Maybe there's a reason that Republicans in Washington state have not had a statewide majority in like two decades. They're out of touch, out of the mainstream of Washington leta alone the nation, and they sometimes are just plain nuts. The latest example is the 2006 state party platform, adopted this weekend in Yakima, that would bar children of illegal immigrants from becoming citizens. This despite the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.
Read here.
Seems like once again a few manuipulative folks have taken control of the state party. Meanwhile all the people who have to explain this to the public or who have won statewide (that would be only Attorney General Rob McKenna bythe way) think the move is pretty foolish. The fact that this happened in Yakima of all places is so ironic. The city is one of the most dependent on agriculture labor and has a huge population of immigrants -- illegal and legal. Mexico's President Vicente Fox even visited there just this week.
The GOP in this state had a chance in 2004 to claim the governor's mansion with a strong candidate and history on their side. They could not put that together, and 2006 is not looking very good to reclaim the Legislature, either. And, with at least two weakened U.S. Representatives and a Senate candidate that is facing an increasingly popular incumbent, it looks like this blue state may just stay that way a while.
-- Seattle
Sunday, May 28, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Save your money from 'American Dreamz'
I saw "American Dreamz" Saturday night. I thought the premise looked decent, but the execution was probably among the worst movies I have ever seen. Yes, it really was that bad, and I am disappointed I paid $9.50 to see it.
I could have excused the completely ridiculous situation if the comedy were better. However, this movie could not decide whether it wanted to be a realistic but funny movie such as "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" or even "Dave" or whether it wanted to be a complete spoof/satire like
"Dick." Unfortunately, it was neither and was so painfully unfunny to me that I would have left if my friend had not been entertained by it.
Verdict: Save your money. Don't even rent it. And save your time, too -- it's not even worth reading the back of the DVD case.
-- Issaquah, Wash.
I could have excused the completely ridiculous situation if the comedy were better. However, this movie could not decide whether it wanted to be a realistic but funny movie such as "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" or even "Dave" or whether it wanted to be a complete spoof/satire like
"Dick." Unfortunately, it was neither and was so painfully unfunny to me that I would have left if my friend had not been entertained by it.
Verdict: Save your money. Don't even rent it. And save your time, too -- it's not even worth reading the back of the DVD case.
-- Issaquah, Wash.
Teaching the First Freedoms
I had the opportunity Friday to attend a daylong instructional session on how to incorporate the principles of the First Amendment into my classroom and even around school. I am already one of just a few teachers who incorporates any instruction of the First Amendment at all, so I have a base of knowledge and a framework to build on.
The session was held at Central Washington University as part of its yearlong First Amendment Festival. The instructor was Sam Chaltain, formerly of the First Amendment Schools program and now on special assignment with the Knight Foundation. It was, appropriately, free.
Most of the participants were professors from CWU’s Communication Department, yet there were a handful of college students and high school teachers, including me and one colleague from my own English Department.
In his opening lecture, Chaltain noted that educators must create the context and culture for learning and active citizenship. The First Amendment (as well as the 14th) provides opportunities to make curriculum more active through discussions and participation.
Opening the second session, participants listed several statements that summarized the morning. I listed a few in my notes:
We must help kids to acquire the skills they need to attain visibility, and we need to help them understand why visibility matters. Every student needs to find not only his or her voice but also a forum to speak without interruption and a chance to listen to the ideas of another.
We must provide meaningful opportunities for students to practice freedom responsibly. Students must learn to balance freedom with responsibility, and we must create a chance for that to take place.
We must balance individual rights with civic responsibilities. One of the most important ideas about the First Amendment is that we should guard the rights of others in order to fully appreciate our own.
In the exercise of freedom, Chaltain said, we extend the promise of America. That statement is the essential point that all educators -- especially those in public schools -- must remember and must work toward because everything else is based on it. The promise of America cannot be an empty one. It must be reachable and real for every citizen -- every person -- in order to live up to the dream of the founders.
Friday’s learning was less of an instruction on the importance of the First Amendment’s words as it was a reminder to me that the mission I have is so important to live up to the ideas and values and experiences behind those words. Maybe now, after this invigorating and stimulating day, I will have colleagues join me in bringing more active learning about first freedoms to the classrooms at our school. Certainly now more than ever -- at a time when people’s knowledge and value of the First Amendment has ebbed and those in power have sought to capitalize on that -- it has become so important to foster in our youth an appreciation for first freedoms and to show how those freedoms are woven into nearly every issue of the day.
-- Issaquah, Wash.
The session was held at Central Washington University as part of its yearlong First Amendment Festival. The instructor was Sam Chaltain, formerly of the First Amendment Schools program and now on special assignment with the Knight Foundation. It was, appropriately, free.
Most of the participants were professors from CWU’s Communication Department, yet there were a handful of college students and high school teachers, including me and one colleague from my own English Department.
In his opening lecture, Chaltain noted that educators must create the context and culture for learning and active citizenship. The First Amendment (as well as the 14th) provides opportunities to make curriculum more active through discussions and participation.
Opening the second session, participants listed several statements that summarized the morning. I listed a few in my notes:
We must help kids to acquire the skills they need to attain visibility, and we need to help them understand why visibility matters. Every student needs to find not only his or her voice but also a forum to speak without interruption and a chance to listen to the ideas of another.
We must provide meaningful opportunities for students to practice freedom responsibly. Students must learn to balance freedom with responsibility, and we must create a chance for that to take place.
We must balance individual rights with civic responsibilities. One of the most important ideas about the First Amendment is that we should guard the rights of others in order to fully appreciate our own.
In the exercise of freedom, Chaltain said, we extend the promise of America. That statement is the essential point that all educators -- especially those in public schools -- must remember and must work toward because everything else is based on it. The promise of America cannot be an empty one. It must be reachable and real for every citizen -- every person -- in order to live up to the dream of the founders.
Friday’s learning was less of an instruction on the importance of the First Amendment’s words as it was a reminder to me that the mission I have is so important to live up to the ideas and values and experiences behind those words. Maybe now, after this invigorating and stimulating day, I will have colleagues join me in bringing more active learning about first freedoms to the classrooms at our school. Certainly now more than ever -- at a time when people’s knowledge and value of the First Amendment has ebbed and those in power have sought to capitalize on that -- it has become so important to foster in our youth an appreciation for first freedoms and to show how those freedoms are woven into nearly every issue of the day.
-- Issaquah, Wash.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Bye bye, Blueberry
After eight years and nine months of loyalty and comfort, I have finally parted ways with the car I have affectionately called Blueberry. For that time, my first adult car, which I bought in part to replace a stolen car and in part to mark my entry into the professional world, Blueberry was so much more than a 1996 Mercury Mystique. The car was my comfort, my reliable transport, part of my identity.
We've been through so much. Blueberry survived many a prank when I used to park on the street in a questionable neighborhood. There have been pranks with toilet paper, of course, but also hot dogs, marshmallows, maple syrup and even a pumpkin that smashed the trunk lid and caused several hundred dollars of damage and body repairs. I've backed into many obstacles, had a few dings from shopping carts and doors and a scraped bumpers of nearby cars. Someone once backed into my rear fender with a trailer. And, astonishingly, we survived hitting a deer. We've swerved, spun out, skidded and slid. We've hydroplaned and overheated. We've spent 90,000 miles together -- not so many when all things are considered -- and the car has just 110,000 total.
So Blueberry joined the inventory of Cascade Auto Center this evening, rushed away to be part of a weekend used car blowout at the Kmart parking lot. So someone else might be driving Blueberry soon. I hope that person's experience is as good as mine and that the car survives another 100,000 miles.
But as of today, I have a new vehicle in my life. I'm celebrating my newly minted master's degree and the accomplishment I made. This is a sweet little rig -- a 2006 Subaru Forester. I don't feel like I am cheating on Blueberry, just that I moved on when it became time for a change. And if you want to buy a full set of mounted snow tires, let me know.
Nominations for the new car's nickname are being accepted now.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
We've been through so much. Blueberry survived many a prank when I used to park on the street in a questionable neighborhood. There have been pranks with toilet paper, of course, but also hot dogs, marshmallows, maple syrup and even a pumpkin that smashed the trunk lid and caused several hundred dollars of damage and body repairs. I've backed into many obstacles, had a few dings from shopping carts and doors and a scraped bumpers of nearby cars. Someone once backed into my rear fender with a trailer. And, astonishingly, we survived hitting a deer. We've swerved, spun out, skidded and slid. We've hydroplaned and overheated. We've spent 90,000 miles together -- not so many when all things are considered -- and the car has just 110,000 total.
So Blueberry joined the inventory of Cascade Auto Center this evening, rushed away to be part of a weekend used car blowout at the Kmart parking lot. So someone else might be driving Blueberry soon. I hope that person's experience is as good as mine and that the car survives another 100,000 miles.
But as of today, I have a new vehicle in my life. I'm celebrating my newly minted master's degree and the accomplishment I made. This is a sweet little rig -- a 2006 Subaru Forester. I don't feel like I am cheating on Blueberry, just that I moved on when it became time for a change. And if you want to buy a full set of mounted snow tires, let me know.
Nominations for the new car's nickname are being accepted now.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Farewell, 'West Wing'
It is with more than a bit of sadness that I declare my feelings for my favorite television series, "The West Wing," which comes to an end tonight. As I type this I am watching the pre-finale presentation of the premiere episode of "The West Wing" from 1999.
The series has been to me, and to many others, a model of television and a weekly appointment for a dose of what America could be. In 1999 when the series premiered, we were in the second half of the second term of a Democratic president considered by many to have made too many concessions to reality -- the reality of a Republican-controlled Congress -- at the same time he faced a scandal of immense and unprecedented proportions. But at least the stock market was booming.
Enter "The West Wing" -- a show that not only provided a snappy hour of television drama but also made you a bit smarter for having watched and also made you think that we could be doing so much better if only we could get past politics. Aaron Sorkin crafted an hour each week that showed viewers many facets of an issue, and the dialog did not speak down to people nor get weighed down with intricate policies. Simply put, it was masterful.
And for the next several seasons, the show continued on an even keel, churning along and attracting accolades and laurels for its smart and witty writing, inspired acting and attention to detail. In the back of our minds, of course, we all knew it had to end. It was no "M*A*S*H," where the Korean War on screen went on far longer than it did in real life. No, we knew that in a maximum of six or seven seasons, this show as we knew it would end. Term limits, you know.
And so, as the campaign for the new presidential term heated up, we weaned ourselves from Martin Sheen's Jed Bartlet and decided we could live with Jimmy Smits' Matt Santos or Alan Alda's Arnold Vinick. And the sixth season started to limp a bit, but by mid-seventh season, it was almost as if the show had turned into an even better franchise. Yet, the folks at NBC Universal have pulled the plug on a series when it seems it could have continued easily into the next term.
It could have continued to inspire, to educate, to entertain the masses and also make some money and win some awards along the way. But, we all knew this day would come, and it's best to let something go in peace and remember with longing a better time. It was a show that never failed to strive to be better, to portray America as a place whose best days still lay ahead, to demonstrate when to stand firm with one's convictions or when to offer compromise. In seven years, I have no shortage of favorite scenes, lines and plots. Thank goodness for my set of DVDs.
I'll watch with interest the last hour of "The West Wing," which begins in just a few minutes, and I will post any additional comments if I have them. And as I watch, I'll think about how many times I have wished America really were this way, about the people who did not make it to the end, and about how I have the responsibility to take an entertaining inspiration and make into a reality.
POST-VIEWING UPDATE: That was probably the longest hour of the show I have ever watched. That's what happens when the only plot device is to wrap up all the plots. I'll overlook a couple small glitches and factual errors. But it was tender and nice and sweet and, yes, inspirational. I knew either Bartlet or Santos would ask "What's next?" As soon as Mallory, Leo's daughter, came with a package for Bartlet I knew exactly what it was. That little napkin has been through more episodes than some characters. The finale was appropriately final and reverent to the show's history.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
The series has been to me, and to many others, a model of television and a weekly appointment for a dose of what America could be. In 1999 when the series premiered, we were in the second half of the second term of a Democratic president considered by many to have made too many concessions to reality -- the reality of a Republican-controlled Congress -- at the same time he faced a scandal of immense and unprecedented proportions. But at least the stock market was booming.
Enter "The West Wing" -- a show that not only provided a snappy hour of television drama but also made you a bit smarter for having watched and also made you think that we could be doing so much better if only we could get past politics. Aaron Sorkin crafted an hour each week that showed viewers many facets of an issue, and the dialog did not speak down to people nor get weighed down with intricate policies. Simply put, it was masterful.
And for the next several seasons, the show continued on an even keel, churning along and attracting accolades and laurels for its smart and witty writing, inspired acting and attention to detail. In the back of our minds, of course, we all knew it had to end. It was no "M*A*S*H," where the Korean War on screen went on far longer than it did in real life. No, we knew that in a maximum of six or seven seasons, this show as we knew it would end. Term limits, you know.
And so, as the campaign for the new presidential term heated up, we weaned ourselves from Martin Sheen's Jed Bartlet and decided we could live with Jimmy Smits' Matt Santos or Alan Alda's Arnold Vinick. And the sixth season started to limp a bit, but by mid-seventh season, it was almost as if the show had turned into an even better franchise. Yet, the folks at NBC Universal have pulled the plug on a series when it seems it could have continued easily into the next term.
It could have continued to inspire, to educate, to entertain the masses and also make some money and win some awards along the way. But, we all knew this day would come, and it's best to let something go in peace and remember with longing a better time. It was a show that never failed to strive to be better, to portray America as a place whose best days still lay ahead, to demonstrate when to stand firm with one's convictions or when to offer compromise. In seven years, I have no shortage of favorite scenes, lines and plots. Thank goodness for my set of DVDs.
I'll watch with interest the last hour of "The West Wing," which begins in just a few minutes, and I will post any additional comments if I have them. And as I watch, I'll think about how many times I have wished America really were this way, about the people who did not make it to the end, and about how I have the responsibility to take an entertaining inspiration and make into a reality.
POST-VIEWING UPDATE: That was probably the longest hour of the show I have ever watched. That's what happens when the only plot device is to wrap up all the plots. I'll overlook a couple small glitches and factual errors. But it was tender and nice and sweet and, yes, inspirational. I knew either Bartlet or Santos would ask "What's next?" As soon as Mallory, Leo's daughter, came with a package for Bartlet I knew exactly what it was. That little napkin has been through more episodes than some characters. The finale was appropriately final and reverent to the show's history.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Blog shoutout
A fellow media adviser, Jeff Nusser, sent me an e-mail announcing his new Weblog, which is described below. The guy is a former sports reporter and now advises media at a high school in Pierce County, Washington. And he does a fantastic job. His blog is about sports, of course, so it's of little interest to me mainly because I don't much care for or know about sports. But I thought I would give it a little publicity. Check it out.
From Jeff:
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
From Jeff:
Yes, it's true -- I have joined the throngs of those seeking to publish their thoughts and musings on the Internet. The new blog is called Hangin' With The Nuss (corny, I know -- blame News Tribune writer Craig Hill; the title was his idea a loooong time ago) and it can be found at hanginwithnuss.blogspot.com.Enjoy.
In a move that hardly will be surprising to any of you, it's a sports-focused site that will feature commentary from myself on the different issues in the sports world with a special eye turned toward Seattle sports. The idea is to create a place where Seattle sports fans can get together and dialogue in a fun way by posting comments about the travails and triumphs of their favorite franchises.
Why would I step out and do something so potentially embarassing? Mostly, I miss writing. Ever since I stopped being a full-time sports journalist five years ago, I've always wanted to figure out a way to keep writing. I've been able to do that a bit by freelancing, but mostly I just get to do fluffy feature stories. This is an opportunity to do some commentary writing on subjects that I find interesting. Oddly enough, I actually was inspired after going to see a new literature reading series last week that was organized by an educator friend -- I figured if he can take a step out for something he's passionate about, I could too. This blog is a result of that. Besides, as you know, if there's anyone that has an opinion on just about everything sports ... it's me.
I have no delusions of grandeur where thousands of loyal readers are hanging on my every word; mostly I'd be happy if a few people read it every once in a while and left thoughtful comments when they did.
So, if you like sports, please check it out -- the first post is up, analyzing the Mariners' series against the Devil Rays and why the 14 runs they scored in their two wins aren't necessarily a portent of future offensive success. And if you like what you see -- whether you agree or disagree with my assessment -- leave a comment ... and tell a friend.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
You can call me 'Master'
Today is Graduation Day. No, not at the school where I work but at the University of Missouri in Columbia. I've finished my Master of Education degree, and I have graduated. But I am not in Columbia, Mo., today -- too expensive to go all that way just for a ceremony. Yet, today is Graduation Day.
So, today I reflect on where I have been these last two years and where I am headed as a result of the learning I have gained. The piece of paper I have earned and will receive soon is a measure of a goal achieved. I set this goal several years ago -- to have the degree by age 30. I later revised it to be started by 30. I reached that (by a few days) and have actually finished a semester ahead of the program schedule due to a course transfer. Online learning worked beautifully for me.
During the two years I studied in this program, I learned a lot about myself, saw as I changed both as a teacher and learner as well as a person, became better at what I do at the same time struggling to just get by with what I was hired to do, and became a night owl and online regular. I have gained a lot, sacrificed some and ranked this experience among my best. I am proud to be able to say I set and met my goal, that I did more than what was expected or even than was required.
Today is Graduation Day, and though I may not be in my black robe and mortarboard with light blue hood, I am there in spirit. Today, I can say I have achieved. I am happy to join the alumni of the University of Missouri, Columbia, the nation's first and finest journalism school. Some day I may even get to see the campus.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
So, today I reflect on where I have been these last two years and where I am headed as a result of the learning I have gained. The piece of paper I have earned and will receive soon is a measure of a goal achieved. I set this goal several years ago -- to have the degree by age 30. I later revised it to be started by 30. I reached that (by a few days) and have actually finished a semester ahead of the program schedule due to a course transfer. Online learning worked beautifully for me.
During the two years I studied in this program, I learned a lot about myself, saw as I changed both as a teacher and learner as well as a person, became better at what I do at the same time struggling to just get by with what I was hired to do, and became a night owl and online regular. I have gained a lot, sacrificed some and ranked this experience among my best. I am proud to be able to say I set and met my goal, that I did more than what was expected or even than was required.
Today is Graduation Day, and though I may not be in my black robe and mortarboard with light blue hood, I am there in spirit. Today, I can say I have achieved. I am happy to join the alumni of the University of Missouri, Columbia, the nation's first and finest journalism school. Some day I may even get to see the campus.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Fully spring
There are days every year when you know it's good to live here, when you're glad that you do. In the fall the magnificent color changes and crisp air make evrything seem vibrant. The summer warmth and peace are relaxing. The winter snows covering the hillsides and weighing down the trees absorb all the stresses of the world.
But spring -- spring is the best. The last few weeks have seen the slow emergence of color and rebirth around the valley. Yesterday, as I drove through the mountains to Ellensburg, it was as if someone had sprayed green fuzz everywhere, and balsam flowers exploded abundantly. For just a few weeks, everything is green.
This is my favorite moment of the seasons. It's fresh, it's full of life and of potential, a reminder that evrything gets a fresh start at some point.
The fruit blossoms are spent, and the early tulips and daffodils have passed. Now I see two flowers I always associate with May: peonies and Hawthorne tree blooms. We always used to use both to decorate the gravesites at Memorial Day, and Hawthorne is one of my favorites still. My own yard has struggled this spring, but still it progresses, the flowers poking out despite my negligence. The fresh start comes regardless.
So take a few minutes to pause and just soak in the joy of spring. Then take a few more to really enjoy it. It only comes once a year, and it doesn't last long before it is pushed aside by the heat of summer.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
But spring -- spring is the best. The last few weeks have seen the slow emergence of color and rebirth around the valley. Yesterday, as I drove through the mountains to Ellensburg, it was as if someone had sprayed green fuzz everywhere, and balsam flowers exploded abundantly. For just a few weeks, everything is green.
This is my favorite moment of the seasons. It's fresh, it's full of life and of potential, a reminder that evrything gets a fresh start at some point.
The fruit blossoms are spent, and the early tulips and daffodils have passed. Now I see two flowers I always associate with May: peonies and Hawthorne tree blooms. We always used to use both to decorate the gravesites at Memorial Day, and Hawthorne is one of my favorites still. My own yard has struggled this spring, but still it progresses, the flowers poking out despite my negligence. The fresh start comes regardless.
So take a few minutes to pause and just soak in the joy of spring. Then take a few more to really enjoy it. It only comes once a year, and it doesn't last long before it is pushed aside by the heat of summer.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Monday, May 01, 2006
Marching for equality
Today in communities around the nation, and in my own community, immigrants -- legal and illegal -- joined by friends and allies, marched and rallied to support fair immigration policies in the United States. Media reports estimate a total of 14 million people nationwide participated in a march.
Plans in Wenatchee included small rallies in outlying areas and a convergence here in the afternoon with a very visible march through downtown that ended at Lincoln Park at about 6 p.m. A friend and I went to the park to see the turnout at 6:10. While some participants in the crowd were dissipating, it appeared there were still about 2,000 people at the park listening to speeches, thanks and music.
This issue is the most important long-term issue in a generation. It is complicated and sensitive. It's clear there are a lot of people here illegally already, and we should just accept that and work to regulate immigration and control the southern border for the future.
It's easy to label people, point a finger and say that's whom to blame. But that doesn't solve a problem. And let's remember: almost all of us came here from somewhere else looking for a better life and wanting a sliver of the American Dream. We could do worse than to have people wanting to get in this country and build a better life.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Plans in Wenatchee included small rallies in outlying areas and a convergence here in the afternoon with a very visible march through downtown that ended at Lincoln Park at about 6 p.m. A friend and I went to the park to see the turnout at 6:10. While some participants in the crowd were dissipating, it appeared there were still about 2,000 people at the park listening to speeches, thanks and music.
This issue is the most important long-term issue in a generation. It is complicated and sensitive. It's clear there are a lot of people here illegally already, and we should just accept that and work to regulate immigration and control the southern border for the future.
It's easy to label people, point a finger and say that's whom to blame. But that doesn't solve a problem. And let's remember: almost all of us came here from somewhere else looking for a better life and wanting a sliver of the American Dream. We could do worse than to have people wanting to get in this country and build a better life.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Strong showing in “San Fran”
The final 24 hours of the San Francisco national high school journalism convention proved successful for my students and their publications. Both the yearbook and newspaper placed in Best of Show contests, and four of 10 students earned awards in national on-site contests.
The Best of Show winners were announced at the Saturday awards ceremony, which we skipped to do some sight-seeing in the Haight section of town. The contest involves various categories of newspapers, newsmagazines and yearbooks, all based on number of pages -- which theoretically means publications of similar attributes will be judged together. There is one judge for each category, usually a professional journalist or a seasoned veteran educator with no students at the convention. I judged the newsmagazines a couple years ago, and it was just me and a pile of newsprint. So, I always advise my students that it is one judge’s opinion on that one day compared to that group of publications. There really is not a lot of consistency to it all. In the eight previous conventions, we’ve only placed in the top 10 three times. Because of that, we decided a better use of our time would be to see more of the city instead of wait during a marathin awards ceremony for our five seconds of excitement.
But Saturday both the newspaper and yearbook placed for the second convention in a row. The Apple Leaf newspaper placed sixth, and the Wa Wa yearbook placed fifth. The newspaper placing repeated its highest-ever place; it also placed sixth two years ago in San Diego. The yearbook also placed fifth last November in Chicago.
The on-site contests require students to use provided information to write a story, captions and/or headlines. Two yearbook students earned honorable mentions in their categories for copy- and caption writing. Two newspaper students earned superior ratings in editorial and feature writing.
I’m glad we stayed for the Sunday morning awards ceremony, and it was a fantastic honor for my students to be able to earn national recognition. The ceremony ended quickly, and we were soon en route to the airport. After four days in the city, the students had learned a lot about staying in a group, getting on the subway train and being aware of their surroundings. Two students misplaced their tickets, but we had the manifest, so it was fine.
-- Composed at Oakland International Airport, Calif., and posted in Wenatchee, Wash., with my own high-speed wireless connection
The Best of Show winners were announced at the Saturday awards ceremony, which we skipped to do some sight-seeing in the Haight section of town. The contest involves various categories of newspapers, newsmagazines and yearbooks, all based on number of pages -- which theoretically means publications of similar attributes will be judged together. There is one judge for each category, usually a professional journalist or a seasoned veteran educator with no students at the convention. I judged the newsmagazines a couple years ago, and it was just me and a pile of newsprint. So, I always advise my students that it is one judge’s opinion on that one day compared to that group of publications. There really is not a lot of consistency to it all. In the eight previous conventions, we’ve only placed in the top 10 three times. Because of that, we decided a better use of our time would be to see more of the city instead of wait during a marathin awards ceremony for our five seconds of excitement.
But Saturday both the newspaper and yearbook placed for the second convention in a row. The Apple Leaf newspaper placed sixth, and the Wa Wa yearbook placed fifth. The newspaper placing repeated its highest-ever place; it also placed sixth two years ago in San Diego. The yearbook also placed fifth last November in Chicago.
The on-site contests require students to use provided information to write a story, captions and/or headlines. Two yearbook students earned honorable mentions in their categories for copy- and caption writing. Two newspaper students earned superior ratings in editorial and feature writing.
I’m glad we stayed for the Sunday morning awards ceremony, and it was a fantastic honor for my students to be able to earn national recognition. The ceremony ended quickly, and we were soon en route to the airport. After four days in the city, the students had learned a lot about staying in a group, getting on the subway train and being aware of their surroundings. Two students misplaced their tickets, but we had the manifest, so it was fine.
-- Composed at Oakland International Airport, Calif., and posted in Wenatchee, Wash., with my own high-speed wireless connection
Good time at the 'Bee'
It was a fluke that worked out so well -- lik eit was almost meant to be. After asking a few students if the wanted to attend a showing og "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" on Saturday night, I tried to call the ticket office, butthe hours had passed. Since we were already in the neighborhood of the theater, I said we should go by and see if any tickets were available. When we got there, turns out there were still four seats for us at the orchestra level -- $66 each. That's not bad for a Broadway show that is playing here before heading out on tour. Then, I asked if there was a student discount, and the sales woman said she had some seats just to the side -- still very good -- for $25 two hours before the show (which it was). Jackpot! We took them.
We arrived early to get seated. I tried to be a speller, meaning that the troupe selects four audience members to participate in the show as spellers. I thought I was a shoe-in as an English teacher, but I missed going back out to the lobby when I was supposed to be there. In retrospect, I think that would have been a blast, but I also would not have seen the show as much, so it was OK that I was not able to participate.
The show rocked! The music is adorable, the cast hilarious. The basic premise is an elementary school spelling bee, and all the pressures and personalities associated with that. It runs one hour and 45 minutes with no intermission, and there is lots of audience interaction in addition to the spellers. Also, there are customizable portions of the script where the cast inserts bits about the news or local scene. It was clear there were a few San Francisco-based jokes. Hilarious.
All in all, to see a fantastic show for just $25 -- and before anyone else I know did -- was a treat for me and my students. I hope I can take students to a show like this in the future instead of spending the Saturday night of our convention at the dance. This made my San Francisco trip memorable.
As they said in the show when someone was eliminated from the bee: "Bye bye!"
-- San Francisco
We arrived early to get seated. I tried to be a speller, meaning that the troupe selects four audience members to participate in the show as spellers. I thought I was a shoe-in as an English teacher, but I missed going back out to the lobby when I was supposed to be there. In retrospect, I think that would have been a blast, but I also would not have seen the show as much, so it was OK that I was not able to participate.
The show rocked! The music is adorable, the cast hilarious. The basic premise is an elementary school spelling bee, and all the pressures and personalities associated with that. It runs one hour and 45 minutes with no intermission, and there is lots of audience interaction in addition to the spellers. Also, there are customizable portions of the script where the cast inserts bits about the news or local scene. It was clear there were a few San Francisco-based jokes. Hilarious.
All in all, to see a fantastic show for just $25 -- and before anyone else I know did -- was a treat for me and my students. I hope I can take students to a show like this in the future instead of spending the Saturday night of our convention at the dance. This made my San Francisco trip memorable.
As they said in the show when someone was eliminated from the bee: "Bye bye!"
-- San Francisco
Friday, April 21, 2006
San Francisco Digest
Just came back to the "hotel" room to decompress and relax before heading back to the convention to judge editorial cartoons and then a reception/auction. It is another day of absolutely beautiful spring weather -- sunny and mild. So, some random blog tidbits are below.
Access: I am using a citywide wireless network that costs about $6 per day. From my bed in the hotel room I get about two bars at night on the wireless network. From my roommate's bed this afternoon (only visible outlet) I am getting all four bars. He said the place should charge more for his bed then. Coverage has been spotty at best -- and slow.
Sunburned in SF: Apparently during the boat trip to Alcatraz Thursday, I got too much sun. My forehead is completely burned. I look like a lobster. It will have turned to tan in a couple days, but it is annoying. I never expected to be sunburned in April in San Francisco.
Strange site: I went down to Market Street for an errand and lunch, and while I was waiting with my friend on the street, I saw some police motorcycles with lights, but they weren't moving very fast. So I suspected it might be an escort -- a local dignitary or something maybe? Turns out the cops were escorting a city MUNI bus. Inside the bus -- which I saw pass twice -- was a film crew and the band of costumed characters for Fruit of the Loom. Really -- Fruit of the Loom on a bus! Watch for it on TV soon maybe.
Thursday night keynote: Marcus Chan of the San Francisco Chronicle was super interesting. He runs the podcasts for that newspaper. He had a few main points I left with, aside from the very catchy "Think outside the newsrack." He played some clips and showed some slideshows that had every voice silenced. It was absolutely captivating. What better way to illustrate the power of multimedia? His points:
Live blog: I considered live blogging the keynotes, which would have been cool. But, I settled for listening and just writing some notes. Maybe I am thinking about live blogging because I went to a great session about the Paly Voice, an online outlet from the students at Palo Alto High School. It was fascinating. Awesome stuff. I want to be like them. I want my students to do what they do.
Learning: Seems like all my students have, for the most part, attended the required number of sessions. I think they all made it to their contests this afternoon, and I look forward to debriefing with them tonight. I'll be judging and then attending the benefit auction for the Student Press Law Center. I have vowed to spend less than in years past. Tomorrow: a marathon of meetings and sessions to present as well as announcing the Best of Show winners. In the evening, perhaps a musical that's in town. Should be a great day.
-- San Francisco
Access: I am using a citywide wireless network that costs about $6 per day. From my bed in the hotel room I get about two bars at night on the wireless network. From my roommate's bed this afternoon (only visible outlet) I am getting all four bars. He said the place should charge more for his bed then. Coverage has been spotty at best -- and slow.
Sunburned in SF: Apparently during the boat trip to Alcatraz Thursday, I got too much sun. My forehead is completely burned. I look like a lobster. It will have turned to tan in a couple days, but it is annoying. I never expected to be sunburned in April in San Francisco.
Strange site: I went down to Market Street for an errand and lunch, and while I was waiting with my friend on the street, I saw some police motorcycles with lights, but they weren't moving very fast. So I suspected it might be an escort -- a local dignitary or something maybe? Turns out the cops were escorting a city MUNI bus. Inside the bus -- which I saw pass twice -- was a film crew and the band of costumed characters for Fruit of the Loom. Really -- Fruit of the Loom on a bus! Watch for it on TV soon maybe.
Thursday night keynote: Marcus Chan of the San Francisco Chronicle was super interesting. He runs the podcasts for that newspaper. He had a few main points I left with, aside from the very catchy "Think outside the newsrack." He played some clips and showed some slideshows that had every voice silenced. It was absolutely captivating. What better way to illustrate the power of multimedia? His points:
- Choose the right medium to tell the story.
- What do readers/consumers want to see or hear or read?
- Don't be a one-trick pony.
- Be Swiss Army knife of journalism.
Live blog: I considered live blogging the keynotes, which would have been cool. But, I settled for listening and just writing some notes. Maybe I am thinking about live blogging because I went to a great session about the Paly Voice, an online outlet from the students at Palo Alto High School. It was fascinating. Awesome stuff. I want to be like them. I want my students to do what they do.
Learning: Seems like all my students have, for the most part, attended the required number of sessions. I think they all made it to their contests this afternoon, and I look forward to debriefing with them tonight. I'll be judging and then attending the benefit auction for the Student Press Law Center. I have vowed to spend less than in years past. Tomorrow: a marathon of meetings and sessions to present as well as announcing the Best of Show winners. In the evening, perhaps a musical that's in town. Should be a great day.
-- San Francisco
Thursday, April 20, 2006
San Francisco Day 1
I am used to traveling with students. This is my 14th national journalism convention, and my ninth with students. Generally there are few problems, and I know how to anticipate most potential ones.
Leaving Seattle was flawless, and the short flight on Southwest to Oakland was fine, too. The travel from the airport was a bit more hectic. I forget that some students need extra guidance with getting a bus and subway ticket, and it's sometimes hard to keep the group of 10 kids and me together. But, we all got on the bus, and then the subway -- even after a few wrong turns on
the platform and one girl who had her ticket stolen by a persuasive swindler who was trying to "help" her (and she naively accepted).
Coming up at Powell Street in San Francisco from the subway, my group was immediately accosted by a couple street people who were handing out maps and again being "helpful" by working for tips for their advice. I was not prepared for the aggressive attention -- they accompanied us for three blocks. I was starting to get just a bit worried at that point. But, we finally found the hotel, its small awning tucked among a row of low-cost restaurants on a busy street.
Let me say from the beginning that the hotel is more modest than I expected. In some ways it is downright crappy. The beds are fine -- new bedding -- and the bathroom has been recently remodeled. The rest, though, leaves a bit to be desired. I'm on the second floor, sharing with a pal of mine from Olympia, and the Quizno's sign is just outside my window. The only view is of a beautiful theater across the street. It is a modest and no-frills hotel. I am glad I brought my own bottle of shampoo, or I would have been out of luck. Last night I don't know which was worse: the rattling window or the street noise.
We walked to the Hilton a block away, where the convention is held, and it was a dramatic difference -- this Hilton is even more Hilton-y than most. It's posh. I suspect we'll be hanging out there a lot.
I thanked all my students in advance for withholding their complaints. The lower cost of this hotel allowed us to come in a night early, so we can have a full day of sightseeing.
On the agenda today is Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf. The weather looks remarkable mellow for San Francisco, so I anticipate a swell day.
-- San Francisco
Leaving Seattle was flawless, and the short flight on Southwest to Oakland was fine, too. The travel from the airport was a bit more hectic. I forget that some students need extra guidance with getting a bus and subway ticket, and it's sometimes hard to keep the group of 10 kids and me together. But, we all got on the bus, and then the subway -- even after a few wrong turns on
the platform and one girl who had her ticket stolen by a persuasive swindler who was trying to "help" her (and she naively accepted).
Coming up at Powell Street in San Francisco from the subway, my group was immediately accosted by a couple street people who were handing out maps and again being "helpful" by working for tips for their advice. I was not prepared for the aggressive attention -- they accompanied us for three blocks. I was starting to get just a bit worried at that point. But, we finally found the hotel, its small awning tucked among a row of low-cost restaurants on a busy street.
Let me say from the beginning that the hotel is more modest than I expected. In some ways it is downright crappy. The beds are fine -- new bedding -- and the bathroom has been recently remodeled. The rest, though, leaves a bit to be desired. I'm on the second floor, sharing with a pal of mine from Olympia, and the Quizno's sign is just outside my window. The only view is of a beautiful theater across the street. It is a modest and no-frills hotel. I am glad I brought my own bottle of shampoo, or I would have been out of luck. Last night I don't know which was worse: the rattling window or the street noise.
We walked to the Hilton a block away, where the convention is held, and it was a dramatic difference -- this Hilton is even more Hilton-y than most. It's posh. I suspect we'll be hanging out there a lot.
I thanked all my students in advance for withholding their complaints. The lower cost of this hotel allowed us to come in a night early, so we can have a full day of sightseeing.
On the agenda today is Alcatraz and Fisherman's Wharf. The weather looks remarkable mellow for San Francisco, so I anticipate a swell day.
-- San Francisco
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Busy weekend
The last three days have probably been the busiest I have been in a long time. Honestly, I have grown to enjoy a level of relaxation and lack of busy-ness that became my life.
Friday after school I came home and painted the final wall of the living room. It is the accent wall and is colored "cinnamon cherry," which is a cranberry sort of red. It took three coats, and I was done by 7 p.m. The living area of my house looks awesome! I still have to go along the corners and touch up where the paint bled because of the wall texture, but that will probably wait for a few weeks. I am finally enjoying the color in my living room. It feels like a home instead of just the whitish walls.
Saturday I spent a few hours at school working on some projects and planning for the coming week. I came home and watched a movie called "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio," a sweet little flick with Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson based on a true story of a woman who raised 10 kids despite hard times by entering and winning contests in the '50s and '60s. I also watched the commentary and extra features for the last episode/series finale of
"Six Feet Under" -- and I loved it. What a great show.
Sunday was hardly a day of rest. I worked on a project at school for five hours, and then I came back home to dinner, laundry and another three hours of work for another school project.
In some ways I am happy that I made so much progress on all these projects. I had to. I am leaving Wednesday for the national high school journalism convention in San Francisco, and I had to get this stuff done before I left.
I plan to try to post a few times from San Francisco, if technology and time allows. But first, the layout night from hell. I cancelled Sunday layout because I felt my time was being abused, but it did allow us to get some work done. I think we are a bit behind, but we will find out tomorrow.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Friday after school I came home and painted the final wall of the living room. It is the accent wall and is colored "cinnamon cherry," which is a cranberry sort of red. It took three coats, and I was done by 7 p.m. The living area of my house looks awesome! I still have to go along the corners and touch up where the paint bled because of the wall texture, but that will probably wait for a few weeks. I am finally enjoying the color in my living room. It feels like a home instead of just the whitish walls.
Saturday I spent a few hours at school working on some projects and planning for the coming week. I came home and watched a movie called "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio," a sweet little flick with Julianne Moore and Woody Harrelson based on a true story of a woman who raised 10 kids despite hard times by entering and winning contests in the '50s and '60s. I also watched the commentary and extra features for the last episode/series finale of
"Six Feet Under" -- and I loved it. What a great show.
Sunday was hardly a day of rest. I worked on a project at school for five hours, and then I came back home to dinner, laundry and another three hours of work for another school project.
In some ways I am happy that I made so much progress on all these projects. I had to. I am leaving Wednesday for the national high school journalism convention in San Francisco, and I had to get this stuff done before I left.
I plan to try to post a few times from San Francisco, if technology and time allows. But first, the layout night from hell. I cancelled Sunday layout because I felt my time was being abused, but it did allow us to get some work done. I think we are a bit behind, but we will find out tomorrow.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Spring Break update
I spent the majority of Spring Break last week doing work around the house and also being relaxed around the house. The beginning of the week found me taking some much-needed down time and catching up on some reading and DVD watching. I had toyed with the idea of doing some painting around the house as well.
I mean, heck, I have lived here for three and a half years and I have hated the walls since then. So I finally went to the paint section of my local home-improvement store and committed to some colors. Wednesday I had a friend help me get the tools and cut in around the ceiling. Thursday I painted the ceiling (vaulted, mind you) and had the sore neck to boot. I also taped and edged in the walls of the main color for the living room and hallway. By that point I was pooped.
I spent Friday through Sunday in Seattle visiting friends and taking in a musical at the Fifth Avenue Theatre as well as plenty of good food and beverage at a couple lower Queen Anne hot spots. My friends Uniongrrl and Superfrankenstein took me out to celebrate the almost-completion of my master's degree.
I returned home Sunday, painted the main color walls and graded papers that I had put off all week. I had big plans to do more blogging, but I just could not do it between coats of paint and having sore muscles from all that painting. Then Sunday night I felt a cold coming on -- even after I thought it was just paint fumes giving me a headache -- and that knocked me out Monday and most of today.
Tonight, I have painted the dining room accent wall and I have just the accent wall in the living room left to go. I am anxious to get the main living area back to normal and to move the dining room table out of the middle of the kitchen and into the dining room where it goes. It is kind of a pain to have that table dominating the kitchen.
It is amazing to see how quickly the day can be filled with the routine, and I have plenty of things on my plate. I know slow and steady plodding will get all the tasks accomplished before I leave on a school trip to San Francisco next week.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I mean, heck, I have lived here for three and a half years and I have hated the walls since then. So I finally went to the paint section of my local home-improvement store and committed to some colors. Wednesday I had a friend help me get the tools and cut in around the ceiling. Thursday I painted the ceiling (vaulted, mind you) and had the sore neck to boot. I also taped and edged in the walls of the main color for the living room and hallway. By that point I was pooped.
I spent Friday through Sunday in Seattle visiting friends and taking in a musical at the Fifth Avenue Theatre as well as plenty of good food and beverage at a couple lower Queen Anne hot spots. My friends Uniongrrl and Superfrankenstein took me out to celebrate the almost-completion of my master's degree.
I returned home Sunday, painted the main color walls and graded papers that I had put off all week. I had big plans to do more blogging, but I just could not do it between coats of paint and having sore muscles from all that painting. Then Sunday night I felt a cold coming on -- even after I thought it was just paint fumes giving me a headache -- and that knocked me out Monday and most of today.
Tonight, I have painted the dining room accent wall and I have just the accent wall in the living room left to go. I am anxious to get the main living area back to normal and to move the dining room table out of the middle of the kitchen and into the dining room where it goes. It is kind of a pain to have that table dominating the kitchen.
It is amazing to see how quickly the day can be filled with the routine, and I have plenty of things on my plate. I know slow and steady plodding will get all the tasks accomplished before I leave on a school trip to San Francisco next week.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
The CBS Evening News -- with Katie Couric?
Katie Couric, the co-host of NBC's "Today" morning show for 15 years, announced Wednesday that she has been named the new solo anchor of the CBS Evening News when her contract expires at the end of May. She will be the first woman to solo anchor an evening network news program.
CNN Report.
Speculation has swirled around Couric for months because of the temporary status at CBS of Bob Schieffer, the veteran moved in to replace Dan Rather, who left after a sourcing controversy. Couric will also apparently have a spot on the "60 Minutes" news magazine show.
Couric's departure from NBC opens up a lot for discussion, including her hard-news credentials and the race to be her replacement at "Today." She is known for doing tough interviews on the morning show and also the softer stuff. I wonder if people will immediately see her in the role of evening news anchor at CBS -- enough that they will turn to her instead of Brian Williams at NBC. Even when she did a hard news interview at "Today" or on "Dateline" she approached it with a softer touch. She is no Tim Russert in her questioning -- or even as tough as Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters at ABC. Still, younger viewers may like her approachability and may turn to the network because of her as a known quantity.
The race to replace her at NBC centers around two current "Today" members: weekend host Campbell Brown and news reader Natalie Morales. Brown is by far a tough, hard news person, and I read last week that some people were concerned she would ne too "newsy" for the show. Still, I think she has proven she can do the hard stories and then move right into the cooking segment. I like her. Morales is softer and might be a nice complement to co-host Matt Lauer. She is also far less annoying than Al Roker, who has become so unbearable I can hardly stand his voice. Some reports have also included Meredith Vierra, co-host of ABC's "The View." She has a great TV personality and she was the first woman to have a regular spot on "60 Minutes" -- she has the credentials to slide into that spot, and she would bring a ton of morning experience from "The View." My money is on her if she wants the gig.
The last two years at network news have seen an incredible amount of change starting with the seemingly uneventful departure of Tom Brokaw in December 2004. Who would have known that just 18 months later, Peter Jennings would be dead of lung cancer, Jennings would be replaced by co anchors Elizabeth Vargas and Bob Woodruff, and Woodruff would be seriously injured in Iraq and sidelined for months; Dan Rather would be forced out in a semi-scandal and replaced by a Sunday talk veteran, Bob Schieffer, then the queen of morning TV, the "perky" Katie Couric. Brokaw's replacement, Brian Williams, was supposed to be the "new kid on the block" for a while. Instead, he is suddenly the veteran at the evening news desk.
And people wonder why viewers are turning to cable news? Maybe it's for stability.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
CNN Report.
Speculation has swirled around Couric for months because of the temporary status at CBS of Bob Schieffer, the veteran moved in to replace Dan Rather, who left after a sourcing controversy. Couric will also apparently have a spot on the "60 Minutes" news magazine show.
Couric's departure from NBC opens up a lot for discussion, including her hard-news credentials and the race to be her replacement at "Today." She is known for doing tough interviews on the morning show and also the softer stuff. I wonder if people will immediately see her in the role of evening news anchor at CBS -- enough that they will turn to her instead of Brian Williams at NBC. Even when she did a hard news interview at "Today" or on "Dateline" she approached it with a softer touch. She is no Tim Russert in her questioning -- or even as tough as Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters at ABC. Still, younger viewers may like her approachability and may turn to the network because of her as a known quantity.
The race to replace her at NBC centers around two current "Today" members: weekend host Campbell Brown and news reader Natalie Morales. Brown is by far a tough, hard news person, and I read last week that some people were concerned she would ne too "newsy" for the show. Still, I think she has proven she can do the hard stories and then move right into the cooking segment. I like her. Morales is softer and might be a nice complement to co-host Matt Lauer. She is also far less annoying than Al Roker, who has become so unbearable I can hardly stand his voice. Some reports have also included Meredith Vierra, co-host of ABC's "The View." She has a great TV personality and she was the first woman to have a regular spot on "60 Minutes" -- she has the credentials to slide into that spot, and she would bring a ton of morning experience from "The View." My money is on her if she wants the gig.
The last two years at network news have seen an incredible amount of change starting with the seemingly uneventful departure of Tom Brokaw in December 2004. Who would have known that just 18 months later, Peter Jennings would be dead of lung cancer, Jennings would be replaced by co anchors Elizabeth Vargas and Bob Woodruff, and Woodruff would be seriously injured in Iraq and sidelined for months; Dan Rather would be forced out in a semi-scandal and replaced by a Sunday talk veteran, Bob Schieffer, then the queen of morning TV, the "perky" Katie Couric. Brokaw's replacement, Brian Williams, was supposed to be the "new kid on the block" for a while. Instead, he is suddenly the veteran at the evening news desk.
And people wonder why viewers are turning to cable news? Maybe it's for stability.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Put a fork in Tom DeLay
He's done.
Tom DeLay announced this morning he would resign his seat in the Congress and would not be a candidate in the November election.
From the Washington Post:
The Texas 22d was a race to watch already; now it is the first step in the Democrats' plan to regain control of the House.
Meanwhile, DeLay, one of the most corrupt people to serve in Congress, is left behind. Certainly the GOP leadership must be breathing at least a small sigh of relief today as they can move forward beyond this one of their many scandals.
With eight months to go in the 2006 election season, things are getting interesting.
UPDATE: From Slate magazine, an analysis and decoding of the interview DeLay gave with Time Magazine.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Tom DeLay announced this morning he would resign his seat in the Congress and would not be a candidate in the November election.
From the Washington Post:
Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Tex.), a primary architect of the Republican majority who became one of the most powerful and feared leaders in Washington, said this morning that he will give up his seat rather than face a reelection fight that appears increasingly unwinnable.DeLay cited the increasing difficulty of the campaign and that it would likely be a drain on GOP coffers as main reasons for stepping aside. Fact is, he probably would have lost. Depending on when he leaves office, a special election might be held to replace him. Assuming a Republican won that special election, he or she would run in November as an elected incumbent, a significant advantage over other Republicans and any Democratic challenger.In a videotaped message aired this morning on stations in his home district, DeLay said that "the voters in the 22nd District of Texas deserve a campaign about the vital national issues they care most about . . . and not a campaign focused solely as a referendum on me. So today I am announcing my intention to resign my seat in the House."
The Texas 22d was a race to watch already; now it is the first step in the Democrats' plan to regain control of the House.
Meanwhile, DeLay, one of the most corrupt people to serve in Congress, is left behind. Certainly the GOP leadership must be breathing at least a small sigh of relief today as they can move forward beyond this one of their many scandals.
With eight months to go in the 2006 election season, things are getting interesting.
UPDATE: From Slate magazine, an analysis and decoding of the interview DeLay gave with Time Magazine.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Spring -- finally
Spring Break began at 3 p.m. Friday, but it has hardly been spring-like weather. I avoided yardwork Saturday morning because of the rain, but I finally got some maintenance done out there Monday morning. I fertilized the lawn and shook a few seeds out there, covered with sphagnum; planted some new plants in the back beds and front yard; and checked the front drip systems. It all happened just in time for a big rain yesterday afternoon and evening, which was just what was necessary.
That rain yesterday has made way for a glorious morning -- a crisp sunny day full of potential. I have lots of projects planned for the remaining days of the break, and I am sure I will be disappointed by the things I don't get to. But the idea of having just 10 weeks remaining of classes is one that energizes me. It will go by quickly, I am sure -- just as it always does.
The spring is a time for renewal and re-evaluation. For me, it is my favorite season, a time of potential and of rejuvenation. Each day is longer and warmer than the last, and I love the green hillsides and fresh smells that hang in the valley.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
That rain yesterday has made way for a glorious morning -- a crisp sunny day full of potential. I have lots of projects planned for the remaining days of the break, and I am sure I will be disappointed by the things I don't get to. But the idea of having just 10 weeks remaining of classes is one that energizes me. It will go by quickly, I am sure -- just as it always does.
The spring is a time for renewal and re-evaluation. For me, it is my favorite season, a time of potential and of rejuvenation. Each day is longer and warmer than the last, and I love the green hillsides and fresh smells that hang in the valley.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
'West Wing' Election Day -- finally
What surely has become the longest campaign season in television history will finally come to an end tonight on the penultimate epirode of "The West Wing" as California Sen. Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda), the Republican, takes on Texas Rep. Matt Santos, the Democrat, for the battle of the show's future. It's a bleak one, though, because it all comes to an end in a matter of days.
Tonight's episode should also be sad as the show deals with the death of actor John Spencer, who played Leo McGarry, the former chief of staff and Santos' running mate in the show. Last week's teaser had a hotel room with a screaming voiceover for someone to get help. I suspect McGarry will be found dead in his hotel room on Election Eve or something equally dramatic. It's almost as if the writers planned it that way, though clearly they didn't.
Stay tuned for reactions.
-- Issaquah, Wash.
Tonight's episode should also be sad as the show deals with the death of actor John Spencer, who played Leo McGarry, the former chief of staff and Santos' running mate in the show. Last week's teaser had a hotel room with a screaming voiceover for someone to get help. I suspect McGarry will be found dead in his hotel room on Election Eve or something equally dramatic. It's almost as if the writers planned it that way, though clearly they didn't.
Stay tuned for reactions.
-- Issaquah, Wash.
'Thank You For Smoking' -- worth the price
I had a chance to take in the comedy/satire "Thank You For Smoking" on Saturday, and I am glad I did. This film delivers beyond the funny and awkward moments showcased in the amusing trailer, and it has some great lines. It walks a path along believeability and ridiculousness -- successfully.
The film follows the story of tobacco lobbyist Nick Naylor, one of the three members of the "MOD Squad" -- Merchants of Death, including lobbyists from alcohol, tobacco and firearms industries -- and what happens when he tries to get cigarettes to be cool again after dwindling sales and attacks from health advocates.
The story is about 10 years old (read more in The Seattle Times), and it took that long to get the book to screen. As a result, some of the situations and humor is a bit dated or would have been more effective if it had been written today. Still, there are some riotously funny moments. The directing also has some freeze-frame effects like in "Election," with similar comic effects -- on me at least.
The best part is that the movie doesn't try to have a sappy and happy ending where Naylor realizes the wrongs of his ways and sets out to convince people to stop smoking. Instead, it just acknowledges that the world has bad people and bad things and sometimes life is not so great. But even when life is not so great, it can still be funny.
Especially during a season where there is nearly nothing entertaining let alone good in theaters, this shines as a bright gem. Recommendation: Pay full price.
-- Issaquah, Wash.
The film follows the story of tobacco lobbyist Nick Naylor, one of the three members of the "MOD Squad" -- Merchants of Death, including lobbyists from alcohol, tobacco and firearms industries -- and what happens when he tries to get cigarettes to be cool again after dwindling sales and attacks from health advocates.
The story is about 10 years old (read more in The Seattle Times), and it took that long to get the book to screen. As a result, some of the situations and humor is a bit dated or would have been more effective if it had been written today. Still, there are some riotously funny moments. The directing also has some freeze-frame effects like in "Election," with similar comic effects -- on me at least.
The best part is that the movie doesn't try to have a sappy and happy ending where Naylor realizes the wrongs of his ways and sets out to convince people to stop smoking. Instead, it just acknowledges that the world has bad people and bad things and sometimes life is not so great. But even when life is not so great, it can still be funny.
Especially during a season where there is nearly nothing entertaining let alone good in theaters, this shines as a bright gem. Recommendation: Pay full price.
-- Issaquah, Wash.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Stand strong, Maria
Washingtonians, specifically those from the state's liberal capital of Seattle, have been carping at the state's junior senator, Maria Cantwell, as she mounts a re-election campaign. Keep in mind that Sen. Cantwell barely edged Sen. Slade Gorton in 2000, and she faces Gorton's former chief of staff, Mike McGavick, who is also a well-funded former CEO of Safeco Insurance.
But for goodness' sake, the liberals in this state should be attacking everyone to the right and leave the one defender of the center and left alone!
Joel Connely of the Seattle P-I has an interesting commentary about this in his March 24 column.
Sen. Cantwell needs as much help as we can give her to remain in the Senate. She deserves to stay there. If nothing else, think about the Democrats regaining control of one or both chambers of Congress and the possibility of accountability in government that would return.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
But for goodness' sake, the liberals in this state should be attacking everyone to the right and leave the one defender of the center and left alone!
Joel Connely of the Seattle P-I has an interesting commentary about this in his March 24 column.
Sen. Cantwell needs as much help as we can give her to remain in the Senate. She deserves to stay there. If nothing else, think about the Democrats regaining control of one or both chambers of Congress and the possibility of accountability in government that would return.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Hero of the Week: Helen Thomas
President Bush on Tuesday did something that has been pretty rare during his administration: he held a press conference. But Tuesday was even more rare -- he called on Helen Thomas. Thomas, known for her bulldog tactics and experience in covering nine -- nine -- presidents from Kennedy to W. She';s known for calling it like it is, and Bush found out again why she is the dean of the press corps.
Here's a transcript of the exchange:
Go Helen, go!
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Here's a transcript of the exchange:
THE PRESIDENT: Helen. After that brilliant performance at the Grid Iron, I am -- (laughter.)
Q You're going to be sorry. (Laughter.)
THE PRESIDENT: Well, then, let me take it back. (Laughter.)
Q I'd like to ask you, Mr. President, your decision to invade Iraq has caused the deaths of thousands of Americans and Iraqis, wounds of Americans and Iraqis for a lifetime. Every reason given, publicly at least, has turned out not to be true. My question is, why did you really want to go to war? From the moment you stepped into the White House, from your Cabinet -- your Cabinet officers, intelligence people, and so forth -- what was your real reason? You have said it wasn't oil -- quest for oil, it hasn't been Israel, or anything else. What was it?
THE PRESIDENT: I think your premise -- in all due respect to your question and to you as a lifelong journalist -- is that -- I didn't want war. To assume I wanted war is just flat wrong, Helen, in all due respect --
Q Everything --
THE PRESIDENT: Hold on for a second, please.
Q -- everything I've heard --
THE PRESIDENT: Excuse me, excuse me. No President wants war. Everything you may have heard is that, but it's just simply not true. My attitude about the defense of this country changed on September the 11th. We -- when we got attacked, I vowed then and there to use every asset at my disposal to protect the American people. Our foreign policy changed on that day, Helen. You know, we used to think we were secure because of oceans and previous diplomacy. But we realized on September the 11th, 2001, that killers could destroy innocent life. And I'm never going to forget it. And I'm never going to forget the vow I made to the American people that we will do everything in our power to protect our people.
Part of that meant to make sure that we didn't allow people to provide safe haven to an enemy. And that's why I went into Iraq -- hold on for a second --
Q They didn't do anything to you, or to our country.
THE PRESIDENT: Look -- excuse me for a second, please. Excuse me for a second. They did. The Taliban provided safe haven for al Qaeda. That's where al Qaeda trained --
Q I'm talking about Iraq --
THE PRESIDENT: Helen, excuse me. That's where -- Afghanistan provided safe haven for al Qaeda. That's where they trained. That's where they plotted. That's where they planned the attacks that killed thousands of innocent Americans.
I also saw a threat in Iraq. I was hoping to solve this problem diplomatically. That's why I went to the Security Council; that's why it was important to pass 1441, which was unanimously passed. And the world said, disarm, disclose, or face serious consequences --
Q -- go to war --
THE PRESIDENT: -- and therefore, we worked with the world, we worked to make sure that Saddam Hussein heard the message of the world. And when he chose to deny inspectors, when he chose not to disclose, then I had the difficult decision to make to remove him. And we did, and the world is safer for it.
Q Thank you, sir. Secretary Rumsfeld -- (laughter.)
Q Thank you.
THE PRESIDENT: You're welcome. (Laughter.) I didn't really regret it. I kind of semi-regretted it. (Laughter.)
Go Helen, go!
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Keep it clean, people
Attention all commenters:
I deleted five comments today that were personal attacks on me or that used profanity. Any future postings like that will be deleted. Don't make me switch to moderated comments because I don't want that hassle. But I also don't want things on nmy blog that attack me or use profanity.
Follow the rules or click on.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I deleted five comments today that were personal attacks on me or that used profanity. Any future postings like that will be deleted. Don't make me switch to moderated comments because I don't want that hassle. But I also don't want things on nmy blog that attack me or use profanity.
Follow the rules or click on.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Weird news
OK, two strange items in the news this week. And, despite knowing that I should be more respectful toward the recently deceased, the jokes I am thinking in my mind are hilarious.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Miss Deaf Texas killed by train
AUSTIN - The reigning Miss Deaf Texas died Monday afternoon after being struck by a train, officials said.Tara Rose McAvoy, 18, was walking near railroad tracks when she was struck by a Union Pacific train, authorities said. A witness told Austin television station KTBC the train sounded its horn right up until the accident occurred.
Former game show host Peter Tomarken killed in plane crash
SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Peter Tomarken was known as host of the hit 1980s game show "Press Your Luck," in which contestants often shouted the slogan "big bucks, no whammies."He left the world Monday as a humanitarian trying to provide a free flight for someone in need of medical help. Tomarken, 63, and wife Kathleen Abigail Tomarken, 41, were killed when their small plane crashed in Santa Monica Bay shortly after takeoff on a charity flight, authorities said.
Oh, the irony! The humor! The "Press Your Luck" guy had the worst luck -- the Whammies got him! A deaf girl, an ambassador for the hard of hearing, killed when a train careened toward her, its horn blaring.
Weird news, indeed.-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Liberal hero of the day: Russ Feingold
Sen. Russ Feingold, A Wisconsin Democrat and one of the more outspoken foes of the president's policies, announced he would bring a bill in the Senate that would censure President Bush over the domestic spying.
Feingold may be using this as a way to fire up the base in advance of the Democratic fundraising season and primaries, just two years away. At least he stands where he believes.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Senator proposing censure of president
By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL, The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Saying that President Bush misled Americans about the legality of his domestic-eavesdropping program, Sen. Russ Feingold said Sunday he would introduce a resolution to censure him.
"The president has broken the law and, in some way, he must be held accountable," said the Wisconsin Democrat, a potential White House contender in 2008.
A censure resolution, which simply would scold the president, has been used just once in U.S. history, against Andrew Jackson in 1834.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., called the proposal "a crazy political move" that would weaken the U.S. during wartime.
The five-page resolution, to be introduced today, contends that Bush violated the law when he set up the eavesdropping program within the National Security Agency after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Bush claims that his authority as commander in chief, as well as a September 2001 congressional authorization to use force in the fight against terrorism, gave him the power to authorize the warrantless surveillance.
The White House had no immediate response Sunday.
The resolution says the president "repeatedly misled the public" before the disclosure of the NSA program last December when he indicated that the administration was relying on court orders to wiretap terrorism suspects inside the U.S.
"Congress has to reassert our system of government, and the cleanest and the most efficient way to do that is to censure the president," Feingold said.
The president's actions were "in the strike zone" in terms of being an impeachable offense, Feingold said, but he questioned whether impeaching Bush and removing him from office would be good for the country.
In the House, Rep. John Conyers of Michigan is pushing legislation that would call on the Republican-controlled Congress to determine whether there are grounds for impeachment.
Frist, appearing on ABC's "This Week," said he hoped al-Qaida and other enemies of the U.S. were not listening to the infighting. "The signal that it sends, that there is in any way a lack of support for our commander in chief who is leading us with a bold vision in a way that is making our homeland safer, is wrong," Frist said.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
WASL Update: March 13
Everything appeared to be screwed up as expected. The sophomores and freshmen generally knew where to be because they were in their regular culminating project groups, which met in the regular locations. Some seniors were ready to give presentations, but locations were confused if the regular room was being used for testing. Juniors, on a complicated rotation schedule, were most confused, but within 15 minutes after the start of testing, the halls were empty.
It's 11:05 a.m. As I type this, and testing began at 10:26. The building is silent.
The office had a scuffle at about 10:35, when I was down there. Apparently some confusion on location led some students to express their frustration in a way that was not acceptable. I don't know details. Three administrators, a campus supervisor and two police officers were speaking with a group of about eight to 10 students. I did not recognize any.
I look forward to debriefing students later.
EVENING UPDATE:
After spoeaking with some students this afternoon, it appeared the test itself was the least troublesome part of the day. Most had more complaints about the schedule, and the non-sophomores had nothing but contempt for how their time had been used -- as filler.
A colleague praised the sophomores in his testing group. He said they were "all business." However, with something that has been in the works for 13 years, he noted it seemed like members of the school board and district administration should have been visible on campus, even going so far as to encourage students and thank them for taking the test seriously. Yet none of these bigwigs was seen around Monday. That's a shame since only high schools are testing this week. Maybe we'll see more of the brass later in the week.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
It's 11:05 a.m. As I type this, and testing began at 10:26. The building is silent.
The office had a scuffle at about 10:35, when I was down there. Apparently some confusion on location led some students to express their frustration in a way that was not acceptable. I don't know details. Three administrators, a campus supervisor and two police officers were speaking with a group of about eight to 10 students. I did not recognize any.
I look forward to debriefing students later.
EVENING UPDATE:
After spoeaking with some students this afternoon, it appeared the test itself was the least troublesome part of the day. Most had more complaints about the schedule, and the non-sophomores had nothing but contempt for how their time had been used -- as filler.
A colleague praised the sophomores in his testing group. He said they were "all business." However, with something that has been in the works for 13 years, he noted it seemed like members of the school board and district administration should have been visible on campus, even going so far as to encourage students and thank them for taking the test seriously. Yet none of these bigwigs was seen around Monday. That's a shame since only high schools are testing this week. Maybe we'll see more of the brass later in the week.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
The 'Big Day' has arrived
After 13 years of education reform, the day has arrived. Starting tomorrow, March 13, sophomores around Washington will begin taking the Washington Assessment of Student Learning, our state's high-stakes test. All eyes have been on the Class of 2008 for more than a decade, and tomorrow they will begin to show whether all the reforms have worked as intended.
The conventional wisdom says that when we get the scores back in June we'll see marked improvements in the number of students who have met standard in all three required areas -- reading, writing and mathematics. Of last year's sophomores statewide, just under half met the standard in those areas. Science becomes a requirement in two years.
The good news for the 10th graders this year is that students get five chances to pass before they graduate. And, for some students, there is the additional opportunity to have an alternate assessment.
In speaking with colleagues I know all around the state, right now, it's all about the WASL. Yet at my school, it seems there is a less intense attitude toward the test. Maybe it's because we've got larger issues than just whether sophomores pass (thanks, "No Child Left Behind") or maybe our sophomores are just more confident. We'll find out this week and again in April as those kids put pencil to paper to show what they know.
I've said often to colleagues and friends that we're in a purgatory of sorts for at least two more years. By 2008, we'll have gone down one of two paths. Either nearly all students will be passing the WASL, and we'll know our efforts were successful, or we will be in the same spot we're in today, families will bring lawsuits challenging the graduation requirement and the Legislature will act swiftly to ensure we don't deny diplomas to thousands of kids.
It's been 13 years in the making, and tomorrow is the first day down one of those two paths.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
The conventional wisdom says that when we get the scores back in June we'll see marked improvements in the number of students who have met standard in all three required areas -- reading, writing and mathematics. Of last year's sophomores statewide, just under half met the standard in those areas. Science becomes a requirement in two years.
The good news for the 10th graders this year is that students get five chances to pass before they graduate. And, for some students, there is the additional opportunity to have an alternate assessment.
In speaking with colleagues I know all around the state, right now, it's all about the WASL. Yet at my school, it seems there is a less intense attitude toward the test. Maybe it's because we've got larger issues than just whether sophomores pass (thanks, "No Child Left Behind") or maybe our sophomores are just more confident. We'll find out this week and again in April as those kids put pencil to paper to show what they know.
I've said often to colleagues and friends that we're in a purgatory of sorts for at least two more years. By 2008, we'll have gone down one of two paths. Either nearly all students will be passing the WASL, and we'll know our efforts were successful, or we will be in the same spot we're in today, families will bring lawsuits challenging the graduation requirement and the Legislature will act swiftly to ensure we don't deny diplomas to thousands of kids.
It's been 13 years in the making, and tomorrow is the first day down one of those two paths.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
A bright day at state conference
The results are in for the Washington state journalism conference and contest, and it was a banner day for my students -- the best ever. Both the newspaper and yearbook earned Best of Show honors, and one student was named state Journalist of the Year. Five other students earned individual honors in on-site contests.
In addition to the contest, it was also a successful day of learning. I poresented two sessions, which were well-attended by interested and enthusiastic student journalists from around the state. In my first class, I presented on a new topic for me -- creating charts -- and one that I ended up putting together at the last minute despite planning it for months. The second class was a topic I updated from past presentations.
Both used examples of my students' and professionals' work; in particular, I showed off election candidate coverage by my students. I was surprised by the lack of candidate coverage in any of the other schools' papers. None did candidate profiles. I climbed on my soapbox and made sure people knew how important it was that they do such things -- and how easy it was to create the coverage.
It was heartening to see the enthusiasm and also for kids to be scribbling down ideas they got based on my teaching. I told one staff that their paper was ripe for some charts, and they agreed.
One of the best parts of the conference is the chance to see my journalism buddies from around the state. It is nice to touch base with people who do the same job as me in their schools.
The weather for the day was grand, and despite worries of snow on mountain passes, everything was fine. On Friday night, on my way to the state board meeting in Tukwila, I had been making awesome time. Just at the intersection of I-90 and I-405, it started to hail. Then the hail changed from small ice pellets to blueberry-sized snowball-hail, which I had never seen before. Then the lighning started. And of course, it was 4:30 p.m. on Friday. I moved at less than five miles per hour on the on ramp, wishing people would let me and my studded tires through. It took me an hour to go 10 miles.
Next stop: National convention in San Francisco!
-- Issaquah, Wash.
In addition to the contest, it was also a successful day of learning. I poresented two sessions, which were well-attended by interested and enthusiastic student journalists from around the state. In my first class, I presented on a new topic for me -- creating charts -- and one that I ended up putting together at the last minute despite planning it for months. The second class was a topic I updated from past presentations.
Both used examples of my students' and professionals' work; in particular, I showed off election candidate coverage by my students. I was surprised by the lack of candidate coverage in any of the other schools' papers. None did candidate profiles. I climbed on my soapbox and made sure people knew how important it was that they do such things -- and how easy it was to create the coverage.
It was heartening to see the enthusiasm and also for kids to be scribbling down ideas they got based on my teaching. I told one staff that their paper was ripe for some charts, and they agreed.
One of the best parts of the conference is the chance to see my journalism buddies from around the state. It is nice to touch base with people who do the same job as me in their schools.
The weather for the day was grand, and despite worries of snow on mountain passes, everything was fine. On Friday night, on my way to the state board meeting in Tukwila, I had been making awesome time. Just at the intersection of I-90 and I-405, it started to hail. Then the hail changed from small ice pellets to blueberry-sized snowball-hail, which I had never seen before. Then the lighning started. And of course, it was 4:30 p.m. on Friday. I moved at less than five miles per hour on the on ramp, wishing people would let me and my studded tires through. It took me an hour to go 10 miles.
Next stop: National convention in San Francisco!
-- Issaquah, Wash.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Me, me, me so holy
Props to my sistah over at Vestal Vespa, who righteously showed this parody video. Now that's some funny stuff.
Just trying to spread the good laughs around.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Just trying to spread the good laughs around.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Oscar Night roundup
The show was a bit too long this year, but it moved along well. Of course, I am always more engaged when I have seen many of the performances. I hope the conservatives don't claim that the loss fo "Brokeback Mountain" for Best Picture is somehow a vindication for the social conservatives. It's not. "Crash" was a fine film. It was also the safest choice for uncomfortable Academy voters, who faced choices of racism ("Crash"), homosexuality or homosexuals ("Brokeback Mountain" and "Capote"), terrorism and Middle East politics ("Munich") or the perceived media bias toward liberalism ("Good Night, and Good Luck.").
Good stuff
Jon Stewart brought some of his trademark humor to the hosting responsibilities. His early jokes were a bit off, and it was clear the stars were not amused. They like having their egos stroked. They would love Oprah Winfrey or Larry King to host, I bet. Instead, Stewart found his groove when he rolled a tape of some faux commercials for Best Actress. The ads smearing the contenders were hilarious, especially the one attacking Dame Judy Dench by a group called "Dames for Truth." Also, his faux sketch with Tom Hanks mocking all the bad acceptance speech idiosyncrasies was hilarious. Now that's funny.
It was good to have the Best Picture nominees as exits before a commercial break instead of just plugged in at varied intervals.
Tribute to films that tackled tough issues: Nice.
Best Acceptance Speech: George Clooney for Best Supporting Actor. He reminded us why film is important as an American art form and that commercialism is not the measure of greatness. In what was the first acceptance speech of the evening, he said he was glad to be "out of touch" -- a reference to the criticism this year that Hollywood was out of touch with America's heartland. I bet that will be a clip that leads tomorrow's news coverage.
Bad stuff
Lauren Bacall looked like she was barely able to ambulate to the podium. She made her Frankenstein-like walk to the lectern, and then gripped it as if she were about to collapse. She then stumbled through her speech as if she had downed one too many pain killers. It evoked memories of the year Elizabeth Taylor gave an awards introduction for best picture at the Golden Globes and could hardly get through the script and then looked absolutely disoriented when she declared "Gladiator" as the winner. It's sad what happens to former leading ladies. Let them fade in peace.
Will Ferrell and Steve Carell introducing the award for Make-Up seemed a bit insulting. They appeared with atrocious make-up, in a way mocking the art of make-up. Ferrell and Carell should be lucky enough to have good make-up artists work on them -- they need it.
That's it for another year.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
My scorecard (11 of 16 correct)
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Own Vote: Brokeback Mountain
Winner: Crash (which I pegged as a possible dark horse)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Prediction: Philip Seymour Hoffman
My Own Vote: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Winner: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Prediction: Reese Witherspoon
My Own Vote: Felicity Huffman
Winner: Reese Witherspoon
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
Prediction: George Clooney
My Own Vote: George Clooney
Winner: George Clooney
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Prediction: Rachel Weisz
My Own Vote: Amy Adams
Winner: Rachel Weisz
Best Achievement in Directing
Prediction: Ang Lee
My Own Vote: Ang Lee
Winner: Ang Lee
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Prediction: Good Night, and Good Luck.
My Own Vote: Good Night, and Good Luck.
Winner: Crash (as I pegged as a dark horse)
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Own Vote: Brokeback Mountain
Winner: Brokeback Mountain
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Own Vote: Brokeback Mountain
Winner: Memoirs of a Geisha
Best Achievement in Costume Design
Prediction: Memoirs of a Geisha
My Own Vote: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Winner: Memoirs of a Geisha (second for Quincy native Colleen Atwood)
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Own Vote: Brokeback Mountain
Winner: Brokeback Mountain
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
Prediction: I have no idea
My Own Vote: Dolly Parton
Winner: Hustle & Flow (!)
Best Achievement in Makeup
Prediction: I have no idea.
My Own Vote: Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Winner: Chronicles of Narnia
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Prediction: King Kong
My Own Vote:King Kong
Winner: King Kong
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Prediction: I have no idea.
My Own Vote: King Kong, again.
Winner: King Kong
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
Prediction: King Kong
My Own Vote: King Kong
Winner: King Kong
Good stuff
Jon Stewart brought some of his trademark humor to the hosting responsibilities. His early jokes were a bit off, and it was clear the stars were not amused. They like having their egos stroked. They would love Oprah Winfrey or Larry King to host, I bet. Instead, Stewart found his groove when he rolled a tape of some faux commercials for Best Actress. The ads smearing the contenders were hilarious, especially the one attacking Dame Judy Dench by a group called "Dames for Truth." Also, his faux sketch with Tom Hanks mocking all the bad acceptance speech idiosyncrasies was hilarious. Now that's funny.
It was good to have the Best Picture nominees as exits before a commercial break instead of just plugged in at varied intervals.
Tribute to films that tackled tough issues: Nice.
Best Acceptance Speech: George Clooney for Best Supporting Actor. He reminded us why film is important as an American art form and that commercialism is not the measure of greatness. In what was the first acceptance speech of the evening, he said he was glad to be "out of touch" -- a reference to the criticism this year that Hollywood was out of touch with America's heartland. I bet that will be a clip that leads tomorrow's news coverage.
Bad stuff
Lauren Bacall looked like she was barely able to ambulate to the podium. She made her Frankenstein-like walk to the lectern, and then gripped it as if she were about to collapse. She then stumbled through her speech as if she had downed one too many pain killers. It evoked memories of the year Elizabeth Taylor gave an awards introduction for best picture at the Golden Globes and could hardly get through the script and then looked absolutely disoriented when she declared "Gladiator" as the winner. It's sad what happens to former leading ladies. Let them fade in peace.
Will Ferrell and Steve Carell introducing the award for Make-Up seemed a bit insulting. They appeared with atrocious make-up, in a way mocking the art of make-up. Ferrell and Carell should be lucky enough to have good make-up artists work on them -- they need it.
That's it for another year.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
GOP freefall
Look at the last nine months or so with the national Republicans:
The best things to happen to the Democrats for 2006 and 2008 have all happened in the last year. If the Dems can just use these issues to show how inept and foolish the Republican Party is at so many things -- running the country for one, remembering the people who voted for them for another.
Remember when Republican was a word that stood for something? It stood for smaller government, which is necessary for commerce and industry to prosper. It stood for restricted government, which meant the government should not meddle in the personal and private affairs of the people. It stood for fiscal responsibility, which meant that the government took what it needed and planned for the future.
Now, it seems, Republicans stand for everything they once opposed. This administration and its rubber-stamp Congress has approved a massive expansion of government and a reorganization of agencies that has not improved anything and made Franklin Roosevelt's alphabet soup look like broth. The Congressional leadership has worked to infiltrate government into nearly every facet of American life from birth to death, even calling members back for a late-night session to stop the humane end-of-life act of a shell of a woman in Florida. This administration and its short-sighted shills in Congress have approved huge deficit spending largely as a result of tax cuts for people and corporations most able to pay, tax cuts which will hurt the future of our nation and of our children.
Now, the Democrats must appeal to the people who, 25 years ago, were caught up in a wave spread by a handsome and charming former actor from California who made them feel good while he screwed them. If they can bring those people -- people now burned by a scorched-earth ideology -- back to the Democrat Party, all the while energizing younger voters and newer voters, a new day may dawn on the republic.
I don't know if it will happen in 2006 or even in 2008. But it will happen. The Republicans are in a freefall, and the only net is their reliance on fear, a net that has so many holes in it, I doubt it can withstand another fall.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
- The bungling of relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina
- The increasing insurgency and death toll in Iraq
- Tthe vice president accidentally shooting someone in the face
- The Defense Department maintaining a covert data-collection operation despite being told by Congress to stop
- The approval of a plan to allow an Arab country to operate six major American ports with little assurances of safety and security (let alone awareness of the public relations nightmare)
- The continuing scandals with Members of Congress such as Randy Cunningham and Tom DeLay
- The mishandling of a Supreme Court nomination resulting in a withdrawl
- The dwindling approval ratings of the president
- The backbiting and infighting in Congress and among prospective presidential candidates
The best things to happen to the Democrats for 2006 and 2008 have all happened in the last year. If the Dems can just use these issues to show how inept and foolish the Republican Party is at so many things -- running the country for one, remembering the people who voted for them for another.
Remember when Republican was a word that stood for something? It stood for smaller government, which is necessary for commerce and industry to prosper. It stood for restricted government, which meant the government should not meddle in the personal and private affairs of the people. It stood for fiscal responsibility, which meant that the government took what it needed and planned for the future.
Now, it seems, Republicans stand for everything they once opposed. This administration and its rubber-stamp Congress has approved a massive expansion of government and a reorganization of agencies that has not improved anything and made Franklin Roosevelt's alphabet soup look like broth. The Congressional leadership has worked to infiltrate government into nearly every facet of American life from birth to death, even calling members back for a late-night session to stop the humane end-of-life act of a shell of a woman in Florida. This administration and its short-sighted shills in Congress have approved huge deficit spending largely as a result of tax cuts for people and corporations most able to pay, tax cuts which will hurt the future of our nation and of our children.
Now, the Democrats must appeal to the people who, 25 years ago, were caught up in a wave spread by a handsome and charming former actor from California who made them feel good while he screwed them. If they can bring those people -- people now burned by a scorched-earth ideology -- back to the Democrat Party, all the while energizing younger voters and newer voters, a new day may dawn on the republic.
I don't know if it will happen in 2006 or even in 2008. But it will happen. The Republicans are in a freefall, and the only net is their reliance on fear, a net that has so many holes in it, I doubt it can withstand another fall.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Being social
It's good to be social. The sun has been shining the last few days, its rays barely able to warm the frosty air and nudge a dreary winter into spring. It's also a signal to get out of the routine and go out with some friends.
I took in a jazz concert Friday night -- it was a student concert, which was the culmination of several days of workshops taught by some big names in jazz music. And, while the student performances were nice, those pros really jammed! The pros included Jeff Hamilton, drums; Christoph Luty, bass; Tamir Hendelman, piano; Gilbert Castellanos, trumpet; Bruce Paulson, trombone; and Tom Peterson, saxophone. Wow!
After, my friends and I went to a great little dessert and wine place a few blocks away. I had a nice slab of carrot cake and a glass of wine, which was the perfect accompaniment to the conversation of my friends.
Spring is in the air, and the sun is starting to shine again. Yes, it was good to be social.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I took in a jazz concert Friday night -- it was a student concert, which was the culmination of several days of workshops taught by some big names in jazz music. And, while the student performances were nice, those pros really jammed! The pros included Jeff Hamilton, drums; Christoph Luty, bass; Tamir Hendelman, piano; Gilbert Castellanos, trumpet; Bruce Paulson, trombone; and Tom Peterson, saxophone. Wow!
After, my friends and I went to a great little dessert and wine place a few blocks away. I had a nice slab of carrot cake and a glass of wine, which was the perfect accompaniment to the conversation of my friends.
Spring is in the air, and the sun is starting to shine again. Yes, it was good to be social.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Oscar Picks
Longtime Loganite fans know I love my film. I go to a lot of movies -- usually in Seattle or when I travel to Phoenix. The best part about the films in 2005 was that it shaped up to be a great year on screen. It has been a few years since I have seen so many of the nominated films and performances (Thank you, Netflix, for the DVDs of films that came out in limited release early in the tear). So, here are my comments on this year's Oscars. I have listed my predicted winner and my own vote.
It should be a fun evening of awards. And, with Jon Stewart as the host, things will at least be interesting when the awards part starts to drag.
I'll check back Sunday to update my ballot and show whether I was on the mark or way off.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Best Motion Picture of the Year
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck.
Munich
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Own Vote: Brokeback Mountain
This is, hands down, the best film of the year. Its themes, its composition and its performances make it a standout among strong films. I sure liked Capote and Good Night, and Good Luck., and Crash could also be a dark horse, but I think Hollywood is ready to make Brokeback Mountain its film of the year.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
Philip Seymour Hoffman for Capote
Terrence Howard for Hustle & Flow
Heath Ledger for Brokeback Mountain
Joaquin Phoenix for Walk the Line
David Strathairn for Good Night, and Good Luck.
Prediction: Philip Seymour Hoffman
My Own Vote: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Hoffman literally became Truman Capote for the role, and the film's success hinges on that performance. Joaquin Phoenix is a strong second place as Johnny Cash, but I think it is just a year of too many strong performances.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role
Judi Dench for Mrs. Henderson Presents
Felicity Huffman for Transamerica
Keira Knightley for Pride & Prejudice
Charlize Theron for North Country
Reese Witherspoon for Walk the Line
Prediction: Reese Witherspoon
My Own Vote: Felicity Huffman
Oscar is all about whose turn it is. Witherspoon certainly gave a phenomenal performance, and Huffman has not paid her dues in feature films. Still, her performance as a transgender man is moving and amazing.
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role
George Clooney for Syriana
Matt Dillon for Crash
Paul Giamatti for Cinderella Man
Jake Gyllenhaal for Brokeback Mountain
William Hurt for A History of Violence
Prediction: George Clooney
My Own Vote: Matt Dillon deserves a nod, if only as recognition of the plethora of wonderful performances by the entire cast of Crash. Jake Gyllenhall's role was basically a secondary leading role, as was Clooney's, but the Academy will want to recognize Clooney's amazing year in film.
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams for Junebug
Catherine Keener for Capote
Frances McDormand for North Country
Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener
Michelle Williams for Brokeback Mountain
Prediction: Rachel Weisz
My Own Vote: Amy Adams
I absolutely loved Amy Adams and Junebug! She made that movie so entertaining -- just the right touch. Michelle Williams earned a nomination in the Brokeback Mountain frenzy, but her performance was not that notable. Catherine Keener was fantastic in Capote, too.
Best Achievement in Directing
George Clooney for Good Night, and Good Luck.
Paul Haggis for Crash
Ang Lee for Brokeback Mountain
Bennett Miller for Capote
Steven Spielberg for Munich
Prediction: Ang Lee
My Own Vote: Ang Lee
All the other films were well directed, but I can't see how a film can get Best Picture and not have its director also win. Lee's beautiful and spareshots build the tension in this story. Well done.
Best Writing, Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen
Crash
Good Night, and Good Luck.
Match Point
The Squid and the Whale
Syriana
Prediction: Good Night, and Good Luck.
My Own Vote: Good Night, and Good Luck.
The blend of real footage with acting is masterful. The script inspires. Dark horse: Crash, again.
Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material Previously Produced or Published
Brokeback Mountain
Capote
The Constant Gardener
A History of Violence
Munich
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Own Vote: Brokeback Mountain
Hands down. Duh.
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Batman Begins
Brokeback Mountain
Good Night, and Good Luck.
Memoirs of a Geisha
The New World
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Own Vote: Brokeback Mountain
The shots are amazing. Still, wouldn't it be cool if Batman Begins won an Oscar?
Best Achievement in Costume Design
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Memoirs of a Geisha
Mrs. Henderson Presents
Pride & Prejudice
Walk the Line
Prediction: Memoirs of a Geisha
My Own Vote: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Colleen Atwood should win again. By the way, she grew up near Wenatchee, and her sister works for the school district. But, I loved Charlie's look, and it was fun.
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score
Brokeback Mountain
The Constant Gardener
Memoirs of a Geisha
Munich
Pride & Prejudice
Prediction: Brokeback Mountain
My Own Vote: Brokeback Mountain
Honestly, I saw three of these five, and I only remember the score from Brokeback Mountain. Maybe The Constant Gardener will make a strong showing.
Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song
Hustle & Flow -- Jordan Houston, Cedric Coleman, Paul Beauregard ("It's Hard Out Here For a Pimp")
Crash -- Michael Becker, Kathleen York ("In the Deep")
Transamerica -- Dolly Parton ("Travelin' Thru")
Prediction: I have no idea
My Own Vote: Dolly Parton
This song was only used during the end credits, but it was sweet. But, wouldn't it be cool to have a big ol' rap song win an Oscar?
Best Achievement in Makeup
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Cinderella Man
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Prediction: I have no idea.
My Own Vote: Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Best Achievement in Sound
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
King Kong
Memoirs of a Geisha
Walk the Line
War of the Worlds
Prediction: King Kong
My Own Vote:King Kong
Dude, if that movie can't win a sound award, nothing can. Still, when Walk the Line is all about sound and music, it could be a favorite.
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
King Kong
Memoirs of a Geisha
War of the Worlds
Prediction: I have no idea.
My Own Vote: King Kong, again.
Best Achievement in Visual Effects
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
King Kong
War of the Worlds
Prediction: King Kong
My Own Vote: King Kong
That movie is entirely visual effects. However, what I saw of Narnia was also impressive.
It should be a fun evening of awards. And, with Jon Stewart as the host, things will at least be interesting when the awards part starts to drag.
I'll check back Sunday to update my ballot and show whether I was on the mark or way off.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Rest well, Don Knotts
Whether you knew him as the dopey Deputy Barney Fife helping Andy Griffith keep the law in Mayberry, as a member of The Apple Dumpling Gang in Disney movies, or as the lovable and energetic landlord Mr. Furley on "Three's Company," you knew Don Knotts would make you laugh. His distinct personality, bugging eyes and skinny frame always delivered the goods during a time when television had class and was just plain clean fun.
Don Knotts died Saturday at age 81.
His filmography.
Knotts' final substantial on-screen cinema role came in 1998's "Pleasantville," where he played the TV repairman who is the catalyst for all the changes among the residents of the sheltered town. He was perfect for the role.
I'll miss the genuine enthusiasm and wit, the warmth he brought to every role. I have a vivid memory after watching a re-run of "The Andy Griffith Show" and then running around all afternoon saying "Nip it in the bud!" in my best Deputy Barney Fife impersonation, and having no real clue what that meant. And I can just see him in that denim leisure suit, a kerchief tied around his neck in that swingin' 1970s look he tried to portray on "Three's Company."
Yes, rest well, Barney and Mr. Furley. We'll miss you.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Don Knotts died Saturday at age 81.
His filmography.
Knotts' final substantial on-screen cinema role came in 1998's "Pleasantville," where he played the TV repairman who is the catalyst for all the changes among the residents of the sheltered town. He was perfect for the role.
I'll miss the genuine enthusiasm and wit, the warmth he brought to every role. I have a vivid memory after watching a re-run of "The Andy Griffith Show" and then running around all afternoon saying "Nip it in the bud!" in my best Deputy Barney Fife impersonation, and having no real clue what that meant. And I can just see him in that denim leisure suit, a kerchief tied around his neck in that swingin' 1970s look he tried to portray on "Three's Company."
Yes, rest well, Barney and Mr. Furley. We'll miss you.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
It wasn't CWU
I sent a query to the local paper reporter with Ellensburg ties to determine of the backdrop at the Grammy Awards was really Central Washington University behind Kanye West. According to the reporter, CWU University Relations people said they matched some pictures after receiving a lot of calls about the Grammys. Turns out it was not Barge Hall, though I swear it was.
All that makes me wonder which school it was if not Central.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
All that makes me wonder which school it was if not Central.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
February Funk
It's been two and a half weeks since my last blog post. I apologize to my loyal readers -- the few dozen people who accidentally stop by here. I just have not been in the mood to write much lately. I have not been depressed or too busy. I just have not had much to say about things in the news. More accurately, I have not been motivated to write about what I have been thinking.
Oh, sure, there has been plenty in the news to write about -- the vice president shooting his pal and the president apparently trying to let the Arabs run six major United States ports. Truthfully, though, I just have not desired to write.
But, with winter fading and spring on the horizon, I vow to get back on that and to have a few posts each week for the next couple months. I have a major project to finish for my masters, which I will complete by May 1. After that I should be a lot more free to pursue other activities.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Oh, sure, there has been plenty in the news to write about -- the vice president shooting his pal and the president apparently trying to let the Arabs run six major United States ports. Truthfully, though, I just have not desired to write.
But, with winter fading and spring on the horizon, I vow to get back on that and to have a few posts each week for the next couple months. I have a major project to finish for my masters, which I will complete by May 1. After that I should be a lot more free to pursue other activities.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Wenatchee News Digest
A couple bits of news from the Apple Capital:
Yahoo! appears to be headed here. The Internet brand will operate a data center at the Confluence Technology Center, located in the Olds Station area just north of the city. Apparently, the cheap electricty and high-speed fiber optic network infrastructure made the area attractive to a major player such as Yahoo!
Speaking of cheap power, the Bush Administration again has included increased debt repayment from the Bonneville Power Administration in its annual budget. While a year ago the administration sought all of the BPA power be sold on the open market and revenue used to pay down debt, this year the administration only seeks to have surplus power sold and used to repay debt. Northwest Senators and Representatives in Congress are united in their efforts to keep the current model, which uses surplus power to reduce rates paid by NOrthwest power customers. It's the deal we have had for generations, and it is the deal we expect to keep. Look for Sen. Maria Cantwell to continue to use energy as a primary issue in her re-election campaign this year.
The Eastmont School District across the Columbia River appears to have failed its maintenance and operations levy, falling short by three percent of the necessary 60 percent.
Officials in Kittitas County to the south have put up some money for a study that would determine the viability of a road to Wenatchee's Mission Ridge ski area from the Ellensburg area over Colockum Pass, currently a primitive road passable only during the summer. THe road would allow a back entry to the ski area and easier and faster access from I-90 and Seattle. The route would bypass Wenatchee. I say go for it.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Yahoo! appears to be headed here. The Internet brand will operate a data center at the Confluence Technology Center, located in the Olds Station area just north of the city. Apparently, the cheap electricty and high-speed fiber optic network infrastructure made the area attractive to a major player such as Yahoo!
Speaking of cheap power, the Bush Administration again has included increased debt repayment from the Bonneville Power Administration in its annual budget. While a year ago the administration sought all of the BPA power be sold on the open market and revenue used to pay down debt, this year the administration only seeks to have surplus power sold and used to repay debt. Northwest Senators and Representatives in Congress are united in their efforts to keep the current model, which uses surplus power to reduce rates paid by NOrthwest power customers. It's the deal we have had for generations, and it is the deal we expect to keep. Look for Sen. Maria Cantwell to continue to use energy as a primary issue in her re-election campaign this year.
The Eastmont School District across the Columbia River appears to have failed its maintenance and operations levy, falling short by three percent of the necessary 60 percent.
Officials in Kittitas County to the south have put up some money for a study that would determine the viability of a road to Wenatchee's Mission Ridge ski area from the Ellensburg area over Colockum Pass, currently a primitive road passable only during the summer. THe road would allow a back entry to the ski area and easier and faster access from I-90 and Seattle. The route would bypass Wenatchee. I say go for it.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
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