The Owl and the Pussycat

Most folks probably won't get the reference, but I remember that the Owl and the Pussycat sang to each other in the story. That being said, I can't remember a better show than the one last night. If anybody gets the chance to see Annie Lenox and Sting on the "Sacred Heart" tour, don't miss it. Annie Lenox must be about 50, but she looks like she might be 35 and - sit down, Christina - Annie can still belt them out like no other. As for Sting, he's simply a magician with his music.

Day-day and I were wondering who was opening for whom. The tickets seem to show Annie was opening for Sting, but apparently, both of them were "promoting" a new album out by Sting's guitarist (of 15 years), Dominic Miller. He was the opening act and if you're into acoustic guitar, get the album, "Shape". It really is amazing to hear such beautiful music and he is a phenom player in my book.

Something personally odd: After Dominic opened, there was an intermission and we took the opportunity to go to the bathroom and get beer. When we got out the door to the concourse, I noticed all these people headed outside the arena. It took a minute to realize they were filing out to smoke cigarrettes. This, being just shy of my seven months tobacco free, was somewhat enlightening. I like to keep a working mental list of the good vs. bad when it comes to starting smoking and this certainly went on the "good" list.

Anyway, back to the show - Annie came out and did a set of all her stuff, even Eurythmics stuff which was cool as hell (makes me wonder if she has to pay Dave Stewart royalties when she plays it). Then Sting played a long, awesome set of all of his stuff, of course including "Police" stuff. Annie Lenox popped out and did two songs with Sting. "We'll be Together Tonight" was an incredible collaboration between the two. Like I said, Annie Lenox can B-E-L-T out the tunes.

Another personal note: The arena was packed and, when Day-day and I got a chance to look around, we noticed we were in the majority in terms of our age group. I mean, I'm 35 and he's 41. I guess the term for us would be "seasoning". We're seasoning, not getting old. It's comforting to know that you aren't that 18-year-old, stumbling-down-drunk who hasn't got a clue that Annie and Sting were around before they had MTV. It's also one-up for me because I know all the lyrics and can sing my heart out at these shows. When Usher comes to the arena next month (not that I would consider going), I wouldn't have a clue what would come out of his mouth.

As I said, get Dominic Miller's album "Shape" if you like acoustic guitar (some of it is classical, some of the songs are Sting's ballads, some are new) and go see the show if you can.

As for the morning after, it looks like Frances has slowed down so it might buy me some time on the waterproofing of the house. I hate procrastinating in the summer. I mean, it's 71 degrees right now. If I got my fat ass out there and started digging, you'd think it would be easier than at 12 o'clock when it's closer to 90.

Oh yeah, one more note about the show: Phillips Arena (the venue for the show) is a very cool venue. The "Ted" has done an awesome job with it. It connects the Omni Hotel, CNN Center and Phillips together. Lots of food options besides what's in the arena. The arena itself is cool, but neither of us like the stairs. Like most arenas the stairs are very steep and at the arena they are particularly narrow. You slip on these puppies and a tumblin' you will go. Still, it's one of the best indoor venues in the city. Coolest outdoor venue - in my opinion is Lakewood 'cause you can plant your ass in the grass on a hill and see the show. Some folks say, "Chastain", but unless you got the duckies for a table seat, you gotta sit on rock. Just a quick note in case anyone comes to town to see a show.

Signing off - Must begin the Big Dig.