The Number of the Beast

When Dinosaurs Ruled the Box Office

I guess this is a bit of a review of Jurassic Park 3D, or more accurately it's me being a fanboy and reminiscing a bit...

Nearly twenty years ago, my dad took my brother and me to see Jurassic Park at the local United Artists movie theater in Mesa, Arizona.  This was a big deal.  If my memory serves me correctly, it was the third movie I ever saw in a theater (after Back to the Future II and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and it may have been my brother's first.

Now it has been re-released as a 3D movie.  The initial reaction to ANY movie being re-released in 3D leads to groan - I think we can thank George Lucas's treatment of the Star Wars franchise for that.  And I'll admit, that was my initial reaction, until I started putting some thought into it.  In short, the movie itself is a really good one and will always be one of my favorites.  The technological marvels in 1993 to make dinosaurs look as real as they do in that movie are what really justify the re-release in 3D, in my opinion.  The 3D treatment really just shows you how well the original was shot, and it feels quite natural and not at all forced.  

If you can remember the feeling you had when you first felt... and I mean felt your seat shake when the bass rumbles and the on screen image of that water cup shakes...  you'll want to experience that again, and see that T-Rex come to life.

Alas, that UA Theater I grew up going to is no longer open - I think part of it is now a Mongolian Stir Fry restaurant - but Jurassic Park lives on.

Tater Madness Champion: Seasoned Curly Fries

After much debate, it has been determined: Seasoned Curly Fries are the ultimate in diced and fried potato goodness.

Thank you to everyone who made their voice heard - we had over 300 votes throughout the whole process.

It's lunch time here in Arizona, and I'm hungry.  Can you guess what my plans are?

Tater Madness, Championship

More ketchup, please.So long, shoestring fries. We barely knew ye. 

In addition to my favorite french fry variety being eliminated, classic regular cut french fries are gone as well.  I will celebrate their end by enjoying platefuls of them this weekend while watching the NCAA Final Four.  It's a hard sacrifice to make, but someone has to put their body on the line.

That being said, it's time for YOU to go vote for the champion spud!

Click to vote: 

• 1. Seasoned Curly Fries vs. 2. Waffle Fries

Updated bracket:

Help Me, Help St. Jude

On April 13, I'm running an obstacle race called Warrior Dash out in Glendale at Camelback Ranch.  During the sign up process, they ask if you want to help raise money, and I mindlessly clicked 'YES'.  Last time I did one of these, I was asked why I was doing it - the only answer I had was that it sounded fun.  Now I feel like there's more at stake.  Let's help some kids and have fun at the same time!

To that end, I need YOUR help in raising funds to help out St Jude Children's Research Hospital.  The money raised will go towards research efforts to treat and prevent illness.  In addition, the children who have already fallen victim to a wide variety of diseases will gain help and support.

If you have $5 or $50, anything is appreciated.  Click the link below to help!

Link: My Fundraising Page on St. Jude's Website

From the bottom of my heart, thank you!