Sunday, February 27

Comments on Aviator review
"Well good for you! (When I'm wrong, I mutter and scurry furtively out of sight!)" (X- A minister in South Carolina)
"I haven't seen 'Aviator' yet, but I def-will. Nancy has and enjoyed it immensely. Good to read of your contrition. [lol]" (Dave in New England)
"An honest man! How rare! Thank you. I enjoyed the film too. Everyone sez it's a shoo-in for Best Picture, but I'm thinking maybe Million Dollar Baby (which I haven't seen!)." (John in South Carolina.)
#251 (05-12)
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Aviator
Some weeks ago I expressed an adverse opinion about the film Aviator without having seen the film. I did not believe that Leonardo de Caprio could carry off the role of Howard Hughes because I consider him to be too young and baby-faced. Yesterday, we saw the film and it is obvious why I am not a Hollywood producer of epic films. My casting skills suck. de Caprio does a great job and he carries the film from beginning to end. Having grown up during the Hughes era, reading about him and seeing him in newsreels in my youth affords me a perspective to appreciate how accurate the film story line is with regard to Hughes and his accomplishments. It may not win the Oscar tonight, but it will be a worthy contender. Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Kathryn Hepburn is also right on target and she is a delight to watch
Five stars.
#250 (05-11)
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Wednesday, February 16

Master Cheat
This third novel by Jack Miller features a lead character drawn from a composite of different cheaters operating in the glitz and greed of Las Vegas. The methods employed and the scams run by the cheaters are based on actual events. Their successes as well as the precautions taken by casinos to protect themselves are both complex and simple. Miller was a senior agent of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board for eleven years and writes from first-hand experience. His book may be obtained on-line through Mystic Publishers (www.mysticpublishers.com).
#249 (05-10)

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Monday, February 14

Death of a good friend
Today I will be a pallbearer for my good friend Fred Matthews who died on Saturday after a brief illness. Fred was 83 years old and I knew him for 41 years. He could always be counted on to help anyone in our neighborhood with any project and he was a font of knowledge on many everyday things. I will miss my friend.
#248 (05-09)
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Friday, February 11

Trip over -short circuited
Our trip to SE Asia was cut short after my wife took a cold and was unable to shake it. We felt it was better we journey home than traispe around SE Asia with one of the party - as they say - 'sick as a dog.'
#247 (05-08)
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