I saw a film today, oh boy

Went to the movies today for the first time in ages and saw The Queen. Dame Helen Mirren was sublime. Between her performance and the script, you go from head-shaking disdain to empathy for this woman, Elizabeth, who is stuck with a formidable job to do … a job she never wanted.

I found myself just waiting for the moments when the real news footage of Diana appeared. She certainly knew how to command our attention! And the actor who played Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) was wonderful, too. I'm sorry that the real deal -- the actual Prime Minister -- has fallen out of favor in large part because he supported the United States' foreign policy.

I wish I had a smooth transition for this, but I don't. Peter O'Toole has a new movie coming out (Venus) and the trailer refers to him as "the best actor of his generation." No offense to Mr. O'Toole, but I believe that right about now, he's the ONLY actor of his generation. Richard Burton/dead. Richard Harris/dead. I mean, who else is left? OK, Albert Finney.

Orlando vs. Kit ... guess who wins

Last night we celebrated my niece's 14th birthday. That girl has always been my heart. But, no doubt about it, she's growing up. I'm proud of who she is becoming, but I miss who she was.

Whereas once she loved all things American Girl, especially Kit, now she loves all things Orlando Bloom. Crayons and dress up outfits have been replaced by CDs and DVDs. While she hasn't begun worrying about her skin yet, she did add a lot of haircare product to her birthday wish list.

Some things remain the same though. As Birthday Girl, she chose the restaurant where we dined. It was Old Country Buffet. She prepared for the ice cream and cake awaiting her at home with pie ala mode.

A proud moment for all of us

I am so proud to be an American and part of the world community. Saddam Hussein stood trial in televised proceedings and was found guilty. That ugly chapter of Iraqi and world history is now behind us, thanks not to assassination but to the rule of law.

Naturally as a Christian I cannot be joyful about the phrase, "death by hanging." (Especially not on a Sunday!) But this morning I choose to concentrate on the positive aspects. Genocide was punished. Justice was served. And it was all done with civility.