Adventure day around Tucson

Started out to explore the new "fantastic Camino Del Sol casino and hotel". Thumbs down-way down. Smoky in all areas. Not being gamblers, our objective was to case the joint out for lunch.

No luck on lunch. So went to our next choice -"Tiny's" a neighborhood bar out west Ajo. Thumbs way up on this greasy burger place with its great food and old west environment.

Movies - 2011

Entertainment Weekly lists 25 movies that one should see before the Oscars. Of these I have seen 15 and 5 have not come to Tucson; three this week and two in the future. I may be losing my status as Movie Critic for Olli and friends. Four of the movies that were highly recommended - Hugo, Melancholia and Martha, Mary, Marcy and Marlene and The Help were thumbs down for me. Some that I liked very much-Drive, Tower Heist and Bridesmaids were not for everyone.

Two that I am looking forward to seeing are Albert Nobbs and Artist. I think I will skip The Iron Lady. Although I was not a fan of Margaret Thatcher, from what I have read, the screen play does not do justice to either her or Meryl Streep. I think my personal favorite was My Week with Marilyn.

"Beyond", a ceremony in honor of those who died Jan. 8, 2011

Ceremonies were held all over the Tucson area to remember those victims of the Jan. 8 shooting in 2011. At the La Posada campus, activities began with a walk from the Gabe Zimmerman memorial garden to the meditation garden for words by various speakers. Gabe will be remembered for his service to Gabby Gifford and the Santa Cruz community and beyond.

Lisa Israel CEO of La Posada and Mary Fisher from the Posada Java and Shoppes were present.

Local Fireman rose the U.S. flag atop a fire rig ladder.

Many bicyclists attended to remember their fellow outdoors man, Gabe Zimmerman.







Large number of attendees stayed for the musical programs and socializing with memories of the fateful event.

A torch was cranked up by a line of individuals that was to provide the energy to keep it burning until all the torches from all the events in the Tucson area will be combined for the ceremony this evening on the UofA Mall that will be attended by Gabby Giffords and her husband.

Christmas in Mexico

Azbuddy has been off the blog for long enough for people to inquire if we are well. Yes we are but a trip to Mexico and busy for Christmas has kept us off the net. Today we share some photos of festive decorations in Puerto Vallarta.

The Metropolitan Opera-Live in HD-Rodelinda

Az Buddy is new to the opera but is definitely hooked. Thanks to the Met's live HD seen in local
theaters around the country.

Today it was Rodelinda by Handel. Well known for his "Messiah" Handel also composed 40 some operas. With the rebirth of interest in Baroque music we are going see more of this style of music.

Milan, 18th Century, Bertarido(Andreas Scholl) has been deposed as King, leaving the

Queen Rodelinda (Renee Flemming) and their young son Flavio behind. The story is one of love versus quest for power. OR will love conquer all?

Within the first few measures one recognizes the rhythm and musicality of Handel. Baroque music's use of the counter tenor has never been so beautiful as with the voices of Andreas Scholl and Lestyn Davies (as Unolfo). Also terrific were the performances of Stephanie Blyth as Eduige and Joseph Kaiser as Grimoaldo who have to decide are they more in love with each other or the desire for the throne.

Use of mostly strings and harpsichord are also typical of the Baroque style. The production, set design and use of non singing actors gave this video production a feeling of film. Probably due to very talented camera direction, avoiding that dreaded close-close up so common in many of today's films.

I encourage everyone to look for these Met Operas in

their local movie theaters.

Bringing Opera to the people.

Funniest photo EVER

My sister took this photo in the Antarctic. Love the peguins!

Today I am going to see "Happy Feet Two".

Who Shot Rock and Roll?

Tucson Museum of Art has a great exhibit called "Who Shot Rock and Roll". This is an exhibit originating in Brooklyn of predominately black and white photographs of rock and roll musicians from about 1955 with the Everly Brothers and Elvis until the present with Eminem

and Justin Timberlake. I was at first impressed and in turn surprised by who was left out = Prince, Stevie Nicks, The Grateful Dead until it struck me that: This exhibit is about the Photographers and their art and not the musicians.

Through January 15, 2012 Don't miss it! Stop in at the Cafe for a great lunch afterwards.

Photos from google images.