Crunch, crunch. The leaves under my feet made a lovely sound as I walked along the river today. Sunlight sparkled on the river, and the golden autumn leaves waved in the breeze. Feeling healthy and relieved to be done with class for another day, I breathed in deeply of the crisp, cool air. As the fallen leaves protested my footsteps, I noticed the impressions; impressions of leaves in the concrete.
The leaves had long since blown away, but their impressions were still evident in the concrete canvas. I started wondering what kind of impressions I make on those around me and what that looks like.
Realizing that the leaves' impressions were fleeting and would fade as the moisture evaporated, I wondered, too, how long the impressions I make will last.
As I continued to walk and wonder, I came to the end of the concrete and the beginning of asphalt. Being a completely different surface, the leaves made no impressions on it. "Am I impressionable?" I asked myself. "Am I capable of receiving impressions?"
I felt happy and lightened by the beauty of this beautiful earth. Calm and pleasant, the river wound through the trees at a leisurely pace. This time of year, the usual torrents of water have diminished to a gentle trickle, allowing the seagulls and ducks an easy wade in the shallows.
It felt so good to be alive. I felt grateful for eyes to see and ears to hear all of God's creations.
Seasons and transformations...beautiful to behold.
Our Family
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Movie Review
Pass on “The Proposal”
By Liz Harding
Boise, ID—“The Proposal” opens with a harried secretary, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) rushing to fill the coffee needs of his demanding and irrational boss, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock). As the story continues to unfold, it becomes readily apparent that the boss/employee relationship is completely dominated by Tate, savvy editor-in-chief. For three years, Paxton has completely catered to Tate’s every command, and she has been happy to dish them out.
All of this changes, however, when she, a Canadian, is threatened with deportation. In her desperation, she announces that she and her unwitting secretary are engaged and requests a fiancé visa.
Under the watchful eye of the assigned immigration officer, Mr. Gilbertson (Denis O’Hare), the “happy” couple travel to Sitka, Alaska to tell his parents (Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen) and grandmother (Betty White) about the nuptials.
Met with conflicting emotions from family members, the two reaffirm their pact; he will agree to marry her so she can legally remain in the United States, and she will promote him to editor.
A three-day weekend in Alaska can apparently work miracles on even the most hardened and bitter of women. Away from the pressures of her job and the rigors of the city, Tate opens up and shares her deepest feelings, and the two begin to fall in love. The loving feelings begin to surface (after three years of despising each other) after a hurried kiss under familial pressure following the engagement announcement. The fact that his family owned half the town and was filthy rich certainly didn’t hurt, either.
While certain moments of the film garnish genuine laughter, such as when the conflict dynamics change to him being in charge of the relationship and she has to ask him nicely to marry her, most of this 108 minutes is spent with a simple plot-line that even a child could follow. Unfortunately, due to prolonged scenes of nudity, children and teens should not view this film.
In fact, most adults, if they have any sense, will mark “P” for pass on “The Proposal.” An anti-climatic ending, coupled with a completely unrealistic time-line (she miraculously changes from the meanest boss in the universe to his one true love in three short days), and less than stellar acting from Bullock and Nelson make this film worth about a dollar from Red box.
While Bullock’s performance failed to measure up to her incredible talent, White’s portrayal of the grandmother, Gammy, is hilarious and heart-warming. Additionally, Steenburgen’s role as Paxton’s mother is genuine and believable, and Reynolds’ talent finally makes a debut about half-way through the film.
Overall, “The Proposal” is a childish, romanticized spoof on reality with mediocre acting. Entertainment is definitely the name of the game, but it should be at least half-way believable.
Liz Harding is a junior at Boise State University and can be reached at lizharding@u.boisestate.edu.
By Liz Harding
Boise, ID—“The Proposal” opens with a harried secretary, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds) rushing to fill the coffee needs of his demanding and irrational boss, Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock). As the story continues to unfold, it becomes readily apparent that the boss/employee relationship is completely dominated by Tate, savvy editor-in-chief. For three years, Paxton has completely catered to Tate’s every command, and she has been happy to dish them out.
All of this changes, however, when she, a Canadian, is threatened with deportation. In her desperation, she announces that she and her unwitting secretary are engaged and requests a fiancé visa.
Under the watchful eye of the assigned immigration officer, Mr. Gilbertson (Denis O’Hare), the “happy” couple travel to Sitka, Alaska to tell his parents (Craig T. Nelson and Mary Steenburgen) and grandmother (Betty White) about the nuptials.
Met with conflicting emotions from family members, the two reaffirm their pact; he will agree to marry her so she can legally remain in the United States, and she will promote him to editor.
A three-day weekend in Alaska can apparently work miracles on even the most hardened and bitter of women. Away from the pressures of her job and the rigors of the city, Tate opens up and shares her deepest feelings, and the two begin to fall in love. The loving feelings begin to surface (after three years of despising each other) after a hurried kiss under familial pressure following the engagement announcement. The fact that his family owned half the town and was filthy rich certainly didn’t hurt, either.
While certain moments of the film garnish genuine laughter, such as when the conflict dynamics change to him being in charge of the relationship and she has to ask him nicely to marry her, most of this 108 minutes is spent with a simple plot-line that even a child could follow. Unfortunately, due to prolonged scenes of nudity, children and teens should not view this film.
In fact, most adults, if they have any sense, will mark “P” for pass on “The Proposal.” An anti-climatic ending, coupled with a completely unrealistic time-line (she miraculously changes from the meanest boss in the universe to his one true love in three short days), and less than stellar acting from Bullock and Nelson make this film worth about a dollar from Red box.
While Bullock’s performance failed to measure up to her incredible talent, White’s portrayal of the grandmother, Gammy, is hilarious and heart-warming. Additionally, Steenburgen’s role as Paxton’s mother is genuine and believable, and Reynolds’ talent finally makes a debut about half-way through the film.
Overall, “The Proposal” is a childish, romanticized spoof on reality with mediocre acting. Entertainment is definitely the name of the game, but it should be at least half-way believable.
Liz Harding is a junior at Boise State University and can be reached at lizharding@u.boisestate.edu.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Brick 29 Bistro Food Review
Brick 29 bistro serves up a musical medley for the mouth
By Liz Harding
Nampa, Id— Distinctive flavors, sparkling lights, prompt service; Brick 29 Bistro (320 11th Ave. South) provides a sincerely delicious dining experience. Each dish an artistic masterpiece, Chef/owner Dustan Bristol serves up decadent delight in each dish.
For starters, Idaho jo-jos ($5) use at least 2 large russet potatoes cut length-wise. Then, seasoned to perfection, they are stacked “Lincoln-log” style for artistic pleasure and easy pickings. Other tantalizing starters include garlic hummus ($6) served with roasted pitas, and pan-fried oysters ($9) served with cilantro cocktail sauce. In total, seven appetizer choices ($5-10) tempt the taste buds.
While savoring the flavorful appetizers, ample time for a full perusal of Brick 29’s dinner menu is possible. With ten dinners available, even finicky diners have options. Vegetarian fare such as eggplant napoleon ($13) nestles alongside heartier meals such as Black Angus Flat-iron Steak ($18).
Utilizing local and seasonal ingredients, Chef Bristol cooks up additional entrees that vary daily. Knowledgeable staffers describe the surprising and decadent feasts awaiting the diner for the day.
Cooked to order with the freshest ingredients available, the food at Brick 29 is best eaten slowly. The bistro chicken ($14) pleads to be savored and rolled over the tongue as subtle and enticing flavors blend in perfect harmony. A slight hint of bourbon blends with tender wild mushrooms and, paired with chicken so tender it falls apart easily with a fork, the symphony is complete.
Additional offerings include salads ($4-10) and soup ($4-6). Tomato bisque ($4 cup/$6 bowl) encompasses fresh tomatoes in a thick creation of filling, liquid warmth. Conversely, fresh lettuce greens crunch and crisp a musical medley for the mouth.
Though only a few choices are offered for dessert ($5-10), it cannot be ignored. Large boxes, welcoming the remainder of dinner, remind full tummies to find a little more room. The house specialty, simply called, “The Brick,” dresses fresh whipped cream and strawberries atop layers of caramel, bananas, and shortbread. This stacked concoction is then enclosed on four sides with thin, chocolate slabs. The final result, a chocolate brick, beseeches admiration before digestion. Additional choices, including crème brulee ($5) and strawberry cheesecake ($6.50), nicely round out any remaining empty belly pockets.
Saturated with delicious food, full and happy customers relax at their tables casually talking, laughing, or sampling from the extensive wine list. Without garish or brash harshness, lighting is completely sufficient. Pendant fixtures spotlight sparkly halogen bulbs in strategic locations for a feeling of coziness and space. High ceilings and deliberately placed sound absorbers keep restaurant noise to a minimum.
Overall, Brick 29 Bistro harbors a gem in its chef, staff, ambiance, and especially, in its food.
Liz Harding is a junior at Boise State University and can be reached at LizHarding@u.boisestate.edu.
By Liz Harding
Nampa, Id— Distinctive flavors, sparkling lights, prompt service; Brick 29 Bistro (320 11th Ave. South) provides a sincerely delicious dining experience. Each dish an artistic masterpiece, Chef/owner Dustan Bristol serves up decadent delight in each dish.
For starters, Idaho jo-jos ($5) use at least 2 large russet potatoes cut length-wise. Then, seasoned to perfection, they are stacked “Lincoln-log” style for artistic pleasure and easy pickings. Other tantalizing starters include garlic hummus ($6) served with roasted pitas, and pan-fried oysters ($9) served with cilantro cocktail sauce. In total, seven appetizer choices ($5-10) tempt the taste buds.
While savoring the flavorful appetizers, ample time for a full perusal of Brick 29’s dinner menu is possible. With ten dinners available, even finicky diners have options. Vegetarian fare such as eggplant napoleon ($13) nestles alongside heartier meals such as Black Angus Flat-iron Steak ($18).
Utilizing local and seasonal ingredients, Chef Bristol cooks up additional entrees that vary daily. Knowledgeable staffers describe the surprising and decadent feasts awaiting the diner for the day.
Cooked to order with the freshest ingredients available, the food at Brick 29 is best eaten slowly. The bistro chicken ($14) pleads to be savored and rolled over the tongue as subtle and enticing flavors blend in perfect harmony. A slight hint of bourbon blends with tender wild mushrooms and, paired with chicken so tender it falls apart easily with a fork, the symphony is complete.
Additional offerings include salads ($4-10) and soup ($4-6). Tomato bisque ($4 cup/$6 bowl) encompasses fresh tomatoes in a thick creation of filling, liquid warmth. Conversely, fresh lettuce greens crunch and crisp a musical medley for the mouth.
Though only a few choices are offered for dessert ($5-10), it cannot be ignored. Large boxes, welcoming the remainder of dinner, remind full tummies to find a little more room. The house specialty, simply called, “The Brick,” dresses fresh whipped cream and strawberries atop layers of caramel, bananas, and shortbread. This stacked concoction is then enclosed on four sides with thin, chocolate slabs. The final result, a chocolate brick, beseeches admiration before digestion. Additional choices, including crème brulee ($5) and strawberry cheesecake ($6.50), nicely round out any remaining empty belly pockets.
Saturated with delicious food, full and happy customers relax at their tables casually talking, laughing, or sampling from the extensive wine list. Without garish or brash harshness, lighting is completely sufficient. Pendant fixtures spotlight sparkly halogen bulbs in strategic locations for a feeling of coziness and space. High ceilings and deliberately placed sound absorbers keep restaurant noise to a minimum.
Overall, Brick 29 Bistro harbors a gem in its chef, staff, ambiance, and especially, in its food.
Liz Harding is a junior at Boise State University and can be reached at LizHarding@u.boisestate.edu.
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