The Girl was amazing.

San Francisco March 2013

The War on Drugs, still, again, ad nauseam.....

5/17/12  Those bratty pot smokers wonder why no one offers them any respect.  I don't wonder.  At a screening tonight of Code of the West, a documentary film about our infamous Montana fight over medical marijuana that took place during the legislative session in winter/spring of 2011, the boos and ughs and disgusted sighs during the panel discussion show the immaturity that plagues the marijuana movement in general.  And this is from someone who wholeheartedly supports legalization or at the very least, decriminalization of pot.  

Even the right wing wackos have a right to voice their opinions without the derisive jeers from the audience.  Whether they're really that dumb or just too stoned to realize that the bad behavior hurts their cause, I haven't decided.  The old adage if you can't beat 'em, join 'em would be well served if they dressed nicer, combed their long, straggly locks and yielded the floor when another was speaking.

I've always hoped my decent, non-stoner presence could serve as a force for good; to be part of the pro-legalization crowd and yet show we're not all loser, stoner dudes.  However, tonight, for the first time, I guess I was embarrassed to be in an audience that would jeer and boo.

It just gives the conservative, right wingers comfort to view what they see as a wide gulf between them and their opponents on the legalization front.  If the right wingers can articulate their absurd, illogical views with a calm voice and a straight face, why can't the subversives do the same?  Since the army of individuals against the War on Drugs has arguments that hold so much more water, it seems counterproductive to me to get down and slather around in the muck.  It's hard to imagine you'll be taken seriously, even if you are the voice of reason.

In The Void

Well this blog is truly in the ethernet I think, and since I haven't posted since March, sorely neglected. This, however, will be a quick, short note. My writings have been focussed elsewhere, on that "book" I've been writing, and so far have north of 35 pages, very small font, so I AM making progress. May have to self-publish, which works fine by me, so I'll just keep plugging along and in a year or so should have a rough draft of my adventures/memoir. It actually feels like it's a true possibility now, kind of like since I've kept painting, however sporadically, I'm beginning to feel like a sometime, novice painter. Very funny indeed.

They Say Everyone Has One Good Book in Them

Whoever the fuck "they" are, I still often wonder if it's true.  And I'm thinking if it's true, I'd better get started on mine.  Since I figure it will take 5 years and thousands of revisions to be a workable piece worthy of an audience. I'm thinking movie adaptation of course.  Think it'll have to be a novel, as I, like most people, live way too much of a predictable day to day life to make a memoir riveting enough to keep anyone's attention past the first paragraph.  But the more I deal with writing at work and the more I see just how anal I am about the English language, I do believe I could write something halfway interesting. So I have a couple of themes in mind, one my rebirth in the dating world after my 14 year absence, another is the long distance love affair with my overly intellectual bad attitude 29 year old in the gay city.   Both would need some embellishment, however certain aspects of each have been so fucking entertaining to me, I find it hard to believe anyone with a slightly twisted sense of humor like mine wouldn't at least get a few chuckles from the telling of the travails.  So onward and upward I think.  Better get cracking on that first draft.

Oscar Surprises

Well it would seem no one is expecting any rock the boat upsets tonight. Of course I am certainly hoping Annette Bening does win for best actress. I'm a big fan of Natalie Portman, Closer is one of my favorite performances of hers, but Black Swan by itself is a deeply flawed film and I'm a firm believer that the whole project should fly if the individuals are to be lauded for their performances. And The Kids Are All Right is a winner through and through. This is Annette's fourth nomination for an Oscar, and while she has a long career yet ahead of her, she's overdue. Her turn as the neurotic real estate agent wife in American Beauty was also Oscar worthy, and that was back in 2000, so it's been a long time coming. Natalie Portman will have many more years to again achieve her nominations and as talented as she is she will surely get at least a couple more. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that academy members recognize that it is Annette's year.

An even longer shot is best supporting actor which by all accounts is a lock for Christian Bale. And he does deserve it, but I'm still hoping that he's burned enough bridges with his on set tirades that the academy will overlook him. And while Geoffrey Rush does deserve an Oscar for the King's Speech, he already has one statue in his trophy case with Shine. So hope against hope, I would love to see Mark Ruffalo walk away with his first. He's been slow and steady and generally under the radar for many years while collecting a long list of stellar performances, the most notable as Laura Linney's troubled brother in You Can Count On Me. Other notable titles include Zodiac, In the Cut, a little seen but very good film with Meg Ryan in her most gritty role and my favorite film of hers, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

So let's hope for a few choice memorable moments, and more than a few upsets.

V Day

So I debated on whether to wear black this year for Valentines, but honestly it's been such a great year, I ended up wearing a red sweater, my red italia booties and red earrings given to me by my oldest. Pretty damn chipper actually, and although I didn't get flowers or chocolates, I have received both this year (once at the same time which had never happened in my life). And just last Friday received chocolates by a grateful tenant who moved into our building because I was so damn helpful and pleasant. Score! And Parrot chocolates, no less, the best in the west. They were delish, but thankfully I shared with the co-workers or else I could've easily downed the whole box myself. It's one of the few things I lose total control over, chocolate. Received a couple of valentines good wishes, one totally unexpected by the adorable chef at the B-Bar. Man why didn't we hook up when we had the opportunity, and in Paradise no less! Guess that was my pre-wild child phase, which I'm hoping I never move out of.... So on to Chicago if all goes as planned, then Outer Banks in May, and just realized today I get 4 days off for the 4th, so may just have to plan another adventure. This being free and single stuff is pretty liberating.

Post Secret

In the 2 or 3 minutes it took me to read post secret today, 7000 others also logged on to read it. Hard to believe almost half a billion people have read it to date.

Blue Valentine

Here is the latest case of a movie that disappointed mainly because of what it could have been. I so wanted to love it, especially after waiting a year to see it. This was the only movie I stood in line for at Sundance that I did not get in, the buzz was at such a fever pitch that everyone who could attend, did. It's also a case of where you got the distinct impression that the making of the film was much more intense and personal and emotionally intimate than the actual final product. Seeing the director Derek Cianfrance, Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling on Charlie Rose describing the scene on the bridge sounded so much more intense and charged when they talked about it. That Michelle had no idea Ryan was going to climb the fencing of the bridge, as if to jump, and that she had been sworn to a secret that she was not to tell, no matter what. The scene could've used several more minutes of build up to the finale of her blurting out she was pregnant. But it all happened so fast that any drama was soon deflated. Another 30 minutes of depth of both the characters, what made them tick, what did they want that they weren't receiving from the relationship? And the story should have been developed, we want to see the pain and agony that always accompanies a failing relationship. Not because we're gluttons for punishment, but because we've all been through the heart wrenching pain that happens when just love alone can't save your marriage/relationship. Why had they fallen out of love? Where had it all gone wrong? Those questions are never answered. True the "NC 17" scene was very emotional, but it had more to do with the camera angle and the hint of rape than the intense feelings they felt for each other. Michelle and Ryan are both terrific actors, but I have a feeling a substantial part of their performance was left on the cutting room floor.

Neil, still master after all these years

So I had always heard about Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit, thought it was way Northern California, but alas just south of San Fran. When I saw the lineup: reunion Buffalo Springfield, Pearl Jam and my favs Modest Mouse, not to mention freakin' Billy Idol (I know!) who I never thought I'd see in my lifetime, I decided this was the year to go. Not really any reason not to, which is good enough reason to do it in my book. Since tickets hadn't gone on sale yet, it was a real viable trip. And when a week out I lucked into an 11th row ticket from the late releases for night one, I felt blessed. No sitting on the lawn in the rain, which despite the great music, would have been miserable. Luckily both nights I was under the big tent covering the front half of the crowd. It really lived up to the adventurous weekend I was hoping for, despite the rain, so I was very happy I'd lucked into finding out about it in time. Seeing Buffalo Springfield do all their greats, from when I was barely a teenager, was like a time warp trip. Nice to see them all but honestly Neil and Stephen Stills are still rockin' their asses off and look healthy and happy which is fun to see. Not like Dylan who's a caricature of his former self and should just call it a day. And of course hunka wunka Eddie Vedder, singing Patti Smith's Dancing Barefoot and Modest Mouse doing acoustic Cowboy Dan were also highlights. But silly as it seems, seeing a limo driver holding a cardboard sign saying my name by the exit of San Jose airport really was the most surreal moment! On to my next adventure......

Phoenix, say hello

HOLY CRAP! It's been so long since I've posted I forgot all my login shit, luckily I finally got it. So after literally years with no one spending time reading any of my stuff I see some Phoenix peruser has actually looked a few times. So write me a comment, I'm always game to hear from far away folks. And reading some old posts from 5 years ago I'm happy to say a lot has changed and a lot has stayed the same, in all the right places thankfully! Maybe I'll actually start posting more. Funny after seeing the two U2 reviews, I'll be headed to SLC to see them again in May after seeing them at the Rose Bowl Oct 2009. They never get old! I mean seeing them of course, because yes, they are getting up there a little bit! Well have to go run now, one of the good things that hasn't changed. The lack of sex, FINALLY has changed for the better. And yes, absence does make the heart grow fonder! (absence of sex of course)

More Europe

U2 Rose Bowl Oct 25, 2009

Europe Baby!

Wimbledon Just Won't Be The Same This Year

I guess I really can't complain, after last year being the "greatest match of all time" when Rafa beat Roger for the epic match title on grass. Still, it is a real heart break to see him ailing. He is such a joy to watch and will be sorely missed this year. Get Well Rafa

Finally, a new post of random thoughts...

Okay, so I've been really neglecting this blog for forever, so thought I'd jot down a few things that have been bouncing around in my head.
1. When the "regular flu" kills thousands each year, why oh why all this fuss about the swine flu. And I hate how our media latches on like a rottweiler on a childs arm to a story and that's all that's on the news ad nauseum for days on end. Surely there are other things happening around the country and world than the flu.
2. Without warning my 25 yr old son has a sudden urge and desire to play the piano that sits mostly dormant for months at a time. The 2+ hours a day he's been practicing is pretty f*cking amazing. And he has taken immediately to reading music.
Looks like quitting his job has sparked a creative streak that he's been ignoring for ages. Which leads me to:
3. When you lose your sense of smell, do your other senses become heightened as they say happens to the blind?
4. My new job at the bank is working out very well, funny how well I've taken to a rigid schedule. And I'm hoping that the novelty of having my own office never wears off.
5. When friends have a husband, new boyfriend, job and two kids you tend to be so far down on their list as to be non-existent.
6. Had a very fine bottle of Argentine Malbec, El Tango. I think I'll get another bottle at the local wine specialty store sometime soon.
7. Paying down $2k on my mortgage seems like a better investment than leaving it in the loser 401k, so I'm doing it.
8. Suprised how I'm loving the new Decemberist "hazards of love" I was so determined to not like them, ever, at all, but now that I have tix to the Wilma in 3 weeks, figured I'd revisit that mentality. So yeah, the show should actually be pretty fun.
9. Trivia may actually start being more fun with the arrival of a "drop out", we'll see.
10. Netflixed The Queen w/Helen Mirren and my pal Jamee Cromwell, it was very good. And been watching Rescue Me, why is Denis Leary so sexy? Starting on season 3 this week.

Feb 24 2009

Halloweenie

Red Sox, First Date, etc.

First off, I'm glad Boston really made them earn it, pushing them to a game seven. Now I hope the Rays have the good manners to win the world series. At least if you're going to beat my team you should go all the way. Secondly, a first date which was actually comfortable and relaxed. Of course we'd chatted and emailed for the last couple of weeks so discovered we at least had a few things in common, not the least of which is a desire to go to Australia. That's a great start. Seems we hit it off well enough and although I was attracted, and loved the way he touched my arm and hair, I wasn't so attracted that I forgot how to speak the English language, which sometimes happens. Beautiful blue eyes, hair on top and a kind demeanor. Extra points for his short stature, we're the same height. So a date two is in order, hopefully a hike and dinner, but we can work that out later. The urge to keep my own individual life and not get all joined at the hip is a strong one. It helps that he lives out of town. I don't want an all-consuming thing that takes over my life. I do however feel the slightest bit vulnerable for the first time in years, to actually put myself out there and reveal to a person I'm actually interested in them is scary.

More B Bar, no snow this time

Pink never looked so good

Late Summer Days

Colors & Textures

Black & White

Experimenting with black and white lets me know how much I have to learn about photography. I really do need to sit down for several hours with my camera manual and do some putzing around. My problem is once I know the basics and things are coming out "good enough" I tend to not bother with such trivial things as directions. My goal is to change that as I just love my new camera and have been having a blast snapping pictures since I got it. And after last evenings art walk I'm motivated again to start some painting. those two horrendous paintings I made are just screaming "cover me up" so that's where I'll start. Weather is supposed to be crappy next weekend, so that may be the time slot I've been looking for.

Pilots

3/9/08

Through my adult years of traveling I’ve always noticed a tendency of height challenged men flying the planes. Call it Short Stature-Big Bird syndrome if you like. Perfectly understandable to me: you’ve always been the little guy so you get back at “them” by flying jumbo jets.

Well, I’ve traveled quite a few times with my children and had mentioned this observation to them. My daughters especially laughed at me, said I was imagining it and then would further point out each tall pilot as we made our way through the terminals.

So of course today they were not with me as I traveled my way back to Montana from Boston. Last minute travel arrangements dictated especially long layovers and as I didn’t care to get a book or a newspaper I spent hours watching the people cruise by. And among them were dozens and dozens of pilots, a clear majority belonging to the five foot seven and under crowd. Miniature men marched by in their pilot caps and black trench coats with their little roller bags trailing behind them. Now I notice these men not just because I’d love to prove my own theory, but because I have an especially fond spot for shorter men. I don’t know why that is but it may be rooted in the fact that my dad was six two and a half and has always represented to me what NOT to look for in a man.

So as I’ve spent this long day traveling back from what can only be described as a monumental week of family history, I’ve smiled many times as I spied another shorty strolling by.

Girls Making Movies

Just watched Two Days In Paris, Julie Delpy's first movie as director. Nice first effort, a funny, painfully realistic view of the insecure, psychopathic nature of most boy/girl relationships. Then I saw Matthew Broderick on David Letterman this week out promoting Helen Hunt's directorial debut which looks very promising. I hear Colin Firth also co-stars, reason enough for me to shell out $7.50. And of course there's the funny and oh so talented Tina Fey who's latest effort, Baby Mama is supposed to be pretty funny, even if it is more of a chick flick. (SNL really suffers since she's moved on.) This brings us to the awesome realization that more and more women are sinking their teeth into movie making, not just starring as the pretty leading lady. It's about time the "boys club" gave way to an equal forum for both sexes. And who couldn't be excited by the prospect of more quality movie offerings?

Getting Back to Normal

It's been a wild ride the last couple of months but things are settling down now and spring is visibly trying to take hold, FINALLY! Spent the weekend doing more housecleaning, shredding old bills, gathering the brush from last years garden and making an effort to give myself an attitude adjustment. Still feeling disappointed in the male species however, and becoming more and more reluctant to do to any online introductions since I've had such dismal results so far. No interesting men in the "real world" either, unfortunately. I don't think it's just me though, I do believe people are getting more and more isolated from each other. Just the fact that you can't paruse the faces of the other drivers because of tinted windows is depressing. I guess it's time to face reality. I was happy to see Rafa won a fourth straight Monte Carlo title, even if it wasn't televised. Another final with Federer would've been nice to see, but alas, not a big enough event. Plus such shit like the big NFL draft, NBA finals and lots of baseball take priority. I was also happy to hear my brother has gone back to work full time after the November aneurysm that nearly took his life. The stars were obviously aligned for him.

Montana Matters

This is the first time since before I moved west, 1977, that Montana has mattered on the national political scene. Since the Obama/Hillary neck and neck race shows no signs of letting up, they're making the rounds to the rural small states this time around. Which is a real bonus for us political buffs who like to see our candidates up close and personal. Now all I have been hearing for a year is what a pair of rock stars these two are in person, so I had to go and judge for myself. And suprise, they both are. However, Clinton still holds the edge for me. She just gives off an air of confidence after spending 8 years in the White House like she knows what is expected of the president, and how those situations are handled. Bravo Hillary. So I'm still, idealistically no doubt, holding out for an '08 Clinton/Obama ticket, to be repeated in 2012 and then an Obama/Tester? or Obama/Schweitzer ticket the next two go rounds. Oh well, I can hope at least!