What a fantastic and frightening time all at once. This is my view as I was 

rising to the top of the Metrodome in the UP balloons.  

This is Murphy. Thanks Murphy for this report.

Murphy Reporting

        Today I did something SUPER exciting. I went to the Metrodome with my mom and her friend to participate in a radio contest promotion for the Disney/Pixar movie UP. Seeing an old chair strapped to the huge bundle of helium balloons made me super anxious, even though I wasn't actually going up! I saw my mom, and her friend, Erin get strapped into the chair and then UP they went, 120 feet into the air! I wished I could have been up there with them. It looked like a lot of fun! My mom said it was nerve- wracking looking down and seeing us, the size of ants. If I had the chance to do that I would definitely take it, how many times does an opportunity like that come along?!

Check out Murphy's Mom's feet.

Alexis seemed a little nervous. It didn't help that when she reached the top of the dome, Ian had the guys shut off the lights.

Of course, Ian laughed all the way UP. Big surprise.

• 
• The 2009 Hubbard Softball Team

Feel the love...

And the excitement...

  Witness the injuries...

And the errors...

And the crowds...

Thank you for all the movie suggestions. I am putting in our movie order for Friday family movie night. Last Friday night Ian and Itchy picked "The Blair Witch Project."  Sooooo scary. 

I am going to make everyone watch a romantic comedy this Friday. I am thinking "Adam's Rib" or "Hope Floats."  Any other suggestions? 

I have had a Netflix account for about a year, thank you Ian, but I really kept forgetting to order the movies in time for the weekend.   So every Monday, I am placing my order and would love your suggestions as well.  

This week: "To Kill a Mockingbird"

If you want something for this weekend, order "Dead Calm." 

"Dead Calm" was one of Nicole Kidman's breakthrough movies.  Great suspense.  Nicole Kidman and Billy Zane nudity and a bit of violence. Well a lot of violence, but it all makes sense.  

Not for small or medium children.

I drove past the Highland Theatre yesterday and it made me so sad.  I did what I always do. I glanced at the movie poster to see what was playing.  

"Taken."  The Liam Neeson movie.  The poster is dark and gloomy.  Liam Neeson is dressed in black. He looks like he's in mourning. 

His wife Natasha Richardson died two weeks ago. Liam Neeson went back to work this week.  It's so odd to me to think that he is just like the rest of us. He had work to finish, boys to care for, responsibilities.

I wonder if the posters bring him comfort. In every city, the poster reminds us of what was taken.