FAT to SAN via LAX, GMAB!

A funny thing happened on the way to San Diego...not really funny or even important but I love starting off sentences that way. This is a rant. I am at LAX waiting over an hour to board a plane to San Diego. I have travelled many places lately and this has been the most annoyed I have been.

Why? Well, I had this layover in a horrible terminal. It is the American Eagle terminal to be precise. I decided to take a shuttle to a different terminal to go get food or coffee or something. I was told that was permissible.

I get my Venti Skinny Vanilla Latte (that's my signature drink) and a Cinnamon Scone (I like them but hate scones generally) and go back to the shuttle.

"Um, you can't take that on the shuttle."
"What?"
"Um, you can't take that. Your drink. That has to go."
"Ugggh. Really?"
"Yeah. You can sit here and enjoy it though."
"I have a flight to catch."
"Oh, let me see your boarding pass...yeah, you better get that shuttle."
"That shuttle," I point.
"Yes."

I had to toss the full coffee before taking one sip. It was a sacrifice greater than you may imagine. The latte that is normally $3.85 at an outside store is $5 at the airport.

I grudgingly walk towards the shuttle. When I arrive at the terminal, it is the wrong terminal. That little twerp told me to get on the wrong shuttle!!!

Now I am back at the right terminal waiting to board a flight that will get me home in just 30 minutes less time than it would have taken me to make the drive at this point. At least I'd allow a beverage in my vehicle!

Happy Easter to everyone!

Images from TX

Now that I'm back in San Diego, I wish I were on the campaign trail.

Here are pics from TX:

Clinton Raucus TX Caucus

Take 2.

I'm in another airport and though thoughts are still swimming around in my head in some disarray, there is so much more to say about yesterday.

After the Hillary rally I headed back to the office and was sent out to pick up an elderly voter to take her to her precinct. It was actually nice to help someone get to the polls and to make sure that they were about to fulfill the duty. There were two people coordinating transportation for voters who asked for assistance and taking someone was a lot more rewarding than I expected. I also picked up a volunteer who had a horrible travel experience and convinced her to stay in town and help. She seemed fine once we got into the office I hope that she is glad she stayed. I never had a chance to catch up with her as the day wore on.

We made phone calls as much as possible to make sure people remembered to go vote and do the "Texas Two-step" and based on the looks of the caucus, they remembered in droves.

My last order of business for the day was to pick up an elderly couple to take them to their caucus and then stick around and watch the caucus while they participated. Sounds easy enough, right? Five hours later when I left it was with a great frustration in a system that if it's not failing the people of Texas it is insulting them, and a great sense of pride in having gotten through it.

The PRECINCT CONVENTION (aka Caucus)

When I arrived there had to be a thousand people and almost no open space left in the building. There was no order. It was unclear where the primary line ended and those there for the caucus began. The polls were supposed to be closed at 7pm with no more voters entering the line. The place was significantly understaffed with poll workers and also had only 8 voting machines when many more were needed. I learned that the more recent election prior had 12 machines and far fewer voters. Why would they have less machines yesterday when the voting was predicted to be at a high? I have my theories. Anyway, there was issue number one, the voting line was not cut-off when it was supposed to be cut-off and voting did not subside until at least 8pm.

The caucus people were coming into the building non-stop and that added to the disorganization. Actually, it was impressive that the Obama supporters had gotten so far as to segregate themselves from the Clinton supporters. I was truly impressed that regular citizens who had no training in these matters were doing what they were doing and were working together even with the tension between them and their candidates.

Long, long, long story short, I was able to locate the other Clinton volunteers who were at the precinct (one from D.C. actually on the campaign staff, one from L.A., and a couple of others in addition to locals) and very fortunately began to work with an Obama staffer who was also from L.A. We worked together to organize ALL attendees into areas based on precinct rather than candidate affiliation and in an effort I won't get into here we actually began and completed the caucus process.

I am embarrassed at the thought that the TX caucus is considered a valid or appropriate process. I was on the phone with another precinct and spoke with warring self-appointed precinct captains and the on-site judge and was a main leader at my polling place. There were THREE precincts located in one building that was not meant to accommodate this process or these people. It was appalling.

Must go but will write more later. I haven't gotten to the celebration part but again, I am so excited about what will happen next in this election!

Clinton Wins RI, OH and TX*!

Last night as the numbers were coming in from states outside of Texas, I had no capacity to even process that Senator Clinton was actually really winning. A friend let me know that TX was close to being called for Clinton and even then I couldn't raise the hope too high as I worked in a caucus room that was clearly divided between Obama and Clinton, and seemingly unfavorably so. But before I get to that, I'll start with the beginning for the day which really ended up being just an extension of the day before punctuated by a shower and a 15 minute nap.

Good Morning America was supposed to show up at headquarters at 6am which brought a lot of us into the office at 530am. They ended up covering something else and we just kept on working.

At 630 I headed over to an elementary school where Hillary was to appear between 730 and 830. I had never seen her before so I decided to go to her rally rather than President Clinton's rally. The crowd slowly built and as people arrived they were given signs to wave. I was put on sign duty to make sure a huge sign was held up during the rally. Selfishly, I wanted to be up against the baricade greeting Hillary so I tried to put the sign up in a tree so no one would have to hold it. The strategy proved sound for visibility purposes but with the wind, it still had to be held in place. It paid off when online stories that appeared right after the rally had the tree sign in them. This is small, I know, but holding a sign up for about 2.5 hours gives the sign an importance, at least for the morning. It was nice that the guy running the event liked the placement.

Hillary arrived at the rally along with Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen. It almost looked like a scene from Curb Your Enthusiasm and could have been if Larry David had shown up with his guy, Barack. The crowd went wild for Hillary and when I got a chance to go up to the fence and catch her on her way out, it all came together for me in a way it hadn't before.

In person, Hillary looks softer than she does on television. She is quite pretty and petite, and she was engaged in her brief interaction with each person. She addressed people in the face and was sincere. In my brief interaction I was again renewed as I have been over and over on this trip. It might be the "Blink" factor but right when I saw her in person, I just knew that I was in the right place and doing the right thing. This helped later on when I later arrived at a caucus that was chaos and the most trying part of the entire weekend. I don't have pictures available just now as I'm in the airport in Phoenix but will post one later.

I have to board a plane but I'll continue later.

I do need to say that I am so, so ecstatic about the wins for Hillary and can't beleive I was there. More later.

It Starts with a Crash!

Today got off to a rough start and is just now ending, with only 2 hours before it begins again but the rough start is long in the past and part of what feels like another day or even another week.

I went to CVS near the headquarters in pursuit of a remedy to my much worsened cough. The cashier there asked if my “Hillary” shirt was in fact a “Hillary Clinton” shirt. I took this opportunity to talk to her about the election. Turns out she didn’t know about the Texas two-step process and hadn’t planned on going to the precinct convention. Her government class in college lets out at the time the conventions begin and she told me she was going to let her professor know she needed to get out early and also let her class know. Telling one person can sometimes be the same as telling thirty. I was elated as I have been so often today.

Then, I crashed…literally. No more details but my car and another car became intertwined (ok, that’s dramatic, but it was scary) and all I can say is that I am a fortunate person. The driver is a Hillary supporter and so is his wife who came to get him. They wished me luck and said they were going to be at the polls and the precinct convention. I can’t say that I’m happy about the costliness of this accident nor that it didn't scare me but I can say again that I am so very lucky.

I am also lucky because the rest of the day was brilliant. I made a ton of calls to Precinct Captains, helped ready fliers, helped compost and email to the PC’s (one of the highlights of my day because I was using skills that I feel are strengths of mine), ran errands (yes, I drove fearlessly!) and did everything I could. There were some wonderful people on calls and some great conversations came out of them including those talks with my peers when we all took time to breathe for a moment and say hello to each other.

The dedication of the regular staffers is not unfamiliar to me as I’ve experienced it on my own team at work. It is wonderful to observer that dedication elsewhere and to also contribute to it. I didn’t want to leave this evening because in simply watching and being there I have learned so much.

Today I had the opportunity to meet one of the women who founded the TX chapter of NOW. She has worked with many other female leaders in TX and I am inspired by her courage. I also had a chance to speak briefly with Dolores Huerta. These people are in the office making calls like everyone else. Even Christine Lahti and Melanie Griffith signed in as out-of-town volunteers and made calls yesterday!

I believe in this fight as I’ve said and I feel I’m repeating myself but I had no idea how I really felt until I was on my way here. I knew I loved the Clinton’s in general but it is so much more than that. It is a love for this country that began when I was a child, a love for public service, hope for what can be (that hope President Bill Clinton inspired when I was 11), admiration for a woman who is close to making reality what some thought would not be possible for many years to come and resurrecting of my own dreams to one day serve the public. Admittedly, it is one of a few dreams.

We’re doing Good Morning America early so I should depart and try to grab 2 hours but I wanted to let everyone know that it is going great out here and despite what external sources are saying to me, I have nothing but confidence that we are going into this Super Tuesday 2 with only victory intended. I have talked to some non-supporters and have hopefully convinced them to vote for Hillary (when they have listened).

Another thing, I’m going to see HRC (Hillary Rodham Clinton) at an event in the morning which means I’ll have seen her and President Clinton in-person in the same week. Extraordinary! I look forward to seeing her speak as I have heard that she is best seen and heard exactly that way.

I hope this makes sense!

Elect Clinton? Si se puede!

If today is any indication, the atmosphere in Houston is going to get predictably more intense leading up to Tuesday. There is more at stake the closer we get and this caucus or “convention” system in Texas is going to prove to be the greatest challenge. In my job I constantly hear the term “training issue” and I can say that in this entire state there is one huge “training issue” with regards to the two-step election process. Generally people we talk to don’t know that they can, should or even need to return to their precincts by 7pm on Tuesday to vote again.
I had an opportunity to really step it up this morning and help organize getting a few people out the door and stationed at some locations to promote a rally featuring President Bill Clinton at noon. It was pretty exciting and though just in mentioning it I am making it sound like I did more than I actually did, it was good to contribute that much.
After doing a little recruiting for the rally, I headed over to the rally with a new set of flyers. There was a great crowd that went wild when the President arrived. I’d like to note that he was very punctual as he was in La Jolla as well. Famous people are notorious for being late but in my two experiences with Bill Clinton, he has been surprisingly on time which is impressive but also probably very necessary given his schedule.
After the President’s inspirational speech, I headed to a women’s rally featuring Melanie Griffith, Christine Lahti and Erika Alexander as well as some other notable female speakers from the religious and political realms. Griffith was very humble and sincere in her speech and offered the view of the average person. She was there because it was important to her and she gave a speech that anyone could give if they could get a room of people to listen. The important thing was that since she can get a room to listen, she has taken time out to give such a speech. Alexander added more substance and family background to her stump effort and has done a lot of work to rally youth for the campaign.
Lahti far and away gave the most inspired and impassioned speech of the trio and spoke of meeting Hillary Clinton 16 years ago when she thought then that Hillary could run for President. Often I am frustrated at the attention entertainers get when they state their support for a candidate but having now been at a rally with celebrities, I understand the impact they can have on voters who even if they don’t listen to them are brought together by them. The picture on this blog features Lahti and Griffith before the press.
My favorite line from the rally was by a preacher whose name I did not catch when she talked about women, the importance of women voting and how she was going to make sure all women voted. In looking around Houston, it is hard not to notice all of the strip or “gentleman’s” clubs and she said she was going to disappoint the men b making sure the girls “get off the poles and get to the polls!”
Another woman who was at the women’s rally and later at another event is Dolores Huerta who is the United Farm Workers co-founder and author of the motto “Si se puede!” The phrase translates to “Yes, we can” and was adopted during Cesar Chavez’s 25-day fast in 1972. She made it clear that she was unhappy with Obama’s adoption of the phrase and since she coined it, rightfully so. Huerta and the UFW have endorsed Clinton, not Obama, and she says that only Hillary has earned the right to use that motto at all. It was cool to see such a revolutionary in person and to hear her perspective since Obama’s use of the phrase in California got such attention with Latinos. Adding to the Spanish phrase, Obama also has a commercial in TX featuring mariachis singing “Viva Obama”. Very cheesy.
Before heading to an LGBT event at a local bar, I helped out with some phone banking completing just fewer than 50 calls along with a new friend I met from Oakland. She is a cool girl who I was lucky to meet up with giving me a partner in crime for my exploits around Houston. She also did a few more than 50 calls so topping out at 100 we were satisfied with running over to “Chances” bar for the LGBT rally.
I’m not a big fan of making calls but I was stoked the times that I was able to educate a voter on the TX caucus process or talk to a Hillary supporter who would be voting (twice)! One older woman was a bit hard of hearing and though I was Hillary Clinton. I told her I wasn’t but she persisted with her question for “Hillary” saying, “Now that I have you on the phone, I have to ask you, what’s going on with this election here?” I think she was satisfied with “Hillary’s” response. I told her at least 4 times that I wasn’t Hillary but don’t know if she ever understood that. She was a nice lady and hopefully her friends will be impressed with Hillary’s personal call and they’ll all have a little party at the polls!
The LGBT even was fun. I met a lot of really nice people and was again impressed when an actor gave a speech in addition to local politicians. Robert Gant from Queer as Folk met Hillary Clinton this weekend and shared his very personal story with the group that was gathered at the bar. I think people were appreciative of his efforts and he made valiant ones trying to get people to do more than just vote.
In all, there is a lot of work to be done in the next two days and I am terribly excited about doing it. I was moved today by the stories I heard and I am ready to hit the pavement again tomorrow.
I am still sick by the way but illness will have to wait to keep me down. With a little rest tonight I hope to be better tomorrow but given the amount of talking that is required, it might be this weekend before I see much more progress than today brought.
Go Hillary!

Hello, I'm calling from the Hillary Clinton for President campaign...

I woke up this morning with a cough and congestion to go with the sore throat I started to feel yesterday and a headache to top it off. It was an unpleasant way to wake up with a bit of a drive and a long day ahead so I got to Clinton Headquarters later than I wanted to but still in plenty of time to start working in Houston!

Today I mostly made phone calls to local voters. Some of the people I was able to talk to were very enthusiastic and thankful for the call. I won’t mention the others but also can’t say I’m always happy when I get a call from a campaign. Luckily I am usually nice about it so the karma factor plays mostly in my favor.

The caucus process in Texas is something to hear about. Basically, 75% of delegate votes are determined during the primary which is the type of election we’re used to in CA for example. The polls are open from 7am to 7pm on March 4 and during that time people will go to their precinct and vote if they haven’t already participated in “early voting”.

Then, at 7pm, the “conventions” also known as caucuses begin and people who voted earlier in the day must return to their precinct to essentially vote again so that their candidate receives additional delegate votes. Twenty-five percent of delegate votes are determined in these convention meetings. The challenge for the candidates is to get voters out to the conventions after the polls have closed. It is an interesting process and one that Texas came up with long ago. Also, the primary in Texas is open so voters don’t identify themselves by party until they vote for either a Democratic or Republican candidate. So, a Republican can vote for a Democrat and that happens for a number of reasons including the possible foiling of the election. I can’t wait to see how this works on Tuesday!

Until then, there is plenty of work to do. Tomorrow morning I’m going to go help set-up a rally where President Bill Clinton will speak. I can't beleive I'm going to see him speak in person twice within a few weeks, something I never expected to have happen. Then, there is a Women’s Rally in the afternoon which is featuring among others Christine Lahti and Melanie Griffith (the Hollywood factor). Later I’m joining another group for a couple of other events. That should cover the day which will be incredibly busy and if it doesn't, there will be calls to make.

So far, talking to voters has been rewarding. More and more I feel it is so important to get Hillary Clinton elected and if I can just change one mind tomorrow or get one more person to a precinct, I’ll feel great accomplishment. One woman I talked to on the phone today said she wanted to help but that she didn’t really know how she could. She’ll be at the rally tomorrow and at a precinct on Tuesday. Awesome! It is also great to meet volunteers from Houston and from other states. There are some very smart and dedicated people here and I can only imagine the time and energy they’ve already put in.

I better get some rest and with luck get rid of the cough but in case you’re wondering who that man in the picture is; that’s Gavin Newsom the Mayor of San Francisco. He stopped by the headquarters and will be busy stumping for Hillary tomorrow. I was very proud to have the chance to meet him.

Until tomorrow when I'll be sporting my new Hillary shirt (I now have the wardrobe to be properly outfitted as a HillSTAR for the rest of the trip) and with luck will be in optimal health for the day!

With a Little Help from My Friends: Hillary TX Adventure

I rarely consider myself someone who would be called "adventurous" though over the past few years I have arguably done things that one with a sense of adventure may do when displaying that sense. Tonight I completed one of two legs that make up my flight to Houston, TX where I will for the next 4 days take part in the campaign and caucus election process as only Texas would do it as a "HillSTAR" or Hillary Clinton supporter. People are traveling from all over the US to show their support for the Clinton campaign and in a move that I would have never anticipated just two weeks ago, I am among them.

I know that all readers are not Clinton supporters but hopefully you accept my position and know what this means to me.

The Texas caucuses are held after polls close and 35% of the delegates' votes are determined at these caucuses so the system in Texas is quite different from any other states'.

A very generous woman who I met at a fundraiser (which I attended because of a very generous friend) offered me the opportunity to fly to Houston at her expense so I surveyed my silly finances and decided that I could pay for the hotel and car rental and off to TX I go.

The trip has been interesting so far as it comes on the heels of a very trying week. Nothing happened to me personally but my events of the week added an unexpected gravity to this week that made me unsure I even wanted to take the trip at all. I have a renewed energy and am thankful now that I am going to be part of this history-making campaign and that I am doing something that these next few days I am participating in something that is truly important to me.

the short flight to Phoenix was colored by a conversation with a political zealot and a more moderate New Zealand transplant (Kiwi--I love that term). I'm sure the debate was not the last I'll engage in over the next few days but I was thankful that the flight was only 40 minutes long. The zealot, if that isn't too harsh, presented his opinions as fact but all in all it made for an interesting conversation. As total coincidence, he tried to punctuate some point by saying "Well, my girlfriend has MS and..." "I do as well," I replied and that changed the tone of things a bit and we had a good thought brief talk about that as well. I was able to reassure him with the latest stats on research and that was a cool way to end things.

I haven't written this much in a long time and I hope this weekend provides me with more motivation to keep writing.

March 4 is coming up quickly and this should be a good one! Go Hillary!

Clinton for President

It's been a while. Blame Valentine's Day. No, I wasn't overwhelmed by some romance and unable to pull myself away from a lover. I was working. You can imagine how many flowers I saw go out the door. Incredible!

I digress. This was a great moment from tonight's debate that it would be best not to miss.



I never got to vote for a Clinton because of my age. It was an honor on February 5th. That day was so extraordinary no matter who you voted for. It was historic and this is an exciting time to be an American. We are catching up with the rest of the world and considering more than one candidate (the white man--nothing against McCain who is a good man). The diversity alone brings about a sense of change that will hopefully survive through November and on to the Presidential Inauguration.

I met a hero of mine this past Tuesday. His name is President William Jefferson Clinton. I think that meeting will one day be talked about as a defining moment. We said nothing of import to each other, personally, but it was was a moment I never imagined would happen. I'll tell you more later.

NKOTB? OMG!

Well, things are starting to come full circle. The first "boy band" (yes, there were The Beatles, The Monkeys but I still don't consider them the same as they played instruments, wrote their songs and seemed to have more integrity than those we called boy bands in the 90's) that I was into, New Kids on the Block (NKOTB) is supposed to be making a comeback. Will they have success? I dunno but I think I have a dormant crush on Jordan and secretly like Jon too. I always thought I had a better chance with him.

I wonder if they have "the right stuff" to make something happen as they hit 40-years old (yeah--Jon is gonna be 40). There is no way they'll be as much a disaster as the "Man Band" VH1 tried to make happen with guys were were popular after NKOTB was gone.

Anyway, this news entertained me and I thought some readers may find it interesting. If any of the guys have gone grey, I might be down to give them a listen or at least a look!

Idol's Back

I didn't see the entire first episodes but I was so grateful and entertained when I did see this audition.

Enjoy and by the end, try not to sing along!

The Bucket List

This was better than the critics say and I'd give it 5 stars but I know it is not the best film. I had to go more than 4 though because I did really, really love it. Nicholson has had more complex roles and so has Freeman. But, they gave a lot to this film and it was lovely. Nicholson and Freeman pulled off heartfelt, deep performances, not always seen in what would be considered a comedy as much as a drama and in such a mainstream film.

The men forged a friendship and found a way to live life, even when there was little left to live. So what if there was some cliche here and so what if there was some predictability. Going on the journey with these two men was cleansing and inspiring and made me remember some bad things but I was glad they were able to go where they did. The writer didn't rely on lengthy monologues to make important point but instead let the actions of the characters create poignancy.

I had to cry and really wanted to weep at the end of this film but didn't want to become a total wreck. It is a wonderful thing to feel that much every so often, even if it is the result of fiction.

I wholly recommend this film not because it will win awards but because everyone faces their own mortality and sooner the mortality of loved ones and the guys in The Bucket List is a wonderful way to face it.

Sean Hayes deserves mention too as his character and the way he played it added to every scene he was in and wasn't at all intimidated by those he was in the scenes with. It was fun to see him again.

The Skinny on Starbucks

I have ordered the same exact drink from Starbucks during 95% of my visits over the past several years. My relationship with the Venti Nonfat Sugar-free Vanilla Latte has endured all others. Now, when I need it the most, it has changed its name and apparently lost some weight in the past year.

I am now supposed to go to Starbucks and ask for a Venti "Skinny" Vanilla Latte. This "Skinny" name was supposed to simplify things though I don't really see that it has. It makes me refer to my drink as "Skinny" though I am not. I actually feel sort of ridiculous ordering it and wonder if people think "Skinny? Yeah, right. I wouldn't think she'd order that." I feel like I need to order a pastry or something so they know that I may drink skinny but I eat fat. Anyway, I know this is silly but there is some truth to it. I don't like the name because it reminds me that I'm really conscious about the caloric content of my Starbucks drink but I'm not as careful as I should be elsewhere. It makes me feel like one of those people who goes to McDonald's and says, "I'll super-size that and take a Diet Coke to drink." The Diet Coke is a lost cause in the context of the extra value meal.

The other thing I don't like is that I don't trust all of the baristas to know for sure what I'm ordering with this new naming convention. I order it, to follow the rules, but then immediate ask, "It's a sugar-free vanilla non-fat, right?" It is a waste of my time and I think annoys some of the order-takers.

Apparently there are some baristas out there who aren't down with the gimick either. Check out what one barista had to say to corporate. I didn't even consider all of the angles she did but it was good to know someone else was displeased with the "Skinny".

The Hardest Part

I've been really feeling musical lately and been really more into writing again than I had been. The happier I am, the less I tend to find words and the need to express myself. Prior to the new year I was traveling all over and too busy to wallow in anything but now I'm home and no less busy but somehow much more victim to insomniac tendencies, distraction and overall discontent.

The song I can't get out of my head today is by Coldplay. I wish I still had "Say" in my head because that day was a better day. Today has gotten better but frankly was dark for a while. Might be because I can't see out any windows so I have a smaller space to let my mind wander. I purged a lot of emails and contacts today and feel a bit more cleansed. I'm ready for the next hour, when I can breathe again.

The Hardest Part

And the hardest part
Was letting go not taking part
Was the hardest part
And the strangest thing
Was waiting for that bell to ring
It was the strangest start

I could feel it go down
Bittersweet I could taste in my mouth
Silver lining in the clouds
oh And I
I wish that I could work it out

And the hardest part
Was letting go not taking part
You really broke my heart
And I tried to sing
But I couldn't think of anything
And that was the hardest part

I could feel it go down
You left the sweetest taste in my mouth
You're a silver lining the clouds
Oh, and I
Oh, and I
I wonder what its all about [x2]

Everything I know is wrong
Everything I do it just comes undone
And everything is torn apart
Oh and thats the hardest part
Thats the hardest part
Yeah, thats the hardest part
Thats the hardest part

New Low

Britney Spears was just taken into custody according to Perez Hilton and Page Six.

Click either link for the article.

The new low is not Britney's arrest but the fact that I've been following the story online for the last 20 minutes. It was exciting to have the scoop for some reason and I can see why the Perez must love his job. I love his job.

Radiohead Vid Not to Miss

Check out Radiohead's "Scotch Mist" video. My belated Christmas gift to you.

Say

John Mayer's new hit, "Say" is one I can't stop playing and will probably over play by tomorrow morning but I love the lyric and also the tune. The song was written for the new Rob Reiner vehicle, The Bucket List, featuring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman (due out on January 11--not soon enough for me).

I've been thinking about my "bucket list" a lot lately and the Mayer song is pushing me even harder to get cracking. Here are the lyrics:

Take all of your wasted honor
Every little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems,
Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say [x8]

Walking like a one man army
Fighting with the shadows in your head
Living out the same old moment
Knowing you'd be better off instead,
If you could only ...

Say what you need to say [x8]

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
Its better to say too much
Then never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say [x24]

Mountain Dave

David Letterman is back and he says about the writers' strike, "bottom-line, the writers are sick of buying their own pencils."''

Dave got to bring his writers back after negotiating a special deal with the guild and it is wonderful to see him, strike beard and all. It is only a few minutes into the show but I'm already relieved to see something new on TV.

As we near May sweeps and awards season, I hope the writers are able to work things out soon. They deserve the money and the recognition for what they do and it is time they get their due. It's scary to think of what lame reality show or game show is going to come out next. Also, who doesn't miss the Daily Show?!? I'm back to watching the news now, in order to get the news. Outrageous!

I'm tired and have little else to say so I'll struggle to stay awake through Dave's opening and first guest (Robin Williams!) before I doze off.

Atonement and Charlie Wilson

I had a chance to see 2 of the many films worth seeing right now and now I must get to the theater as much as possible before awards' season is in full swing!

Atonement

The trailer for this film actually lives up to the film. The best parts are in the film and not necessarily spoiled by the trailer which is a feat greater than many films accomplish this day.

I thought this was brilliant and a must see. The youngest actress gave a performance worthy of the praise she has received and the nominations that will continue to come. The story was complex but did not cause the audience any suffering other than love's pain. I didn't read the book but imagine it is beautiful. McAvoy and Knightly had great chemistry and again McAvoy is one to keep watching.

Charlie Wilson's War

This film is highly political and very specific in the timespan it covers. I state those seemingly obvious facts because many films about politics don't actually take a political stance and don't cover only the event they are meant to discuss but this film most certainly does in the end.

I do love Aaron Sorkin and will keep this brief. Unlike the film above, some of the best moments (at least the most entertaining) are in the trailer but it is still a good film and worth seeing now, or on DVD.

The cast was great though Julia Roberts isn't in it as much as her billing suggests. This may disappoint anyone wanting to see a Roberts film. The movie went by quickly and by the end, I knew exactly why the story was being told now. Sorkin wants to say something about today's state of affairs.

It should be mentioned that Phillip Seymour Hoffman made the scenes he was in and I can't wait to catch "The Savages" next. Is there anything this guy can't do?

PS--I have a bit of a crush on Tom Hanks now.

Concerts in 2007

It was a busy year and I really don't think the list below covers it but here are at least most of the shows I saw in 2007 (*indicates interview with artist, follow link to piratepods.com):

January 8: Justin Timberlake at iPay One Center
January 20: Rock for Africa; Thieves and Liars, World Wide Spies, Regarding Jack, This Holiday Life at Epicentre*
March 1: Midlake at The Casbah*
March 2: Pussycat Dolls and Christina Aguilera at iPay One Center
March 10: Ozomatli at Belly Up Tavern*
March 24: Rod Stewart at Cox Arena
March 27: Slackstring at San Diego Sports Club*
April 21: Five for Fighting at The Wiltern*
May 6: Taylor Hicks at Pala Casino
May 18: Third Eye Blind and Ozomatli at UCSD's RIMAC Field*
May 20: Third Eye Blind at House of Blues San Diego*
June 10: Dustin Kensrue at House of Blues San Diego*
June 16: Jason McGinnis at Across the Street*
June 22: Hell Yeah*
June 23: The Police and Foo Fighters at Dodgers Stadium
July 7: Abbamania at Embarcadero
July 14: Vib Gyor, Get Back Loretta at The Casbah*
July 17: The Fray at Coors Amphitheatre
July 21: Jamie Cullum at Hollywood Bowl
August 2: Hell Yeah and The Spins at Dream Street*
August 4: Broadway Rocks at Embarcadero
August 25: John Corbett in West VA
August 26: Mountain Stage in WV; Les Youx Noirs, Ray Wylie Hubbard, King Wilkie, Johnny Staats and Robert Shaffer*
September 2: Grin's Edge at Cane's*
September 17: Justin Timberlake at Staples Center
September 25: Dropjoy at Brass Rail*
October 10: Rogue Wave at The Casbah
October 12: Genesis at Hollywood Bowl
October 15: Duncan Sheik at Belly Up Tavern*
October 21: Eagles and Dixie Chicks at Nokia Theater
November 17: Ryan Shaw at The Independent
November 29: Aimee Mann's Christmas Show at Belly Up Tavern