Ian's Page

December

2009-12-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

Holidays are coming...along with the warm and fuzzies...

2009/2010...

Spitwater III...the final chapter...

Wide Angle Lens...

Editing Spitwater II...not getting overwhelmed by VFX wish list...

Pitches out and we'll see what catches...

Hope everyone's well!

-IT-

November

2009-11-21T13:33:00.000-08:00

It's almost Turkey Day!

I'm writing and even finishing some scripts: "Spitwater 3," a romantic comedy, a supernatural mystery caper with newlyweds, and a thriller are in the pipeline. Money is being put away for a new camera and software I'd like to pick up.

School WILL start, again, in 2010. I'm going to go back and get a Teacher's Certificate and jump into the schools A.S.A.P. Getting jazzed for that!

Work is good and friends are nice and I'm excited to travel at the Holidays and see both family AND friends.

Hope you're all well!

-IT-

October

2009-10-27T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hey, all!

Did not book the exciting audition, last month. Such is life sometimes, eh? In the meantime, we're fighting the pig flu and other flus and bugs at work and I'm trying to put together a costume to be a fortune teller at a school carnival Friday night.

Work goes well and I get to travel weekend after next to see our movie in Sandpoint, Idaho. "Sheriff" has also been accepted to the Beverly Hills High Definition Film Festival and dates on that will be coming.

Hope everyone's well! Have fun Trick or Treating and eat some candy...

-IT-

Level-Headed

2009-09-30T16:06:00.001-07:00

I am NOT going to get too excited about an audition I have tomorrow. I will say more when I know, one way or the other, which way this goes. Don't want to jinx it first. Hope everyone's well!

Wedding and Movie stuff

2009-09-16T18:23:00.001-07:00

Heading to L.A. for a good friend's wedding, this weekend. Really stoked for some local Boise movie-makers who have a film screening tonight. I listened to an interview with them on N.P.R. this morning!

And, shameless plug time:

"The Highly Contested Election For Payette County Sheriff" is a feature-length movie I co-wrote and acted in that was shot last summer. It is being shown at the Flicks, Saturday September 19th in beautiful downtown Boise. It'll also play at the Egyptian Theatre (in Boise also) Saturday September 26th and Sunday the 27th. There, it's an official selection of the Idaho International Film Festival.

The movie itself is a alternative-western-B-movie-action-comedy that skirts right along the line between 'PG-13' and 'R' content-wise. But, if you don't mind that, it's a fun time.

Check it out if you have a chance and are in the area!

Hope everyone's well!

Spitwater 2

2009-08-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

This is the name of a 25-minute movie I'm shooting, right now, with some really talented people that make it better than it has any right to be...

I love 'em all:)!

Hope you're all well, too!

-IT-

Still here and summer movies

2009-07-08T18:37:00.001-07:00

I'm doing a lot of movie writing and have been taking in the usual summer extravaganzas.

Some movies I look forward to that don't involve large explosions are:

--Funny People Directed by Judd Apatow
--Bruno Directed by Larry Charles
--Away We Go Directed by Sam Mendes
--(500) Days Of Summer Directed by Marc Webb

Other than that, I work hard, travel, and play outside whenever possible.

Hope you're all well!

And we're back!

2009-06-10T16:07:00.000-07:00

Been working hard on a script. 45 pages in a couple weeks (while working on other projects). That's a pretty good output for me:)...

Will get a draft of a comic book and some kid's books done and probably direct a slasher/comedy/musical before rolling on "Spitwater 2" in August and "Spitwater 3" in September.

Now, where were we with the geek stuff?

"Star Trek." Saw it four times. Is there more to say?

Other stuff?

Swine Flu: scary at first and then I went back to the daycare and the confidence of a developed immune system returned RIGHT away!

Other than that, hanging out with nice people and having fun and I hope you're all well!

-IT-

Still here...

2009-05-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone's well:)!

Writing a bunch and working a bunch and there will be more to say soon.

WOO-HOO!

Entertainment This Week

2009-04-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

I'm reading:

Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov

I'm watching:

2001: A Space Odyssey Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Psycho Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

The Muppet Movie Directed by James Frawley

I'm getting:

Direction in life:)...

2010 And Beyond

2009-04-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

***All the following activities are purely hypothetical...

--A start as a teacher!

--Another Delbert movie!

--Fast-talking bit of swagger in action comedy with a friend!

--Metaphysical Comedy Documentary!

--The Continuing Social Life!

***WOW, the future's a pretty fantastical place...

On my vacation...

2009-04-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

I listened to:

TWO AUDIOBOOKS

--A Reporter's Life by Walter Cronkite

--The Price of Loyalty by Ron Suskind

I watched:

--I Love You Man Directed by John Hamburg

--Duplicity Directed by Tony Gilroy

--Knowing Directed by Alex Proyas

Entertainment

2009-04-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am reading:

--The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe

--Einstein: His Life And Universe by Walter Isaacson

--American Jesus Book 1: Chosen by Mark Millar and Peter Gross

I am watching:

--Battlestar Galactica: Season 3

--Friday Night Lights: Season 1

I am worshipping the sounds of:

--TV On The Radio

Angel's Landing

2009-04-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Only the pictures will do it justice (if I can figure out how to post them) 'cause my words certainly won't. It was great! On the hike and climb, I made jokes with an international assortment of fellow travelers and met up with a cute couple (both students at UCLA). Took a picture of the two of them. Struck up conversation and walked with 'em for a bit. They now know that my mom got her MBA there 20 years ago and that one of my best friends is about to graduate from that school with a degree in Environmental Science. Have to make sure I get in touch with the aforementioned friend about some nuptials this summer.

:)

2009-04-01T09:53:00.001-07:00

I am re-reading, and re-loving, a comic book called "American Jesus" and am very excited for some chums with an awesome show opening soon and have a big-time "show-biz crush" on Zoe Bell.

Thank you and good night!

Hang on, team!

2009-03-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

A lot of people I know are in mourning, recovering from surgery, and getting volcanic ash dropped on them this week.

Giant hug to all!

Update from Southern Utah

2009-03-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

There are scripts for the "Spitwater" sequels...

Fear of reprising characters going away 'cause I think these new ones are even better...but I'm supposed to say that; let's face it:)!

Utah is grand! I'm hanging out with my mom and we're going to Zion's National Park, tomorrow, so I can do a hike that has haunted me...

Life is good...jogging occurs...

Hope everyone's well!

Pre-Spring-Break Entertainment

2009-03-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

I'm watching:

--The Visitor: Directed by Thomas McCarthy

--Milk: Directed by Gus Van Sant

--World of Conflict: One Man, One Year, Twenty Wars: Directed by Jeffrey Porter

I'm reading:

--The Elegant Universe by Brian Greene

--The Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman

--Route 66: The Mother Road by Michael Wallis

--Flags Of Our Fathers by James Bradley and Ron Powers

Beard-age 2

2009-03-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Starting to scare people, now...

6 days 'til it's gone and then I will scare my current show-mates who are used to me with it!

This week's book

2009-03-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's 'cause I'm one of the man's groupies so take this recommendation with a grain of salt but this week I'm reading:

--The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

--The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation by Jonathan Hennessey and Aaron McConnell

Boom-Chik-Boom-Chik

2009-03-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

My life is a drum beat thanks to a Saturday night "Rock Band" session. Rhythm in everything...

Metaphorical Aspirin

2009-03-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

I'm taking this imaginary wonder drug, M.A., to circumvent some real post-production headaches on a flick that's still in progress. Lots of jogging also helps:)...

March Trip

2009-03-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

This month will see me head to Southern Utah for a week. Getting out of town and away from shows and movies (where I work with GREAT people, don't get me wrong...) sounds great.

Will visit the mom and some other Utah relatives and I aim for conquering my "white whale" in Zion's this time.

Guess we'll see, right?

"Religulous"

2009-03-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

If you've seen it, you PROBABLY like it. If you haven't seen it, there's probably a reason and I respect that. I like Bill Maher and the "ask-age" of difficult questions. I remember when he was in trouble after 9/11 for saying that the terrorists who flew the planes into the twin towers weren't cowards. When I recovered from a protracted period of offense, I had to admit to some truth there. A tragedy or difficult situation isn't marginalized by addressing tough questions emerging in its wake. Rather, it creates an opportunity to turn the mirror inward again.

This documentary is a slightly-less-sensationalist piece than, say, a Michael Moore flick but only just.

It's damning faith less than it is religion and the atrocities that happen in its name. I agree with this notion that the problem isn't with some great original ideas (that, let's face it, came from men and in some cases well-meaning men) but the revising and odd interpretations of these ideas that create much of the conflict on this planet.

This is just the right type of piece for an "I-Don't-Knowist" like me. Maher seems to wish he knew and had answers to all things spiritual. A lot of people want the same thing and I know I do, too.

The important thing in this movie is being able to ask the questions and that's what I like.

R.I.P. Paul Harvey

2009-03-02T12:57:00.001-08:00

Mornings in Alaska were warmer with you on.

Trailer Wrap-Ups

2009-03-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

Finishing an old trailer with Andrew and the charge and, hopefully, in front of a green screen this weekend to do another.

He's also writing again:)...

Beard-age

2009-03-02T10:14:00.000-08:00

13 Days and counting 'til the big shave...

Sedaris (phew!)

2009-03-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

I'm reading:

--When You Are Engulfed In Flames by David Sedaris

A light reprieve after a very good, but difficult, book last week.

I'm watching:

--No Reservations: Collection 3

--Repo! The Genetic Opera Directed by Darren Lynn Bousman

I'm listening to:

--Bruce Springsteen: Working On A Dream

--TV On The Radio: Dear Science

"Brooklyn Boy" by Donald Margulies

2009-02-26T15:10:00.001-08:00

I play Eric Weiss in this show. It performs at 8:15, Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28. Also at 7:30, Mar. 5, 8:15, Mar. 6 and 7 and 2:00 p.m., Mar. 8. Closing weekend is 7:30, Mar. 12 and 8:15, Mar. 13 and 14. All at Stagecoach Theatre in the Hillcrest Shopping center in beautiful Boise, Idaho.

We're having a good time doing it; come and check it out!

Thursday, February 26

2009-02-26T15:05:00.001-08:00

Working a little late today...

Two stops before the theater tonight...

I have a first draft in and need to turn in some character sketches/outline stuff over the weekend...

Planning a one-day March shoot...

Making a loving push towards festivals again...

"Experiment 3" in May...

"Spitwater 2 and 3" hope to also roll in May...

Oregon, again, in April...

Having fun and working hard...

Hope everyone's well!

Retro-rock:)!

2009-02-24T09:55:00.000-08:00

There could be some cameras rolling on "Ghostbusters 3" this fall, according to an article I read at aintitcool.com.

This is me trying to type out the sound of me tap-dancing:

"Tappitty-tappitty-tappitty-tap!"

New Book

2009-02-23T10:24:00.000-08:00

I'm reading:

--In The Hot Zone: One Man, One Year, Twenty Wars by Kevin Sites

Serious Books:)

2009-02-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

I'm reading:

--There Are No Shortcuts by Rafe Esquith

--The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley

--Justice Society of America: Thy Kingdom Come Part 1 by Geoff Johns, Alex Ross and Dale Eaglesham

Travel diary is still coming:)!

Hope everyone's well...

Entertainment This Week

2009-02-11T10:28:00.000-08:00

I'm watching:

--Friday Night Lights: Season 1

--Battlestar Galactica: Season 2.5

I'm reading:

--The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau

--Cash: The Autobiography by Johnny Cash with Patrick Carr

I'm listening to:

--Classical music on KBSU

--fellow bandmates

I'm rehearsing:

--Brooklyn Boy by Donald Margulies at SCT

--All-Campus Concert Band at BSU

I'm writing:

--Spitwater sequels here and there...

--Material for a sketch comedy commentary to be recorded in a couple weeks...

Not a woe:)...

2009-02-11T10:27:00.001-08:00

I am planning to write and sleep my single self through the big love day coming up on Saturday. Not bitter and I'm very happy for the existing "couple-cuties" in my life but I'm working hard this week and I'm TIRED!

Pedicure

2009-02-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

My turtle, Franklin, is getting his nails trimmed this Friday. Normally, I'd be fine with no issues to be had but the appointment falls on a Friday the 13th! So, as a result, I'm trying to shake visions of a pedicure gone awry and a pissed-off turtle coming after me, slowly yes, but with that spark of vengeance in his eyes and head held high.

Music Improving

2009-02-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

Doing a 30-minute practice 5 days a week and fewer notes are blatty and chipped. Really hammering the chorales, as well, but there's still work to do.

Onward and upward!

Condom Commercial

2009-02-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else find the Trojan ad disturbing with the two women discussing their favorite models and ways of pleasure...and then the older woman chimes in (with all intentions of sisterhood, I'm sure) and the younger women are embarrassed?

Maybe it's just me...

Baby Maintenance

2009-02-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

It usually involves a very circular feeding and diaper changing process, repeated several times throughout the day. Sometimes the baby, who is being maintained, lies still while getting said diapers changed. Sometimes the baby, who is being maintained, sits still while said feeding occurs. There is laughing and seeing what one can get away with on his part. Some behaviors are discouraged in a way that is not overly-disciplinarian for a one year old. There's fun while playing "climb the stairs" and "duck!" underneath the ceiling fan. Makes nine hours go by pretty quickly:)...

Blago on Letterman?!

2009-02-04T08:02:00.000-08:00

Wonder what THAT was like...

Sounds like the crazy-train continued.

Football

2009-02-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

Apparently, there was a "Super Bowl" yesterday. I missed it 'cause I wasn't feeling well after overdoing workout/music/theater ventures last week. Pretty indicative of my life, really:)...

Good Flicks Over Weekend

2009-02-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

I watched:

Heat--Directed by Michael Mann

Being There--Directed by Hal Ashby

They were pretty transcendent for THIS movie geek:)...

Pride

2009-02-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

I'm proud of my friend for risking ridicule and picking out an outfit for his child, this morning.

Brooklyn Boy

2009-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

Getting to know the cool people I'm working with on this really good play...

Nice to act with a "Rocky Horror" comrade again...

Will be off-book (will know my lines of dialogue) in the first act on Monday...

And, again, for the second act the following Friday (if not sooner)...

We open on Friday, February 27...

The show is funny but it's got a LOT of heart...

We've already got some tears flowing in the practices...

Good Day (Saturday 1/17)

2009-01-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Picture-locked "Spitwater"...

Watched "The Unborn" and ate at Fuddruckers with good pals...

Went to a nice wedding reception for friends and had a good chat with the ex...

Pulled off the suit...

Caught up with other pals...

Had free drinks and danced badly...

Walked home even though it was very cold...

Good Day:).

Movie/Music Analogy

2009-01-21T08:48:00.000-08:00

You know that bit in "A Fistful of Dollars" where the bad guys beat the crap out of Clint Eastwood and he has to hang out in that cave, one eye swollen shut, firing at a target and missing but gradually getting his groove back and ultimately blasting that target with his six-shooter every time?

I'm feeling like that with music but I'm still in the cave...

Gotta give it time I s'pose...

Yesterday's Movie Marathon

2009-01-20T17:48:00.000-08:00

New "X-Files" flick isn't too bad and the latest "Mummy" flick flounders where dialogue is concerned but the action stays pretty bitchin.'

Thanks for the loaners, Gerry!

New Show

2009-01-20T17:47:00.001-08:00

New bunch of people who I'm sure are fun to work with...

Somewhat compressed rehearsal schedule...

Most lines I've ever had...

Freakish joy:)!

Inauguration

2009-01-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

I feel like a kid...

I'm excited about something...

This is a huge party...

Let's remember this feeling...

Spitwater News

2009-01-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

Finishing off the first draft of "Spitwater 2..."

Will take a week off and turn around and start "3."

Andrew and I will picture lock the first this weekend...

Should have music/sound mix/SFX in the next three weeks or so...

Casting nets out for new characters coming in the sequels...

Making sure the oldies/goodies are ready to rock for return appearances...

Watching "Braveheart," "Lord of the Rings," "Hard Boiled," and "Road Warrior" for research...

Sleeping here and there...

Wouldn't have it another way...

Entertainment This Week

2009-01-14T12:48:00.001-08:00

I'm watching:

The Color of Money--Directed by Martin Scorcese

1408--Directed by Mikael Hafstrom

Babe--Directed by Chris Noonan

--Some shows that friends are involved with...

I'm listening to:

Lots of classical music. It's relaxing...

I'm reading:

Get Shorty by Elmore Leonard

Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama

Feeling Lazy

2009-01-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

Some of my myspace and facebook friends who are actually local and state politicians make me feel like I don't accomplish much. But I suppose they should:)...

Closer-to-high-school-loves

2009-01-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

I feel a little out of touch but am excited to know that Reel Big Fish is still around...

I know I have a problem but I can't help it...

2009-01-13T10:33:00.001-08:00

More "Ghostbusters 3" goodness at imdb.com. Apatow is producing...two great writers from "The Office" are scripting...Bill Murray and Sigourney Weaver are meeting and discussing their participation...APOLOGIES TO THE TWO READERS OF THIS COLUMN BUT IAN JUST BURST AND I, HIS HATED EDITOR, HAVE JUMPED IN TO COMPLETE THIS TRIFLE WHICH, NO, LET'S JUST SAY THAT WAS IT AND THAT I COULD HAVE SAVED THE EFFORT.

Internet Convictions

2009-01-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

Interesting bit on NPR about a woman in Montana who gets online at night and looks for jihadists using fictional identities. It's led to convictions but had some serious personal tolls. Powerful stuff...

The Pickle

2009-01-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

How does one plant seeds for a crucial character motivation switch in a combined two pages and take it seriously even though the nearly-written piece is a spoof movie?

Toughing it out...

2009-01-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

Article at msn.com talking about how divorce rates are dropping in the recession 'cause of the high cost of splitting up. Even if the couples are sleeping in different rooms...

Check it out:

www.articles.moneycentral.msn.com/college and family/suddenlysingle/suddenlysingledyn.aspx?cp-documentid=16696861&icid=pf_090112

(phew!)

The Top Ten--2008

2009-01-12T08:41:00.000-08:00

Here they are...the flicks that rocked the world in '08:)! Numbers 7 and 10 indicate a tie; couldn't decide...

1. The Dark Knight--Directed by Christopher Nolan

2. Slumdog Millionaire--Directed by Danny Boyle

3. Tropic Thunder--Directed by Ben Stiller

4. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist--Directed by Peter Sollett

5. Wall-E--Directed by Andrew Stanton

6. Iron Man--Directed by Jon Favreau

7. Indiana Jones 4/Quantum of Solace--Directed by Steven Spielberg and Marc Forster

8. Young at Heart--Directed by Stephen Walker

9. Milk--Directed by Gus Van Sant

10. Gran Torino/The Wrestler--Directed by Clint Eastwood and Darren Aronofsky

Home again, home again...

2009-01-12T07:53:00.000-08:00

Travel Diary for the big trip is forthcoming...

Top Ten movie list is forthcoming...

Hanging with the kid, who is WALKING...

"Spitwater 2" has a green light and I'm writing...

It is a revenge/tournament spoof...

Our "Wrath of Khan," "Dark Knight," "Empire Strikes Back..."

Inauguration on the way...

Hope everyone's well!

Signing Off For '08

2008-12-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

Madly finishing shopping and shipping and cooking and giving...

Squeezing in time for loved ones...

Wish you all a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year:)!

First '09 Movie Casualty

2008-12-18T09:31:00.000-08:00

The rom-com seems to be off the books for this coming year. The muse is whispering other sweet nothings...

Holiday Ghost Money

2008-12-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

Went to have the alignment done on the car, yesterday, and they said all was well and there was no charge! Cool, huh?

With that money budgeted out, there is now some ghost money and thoughts of doing nice holiday things with it...

MWAH-HAH-HAH:)!

Entertainment Before The Holidays...

2008-12-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

I'm watching:

Terminator 2: Judgment Day Directed by James Cameron

Close Encounters of the Third Kind Directed by Steven Spielberg

Clean and Sober Directed by Glenn Gordon Caron

State and Main Directed by David Mamet

A Christmas Story Directed by Bob Clark

Elf Directed by Jon Favreau

I'm reading:

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

A Cool Script by ???

I'm listening to:

Billy Joel: 2000 Years, The Millenium Concert

Blues Traveler: Live From The Fall

Amy Winehouse: Frank

The Clash: London Calling

The Bob Marley Collection: Volume 2

Check this out...

2008-12-16T09:46:00.001-08:00

www.globalorgasm.org.

Feel The Burn

2008-12-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

Excercised a little too close to bedtime last night and had a hard time getting to sleep as a result. But, it's cool. Guimo's making wookie noises to keep me awake:)...

Weekend Update (12/14)

2008-12-14T14:31:00.000-08:00

Had a good, old-fashioned, Lost marathon with the Season 4 DVD set...man, that's still my favorite, crazy-addictive geek show.

The Program went well Friday night. The kids rocked it and it was nice catching up with everyone. The New Year should bring some grant writing and children's books done in conjunction with GB so stay tuned for that along with Idaho Stars-approved Trainer news...

Shot a video Christmas letter in the snow with Andrew and his camera yesterday afternoon. Burning oil to get that and a sister's wedding video done and also delivering "Spitwater" to the FX guys before breaking for the holidays. Wrote a scene over the phone with a friend in LA for the new feature. Will shoot with her in LA-LA around New Year's...

Other than that, a lot of shopping and giving going on to eat up the next week. Feeling the warm and fuzzies...

Sleep well, Booty...

2008-12-14T13:54:00.000-08:00

Those buses needed chasing and we'll miss ya:)!

I'm Not Supposed To Fall For This...

2008-12-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

And I know that I'm not USUALLY leading the charge against the umpteenth sequel to a movie I liked when I was a kid, but the trailer for Terminator Salvation, with Christian Bale playing John Connor, looks pretty damn good:).

This Week's Entertainment

2008-12-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

I'm watching:

--How I Met Your Mother: Season 1

--Can Mr. Smith Get To Washington Anymore? Directed by Frank Popper

--Hellboy and Hellboy II: The Golden Army Directed by Guillermo Del Toro

I'm reading:

--Flight by Sherman Alexie

--Candy Girl: A Year In The Life Of An Unlikely Stripper by Diablo Cody

--The Areas Of My Expertise: (REALLY long subtitle) by John Hodgman

I'm listening to:

--Reel Big Fish: Greatest Hit...And More

--Queen: Greatest Hits

--Fishbone: Nuttasaurusmeg: Fossil Fuelin' The Fonkay

How 'Bout Those Illinois Governors?

2008-12-10T12:17:00.001-08:00

I'm being selfish and, living in Idaho with our very fair share of embarassing politicos, it's a little reassuring hearing about similarly woeful scandals in other states.

(Insert Random Swear-Word)

2008-12-09T14:29:00.001-08:00

The child likes to throw toys at me when I work out near his play pen:)...

How To Break A Terrorist

2008-12-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Interesting bit on "The Daily Show" last night. Author of a book on the program that details success with more compassionate forms of interrogation.

Very interesting can-of-worms...

The book is: "How To Break A Terrorist: The U.S. Interrogators Who Used Brains, Not Brutality, To Take Down The Deadliest Man In Iraq" by Matthew Alexander and John Bruning.

I pick it up from the library a.s.a.p. and imagine I'll chat more about it...

Protective

2008-12-09T10:50:00.001-08:00

So, I've been carting the new charge back and forth between his home, where I watch him, and the daycare for whom I used to work. I'm helping the old employers get their kids ready for an annual X-Mas Program this Friday. Great fun taking the young one into the old building and letting him jet around in his "race car" (plastic seat with wheels--so nice in distracting the child) while I rehearse with the kids at GB.

This is all a round-about way of saying that I'm noticing another of the universe's signs telling me I want to be a parent and that I'd be pretty good at it. I even got a little protective of the newbie youngster with a good friend and old co-worker of mine yesterday.

"How old is he?" she asked.

"A year and change," I reply.

"Does he walk yet?"

"He can stand but he's not walking yet."

(Looking into Guimo's eyes with a warm manner) "Well, he better get on it, huh?"

"He's fine. He'll walk when he's ready!" I let loose, like a protective mother hen.
"He's got great rhythm; he's gonna be a drummer!" I think I've made my point.

This stuff with kids is fun!

Those of you in Boise, who aren't in shows, come to the Great Beginnings Annual Holiday Program, this Friday night at 7 p.m. at Monroe Elementary School. It's free and fun...

Hope everyone's well!

Feel like poop a bit today...

2008-12-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Will work on a topic for later:)...

Thanksgiving Travel Diary

2008-12-03T09:47:00.000-08:00

Monday, November 24:

The Brother and I are on the road from Boise before noon. We're in the Ogden/Layton/SLC area in time to visit Butterfield grandparents (help change light bulbs and eat well) and Grandma Orgill (riot on political topics and libidos in assisted-living facilities). We stay the night with our Aunt Janae and Uncle Curtis (eat good ice cream that I under-appreciate and watch Will Smith in "I Am Legend").

Tuesday, November 25:

Breakfast at Denny's near Layton Hills Mall. We attempt a bookstore run for the Brother and cheapskate tendencies thwart the both of us. On the road by noonish. Make it to St. George and visit an old mining facility and the Catholic Pioneer Cemetery that are within walking distance from the Mother's house. We drop off the Mother's truck for service in St. George and retire early after being lazy with plans to conquer Angel's Landing at Zion's the next day.

Wednesday, November 26:

Wake up at 8ish (with no alarm clock thank you very much...) to find it cloudy and monsooning despite heavenly weather the entire drive down. Zion's trip called off. News from the car dealership: the Mother's truck not running right because squirrels have built a nest on vital engine parts but all is fixed and no harm comes to squirrels that have long since ditched their pad. Venture into St. George for a second Brother bookstore attempt and some good Greek food. Back to Mom's for more lazy and sleep.

Thursday, November 27:

On the road to Vegas by 11 Pacific. Arrive at Aunt Dianne's and settle in to eat. Uncle Cody has no use for vegetarians but keeps us all talking. Meet some nice new cousin-in-law family members, pleasantly surprised by pseudo-cousin's drawing ability and we're off to Bolt in 3D that is very expensive but a fun flick. Too many documentaries and too much lit. lately. Reminded of how nice straight-ahead entertainment is. After a visit to Aunt Nanette's and cousins Jace and Trent's new houses the Mom, Brother and I are driving back to stay the night in St. George.

Friday, November 28:

Up with the Mom to retrieve her truck from the dealership and have lunch at Hermita's before hitting the road. All runs smoothly but for the requisite tire drama. Alignment on the Carnie Nissan is bad and front two tires are very chewed up and about to blow. I spend as much as I would on a full set of tires in Boise for TWO tires in Fillmore, Utah but peace of mind is achieved. Last time I did this, though, was on the Saturn and that car was totalled a few months later. Peace of mind? I try not to be superstitious and the Brother and I are back in Boise by midnight.

Good trip...

Black Friday Casualties?

2008-12-03T09:17:00.001-08:00

Three people apparently died in U.S. shopping-related accidents on Black Friday this year.

Don't know if I'm suprised or not...

Taking Back Karaoke

2008-12-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

All of you singers with perfect pitch and stage presence to spare can suck it; I'm starting a revolution right here and now to take karaoke back for the hopeless!

Don't get me wrong. I'm a middling singer on a good day and I admire your talent...when I'm at a choir or opera performance or rock show. NOT at a karaoke bar. Karaoke is the digital video for music. The great enabler. It allows the great musical unwashed to chug a few and get up and sing badly in front of their families, friends, and strangers and to make no excuses for it.

So, imagine my surprise in noticing recent years' trends of going to previously mentioned establishments and seeing these brave souls who get up to entertain, tapping into the common folk consciousness (AND pitch level...) get criticized for their lack of chops. It's just like verbally smacking down a small child who draws a picture with a purple sky. What's next? They don't sing anymore, do they? They don't draw anymore, do they?

In hopes of re-opening the floodgates, I hope that all you rockin' singers take a page from the book of Michele (an AWESOME singer I know in Boise) and buy your own relatively affordable karaoke machine and have bitchin' parties at YOUR house. That way, your auditory pitch benders are unaffected by bad singers and bad singers can get up at karaoke bars around the world without fear that you'll criticize them for having fun.

I think I've made my point:)...

A Recession?!

2008-12-02T07:34:00.001-08:00

Get right outta town:)...

I Looooove Editing Fight Scenes...

2008-11-17T08:56:00.001-08:00

That's all:)...

The 4 Features

2008-11-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

A quadrilogy of feature-length movies are tentatively on-deck for 2009...

A romantic-comedy...

A sports comedy...

A mistaken-identity thriller...

Sequels to the "Spitwater" short which, all together, comprise a 90-minute "Spitwater: The Trilogy." To be watched in one sitting, naturally...

A novel, a play, children's books, and some comics are also in the stew...time to do this for real...

Thank You Veterans...

2008-11-11T18:43:00.001-08:00

Principle of Delayed Gratification

2008-11-10T13:14:00.001-08:00

When one is adhering to this principle, you don't eat out a bunch. You don't go to see movies at the movie theater a lot, you make coffee at home and you get your books from the library. You look through the Boise Weekly's "Eight Days Out" section for all the activities that have a price listing of "Free" at the bottom. You try not to use more than half a tank of gas a week (even though it's cheaper now...) and you're on your bike in the cold with nice, warm hats when you exceed the limit. When you do buy things, you try to stick to the essentials and even when your purchases don't fit that description, you try to buy from the "little guys." Strip clubs, copious amounts of alcohol, and even feeding small, volunteer movie crews: all those things are out the window.

There is a reason you're doing this.

You're trying to travel. Get out there in the world when you have some time away from work and see some places and people and hopefully have a little bit of money to spend when you're in those places...

Utah, Nevada, California, Alaska: there are people to see, and hikes to take, and, yes, movies to start shooting in each of these places and since you're not a Travel TV Show Host, you have to do it on the cheap. Is it more worth it, this way? More of a sense of gratification from a job well done? That sort of thing? Damn, if it probably is:)...

Weekend Update

2008-11-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Thursday Night:

Went to the opening of A Novel Adventure in downtown Boise (most recent name for a downtown bookstore landmark)...

Went to a party for the Mend Toy Project in the Linen District (hellaciously good idea for the consumer-weary)...

Went to Old Chicago with Andrea and Thaddeus for karaoke and did not sing karaoke but was good conversationalist...

Friday Night:

Got ditched...

Went on a bookstore run with Gerry...

Lost sleep caring for dog needs...

Saturday:

Went walking with Andrew and Guimo...

Went to movie with friend Julie...

Lost more sleep caring for more dog needs...

Sunday:

Read a bunch...

Called friends and relatives...

Went to Disney On Ice with some nice people...

Got to bed with dogs (after thinking the worst of it) at a decent hour...

*****Here's to the week ahead:)!

I'm reading:

--The Starving Artist's Way: Easy Projects for Low-Budget Living by Nava Lubelski

--The Stand by Stephen King

--Spook: Science Tackles the Afterlife by Mary Roach

--Love Is A Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield

--The Queen and Country Definitive Edition: Volume 01 by Greg Rucka and Various

I'm watching:

--30 Rock: Season 2

--Grizzly Man directed by Werner Herzog

I'm listening to:

--Working on it...

Sleep well...

2008-11-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Michael Crichton. Thanks for the stories...

Election Day Diary

2008-11-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

The mother was in Times Square, with Republican co-workers, when the news went out. The sister and brother-in-law were part of a crowd in Seattle that made the news.

(Go to www.seattletimes.nwsource.com/flatpages/video/seattletimesvideo.html. Click on the "raw video/celebration" link on the right. Watch for a couple minutes and, when they all start singing the Journey song, the sister and brother-in-law are right beneath the guy up on the pole swinging the American flag.)

How did I spend my Election Day? Glad you asked...

Woke up at 7 a.m. and went to work.

One of the bosses was later in leaving the house and graciously let me go vote in the (as I understood it) smaller morning crowds. Got my sticker. Ran into the friend, Allison. Borrowed pen from very cute girl to re-register (given the recent move) but, paralyzed with inability to talk, said nothing and admired her from afar.

Went back to work. Realized I hadn't done yesterday's piece. Hung and played with the kid and hemmed and hawed and cautiously typed around that one 'til it was done.

Left work and proceeded with plans designed to keep me level-headed and NOT glued to the TV waiting for returns in a complete fit.

These plans were:

(a.) Going for a 2.5 mile run on Harrison Blvd. LOTS of traffic out on the road...

(b.) Calling the Alaskans and coordinating arrival and departure dates for a December AK trip. Slight adjustment made to arrival plans in hopes of catching the youngsters in a "Fiddler on the Roof" performance at the Anchorage PAC on 12/14. Hung up after short chat as they were on their way out to vote.

(c.) Got head shaved (hair became longish during the show) upon realizing I hadn't booked an Oregon/Washington bank commercial. Image considerations gone! But talked to this interesting/centrist hairdresser about his friend's reality TV premise. The candidates are required to switch places with a Joe the Plumber type (a la "Wife Swap" or what have you) and eke out a living, while campaigning, and wearing shock collars preventing lying and talking about the OTHER candidate. Thought there was some merit in this...

(d.) Went grocery shopping (with the radio tuned to NPR) and heard that even spin-meister Rove was calling this one "a wrap."

(e.) Returned home to read Piaget and Vowell books. The Andrea-friend called me when Obama was elected and I heard cheering and fireworks (no kidding) going off in the North End of Boise, where I live. Andrea makes me put the books down and go check the TV (which I had been doing every 10-15 minutes anyway) and I catch McCain's mournfully gracious concession speech.

Got into bed around 11 p.m., after catching the primo sound bites from Obama's speech and slept well.

Here we go, again:)...

Election '08

2008-11-04T09:18:00.000-08:00

Four years ago, I wrote a short comedy sketch on this blog about what I thought it'd be like if Dubya and John Kerry had both won the '04 Election. And, only because I demanded it, I'm about to do the same thing. Here we are, again! It's Election Day! We're paying attention to things that are going on in our country. Shaky economy and different world engagements! Experience and inexperience, race and ties, male and female; it's been a helluva year and I've been eating it up!

So I'm going to jump in this time with a little less prelude and hope that you'll just find the jokes funny. Without further ado, I bring you "If They Both Won '08." ENJOY!

Fade up on: The Oval Office. Morning. President John McCain rises from his desk and moves to the window. It is a beautiful morning. The sun is up and there is enough dew left on the lawn that the yard seems to glow. He winces, but not from the reflected sunlight streaming through the window. His arthritis has been bugging him again, but because it is an easy joke for the writer to open with, McCain does not dwell on it. He awaits the other. Through the door to the outer office, he can hear raised, excited voices. The other has arrived. Men and women are audibly swooning but it is with a political lust that they do so in such a manner. The clamor reaches fever pitch and stops just as the door opens. President Barack Obama strides into the room. The two men briefly pause and eye each other over the desk and the moment passes. They smile and shake hands and slap each other, heartily, on the back.

Obama: Good morning, John!

McCain: Barack, how are the children?

Obama: Wonderful. And yours?

McCain: Mmmm?

Obama: Your children.

McCain: What do you mean?

Obama: John, you have children. Many who have proudly served in the armed forces.

McCain: I guess I do!

(They laugh. And laugh more. The joviality of it all!)

Obama: But on to business.

McCain: The fundamentals of our business are strong.

Obama: Please don't.

McCain: I apologize.

Obama: No need. You've served our country with distinction.

McCain: Yes.

(Another laugh.)

Obama: So, this morning, we have a meeting with the Morgan clone about our re-design for the Nasdaq.

McCain: Yes, listening to Al Gore has yielded results. Texas has made a 57 percent conversion to Gore's new protein plan.

Obama: Insects, right?

McCain: Yes, with the U.S. providing, the new technology has given us a massive economic push. The Nasdaq's current number scale can't properly represent such growth and the casino parties on Wall Street haven't ceased.

Obama: Bugs.

McCain: Who knew?

Obama: Can we talk about solar and wind power, now?

McCain: Dammit--!

(They are interrupted by a white house aide carrying a paper bag.)

Aide: Who had the reuben with extra roast beef?

McCain: (points condescendingly toward his partner) That one!

Obama: I skipped breakfast. (Takes sandwich) Thank you.

(Aide leaves.)

McCain: What's next?

(Phone rings.)

Obama: This is me. Just a minute...

(Picks up phone.)

Obama: Yes, Kaleel! Great hearing from you!

McCain: Who is that?

Obama: My gardener.

McCain: Uh-huh.

Obama: Your expertise is appreciated, as always. Thank you!

(Hangs up phone.)

McCain: Everything's okay?

Obama: Yes. Our yard is on a drip system, now.

McCain: An enviable position in the world.

Obama: It pays to listen to others.

McCain: Uh-huh. Moving on, do my sources have it right? Biden had a union rally at Joe the Plumber's office and they defused the bomb?

Obama: Yes, Biden made an emotional plea. Genuinely cried a little...people aren't hating tax increases if they have assurances the money goes to a good place. And Palin?

McCain: She's bringing my convertible back from the car-wash. I told her if she dented it, there'd be hell to pay.

Obama: Excellent.

(They laugh again.)

McCain: Barack? Can I trouble you with something else?

Obama: Anything, John. What is it?

McCain: It's Cindy. She's an amazing woman, but, have you seen her dresses?

Obama: Say no more, my friend, my lady can really put on the clothes. I'll have Michelle get her back on track!

McCain: Barack...everyone should have a friend like you.

Obama: Everyone does.

(They laugh and exit the Oval Office amid more back-slapping and hearty handshakes.)

Pretty sunny, again, right? Whatever your prefs are, just get out and complete a ballot, friends. This is an important one. Thanks for reading and Happy Election Day!

It's Coming...

2008-11-03T09:12:00.001-08:00

Tune in tomorrow...

Decompressing

2008-10-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

I'm reading:

--Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell

--Northlanders by Brian Wood and Davide Gianfelice

--Boogeyman by Sergio Aragones and Mark Evanier

I'm watching:

--The Fog and Halloween directed by John Carpenter

--American Hardcore directed by Paul Rachman

Looking forward to:

--A pedicure for Franklin

--Dinner at a friend's on Friday

--Catching up with the gang at GB

--A Thanksgiving trip with the brother

Good weekend

2008-10-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

Finished a show...

Finished shooting a movie...

Went to a B-Day party for a former charge...

Went to a cast party...

Went to a BSU choir concert Sunday night...

Got sore...

Had fun...

Leg Wrestling

2008-10-23T09:38:00.001-07:00

So I got into a leg wrestling match with my brother at my birthday party when he beat me in arm wrestling. I had been curious about this for years. My brother is very nearly five years younger than me and, while I was able to pick him up and toss him when we were kids, time has taken us in different paths since then. My brother and I both went to college but, while doing that, he worked in construction and I worked in child care. His self-fulfilling prophecy of being taller than me also came true. He swore it would happen when he was younger as if unconsciously tapping into some universal karmic alignment that would even the scales of my occasional bullying.

So there we were on the first weekend in August, each of us having had one or two to drink and about to arm wrestle. We hunkered down over a cooler which served as our level surface. The brother was in good humor about my chances, probably not wanting to embarass me too much at my own party. Neverthless, the match was over pretty quickly. My lugging dozens of kids around on a daily basis provided me with maybe thirty seconds of resistance before he slammed my right arm down. I was crushed and not surprised at the same time.

I truthfully can't remember if he, or I, or our audience of half a dozen suggested that we leg wrestle to even the score. But I was thankful for it. My brother is a manly sort of chap having framed and sided houses for years. But, blessedly, this translates to his upper body and, where my abs are pretty flacid, my legs are like steel chords. I was in marching band in high school and I've been a bike rider for years; I walk places and, the past couple years, I like to jog. I slammed my right leg down, overturning my younger brother, in as much time as it took him to best me in the previous match. With four cute girls watching, I was vindicated. Part of me still wonders if this moment was one that my baby brother designed.

#75

2008-10-22T08:36:00.000-07:00

According to my counter, this is my 75th blog on this site. Four years...a pretty spotty writing schedule that's getting better...cheers!

I'm reading:

--The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger

--The Plague by Albert Camus

--The Child and Reality by Jean Piaget

--Red Razors by Mark Millar and Steve Yeowell

I'm watching:

--Battlestar Galactica: Season One

--When We Were Kings directed by Leon Gest

--L.A. Confidential directed by Curtis Hanson

I'm listening to:

--The new Ben Folds Album

--Radiohead: In Rainbows

--A cool mix CD a nice friend made me

Graduation Harem

2008-10-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

In the graduation harem, you travel in flocks. You wear inordinate amounts of make-up and shriek very loudly. There are 20 or maybe 30 guys and gals you know walking the line and you are there to support them. They have graduated from high school and they have graduated from college and it is time to party! You're like groupies but where, with a band, sex with groupies is more of a sure thing, you are part of the graudation harem and younger and, perhaps, not yet sexually active. In the graudation harem, you are probably a girl, but it is the 21st century and one must never make assumptions based on gender. You raise your homemade banner high when they call a name you recognize. BRAD WILLIAMS! English class and a glance or two over four years; why you're practically family. Your underwire is cutting a mean swath and you have to turn away from the spectacle, during the Star-Spangled Banner or one of the speeches delivered by overachieving classmates, to adjust the offending metal when no one is looking. SYLVIA JENNINGS! She embarassed you in the bathroom in the second floor that day when Brad Williams told you he doesn't date girls with necks like chickens or she embarassed you in the social center when Brad Williams (not to pick on the guy but, let's face it, he gets around) told you that he doesn't date guys 'cause he's on the football team and prefers his homoeroticism to be of the repressed variety. Cheer louder for the bitch; you might run into her, later, at a party and she'll notice if you're not whooping it up. She's got ears like a hawk. In the graduation harem, you have a tough job. You have already graduated or you're a year shy of this major event that hasn't quite sunk in for you. But it's all right. Responsibility hasn't sunk in and that moment where life become, well, more REAL has not sunk in. And how could it? The make-up isn't smearing much under the lights that aren't too hot and the home-made banner you hold with cramping hands hasn't but a tear or two in it. You are a part of the graduation harem and it is time to party! Now, you just hope they remember your name when you accidentally "bump into" the graduates outside the back door.

The "sched."

2008-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

"TrailBlazer" shoots this weekend. I get to be a "Die Hard" villain...

The remainder of "Spitwater" shoots next weekend at the awesome BizPrint garage in beautiful downtown Boise...gotta have Will killed (on camera) early but it'll work out just fine...

Very close to the point where the pal Andrew and I will just get to sit in the editing room and maybe outline some '09 movies for the remainder of this year...

"Dark Rituals" at SCT is in its sophomore weekend. We're hoping we don't get buried by "Edwin Drood," football, and the Taj Mahal concert. Come and watch us. We're a fun show:)...

Trying to line up some hang-out sessions with some of the old gang from GB. 'Twill be nice to catch up...

Gotta run. The charge needs a stroller walk and I promised him we'd take Franklin to McCauley Park...

It's his payment for acting in "Spitwater" for me...

Apologies...

2008-10-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

...to everyone who is really losing money but my worrying about "theoretical" money is quite worrisome.

...to Annie and Frank's dog, "Puppy," to whom my sack of garbage was not available for consumption upon leaving the house this morning.

...to John McCain, who has a quasi-respectable record (for politics) and is behind in the polls.

...to Barack Obama who is being attacked for some hopefully reaching and incidental matters and remains ahead in the polls.

...to the four-dimensional version of myself who has been damned for eating a sizable quantity of fruit sours and popcorn and skipping his veggies last night.

...to everyone who feels that Pluto is not a planet because, with my joining a facebook group yesterday, I am taking my devotion otherwise to the next level.

...to the fucker on Boise Avenue, the other day, who was upset when I observed a school zone speed limit.

...to everyone who feels like frisbee golf is a sport. I don't personally feel like golf is a sport. There, I said it. It's a game of skill (if you're not smashed and yelling at your fellow players) and I won't deny that. There's just a lot of standing around. No sport should require driving around in a vehicle. And any game with frisbee in the title can't be called a sport unless there's an "ultimate" in front of it. WHY? WHY CAN'T YOU PEOPLE COME AROUND TO MY WAY OF THINKING!!!

...for the outburst in the previous paragraph. That was uncalled for.

Franklin's Opus

2008-10-09T11:51:00.000-07:00

My turtle is leading an insurgency against me as my feeding and water changing methods have rubbed him the wrong way. Last Monday, a fertilizer-based explosive device, which Franklin's cell calls a "turdy" bomb, went off beneath my refridgerator while I was in the shower. Thinking Idaho was having its first earthquake in over twenty years, I took my shower caddy with me and fell to the ground and this was only the opening salvo.

Subsequent attacks followed on a ten-day daily basis and the landlords were brought in to mediate a resolution to the problem. Franklin was sanctioned for his four explosive attacks and the disruption of Tuesday's prayer hour consisting of the unveiling of a banner with subversive "let's leave the house" agenda messages while I watched "Stripes." I was instructed to be more sympathetic to the eating and bathing habits of other species.

I am confident that I can obtain my end of the bargain and get his water temperature just so while I get a space heater for our loft as the weather gets cooler. Allfather Franklin's faith in me "properly moistening" his food was curbed when someone who shall remain unnamed (yet connected with my organization) urinated in his bowl of carrots and flys.

The struggle continues...

Good BW article last week

2008-10-09T11:04:00.000-07:00

It's about the top ten (or somesuch number) censored news stories in the last year. Very interesting reading. If you go to www.boiseweekly.com/gyrobase, I bet you can track down the piece.

Enjoy!

Looking up...

2008-10-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

The show is ready to go...

The remainder of "Spitwater" should have a place to roll those cameras (thanks, Larry)...

Happy for Will and the writing fun he has ahead of him...

Those lying in wait for any word on the matter (with a lot of knitting I bet...): there is some dating in my world. Don't want to jinx anything by saying much else right now...

Travel coming up in November including, one hopes, the long-awaited, oft-rumored, bowel-clenching hike in Zion's serving as my current White Whale...'twill be good to see the fam as well...

The election...I'm hopeful as he's currently in the lead and, rest assured, "If They Both Won '08" is coming soon...

Most of you haven't been looking at this page since '04 and would therefore miss that reference. See my archives if you're interested...

And there is a "Ghostbusters 3" on imdb.com for release in 2010. There is also an announced "Arrested Development" movie, though, so it COULD be the real deal and, then again, maybe it's not...

Hope everyone's well!

Hits

2008-10-01T13:08:00.000-07:00

A location for "Spitwater" fell through. Damn...

Play rehearsal's a little tense...

Writing dialogue for "Trail Blazer..."

Digging the "Iron Man" and "Extras" on DVD.

The new Ben Folds album is excellent!

Circle of Pop Culture

2008-09-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

So what movie property from my childhood will reprise itself next now that AARP-aged Indy has rocked my world?

According to some stories I've read at imdb.com and aintitcool.com, including quotes from the originals involved, we MIGHT be able to say it all together.

So let's hear it:

"Ghostbusters...Ghostbusters...Ghostbusters!"

A geek can dream...

Buy Local

2008-09-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

It all comes down to making decisions. We decide where we live, who we sleep with, what goes in our coffee and where said caffeine is purchased. Gas is expensive and food is expensive and while that's tough for "Joe-Schmoe You and Me" it can have a nice side effect. People are thinking about these things and I have to take that as a good. Economy and crisis and however it affects you I would lay dollars-to-donuts you're thinking more than normal about where your food, gas, and stuff comes from. So are the grocery stores and oil distributors. Gas is expensive for them, too. I shop at Winco in Boise, Idaho and it is a true-blue employee-owned grocery store that has a smaller net than, say, Albertsons or Costco. I mean that with a diminished operation the food, on average, has a shorter distance to travel and that translates to higher quality cost-effective choices on the rack. I like healthy food and organic food and free range, no preservatives "wow, I won't wake up with a tumor growing from the side of my neck in the morning" food but most times that food's cost is marked up to where I have a hard time affording it on a weekly basis. Winco is perfect for filling my fridge for a week with $35 and I think we'd agree that's a feat.

That leaves my gas. For those of you who don't know, we've been at war in Iraq for five years to (I know I'm not supposed to say this) at least partially secure our oil interests in the area and I imagine I'm not telling you anything you don't know regardless of political party and, yes, there's been a Surge and even Obama is now saying that's been a success and things are looking up in the region but it can all come down to money and much like it does with my food, money and human interest gets me thinking about where my gas comes from. In Boise, we have Stinker Stations and I imagine these fine establishments or stations like them are in other states but Stinker is proud of two things when it comes to gasoline: they're not reliant on foreign oil in their distribution and they use the ever-trendier-by-the-day Ethanol in their gasoline that helps the sludge burn a little cleaner. I know that we're all waiting for the real next idea with cars (anyone still up for the flying variety?) and that more of us are jumping to the Hybrid side of the pond but companies like Stinker help us a hell of a lot in the meantime.

I guess "Buying Local," to me, means helping your neighbor's businesses if possible and thinking about where your stuff comes from. I'm encouraged that this idea is becoming one to which a teenager might roll her eyes and say "duh!"