Full Moon, Pizza ... and Drumming

Last night's full moon found us, as usual, on the beach with a pizza but this time it was on Lake Worth beach for the drumming circle. We had heard about it for a while but had never seen it. There must have been a couple of hundred people (both drummers and observers). Pat Barnes went with us.

Komen Race for the Cure

This morning was beautiful and the Susan Komen Race for the Cure made it more beautiful. The crowd was huge and exhilarating to experience. We rarely miss this event -- It's so exciting.

Nancy Brinker and Olivia Newton-John

portable pink potties

more & better pictures - CLICK HERE
video - CLICK HERE

Movie - Captain Abu Raed

Jane an I saw this movie today at the Four Arts:
Captain Abu Raed, an aging airport janitor, is mistaken to be an airline pilot by a group of children in his poor neighborhood who beg him to share stories of the world outside of Amman, Jordan. It was filmed in Amman in Arabic language with English subtitles. I usually have trouble with subtitles but this time it was fairly easy for me. I found the story touching and engaging but the direction and editing disappointing. I'm glad we saw it. Others less critical will enjoy it more.

We attended the funeral of Bill Brooks today at St. Edwards Church in Palm Beach.

Yoga Day USA - Art Lecture

This morning we went to Yoga Day USA at Meyer Amphitheater. Later, at The Society of the Four Arts, we attended a wonderful lecture by the artist, John Stobart.

Biltmore Hotel

Today we drove to Coral Gables Biltmore Hotel and had lunch by the pool at this historic grand hotel which, when it opened in January 1926, was the tallest building in Florida.

Avatar - My Opinion

We saw Avatar last night at Muvico.
As a visual spectacle it dazzled me. The drama and acting is barely mediocre. It will appeal to those who enjoy explosions, shooting, and weird characters and creatures. It is too loud, too long, and too confusing. At first, 3D is quite striking but I don't feel it adds much to the kinds of movies I like.
Tell me your opinion: JANEorTOM@aol.com

City Walk in Palm Beach

We enjoyed a delightful first part of today's walk before the rain. By the end we were all wet but remained in good spirits.

Art Palm Beach

This afternoon we took in the art show at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. It is terrific and I highly recommend it to everyone. One could easily spend a day there and not see everything. The first six works below are by Federico Uribe.

Martin Luther King Day Parade

We hate to miss a parade but we don't feel compelled to attend this one every year. It was long
and it seemed like anyone was welcome to participate. The bands aren't as good anymore.

South Florida Fair

We went to the opening of the South Florida Fair today and can report it isn't much different from the fair last year. We came home just as tired as always. The best thing was the Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats. It's worth going just for that.

Up In The Air

Jane and I watched Up in the Air staring George Clooney last night at Movico and were disappointed probably because, after reading only positive reviews of it, we expected too much. It was good and somewhat engaging but not wonderful. We felt the dialog was too slick to be realistic and I didn't find a character to care about. Most reviewers praised it highly so most people will enjoy it. I liked several recent movies better.

Our Favorite Conservatives - Always Fun

Jim & Betty saved their Christmas tree for us.
We enjoyed Betty's potato soup and Jane's pecan pie. Jane has enjoyed Betty's friendship for fifty-nine years.
We played Mexican train and bowled on Wii and had a good time as always.

Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett, last night, enjoyed an enthusiastic reception to a sold out Kravis Center. Even though I've never been a Bennett fan, I was hoping to enjoy the performance. His daughter, Antonia, who opened the show, is a painfully poor singer. With training and experience, she may become a popular entertainer but I doubt it. Tony has a loyal following but, sadly, in my opinion, because he as lost so much vocal control and therefore has to make so many musical compromises, it is time to give it up.
I'm reminded of other performances I've attended that should have never happened -- Frank Sinatra when he was last here -- really bad, and Roger Whittaker, of whom I was a fan -- a disappointment, and then, years ago, the Spanish classical guitarist, Andrés Segovia -- a disappointment. They all needed to know when to quit.

Kravis Performance by Tony Sandler

This morning Jane and I ushered for an "adults-at-leisure" performance by Tony Sandler. It was a really first class show and highly entertaining.

Jupiter Lighthouse 150th Anniversary

It was so cold today -- all day. I was surprised so many showed up for the Jupiter Lighthouse 150th Anniversary Celebration. I almost regret going to the event but the suffering was rewarded. The crowned head of Florida was there.

Keyboard Conversations

Jane and I were were delighted with last night's program, "Chopin for Lovers" at the Four Arts series, "Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel." The artist discusses and demonstrates the pieces before performing each complete piece. He shared his extensive knowledge about Chopin's life. We were lucky to also see the current exhibit on display, "Fashioning Kimono: Art Deco and Modernism in Japan."

"Bloody Mary Is The Girl I Love"

Tuesday nights we volunteer at the Kravis. Last night was the opening of the revival of South Pacific. It was an excellent production -- even better than I could hope. The house was sold out and everyone seemed pleased.

Mexican Train

Happy New Year!!!