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The fathers day gift, part two.

I some times think that everyone knows how hard it was too make me a picture that I can dream about.
This is the s-10, style of truck that Justin started with.

Slip on down to the blog, below to see the finished design. And besure to leave your commits, or just read a few.

The gift, that keeps on giving.

This year I got some great gifts for fathers day, but there is only one that I can share with you and brag about.

As long as I can remember, I have loved cars. I love all kinds of cars, but custom cars, too me, are like art work and engineering combined.

One of the talents that I have, is, I can design a car in my head. The problem is, I can't put it down on paper, let alone, build the car.

About a month ago, I had a light bulb moment. Justin, my oldest son, is studying to be a graphic artist, and has become extremely good at photo shop. I told him what I wanted and gave him some examples from other cars, and some how, he put them togther, with a few of his own ideas and, "vol la".
This truck, doesn't really exist, but it should.

Thanks Justin, for the picture and the right to brag on you.

My other kids, also have many talents, but it is hard to show you how good a book is, or how well an interior deign works, in my blog.

That's what is great about being a dad. You get to see great things, from your kids.

Thanks Kids, and thanks too you the reader.

Boyd

Critically Speaking.

I have always thought that I have the heart of an artist.

I have taken a few good pictures. One, won a first place at the Utah State Fair.

One year, when I was Sunday school Prescient, in my ward, I needed to provide a gift to all the Mothers, for Mothers day. Shar made the gifts and I wanted to add a poem, but couldn't find one I liked, so I wrote one, and no one was the wiser. I do have to say that I have spent thirty years, trying to write a poem, that says how I feel about my wife, and no words have come close too my feelings.

I have been called from time to time to sing solo with some success. I have written new words to the tune, Ave Maria. In my youth, I played in a couple of bands, none of which lasted longer than two weeks.

I can not draw or paint.

After all this, I can not say that the artist in me has been satisfied. So what do you do if you are an incomplete artist? Criticize.

As I see it, there are only two things, that are stopping me from being a Movie critic. One, I don't watch R-rated movies, unless I'm watching it on TV. Two, as a general rule, I don't like movies made in this century.

Recently, I have seen two exception too my general rule and two example's, of what I'm talking about.

First, one of the winners, Jumpers. I am shocked that I enjoyed a teen movie. But if you have a fast paced, innovative, creative and visually attractive film, you are almost a winner in my book. Add a good story and I won't be complaining all the way home. Leave out the, sex equals love massage that most teen movies seems to need, and I would have given it three out of four stars. Two and a half stars.

The other movie that I liked, was even a bigger shock. A film that borders on the border of "art film" , The Bucket List.

Films with a message, usually lose me, because you watch a movie to be entertained, not too receive a lecture, designed to make you feel guilty. With the Bucket List, your never sure what the massage is or if there is a message.

After watching the film, I couldn't decide if it was a buddy film, or a film about death, or even a film about doing the things you always wanted to do, before you pass on, as the name of the film implies. It is none of that. The magic of this film is that it is about how important your family is. It is so hidden, because it only spends about two minutes, with the family, but that is were the good warm feeling, that you have after watching the film, comes from. Three out of four stars.

Now the not so great. Narnia 2. I believe that I will get a lot of argument on this one. If you are going to tell a good story, you need too have likable, hero's. Maybe it's the old man in me, but I just can't seem to fall in love with whiny children, with swords. Add animals that are more articulate than the humans and I am looking at my watch. Add a message, like the animals and the "little people" have been abused by mankind, and I want to slip into a coma.

If the is any redeeming value to this film, it is that it is visually, spectacular. Two out of four.

And now, last and certainly least, Indiana Jones. It may be because I expect great things out of Ford, Speilburg and Lucas, but few films have left me this dissatisfied.

I hope that I am not alone, when I say that what I always loved about that character, Indiana Jones, was he would always put his life on the line, to do what is right. And when the super human ran out of juice to get it done himself, the hand of providence would finish the job.

None of that here. The story is so, so. The cinematography is average, which is not enough for a film like this. If this film was done by anyone else, it would maybe get two stars, but I am stuck giving it one and a half.

One thing about being a critic, is you will lose a few friends along the way. Instead of losing friends, I hope that I will gain a few comments, so please feel free to criticizes the critic in me.

Thanks, Boyd

The Ugliness of politics.

A week goes by an you think that I would have written by now. Well I tried to write about a very special, miracle that happened in my life and perhaps I was presenting it too lightly, because it did not save when I shut down my computer, to go to work.

That was the third time I tried to write about that event, and all three times, poof, it is gone. So I think that you may see that blog, a little further down the road, when I can leave out the jokes.

On to politics, that need to be handled with much levity, or we will all be in such tears, are key boards would all short out.

Inspired by my nephew's political comments (see louscois choas - politics and the ten year old), I have decided to talk about the up coming election, for President of the United States. I know this goes against my "write only positive things" policy, but I feel the need to vent.

A few years ago, I decided to put my time were my mouth is (I still haven't put my money were my mouth is). I showed up at a Republican caucus, and was elected to be a delegate to the Utah convention.

John McCain was the key note speaker at this convention, but I had no desire to hear his speech. And I was not alone. He spoke and I ate. Lunch was about an hour and a half with pleasant conversation (more talking than eating). Judging from the lack of applause from the next room, were Senator McCain was speaking I made the right choice.

Those who can find the time too study politics, know that Senator McCain has been a sell out to the press, ever since he lost the bid for the republican nomination, to now President Bush. And even now, the majority of Utahans still don't know who to vote for.

So If you don't vote for McCain who do I vote for. The other two options seem to want to send this country down the road to socialism. The thing about socialism is it has failed every time it is tried. The government is the least efficient way to accomplish any thing. No problem, we will just tax the rich, more. Not a problem for th first couple of years, but then you take away the reason for making money. Too spend or save it. So then we have less rich people and more programs to provide for. Some thing always has to give, so we raise taxes on everyone.

And so it goes, this year, no one wins but the politicians.

I will have more to say, later. Thanks for letting me vent.

Boyd