Sunday, January 29, 2012

Winter Hike and Other Things

Where did the weekend go?! Hard to believe its already time to head back to work.

Friday was a great day at work - we held an all provider meeting at work and had about 300 participants and my presentation was well received and I felt good about my connection with crowd.

I've been back on Weight Watchers for the last few weeks and already feel much better about my weight - down 4 pounds! I love the new WW Points Plus program. It's easy to follow, I get to eat as much fruit and vegetables as I want and with the new technology it's all online and the mobile app is excellent!

We went to a couple of movies over the weekend - Joyful Noise





which was okay and King of Devils Island which was excellent.





We had wanted to see it as part of the SIFF last year but missed it but SIFF had a screening of it this weekend we went last night.

We spent much of yesterday morning doing debris clean up in the yard from our winter storm. We had to take two loads of yard waste to the landfill. Despite the rain today we went for a nice 7 mile winter hike at Deception Pass.


















It was nice to get out of the house - Deception Pass is so beautiful.

Listening to the Stanford and Cal game right now as we drive home. Listened to the Oregon and Oregon State game earlier. Hoping Stanford can pull out a win and put the Dawgs is sole possession of 1st place in the PAC-12. The UW - Arizona game yesterday which the Dawgs won was a crazy good game! The matchup between these two have historically been great games! Should make the tournament a lot of fun! Looking forward to it in March!

Have a great week!

Jim

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Friday, January 27, 2012

Gay Marriage Bill Move Foward

A state Senate committee approves gay-marriage legislation after voting down several amendments.
The bill legalizing same-sex marriage cleared the Senate Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee on Thursday with a 4-3 party-line vote after Democrats beat back several attempts to amend the bill.
Supporters say they already have enough votes to approve the measure in both the state Senate and the House, and Gov. Chris Gregoire has said she supports it.
It's not clear when the full Senate will take up the measure, Senate Bill 6239. Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, the bill's prime sponsor said he's pushing for a vote next week, but doesn't know if that will happen.
Sen. Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, would only say she expects the bill to move "fairly quickly."
Democrats have been under pressure by Republicans to speed up work on a $1.5 billion budget shortfall. The GOP contends the majority party has been distracted by issues such as gay marriage.
There were several attempts by Republican opponents on Thursday to amend the same-sex legislation in committee.
Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, attempted to add a provision that would send the gay-marriage law to voters, arguing "a change this significant in long standing state law ... requires more than a simple majority vote of the Legislature."
The amendment was rejected on a party-line vote, along with four other amendments proposed by Sen. Dan Swecker, R-Rochester, an opponent of the legislation.
Swecker's amendments dealt with various protections for religious groups under the proposed law. Essentially, Swecker argues, anyone with religious objections to same-sex marriage should have the ability to decline services to gay couples.
"I have to stick by my religious faith. I really don't have any option. I think we need to give people the right to do that," he said.
Murray said what Swecker proposes "would be outright discrimination. It's not serving people at the lunch counter."
Murray and other proponents of the bill said it already makes clear that churches could decline to be involved in same-sex weddings without risking a discrimination complaint.
State Sen. Craig Pridemore, chairman of the Government Operations committee, said discussions are under way to make sure the exemption for religious organizations could not be vetoed, in order to address concerns raised by opponents. The governor has said she wants the bill to include such protections.
Gay-marriage supporters earlier this week clinched the votes needed to pass a bill through the Legislature when Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, announced her support.
Opponents of the measure have promised to mount a referendum challenge if the Legislature approves the law.
Same-sex marriage is legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
Andrew Garber: 360-236-8266 or agarber@seattletimes.com

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Oscar Nominations

For those who missed the announcement, the following movies earned enough No. 1 votes to become best picture contenders:

Best Picture:

"The Artist" Thomas Langmann, Producer

"The Descendants" Jim Burke, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor, Producers

"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" Scott Rudin, Producer

"The Help" Brunson Green, Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, Producers

"Hugo" Graham King and Martin Scorsese, Producers

"Midnight in Paris" Letty Aronson and Stephen Tenenbaum, Producers

"Moneyball" Michael De Luca, Rachael Horovitz and Brad Pitt, Producers

"The Tree of Life" Nominees to be determined

"War Horse" Steven Spielberg and Kathleen Kennedy, Producer

And here are the other major categories:

Best Director

"The Artist" Michel Hazanavicius

"The Descendants" Alexander Payne

"Hugo" Martin Scorsese

"Midnight in Paris" Woody Allen

"The Tree of Life" Terrence Malick


Actor in a Leading Role

Demián Bichir in "A Better Life"

George Clooney in "The Descendants"

Jean Dujardin in "The Artist"

Gary Oldman in "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"

Brad Pitt in "Moneyball"


Actor in a Supporting Role

Kenneth Branagh in "My Week with Marilyn"

Jonah Hill in "Moneyball"

Nick Nolte in "Warrior"

Christopher Plummer in "Beginners"

Max von Sydow in "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"


Actress in a Leading Role

Glenn Close in "Albert Nobbs"

Viola Davis in "The Help"

Rooney Mara in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"

Meryl Streep in "The Iron Lady"

Michelle Williams in "My Week with Marilyn"


Actress in a Supporting Role

Bérénice Bejo in "The Artist"

Jessica Chastain in "The Help"

Melissa McCarthy in "Bridesmaids"

Janet McTeer in "Albert Nobbs"

Octavia Spencer in "The Help"



Kent and I went to 90 movies last year and the only one we that we missed that was nominated for best picture was "The Tree of Life". We did not go see it when it was released for a number of reasons but one of the main reasons was it was by the same director of "A Thin Red Line" which was also nominated years ago and we hated that movie. This one to be honest looks better to me.

Of all the major categories, best picture, best director, best actor, best actress, and supporting actor and actress we have seen all but the following:

The Tree of Life
Warriors
A Better Life
Albert Nobbs

Not too bad! We will catch at least one - Albert Nobbs this weekend. I really hope that The Tree of Life is rereleased in the Theater - seems like the kind of movie that is better on the big screen.

The Descendants remains my favorite movie of 2011. It's got my vote for best picture!

Four movies that were overlooked in 2011 - Win/Win, Horrible Bosses, Toast and 50/50. All worth checking out!

Go to a movie already!

Jim




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Monday, January 23, 2012

Washington State has enough votes to Okay Gay Marriage

More from NPR.

As lawmakers held their first public hearing on legalizing same-sex marriage, a previously undecided Democratic senator on Monday announced her support for the measure, all but ensuring that Washington will become the seventh state to allow gay and lesbian couples to get married.

The announcement by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, that she would cast the 25th and deciding vote in favor of the issue came as hundreds of people filled the Capitol to advocate for and against gay marriage.

In a written statement issued at the end of a Senate committee hearing on the bill, Haugen said she took her time making up her mind to "to reconcile my religious beliefs with my beliefs as an American, as a legislator, and as a wife and mother who cannot deny to others the joys and benefits I enjoy."

"This is the right vote and it is the vote I will cast when this measure comes to the floor," she said.

The state House is widely expected to have enough support to pass gay marriage, and Gov. Chris Gregoire publicly endorsed the proposal earlier this month. If a marriage bill is passed during this legislative session, gay and lesbian couples will be able to get married starting in June unless opponents file a referendum to challenge it. Opponents have already said they will.

A referendum can't be filed until after the bill is signed into law by Gregoire. Opponents then must turn in 120,577 signatures by July 6.

Opponents and supporters packed a Senate committee hearing for the first public hearing of the most high-profile issue before the Legislature this session. The Senate set up three overflow areas for the public, including the public gallery on the Senate floor.

Gay marriage foes wore buttons that said "Marriage. One Man. One Woman." Others wore stickers that read "Washington United for Marriage," a group that announced in November that it was forming a coalition to support same-sex marriage legislation.

Democratic Sen. Ed Murray, a gay lawmaker from Seattle who has led the push for gay civil rights and domestic partnerships, testified before the Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee with his longtime partner, Michael Shiosaki.

"I have waited 17 years to ask this body to consider marriage equality for gay and lesbian families," said Murray, who is sponsoring the Senate bill. "I realize the issue of marriage for our families is emotional and divisive. It touches what each of us holds most dear, our families."

Others argued that the measure goes against traditional marriage and the Bible.

"You are saying as a committee and a Legislature that you know better than God," said Ken Hutcherson, pastor of Antioch Bible Church.

Committee chairman Craig Pridemore said that no action on the bill would be taken Monday, but that a committee vote would be taken Thursday morning.

The bill is expected to easily pass out of committee, since the four Democratic members, including Pridemore, have all said they would vote yes on the measure. The three Republicans on the committee have all said they will vote against gay marriage.

The House Judiciary Committee was holding a companion hearing in the afternoon.

Washington would join New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia in legalizing gay marriage. The state has had a domestic partnership law since 2007, and an "everything but marriage" law since 2009.

Murray said that upon learning the decisive vote had been secured, he felt "humbled."

"It's an emotional moment," he said. "I want to smile and cry at the same time."

The National Organization for Marriage issued a statement Monday morning pledging a referendum campaign to fight any gay marriage law. Last week, the group announced that it would spend $250,000 to help fund primary challenges to any Republican who crosses party lines to vote for same-sex marriage in Washington state. So far, two Republicans in the Senate, and two in the House have said they would vote in support of gay marriage.

"I want to re-emphasize that we fully expect that this issue is going to end up on the ballot," said Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle and sponsor of the House bill, said at a news conference following Haugen's announcement. "People should not be complacent."

Gay marriage has won the backing of several prominent Pacific Northwest businesses, including Microsoft Corp. and NIKE, Inc., and last week a conservative Democrat who once opposed same-sex marriage said he will now vote for it.

Jane Abbot Lighty, 75, and her partner of 35 years, 84-year-old Pete-e Petersen, celebrated the vote-count announcement after the hearing.

"We could have gone out of state and gotten married," Peterson said Lighty, of Seattle. "We want to be married in our home state."

In October, a University of Washington poll found that an increasing number of people in the state support same-sex marriage. About 43 percent of respondents said they support gay marriage, up from 30 percent in the same poll five years earlier. Another 22 percent said they support giving identical rights to gay couples but just not calling it marriage.

When asked how they would vote if a referendum challenging a gay marriage law was on the ballot, 55 percent said they would vote yes to uphold the law, with 47 percent of them characterized as "strongly" yes, and 38 percent responded "no," that they would vote to reject a gay marriage law.

The gay marriage bills are Senate Bill 6239 and House Bill 2516. [Copyright 2012 The Associated Press]



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And I was there!

OLYMPIA, Wash. —
Opponents and supporters of gay marriage packed a Senate committee hearing Monday for the first public hearing of the most high-profile issue before the Washington state Legislature this session.
Dozens of people crammed into a small Senate committee hearing room, which was quickly filled to capacity as people lined up outside the room two hours in advance of the 10 a.m. start. The Senate set up three overflow areas for the public, including the public gallery on the Senate floor.
Opponents of gay marriage wore buttons that said "Marriage. One Man. One Woman." Others wore stickers that read "Washington United for Marriage," a group that announced in November that it was forming a coalition to support same-sex marriage legislation.
Democratic Sen. Ed Murray, a gay lawmaker from Seattle who has led the push for gay civil rights and domestic partnerships, testified before the Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee with his longtime partner Michael Shiosaki.
"I have waited 17 years to ask this body to consider marriage equality for gay and lesbian families," said Murray, who is sponsoring the Senate bill. "I realize the issue of marriage for our families is emotional and divisive. It touches what each of us holds most dear, our families."
Opponents argued that the measure goes against traditional marriage and the Bible.
"You are saying as a committee and a Legislature that you know better than God," said Ken Hutcherson, pastor of Antioch Bible Church.
The National Organization for Marriage issued a statement Monday morning pledging a referendum campaign to fight any gay marriage law at the ballot. Last week, the group announced that it would spend $250,000 to help fund primary challenges to any Republican who crosses party lines to vote for same-sex marriage in Washington state. So far, two Republicans in the Senate, and two in the House have said they would vote in support of gay marriage.
Gay marriage has won the backing of several prominent Pacific Northwest businesses, including Microsoft Corp. and NIKE, Inc., and last week a conservative Democrat who once opposed same-sex marriage said he will now vote for it.
The state House is widely expected to have enough support to pass gay marriage, and Gov. Chris Gregoire publicly endorsed the proposal earlier this month.
The state Senate is now just one vote shy of having the 25 votes needed to approve the bill, with a half-dozen lawmakers remaining uncommitted.
In October, a University of Washington poll found that an increasing number of people in the state support same-sex marriage. About 43 percent of respondents said they support gay marriage, up from 30 percent in the same poll five years earlier. Another 22 percent said they support giving identical rights to gay couples but just not calling it marriage.
When asked how they would vote if a referendum challenging a gay marriage law was on the ballot, 55 percent said they would vote yes to uphold the law, with 47 percent of them characterized as "strongly" yes, and 38 percent responded "no," that they would vote to reject a gay marriage law.
If a marriage bill were passed during this legislative session, gay and lesbian couples would be able to get married starting in June unless opponents file a referendum to challenge it at the ballot.
Under the bills being considered by the Legislature, people currently registered in domestic partnerships would have two years to either dissolve their relationship or get married. Domestic partnerships that aren't ended prior to June 30, 2014, would automatically become marriages.
Domestic partnerships would remain for senior couples where at least one partner is 62 years old or older. That provision was included by lawmakers in 2007 to help seniors who don't remarry out of fear they could lose certain pension or Social Security benefits.
The measure doesn't require religious organizations or churches to perform marriages, and doesn't subject them to penalties if they don't marry gay or lesbian couples.
But several religious groups have opposed any discussion of gay marriage. This month, the Catholic bishops of Washington issued a statement saying that same-sex marriage was not in the public interest and calling on "the citizens of this state to maintain the legal definition of marriage."
Washington state along with several other states, including California, Oregon and New Jersey, have laws that either recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships that afford same-sex couples some or nearly all of the rights to marriage.
Washington state has had a domestic partnership law since 2007, and a so-called "everything but marriage" law since 2009.
Same-sex marriage is legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia. Lawmakers in New Jersey and Maryland are expected to debate gay marriage this year as well.
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The gay marriage bills are Senate Bill 6239 and House Bill 2516.
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Rachel La Corte can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/RachelAPOly
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Online:
http://www.leg.wa.gov .



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We have the votes!

Exciting news out of Olympia!  What a great day for marriage equality!  From the Seattle Times.

Gay marriage in Washington: Legislature has the votes

The Washington state Legislature has enough votes to pass legislation legalizing same-sex marriage.
Quantcast
OLYMPIA — Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, announced Monday that she supports gay-marriage legislation in the Senate, giving proponents the 25 votes needed for passage.
The state House already has enough lawmakers in support of the measure to approve it. Gov. Chris Gregoire backs the bill as well.
Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, prime sponsor of the measure in the Senate, had thought he'd have to put the legislation up for a floor vote without knowing the outcome.
That all changed Monday.
"I know this announcement makes me the so-called 25th vote, the vote that ensures passage. That's neither here nor there. If I were the first or the seventh or the 28th vote, my position would not be any different," Haugen said in a statement.
"I happen to be the 25th because I insisted on taking this much time to hear from my constituents and to sort it out for myself, to reconcile my religious beliefs with my beliefs as an American, as a legislator, and as a wife and mother who cannot deny to others the joys and benefits I enjoy," she added. Haugen said her preference would be to send the issue to voters to decide, but there aren't the votes in the Legislature to do that.
Murray praised Haugen as courageous, noting her district is divided politically.
"This was a very difficult decision for her to make, personally and politically," he said. "These were heart-to-heart discussions and she worked through her own process."
The announcement comes on the same day that supporters and opponents of gay marriage packed hearings on the legislation in the state House and Senate.
Murray testified in the Senate Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee that he'd been waiting for 17 years for a chance to ask the Legislature to legalize gay marriage.
"Ultimately," he said, "this bill is about people who love and cherish each other and wish to honor that commitment through marriage."
Opponents have vowed to challenge legalization of same-sex marriage at the ballot.
"This is so much more than a legal debate," Joseph Backholm, with the Family Policy Institute of Washington, testified at the hearing, arguing it should go to voters. "The institution of marriage does not belong to the Legislature. It belongs to the people."
The National Organization for Marriage, NOM, on Monday pledged its support to help mount a referendum campaign. The same group last week announced it would spend $250,000 in Washington state to help defeat any Republican who supports the bill.
Several polls show a majority of people in Washington as well as the nation support same-sex marriage.
A poll conducted in October by University of Washington associate professor Matt Baretto, showed that 55 percent of voters in Washington would preserve same-sex marriage in a referendum if it appeared on the ballot.
So far, 23 Democrats and two Republicans in the state Senate have said they'll vote for the bill.
State Sens. Andy Hill, R-Redmond; Joe Fain, R-Auburn; Paull Shin, D-Edmonds; and Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, are uncommitted, according to the lawmakers or members of their staffs.
Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, has declined to comment, but records show he's opposed every gay-rights bill that's come up for a vote in the past.
Once the hearings are over, the bills could move out of committee by Thursday in the Senate and by Jan. 30 in the House. The chairmen of both committees said they have the votes they need. The House bill is also expected to go through the House Ways and Means Committee. It's not clear if the Senate's measure will go through Senate Ways and Means.
In the U.S., same-sex marriage is legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
Seattle Times staff reporter Lornet Turnbull contributed to this story.
Andrew Garber: 360-236-8267 or agarber@seattletimes.com
Marriage Equality Testimony

I am heading to Olympia this morning - here is a draft of my testimony.  I hope I get selected to testify!  Wish me luck!

Good Morning Mr. Chair and members of the Committee. Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts on marriage equality in Washington State. For the record my name is Jim Vollendroff  - I was raised in Grays Harbor County - frankly not a very easy place for a gay kid to grow up.  I now reside in Auburn WA.   I am here today to ask for your support in making Washington State the 7th state along with the District of Columbia  to recognize that granting marriage rights to loving committed same sex couples is the right thing to do.   It is  good for families, business and the community. In addition same sex marriage is legal in 10 Countries in this world including our neighbors to the North in Canada.   To our South Mexico City also performs same-sex marriages, which are recognized in all 31 Mexican states.  It's time to become a part of  the neighborhood so to speak.


My partner Kent and I have been together for 14 years.  We have been registered domestic partners in this state since 2007 and the second   the law allows, we will be married.  I love my husband just as much as anyone of you and anyone else in this room loves their husband or wife.  I hurt when he hurts, I worry when he is late, I feel pride when he shines and I am committed to our life together.  Together with our three dogs we are a family - marriage helps build stable families.  All couples in loving and committed relationships should be given the opportunity to create stronger and more successful families through civil marriage.   The respect, protection, and commitment that marriage represents should be available to all loving couples in Washington.
I was raised Catholic, went to private school and was an altar boy.  For a short period of time I even went to the seminary.  The Catholic church and other religious organizations that condemn same sex unions and homosexuality in general are losing out on otherwise committed members of the congregation.   Regardless religious organizations will not have to perform same sex marriages.     Senate Bill 6239 is asking for civil marriage. If lesbian and gay marriages are legalized, churches still would not be required to perform them—just as the First Amendment protects.  Lesbian and gay couples who marry in civil ceremonies would be recognized by the state.
Times are changing and the tide is turning in the direction of recognizing and celebrating that loving committed relationships regardless of gender is good for communities.   I am reminded of a situation in which I was at a parade in Portland - sitting next to a young father and his daughter.  A gay couple walked by holding hands and the daughter who was probably 7-or 8 said to her Dad - "those men are holding hands".  I braced myself for what this young man might say to his child.  In one of the most loving and positive example of role modeling, this young father says to his child - "wouldn't the world be a boring place if we were all the same - it takes all kinds to make the world go around".  It is time to celebrate every day the diversity among us and to recognize that our diversity is the one true thing we all have in common.
In Washington State and the nation, the majority of citizens now support marriage equality.  Legalizing marriage won't erase the bias we face every day, but having the law be right is a significant step forward and an indication that as a community we are evolving.
Polls show more Americans now support the idea of same-sex marriage than oppose it.  This support is especially strong among young people so support will only grow.
 Now is the time for marriage equality in Washington State.  I ask you to support Senate Bill 6239.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Where to begin....

It's hard to believe that next week is already the last full week of January!  How he hell did that happen?  It's been a crazy busy month between work, snow, ice and colds!  I am fighting off a cold that has been hanging on the better part of the last two weeks.  Feels like I am on the mend although I did go sleep on the couch last night so not to keep Kent up all night! 

As you can see by the blog postings or re-postings to be more accurate, I've been following the saga of Marriage Equality fairly close.  Tomorrow in Olympia is a hearing in both the House and the Senate that I plan to attend.  I will sign up to testify although and hope I get selected although it's doubtful - there will be so many people that they will select individuals at random.  Still going to give it a try.  I'll keep you posted.  I have also taken the entire day off on 2/16/12  - it's Marriage Equality Lobby Day.  I would love if anyone wants to join me!

The ice and snow that we had last week in nearly gone.  What a mess it was!  People across the county see us as wimps here in the Northwest when it comes to snow and but the ice storm we had was a real challenge.  Kent was in Denver on business and since they closed all three runways at SeaTac for the better part of Thursday morning his flight was canceled.  Being skiers I have not problem driving in the snow and we have a 4-wheel drive but the ice was another story!  Here are a few more pictures from our yard.  In the end there was significant tree damage.  We will have to take several out that were damaged or destroyed.

Lastly - I've been working on taking off weight that has crept on over the past 5-6 months.  It's such a challenge for me.  It's a challenge to get running in during the winter when I hate running in the dark.  Thankfully the days are slowly getting longer.  I noticed on Saturday when we were leaving a basketball game at 5:20pm it was still kinda light out! I have decided that my next destination marathon will be in Chicago in October. In the mean time I'll probably hit a local one and several half marathons.  To help get the weight off I joined Weight Watchers for Men online.  I am really enjoying it.  I love the flexibility of the program and the app for the iPhone.  Weight Watchers has always worked for me so it feels good to commit and get serious about taking off about 15-20 pounds.  I'll blog more about that later.  Marathon completion time always go up when my weight is down!

Have a good one -

Jim 

Packed hearings likely Monday on gay-marriage bills

From today's Seattle Times - I am taking the morning off from work so I can attend! If you can make it I encourage yout o attend!  As Joe Bidden would say - "This is a big F'ing deal"!   Happy to provide a ride for anyone.
Hearings on gay marriage legislation are scheduled Monday in Olympia, and supporters and opponents are working to persuade lawmakers.
 Gay marriage hearings
HEARINGS ARE SCHEDULED MONDAY on two identical gay-marriage bills, HB 2516 and SB 6239, in the state House and Senate in Olympia.
Senate: 10 a.m. in the Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections, Senate hearing room 2, J.A. Cherberg Building. A series of prearranged three-person panels, both pro and con, will speak, then the committee chairman will pick people at random who signed up to speak. The hearing will last for about two hours.
House: 1:30 p.m. in the House Committee on Judiciary, hearing room A, John L. O'Brien Building. Five bills are on the agenda, and gay marriage is the last one. It's expected to be heard around 2:30 p.m.; testimony will go for an hour.
Watch the hearings: Both will be aired live on TVW.
OLYMPIA — With gay-marriage legislation only one vote short of approval in the state Senate, pressure is building on five uncommitted senators who will likely decide the issue.
A coalition of religious conservatives is lobbying lawmakers in Olympia to oppose same-sex marriage, while the National Organization for Marriage announced last week it would spend $250,000 in Washington state to help defeat any Republican who supports the bill.
On the other side, a well-funded campaign of religious, labor and community groups called Washington United for Marriage is working to amass public support. And several corporations, including Microsoft, have endorsed the legislation.
The uncommitted lawmakers are being inundated with calls, emails and lobbyist visits. The first hearings on the legislation, scheduled for Monday in the House and Senate, could heat matters up even more.
A town-hall meeting held by Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, earlier this month opened a window into what some senators are facing.
The packed Whidbey Island meeting, caught on videotape and posted on the Internet, shows same-sex-marriage supporters booing and one calling Haugen a "racist" and a "homophobe" when she advocated sending the issue to voters.
"What we're asking you to do is vote in favor of civil rights. Not what your district says," one person in the audience told her.
Haugen has turned down requests for interviews and isn't indicating how she'll vote.
When Sen. Jim Kastama, D-Puyallup, announced his support for the bill last week, he said he knows of childhood friends in his district "who will never forgive me for this vote."
Aside from Haugen, state Sens. Andy Hill, R-Redmond; Joe Fain, R-Auburn; Paull Shin, D-Edmonds; and Brian Hatfield, D-Raymond, are uncommitted, according to the lawmakers or members of their staffs.
Sen. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, has declined to comment, but records show he's opposed every gay-rights bill that's come up for a vote in the past.
The state House already has enough lawmakers in support of the measure to approve it. Gov. Chris Gregoire backs the bill, as well.
Big crowds expected
Big crowds are expected for the hearings on Monday.
Stand for Marriage Washington — a loosely organized coalition of conservative lawmakers, well-known evangelical pastors, the Tri-City Tea Party and the Constitution Party of Washington — predicts as many as 10,000 people will flood the Capitol for a noontime rally in opposition to gay marriage.
"We have to create among these legislators a belief that they will lose their jobs if they vote to redefine this law," said Joseph Backholm, of Washington Family Policy Institute, a member of the coalition. "We have to convince them to be more afraid of us than of the other side."
Six other states and the District of Columbia have legalized same-sex marriage. But unlike the battles in those places, the debate in Washington is not over providing gays and lesbians benefits such as hospital visitation rights and estate planning.
Over several years, gay-rights groups and state lawmakers have built upon a domestic-partnership law that now grants same-sex couples the same rights and benefits as married people. In 2009 they successfully fought off Referendum 71, which sought to repeal the final installment of that law.
Now the only thing left to fight over is the right of gay and lesbian couples to be able to call their relationships marriage under state law.
That's a challenge for the opposition, said Matt Baretto, an associate professor of political science at the University of Washington who conducts the Washington Poll.
Supporters of the gay-marriage bill will argue that Washington has a system of "separate but equal" when it comes to marriage, he said.
"We've tried separate but equal; it doesn't work," he said. "It will be difficult for the other side to overcome that."
But the Rev. Joe Fuiten, pastor of the Cedar Park Church in Bothell, calls gay marriage "one of those lines-in-the-sand issues, and for Christians a clear line has been crossed here."
Fuiten was not part of the Ref. 71 campaign to repeal the latest state domestic-partnership law, but he has joined this fight.
"They are changing the definition of the relationship that I have, not just granting an opportunity for homosexuals," he said. "It's not like anybody will be better off after this than before, though they will try to confuse it. All they can do is make the equality argument, but it really doesn't stand up to intellectual scrutiny."
Sen. Craig Pridemore, D-Vancouver, chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections, which will hold the Senate hearing, said he's ready for a crowd.
In addition to the main hearing room, there will be two overflow rooms and the Senate galleries where people can watch the proceedings on television.
Favored in committees
Once the hearings are over, the bills could move out of committee by Thursday in the Senate and by Jan. 30 in the House. The chairmen of both committees said they have the votes they need. The House bill is also expected to go through the House Ways and Means Committee. It's not clear if the Senate's measure will go through Senate Ways and Means.
Gay-marriage advocates say the earliest the bills could get floor votes would be the first part of February.
Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, prime sponsor of the bill in the House, worries about what could happen before a vote is taken.
For example, "We have a series of controversial issues that are going to be before the Legislature (including budget and tax votes), and legislators have a limited tolerance for taking controversial votes. So one thing that I worry about is what else is going on that interacts with the bill," he said.
Still, Pedersen said, "I feel pretty good about where we are in the House."
Meanwhile, the bill's sponsor in the Senate, Ed Murray, D-Seattle, remains unsure he'll get the one additional vote needed to pass the measure in that chamber.
In fact, Murray said there's a good chance he'll try to bring the bill up for a floor vote without knowing if he has the necessary 25 votes for passage.
And there's no guarantee the bill will even make it to the floor for a vote.
For controversial bills, each procedural step toward a vote presents an opportunity for opponents to derail or at least stall the legislation, Murray said. Also, some lawmakers are expected to try to amend the bill to include a referendum clause requiring voters to decide whether the measure becomes law.
That could be a close vote, but Murray said he has enough support to keep such a clause from being approved.
In the end, though, voters may well determine whether Washington becomes the seventh state to legalize same-sex marriage.
Some of the same groups opposed to gay marriage are those that unsuccessfully tried to overturn the state's domestic-partnership law with Ref. 71.
Gary Randall, president of the conservative Faith and Freedom Network, said there will be a challenge at the ballot if the Legislature legalizes same-sex marriage.
"It will be a different story than Referendum 71," he said.
Andrew Garber: 360-236-8266 or agarber@seattletimes.com
Lornet Turnbull: 206-464-2420 or lturnbull@seattletimes.com

Friday, January 20, 2012

Snow and Ice

Well I finally made it out of the house after two days of snow and ice. Kent was stranded in Denver but managed to get a flight to Portland today and will drive home from there. Several trees down around our place. Here are a few pictures.












This last one was what I woke up to this morning across our driveway. Damn it I just planted that three 5 years ago and I loved it!

I'll post more pictures later.

Jim

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Thursday, January 19, 2012

Another Article from the Tacoma New Tribune

Legislature within one vote of backing gay marriage after Sen. Jim Kastama’s announcement

Post by Jordan Schrader / The News Tribune on Jan. 19, 2012 at 12:55 pm |

Kastama, a Puyallup Democrat who was wavering on the issue, today became the 24th state senator to say he will vote for legal recognition of same-sex marriages.

Supporters need 25 votes in the Senate and 50 in the House, where at least 49 Democrats and two Republicans have committed to voting for it. No one’s declaring victory yet, but I’ve heard from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle who say privately they expect at least one more Senate vote to emerge.

Two Republicans and 22 Democrats have endorsed gay marriage rights in the Senate, including Kastama, a moderate who in 1998 voted for a law that defined marriage as a union between a man and woman.

“I think we have all evolved” since 1998, Kastama said of his change of heart. “I’m like many people who have searched for answers on this issue.”

His conclusion: “To strengthen marriage as a valued institution, it must evolve to meet the needs of today’s couples.”

Gov. Chris Gregoire has also changed her mind and introduced the legislation that is expected to be heard Monday.

Kastama said this won’t be popular with many people in his suburban district, which is part of why he said it was a difficult decision. But he’s not running for re-election. Instead, he’s running statewide for secretary of state. Statewide polls indicate supporters of gay marriage rights outnumber opponents.

Kastama said those calculations didn’t enter into his decision, and he did vote for an expansion of domestic partnership benefits in 2006. He said some people have told him it might even hurt him in his race. But with other Democrats in the race mostly standing to the left of centrist Kastama, it could at least help him get through a crowded primary.

UPDATE 2 p.m.: Several businesses also endorsed same sex marriage today. Sen. Ed Murray said Microsoft, RealNetworks, Group Health Cooperative, Vulcan, Nike and others now back his measure.


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State Senate now 1 vote short on gay marriage

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington Legislature edged closer to having enough support to legalize gay marriage Thursday as major businesses declared their approval and a conservative Democrat who once opposed same-sex marriage said he will now vote for it.

The state Senate is now just one vote shy of having enough backing to approve the bill, with a half-dozen lawmakers remaining uncommitted. Microsoft Corp. is among several prominent businesses that are publicly supporting the measure, with general counsel Brad Smith saying in a blog posting that the bill would "be good for our business and good for the state's economy."

"As other states recognize marriage equality, Washington's employers are at a disadvantage if we cannot offer a similar, inclusive environment to our talented employees, our top recruits and their families," Smith said. Six other states allow gay marriage.

Sen. Jim Kastama of Puyallup announced his decision to support gay marriage in a press conference Thursday, becoming the 24th senator to commit a vote to the measure. The state House is widely expected to have enough support to pass gay marriage, and Gov. Chris Gregoire publicly endorsed the proposal earlier this month.

Kastama voted in 1998 for a law defining marriage as between one man and one woman. In 2009, he supported an expansion of the state's domestic partnership laws.

Kastama said some will likely never forgive him for his support gay marriage. But he said society has changed and that it is necessary for marriage to evolve to strengthen it as a valued institution.

"I think that is a progression that I think many people have gone through in our society," Kastama said. "I think we have all evolved, and I think this is a culmination of that."

Other businesses that declared their support for same-sex marriage Friday include RealNetworks Inc., NIKE Inc. and Vulcan Inc.


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Microsoft, Vulcan and other Company's support Gay Marriage

From today's Seattle Times.

A letter signed by six prominent companies including Microsoft, was sent to legislative leaders on Thursday stating their support for gay marriage legislation in the state House and Senate.

As letters of support go, it's very short: "We write you today to show the support of our respective companies for SB 6239 and HB 2516 recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples."

In addition to Microsoft, the letter was signed by officials from Vulcan, NIKE, RealNetworks, Group Health Cooperative, and Concur.

Microsoft created a flap in 2005 when said it was neutral on the initial gay-rights legislation. It failed in the Senate by one vote that year. After heavy criticism, the company later changed its position and endorsed the legislation, as well as subsequent bills, including domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.

The company last week said it was reviewing the legislation and had not decided whether to take a position.

Microsoft just issued a short statement explaining it's support:
"Microsoft is joining other Northwest employers Concur, Group Health Cooperative, Nike, RealNetworks and Vulcan Inc. in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. This position builds on our history of supporting corporate and public policies that promote inclusion and equality.
"Microsoft's greatest asset is a talented workforce as diverse as our customers. As other states recognize marriage equality, Washington's employers are at a disadvantage if we cannot offer a similar, equitable and inclusive environment to our talented employees, our top recruits and their families. This legislation would put Washington employers on equal footing with employers in the six other states that already recognize the committed relationships of same-sex couples. Passing the bill would be good for our business and for the state's economy."

You can read a longer explanation by Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel and executive vice president for legal and corporate affairs on the company blog.


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Saturday, January 14, 2012

Catholic bishops to flock: Fight same-sex marriage

From today's Seattle PI.com

Washington's four Roman Catholic bishops have taken a foursquare stand against legalization of same-sex marriage, a cause rapidly gaining momentum in the State Legislature.

Catholics should contact their legislators and tell them to "defend the current definition of marriage" against legislation to legalize marriage between same-sex couples, the bishops declared in a strongly worded pastoral letter posted late Friday.
Society's recognition of marriage is "related to bringing children into the world and the continuation of the human race," argue the bishops, and any change of definition would add "to the forces already undermining family life today."
The letter is signed by Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, Spokane Bishop Blase Cupich, Yakima Bishop Joseph J. Tyson, and Seattle Auxiliary Bishop Eusebio Elizondo. It is published on the Archdiocese of Seattle web site.
"My first reaction, as a practicing Catholic, is that this is very hurtful," said State Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, chief sponsor of marriage equality. Murray is a gay man in a 20-year committed relationship.

Earlier Friday, 23 senators introduced legislation to allow same-sex couples to receive marriage licenses. The marriage equality legislation was requested by Gov. Christine Gregoire, who is also a Catholic.
The Catholic bishops root their argument in what they see as the role of procreation in marriage.
"Marriage is certainly about the public recognition of a relationship between a man and a woman," said the letter. "But it is much more. Marriage in faith and societal traditions is acknowledged as the foundation of civilization."

"It has long been recognized that the stability of society depends on the stability of family life in which a man and a woman conceive and nurture new life."
The Catholic bishops argue that "civil recognition of marriage" has sought to bestow "on countless generations of children the incomparable benefits of a loving mother and father committed to one another in lifelong union."

"Were the definition of marriage to change, there would be no special laws to support and recognize the irreplacable contribution that these married couples make to society, and to the common good by bringing to life the next generation."

The definition of marriage has been undergoing change by courts and legislators. Six states and the District of Columbia have legalized marriage between couples of the same sex. Nine states, including Washington, have extended legal recognition and rights to domestic partners.
Several of the states where same-sex marriage is legal -- notably Massachusetts and Connecticut -- are heavily Catholic.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York, a Catholic, pushed his legislature to approve same-sex marriage last spring. Another Catholic governor, Martin O'Malley of Maryland, is campaigning for approval. Gov. Jerry Brown of California, a former seminarian, has refused to defend a narrowly passed initiative that rolled back gay marriage.

Catholic bishops in Washington have taken progressive stands on numerous social issues. They have championed the rights of immigrants, defended social programs, opposed the death penalty, and even taken a strong position for restoring decimated Columbia River salmon runs.
But the statement released Friday upholds traditional Catholic teachings, and appeals beyond the faithful.

"Upholding the present definition of marriage does not depend on anyone's religious beliefs," the bishops argue. "Washington State's present law defining marriage as a 'civil contract between a male and a female' is grounded not in faith, but in reason and the experience of society.

"It recognizes the value of marriage as a bond of personal relationships but also in terms of the unique and irreplacable potential of a man and woman to conceive and nurture new life, thus contributing to the continuation of the human race."
The bishops end their letter by calling for practical action, adding.

"We urge you to contact your own State Senator and your two State Representatives to request that they defend the current legal definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman."

The letter will be made available -- or read -- at Saturday vigil and Sunday masses around the state.
The reaction is hard to predict.
Bishops often refer to their "flock," but American Catholics do not behavie like sheep. An ABC News/Washington Post poll last spring found that 63 percent of Catholics in the U.S. support civil marriage betwen same-sex couples.

In Minnesota, where the Catholic Church is supporting a constitutional amendment entrenching heterosexual marriage, Minneapolis Archbishop John Nienstedy has issued a warning to priests:
"There ought not to be open dissension on this issue. If any have private reservations, I do not wish that they be shared publicly. If anyone believes in conscience he cannot cooperate, I want him to contact me directly and I will plan to respond personally."

As in New York, the legislation introduced in Olympia Friday would allow churches and clergy full rights in terms of who they choose to marry, and whether to allow marriage on church property.

"As the bill is written, the church would never be forced to marry people of the same sex or divorced people," said Murray.




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Wednesday, January 11, 2012

From the AP

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington state Legislature is on the verge of having enough support to approve gay marriage, with votes continuing to realign in the state Senate, according to a tally by The Associated Press.

The AP has reached out to all 49 state senators over the past week and found that more lawmakers are firmly supporting gay marriage than opposing it, by a margin of 22-18. The measure needs 25 votes to pass the Senate.

Four other Democrats say they are considering whether to support it, including one who is leaning in favor. A pair of Republicans is among those supporting the proposal, and two first-term GOP members said they are still discussing the issue with constituents.

The House is widely expected to have enough support, and Gov. Chris Gregoire publicly endorsed gay marriage for the first time last week.

Democratic Sen. Ed Murray, a gay lawmaker from Seattle who has for years led efforts to approve same-sex marriage, said that he's "50 percent optimistic" it will pass. He noted that he saw a gay civil rights measure he spearheaded lose by one vote in 2005 before it passed by a single vote the following year.
"I can't declare victory," he said. "I don't think we'll know we have the votes until we actually vote."

Of the undecided Democrats, Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe of Bothell said she was likely to support the measure but not yet willing to commit.

Three members who have previously cast votes against expanding options for gay couples — Sens. Brian Hatfield of Raymond, Jim Kastama of Puyallup and Paull Shin of Edmonds — said they were considering supporting gay marriage.

Hatfield said it was an issue he was grappling with because he understands the opinions on both sides. He has become a devoted Christian in recent years but also talks with liberal groups. He said that he was simply "torn" by the debate and the backlash sure to come no matter what his decision is. "The supporters of the bill determine you're a 'hateful bigot' if you vote no, while the opponents question your faith and say you're 'turning your back on God' if you vote yes," Hatfield said.

Hatfield and Shin both opposed a domestic partnership law in 2009. Kastama, who voted in 1998 to define marriage as between one man and one woman, supported the 2009 law and said he is now exploring what has happened in states that have approved gay marriage and is hearing arguments from both sides.

The two Republican senators who are now supporting gay marriage — Steve Litzow of Mercer Island and Cheryl Pflug of Maple Valley — said the issue was a matter of equality.
"I don't feel diminished when another human being is allowed to exercise the same rights that I enjoy," Pflug said. "I would feel diminished if I voted to deny others the right to exercise those same rights and freedoms."

Two first-term Republicans representing suburban districts — Sens. Joe Fain of Auburn and Andy Hill of Redmond — also left open the possibility of supporting the bill, saying they want to discuss the issue with constituents. They declined to say whether they were leaning in any direction.

Democratic Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen of Camano Island said she wasn't willing to support anything that didn't allow a vote of the people.

Murray said that each undecided lawmaker he has talked with on the issue "has a very difficult personal struggle."
"This isn't a policy debate, or something you can trade a vote for," he said. "It's such a personal decision."

Two Democrats are among the 18 declared "no" votes on the gay marriage proposal. Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, previously supported domestic partnerships but said he wasn't willing to go further. "I would not support changing the definition of marriage," he said.

The increased collection of support, mirroring shifts in public opinion on gay marriage, is coming 15 years after lawmakers overrode a governor's veto to pass a law defining marriage as between one man and one woman. Since then, lawmakers have expanded gay rights, including the state's initial domestic partnership law passed in 2007 and the final expansion of that law — so-called "everything but marriage" — in 2009 that was later upheld by voters. Murray said the same-sex marriage bill would be introduced by the end of this week.

Gay marriage is legal in six states.

Some Democratic supporters of gay marriage said they felt a sense of urgency to get gay marriage through the Legislature this year, in case Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna wins in November. McKenna has said he opposes same-sex marriage.
"This is a window of opportunity," Kline said. "For that very reason, it's going to be an all-out push."
_


Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/AP-Gay-marriage-within-reach-in-Wash-Legislature-2471287.php#ixzz1jCM5aA8s


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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Gregoire proposes legislation to legalize gay marriage

Breaking News from the Seattle Times! Looks like Washington will in fact be the next state to attempt to legalize same sex marriage. Please join me in supporting marriage equality in our state!

Posted by Andrew Garber

Gov. Chris Gregoire on Wednesday said she'll put forward legislation to legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples.

The proposal will be introduced during the legislative session that starts Monday. If it's approved, Washington would become the seventh state to legalize gay marriage.

"It's time, it's the right thing to do, and I will introduce a bill to do it," Gregoire said in a statement.

"Our gay and lesbian families face the same hurdles as heterosexual families -- making ends meet, choosing what school to send their kids to, finding someone to grow old with, standing in front of friends and family and making a lifetime commitment," Gregoire said.

"For all couples, a state marriage license is very important. It gives them the right to enter into a marriage contract in which their legal interests, and those of their children if any, are protected by well-established civil law."

Currently, gay marriage is legal in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa and the District of Columbia, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Gregoire has supported giving gay and lesbian partners the same rights that married couples have today, but has never endorsed same-sex marriage publicly.

The announcement represents a change for Gregoire. While running for governor in 2004, she supported legal rights for same-sex couples but said, "I do not believe that Washington state is ready to support gay marriage."
In a 2008 interview, when she ran for a second term, Gregoire explained her beliefs in more detail.

"There are two issues here," she said. "One is the state's responsibility. To me, the state's responsibility is to absolutely ensure equality. The other is a religious issue, and I leave it to the churches to make that call about marriage."

State Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, a gay lawmaker and leader in the marriage effort, said the gay-marriage legislation being developed would "amend the statutes to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry and to get a marriage license under Washington state law."
However, he said, churches wouldn't be required to perform marriage services for gay and lesbian couples.

Democrats hold a 27-22 majority in the state Senate and a 56-42 advantage in the state House. However, some conservative Democrats in the Senate have voted with Republicans in the past to oppose extending rights to same-sex couples.

The marriage-equality campaign is the result of years of effort by Murray and other backers of gay rights.

The Legislature first passed a law in 2006 prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, lending and insurance. The rights of same-sex couples have been expanded in a series of subsequent laws, culminating in 2009's "everything but marriage law," which was upheld by a public vote on Referendum 71 that fall.


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Sunday, January 1, 2012

Ornament II

While in San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl Kent and I picked up a couple more ornaments for the tree. So very Texas!





Christmas cactus and The Alamo ball.

Finally when I was taking down the tree I discovered this 787 that Kent picked up - he's moved on to a new program at Boeing but the 787 consumed a lot of his time over the past several years and is fitting to be a part of our tree.


Glad to be done with Christmas. Ready for 2012 and all my resolutions which will be a blog post of its own! Since I was able to get in three long runs while in Texas, I continued the streak and started the day off with a nice 7.5 mile run around the neighborhood.


We took in our first movie of 2012 today. We saw Young Adult. I gave it a B, while Kent have it a C+. Charlize Theron was excellent.


Finally not sure if it will go anyplace or not - but we are going to look at a new house tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

Later -

Jim
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2011 Movies Recap

It's that time of year to reflect on the movies we've seen and decide which might be worthy of an Academy Award or at the very least a recommendation. The Academy Awards will be announced later this month. It was a record year for Kent and I for movie attendance this year. As crazy as it sounds we went to 41 MORE movies this year than last! We ended 2011 having seen 90 movies! Here's a complete list of the movies we saw by date. Since we always rate our movies A-F, I've included both Kent's and my ratings so you can see our favorites.

1. Black Swan - 1/3
Kent- B Jim- B+
2. Tangled - 1/7
Kent - B Jim - B
3. The Green Hornet - 1/14
Kent - B Jim - B-
4. Blue Valentine - 1/16
Kent - B Jim - B+
5. The Company Men - 1/22
Kent - B Jim - B-
6. No Strings Attached - 1/27
Kent - B- Jim - A-
7. The Way Back - 1/28
Kent - A- Jim - B+
8. Another Year - 2/6
Kent - B+ Jim- B
9. Sanctum - 2/9
Kent - C Jim - B
10. Breakfast at Tiffany's - 2/12
Kent - B Jim - B
11. The Eagle - 2/13
Kent - B Jim - B
12. UnKnown - 2/18
Kent - B Jim - B
13. I am Number Four - 2/19
Kent - B Jim - B+
14. The Adjustment Bureau -3/20
Kent - B Jim - B
15. Battle LA - 3/24
Kent - C+ Jim - C
16. Lincoln Lawyer - 3/25
Kent - B Jim B+
17. Rango - 3/26
Kent - C- Jim - C -
18. Paul - 3/29
Kent - C+ Jim - C+
19. Source Code - 4/1
Kent - B+ Jim - B+
20. Just Go With It - 4/3
Kent - C Jim - C+
21. Win/Win - 4/8
Kent A - Jim - A
22. Hanna - 4/9
Kent - D+ Jim - D
23. The Conspirator - 4/16
Kent- B Jim - B
24. Water for Elephants - 4/24
Kent - B Jim- B
25. Rio - 4/29
Kent - B Jim - B
26. Thor - 5/8
Kent - B Jim - B+
27. Hesher - 5/15
Kent - C- Jim - B
28. Beginners - 5/24
Kent- C Jim- B
29. Bridesmaids - 5/27
Kent - B+ Jim- B
30. Four More Years - 5/28
Kent - B+ Jim - B
31. Boy Meets Boy - 5/28
Kent - B - Jim - B-
32. Gun Hill Road - 5/29
Kent - B- Jim - B
33. Do You See Colors When
You Close Your Eyes - 5/31
Kent - B Jim- B+
34. Wasted on the Young - 6/2
Kent - B+ Jim - B+
35. X-Men: First Class - 6/3
Kent - B- Jim- B
36. Absent - 6/10
Kent - B Jim - B-
37. Toast - 6/12
Kent - A- Jim - A
38. Super 8 - 6/13
Kent - B+ Jim - A-
39. Insidious - 6/14
Kent - B+ Jim - B-
40. Green Lantern - 6/22
Kent - B- Jim - B
41. Midnight in Paris - 6/24
Kent - B Jim - B
42. Transformers - Dark of the
Moon - 6/29
Kent - B- Jim - B
43. Horrible Bosses - 7/8
Kent- A- Jim- A-
44. Limitless - 7/9
Kent- B -Jim- B-
45. The Fast and The Furious -
7/9
Kent - C Jim - B
46. Harry Potter - Deadly Hollows
Part 2 - 7/17
Kent - B+ Jim- B+
47. Rise of the Planet of the
Apes - 8/8
Kent - B+ Jim B
48. Friends with Benefits - 8/10
Jim - B + Kent - B+
49. The Help - 8/13
Kent - B Jim - B-
50. The Hangover Part II - 8/13
Kent - C- Jim- C
51. Captain America - 8/15
Kent - B- Jim - B-
52. Fright Night 3D - 8/20
Kent - C+ Jim- C
53. Crazy, Stupid, Love - 8/31
Kent - B- Jim - B+
54. Bad Teacher - 9/2
Kent - C Jim - C-
55. The Driver - 9/17
Kent - C+ Jim - B
56. Contagion - 9/18
Kent - B+ Jim - C
57. Moneyball - 9/23
Kent - B+ Jim - B
58. Abduction - 9/25
Kent - B Jim - B
59. 50/50 - 10/5
Kent - A- Jim- A
60. The Ides of March - 10/9
Kent - B Jim - B-
61. Going Down in La La Land -
10/15
Kent - A- Jim - B+
62. Bob's New Suit - 10/16
Kent - B+ Jim - B+
63. Boy Shorts - 10/16
52
Kent -C+ Jim - B
Bald Guy
Kent - B Jim - B+
Change
Kent - B Jim - B+
Couples Therapy
Kent - A- Jim - A-
Don't Look at Me
Kent - C+ Jim - C
The Rescue
Kent - B+ Jim - B+
Why Does God Hate Me?
Kent - A- Jim - A
64. Leave it on the Floor - 10/16
Kent - C- Jim - C
65. Morgan - 10/17
Kent - B Jim - B
66. Manhunting (Gay Shorts) -
10/17
Cannibals
Kent - D Jim - D
A Day in the Country
Kent - B- Jim - B
Manhunt
Kent - C+ Jim - C
Regrets
Kent - B Jim - B+
Watch Over Me
Kent - C -Jim - C-
Winner Takes All
Kent - C Jim - C
67. Like a Virgin (gay shorts) -
10/20
Star
Kent - C+ Jim - C
Spring
Kent - C+ Jim - C
Slow
Kent - C Jim - C
Yes Man
Kent -B- Jim - B
10 Days (load)
Kent - C+ Jim - C+
68. Judas Kiss - 10/20
Kent - B+ Jim - B+
69. Weekend Egyptian - 10/28
Kent - C+ Jim - B-
70. In Time - 11/5
Kent - B- Jim - B
71. Footloose - 11/6
Kent - B - Jim - B-
72. Tower Heist - 11/7
Kent - B+ Jim- B-
73. J. Edgar - 11/11
Kent - B - Jim- B-
74. Margin Call - 11/13
Kent - B Jim- B
75. Immortals - 11/20
Kent - B- Jim C+
76. Twilight - Breaking Dawn -
11/23
Kent - C+ Jim C
77. Hugo 3-D - 11/27
Kent - B Jim - B
78. The Descendants - 12/3
Kent - A Jim - A
79. My Weekend with Marilyn -
12/5
Kent - B+ Jim - A-
80. The Muppet Movie - 12/6
Kent - C Jim - C
81. What's Your Number - 12/13
Kent - B - Jim - C+
82. Mission Impossible -
Ghost Protocol - 12/17
Kent - B+ Jim - B+
83. Sherlock Holmes - 12/20
Kent - B Jim - B-
84. The Girl With the Dragon
Tattoo - 12/21
Kent - A- Jim - A-
85. Shame - 12/22
Kent - C+ Jim - B
86. Melancholia - 12/23
Kent - B- Jim - B
87. Adventures of Tin Tin -
12/23 Kent - B -Jim - B-
88. The Darkest Hour - 12/25
Kent - B Jim - B
89. - War Horse - 12/26
Kent - B+Jim - A-
90. We Bought a Zoo 12/31
Kent - B Jim - B

Already getting excited about seeing movies in 2012! I've already got a list started of ones I want to see!

Happy New Year!

Jim




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Happy New Year!

Saw our 90th movie of the year on 12/31 - basketball game where the Dawgs beat Oregon.


Dinner with our friend Bill at Ruth Chris's Steak House.


And finally fireworks to bring in the new year! Here's hoping that your 2012 is full of all the things that make you the happiest!








Here's to 2012!

Jim

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