Horror flicks for Halloween

By TAMMY MALGESINI 

East Oregonian

Published on October 25, 2013 12:01AM

What better time than Halloween to kick back and watch a good scary movie.

Rather than forking out a fistful of cash at the movie theater, I suggest popping your own popcorn and renting a DVD or perusing through Netflix choices — then curl up on the couch for your own personal scare-fest.

Although you won’t flinch to the latest horror flicks, don’t fret because according to Rotten Tomatoes’ Top 100 Horror Movies, more than 75 percent of the top 100 were released prior to 2000. In fact, of the nine movies that received 100 percent on the Tomatometer, only two — No. 5 “Spoorloos (The Vanishing)” (1988) and No. 9 “The Witches” (1990) — were released since the mid-1960s.

Why give so much credence to Rotten Tomatoes? Well, my husband, John, rarely budges from his recliner to go to the show with me unless it’s received positive reviews from the tomato crew.

My suggestion of seeing the recent re-make of “Carrie” was rebuffed barely after the question left my lips. Not only did he tell me it received a big splat from Rotten Tomatoes, but a review in last weekend’s East Oregonian Entertainment page reveals the remake is “only effective in stops and starts.” That’s a far cry from the original release in 1976, which is No. 62 on the all-time list with 92 percent on the Tomatometer.

While we’re talking about the original “Carrie,” the ending of the Stephen King adaption scarred my high school boyfriend. Even though I didn’t scream like a girl, he had claw marks on his hand as I freaked out and tightened my grip.

Another one from my adolescent days would be “The Exorcist” (1973). The vision of Linda Blair’s head spinning due to demonic possession is forever embedded in my memory. I first saw the movie when I was 14 and I don’t recall if the actual show or my mom’s response when she found out I saw it was more frightening. Although it didn’t make the top 100 on Rotten Tomatoes, it did receive 87 percent on the Tomatometer.

And to finish off the trifecta of scary flicks from my school days, I present to you “The Omen” (1976). How freaky is it that not even 15 minutes into the film something happened and the screen went black at the Egyptian Theatre in Coos Bay. We were given tickets to come back. After sneaking out of the house a second time, me and my best friend and I (whose name shall not be revealed, lest her children read of her adolescent antics) returned to see the spawn of Satan’s reign of terror. (85 percent on the Tomatometer).

Other flicks receiving 100 percent from Rotten Tomato include “Repulsion” (1965), “Frankenstein” (1931), “The Bride of Frankenstein” (1935), “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” (1920), “The Invisible Man” (1933), “Vampyr - Der Traum des Allan Grey” (1931) and “Them!” (1954).

RT Scare Central also gives a nod to “King Kong” (1933), “Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror” (1922), “Alien” (1979), “The Invisible Man” (1933), “Psycho” (1960) and “Jaws” (1975).

As for me, I’ll be watching “The House That Dripped Blood.” Although I rented the 1971 release a few years back, the pain medication I was taking after surgery rendered it unmemorable. However, parts of the movie must have lingered in my subconscious as evidenced by a comment I made to my husband as he left for work.

“Listen,” I said. “Do you hear it? It’s a dripping sound.”

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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.

In dogs we trust

By TAMMY MALGESINI 

East Oregonian

Published on January 15, 2013 12:01AM

I’m hopelessly in love. Although my husband John and I will celebrate 30 years of wedded bliss this September, I’m not talking about him — it’s my dog.

General, my nearly 7-month-old German shepherd, has definitely wormed his way into my heart. He can get me to do just about anything.

After having Jeter, my 13-year-old German shepherd, put down in April 2012, I told John I didn’t think I was going to get another dog. It’s tough to lose a furry friend.

Lucifer, my husband’s German shepherd, helped me through the grief process — which included lots of hugs. Several months later, I made arrangements to adopt General and make the Malgesini pack whole again.

As my body has increased in age, my joints have become quite adept at predicting the weather. I honestly think a little meteorologist was surgically implanted along with the artifical knee I had put in several years ago. Since that time, I’ve hung up my skis and have found that bears are really onto something with that hibernation thing.

General, however, doesn’t seem to recognize when the mercury dips below freezing. He still wants to go for a walk. With my schedule, it’s usually at night and dark by the time I’m able to take a stroll. General doesn’t care. His puppy dog eyes melt my heart and soon I’m bundling up like the Michelin Man and heading out the door.

After a few occasions of trying to ignore his pleading looks, I found a way to satisfy his need for exercise and my desire to stay warm. A laser pointer. Yup, I stand on the back porch and point the beam. General runs laps trying to catch the little red dot. Lucifer, who has no interest in the light, derives great pleasure in running defensive interference while his brother from a different mother chases it like a mad dog.

Additional proof that our canine kids rule the household: When we bought a new Jeep Wrangler we purchased the larger and more expensive four-door version to have more room. Also, John and I have talked for years about taking an Alaskan cruise for our 30th anniversary. That idea has been replaced with planning a trip that includes the dogs.

And the biggest indicator that love runs deep for our dogs: I’ll drink after them. This is pretty significant, as I won’t even let my friends drink from my glass or bottle. In fact, one time while golfing in the sweltering heat, my good friend Karin Gilliland asked if she was parched and dying of thirst, would I let her have a drink. I told her if she laid face-up on the ground, I would pour water into her mouth.

Just to be clear, no, I don’t get down on all fours and drink out of their bowls. But a few weeks ago I came downstairs to find General standing in my chair with his snout in my glass lapping up my Pepsi. When I told this story to a friend, she asked if I continued to drink the rest of that Pepsi.

“Yes,” I said. “He’s family.”

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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside My Shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.

Walking for a cure: ‘Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back’

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

By TAMMY MALGESINI
East Oregonian

 

I’m rarely at a loss for words. However, last week while conducting a telephone interview with Lisa Lake for a precede article about Pendleton’s Relay for Life event, the connection between my brain and mouth shut down.
Oh, I could hear what she was saying — Lisa was talking about how important it is for people with cancer to have others around them.

“People who have cancer need support groups, they need people ... it’s important to connect,” she said.

Lisa’s daughter, Erin Gray, has stage IV cancer and lives in San Diego. Because of the distance, she can’t physically be there for her daughter all the time.

What Lisa was saying didn’t merely register into my brain to type the words on my computer. Her words lingered in my heart. I’ve been touched by cancer — I think most people have. Just last month, one of my friends was diagnosed with lung cancer. She’s a tough cookie and rarely asks for help. It’s been awesome to watch people jump in to provide support and tell her, “Hey, this is what I’m going to do.” It’s what the herd does.

During Umatilla’s recent graduation, I watched Joey Creamer, one of the class’s five valedictorians, receive his diploma. As I listened to him give his speech, I knew his mama would have been proud. Jo Jo, a former co-worker and one of my good friends, died from leukemia in 2004.

Last January, I wrote about Lynn, one of my old college roomies who was diagnosed with breast cancer. After aggressive treatment, she was doing well by late fall. However, a few months later a nagging pain in her shoulder was beyond the scope of physical therapy — her cancer had metastasized to the bone and is at stage IV. Her doctor said the most she can hope for is a couple of years. She remains upbeat and hopes for a miracle.

Lisa’s daughter, too, has stage IV cancer. Diagnosed with colon cancer, it metastasized to her liver and lungs. Initially she didn’t ask for a prognosis, figuring her situation was hopeless. Now, her message is loud and clear — follow-through with recommended medical screenings since prevention is one of the greatest tools in treating cancer.

Estimated figures provided by the American Cancer Society indicate 21,370 new cases of cancer will occur in the state of Oregon in 2012. That is a staggering number.

To put it in perspective, that would be like the entire populations of Hermiston, Echo, Stanfield and a fourth of Umatilla all diagnosed with some type of cancer.

Relay for Life raises money and cancer awareness. Its focus is “Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back” — celebrate those who have beaten cancer, remember those who have lost their lives to the disease and fight back by raising awareness and money for cancer research in hopes of a cure.

When Lisa stepped onto the the track at Sunridge Middle School this past weekend, it was the first time she participated in a Relay for Life event.

“This is what I know how to do. I know how to walk,” she said. “I wish I could be there with my daughter every day, but I can’t. But I can support someone here. I can support the greater good by supporting a walk.”

I know how to walk, too. And Friday night that’s exactly what I'll be doing during Hermiston's Relay for Life event at the Umatilla County Fairgrounds.

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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my shoes, includes general musings about life. Contact her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.

American Express takes me everywhere

Friday, December 30, 2011
By TAMMY MALGESINI
East Oregonian
 

Here’s a tip — American Express is widely accepted across Canada. This is important because I enjoy using my American Express, specifically to earn Sky Miles.

Vacations and weekend trips always seem to be the highlight of the year. And this year was no different. I’m glad to report I didn’t require any medical treatment while visiting places afar. However, I did end up taking my husband to the emergency room in Invermere, British Columbia.

After spending several leisurely days in the quaint village of Radium Hot Springs, my husband and I decided to scout out activities in the area. We headed up to Panorama Mountain Village so John could tear up the trails on his mountain bike.

It was a great day. “Was” is the key word. After meeting for lunch, John headed back to the trails and I found a comfortable spot to people watch and read my book. Then I received some garbled text message from John. Then another, “massive pain.”

I headed to the truck to find John writhing in pain. He did an endo on the trail and landed on his shoulder. He said he needed to see a doctor — this coming from the man who never meets his insurance deductible.

We got some ice and headed down the mountain. As I drove the 13 twisting and turning miles to the hospital in Invermere, John and I pondered how they would deal with United States citizens seeking medical care in Canada. Canadians are enrolled under a socialized medical plan and our friends to the north guard their Provincial Health Insurance cards like I guard my American Express.

We soon found out the answer to our ponderings — point of service. We were required to pay before leaving. More than $800 later, I tried to look at the bright side.

“At least I get some Sky Miles out of the deal,” I said with a laugh.

With a complicated sling shoulder-stabilizer thingie, our vacation plans changed drastically. John wouldn’t be riding his bike and I would be driving the truck.

Coming highly recommended by the ER doctor, John and I headed toward Canal Flats to Lussier Hot Springs, some primitive springs located in a remote location.

To get there we had to drive on forestry roads near the western boundary of Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. The brochures said nothing about the road being treacherous, much less the fact it narrows so much on the last stretch that it allows only one-way traffic. Oh, and the little turnouts leave you virtually hanging on the edge of the Lussier Gorge — with nowhere to go but down. Way down.

By the time we reached the hot springs, I needed to pry my hands off the steering wheel. Ah, but my tension was soaked away — that is until I had to drive back to civilization. Next stop, a massage therapist.

Good thing I had my American Express — I never leave home without it.
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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my shoes, include general musings about life. You can reach her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.

Holiday season brings happiness, good cheer

Thursday, December 15, 2011 

By TAMMY MALGESINI
East Oregonian 

I love the holiday season. However, I’m always intrigued at how people respond to the the hustle and bustle — some attack shopping with vigor, while others put aside differences and offer words of good cheer.

A recent example of the latter occurred during the East Oregonian Christmas party. After having to miss last year’s gala event, I was looking forward to kicking back with some of my Pendleton colleagues during our Dec. 6 gathering at Hamley Slickfork Saloon.

I donned my festive New York Yankees Santa hat and climbed aboard fellow reporter Anna Willard’s red GMC Canyon pickup — not exactly Santa’s sleigh, but we flew there just in time for tasty treats, the EO’s version of Family Feud (Picture it: Managing Editor Skip Nichols in the role of Richard Dawson) and a silly White Elephant game.

When we arrived, EO Publisher Tom Brown greeted me with a hello and a handshake.

“I like your hat,” he said with a smile.

“No you don’t,” I responded. “You’re a Red Sox fan.”

Silent for but a moment, he said I was right. In fact, he said, he probably had a hat somewhere in his possession that said, “Yankees Suck.” We shared a laugh and talked about the historic rivalry between Boston and New York. And by the way, just for the record, regardless of holiday cheer, I will never use the words like in any way, shape or form connected with the Red Sox.

Anyway, throughout the month I’ve had the opportunity to renew acquaintances and attend a variety of holiday functions. The thing I enjoy most is seeing the joy and wonderment on children’s faces as they excitedly talk about the anticipated arrival of Santa Claus.

Just for fun, I like to ask if they’ve been naughty or nice. Most children instantly blurt out they’ve been nice, some hesitantly say they’ve been good, but look to their parents for reassurance. In one instance, I had a young boy, with tears starting to puddle in his eyes, tell me that he’d been really good and was hoping to visit his grammy.

Hearing that young boy express a desire to spend time with family was music to my ears. That’s what the holiday season is all about.

Sure, I remember some particularly cool gifts I’ve received over the years, but the fondest memory I treasure is a family tradition we had growing up. With my mom, pops and brotherman, we’d sit around the kitchen table on Christmas Eve playing board games. As competitive as I’ve always been, it didn’t really matter who won — we were all together as a family.
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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my shoes, includes general musings about life. You can reach her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.

Nintendo Wii: love it, hate it

Mark Briley, formerly of Hermiston, gets ready
to tee off while playing Wii Sports Resort.

2/11/2011

BY TAMMY MALGESINI

East Oregonian

Inside my shoes

My Nintendo Wii irritates me. But, it’s a love-hate relationship.

See, I really, really like Wii Fit Plus, but it talks to me in ways that even my best friends don’t.

Wii knows I’m a night owl and chastises me for messing up my body’s natural cycle. 

“It also doesn’t make waking up in the morning any easier,” it tells me.

“Thanks, but you’re not my mom,” I say to the TV screen.

It tells me I’m overweight and I should exercise more and not eat late-night snacks.

And when I laid off the Wii after an injury this past summer, I thought it would be more encouraging when I returned.

“Well, if it isn’t Bwana. Nice to see you again. It’s been 133 days since I saw you last,” it said sarcastically.

Then it continues to rag on me about the need for regular exercise.

“I broke my flipping shoulder,” I said. “By the way, I have been doing physical therapy. That’s right, I don’t need you.”

Ah, but I do. I love my Wii. The relationship began last February when Mark and Teri Briley, my friends in Florida, introduced me to their Nintendo Wii.

After frolicking in the Florida sun and wading in Gulf waters during the day, we played Wii at night. Typically the three of us would play a few games after dinner and then Teri would call it a night.

“Now don’t stay up all night playing that, we have things to do tomorrow,” Teri would say as she retired to the bedroom.

Like a couple of kids, we shook our heads and said we wouldn’t.

Time ticked away while we were transported to a place where the sun always shines — Wii Sports Resort. Night turned to early morning and before we knew it, it had been hours since the mouse ran down the clock.

After a full week of this routine, I went through Wii withdrawal after returning to Hermiston.

To get a fix, I’d go to Walmart or Game Crazy and play at their demo stations. If a kid was playing, I’d stand there with my arms crossed until they moved along.

Finally, I bought my own and happily golfed on exotic courses, sword fought with enemies, slam-dunked over players smaller than me, went wakeboarding when it was raining outside and tossed a Frisbee for a stupid virtual dog that just looked at me and barked.

It was during a phone conversation that Teri told me about Wii Fit and how great it was as an exercise program. Evidently they had upgraded it to Wii Fit Plus. I think the “plus” means it gets personal and provoking.

All I gotta say is: Don’t push it, because I can unplug you.

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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my shoes, includes general musings about life. You can reach her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.

Lucky Dog: tail-waggin’ good

Lucky Dog Lounge & Grille Manager Terry Hall serves up
a rib eye steak recently at the restaurant in Umatilla.

1/28/2011

TAMMY MALGESINI

East Oregonian
Inside my shoes 

Even after more than 27 years of marriage, I still do things that surprise my husband. Most recently it had to do with eating steak at Lucky Dog Lounge & Grille in Umatilla.

Since John doesn’t eat red meat, I rarely make it at home. So, it wasn’t the act of ordering steak that had John raising his eyebrows — it was the fact I didn’t slather it in ketchup before consuming it.

And that’s saying something. You see, old habits die hard — my mom cooked the juices out of steak, and in order to add flavor and refrain from choking, I loaded on the ketchup.

The fact I didn’t find it necessary to smother the flavor of the rib eye at Lucky Dog means it was lip-smacking good. In fact, John pointed out that I periodically closed my eyes while I was chewing and emitted sounds that clearly indicated I was enjoying the steak. If I had a tail, it certainly would have been wagging.

I purposedly ordered the 12-ounce, figuring for an extra buck I’d have some to take home. Well, that was not to be. I ate every single morsal — there wasn’t even a scrap left behind to take home to our canine kids.

John, who has always been more adventurous when it comes to ordering food, had the seared duck. Of course I snuck a taste and it was mighty fine too. But the real treat unleashed on John’s plate was the cranberry wild rice — delicious doesn’t even begin to describe it.

What I realized from our recent dining experience is that we waited way too long to check out Lucky Dog.

Opening in the fall of 2009, Manager Terry Hall said the restaurant is still working to establish itself.

“What we’re really trying to focus on is a fine dining experience, with a touch of Texas-style, hickory-smoked barbecue,” he said.

I was already sold on the steak, but when Hall said “barbecue,” I was salivating.

The nice thing about Lucky Dog is it offers upscale dining in a casual atmosphere. In addition, we can just hop in the car and take the short drive to Umatilla. Sometimes I get a hankering for some really good food, but I don’t feel like driving to the Tri-Cities, Pendleton or Walla Walla.

Lucky Dog Lounge & Grille, which also has a full service bar, is in the Crossroads Truck Stop, located on Highway 730 at the Interstate 82 junction in Umatilla. It’s open Wednesday through Sundays from 5-10 p.m. For more information, call 541-922-3297.

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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my shoes, include general musings about life. You can reach her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.