Listen to This: The Race To Ban Abortion
3 years ago
Thursday, November 6, 2008
They Hid Their Bigotry Behind Children...
Well, the election is over. As a country, we made history, in a big way. As a state, California took several steps backward. As you may know, Proposition 8, the LDS, Focus On the Family, sponsored amendment to the California Constitution, passed. If you've been living under a rock, or too concerned with your corner of the planet, what Proposition 8 did was strip gay people in California of the right to marry and receive all the legal protections entitled to married couples.
The ads that were running on TV here were beyond the pale. They duped the less astute into believing that children would be taught about gay marriage in schools and, I'm not kidding, that somehow all children would have less of a chance of growing up with a mother and a father. They hid behind children! When one of the Pro-Prop 8 people went on either radio or TV, they would decry the suggestion that they were trying to take away the rights of an entire community of people by saying that civil unions have the same rights as married couples... well... THAT WAS A LIE. They were hiding their bigotry behind children. They played on the fears of the less informed and even used the historic nature of this election to take advantage (many ads suggested that Barack Obama was in favor of Prop 8, when in fact he was against it. Obama is against gay marriage, but he was more against using the constitution to take rights away).
Shame on these people. I sincerely hope an astute lawyer or citizen group will take LDS and Focus on the family to task (the main bankrollers of Prop 8) on their use of funds in political campaigns. This should be expressly against their tax exempt status claims. The IRS investigated the All Saints Church here in Pasadena for preaching against the war (what's more Christ-like than that!?), why not go after LDS and Focus on the Family for trying to spread hate.
What is wrong with a little equality?
A little primer on the difference between Civil Marriage and Civil Unions:
From NOW.org
What is marriage?
Marriage is a unique legal status conferred by and recognized by governments all over the world. It brings with it a host of reciprocal obligations, rights and protections. It is also a cultural institution. No other word has that power and no other status can provide that protection.
Married couples have over 1,400 rights, protections and responsibilities such as:
* Social Security benefits upon death, disability or retirement of spouse, as well as benefits for minor children.
* Family and Medical Leave protections to care for a new child or a sick or injured family member
* Workers' Compensation protections for the family of a worker injured on the job
* Access to COBRA insurance benefits so the family doesn't lose health insurance when one spouse is laid off
* ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) protections such as the ability to leave a pension, other than Social Security, to your spouse
* Exemptions from penalties on IRA and pension rollovers
* Exemptions from estate taxes when a spouse dies
* Exemptions from federal income taxes on spouse's health insurance
* The right to visit a sick or injured loved one, have a say in life and death matters during hospitalization.
What is a civil union?
A civil union is a legal status granted by a state. The State of Vermont created civil unions in 2000. It provides legal protection to couples at the state law level, but omits federal protections, as well as the dignity, clarity, security and power of the word "marriage".
Civil unions are different from civil marriage and that difference has wide-ranging implications that make the two institutions unequal, such as:
Portability:
Marriages are respected state to state for all purposes but questions remain as to how civil unions will be treated in other states. The two appellate courts that have addressed the issue in Connecticut and Georgia have disregarded them based on the fact that their own states do not grant civil unions.
Federal Benefits:
According to a 1997 General Accounting Office report, civil marriage brings with it at least 1,049 legal protections and responsibilities from the federal government alone. Civil unions bring none of these critical legal protections.
Taxes and Public Benefits for the Family:
Because the federal government does not respect civil unions, a couple with a civil union will be in a kind of limbo with regard to governmental functions performed by both state and federal governments, such as taxation, pension protections, provision of insurance for families, and means-tested programs like Medicaid. Even when states try to provide legal protections, they may be foreclosed from doing so in joint federal/state programs.
Filling Out Forms:
Every day we fill out forms that ask us whether we are married, single, divorced or widowed. People joined in a civil union do not fit in any of those categories. People with civil unions should be able to identify themselves as a single family unit yet misrepresenting oneself on official documents can be considered fraud and can carry potential serious criminal penalties.
Separate and Unequal—Second Class Status:
Even if there were no substantive differences in the way the law treated marriages and civil unions, the fact that a civil union remains a separate status only for gay people represents real and powerful inequality. The United States Constitution requires legal equality for all. Including lesbian and gay couples within existing marriage laws in is the fairest and simplest thing to do.
Ending a Civil Union:
If you are married, you can get divorced in any state in which you are a resident. But if states continue to disregard civil unions, there is no way to end the relationship other than establishing residency in Vermont and filing for dissolution there. This has already created problems for couples who now have no way to terminate their legal agreement.
The ads that were running on TV here were beyond the pale. They duped the less astute into believing that children would be taught about gay marriage in schools and, I'm not kidding, that somehow all children would have less of a chance of growing up with a mother and a father. They hid behind children! When one of the Pro-Prop 8 people went on either radio or TV, they would decry the suggestion that they were trying to take away the rights of an entire community of people by saying that civil unions have the same rights as married couples... well... THAT WAS A LIE. They were hiding their bigotry behind children. They played on the fears of the less informed and even used the historic nature of this election to take advantage (many ads suggested that Barack Obama was in favor of Prop 8, when in fact he was against it. Obama is against gay marriage, but he was more against using the constitution to take rights away).
Shame on these people. I sincerely hope an astute lawyer or citizen group will take LDS and Focus on the family to task (the main bankrollers of Prop 8) on their use of funds in political campaigns. This should be expressly against their tax exempt status claims. The IRS investigated the All Saints Church here in Pasadena for preaching against the war (what's more Christ-like than that!?), why not go after LDS and Focus on the Family for trying to spread hate.
What is wrong with a little equality?
A little primer on the difference between Civil Marriage and Civil Unions:
From NOW.org
What is marriage?
Marriage is a unique legal status conferred by and recognized by governments all over the world. It brings with it a host of reciprocal obligations, rights and protections. It is also a cultural institution. No other word has that power and no other status can provide that protection.
Married couples have over 1,400 rights, protections and responsibilities such as:
* Social Security benefits upon death, disability or retirement of spouse, as well as benefits for minor children.
* Family and Medical Leave protections to care for a new child or a sick or injured family member
* Workers' Compensation protections for the family of a worker injured on the job
* Access to COBRA insurance benefits so the family doesn't lose health insurance when one spouse is laid off
* ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) protections such as the ability to leave a pension, other than Social Security, to your spouse
* Exemptions from penalties on IRA and pension rollovers
* Exemptions from estate taxes when a spouse dies
* Exemptions from federal income taxes on spouse's health insurance
* The right to visit a sick or injured loved one, have a say in life and death matters during hospitalization.
What is a civil union?
A civil union is a legal status granted by a state. The State of Vermont created civil unions in 2000. It provides legal protection to couples at the state law level, but omits federal protections, as well as the dignity, clarity, security and power of the word "marriage".
Civil unions are different from civil marriage and that difference has wide-ranging implications that make the two institutions unequal, such as:
Portability:
Marriages are respected state to state for all purposes but questions remain as to how civil unions will be treated in other states. The two appellate courts that have addressed the issue in Connecticut and Georgia have disregarded them based on the fact that their own states do not grant civil unions.
Federal Benefits:
According to a 1997 General Accounting Office report, civil marriage brings with it at least 1,049 legal protections and responsibilities from the federal government alone. Civil unions bring none of these critical legal protections.
Taxes and Public Benefits for the Family:
Because the federal government does not respect civil unions, a couple with a civil union will be in a kind of limbo with regard to governmental functions performed by both state and federal governments, such as taxation, pension protections, provision of insurance for families, and means-tested programs like Medicaid. Even when states try to provide legal protections, they may be foreclosed from doing so in joint federal/state programs.
Filling Out Forms:
Every day we fill out forms that ask us whether we are married, single, divorced or widowed. People joined in a civil union do not fit in any of those categories. People with civil unions should be able to identify themselves as a single family unit yet misrepresenting oneself on official documents can be considered fraud and can carry potential serious criminal penalties.
Separate and Unequal—Second Class Status:
Even if there were no substantive differences in the way the law treated marriages and civil unions, the fact that a civil union remains a separate status only for gay people represents real and powerful inequality. The United States Constitution requires legal equality for all. Including lesbian and gay couples within existing marriage laws in is the fairest and simplest thing to do.
Ending a Civil Union:
If you are married, you can get divorced in any state in which you are a resident. But if states continue to disregard civil unions, there is no way to end the relationship other than establishing residency in Vermont and filing for dissolution there. This has already created problems for couples who now have no way to terminate their legal agreement.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
The New Poll Tax - Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow did not disappoint with a comment on the disgraceful state of our voting system. About 8 years ago, LA County had early voting locations at almost every single county library. For the 2008 Presidential election, the most important election in generations, there was only ONE early voting precinct for the entire county.
There are reports from around the country of people waiting 5 to 10 hours to vote. For a country trying to export "freedom" and "democracy" we sure do a lousy job of protecting it at home.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Republicans are Desperate...
Times Online: Republicans try to use Oxford don to smear Barack Obama
A California businessman with family ties to a local Republican congressman, paid an Oxford academic to use his system to compare Obama's "Dreams of My Father" and Bill Ayers' "Fugitive Days." This program allegedly compares writing styles and it can tell if one author wrote both books. I don't have to tell you that this congressman's family member was trying to get this academic to prove that Ayers wrote both books...
Pathetic, much?
Apparently, however, this businessman got cold feet when he was told that the results would be made public no matter what they showed. Not too sure on their own smear attempts, it seems...
A California businessman with family ties to a local Republican congressman, paid an Oxford academic to use his system to compare Obama's "Dreams of My Father" and Bill Ayers' "Fugitive Days." This program allegedly compares writing styles and it can tell if one author wrote both books. I don't have to tell you that this congressman's family member was trying to get this academic to prove that Ayers wrote both books...
Pathetic, much?
Apparently, however, this businessman got cold feet when he was told that the results would be made public no matter what they showed. Not too sure on their own smear attempts, it seems...
Friday, October 31, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
I'm tired... anyone else tired?
I have to admit that my focus wasn't what it should've been last night at the Wing Chun basic training class. I'm going to take a break from Wing Chun today and go to the regular gym. I should be back to my regular self for tomorrow's Chinese Boxing onslaught.
I know... it is short today, but, I did tell you I was tired...
I know... it is short today, but, I did tell you I was tired...
More Wing Chun
Grading test was this past Monday! I took my first test into Level 2 and I passed. I wasn't as confident as I was for the first test, which was kind of disconcerting (as these things get harder!). Having said that, now that I'm just 2 grades away from level 3 and the sparring classes, I will be even more dedicated. I will be making an effort to make it to the Monday all-levels class and the Saturday Black Sash all-levels class. I need to get more involved in combination drills and more comfortable with my own footwork.
Well... That's all for now. 6 days until election day!
Well... That's all for now. 6 days until election day!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Brave New Films and ACORN release video about voter suppression
Brave New Films and ACORN Release Video Attacking Vote Suppression
WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ACORN (the Association
of Community Organizations for Reform Now) released a video today, produced
by Brave New Films. This video calls attention to both the concocted
Republican issues of voter fraud and the Republican coordinated attempts at
voter suppression.
This video, which will be widely distributed via the web, is part of an
ongoing campaign by ACORN to set the record straight. The United States has
the lowest rate of voter participation of any western nation. Over the last
18 months, ACORN has waged a voter registration campaign, which
successfully helped enfranchise 1.3 million new voters. Recently the
McCain-Palin campaign, the Republican party and some sensationalist members
of the media, have been on a weeks-long campaign to discredit ACORN over
bogus allegations of "voter fraud." This video examines both the skewed
media attention and the real story of ACORN's voter registration program.
It also aggressively calls attention to the ongoing campaign of
suppression, which affects far more voters than anything recently covered
by the mainstream media.
ACORN (http://www.acorn.org ) is holding screening house parties in 17
cities around the country, including: Washington, DC, Boston, Springfield,
MA, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Hartford,
Orlando, Houston, Dallas, Bridgeport, Detroit, Flint, Twin Cities and
Charlotte.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=ind_f...
Obama Canvasser Attacked By Angry Man
http://www.wisn.com/politics/17754232/detail.html
This is what we've come to. Reports of physical assault, intimidation, heckling of early voters, tires slashed, even reports of a man going around a town in the midwest, asking how people were voting and giving them erroneous instructions. How can we even think to export this to other countries? This isn't the Democracy I signed up for.
CALEDONIA, Wis. -- Police in Caledonia are investigating the assault of a campaign volunteer as she was canvassing for Senator Barack Obama Saturday afternoon.
In an exclusive interview with 12 News, 58 year-old Nancy Takehara of Chicago says she was going door-to-door when she came across a disgruntled homeowner.
“The next thing I know he’s telling us we’re not his people, we’re probably with ACORN, and he started screaming and raving,” Takehara said. “He grabbed me by the back of the neck. I thought he was going to rip my hair out of my head. He was pounding on my head and screaming. The man terrified me.”
The man eventually stopped and the Caledonia police were called. Takehara was asked if she needed medical assistance, but she was not seriously injured. Instead, she says she was shaken up by the homeowner’s reaction.
“This negative stuff has to stop,” said Takehara. “We’re all Americans. This is all about protecting our democracy, not about attacking each other.”
Takehara was encouraged when she had a message waiting at home from the candidate she is fighting for. Takehara called back and she and Senator Obama talked one-on-one.
Takehara said, “Senator Obama understood… it was wonderful. It made me feel wonderful. It made me feel connected to this government again.”
The Obama campaign did not want to comment on the incident at this time.
Police tell 12 News they are still investigating the case and will forward the complaint to the Racine County District Attorney’s office after it’s completed.
This is what we've come to. Reports of physical assault, intimidation, heckling of early voters, tires slashed, even reports of a man going around a town in the midwest, asking how people were voting and giving them erroneous instructions. How can we even think to export this to other countries? This isn't the Democracy I signed up for.
Wing Chun.
I've been studying Wing Chun at the LA Wing Chun Academy in West Los Angeles for nearly 5 months now. The more I delve into it, the more intriguing it becomes, the more intriguing, the more frustrating. I know now that this isn't a process I am meant to complete, ever. Perfection does not exist. Knowing that there is always a goal is the spice of life.
I have set a goal for my wing chun training, and it is an attainable goal. Not perfection, but a stepping stone in the right direction. As I continue to see the effects in my physical appearance, others notice the effects in my spirit and seem to be happy for my change. That has been great encouragement to continue.
I have my level 2 grading in one week, and have been a bit nervous, but that's to be expected. I have some time to practice. I want to reach my orange sash soon so that I can start taking the intermediate and advanced classes and get some actual sparring in. When Sifu returns from London, all of us at the academy will be so far improved! Everyone has been training very hard and staying super-focused. I know he will be proud. The Si-Hings have done a great job so far motivating everyone.
Wish me luck in the grading :). I will make sure to keep you updated with my progress.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
16 Days Left...
We have just over 2 weeks to go before the general election. How much can happen in these two weeks? Well, the 24 hour news cycle can definitely make sure that a lot can and will happen. However, short of Osama bin Laden turning up in one of the Obama's home videos, it is pretty much certain that Barack Obama has this one in the bank. Having said that, we still need to show up at the polls and vote.
If you live in California, like me, tomorrow is your last day to register. If you haven't... DO IT. If you don't vote, then don't complain when things don't go your way. Enough said.
Well, not enough. I have 3 hours of Wing Chun to look forward to tomorrow. YAY!!!! No, really, YAY!
If you live in California, like me, tomorrow is your last day to register. If you haven't... DO IT. If you don't vote, then don't complain when things don't go your way. Enough said.
Well, not enough. I have 3 hours of Wing Chun to look forward to tomorrow. YAY!!!! No, really, YAY!
Colin Powell Endorses Obama...
He may have lost his soul with that speech at the UN prior to the war, but I've always known his redemption would come. Nice to see it. Welcome to the light, General.
Friday, October 17, 2008
W.
I went to see the new Oliver Stone movie last night during a midnight screening. I already knew that Stone was not going to try and bash Bush too badly, which seemed fairly obvious from the initial trailers. Stone presented George W. Bush as a man who was a screw-up his whole life, a blight to the family tradition, somehow become the leader of the free world and fundamentally change the course of history (not in a good way, that's for sure). Stone presents Bush as a likable dude, which is pretty much the reason he appealed to those who voted for him (the whole, "guy to have a beer with" deal). In the film, Bush was the runt of the litter. Picked on by his family for not amounting to much, partying hard and getting rescued by his father's influential friends. Stone doesn't seem to be passing judgment on Bush for that, or even for the war, and everything else that came after his inauguration. Bush is presented as a victim of his circumstance, but not necessarily a passive passenger (if that makes sense). The true tragic actor in the White House farce was Colin Powell, according to Stone. Powell tried and failed to get the madmen at the White House to see sense (some obviously didn't want to and those had the President's ear). The film seems to play, in my opinion, as a tragic-comedy.
Josh Brolin gives another winning performance, this time as the title character. Has the mannerisms, speech and facial ticks of W. One thing I didn't really notice too much, probably because it became more evident AFTER the time portrayed in the film (2004), was Bush's annoying "chuckle" laugh. But, I digress... Brolin is certainly coming along as a fine actor, with a lot more to offer. I'm looking forward to his performance in Milk, opposite Sean Penn.
The supporting cast is downright outstanding. Jeffrey Wright plays Colin Powell in a very understated manner, but you can't help but feel his utter dismay at the way things seemed to be going around him. Thandie Newton completely disappears as Condi Rice. Scott Glenn plays Rumsfeld in all his smirking glory. Richard Dreyfuss steals it all as Dick Cheney. He gets the most chilling line of the film when after being asked what the exit strategy would be for Iraq by Colin Powell, he responds : "There is no exit."
All in all, not a perfect film, but a fine attempt by Oliver Stone. A bit of a departure for him. Nicely done.
W. Official Website
Edited because I can't spell...
Josh Brolin gives another winning performance, this time as the title character. Has the mannerisms, speech and facial ticks of W. One thing I didn't really notice too much, probably because it became more evident AFTER the time portrayed in the film (2004), was Bush's annoying "chuckle" laugh. But, I digress... Brolin is certainly coming along as a fine actor, with a lot more to offer. I'm looking forward to his performance in Milk, opposite Sean Penn.
The supporting cast is downright outstanding. Jeffrey Wright plays Colin Powell in a very understated manner, but you can't help but feel his utter dismay at the way things seemed to be going around him. Thandie Newton completely disappears as Condi Rice. Scott Glenn plays Rumsfeld in all his smirking glory. Richard Dreyfuss steals it all as Dick Cheney. He gets the most chilling line of the film when after being asked what the exit strategy would be for Iraq by Colin Powell, he responds : "There is no exit."
All in all, not a perfect film, but a fine attempt by Oliver Stone. A bit of a departure for him. Nicely done.
W. Official Website
Edited because I can't spell...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Last Presidential Debate...
OK, I must confess, I didn't watch the debate. My mind is made up, and has been for months, so I didn't think it necessary to have to sit through 90 minutes of John McCain. Having said that, I couldn't resist checking the blogs to see the reactions and it seems like I missed another crash and burn performance by Senator POW. He just could not hide his derision and just outright hate for Barack Obama. Check out this clip...
So, what say you?
So, what say you?
Women for McCain.
McCain certainly thinks women are stupid if he ever thought getting Palin on his ticket would get him the supposedly disaffected Hillary supporters, he only needs to look at his own record to see how WRONG he is.
Two in a row... what do you know?
So I'm still getting over a nasty bout with a cold. The fact that the weather here in California has been so DRY is not helping matters. What also has not helped in the improvement of my health is the fact that I haven't stopped my Wing Chun training. It was hard, but I didn't hit the gym, nor the academy yesterday. I'm going to ease my way back in tonight and be back in fighting shape by Friday (Chinese Boxing rules and I can't miss it).
Tonight is debate night. The final debate of the Presidential Election Campaign. I can't say I remember a time when we were not in a Presidential Campaign. I heard Obama say the other day that he's been running for President for 2 years (and he wasn't the first one to announce a candidacy!). Being a politics buff (also, Political Science was my major in college), I should be in my element, but the crap in this campaign has been wearing me down and I think that's one of the reasons I've been so gung-ho with my training. I can't wait for this to be over so that we can look to the future and have some hope for a change.
What's going to happen to President Bush. I've found myself asking that question out-loud lately. Not to anyone in particular, just to myself. I can't help but feel a bit sorry for the man. Hear me out before you bite my head off. I've always viewed the man as more of a puppet whose intentions were used by people with far less scrupules for far more sinister ends. Sure, the argument could be made that W. should've had more of a conscience and known that he was selling the American people a bill of goods, but he strikes me as someone who would rather be lead than actually make a decision of his own. Again, don't get me wrong, this is not meant as an excuse for the last 8 years, it is merely a thought.
What's going to happen to Dick Cheney? Does anyone care? I do. I happen to think, along with many others out there, that Dick was the real puppet master. This guy has been behind the scenes in one way or another for nearly 40 years. It looks, by the way things seem to be turning out, that he'll get away scott-free and a lot richer. How will history remember Dick?
That leads me into movies. I bought tickets to the midnight screening of Oliver Stone's "W." I've never been a HUGE fan of Stone. Not because of the claims he monkeys around with the facts in his movies by the far right and so-called historians. He's just not among my favorites. This film, seems a bit more intriguing for me. Maybe it is because of the subject matter and the timing of its release. Well, not maybe... certainly. I'll report on that this Friday.
More movies. Last film I saw was Blindness. Dreadfully ham-handed allegorical film directed by the man behind City of God (which I actually LOVED). I'm still trying to figure out what the filmmaker was trying to tell us and why he chose the way he did to say it. One other thing, I don't think he actually said anything. I need to find an interview with Julianne Moore to find out what exactly she saw in the script. Maybe the script they shot and what ended up on the screen were two different things. Certainly, the ad campaigns for the film changed drastically the closer we got to release date. The later ads sold the film as a story of a gov't conspiracy of sorts, which never materialized in the film. Gael Garcia Bernal plays an evil beyond evil character, with no real explanation why he is that way. Moore, the only sighted person in the film, hides the fact that she can see from her sightless prisoners... Oh, I forgot to tell you that these blind people are prisoners. OK, I'm tired of talking about this movie. Maybe I've intrigued you enough to go see it and you can come back here and explain it to me.
Even more movies. Religulous is a "documentary" starring Bill Maher. He goes around the world asking questions of religious leaders. These questions are designed to try and poke holes in their belief structure. You see, Bill Maher is an atheist (you could've have fooled me with his constant defense of Israel on his show, but I digress) and in his inimitable style, he showcases the most ridiculous things on which people place blind faith. One of the most telling bits is his visit to a theme park in FL based around the crucifixion. Don't believe such place exist? I shit you not, it does. Here's a tralier
Tonight is debate night. The final debate of the Presidential Election Campaign. I can't say I remember a time when we were not in a Presidential Campaign. I heard Obama say the other day that he's been running for President for 2 years (and he wasn't the first one to announce a candidacy!). Being a politics buff (also, Political Science was my major in college), I should be in my element, but the crap in this campaign has been wearing me down and I think that's one of the reasons I've been so gung-ho with my training. I can't wait for this to be over so that we can look to the future and have some hope for a change.
What's going to happen to President Bush. I've found myself asking that question out-loud lately. Not to anyone in particular, just to myself. I can't help but feel a bit sorry for the man. Hear me out before you bite my head off. I've always viewed the man as more of a puppet whose intentions were used by people with far less scrupules for far more sinister ends. Sure, the argument could be made that W. should've had more of a conscience and known that he was selling the American people a bill of goods, but he strikes me as someone who would rather be lead than actually make a decision of his own. Again, don't get me wrong, this is not meant as an excuse for the last 8 years, it is merely a thought.
What's going to happen to Dick Cheney? Does anyone care? I do. I happen to think, along with many others out there, that Dick was the real puppet master. This guy has been behind the scenes in one way or another for nearly 40 years. It looks, by the way things seem to be turning out, that he'll get away scott-free and a lot richer. How will history remember Dick?
That leads me into movies. I bought tickets to the midnight screening of Oliver Stone's "W." I've never been a HUGE fan of Stone. Not because of the claims he monkeys around with the facts in his movies by the far right and so-called historians. He's just not among my favorites. This film, seems a bit more intriguing for me. Maybe it is because of the subject matter and the timing of its release. Well, not maybe... certainly. I'll report on that this Friday.
More movies. Last film I saw was Blindness. Dreadfully ham-handed allegorical film directed by the man behind City of God (which I actually LOVED). I'm still trying to figure out what the filmmaker was trying to tell us and why he chose the way he did to say it. One other thing, I don't think he actually said anything. I need to find an interview with Julianne Moore to find out what exactly she saw in the script. Maybe the script they shot and what ended up on the screen were two different things. Certainly, the ad campaigns for the film changed drastically the closer we got to release date. The later ads sold the film as a story of a gov't conspiracy of sorts, which never materialized in the film. Gael Garcia Bernal plays an evil beyond evil character, with no real explanation why he is that way. Moore, the only sighted person in the film, hides the fact that she can see from her sightless prisoners... Oh, I forgot to tell you that these blind people are prisoners. OK, I'm tired of talking about this movie. Maybe I've intrigued you enough to go see it and you can come back here and explain it to me.
Even more movies. Religulous is a "documentary" starring Bill Maher. He goes around the world asking questions of religious leaders. These questions are designed to try and poke holes in their belief structure. You see, Bill Maher is an atheist (you could've have fooled me with his constant defense of Israel on his show, but I digress) and in his inimitable style, he showcases the most ridiculous things on which people place blind faith. One of the most telling bits is his visit to a theme park in FL based around the crucifixion. Don't believe such place exist? I shit you not, it does. Here's a tralier
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A Return...
Well, a lot has happened in my life and in the world since my last and only post.
In June of this year, I joined the Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy in Los Angeles and I've never looked back. It has been a great learning experience in more ways than one. I'm learning a lot about myself, what I can push myself to do, and about other people. It can be frustrating, but in such a way that when I fail, I can get up and try again. I have some great instructors who really know how to find a person's strength and nurture that strength to help the person on that path to self-mastery. During the time I've been attending the Academy, I've lost 20 lbs. I feel lighter, more agile and much, much happier. I can see Wing Chun as part of the rest of my life.
Seems like for years (not seems, really, years) we have been watching the Presidential campaign and patiently waiting for November 4 (which is now just 21 days away). As the candidates slowly, but surely got down to the final 2, McCain and Obama (Other parties? Cynthia McKinney for the Greens, Bob Barr for the Libertarians, Ralph Nader as an Independent), an ugly side of our long history started to reveal itself again. Barack Obama has been accused of everything, short of being the Anti-Christ (oh, wait, there was talk about THAT too). I actually had a long, civil conversation with a lovely Jewish lady who actually said that she was terrified of Obama because black people would then want to exact revenge for slavery. I actually thought that she was a bit of an outlier with her attitude, but I was wrong.
John McCain, the once revered war hero, had the pick of the litter when he had to choose his VP. Unfortunately for Republicans, Senator McCain went for the runt. In a desperate attempt to appeal to the loony Christian right, John McCain picked an neophyte politician with a corruption probe on her back, connections to a secessionist organization, and someone eager to reignite the culture war. So much for being the "Maverick."
Enough about Politics... How about Iron Maiden? When I last wrote, I mentioned that I had just attended my 9th Maiden show. Well, I attended 3 more this summer. My friend Maria and I went to Phoenix and watched Maiden from the mosh pit. I wish I'd been taking Wing Chun then, that was a violent experience. I had trouble breathing normally for weeks after that (and bruises... EVERYWHERE). Later that same week, my sister and friends attended 2 sold-out shows at Irvine Meadows (no, I will not call it by its corporate name and you can't make me). Brilliant, brilliant evenings. The boys were ON FIRE both nights, and the crowd repaid them in kind.
Thanks for listening. I'll try to keep this thing up.
In June of this year, I joined the Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy in Los Angeles and I've never looked back. It has been a great learning experience in more ways than one. I'm learning a lot about myself, what I can push myself to do, and about other people. It can be frustrating, but in such a way that when I fail, I can get up and try again. I have some great instructors who really know how to find a person's strength and nurture that strength to help the person on that path to self-mastery. During the time I've been attending the Academy, I've lost 20 lbs. I feel lighter, more agile and much, much happier. I can see Wing Chun as part of the rest of my life.
Seems like for years (not seems, really, years) we have been watching the Presidential campaign and patiently waiting for November 4 (which is now just 21 days away). As the candidates slowly, but surely got down to the final 2, McCain and Obama (Other parties? Cynthia McKinney for the Greens, Bob Barr for the Libertarians, Ralph Nader as an Independent), an ugly side of our long history started to reveal itself again. Barack Obama has been accused of everything, short of being the Anti-Christ (oh, wait, there was talk about THAT too). I actually had a long, civil conversation with a lovely Jewish lady who actually said that she was terrified of Obama because black people would then want to exact revenge for slavery. I actually thought that she was a bit of an outlier with her attitude, but I was wrong.
John McCain, the once revered war hero, had the pick of the litter when he had to choose his VP. Unfortunately for Republicans, Senator McCain went for the runt. In a desperate attempt to appeal to the loony Christian right, John McCain picked an neophyte politician with a corruption probe on her back, connections to a secessionist organization, and someone eager to reignite the culture war. So much for being the "Maverick."
Enough about Politics... How about Iron Maiden? When I last wrote, I mentioned that I had just attended my 9th Maiden show. Well, I attended 3 more this summer. My friend Maria and I went to Phoenix and watched Maiden from the mosh pit. I wish I'd been taking Wing Chun then, that was a violent experience. I had trouble breathing normally for weeks after that (and bruises... EVERYWHERE). Later that same week, my sister and friends attended 2 sold-out shows at Irvine Meadows (no, I will not call it by its corporate name and you can't make me). Brilliant, brilliant evenings. The boys were ON FIRE both nights, and the crowd repaid them in kind.
Thanks for listening. I'll try to keep this thing up.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Welcome to the pub!
Come on in and have a drink!
All topics are allowed, but please don't be abusive. We all like to drink and talk in peace.
Let me introduce myself. I am Jackie, a 34 year-old female from Los Angeles. I am a life-long metal-head and into progressive-liberal politics. I have lived in the United States for nearly 20 years and before that, Argentina was my home.
Why is this place a pub? I, like anyone else, enjoy from time to time a little drink. I am a fan of beer (a snob for British imports) and red wine (specifically Francis Ford Coppola's Rosso). Come on over to talk about your favorite drinks and where you do your poison shopping. I will share my latest taste testing (Absinthe last week and it was phenomenal), and perhaps some great tips and places where you can brew your own hooch.
If you don't mind, I will also gush on my favorite things, like Iron Maiden. I am absolutely obsessed with their music. It moves me in a way no other band ever has. I have to confess though, that I am a relatively newish fan (since 2000), before then I didn't think there was anything better live than a good Metallica concert (boy was I wrong!). I have recently attended my 9th Iron Maiden show here in Los Angeles, and I'm still grinning like an idiot.
Also, I mentioned that I am progressively minded in my politics. Having said that, you will not find me gushing over Barack Obama or defending and exalting Hillary Clinton's "experience." I am not exactly happy with my choices on the Democratic side, but... hell, it could be worse! Look at what the poor Republicans have to choose from.
Well, that's enough for a welcome. Enjoy your drink.
All topics are allowed, but please don't be abusive. We all like to drink and talk in peace.
Let me introduce myself. I am Jackie, a 34 year-old female from Los Angeles. I am a life-long metal-head and into progressive-liberal politics. I have lived in the United States for nearly 20 years and before that, Argentina was my home.
Why is this place a pub? I, like anyone else, enjoy from time to time a little drink. I am a fan of beer (a snob for British imports) and red wine (specifically Francis Ford Coppola's Rosso). Come on over to talk about your favorite drinks and where you do your poison shopping. I will share my latest taste testing (Absinthe last week and it was phenomenal), and perhaps some great tips and places where you can brew your own hooch.
If you don't mind, I will also gush on my favorite things, like Iron Maiden. I am absolutely obsessed with their music. It moves me in a way no other band ever has. I have to confess though, that I am a relatively newish fan (since 2000), before then I didn't think there was anything better live than a good Metallica concert (boy was I wrong!). I have recently attended my 9th Iron Maiden show here in Los Angeles, and I'm still grinning like an idiot.
Also, I mentioned that I am progressively minded in my politics. Having said that, you will not find me gushing over Barack Obama or defending and exalting Hillary Clinton's "experience." I am not exactly happy with my choices on the Democratic side, but... hell, it could be worse! Look at what the poor Republicans have to choose from.
Well, that's enough for a welcome. Enjoy your drink.
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