Two Things

First, Gwen and I traveled to Gilmer to take the first look at my classroom. At first sight, we were both confused because Integrated Physical Science and Chemistry books were everywhere. We later found out that I would not, as we had thought, be sharing a classroom or floating; the books were there because the teacher who had the room last year isn't returning and his stuff is still there. That confusion resolved, Gwen and I began to set up shop and start to picture what I could do with the walls. I'm not entirely sure I will be able to make that room look more friendly than it does now. But hopefully, some of my ideas will make it look better. I think the little vase of flowers I got is a nice start...

Second, Andrew and I watched the original The Manchurian Candidate last night, as the new one will be released later this year. This movie is very good. I feel a little silly that I'd never heard of the original until I saw a trailer for the remake. This kind of classic movie is the kind that should be remembered and remade, not "classics" like The Italian Job. The latter is an okay movie, but it pales in comparison to the former. The Manchurian Candidate (1962) tells the story of a platoon that is captured during the Korean War, taken to Manchuria, hypnotized, and brainwashed by Communists. The main focus of the movie, Raymond Shaw, is conditioned to be a hardened criminal who does whatever he is told at the sight of the queen of diamonds in a deck of cards. As the movie progresses, we find out that Raymond is being made to practice for one huge crime he will be forced to commit; it is only a matter of time before this human time bomb explodes! It's a great movie, and this critic gives it a hearty 5 out of 5.