This morning, I bit the bullet and bought two tickets for The Police in Edmonton on the Best Buy presale (how is it that the corporate sponsor’s allottment is better than the fan club’s with its $120 membership fee?). The only way I was going to was if I could get in the first fifteen rows on the field.

Row 13. Just left of centre.

Since my brother and I are planning on the Vancouver show - the first show of the tour - and we’re sticking with that plan, RB and I are going to go to the Edmonton show. Yes, I’m going TWICE. May 28 and June 2. Hey, get off my back! The Police haven’t toured for 26 years, and haven’t played a public live show for 21 years. I missed them then, I’m not going to miss them now.

Yeah, yeah, I know you think it’s weak, but I’m addicted. Cut me some slack - I have very few vices…

Some of you may have seen the Jeep Compass TV spot, where the ‘junk robot’ rides the Compass like a skateboard. Steve B sent me these two links that are even better versions of the same idea…

Nissan Qashqai

Sneaux shoes

In digging up the date for the U2 show mentioned - and linked to - in the previous post, I discovered that The Joshua Tree fell down seven years ago. The photographer whose site I linked to for the set list has some concert photos, including some U2 shows. He also has some shots of The Joshua Tree, upright and since it has fallen over.

So much for my wish to see and photograph it (erect, anyway).

The no-so-long-rumored Edmonton date for The Police has been announced. June 2, Commonwealth Stadium.

I may try for tickets, but I’m fairly disappointed that they’re playing a big outdoor venue. First off, the sound won’t be as good, and secondly, it’s a huge stadium. The closest seats on the sides are way further from the stage than 90% of the seats at an indoor arena like Rexall. We’d have to get something in the first 15 rows on the field to be better off than we are for GM Place.

Yes, it’s closer - driving distance rather than flying - and on a Saturday, which would be sweet for time off, visiting and partying, but this is (likely) a once-in-a-lifetime event. IF the band manages to get along well enough to finish the tour, I can’t see it happening again, so I want the best sound and sightline I can get. Plus, there’s something to be said for having tickets to the first Police concert in 21 years.

I hope they get a good sound man for the sake of those - like Garn - who attend. Although the Rolling Stones in ‘94 were loud enough, and the sound mixed well, the U2 show I saw there in ‘97 sounded weak. Literally. You couldn’t hear what Bono was saying in between songs. It spoiled the experience for me.

It doesn’t look like Best Buy’s doing a presale for this show, unfortunately. Surprisingly, their presale seats for Vancouver were better than the fan club offerings, and without the $120 membership fee. Now that both Vancouver shows are sold out, it’ll be interesting to see how the sales go for The Chuck.

Cate Blanchett.
Jada’s dress - THAT’S Oscar gold.
Forest’s acceptance speech.
Marty winning.

Thanks to getting the ‘big four’ right, I got a total of 12 right out of 24. 50%. Considering how many I’ve actually seen, I don’t think that’s too bad.

The Departed vindicated Marty, so I’m happy with the result. The show was the best telecast I can remember, and wasn’t boring once. Even the Jean Hersholt award wasn’t that bad.

All in all, two big thumbs up. And is it just me, or is Diane Keaton not hot?

I almost broke the screen on my laptop by yelling when they announced his name. Way to go Martin!

They’d damn well better let him talk as long as he wants.

Apparently it’s a great movie (but I’m not so big on royalty), but I think Helen looks fantastic. Her “I give you the queen” was a tad cheesy, but I’ll let her get away with it.

COME ON MARTY!

I think Will Smith is awesome. And he has spectacular taste in wives.