gone missing -not

Some readers have thought that Az Buddy has 'gone missing'. Not so. Just busy teaching Olli classes, taking Olli classes and tearing my hair out over this ridiculous campaign season.

I did see three movies in four days. Not a record for me but nearly one. Secretariat was reviewed earlier. It was a very satisfying move with great direction.

Red was good to get your mind off of politics. A movie with a great older cast playing "Retired Extremely Dangerous" CIA operatives. A movie so baaaad that it was good.

Social Network was excellent. A story about the start up of the social network FACEBOOK. The irony is that Mark Ekerberg was the most a-social young man at Harvard. He says the film is false but the makers of the film did excellent research in interviewing many people and examining many documents regarding the law suits surrounding the questionable start of FACEBOOK. He was truly, as stated in the movie, a real ass hole. Brilliant however. He said he didn't do it for the money. The film implies that he did it for revenge.

Secretariat - Movie review

The reviews for this movie have been all over the map. From C- or 1* to B+ or 4****. I am with the latter. I loved this movie; it's story, its energy and acting and musical score. A great cast featuring the owner (Diane Lane), the trainer John Malkovitch, the jockey and the groomer. And of course the horse Big Red who had to be renamed "Secretariat" to meet the rules of competition. And competition is a key here. We all know that the horse won the triple crown but the story still has suspense. The kudos go to the Director Randall Wallace (Blind Side). Through great cinematography, close ups and music he manages to provide suspense even in the face of predictable outcomes. The story illustrates the macho world of the early 70's and more particularly the horse racing environment. Penny manages to overcome the house wife role and take her horse to victory and raise two teen age daughter's to find their own pride and purpose.

Blessing of the Animals

Since St Francis of Assisi is the patron Saint of Animals it is appropriate that St Francis in the Valley offer a Blessing of the Animals. Lots of dogs, a surprising number of cats and a cage of black chickens and a black and white snake named Oreo.

More on Trees

The Palo Verde with its colorful yellow bloom in spring is common desert tree, both in the wild and in Green Valley landscapes.

The Silk Oak is less common. With colorful and unusual orange blossoms it is a favorite of the Western Tanager in the the spring time. There is one in Desert hills IV up on the hill from Canoa Hills 15 th golf hole. Another one is on the east side of Camino Del Sol by the Acres.

Pine trees are also a frequent part of Desert Landscaping.

A neighbor has this magnificent Fig Tree.

And not native to the desert, Green Valley has many stately palm trees.

Trees in the Desert

I have lived in the desert for 22 years and have never lived where there is such discontent and polarization about the tree. To have or not to have them. How to trim them. HOA's take over control of your tree. Driving or walking through various neighborhoods will tell you exactly what these rules are. Most of the old areas along Abrego will tell you that trees were never an issue in the past. Walk thought the Legends and many newer areas and you will see the contrast.

Here we have the undecided trimmer who can't seem to decide how to trim the tree.

Personally I like my trees "au natural". They provide shade,

take up CO2 and give off O2 and even this magnificant tree does its part in keeping the global warming down.

Two very different Movie Reviews

The first is a Net Flix rental O'Horten. This is a Norwegian film about a recently retired railroad engineer. He is faced with many new and interesting experiences and takes the viewer along with him. I liked this movie and the many interesting characters. Unlike the other film, this is slow paced but very rewarding to the viewer that sticks with it. Not LOL funny but very subtly humorous.
In contrast to the above movie this one is fast paced, with car chases and gun fights. The Town is the latest and best effort by Ben Affleck . This is the story of a gang of bank robbers in Boston. More specifically in Charlestown an area of Boston most known for bank robbers. The personality of Boston and the views of the city act as a character in the movie. This is a film that both Mr. and Mrs. may like. He for the car chases and machine gun fights and she for the romantic interest and a pretty good screen play.

3*** Aa good movie

Az. Ballot Propositions -IMO

Arizona has 10 propositions on the Nov. ballot; Eight to amend the Arizona constitution. Two to repeal decisions already made. #302 will repeal a vote passed by the public to have tobacco taxes go to children in the First Things First Program and put the $$ into general funds. "Hey, No way".

106 will take away the health care policies we worked so hard to secure. "Hey, No way".

Propositions are dangerous in two ways. They are written in such obscure language that it is difficult to ascertain their real intent. And many are funded from big $$ from out of state such as prop #106. If one looks at #106, you can easily see this by their literature on flashy shiny paper, expensive TV ads, the widely spread lawn signs, and fancy out of state cars. This car from Florida has been busy putting up prop 106 signs all around Green Valley. This is funded by big pharmaceutical and insurance companies outside of Arizona.

So far I intend to vote yes on only one proposition -#203 - in favor of medical marijuana. Never tried the stuff. The 60's seemed to fly right by me. However if I need to, I would like to be able to use it to manage pain or symptoms of disease.

My advice. If the proposition isn't clearly explained and understood. Don't vote.

AND before making up your mind; Follow the money.