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Off Shore Drilling - Don’t Buy the Lie
CAN WE DRILL OUR WAY TO LOWER FUEL PRICES?
Argument 1:
Drilling more oil and gas wells will reduce gasoline prices.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the total additional oil that could be
brought into production from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, the Outer
Continental Shelf, and the Rocky Mountain states is likely to be only about 1.2 million
barrels of oil a day at peak production. This only adds up to a $1.20 reduction in the price
of a barrel of oil, which is currently well over $140.(footnotes) i ii iii
If this drop were to reduce pump prices at all, the savings would be mere pennies (only about 3 cents a gallon according to Department of Energy figures) and would not be seen by Americans for at least another 10 years.
Even in the most optimistic case, drilling in those sensitive areas combined would
possibly garner a savings at the pump of only 4-5 cents a gallon in 2025. Even the
Department of Energy admits that: “Because oil prices are determined on the
international market, however, any impact on average… prices is expected to be
insignificant.” (footnote)iv Any oil pumped here would go right into that international market, where we’d have to bid for it right alongside India, China and other nations.
In fact, a record 1.6 billion barrels a day in U.S. refined petroleum products were
exported from January-April of this year, up 33 percent over the same period in 2007.
This surge in exports seems to contradict arguments of supporters who want to increase
domestic drilling in order to help alleviate fuel shortages in the U.S. The bottom line is
profit –domestically drilled oil will not stay in the U.S. if another nation is willing to pay
more for it.
Despite the fact that drilling will not help consumers at the pump, the industry continues
to push for more drilling permits on public lands. This strategy is little more than an
attempt to control more land and reap bigger and bigger profits. Between 1999 and 2007,
the number of drilling permits issued for development of public lands increased by more
than 361%, yet gasoline prices have also risen dramatically. There is no correlation
between more drilling and lower gasoline prices.
Even if increased domestic drilling could affect the price of gasoline, there is yet no
justification to open additional federal lands because oil and gas companies have shown
that they cannot keep pace with the rate of drilling permits that the federal government is
handing out. In the last four years, the Bureau of Land Management has issued 28,776
permits to drill on public lands; yet, in that same time, 18,954 wells were actually drilled.
That means that companies have stockpiled nearly 10,000 extra permits to drill that they
are not using to increase domestic production.
Argument 2:
Vast quantities of oil and gas beneath public lands are closed to energy
development.
According to the Department of the Interior, only 38% of the oil and 16% of the natural
gas are excluded from leasing – largely because those resources are underneath National
Parks and wilderness areas that have significant scenic, recreational and wildlife values.
Industry already has more lands than it can drill. Of the 44.5 million leased acres, most -more than 30 million acres -have not been used by the oil and gas industry.
Industry isn’t developing most of the public lands it already has under lease. Although we
object to some of the areas under lease, we believe that the oil and gas industry should
make better use of existing leases before it attempts to lock up more public lands in
environmentally fragile areas.
Argument 3:
Opening the 19.2 million acre Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska to
drilling would reduce today’s gasoline prices.
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that it will require 8 to 10 years
after opening ANWR before oil is produced. According to the EIA, opening ANWR
could reduce U.S. crude oil imports, but not until 2022-2026 and only by a few
percentage points.
Oil prices are set on a global market. Historically, increases in U.S. oil production have
had little impact on those prices. If commercial quantities of oil are discovered in
ANWR, the effect would be a reduction of just a few pennies per gallon during peak
production.
During the next two decades, US oil imports as a percentage of consumption will
decrease, a dramatic shift in US energy policy. The reasons for this decrease are
improvements in energy efficiency and conservation and the use of alternative energy and new technologies that will reduce our nation’s need for oil between now and 2050 by 100 million barrels – that’s 10 times the amount of oil that ANWR could provide.
Argument 4:
We need to increase domestic drilling in order to achieve energy independence and
increase homeland security.
More drilling will not achieve “energy independence.” At current consumption levels,
U.S. resources are inadequate to achieve energy independence. The United States
contains 2.5 % of the world’s oil resources and 3% of world natural gas resources.
But we account for 24% of total world consumption of oil and 22% of natural gas
consumption. The U.S. could drill every national park, wildlife refuge, and coastline and still be importing 60 percent of the oil we use. Opening more areas to drilling in the U.S. can never make us less dependent on foreign oil or natural gas.
Additionally, because oil and petroleum products are traded globally, there is no
guarantee that oil drilled in the U.S. will stay in the U.S. In fact, a record 1.6 billion
barrels a day in U.S. refined petroleum products were exported from January-April of this
year, up 33 percent over the same period in 2007. The bottom line is profit -
domestically drilled oil will not stay in the U.S. if another nation is willing to pay more for it.
The only way we will ever reduce our dependency is to reduce our consumption. Federal
legislation that promotes clean, alternative energy and cuts global warming pollution will
reduce our oil imports four times more than drilling in the pristine wildlife habitat of the
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, off our beaches, and in the Rocky Mountains combined.
A study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology found that under the Climate
Security Act, U.S. petroleum consumption would drop by nearly half by 2030—saving
far in excess of the amount of oil we could ever pull from Alaska or the coasts.
Argument 5:
There are too many environmental restrictions on drilling.
Many of these environmental restrictions are what help keep our drinking water and the
air we breathe clean. They also help conserve wildlife and lands for recreation.
Even with current environmental restrictions, wildlife and clean water and air are taking a
hit from drilling. During the first four years of development on the Pinedale Anticline
natural gas field in Wyoming the overall wintering mule deer population dropped by
46%. The Greater sage-grouse may require listing under the Endangered Species Act, in
part, as a result of damage to its habitat from oil and gas drilling. This past year in
Colorado, over 1 million gallons of polluted, industrial drilling mud was accidentally spilled into the West Parachute Creek on the Roan Plateau.
Drilling also pollutes the air. The oil industry on Alaska’s North Slope annually emits approximately 70,000 tons of nitrogen oxides, an important component of smog. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, this is more than twice the amount emitted by the city of Washington, D.C.
The small town of Pinedale, Wyoming (pop. 1412), which sits just 100 miles south of Grand Teton National Park, experienced its first hazardous ozone alerts this past winter as a result of emissions from nearby drilling operations.
These are just a few examples of the impacts to wildlife, water and air from drilling. We
would see many more if current environmental restrictions are loosened or relaxed.
Our facts are from credible sources –the U.S. Department of Energy and the Bureau of
Land Management (under the U.S. Department of Interior). A lot of other “information”
is out there (mostly based on opinion)
i
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Agency, “Analysis of Crude Oil Production in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge” May 2008
iii
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Agency, “State Energy Profiles”
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
Arturo O’Farrill
I have been meaning to write about Arturo for a while but every time I do I put on one of his CD’s and start listening. Well I can’t help it his playing just rifles along in bouncy rhythms that disguise the effort. The man can play and well writing about playing is very difficult especially when listening. Afro-Cuban Jazz I guess if you are going to label something that’s as good a name as any. I would throw out the phrase World Jazz, or describe it as jazz with an island sensibility. Calypso meets Swing meets Coltrane. It doesn’t matter the music has heart and a real sense of joy. His father (also Arturo) was an innovator but over looked by the establishment. Well the establishment is a bunch of small minded idiots protecting their own turf. So they suck and who cares what they think. Now a days more enlightened individuals (thank you Wynton Marsalis) have opened doors for Arturo. His Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra performs at the Lincoln Center in NY as a regular gig, and all over the world.
I’m not really sure how I stumbled into his work. Pulling on the Buena Vista Social Club string I probably came across his recording Night in Tunisia and well I’m hooked. This is not unaccessible music and the Brazilian and Santa Domingo influences from Latin America are here as well as the mellow classic jazz lines of Monk and Mcoy Tyner, and even shades of Vince Guaraldi very, very nice. It is a wide musical landscape played very tastefully.
Music is gumbo and Arturo is a world renowned chef - and so now you know - dig in and enjoy - hot and spicy, cool and mellow and it swings - it’s all here.
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
High Mercury Content in Bluefin Tuna Not Only Reason to Pass on the Sushi
Repost from Earth Justice
Stay to the low end of the food chain kids until the status quo gets it’s act together
_________________
High Mercury Content in Bluefin Tuna Not Only Reason to Pass on the Sushi
Overfishing and poor oceans management are leading bluefin tuna to the brink of extinction
February 6, 2008
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Washington, D.C. — Recent news reports and studies revealed dangerously high levels of mercury in bluefin tuna and other fish species. Government agencies have warned consumers to avoid eating foods with high mercury levels. And while eating too much of this fish may be bad for your health, it is also bad for dwindling bluefin tuna populations.Bluefin tuna are a species in peril. Commercial overfishing and a poorly constructed government regulatory program are pushing the western Atlantic bluefin population towards collapse and even possible extinction. This amazing fish, which can grow up to 1,500 pounds, dive up to 3,000 feet in a matter of minutes, and traverse the Atlantic Ocean in just over a month, plays a crucial role in balancing the web of oceanic life.
“Eating bluefin tuna is bad for your health, but it’s also bad for the health of this species,” said Katie Renshaw, attorney with Earthjustice. “Government mismanagement has created a broken system where commercial fishers are taking advantage of legal loopholes that allow them to target bluefin on spawning grounds in the Gulf of Mexico when the remaining bluefin gather to breed. If we don’t act now, this species could disappear forever.”
Earthjustice, on behalf of Blue Ocean Institute and its president, author and scientist Carl Safina, have challenged in court the National Marine Fisheries Service’s failure to limit longline fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Longline fishing places thousands of baited hooks in the water, indiscriminately hooking fish, turtles and sometimes even birds. Bluefin tuna spawning in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are accidentally caught by these longline vessels. Because spawning bluefin are highly stressed, most hooked bluefin die even if they are released.
Longline fishing in the Gulf of Mexico during bluefin spawning season depletes the bluefin population and cripples the potential of the bluefin to rebuild to a healthy level. Curtailing this threat would substantially protect this critically threatened species.
“Fisheries scientists have the capacity to sustainably manage bluefin fishing, but the economic and political will is lacking,” said Safina. “The U.S. must stop all catches of bluefin tuna on breeding grounds during spawning season and press for a five year Atlantic-wide moratorium on bluefin fishing.”
The litigation has been fully briefed and is currently awaiting judgment in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
Last month, the New York Times reported that some samples of bluefin tuna sushi bought at local restaurants and grocery stores had dangerously high mercury levels. Mercury is a powerful neurotoxin; even low levels of mercury exposure in utero or during early childhood can impair the ability to walk, talk, read, write and learn. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 1 in every 6 women has mercury levels in her blood high enough to harm development in unborn children.
Oceana recently issued a report on mercury levels in popular fish and sushi that demonstrate the need for the Food and Drug Administration to post advice about seafood consumption in grocery stores and restaurants. The study found that mercury levels in fresh tuna are comparable to fish already included on the FDA’s “Do Not Eat” list.
Contact:Katie Renshaw / Steve Roady, Earthjustice, (202) 667-4500
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
Freedom of Choice = The Right to Choose
Why is there a war on freedom of choice? This country was founded on religious freedom and an “individual liberty concept” that should be guaranteed, and taken into consideration with every act this government takes. The right to manage one’s own life within the tenants and arc of one’s own experience should never be impinged. It is not a one size fits all world but a tapestry of experiences and awareness that runs from the enlightened to the obsessive and power hungry. Sacrificing the bedrock foundations of this Country to the whims of fanaticism in order to gain power jeopardizes the very freedoms and virtues that make this country the land of freedom, opportunity, and great in every sense of the word.
A womans right to choose and to govern her very existence should not be dictated by anyone save her own mind, heart and soul. If we do a good job with education, including sex ed, and have easy access to birth control then we are fulfilling the “planned parenthood” mission. If we impart the wisdom that there is a difference between having a child and raising a child, and the life long commitment that entails then we will achieve responsible parenting.
If you believe every sperm is sacred and your 14 year old daughter gets pregnant what does she do? Is it up to the 14 year old? Should the parent give guidance? It could be argued that your 14 year old didn’t receive good guidance in the first place, or she wouldn’t have become pregnant. So you can see this is a very tricky issue based on the specifics of the situation and blanket rules, assumptions and attitudes do not apply.
That the government provides for safe medical procedures is its duty not only for staph infections in hospitals but abortions as well. That the government tell each and everyone of us what to believe or not believe is most definitely the largest affront on individual liberty that man can come up with short of the holocaust.
Paul Burke
Author - Journey Home
PROTECT ALL ENDANGERED RED LIST SPECIES
We did not make this world or even ourselves, we did not make the universe or the stars in the sky, we did not make the plains or the mountains, or animals that dwell in them. We did not make the oceans or the sky. We did not make the weather, the rain or the apples that grow from the trees. We did not make anything accept destruction and war, and consumption. How arrogant are we to hold this magnificent creation in disdain as we slash and pollute, burn and kill, destroy and extinguish all that has been given to us. It should be revered, used sparingly and manged with care. We have been given the free will and intelligence to accomplish great things. We have been given the consciousness to know the difference between right and wrong. Mankind needs to evolve and quickly to a forward thinking less self absorbed being and realize his/her true place in the universe on a tiny rock in a distant solar system with a wisp of air and sea to sustain us.
Paul Burke
Author Journey Home
Profit, Taxes, Warren Buffet, and The Global Survival of Mankind
The idea that profit is the end all be all number one priority misses the mark by a landslide. Profit has to come down on the list of priorities to number five somewhere below sustainability (yes the environment) health, education and security. We need sustainability to live on this our one and only planet everything else comes second, and therefore manage our resources in a sustainable fashion. Clear cutting, slash and burn short term profit making is good when it’s pet rocks but devastating when it is the actual environment, food chain/food source, that sustains us. That being said money is a tool not a lover or friend or companion or neighbor, or something that fulfills us. That void inside you if it exists can not be filled up with money. Helping one another is the only way to fill that void no amount of booze or broads, good score cards, seats, or wide screen televisions or fine cigars or country club memberships or visits with celebrities will achieve that goal. So as to why we are here that should be obvious by anyone past 50 years old - to help each other.
In order to foster a more equitable society we need to quite frankly spread the wealth. If the wealth is concentrated in a few hands you will have war, and civil unrest. An uneducated population is treacherous. The war in the mid east is the haves versus the have nots - who else would be willing to blow themselves up unless they felt what’s the difference my existence is subhuman anyway.
The estate tax and Buffet’s opinion about it speak directly to those concerns. Those manipulating the tax code behind the veil of the beltway do so at their own demise, miss the big picture, are looking for short term gains and forget who and where they are.
Paul Burke
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”
The link above takes you to the original article by Stu Bykofsky from the Philadelphia Daily News a huge sports town. Here is his definitive article on Michael Vick and the seriously flawed, unenlightened individual he is and those of his friends and worshipers all who define not having a clue!
Thank you Stu!
______________________________________________
Stu Bykofsky |VICK’S NOT QUITE ‘THE LOWEST’
ATLANTA Falcons star quarterback Michael Vick is not the lowest, most detestable scum imaginable.
He is not the lowest of the low.
On the bottom rung of the ladder to hell are child molesters, the human garbage who prey on the innocent and the defenseless. That’s why decent people feel gut-rage at their offenses.
Animal abusers are one rung up, but they also target the innocent. When Vick yesterday agreed to plead guilty to one felony conspiracy charge, defense lawyer Billy Martin said Vick took the deal “to accept full responsibility for his actions.”
That’s certified crap. The plea bargain is Vick’s attempt to avoid “full responsibility” for acts that were not only criminal, but also heartless and vicious.
He took the deal under the pressure of a grand jury that was thought to be preparing even more federal charges against him. I don’t blame Vick for trying to dodge the bullet, but don’t tell me it’s contrition.
It’s bad enough Vick bought a property and with pals (aka other defendants) bought, bred and trained American pit bull dogs for the purpose of turning them against each other, according to the 19-page federal indictment.
Even worse was what Vick and his dog pound did to pit bulls that didn’t measure up, according to the indictment - they were shot, or hanged, or drowned, or electrocuted, or killed by being slammed to the ground. Man’s best friend.
I suspect national outrage tackled Vick because he violated the special compact we have with dogs. We are closer to them than any other animal, even “companion animals” like cats, horses and hamsters.
Dogs helped searched for victims at 9/11’s Ground Zero; they are the eyes of the blind, the ears of the deaf, the legs of the disabled; the comforter of children, the protector of women; the puller of sleds, the sniffer for drugs and explosives. They help humans in so many ways and ask for a pat on the head in return.
The unique bond between human and canine can’t be explained, but if you’ve lived with a dog, you’ve felt it.
An anonymous writer explained the human-dog relationship in “A Dog’s Plea,” which you may have seen before. It fits here:
“Treat me kindly . . . for no heart in all the world is more grateful than the loving heart of me.
“Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hands between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
“Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.
“Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
“Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
“And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. . . . Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.”
That is the heart and the trust betrayed by Michael Vick - who despite his fame and fortune is a wretched waste of DNA. *
I recently rented this gem from NetFlix the other day. I haven’t seen this movie since the 70’s. If you have never, ever in your life sat down to watch this movie you really should. Interestingly enough I found the content very timely in regards to the politicians of today and the blatant hypocrisy of those in power. Dustin Hoffman gives a great, hilarious performance along with Faye Dunaway. Why is it that Faye seems to be in every great honest movie from this decade. Chief Dan George (who was in The Outlaw Josey Wales) also plays a subtly nuanced role. When he gets caught in the rain his line delivery is perfect. There’s also a lot of Native American culture and wisdom portrayed in this movie. Indeed the White man does see everything as dead.
This movie will make your heart soar like a hawk. For those of you out there in generation next take a clue from an old boomer - go see this movie - rent it now - it’s a classic - the portrayal of Custer is hilarious but probably horrifyingly close to the truth as any good parody would have it.
Paul
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
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.
A Message To The Law Makers and President and Presidential Canidates
My Fellow Americans,
We need to Wake Up America - our business as usual approach is destroying the very thing that sustains us - profit margin and markets are important but they come way down on the priority list. The health of the planet, the health of our ecosystem, the health of our food population, the health of our rivers and streams, the health of our air all lead up to the health of our bodies and our lives. The time to change is now. Dirty energy sources must be phased out and eliminated over the next decade. The profiteers must be made to understand the health of the planet comes first, the health of each other comes first, the health of our food system comes first. Then we can begin to talk about the markets and profit margins. Anything less than that is unaware, selfish and suicidal.
I’m writing today to encourage you to support doubling our national fuel economy standard. This step would greatly help us break free of our dependence on oil. It’s not just the environment but it’s about preventing war for oil resources - we don’t need the oil we can walk away from the middle east. As we spend our time, and effort on clean energy sources we will discover new opportunities and expand the marketplace in a healthy forthright manner. The debate is over it’s time to act.
Sincerely,
The United States of America
Cars that get 40 mpg
Facts
Here’s the Lee Iacocca rave-out bouncing around the Web right now:
“Am I the only guy in this country who’s fed up with what’s happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder. We’ve got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we’ve got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can’t even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, ‘Stay the course.’ Stay the course? You’ve got to be kidding. This is America, not the damned Titanic. I’ll give you a sound bite: Throw the bums out!” …
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
It always seems to me whenever god wants to emphasis a particular revelation I am having about myself, my loved ones or the world at large he/she always sends an animal friend to punctuate the moment. Whether it’s a full breach by a bottle nose dolphin, or hawks swooping in so low I could reach out and touch them; I am convinced our animal friends are vital to the creators ability to speak to us and inform us especially when we have strayed off his/her path. It’s time to put an end to second class treatment of our animal friends and learn the lessons and hear the messages they are trying to deliver. Today the polar bear has a story to tell. It’s in our best interest to listen and learn from that story. We are fools if we don’t.
Ways you can make a difference;
Oceans
Polar Bears
and Wolves
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!
I went to see Walter a few weeks ago and got funked up! It was awesome. I needed to post something up about this unsung Cresent City hero and quick! I had the opportunity to play his music on my radio show a few years back. What I get most out of Walter is that good Philly soul sound mixed with the blues and funk and seared with New Orleans everything. Earth Wind and Fire meets the DelFonics and Chris Cain and I’m not even getting close to explaining the great house party music he and the roadmasters pump out. Walter is a pure entertainer and has been in the business a very long time. He’s the real deal and has 50 years of playing and listening, touring and entertaining under his belt. Rip open his repertoire and you’ll find a gumbo stew of influences all of them cool. He had fans whipping out their cell phones telling their friends to get their asses down to the club now! I was knocked out that he was in my little hometown. I can recommend three of his disc’s On the Prowl, Funk in the House, and Get on Up: Charly Blues Masterworks, Vol. 9
Visit his website and buy direct - this is a New Orleans musician and he cautioned all of us - our donations to the hurricane relief go through several layers before getting down to the people. So if you really want to help New Orleans - get yourself down there and deliver your cash to the locals first hand whether you are eating Etoufee or funkin’ it up with Walter at Bank Street!
First of all last weeks game was fun for the fans - fumbles and interceptions - goal line stands and missed extra points and field goals. It was mayhem in the driving tropical rains of Southern Florida. Chicago fans get off Grossman’s back - in his first year he got you to the super bowl - chances are he has enough skill to improve his game.
Okay - if you haven’t heard of the Puppy Bowl this is a must see and a great flip back to what is often a bo