Mitchell Park Domes - Desert Dome

The closest I'll probably ever come to visiting the desert. Like the pics? Let me know what you think. And remember, visit the Mitchell Park Domes!

Mitchell Park - Third Dome

Within the Domes is a third conservatory set aside for special occasions. This time a wedding was going on, but I took a few shots of the background plants.

Fox Trot Does Portal

I love comics, and I love portal. Fox Trot has he knack of integrating many of the things I love into it's panels. Hope you enjoy.

Mitchell Park - Milwaukee, WI

Now that the weather is finally getting better, I decided to take my kids to the great outdoors. Have not been to Mitchell Park since I was a kid. Love the hills.


Not much of a view off into the distance, but it's still better than a stick in the eye. I kid though, Mitchell Park can be a great place to visit.


Of course there is nothing more interesting to do at Mitchell Park than to visit the Botanical Gardens. You are going to love this place!

Next: Mitchell Park Domes

Bond Live at the Royal Albert Hall

The Bond Live DVD features Haylie Ecker (1st Violin), Eos Chater (2nd Violin), Tania Davis (Viola) and Gay-Yee Westerhoff (Cello).

Initial thoughts:
When one has decided to retire for the evening, sitting in their favourite chair with their favourite cocktail and listening to Bond, it's difficult to not feel transported to a wonderful magical world. I had such an experience the other evening. Yet, I wasn't travelling with 007; on an Indian expedition; dodging the Mafia or mourning a Russian peddler. No, I was at the Royal Albert Hall reliving the day of September 20th, 2000. This is the day Bond recorded their live, world premier performance of Born. Granted, the DVD may be 10 years old but it shouldn't be missed. It simply suggests something else which I'll touch upon later.




The songs of note:
-'Quixote' starts the performance and is one of their signature songs from 'Born'.
-Haylie & Eos perform in 'Duel'; one of my personal favourites, in part because of the pizzicato.
-'Oceanic' is a much slower song, but performed as lovely as ever.
-'Alexander the Great' energizes the concert.
-Fate predicts you'll like 'Kismet' from the talented Gay-Yee.
-Eos presents her 'Bella Donna'. You'll like it.... or ELSE!
-'Korobushka' is a fantastic song which really demonstrates what they group can do and you'll be drawn into their performance.
-Meanwhile, 'The 1812' is a very moving and inspiring song and you'll soon feel the energy Bond puts into it.
-Closing the evening is 'Victory', one of the most recognizable songs of the 'Born' album.
-As a special treat, the foursome also perform the theme to 'Dallas' as well as 'James Bond'. (You might call it Bond on Bond).

Constructive Criticisms:
In reality, there isn't much to complain about. When Bond members address the audience they are not as clear as they could be. Some of the camera effects were dizzying and should have been done without. Personally, I would have started the set with 'Victory' or made it one of the first few songs and closed with 'Korobushka'. 'The 1812' and their 'Victory-Carnival Mix' would then be perfect as the encore set.

Special Features:
1.) The DVD includes bonus videos. One a live performance of 'Viva', the other a recorded version of 'Wintersun'.
2.) Interviews with all four original Bond members.
3.) Photos
4.) Bond Quiz. Completing the quiz rewards you with a special prize, and receiving 100% rewards you with another special prize. Have fun.

Summing It All Up:
Bond Live is a great treat and a MUST for any Bond fan. However, it brings up a point I hinted at earlier. It's been ten years since this was produced. In the interim, they have released several more CD's and Elspeth Hanson has replaced Haylie. With the upcoming release of a new album, perhaps it's time for another live DVD. Whether another concert is released or not, I'm looking forward to the next time Bond transports me to a wonderful magical world with the help of their enchanting music.

When Jillian Left

Jillian, Jillian,

fare thee well.

Jillian, Jillian,

you put them through hell.

You showed they had guts,

You showed they had glory.

Till they broke down and cried,

as they told you their story.

To quit was no option,

as so many found.

You drove even harder,

till they puked on the ground.

You got in their face,

you stood on their backs.

you kept them inspired,

when they tried to relax.

You reminded them all,

it was more than a game.

I'll still watch when you're gone,

but it won't be the same.

J.A.Scott

And Then…

It was a quiet and lonely night
As I closed my eyes in thought
Feeling the rush of wind on my face
And then I was scared no more

I was calm and my body went limp
Remembering the joy of youth
All was safe and I was happy
And then I remembered school

I was awkward and dysfunctional
But my friends were just as much
We were ready to take the world
And then I remembered Melinda

Had an embarrassing crush on her
She was my love and desire
But it was false and unrequited
And then I remembered Mary

Our wedding was delightful
Found someone who wanted me
Willing to give her all I could
And then realized it was a scam

And then I remembered all the fights
And then I remembered when she left
And then remembered what I had done
And then I hit the ground

J.A. Scott