Expect a redesign… with a lot less updating. 

Sorry… I just don’t have time for the upkeep.

Also, for those who like the 8th grade quotes, I’ll move those to my Mr. Munoz.

Those posts will Twitter updates, too, via Mr. Munoz’s Twitter page.

I don’t know how else to explain it… but I really pizza.  I’ve always liked pizza.

I’d like to give a shout out to Bella Italia Pizza (no website).  I know, I know… the location is across the street from my condo, but they have the best deep dish in Denver.

The other pizza place that I like is “Randi’s“.

Randi’s is a fam favorite and I’ve had it since I was about 8 years old.  I HIGHLY recommend that you try it out, thick or thin.

~

I know that these are off the beaten path, but I think that’s the point.  Next… authentic Italian food (my wife will HATE my choices).

With the NCAA tournament starting tomorrow, Frank Deford had some interesting opinions on the rumors of expanding the number of teams.  His thesis was that the NCAA championship is the best sports championship, ever.  He points out how NFL’s overtime rule, the lateness of the World Series, and the awfulness of the BCS to prove his thesis.  I ‘ve never really watched college basketball, but I know that the excitement it generates bleeds through to millions of people.

This is all to say that Deford has officially convinced me to give it a whirl. As of today, I’m going to watch college basketball.  I have a bracket up in my classroom and I intend to fill it in.

His point about the BCS being the antithesis of the NCAA tournament got me thinking that it’s possible to have a near perfect system of defining a champion or winner in anything in life.  The ol’ bracket works in nearly ever aspect of life.  This got me thinking that maybe this could work in other areas of life.  Perhaps grades? Perhaps buying a car? Perhaps not.

Either way… I’m in!  Go DUKE!

During the summer of 2005, I saw him for the first time EVER at Coors Field where he wasn’t supposed to play, but came out in the top of the 9th and destroyed a ball into center field.  I knew this was the beginning of the end for him, mainly because it was 16 years into his career and I had finally seen him do this.

When thinking about retiring, I’m so glad that he’s fading away into the sunset and not burning out like so many sports stars these days.

No other MLB player will ever compare.

I don’t understand. We have a day honoring Martin Luther King, but he didn’t even work here.

-Michael

My endless supply of movies and videos that I’ve watched over the break has ended with a video that I really enjoyed.  It’s called “Chalk“.

It’s a mockumentary that I found on Netflix.  I had my wife and my friend watch it with and both walked away from it.  I’m sure they didn’t like it because they aren’t teachers, but I felt like it was perfect timing.

I’ve been planning my butt off for the spring semester and can’t help but notice that I need to take a step back just enjoy the moment.  I’ve got a good job and I love the group of kids.  The red-tape and bureaucracy is annoying and I follow threw… let’s just say I barely make the grade when it comes to admin items.

Regardless, I love my job and there’s not much more I can say about it.  At times, I like planning. At times, I like grading.  At times, I like getting to school early enough that I’m the only teacher there and I get to enjoy the moment of “Wow! I’m a teacher! How did I get this job!?”

Anywayz… check out the movie… the end will surprise you and the movie will make you laugh… especially if you’re a teacher.

Instead, I’ve decided to create my top 32 movies of the 00′s.  “Why 32?”, you ask? Simple.  Because I wanted a lot.  I can’t choose which is number one, but these movies, in absofruitely no specific order, are my top 32 movies of this decade and have become a big deal to me.

The Departed

“The Departed” is one of the best mafia movies of all time!  If you throw in the fact that I went to Boston shortly after it was filmed, it becomes a favorite. It may not be the Italian mafia, but the Irish can still kick some ass.  This is all not to mention that it was incorporated in to “The Sopranos” last few episodes.

There Will Be Blood

If there’s a movie that can be explained with just its soundtrack, this would be it.  The plot, the twist, the ending and the meaning of oil in our country’s history… all of it is beautifully honest.  The relationship between the father and son is stretched and then broken because of the main characters ego.  Just a magnificent movie.

No Country for Old Men

Cormac McCarthy at his best!  “No Country” gives the confusing story justice through blood, manipulation and sanity.  The real “good” in this story takes a backseat to the vile chase between a white trash fool and a professional killer.

Sunshine

There’s a reason why ancient cultures and religions have related their gods to the sun. Watch this movie with no one else present with you in a dark room… and enjoy life.

Unbreakable

Literally a fantasy film, “Unbreakable” is a story  of the frailty of life and the moral argument that C.S. Lewis would be proud to see on the screen.  Super heroes actually exist in the life of those who are in this movie… and they don’t realize that one of them is it.

Saving Silverman

Again I say, DO NOT think that these are in any particular order… only because this one had me LMAO when I first saw it, does not mean it’s the funniest movie of  decade.  Jack Black captured my heart with his crude and un-cooth look at women and being gay. Watch this one with your best friend.

The Pianist

While being a history nerd, I find this story (true, by the way) to be aesthetically pleasing.  Not too many movies can give you a story about music that intertwines the Holocaust.  The last scene with Adrien Brody walking into the dank, grey life of a broken Europe give a real sense that the Jews weren’t the only ones that lost life in WWII.

The Fog of War

Robert McNamara gives an honest truthful assessment of WWII, Korean, and Vietnam in this documentary.  At one point, he breaks down cries out of sorrow when realizing that lives could’ve been saved… American, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean.

Casino Royale

Ah James Bond!! How could you not want to be like James Bond?!  In this very old Ian Fleming story, you FINALLY have some Bond context as to why he who he is and why he operates like he does. The death of the love of his life spurs on his life as a spy and gives me chills with his poker playing.

Match Point

My first Woody Allen film on the list gives the Russian author, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, praise by redoing the book “Crime and Punishment” in his own way.  Obviously, Scarlett Johansson is in it and makes a perfect clueless vixen in the movie.

28 Days Later

Gosh… where to begin…….. art.

Step Brothers

The one liners are worth every minute of this movie… alone.  Playing dorks, Will Farrell and John C. Reilly, build a life together that some men can only dream of.  Again, with your best friend.

I Love You, Man

Again, another guy/best friend movie. What makes this one special? RUSH!!!! No, not fast paced music, but the Canadian band.  Any movie that praises Rush would make my top 32!

Knocked Up

You’ll laugh… you’ll cry… you’ll be grossed out… just don’t see this with your in-laws.

Anchorman

Classic and introductory to so many great “Frat-Pack” members. Like any other guy movie, the plot seems useless and the one-liners are absolutely perfect! Timing is perfect in this movie…. Stay classy.

Kill Bill 1 & 2

I thought I had Tarantino’s reasoning as to WHY he made this film, but I talked to a nerdy, movie friend… and I’m wrong.  But there’s no doubt that this film (yes, both are one film) is a masterpiece in production. The story is intriguing and beautifully directed.

Friday Night Lights

The soundtrack… is literally… inspiring.

Jackass

Tricks, stunts, and pranks… FINALLY brought to the limelight!!

Persepolis

This French film gives insight into Iran’s would be “Generation X”.  The experience for the girl in this story is completely different than big hair and Nirvana, but rather hiding alcohol and hijabs. Highly recommended.

Nacho Libre

Quasi-indi film and very smart comedy.  Very smart. The intensity of Jack Black’s character is proof of a top-notch performer.

Juno

I don’t know if the story is that great, but the actors play their characters better than they were written.  Michael Cera makes me as awkward as he feels, when playing Polly.  An out of the ordinary dramity.

Superbad

This may bring some controversy, but I don’t care.  The very smart antics of Michael Cera and Jonah Hill bring to light the true thoughts of high school boys.  The dichotomy of the two boys bring them both to a crossroad of civility and rudeness in which they find some real sense of humanity in themselves.

The Hangover

Again, a guy’s movie, but still heart-warming.  Zach Galifianakis = genius.

Inglourious Basterds

Again, Tarantino brings one of the most beautiful action films I’ve ever seen. Also, I’d like to mention that I saw this movie at Cine-bar… a must!! Beer and movies!!!

Millions

Another Danny Boyle film that crushes real life events.  The concept of the Golden Rule being taken to an extreme and done with religious martyrs (never before seen on the big screen). Literally, a tear jerker for those in love with cinematography.

Little Miss Sunshine

Independent film of the decade. Done.

The Road

O, good god! Where to begin. Another father-son story, but with a “28 Days Later” twist.

4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days

An extremely personal movie. Watching it was like being a part of one of the most difficult decisions of a woman’s life… let alone it being in the USSR.

Funny People

Stand-up comedians that have feelings and they’re not afraid to show them.

Whatever Works

It’s LD in his prime! Who could not like him!?!

The Cave of the Yellow Dog

This German indi-film takes a look at a Mongolian, farm family that must survive a tough life and the good intentions of little girl and her dog.  Probably the most obscure indi-film I’ve ever seen.

The Namesake

Kal Pen takes a different route in his acting career and gives an amazing, transformative performance that can make you appreciate Russian literature and the Indian experience.

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Ok, there you go… My fav movies of this decade!

10. My dog went a year without getting sick

So this isn’t huge for anyone else but my wife and I but our son dog keeps us sane and warm.  After nearly a year of stomach problems, we figured out that he can’t ANYTHING but his dog food and carrots. Apples are ok, but they’re just a lil’ too much fiber.

I will say that earlier this school he picked up some sort of bug and was sick for a week, but never seemed sick. Either way, it was that bad and he’s A-ok now.

9. Windows 7

The only reason why W7 is here is because of the rave reviews received by Mac lovers. Maybe, just maybe, my Mac friends will back off.  Come on… Mac’s are all fluff!  Step up to a developer’s system. 

8. Josh McDaniels

I know that the season’s not over,  but I have to count this.  Right now, my Bronco’s are 7-4 and I’m not giving up hope.  I know that the playoffs are a long shot, but I have a lot faith in McDaniels. “WTF?”, you might ask? Well, I want a coach that will light a fire under his players’ butts.  Here’s what I’m talking about…

7. Jeremi

My friend Jeremi moved in with Carmelita and I.  I wish I could say he was homeless and desperately needed a place to sleep and live… and with my giant heart, I took him in and under my wing…

…. well, it wasn’t anything like that.

Jeremi broke his foot/ankle/head, which in turn, shattered his dreams of moving into the lavish lifestyle of single-guy-hood.  Even with all the problems and pains that come with breaking bones, the both of us agreed that it would be most beneficial if he used my car and moved into our office and slept on the bunk beds (his feet hang off the edge).

That was January and now it’s December and we’re doing great.  We have some what opposite schedules, but we still have time to chat and play pranks on each other… I’m usually the one winning that war.  He will come up again later on in this list…

6. Catalina Mod

So after 10 years, I FINALLY upgraded my drum set to a Gretsch Catalina Mod.

It’s beautiful, both in sound and looks, and is extremely light with it being mahogany.

5. Barely passing a test

As a teacher, it will be a never ending marathon to continue to educate myself and better my rapporteur of teaching skills. So this summer I took a test to officially be endorsed in English. After three growling tests, I passed!

I needed a 162 and I earned a 163. 

4. I’ve WordPressed my life

Ok so I’ve WordPressed nearly EVERYTHING in my life.  My latest item is mine and my wife bill schedule.  This will keep us on track to never miss a payment.

Also, I have my planner online using WordPress and the calendar theme from Bust A Theme.

I love it.

3. Teaching 8th grade

Teaching 8th grade, thus far, has been a blast.  The group of kids I have understand what school is and have some type of appreciation for it.  There are few of them that don’t get it, but they aren’t that far off from understanding it.

My only complaint is the laziness and narcissism that exists in them.  They fail assignments only because of the lack of effort put towards it

2. Obama

This may be cheezy, but I’m going to put Obama down only because the deep love for politics and its effects on our society.

I feel that he is the first of many progressive leaders in our country that could create a more liberal/socialized America… and I’m ok with that.

1. Giving up meat

I gave up red meant to better myself.  It’s just not good for you.  I love the taste and miss it a great deal, but… I can live with out it and have for about 3 months now.  I will say that this is due to Jeremi living with us.

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So that’s my top ten items for 2009… Long live 2009… And may 2010 be even better.

I recently met with an old mentor of mine and he’s working on his third child.  I asked him what the biggest change was and he said, “If you think you have to be selfless with marriage, wait till you have kids.”

It’s obvious to make goals as a human and achieve them, so I guess I feel like I need to set the goal of preparing for fatherhood.  My wife and I have set the goal of five years from now that we would be in a seriously considering kids mentality.  We’ll see how it goes.

In the mean time, I’ll stick with my eighth graders and parent them… and hopefully learn something  about fatherhood from that.