Flying into Concrete

Concrete, Washington, that is. Recently, our good friend David came to visit us in Bellingham. Looking at his charts, he found a small airport with an unusual name, Concrete. Unfortunately, when David arrived, so did a weather system, so he and Wayne never got to fly into Concrete.


View Larger Map

Yesterday, Mom and I "flew" to Concrete in Bertha (her Buick). From Bellingham, we headed south on I-5 to Highway 20 at Burlington. The North Cascades Highway first takes you through Sedro Wooley and then winds along the wide Skagit River.

The name evolved from Minnehaha in 1888, to Baker in 1890, to Cement City and finally the city was incorporated as Concrete in 1909. The name pays homage to the large deposits of limestone and clay that were and are sought after by cement companies.










The Concrete Heritage Museum preserves the history of this unique region. They even provide guided tours in the Sockeye Express on Saturdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Saturday is market day in Concrete. Follow the signs to the Senior Center and you will find a variety of booths selling crafts, woodwork, plants and other locally produced items. They even have a wandering fiddler for your entertainment.

Concrete is the regional center for education. A unique new high school literally bridges Superior Road. The old abandoned high school overlooks playing fields that now form a city park. It must have been the center for community activities in its heyday.

Of course, you can fly into the Concrete Airport. The 2600 foot runway is in excellent condition. Because it's located between hills in a river valley be cautious of weather and wind conditions. Parking is primarily on the grass. Walk about a half mile and you are at the city center. Each July there's a fly-in (camping encouraged) in conjunction with the Cement City Street Fair. This year the dates are July 24-26.

To make our trip a circle route, we backtracked to Highway 9 in Sedro Wooley. You drive past rural homes on large lots to Park Road just past Wickersham. This road skirts Whatcom Lake all the way back to Bellingham.

So if you are looking for a quick weekend adventure, fly (or drive) into Concrete. And I assure you, it won't hurt. - Margy

Caturday funnies

(via Shannon's Blog)

(via Linkinn)

(via Miezekatzen)

Video: Pooped Out Corgi Puppy

Watch video

(via The Daily What)

Sunflower Seastar

The cold, clear waters of Desolation Sound are home to many types of starfish. On a recent trip to Lund I found this Sunflower Seastar right in the harbour.

Sunflower Seastars have from 15-26 arms (rays) and can grow up to 1 metre (3 feet) in diameter. They are predators of the ocean floor of the intertidal and subtidal zones and eat sea urchins, clams, snails, abalone, sea cucumbers and other sea stars. With over 15,000 tube feet they can "scoot" along at about one metre per minute. If attacked, they can shed arms to get away. Regeneration takes just a few weeks. Now that's a neat trick! - Margy

Cleveland Cavaliers Famous NBA Team

Cleveland Cavaliers Famous NBA Team

LeBron James Famous Players Cleveland Cavaliers

Mo Williams Top Cleveland Cavaliers Players

Katrina Kaif's bonding with Salman's foe, John Abraham

When they shot for New York, Katrina Kaif and John Abraham kept their distance from each other because of her beau Salman Khan's dushmani with her co-star. But when the recently-separated-from-Sallu Kat shot with Johnny Boy for a music video a few weeks back, the pair bonded.

B-Town is abuzz with rumours of this new dosti between Sallu's ex and his foe.

Sceptics might question the timing of these rumours as the film is ready for release and pass it off as nothing more than a publicity gimmick. But Salman Khan's camp insists that the actor has proof that his arch enemy and his ex are in touch with each other. Khan is known to keep tabs on his ex-girlfriends.

And he is doing the same with Kat. Reveals a source close to the actor, "Salmanbhai got hold of Kat's mobile bill and saw many calls and SMSes made and received between John and her." One explanation could be that the pair is in touch as the film is ready for release but you can't argue with a jealous boyfriend (ex or otherwise).

Salman is said to be furious at Kat's alliance with the man he considers an enemy. Katrina is now running scared. Even though she is no longer with him, she needs Sallu professionally. Although she has been telling people that she is no longer his girlfriend, she cannot afford to rub him the wrong way and expect to survive in the film industry.

The source continues, "Everyone in the industry is talking about this changed equation between Kat and John. There will surely be repercussions to this new development." Salman is known to be territorial about his gals, years after they've gone of his life. So the big question is: What happens next?

While Katrina and John remained unavailable for comment, a friend of Abraham rubbishes these rumours, "There is nothing going on between him and Katrina. He is just being targeted by someone. The truth will come out soon."

Luckily, for Ranbir... his word was enough
It is believed that when the rumours of Katrina and Ranbir first appeared, Salman called up the Saawariya boy and asked him if he and Kat had something going on. Kapoor assured him that he was serious about Deepika and that he wouldn't dream of cosying up to Salman's girl. Luckily for him, Khan chose to believe him.

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

Bipasha Basu and MS Dhoni in Reebok's latest ad campaign

If he is the role model for millions, she makes people roll with her onscreen role! We are indeed referring to MS Dhoni & Bipasha Basu, the brand ambassadors of Reebok, the pair who have come together for the first time ever in a TV commercial showcasing the latest edition of 'Hexride' footwear from Reebok.

The TVC has the duo sizzle in each other's company exuding chemistry like never-before. The said TVC features the two stars in a fun-run, throwing playful challenges at each other while competing to reach the finish line first. The chemistry and playfulness between the Indian Cricket captain & the Bollywood heartthrob is for all to see. Speaking about the ad's shoot, Dhoni said, "Shooting for the ad was a lot of fun, not to mention running with a friend, which made the whole experience even more delightful." While Bips was as 'sporty' as usual as she opined that, "I am a fitness freak and I love to indulge in various activities like jogging, running, working out to keep myself fit. I have experienced never-before comfort in running with this footwear."

We must say that all those gymming sessions of Bipasha's are clearly showing marvelous results! With her superbly toned body, Bips is certainly ready to give Bollywood actresses a 'run' for their money.

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

Shilpa Shetty 'shines' on Vogue cover this month

"Kabhi kabhi jeetne ke liye kuch haarna bhi padta hai ....aur haarkar jeetne walon ko Baazigar kehte hain"

If you were to guess the name of the cover girl of the latest edition of Vogue, the above line would definitely make sense. Not just for the reason that it's from her debut film but also because it suits her more than to anyone else this season. With her IPL team Rajasthan Royals' not making it to the finals, Shilpa Shetty did face a defeat recently. But, not the one to sob, Shilpa is raring to go and how! She can be seen sizzling while looking her curvaceous best on the cover of the recent edition of Vogue.

If the title 'The Business of being Shilpa Shetty' is anything to go by, then, it's totally needless to say that the story angle is surely tilting to more of Shilpa - the businesswoman as compared to Shilpa - the actress. Validating this is none other than her 'Prince Charming' Raj Kundra, who says "I saw the international appeal Shilpa had and suggested she make a brand of herself. She's taken to business like a fish to water. I call her India's Martha Stewart".

While talking about the change in her life, Shilpa says, "I like the idea of reinventing myself, of moulding and enhancing one's personality...I am not someone you would call a conventional beauty". To read more about Shilpa - the businesswoman, pick up the latest copy of Vogue.

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

Why aren’t Bebo, Saif getting married

Vivek Oberoi, whose name is now being linked to sitar player Anoushka Shankar, says good friend Kareena Kapoor pesters him most to find a suitable match for himself and settle down soon.

"The pressure (of getting married) is on, not only from my family but from even Bebo (Kareena's pet name)," said Vivek, who will be seen with Kareena and Saif in Rensil D'Silva's Qurbaan .

"Every time we go out for dinner, she would shake her head and tell me - 'find a nice girl and settle down' and I would hide behind Saif to dodge the bullet. We had some great laughs," he said.

The actress seems to be taking interest in Vivek’s love life but then isn’t it high time that she and her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan got married? Is there still an inch of doubt in their minds? When the two stars have already come out in the open to express their love for each other than what’s stopping them from saying the ‘I Do’?

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

John & Kat? Bizarre, says Bips

On rumour mills buzz with stories of Katrina - John link up

What is it about John Abraham that his co-stars find irresistible?

Is it charm, his deeper than the deep sea dimples, or his knight-in-shining-armour image? Whatever it is, it is proven that women (in most cases his co-stars) find John very attractive.

In the past rumours have linked him to Mallika Sherawat (when the two did a world tour), Lara Dutta (Elaan) and Vidya Balan (Salaam-e-Ishq); and now, according to media reports, John’s the object of affection of Salman Khan’s girlfriend Katrina Kaif — his co-star in New York.

While the rumour mills buzz with stories of Katrina and John being phone buddies, some also suggest that Salman actually threw Katrina’s stuff out of his home because he didn’t like the idea of his girl bonding with his foe, John.

Since these rumours come in the wake of the New York publicity campaign, both John and Katrina have got the benefit of the doubt from another section of the media, which believes that all this Kat-John bonding is nothing but a stroke of publicity genius.

John doesn’t wish to comment on the issue. But he did reveal that the text messages exchanged in New York were only work related. “I’m astounded that I’m being pulled into something so bizarre.” A source close to the actor says, “John is not amused by the rumour. He is in a steady relationship with Bipasha Basu. Obviously vested interests have started this campaign.’’ Apparently, the actor believes that since there is absolutely no truth to the whole issue, it will blow over.

Bipasha, the other aggrieved party (Salman being the first), has complete faith in her man and says, “John and I have gone through enough of such gossip. I don’t want to give any credibility to this by even commenting on it. It is malicious and absolutely the most bizarre story involving us. Just for the knowledge of people who actually love us together, we are very happy being with each other, and we’re responsible and protective about our relationship.’’

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

In Pics: Neha Dhupia at AXN Action Awards announcement

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

In Pics: Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor with Salam Khan

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

In Pics: Shriya Saran,Reema Sen Attended Party at Mocha

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

Guess the murderer and win while watching the film

Picture this if you will: A murder mystery where you (the audience) are actively involved in guessing who the murderer is. SMS your replies to a number given while the film is being screened, before the mystery is solved and you might just walk out of the theatre with a prize.

Easier said than done? Well, we'd like to believe so. We spoke to new filmmaker, Sareesh Sudhakaran, who debuts as a producer and director with his film titled The Impossible Murder. The film employs the marketing tool mentioned earlier.

So what's the film about? Says Sareesh, "It's a murder mystery that clocks in at 81 minutes. An old woman is killed in her bedroom. There are five witnesses who are standing outside the door and when they break in to help her, there is no sign of the murderer or the murder weapon.

This makes it appear as an impossible murder, and the entire story revolves around the detective piecing together the clues and arriving at the solution to the crime three years after it was committed."

The film, due to release in the first or second week of June, will test the waters in select theatres in the Mumbai and Pune territories.

Sareesh is upbeat about his subject matter, even though whodunits have a short shelf life (what with people leaking out the suspense). He says, "Even though all the facts and situations are provided beforehand, the mystery is unsolvable.

Further-more, even after the ending is revealed, no one will be able to discover a flaw in the reasoning of the puzzle. Even if somebody watches a film, they'll go in trying to find a flaw, almost like we're challenging them to." He further claims that no one will be able to find loopholes in the film.

He informs that the audience will receive live feedback on their SMS responses. Five such interactions can take place during the film.

The film was made with individual funding over two years. The film's lead pair is a relatively new cast: Tarun Singh Negi (who plays the lead in the stage version of The Alchemist) and Swati Shetty, a newcomer.

Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan brainstorm

Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan brainstormed with other producers at a Producers Guild Meeting convened to resolve the spat with multiplex owners on Wednesday, May 27 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai.

Shah Rukh and Aamir looked Mumbai cool in their Tees and jeans. Shah Rukh wore a white V-neck tee, blue distressed jeans and grey sports shoes. Aamir was dressed in a heather grey crew neck Tee, faded blue loose fit jeans and a brown baseball cap.

The meeting started at midnight and ended three hours later on a positive note, with indications that the spat could be resolved over the next couple of days.

Perceived more as actors than producers, Aamir and Shah Rukh are leaders and major stake holders in the industry.

Attentive and observant, Aamir spoke little during the meeting, occasionally chipping in to make a point; Shah Rukh came through as more involved and animated.

The Producers Guild and multiplex owners in India have locked horns over profit sharing, with the producers demanding a 50% share of profits. No Bollywood films have been released since early April.

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

Its Raftaar v/s Rann as both are based on the backdrop of a TV channel

The makers of 24x7 Raftaar starring Emraan Hashmi and Neha Dhupia are in a mad rush to release their film. The reason? Percept Picture Company's film and Ram Gopal Varma's Rann starring Amitabh Bachchan and Riteish Deshmukh both have similar story lines.

Both stories revolve around the internal politics of a newsroom.

The buzz is that the guys at Percept at miffed at Ramu for starting a film on the same plot as theirs. A source reveals, "There is a big rush between Percept and Ramu to release their films as soon as the multiplex embargo lifts. Since both projects have similar plots and selling points, it's a race to reach first at the finishing post."

When contacted, Navin Shah, CEO of Percept Picture Company says, "Raftaar is a story of one media house using their resources to manipulate the market. The film has an extremely stylish look on the lines of Race and Dhoom." Reacting to comparisions with RGV's Rann, Shah says, "Well, I can vouch for the fact that ours is an original idea. We planned, conceived and made it before Mr Varma, and nothing can change that!."

Adding that his product is superior to Ramu's, he says, "Emraan Hashmi has a huge market of his own. His reach isn't just limited to metros and big cities. While RGV's films have an appeal that's limited to the big cities. We definitely have an edge with the broader appeal. Also, the Pritam-Emraan combination is a sure shot winner, while music has never been a forte for Ramu's film."

Percept plans to release Raftaar some time in August. "I am not aware when Rann is releasing and neither am I bothered. As per the market conditions, we plan to release Raftaar by August."

For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize

What's happening in Bollywood Town!

Mithunda with son Mimoh, Hard Kaur and Kailash Kher turn cricketers and more

White Magic: We caught Mithunda in an uncomfortable position. He carries off the white shoes though.

Cricketers: ‘Batwoman’ Hard Kaur and ‘Batman’ Kailash Kher make us laugh with their antics at a Twenty20 promotion

Calling The Shots: Director Sabbir Khan explains the shot to Sylvester Stallone on the sets of Kambaakht Ishq.

Colour Co-Ordinated: Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar make a pretty, white picture at a music launch. Shabana has put on weight

Singer too: Suchitra Pillai croons her heart out at a musical do last night. She sang mainly English songs

New Look: Mimoh has chopped his unruly locks and lost weight. He has also grown a beard to look grown up. Let’s hope it helps his filmy career.
For Gossips And Mirch Masala Log On To Bollywood Paradize