John Wise

Another empty corner bites the dust in Phoenix, Arizona, as yet another Big Box store opens to satisfy the needs of the never-can-have-enough crowds. If you are alone or a small family of two, these stores feature the most incredible sideshow attractions, such as the 80 Rolls of Toilet Paper Package, the 2 Gallon Bottle of Shampoo, 12 Pound Bag of Asparagus, and the ever-attractive must-have 125 Pound Wheel of Brie. I do have to give credit to Costco as they figured out the magic formula to get men shopping by featuring tools and lots of free food samples. These men now walk around pushing the shopping cart with only a half-dazed look on their faces.

Caroline found the sheet music for the soundtrack to Amelie on the internet, printed it up, and, after a long break from the piano, had a good practice this afternoon.

The hallway leading to the various theatres at the Super Saver Cinema 8 on Bell Road, where Caroline and I went to see War of the Worlds with Tom Cruise for only $2.50 each at 8:40 this evening. This was our second time in 10 years visiting this theater, and tonight we were amazed – it was a full house.

Looking onto the surface of a swimming pool, bubbles float a while before popping as sunlight reflects in the water below, and waves bend the light against shadows, creating interesting patterns.

Sirens and helicopters alert us that something nearby has gone wrong. Around the corner, a house is ablaze. More than half a dozen emergency vehicles are on the scene and quickly have the fire smoldering. We hope everyone is ok.