Nooooo! #2

Just realized that Bette Midler is in this, too. Can't even imagine the pain of having both Helen Hunt and Bette Midler in the same scene.

Nooooooo!

Please, no. Not another Helen Hunt movie. Sooner or later this will end up in my wife's NetFlix queue. And she directs, too? I wonder if she wanted to direct so she could tell herself to look even more angry and disappointed than she has in past movies.

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Good chance for dads to get the house to themselves this Saturday. Pick up some shirts from Macy's as tickets for wife and the kids and you're home free.

Don't miss this!

The snare drum and ancient cymbal are going to rock. Really, don't miss the best value in classical music in Seattle.

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Not just for Talk Like a Pirate Day. Get a taste of their music on MySpace.

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Is Big Brown this year's Curlin? Probably. Look for betting value in Colonel John & Tale of Ekati.

1. Tale of Ekati
2. Colonel John
3. Big Brown

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Had no idea what to expect for this. Never read the book, or even heard of it for that matter. Loved it. So did the rest of audience. First time I've been to a Book-It performance that had a standing ovation. The representation of the media onslaught by local news reporters was spot on.

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Where are the $89 flights to Denver when you need them? Want to justify flying to down to see this, but just can't quite do it.

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Play free bird!

Insane Clown Posse at Red Rocks??

I don't get it. Nothing against these guys, but just don't understand the venue choice.

My money's on the other guy.

Swiss Movement one of the greatest live albums ever

Les McCann's "Swiss Movement" (with Eddie Harris) might be considered by some to be the jazz equivalent of the one-hit-wonder, but what a hit it was. I still listen to at least one song from this album weekly. Recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1969, it's a masterpiece that's one of the greatest live albums of any genre. So will I be going to this? Yes, absolutely. What a treat to have a chance to hear McCann revisit his greatest work.

Ignoring the temptation to get involved

I'm afraid to come to this, because I'm afraid I might like it and then will spend hours and hours that I don't have trying to win one of these events.

destined for cult classic status

Mockumentary about the poker tournament scene that features a killer cast and a mostly improvised script. Final table game was actually played straight up so no one knew who won until the end. Poker fans will recognize cameos by many current pros, and the absurd situations that come up in tournaments.

I loved the movie, but some of the humor might be lost on people who don't follow poker. Still, if you're a fan of movies like "Best of Show" and "This is Spinal Tap" you could find this entertaining.

Red Sea Sharks also playing

The Red Sea Sharks (myspace.com/theredseasharks) are also playing this night.

A bunch o' good comics this week

This week's show benefits the Puget Sound Community School (starring four Seattle Comedy Competition winners (David Crowe, Elliot Maxx, Peggy Platt, Rod Long), Las Vegas Comedy Festival winner Brad Upton, and more!

See more info at: http://www.nonprofitcomedy.com/

Legendary harmonica player

Lee Oskar is best known as a founder of WAR, one of the most successful crossover bands of the 1970s. Oskar gives an incredible live performance and Hwy 99 is a great place to see him.

A percussion tour de force!

I'm sure the Beethoven was well played and all, but I wanted to get up and dance in the aisle when Respighi's Feste Romane was finally performed. It was an absolute tour de force, especially the percussion section. Loved every minute of the Respighi.

Many Russian soldiers die

Hanks is good as the former Texas congressman who helps the Afghanis take down the Russians by getting Congress to covertly fund the purchase of black market weapons. But it's Philip Seymour Hoffman, as a cynical career CIA agent, who really makes the movie. What's amazing about the movie is how they're able to tell a really complex story in 97 minutes and not only make it entertaining but also comprehensible. Too bad we blew the end game in Afghanistan afterwards.

Not a Disney Peter Pan

This is not the Peter Pan like you might get from Disney. It's darker & funnier and includes a Tinker Bell who's filled with jealously and vindictiveness. Captain Hook and his pirates steal the show.

Like every Book-It performance I've been to, I was amazed at how they do so much with so little on stage & prop amenities.