Apartment

I notified the apartment manager's office yesterday that I'll be renewing. I'm comfortable where I'm living at right now. The apartment is nice and the location the complex is located at is great. I can be in Washington D.C. or Baltimore in less than an hour. It's also close to the base I use for any medical check-ups or occasionally shopping at the Commissary. I do hope to eventually buy a house but that's a ways off. The job situation needs to get settled first. Also, I'm still hoping to do a Globus tour of Scandanavia next year. We'll see on that. Another reason, I decided to renew was they only raised my rent $17. I thought they were going to raise it $100 so I counted my blessings and decided to stay put.

Columbia Mall

I visited Columbia Mall yesterday. I haven't visited that mall in a while and wanted to see if there were any Pug dogs at the Today's Pet petshop. Sadly, they didn't have any Pugs. I still dream about getting a couple when I one day buy a house. I also treated myself to a smoothie at The Great American Cookie shop. They make pretty decent smoothies there. Then, I walked around the mall. In my opinion, not much has changed there. I think I got some looks thanks to my long hair. I've been letting it grow just because I can now that I'm retired from the military. It's been fun letting it grow long. It also goes well with the Medieval Times theme. If I get to go into the Air Force Reserve, I'll have to get it cut. That will be a serious bummer. Still, I'm hoping I'll get to go into the Reserve. I'm still waiting for word on the test I took this month. If I pass it, I get to go into the Reserve. We'll see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

College Update

I got some nice news yesterday concerning the college class I'm taking. I earned a B+ on my first writing assignment. I was really pleased. Now, I only have one more writing assignment to go. I promptly picked the topics I was going to write on next. I plan to write essays on appearance vs. reality in Tennessee William's The Glass Menagerie. My second essay is going to be analyze two of the mother-daughter relationships in Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club.

Also concerning college, next week I plan to go into the University of Maryland office on base and figure out what class I'm going to take this summer. I plan to speak with one of the counselors who can tell me which ones would meet which requirements. I plan to put off taking Junior-level poetry until the last class I need. I like poetry but I hate writing about it. A lot of poetry is very abstract and I'm very literal. I remember one professor I took a class with. We had to do a paper on some poems and he slammed me for not hitting on all these themes that were supposedly in the poems. I couldn't see these subtle themes and wondered where he was finding that stuff. Because of that, poetry is going to be my last class toward my degree.

Medieval Times Update

I worked at Medieval Times today. It was kinda slow. Mondays and Tuesdays generally are. They don't do any shows on those days so it's a lot quieter. One thing of note did happen though. Today, they had a wireless internet antenna hooked up in the Hall of Arms area. What is so special about that you ask? It will enable anyone with a laptop computer to hook-up to the internet wirelessly. What is even more noteworthy about the wireless connection is the speed. Those who surf the internet at the Medieval Times I work at will able to hook-up to the internet at 5 count-em 5 megabytes per second! The only price for using this service will be buying a cup of coffee at the bar. It's a fantastic bargain. I plan to try it out myself and get to use my employee discount. I also found out today that I get to use my employee discounts now vice having to wait until my 90-day probationary period is over. I think this is awesome and sneaky of Medieval Times. Awesome since I can start saving money there immediately. Sneaky because it means they're going to get some of paycheck back NOW. I was planning on waiting the 90-days before I started buying some stuff there. Now, I 'll be able to start doing some of my Christmas shopping early. Hm. I need to get some stuff for the family Christmas grab bag stocking. I could get a couple decks of their playing cards. I could buy one of the charm boxes. I think either my sister or step-mom would like one of those. Plus, they have some nice fans which they or my other step-mom Jane might like. I also have to get one of those Medieval Times magnets for the grab bag. They also got some more daiquiri glasses in. I think those would be great for drinking smoothies in. Supposedly, they can hold over 40 ounces of your favorite drink! What could I get my brother Hank? Maybe an autographed picture from Princess Esperanza. He's a serious playboy and loves the babes. Princess Esperanza is a very nice looking lady so he might get a kick out of that. I don't know what I could get my Dad. He's not into swords. I'll have to look around some more for him. For myself, I want one of the adult wooden swords. They're pretty neat looking. That should be enough for now. I don't want to spend a whole paycheck there though it would be easily enough to do. Stay tuned for more updates on Medieval Times.

P.S.

For those who are hard of hearing or deaf, The Baltimore (Arundel Mills Mall) Medieval Times will be doing a special show in April where they'll have someone signing so those who understand sign language will be able to know what the actors and actresses are saying in the show. These special shows are done once a quarter. If you'd like to know the specific date, please leave me a comment, I'll find out the date, and post it.

Market Day at SHARE

I got to help out at Market Day at the Washington D.C. SHARE. If you haven't read my previous posts on SHARE, market day is where SHARE tries to sell the surplus bits from previous monthly specials. One noteworthy example were Thanksgiving turkeys. SHARE was selling young turkeys weighing between 7 and 8 pounds for just $6! I don't cook but, I couldn't pass up a bargain like that so I bought one as a small gift for Tami's family. I also some frozen vegetables. They were selling 2-pound bags of mixed frozen vegetables for $1. They were also selling two 12-ounce packages of bacon for $3.50. I don't know if that was the greatest bargain but I haven't had bacon in a while and so I bought some.

SHARE also came out with some new SHARE clothes. The item that particularly caught my eye was a 3-season coat. The coat has a fleece liner, zippered pockets, a hidden breast pocket, and other handy features (ok, I don't remember what the other features were). It also has the SHARE logo on it. I've been wanting something that makes me look like one of the "official" SHARE folks and this coat/jacket fits the bill. The coat sells for $48. I plan to buy mine tomorrow.

One last item concerning SHARE, early next month the Washington D.C. SHARE will be celebrating its 16th anniversary. They plan to honor the volunteers who have played such an important part in helping SHARE function. If you've helped out, you might want to come out and join the celebration. It should be a fun time.

A Long Day

I had a long day yesterday. I got to help out at SHARE and then worked seven hours at Medieval Times. It was neat to help out at SHARE. Sadly, I haven't been able to help out there as much as I use to. I've been busy with work and school. Yesterday was distribution Saturday and it was hectic at SHARE. People came in steadily till at least 9 a.m. I got busy retrieving carts and moving food with one of the manual jacks SHARE has. I also picked up a ham I bought from SHARE. SHARE was offering an 8 to 9 pound pre-cooked spiral cut ham for $20. As far as I know, that's a really good deal. I also bought one of the hams before and I was very pleased with it. In regards to helping more at SHARE, I should be able to now that my first college writing assignment is done. I hope I can get down there tomorrow and help out with Market Day.

In regards to Medieval Times, it is never a dull moment there. We had TWO sold out shows so we were very busy and very packed. I got assigned to watching one of the entrances and that meant I was the primary person a lot of folks went to with questions. I have a confirmation number, will that get me in? No it won't, you have to go to the ticket window, pick up your tickets, and then go through the tower to get your seating assignment. We're going to wait for some friends of ours and then get our seating assignments. The best option is to get your seating assignments now since seating is FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. You'll get better seats for yourself AND your friends if you go through the line NOW. Which are the best seats at Medieval Times? The best seats are in the Red and Yellow and Black and White sections. These are equivalent to the 50 yard line at football games. How long does the show last? The show and dinner last 2 hours. Can people leave Medieval Times once they have their seating assignments? Yes they can. Just make sure you have your plastic seating card so they security person will let you back in. Also, please make sure you get back before they start seating people so you don't miss any of the show. FYI, you won't lose your seats once you have your seating assignment card BUT you are paying good money to see the show. Wouldn't you want to see the WHOLE show since you paid for it? When will they let people into the arena so they can sit at their table? The Lord Chancellor will direct people to the two sets of double doors 15 minutes before the show is supposed to start. People will start entering the arena 10 minutes before the show is suppose to start. If you go the right set of double doors, the first group that will be called are those sitting in the Green section, followed by the Red and Yellow section, and lastly, the Blue Section. Those going through the left set of double doors will be seated in the following order, Red Section first, Black and White Section second, and lastly, the Yellow Section. Why does Medieval Times seat people that way? Because it is the best way to seat people. The people in the Red and Green Sections are the ones sitting in the arena farthest from the doors so it makes sense to get them in first. The people in the Blue and Yellow Sections are the ones sitting closest to the doors so it makes sense seating them last. After many years doing this, Medieval Times has their system down pat.

Concerning things Medieval Times can do for special occasions, Medieval Times has a number of things they can do for special occasions. The cheapest is an announcement during the show for $10 (not including tax). After that, it depends on how fancy you want to get. For $20 (not including tax), you can get knighted. What you get for being knighted is a picture of King Alfonso knighting you (you kneel on the royal cushion, wear the knighting cloak, and are dubbed a knight by King Alfonso with the royal sword), a scroll saying you were knighted, and having it announced during the show. It's a nice ceremony and I've done it myself. Depending on how much money you want to spend, you can also get a sword included with your knighting or a faux pearl tiara if your a lady being knighted. (I have a sword and scabbard from mine.) Medieval Times can provide birthday cakes for an additional charge. There isn't any problem if you want to bring your own cake which they will gladly cut and serve to the members of your group during the meal. The person to see if you're interested in being knighted or having someone knighted is the scroll mistress. Her desk is close to the bar (at the Arundel Mills Medieval Times, I have no idea where the scroll mistress may be located at other Medieval Times) and has the swords, princess hats, and tiaras they offer for the knighting ceremony.

Another important note, if you use a wheelchair, walker, or cane, Medieval Times can pre-seat you. I deal with this myself. One of my main jobs before a show starts is to look for and sign up people for pre-seating. What pre-seating is, is letting those people who have to use a wheelchair, walker, or cane to enter the arena and be seated before everyone else. It gives them a little more time to get to their seat and keeps them from being rushed by the rest of the guests. If you use a wheelchair, walker, or cane, I strongly recommend you take advantage of this service. It will really makes things easier for you. There is one catch with this service, we try to limit the size of the group we'll pre-seat to ten people. Once you have your seating cards, you will get to sit together so it isn't crucial everyone in your group be seated at the same time.

Concerning the meal, the meal is standardized. It is a bowl of soup, a piece of garlic bread, half a roasted chicken, half a baked potato, one spare rib, a pastry or piece of cake, and two glasses (I believe) of unsweetened ice tea or diet Pepsi. Coffee is provided free of charge at the end of the meal. All other drinks must be bought from the bar. There are other special dietary meals available such as the vegetarian plate and Kosher plate. These have to be requested in advance so the kitchen has sufficient time to prepare them. No dining utensils are provided for eating the food. All food is eaten with your fingers or in the case of the soup slurped. You can however request dining utensils from your serving wench or serf.

One last item, which shows are more prone to sell out? Survey says (stolen from the show Family Feud) Saturdays hands down. Wednesdays appear to be our least busy. Medieval Times offers matinee shows and will be offering some special shows for the hearing impaired. I have no idea what the hearing impaired shows are like as I haven't worked one of those yet.

One disclaimer, all comments posted in this blog are my own and are not the official opinions or judgements of the Arundel Mills Medieval Times, other Medieval times locations, or the Medieval Times parent organization. All information is accurate as far as I know but do consider I'm still learning and so it is possible I got it wrong. If the matter is important to you, I would check with the appropriate Medieval Times to make sure what I've said is correct. I will post corrections when I find out I've posted something that was wrong. If you know that something I've posted is wrong, PLEASE post a comment so I can post a correction. I do try to be as accurate as possible.

My Life

I can't say my life has been very exciting lately. I continue to work at Medieval Times. I'm still learning things there like what light switches affect which lights in the castle. I also continue to find it a real challenge dealing with the customers. Hopefully, I've gotten more would be customers interested in Medieval Times than I've turned off. I really do think it's a neat place.

I also continue to slog away at the college class I'm taking. I finished two essays today that were due. I don't know if they were very good but I was pleased that I turned them in on time. I've failed classes because I couldn't get off my lazy butt and get the assignments done. It would be awesome of I could pass the class I'm taking. I'd be just 12 credit hours away from finishing my Bachelor's degree. We'll see.

I bought some more movies on DVD at Sam's Club. I found that Sam's Club offers some nice deals on movies that have been out a while. I was able to get The Music Man for just $8.24. I also found out that Circuit City doesn't offer as good a deal. I checked some of the DVDs there and they wanted $15 plus.

Lastly, I finally got off my duff and mailed my tax stuff to a CPA I use. I figured it was time I got my taxes done. I'm glad I don't have to figure out what they're going to be this year. I've changed my state of residence, I've retired, and I've worked for two different employers besides the Air Force. I don't envy the CPA I'll be using.

Postal Service Exam

I received the results from the U.S. Postal Service exam I took over three weeks ago. To my disappointment, I scored 82.7. I'd hoped to score higher though I did get a passing score. According to my sister Ellie, my name now goes on a list and I'll get called once the Post Office gets down to my score. Considering how I scored, that could be a while. Oh well. To be completely honest, I'm more concerned about another test I took a couple weeks ago. If I pass that test, I'll get to go into the Air Force Reserve and return to my old job. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I passed that test. We'll see.

Updated Sealing Wax

I've discovered a better way of using sealing wax on letters. I found out there is a thing called a melting spoon. While a melting spoon doesn't look like a spoon, it handles like one and enables a person to melt enough sealing wax to do just one or two seals. The biggest advantage of using a melting spoon is that you don't have any sealing wax that is on fire dropping on to your letter. What you do is place enough sealing wax into the small metal cup at the end of the spoon. You then hold the cup over a candle or lighter until the wax melts in the metal cup. Once the wax is melted, you pour the wax onto your letter, and then press whatever seal you're going to use into the hot wax. Since no flame makes direct contact with the wax, there isn't any way for it to catch on fire and possibly set your letter on fire. This is obviously a huge advantage over using sealing wax sticks that have wicks in them. I've used sealing wax sticks with wicks and I've had letters catch on fire at least two or three times because of them.

Another advantage of using a melting spoon is that you can use sealing wax beads. The beads are cheaper per seal then sealing wax sticks. Using LetterSeals.com's sealing wax beads, the cost of a wax seal is just 8 cents vice 35 cents using sealing wax sticks.

The one disadvantage with a melting spoon is trying to buy one. I searched for one and finally found one as part of a set sold by bridal people.com (I've removed the link here). The set costs $32.25 not including shipping. (THIS OFFER IS NO LONGER VALID.) The set comes with a melting spoon, a packet of red sealing wax beads, a stick of silver sealing wax, a small portable burner so you can have something to melt the wax in your melting spoon while your travelling, and three seals (a fleur-de-lis, a fish, and an anchor). Considering that a seal alone can cost you over $8 each, the set is a good value. Still, I do wish I could buy the melting spoon separately.

Updated December 24, 2012

Since people are reading this blog entry, I decided to check it and see if it needed updating. It did. First, as far as I can tell, the bridal people web site I posted no longer sells the set I mention. Second, you can buy a sealing wax melting spoon by itself from www.letterseals.com for $12.50 plus shipping. You will need something to heat the spoon so the wax will melt. I use a small alcohol burner which does a fine job of heating the spoon. Lastly, as an fyi, if you mail a letter with a wax seal on it, you will have to put an extra 17 cents postage on it if mailed in the United States. I believe the reason for it is because it increases the WIDTH of the letter or invitation and, U.S. Postal Service does charge extra for wide/thick letters. I remember my step-mother Kay getting hit with a postage due notice from the postal service because I'd put a wax seal on the letter I mailed her. Also, you may want to put an extra sheet of paper around your letter in the envelope so, you're letter doesn't get messed up where the seal is put. I believe the wax can cause writing on the letter in the envelope to smear like it would if you accidentally poured some kind of liquid on the letter.

Disgusted with Northwest Airlines

I got an a weekly Northwest Airlines promotion email today and found out about a new deal they're offering. Northwest is going to start a test product program where they reserve 5% of the aisle and exit row seats in economy and sell them for an extra $15 each. So you get to pay to fly economy and then pay again to get a good seat in economy. Is this disgusting? I couldn't believe they would do such a revolting double squeeze on their passengers. I definitely don't plan on paying them an additional $15 each way just to get a better normal economy seat. For that matter, I may start trying to fly Southwest Airlines more often. One nice thing about Southwest is that if you check-in early, you can sit all the way in the front of the plane for no extra charge. I also suspect they're cheaper too. Northwest Airlines should dump this test program immediately! The airlines are already shortchanging customers enough.

Book Review - The Grapes of Wrath

I finished reading The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck yesterday. I had to read it for the college class I'm taking. The novel has become the story that has defined the Depression Era in the United States. No other novel has taken root in the American consciousness about that time like The Grapes of Wrath. The reasons may be many. It is a story about survival. The Joad family have to battle the elements on the exodus to California. Once they arrive, they have to deal with hostility from native Californians, greedy large landownders and corporations, starvation, and appalling living conditions. The novel also vividly depicts just how hard life was during the Depression. My step-mom had relatives who lived during that time and according to them, Steinbeck was smack on in his telling of how hard life was during that time. Another reason why the novel has defined the era is because it shows how the migrant families fit into the big picture of what was happening in the United States at the time. Ultimately, whatever the reason, the novel has defined the era like F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby defined the Roaring 20's.

The book itself is wonderfully written and is an easy read. My only complaint with the book is that it is so unbelievably sad. One disaster after another befalls the Joad family. They and other migrants are taken advantage of by greedy large landowners and companies who use them to make themselves rich. The books begs for justice for these suffering people. If you hate seeing people taken advantage of, you're not going to want to read this book. For myself, I didn't care to read the novel because some of the things in it hit a little close to home. I've had to deal with recruiters from various companies and like some of the agents in the novel who look for workers, the recruiters haven't been the most honest folks. Another item I discovered about the novel is that it isn't accurate or in some cases historically true. Keith Windschuttle wrote an essay called "Steinbeck's myth on the Okies." http://www.newcriterion.com/archive/20/jun02/steinbeck.htm. This essay shows that the number of Okies who migrate to California were not the number Steinbeck claims. It also shows that the Joad family would've been the extraordinary exception of those migrating. According to Windschuttle, the average size family that made the journey was approximately 4.4 members. Also, sharecroppers were far more prone to move than what Steinbeck shows. Overall, the novel can't be taken as historical fact.

Still, the novel does show how hard life could be during this great era in U.S. history. In that regard, the reader might find it an interesting read. Overall, I would say it is a great novel though one I wouldn't care to read. It is simply too depressing. I like to read more cheerful or escapist stuff. I can't recommend this novel unless you want to read something about the Great Depression in the U.S. Then, I would recommend the novel as long as you don't take it for historical fact. There is much that isn't true or is exaggerated in the novel. Also, Steinbeck was heavily influenced at the time he wrote the novel by his marriage to Carol Henning who was a Marxist as well as other Communist friends. Steinbeck talks about a future uprising in the novel. This was wishful thinking of those in the Communist movement of the time. As long as you take the inaccuracies that Windschuttle mentions, the novel will give you an idea of hard the Depression era was for people in the U.S.

Lord of the Rings

First, if you are interesting in buying one of the Lord of the Rings swords or axes, you might want to do so quickly. For unknown reasons, United Cutlery is apparently stopping production of most of the blades. I think this royally stinks as these blades are some of the finest and most beautiful that have been produced in some time. I've seen other swords at various blade shops and they look like the crap. The Lord of the Rings blades have been consistently excellent. If you want a nice decorative sword that doesn't look kitchshe, you might want to get one of the Lord of the Rings blades before they're sold out.

Second, if you haven't heard, the Lord of the Rings musical has opened in Toronto, Canada. As far as I know, it has been well recieved. I still wonder how they could do a musical based on the books in 3 and a half hours. Maybe, I'll be able to get up to Toronto sometime to find out.

Third, no word on New Line and Sony doing a deal so "The Hobbit" can be made. Peter Jackson reportedly is willing though I haven't heard how his lawsuit was going with New Line which also might affect whether or not he gets to make the movie. I'm still hoping the two studios can get off their greedy butts and do a deal so we can see "The Hobbit" made into a movie vice the cartoon that was done previously (mind you the cartoon version was outstanding in my opinion).

I Got A Job!

I finally have a job that barring any unforeseen circumstances, I should be able to keep as long as I want. As I mentioned in earlier posts, I've been transitioning from military to civilian life. It has been one rough ride. There have been so many jobs that I thought I was going to get only to see them fall through. I finally got a job with the Arundel Mills Medieval Times which should be reliable and steady. What do I do at Medieval Times? I provide security. I make sure no one gets one in who doesn't have a ticket. I help pre-seat people. I make sure no one tries to through anything into the arena during the show. I make sure people don't bang the plates and cups together or against the table. I also make sure the food servers stay out of certain areas when certain events are taking place. I notify management if someone drinks one too many mugs of beer or glasses of wine. Lastly, I answer lots of questions from customers. That has been the most challenging part as I've had to learn a LOT about Medieval Times in order to answer their questions. In cases where I don't know the answer, I have to find the person who does know the answer. Medieval Times is very customer oriented and one of the most important things I do is help customers. I've found that really surprising as it isn't something you'd normally associate with security. The job has been neat in that I've gotten to interact with the people who play the King, Princess, Lord Chancellor, and Knight Marshal. I've gotten to see how things are behind the scenes. It is fascinating to see how the show is put together. Finally, it has been neat to see how much the kids that come to Medieval Times enjoy it. The little girls who dress up as princesses look incredibly cute. The little boys with their toy swords remind me when I was a kid and dreamed of being a knight. Sometimes, adults will dress the part too. One guy who inquired about working at Medieval Times looked the part already. My only disappointment of sorts is that I don't get to wear a costume. I can't in order to do my job. People have to have to take me seriously and they might not if I was in costume. Oh well. Barring that, the job has been a lot of fun and I look forward to continuing to work at Medieval Times. It is a neat place. If you like jousting, a nice story, and good food you can eat with your fingers or slurp out of the bowl, you might want to check it out. The eight Medieval Times locations (with a ninth opening in the Atlanta area in the summer of 2006) can be found at their website: www.medievaltimes.com.

Speech by President Bush

Last Wednesday as I mentioned in my blog on the Asia Society, I got to hear President Bush speak. President Bush's staff had apparently asked the Society if they would welcome him speaking on India and Pakistan before he left for his trip to those two countries. The Society gladly accepted and quickly made arrangements for the speech. It was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington D.C. The hotel is a very posh hotel and is located close to the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument.

Bush's speech was informative. He stated how important India and Pakistan are. He told about some of the things he planned to discuss with each of its leaders. He planned to further cooperation between India and the U.S. in matters of terrorism, promoting democracy, free trade, the environment, and energy. Bush urged India to allow international scrutiny of its civilian nuclear program. He also argued that a prospering India is good for the U.S. economy. He acknowledged that the U.S. had lost jobs to India in the service industries such as computer support help lines. But, he felt the U.S. should be preparing U.S. workers for jobs in the 21st century vice advocating protectionism. He also planned to talk with Indian Prime Minister Singh about Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and a nuclear Iran.

In regards to Pakistan, Bush acknowledged the great risk Pakistani President Musharraf took in aligning his country with the U.S. in the war against terrorism. President Bush wants to build on the friendship between the U.S. and Pakistan and make it a lasting friendship. He plans to continue to work with Pakistan on the issues of terrorism, democracy, a free press, and building civil institutions. Bush pointedly mentioned that the U.S. very much wants to see legitimate elections in Pakistan next year. Bush also plans to do what he can to help Pakistan become more prosperous. He feels that by making Pakistan a more prosperous country, it will reduce the appeal of radical Islam. He also intends to continue work in education including the education of girls and women in Pakistan.

Concerning the speech itself, Bush did stumble on some of the technical terms he used in his speech. Some people may say this show Bush's lack of brain power. I don't see it that way. I think the terms would've been hard to say smoothly in any speech. Some plusses I saw in Bush's speech was the very honest upfront down to earth man that was giving it. There was no mistaking that Bush is from Texas and Texas isn't slick and high falutin. It is a down to earth state that is also honest and hard working. Texas is also no nonsense. If a Texan says he or she believes in something, they do. If they say they're going to do something, they do it. If they promise to do something, they'll do their best to keep their promise. All these traits show in Bush. I personally found it exciting to get to hear his speech and see him only 20 feet away. I hope I get another chance to hear him speak.

Asia Society

Last Wednesday, I got to hear President Bush speak at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington D.C. The speech was part of the Asia Society's 50th Anniversary celebrations. The Asia Society is a non-profit organization society founded by John Rockefeller III in 1956 to increase understanding between the people in Asia and in the U.S. It also works to strengthen relationships between these countries and the U.S. Ever since its founding, it has been growing. It's now an international organization with its headquarters in New York City. It has regional branches in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Melbourne, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Manila. It'll open a new branch in Mumbai, India on March 18th. It offers speeches by various important Asian, U.S. officials, and educators on Asia, art exhibits, classes on various aspects of Asian culture, and education programs. It is a multi-faceted organization. Their website can be found at www.asiasociety.org. Membership rates start at $35 a year for students. If you're interested in Asia and its people, it is an organization you might want to consider joining.

Book Review - The Last Battle

With great sadness, I read the last book of the Chronicles of Narnia. I've enjoyed the series enormously. The Last Battle which is the final book in the series was another outstanding book. It tells of the last King of Narnia Tirian and how he and Narnia are betrayed by an evil scheming talking ape called Shift. Shift gets a donkey friend of his called Puzzle to don a lion skin and impersonate Aslan, the great lion. Shift uses the Puzzle as the fake Aslan to gain the support of numerous talking beasts. He also uses the fake Aslan to gain power in Narnia which he subsequently betrays to the Calormen, a Persian like empire that borders Archenland and Narnia. Tirian discovers Shifts treachery but is unable to save Narnia. He and a few supporters fight the Calormen and animals supporting Shift in one last battle. At the same time, Shift and the Calormen called upon Tash and to their surprise Tash answers! Tash is the God the Calormen worship and is in fact a demon with the head of bird, four arms ending in claws, and a very deadly presence. If that isn't enough, Aslan also appears and saves Tirian as well as Eustace Scrubb and Jill Pole who are sent to Tirian's aid. Ultimately, Tirian loses the last battle but, Aslan causes the world of Narnia to be destroyed. In an allegory to Christian doctrine, every animal and being has to go before Aslan. If the animal or being loved Aslan, he or she goes to the "real" Narnia (the one all the kids have adventures in is a shadow of the "real" Narnia). If they don't love Aslan, they are sent to the land of Tash the Demon where they undoubtedly suffer terribly. Christian doctrine says that at the last judgement, every person, both believer and unbeliever will come before Jesus Christ and be judged. If they accepted Jesus Christ as their saviour, they will join Jesus Christ in heaven forever. If they rejected him, they are cast into the lake of fire with the evil one and his fallen angels. You can see the similarity. Like those who go to heaven, all those who go to Aslan's land know perfect contentment and can never sin again. In the "real" Narnia, life will be many times better than it ever was in the "shadow" Narnia. This is like how it supposedly will be in heaven.

In a touching ending, all the kids who played such key parts in Narnia come back except for Susan Pevensie who it seems can't be bothered with childish Narnia. She has more important things like lipstick, pantyhose, and staying forever 25. The other kids know what is important and do what they can for Narnia. Because of this, they get to return to the "real" Narnia forever where they will be with their Narnian friends. It's a beautiful ending to a wonderful series.

Overall, the book is excellent as is the whole Narnia series. My only complaint is I wish C. S. Lewis had written more of them. I've truly enjoyed the books. I would heartily recommend them to anyone. I would give one bit of advice. I would recommend you buy the books in a set as you could save some serious money. I bought the entire series at Sam's Club for $28. Separately, the books would've cost $7 each or $49 total not including tax. My set came with a box too which makes it easier to keep them all together. While the books are meant for kids, I think adults can enjoy them too. They are wonderful fantasy with great messages about faith, courage, love, redemption, and friendship. I can't wait for Disney to do the movies based on the books. As long as Disney stays true to the books, the movies should be a great success. Just a reminder, it will be in April that the first Narnia movie will be released on DVD. Please check my earlier blog on this for the exact date. Cheers!

Guns N' Roses

One rock group that erupted on the scene, got some mega hits, and then self destructed was Guns N' Roses. For years, they remained apart and I personally believed they were finished. Apparently, that isn't the case. I found out on www.contactmusic.com that Guns N' Roses will be coming out with their first album in 13 years in March. I haven't heard any previews of the songs on the album yet so we'll have to see if it ends up being any good. Still, it is something to keep an eye out for.

Snow

We got a bit of snow in Maryland last night. When I awoke (probably around 5 a.m.), the power was out and everything outside was covered in the white stuff. I got dressed, went outside, dug in the snow, and guesstimated that we received between 5 and 6 inches of snow. Later, I dug my car out and cleared away the snow around Tami's parent's car. Around noon, the power came back on thankfully. According to Baltimore Gas & Electric's website, over 56,000 people in Anne Arundel county were at one point without power. I can only guess that a major power line went down some where. Right now, it looks very pretty outside. Who knows how long it'll last though. It can be freezing one week in Maryland and in the 60's two weeks later. Hopefully, this will be winter's last hurrah. If that is the case, I'll count my blessings as I think we've had a very mild winter this year.

Book Review - The Silver Chair

I finished the sixth book of the Chronicles of Narnia called The Silver Chair. I found it outstanding like the rest of the books in the chronicles. The story introduces us to Eustace Scrubb who in his desire to escape his terrible school returns to Narnia for a new adventure. His classmate Jill Pole comes along and is introduced to Narnia and becomes one of the key heroes in the story. The two find out that King Caspian's son Prince Rilian has been missing a number of years. Aslan gives them four signs to watch out for and assigns them the task of finding the missing prince. Along the way, the two will meet a marsh-wiggle named Puddleglum who will join them on their quest. They'll discover bad giants eat humans and narrowly escape the giants whose clutches they unwittingly walked into. The meet a people called Gnomes who are under the spell of a witch. And finally, they meet Prince Rilian though they don't know it initially. At first, they think the knight who is in fact Prince Rilian is a total prick but, it turns out the prince is worthy of his great father King Caspian (the same Caspian we meet in Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader). It is here that they are confronted with the fourth sign that Aslan told them to watch for. The three adventurers messed up on the previous three signs. They are determined no matter what, they won't mess up on the fourth. Unknowingly, they help free the prince of the witch's spell and end up doing battle with her. Ultimately they triumph and foil the witch's plans to takeover Narnia. Sadly, Prince Rilian returns in time to say a few last words to his dying father. Eustace and Jill depart with Aslan to Aslan's mountains where they see the dead King Caspian. It is there that we get to see references to Jesus Christ. Aslan tells Eustace to pick a thorn from a bush nearby. Those who remember Christ, remember he was crowned with a crown of thorns. Aslan has Eustace pierce one of his paws with the thorn and then allows a single drop of his blood to touch the dead King Caspian. Caspian comes back to life and is made young again. This is another reference to Christ as it is through his blood that we can be given eternal life like Caspian if we believe in Christ. Caspian will now remain forever young in Aslan's land. Eustace and Jill expect to stay there too but Aslan says now is not the time. Caspian asks Aslan if he may visit Eustace and Jill's world and Aslan permits him too for 5 earth minutes. Here, there is another reference to Christianity for Aslan tells Caspian he can't think anything evil anymore. Christian doctrine teaches that once we who believe in Christ die, we are freed forever from our sin nature and will sin no more. The entire group summarily returns to Eustace and Jill's school where Aslan and Caspian help them defeat the school bullies. Aslan and Caspian return to Aslan's realm but the adventures of Eustace and Jill in Narnia aren't over. They'll be called back one last time in the last book in the chronicles called The Last Battle.

Overall, the book is excellent with plenty of ups and downs. I think this book will make a great movie too and I hope the Disney folks will turn it into one. My only regret with the book is there is only one more book in the Chronicles series. I wish C. S. Lewis had written more of them. Stay tuned for my book review on The Last Battle.

Book Review - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

I finished the fifth book of the Chronicles of Narnia series today. The fifth book is called The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The book brings back Edmund and Lucy and a new character Eustace Scrubb. Eustace is a cousin of Edmund's and Lucy's whom they happen to be visiting. At the beginning of the story, Eustace is a total prick but through various adventures and misadventures Eustace will change like Edmund did and become a decent kid. The story also brings back Caspian who is now King and is off on an expedition to find seven lords who were "encouraged" to leave Narnia by Caspian's usurping Uncle Miraz. The voyage has a number of adventures before reaching the edge of the world. Narnia unlike our world is flat and eventually they nearly reach the land where Aslan and his father the Emperor live. Here Lucy, Edmund, Eustace, and the mouse knight Reepicheep will leave the ship and successfully reach the land where Aslan lives. Here, we will again see clear references to Christianity. Aslan appears to the Lucy, Edmund, and Eustace as a lamb. Aslan tells them that on their world (earth) he is known by another name. He also tells Lucy and Edmund that from now on, they will have to get to know him by that name and that they won't be allowed to return to Narnia any more. It seems they have gotten too old. The book also shows another reference to Christianity when Aslan provides lots of fish for the children to eat. One interesting point Aslan brings up is that Aslan and the land he lives in can be reached from all worlds. It is interesting to ponder that there might be other worlds and races that also know Jesus Christ. One final note, Aslan also reveals to the children that the reason he allowed Lucy and Edmund to return to Narnia was so they would get to know him better. This same reason may be why C.S. Lewis wrote the books in the first place. The books have been a wonderful way to teach various Christian themes and doctrines.

Overall, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is another outstanding book in the series. It sends a number of good messages about greed, fear, friendship, and redemption to kids. Adults however can also enjoy the book. After finishing this book, I couldn't wait to read the next one The Silver Chair. Stay tuned for the future review on that book. Cheers!