Just For Dad: Must See Robot Movies

On those rare nights without the family you might grab a few movies, a pizza and improve your manly cultural literacy. What genre is more manly than robot movies? They don't necessarily have to be full on about the bots. There are a number of films that feature a great supporting cast of mechanical friends and foes. Here are some suggestions that might do the trick. You've surely seen some but even those might warrant another viewing.

Metropolis. The grandaddy of modern sci-fi films featuring robots as a main element. Even as a silent film it hits home as an icon of past greatness. Might be best for when your in a quirky mood or as a way to kick off that robot movie night you and the gents have been planning.

West World. This has to be one of the best robot films of all time. Yul Brynner as a six gun toting bad guy gunslinger bot? Yeah, beat that one. A must see if you haven't yet.

Silent Running. An under appreciated all time favorite. Surprisingly relevant with it's ecological theme... and cool robots.

Saturn 3. Probably not the best acting we'll ever see but probably one of the best murdering robot rampages.

Virus. This one is a bit unusual and probably billed as a B movie but within the robot world it' s red carpet all the way. As cool as Water World wasn't. Not as big budget and explosive as Transformers but much more creepy.

Terminator. Kind of obvious but the first one was awesome.

Star Wars gets a mention for the entire series but it's even more obvious and a little pedestrian... maybe save it for a Star Wars film fest if you're into them.

The Alien series on the other hand feature some of the craftiest robots ever. Way more manly and far more cool... but they prefer the term "synthetic human".

Iron Man. Certainly more current but I'll take Tony Stark's workshop bots over R2 and day.

I, Robot. Another obvious one but worth mentioning just in case you missed it. Probably worth a lot of the hype it got.

That should keep you entertained for at least a few evenings and you'll get a great overview of movie robots through time. There are admittedly a number of good ones absent from the list. Feel free to comment a nominate your favorites as well as suggest additions too great to leave out.

Bay Area Outings: South Park Green

Located in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood sits an unlikely hidden gem of a park. South Park has a sandy play area with swings, things to climb on and a fenced in area for little ones, all in a tree lined historic park. If you have been there in the past there is one recent major change. The large multi-colored climbing structure is no longer there. (Probably a good thing as it was very worn fiberglass.)

Located between 2nd and 3rd streets just south of Bryant, South Park is a welcome quiet spot in the busy city and an oasis of green in SOMA. It's easy to forget you are in the midst of one of the more commercial neighborhoods in San Francisco.

There are several good cafes and full restaurants in the ring of businesses around the park as well as the surprisingly kid friendly 21st Amendment right over on 2nd street. It's a perfect place for dad to feel at home and still get the kids something decent to eat after romping in the park. (Don't miss the weekend only breakfast pizza.)

Hint for dad: Za Za nail salon is just up on 2nd St. As well. A perfect place to give the lady in your life a mani-pedi break while you take the kids to the park. She can also shop at small stores nearby and join you for brunch, lunch or dinner.

The Good Stuff:

It's a really well done small park that is rarely overrun with bigger kids.

There is some shopping nearby.

There is a wide array of good food nearby.

The Bad Stuff:

Sometimes there are a few vagrants in the park but SFPD tends to keep them out.

Butler And Chef located right in the circle has great food but is not the most kid friendly. They actually have a "no stroller policy".

It's in an odd spot if you aren't already in SOMA for another reason.


South Park Wiki

Kitchen Skills: One Minute Eggs!

Every parent needs kitchen skills. Often stay at home parents need them even more. Here's a great way to make eggs in a hurry.

You'll need a microwave, an egg and a microwave safe mug or bowl. A typical coffee mug works well. It also helps to have a small amount of butter, oil or cooking spray to help prevent the egg from sticking but it's not essential.

While you only need an egg, you might want to add cheese and something green and leafy. Eggs area great vehicle for getting little ones to eat things like spinach, swiss chard or dandelion greens.

First: Use your oil, butter or cooking spray to very lightly coat the inside of the mug.

Next: Crack your egg into the mug and add any cheese, greens, tomatoes or other stuff you might want.

Then: This is very important, mix the egg well. You can beat it with a fork or simply mix it up thoroughly with a spoon, chopstick or whatever is handy. If you don't your egg will likely explode and spatter itself all over your microwave!

Finally: Place the mug in the microwave and set it for a minute. You may need to adjust for your particular microwave. If the egg comes out soupy try putting it back in for another 15 seconds and if it comes out looking like a kitchen sponge try subtracting 15. Adding ingredients usually requires more cooking time. An extra egg or a particularly large one will almost certainly take longer.

As with all microwave foods, there may be hot spots in the eggs. Make sure you chop them up before giving them to your child and give them a moment to cool to a safe temperature.

You can also read this article over at Examiner.com!

http://www.examiner.com/x-20294-SF-StayatHome-Dads-Examiner~y2009m8d31-Kitchen-skills-One-minute-eggs