American Splendor

Every time you finish watching a movie and walk out of the theater, don't you sometimes just tell yourself, "back to reality". That is true...the movie is nothing more than a few hours watching someone else's life...but what if we reversed that?

I've always loved Paul Giamatti and Hope Davis. They both worked their way playing excellent bit parts in movies. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to magnify those "bit parts" into two hours. Well here it is: American Splendor.

Being a pessimist, myself, I can relate to a lot of Harvey's gloom and doom way of thinking. And if the movie looked like an amplified depiction of dysfunction, well, it may be...but is it?

(I'll leave you and your shadow to discuss this now...)

KT Tunstall

If you ever hitched a ride with me these past few weeks, you'd probably cross me off your list by now. I've had a really short play list and "other side of the world" will always get at at least two or three replays. "Universe and U" and "False Alarm" are excellent Sunday afternoon tracks...you should try it sometime.

Come monday morning, go ahead and play "Heal Over" on the way to work.

Thanks, KT.

Tina Dico at the Chop Suey

The Chop Suey in Seattle is a small venue right across from a great Pizza place :).

Strumming and plucking her guitar with such ease, she sang most of her tracks from In the Red, one from her EP, and a new one (Magic). She was really comfortable and warm, making slight changes to the songs; a stronger line here, a whisper of a few words there, shorter here, longer there, ....it's so obvious that she's been playing and singing all her life.

Tina has a powerful voice, but she never uses it unless she has to (something Kelly Clarkson should learn to do). Her live accoustic set is really different from the studio album and is so much more livelier. I hope someday she makes a DVD of her live performances. It shows so much of her great character and strengths.

This is bad news and good news for me. Good that I was able to see her in such an intimate setting. I had such a great time. Bad that with so much talent, wisdom, and heart, she is destined for success. Chances are, the next time I watch her, I'll be somewhere in section O, row 3, seat 9.....

But that's ok. I'll always have this little solo concert in Seattle in my memory.

V for Vendetta

There is just something about Natalie Portman when she's not smiling that I see Mathilda (and deep inside I'm wishing for a sequel to Leon). The movie, as a whole, was in perfect balance. Even during the rather funny moments that could have spoiled it (i.e. the apron)...it is able to swerve back to the path of seriousness.

I don't know why they didn't pick Hugo Weaving to play the part of V, but I'm glad fate stepped in and put him in the role. Despite a few moments where I almost thought I heard him say "mister anderson!" subconsciously...hehe...I think his voice was perfect behind the mask.

There are several suggestions as to the identity of V, and my guess is that, well...he may have been Ruth.

I could be wrong...

It's all good, Woody!

I just had to write about it. Today it was announced that Kirk Rueter retired as a Giant (SFGIANTS article). Woody has always been one of my favorites and when he was designated for assignment last season my heart really sank. If anything, I wanted to see the Giants win it all with Kirk, JT, Barry, Marquis, and Rich still onboard. But....Rich and JT were lost to free agency and Marquis and Kirk were released to make room for other players.

Woody always embodied smart play. His best fastball was 85mph and if the beginning of last season was any indication, he relied heavily on the defense for ground balls. He simply located his fastball and used a wide array of combination pitches, altering speeds each time, to throw off batters. He made use of whatever he had in hir toolbox and just played it smart.

I'm sorry you didn't get to retire in your own terms, Woody. But I am forever in awe of you and in my own selfish way, am happy to see you retire as a Giant.

Now if you could just open The Shed to the public.....