Happy New Year 2006

Happy New Year everyone! 2006 is here!

Be Safe and Drive Safe!

Bid farewell to 2005 and look forward to 2006.

Thanks for the memories.

Don

Eye Spy LA Event - Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West in Griffith Park

Eye Spy LA Event - Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West in Griffith Park: "SACAJAWEA �In the end, my oars were wings. In the end, I am Bird Woman who knew how to fly.�

February 17 through March 12, 2006
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Saturdays and Sundays Matinees at 2pm
Tuesday and Thursday Student Matinees

Cast
Sacajawea- Thirza Defoe (Ojibwe, Oneida)
York- Jed Reynolds
Lewis and Clark- Tim Glenn
Director- Randy Reinholz (Choctaw)
Dramaturg- Bryan Davidson
Lighting Director- Craig Wolf
Music Composer/Performer- Patrick Shendo-Mirabal (Jemes, Taos Pueblo)
Biographies and images available upon request.

Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West will begin a nationwide tour starting at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City and Washington DC in April 2006.

Panel Discussion for Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West
Sunday, February 19
2 � 5 pm
Sacajawea�s Voice
A conversation with award-winning author and playwright Diane Glancy (Cherokee) and Virginia Scharff, Professor of History, University of New Mexico, and Women of the West Chair, Autry National Center. In conjunction with Diane Glancy�s play, Stone Heart: Everyone Loves a Journey West, which begins at 2 p.m. Meet the cast and producers at a reception and join the panel immediately following. To RSVP, call 323.667.2000, ext. 354.

About the Playwright
Diane Glancy (Cherokee) is a celebrated author and playwright. Her quest to discover the real story of Sacajawea has turned into a five-year labor of love, visiting the rivers and camps where Sacajawea traversed and slept. Authoring a novel and now a play based on countless hours of research and viewing copies of the original Lewis and "

DVD Review The Polar Express (2004)

Touching story!

The Polar Express will be a Holiday classic. Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis hit a homerun with this all digital film. The story will hit the hearts of every child and adult.
You will believe after watching this classic.
Basically the plot is about a boy who questions whether Santa Claus is real. He hops aboard the Polar express to the North Pole to find Santa Claus’s home on Christmas Eve. A cast of categorized kids are along for the ride of their life.
I watched this movie with my kids. (Nine, seven and two) I was skeptical of the all digital characters at first, but that quickly faded as the story developed. The nine year old questioned the funny looking kids too, but I said it was a movie magic and that was the end of the questions. They were hooked. I especially was surprised by my two year old who sat through the entire film. Now that is movie magic.
I got hood winked into feeling the emotions of the kids on the train. Before long I was shedding a tear along with my kids. I BELIEVE I have to give this DVD a must buy.

DVD Review for Nate and the Colonel (2003)

Improving with experience! 4 of 5 stars.

Canyon Press Entertainment’s second full length feature is positive step forward from their previous release Red Blood. Nate and the Colonel was written and directed by Paul Winters (Colonel Ben “Bloody” Loftin) Paul is also the producer for Canyon Press. This film received the “Best Feature Film” from the 2004 American Indian L.A. Film & Television Awards.

Nate and the Colonel stars; Paul Winters, Ricco Ross (Nate), Mark S. Brien (Hunting Thunder), Al Harrington (Standing Elk), Carlos Milano (Maj. JJ. Haskell), and David Midthunder (Kills the Enemy). When Confederate Colonel Loftin steals a huge gold shipment from the Union Cavalry headed by Major Haskell all bets are off trying to retrieve it. Maj. Haskell makes the gold retrieval his life long retirement after the Revolutionary war is over.

Major Haskell kills the wife of Colonel Loftin looking for the gold. The Colonel and his lifelong slave Nate head out west to look for revenge. Along the way they save an Ojibwe elder Standing Elk which will help them in the end of there conquest.

This visual stunning film is focused with positive energy and understanding of Native American traditions. I felt it could have been shorten in time length. Ricco Ross does an outstanding acting job with his character Nate. The dress and Native American teepees could have been better constructed. I am betting because of budget concerns that certain items get cut. If this film had backing by a big Hollywood production company it could have made more impact at the cash register.

Lottery Program For Problem Gamblers

Problem gamblers can now ban themselves from hitting the jackpot. The Iowa Lottery Board approved a lifelong "self ban" policy on Tuesday. If players sign up, they're saying no to winning in Iowa....forever. But not everyone thinks it's a good idea.
Judd Saul is a former gambling addict and says, "Everyday you wake up and you think about it. It's a habit. It's as dangerous as drugs are." It's been four years since Judd Saul kicked his gambling problem. He's the type of person the Iowa Lottery Board hopes to reach with its new policy. The idea is to sign a contract banning yourself from future jackpots. It's a life-long ban on the big wins. Those signing the contracts would still be able to collect prize money, as long as it isn't over $600.
"Let's have somebody sign a piece of paper saying they don't win $600, but let's put slot machines in everybody's faces in every gas station in Iowa," Saul says. "This is the biggest oxymoron I've ever seen put out by a government organization, it's terrible."
Jewel Cooper is a counselor at the gambling treatment center at Allen Hospital in Waterloo. "I'm glad that they're trying to put a policy into affect to help detour the people who really have problems gambling," she says. But, she says it's only a baby step in the right direction. "Compulsive gamblers will tell you, 'I knew I wasn't going to win and if I was going to win I'd put it all back in. I was there to be in action and that's the dangerous part of this."
Iowa lottery officials say no other U.S. lottery has such a policy. The ban includes all lotto products, like instant scratch games, pull tabs, and touch play games. It's all about taking away the incentives. But the question is...will anyone sign up?
The contracts should be available on the Iowa Lottery's website in a couple of weeks. The hope is to have them in retail stores too. The signed agreements have to be notarized.

DVD Review for Red Blood (2001)

Starting Point! 2 of 5 stars.

Is this movie a classic? That’s what Canyon Press Entertainment is calling this movie. They are the producer, distributor and writer for this Native film. This was their first full length feature. Canyon Press “produces and distributes feature films with distinctly American themes, usually pertaining to the West and Native American subjects.”
Red Blood is about Native American comic Jimmy White Cloud. (David Midthunder) Jimmy is unknowingly given a notebook that belongs to some New York mobsters. Jimmy is being hunted down by the hit men for that “numbers” notebook, so he decides to head back to his rez somewhere in Arizona.
The rez is where Jimmy is in his element and the mobsters are not. Jimmy’s grandfather (Lee White Star) is a medicine man with special powers. Jimmy also finds solace on his rez. He meets a rez snag in Sally Meets the Moon. (Victoria Regina) But will the mobsters follow him and take the rez?
This movie is a low budget film and it shows. The acting is not very creative and the writing is just plain bad. The positive scenes were of reservation life and some scenes of tribal politics that is probably unknown to the general public. The rez bar was a very accurate portrayal. But the gun toting natives are somewhat hilarious.
This film is a starter film. Hopefully Canyon Press will learn from the reviews of this film. As with a lot of low budget films there are some crossover jobs from acting to behind the scenes. I have to give Royce Gracie (Joey) some recognition for his special appearance. He is the five-time Ultimate Fighting Champion.

Upcoming Native American movies.

The holiday season comes and goes so fast every year. Tis the time of year for holiday cheer and festive activities abound. Don’t forget about going to the movies. In December movie studios release some of their so called big budget films hoping to get some of that holiday bonus money into their pockets. Well there are some Native American films on that list this year.

Christmas in the Clouds is billed as “The first romantic comedy set in Indian Country.” This movie was first show at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. It played to sellout crowds and received standing ovations. Director Kate Montgomery finally got it released to the general public this year. There must have been a very persistent campaign to get its general release. All of the reviews that I read have been very positive.

The cast list includes: Sam Vlahos (Joe Clouds on Fire), Tim Vahle (Ray Clouds on Fire), Graham Greene, Wes Studi, Sheila Tousey and Rita Coolidge. This movie was filmed on location at Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort in Utah. It is a “Tale of Love, bingo, Tribal Enterprises and mistaken identity” in a nutshell.

“In Kate Montgomery’s romantic feature, Native Americans are neither iconic nor evil, neither virtuous seers nor monotone drunks. They are flawed and funny people. Just people!” Telluride Weekly Planet.

For more information go to their website www.christmasintheclouds.com. This movie comes to the Milwaukee area on December 9, 2005.

Are you looking for a big budget film? How about a Native American big budget film? Well this year there is one. And it is being released on one of the biggest release dates of the year, Christmas Day.

The New World is the much anticipated release from famed writer/director Terrence Malick. (Badlands, Days of Heaven, The Thin Red Line)
This is the story synopsis from the website www.thenewworldmovie.com :

"The New World is sweeping adventure set amidst the first encounter of European and Native American cultures during the founding of the Jamestown Virginia settlement in 1607. Acclaimed filmmaker Terrence Malick brings to life his own unique interpretation of the classic tale of Pocahontas and her relationships with adventurer John Smith and aristocrat John Rolfe. This woman’s remarkable journey of love lost and found takes her from the untouched beauty of the Virginia wilderness to the upper crust of English society as we witness the dawn of a new America.”

Terrence Malick’s version is in his own words. The cast includes: Colin Farrell (John Smith), Christian Bale (John Rolfe), Christopher Plummer (Captain Christopher Newport), Powhatan (August Schellenberg) and Pocahontas (Q’orianka Kilcher) in her feature debut.

I have not seen any sneak preview reviews yet so I can’t say this is a must see yet. Its release date is scheduled for Christmas Day, December 25, 2005. Be a Tribal Soldier, go see both of these films and support Native actors. I am betting both of these films will be worth the price of admission.

Christmas in the Clouds

CHRISTMAS IN THE CLOUDS-- the first Native American romantic comedy-- is set to open nationwide the week after Thanksgiving! After an initial run in California (plus Gallup and Farmington, NM), this award-winning holiday film will open in 12 more states on Dec. 2 and Dec. 9. The movie is featured in the Dec. issue of Oprah Magazine (p. 62)! "The upshot: a funny, spirited December charmer that will put you in a festive mood without leaving you with Jingle Bells overload." Also, on Nov. 23 look for us in "Indian Country Today" on Nov.23 and listen for us on the national radio call-in show "Native America Calling."

For more about this delightful family film and its innovative campaign for
school fundraisers.

http://www.christmasintheclouds.com

This is it, folks our chance to put the Native community on the national map! But the film has no budget for advertising so word-of-mouth is absolutely essential.
BUY TICKETS and FILL SEATS. Let's show Hollywood how it's done!

Theaters subject to change. Check your local listings.

NOW PLAYING: Los Angeles, CA (Loews Beverly Center)-Monterey, CA (Nickelodeon 4?)-San Jose, CA (Camera 12)-San Luis Obispo, CA (Palm?)-Santa Rosa, CA(Rialto Cinemas Lakeside?)-Gallup,NM(Aztec)-Farmington, NM(Allen 8?) NOV. 23 -Bismarck, ND (Grand Bismarck)
NOV. 25 -Roosevelt, UT (Roosevelt) DEC. 2 -Anchorage, AK (Century 16)/Kayenta, AZ (Black Mesa)/Phoenix, AZ (Harkins Shea Scottsdale, Regal Scottsdale Pavilions)/Prescott, AZ (Frontier Valley)/Tucson, AZ (Century El Con)/Yuma, AZ (Main Street Cinema)/Chicago,
IL (AMC River East)/Lincoln, NE (Art Cinema)/Gallup, NM (Aztec)/Philadelphia,PA (Ritz, Ritz Voorhies, AMC Hamilton, AMC Neshaminy)/Austin, TX (RegalArbor)/Dallas, Angelika)/Yakima, WA (Yakima Cinema)

DEC. 9-Minneapolis, MN (Landmark Edina)-Alburquerque, NM (Century Rio)/Santa Fe, NM-Oklahoma City, OK (AMC Quail Springs)/Tulsa, OK (AMC Southroads)/Park City, UT (Holiday)/Seattle, WA (Loews Meridien, LincolnBellevue)/Milwaukee, WI (Ridge 20)/Tomah, WI (Marcus Ho-Chunk)

Go see this movie when it hits your city! The reviews are in and everything is positive.

CD Review System of a Down “Toxicity” 2005

SOAD’S sophomore ID!

I have to admit to being a reverse SOAD fan. I purchased the “Mezmerize” CD first. I liked what I heard, so I purchase “Toxicity.” I see now were SOAD realized what songs worked with “Toxicity” and produced more songs along that line with “Mezmerize.” I usually scoff at any new metal bands these days because of the lack of originality, style and staying power. I have always been a RATM supporter, so their split hurt. As a side note, I am still waiting for Zach to due a solo CD. But I do follow Audioslave (Tom Morello works his magic but is still under-utilized!) SO it takes a lot for me to purchase any CD these days.

“Toxicity” was release in 2001 with a mix of hardcore metal songs (Deer Dance, Jet Pilot, X) and those that were experimental (Bounce, Atwa, Psycho) with quirky Middle Eastern vocals. The combination of vocal changes and guitar chord timing is what makes this CD work. “Chop Suey” and “Aerials” are examples of songs that were popular. So do what staying power bands do. Build on your success and “Mezmerize” was born. The most popular song is “Toxicity” because it is more mainstream and acceptable for radio play.

Here is a pet peeve of mine: Does this sound familiar? A lead vocalist is singing in one monotone vocal from the diaphragm “Arrrrh Barrrrrrr Rahhhhh HELL Arrrrrh Barrrrrrh,” then a single guitar riff chord solo….END. This is a typical metal song from A LOT of so called great metal bands. But to me that is un-original and uninteresting. There might be a market for that somewhere or nowhere.

SOAD is not afraid of experimentation. That is a good thing. Their music evolves and is not stagnant. I can’t wait for their new release “Hypnotize.” Due in stores November 22, 2005.

CD Review System of a Down “Mezmerize” 2005

Improving with experimentation!

This was my first SOAD musical experience. This CD brought out “what the” F is this about initially. But after listening to the entire CD, I asked myself; “What did I just listen to?” Then I played it again. And again! Now I am constantly playing it.

“Mezmerize” intros with “Soldier Side” then blast off with “B.Y.O.B” (Bring your own bombs) and asks the question “Why do they always send the poor?” “Revenga” rivals in “Bleeding in a sink.” And “Cigaro” references the hugest member of the band I think.
“Radio/Video” spooks the look and listen. “This Cocaine Makes Me Feel Like I’m On This Song” bends the mind into a trip of epic proportion. “Violent Pornography” means everybody does something and then dances. Right? “Question!” contains sweet berries ready to eat. “Sad Statue” drowns our sad country lyrically. “Old School Hollywood” and “Lost in Hollywood” joins a long list of this city of dysfunction. Enough said!

“Mezmerize” crosses many genres and whips them into a highly unique blend of anti-messages with liquid sound not categorized. Serj Tankian (Vocals, Guitar) and Daron Malakian (Vocals, Keyboards) blend harmonized vocals and vocal note distortion not seen since Bobby McFerrin. Shavo Odadjian (Bass) and John Dolmayan (Drums) round out this cast of trendsetters.

Take this magnificent journey into sound satisfaction and lyrical message brainwashing. Join the fresh fruits from experienced musicians at the height of experimentation. Do not miss out on this opportunity! Purchase this CD before part II is thrust upon you November 22, 2005.

Journal Gazette | 11/06/2005 | Charities card less from bingo

Journal Gazette | 11/06/2005 | Charities card less from bingo

Wyoming Bill Outlines Gaming Commission

Wyoming Bill Outlines Gaming Commission: "Wyoming Bill Outlines Gaming Commission
3 November 2005

WYOMING � As reported by the Jackson Hold Star Tribune: 'A charity could receive millions of dollars from its bingo game and not be required to give even $1 to its stated mission of helping people, according to a draft bill approved Tuesday creating a commission to regulate gambling.
''It's a loophole in the legislation that we're sending to the committee,' said Sen. Mike Massie, D-Laramie.
'�The committee created the five-member gaming subcommittee to hear public comment and review questions about gambling.
'The subcommittee finished its work Tuesday, and the full committee will consider the draft bill at its Dec. 15-16 meeting in Laramie, Massie said.
'The full committee could accept the subcommittee's draft as it is, revise it or kill it.
'Subcommittee chairman Rep. Pat Childers, R-Cody, said the issue came to the fore because of uneven application of the state's outdated gambling laws.
'�The proposed gaming commission -- its seven members appointed by the governor with Senate approval -- would oversee and license those who operate legal games of chance; assess fees; investigate possible illegal activity; conduct background checks of those seeking licenses; and inspect places where legal games of chance are played.
'�While the draft bill allows e-bingo aids such as electronic daubers for people with disabilities, it continues the ban on e-bingo machines that look and play like slot machines.
'�The draft bill requires charitable or nonprofit organizations to pay out 65 percent of its gross revenues as winnings.
'Of the remaining 35 percent, the charity applies 40 percent -- or 14 percent of the gross revenues -- to the costs of operating the bingo games"

Movie Review for “Two for the Money” (2005)

Three for the no show!

This film features Al Pacino (Walter Abrams) and Mathew McConaughey (Brandon Lang) with supporting roles from Renee Russo (Toni Morrow) and “Entourage’s” Jeremy Piven (Jerry).

“Two for the Money” is based on the real life sports handicapper Brandon Link. Brandon Lang’s career ending knee injury puts him working the 900 lines as a part time sports handi capper. Brandon somehow has an 80% winning record because of his access to players. This percentage captures the eye of Walter Abrams. Walter Abrams runs a successful sports handicapping cable show in New York. He wants to groom Brandon to take over his business. And Walter will do anything to get Brandon to think like him.

Walter marks Brandon as John Anthony. John Anthony is the eccentric no nonsense sports handicapper that has an 80% lifetime record on football games. So the gambling degenerates use John Anthony’s advice and win. Of course when things fly south all hell breaks loose. Trust no one! Utilizing the father and son relationship Walter tries to play one last hand.

This movie is too long and has too many dead ends. Al Pacino fans will enjoy his performance, as always. Matthew McConaughey’s women or men fans will enjoy the many shirtless, weightlifting scenes that bring nothing to the film. Kudos to Jeremy Piven of “Entourage” for making his character sizzle. The script is lacking substance and direction with a predictable outcome.

I usually don’t review bad movies but this one cost me some hard earned cash. I can’t recommend seeing this film at the movie theatre. Any price at the box office will not cover the performances, script and sports handicapping business. If you are a fan of the actors, wait for the DVD to come out. If you want to know “how to” handicap games flip a coin. The biggest laugh was from Long Duk Dong “No more yanky my wanky, Donger need food!” revisited.

Black Cloud (2005)

Building blocks or stumbling blocks?

This DVD has two filming debuts, Rick Schroder (Lonesome Dove, NYPD Blue) as director and Tim McGraw as actor. Both are good debuts. The script was also written by Rick Schroder.

“Black Cloud (2005)” is about the personal struggles and triumphs of Navajo boxer Black Cloud. (Full name) Black Cloud (Eddie Spears) faces racism from the local residents and city police near the Navajo rez. Local Sheriff Powers (McGraw) knows about the personal struggles of the Navajo Nation people. And he sees Black Cloud as a survivor, so he gives Black Cloud the benefit of the doubt when it comes to his troubles. The only outlet Black Cloud has is boxing. Boxing keeps Black Cloud out of trouble. Trouble is so easy to find on the rez. When an Olympic scout (Peter Greene) sees Black Cloud fight on the boxing under-card of an arrogant Olympic hopeful Rocket Ray Tracey (Pooch Hall), he sees Black Cloud making the Olympic boxing team. But will Black Cloud personal demons get the best of him? Black Cloud’s father is alcoholic and has constant parties at his house. So, Black Cloud seeks out his coach and mentor, Bud. (Russell Means)

Black Cloud’s girlfriend Sammi (Julia Jones) has a son by rodeo circuit, white bull rider Eddie. (Schroder) When Eddie tries to reunite with his ex, Sammie, Black Cloud’s anger gets the best of him and he opens a can of whip ass on Eddie. Will this put an end to his Olympic shot?

The character relationship and dialogue could have been developed more. The background, relationships and why Black Cloud does not trust the white man were not explained thoroughly. A lot of the stereotypical Native association is utilized like alcoholism, trust, mysticism and poverty. But this is the first time I’ve seen Native Hip Hop in a film. The typical hard partying and attitude came along with it. Native Hip Hop has been actually infiltrating and influencing the younger generation on the rez for many years. Whether that is good or bad can still be debated.

The film shows the beauty of the Navajo Nation rez located at the four corners. Rick Schroder utilizes boxing coach Jimmy Gambin (Rocky, The Champ) to train the boxers. The boxing elements in the film are action packed and realistic.

Recognizable Native actors include; Nathaniel Arcand (Jimmy), Saginaw Grant (Grandpa) and Branscombe Richmond (Peter). “Seinfeld’s” Wayne Knight makes a special appearance as the special favor, white power monger Mr. Tipping.

Rick Schroder (Little Ricky in Silver Spoons) utilizes his experiences from acting and growing up in the entertainment industry to help with filming. The DVD shows his potential as a director, but his script writing on this film could have been more polished. Will the financial risk of movie making leave Schroder high and dry in the future?

TV shows not to be missed.

The race is on with the New Family edition of "The Amazing Race"

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race8/


There are only two episodes of the Iraqi war series "Over There."

http://www.fxnetwork.com/shows/originals/overthere/main.html


"Rome" ends its run on HBO.

http://www.hbo.com/rome/

Check out these shows before it is to late. Maybe DVD?

Selena's mug 

Joey Milwaukee County Zoo trip 

Lisa Milwaukee County Zoo trip 

Aidan's Zoo trip 

Zoo trip Selena and Joey