Good Things: On Jennifer Lawrence, a Lack of Ice, and Football (with pads)

I feel for everyone in the Midwest and south who are without power. Summer before last a Derecho swept through Virginia and we were without power for five days. No fun.

The good news is that the same ice storm that crippled the aforementioned areas was slated to hit us this morning. So far we've had nothing but rain. Makes for a dreary day, but much better than sleet and a powerless house.

In related good news I saw Catching Fire before Thanksgiving. The film took me completely by

Jena Malone. Because we've seen enough Jennifer Lawrence.

surprise. I went with a gaggle of daughters, a niece, a sister-in-law, and my wife. The attending done mainly to appease. To my astonishment the film is the best big screen science fiction I've seen this year. Well-acted, beautifully shot, and thoughtful, the movie's two-plus hours flew by. If you see but one science fiction movie this year make it Catching Fire.  Do not make it Oblivion or Elysium, which turned out to be the science fiction equivalent of baby food, but slightly less nutritious. 

Off to complete the Christmas tree. Janice and I stood it up Friday, and lit it. Saturday, however, was spent shopping for our girls. That leaves today for Christmas tree decorating, chili eating, and football watching. Real football, with pads, and without teams whining about group placement.