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Colin Hay - Men at Work - - Music Review
Are You Looking At Me? - Colin Hay’s 2007 release has found it’s way to my disc player. Let me just dispense with the suspense. Oh my god - I freaking love this disc. Holly smokes out of the blue comes a mature, sophisticated, smart, intelligent, sumptuous delight of audio, lyric, fun and contemplation from the former Men At Work front man. I can not rave about this disc enough. First off Colin’s voice is still intact. Secondly, his sense of humor is as strong as ever tempered with age, wisdom, insight, humility, compassion, and yes love. The production is first rate. The tunes bounce along, float, rock, boogie and reflect. The syncopation isn’t hurried but tempered and well I am so impressed - this is now my new favorite disc. He’s out touring with Ringo - that’s just completely perfect. If he comes to Virginia Beach I’ll be the first to buy tickets.
Well done Colin well done and welcome back amigo!!!!!!!!!!
This time is different - this time we got you — and I thank you for that!
Paul
Author- Journey Home
It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia - Television Review
This is my first television review. There’s obviously some good stuff on television from the Simpson’s to the Sundance Channel, Discovery, History and A&E. But this is the first time I’ve reviewed a series. How I Met Your Mother, Rules of Engagement, Two and a Half Men, Rescue Me, The Riches, Weeds, and old reruns of Hawaii Five -O - keep me well entertained. But this freakin’ show is hilarious. I can’t believe how funny Sunny in Philly is for a live action sketch comedy. I hope this comes back for a few more seasons and continues a long, long run.
The steroid eating on the season 1&2 disc is hysterical and even the commentary on the discs extra features is a complete crack up. Charlie rules of course but Mac is understated mayhem. The whole mistaken gay bar bit is a riot. The players are all characters. You know how in Friends they had the dumb one, the pretty one, the obsessive one, the quirky one and the nerdy one, all one dimensional and that series was a hit (??). Well the characters here are all characters and there is nothing one dimensional about any of them. They all get turns being outlandish and playing it straight and delivering the money lines. This is what I want and I can not wait until season four starts in September. Kudos for FX giving the writers full reign to create and do their thing. This show is a blast!
Lets give a shout out to the writer/actors Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), and Dee (Kaitlin Olson) and of course Danny DeVito. Danny may have found himself a new “Taxi” to ride! What a riot read the outstanding reviews on amazon at the link above and rent it from NetFlix. You’ll want to buy it for your collection after that.
Here’s the Wikipedia Link
Ray Davies Other Peoples Lives
I waited a while to purchase this CD because of some bogus reviews (and budget of course). Well without leaving you in suspense this is a great disc. I read a bunch of insipid comments about the lyrics weren’t tricky enough - here’s a reminder you negative dopes - this man rhymed Lola and cola and you loved it - and you should.
In Ray’s latest effort there are plenty of sonic delights. The production is stellar, the energy is up and direct and Ray…well hearing Ray’s voice again is a sheer delight. Now I’m not a hard core Kinks fan and you don’t have to be to enjoy this album. Archetypal themes mix with Rays wit and salty mind set to produce a rather surprising disc. In fact I’m surprised by how much I really like this batch of tunes. It starts out rockin’ and then the third song bounces in with a very Kink like tune, a bouncy theme that runs counter with the look at yourself lyrics. I’ve always loved how Ray makes a song sound all light and airy while the lyrics paint a different story, but in the end still hopeful.
Well done Ray!
There’s a lot going on here - different styles of music at once edgy, rockin’, folky, satirical, spacey, acoustic, humor. In other words it doesn’t sound all the same cut after cut. Welcome back Ray and for the uber fans lighten up. His lyrics are just fine and as insightful, hopeful and honest as ever. This is a big boy record by a man, and completely accessible to all. You don’t have to know about the Kinks or even like them to appreciate this disc. It’s well worth the buy! Stand Up Comic is a hoot and it rocks…and that’s that!
Interstate 60 - Movie Review
Interstate 60 is another off the beaten track movie I can recommend. From one of the co-producers/writers of the “Back To The Future” movies it has that same sort of essence, visual feel to it and pure popcorn entertainment value, but with an interesting thread of a message, and some outrageous characters. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the movie but there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you interested. It has an outstanding group of actors who star in and make cameo’s and that keeps the element of the movie fresh. A typical road story about a road that doesn’t exist it has a certain smartness to it that Gary Oldman and Chris Cooper bring to every movie. The subject matter may not be entirely suitable for the pre-teens (a little racier than the Back To The Future movies) and it is not nor is it trying to be Citizen Kane. Rent it from Net Flix. It’s great light entertainment that may actually do it for you if you let it.
Happy Birthday Angus!!!! AC/DC is ROCK!
I love Angus and Malcolm and the band more than life itself. I kid you not. AC/DC is just sheer joy, a thing of beauty, a band that is what it is and it is ROCK! It’s a long way to the top if you want to rock n’ roll and thank god Angus and Malcolm took that Journey together. I love that band in all it’s forms in all it’s sounds in everything they do. I can not wait to see you guys back in the States. Come when you are ready. I’ll be there and along with everyone else we will bring the rock n’ roll of the gods down upon our collective heads, and have it resonate through every fiber of our beings. Happy Birthday Angus! You my friend ROCK! You are the very definition of ROCK. You are the embodiment of ROCK. No one else comes even close. If you want ROCK pure and direct from the gods themselves go see Angus and Malcolm. Thank you, thank you, thank you and Happy ROCKIN’ Birthday!
Paul
Author-Journey Home
This is another movie I can recommend and for repeated viewing. Usually I watch a movie once and rarely go back to it again. That’s not a hard and fast rule the classics get repeat viewing and if a movie just makes me flat out laugh or enjoy then I go back for another look. In fact my DVD collecting has slowed way down because of this. The Big Empty has an array of characters that is just phenomenal. Favreau re-comprises his hard luck can’t buy a break role and Joey Lauren Adams is her gal pal sexy self. Kelsey Grammer turns in a great performance. I would love to see him do more characters like this. I’m sick of the whole Fraseresque thing. Let’s see something twisted and out of character Kelsey. Darrel Hannah drops in from out of left field and delivers a credible performance that puts to rest the whole “splash” I’m Jackson Browne’s girlfriend hype and just acts her butt off. It was totally believable and I hope she’s more like this in real life than that fluff image she originally portrayed. Rachel Lee Cook is awesome as Darrel’s reckless daughter. Wouldn’t you just tear off your right arm to have spent a corrupt youth growing up with her? Sean Bean as the Cowboy is brilliant and the role suits him to a tee.
The Big Empty feels suitably desperate ala the Last Picture Show at the beginning taking place in Baker California, and twilight zoneish at the end. One reviewer threw in comparisons to the Big Lebowski and certainly I agree. The outlandish behavior here walks a tighter rope as the mystery of it all takes center stage and then there is the ending. Great fun stuff, surprising, well shot and photographed, a little sexy and funny, everything you want a movie to be.
This is good movie and I highly recommend adding it to you Net Flix cue.
Paul
Author - Journey Home
Land of Plenty is another movie I’m glad I gave a chance. First off Michelle Williams acting job is very nuanced. She has to dig down deep to come up with her conviction and not look like a fraud. Michelle’s character is a child of missionary workers, and she wears a cross around her neck. It never once looked out of place because of her countenance and vibe she brought to the character. There is a scene at night when she is in bed alone that just blew me away. In the hands of a lesser actor it would have been hackneyed, overblown and far less convincing. I was thrilled and stunned and almost had a knee jerk incredulous reaction but she pulled it off. It was and is very inspiring and still with me today. It felt like real conviction to me and has informed my sensibilities and enhanced my outlook. It’s hard to fake that kind of conviction and certain type of enlightenment. That a movie and actor can do that is why we watch. We have a very fine actress here and kudos for a magnificent job to Michelle.
John Diehl is a face you will immediately recognize. The man has worked character studies for decades and his turn in this lead role is equal to Michelle’s. This is a story of subtle reactions competing with overt actions as revelation tries to creep into well established modes of behavior. John Diehl is very convincing and so much so the viewer is left with some doubt as to just exactly what may happen. The film is done in such a way that it is entirely possible that the naive are not so naive and the delusional might be absolutely right. I contribute that to acting as well as script and the themes, lighting, pacing, and art direction.
I really, really liked this movie it’s messages, it’s despair, it’s hope and it’s glory. The fact that the actors characters are not one dimensional is never done in a ham fisted way but unveiled in nuanced responses, facial expression, a well placed curse word and well I’m just happy I stumbled into this movie.
I am seriously going to dig further into Michelle and John’s work and can highly recommend this movie. The passion that Michelle brings to her role reminded me of all the unknown souls trying to do good things in this world of tabloid headlines and sensationalism. She really got to me and with that in mind let me link the following sites:
Doctors Without Borders
Amnesty International
The Peace Corp
The Orchestra of Piazza Vittorio - Movie Review
This is another movie I can highly recommend especially for movie lovers, dreamers and those with the ability and who appreciate the effort of bringing dreams into reality. It is a lot like giving birth both wrenching, powerful and fulfilling. As I put this documentary into the DVD player I winced at the subtitles (long day at work) and slow pace of the introductory credits - just fast forward to the start and within a few moments (give it a chance) the apparent odyssey of the journey begins and takes hold of you. The sheer joy in playing reveals ego, dissension, ability, understanding or lack there of but also the unbriddled joy of the creative process. This film is that good and another highly recommended movie for your NetFlix list! I really loved it and musicians and music lovers will chuckle at the insights, missteps, warts and all harmony of the players, orchestra and organizers. It’s a marvelous piece - ENJOY!
Paul
Author- Journey Home
Not that long ago Move On members voted 70% to 30% to support Obama. Since then all the information I have received from the MoveOn Organization has been cheer leading. Here is a letter I sent to them.
Dear Move On,
I want to know why you are supporting Obama it should be listed by bullet points on your homepage. Never mind the vote count of those swept away by the fashion of Obama I want to know what are the specific policies he states that have lead you and your members to this decision, and not campaign rhetoric. What has he done in the past ? What legislation has he supported on any level, local, state and federal that leads you and your members to believe he is the right choice for the job?
That’s the kind of information I need to make a decision. Testimonials about how wonderful he is because he is handsome, well spoken, and delivers pulpit like Sunday morning speeches are empty. The rubber hits the road on his legislative agenda, the planks in the party, his supporters who have financed him with the BIG dollars, and his track record.
Please for the good of the country stop cheer leading and get the facts out.
Then we can all make an “educated decision” other than being swept along by a fad or because Oprah says so. Come on Move On is supposed to excel in this area. I am hearing about big coal and nuclear power funding him early on in his career. Nuclear waste in toxic drums leaching into the water system is another example of dirty energy solutions gone bad. King Coal is the thief who has designed mountain top removal and blasts the debris into the valleys and waterways destroying everything in it’s path. If these two big, corrupt, well heeled corporate monsters are in bed with Obama you are all being duped and guilty of group think. If these are rumors you owe it to your members who you actively solicit for money to ferret the rumors out and dispel them.
Don’t fall for the song from the pulpit and his glowing persona and charisma, but who are his big money backers? Let’s do some real homework here.
I’m repulsed and dismayed at the quotes from the Obama supporters who just gush at his “leadership” style. I want to hear more than the word “change” ! You have a duty to inform the MOVE ON members just what change he has supported and what Senate votes has he ducked. Your daily emails and homepage have been extremely lacking in that regard.
I thought we were all a little more sophisticated than all that, and who’s this radical preacher in his background - his mentor? Come on guys lets do our homework and help educate the Move On members to this unknown, fashion of the moment, almost cult like figure named Obama. Maybe he is the real deal, maybe he’s just good at public speaking either way I assure you the Swift Boaters are laying in wait to dismantle him spreading rumors about dirty money already. They are doing their homework or making it up either way are the Obama supporters in for a big surprise along the way? The lockstep frenzy surrounding Obama has me worried. So let’s talk policy, actual votes and legislative action and money, and actual background and education the serious questions instead of promoting hero worship and adulation?
This is not a popularity contest. We need to make an educated decision about real documented substance and rely on the candidates track record and ignore the rhetoric. This election of personality is bogus and does our country a great deal of harm. After all everyone thought George W. Bush was a “good guy”. Well look what that “good guy” left us after eight years.
Without a doubt that is no way to choose a president!
Paul
Author- Journey Home
Related link - Nuclear Waste
Related Link - Congresspedia
Related Link - Voting Record
The Wolf Slaughter - a message to hunters
It’s too easy to sit in a helicopter and chase down a wolf and blast it with your rifle from the air. I’ve got news for the hunters who pay to do this: You are not men. Zero challenge, zero degree of difficulty and zero sportsmanship. You’ve got nothing. Blasting a wolf from a helicopter is a joke. People actually pay for this service to prove what - they didn’t fall out of the helicopter? If you want to feel like a man ACT like a man. Shooting bears and wolves from helicopters is lazy and virtually child’s play. Do you actually think anyone respects you or admires your dead wolf? Sorry boys it’s too easy, no challenge and only a fraud would fool themselves into thinking it was righteous.
To the helicopter pilots who have sold out - there is nothing rugged about you either. All you are doing is wasting fossil fuel and stealing from a bunch of retards. You want to hunt and shoot living things for sport get your ass out of bed early and hike into the wilderness and meet your prey head on in their house. Maybe then you aren’t a fat ugly American looser who thinks shooting things makes him a man. Mounting a dead animal on the wall proves nothing except that you need some sort of misdirected praise for “your accomplishment” try curing cancer. Anybody who thinks what you do is anything other than wrong is just blowing smoke your way because you have a few dollars.
You and your pilots are arm chair outdoors men with no real stones and an overblown sense of ego. Your closest friends and family are either frauds or laughing at you. Yeah nice kill dad. Nobody in their right mind respects you. Do you respect suicide bombers blowing to bits open air markets and citizens minding their own business? Well….do you - hey genius news flash you are no different.
Yeah real tough guy afraid to get his feet wet. If you knew what being a man was I wouldn’t have to tell you.
For the rest of us with a true sense of honor and integrity click here
Alaska is the last place in the U.S. where a few hunters still use aircraft to chase and kill wolves. They shoot these animals from the air or chase them to exhaustion before landing and shooting them point blank.
Thirty five years ago, Congress passed a law to put an end to aerial hunting. But Alaska is exploiting a loophole in federal law to resume the practice, not only for wolves, but bears as well. Hundreds of scientists and the Alaskan citizens have twice voted and condemned what a few Alaskan’s making money off of this practice are doing. Some of the lower 48 States threaten to follow Alaska’s lead. It’s time to stop aerial hunting once and for all.
Rep. George Miller (CA) has introduced the Protect America’s Wildlife (PAW) Act, legislation to close a federal loophole and curb Alaska’s brutal aerial hunting program — and prevent programs like it from spreading to places like the Greater Yellowstone region.
Please urge your Representative to sign on as a cosponsor to Rep. George Miller’s PAW Act.
Paul Burke
Author - Journey Home
Maybe this movie appealed to me because I’m a writer, maybe this movie appealed to me because I love Ed Harris, Amy Madigan, and Will Ferrell in a toned down role, but most of all this movie appealed to me because of Zooey Deschannel. There is just something lurking beneath the surface with her. You just know she’s a major goof ball but she is currently playing all these deeper, conflicted roles, and the depth she brings to her characters isn’t faked. As you can tell I really like Zooey and look forward to her career expanding. Hopefully one day she’ll record an album of standards. Her turn on “Baby it’s Cold Outside” (Elf) had everyone including James Taylor recording and rediscovering that chestnut from yesteryear. Hat’s off to Zooey. So how about the movie?
It’s an angsty film with bizarre characters. But as in any good story as with real life the more layers you peel back the more you see, and then all of a sudden it’s not so unusual after all. So without giving any of the plot away the characters are not one dimensional and the light they are seen in is varied. Kudos to the director and writer for serving up three dimensional characters. If you are looking for fast paced, action shoot em ups this is not your movie. No guns - I love movies without guns! If you are looking for brilliant, subtle acting with some over the top hi jinx for periodic comic relief - this is a great choice. One of Zooey’s love interest although fleetingly in the movie exposes the audience or rather gives the audience a chance to ask why is he a hero.
It’s a question worth asking and answering and the directors and writer do not spoon feed you all the answers - good stuff, good for them. It’s a thinker and respectfully pulls the audience in and allows them some creativity and the opportunity to put something of themselves into the movie. There’s nothing wrong with a little pondering and after all are the loose ends really that important. Well that’s for each one of us to decide. It makes for a good movie.
A quick word on Amelia Warner Zooey’s foil in part of the movie - she brings an understated role to life and plays it subtly. I’ve seen the word eccentric used to describe this movie but that’s just the outer layer of the character development. It’s a device to put inner pain out there and before the audience. Do not be put off by that description or the weird promotional photo. It’s not so weird after you have seen the movie - you’ll have an oh yeah moment. It’s good to use the brain.
Winter Passing is another movie I can highly recommend.
Paul
Author - Journey Home
The Station Agent - Movie Review
If you were on the bubble about renting this movie go ahead and take the chance. I can highly recommend it, and it comes with some mighty high praise. But ignore the reviews nothing short of the Beatles reuniting with John and George could live up to the overblown hyperbole. It’s not the movies fault. That being said lower your expectations a bit, relax and get ready for a terrific film.
This is an understated movie that has a calm running through it that Peter Dinklage easily conveys and brings to the screen. Patricia Clarkson another gifted actor who you might remember from the Untouchables (Kevin Costner) brings another dignified role to life. She has to balance two calamities and still come off charming and beguiling. Bobby Cannavale is great as the gregarious soul who won’t let these two tragic figures forget about the upside the day brings.
Peter Dinklage is the star here and doesn’t tip toe around the prejudice or rather ignorance the world greats him with every morning. He not only has a lot to teach but a fair share to learn. So thankfully the writers and director do not paint him as perfect. Through it all this is a quiet, sometimes loud, sweet, sometimes angry poignant movie. The other supporting actors including the child Peter interacts with and Michelle Williams are cast beautifully. The themes and tone of this movie weave out from deservedly dark places but life rolls on and everybody loves trains!
Paul Burke
Author - Journey Home
The Long Goodbye - Movie Review
Robert Altmans tung in cheek Film Noir detective movie ambles along at a wonderful pace, and takes a few twist and turns. Great characters, setting and scenes punctuate this droll take on a 50’s gum shoe in 1970’s California. Elliot Gould (that’s okay by me) or Rip Van Marlow as the character implies - seems to sleep walk through a crazy world - from his perspective. Unable to get a bead on things Elliot never lets em see him sweat and pursues head long into and on his instincts. You can tell this is a 70’s movie as Henry Gibbson plays an evil psychiatrist emasculating his patient (or is that client). Anyway great one liners and the rebirth of one of my favorite old time sayings “BALLS” just swept me along. Hint’s of sexual over tones - nude yoga and the juxtaposition that Altman usually thrives on presents itself with ease. We wonder along with Gould -”what the hell is wrong with these people” turns out that despite the trappings of time and fashion it’s the same old damn thing that’s always been wrong with us - just in wider lapels. I loved all the characters as caricatures and Elliot’s water off a ducks back approach.
I highly recommend this lark for film buffs and casual fans. By far my favorite Elliot Gould performance.
Paul
Author-Journey Home
I’m still getting a few more Halloween movies trickling in from Net Flix. Our marathon month long horror fest is just about over. I think the third installment of Evil Dead is still due to arrive but last night it was time for a classic. We were totally surprised by “Old Dark House” what a beautifully shot and acted movie from 1932. I just love the old classics. James Whale the director of 1931’s Frankenstein takes another turn with Boris Karloff. Quite frankly the rest of the cast is top notch including Charles Laughton, and Lillian Bond who just bumped Rachel McAdams off my number one heart throb list. This movie is shot very creepily, big shadows, Karloff on a drunk rampage, spooky, crazy characters, dark and stormy nights, candle light, large cutlery, crackling fires, and quippy dialogue. I love the 30’s and 40’s for their smart, faced paced dialogue. Today nothing seems so subtle and no one has time for double entendres. I highly recommend this movie. Four **** stars for film buffs, lovers of the genre, black and white movie fans, and budding writers, photographers, lighting engineers, and directors. James Whale shoots the hell out of this movie. Every shot is a still life photographic masterpiece. He really knew how to create atmosphere and suspense. Frankenstein, The Bride of Frankenstein and The Invisible Man are on this guy’s wild resume. Turn the lights out, fire up the big screen, throw another log on the fire and enjoy.
Clear Channel Won’t Play Springsteen’s New Album!
Using excuses Clear Channel has banned it’s stations from playing Bruce’s new album. They want this quiet very quiet and not to have a Dixie Chick back lash reaction when they banned the Dixie Chicks for exercising their rights. It’s important to remember the airways belong to the Public. I was on the bubble about buying Bruce’s new album but now I’m buying it out of spite!
The serious issue here is the consolidation of media (across the board TV & Print) and the control of information to the vast majority too busy to dig for it. What gets played on the radio is what is being marketed. The commercial radio stations are just marketing arms and the cycle for marketing is a short one. I was psyched for a promo copy of one artist a while back but because it was thirty days after the release the record label didn’t want to send me a promotional copy. Talk about short sighted but they have very clear marketing strategies.
Back to the main issue - if there is money to be made they’ll play anything - artistic quality has zero, zilch, nada, absolutely nothing to do with what you are hearing on radio - it’s about unit sales and target markets. So what’s with banning Bruce? His album is selling well. Clear Channel’s strategy runs counter to their typical business model?
A Free Press was singled out in the Constitution as being essential to our democracy.
“Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom…of the press.”
If media across the board is consolidated into the hands of the few because of laws made by this government cleared the way then rights and freedoms are restricted by the whims of the few and the political leanings of the few. In essence the vast liberty that freedom requires and leans on has been SOLD OUT by the establishment, and those wide ranging freedoms guaranteed under our Constitution become the dictate of the few.
The essence of this issue is freedom, dissemination, availability and variety. As the public we not only own the air ways but the public lands they are mining for next to nothing. Some of the worst deals of all time have been foisted onto the American public concerning mining rights and the lost revenue that could /should be plowed back into our public institutions and needs.
Back to Freedom of the Press: Without those broad parameters of freedom of information, and broad dissemination in place and available we more than risk we guarantee that the powerful who wish to remain powerful will restrict pertinent information when it runs counter to their special, specific and highly individualized wants and needs.
Unfortunately, those needs may and often do run counter to what is best for the majority. Including being able to pollute the Delaware and Chesapeake because a company would sell less of something.
Paper back ups for voting machines is a great example although essential for voting integrity they cut into the profit margin of the manufactures. Whats more important here - obviously voting count integrity, but because we have a warped sense of the importance of profit margins trumping all other concerns we have a fight on our hands to get paper back ups for our new electronic voting machines - so much for defending the Constitution.
We shoot ourselves in the foot time and time again even to the point of the destruction of the actual air we breath, water we drink and land and oceans we harvest. It’s mind boggling and devoid of common sense.
In order to fix this mess profit has to be dropped from the number one priority of all time and considered only after the Bill of Rights, the Constitution and the health and welfare of our society as a whole is taken into account. Unbridled profit for profits sake is not a panacea or cure all for what ails us. Never has been never will be! In fact unbriddled profiteering is the quickest way to destroying our planet, each other, and ourselves.
I hope we learn this lesson before it is too late.
Did you know there were cars already in production that run on compressed air? This should be front page news. The big boys don’t have their hands around it (yet) so we don’t hear about it.
Just think how peaceful and clean the world would be today if the guys that make the most off of oil weren’t in control of the White House and Congress for the past 60 years. Don’t get fooled or roped into a phony fight Republicans versus Democrats. It’s the have mores (that’s W.’s quote) versus the rest of us.
It’s time to put the oil monopoly and their minions their dirty oil money, politics and schemes out to pasture and reclaim our country of the people, by the people, for the people!
Paul Burke
Author - Journey Home
A friend of mine sent me the link below (or click on the title) to this two hour documentary. I’m happy to report that it is compelling viewing and worth the time. Even if some of the conclusions or predictions might not stand up to other points of view this is still worth watching. The first ten minutes if historically correct offer a very fascinating overview of world religions that will give you more than a pause in your assumptions. It’s a very well put together montage and the whole documentary is split into three parts. I watched a part then took a break freshened up my apple juice and then hunkered down for the next part. So take the time to review this feature. The worst thing that can happen is that you get another point of view to assess or are spurned on to do some of your own research and fact checking, and always, always, question authority.
Paul
Author - Journey Home
Zeitgeist Movie Link
It’s movie review time! Yet again I am famously behind the times but Net Flix is such a wonderful company I’m actually catching up on some movies. I’m a huge fan of Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Julie Christie and Dustin Hoffman both are strong as ever. As usual it’s Johnny’s show and he doesn’t disappoint as this tale is ripe for his strong acting chops. Emotion runs rampant as the lives of two families intersect and the creative muse of Depp’s character is allowed full range in conjunction with the children. Kate Winslet’s character is aptly swept along in the process. I loved all the backstage and theatrical scenes as they lent a palpable taste of costuming and stage makeup right at your feet. I want to go into more detail but let’s just say it’s hard to judge a movie by it’s cover. This is a semi-fictional account of the author of Peter Pan and the road traveled in “Finding Neverland”. Despite it’s historical inaccuracies and the rather tragic adult lives of the fictionalized yet real life inspired children this is the type of movie that restores faith in humanity even when stepping outside of our alleged boundaries of approved behavior. If you have any room in your heart for joy, fear of regret or sense of wonder you will love this movie!
The Family Stone - Movie Review
I finally saw this movie the other night. If you are sitting on the fence on this one - rent it. I’m not a big SJP fan but she does a good job. Even though she is the central character to the story line there are plenty of other actors and story lines to follow. It’s a heartfelt movie with a ridiculously strong cast including Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Craig T. Nelson, Luke Wilson, Dermot Mulrooney and Claire Danes. There’s some real acting chops going on here by both the name and not so famous actors. It’s a top flight cast and they have great material to work with. This is not a gun, murder, rape, drug movie and that’s another reason I love it! Nothing blows up and there are no car chases but what you get is a slice of life and that’s real enough without all the usual Hollywood embellishments and trappings.
Now I hail from a big family and I gotta tell you there’s a lot of truth ringing here. So if you have a few years of “real” life experience under your belt and you have been grist for the mill you will love this movie. Bitter sweet and over the top but still wonderfully shot and directed. I’ve seen Rachel McAdams in a few movies but her cereal eating comfy clothes turn in this role stole my heart and Claire Danes always delivers the goods. If you see some bad reviews out at Net Flix ignore them. I immediately went back and watched the movie again and tuned into the family dynamics on the peripheral of the main story line. The extras are worth watching. They will help you pick up on some subtleties that are bound to be missed because there is a lot there. The comfy, cluttered, home really took me back and will put you in the homecoming holiday mood. Now move over on the sofa and pass the popcorn! This is a good human movie my friends!
Is it any wonder that Human dignity has all but evaporated. From the willingness to blow up people in a market getting their daily bread to the visceral, violent and ugly words and images from our entertainment industry the idea of human dignity has all but disappeared. Somewhere along the time that it became hip to be stupid we have trended downwards. Look at the talking heads screaming at each other on television (pathetic, immature, irrational and stupid) or the trash that is sensationalized and paraded on daily television for what we have become. It’s not funny it’s sad. Decorum, respect, dignity, class, education, elite, excellence, work, awareness, liberal, sharing, kindness, tolerance, peace, patience, understanding and love these have become the dirty words. How about our politicians and the examples they set with lying and corruption justified as the norm and how much one can get away with the goal. That’s the petulant behavior of a five year old and not very wise. You can only lead by example. We show up on foreign soil with Christianity in one hand and an empty basket to fill up in the other pathetic hypocrites.
No Human dignity is a thing of the past. It’s hip to be an aggressive punk. Throwing trash in the street and crying about being dis-respected we don’t see that our actions are what actually earn respect. Religious bigotry, intolerance forgetting to live and let live or simply ignoring the golden rule (do unto others as you would have them do unto you) are all symptoms of an immature world petty and futile with no real vision beyond greed and ego. The world is flipped out. I guess an era of uncivilized behavior is necessary to re-educate man that ignorance is self and globally annihilating.
Well World in order to survive the word we must relearn is civilization. Without it we reduce ourselves and our neighbors to less than nothing defecating in our water, poisoning our food, polluting our air and waging war all for profit. A respect for all humanity (including yourself) is the cornerstone of success. Jefferson called it the obligation of the good citizen. I call it common sense.
Paul
Author - Journey Home
Amnesty International
“when Ghandi was asked what he thought of Western civilization he said he thought it would be a good idea”
John Stewart, Petreaus, and Bin Laden - Duck Soup
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that since the 1920’s Western Europe and the United States have been trying to control that Mid East Oil. Being in Iraq to get Bin Laden is like O.J. looking for Nicole’s real killers (complete and utter bullshit). Anyone who denies that is delusional and doesn’t have the guts to realize their beloved country has been hijacked by a bunch of liars.
Thou shall not lie is one of the ten commandments. How is it that the war liars got the support of the religious right and the good god fearing people of middle America? Because they lied and continue to lie to them. Why is Al Gore vilified and treated like the enemy? He’s an American citizen. Anyone who turns Americans against one another is the problem. A house divided can not stand. The simple truths born out through history proved again and again are completely ignored by our media talking heads who will say anything to get on Television and grab a pay check.
The good of the Country isn’t on their radar. Profit is the false god we worship (oops another commandment we aren’t following). When profit and money trump all other concerns we can’t even manage our plentiful resources successfully. If we did we would have the highest fuel efficiency standards in the world. As it stands we are way down on the list with Canada, Europe and China selling vehicles with better fuel efficiency. Why (?) Because…..drum roll please….it’s about profit and the more oil we consume the more the big boys sell. But in the end it’s a house of cards and when it comes down we better all pray it’s not horrible. Nuclear weapons make this little game of sacrificing the poor as soldiers to do the big boys profiteering is dicey for all of us. There is no hiding in the Caymans from nuclear warheads.
A targeted, elite special op’s operation to get Bin Laden (who’s parents do business with Bush, James Baker and the Carlyle group) would have been the honest way to go - unless Bin Laden himself (who received arms and covert contact from the Americans when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan) is really a CIA operative, a double agent, a god damn independent run amok, or a red herring.
Isn’t anyone struck by the timing of Bin Laden’s press and video releases being counter productive and counter intuitive towards what Bin Laden says he wants? They just “happen” to coincide with our elections and this bogus dog and pony show (report) by Petraeus.
Bin Laden is supposed to be so smart orchestrating a world wide terror ring - so he opens his mouth right before an election to help elect the “one party” that can defeat him? Bin Laden pops up after months and years of silence right before the reading of this report? For what…to remind us we have something to fear and should stay at war?
Bin Ladern wants our bases off Saudi soil. The last thing he would do is use his terror shtick to scare us into staying at war with our bases in the Mid-East. This evil overlord who successfully hides from all of our efforts to find him and slips away at Torra Bora when we have him surrounded (and then pull back) is so savvy that he throws himself out there to re-elect Republicans and pump up support for Petraeus’s report and our continued war presence?
Dear lord people get a clue. Up is down in the world of politics, espionage and war profiteering. The so called “Clear Sky Act” actually weakened environmental standards and on and on. Don’t be such unthinking dupes.
As for comedians being unable to have insight and pierce the smoke and mirrors with a lightening bolt of truth just because they are comedians - that’s completely bogus - everyone from Groucho Marx, George Carlin, Carlos Mencia, Lewis Black, to Mark Twain and Ben Franklin were able to elicit in a few words, “truth,” that the powers that be would rather we not see or deal with.
For another brilliant comedian watch Robert Newman’s History of Oil http://video.google.com/videop…..5741878159
It’s been out for a while but deserves another look unless of course your mind is closed.
Movie review time - I know I’m about ten years too late on this one (actually not that bad) but seriously if it wasn’t for NetFlix I wouldn’t have a clue. I saw Claire Danes with Leo in a remake of Romeo and Juliet. Watching that movie I realized that she has this quiet dignity that really shines on screen. I like Claire quite a bit and also respect that she’s not fodder for the Tabloids. Poor Britney what a mess and Lindsey Lohan’s Mom should be beaten for what she has done to her child. Okay back to Shop Girl. Years ago Steve Martin produced a play and I ran to the Ford theater to see it in Washington D. C. “Picasso at the Lapin Agile”. I loved it! The triple threat to Shop Girl is Jason Schwartzman. I have to believe Bill Murray told Steve to work with this guy and I loved Jason in Rushmore.
What possibly could go wrong with this cast. Nothing and the music score is beautiful. If you haven’t seen Shop Girl grab your significant other and rent this movie. I would even say it’s worthy of a buy for your home collection. The story has depth and lightness and Claire carries the whole thing off with aplomb.
Four Stars - for intelligence, thoughtfulness and laughs. Much like the Gilda and Steve dance number from way back when on SNL. Mr. Martin has always infused his work with a poignant, bitter sweet quality with laughs to spare. Shop Girl tones the guffaws down quite a bit but there are still some light hearted moments. Above all else a real human chord is struck throughout the movie. So ignore the cheesy DVD cover and delve into this one.
Enjoy and let me know what you think,
Paul
Ted and Rupert Sitting in a Tree
Ted Stevens gets his home raided by the F.B.I. and I.R.S. I guess being a complete whore for the Oil Industry has its consequences.
And Rupert Murdoch buying the Wall Street Journal (the Prestigious, inbred, bastion of the right) will eventually (clown up) and Fox News the rights holy grail of a news paper (but not change its politics). The leading prestigious newspaper tucked under every arm of the “holier than thou” will be nothing more than a tabloid screaming it’s position instead of trying to nuance the same nonsense.
In the end the right wing, conservative, monied power elite’s favorite rag will now be dressed up in clown makeup and drag the whole bunch down with them leaving Reverend Moon’s “Washington Times” as the leading rag of the right wing elite.
This is fantastic I love it. That veneer of prestige and elitism of the monied Wall Street reader (most just carried it around never reading it) have lost their flagship.
Like putting McDonald’s Arch’s at the front gates of all their Country Clubs their air of superiority self dissolves into a tabloid reality of O’Reilyness, and will bring the eventual rejection by the salt of the Earth who’s loyalty they trounced. Leaving now only the Armageddonist fanatics and beer soaked Nascar dads to carry the flag of Conservatism as the Neo Con’s implode on the Hill.
Well done - they have done themselves in quicker than the progressives can even blog about it.
Quite simply - I hate “hate” and that’s the only thing I hate. It’s a stupid word, it’s a stupid response to being insecure about your own self and your own choices in life. Somewhere along the way people need to realize that even if we were all the same it wouldn’t cure our insecurity or make us feel better about ourselves - that’s just an illusion based on fear. Variety has been and will continue to be the spice of life. Until we embrace the differences in each other and until we recognize the intricacies in creation are also in our very selves, and until we realize we are creation, just as varied and spectacular as mother nature herself - because we are mother nature, until we realize we are a part of nature and not apart from nature we will continue to be ignorant of who and what we are, do the wrong things, and fear (hate) what we don’t understand about ourselves, each other and our planet.
CNN - Propagand Machine for Status Quo
Dear CNN,
You lost a lot of credibility giving industry front man Glenn Beck and his “Climate of Fear” and lobbyists unfettered air time on the “most trusted name in news” channel. Look pollution is bad it’s not a fear campaign it’s a fact campaign. Polluted air, water and land pollute our food chain, contaminate our health and degrade and destroy our environment. From overfishing to melting ice caps we are screwing up and need to move away from dirty energy sources to clean ones. We get one planet and we can’t survive without it. Even if the science wasn’t rock solid it doesn’t make any sense to pollute and destroy the very environment and globe that sustains us. Pathetic that’s what CNN is for letting industry related representatives with a severe conflict of interest plug their spin on the issue in order to maintain their profit margins and antiquated business models. The industrial revolution and oil in particular has led us into rivers of soot and global war. There is a better way. Letting the status quo distort the truth for the top ten on their board of directors to stay enormously rich is not news reporting - it’s propaganda and treasonous to our system of representative government. Your boys at the top making those decisions to air that bunk are just as likely to get cancer from our poisoned air, water and food as the next guy - they better wise up.
This is a wonderful movie filmed over several locations. If you are an animal lover or activist you will love this movie. The acting is very strong Viggo Mortenson can carry a picture. He has a real depth and quality to him. I have to throw a bucket of cold water on my wife after he’s on screen for more than five minutes. That’s not all bad from my point of view. A great story and based on the real story of Frank Hopkins a Native American who knew and loved his wild mustangs and sought their protection on the prairie and the plains. Hidalgo is the horse he rode across the sands of Arabia in a “distance” race.
There was a misdirected uproar over the movie thanks to George Bush and the oil barons he represents called the Hidaglo Hoax, and you can read the screenwriters response here.
Regardless of the uproar of the long riders association - this is a great movie with superb acting. Unless your heart is made of coal it will get you where it counts. Hidalgo delivers.
Goodbye Kurt - I’ll Miss You!!!!!
Kurt,
Dies and will the world mourn - nah - we are much to worried about Don Imus’s career - dear lord - we have lost our way. What is rich and wonderful in our lives is pushed to the back burners and discarded, disregarded and dismissed while the noisy drum beat of commerce pollutes the very air we breath. I love the market economy - just not the mismanagement of our resources, planet and lives. Kurt like an arrow pierced through with insight and blasted like a howitzer the truth of ourselves. Technology and mankind’s inventions do not travel in a straight line with our collective survival and growth. We have been given judgment to use. The issue is self control. Can we control the evil that is mixed with the good that has been given to us in ourselves and our realities? Can we not think for ourselves by our own observations and learning and stop being lazy parrots of the status quo?
I loved Kurt’s books they let me know that others were not blindly accepting the dictates of the status quo. His books gave me hope and inspiration. There will never be another. Goodnight Kurt keep this realm in your heart and look after us if you can. The infinite and the finite co-mingle on this planet. Kurt was a conduit for both.
Love your friend,
Paul
Imus in the “Mourning”… Your Taxes & JFK
“Held accountable” - this is a curious statement that is being brandished over Don Imus’s firing. That Imus is gone was predictable, and he was “held accountable” for his statement. But why stop there - why not hold all public figures accountable for their statements (or how about even their actions - wonder of wonders)
But we don’t - somehow Rush Limbaugh gets a pass, Howard Stern gets a pass, Bill O’Reily gets a pass and worst of all George Bush, Karl Rove and Dick Cheney get passes. Hell Cheney drunk in the afternoon (yeah he’s the only one who can protect us) blasts a guy in his face almost killing him and nothing happened - no outrage, no blood test - no records released - no accountability - just swept under the rug. He’s not only - not accountable - for his words “last throes” but not even accountable for his actions. It’s pathetic. Can you imagine if Clinton shot somebody in the face? He’d be hung in the public square by a torch carrying mob fueled by the right wing media.
That’s the double standard that upsets me - Imus - gone - good - he’s a miserable old coot with a bunch of money and a superiority complex - fits right in with the elite. If he would have just saved his abrasive comments for the politicians he’d still be on the air, dope that he is .
But what about the rest of the stuff on the air, in the media? What about the daily sewer of disinformation coming from the politicians and lobbyist as they game the system in their favor at OUR EXPENSE (money, health and lives)
The outright lies are passed on by the spin meisters and those currying favor to then be broadcasted as truth to millions through that piece of cr*p television in the center of your living room, or radio in your car, or newspaper in your hand.
Why is lying acceptable, why is lying about people acceptable, why is lying about public policy, the misdeeds and corruption of business, blatant unrepentant pollution, prescription drugs, and international relations acceptable?
The people outraged over Imus (or the double standard with hip hop lyrics and Duke Lax) should be as outraged over their politicians screwing them 24/7.
You’re not the richest 1% so where’s your tax break? Look at your pay check and puke. They are skimming off the top of what you earn and giving it to those who don’t need it or appreciate where it came from - and you are not outraged??…
Happy April 15th everyone! Enjoy writing that check this weekend to the richest 1%. So Imus is fired - it changes nothing.
Good luck to the ladies from Rutgers I hope they are motivated to become lawyers, doctors and politicians and activists and do excellent things with the lives they have been given!
Maybe the rest of us should try and do the same or just be satisfied with the sacrificial lambs that cough themselves up every now and then while the others get away with murder (JFK).
Just a quick posting on how much my wife and I enjoyed this movie, great actors, great acting, wonderful lighting and an intelligent story. This is a great movie. I’m honestly compelled to post something about it and highly recommend the movie. I have always been a fan of Edward Norton. He’s one of those actors that embodies his character. While Deniro and Nicholson play versions of themselves Edward Norton has the ability much like Robert Duvall to personify the character completely. Since Sideways Paul Giamatti has been able to get out there so to speak and take more leading rolls. He also posses a deftness of emotion and acting that is just plain fun to watch. I do not know much about Jessica Biel but I do believe she has been cast beautifully in this role. The characters played by Rufus Sewell and Eddie Marsan are both portrayed beautifully. The acting is up to snuff and beyond so what about the story? It’s awesome because it taps into something that is real for all of us and between what we know and what we don’t know. Great things are happening in this movie it does not drag and it is intriguing. Suspend belief and enjoy. Okay, great acting, wonderful story, what about the staging, pacing, scenery, costums and lighting? Across the board this has been directed and shot beautifully. The lighting for every single shot in this movie is exquisit!
Take the time if you can and do yourself a favor this is a very good movie - all ages appropriate!
Well done, well done…bravo!
Guitar Shorty (Double Holy Smokes)
David Kearney (Guitar Shorty) is a lights out awesome, righteous guitar player. What a show! I just happened to check our local blues club and stopped in to see Guitar Shorty over the weekend. Holy smokes either I was ready to cut loose or this was the best freakin’ show I’ve seen in a long, long time - holy smokes - we completely lost track of time.
I love being surprised when checking out acts for the first time. I had no idea what to expect and truth be told I was pretty played out by the end of the week. We could have used the night off. But we rallied late and got there just before show time. I know I’m in for a good show when just walking into the venue I almost knock over the headliner. He was on his way out to change before the show. Well I’m happy to say we had a complete blast as David Guitar Shorty strutted his stuff and worked the audience. We were laughing and crackin’ with him all night. It was a real event and the place was packed! By the end of the night he had us dancing in the aisles. I woke up the next morning with a slight twisted knee from playing air guitar all night looooonngggg!!!!! (LOL)! Here’s a section lifted from his web site(s) to give you an idea of his pedigree:
“Right out of high school at the age of 16 Shorty joined Ray Charles and his band for a year. At the age of 17 he recorded a single under the direction of Willie Dixon on the Cobra label. When Shorty was lured away to play with Guitar Slim he moved to New Orleans. He gigged steadily through the late 1950s and 1960s, working with Little Milton, B.B. King, Lowell Fulson, Sam Cooke, Otis Rush, Johnny Copeland and T-Bone Walker. Shorty lived and worked in both Los Angeles and Canada until in 1961 he met his wife, Marcia, in Seattle. When Shorty married Marcia he also got Jimi Hendrix, Marcia’s (step)brother for a younger brother-in-law. The young Jimi Hendrix came to see Shorty play often…”
Okay, enough said the man’s the real deal! Here’s a great interview from two years ago “Guitar Shorty Interview ” that tells a great story. It’s a quick read. After all this time Shorty is finally reaping the benefits of his decades long pursuit of music and hard work.
One other thing the man is a class act. He spent all night with his fans until the last one straggled out the door. His band was rock solid and it was just a great fun night for all. Do not miss this American Treasure when he comes to your town. Here’s his current schedule.
