:00 +0000

I am on too many email lists. I must spend close to 45 min. each day scanning and deleting the various digests, summaries, ads, promotions, news, and 'in-case-you-are-wondering' briefs. My day started relatively light today, with some of my favorites; Academica's Top Ten, Inside Higher Ed, and Faculty Focus. One email in the inbox that I did spend a bit of time on was from Universal Studios. The email was a showcase of various Blu-ray, DVDs that are being featured as part of the 100th anniversary of Universal. As I was scanning the email it occurred to me that there are several movies on the list that I really enjoyed (as a much younger person), and that my kids have not seen.

This has me thinking; what movies from my youth (or since) do I want (or would be okay with) my kids watching? Here begins a list. (This list is not ordered! Movies added as I think of them -- remember, I started with that email from Universal, but I have expanded the list beyond that.)

Movies my kids should/could/would watch now:

Back to the Future trilogy
Jurassic Park trilogy

Movies my kids should/could/might want to, watch...when they are a wee bit older (yes Dawson, you are not old enough yet!):

Scarface (1983), and why not, Scarface (1932)
The Sting
Meet the Parents trilogy
Alfred Hitchcock (Psycho, Birds, Rear Window, Vertigo....others?)
various Spielberg films (Schindler's List among them)

Post created: Sept. 5, 2012. Updates on:

Is this the end of the newspaper? New post over at Flat Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:06:00 +0000

I have re-posted a neat video about the Rocky Mountain Post which is closing shop for good. Period. No digital edition. No more print. Done.

http://daveh-flatearththingswethoughtweknew.blogspot.com/newspaper

Heel Trouble

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:22:00 +0000

I often wonder why I am a sports fan. So much so that I have a wee bit of a rant over at Flat Earth. The past two weekends my favorite College Basketball team, the North Carolina Tar Heels have struggled. First, a complete upset at home by the (then unranked, since #17, and soon to be closer to 25) Boston College Eagles. And this weekend, losing a tough road game @Wake Forest (ranked #4, to the Heels #3). I find a little hope in some words by Eddy Landreth at rivals.com.

Yet while UNC fans may gnash their teeth and wail at these two losses and the way the Tar Heels played, who knows what may happen in the long run. UNC overcame a monumental number of injuries a year ago to win a school-record 36 games against just three losses, and yet when the Tar Heels needed the toughness the most against Kansas at the Final Four, it was missing.

Perhaps UNC can reverse the pattern after facing some tougher teams in the ACC this time around. Boston College and Wake Forest are considerably better than they were a year ago.

Former coach Dean Smith used to say the best teams are forged in the heat of adversity. North Carolina is sitting in one hot, bubbling cauldron at the moment. That much is for sure.

"It's what it is," Williams said. "We're 0-2, and we've got to try to play better, be more effective. I told the kids, Bobby [Frasor], Tyler and Danny [Green], their freshman year we were 3-3 [in the league] at one time and ended up 12-4. It is a long season.

"I'm still looking at the big picture and know we can get a heck of a lot better. There is no question the conference race is our No. 1 goal, but it's not over with after just two games."

As a fan of the Heels since high school (pushing 25 years now) I will not give up hope. But it is hard to watch a group of individuals who I have never met -- but represent a team I follow -- struggle when their collective experiences should have prepared them for this.

Come on team! You can do this. We can do this! (I'll keep cheering - you play better.)

Remembrance Day

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:59:00 +0000

I am not necessarily a fan of re-posting, but when I say this posted on My name is Kate and she had mentioned finding it on another site I realized this was a good opportunity to re-post.

I am always moved by Remembrance Day. When I was a high school teacher in Fort McMurray our school's drama teacher, Karen Towsley, always did an amazing job putting on a dramatic (usually music playing in the background, well, loud enough to move us - and usually Chris DeBurg's "Borderline') well the students moved through silhouettes of a story of the song - soldiers heading off to war and then only a small number returning at the end. I always cried. No surpirse to those who know me - this video also caused tears to well up. I'm such a softy!

Tar Heels - Pre-season favorites...and now the star is injured

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 22:16:00 +0000

To catch everyone up to speed. Here are some links to the Heels being ranked #1 and/or being heavy favorites as pre-season lists come out:

newsobserver.com | College notes: Tar Heels ranked No. 1 by coaches

Daily Tar Heel - Tar Heels ranked unanimous No. 1

Heels Ranked #1 In Preseason Coaches' Poll

And now today it is announced (on Halloween) that the star player, Tyler Hansborough is out (for an unspecified period of time) with a stress reaction condition (which is something short of a stress fracture...but could lead to one if not rested.)

TSN.ca
TSN.ca

Hansbrough's return from injury indefinite
The Associated Press - 32 minutes ago
CHAPEL HILL, NC (AP) — The father of reigning national player of the year Tyler Hansbrough said Friday it's unclear if the North Carolina star will miss any ...
HANSBROUGH INJURY SETS UNC BACK FOXSports.com
Tyler Hansbrough out indefinitely with a shin injury; Tar Heels No ... Chicago Sun-Times
Hansbrough sidelined indefinitely with shin injury Sports Network
Maui News - United Press International
all 337 news articles »

UNC down but not out without Hanbrough
ESPN - 17 minutes ago (search conducted at 4:15 p.m. MST, Oct. 31, 2008)
Pinpointing an exact return for Tyler Hansbrough, who is out with a stress reaction condition in his right shin, will be a fluid process. ...

I love Tar Heel drama.

Goodbye my friend: Janet Kohlsmith

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 18:07:00 +0000

Sad news today. I learned that a good friend from high school passed away last Friday. From what I can read (mostly on Facebook) it appears that she died in a car accident. Here is the obituary from the Edmonton Journal:

Janet Phillips

PHILLIPS, Janet Ilene (nee Kohlsmith) December 20, 1972 - September 12, 2008 Janet passed away suddenly on Friday, September 12th, 2008 at age 35. She is loving and forever remembered by husband Brett, children, Brett Jr., Brandon and Kelsi; mother Frances Kohlsmith, brother David, wife Eunice and children Madison and Jared; sister Tracey, daughter Briana and Brian McWhirter and father Glen Kohlsmith; Mike and Dawn Yurkovitch, children Tom and Jessica, grandmother Olga Palmer and brother Paul Phillips. As well as the countless friends she has forever touched. Visitation will take place on Friday, September 19th 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. at Park Place Funeral Home, 51 Broadway Boulevard, Sherwood Park, Alberta with celebration of her life on September 20th at 10:00 a.m. Private family burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Janet's memory can be made to: Athabasca Gymnastics Club (Sue) 780-675-9530 Brett Jr's School - Whispering Hills Primary School for children's activities. 780-675-4546 and/or Athabasca Golf & Country Club Ladies Night

The 2008 Academic Ranking of World Universities

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:36:00 +0000

Well UofT made it (#24 overall, #19 in North America), so did UBC (28/35), McGill (42/60), McMaster (54/89), UofA (59-77/101-151), and Université de Montréal (59-77/101-151). The last two are not specifically ranked, only placed in a category range.

http://www.arwu.org/rank2008/EN2008.htm

What is interesting is that the web site is copyright by the Center for World-Class Universities (a Chinese organization). And they describe the purpose as finding the gap between Chinese universities and world-class ones. The top Chinese university is the National Taiwan Univ. (17-22/152-200) followed by Chinese Univ. Hong Kong (23-41/201-302). The first mainland China university is Nanjing Univ. (23-41/201-302). Admittedly so, the ranking are for their sake of establishing standards for themselves and best practices and allow them to model, learn, or pull from the top universities. The rankings were not meant for any other purpose.

Sure is interesting to read.

Time flies - are we having fun yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 14:23:00 +0000

I can not believe how quickly time flies - in all aspects of life, and specifically in the blogosphere. It has been so long since I last posted and although I have thought to myself on many occasions it is time to blog again - time did not wait.

My friend Dave has recently convinced me the two of us need a blog that we can contribute together on. He has already posted seven or so entries and he is still waiting for my first. Now that I have finally gotten Scribefire configured I am hoping that first entry will come soon. Check it out here: http://daveh-flatearththingswethoughtweknew.blogspot.com/

Blackberry Bloggin'

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 17:21:00 +0000

Who ever thought it would be so hard to maintain a blog pressence? At least I am able to post from my mobile device. How else would I ever keep this thing alive?

-----------------------------------------------------

The best coffee table ever

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:14:00 +0000

This has to be the best coffee table ever. I can not wait until my house could have several of these - countertops, walls in the living room, etc. Check it out.

And then there were three...

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 03:17:00 +0000

Of course the more important news this past week is the birth of our third son, Harrison Dean Price. Born 9 lbs and 14 oz, he is a splitting image (literally) of his two older brothers. Such a precious gift. We are so happy. And both Dawson and Ethan are such proud big brothers. Dawson has continued to be so helpful around the house especially with anything Harrison. Ethan gives Harry precious kisses and walks room to room calling, "baby". I am such a proud papa. God bless my sons.

March is Madness

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 03:15:00 +0000

The last day in March and the Heels have not been playing for almost a week. Florida and Ohio State will meet in the National Championship Game on Monday night. Too bad. I was cheering for Georgetown and UCLA. Which is funny in itself.

Heels coming together

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:22:00 +0000

Playing well in March is really the goal of college basketball teams. The best two teams playing in March even get to play one game in April.

With a number 1 seed, the North Carolina Tarheels are on the road to that April game. It will not be easy, buy the Tobacco road Heels are playing some of their best ball of the year. With their first ACC Tournament Championship since '98, the young Heels are really playing with their balanced attack. Posts Tyler Hansborough and Brendan Wright are nicely complimented by point guard Ty Lawson and wings Reyshawn Terry and Wayne Ellington. And then there is the bench.

The East divisional will be a difficult one. With number two seed Georgetown, three seed Washington St. and a surprisingly (low) four, Texas, the East is arguable the toughest region. This bods well. The team able to survive will be well prepared and confident heading into the final four.

And I like the Heels. Good luck boys.

Mortality Test

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 01:21:00 +0000

MORALITY QUIZ
This test only has one question, but it's a very important one. By giving an honest answer, you will discover where you stand morally.

The test features an unlikely, fictional situation in which you will have to make a decision. Remember that your answer needs to be honest, and spontaneous.

-------------------------
THE SITUATION

You are in New Orleans, There is chaos all around you caused by a hurricane with severe flooding. You are a photo journalist working for a major newspaper and you're caught in the middle of this epic disaster.
You're trying to shoot career-making photos. There are houses and people swirling around you, and disappearing under the water.

===============================================
THE TEST

Suddenly you see a man in the water. He is fighting for his life, trying not to be taken down with the debris. You move closer. Somehow the man looks familiar. You suddenly realize who it is. It's the President, George W. Bush." The rest here: scott... diagonally parked in a parallel universe

Come on Heels

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 02:59:00 +0000

Being a sportsfan is really frustrating. Take the UNC Tarheels. I so want to see them win. And what do they do? Drop easy leads and lose to teams in the middle of the pack or worse. I love that team though. All I can do is hope they get it together. Young teams are hard to watch. But when things role it sure is fun to watch.

Up this week is Georgia Tech and then the much-loved rivalry with Duke.

Go Heels!

A great quote and a good philosophy. From Lori via Scott.

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:20:00 +0000

scott... diagonally parked in a parallel universe

Wednesday, January 24, 2007
coming this week...

"There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: Those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed." Ray Goforth

And I am neither of those two types. You are making a difference. You will succeed. For those who tell you otherwise, tell them to Piss Off."

Technorati Tags: scott,

Baby number 3 has been announced!

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 02:17:00 +0000

The approach I am taking with baby #3 on the way is quite different from baby #2. Part of that has to do with Ethan being 14 months old and a great source of entertainment and exercise. Chasing him around is helping me keep my sympathy pounds in check. And I am loving every minute of it. Back to baby 3 - I am so looking forward to meeting this new life. Ethan has brought so much of his own uniqueness to our world that I can not wait to have an additional life joining the family. Makes a guy sentimental.

Me and my boys

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 02:31:00 +0000

Tonight I am with the boys. Sue is out and I get time with Ethan and Dawson. A little bit of time with Ethan. We finish supper and then it's bath time and shortly after that to bed. But it is all fun time. Then Dawson and I get just over an hour for the two of us. It really is exciting time. The best part is that I am enjoying probably more than them. And that is saying a lot because to have Dad all to themselves is quite enjoyable. Family is so much fun.

But I miss my wife at the same time. How healthy is this for her though to get time to herself. She has been a full-time mom as of late and to get some adult time away from the kids will be enjoyable. Bet she misses us.

Getting Ready for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 04:22:00 +0000

Of course the NORAD Santa tracker is the way to go:
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/tracking.php

This will be Ethan's second Christmas, what with him 1, Dawson 7, and little baby boy #3 on the way, we are all very excited. As per usual, we have gone overboard and there are too many gifts to be shared. Makes me wonder what we can do for those less fortunate than us. It is easy to think of things; much harder to actually do something. Life is just a little too comfortable. That's my gift to myself, that realization.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Firefox 2.0 and PerFormancing

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 03:05:00 +0000

Test entry - I have installed Firefox 2.0 and am using the PeFormancing extension to allow me to have nice quick entries into my Blog. As you regular readers know I am very inconsistent in my blogging habits. This might be the turning point...and I am sure you have heard that before.

Let's stay tuned.

Technorati Tags: PerFormancing, inconsistent blogging,

Me, myself, and Ethan

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 02:58:00 +0000

With his first birthday just four days ago it is frsh in my mind how precious life really is. This is me and my baby.

Hansbrough Mellows As Sophomore...Maybe

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 02:55:00 +0000

You wouldn't expect a bunch of white guys to be the MVP's each year. With Adam Morrison and MVP J.J. Reddick last year and this year...Ty Hansbrough.

Lucas: Hansbrough Mellows As Sophomore...Maybe :: Carolina's standout sophomore might be less uptight than last year, but he's still just as intense.

Harry Potter Book 7 / Movie 5

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Wed, 04 Oct 2006 03:47:00 +0000

I am getting excited. The new Harry Potter book is due next summer. As well, the movie "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" based on Book 5 is coming soon too. Check out this cool countdown.

Television

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Sat, 23 Sep 2006 03:44:00 +0000

It amazes me the variety of different shows one can find on the tube. Our favorites include:

Monday – CSI: Miami

Tuesday –

Wednesday – CSI: New York

Thursday – Survivor, CSI

Friday – Ghost Whisperer, Close to Home

Saturday –

Sunday – Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

These are the regular shows. In the past two months I recall also watching: Simpsons, Futuroma, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, FearFactor, COPS, Junk Bros., MythBusters, America’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal,

And regular sports broadcasts of: golf, college basketball, football, world cup soccer, tennis, the occasional hockey game, and any one of those japenese game shows.

All in all I average 12 hours tv per week. 8 is my minimum, and some weeks I can watch 20 hours.

Pretty sad.

Calgary Flames and my son the sports fan

noreply@blogger.com (Steve) — Thu, 21 Sep 2006 04:23:00 +0000

I took Dawson to his second NHL game last night. Sure it was only pre-season, but NHL is NHL to us. All the way to the Saddledome Dawson spoke of how the Flames suck and he is a big Canucks fan. Well it took the first Calgary goal to change his mind. As soon as the flames came shooting up from the overhead torches he became in-love with the “Flames”. We left there with a much lighter wallet. With a t-shirt, Iginla commerative coin, and a 24 month sleeper for his 11 month old brother, we are now true Flames fans.

I have not mentioned to him my love for the Oilers. I’ll save that for the next game.