All is full of love

I don't know why it's taken me this long, but perhaps it was because of a hunger for more inspiration from music. That's what happens when the artists you normally follow are still in the midst of the next album or on tour, and you've already exhausted everything in their catalog. Similar to your primal instinct for finding sustenance, you begin to open yourself to what's out there and are less exclusive in your quest. Alas, the realization finally came when I was listening to a collection of Bjork tracks...and there it was: All is full of love. If listening to it doesn't capture you, then the video probably will...and chances are, you'll be as captivated. And as if I've known her for a long time, did I realize I've known her all this time....with Isobel....and Army of Me. Not that I had not heard All is full of love before, but I guess it's different now and the time is right. And with a sizeable catalog left to consume, I am filled with joy :)

Gotta Happen

It was sad news that Baron decided to opt out of his contract, but I think it's for the better. I remember posting in one forum that if he really didn't want to stay that he should just go opt out now and find another place where he'd be happy (whatever that means to him). I have faith in Chris Mullin, that he will do what's best for the team and I'm sure his decisions do not revolve around Baron alone. I know it's still a business, but Golden State gave him a chance to shine again and if that means anything to him, hopefully he will at least give respect and dignity to Golden State...whatever he feels this city deserves, and what that ultimately says about who he is.... Amen.

WALL E

It was just one of those hot days when the thought of sitting in a cool dark place was too good to pass up. I was a little skeptical and felt that this may be that chink in the armor for Pixar...but alas I was proven wrong (and happily so).

They love ya, man! They really love ya!

It was heartwarming to see how well received Omar was in his first return to Cleveland after joining the Giants in 2004. There are just so many positives you can say about Vizquel as a person and as a player. He's remembered the most, however, for defense, and in the video tribute they played in his honor, that was the clear highlight. But he also does the little things.....like that squeeze bunt that won the game that day :).

Push! Push!

I don't think I've ever watched a golf program as long as I did on Sunday. And it simply was because Tiger wasn't blowing everyone away.....he was clawing his way back each time (talk about a handicap, huh?......with that knee, i mean, ah you get what i mean). And Rocco was just playing it cool and that was terrific. Come Monday it really didn't matter who could have won. This whole saga, beginning all the way back from Friday, was one great hell of a show. And Rocco deserves as much credit for keeping pace on all levels. On his way to receive his trophy, Tiger met with his wife Erin and daughter, Sam Alexis, and as he tried to hand over Sam back to Erin, she reached out back to him. Tiger's instant reaction was to get her back. at least for a little while longer. Surely, this was a warm moment for him as a father.

Battlestar Galactica

I've heard from a lot of people: "the new Battlestar Galactica is reaaallly good." So when I was browsing through used dvds at my local Half-Price Books, I grabbed what I think was Disc 1 (the long pilot/miniseries). Well, what can I say? Minus some of the weird horniness, I'd say it really is good stuff.

It's a great story, that of low-tech being the saving grace in what had become a too tech-savy world (is this a message for us folks in these times?.....maybe....)

Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell really fit the characters they play. I'm pleased to see their more complex rivalry compared to having just plain mudslinging between military and political factions.

Anyway, I'm just on disc 1 so who knows how this will all unfold. I just bumped up disc 2 on my Netflix Queue.

Boink!

I was doing laps around the channels and made a pit stop every now and then at the NBA finals, just to see how Boston and LA were doing. After the 2nd quarter and with LA leading by close to 20, I started skipping it. I thought to myself that while Boston loaded itself with power players, it just wasn't ready yet as a team, and maybe Doc Rivers was still trying to figure out how to mix this mean cocktail :).

But alas, the Celtics bounced back and won it. They focused on tight defense, used bench players efficiently, switched players around...was that teamwork? From the outside it looked like Doc just finally found the right combination and strategy. But reading more about it on the net and the papers this morning, I did notice that hidden element that worked behind the scenes. They stopped looking at the score and players expressed the desire to be accountable. Yeah, I think there was a team in that scene.

On the other side of the court, maybe they should try something else. I'll admit it now, I really don't like Kobe. And if he's been playing it like "I'll let you kids try it yourselves first and then I''ll jump in and show you I can win this game all by myself", well......good luck to ya, man.

Triple Play!

When Jose Castillo stepped on the bag and threw to second, I felt that chill behind my neck. Could they actually pull it off? Once the relay to first came I stared at the umpire and when he stretched out his arms that chill immediately escalated to a freeze...and then joy. I was so happy to have witnessed that triple play first hand. Even though it was through streaming video, the feeling was the same had it been live. Keiichi Yabu, in one pitch, ended the whole inning. How cool is that?

Sweep!

Well well well......here we are defeating the first place Diamondbacks. We aint that bad you know? This 3-game sweep wasn't cheap, either.....winning against Haren and Randy Johnson. Still, the local papers remain negative...which is neither good nor bad. I'd just conclude that it means their expectations are higher :)

Indy 4

Had Tom Selleck not been committed to a TV series a long time ago, this franchise would have been really different. But luckily, as fate would have it, Harrison Ford landed the role and he has kept it interesting and fun to watch. His brand of humor really works when it's not the primary selling point of a movie.

It would have been great to have Sean Connery and Denholm Elliott back for this reunion, but Karen Allen and John Rhys Davies were both welcome faces. Spielberg and Lucas really beat up Harrison and there were times it felt like I was watching John McClane's brother! :)

Hang in there

It's been a tough losing streak the past six games, but the team just needs to hang in there...things will get better on their own. With Velez and Bocock now back in Fresno, hopefully it gives them the motivation to work on what they picked up from playing the major league level and get them back soon. At the same time, its pleasing to see more new guys like Travis Denker and Alex Hinshaw getting a chance to get more exposure.

I honestly can't wait to see Zito back on the mound. I personally like the progress he's made the past two games and I do believe he will bounce back, despite what everyone says. The bullpen has struggled lately (Wilson's saves have been shaky) and I think the pre-game meeting Bochy had with them helped lift their spirits a bit.

Can't end this entry without acknowledging Aurilia and Vizquel, who despite age, are showing the youngsters how to persevere, continuously bounce back, and contribute to the team.

Tina Dico at the Nectar Lounge

It was a really warm weekend and what better way to celebrate it than with a Sunday night live music gig....well, late night, that is.....the tix did say 8pm but I don't think the front act even started 'till about 9 and Tina's set was pushed to 10......coincidence or the fact that her latest album's titled "count to ten" :). Anyway, on to the show! Having seen her before when she was doing shows at Chopsuey, I think she's more confident this time and there's something really bright about her, or maybe that was just the lighting :).

She performed a lot of tracks from her latest album, and halfway through the set she did do a medley of songs from her previous albums, and even gave in to a few requests (yes, the folks asked for 'Warm Sand'). Having worked with a band in her other shows I think has added a nice dimension to her performance, but this night when she played acoustic with us, brought out some interesting variations, where I think in some situations the way she played and sang was intended to go with a band behind her, be she continues to perform the same way. And it does work, actually, and really exposes her voice and guitar work.

Pushed far enough

Annika Sorenstam and Justine Henin have both made the judgement that they have pushed far enough and its time to throw in the towel. I've always admired the seriousness that Annika brought to her game. Even when she smiled or laughed a bit, you knew it was never going to last.....her face would turn back to serious (or neutral) and she'd be ready for the next swing. Justine Henin is not too far from that mold, I think. I haven't seen her as much as Annika, but whenever I think of someone who has indeed stretched it far enough or made that full extension to earn every point, I'd think of Justine. It's amazing how much she can do with that frame. Anyway, farewell to you both, and all the best in that next step in your lives.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

Watching the news clip on Sergio Garcia after he won the Players Championship, the last thing I thought he would say....and what was on my mind.....he actually said. Smiling, he started his acceptance speech with a thanks to Tiger Woods for not competing in the tournament.

The Anointed One

I was anointed by the pagan goddess :)

One of the things I miss about San Francisco is that it's a major stop for artists. When I heard that Goldfrapp was doing a show at the Warfield, my heart sank. It wasn't until the last week or so when circumstances turned in my favor and I found myself back in SFO just in time to watch a cold-infected Alison courageously sing, among other tracks, Utopia. I was one happy camper :).

QnA from SFGate

Take Notice

In one of my email exchanges to a former co-worker, I got the sad news that she had a diminished interest in the Giants this year and I found myself trying to sell the excitement of the new crew, one highlight of which is how refreshing defense from left field now looks like with Fred Lewis. He again showed this last night when made a perfect relay to throw out Josh Bard from second base. Like I've been saying lately to quite a number of folks, you just have to give this crew a chance. Emmanuel Burris is one of the new additions to the next generation, and he delivered.

Let's not end this entry with all glowing praise to the young guys. Last night's rally, after all, would not have been possible if that old, slow, guy named Bengie Molina hadn't hit a monster homerun off of Trevor Hoffman. Yes, it still pays to have veterans mixed with the kids, because experience is still a valuable commodity, and Bengie's got a lot of it......and a lotta Heart....ya need to impart that trait to the kids as well.

Congrats, Danica!

Danica Patrick's patience and hard work has finally culminated in a win! It's no secret that everyone has been tagging her as a Kournikova-in-the-making, but she really isn't given enough credit and she's no slouch in the racetrack. I'm glad that this win finally helps give her a bit more respect. I'm sure this will magnify her stardom significantly, but moreover, this is a great day for loyal fans. When I last saw her at Infeneon Raceway in Sonoma, her fans cheered her every pass around the track. Her fans in Japan must have been screaming with joy. Cheers, guys!

Wins and Losses

Confidence continues to grow with the new Giants crew. A great balance of youth (Lewis, Castillo, Wilson), seasoned guys (Taschner, Correia, Rowand), and veterans (Molina, Aurilia) came alive last night and I was very satisfied with the win. Sadly, this came in the same evening the Warriors lost to Denver and now fall a game behind in the playoff race. Not that it eliminates them completely....but that would have been a great moral boost.

Not that I'm a big hockey fan, but the Sharks won over Calgary in the NHL playoffs last night.

Is there a loss to balance this one? Hmmm.....how are our football teams rebuilding this off season?

Congrats, Frank!

I think the choice to have Frank Somerville replace Dennis Richmond in the 10 O'Clock news is a great choice. Being a big fan of Mornings on 2, I've always enjoyed Frank's light approach to delivering the news (and how we can easily switch to a serious tone when the news calls for it). Him paired with Ross and Tori make a great team......and that probably leads-in to a bit of sadness for me, as this will most likely split him from that crew (I mean he can't do both morning and evening shifts for sure.......or can he???....nah :) ) I still do my best to catch KTVU here in the Seattle area every chance I get (thanks to my brother's slingbox :) ) and now I'll have more to look forward to for the evening broadcasts. I'll always remember Frank for one of the station's anniversaries when they showed how Frank proposed to his wife (who was a producer or director I think at the time)......it was one of those great moments in local TV.....the camera suddenly turning to her...and there was Frank proposing on the air :)

Anyway, I'm glad you're still at KTVU, Frank, and congratulations on the new evening anchor position!

So who subs for Frank on Mornings on 2 now? (Willie Brown? :) )......just kidding!.....or ammm I???

:)

They'll ramp up soon enough

I've been guilty of impatience myself. But I always find a way to reason with my stubborn side to remember that these guys are fresh and they will make mistakes....they will discover major league play on the job.....they will even mess up routine plays at times. But they will get the hang of it soon enough and the talent that got them here will be revealed.

I was really happy for Daniel Ortmeier last night. My brother was witness to my constant ranting on him during spring training and I think Bochy's (and Lansford's) decision to keep him batting from the right side only has paid off. Personally, I'm just glad he's persevered as much and hope he continues to do so as the long season ahead will definitely test him.

Congratulations also to Jonathan Sanchez and the bullpen, who picked up each other.

A big WOOHOO for Fred Lewis' double play at the plate! I'm sure a lot of folks have to start getting used to outstanding defense from left field now that we've got him patrolling that area :).

First Win of the Season

Finally, one for the win column :) It's been rather depressing the past two games (especially Matt Cain's gem of performance that went unrewarded) so to finally get last night's win (a game-ending double play) is a boost for this crew. It's become apparent, however, that it truly is time to give all the new guys more playing time. They're hungrier, stronger, and it's really refreshing to see new players, especially the ones that are doing well.

Eugenio Velez is as potent as he was in spring training. Jose Castillo came out of nowhere and is a pleasant surprise (he reminds me of Deivi Cruz for some reason). I'm hoping to see more of Fred Lewis and Brian Bocock, and hopefully more of Steve Holm. And Merkin Valdez....wow! He really has rebounded after TJ surgery (also Tyler Walker). But let's not forget the real winner last night: Tim Lincecum. He not only pitched great, he won the game by getting a hit off of Loaiza and eventually scoring on Randy Winn's sacrifice fly.

Assimilation Complete. ST Routines Installed.

Resistance is futile.

Seventh Tree is now in my veins. There is something eerily haunting in Alison's voice and the simple combinations or orchestrations she and Will used for this album.

Watching the DVD (that accompanies a special edition of the album) repeatedly the past couple of days reminds me how much a visual person I am, and in this case...the audio-visual experience just makes me appreciate the album more, especially the instrumental versions of Road to Somewhere and Some People.

Seventh Tree

Being a huge fan of Goldfrapp's Black Cherry and Supernature albums and accustomed to their high energy, I had a few seconds of numb sadness, even disappointment, after my first pass at Seventh Tree.

Then I listened to it again.

To date I haven't skipped to any particular track. And the more I listen the more this album is growing on me. It feels as though Seventh Tree is one long and epic track. At some point I'm sure I'll begin to recognize individual tracks...

Right now I think it will be Road to Somewhere for a while.

Am I really getting anywhere? :)

Message in a CyberBottle?

More 08 Oscars

Behold, the best actress: Actor/presenter Forest Whitaker holds a tearful Marion Cotillard backstage after announcing her win for La Vie en Rose.



"George Clooney, you know, the seriousness and the dedication to your art, seeing you climb into that rubber batsuit from 'Batman & Robin' -- the one with the nipples, every morning under your costume, on the set, off the set, hanging upside-down at lunch -- you rock man." -- Tilda Swinton, thanking "Michael Clayton" co-star George Clooney after winning best supporting actress trophy.

(pics and notes from usatoday.com)

2008 Oscars

Marion Cotillard won. Amen :)

More notes:

1. - Amy Adams' singing on stage was magnificent. She even stayed to perform with other stage performers for the other nominated song (why didn't Patrick Dempsey do the same?)

- Damn I really regret having not taken my Spanish elective classes in college...otherwise I could have understood Javier Bardem's last sentences for his mother.

Again it's a struggle with time, but the montages gave me an idea...why not show as much only to fill time and give the award winners a little more time. Still, some montages could have been omitted and some sections like how the votes are tallied. Really, you can just post all the incformation in the website for full disclosure...

Teleprompter - these are actors, don't you think they can remember a few sentences?

I wish they'd stop saying how many times someone has won or been nominated for an award.

Joel and Ethan Coen either showed us what these award shows mean to them or they just are not known for openly expressing gratitude...maybe both (not that there's anything wrong with either one).

Best Speech: Tilda Swinton (and she finished it even before the music started)

Next year's host should be: Jack Nicholson :)

Juno

There's just something about Ellen Page that annoys me the first time I see her portray a role, and yet I can't turn away, and by the end of the film I've pretty much been won over. It's like the reaction that couple had with Kramer's potrait in Seinfeld.

It's not the first time that a movie has been made about teenage pregnancy, but this one feels really fresh and suited for today's time. JK Simmons also plays a great father role in this one.

Numero Uno

Anytime someone "from the streets" makes it in the "big world", everyone takes notice. Who is to say it only applies to humans :) .....congratulations to Uno for surprising all those tricked out poodles at Westiminster. ...dare I call him an underdog ? :)

SFGate article

My fate at the ICU and the Warriors

Hey first of all, I aint complainin'...am really happy the Warriors have won the last three games (Kings, Wizards, and Suns) and to my utmost enjoyment...but all three have been such heart attack finishes I'm probably headed for the Intensive Care Unit :). Ellis has really developed into a great player and I just hope the Warriors can keep him (and that he reciprocates with the team that gave him his chance)...same goes for Andris Biedrins. These two guys were question marks for me in the past and I wondered why Chris Mullin spoke so highly of them back then...now I know (and I will trust you more, sir ;) ).

The 08 Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards has never really been the same for me and I can't even remember when that "magic" was lost. My last happy memory was when Stevie Wonder did a joke on stage trying to raise his glasses to read the nomination card...when was that? sometime in the 90's, right?

Alas, this years Grammy would have been just another one passing by for me had it not been for....yes, honestly......Stevie Wonder! I think it was a great advantage for him to not be at the mercy of the teleprompter. Having been introduced as a 25-time Grammy winner, he certainly was the most comfortable on stage. And did you hear him sing the chorus line from Alicia Keys' "no one"? He can still hit the high notes...as only a 25-time Grammy winner can.

Maybe I'm just getting old, but Herbie Hancock's Gershwin tribute was the performance highlight for me and made me feel really glad to have not missed this year's show. And yes, I truly enjoyed Amy Winehouse.....she even brought the beehive back!

Capote

Just watching Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener's exchanges makes it for me for this film. Right now, I just can't think of anybody else who could have played Truman Capote and Nelle Harper Lee the way these two did...(yes, I know there was another one...and nope, not interested in seeing it :) ).

08 Giants so far

So far, they did most of what I had in my wish list: they re-signed Omar Vizquel and kept the pitching crew intact. Getting Aaron Rowand is an interesting acquisition, and my gut tells me he will make an impact. I would like to see Kevin Frandsen get the second base job. As for the corners, I wouldn't mind getting Mark Sweeney back to help Rich Aurilia platoon those positions (or how about Tony Clark?) with either Dan Ortmeier or other prospect.

I still think this is a transition year to that rebuilding phase, but who knows, this crew just might surprise us. If Frandsen gets the starting job, this might be his breakout year. I feel a trade or two is still coming to get one of the corners and a relief pitcher perhaps.

No Country for Old Men

I just have to start this entry with a question: was that a silenced shotgun? Damn! It was amusing to watch Javier Bardem's character....very inventive (with that pressure tank.....thingee :)) and also very cold.

Tommy Lee Jones played the reluctant Sheriff, and somewhat of a muted role.....not sure but his contribution to the story could have been done differently.....not more, just differently.

I can see why people applaud Josh Brolin's performance in this film. He was convincing and consistent.

Stranger than Fiction

This movie had a unique concept and was well directed. Will Ferrell was perfectly cast and he slided into character really well. I didn't even have any flashbacks of his comedic characters (which I always do with Jim Carrey) so I think he was able to crossover really well in this role.

Who better to be the neurotic writer than Emma Thompson? I think her Harry Potter stint helped a bit, too :). And Queen Latifah as the assistant....nice touch.....someone must have seen her in The Bone Collector.

Anyway, back to this unique concept. Have you ever had these moments where you wished you could talk directly to God and ask him questions? Well, reverse and twist that a bit.......what if you were a writer and one of your characters suddenly comes up to you? Underneath the story also are some fundamental messages about life.....don't take things for granted, live more.......you know where I'm getting at....

The Contract, Fracture, 300, and Demonlover

The Thanksgiving holiday this year gave me a lot of time to catch up on some unwatched DVDs. I would like to start with Demonlover as it is my favorite from this lot. It's a really twisted story about underground pornography and masochism. The undercurrent of cutthroat competition in the corporate world was a good start, and once everything got out of hand the story really got twisted. The exchanges between Connie Nielsen and Chloe Sevigny carried much of the tension in this movie.

The Contract is a turn for Morgan Freeman being the villain this time. It felt uneasy and I don't know if I've just typecast Morgan or maybe this was just not the right vehicle for him to make the turn. In Fracture, Anthony Hopkins is in familiar territory being the calculated killer...he overdid the character a bit....but not to the point of ruining it.

I didn't even know why I got 300.....but I think it was to satisfy my curiousity. The scene and audio clips of "Spartans prepare for glory...." has been so overexposed that I dreaded hearing it. The digital effects was magnificent, but I just could not generate any excitement to finish it in one sitting. I guess my past overexposure to Braveheart still makes me unable to look at anything even remotely close.

Silent Giants?

Could this be the beginning of a new generation of athletes?....competitive, disciplined, mild-mannered, humble? With Lorena Ochoa and Roger Federrer making the surge in both golf and tennis, I guess it's about that time for the cycle to introduce a change. Not that we'll ignore the likes of Tiger Woods or Rafael Nadal anytime soon, of course.

Giants wishlist and random notes

2008 Wishlist

1. Re-sign Omar Vizquel at shortstop. He may be in his 40s, but he is still in great shape and has shown how he can use experience and smarts to continue to play the position competitively. He's a great presence in the clubhouse for the young players.
   
2. Try to sign Torii Hunter for the outfield and Mike Lowell for third base. Otherwise, stick with our young players.
   
3. Play the young core players.
   
4. Keep pitching intact as much as possible. This was one of the few shining points last year.
   
5. Don't sign back Bonds.....unless he accepts a utility role with less money....and perhaps a future with the organization as a consultant. He could help players as a hitting instructor.

Random Notes

• A-Rod: please....no. His agent is Scott Boras and if I what I read in the papers is true, he's seeking for another 10-year $300 million for his client. That would obliterate the Giants' future for the franchise.
  
• Utility players: Rich Aurilia and Mark Sweeney.....wouldn't mind having them back.
  
• Trading block: Ray Durham (just think we need to give his playing time to the younger players), Brad Hennessey (I think, for the good of his career, he needs to be with a team that can use him in one role consistently)

Rockies Rule!

I just wanted to take this time to congratulate the Rockies for making it to the World Series.....but more so.....applause to Todd Helton, who really showed his emotions during the last out of the game against Arizona.

It's a stance worth remembering. I think Todd has been the face of the franchise, the last remaining player that has been through all these losing years. He was immediately approached by a broadcaster once the game was final, and in true honesty, Todd was speechless and close to tears. That just shows you how much this has meant to him.

And to the whole team, it was really one hell of a run, sweeping both teams in each round....that is quite a testament to the players.

And lastly, to fellow ex-Giants Yorvit Torrealba and Matt Herges, congratulations guys....happy for ya!

The Bourne Ultimatum

A word of advice: if you watch this movie, make sure you watch from afar :) A great majority of the movie was shot handheld (or it looks that way) so if you get a seat that's really close to the screen you're bound to have strained eyes. It does feel like another one is coming....I don't think he really found out how he is related to Julia Stiles' character. There are still a lot of "blackbriar" agents out there (and any one of them can go rogue at any time).

The Human Stain

The flaw in this film I think is the selection of Nicole Kidman......not that she gives a bad performance....it's just hard to believe. She can mess up her hair and wear ragged clothes to make her suit the Janitress job (actually it works the other way for me.....she's much more beautiful ;) ).

Watching Anthony Hopkins' character's past.....about his race, reminded me of this speech that Matthew McConaughey (as an attorney) presented to a jury.....that you imagine a heinous crime being commited to someone you care about, think about it its painful entirety......and then substite that someone with a person of color. What reaction do you get?

Young Adam

I don't know what really draws me to Tilda Swinton. Is it that really cold stare from her eyes, the tired face, or perhaps that scary feistiness hidden beneath that frail form? She and Emily Mortimer deliver really bold performances in this film....and you match that with Ewan McGregor and you get quite a dynamic. Life in a barge was the other bit if amusement in the story.

Polly Paulusma

Fingers and Thumbs is a wonderful album. It's melodies are accessible and you can really play the whole record over and over. There are no surprises and the format is very familiar, but Polly's lyrics are what makes her special.

the woods

the summer sun plays on the ground
i feel it in my leaves
the sap is rising up my veins
there's pllen on the breeze

i saw it all crystal clear
i know who brought those children here

the badgers tried to keep them warm
the foxes gave them milk
woodpeckers tried to hammer a home
the spiders spun them silk

i saw it all crystal clear
i know who brought those children here

no path out marked out with round white stones
no guardian angel to lead them home
find them quick
research before they disappear

the bracken folds down into mulch
the mushroom sprouts and spore
the berries swell and ripe, now burst
to carpet my forest floor

i saw it all crystal clear
i know who brought those children here

lost and lonely, here all is still
if you don't take them the earth surely will
find them quick
research before they disappear

the winter wind howls through my arms
my brooks begin to freeze
my secrets now lie blanketed
beneath the moldering leaves

i saw it all crystal clear
i know who brought those children here

So long Mark...

Mark Sweeney was a class act.....great presence in the clubhouse, supportive teammate, and excellent pinch hitter. It was really sad to hear that he was traded (and of all places.....the Dodgers). So long, Mark.....good luck to ya.

Nickel Creek and Fiona Apple

I had a feeling it would be quite a while before a new Fiona Apple record comes out (if at all)....so when I heard Fiona was joining Nickel Creek's tour, I jumped at the chance to try and travel to one of the venues.....and it just happened to be the one in Charlotte's Ovens Auditorium.

I have to admit that I am still new to Nickel Creek.....having only seen them with Fiona at southern California's Largo (and Fi's EM dvd-dualdisc).....I do have their breakthrough album (This Side) and am growing really fond of it....which really isn't much of a stretch for me as their music is very close to Alison Krauss & Union Station.

When they finally did introduce Fi, I wondered how her songs would turn out. Extraordinary Machine and Paper Bag came out really well and as expected (they've performed them at Largo)....but Criminal and Limp came as reall surprises for me......and made me reach a discovery that these songs had a southern take....or was is just the bluegrass getting to me :) ?

Having seen them in Fi's dvd, I was wishing for Tonight You Belong to Me......and wouldn't you know it....it was the last song of the evening :)

Corpse Bride

Don't you think Helena Bonham Carter is really a corpse bride and Tim Burton really a.....Victor? :) I really loved this movie and the conflict between the two brides was not an easy one at all....I mean I was thinking it would have been better for Victor to not make a choice...but alas the story unraveled....and broke my heart to a degree.

Stop motion animation is a dying art. I hope it never passes away.

Winter Passing

One day, you'll be cool...

:) that was my last memory of Zooey Deschanel. In this movie, she takes a darker turn. Ed Harris plays temporary insanity so well and Will Ferrell plays it a bit straight this time. He actually does ok in this role. It's still a bit of comedy, but not exaggerated.

Bubble

Steven Soderbergh's experiment of drawing non-actors to come and provide their interpretation of a story brings out perhaps crucial elements of acting. That of imersing yourself and infusing your own personal expression.

I think this experiment was a success. All three actors came through and the tragedy of all their lives and intersections can really get to you. I think this project was really meant to be a DVD. If you don't watch all the extras that came with the disc, you're really missing out on the process and real lives behind the project.

Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix just happened to be playing at one of the cinemas on my drive home.....so what the hell....I went ahead and saw it :) They've added many characters since the series started, but I have to admit I really like Luna Lovegood (JK could have used a more "non-pornstar-like" name, but.... anyway). Luna reminds me of Wednesday Addams.

Weird is relative :)

Live Free or Die Hard

Lucy McLane is all grown up (and really takes from her dad :) ). This installment of the Die Hard series delivers. Justin Long actually works as the odd guy opposite Bruce Willis (a different approach compared to the strength Sam Jackson brought in Die Hard with a Vengeance). Its fun and entertaining, and Silent Bob has a bit part!....oh, alright, he didn't really play Silent Bob (in which case I would have demanded Jay to be present :) ).