The Commodore Theater opened in 1945 and the picture is of one of the wartime themed murals. Check out the chandelier it is part of a matched set made with Italian crystal. This is the main floor dinning area with its tables and really comfortable movable chairs. The balcony is directly behind where this picture was taken, and has normal theater seating. You can’t see the dinning area from the balcony (unless you stand up and lean over), nor the balcony from the main floor, which is pretty cool. The Commodore’s other “hidden” feature is the Lucas Film “THX” Dolby Digital sound system, one of only a handful in the Commonwealth. The amazing speaker system is under special panels in the front, and rear, and behind the beautiful murals on each side. Throw in the finest 35mm prints, and a “Full Size” old fashion theater screen that’s over 40’ long, and you’ve got the best features from the past and present. :- )

•                     It’s hard to believe that J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter books have sold over 300 million copies; they’re the fastest selling books in the world. I really think it’s such a positive, to find a book that children want to read. My daughter Brigette has grown up on the Potter books and movies as have many College age young people today. She’s a huge fan so last week when the 6^th film “Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince hit theaters we had to go see it at the Commodore Theater in Portsmouth. We’ve spent so many holidays, and special occasions with Fred Schoenfeld the owner he’s like a member of our extended family. I have included some pictures for those of you that have never visited this unique piece of local history. A great time was had by all as always, and after looking at the weekend box office numbers on Monday it was pretty obvious that we weren’t the only one’s that went to check out the latest installment. Almost $80 million in ticket sales over the weekend alone, and a total of $159.7 million since Wednesday. Wow even if you work for the government, that’s just about some serious money. The latest chapter is fun, the special effects spectacular, and the humor revolves around the kids getting older. It’s also a little on the dark side, and Harry’s destiny finally begins to come into focus. The build-up is already underway for the final book, which will be split into two films. Overall if you’re a fan it’s another can’t miss movie from a franchise that doesn’t disappoint

As I read the news of Walter Cronkite’s passing at 92 I thought about what a full, productive, and important life he led. Uncle Walter’s voice narrated nearly all the major events of my youth. His time as the on-air presence of CBS television news spanned the early years of John F. Kennedy’s presidency to the beginning of Ronald Reagan’s, and literally everything in between. Forty years ago this week he chronicled man’s first steps on another planet, wow talk about a worldwide story. In April of 1962 he took over the 15 min. CBS Evening News from Douglas Edwards, who was second place to NBC’s Huntley Brinkley Report. I remember watching in Sept. 1963 when he delivered the first half hour Network Newscast, and the term “News Anchorman” was coined to describe him. By the late 60’s he was not only # 1 in the ratings, but on his way to the much deserved title of “Most Trusted Man in America”. In the early 70’s he had attracted more viewers than his competition combined. His warm delivery and what seemed to be an effortless style helped Walter Cronkite become a broadcasting industry Icon. When we tuned in the CBS News every word from his mouth came from his own typewriter, unlike most of today’s reporters he wrote what he read. To Walter Cronkite getting the story right was even more important than getting it on the air first. He was proud to be a “Broadcast Journalist” and has set the bar pretty high for future generations. In today’s world of instant communication, and unfortunately instant gratification it sometimes seems to be all about the “Cult of Personality” whether the commentator is what I like to call a “Hand-Wringer”, or a “Shouter”. Fortunately there are still followers of real journalism out there trying to just give us the important information we need. How wonderful that we were blessed with such a shinning example of what it should be like to simply report the news. He was truly an inspiration for all Americans in, or outside of Broadcasting. :- )

For our 4^th of July cookout my daughter Brigette decided to make a Patriotic dessert. For her first trick she transformed a plain white cake into a royal blue master piece and coupled it with a banana cream filling to die for and a hand made whipped cream icing. The piece de resistance was a sweet, red glaze filled with freshly cut strawberries. Lauren wouldn’t let me lick the plate but there weren’t any crumbs left either.

We had two items on the Arlo family agenda for this 4^th of July holiday weekend. The first was to pull the six cylinder out of  Brigette’s Classic 1974 Plymouth Duster, so it can be refitted with the V- 8 that’s waiting on an engine stand in my garage. We have been collecting Hot Rod parts for the past year, and now she says it’s time to begin her Muscle Car conversion.

The other was gathering up friends & family, and cookin’ up some steaks on the grill. :- )

When the date for Aerosmith’s Amphitheater appearance was first announced the paranoia began. It seemed that every other trip some kind of horror befell the band (Steven Tyler’s vocal chords), this area (hurricane Isabelle), or the nation (Sept. 11 2001). I just hope they will be able to reschedule in the near future, unfortunately they missed last nights show in Raleigh, and Thursday’s show in Charlotte has also been put on hold as well. Hopefully Steven’s mystery injury will go away, clear-up, or heal by Saturday night’s performance in Tampa. Say a prayer, cross your fingers, or just “keep a good thought” what ever works for you, and maybe we’ll get word soon on a new date. :- )