He Does it Again!

A Threepeat for Rafa! What a Match!

Green Thumbing It

I don't know what it is about gardening that really rocks my world but something about watching things grow that I love. It goes back to when I was a little girl planting morning glories and marigolds and watching them sprout and bloom, the wonder of life I guess, as corny as that sounds. Luckily the damn deer don't go for the iris, although they have been tromping around in the beds and have knocked a couple of buds off that otherwise would've been beautiful blooms. Oh well, most of the others I planted last summer right before I flew to Europe are going to bloom for the first time and they'll be gorgeous. It really makes me want to find a way to landscape the whole yard in flowers and veggies, so far it's been a slow but steady process. The red potatoes I planted, 10 in all, are growing like crazy and should yield some beauties. The spinach is prolific this year and the lettuce is doing pretty well too. The tomatoes are limping along but will probably do okay and I'm trying bush beans again this year. Sooner or later I'll find a spot they like. I think home gardeners are a dying breed. I was inspired by my grandmother so maybe, if I ever have the benefit of grandchildren, I can instill that same love in them.

Pirates Delivers

I was a little skeptical but still determined to see Pirates III, the reviews I'd seen said better than two, not as good as one. I guess I'd agree with that assessment. And as much as I love Captain Jack, seems to me Kiera Knightley actually lit up the screen the most. And Orlando is just plain eye candy, no denying it. So it is the wild romp you'd expect, and the special effects are impressive. Especially that face of Davey Jones, it's pretty convincingly alive. And lots of nice touches, the opening scene where all rights had been suspended as they hang dozens of unfortunates is a blatant jab at the state of the country, and rightly so. So if you don't expect an awful lot from the plot it's a fun ride, and unlike some comments of it dragging, I thought it kept pace for all two hours 45 minutes. And boy does it set up for number four as you'd expect. They may not have the story line picked out yet, but there will be one. I kept expectations low for Keith Richards as Jack's dad, and good thing. The scene is a good one but that's about it, a cameo, but the funny part is Keith didn't look that much different than he does in every day life!

A Step Back in Time - 20 Years

My 15 minutes of fame only lasted 5, so I guess I've got another 10 coming.

Me: Smiling like a kid in a candy store.

Sting: Are we done yet???

We drove all night, me and a local singer, Carmen Hedges to Seattle to see his show at the Seattle Center for the Nothing Like the Sun tour. Having had the tickets lost in the mail, my boss at the radio station said, go, they'll be there at the will call window. Well when we got there and picked up the tickets, the woman who was handling it felt so bad she scooped us a couple of back stage passes, which was fine by us!! The show was fantastic, we sat in about row 30 on the floor and walked in with some fish and chips in hand, to the opening chords of Lazarus Heart, just in time. After the amazing performance with such greats as They Dance Alone, We'll Be Together, '86 Don't Stand So Close to Me, Little Wing, Englishman in New York and tons more, we made a quick dash to the ladies room to make sure we were presentable for the back stage encounter. And lo and behold we damn near missed him. So having been ushered back and told we'd get a photo op, I overcame my fear and immediately stood nearby waiting my turn. Meanwhile, Carmen, a singer who performed regularly on stage, chickened out. But I wasn't going to miss this for the world. I waited my turn, and after having a nice eye contact moment as I waited across the room, I stepped up and shook his hand, a great, warm, firm handshake, and expressed how great the show had been, and the woman doing the introductions said I'd traveled from Montana for the show, Sting exclaimed Montana! The Goon's from Montana (his photographer, who I was also introduced to, from Missoula, of course). Then we both looked forward to have the pix snapped, me grinning from ear to ear, Sting with that serious Rock Star look, and the moment was over. Whisked into a waiting white limo, off he went into the night. But I'd had my moment, memorialized in time by the 8 x 10 glossy I received a week or so later c/o the radio station. My boss who scored me the tickets was a real gem, and beamed as he handed over the photo. Anyone could see from my expression how thrilling the experience had been. So, on to Bonnaroo to see the Police reunion, this too should be a memorable event.

When the Levees Broke

Every American over the age of 12 should see this documentary by Spike Lee. I know, you think, how depressing, who wants to see a film with such misery and lots of floating dead bodies? But the film shows a vivid view of the culture and human spirit that was and is New Orleans. It also shows the stark reality which plagues George Bush's empire: "can't make a decision, paralyzed with fear and ain't gonna change any time soon." Whenever he's been asked to step up to the plate, George Bush has gone running to the land of denial and tunnel vision that must live in his head. Spike Lee does a commendable job of keeping himself out of the film and portraying the stories of the many individuals whose lives were devastated by Katrina. Bravo Spike.

More St Louis

St. Louis

St. Louis

I was so much more impressed with the St. Louis Arch than I thought I would be. I'd seen it from the highway passing through in 1978 but this week we stayed right next to it. This was the view from my hotel room. St. Louis was warm and humid and at least 60% black. As we walked the streets, having failed to flag down the transit bus, we (two blonde white women) were amazed at how many inquiring looks we received. Maybe it's just that friendly southern hospitality, but it was very noticeable. I also noticed how much more relaxed I felt being in the minority. Other times, like in DC, I felt very aware of just how very white I was. The southern flavor restaurant we ate at across from Busch Stadium (Cards lost badly 10-3) was like a step right into Dixie. Allegator on the menu, first time I'd ever seen that. We have buffalo burgers at some locales in Montana and think we're hot shit, ha! The spicy beans and rice was delish, the crawfish was unimpressive with very little meat and I declined the "sucking juice from the head" part of the experience. And then when done with our dinner, us four girls went into the next room where a local zydeco/blues/horns band was playing. They played a very funky Mack the Knife and a very fun I Dream of Jeannie theme song with a running commentary on how that was the singers favorite show growing up. It was a hoot and we stayed about an hour really enjoying the night out. Something about sitting for 4 straight days in a work conference to make you climb the walls, so it was a welcome relief. On another note, the Botanical Garden was superb and well worth the long trek by foot and public transport to get there and back.

It Could All End in One Second

As I rounded and rounded the block wondering why I couldn't find a damn parking space downtown I pulled slowly past an under construction patio right near my work and as I pulled into a curbside parking space I saw some debris tumble onto the sidewalk. I knew they'd had the lift with a guy doing some stuff on the building this week so didn't think too much of it. Then when I got out of my car and looked up, no man working, just two more lion heads affixed to the building, like this one that had just fallen two stories. The chance that I was there right as it happened is a little scary. If someone had been working below on the patio surely they would've died or been seriously injured by this piece of stone. And this space where it tumbled to the sidewalk is exactly where I walk each day to retrieve the mail. I've heard about pieces of old buildings falling in places like NY, but not here in little Helena Montana. You'd have never known what hit you. Luckily, no one was around late in the work day to meet their end.

Things I Know

Serena Williams is a force of nature. After going down 0-6 in the first set of the final in Miami (her first such deficit in over a year in a first set) she fought back to win the Sony Ericsson title, her fourth. Tough as nails and heading for the number 1 world ranking.

Sandra Bullock needs a new agent. Honestly, how many time warp films does she have to make before she fires her agent. What happened to the good old days when she did films like While You Were Sleeping? Even 28 Days was a vast improvement over the last several outings.

Timothy Olyphant is hot hot hot. I recently rented The Girl Next Door through my Netflix account. While I watched the first few minutes, I wondered "now why did I add this movie to my queue?" Then about half way through here comes the pimp daddy of our main character, in from out of town and ready to start some shit. Oh yeah, that's why I added this flick. I just can't get enough of him and I'm waiting anxiously for the final season of Deadwood to come out. Seth Bullock, now that's a Bullock with all the right moves.

Dancing With the Stars is the kind of show I'd never watch. I've never seen an episode of Survivor, Lost, American Idol, Deal or No Deal, The Greatest Race, and haven't watched the Apprentice since the first two seasons, it's now in it's seventh. BUT, when I saw that Apolo Anton Ohno was one of this years competitors, I had to tune in. Seeing him skate every four years at the Winter Olympics isn't nearly enough. And it turns out being a world class skater, Olympic gold medal winner and adorable hunk, all help him to dance like a pro. He'll be in at least the last two couples, if not the top notch.

The Anna Nicole fight for her riches and little girl will be in the courts for the next five years, maybe more.

The odds of President Bush being impeached are better than ever now. Keep your fingers crossed as the hits keep coming.

Sir Bono

So I hear the Pope wants to put "HELL" back on the agenda. And the Bush administration is talking about Regime Change in Iran, and we all know how well that plan's going in Iraq after 4 years of bloodshed and chaos. I guess those fear mongers have a common theme in their strategy to control the lives of others. I surmise that their own hearts and minds are so out of control they are compelled to seek out control through dominating others. Keep the masses fearful and you can lead them off a cliff. Why can't they be like Bono and use their powers for good to change the world for the better?

Rafa Rules

With a win today at Indian Wells. Playing in fine form he was overdue for another title. This is the first since Paris 2006. Of course it didn't hurt that Roger Federer was knocked out early, but still great to see the win. It must be the longer pants, noticed he switched back to the standard after going knee length for awhile. Such a joy to watch. Now it's on to Miami for the next ATP tournament. GO RAFA!!

Paris Calling

Trying to make it to Italy this year and I've been yearning for Europe and thinking a lot about it lately. We'll see.

Movie Notes

Zodiac made me want to go out and get the book and read the in depth story of this deranged killer. Jake Gyllenhaal does a stellar job as the regular guy, a grown up eagle scout, who becomes obsessed with the California murder spree of the Zodiac. Makes you wonder how many unsolved murders would be solved if the detectives on the cases put as much time and energy into researching the murders as this regular guy does. The gold mine of resources found in your local library is mentioned more than once, a real plug for those demure librarians who fight to keep free access to public information. The real flair of the film though is Robert Downey Jr., who is fantastic as this wacked out substance abuser. I know, not much of a stretch for him, but he's terrific. I was happy to see how healthy and vibrant, (and hot) he looked on the red carpet at the Oscars. Nice to have him back, I wish he'd do more movies. It's longish, 2.5 hours, but I'm glad they didn't hack it up to fit in the 90 minute format. A must see.

Now, on the other hand, Notes on a Scandal, which got so much buzz, was kind of disappointing. As Cate Blanchett's character is being taken advantage of by the evil school marm it reminded me of those scary movies where you want to scream at the screen "NO, don't go down in to that dark basement without a flashlight". That someone would be that naive and trusting of such an evil character is hard to believe.

Netflixed An Unfinished Life with Robert Redford, Jennifer Lopez and Morgan Freeman as someone had recommended it to me as a good flick, and it is. I've always liked J Lo as an actress, if nothing else. The crotchety old grandpa, Redford, and the ailing Freeman have an interesting relationship which is really the core of the film. Worth viewing if just to immerse yourself into the lovely landscape. The ranch where they live is truly a pristine area, and films that bring you to beautiful places have an added dimension.

Ellen Wimped Out

For someone who "came out" on national TV to tons of controversy, Ellen sure played it safe at the Oscars. I was looking forward to some biting, funny jabs, but witnessed nothing but softballs. There were a few light moments, like making Steven Spielberg re-take a digital pix with Marty Scorsese. With the country in chaos over the Iraq war and the "who's your daddy" saga, surely there could have been some hilarious zingers, but zilch. As for the awards, a couple of suprises like Alan Arkin for Grandpa in Little Miss Sunshine, which he did such a wonderful job in. Eddie Murphy did a real star turn in Dream Girls, but you know he's gotten so much attention for years it was nice to change it up a bit. The heartfelt speeches from Jennifer Hudson and Forrest Whittaker made you happy to see them win. I was a little disappointed they gave Scorsese both best picture and best director, director would've been enough of a reward in my book. Plus I really wanted to see Sunshine win best picture. It was a suprise to see it get best original screen play though. Now the dresses did have a few zingers. Seems this year it was home runs and strikeouts and not much in between. What was Nicole thinking? Not that red doesn't become her, but that bow! A parrot on her shoulder would've taken up less room. And Jennifer Lopez with that gaudy jeweled mess around her neck with the cutie pie hair, yuk! And after playing a true fashion diva Meryl Streep comes looking like a baggy bohemian. And Kirsten Dunst? It was the dress that had everything, and therefore nothing. Now there were a lot of knock outs, not the least of which was Helen Mirren, what a dress! Other winners, Cate Blanchette with a slinky body hugger, Kate Winslett in a celadon number, Byonce in the red performance number only, (the one with that jeweled arrangment across her chest was too much), and how about Reese Witherspoon? What a classy look, I guess single life agrees with her. Also looking very uptown was Gwyneth Paltrow with that sleek hair pulled to one side. She was as gorgeous as I've ever seen her, and she's had a few misses, remember that pink number from a few years back? On the male side, Leo, Ryan Gosling and Clive looked very sharp. It's always fun to see the stars dressed to the nines, and the truly international flavor added another dimension not usually seen at the Oscars. I do hope this is Ellen's only outing though. Hell her American Express commercials are more entertaining.

Halfway There

Well yesterday the Montana State Senate passed SB 306 to abolish Montana's death penalty. Vote was close, 27-22. Now on to the House, which is republican controlled. I do believe the winds of change are blowing nationwide regarding death penalty. So many states have recently been looking at the legality of lethal injection and in fact if our death penalty is not repealed this legislative session, a suit challenging the legality of our protocol will be filed. We already know from a ruling last summer that the procedure used at Montana State Prison is not the one spelled out in statute. The cruel and unusual factor may be the turning point as another state with our same procedure has already ruled it unconstitutional. All those who argue against abolishing the death penalty use emotional, illogical and often religious arguments. Recent testimony included "this is not a matter of vengeance" and "it's not an economic issue" both arguments of course are false. It reminded me of junior high girls who would say things like "not to be mean or anything" or "I'm not trying to be a bitch" which of course mean they were exactly trying to be mean and bitchy. Death Penalty is about vengeance and it is about our tax dollars being wasted on costly appeals which means all Montanans are subsidizing state sponsored death, like it or not. The most compelling argument I heard was the simple fact that if it's not a fair and just system, equally applied to all regardless of color or income or the ability to hire a great lawyer, the system needs to be changed.

The Fight Over Montana's Death Penalty

Every legislative session, a bill is introduced to abolish Montana's death penalty. It usually makes it to the full house/senate floor before being summarily killed. Last session however it didn't even make it out of committee. I've seen more of our legislative session this year than ever before as it's broadcast by the local public TV group. It's sad to think that what happens here locally happens on a bigger and scarier scale in DC. The sane and logical arguments to abolish the death penalty are so numerous: it costs more than life in prison, it's a barbaric state sponsored killing for punishment/revenge on behalf of the families and society at large, the lack of closure and satisfaction for the victim family members who witness the killing of the presumed guilty. Not to mention the many, many who have been removed from death row nationwide when DNA evidence or recanting of eye witness testimony free the innocent. When the rest of the so-called civilized world has long given up on tax dollar murders, most US states cling to a tunnel vision that "justice" is served, and "eye for an eye", etc. etc. Fact is, the rich white killers (or black if you're OJ) never get the death penalty because they can afford to hire high priced quality lawyers. So if it's inherently unfair as the poor and minority populations are much more likely to receive the death penalty, how can any thinking, feeling person justify the taking of life when the dangerous can be kept from society by prison? Or worse yet, when the realization that innocent people have in fact been executed in this country under an imperfect justice system? And don't even get me started on the bible thumpers who apparently can dismiss "thou shalt not kill" with a flick of their finger because is serves their own evil intentions. But then, using the Bible/Jesus/Christianity as a shield to hide behind for promoting your own hateful ways, is a well established practice these days. The inability to take responsibility for your own racist, discriminatory thoughts and feelings is the definition of small minded humans, and there seems to be no shortage of them running around. Call me an idealist, but this year I'm hoping that intelligence prevails.

Guston

Came across this very striking abstract while searching for other art I've seen this last year, I believe it's called Natives Return.

I'm Confused

So after updating with the 21st century and doing the MySpace thing for a while, I am puzzled at the responses I get. First, and this is just a pet peeve of mine, has the habit of proofreading before you hit send really gone by the wayside? I've gotten many "looking for love, the one true love, etc. full of typos and really bad grammar. Some have made me wonder if English is really their first language. And now, while I don't mind the attention from the younger guys, what on earth are they thinking when they live in NY, CA and even England looking for the love of their life? If they're just looking for some dirty chat because their whole life is lived in cyber space, maybe they could disclose that up front. Otherwise, I don't need a bunch of "friends" who I'll never meet, no matter how attractive they are, and some are. So, it's like the rest of the internet, a ton of "spam" for every tiny bit of substance.

Two Thumbs Up

For Dream Girls and Children of Men. Had to go see Dream Girls after all the hoopla, and really, Jennifer Hudson deserved that Golden Globe, and so did Eddie Murphy. It is a well put together film chronicling the Supremes rise to fame. Even though there are a few moments of "I feel a song coming on" where one of the players breaks into song, it's forgivable. Children of Men is an impactful film, a grim picture of what the world may be like in 2027, when the whole world looks like downtown Baghdad does now. The premise that we're on our way to extinction isn't that far fetched when you look at global warming and infertility, not to mention the massive poisioning of our environment. It was sad to see London all disheveled and broken, especially after finally seeing it for real last summer. Clive Owen is great as usual, a definite must-see.