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We began our new year hung over and reeking of smoke in Las Vegas...with my family. It was awesome. They drove from California and we flew in from Georgia and collided on the Strip. There was lots of video poker and sports betting and Cylinda hardcore gambling into the wee hours of the night. You know, like all our other trips to Vegas, except this time, I didn't see Celine and I'll spare y'all my tears. No wait, here are a few: hoo hoo hoo.
We did see Mystere which is the first Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas. It was amazing, as those shows usually are. This one seemed to have more humor in it. We also drove north about an hour to the Valley of Fire State Park. It's a sight to see, all the red rock formations shaped by water over time. There was also some ancient Indian art paintings on one of the rocks. This is a short video of one area of the park, although it doesn't begin to capture the beauty and openess of the area.
Andrew Wyeth, 'Christina's World' painter, dies
January 16, 2009
CNN
Wyeth painted one of my favorite pieces of art, which is mentioned in the article. Christina was his neighbor who was wheelchair-bound. Her world without her wheelchair was her house and yard.
It was adapted for famous Rolling Stones article back in the 70s about Patty Hearst. It symbolized her feeling of restriction on where she could go when she was on the run when technically, she could go anywhere. My words do this no justice. Here, see for yourself:
The one on the left is the original. (Duh.) Just wanted to be clear.
So I've seen Celine more times than I can count... No, kidding. I've been counting and after last night's concert, I'm up to 6. The first 5 times were in Las Vegas where I saw her "A New Day..." show at Caesars Palace. It was truly spectacular and I had 2nd row seats twice so I got to see her up close in all her dramatic Canadian glory. Of course, I had to fly out every time and I kinda hate flying.
But last night, Celine came to me....well, she came to the ATL. Much more convenient, thanks! The concert reminded me of her Vegas show a little with the dancers and moving stage contraptions. She's a complete entertainer, almost like she was born to be on stage. Her hands are little supporting artists by the way they move and gesture. I could watch her hands alone.
The lady beside was laughing at/with Celine, too, and said a few times, "She's crazy." Because she really, really is.
She sang all her hits, including "My Heart Will Go On" which made us all weepy, and quite a few songs from Taking Chances. The highlight for me was "Pour Que Tu M'aimes Encore" because that song is 1. in french and 2. f'd up.
I didn't buy a t-shirt because Celine has a penchant for sticking her pretty face on everything. I get beat up often up for all my other (tasteful) interests so I just got mug, a program and not one, but two posters. I didn't buy the Celine candle for my shrine. Just kidding, I don't have a shrine <shifty eyes>.
USPS may cut day of mail delivery
January 28, 2009
CNN
The economic mess we're in has done what rain, sleet and snow could not. Honestly, though, is there anything of importance that comes in the mail any more? I mean, the monthly Savvy Shopper is quite handy, but I could live without it. There is one thing that concerns me about this possibility of mail delivery 5 days per week. From the article:
"[T]he postal systems in other countries like Canada already operate on a five-day schedule."
Jesus, if nothing else, we're better than America, Jr., aren't we? Aren't we? Don't get me wrong. I'm a huge fan of Canada (and I can admit it). But we're clearly better than them in every way. Every, every way, including mail delivery. So for the sake of superiority, let's keep the 6-day schedule.