We watched Lawrence of Arabia last night, another one on the AFI list. It was an interesting story, but you can't believe after such a long story that nothing really seems to be resolved. One interesting part was seeing Alec Guiness (aka Obi-Wan) as middle eastern Prince Feisal. Alec has been in a lot of great movies, and several on the AFI top 100.

I would still only give this 3 out of 5 stars. Great cinematography, costumes, but you really need a better ending.

My new paintball gun came in today. Very exciting stuff. I am checking out the local fields to figure out when and where to play. I used to play a lot in high school, and I'm looking forward to getting back into it.

Watched the French Connection two nights ago. It was Best Picture, Director and Actor (Gene Hackman in 1971 I believe. I was disappointed. The big scene was the car chase, but obviously those have gotten better. It was difficult to follow, with some random elements not followed. Perhaps the reason why I didn't enjoy it very much was that it seemed like a typical cop movie. I'm sure it started some of the common themes in police stories like the police chief who doesn't believe the cop and pulls them off the case.

So another one of the AFI top 100. I recounted and was surprised I was not even half way through yet... but I'm close. Lawrence of Arabia is the highest ranked film on the list that I haven't seen. My favorites of the top 100 thus far: Star Wars Episode IV, Rear Window (Hitchcock), Sound of Music, Raiders of the lost Ark, and Forrest Gump.

I saw Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid this week. It was in the AFI top 100. It was interesting, but I didn't think it was that good. I was surprised it won several musical oscars. It did have "Raindrops keep falling on my head", which was great, but other than that it was not good. Strange seeing actors I know as older when they were young.

I am still aiming to view all of the AFI top 100. The French Connection is likely next...

Sarah G reports her running regularly on her blog. I really haven't run since my Thanksgiving half-marathon, but Chrissy is training for a full. I am trying to run with 1-2 times per week, but as the distances get longer I may not be able to keep up. We shall see.

Patrick and I won Civilization yesterday, but it was really anyone's game. Everyone ganged up on Patrick because he got out to a large lead. I was in last place, but was better prepared for the end of the game than anyone else. I told the guys yesterday, one of my resolutions is to play more strategy games. And I'm serious - I really enjoy the fun and mental stimulation.

Random thought of yesterday - One of the modern convienances I am most thankful for is a hot shower. I really hate getting in cold water, and I can't imagine that. I don't feel fully ready for my day until I have had my shower.

Carter, Kent, Patrick, Tom and I are having a strategy games day today, which should be excellent. We are going to play a couple new board games including Civilization and/or Puerto Rico. I have been looking forward to it.

The headhunters/recruiters have been calling and emailing a lot at work this week. I think they figure that the new year is a time when a lot of people are looking for a change.

Happy New Year!

It has been a great vacation. New Year's was a fun, laidback evening. I do regret that we never had a strategy games day. The Tech football game was disappointing. Usually a bowl win will be enough to get me excited for the rest of the offseason. We'll see how college basketball plays out.