The King's Speech -- Splendid

We saw The King's Speech this afternoon. Even though it didn't have a single shooting, car-crash, explosion, or bedroom romp, the acting brought it right up there among the year's best films. It's an unqualified "don't miss."

Greetings

Norton Museum Recommended

I'm recommending to all residents of Palm Beach County something we did last Saturday. In case you may not know, admission is free to the Norton Museum of Art for all county residents on the first Saturday of any month. And for all residents of West Palm Beach, it's free every Saturday. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. There are a couple of special exhibitions right now. My favorite, "MEET ME AT THE CENTER OF THE EARTH," is Nick Cave's elaborate wearable sculptures called Soundsuits. That exhibit will be leaving after January 9. Also, a popular exhibit is one called MADE IN HOLLYWOOD -- nearly 100 photographs of movie icons going back before my time. Be sure to have some proof of residency.

Sunday City Walk

There were fourteen on our walk this morning. I was expecting a brighter and warmer day but still we had a fun walk in Palm Beach.

True Grit - With Style

Last night we stumbled into this movie with intentions for another (long story). Not having seen the original True Grit, I can't compare it with this new one but I knew right away at the opening it was something special. It seemed that most others at the viewing didn't like it, but when in the closing credits I discovered the Coen brothers directed, it confirmed why I found it so appealing. I was charmed by the quirky classiness of the formal language. (Did this period precede the development of contractions?) The story was less important to me than the style of its presentation. The scenery was grand. The music throughout was variations of the hymn "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms."

I recommend this movie to Coen brothers fans.
more film score

Serena Hosts Dining-Out Party

Sunday afternoon we gathered at Serena's home for our annual holiday dinner.   Click for video

Saturday Night

We had Sharon, Shirley, Louise, and Cheri over Saturday night for Mexican train.

Movie - The Tourist

Last night we viewed a pre-screening of The Tourist, a romantic-comedy-action-espionage film staring Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. Beyond the all the eye candy and the beautiful visuals of Paris and Venice there isn't much to like. The story was so implausible, it was a joke. The writing was so bad, nothing could save it. Jane and I agreed on this one. Don't bother seeing it.

The Week's Music

Tuesday - Dream Girls was much less enjoyable than I expected. I couldn't wait for it to be over. They did a good job and it seemed well received but the singing wasn't my cup of tea.
Friday - Florida Classical Ballet Theatre production of The Nutcracker was much better than I expected.
Sunday - The New Gardens Band was a bit ragged but for a non professional community band, it was enjoyable.

"Over The River And Through The Woods ..."

To Pete and Sandra's home we went

Click to enlarge.

City Walk

Ten of us enjoyed walking in the Flamingo Park Neighborhood this morning.

Wizards, Wands, Elves, And Magic

It may be my cognitive impairment, but the plot or storyline, if it had one, was lost on me. That didn't matter much though as Jane and I, this morning, viewed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. It is engaging cinema because of the wonderful sets, characters and unrealistic, imaginative fantasy. I found it compelling on several levels. The charming life-like, digital elves were my favorite characters. The fast moving action and quick cuts left little time to savor the detailed sets and many varied landscapes.
We thought it might be too violent and scary for young children, but perhaps today's children are more sophisticated at a tender age than I was. I recommend this movie for nearly everyone. My only complaint is, as always, the overly loud sound.
Of the wands, elves, wizards and magic ... I'll have one wand, if you please.

Dining Out

Friday evening fifteen of us enjoyed the private room arranged by Richard Slocum at Bellante's Pizza Buffet.

Concert Season Starting Strong

Tuesday evening we were thrilled by the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra and violinist, Jennifer Koh. We've heard very many symphony concerts at the Kravis over the years and this was equal to the best.
Wednesday evening we heard for our first time the Florida Sunshine Pops in concert at Eissey Theatre. We'll make it a point to usher for them again.

Sunday's Daily Dozen

Jane and I had our morning walk on Singer Island where the surf was up and the bluefish were running.

Mid-term Election Blues

I'm depressed because of the disappointing mid term election results. I understand how our few misinformed conservative friends felt two years ago. Anyway, it isn't the end of the world. Progress is slowed only for a time.

Movie - "Due Date"

Last night Jane and I went to Muvico to view a pre screening of the movie, Due Date, about the misadventures of two incompatible men played by Robert Downey Jr. and Peter Galifianakis on a road trip from Atlanta to Los Angeles. The acting was good and there was applause at the end so, obviously, many liked it. We found it crude, rude, lewd, and generally disgusting. We could hardly wait for this road trip to be over. The story was stupid and exemplifies the downward spiral of civility that we both bemoan. Don't waste your time on this one.

Boo! On Clematis Street

Last night we again observed the the craziness on Clematis Street. And again I forgot my earplugs -- a very big mistake. It is dangerously loud.
(You may click on these pictures.)

Click here for pictures from Halloween 2009

Dining Out

We had sixteen for dining out at Cracker Barrel.

Band Concerts

In our new volunteer ushering job at the Eissey Theater we enjoyed two fine bands. Sunday was the excellent Army Field Band from Washington and on Saturday was the Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches. I was pleasantly surprised at how much our local band has improved over the forty-plus years since I played french horn with them. It was a first-class most enjoyable concert.