Journey of the Corps of Discovery

I've recently been interested in the Lewis and Clark Expedition so I borrowed this film from the library. The film was very interesting and I learned much from it. The scenery is beautiful. They included parts of the 5 journals written by the men on the expedition. I saw writing by Thomas Jefferson explaining the objectives of the trip. They delved into what were the possible emotions felt on the trip as they crossed the Rocky Mountains, as they first laid eyes on the Pacific Ocean, as they returned from the trip into St. Louis, etc. The historians speaking on this film kept comparing this expedition to the first trip to the moon. They emphasized that unlike a trip to the moon where you have Houston on the line to offer advice, these men and woman were entirely on their own. I agree it was a historic trip with lots of peril but I disagree it ranks up there with a trip to the moon. Why? Because people already were there. People inhabited the land they traversed. Lewis and Clark were not entirely without advice. Sacajawea knew where they were going. She and other Native Americans saved the corps of discovery on many occasions. I picked up on some racial bias during this film that disturbed me but I would still recommend it if you want to know more about the Lewis and Clark expedition.

The Times They Are A Changing

I can feel the pendulum swinging in the other direction.

Just The Remedy I Needed

I admit, I am a fan of Boston Legal. Ever since a friend of mine told me he watches it just to appreciate the comparison of William Shatner from his Captain James T. Kirk days, I've paid more attention. At the end of every show the characters Denny Crane, played by William Shatner and Allen Shore, played by James Spader gather on a terrace to smoke cigars and drink while seated in white leather chairs. They blow their smoke up at the urban sky and chat about their day and their love for each other. I find it very unusual and amusing to listen to two men talk about love. Last night I happened to turn it on and I swear, this was about the funniest episode I have ever seen on any show during my many years of television viewing. The two men get into a political argument. They are both upset at the other one about their chosen presidential candidate. They start out agreeing not to discuss it to preserve their friendship but Allen Shore is so upset at Denny Crane he can't help but say, "The man has had melanoma three times. If elected he'll be the oldest man ever elected president. The chances are good he will die in office. Do you seriously want Palin to be the president of our country?" That starts off the debate. As they talk their voices rise in passion. Soon they're both debating at the same time and not listening at all. The argument is getting out of hand and continues to escalate for several minutes. They're shouting words at each other like "Yes We Can." and "Bridge to No Where." and "Muslim Terrorist." They start screaming at each other, their faces red in anger and spittle flying from their lips. They're so mad they're ready to come to blows. I start to laugh at them because I can relate to how they are feeling and how ridiculous this all is. Both men have timely and good arguments. Both are passionate about their beliefs. The points they are making are all things I have read about in the newspaper and on the Internet. How can two friends oppose each other so vehemently and still remain friends? One of the men, in desperation, takes out a paintball gun and shoots the other one in the leg leaving a green stain on his pants. "My God, you shot me," he says. "That hurt." He grabs another paintball gun and shoots him back in the face. "You almost put my eye out!" shouts the other man. Both men are enraged. They shoot paint balls at each other until the entire office is covered with paint - one side with purple paint stains and the other side with green paint stains. The other staff in the office are staring in disbelief at the two men through the glass office wall. Suddenly they realize they are being observed and they both come to their senses. I can't write the scene as funny as it was on television but it was hilarious. I was laughing out loud. Tears were running out of my eyes. My belly hurt from laughing at these two men having it out on the eve of election day. The timing was perfect. At the end of the show, when they meet on the terrace for cigars and a drink, the two men apologize and are friends again. This episode of Boston Legal was just the emotional enema I needed. No matter how the election comes out, we will get through this.

I'm Thankful

It's true that I am frustrated by all the attention (stalking) I'm getting from the candidates. I dread the phone calls (up to six per day). The ads on television are so annoying I can't bear to listen to them. The name calling, muckraking, and accusations dishearten me. I am appalled by the number of mail ads I get. I got 7 today. These ads don't even make it into the house but are tossed into the recycling bin without even reading them. How dumb do they think I am that I would base my very important vote on some scary accusation printed on a post card? If only the billions of dollars put into this advertising were used on something other than buying my vote, like early childhood education or prescription coverage for seniors, or domestic violence prevention, the world be be a better place. As frustrated as I am, I also feel grateful because I am SO VERY FORTUNATE to be able to vote. Our system is not perfect but it is better than many. I am even more grateful after visiting Kenya earlier this year where an election occurred, people voted, the votes were tallied, and the loser was declared the winner because of political pressure. People turned to violence, neighbor against neighbor. Houses and stores were burned and women were raped. The economy suffered and tourism dropped to record low levels. The problem went on for months and is still being felt by people in the Rift Valley. So tomorrow is election day and after work I will wait in line at my polling place no matter how long it takes to cast my vote and I am grateful for that opportunity.

Project Feeder Watch

Saturday morning: Black capped chicakees-6, Blue Jay-1, White breasted Nuthatch-1
Sunday morning: Black capped chickadees-5, White Breasted Nuthatch-1, Junco-5

I'm Not There

Last night I went to the Walker Art Cinema to see a movie and hear a discussion. The movie was "I'm Not There," and I was glad there was a discussion because I was very confused. The movie is about Bob Dylan, the enigmatic music performer. I am a fan. His recording of "Like a Rollingstone" is one of my favorite - always reminding me of my Aunt Annie. Because Bob Dylan is such an enigma, it takes six characters to describe him. This isn't your typical movie. One of the characters is a black child and another is a woman - not people who would automatically come to mind when describing Bob Dylan. The director introduces all six in the beginning of the film and then has us going back and forth through time as each character describes the life of Bob Dylan. Cate Blanchette disappears into the character to the point where I don't even see her anymore. She was awesome. One thing about Bob - he is a heavy smoker. I saw so many cigarettes smoked last night that my own chest was hurting. I found it easier to not try and figure things out during the movie but instead relax and take it all in. I think it's one of those movies where every time you see it you would learn something new. Two Thumbs up for "I'm Not There."

Yard Work

With the nice weather I decided to clean out the garage and yard. I took the annuals that had been killed by frost and replaced them with some trimmings. I took branches off the spruce tree and the red-twigged dogwood and the crab apple and stuck them into the pots. There they will sit brightening up the yard until April.