Tuesday, August 31, 2004
From Chicago Sun Times:
According to Washington state examination records, eighth-graders in 1910 were expected to:
*Name three different ways a noun can be used in the nominative case.
*Diagram the sentence, "He felt the damp of the river fog, that rises after the sun goes down."
*Spell "beneficent" and "declension."
*Name the most recent three presidents in order and an important event in each administration.
*State the causes of the War of 1812 and name two engagements in the war.
*Distinguish among Puritans, Pilgrims and Separatists.
*Sketch a map of South America, locating three rivers and five capital cities.
*Name the poet who wrote "The Village Blacksmith."
*Quote a stanza from any of four named poems.
*Locate the thoracic duct.
*Find the square root of 95.6484.
Among other things.
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According to Washington state examination records, eighth-graders in 1910 were expected to:
*Name three different ways a noun can be used in the nominative case.
*Diagram the sentence, "He felt the damp of the river fog, that rises after the sun goes down."
*Spell "beneficent" and "declension."
*Name the most recent three presidents in order and an important event in each administration.
*State the causes of the War of 1812 and name two engagements in the war.
*Distinguish among Puritans, Pilgrims and Separatists.
*Sketch a map of South America, locating three rivers and five capital cities.
*Name the poet who wrote "The Village Blacksmith."
*Quote a stanza from any of four named poems.
*Locate the thoracic duct.
*Find the square root of 95.6484.
Among other things.
My city is full of Republicans, the Yankees just suffered their worst lost ever, the Mets are. . . well the Mets and tennis bores me. . . Worst of all, summer is almost over. . .
Oh well, at thank God I leave for Montreal soon. . .
Hot Damn Summer in the City,
Moses
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Oh well, at thank God I leave for Montreal soon. . .
Hot Damn Summer in the City,
Moses
Sunday, August 29, 2004
Ran the Manhattan half marathon earlier today. It was really hot (in the 80's) and really humid (also in the 80's) and the Manhattan course is brutal up and down, up and down. . .
You spin me right round baby round,
Moses
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You spin me right round baby round,
Moses
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Things are not right in the world. Things aren't right when:
1. The U.S. is waging a preemptive war.
2. The President of the United States who has a very dubious military record of his own may be complicit in the attacks against a man who volunteered for service and won three purple hearts.
3. When a girl in Minnesota finds a deformed frog with five legs and yet people claim that there is nothing wrong with the environment.
4. When Cuba wins the gold medal in Olympics in baseball.
5. When the Republican Party exploits NYC in a pathetic attempt to use 9/11.
Rise, life is in motion
I'm stuck in line
oh rise,
you can't be neutral
on a moving train,
Moses
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1. The U.S. is waging a preemptive war.
2. The President of the United States who has a very dubious military record of his own may be complicit in the attacks against a man who volunteered for service and won three purple hearts.
3. When a girl in Minnesota finds a deformed frog with five legs and yet people claim that there is nothing wrong with the environment.
4. When Cuba wins the gold medal in Olympics in baseball.
5. When the Republican Party exploits NYC in a pathetic attempt to use 9/11.
Rise, life is in motion
I'm stuck in line
oh rise,
you can't be neutral
on a moving train,
Moses
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
John Kerry at Cooper Union
Yesterday I attended a John Kerry speech at the historic auditorium at Cooper Union. Apparently that room has hosted speeches by no less than five men who were running for President, including Abraham Lincoln, all of whom won. Kerry kidded that of the five four were Republicans and that he'd like to make the score 4-2.
The speech itself was somewhat uneventful as it was essentially an abridged version of his acceptance speech at the DNC. He mentioned John McCain twice which he didn't in Boston and hammered home some of the battles he won for his fellow veterans in the Senate which he also didn't do in Boston. Finally, his tone was a bit more fiery at Cooper Union, but other than those things it was essentially the same speech. A good one to be sure, but still basically the same. Even complete with the "I defended this country as a young man and willl defend as President" line.
All in all it was a really neat experience for me and at one point I was less than five feet from him. I watched the speech from about ten rows away and then approached him afterwards but didn't get to shake his hand like I'd have liked to. Having seen Al Gore speak earlier this summer, I think I can easily say it's been a good couple of weeks for me in terms of getting to these events, which was one of my New Year's resolutions.
I am cautiously optimistic about Kerry's chances. . .
There's a sun around the bend,
Moses
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Yesterday I attended a John Kerry speech at the historic auditorium at Cooper Union. Apparently that room has hosted speeches by no less than five men who were running for President, including Abraham Lincoln, all of whom won. Kerry kidded that of the five four were Republicans and that he'd like to make the score 4-2.
The speech itself was somewhat uneventful as it was essentially an abridged version of his acceptance speech at the DNC. He mentioned John McCain twice which he didn't in Boston and hammered home some of the battles he won for his fellow veterans in the Senate which he also didn't do in Boston. Finally, his tone was a bit more fiery at Cooper Union, but other than those things it was essentially the same speech. A good one to be sure, but still basically the same. Even complete with the "I defended this country as a young man and willl defend as President" line.
All in all it was a really neat experience for me and at one point I was less than five feet from him. I watched the speech from about ten rows away and then approached him afterwards but didn't get to shake his hand like I'd have liked to. Having seen Al Gore speak earlier this summer, I think I can easily say it's been a good couple of weeks for me in terms of getting to these events, which was one of my New Year's resolutions.
I am cautiously optimistic about Kerry's chances. . .
There's a sun around the bend,
Moses
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Chiefs Preseason MNF Update
So the defense looked good last night. Look, I am not going to pretend that we have one of our old DT/Neil Smith defenses here but I think that the defense has a chance to be decent which is really all I need it to be. Recall that had we stopped Peyton and the Colts even once last year only the Pats would have stood between us and the SB. Considering our dominance at home there is no reason we should be able to secure some level of home field this year. . .
As for the offense it looks every bit as good as it did last year, but we knew that since I saw them at Giants Stadium over a week ago. Still, it's nice to have that confirmed. . .
BTW, guys: Kazmir? Holy cow. . . Shutout in his first start. . . As Blue put it, either the Mets know something or they are cataclysmically stupid. . . I hope it's the former, I fear it's the latter. . .
My Shangri-La beneath the summer moon;
Will return again;
Sure as the dust that floats b'hind you;
When movin' through Kashmir,
Moses
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So the defense looked good last night. Look, I am not going to pretend that we have one of our old DT/Neil Smith defenses here but I think that the defense has a chance to be decent which is really all I need it to be. Recall that had we stopped Peyton and the Colts even once last year only the Pats would have stood between us and the SB. Considering our dominance at home there is no reason we should be able to secure some level of home field this year. . .
As for the offense it looks every bit as good as it did last year, but we knew that since I saw them at Giants Stadium over a week ago. Still, it's nice to have that confirmed. . .
BTW, guys: Kazmir? Holy cow. . . Shutout in his first start. . . As Blue put it, either the Mets know something or they are cataclysmically stupid. . . I hope it's the former, I fear it's the latter. . .
My Shangri-La beneath the summer moon;
Will return again;
Sure as the dust that floats b'hind you;
When movin' through Kashmir,
Moses
Monday, August 23, 2004
Theatre Review: Pascale and Chantal
As my tour, of the apparently Middle East themed, Fringe Festival continued today as I visited a matinee of Pascale and Chantal, a hilarious spoof of Lebanese talk shows that manages to transcend it's somewhat obscure topic and acheive such a hig level of humor that audience memebres seemed to be constantly laughing out loud. Of particular interest is the downright brilliant performance of Jana Zenadeen as Chantal an over the top role that she manages to somehow play sublimely. This show will have you laughing in aisles and might even make you think a bit about American culture imperialism, the bizarre fascination we all have with celebrity and the fundamental hypocrisy apparent in the human condition almost across every culutre and manifested here in the sexual mores of the modern Arab world . . .
So there I haven't got eleven kids,
I weren't born in Baghdad,
Moses
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As my tour, of the apparently Middle East themed, Fringe Festival continued today as I visited a matinee of Pascale and Chantal, a hilarious spoof of Lebanese talk shows that manages to transcend it's somewhat obscure topic and acheive such a hig level of humor that audience memebres seemed to be constantly laughing out loud. Of particular interest is the downright brilliant performance of Jana Zenadeen as Chantal an over the top role that she manages to somehow play sublimely. This show will have you laughing in aisles and might even make you think a bit about American culture imperialism, the bizarre fascination we all have with celebrity and the fundamental hypocrisy apparent in the human condition almost across every culutre and manifested here in the sexual mores of the modern Arab world . . .
So there I haven't got eleven kids,
I weren't born in Baghdad,
Moses
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Theatre Review: John Walker the Musical
Looking for a fun cheap theatre alternative this week?? Consider seeing the excellently amusing and thoughtful John Walker the Musical currently playing here in NYC. Based on the experiences of the so-called "American Taliban" JWTM manages to entertain you, make you laugh and even make you think.
Based on the life, experiences and most importantly the choices of John Walker, this entertaining musical that'll have you humming it's tunes all week after seeing it asks the question: How did this happen. It's conclusions aren't heavy handed and yet pointed enough to be valuable and insightful.
As part of New York's annual Fringe Festival it is a one of a kind theatre experience that won't set your wallet back much.
John Walker came from California;
John Walker came from California;
He wore long pants;
And he played baseball;
Got his hair cut right
And he slept at night;
Just like you and me;
Just like you and me,
Moses
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Looking for a fun cheap theatre alternative this week?? Consider seeing the excellently amusing and thoughtful John Walker the Musical currently playing here in NYC. Based on the experiences of the so-called "American Taliban" JWTM manages to entertain you, make you laugh and even make you think.
Based on the life, experiences and most importantly the choices of John Walker, this entertaining musical that'll have you humming it's tunes all week after seeing it asks the question: How did this happen. It's conclusions aren't heavy handed and yet pointed enough to be valuable and insightful.
As part of New York's annual Fringe Festival it is a one of a kind theatre experience that won't set your wallet back much.
John Walker came from California;
John Walker came from California;
He wore long pants;
And he played baseball;
Got his hair cut right
And he slept at night;
Just like you and me;
Just like you and me,
Moses
Saturday, August 21, 2004
The Word of the Day for August 20 is:
white elephant \WYTE-EL-uh-funt\ noun *1 : a property requiring much care and expense and yielding little profit 2 : an object no longer of value to its owner but of value to others 3 : something of little or no value
Example sentence: The town's white elephant is the closed theater, which earns no money but costs thousands of dollars to maintain.
Did you know? The real "white elephant" (the kind with a trunk) is a pale pachyderm that has long been an object of veneration in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. Too revered to be a beast of burden, the white elephant earned a reputation as a burdensome beast, one that required constant care and feeding but never brought a single cent (or paisa or satang or pya) to its owner. One story has it that the kings of Siam (the old name for Thailand) gave white elephants as gifts to those they wished to ruin, hoping that the cost of maintaining the voracious but sacred mammal would drive its new owner to the poorhouse.
*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.
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white elephant \WYTE-EL-uh-funt\ noun *1 : a property requiring much care and expense and yielding little profit 2 : an object no longer of value to its owner but of value to others 3 : something of little or no value
Example sentence: The town's white elephant is the closed theater, which earns no money but costs thousands of dollars to maintain.
Did you know? The real "white elephant" (the kind with a trunk) is a pale pachyderm that has long been an object of veneration in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. Too revered to be a beast of burden, the white elephant earned a reputation as a burdensome beast, one that required constant care and feeding but never brought a single cent (or paisa or satang or pya) to its owner. One story has it that the kings of Siam (the old name for Thailand) gave white elephants as gifts to those they wished to ruin, hoping that the cost of maintaining the voracious but sacred mammal would drive its new owner to the poorhouse.
*Indicates the sense illustrated in the example sentence.
Monday, August 16, 2004
Very interesting story that just hit a few hours ago, apparently some archaeologists in Israel think they've found a cave where John the Baptist baptized many of his followers. . . May not be true, but it would be an incredible story if it were. . .
But I still haven't found what I'm looking for,
Moses
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But I still haven't found what I'm looking for,
Moses
Sunday, August 15, 2004
The calf muscle is feeling a bit better today. I've gotten a LOT of rest and will continue to rest it. Perhaps, I will be able to run the marathon. It is. . . my destiny. . .
you know where,
now i can't see,
i just stare...
i...i'm still alive
i...i'm still alive
i...i'm still alive,
Moses
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you know where,
now i can't see,
i just stare...
i...i'm still alive
i...i'm still alive
i...i'm still alive,
Moses
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Tore my calf muscle, running a one mile race of all things. Will not be running the NYC marathon.
and the wind keeps roarin';
and the sky keeps turning grey;
and the sun is setting;
the sun will rise another day,
Moses
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and the wind keeps roarin';
and the sky keeps turning grey;
and the sun is setting;
the sun will rise another day,
Moses
Friday, August 13, 2004
|Thursday, August 12, 2004
The Devil Went Up To Dearborn
Country singer Charlie Daniels finds himself the focus of much anger and frustration from the Arab American community these days. Why? Mostly because Daniels wrote and recorded "This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag," a song which, despite the singer's protests, draws on a very derogatory anti-Arab American epitaph. According to the Associated Press, Daniels recently decided not to perform the song, which had been "criticized by Arab-Americans," at an appearance last weekend at festival in Dearborn, Michigan, the "the center of southeastern Michigan's 300,000-member Arab-American community." The song, which was written in the wake of September 11th and has become a country hit, states "This ain't no rag, it's a flag and we don't wear it on our heads. It's a symbol of the land where the good guys live. Are you listening to what I said?" According to the report, "ragheads" is a "derogatory term for Arabs, Muslims and others who wear turbans or cover their heads." Daniels "told the Detroit Free Press in an interview...that the song isn't directed at Arabs and Muslims, but at turbaned terrorists such as al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden. 'The only thing it's 'anti' is the people who bombed us on 9/11. I have people who say you're putting down people who wear turbans. I'm not...There are good Arabs and bad Arabs, good Greeks and bad Greeks, good people and bad people in any race."
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Country singer Charlie Daniels finds himself the focus of much anger and frustration from the Arab American community these days. Why? Mostly because Daniels wrote and recorded "This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag," a song which, despite the singer's protests, draws on a very derogatory anti-Arab American epitaph. According to the Associated Press, Daniels recently decided not to perform the song, which had been "criticized by Arab-Americans," at an appearance last weekend at festival in Dearborn, Michigan, the "the center of southeastern Michigan's 300,000-member Arab-American community." The song, which was written in the wake of September 11th and has become a country hit, states "This ain't no rag, it's a flag and we don't wear it on our heads. It's a symbol of the land where the good guys live. Are you listening to what I said?" According to the report, "ragheads" is a "derogatory term for Arabs, Muslims and others who wear turbans or cover their heads." Daniels "told the Detroit Free Press in an interview...that the song isn't directed at Arabs and Muslims, but at turbaned terrorists such as al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden. 'The only thing it's 'anti' is the people who bombed us on 9/11. I have people who say you're putting down people who wear turbans. I'm not...There are good Arabs and bad Arabs, good Greeks and bad Greeks, good people and bad people in any race."
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
Movie Review: Collateral
I should begin this preview by saying that I am biased because I think that Tom Cruise is what most people say about Sean Penn. He's the best actor of his generation. I understand that it isn't the trendy thing to say and that bashing Cruise and deifying Penn would give me much more credibility as a movie critic, but me and about 20 million other fans disagree. The guy is a brilliant actor and a proven winner at the box office. In addition I think that Jamie Fox is an incredible who doesn't get the love he deserves and I think that Jada Pinckett Smith is hot. Finally, I am a huge Michael Mann fan.
So right off the bat I'll tell you I think that we are starting with a superb cast and director.
Now then on to the movie. Well, as you may have guessed already, I thought it was great. Now let's get a few things out of the way to begin with:
1. Collateral is a thriller
2. Collateral is formulaic.
3. Collateral at times diverges from anything that can happen in reality.
4. Collateral is predictable.
Understanding all those things, I still think it's a really good movie. It is exciting, it is fun and here and there it is thoughtful. The movie, basically Die Hard in a cab cruising through LA and then Die Hard in a building and then Die Hard in a subway is sprinkled throughout with thoughtful questions about the nature of morality, the universe and the human condition.
It's not Citizen Kane, but it's a fun summer action movie that manages to raise some interesting questions and features a top flight cast, soundtrack (AUDIOSLAVE!! AND MILES DAVIS!!!!), direction, even a Lennon quote (see below) and cinematography (the film has a grainy digital style with drab colors that complement the script perfectly).
I highly recommend this movie.
Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans,
Moses
|
I should begin this preview by saying that I am biased because I think that Tom Cruise is what most people say about Sean Penn. He's the best actor of his generation. I understand that it isn't the trendy thing to say and that bashing Cruise and deifying Penn would give me much more credibility as a movie critic, but me and about 20 million other fans disagree. The guy is a brilliant actor and a proven winner at the box office. In addition I think that Jamie Fox is an incredible who doesn't get the love he deserves and I think that Jada Pinckett Smith is hot. Finally, I am a huge Michael Mann fan.
So right off the bat I'll tell you I think that we are starting with a superb cast and director.
Now then on to the movie. Well, as you may have guessed already, I thought it was great. Now let's get a few things out of the way to begin with:
1. Collateral is a thriller
2. Collateral is formulaic.
3. Collateral at times diverges from anything that can happen in reality.
4. Collateral is predictable.
Understanding all those things, I still think it's a really good movie. It is exciting, it is fun and here and there it is thoughtful. The movie, basically Die Hard in a cab cruising through LA and then Die Hard in a building and then Die Hard in a subway is sprinkled throughout with thoughtful questions about the nature of morality, the universe and the human condition.
It's not Citizen Kane, but it's a fun summer action movie that manages to raise some interesting questions and features a top flight cast, soundtrack (AUDIOSLAVE!! AND MILES DAVIS!!!!), direction, even a Lennon quote (see below) and cinematography (the film has a grainy digital style with drab colors that complement the script perfectly).
I highly recommend this movie.
Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans,
Moses
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Obama bin Me?
As many Blogrophenia readers know my name is not really Moses Aton. As unusual a name as Moses Aton is, my actual name is even more exotic. Because of my name and my ethnicity I have been denied many things throughout my life. As a very young child I was prodded and made fun of by other students AND even teachers. As a teenager I was even more keenly aware of the feelings of being an outsider that all teens feel. And as recently as law school I was told by a girl I was interested in that her family would never accept me. But one of the things that has hurt me the most in recent years is my de facto ineligibility to ever run for office.
We don't like to think about such things as Americans because in theory we live in a democracy. In theory everyone has a chance to lead. We love stories like that of Bill Clinton where a poor Arkansan can rise to the highest office in the land. But we don't like to think of the downside. That despite the fact that I am attorney graduated from a top law school who holds a Master's degree in philosophy and that I am a personable individual who has been popular everywhere I've been, I have no realistic chance in American politics in my home state. That despite the fact that my resume features all the trappings of an American politician that I have NO chance of ever being elected to office in my home state or city.
Well, I have lived with this reality for my whole adult life and although I think that little has changed for me personally, I do take some solace in the rise of Barrack Obama, a bright young and fresh face whose speech at the DNC has made him something of a minor celebrity. Obama the product of a white woman from Kansas and black father from Kenya, is running for Senate in Illinois and judging by the fact that the Republicans have recruited well known anti-carpet bagger Alan Keyes to run against him. . . well the Dems aren't the only ones who seem to believe that Obama has a good chance to win.
Along with everyone I watched Obama's speech and was very impressed. In many ways I felt that Obama had experienced the America that I experienced. That he understood many of the things that I had gone through, but that he hadn't let it stop him. That knowing that he had a very different background than everyone else and knowing that his name sounded strange to everyone else that it never mattered to him. That he'd been where I'd been and that he wouldn't let anything get in his way. Now that's inspiration.
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our mind,
Moses X
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As many Blogrophenia readers know my name is not really Moses Aton. As unusual a name as Moses Aton is, my actual name is even more exotic. Because of my name and my ethnicity I have been denied many things throughout my life. As a very young child I was prodded and made fun of by other students AND even teachers. As a teenager I was even more keenly aware of the feelings of being an outsider that all teens feel. And as recently as law school I was told by a girl I was interested in that her family would never accept me. But one of the things that has hurt me the most in recent years is my de facto ineligibility to ever run for office.
We don't like to think about such things as Americans because in theory we live in a democracy. In theory everyone has a chance to lead. We love stories like that of Bill Clinton where a poor Arkansan can rise to the highest office in the land. But we don't like to think of the downside. That despite the fact that I am attorney graduated from a top law school who holds a Master's degree in philosophy and that I am a personable individual who has been popular everywhere I've been, I have no realistic chance in American politics in my home state. That despite the fact that my resume features all the trappings of an American politician that I have NO chance of ever being elected to office in my home state or city.
Well, I have lived with this reality for my whole adult life and although I think that little has changed for me personally, I do take some solace in the rise of Barrack Obama, a bright young and fresh face whose speech at the DNC has made him something of a minor celebrity. Obama the product of a white woman from Kansas and black father from Kenya, is running for Senate in Illinois and judging by the fact that the Republicans have recruited well known anti-carpet bagger Alan Keyes to run against him. . . well the Dems aren't the only ones who seem to believe that Obama has a good chance to win.
Along with everyone I watched Obama's speech and was very impressed. In many ways I felt that Obama had experienced the America that I experienced. That he understood many of the things that I had gone through, but that he hadn't let it stop him. That knowing that he had a very different background than everyone else and knowing that his name sounded strange to everyone else that it never mattered to him. That he'd been where I'd been and that he wouldn't let anything get in his way. Now that's inspiration.
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery;
None but ourselves can free our mind,
Moses X
Sunday, August 08, 2004
Marathon Training
Began running outside this weekend. It is MUCH different than runing on the treadmill. I'm still going to keep training on the treadmill, but I MUST do some more outdoor running. . .
Other than that I breathing easily and feeling good. Got some nice R&R this weekend, but as my training intensifies my appetite for rest grows more and more voracious.
Round round round round;
I get around,
Moses
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Began running outside this weekend. It is MUCH different than runing on the treadmill. I'm still going to keep training on the treadmill, but I MUST do some more outdoor running. . .
Other than that I breathing easily and feeling good. Got some nice R&R this weekend, but as my training intensifies my appetite for rest grows more and more voracious.
Round round round round;
I get around,
Moses
Friday, August 06, 2004
RIP Rick James. . .
I just heard. . .
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I just heard. . .
Movie Review: The Village
If you don't like M. Night Shambalia don't go see this movie. This movie fits well into his Sixth Sense/Unbreakable/Signs set of movies and like them has a big twist which I will not reveal for those of you who might decide to see it.
The Village is set at some unclear date in the past where the characters don't use contractions and dress like it's the Little House on the Prairie. Joaqin Phoenix is his normal creepy and brooding self, but with a good heart and Opie's kid Bryce Howard is impressive in her debut. Although, she moves her head around way too much for a blind person. At any rate, the characters live in small secluded where they are surrounded by horrible creatures that live in the forrest and are attracted to the color red, it's never really said but yellow seems to be the safe color. They are known as Those We Do Not Speak Of (except, as one reviewer points out, when we want to end a designation with a preposition) Joaqin's character is a brave and noble soul who wants nothing more than to travel through the forrest to the surrounding "towns" to get medicine and supplies for the village, but the so-called "Elders" are opposed.
Then something happens and basically Opie's kid (who is blind) is forced to travel into the woods on her own. That's when the real twists start to appear. It's somewhat predictable and disappointing but interesting.
The bigger theme in this movie is one that has profound implications regarding epistemology, morality, courage and, perhaps most interestingly, politics. In some ways he may as well have called this movie Fahrenheit II. Certainly, it's much more subtle than Moore's work, but discerning audiences will notice many parallels between Bryce's on screen dad (played by Hurt) and the subject of Moore's recent propaganda piece, George W. Bush. . .
We Won't be Fooled Again,
Moses
|
If you don't like M. Night Shambalia don't go see this movie. This movie fits well into his Sixth Sense/Unbreakable/Signs set of movies and like them has a big twist which I will not reveal for those of you who might decide to see it.
The Village is set at some unclear date in the past where the characters don't use contractions and dress like it's the Little House on the Prairie. Joaqin Phoenix is his normal creepy and brooding self, but with a good heart and Opie's kid Bryce Howard is impressive in her debut. Although, she moves her head around way too much for a blind person. At any rate, the characters live in small secluded where they are surrounded by horrible creatures that live in the forrest and are attracted to the color red, it's never really said but yellow seems to be the safe color. They are known as Those We Do Not Speak Of (except, as one reviewer points out, when we want to end a designation with a preposition) Joaqin's character is a brave and noble soul who wants nothing more than to travel through the forrest to the surrounding "towns" to get medicine and supplies for the village, but the so-called "Elders" are opposed.
Then something happens and basically Opie's kid (who is blind) is forced to travel into the woods on her own. That's when the real twists start to appear. It's somewhat predictable and disappointing but interesting.
The bigger theme in this movie is one that has profound implications regarding epistemology, morality, courage and, perhaps most interestingly, politics. In some ways he may as well have called this movie Fahrenheit II. Certainly, it's much more subtle than Moore's work, but discerning audiences will notice many parallels between Bryce's on screen dad (played by Hurt) and the subject of Moore's recent propaganda piece, George W. Bush. . .
We Won't be Fooled Again,
Moses
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Marathon Training
Three miles today. Still not feeling great. Saw M. Night's The Village, review to follow soon.
Sometimes i know, sometimes i risesometimes i fall, sometimes i don'tsometimes i cringe, sometimes i livesometimes i walk, sometimes i kneelsometimes i speak of nothing at allsometimes i reach to myself, dear God,
Moses
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Three miles today. Still not feeling great. Saw M. Night's The Village, review to follow soon.
Sometimes i know, sometimes i risesometimes i fall, sometimes i don'tsometimes i cringe, sometimes i livesometimes i walk, sometimes i kneelsometimes i speak of nothing at allsometimes i reach to myself, dear God,
Moses
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Marathon Training Update
I did four miles today and three miles yesterday. I haven't really been feeling it lately so I have been doing some cross training. Ten miles on the bike yesterday. I think I should take up some of my running friends and partner up with them for some outdoor runs.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner,
Moses
|
I did four miles today and three miles yesterday. I haven't really been feeling it lately so I have been doing some cross training. Ten miles on the bike yesterday. I think I should take up some of my running friends and partner up with them for some outdoor runs.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner,
Moses
Marathon Training Update
I did four miles today and three miles yesterday. I haven't really been feeling it lately so I have been doing some cross training. Ten miles on the bike yesterday. I think I should take up some of my running friends and partner up with them for some outdoor runs.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner,
Moses
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I did four miles today and three miles yesterday. I haven't really been feeling it lately so I have been doing some cross training. Ten miles on the bike yesterday. I think I should take up some of my running friends and partner up with them for some outdoor runs.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner,
Moses
dsdfsd
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Marathon Training Update
I ran four miles today and three yesterday. I haven't been feeling it lately and I have been experimenting with cross training. I did ten miles on the bike yesterday. I probably should start taking up some of my running friends and door some outdoor running with them.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner,
Moses
|
I ran four miles today and three yesterday. I haven't been feeling it lately and I have been experimenting with cross training. I did ten miles on the bike yesterday. I probably should start taking up some of my running friends and door some outdoor running with them.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner,
Moses
Marathon Training Update
I did four miles today and three yesterday. Haven't been feeling great. Did some cross training yesterday, ten miles on the bike. Hopefully, I'll have a big day tomorrow. I probably should take up some of my more experienced running friends and start running with them outdoors.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner,
Moses
|
I did four miles today and three yesterday. Haven't been feeling great. Did some cross training yesterday, ten miles on the bike. Hopefully, I'll have a big day tomorrow. I probably should take up some of my more experienced running friends and start running with them outdoors.
Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner,
Moses
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Bob Murphy just died. He will be missed.
In his honor I present: Game Called my favorite baseball poem. Powerful stuff.
Game Called. Across the field of playthe dusk has come, the hour is late.The fight is done and lost or won,the player files out through the gate.The tumult dies, the cheer is hushed,the stands are bare, the park is still.But through the night there shines the light,home beyond the silent ill.
Game Called. Where in the golden lightthe bugle rolled the reveille.The shadows creep where night falls deep,and taps has called the end of play.The game is done, the score is in,the final cheer and jeer have passed.But in the night, beyond the fight,the player finds his rest at last.
Game Called. Upon the field of lifethe darkness gathers far and wide,the dream is done, the score is spunthat stands forever in the guide.Nor victory, nor yet defeatis chalked against the players name.But down the roll, the final scroll,shows only how he played the game
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In his honor I present: Game Called my favorite baseball poem. Powerful stuff.
Game Called. Across the field of playthe dusk has come, the hour is late.The fight is done and lost or won,the player files out through the gate.The tumult dies, the cheer is hushed,the stands are bare, the park is still.But through the night there shines the light,home beyond the silent ill.
Game Called. Where in the golden lightthe bugle rolled the reveille.The shadows creep where night falls deep,and taps has called the end of play.The game is done, the score is in,the final cheer and jeer have passed.But in the night, beyond the fight,the player finds his rest at last.
Game Called. Upon the field of lifethe darkness gathers far and wide,the dream is done, the score is spunthat stands forever in the guide.Nor victory, nor yet defeatis chalked against the players name.But down the roll, the final scroll,shows only how he played the game
Fact of the Day:
Cuba was officially regarded as a security threat to the US until 1998, and when the Pentagon decided that maybe the US could survive a Cuban assault, the Clinton administration insisted that the threat must be defined as "negligible," but still real.
For more on this go to Invading Cuba.
"Ah, Lt. Dreben, Cuban?"
"No, Dutch-Irish, my father was from Wales",
Moses
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Cuba was officially regarded as a security threat to the US until 1998, and when the Pentagon decided that maybe the US could survive a Cuban assault, the Clinton administration insisted that the threat must be defined as "negligible," but still real.
For more on this go to Invading Cuba.
"Ah, Lt. Dreben, Cuban?"
"No, Dutch-Irish, my father was from Wales",
Moses
Monday, August 02, 2004
More on Moore from today's Daily News:
Moore is facts-challenged
By: Bill O'Reilly
BOSTON - I finally tracked down Michael Moore. I saw him walking in the street outside the Democratic convention center and pounced on him like the paparazzi on J.Lo. Moore had been dodging me because his movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11," was becoming increasingly indefensible by something called "facts."
But to his credit, Moore took up my street challenge and agreed to appear on "The O'Reilly Factor." We debated for 10 minutes, and here's what happened:
* He said President Bush "lied" about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction even though the 9/11 commission, the Senate Intelligence Committee investigation and Lord Butler's British investigation all say Bush did not lie.
* Moore defines a "lie" as anything that turns out not to be true. By following this logic, weather forecasters must now be categorized as pathologically dishonest.
* Moore said he would not have attacked the Taliban government in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attack. Instead, he would have captured Osama Bin Laden by using "commandos." Apparently, Moore believes the Taliban would have allowed his commandos to root out Osama and his boys with impunity. He related the commando strategy to me with a straight face.
* Moore denied that Ronald Reagan's arms buildup had anything to do with the collapse of the Soviet Union and freedom for Eastern Europe.
* The filmmaker then went on to say that preemptive war is wrong and would have been immoral even in the case of Adolf Hitler. Moore said he would have prevented Hitler from assuming power in the first place. I didn't have time to ask him how he would have done that, but I assume commandos would have been involved.
So, hey, Michael Moore, thanks for showing up and debating. Now we know the underpinnings of your world outlook.
What is still astounding to me is how many people continue to embrace Moore's fantasies and deceptions. Some people actually applauded him at the Democratic convention, but the heavyweights stayed away. The Kerry campaign has made it quite clear that Moore and other left-wing bomb throwers are not to be seen around the candidate. In fact, John Kerry's people actually censored some of the speechmakers from using inflammatory anti-Bush rhetoric. That is almost unheard of at a political convention.
But old reliable Howard Dean came through. He continues to be Moore's best pal, appearing with him at a Bush bash in a Cambridge hotel. It is absolutely frightening how close Dean came to being the Democratic presidential nominee.
This may surprise you, but I do not dislike Michael Moore. He is a true believer. He wants a completely different kind of country, and he'll do anything to make that happen.
The problem with Moore is that the ends justify the means. He knows his statements and movies are not based on facts, but he continues to say they are. Even in Moore's world, where truth doesn't exist, there should be some kind of ethical standard, but there isn't.
And the fact that Howard Dean and other powerful Americans accept that situation is more troubling than anything Moore could ever say.
Moore is facts-challenged
By: Bill O'Reilly
BOSTON - I finally tracked down Michael Moore. I saw him walking in the street outside the Democratic convention center and pounced on him like the paparazzi on J.Lo. Moore had been dodging me because his movie, "Fahrenheit 9/11," was becoming increasingly indefensible by something called "facts."
But to his credit, Moore took up my street challenge and agreed to appear on "The O'Reilly Factor." We debated for 10 minutes, and here's what happened:
* He said President Bush "lied" about Iraqi weapons of mass destruction even though the 9/11 commission, the Senate Intelligence Committee investigation and Lord Butler's British investigation all say Bush did not lie.
* Moore defines a "lie" as anything that turns out not to be true. By following this logic, weather forecasters must now be categorized as pathologically dishonest.
* Moore said he would not have attacked the Taliban government in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attack. Instead, he would have captured Osama Bin Laden by using "commandos." Apparently, Moore believes the Taliban would have allowed his commandos to root out Osama and his boys with impunity. He related the commando strategy to me with a straight face.
* Moore denied that Ronald Reagan's arms buildup had anything to do with the collapse of the Soviet Union and freedom for Eastern Europe.
* The filmmaker then went on to say that preemptive war is wrong and would have been immoral even in the case of Adolf Hitler. Moore said he would have prevented Hitler from assuming power in the first place. I didn't have time to ask him how he would have done that, but I assume commandos would have been involved.
So, hey, Michael Moore, thanks for showing up and debating. Now we know the underpinnings of your world outlook.
What is still astounding to me is how many people continue to embrace Moore's fantasies and deceptions. Some people actually applauded him at the Democratic convention, but the heavyweights stayed away. The Kerry campaign has made it quite clear that Moore and other left-wing bomb throwers are not to be seen around the candidate. In fact, John Kerry's people actually censored some of the speechmakers from using inflammatory anti-Bush rhetoric. That is almost unheard of at a political convention.
But old reliable Howard Dean came through. He continues to be Moore's best pal, appearing with him at a Bush bash in a Cambridge hotel. It is absolutely frightening how close Dean came to being the Democratic presidential nominee.
This may surprise you, but I do not dislike Michael Moore. He is a true believer. He wants a completely different kind of country, and he'll do anything to make that happen.
The problem with Moore is that the ends justify the means. He knows his statements and movies are not based on facts, but he continues to say they are. Even in Moore's world, where truth doesn't exist, there should be some kind of ethical standard, but there isn't.
And the fact that Howard Dean and other powerful Americans accept that situation is more troubling than anything Moore could ever say.
