Jdorama review: Rookies Special

Title: Rookies Broadcast date: 10/4/08 Genre: Sports, drama Cast: Sato Ryuta, Ichihara Hayato, Koide Keisuke Plot: The baseball team of Futakotamagawa high school has been banned from playing for six months after fighting on the field. Rookie teacher Kawato Koichi arrives with promises to help them achieve their dreams. Together, the group fights to get to the Koshien baseball tournament. What is good: It's a good recap of the story if you haven't watched the series. What is bad: There isn't anything new. Letter rating: D Overall: I didn't bother to read anything about the special before watching it. As a result, I was expecting a side story about one of the minor characters. Nope. This special is nothing but a two-hour rehash of the 11 episode series. I'm guessing this was supposed to get people ready for the movie's release. That way they could quickly introduce the story to new people and remind fans about what had already occurred. Unfortunately, when the special stands on its own, it is very boring. I can really only recommend it if you don't feel like sitting through the whole series. But then you'll miss all the little moments between Kawato and the team. Watch the series and skip the special.

Favorite Friday

I managed to sneak in one quick game of Dance Central with the Kinect. Unfortunately, my legs were already weak from Zumba class so I didn't do very well. My legs have recovered and I will try again either tonight or this weekend. (All this exercise? It might be worse than the side effects of diet pills!) Both my daughter and my husband have been dancing to Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." Personally, I picked this song:

ARGH

I managed to rip one of my contact lenses as soon as I got into work today. It hurts a lot. So I pulled up the web directory of eye doctors that take our insurance. Hopefully the place will give me a pair of sample lenses to use for today. I'd like to be able to see without tons of pain. This is when eyes just totally suck.

The aftermath

Well, the elections are over. I'm sure some people will be needing hair loss products to help them recover. Some of the results didn't turn out quite like I hoped but I will try to stay positive. Perhaps things will get better now. Luckily, a distraction is coming just in time. At midnight tonight (technically 12:01 tomorrow morning), the Kinect debuts. I'm not sure if my husband is picking it up tonight or tomorrow. This is how I plan on spending most of my weekend. Dance Central, baby!

Election Day

Today is Election Day. Most people only go out to vote for the presidential election. However, this election is much more important. Today is when we elect our congressmen and local politicians. (I know in PA we're voting for a new governor!) So, please, if you are registered to vote, turn off your computer (the lipofuze reviews will still be there when you come back) and take some time to voice your opinion. It really does count!

Spending less on food

I keep reading these stories about families completing their food shopping for mere dollars each month. They clip a lot of coupons and take advantage of sales but I wonder what their diet really consists of. I can't imagine there being a ton of coupons for fresh fruits or vegetables. Sometimes there are sales on bananas or apples when they are in season but there isn't a whole lot of fresh produce on sale during the winter months. Are they living off of Hungry Man dinners or something? Does anyone out there have experience saving tons of money on food with coupons or whatever?

It's November!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween. I know my daughter came away with quite a haul. (I shall try to keep away from the candy and the fat burner reviews.) She was dressed as the Mad Hatter and my cousin joined her as Alice. They made quite a cute pair. Maybe this will be the new Halloween tradition! Now I just have to wait for my birthday! November is such a cool month ;)