This is the second time that out of the blue an opponent has accused Obama of playing the race card. First it was Hillary Clinton and now John McCain.
When Obama rebuts an argument from his opponent, the opponent says Obama has played the race card.
First - John McCain makes a commercial implying Barack Obama has the celebrity of Britany Spears or Paris Hilton (and implying he also has the substance of Britany and Paris).
In Barack Obama's response, he says the McCain camp is trying to scare the voters so they won't vote for someone who hasn't already appeared on a dollar bill.
The McCain campaign says that's Obama playing the race card.
I think that shows how out of touch the McCain camp is. I don't consider Obama to be a black man running for president against all the white people. I consider him outside the traditional power group - that includes women, non-whites, children of interracial couples, young people, poor people, rebellious teenagers, everyone who feels the government doesn't listen, people who weren't born of privilege, etc. Its the outsiders vs the insiders. Most of us are outsiders.
The McCain campaign has chosen to focus on race as a way of making Obama different and scary. I think they're playing the race card and purposefully twisting reality to their own liking. Just like George Bush and Dick Cheney.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 Top 6
I was originally disappointed that Katee and Mark were not paired. As it turned out, I think the Sonya dance would have been diminished by the judge's fawning over Katee, so it worked out for the best.
Courtney and Mark - Viennese Waltz - I thought that was a spectacular dance - both choreography and dance ability. Courtney and Mark found a sympatico that shone through. I like both these dancers, but I'm in the minority, I think.
Katee and Joshua - Contemporary - I'm not as in love with this couple as everyone else is. Blah, blah, blah. Nice dance - interesting lifts.
Chelsie and Twitch - Mambo - This is in the area of Chelsie's specialty. She gets points for having cute costumes and flaunting her body.
Courtney and Mark - Jazz - Excellent routine, my favorite of the night. I thought it was interesting and different and musical and well danced. I like Sonya's choreography.
Katee and Joshua - Paso Doble - The dance itself was very good. An active cape - I like it.
Chelsie and Twitch - Hip Hop - Napoloen and Tabitha - great choreographers, good execution.
Sonya's dance performed by Mark and Courtney was my favorite dance of the night. I'm not sure why some people don't enjoy Sonya's dances
I find less interest in judging the dancing at this stage of the game - they're all good dancers. The things that stand out for me are all about the show itself.
Could the judges be any more googly over Joshua and Katee and Chelsie? Its really sickening. Anybody who thinks the press is 'in the tank' over Obama isn't clear on what 'in the tank' means. These judges are 'in the tank'.
And we were treated to another lingering shot of Chelsie's legs. Puh-leeze...get over it producers and camera people!!!!
I'm over Chelsie - I don't warm to her personality and I'm affected negatively by the judge's overreaction to her. I think she's a good dancer and manages to do well with all of the dances. But, she doesn't connect with her partners and her facial expressions have been a distraction for me a couple times. And anyone who would choose to dance a solo to that stupid Pussycat Dolls song is getting negative points in my book!
I feel bad for Katee's friend who didn't make the show. It will take an extraordinary friendship to survive the changes they're in for. Katee will be on tour with the show and her friend will be at home working? Wow - I can't imagine being able to get over that. I would be happy for my friend, but it would be so hard to not feel envy. Anyway - that's a story. I wonder how they'll deal with it? It probably happens all the time in show business. Ugh. Hard. On the other hand, its a growth experience I won't be having. They might get over it and become wiser people because of it.
Mark was great. I hope lots of people vote for him.
And Katee and Joshua had a good experience with all those leaps.
Did Joshua really have to be shirtless? That was pandering.
My recollection is that Joshua has had dance training before. Nigel makes the point he's had no classical training - a big red herring. Many dancers don't have classical training. Its disingenuous of them to continually emphasize something that benefits the mythology of their show.
Joshua does have passion, I'll give him that.
My choices to leave would be Chelsie and Twitch.
Since Chelsie's never been in the bottom three before (right?), I think it will be Courtney for the girls.
And its either Twitch or Mark for the guys.
It doesn't seem there's been a balance of dance styles among the competitors this year. I'll Check...
Ahhh...Okay - I just detailed the dances of the Top 6...
Here's the summary (details below):
Chelsie - 7 Ballroom, 2 Hip Hop, 4 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary
Of the 7 Ballroom dances, at least 2 were in her specific specialty (Salsa and Mamba)
Mark - 5 Ballroom, 2 Hip Hop, 5 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary, 1 Other (Country Two Step)
Seems well rounded
Katee - 4 Ballroom, 1 Hip Hop, 6 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary, 2 Other (Bollywood, Pas De Deux)
An abundance of Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary, and the least amount of Ballroom. Also, she was able to pull off two specialty dances. Definitely playing to her strengths
Joshua - 7 Ballroom, 2 Hip Hop, 3 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary, 1 Other (Bollywood)
Overload on Ballroom, which he's managed to make work for him.
Courtney - 5 Ballroom, 3 Hip Hop, 4 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary
Seems well rounded
Twitch - 5 Ballroom, 4 Hip Hop, 4 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary
He had the most Hip Hop routines, which plays to his strengths.
The Details -
Chelsie (with Mark) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Beautiful" by Me'shell Ndegeocello
Chelsie (with Mark) - Argentine Tango - Alex Da Silva - "Mi Confesion" by Gotan Project
Chelsie (with Mark) - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
Chelsie (with Mark) - Foxtrot - Edward Simons - "Its My Life" by Paul Anka
Chelsie (with Mark) - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Kiss Kiss" by Holly Valance
Chelsie (with Mark) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "I'm a Woman" from Smoky Joe's cafe
Chelsie (with Mark) - Salsa - Alex Da Silva - "Fuego" by John Bataan
Chelsie (with Gev) - Contemporary - Sonya - "These Arms O Mine" by Otis Redding
Chelsie (with Gev) - Jive - Jean Marc Genereaux - "The House is A Rockin'" by Brian Setzer
Chelsie (with Joshua) - Tango - Dmitry Chaplin - "A Los Amigos" from Forever Tango
Chelsie (with Joshua) - Disco - Dorianna Sanchez - "Everlasting Love" by Gloria Estefan
Chelsie (with Twitch) - Mamba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Ahora Me Toca A Mi" by Victor Manuelle
Chelsie (with Twitch) - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napoleon - "Control" by The Vitamin String Quartet
Mark (with Chelsie) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Beautiful" by Me'shell Ndegeocello
Mark (with Chelsie) - Argentine Tango - Alex Da Silva - "Mi Confesion" by Gotan Project
Mark (with Chelsie) - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
Mark (with Chelsie) - Foxtrot - Edward Simons - "Its My Life" by Paul Anka
Mark (with Chelsie) - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Kiss Kiss" by Holly Valance
Mark (with Chelsie) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "I'm a Woman" from Smoky Joe's cafe
Mark (with Chelsie) - Salsa - Alex Da Silva - "Fuego" by John Bataan
Mark (with Kherington) - Country Two Step - Ronnie and Brandi - "Kick Back" by Ty England
Mark (with Kherington) - Jazz - Tyce Diorio - "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai
Mark (with Comfort) - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napoleon - "Party People" by Fergie f Nelly
Mark (with Comfort) - Fox Trot - Jean Marc Generaux - "Lady Luck" by The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Mark (with Courtney) - Viennese Waltz - Jason Gilkison - "The Time of My Life" by David Cook
Mark (with Courtney) - Jazz - Sonya Tayeh - "The Garden" by Mirah
Katee (with Joshua) - Hip Hop - Naploeon and Tabitha - "No Air" by Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown
Katee (with Joshua) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "All for the Best" from Godspell
Katee (with Joshua) - Samba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Baila Baila" by Angela Via
Katee (with Joshua) - West Coast Swing - Benji Schwimmer - "Shake It" by Brother Yusef
Katee (with Joshua) - Bollywood - Nikul and Marla - "Dhoom Taana" from Om Shanti Om
Katee (with Joshua) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Hometown Glory" by Adele
Katee (with Joshua) - Viennese Waltz - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
Katee (with Will) - Pas De Deux - Desmond Richardson - "Imagine" by David Archuleta
Katee (with Will) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" from Guys and Dolls
Katee (with Twitch) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Mercy" by Duffy
Katee (with Twitch) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Sweet Georgia Brown" from Bubbling Brown Sugar
Katee (with Joshua) - Contemporary - Tyce Diorio - "All By Myself" by Celine Dion
Katee (with Joshua) - Paso Doble - Jason Gilkison - "Filet" from Le Reve
Joshua (with Katee) - Hip Hop - Naploeon and Tabitha - "No Air" by Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown
Joshua (with Katee) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "All for the Best" from Godspell
Joshua (with Katee) - Samba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Baila Baila" by Angela Via
Joshua (with Katee) - West Coast Swing - Benji Schwimmer - "Shake It" by Brother Yusef
Joshua (with Katee) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Hometown Glory" by Adele
Joshua (with Katee) - Bollywood - Nikul and Marla - "Dhoom Taana" from Om Shanti Om
Joshua (with Katee) - Viennese Waltz - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
Joshua (with Courtney) - Hip Hop - Dave Scott - "Skippin'" by Mario
Joshua (with Courtney) - Rhumba - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias
Joshua with (Chelsie) - Tango - Dmitry Chaplin - "A Los Amigos" from Forever Tango
Joshua (with Chelsie) - Disco - Dorianna Sanchez - "Everlasting Love" by Gloria Estefan
Joshua (with Katee) - Contemporary - Tyce Diorio - "All By Myself" by Celine Dion
Joshua (with Katee) - Paso Doble - Jason Gilkison - "Filet" from Le Reve
Courtney (with Gev) - Disco - Doriana Sanchez - "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind, and Fire
Courtney (with Gev) - Contemporary - Mandy Moore - "Lost" by Anouk
Courtney (with Gev) - Rhumba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Wishing on a Star" by Rose Roynce
Courtney (with Gev) - Broadway - Andy Blankenbuehler - "New York New York" by Bernstein, Comden, and Green
Courtney (with Gev) - Hip Hop - Cecily and Olisa - "Lights, Camera, Action" by Mr. Cheeks
Courtney (with Gev) - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Standing There" by The Creatures
Courtney (with Gev) - Cha Cha - Pasha and Anya - "Don't Stop The Music" (Wideboys Club Mix) by Rihanna
Courtney (with Joshua) - Hip Hop - Dave Scott - "Skippin'" by Mario
Courtney (with Joshua) - Rhumba - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias
Courtney (with Will) - Samba - Jean Marc Genereaux - "I Fell In Love with the DJ" by Che'Nelle
Courtney (with Will) - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napleon - "Like You'll Never See Me Again" by Alicia Keys
Courtney (with Mark) - Viennese Waltz - Jason Gilkison - "The Time of My Life" by David Cook
Courtney (with Mark) - Jazz - Sonya Tayeh - "The Garden" by Mirah
Twitch (with Kherington) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Too Darn Hot" from Kiss Me Kate
Twitch (with Kherington) - Viennese Waltz - Jean-Marc Genereaux "A New Day Has Come" by Celine Dion
Twitch (with Kherington) - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Don't Touch Me" by Busta Rhymes
Twitch (with Kherington) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Dancing With a Broken Heart" by John Mayer
Twitch (with Kherington) - Paso Doble - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Malaguena" from Brian Setzer '68 Comeback special
Twitch (with Kherington) - Tango - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Assasin's Tango" from Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Twitch (with Kherington) - Krump - L'il C - "Too Buck 4 TV" by J Squad
Twitch (with Comfort) - Smooth Waltz - Hunter Johnson - "Open Arms" by Journey
Twitch (with Comfort) - Hip Hop - Dave Scott - "Forever" by Chris Brown
Twitch (with Katee) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Mercy" by Duffy
Twitch (with Katee) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Sweet Georgia Brown" from Bubbling Brown Sugar
Twitch (with Chelsie) - Mamba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Ahora Me Toca A Mi" by Victor Manuelle
Twitch (with Chelsie) - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napoleon - "Control" by The Vitamin String Quartet
Interesting, very, very interesting.
Courtney and Mark - Viennese Waltz - I thought that was a spectacular dance - both choreography and dance ability. Courtney and Mark found a sympatico that shone through. I like both these dancers, but I'm in the minority, I think.
Katee and Joshua - Contemporary - I'm not as in love with this couple as everyone else is. Blah, blah, blah. Nice dance - interesting lifts.
Chelsie and Twitch - Mambo - This is in the area of Chelsie's specialty. She gets points for having cute costumes and flaunting her body.
Courtney and Mark - Jazz - Excellent routine, my favorite of the night. I thought it was interesting and different and musical and well danced. I like Sonya's choreography.
Katee and Joshua - Paso Doble - The dance itself was very good. An active cape - I like it.
Chelsie and Twitch - Hip Hop - Napoloen and Tabitha - great choreographers, good execution.
Sonya's dance performed by Mark and Courtney was my favorite dance of the night. I'm not sure why some people don't enjoy Sonya's dances
I find less interest in judging the dancing at this stage of the game - they're all good dancers. The things that stand out for me are all about the show itself.
Could the judges be any more googly over Joshua and Katee and Chelsie? Its really sickening. Anybody who thinks the press is 'in the tank' over Obama isn't clear on what 'in the tank' means. These judges are 'in the tank'.
And we were treated to another lingering shot of Chelsie's legs. Puh-leeze...get over it producers and camera people!!!!
I'm over Chelsie - I don't warm to her personality and I'm affected negatively by the judge's overreaction to her. I think she's a good dancer and manages to do well with all of the dances. But, she doesn't connect with her partners and her facial expressions have been a distraction for me a couple times. And anyone who would choose to dance a solo to that stupid Pussycat Dolls song is getting negative points in my book!
I feel bad for Katee's friend who didn't make the show. It will take an extraordinary friendship to survive the changes they're in for. Katee will be on tour with the show and her friend will be at home working? Wow - I can't imagine being able to get over that. I would be happy for my friend, but it would be so hard to not feel envy. Anyway - that's a story. I wonder how they'll deal with it? It probably happens all the time in show business. Ugh. Hard. On the other hand, its a growth experience I won't be having. They might get over it and become wiser people because of it.
Mark was great. I hope lots of people vote for him.
And Katee and Joshua had a good experience with all those leaps.
Did Joshua really have to be shirtless? That was pandering.
My recollection is that Joshua has had dance training before. Nigel makes the point he's had no classical training - a big red herring. Many dancers don't have classical training. Its disingenuous of them to continually emphasize something that benefits the mythology of their show.
Joshua does have passion, I'll give him that.
My choices to leave would be Chelsie and Twitch.
Since Chelsie's never been in the bottom three before (right?), I think it will be Courtney for the girls.
And its either Twitch or Mark for the guys.
It doesn't seem there's been a balance of dance styles among the competitors this year. I'll Check...
Ahhh...Okay - I just detailed the dances of the Top 6...
Here's the summary (details below):
Chelsie - 7 Ballroom, 2 Hip Hop, 4 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary
Of the 7 Ballroom dances, at least 2 were in her specific specialty (Salsa and Mamba)
Mark - 5 Ballroom, 2 Hip Hop, 5 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary, 1 Other (Country Two Step)
Seems well rounded
Katee - 4 Ballroom, 1 Hip Hop, 6 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary, 2 Other (Bollywood, Pas De Deux)
An abundance of Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary, and the least amount of Ballroom. Also, she was able to pull off two specialty dances. Definitely playing to her strengths
Joshua - 7 Ballroom, 2 Hip Hop, 3 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary, 1 Other (Bollywood)
Overload on Ballroom, which he's managed to make work for him.
Courtney - 5 Ballroom, 3 Hip Hop, 4 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary
Seems well rounded
Twitch - 5 Ballroom, 4 Hip Hop, 4 Jazz/Broadway/Contemporary
He had the most Hip Hop routines, which plays to his strengths.
The Details -
Chelsie (with Mark) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Beautiful" by Me'shell Ndegeocello
Chelsie (with Mark) - Argentine Tango - Alex Da Silva - "Mi Confesion" by Gotan Project
Chelsie (with Mark) - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
Chelsie (with Mark) - Foxtrot - Edward Simons - "Its My Life" by Paul Anka
Chelsie (with Mark) - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Kiss Kiss" by Holly Valance
Chelsie (with Mark) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "I'm a Woman" from Smoky Joe's cafe
Chelsie (with Mark) - Salsa - Alex Da Silva - "Fuego" by John Bataan
Chelsie (with Gev) - Contemporary - Sonya - "These Arms O Mine" by Otis Redding
Chelsie (with Gev) - Jive - Jean Marc Genereaux - "The House is A Rockin'" by Brian Setzer
Chelsie (with Joshua) - Tango - Dmitry Chaplin - "A Los Amigos" from Forever Tango
Chelsie (with Joshua) - Disco - Dorianna Sanchez - "Everlasting Love" by Gloria Estefan
Chelsie (with Twitch) - Mamba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Ahora Me Toca A Mi" by Victor Manuelle
Chelsie (with Twitch) - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napoleon - "Control" by The Vitamin String Quartet
Mark (with Chelsie) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Beautiful" by Me'shell Ndegeocello
Mark (with Chelsie) - Argentine Tango - Alex Da Silva - "Mi Confesion" by Gotan Project
Mark (with Chelsie) - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Bleeding Love" by Leona Lewis
Mark (with Chelsie) - Foxtrot - Edward Simons - "Its My Life" by Paul Anka
Mark (with Chelsie) - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Kiss Kiss" by Holly Valance
Mark (with Chelsie) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "I'm a Woman" from Smoky Joe's cafe
Mark (with Chelsie) - Salsa - Alex Da Silva - "Fuego" by John Bataan
Mark (with Kherington) - Country Two Step - Ronnie and Brandi - "Kick Back" by Ty England
Mark (with Kherington) - Jazz - Tyce Diorio - "Canned Heat" by Jamiroquai
Mark (with Comfort) - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napoleon - "Party People" by Fergie f Nelly
Mark (with Comfort) - Fox Trot - Jean Marc Generaux - "Lady Luck" by The Brian Setzer Orchestra
Mark (with Courtney) - Viennese Waltz - Jason Gilkison - "The Time of My Life" by David Cook
Mark (with Courtney) - Jazz - Sonya Tayeh - "The Garden" by Mirah
Katee (with Joshua) - Hip Hop - Naploeon and Tabitha - "No Air" by Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown
Katee (with Joshua) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "All for the Best" from Godspell
Katee (with Joshua) - Samba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Baila Baila" by Angela Via
Katee (with Joshua) - West Coast Swing - Benji Schwimmer - "Shake It" by Brother Yusef
Katee (with Joshua) - Bollywood - Nikul and Marla - "Dhoom Taana" from Om Shanti Om
Katee (with Joshua) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Hometown Glory" by Adele
Katee (with Joshua) - Viennese Waltz - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
Katee (with Will) - Pas De Deux - Desmond Richardson - "Imagine" by David Archuleta
Katee (with Will) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" from Guys and Dolls
Katee (with Twitch) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Mercy" by Duffy
Katee (with Twitch) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Sweet Georgia Brown" from Bubbling Brown Sugar
Katee (with Joshua) - Contemporary - Tyce Diorio - "All By Myself" by Celine Dion
Katee (with Joshua) - Paso Doble - Jason Gilkison - "Filet" from Le Reve
Joshua (with Katee) - Hip Hop - Naploeon and Tabitha - "No Air" by Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown
Joshua (with Katee) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "All for the Best" from Godspell
Joshua (with Katee) - Samba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Baila Baila" by Angela Via
Joshua (with Katee) - West Coast Swing - Benji Schwimmer - "Shake It" by Brother Yusef
Joshua (with Katee) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Hometown Glory" by Adele
Joshua (with Katee) - Bollywood - Nikul and Marla - "Dhoom Taana" from Om Shanti Om
Joshua (with Katee) - Viennese Waltz - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls
Joshua (with Courtney) - Hip Hop - Dave Scott - "Skippin'" by Mario
Joshua (with Courtney) - Rhumba - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias
Joshua with (Chelsie) - Tango - Dmitry Chaplin - "A Los Amigos" from Forever Tango
Joshua (with Chelsie) - Disco - Dorianna Sanchez - "Everlasting Love" by Gloria Estefan
Joshua (with Katee) - Contemporary - Tyce Diorio - "All By Myself" by Celine Dion
Joshua (with Katee) - Paso Doble - Jason Gilkison - "Filet" from Le Reve
Courtney (with Gev) - Disco - Doriana Sanchez - "Boogie Wonderland" by Earth, Wind, and Fire
Courtney (with Gev) - Contemporary - Mandy Moore - "Lost" by Anouk
Courtney (with Gev) - Rhumba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Wishing on a Star" by Rose Roynce
Courtney (with Gev) - Broadway - Andy Blankenbuehler - "New York New York" by Bernstein, Comden, and Green
Courtney (with Gev) - Hip Hop - Cecily and Olisa - "Lights, Camera, Action" by Mr. Cheeks
Courtney (with Gev) - Jazz - Mandy Moore - "Standing There" by The Creatures
Courtney (with Gev) - Cha Cha - Pasha and Anya - "Don't Stop The Music" (Wideboys Club Mix) by Rihanna
Courtney (with Joshua) - Hip Hop - Dave Scott - "Skippin'" by Mario
Courtney (with Joshua) - Rhumba - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias
Courtney (with Will) - Samba - Jean Marc Genereaux - "I Fell In Love with the DJ" by Che'Nelle
Courtney (with Will) - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napleon - "Like You'll Never See Me Again" by Alicia Keys
Courtney (with Mark) - Viennese Waltz - Jason Gilkison - "The Time of My Life" by David Cook
Courtney (with Mark) - Jazz - Sonya Tayeh - "The Garden" by Mirah
Twitch (with Kherington) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Too Darn Hot" from Kiss Me Kate
Twitch (with Kherington) - Viennese Waltz - Jean-Marc Genereaux "A New Day Has Come" by Celine Dion
Twitch (with Kherington) - Hip Hop - Napoleon and Tabitha - "Don't Touch Me" by Busta Rhymes
Twitch (with Kherington) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Dancing With a Broken Heart" by John Mayer
Twitch (with Kherington) - Paso Doble - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Malaguena" from Brian Setzer '68 Comeback special
Twitch (with Kherington) - Tango - Jean Marc Genereaux - "Assasin's Tango" from Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Twitch (with Kherington) - Krump - L'il C - "Too Buck 4 TV" by J Squad
Twitch (with Comfort) - Smooth Waltz - Hunter Johnson - "Open Arms" by Journey
Twitch (with Comfort) - Hip Hop - Dave Scott - "Forever" by Chris Brown
Twitch (with Katee) - Contemporary - Mia Michaels - "Mercy" by Duffy
Twitch (with Katee) - Broadway - Tyce Diorio - "Sweet Georgia Brown" from Bubbling Brown Sugar
Twitch (with Chelsie) - Mamba - Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin - "Ahora Me Toca A Mi" by Victor Manuelle
Twitch (with Chelsie) - Hip Hop - Tabitha and Napoleon - "Control" by The Vitamin String Quartet
Interesting, very, very interesting.
Dream Memory
The end of last night's dreams...
There was something before all this where I was going up and down stairs a lot, or a neighborhood...trying to find my way somewhere, or something. And there might have been a pier or harbor as well.
Then, I ended up helping a woman at a restaurant who wanted the same cake she's had at this place some time before. She gave me the name.
I made my way back to the kitchens. It took a long time because I'm not even sure it was in the same building.
The kitchen area came into view and I knew it to be the Martha Stewart kitchens. (Not because it looked like the TV show kitchen, just because that's what it was in my dream). But, only a couple people were there and I knew they didn't do cakes. The rest of the staff was returning from whatever had made everyone leave (shades of yesterday's California earthquake?). I recognized a girl as one of the bakers and asked her for help.
Next I was with a man who I recognized (but can't remember now) who had me look through a book of cakes. The name of the cake was fast fading from my memory. I tried to explain it but didn't have the vocabulary. Then, we came to one that I thought might be it. Aha! said the man who was helping me. That's one of our old cakes, we changed the name from Abigail to ? because its a classic and has become permanent. I didn't know if it really was the cake, but I thought it sounded close enough. Then, he started putting cloth covers on the laminated pictures of the cakes in the book. The covers fit over two prongs on the side of the picture and slid down the prongs like a sleeve.
There was something before all this where I was going up and down stairs a lot, or a neighborhood...trying to find my way somewhere, or something. And there might have been a pier or harbor as well.
Then, I ended up helping a woman at a restaurant who wanted the same cake she's had at this place some time before. She gave me the name.
I made my way back to the kitchens. It took a long time because I'm not even sure it was in the same building.
The kitchen area came into view and I knew it to be the Martha Stewart kitchens. (Not because it looked like the TV show kitchen, just because that's what it was in my dream). But, only a couple people were there and I knew they didn't do cakes. The rest of the staff was returning from whatever had made everyone leave (shades of yesterday's California earthquake?). I recognized a girl as one of the bakers and asked her for help.
Next I was with a man who I recognized (but can't remember now) who had me look through a book of cakes. The name of the cake was fast fading from my memory. I tried to explain it but didn't have the vocabulary. Then, we came to one that I thought might be it. Aha! said the man who was helping me. That's one of our old cakes, we changed the name from Abigail to ? because its a classic and has become permanent. I didn't know if it really was the cake, but I thought it sounded close enough. Then, he started putting cloth covers on the laminated pictures of the cakes in the book. The covers fit over two prongs on the side of the picture and slid down the prongs like a sleeve.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Saving Grace
Saving Grace
I started watching the show because I like the actress Holly Hunter.
I'm sometimes ambivalent about watching it because Grace Hanadarko is completely unfamiliar to me and though she's clearly a heroine and a good person, I have trouble with her excessive ways.
The other good and bad element is Earl. I don't like his tobacco chewing (though he doessn't do it as much as he used to, I think). And I don't understand what he says sometimes.
On the good side, I like that he's an angel of God. It adds a nice twist to the show.
Especially after last Monday's episode when it became clear that Grace is supposed to help Leon Cooley. That would be cool.
I like that Hanadarko isn't a lone heroine all the time. She goes it alone sometimes, but we've never seen her in a situation that she didn't have all the bases covered. She's not going to be so stupid that she wouldn't call in backup if its the right thing to do.
I really don't understand how she deals with the problems in her past (sister guilt, sexual abuse). She drinks too much. Yeah - I don't get it because I'm not a drinker. So, sometimes I get a little frustrated.
I do wonder how she keeps her house from having ants, roaches, rats and stuff. I don't think I've seen her clean it before and she's so deliberate about throwing trash around. Its one thing to be irresponsible, but the consequences are pest infestation. She hasn't had any. That seems like a nit-picky thing to say, but that's the reason the behavior bothers me. If the show is trying to show how messed up she is (or out of control, or whatever) because she doesn't have a care about having water fights in the living room or food fights in the kitchen, then wouldn't she be so messed up she'd also not clean and then she'd end up with mold or rodents. That would be a consequence of her behavior and, in my world, she'd stop doing it. So, maybe they should at least show her cleaning up. I know, crazy on my part to care, but it does bug me.
I also like Retta very much. She's a better friend than I would be. And Ham. He puts up with so much.
In general, they've found a nice balance of personal drama, work drama, spiritual drama, and crime-solving. I like it.
But, I can't watch it if there's a lot of turmoil in the world because Grace can be so dark. Its too much for me.
Embrace Your Grace...I like this ad campaign. I like the play on the word Grace. And I like the idea of embracing your gifts. I don't remember all the stuff Grace said in the original spot for the campaign, but it put a positive spin on Grace's weaknesses, which was a little goofy. But, I like the general idea.
I started watching the show because I like the actress Holly Hunter.
I'm sometimes ambivalent about watching it because Grace Hanadarko is completely unfamiliar to me and though she's clearly a heroine and a good person, I have trouble with her excessive ways.
The other good and bad element is Earl. I don't like his tobacco chewing (though he doessn't do it as much as he used to, I think). And I don't understand what he says sometimes.
On the good side, I like that he's an angel of God. It adds a nice twist to the show.
Especially after last Monday's episode when it became clear that Grace is supposed to help Leon Cooley. That would be cool.
I like that Hanadarko isn't a lone heroine all the time. She goes it alone sometimes, but we've never seen her in a situation that she didn't have all the bases covered. She's not going to be so stupid that she wouldn't call in backup if its the right thing to do.
I really don't understand how she deals with the problems in her past (sister guilt, sexual abuse). She drinks too much. Yeah - I don't get it because I'm not a drinker. So, sometimes I get a little frustrated.
I do wonder how she keeps her house from having ants, roaches, rats and stuff. I don't think I've seen her clean it before and she's so deliberate about throwing trash around. Its one thing to be irresponsible, but the consequences are pest infestation. She hasn't had any. That seems like a nit-picky thing to say, but that's the reason the behavior bothers me. If the show is trying to show how messed up she is (or out of control, or whatever) because she doesn't have a care about having water fights in the living room or food fights in the kitchen, then wouldn't she be so messed up she'd also not clean and then she'd end up with mold or rodents. That would be a consequence of her behavior and, in my world, she'd stop doing it. So, maybe they should at least show her cleaning up. I know, crazy on my part to care, but it does bug me.
I also like Retta very much. She's a better friend than I would be. And Ham. He puts up with so much.
In general, they've found a nice balance of personal drama, work drama, spiritual drama, and crime-solving. I like it.
But, I can't watch it if there's a lot of turmoil in the world because Grace can be so dark. Its too much for me.
Embrace Your Grace...I like this ad campaign. I like the play on the word Grace. And I like the idea of embracing your gifts. I don't remember all the stuff Grace said in the original spot for the campaign, but it put a positive spin on Grace's weaknesses, which was a little goofy. But, I like the general idea.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Design Star, Food Network Star, The Mole
Design Star
This week Jennifer and Matt designed a kitchen, living room, and dining room for two families who lost their homes when the levees failed in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina - three years ago (that's another post all its own).
They both did a nice job. Either one of them would make a good winner.
Unfortunately, 'nice job' describes everything this season. Its been boring. I mentioned it in my last post - the challenges have not allowed the designers to go crazy. This is another challenge where they wouldn't want to do anything outrageous for the homeowners; their individual styles were muted. They did what they were asked to do and presented rooms most families would be comfortable living in. The chandelier Matt purchased was beautiful.
I like them both. They have nice personalities.
As far as who wins - I mostly don't care at this point.
Food Network Star
Well, even though last week I said I didn't care who won, I now know that I care a little bit. Aaron was my third choice and he won. It was anticlimactic. Ah, but really - I guess I don't care. Good for him. I'll probably not see his show any more than I saw the other Food Network Star shows. I hope Adam and Lisa get other opportunities because of the show.
The Mole
I'm disappointed Paul isn't in the final three. Until the last couple weeks I thought he could be The Mole.
Anyway - it now seems clear The Mole could be Craig or Nicole, which makes Mark all the more likely as The Mole because he's fooled me so completely!!! Ha!
Between Craig and Nicole, they're very matter of fact about the mistakes they make - like they have reasons for making the mistakes, but they're too pat.
Craig's reasons in particular, he doesn't get too emotional or disappointed. Did I notice Craig leave the dinner table at one point? Was he getting secret Mole instructions?
Except Paul thought it was Craig (right?) and he decided to answer the quiz with just one person in mind, and now Paul is gone. But, he also made a point to say it wasn't Nicole, which means maybe he targeted her in the quiz and missed.
But, it could be Nicole. As Paul mentioned last night, Nicole played the same game as Paul and I pegged him for The Mole for that very reason. Also, that whole thing last week about quitting was suspicious. And she does make a lot of mistakes in the missions.
And then there's Mark. If he turns out to be The Mole, it will have been quite a deception. Nah...he always tries to get money. It just can't be. I hope I won't eat my words at the end.
I'll be interested to see all The Mole clues on the last episode.
This week Jennifer and Matt designed a kitchen, living room, and dining room for two families who lost their homes when the levees failed in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina - three years ago (that's another post all its own).
They both did a nice job. Either one of them would make a good winner.
Unfortunately, 'nice job' describes everything this season. Its been boring. I mentioned it in my last post - the challenges have not allowed the designers to go crazy. This is another challenge where they wouldn't want to do anything outrageous for the homeowners; their individual styles were muted. They did what they were asked to do and presented rooms most families would be comfortable living in. The chandelier Matt purchased was beautiful.
I like them both. They have nice personalities.
As far as who wins - I mostly don't care at this point.
Food Network Star
Well, even though last week I said I didn't care who won, I now know that I care a little bit. Aaron was my third choice and he won. It was anticlimactic. Ah, but really - I guess I don't care. Good for him. I'll probably not see his show any more than I saw the other Food Network Star shows. I hope Adam and Lisa get other opportunities because of the show.
The Mole
I'm disappointed Paul isn't in the final three. Until the last couple weeks I thought he could be The Mole.
Anyway - it now seems clear The Mole could be Craig or Nicole, which makes Mark all the more likely as The Mole because he's fooled me so completely!!! Ha!
Between Craig and Nicole, they're very matter of fact about the mistakes they make - like they have reasons for making the mistakes, but they're too pat.
Craig's reasons in particular, he doesn't get too emotional or disappointed. Did I notice Craig leave the dinner table at one point? Was he getting secret Mole instructions?
Except Paul thought it was Craig (right?) and he decided to answer the quiz with just one person in mind, and now Paul is gone. But, he also made a point to say it wasn't Nicole, which means maybe he targeted her in the quiz and missed.
But, it could be Nicole. As Paul mentioned last night, Nicole played the same game as Paul and I pegged him for The Mole for that very reason. Also, that whole thing last week about quitting was suspicious. And she does make a lot of mistakes in the missions.
And then there's Mark. If he turns out to be The Mole, it will have been quite a deception. Nah...he always tries to get money. It just can't be. I hope I won't eat my words at the end.
I'll be interested to see all The Mole clues on the last episode.
Dream Memory
This morning I remember three dreams I had last night...
1) I was in a space ship with four men. Something happened; we were doomed to die - there was no chance of rescue. I kept thinking we would be rescued and we might be able to make it (like a TV show with a surprise happy ending). But, we sat there and ran out of air. I remember wanting them to confirm that we might still make it. But, they wouldn't. There was one last push, or something, and our space ship was moving faster, so I got excited because maybe that meant we'd be saved. No, they still were sad and resigned to die. Then, I started wondering how I should prepare myself for death. Should I fall asleep? But, then as we lost air, my struggle to breathe might wake me up. Should I ask them to knock me out? Who would do the kncoking out and then be left alone? We wouldn't die at the exact same time anyway.
The question about how to prepare for death, is what woke me up at about 3:00 am
The main point of that was my continued expectation that there'd be a happy ending.
2) In the next dream (fading fast) I'm moving out of my boyfriend's place. We were kinda nice about it, but there was a lot of chaos in the move. Suddenly he decided that I needed to pay him 3000 dollars for something. I was astounded. We escaped from the chaos (I can't remember why there was so much chaos, other than a lot of people were also moving or something?) into the next room and I kinda laughed at him in a friendly way and said 'No really, what's this about?'. I can't remember what he said, but it seems we went into a deeper part of the house where there was a huge party of people - the room was dark with streaks of neon light flashing around. I remember thinking 'den of thieves'. Everyone was bad, and so, it turned out, was my boyfriend. He'd been hiding this side of him all along. I think I tried to reason with him, but it turns out he's the leader of this gang of bad people and they do what he says. Suddenly they grab my arms and try to push me out of the room. At first its normal - what I'd expect. I'm being passed from person to person who keeps moving me toward the door. Suddenly I'm moving as if I'm flying almost and its to an oblivion - I'm just being pushed along through darkness. I scream in terror. (As I recollect this right now it sounds very devilish - ick!) Then, I wake up.
3) Another memory fading fast. The part I remember is being in some kind of dorm room or something. Queen Elizabeth is in the hall because she's going to be our client for something. I wasn't supposed to be part of the presentation or anything, but they needed some additional work and that's why she was there. I ended up out in the hall and there she was - only I didn't have any pants on. I was in bare feet with no pants, except panties. I kept trying to get away to put some pants on so I could be presentable. She was nice about it.
1) I was in a space ship with four men. Something happened; we were doomed to die - there was no chance of rescue. I kept thinking we would be rescued and we might be able to make it (like a TV show with a surprise happy ending). But, we sat there and ran out of air. I remember wanting them to confirm that we might still make it. But, they wouldn't. There was one last push, or something, and our space ship was moving faster, so I got excited because maybe that meant we'd be saved. No, they still were sad and resigned to die. Then, I started wondering how I should prepare myself for death. Should I fall asleep? But, then as we lost air, my struggle to breathe might wake me up. Should I ask them to knock me out? Who would do the kncoking out and then be left alone? We wouldn't die at the exact same time anyway.
The question about how to prepare for death, is what woke me up at about 3:00 am
The main point of that was my continued expectation that there'd be a happy ending.
2) In the next dream (fading fast) I'm moving out of my boyfriend's place. We were kinda nice about it, but there was a lot of chaos in the move. Suddenly he decided that I needed to pay him 3000 dollars for something. I was astounded. We escaped from the chaos (I can't remember why there was so much chaos, other than a lot of people were also moving or something?) into the next room and I kinda laughed at him in a friendly way and said 'No really, what's this about?'. I can't remember what he said, but it seems we went into a deeper part of the house where there was a huge party of people - the room was dark with streaks of neon light flashing around. I remember thinking 'den of thieves'. Everyone was bad, and so, it turned out, was my boyfriend. He'd been hiding this side of him all along. I think I tried to reason with him, but it turns out he's the leader of this gang of bad people and they do what he says. Suddenly they grab my arms and try to push me out of the room. At first its normal - what I'd expect. I'm being passed from person to person who keeps moving me toward the door. Suddenly I'm moving as if I'm flying almost and its to an oblivion - I'm just being pushed along through darkness. I scream in terror. (As I recollect this right now it sounds very devilish - ick!) Then, I wake up.
3) Another memory fading fast. The part I remember is being in some kind of dorm room or something. Queen Elizabeth is in the hall because she's going to be our client for something. I wasn't supposed to be part of the presentation or anything, but they needed some additional work and that's why she was there. I ended up out in the hall and there she was - only I didn't have any pants on. I was in bare feet with no pants, except panties. I kept trying to get away to put some pants on so I could be presentable. She was nice about it.
Competition vs Governing
I know this isn't the only headline like this, but this morning it bothers me...(I saw it on the Google News page)
http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OTkwMTViNmFjMDA0NmVmZjhkM2YyYmEyM2NhODYzZWQ=
The Campaign Spot
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
BARACK OBAMA
Republicans Should Be So Lucky To Face Obama-Kaine
It doesn't surprise me that Team Obama is looking at Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, although I think the Washington Post is making a bit too much out of their inquiries to Kaine, putting it on the front page and declaring the talks "serious."
etc, etc.
Why does "Republicans Should Be So Lucky to Face Obama-Kaine" bother me?
It represents what's wrong with elections today...its about competition rather than governing. The only thing that matters is that Republicans WIN. Never mind about anything else.
I know there are Democrats who have the same attitude.
And, for many people, even if it were about governing, they'd still pick a Republican or Democrat because the two parties represent different governing philosophies.
For the people who run these campaigns and write about them and observe them; the people whose whole life is about politics, it's a competition. They've gotten themselves so far into the forest looking at individual trees that they don't see what the point of the forest is anymore.
(I wonder if there's a parallel to the people who write in to Matt Rausch's column at TV Guide completely obsessed with the Emmys. They've forgotten that the point of television is to entertain, not so there can be an award show. If that parallel holds true, it would be a reminder that everything should be done in moderation.)
(Or, is there a parallel to relish on a hot dog? I used to eat hot dogs with lots of sweet relish on it. I ate the hot dog only so I could eat relish. Similarly, I used to eat french fries with lots of tartar sauce on it. The fries were only there to help me eat tartar sauce. If those parallels hold true, it would be a reminder to keep in mind what the point is and maybe there's a better way to get there. I could have stuck my fingers in a jar of relish and been just as happy. Hmm...with the hot dog, maybe - but, the french fries were kinda good on their own.)
http://campaignspot.nationalreview.com/post/?q=OTkwMTViNmFjMDA0NmVmZjhkM2YyYmEyM2NhODYzZWQ=
The Campaign Spot
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
BARACK OBAMA
Republicans Should Be So Lucky To Face Obama-Kaine
It doesn't surprise me that Team Obama is looking at Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, although I think the Washington Post is making a bit too much out of their inquiries to Kaine, putting it on the front page and declaring the talks "serious."
etc, etc.
Why does "Republicans Should Be So Lucky to Face Obama-Kaine" bother me?
It represents what's wrong with elections today...its about competition rather than governing. The only thing that matters is that Republicans WIN. Never mind about anything else.
I know there are Democrats who have the same attitude.
And, for many people, even if it were about governing, they'd still pick a Republican or Democrat because the two parties represent different governing philosophies.
For the people who run these campaigns and write about them and observe them; the people whose whole life is about politics, it's a competition. They've gotten themselves so far into the forest looking at individual trees that they don't see what the point of the forest is anymore.
(I wonder if there's a parallel to the people who write in to Matt Rausch's column at TV Guide completely obsessed with the Emmys. They've forgotten that the point of television is to entertain, not so there can be an award show. If that parallel holds true, it would be a reminder that everything should be done in moderation.)
(Or, is there a parallel to relish on a hot dog? I used to eat hot dogs with lots of sweet relish on it. I ate the hot dog only so I could eat relish. Similarly, I used to eat french fries with lots of tartar sauce on it. The fries were only there to help me eat tartar sauce. If those parallels hold true, it would be a reminder to keep in mind what the point is and maybe there's a better way to get there. I could have stuck my fingers in a jar of relish and been just as happy. Hmm...with the hot dog, maybe - but, the french fries were kinda good on their own.)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
The Surge in Iraq - Success or Failure?
Mainstream newspeople are itching to get Barack Obama to say he was wrong on the surge. They point to the decreased violence in Baghdad as proof the surge has worked.
We've been in Baghdad long enough to see repeating cycles of violence and peace. There are months at a time when its relatively peaceful followed by months of increased violence.
Why is now the right time to assess the success or failure of the surge?
Adding more troops to the area was the right thing to do from day one of the war (if you're going to war, you send in enough people to do it properly). But, it took the Bush Administration 3 years to do it, and by then...well, they'd already mucked things up so badly that more troops didn't seem to be the problem. The year of coalition rule didn't do anything to help the Iraqi people. Then, the administration didn't know how to deal with the sectarian divisions in the country. Remember when political pundits sat in comfy chairs in their TV studios discussing how the Iraqi government should constitute itself - the debate was a strong central government or semi-autonomous areas for the three factions?
Now that the Sunnis and Shi'ites have essentially segregated the city, no wonder the violence is down. To say the surge is the defining factor in the decreased violence is misleading and ignores the complexities of Iraqi society.
I'm offended by the press trying to simplify the story so they can get a candidate to say something they can then talk about for days and days. They refuse to see nuance and subtlety.
In the Slate Political Gabfest for Friday July 25, 2008 John Dickerson also expects Barack Obama to admit the surge is a success, or explain what facts or circumstances Obama saw on his recent foreign trip that lead him to believe his idea (start withdrawing troops) would have been better.
John Dickerson talked about the three things that happened since the surge began...a) Sadr cease fire, b) Sunni Awakening (late 2006 in Anbar and then moved to rest of country), and c) reduction in violence. Did the surge help those things? John Dickerson says nobody argues the surge has helped the Sunni Awakening. Reduction in violence? Yes, surge helped. Another benefit of the surge was that the Iraqi Army was supposed to be able to stand on its own, and since they helped attack the Sadr army and Sadr called a cease fire, that seems to have been helped by the surge.
Its fair to say the surge had some benefits, but we can't say it was the best choice because we don't know what the outcome of not surging would have been. Its irresponsible and misleading for the news media to demand an answer from Obama.
Not only do they ask an irrelevant question, the mdia has already decided what the answer should be, and when they don't get it, they imply Obama is an empty vessel.
John Dickerson continued by suggesting that if Obama's trip to Iraq was about finding facts then he should be able to see that the surge has worked or justify why his original idea was better, and if it wasn't about finding facts, then it was a "sham". He actually used that word.
Sigh.
People make choices in life - we start down a path and that's where we are. Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don't. And sometimes, even when you choose the right answer, it was just luck. Or, it wasn't even the right answer in the first place, but you've learned to make the best of it because there's nothing else you can do.
Another John Dickerson comment about Obama..."He's running as something different than George Bush, so he had a view a year and a half ago, which he now has said since he's been to Iraq, [not that?] that he saw nothing to change his view. It seems to me that we might expect from him since he's running against the Bush model, that new facts that he's seen that he might talk about how those new facts incorporate into the policy he had a year and a half ago before he had those new facts. We'd expect Bush to blow off the facts that confront or that contradict his view or at least not even talk about them. We wouldn't perhaps expect that from Obama, who's running."
We've been in Baghdad long enough to see repeating cycles of violence and peace. There are months at a time when its relatively peaceful followed by months of increased violence.
Why is now the right time to assess the success or failure of the surge?
Adding more troops to the area was the right thing to do from day one of the war (if you're going to war, you send in enough people to do it properly). But, it took the Bush Administration 3 years to do it, and by then...well, they'd already mucked things up so badly that more troops didn't seem to be the problem. The year of coalition rule didn't do anything to help the Iraqi people. Then, the administration didn't know how to deal with the sectarian divisions in the country. Remember when political pundits sat in comfy chairs in their TV studios discussing how the Iraqi government should constitute itself - the debate was a strong central government or semi-autonomous areas for the three factions?
Now that the Sunnis and Shi'ites have essentially segregated the city, no wonder the violence is down. To say the surge is the defining factor in the decreased violence is misleading and ignores the complexities of Iraqi society.
I'm offended by the press trying to simplify the story so they can get a candidate to say something they can then talk about for days and days. They refuse to see nuance and subtlety.
In the Slate Political Gabfest for Friday July 25, 2008 John Dickerson also expects Barack Obama to admit the surge is a success, or explain what facts or circumstances Obama saw on his recent foreign trip that lead him to believe his idea (start withdrawing troops) would have been better.
John Dickerson talked about the three things that happened since the surge began...a) Sadr cease fire, b) Sunni Awakening (late 2006 in Anbar and then moved to rest of country), and c) reduction in violence. Did the surge help those things? John Dickerson says nobody argues the surge has helped the Sunni Awakening. Reduction in violence? Yes, surge helped. Another benefit of the surge was that the Iraqi Army was supposed to be able to stand on its own, and since they helped attack the Sadr army and Sadr called a cease fire, that seems to have been helped by the surge.
Its fair to say the surge had some benefits, but we can't say it was the best choice because we don't know what the outcome of not surging would have been. Its irresponsible and misleading for the news media to demand an answer from Obama.
Not only do they ask an irrelevant question, the mdia has already decided what the answer should be, and when they don't get it, they imply Obama is an empty vessel.
John Dickerson continued by suggesting that if Obama's trip to Iraq was about finding facts then he should be able to see that the surge has worked or justify why his original idea was better, and if it wasn't about finding facts, then it was a "sham". He actually used that word.
Sigh.
People make choices in life - we start down a path and that's where we are. Sometimes things work out and sometimes they don't. And sometimes, even when you choose the right answer, it was just luck. Or, it wasn't even the right answer in the first place, but you've learned to make the best of it because there's nothing else you can do.
Another John Dickerson comment about Obama..."He's running as something different than George Bush, so he had a view a year and a half ago, which he now has said since he's been to Iraq, [not that?] that he saw nothing to change his view. It seems to me that we might expect from him since he's running against the Bush model, that new facts that he's seen that he might talk about how those new facts incorporate into the policy he had a year and a half ago before he had those new facts. We'd expect Bush to blow off the facts that confront or that contradict his view or at least not even talk about them. We wouldn't perhaps expect that from Obama, who's running."
Rex Agreement
I just saw a commercial for a Rex Agreement. On the face of it - it looks like another scam designed to take advantage of people's fear in the current housing market.
What is a Rex Agreement? Its a Real Estate Equity Exchange. The company will exchange future equity in your house for cash today.
It sounds similar to payday advance loans or cash for future annuity payments or interest only loans.
I'm not a financial expert, but I hope people will be very skeptical of this agreement.
Remember, the people are trying to exploit your need for immediate cash. They know you'd rather have the money now rather than 10 years from now (or however long it would be before you sell your house).
This is how I think it works...
you tell them how much money you want,
you agree with them on a percentage of the future equity you will give them.
They give you the money. No interest and no monthly payments.
They wait for you to sell your house. (I wonder if they put a lien on the house to make sure they know when its sold.)
When you're selling your house, you'll pay back the loan amount PLUS they'll take the previously agreed upon percentage of the change in the home's future value.
No wonder this 'agreement' is getting advertised right now - they can make more money now when housing prices are down. They're betting on the value of homes going up before you sell again; which also makes sense because the customers they're targeting might not have enough equity in their home to sell until the prices go back up, which is why they need cash now.
Example:
Suppose you decide to give them 25% of the change in future equity in your house.
For that, they'll give you $35,714
Your house value is 500,000.
In 10 years, your house value is 600,000
The change in your home value is 100,000.
$60,714 goes to the company when you sell your house (35,714 for the original loan repayment and 25,000 for their share of the equity).
You just paid 25,000 so you could borrow 35,714. Wow.
On the company's website (http://www.rexagreement.com/index.php) they have a sample calculator that has the example on it.
Not only that, but there are probably penalties, fees, restrictions, etc.
Crazy.
Here's a link to another blog mentioning Rex Agreements and a similar agreement called EquityKey (targeted to seniors).
http://realestateblog.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/rex-agreement-avoid-this-like-the-plague/
What is a Rex Agreement? Its a Real Estate Equity Exchange. The company will exchange future equity in your house for cash today.
It sounds similar to payday advance loans or cash for future annuity payments or interest only loans.
I'm not a financial expert, but I hope people will be very skeptical of this agreement.
Remember, the people are trying to exploit your need for immediate cash. They know you'd rather have the money now rather than 10 years from now (or however long it would be before you sell your house).
This is how I think it works...
you tell them how much money you want,
you agree with them on a percentage of the future equity you will give them.
They give you the money. No interest and no monthly payments.
They wait for you to sell your house. (I wonder if they put a lien on the house to make sure they know when its sold.)
When you're selling your house, you'll pay back the loan amount PLUS they'll take the previously agreed upon percentage of the change in the home's future value.
No wonder this 'agreement' is getting advertised right now - they can make more money now when housing prices are down. They're betting on the value of homes going up before you sell again; which also makes sense because the customers they're targeting might not have enough equity in their home to sell until the prices go back up, which is why they need cash now.
Example:
Suppose you decide to give them 25% of the change in future equity in your house.
For that, they'll give you $35,714
Your house value is 500,000.
In 10 years, your house value is 600,000
The change in your home value is 100,000.
$60,714 goes to the company when you sell your house (35,714 for the original loan repayment and 25,000 for their share of the equity).
You just paid 25,000 so you could borrow 35,714. Wow.
On the company's website (http://www.rexagreement.com/index.php) they have a sample calculator that has the example on it.
Not only that, but there are probably penalties, fees, restrictions, etc.
Crazy.
Here's a link to another blog mentioning Rex Agreements and a similar agreement called EquityKey (targeted to seniors).
http://realestateblog.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/rex-agreement-avoid-this-like-the-plague/
Friday, July 25, 2008
Song Lyrics
How important are song lyrics? I'm beyond my teen years, but 'in my day' we didn't take song lyrics all that seriously. I knew that references to sex and drugs weren't part of my real life. But, I still reveled in the audaciousness and abandon of singing about them.
I'm older now and understand words do have meaning. I'm concerned when I hear lyrics that devalue young women and trivialize young men and glamorize behavior without consequences. I don't think its healthy for anyone. And often, the lyrics are so trivial or narcissistic that its almost a mockery of the serious problems our world is facing (including wars in which American young people are dying). Its like Nero fiddling while Rome burnt.
On the other hand, if I liked it, but didn't take it seriously, why can't I feel safe that the kids of today don't take it seriously either?
Its worth a discussion. And I hope its the kind of discussion that happens at home between parent and child. 'Cause that's where its going to do the most good. (And yet, if not there, I hope somewhere)
The two song lyrics I was stunned to hear recently fit into the category of "Is This How You Want To Live Your Life?"
I heard both these songs when they were performed on "So You Think You Can Dance"
1. "When I Grow Up" by the Pussycat Dolls
I find this particularly offensive because it plays into the idea that none of us are real unless we're famous. What surprised me when I first heard it was the part of the lyrics when the girl says "I want boobies". Wow. Seriously? See, here's where the scary part comes in - I think girls really DO think that way. And people DO go on reality TV shows just to be famous. Ugh.
[Intro, x2]
Boys call you sexy (What's up, sexy)
And you don’t care what they say
See, every time you turn around
They screamin' your name
[Verse 1]
Now I've got a confession
When I was young I wanted attention
And I promised myself that I’d do anything
Anything at all for the boys to notice me
[Bridge]
But I ain't complaining
We all wanna be famous
So go ahead and say what you wanna say
You know what it's like to be nameless
Want them to know what your name is
'Cause see when I was younger I would say
[Chorus]
When I grow up
I wanna be famous
I wanna be a star
I wanna be in movies
When I grow up
I wanna see the world
Drive nice cars
I wanna have boobies
When I grow up
Be on TV
People know me
Be on magazines
When I grow up
Fresh and clean
Number one chick
when I step out on the scene
[Hook x2]
But be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it
But you just might get it
But You just might get it
[Verse 2]
They used to tell me I was silly
Until I popped up on the TV
I always wanted to be a superstar
And knew that singing songs would get me this far
[Bridge]
[Chorus]
[Verse]
I see them staring at me
Oh I'm a trendsetter
Yes this is true
'cause what I do,
no one can do it better
You can talk about me
'Cause I'm a hot topic
I see you watching me,
watching me, and
I know you want it
2. "Baby" by LL Cool J featuring The Dream
I'm only including the rap - the 'chorus' is repetitive and not enlightening.
So You Think You Can Dance is supposed to be a show for families. The audience is filled with screaming young girls. Its irresponsible to have this song on the show. Its about a man's experience with a prostitute. Although, on the show, he didn't sing the last section about the cops and that he had to pay for it. But, this is the way men think about sex and girls.
Met this little girl, she was off the hook I got cold chills when her body shook Hot sex on the platter no need to cook I let her steal my heart like a horny crook Had her grinding and winding against my leg She messin with my head, wanna play in the bed Sexy pumps on, toenails red Your bodys a gun baby, pump me full of lead It hard to hold you when you movin' vulgar Peace sign on your eyes like John Travolta My pulp ain't fiction, it's an addiction To see your booty clap on the floor in the kitchen Nasty girl, taught me all the lingo While mama play bingo, she ride mandingo She dont give a damn if im married or single She makes me tingle
She likes Hip-Hop and R&B Her life time goal is to be on TV She looking for a man that could give her a break Like Usher or Justin Timberlake Im really not sure if her breasts are fake Cuz wit whipped cream on em, they taste just like cake We drink some beer, inside of daddy's '64 She shot me in the back with cupids arrow We finish the 6-pac, she push the seat back Pulled up her dress n she let me peep that Im Drunk as a skunk, feeling all dirty Truck stop bathroom at 7:30 Bought her some dessert, give a damn if its early Head spinnin around like roller derby Everything about her says you dont deserve me I hope im worthy
In the back of the pickup, clothes the rip up She see my chrome wheels, it gets more real Running and laughing, music blasting Side over the road, bent over crashing Mouth all dry, can feel the urge If you see my mama, dont say a word The cops wanna know im a word are slurred Dont ask me officer ask her Wanna another drink baby she like sure Wanna hit the club she like I dont curr She all in the rearview doin her hurr Hairspray and lip gloss everywhurr This all happens on an average day Your life is a trip girl, im here to stay Never had a girl make me feel this way Even tho I had to pay
I'm older now and understand words do have meaning. I'm concerned when I hear lyrics that devalue young women and trivialize young men and glamorize behavior without consequences. I don't think its healthy for anyone. And often, the lyrics are so trivial or narcissistic that its almost a mockery of the serious problems our world is facing (including wars in which American young people are dying). Its like Nero fiddling while Rome burnt.
On the other hand, if I liked it, but didn't take it seriously, why can't I feel safe that the kids of today don't take it seriously either?
Its worth a discussion. And I hope its the kind of discussion that happens at home between parent and child. 'Cause that's where its going to do the most good. (And yet, if not there, I hope somewhere)
The two song lyrics I was stunned to hear recently fit into the category of "Is This How You Want To Live Your Life?"
I heard both these songs when they were performed on "So You Think You Can Dance"
1. "When I Grow Up" by the Pussycat Dolls
I find this particularly offensive because it plays into the idea that none of us are real unless we're famous. What surprised me when I first heard it was the part of the lyrics when the girl says "I want boobies". Wow. Seriously? See, here's where the scary part comes in - I think girls really DO think that way. And people DO go on reality TV shows just to be famous. Ugh.
[Intro, x2]
Boys call you sexy (What's up, sexy)
And you don’t care what they say
See, every time you turn around
They screamin' your name
[Verse 1]
Now I've got a confession
When I was young I wanted attention
And I promised myself that I’d do anything
Anything at all for the boys to notice me
[Bridge]
But I ain't complaining
We all wanna be famous
So go ahead and say what you wanna say
You know what it's like to be nameless
Want them to know what your name is
'Cause see when I was younger I would say
[Chorus]
When I grow up
I wanna be famous
I wanna be a star
I wanna be in movies
When I grow up
I wanna see the world
Drive nice cars
I wanna have boobies
When I grow up
Be on TV
People know me
Be on magazines
When I grow up
Fresh and clean
Number one chick
when I step out on the scene
[Hook x2]
But be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it
But you just might get it
But You just might get it
[Verse 2]
They used to tell me I was silly
Until I popped up on the TV
I always wanted to be a superstar
And knew that singing songs would get me this far
[Bridge]
[Chorus]
[Verse]
I see them staring at me
Oh I'm a trendsetter
Yes this is true
'cause what I do,
no one can do it better
You can talk about me
'Cause I'm a hot topic
I see you watching me,
watching me, and
I know you want it
2. "Baby" by LL Cool J featuring The Dream
I'm only including the rap - the 'chorus' is repetitive and not enlightening.
So You Think You Can Dance is supposed to be a show for families. The audience is filled with screaming young girls. Its irresponsible to have this song on the show. Its about a man's experience with a prostitute. Although, on the show, he didn't sing the last section about the cops and that he had to pay for it. But, this is the way men think about sex and girls.
Met this little girl, she was off the hook I got cold chills when her body shook Hot sex on the platter no need to cook I let her steal my heart like a horny crook Had her grinding and winding against my leg She messin with my head, wanna play in the bed Sexy pumps on, toenails red Your bodys a gun baby, pump me full of lead It hard to hold you when you movin' vulgar Peace sign on your eyes like John Travolta My pulp ain't fiction, it's an addiction To see your booty clap on the floor in the kitchen Nasty girl, taught me all the lingo While mama play bingo, she ride mandingo She dont give a damn if im married or single She makes me tingle
She likes Hip-Hop and R&B Her life time goal is to be on TV She looking for a man that could give her a break Like Usher or Justin Timberlake Im really not sure if her breasts are fake Cuz wit whipped cream on em, they taste just like cake We drink some beer, inside of daddy's '64 She shot me in the back with cupids arrow We finish the 6-pac, she push the seat back Pulled up her dress n she let me peep that Im Drunk as a skunk, feeling all dirty Truck stop bathroom at 7:30 Bought her some dessert, give a damn if its early Head spinnin around like roller derby Everything about her says you dont deserve me I hope im worthy
In the back of the pickup, clothes the rip up She see my chrome wheels, it gets more real Running and laughing, music blasting Side over the road, bent over crashing Mouth all dry, can feel the urge If you see my mama, dont say a word The cops wanna know im a word are slurred Dont ask me officer ask her Wanna another drink baby she like sure Wanna hit the club she like I dont curr She all in the rearview doin her hurr Hairspray and lip gloss everywhurr This all happens on an average day Your life is a trip girl, im here to stay Never had a girl make me feel this way Even tho I had to pay
The Go Game
Yesterday our company participated in the The Go Game in downtown Portland. I had a good time.
Some snippets of memory about the game our company played yesterday....
1. my teammates (eagle eye/poet/hurry up/slow down [me])
2. chasing the cow - picture
3. humming outside the coffee house to summon a wizard
4. cow in the window/licking a door handle?
5. 20 questions with the pirate - bread?
6. liquor in the window - citrus or lemon
7. Swiss Army Knife - percentage of blades
8. pioneer school arithmetic
9. tableau of 'evil' monkeys
10. looking for a rose on the sidewalk - black and orange fire hydrant
11. what color is the kiosk next to the house kiosk - on which corner
12. ode to a car
13. the jewelers specialty - American Gemological Society
14. drugstore now accepts JC Penny credit card
15. picture with two gals at Starbucks
16. Food at the end. We came in 6th. Sigh. We thought we were winning the whole time!
That's all I can remember now. It was fun.
Some snippets of memory about the game our company played yesterday....
1. my teammates (eagle eye/poet/hurry up/slow down [me])
2. chasing the cow - picture
3. humming outside the coffee house to summon a wizard
4. cow in the window/licking a door handle?
5. 20 questions with the pirate - bread?
6. liquor in the window - citrus or lemon
7. Swiss Army Knife - percentage of blades
8. pioneer school arithmetic
9. tableau of 'evil' monkeys
10. looking for a rose on the sidewalk - black and orange fire hydrant
11. what color is the kiosk next to the house kiosk - on which corner
12. ode to a car
13. the jewelers specialty - American Gemological Society
14. drugstore now accepts JC Penny credit card
15. picture with two gals at Starbucks
16. Food at the end. We came in 6th. Sigh. We thought we were winning the whole time!
That's all I can remember now. It was fun.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 - Top 8 Results
1. Cat hasn't said 'judges' all year, so if people haven't watched the show before, they won't know the reason she does it is because people teased her for saying 'ghidges'. I did anyway. To myself. Good-naturedly. She should say it again.
2. Good on Nigel for talking about voting. Its a sad commentary when so many people are willing to pay money - multiple times - to vote for an American Idol or So You Think You Can Dancer, which will never affect their life. But, they don't want to spend the time to vote for government representatives that really can effect change in their lives.
3. Katee is safe. Was Mary Murphy's knock-knock joke worthy of repeat? I don't think so.
Its true, Katee has been in a lot of enjoyable routines. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't see the 'light' the judges see in her. She looks like a regular contemporary dancer - a very talented and capable dancer, yes. But, a light? I don't see it. Maybe I'm taking the judges effusiveness too literally.
She acted so surprised to be safe. Doesn't she know how clearly the judges love her? Is it an act, or did she really not feel confident?
4. Will - Another stupid Mary Murphy comment from last night is repeated (You didn't meet my expectations....you blew my expectations!!) Ugh.
Oh - wow - hmmm...he's in the bottom two. Was it accidental? Did people assume he was so safe they didn't vote for him? Or is it the IV Real cockiness? (From my perspective, it gets a little tiresome to be excluded from the joke. I don't have to be in on everything, but if I'm not, do you have to throw it in my face all the time?) Anyway...crazy. Maybe that's why Katee acted surprised and happy - it really could happen.
Commercial
5. Comfort - I don't like it that she has to pull her pants up during the dance. I really have no understanding of the baggy pants - and I thought that was out of style by now.
Anyway - Comfort is in the bottom two. This poor girl has been in the bottom two for a long time.
6. Mark - another surprise! Wow - he's safe. I'm a little flabbergasted. How did that happen? Okay - I'm glad about it and I would have been so sad to see him go, but I'd kinda gotten used to it - Will, Joshua, and Twitch are the three popular guys whose dance is approachable. Mark is the one that people don't understand. That's what I expected. I'd be interested to see how he works out with Katee so I hope they're partnered next week.
7. Chelsie's safe - blah.
8. Twitch - Nigel's stupid comment from last night is repeated..."I've had that experience before...well I didn't mention your name Mary."
Uh - oh, Twitch is in the bottom two and he's having a mini-breakdown. He's not taking it well. Keep it together man - you don't know what the final result is, yet. And besides it not like the winner gets anything great anyway.
9. I'm a little tired of the comments about the body parts of the dancers. I'm not the type of person who would ogle a person anyway - so one or two comments are okay for me. But, the judges (and a lot of commenters on blogs too) like to talk about it. Last night Nigel had to mention Joshua's bum. So he had to wiggle it. Sigh. I don't like it when they do it to him or Chelsie. As participants in a competition show, the dancers are forced to play along. I'd do it too if they put me in that position. They don't want to alienate anyone. But, from this quarter I can tell you - I'm done with it.
I was also treated to another Hot Tamale train thing from Mary. How many times can I say ugh in one show (well, last night's show)? Joshua is safe.
10. Courtney - It turns out almost every comment that Mary Murphy made that bugged me was not only in last night's show, but repeated again in tonight's show. This time they repeated "Where's Ashton? [awkward silence] Cause I think I'm being punk'd right now". AAARGH.
So, Courtney knows she's in the bottom two. I don't blame her for being concerned because who knows the depth of Comfort's support; she beat out Kherington last week.
Special guest - Los Angeles Ballet - Pas De Deux to The Man I Love.
Very relaxing. I wonder why they don't do ballet on this show? The girls wouldn't have to wear toe shoes. They'd do as well in ballet as they'd do in ballroom if they're inexperienced dancers. My suggestion - put ballet in and take disco out.
When was the last time they put ballet on national television in prime time? Has to be at least 40 years. I don't know if that's true - but its not common.
The screaming audience. Stop screaming at every lift. Please someone stop them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Twenty years from now when these girls are nearing middle age, and going to the ballet, will they be screaming like this for everything that happens on stage? Is that going to be the norm? And what I really don't like is that they scream for such obvious 'trick' type things and have no apparent appreciation for the intricate details that make a dance transcendent.
Solos -
Comfort - Again. Same ol', same ol'
Will - Okay - I don't like the use of the state as a prop, but it seems popular. Why is there a comment from Nigel for Will, but not Comfort?
Commercial
Courtney - did she make it up on the fly? Sometimes it seemed so, other times not. No comment from a judge.
Twitch - Superman t-shirt again. I guess his hat wasn't supposed to fall off the stage - which would have been a cool ending, if it had worked.
LL Cool J, featuring the Dream.
Oh no - LL Cool J did the IV Real hand gesture. I wonder what they're trying to say? Is it a statement of pride or exclusion?
Results
Comfort v Courtney
Comfort is going again. I'm sorry for her having to do this again. But, she's handling it well.
Twitch v Will
Will is leaving. Hmmm...well, that's strange. Surprising. Will Debbie Allen judge next week or in the finals? He really is a good dancer.
There appeared to be genuine togetherness at the end when all 8 dancers formed a circle, hugging each other. Good to see.
2. Good on Nigel for talking about voting. Its a sad commentary when so many people are willing to pay money - multiple times - to vote for an American Idol or So You Think You Can Dancer, which will never affect their life. But, they don't want to spend the time to vote for government representatives that really can effect change in their lives.
3. Katee is safe. Was Mary Murphy's knock-knock joke worthy of repeat? I don't think so.
Its true, Katee has been in a lot of enjoyable routines. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't see the 'light' the judges see in her. She looks like a regular contemporary dancer - a very talented and capable dancer, yes. But, a light? I don't see it. Maybe I'm taking the judges effusiveness too literally.
She acted so surprised to be safe. Doesn't she know how clearly the judges love her? Is it an act, or did she really not feel confident?
4. Will - Another stupid Mary Murphy comment from last night is repeated (You didn't meet my expectations....you blew my expectations!!) Ugh.
Oh - wow - hmmm...he's in the bottom two. Was it accidental? Did people assume he was so safe they didn't vote for him? Or is it the IV Real cockiness? (From my perspective, it gets a little tiresome to be excluded from the joke. I don't have to be in on everything, but if I'm not, do you have to throw it in my face all the time?) Anyway...crazy. Maybe that's why Katee acted surprised and happy - it really could happen.
Commercial
5. Comfort - I don't like it that she has to pull her pants up during the dance. I really have no understanding of the baggy pants - and I thought that was out of style by now.
Anyway - Comfort is in the bottom two. This poor girl has been in the bottom two for a long time.
6. Mark - another surprise! Wow - he's safe. I'm a little flabbergasted. How did that happen? Okay - I'm glad about it and I would have been so sad to see him go, but I'd kinda gotten used to it - Will, Joshua, and Twitch are the three popular guys whose dance is approachable. Mark is the one that people don't understand. That's what I expected. I'd be interested to see how he works out with Katee so I hope they're partnered next week.
7. Chelsie's safe - blah.
8. Twitch - Nigel's stupid comment from last night is repeated..."I've had that experience before...well I didn't mention your name Mary."
Uh - oh, Twitch is in the bottom two and he's having a mini-breakdown. He's not taking it well. Keep it together man - you don't know what the final result is, yet. And besides it not like the winner gets anything great anyway.
9. I'm a little tired of the comments about the body parts of the dancers. I'm not the type of person who would ogle a person anyway - so one or two comments are okay for me. But, the judges (and a lot of commenters on blogs too) like to talk about it. Last night Nigel had to mention Joshua's bum. So he had to wiggle it. Sigh. I don't like it when they do it to him or Chelsie. As participants in a competition show, the dancers are forced to play along. I'd do it too if they put me in that position. They don't want to alienate anyone. But, from this quarter I can tell you - I'm done with it.
I was also treated to another Hot Tamale train thing from Mary. How many times can I say ugh in one show (well, last night's show)? Joshua is safe.
10. Courtney - It turns out almost every comment that Mary Murphy made that bugged me was not only in last night's show, but repeated again in tonight's show. This time they repeated "Where's Ashton? [awkward silence] Cause I think I'm being punk'd right now". AAARGH.
So, Courtney knows she's in the bottom two. I don't blame her for being concerned because who knows the depth of Comfort's support; she beat out Kherington last week.
Special guest - Los Angeles Ballet - Pas De Deux to The Man I Love.
Very relaxing. I wonder why they don't do ballet on this show? The girls wouldn't have to wear toe shoes. They'd do as well in ballet as they'd do in ballroom if they're inexperienced dancers. My suggestion - put ballet in and take disco out.
When was the last time they put ballet on national television in prime time? Has to be at least 40 years. I don't know if that's true - but its not common.
The screaming audience. Stop screaming at every lift. Please someone stop them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Twenty years from now when these girls are nearing middle age, and going to the ballet, will they be screaming like this for everything that happens on stage? Is that going to be the norm? And what I really don't like is that they scream for such obvious 'trick' type things and have no apparent appreciation for the intricate details that make a dance transcendent.
Solos -
Comfort - Again. Same ol', same ol'
Will - Okay - I don't like the use of the state as a prop, but it seems popular. Why is there a comment from Nigel for Will, but not Comfort?
Commercial
Courtney - did she make it up on the fly? Sometimes it seemed so, other times not. No comment from a judge.
Twitch - Superman t-shirt again. I guess his hat wasn't supposed to fall off the stage - which would have been a cool ending, if it had worked.
LL Cool J, featuring the Dream.
Oh no - LL Cool J did the IV Real hand gesture. I wonder what they're trying to say? Is it a statement of pride or exclusion?
Results
Comfort v Courtney
Comfort is going again. I'm sorry for her having to do this again. But, she's handling it well.
Twitch v Will
Will is leaving. Hmmm...well, that's strange. Surprising. Will Debbie Allen judge next week or in the finals? He really is a good dancer.
There appeared to be genuine togetherness at the end when all 8 dancers formed a circle, hugging each other. Good to see.
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 - Top 8
Ahhh yes...more thoughts. Comments from TVGuide (http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TV-Show-Blog/Think-Dance/Episode-Recap-Perform/800043749#comments reminded me of some other thoughts I had...
1. It sounds like I'm not the only one tired of the critiqe shenanigans - favorites get a pass.
2. Chelsie has a 'love/hate' relationship with every one of her partners. Bore Ing. She grew up in a family of brothers.
3. Dancing without dancing - some dancers don't have to do much dancing.
4. Mark's musicality - enjoyable to me.
5. Its the songs that make the dance for me. Tonight, the music from Mia's piece was the best for me, which is why I liked that dance the best.
6. Why was Katee the spurned lover in both of her dances?
7. Props this week worked well for me...desks and door
8. Contemporary solos look the same every week. I'm rarely inspired by them. Except Mark.
9. Katee has been given a lot of Contemporary/Broadway dances in my recollection.
Anyway - I'm done even if I'm not done. I didn't watch the show on TIVO this week. I watched it while playing Civ IV and might have been a little tired. I took no notes.
1. It sounds like I'm not the only one tired of the critiqe shenanigans - favorites get a pass.
2. Chelsie has a 'love/hate' relationship with every one of her partners. Bore Ing. She grew up in a family of brothers.
3. Dancing without dancing - some dancers don't have to do much dancing.
4. Mark's musicality - enjoyable to me.
5. Its the songs that make the dance for me. Tonight, the music from Mia's piece was the best for me, which is why I liked that dance the best.
6. Why was Katee the spurned lover in both of her dances?
7. Props this week worked well for me...desks and door
8. Contemporary solos look the same every week. I'm rarely inspired by them. Except Mark.
9. Katee has been given a lot of Contemporary/Broadway dances in my recollection.
Anyway - I'm done even if I'm not done. I didn't watch the show on TIVO this week. I watched it while playing Civ IV and might have been a little tired. I took no notes.
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 - Top 8
Wow - this was the show that put me over the edge!
Toni Basil was a nice surprise. She has knowledge of a lot of dance styles and she gave the dancers relevant and helpful critiques. I applaud the show for getting the larger dance world involved in the show. Its clear they love dance. Good.
I guess its obvious who will go tonight. Comfort and Mark.
I like Mark's dance style, but its true that he doesn't demonstrate tranditional dancer technique in his solo. Mind you, I like that. I think he's doing the right thing - the solo is where he's supposed to show his personal style. He shows his technique during the partner dances and I think he's always given a great performance.
Once again, the idea of 'street dancer' is relative. So, Comfort went to a performing arts school? And took dance classes, including ballet? I'm disgusted by the show pushing the idea that she's an untrained dancer. I, and the rest of the armchair judges, not to mention the show's judges, have been critiquing her with the idea that she's doing well given her lack of training.
It turns out she's a trained dancer who's not very good.
So, its her personality? Not for me. I'm not saying I don't like her, but her personality has not 'shone through' her lack of technique for me.
I'm bothered by the show misleading me about a dancer's history. Not just in the case of Comfort - but all the dancers in the past who've been judged kindly because they're untrained.
I don't trust Nigel and Mary Murphy critique's. Tonight in particular, according to Nigel and Mary, everyone was wonderful except Mark and Comfort; and boy were they bad (according to Nigel and Mary).
And, if Mary doesn't stop with her usual tricks - ugh, its so boring. She pretends she doesn't like the dancer and then, surprise - she does. Either that or her stupid Hot Tamale train. Her critiques have become repetitious - if she likes the dancer she says..."Sure the technique wasn't quite there....", and if she doesn't like the dancer, "Sorry guys, the technique just wasn't there..." Her critiques aren't instructive to the viewers - we don't learn anything about the dance that we don't learn from other judges.
And the screaming....?!?!?!?!?! I'm tired of it. And I'm tired of choreographers pandering to the screaming by having the guy take his shirt off. Its just too much and it encourages a 'lowering of the bar' by rewarding pelvis/booty thrusts, tricks, and bare chests. How many "simulated intercourse" moves were there last night? It looks like the dance floor of a club out there.
The judges are less tolerant of choreography that's a little different - or rather doesn't involve sex, or Mia Michaels. The reception that Sophia's dances got this year are an example. Part of the judge's critique was a comment that the general public won't understand the dance; they set it up so the unusual dance style (which didn't seem that unusual to me) was a negative for the audience. Although I think, in general, the audience voters get it right.
It has to be said that at least they do put 'offbeat' choreographers on the show - but I wonder which choreographers don't make it.
Art is a tough business.
Katee and Twitch's presentation of Mia Michaels choreography was very good.
Everyone else, did a fine job. I didn't love all the choreography/songs. But, as dancers, they did well.
So, what's with the IV Real? I'm sick of that too. Even Cat's getting into it this week.
I think there's more to it than meets the eye., but I don't want to speculate because that's part of the fun for them - making everyone guess. It either means nothing or something. If its nothing - then the jokes on me, if its 'something' - then I want to know what the 'something' is - they're trying to send a message, but just what kind of message is a mystery for now, and maybe always will be.
Alright, so what will happen? I had a vague notion, but it was crystallized by Pat on his vlog (http://ablogaboutthings.com/) and I was reminded again that Comfort's fans are devoted.
If its not Comfort, it will be Courtney. On the guys side, it will be Mark (boo hoo, cause I like him, but I understand).
My expectation for the next two weeks...
Tonight - Mark and Comfort go home
Next Week - Twitch and Courtny go home
Finals - Chelsie goes out first, then Joshua. Next Katee, and the winner is Will.
I know its not a shocking prediction. Sorta common knowledge/expectation probably.
Toni Basil was a nice surprise. She has knowledge of a lot of dance styles and she gave the dancers relevant and helpful critiques. I applaud the show for getting the larger dance world involved in the show. Its clear they love dance. Good.
I guess its obvious who will go tonight. Comfort and Mark.
I like Mark's dance style, but its true that he doesn't demonstrate tranditional dancer technique in his solo. Mind you, I like that. I think he's doing the right thing - the solo is where he's supposed to show his personal style. He shows his technique during the partner dances and I think he's always given a great performance.
Once again, the idea of 'street dancer' is relative. So, Comfort went to a performing arts school? And took dance classes, including ballet? I'm disgusted by the show pushing the idea that she's an untrained dancer. I, and the rest of the armchair judges, not to mention the show's judges, have been critiquing her with the idea that she's doing well given her lack of training.
It turns out she's a trained dancer who's not very good.
So, its her personality? Not for me. I'm not saying I don't like her, but her personality has not 'shone through' her lack of technique for me.
I'm bothered by the show misleading me about a dancer's history. Not just in the case of Comfort - but all the dancers in the past who've been judged kindly because they're untrained.
I don't trust Nigel and Mary Murphy critique's. Tonight in particular, according to Nigel and Mary, everyone was wonderful except Mark and Comfort; and boy were they bad (according to Nigel and Mary).
And, if Mary doesn't stop with her usual tricks - ugh, its so boring. She pretends she doesn't like the dancer and then, surprise - she does. Either that or her stupid Hot Tamale train. Her critiques have become repetitious - if she likes the dancer she says..."Sure the technique wasn't quite there....", and if she doesn't like the dancer, "Sorry guys, the technique just wasn't there..." Her critiques aren't instructive to the viewers - we don't learn anything about the dance that we don't learn from other judges.
And the screaming....?!?!?!?!?! I'm tired of it. And I'm tired of choreographers pandering to the screaming by having the guy take his shirt off. Its just too much and it encourages a 'lowering of the bar' by rewarding pelvis/booty thrusts, tricks, and bare chests. How many "simulated intercourse" moves were there last night? It looks like the dance floor of a club out there.
The judges are less tolerant of choreography that's a little different - or rather doesn't involve sex, or Mia Michaels. The reception that Sophia's dances got this year are an example. Part of the judge's critique was a comment that the general public won't understand the dance; they set it up so the unusual dance style (which didn't seem that unusual to me) was a negative for the audience. Although I think, in general, the audience voters get it right.
It has to be said that at least they do put 'offbeat' choreographers on the show - but I wonder which choreographers don't make it.
Art is a tough business.
Katee and Twitch's presentation of Mia Michaels choreography was very good.
Everyone else, did a fine job. I didn't love all the choreography/songs. But, as dancers, they did well.
So, what's with the IV Real? I'm sick of that too. Even Cat's getting into it this week.
I think there's more to it than meets the eye., but I don't want to speculate because that's part of the fun for them - making everyone guess. It either means nothing or something. If its nothing - then the jokes on me, if its 'something' - then I want to know what the 'something' is - they're trying to send a message, but just what kind of message is a mystery for now, and maybe always will be.
Alright, so what will happen? I had a vague notion, but it was crystallized by Pat on his vlog (http://ablogaboutthings.com/) and I was reminded again that Comfort's fans are devoted.
If its not Comfort, it will be Courtney. On the guys side, it will be Mark (boo hoo, cause I like him, but I understand).
My expectation for the next two weeks...
Tonight - Mark and Comfort go home
Next Week - Twitch and Courtny go home
Finals - Chelsie goes out first, then Joshua. Next Katee, and the winner is Will.
I know its not a shocking prediction. Sorta common knowledge/expectation probably.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Design Star, Food Network Star, The Mole
THE MOLE
Why could any of them be the Mole?
Craig - he blamed Nicole for coming back with the wrong answer that she should have known was clearly wrong. But, it wasn't until after she'd left that Clay noticed the math part so why would she have known it was wrong? It sounds like he's grabbing at straws to find a reason to say something so he can throw us off the track.
Paul - he's been my suspicion the whole time, but I'm less sure of it now. Why? Because when he mentioned to his wife about the money, it seemed there was an implicit agreement that being the Mole would suck 'cause you don't get as much money. I don't remember how the Mole is compensated.
Nicole - She couldn't fail the test because she's the Mole so she had to act like she'd decided not to quit to her mother. On the other hand, it was in her private time with her Mother that she expressed the desire to be out of the competition, which she wouldn't have even mentioned (I think) if she were the Mole because she knows she can't get out of the competition.
Mark - I guess he's the one person I don't have any reason for. He may not be the Mole. Or, he's doing his overacting thing. Except he really did trust Clay, I think.
Classic when Nicole's Mother called her Omarossa! Ouch - I'd take that as a huge insult!
And, when Nicole's Mother looked disgusted that Nicole had threatened bodily harm. I liked Nicole with her Mom - she seemed more genuine as a daughter. I have more sympathy for Nicole - I think her Mom must be hard on her (while at the same time loving her).
The challenges in this show are pretty interesting. They don't always pan out, but the possibility is there. Clever.
DESIGN STAR
The right two people are in the finals. However, I don't think either of them have shown us anything exciting, fresh, or special in any of the challenges. I blame the challenges, I don't think they've been interesting. There haven't been enough solo challenges. And, with family members the designers would never have gone crazy so it just fizzled. Kinda blah all around.
I hope the last challenge will bring something exciting. I like both of them though.
I choose Jennifer over Matt because she's the one who looks like she might be the kookier, which I appreciate. But, I like Matt as well. I'd be happy with either of them at this point. The final challenge will be the deciding factor (quite literally, eh?)
FOOD NETWORK STAR
I like that all three are in the final. But, I'm a little surprised. I like Aaron. I believe I've liked him from the beginning. Apparently he cooks well and I've seen him take some chances and make good choices. However, he's SO awkward in front of the camera that its painful to watch sometimes. I guess if he had his own show he'd settle down and it would be pleasant to watch him. Which, I guess, is why he's been given another chance. And how painful was it to watch him in front of the Las Vegas crowd? I had to get up and walk away it hurt so much.
I like Lisa and it breaks my heart to watch her frustration get the better of her. It doesn't happen in cooking - just the other stuff. I think she can get over it and I support her efforts because I feel like they're my efforts too. I want her to win the most.
Adam - I'd probably enjoy his cooking style the most since its comfort food cooked easily. I wonder how his sense of 'humor' would develop? If he thinks that's what he's known for, he might push it too hard.
My order of finish is Lisa, Adam, Aaron (but I'd accept any one of them)
Why could any of them be the Mole?
Craig - he blamed Nicole for coming back with the wrong answer that she should have known was clearly wrong. But, it wasn't until after she'd left that Clay noticed the math part so why would she have known it was wrong? It sounds like he's grabbing at straws to find a reason to say something so he can throw us off the track.
Paul - he's been my suspicion the whole time, but I'm less sure of it now. Why? Because when he mentioned to his wife about the money, it seemed there was an implicit agreement that being the Mole would suck 'cause you don't get as much money. I don't remember how the Mole is compensated.
Nicole - She couldn't fail the test because she's the Mole so she had to act like she'd decided not to quit to her mother. On the other hand, it was in her private time with her Mother that she expressed the desire to be out of the competition, which she wouldn't have even mentioned (I think) if she were the Mole because she knows she can't get out of the competition.
Mark - I guess he's the one person I don't have any reason for. He may not be the Mole. Or, he's doing his overacting thing. Except he really did trust Clay, I think.
Classic when Nicole's Mother called her Omarossa! Ouch - I'd take that as a huge insult!
And, when Nicole's Mother looked disgusted that Nicole had threatened bodily harm. I liked Nicole with her Mom - she seemed more genuine as a daughter. I have more sympathy for Nicole - I think her Mom must be hard on her (while at the same time loving her).
The challenges in this show are pretty interesting. They don't always pan out, but the possibility is there. Clever.
DESIGN STAR
The right two people are in the finals. However, I don't think either of them have shown us anything exciting, fresh, or special in any of the challenges. I blame the challenges, I don't think they've been interesting. There haven't been enough solo challenges. And, with family members the designers would never have gone crazy so it just fizzled. Kinda blah all around.
I hope the last challenge will bring something exciting. I like both of them though.
I choose Jennifer over Matt because she's the one who looks like she might be the kookier, which I appreciate. But, I like Matt as well. I'd be happy with either of them at this point. The final challenge will be the deciding factor (quite literally, eh?)
FOOD NETWORK STAR
I like that all three are in the final. But, I'm a little surprised. I like Aaron. I believe I've liked him from the beginning. Apparently he cooks well and I've seen him take some chances and make good choices. However, he's SO awkward in front of the camera that its painful to watch sometimes. I guess if he had his own show he'd settle down and it would be pleasant to watch him. Which, I guess, is why he's been given another chance. And how painful was it to watch him in front of the Las Vegas crowd? I had to get up and walk away it hurt so much.
I like Lisa and it breaks my heart to watch her frustration get the better of her. It doesn't happen in cooking - just the other stuff. I think she can get over it and I support her efforts because I feel like they're my efforts too. I want her to win the most.
Adam - I'd probably enjoy his cooking style the most since its comfort food cooked easily. I wonder how his sense of 'humor' would develop? If he thinks that's what he's known for, he might push it too hard.
My order of finish is Lisa, Adam, Aaron (but I'd accept any one of them)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Did You Know? "Your name is Mudd"
Where did that phrase come from?
Samuel Mudd was a doctor who tended to John Wilkes Booth's broken leg after Booth assasinated Abraham Lincoln
Samuel Mudd was a doctor who tended to John Wilkes Booth's broken leg after Booth assasinated Abraham Lincoln
Witness - See It, Film It, Change It
This group encourages people to document human rights abuses.
I saw this on either NOW or Bill Moyers Journal, or Frontline/World - I don't remember and I didn't write it down.
Here are a couple quotes I wrote down...
"This is a tough undertaking; breaking through the cultural noise to inspire people to take action. People who might want to help are either overloaded or lulled into cynicism by the horrors of the world."
"Alienation is the luxury we can't afford anymore."
http://www.witness.org/
I saw this on either NOW or Bill Moyers Journal, or Frontline/World - I don't remember and I didn't write it down.
Here are a couple quotes I wrote down...
"This is a tough undertaking; breaking through the cultural noise to inspire people to take action. People who might want to help are either overloaded or lulled into cynicism by the horrors of the world."
"Alienation is the luxury we can't afford anymore."
http://www.witness.org/
Movies
I've watched movies less and less over the years. I think its because movies these days are made from a formula - they're made for a niche audience and follow the rules of the genre; just like genre fiction. I know its not true for all movies, but I'm less interested in looking for the gems. In the past, I bought DVD's of movies. Now, I belong to Netflix (love it!). In an effort to declutter my house, I've had to go through my DVD's and decide which movies I really want to keep and which I can recycle to the Library.
Roger Ebert said:
A great movie is one that you cannot bear to not see again.
If that's my criteria, I still don't know which movies to get rid of.
I recently purchased Movie Collector and cataloged all my DVD's of movies and television shows.
I like that. I figure if I have the DVD's in the software, I'll have an easier time sending movies to the library.
http://www.collectorz.com/movie/
Roger Ebert said:
A great movie is one that you cannot bear to not see again.
If that's my criteria, I still don't know which movies to get rid of.
I recently purchased Movie Collector and cataloged all my DVD's of movies and television shows.
I like that. I figure if I have the DVD's in the software, I'll have an easier time sending movies to the library.
http://www.collectorz.com/movie/
Terry Jones - The Story of 1
I watched this in 2006 and found it fascinating. Its amazing how things that we take for granted had to be thought of. These are people who think outside the box.
I have notes about it, but I don't think I should transcribe them here. This is one of the things I don't remember, and yet I don't have a way to remind myself of it. I think its just lost. So, at least I've put the name of the documentary here. It was done on BBC.
I found a link to the show...
http://www.videosift.com/video/The-Story-Of-One-Terry-Jones-BBC-number-documentary-5904
I have notes about it, but I don't think I should transcribe them here. This is one of the things I don't remember, and yet I don't have a way to remind myself of it. I think its just lost. So, at least I've put the name of the documentary here. It was done on BBC.
I found a link to the show...
http://www.videosift.com/video/The-Story-Of-One-Terry-Jones-BBC-number-documentary-5904
Points to Ponder - Winning the War
This was in my notebook dated February 26, 2006:
When we talk about the war, we should talk about how to win it - but to get there we need to define what a "win" would be.
Normally I'm good at attributing what I write in my notebook. Since its not attributed I have a feeling I heard someone talk about defining what a win is and thought it was an important idea as it relates to our discussion of the war.
Defining nonspecific terms is important in any discussion.
When we talk about the war, we should talk about how to win it - but to get there we need to define what a "win" would be.
Normally I'm good at attributing what I write in my notebook. Since its not attributed I have a feeling I heard someone talk about defining what a win is and thought it was an important idea as it relates to our discussion of the war.
Defining nonspecific terms is important in any discussion.
Art and Artists - George Wazenegger
This artist makes collages from wood. The scenes are of quaint village life that reminds me of a simpler time. I appreciate his ability to take shapes of wood and make them into something different.
I couldn't find a website for him alone, but here's the link to the Carol Duvall show where I saw him.
http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/three-dimensional-mixed-media-wood-collages/index.html
I couldn't find a website for him alone, but here's the link to the Carol Duvall show where I saw him.
http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/three-dimensional-mixed-media-wood-collages/index.html
Points to Ponder - Memory
Memory -
Is memory what defines us?
Who are we without memory?
What about memorials?
At what point do they move from a touching tribute to an albatross?
What about cultural memory and passing things on to future generations?
Is memory what defines us?
Who are we without memory?
What about memorials?
At what point do they move from a touching tribute to an albatross?
What about cultural memory and passing things on to future generations?
Science - Electromagnetic Energy
Science doesn't come easily to me either. I have to hear it over and over and over again before it finally sinks in. And really, I'm still waiting for it to sink in. As a result, everytime I hear scientific things I think are cool, I'm excited all over again like its the first time.
So, here's something I wrote in my notebook, hoping I'd remember. And yet, when I read it again today, I thought - gee that's cool. Well, science is cool anyway.
Couldn't this information be applicable to photography? I have trouble with lighting in my photos.
Electromagnetic energy leaves the sun in varying wave lengths.
The varying wavelengths mean some light is visible to us and other light is not.
White light is visible. But, its white or clear to our eye - until it strikes an object and is reflected back to the eye by that object.
The molecular structure and pigmentation of each object determines if the rays are mixed, absorbed, or reflected.
Surface also affects what kind of light ray will be reflected off an object.
Shiny, Glossy - will reflect more brightly
Dull, Satin - will reflect less brightly.
So, here's something I wrote in my notebook, hoping I'd remember. And yet, when I read it again today, I thought - gee that's cool. Well, science is cool anyway.
Couldn't this information be applicable to photography? I have trouble with lighting in my photos.
Electromagnetic energy leaves the sun in varying wave lengths.
The varying wavelengths mean some light is visible to us and other light is not.
White light is visible. But, its white or clear to our eye - until it strikes an object and is reflected back to the eye by that object.
The molecular structure and pigmentation of each object determines if the rays are mixed, absorbed, or reflected.
Surface also affects what kind of light ray will be reflected off an object.
Shiny, Glossy - will reflect more brightly
Dull, Satin - will reflect less brightly.
Art and Artists - Jake Cress
I don't have talent in the visual arts. There's nothing natural for me about picking colors or having an imagination related to textures and placement. Its a struggle.
Which is why I wanted to start crafting.
I've lost my creativity and imagination over the years and I want to get it back.
I decided pushing myself in an uncomfortable direction might push me back into creativity.
So far, not so much.
But, as part of my process I've paid attention to artists I've seen on television or elsewhere. I'll post links to their sites as they come up.
First up is Jacob Cress from Virginia. he designs furniture with a sense of humor!
From the website: "The pieces are made one at a time, very carefully, by one dusty old guy who works by himself in an ancient log cabin."
I like his grandfather clock and the table with a book under it.
He's got a link on his page to a piece he completed with Mark Young that melds a painting and furniture into one piece. Fun stuff!
http://www.jakecress.com/
http://www.markyoung.com/
Which is why I wanted to start crafting.
I've lost my creativity and imagination over the years and I want to get it back.
I decided pushing myself in an uncomfortable direction might push me back into creativity.
So far, not so much.
But, as part of my process I've paid attention to artists I've seen on television or elsewhere. I'll post links to their sites as they come up.
First up is Jacob Cress from Virginia. he designs furniture with a sense of humor!
From the website: "The pieces are made one at a time, very carefully, by one dusty old guy who works by himself in an ancient log cabin."
I like his grandfather clock and the table with a book under it.
He's got a link on his page to a piece he completed with Mark Young that melds a painting and furniture into one piece. Fun stuff!
http://www.jakecress.com/
http://www.markyoung.com/
Points to Ponder - Doing what you love
"If you're doing what you love to do and you're doing it honestly and with your whole spirit and heart, then I think that's as good as it gets."
Kris Kristofferson on "CBS News Sunday Morning" on February 5, 2006
Kris Kristofferson on "CBS News Sunday Morning" on February 5, 2006
Negotiating with Iran about nuclear weapons
I'm concerned that I'll look back on this in a year or two and recognize these as the final days, weeks, months before everything changed. I don't want that to happen. And I don't want it said by the media that no one noticed.
I learned a couple things from this article
1. Iran was speaking to representatives from France, Britain, Germany, Russia, China, and the United States. I'm glad Russia and China were involved.
2. This was the meeting in which the Iranians would give their ANSWER to a proposal presented to them last month. It would have been more meaningful to have the US at that meeting.
3. The United States has given them a two week deadline to respond formally. Germany, Russia, and China aren't willing to be so definitive.
4. The group of 6 wanted Iran to stop enriching uranium. I don't know, it doesn't seem like negotiating when someone tells you - this is nonnegotiable - and all you do is keep presenting them new things to do the supposedly nonnegotiable item. I get the feeling they're serious about this 'nonnegotiable' status, people. Why don't you figure out what they will negotiate on? It can't be the nuclear weapons we're opposed to because other countries have it. Its that we don't trust them - because of what they say about Israel. So, why not negotiate on that?
5. I think it was a little creepy that the Iran guy said "it was a very beautiful endeavor" and "beautiful to behold". There must be a cultural context that I don't understand. Combine that with the EU's negotiator saying the Iranians were evasive and wouldn't give a direct answer, and the Iranians come across as sneaky and villainous, to me.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/20/world/middleeast/20nuke.html
GENEVA — International talks on Iran’s nuclear ambitions ended in deadlock on Saturday, despite the Bush administration’s decision to reverse policy and send a senior American official to the table for the first time.
The presence of William J. Burns, the under secretary of state for political affairs, was one of the most important encounters between Iran and the United States since relations were severed nearly three decades ago. And it was part of a rare show of unity among the six negotiating partners — the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China — who pressed Iran to accept compromise.
But Iran responded with a written document that failed to address the main issue: international demands that it stop enriching uranium. And Iranian diplomats reiterated before the talks that they considered the issue nonnegotiable.
Specifically, the world powers wanted Iran to accept a formula known as “freeze-for-freeze” to break the deadlock. Under the formula, Iran would not add to its nuclear program, and the United States and other powers would not seek new international sanctions for six weeks to pave the way for formal negotiations. The proposal was originally offered to Iran last year and presented again to it last month as part of a new proposal to ultimately give Iran economic and political incentives if it stops producing enriched uranium.
But officials involved in Saturday’s negotiations said that when they repeatedly pressed the Iranians to say whether they could accept the idea, the question was evaded every time.
“We still didn’t get the answer we were looking for,” the European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said at a news conference after several hours of talks, held in Geneva’s City Hall.
Mr. Solana said the Iranians were given two weeks to formally respond to the proposal before it would be withdrawn.
At the news conference, Saeed Jalili, Iran’s chief negotiator, refused to answer whether Iran would accept a freeze of its uranium enrichment program, however temporary. But he called the negotiating process a “very beautiful endeavor” with a result that he hoped would eventually be “beautiful to behold.”
Mr. Burns did not speak privately with Mr. Jalili. But in a brief statement in the morning meeting, he said that the United States was serious in its support for the six-power process and serious that Iran must suspend its production of enriched uranium, the State Department said.
He told his negotiating partners after the talks that the United States would push for new punitive sanctions at the United Nations Security Council in September, one participant in the meeting said.
Saturday’s meeting at Geneva’s City Hall was one of the most important public encounters between an Iranian and an American official since relations were halted after the American Embassy was seized in Tehran in 1979.
Other authorized meetings have occurred. Madeleine K. Albright, as secretary of state, for example, once sat at the same table with then Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and other emissaries at the United Nations to discuss Afghanistan. Colin L. Powell, as secretary of state, once shook Mr. Kharrazi’s hand. American and Iranian officials have met episodically in Baghdad to discuss Iraq’s security.
But Saturday’s meeting was the highest-level session between the countries during the Bush administration, which once branded Iran part of an “axis of evil” and has not ruled out military action against Iran because of its nuclear ambitions.
It comes as the Bush administration, in its final months, has told some of its closest allies that the United States was moving forward with a plan to establish an American diplomatic presence in Tehran for the first time since the rupture in bilateral relations.
But for some, it is hard to understand why the Americans have made a diplomatic gesture with Mr. Burns’s participation at this time. America’s negotiating partners, particularly Britain, had wanted an American presence when they traveled to Tehran last month to present an enhanced package of incentives. That moment, officials said, would have been meaningful and more logical.
Instead, Mr. Burns came to the table when the Iranians were giving their reply, and there had never been a strong signal that it was going to be different from the past.
Despite the shift in American willingness to talk, one point of policy clearly has not changed: the Bush administration wants to avoid the impression that it is negotiating with Iran before it suspends its production of enriched uranium, which can be used to make electricity or fuel bombs.
Even the subject of a joint photograph was one of dispute. The only photo accepted by the American side was one with all parties at the table. The Americans objected to the idea of a photo of Mr. Solana and Mr. Jalili at a joint news conference with Mr. Burns and the other participants standing behind them.
Complicating the diplomacy was the fact that before Saturday’s talks, the six powers were not united on a joint strategy on how to proceed. The American delegation had told its partners that Mr. Burns’s appearance was a one-time event and that Iran had two weeks to decide whether to accept the “freeze-for-freeze” formula.
Germany, Russia and China, by contrast, argued that there should be time to explore the negotiating track with Iran.
There were other disagreements among the six powers as well. France and Britain have argued that there should be a precise definition of what the Iranians would have to freeze to open the way to formal talks.
But those disagreements evaporated during the talks with Iran. The six powers presented a united front in pushing the Iranians to give a clear answer on whether they were willing to make the good-faith gesture of halting new nuclear activity to pave the way for formal talks.
I learned a couple things from this article
1. Iran was speaking to representatives from France, Britain, Germany, Russia, China, and the United States. I'm glad Russia and China were involved.
2. This was the meeting in which the Iranians would give their ANSWER to a proposal presented to them last month. It would have been more meaningful to have the US at that meeting.
3. The United States has given them a two week deadline to respond formally. Germany, Russia, and China aren't willing to be so definitive.
4. The group of 6 wanted Iran to stop enriching uranium. I don't know, it doesn't seem like negotiating when someone tells you - this is nonnegotiable - and all you do is keep presenting them new things to do the supposedly nonnegotiable item. I get the feeling they're serious about this 'nonnegotiable' status, people. Why don't you figure out what they will negotiate on? It can't be the nuclear weapons we're opposed to because other countries have it. Its that we don't trust them - because of what they say about Israel. So, why not negotiate on that?
5. I think it was a little creepy that the Iran guy said "it was a very beautiful endeavor" and "beautiful to behold". There must be a cultural context that I don't understand. Combine that with the EU's negotiator saying the Iranians were evasive and wouldn't give a direct answer, and the Iranians come across as sneaky and villainous, to me.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/20/world/middleeast/20nuke.html
GENEVA — International talks on Iran’s nuclear ambitions ended in deadlock on Saturday, despite the Bush administration’s decision to reverse policy and send a senior American official to the table for the first time.
The presence of William J. Burns, the under secretary of state for political affairs, was one of the most important encounters between Iran and the United States since relations were severed nearly three decades ago. And it was part of a rare show of unity among the six negotiating partners — the United States, France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China — who pressed Iran to accept compromise.
But Iran responded with a written document that failed to address the main issue: international demands that it stop enriching uranium. And Iranian diplomats reiterated before the talks that they considered the issue nonnegotiable.
Specifically, the world powers wanted Iran to accept a formula known as “freeze-for-freeze” to break the deadlock. Under the formula, Iran would not add to its nuclear program, and the United States and other powers would not seek new international sanctions for six weeks to pave the way for formal negotiations. The proposal was originally offered to Iran last year and presented again to it last month as part of a new proposal to ultimately give Iran economic and political incentives if it stops producing enriched uranium.
But officials involved in Saturday’s negotiations said that when they repeatedly pressed the Iranians to say whether they could accept the idea, the question was evaded every time.
“We still didn’t get the answer we were looking for,” the European Union foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, said at a news conference after several hours of talks, held in Geneva’s City Hall.
Mr. Solana said the Iranians were given two weeks to formally respond to the proposal before it would be withdrawn.
At the news conference, Saeed Jalili, Iran’s chief negotiator, refused to answer whether Iran would accept a freeze of its uranium enrichment program, however temporary. But he called the negotiating process a “very beautiful endeavor” with a result that he hoped would eventually be “beautiful to behold.”
Mr. Burns did not speak privately with Mr. Jalili. But in a brief statement in the morning meeting, he said that the United States was serious in its support for the six-power process and serious that Iran must suspend its production of enriched uranium, the State Department said.
He told his negotiating partners after the talks that the United States would push for new punitive sanctions at the United Nations Security Council in September, one participant in the meeting said.
Saturday’s meeting at Geneva’s City Hall was one of the most important public encounters between an Iranian and an American official since relations were halted after the American Embassy was seized in Tehran in 1979.
Other authorized meetings have occurred. Madeleine K. Albright, as secretary of state, for example, once sat at the same table with then Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi and other emissaries at the United Nations to discuss Afghanistan. Colin L. Powell, as secretary of state, once shook Mr. Kharrazi’s hand. American and Iranian officials have met episodically in Baghdad to discuss Iraq’s security.
But Saturday’s meeting was the highest-level session between the countries during the Bush administration, which once branded Iran part of an “axis of evil” and has not ruled out military action against Iran because of its nuclear ambitions.
It comes as the Bush administration, in its final months, has told some of its closest allies that the United States was moving forward with a plan to establish an American diplomatic presence in Tehran for the first time since the rupture in bilateral relations.
But for some, it is hard to understand why the Americans have made a diplomatic gesture with Mr. Burns’s participation at this time. America’s negotiating partners, particularly Britain, had wanted an American presence when they traveled to Tehran last month to present an enhanced package of incentives. That moment, officials said, would have been meaningful and more logical.
Instead, Mr. Burns came to the table when the Iranians were giving their reply, and there had never been a strong signal that it was going to be different from the past.
Despite the shift in American willingness to talk, one point of policy clearly has not changed: the Bush administration wants to avoid the impression that it is negotiating with Iran before it suspends its production of enriched uranium, which can be used to make electricity or fuel bombs.
Even the subject of a joint photograph was one of dispute. The only photo accepted by the American side was one with all parties at the table. The Americans objected to the idea of a photo of Mr. Solana and Mr. Jalili at a joint news conference with Mr. Burns and the other participants standing behind them.
Complicating the diplomacy was the fact that before Saturday’s talks, the six powers were not united on a joint strategy on how to proceed. The American delegation had told its partners that Mr. Burns’s appearance was a one-time event and that Iran had two weeks to decide whether to accept the “freeze-for-freeze” formula.
Germany, Russia and China, by contrast, argued that there should be time to explore the negotiating track with Iran.
There were other disagreements among the six powers as well. France and Britain have argued that there should be a precise definition of what the Iranians would have to freeze to open the way to formal talks.
But those disagreements evaporated during the talks with Iran. The six powers presented a united front in pushing the Iranians to give a clear answer on whether they were willing to make the good-faith gesture of halting new nuclear activity to pave the way for formal talks.
Dr. Horrible, Part III
Sigh. I didn't like the sad ending. But, okay. I'm glad I have it. Good work by all involved. I know, a happy ending would have been very cliche. And predictable. I would have preferred, though, that the ending was in keeping with the tone of the story. And yet...that's what life is all about - surprises. I can live with it and still be disappointed!
Irresponsible Journalism!
This was posted by UPI on July 20, 2008 from Jerusalem...
JERUSALEM, July 20 (UPI) -- An unnamed Israeli security official claims U.S. President George Bush will attack Iran late this year if talks on the Mideast nation's nuclear program falter.
The Israeli Web site DEBKAfile.com, quoting Israel National Radio, reported Sunday that a "highly placed security-political" official said Bush would order the attack between Nov. 4, the date of the U.S. presidential election, and his last day in office in January 2009 should Iran not agree to abandon its efforts to enrich uranium.
DEBKAfile.com said the official made the statement shortly after Saturday's talks between Western powers and Iran in Geneva ended in a deadlock.
© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/07/20/Source_Bush_will_attack_Iran/UPI-69331216581538/
Who is irresponsible?
1. UPI for publishing an incendiary remark from a "highly placed security-political" official. Who is that?
2. UPI for not giving context to the comment. Who is Debkafile.com?
http://www.debka.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debkafile
2. UPI for not making clear what the interests of the "highly placed security-political" official is. What purpose is this person serving by telling us what he thinks or knows?
3. I think its irresponsible for an Israeli 'security-political' official to make any comments about what our government will or won't do. Isn't Israel supposed to be our ally? I know, I know - good cop, bad cop. But, its irresponsible to play negotiating games with people's lives.
Would George Bush do it? On one hand I believe he could. I've been fooled by him before, so I don't trust my desire to trust him just because it seems unimaginable. On the other hand, it really does seem unimaginable.
a. I think he could start the war using the Navy and Air Force (as I hear, they're underutilized in the Iraq and Afghan wars), but you can't win a war without ground forces. And we don't have enough available ground forces.
b. I think the country would be outraged by another war. I think we can agree, life would be easier if Ahmadinejad were not the President of Iran, but Americans will not want a new front in the war.
c. I can't imagine (again, the unimaginable) an outgoing president would voluntarily start something so soon to the end of his term. Especially when a new President has been elected. Talk about a legacy...that wouldn't be a good one.
I'd hate to find out that Ahmadinejad wants to go to war with the US so much that he'd provoke something while Bush is still in office - he knows how to push Bush's buttons. If he did, I'd rather have Barack Obama be our next president than John McCain.
I expect (hope) I've already given this statement more energy than it deserves. But, I really blame UPI for posting it without more information and background. I came across it on the front page of Google today. In the time its taken me to write this post, it went from 1 comment to 6 comments. And the comments began degenerated; a battle between the left and right, war and no war. Ugh!
JERUSALEM, July 20 (UPI) -- An unnamed Israeli security official claims U.S. President George Bush will attack Iran late this year if talks on the Mideast nation's nuclear program falter.
The Israeli Web site DEBKAfile.com, quoting Israel National Radio, reported Sunday that a "highly placed security-political" official said Bush would order the attack between Nov. 4, the date of the U.S. presidential election, and his last day in office in January 2009 should Iran not agree to abandon its efforts to enrich uranium.
DEBKAfile.com said the official made the statement shortly after Saturday's talks between Western powers and Iran in Geneva ended in a deadlock.
© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/07/20/Source_Bush_will_attack_Iran/UPI-69331216581538/
Who is irresponsible?
1. UPI for publishing an incendiary remark from a "highly placed security-political" official. Who is that?
2. UPI for not giving context to the comment. Who is Debkafile.com?
http://www.debka.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debkafile
2. UPI for not making clear what the interests of the "highly placed security-political" official is. What purpose is this person serving by telling us what he thinks or knows?
3. I think its irresponsible for an Israeli 'security-political' official to make any comments about what our government will or won't do. Isn't Israel supposed to be our ally? I know, I know - good cop, bad cop. But, its irresponsible to play negotiating games with people's lives.
Would George Bush do it? On one hand I believe he could. I've been fooled by him before, so I don't trust my desire to trust him just because it seems unimaginable. On the other hand, it really does seem unimaginable.
a. I think he could start the war using the Navy and Air Force (as I hear, they're underutilized in the Iraq and Afghan wars), but you can't win a war without ground forces. And we don't have enough available ground forces.
b. I think the country would be outraged by another war. I think we can agree, life would be easier if Ahmadinejad were not the President of Iran, but Americans will not want a new front in the war.
c. I can't imagine (again, the unimaginable) an outgoing president would voluntarily start something so soon to the end of his term. Especially when a new President has been elected. Talk about a legacy...that wouldn't be a good one.
I'd hate to find out that Ahmadinejad wants to go to war with the US so much that he'd provoke something while Bush is still in office - he knows how to push Bush's buttons. If he did, I'd rather have Barack Obama be our next president than John McCain.
I expect (hope) I've already given this statement more energy than it deserves. But, I really blame UPI for posting it without more information and background. I came across it on the front page of Google today. In the time its taken me to write this post, it went from 1 comment to 6 comments. And the comments began degenerated; a battle between the left and right, war and no war. Ugh!
Reality Bites - The Economy
In 1982, the average CEO made 42 times more than the average production worker.
In 1990, the average CEO made 107 times more than the average production worker.
In 2004, the average CEP made 431 times more than the average production worker.
Source: United for a Fair Economy & The Institute for Policy Studies.
http://www.ips-dc.org/
http://www.faireconomy.org/
The annual compensation of S&P 500 CEO's is eating up more and more of company profits.
4.8% 1993-1995
10.3% 2001-2003
At Whole Foods, executives can only make 14 times the average worker.
Source: Harvard/Cornell study of Top Executive compensation as referenced on NOW in January of 2006
http://www.pbs.org/now/index.html
http://www.pbs.org/now/transcript/transcriptNOW203_full.html
In 1990, the average CEO made 107 times more than the average production worker.
In 2004, the average CEP made 431 times more than the average production worker.
Source: United for a Fair Economy & The Institute for Policy Studies.
http://www.ips-dc.org/
http://www.faireconomy.org/
The annual compensation of S&P 500 CEO's is eating up more and more of company profits.
4.8% 1993-1995
10.3% 2001-2003
At Whole Foods, executives can only make 14 times the average worker.
Source: Harvard/Cornell study of Top Executive compensation as referenced on NOW in January of 2006
http://www.pbs.org/now/index.html
http://www.pbs.org/now/transcript/transcriptNOW203_full.html
So You Think You Can Dance, Comment
Twitch, Courtney, Joshua, Katee, Will, Comfort, Mark, Chelsie.
I don't have a problem with any remaining dancer winning.
From my vantage point, they disappear after the show, anyway.
I saw Benji in Christina Aguilera's video, but that's the only previous contestant I've seen outside the context of the show.
So, it makes no difference to me who wins.
I hope the dancers reap benefits within the dance world. I bet once we get to the Top 10 (maybe even the Top 20) they receive equal reward for being on the show. So, other than the money the winner is awarded, the dancers will all have a career boost.
I don't have a problem with any remaining dancer winning.
From my vantage point, they disappear after the show, anyway.
I saw Benji in Christina Aguilera's video, but that's the only previous contestant I've seen outside the context of the show.
So, it makes no difference to me who wins.
I hope the dancers reap benefits within the dance world. I bet once we get to the Top 10 (maybe even the Top 20) they receive equal reward for being on the show. So, other than the money the winner is awarded, the dancers will all have a career boost.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Did the Surge work?
The press and the Bush administration and the John McCain campaign have declared the surge a success.
I think they're a little premature. There have been other slowdowns in violence in Iraq only to be followed by more rounds of violence.
I expect that having more soldiers in Iraq did make a difference, but did it make a lasting difference? That's the question.
I think they're a little premature. There have been other slowdowns in violence in Iraq only to be followed by more rounds of violence.
I expect that having more soldiers in Iraq did make a difference, but did it make a lasting difference? That's the question.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Dr Horrible, Part II
I saw Part II today. They left it on a cliffhanger!
I'm enjoying it enough to financially support it by purchasing it on iTunes!
Today's episode made episode 1 even better. How could such a nice guy want to join the Evil League? HA!
Here's the link...http://drhorrible.com/index.html
Enjoy!
I'm enjoying it enough to financially support it by purchasing it on iTunes!
Today's episode made episode 1 even better. How could such a nice guy want to join the Evil League? HA!
Here's the link...http://drhorrible.com/index.html
Enjoy!
Bush Classic - Press Conference 11/08/2006
I keep a notebook next to where I watch television so when something strikes me I can write it down. After the 2006 elections, I watched a press conference with George Bush. As you'll recall, the Democrats took control of the House and the Senate tied. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld was being criticized all over and George Bush was being pressured to get rid of him. Here is part of the transcript:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/11/20061108-2.html
"I had been talking with Don Rumsfeld over a period of time about fresh perspective.
He likes to call it fresh eyes.
He, himself, understands that Iraq is not working well enough, fast enough.
And he and I are constantly assessing.
And I'm uh assessing uh, as well,
all the time,
by myself..."
Okay - that made me laugh and laugh and laugh. From the transcript, I added the 'uh's' because I was watching it with TIVO at the time and I wrote it exactly how he said it.
I thought this was funny because it sounds like he's started to say that Donald Rumsfeld was doing all the assessing and then he thought he better say he did some assessing too, and then he even thought it would be good for us to know that he assesses by himself even.
He sounded like a little kid proud that he can now assess on his own. You probably had to hear it to appreciate why I think its funny. Even then it might not strike you like it strikes me.
In the same press conference he was talking about why Americans voted the way they did.
He said:
"Somehow it seeped in their conscious that my attitude was just simply "stay the course." "Stay the course" means, let's get the job done, but it doesn't mean staying stuck on a strategy or tactics that may not be working. So perhaps I need to do a better job of explaining that we're constantly adjusting. And so there's fresh perspective -- so what the American people hear today is we're constantly looking for fresh perspective. "
I thought that was interesting because he had been talking about 'staying the course' over the previous several months - it was his mantra. So, to imply that Americans got the wrong message when he said 'stay the course' over and over again is odd. I think Americans DID get the message. That's why Repbulicans who stuck with the President generally didn't do well.
Well, its old news now. But, really - these have been tough years.
I encourage anyone to look around at the federal government websites. There's a lot of interesting information there. I'm glad they had the transcript of the press conference.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/11/20061108-2.html
"I had been talking with Don Rumsfeld over a period of time about fresh perspective.
He likes to call it fresh eyes.
He, himself, understands that Iraq is not working well enough, fast enough.
And he and I are constantly assessing.
And I'm uh assessing uh, as well,
all the time,
by myself..."
Okay - that made me laugh and laugh and laugh. From the transcript, I added the 'uh's' because I was watching it with TIVO at the time and I wrote it exactly how he said it.
I thought this was funny because it sounds like he's started to say that Donald Rumsfeld was doing all the assessing and then he thought he better say he did some assessing too, and then he even thought it would be good for us to know that he assesses by himself even.
He sounded like a little kid proud that he can now assess on his own. You probably had to hear it to appreciate why I think its funny. Even then it might not strike you like it strikes me.
In the same press conference he was talking about why Americans voted the way they did.
He said:
"Somehow it seeped in their conscious that my attitude was just simply "stay the course." "Stay the course" means, let's get the job done, but it doesn't mean staying stuck on a strategy or tactics that may not be working. So perhaps I need to do a better job of explaining that we're constantly adjusting. And so there's fresh perspective -- so what the American people hear today is we're constantly looking for fresh perspective. "
I thought that was interesting because he had been talking about 'staying the course' over the previous several months - it was his mantra. So, to imply that Americans got the wrong message when he said 'stay the course' over and over again is odd. I think Americans DID get the message. That's why Repbulicans who stuck with the President generally didn't do well.
Well, its old news now. But, really - these have been tough years.
I encourage anyone to look around at the federal government websites. There's a lot of interesting information there. I'm glad they had the transcript of the press conference.
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 Top 10 Results
Well, someone had to go. I'm sorry both of them are leaving.
A small surprise that Kherington is leaving instead of Comfort. I'm going to guess that Kherington got hit hard for her last two dances, and that Comfort got a boost from her second chance.
Kherington had a lot of ups and downs in her performances. She really can light up a stage., though.
I've been a fan of Mark the whole show, but its still disappointing to lose Gev. He looks like he has a sunny disposition. I think Cat would like to pick him up and squeeze him.
Group Dances -
The first dance had some great visual effects, which I think is a Hallmark of Bollywood, right? I liked it.
The girls dance - I didn't love it all that much. However, if I'd been watching it as a live performance at a theater downtown, I would have thought it was good. I expected more while I was sitting in front of the TV - Ha!. I guess because it was Mia Michaels who choreographed it? I was suprised at how the makeup made each girl's face so different than I'm used to.
I liked Nigel's dance best. And when Cat said it was a mystery choreographer, it flashed through my mind that it might have been Nigel. It was a fun song and really good choreography I thought. I enjoyed it. Nigel had help with the choreography from his two assistants.
Li'l C - Wow - Ya gotta love that guy and what he says!!!! Well, I do, at least.
"Its really difficult to locate the avenue of gain when you're being chauffered by loss. Every opportunity is one step closer to perpetual evolution"
"Everybody looks at how you ingest and digest constructive criticism"
"A dancer's heart is sorta like the mediators railroad between music, expression, ingenuity, and the dance floor"
A small surprise that Kherington is leaving instead of Comfort. I'm going to guess that Kherington got hit hard for her last two dances, and that Comfort got a boost from her second chance.
Kherington had a lot of ups and downs in her performances. She really can light up a stage., though.
I've been a fan of Mark the whole show, but its still disappointing to lose Gev. He looks like he has a sunny disposition. I think Cat would like to pick him up and squeeze him.
Group Dances -
The first dance had some great visual effects, which I think is a Hallmark of Bollywood, right? I liked it.
The girls dance - I didn't love it all that much. However, if I'd been watching it as a live performance at a theater downtown, I would have thought it was good. I expected more while I was sitting in front of the TV - Ha!. I guess because it was Mia Michaels who choreographed it? I was suprised at how the makeup made each girl's face so different than I'm used to.
I liked Nigel's dance best. And when Cat said it was a mystery choreographer, it flashed through my mind that it might have been Nigel. It was a fun song and really good choreography I thought. I enjoyed it. Nigel had help with the choreography from his two assistants.
Li'l C - Wow - Ya gotta love that guy and what he says!!!! Well, I do, at least.
"Its really difficult to locate the avenue of gain when you're being chauffered by loss. Every opportunity is one step closer to perpetual evolution"
"Everybody looks at how you ingest and digest constructive criticism"
"A dancer's heart is sorta like the mediators railroad between music, expression, ingenuity, and the dance floor"
Wide Angle - Japan's About Face
There are things going on all over the world that demand our attention, and yet, get little of it. I'm amazed at the issues other countries are dealing with that I can't even imagine.
In this case, imagine living in a country with no military, whose constitution defines the country as pacifist. What kind of perspective would you have on war and peace? Japan is defended by the United States, but even that presents an interesting perspective - what's it like to be 'protected'?
And how do you deal with a changing world of terrorists and global threats and power struggles when you have no military?
Watch PBS' "Wide Angle" for a look at Japan's Article 9.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/japans-about-face/japans-about-face-introduction/746/
Background:
In 1937, Japan's Imperial Army went to war against China. It spread throughout Asia and into the Pacific.
In 1945, Japan unconditionally surrendered to MacArthur.
A new constitution was written in 9 days by three members of MacArthur's staff.
Article 9 says Japan cannot have a military. Japan becomes a Pacifist state.
The Japanese people welcome the new constitution because they blame the Imperial Army for getting them into the war in the first place.
In 1954, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are established.
Over the years, it's been in America's self-interest to establish a more traditional military inside Japan. They would like the Japanese military to be an alliance like the British military.
Over time, the Diet (the bicameral legislators in Japan, like our Congress) has created 'temporary' laws that allow Japan to have military 'like' things, without specifically being military.
The first time the SDF went outside Japan into a war zone was to Iraq in 2003. They were considered to be on a humanitarian mission and not allowed to 'shoot first', so they were escorted by the Dutch Army.
In fact, Japan is currently building its first aircraft carrier (Huga?) which makes it appear there is a regional arms race in progress.
In May 2008, the Diet approved a Japanese military presence in space because China is interested in it as well.
The issue in a nutshell:
In Japan, there are some who want to change the constitution so Japan can have the kind of military every other country has.
The opposition wants to continue Article 9 because they think war is bad.
Other note of interest from the documentary:
Some Japanese people see the shifting balances of power in the world and that the United States isn't the only superpower anymore. China, Russia, and India are extending their reach. The Defense Minister asks if the US-Japanese Alliance will always be able to act to deter China? Maybe not. Maybe its time for Japan to prepare to defend itself, he says.
And what about North Korea, a new neighbor with nuclear weapons?
The lead cadet in the Self Defense Forces Academy spent a year at the equivalent of the Academy in Korea. He was interested that in Korea, students are taught a different version of the events surrounding Japan's annexation of Korea. In Korea, he said, they exaggerate the negative things Japan did. Now he wonders which version of the events are true - the Japanese version or the Korean version. He gained a more worldly view while studying abroad.
The constitutional issue is discussed at the Academy, but presents an interesting challenge. The SDF swears to uphold the constitution, and yet they are a 'military' like institution. There are cadets that would like the constitution changed. If this was widely known around Japan, it would call into question their oath. Strange dilemma.
Interesting issue for Japan to consider over the coming years.
In this case, imagine living in a country with no military, whose constitution defines the country as pacifist. What kind of perspective would you have on war and peace? Japan is defended by the United States, but even that presents an interesting perspective - what's it like to be 'protected'?
And how do you deal with a changing world of terrorists and global threats and power struggles when you have no military?
Watch PBS' "Wide Angle" for a look at Japan's Article 9.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/wideangle/episodes/japans-about-face/japans-about-face-introduction/746/
Background:
In 1937, Japan's Imperial Army went to war against China. It spread throughout Asia and into the Pacific.
In 1945, Japan unconditionally surrendered to MacArthur.
A new constitution was written in 9 days by three members of MacArthur's staff.
Article 9 says Japan cannot have a military. Japan becomes a Pacifist state.
The Japanese people welcome the new constitution because they blame the Imperial Army for getting them into the war in the first place.
In 1954, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) are established.
Over the years, it's been in America's self-interest to establish a more traditional military inside Japan. They would like the Japanese military to be an alliance like the British military.
Over time, the Diet (the bicameral legislators in Japan, like our Congress) has created 'temporary' laws that allow Japan to have military 'like' things, without specifically being military.
The first time the SDF went outside Japan into a war zone was to Iraq in 2003. They were considered to be on a humanitarian mission and not allowed to 'shoot first', so they were escorted by the Dutch Army.
In fact, Japan is currently building its first aircraft carrier (Huga?) which makes it appear there is a regional arms race in progress.
In May 2008, the Diet approved a Japanese military presence in space because China is interested in it as well.
The issue in a nutshell:
In Japan, there are some who want to change the constitution so Japan can have the kind of military every other country has.
The opposition wants to continue Article 9 because they think war is bad.
Other note of interest from the documentary:
Some Japanese people see the shifting balances of power in the world and that the United States isn't the only superpower anymore. China, Russia, and India are extending their reach. The Defense Minister asks if the US-Japanese Alliance will always be able to act to deter China? Maybe not. Maybe its time for Japan to prepare to defend itself, he says.
And what about North Korea, a new neighbor with nuclear weapons?
The lead cadet in the Self Defense Forces Academy spent a year at the equivalent of the Academy in Korea. He was interested that in Korea, students are taught a different version of the events surrounding Japan's annexation of Korea. In Korea, he said, they exaggerate the negative things Japan did. Now he wonders which version of the events are true - the Japanese version or the Korean version. He gained a more worldly view while studying abroad.
The constitutional issue is discussed at the Academy, but presents an interesting challenge. The SDF swears to uphold the constitution, and yet they are a 'military' like institution. There are cadets that would like the constitution changed. If this was widely known around Japan, it would call into question their oath. Strange dilemma.
Interesting issue for Japan to consider over the coming years.
Rumors about Obama in the media
Okay - I've had about enough of it. Seemingly intelligent news people continue to refer to the "question" of Obama's religion as a rumor.
The dictionary defines rumor as "a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts"
But, Barack Obama has factually stated he is a Christian.
Its not a rumor when someone calls Obama a Muslim. Its a lie.
The dictionary defines rumor as "a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts"
But, Barack Obama has factually stated he is a Christian.
Its not a rumor when someone calls Obama a Muslim. Its a lie.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 Top 10
Okay - so, here we go...
1. I liked Mark's solo the best. It was the same dance as his audition, except a different part. I'll be interested to see what he does as the competition progresses. His audition/solo dance is so unique that its fun to watch.
2. If Jessica's had fractured ribs all this time, would that be the reason she wasn't doing as well as she might, and, given that the judges knew about it, could that be why they kept her on longer than many viewers wanted her to be on? I'll think she'll be happier not in the competition.
3. To be honest, none of the dances rose to my highest level of enjoyment. Nothing as interesting and exciting as the Bollywood number (among others) that I've enjoyed in the past.
4. On the other hand...I'm impressed with the community of dancer/choreographers who want their experience of dance to be our experience of dance as well. L'il C is a hip-hop dancer/choreographer who appreciates and has an eye for all styles of dance. I thought his critiques tonight were interesting. I also liked that Nigel talked about Desmond Richardson. I think Nigel must be proud of the support from the more traditional dance community (which I assume Desmond Richardson is from based on Nigel's introduction).
5. The dances I enjoyed the most in tonight's show are:
Courtney and Joshua - Hip-Hop - Dave Scott - "Skippin" by Mario (humorous)
Chelsie and Gev - Contemporary - Sonya - "These Arms O' Mine" by Otis Redding
Courtney and Joshua - Rumba - Jean-Marc Genereaux - "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias (they both gave it a lot of intensity)
Katie and Will - Pas de Deux - Desmond Richardson - "Imagine" by David Archuleta (if it weren't for that one mistake, the dance would have been perfect, right?)
Chelsie and Gev - Jive - Jean-Marc Genereaux - "The House is a Rockin'" by Brian Setzer (I was impressed with the energy Gev had in that dance.)
6. I will note Comfort's performance tonight. Good for her. First off, to come back only to pull the Smooth Waltz from the hat - yeesh. That's the area she has the most difficulty. And then, to pull Hip-Hop, with Twitch as a partner and Dave Scott as the choreographer. Talk about your highs and lows. She looked like she was having fun with the Hip-Hop dance.
7. Courtney is moving up in people's estimation as the competition progresses
8. Although L'il C says that Joshua is sweet and kind behind the scenes, I started having some negative feelings about him this week. I think its because of the 'player' vibe he was projecting in the first dance. And I didn't like his solo - it seemed almost arrogant. He was using the same moves that Twitch is popular for. Is there some kind of competition going on with them? Hopefully its friendly competition, if it is.
9. Mark has moved into the top of the middle of the pack right now. He had two blah dances tonight. I like him better than the judges. I think he's still in the top. But, their comments will, I think, put him in the middle. I think he'll do better with a different partner. We'll see. Maybe he's a one trick pony.
10. I used to think Kherington was a shoo-in to be at the top because the judges fawned over her and she does have a likeable smile. But, I think she's showed some weaknesses of late and if I were making all the decisions, she's be toward the bottom. Sadly.
11. Well, good for Comfort, but I wonder if she'll be in the bottom of the pack again tomorrow because the people will think she isn't supposed to be there. Or, she'll get a lot of votes as people get a second chance to support her.
12. I'm impressed by Twitch's ability to do a variety of dances. He said he took extra classes over the year since 2007 and it shows. He's a good all around dancer. Not spectacular, but pretty good. I guess my assumption is he hasn't had much formal training or exposure to lots of dance styles so he's doing good on that scale. I could be remembering incorrectly.
13. Well, these judges sure do like Katee. And she's been lucky to have two great partners. I think she's wonderful too, but I don't have quite as much enthusiasm as the judges do. She's completely versatile and does a great job. I don't see this light shining from her like the judges do.
14. Will is also a good dancer and what can I say?
15. Chelsie is another dancer that the judges gush over much more than I would. Aren't the ballroom steps that she does in the solo too far apart? And her legs seem splayed out too wide? I don't know, that's what I think though. I think she's a good dancer, but I don't think she outshines her partners. In fact, I think she overplays the sexy stuff a bit too much. Although who can blame her based on the feedback she gets from the judges. On the other hand, maybe she's just been lucky and has had a lot of dances that play to her strengths.
16. I thought Gev more than held his own in the jive dance. He did a great job and held his energy. I think he gets the short end of the stick a lot of times. Again, I'm assuming he hasn't had any training and so I'm judging him on that scale.
17. At the end of the show when the dancers are starting to dance during the credits, Chelsie rebuffs Gev and moves to where Katee and Mark are dancing. I wonder if that means anything?
18. Whoever decides on the costumes for this show has done a generally bad job in my opinion. Those outfits for Twitch and Comfort looked a little goofy. I think Chelsie and Courtney have been lucky with their costumes. Maybe its because they're both tiny people.
Hmm...who would I lose if I made the decisions...?
By process of elimination I'd have to say Comfort and Gev.
I enjoy Gev's personality and his dancing, but Twitch, Will, and Joshua are very popular. Mark is one of my faves so I want him to stay another week. (Mark has to show us something spectacular next week though so he can prove he didn't get where he is because of Chelsie.)
It sounds like a full show tomorrow!
1. I liked Mark's solo the best. It was the same dance as his audition, except a different part. I'll be interested to see what he does as the competition progresses. His audition/solo dance is so unique that its fun to watch.
2. If Jessica's had fractured ribs all this time, would that be the reason she wasn't doing as well as she might, and, given that the judges knew about it, could that be why they kept her on longer than many viewers wanted her to be on? I'll think she'll be happier not in the competition.
3. To be honest, none of the dances rose to my highest level of enjoyment. Nothing as interesting and exciting as the Bollywood number (among others) that I've enjoyed in the past.
4. On the other hand...I'm impressed with the community of dancer/choreographers who want their experience of dance to be our experience of dance as well. L'il C is a hip-hop dancer/choreographer who appreciates and has an eye for all styles of dance. I thought his critiques tonight were interesting. I also liked that Nigel talked about Desmond Richardson. I think Nigel must be proud of the support from the more traditional dance community (which I assume Desmond Richardson is from based on Nigel's introduction).
5. The dances I enjoyed the most in tonight's show are:
Courtney and Joshua - Hip-Hop - Dave Scott - "Skippin" by Mario (humorous)
Chelsie and Gev - Contemporary - Sonya - "These Arms O' Mine" by Otis Redding
Courtney and Joshua - Rumba - Jean-Marc Genereaux - "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias (they both gave it a lot of intensity)
Katie and Will - Pas de Deux - Desmond Richardson - "Imagine" by David Archuleta (if it weren't for that one mistake, the dance would have been perfect, right?)
Chelsie and Gev - Jive - Jean-Marc Genereaux - "The House is a Rockin'" by Brian Setzer (I was impressed with the energy Gev had in that dance.)
6. I will note Comfort's performance tonight. Good for her. First off, to come back only to pull the Smooth Waltz from the hat - yeesh. That's the area she has the most difficulty. And then, to pull Hip-Hop, with Twitch as a partner and Dave Scott as the choreographer. Talk about your highs and lows. She looked like she was having fun with the Hip-Hop dance.
7. Courtney is moving up in people's estimation as the competition progresses
8. Although L'il C says that Joshua is sweet and kind behind the scenes, I started having some negative feelings about him this week. I think its because of the 'player' vibe he was projecting in the first dance. And I didn't like his solo - it seemed almost arrogant. He was using the same moves that Twitch is popular for. Is there some kind of competition going on with them? Hopefully its friendly competition, if it is.
9. Mark has moved into the top of the middle of the pack right now. He had two blah dances tonight. I like him better than the judges. I think he's still in the top. But, their comments will, I think, put him in the middle. I think he'll do better with a different partner. We'll see. Maybe he's a one trick pony.
10. I used to think Kherington was a shoo-in to be at the top because the judges fawned over her and she does have a likeable smile. But, I think she's showed some weaknesses of late and if I were making all the decisions, she's be toward the bottom. Sadly.
11. Well, good for Comfort, but I wonder if she'll be in the bottom of the pack again tomorrow because the people will think she isn't supposed to be there. Or, she'll get a lot of votes as people get a second chance to support her.
12. I'm impressed by Twitch's ability to do a variety of dances. He said he took extra classes over the year since 2007 and it shows. He's a good all around dancer. Not spectacular, but pretty good. I guess my assumption is he hasn't had much formal training or exposure to lots of dance styles so he's doing good on that scale. I could be remembering incorrectly.
13. Well, these judges sure do like Katee. And she's been lucky to have two great partners. I think she's wonderful too, but I don't have quite as much enthusiasm as the judges do. She's completely versatile and does a great job. I don't see this light shining from her like the judges do.
14. Will is also a good dancer and what can I say?
15. Chelsie is another dancer that the judges gush over much more than I would. Aren't the ballroom steps that she does in the solo too far apart? And her legs seem splayed out too wide? I don't know, that's what I think though. I think she's a good dancer, but I don't think she outshines her partners. In fact, I think she overplays the sexy stuff a bit too much. Although who can blame her based on the feedback she gets from the judges. On the other hand, maybe she's just been lucky and has had a lot of dances that play to her strengths.
16. I thought Gev more than held his own in the jive dance. He did a great job and held his energy. I think he gets the short end of the stick a lot of times. Again, I'm assuming he hasn't had any training and so I'm judging him on that scale.
17. At the end of the show when the dancers are starting to dance during the credits, Chelsie rebuffs Gev and moves to where Katee and Mark are dancing. I wonder if that means anything?
18. Whoever decides on the costumes for this show has done a generally bad job in my opinion. Those outfits for Twitch and Comfort looked a little goofy. I think Chelsie and Courtney have been lucky with their costumes. Maybe its because they're both tiny people.
Hmm...who would I lose if I made the decisions...?
By process of elimination I'd have to say Comfort and Gev.
I enjoy Gev's personality and his dancing, but Twitch, Will, and Joshua are very popular. Mark is one of my faves so I want him to stay another week. (Mark has to show us something spectacular next week though so he can prove he didn't get where he is because of Chelsie.)
It sounds like a full show tomorrow!
Food Network Star, Design Star, The Mole, Dr Horrible
As these competitions wind down, I have less to say. I don't feel the need to send energy out into the cosmos to support, protect or defend my favorite contestants. They're either still there and doing well on their own, or they've already been eliminated.
Food Network Star
I thought Lisa was very sincere when she said cooking is love to her. I wish I could remember exactly how she said it because it was very endearing. Cooking means more to her than just tasty sustenance - its how she expresses her love.
Adam has grown on me. I don't want him to overdo the 'funny guy' thing. I thought it was interesting to hear he'd started a restaurant with friends and family that eventually failed. That has to be humbling and exhausting. It says something about his character (on the surface anyway) that he still wants to be involved in the cooking world, although he did say it was hard to get back into it after the restaurant.
I like Aaron, but he really does seem uncomfortable in front of the camera. He makes great food (they say). I enjoyed Aaron early on and had less confidence in Adam. But, its kind of flip flopped now.
If any of the three win, that'll be fine with me. In fact, I would have taken the top five - I liked Shane and Kelsey as well.
Design Star
This year has gone by so fast! We only had nine designers and we're already down to three!
I like both Jennifer and Matt particulary - not Trish so much. I don't like Trish as well because I thought she helped to create an atmosphere of animosity by being catty behind people's backs with Michael. I don't know if I'm right - its a feeling I had while watching. I think next week we'll get a better idea of the designer's ability and style.
The Mole
Well...what to think now. Hmmm...
I'm starting to wonder if Nicole is The Mole. For the very same reason I think Paul might be The Mole. They're both over the top. And that Craig just sits quietly. He never seems nervous about what's happening. Mark is kinda overacting as well. And then there's overly suspicious Clay. Aargh...this is tricky!!!!
I've been thinking one way to figure it out is to think about who their friends are. People generally wouldn't suspect their 'friend' of being The Mole. In fact, that first group of people who all congealed around Bobby went in a clump. They were discussing it with each other a lot and must have been going in the wrong direction. So, it makes sense the people who weren't in that clique are still left (my memory may be faulty about this).
Mark and Clay talk a lot, Paul used to be part of that gang along with Alex, Craig is by himself, and Nicole is by herself. Its got to be one of Mark, Clay, or Paul. Or, they all think its the same person - Craig.
hmmm....
Dr. Horrible
I watched Part 1 today. It was kinda cute. I didn't watch Doogie Howser, but I've become a big fan of Neil Patrick Harris. He just seems like a really genuine, professional, entertainer. I like his enthusiasm.
As far as Joss Whedon - I'm a huge Firefly fan. I don't like Vampire shows.
I do, however, love musicals.
Dr. Horrible was getting a ton of press coverage, so I gave it a try.
It was sweet and interesting and endearing and kinda humorous. I can see how it would become a favorite.
Anyway - it could be the beginning of a brave new world, right?
Food Network Star
I thought Lisa was very sincere when she said cooking is love to her. I wish I could remember exactly how she said it because it was very endearing. Cooking means more to her than just tasty sustenance - its how she expresses her love.
Adam has grown on me. I don't want him to overdo the 'funny guy' thing. I thought it was interesting to hear he'd started a restaurant with friends and family that eventually failed. That has to be humbling and exhausting. It says something about his character (on the surface anyway) that he still wants to be involved in the cooking world, although he did say it was hard to get back into it after the restaurant.
I like Aaron, but he really does seem uncomfortable in front of the camera. He makes great food (they say). I enjoyed Aaron early on and had less confidence in Adam. But, its kind of flip flopped now.
If any of the three win, that'll be fine with me. In fact, I would have taken the top five - I liked Shane and Kelsey as well.
Design Star
This year has gone by so fast! We only had nine designers and we're already down to three!
I like both Jennifer and Matt particulary - not Trish so much. I don't like Trish as well because I thought she helped to create an atmosphere of animosity by being catty behind people's backs with Michael. I don't know if I'm right - its a feeling I had while watching. I think next week we'll get a better idea of the designer's ability and style.
The Mole
Well...what to think now. Hmmm...
I'm starting to wonder if Nicole is The Mole. For the very same reason I think Paul might be The Mole. They're both over the top. And that Craig just sits quietly. He never seems nervous about what's happening. Mark is kinda overacting as well. And then there's overly suspicious Clay. Aargh...this is tricky!!!!
I've been thinking one way to figure it out is to think about who their friends are. People generally wouldn't suspect their 'friend' of being The Mole. In fact, that first group of people who all congealed around Bobby went in a clump. They were discussing it with each other a lot and must have been going in the wrong direction. So, it makes sense the people who weren't in that clique are still left (my memory may be faulty about this).
Mark and Clay talk a lot, Paul used to be part of that gang along with Alex, Craig is by himself, and Nicole is by herself. Its got to be one of Mark, Clay, or Paul. Or, they all think its the same person - Craig.
hmmm....
Dr. Horrible
I watched Part 1 today. It was kinda cute. I didn't watch Doogie Howser, but I've become a big fan of Neil Patrick Harris. He just seems like a really genuine, professional, entertainer. I like his enthusiasm.
As far as Joss Whedon - I'm a huge Firefly fan. I don't like Vampire shows.
I do, however, love musicals.
Dr. Horrible was getting a ton of press coverage, so I gave it a try.
It was sweet and interesting and endearing and kinda humorous. I can see how it would become a favorite.
Anyway - it could be the beginning of a brave new world, right?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Barack Obama's Foreign Policy speech
I'm not sure why people think Barack Obama hasn't shared specific ideas. He shares them all the time. Not in an easy sound bite, but in a broader context.
Its pointless to give specifics about issues with variables that change from day to day. What has value is learning how a candidate makes decisions that arise from the variables shifting. I want to know what your priority is when you're making a decision. I want to know how you consult with others, how you try to find compromise. I want to know if you propose band-aid solutions without any regard for also solving the fundamental problem.
Today, Barack Obama gave a foreign policy speech.
Why John McCain and George Bush are wrong in their plans for Iraq:
"George Bush and John McCain don't have a strategy for success in Iraq - they have a strategy for staying in Iraq. They said we couldn't leave when violence was up, they say we can't leave when violence is down. They refuse to press the Iraqis to make tough choices, and they label any timetable to redeploy our troops "surrender," even though we would be turning Iraq over to a sovereign Iraqi government - not to a terrorist enemy. Theirs is an endless focus on tactics inside Iraq, with no consideration of our strategy to face threats beyond Iraq's borders."
Its pointless to give specifics about issues with variables that change from day to day. What has value is learning how a candidate makes decisions that arise from the variables shifting. I want to know what your priority is when you're making a decision. I want to know how you consult with others, how you try to find compromise. I want to know if you propose band-aid solutions without any regard for also solving the fundamental problem.
Today, Barack Obama gave a foreign policy speech.
Why John McCain and George Bush are wrong in their plans for Iraq:
"George Bush and John McCain don't have a strategy for success in Iraq - they have a strategy for staying in Iraq. They said we couldn't leave when violence was up, they say we can't leave when violence is down. They refuse to press the Iraqis to make tough choices, and they label any timetable to redeploy our troops "surrender," even though we would be turning Iraq over to a sovereign Iraqi government - not to a terrorist enemy. Theirs is an endless focus on tactics inside Iraq, with no consideration of our strategy to face threats beyond Iraq's borders."
Monday, July 14, 2008
More about the New Yorker cover
This evening's Newshour had some interesting comments I thought. Michael Eric Dyson and Eric Bates discussed it.
1. If the satire has to be explained, it didn't hit its mark.
2. The fist bump is true (and caused its own flap on FOX News). But, its presented with false assertions, so it will be confusing.
3. There are many layers here - Obama is in Muslim attire. Since its part of the 'satire' we are to assume this is a 'damning' statement about Obama. But, there's nothing wrong with being Muslim in this country - or there shouldn't be anything wrong with it. This cartoon implies there is something wrong with it.
4. The cover is presented within the context of our country. But, that's not the New Yorker's fault. Satire shouldn't be censored because our country doesn't know how to talk about the issues. I think in some cases its not that we don't know how, its that people purposefully choose not to try to talk about it - they deny its existence.
There was something else too, but I can't remember it anymore.
1. If the satire has to be explained, it didn't hit its mark.
2. The fist bump is true (and caused its own flap on FOX News). But, its presented with false assertions, so it will be confusing.
3. There are many layers here - Obama is in Muslim attire. Since its part of the 'satire' we are to assume this is a 'damning' statement about Obama. But, there's nothing wrong with being Muslim in this country - or there shouldn't be anything wrong with it. This cartoon implies there is something wrong with it.
4. The cover is presented within the context of our country. But, that's not the New Yorker's fault. Satire shouldn't be censored because our country doesn't know how to talk about the issues. I think in some cases its not that we don't know how, its that people purposefully choose not to try to talk about it - they deny its existence.
There was something else too, but I can't remember it anymore.
Sudan Leader Accused of Genocide
This has been going on too long as it is. I'm glad we're finally trying to hold the man accountable.
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL1417202620080715
Reuters
Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:42pm EDT
By Emma Thomasson
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The International Criminal Court's (ICC) prosecutor charged Sudan's president on Monday with masterminding a campaign of genocide in Darfur, killing 35,000 people and persecuting 2.5 million refugees.
ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asked the court for an arrest warrant for President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the most senior figure pursued by the court since it was set up in 2002.
Bashir is the first sitting head of state charged by an international court since Liberia's Charles Taylor and Yugoslavia's Slobodan Milosevic.
The Sudanese leader dismissed the charges and said the ICC had no jurisdiction in Sudan.
"Whoever has visited Darfur, met officials and discovered their ethnicities and tribes ... will know that all of these things are lies," he said in comments carried on state TV.
Sudan will seek support from allies such as China and Russia to get the U.N. Security Council -- which asked the ICC to investigate crimes in Darfur in 2005 -- to block any warrant.
China declined to comment on the case, which arises at a bad time for Khartoum's biggest arms supplier and a major investor in its oil industry just weeks before the Beijing Olympics.
Moreno-Ocampo said on top of the thousands killed by Sudan's armed forces and the militia they support, 2.5 million others were subjected to a campaign of "rape, hunger and fear" in refugee camps where he said genocide continued "under our eyes."
"The decision to start the genocide was taken by Bashir personally," he told a news conference. "Bashir is executing this genocide without gas chambers, without bullets, without machetes. It is a genocide by attrition."
International experts say at least 200,000 people have died in Darfur and 2.5 million have been displaced since 2003. Khartoum says 10,000 people have been killed.
BASHIR PARTNERS URGE TALKS
Thousands of demonstrators rallied against the ICC in Khartoum on Sunday ahead of the announcement. Aid groups and the U.S. embassy tightened security, fearing an upsurge in violence from an enraged Bashir and emboldened rebels in Darfur.
A few dozen people protested outside the British embassy and the U.N. headquarters in Khartoum after the ICC news.
Before the indictment Khartoum, which is not a party to the court, pledged to continue peace efforts and to protect U.N. staff in Darfur, home to the world's largest relief operation.
While Bashir's government sought support abroad, its coalition partner said it favored talks with the ICC, something Bashir's dominant National Congress Party (NCP) has rejected.
"We should open a window of consultation, exchange of views with the ICC," the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) spokesman Yasir Arman told Reuters.
Arab foreign ministers said they would hold an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss the case against Bashir, a former army general who came to power in a coup in 1989.
The chairman of the African Union urged the ICC to suspend any moves to arrest Bashir so as to help efforts to end strife in Sudan, which has spread beyond western Darfur into the east and south and to neighboring nations.
"If you arrest Bashir, you will create a leadership vacuum in Sudan. The outcome could be equal to that of Iraq. There would be an increase in anarchy," Tanzanian Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Membe told Reuters, speaking on behalf of President Jakaya Kikwete who chairs the African Union.
Human rights groups welcomed the prosecutor's action.
"Charging President al-Bashir for the hideous crimes in Darfur shows that no one is above the law," said Richard Dicker of New York-based Human Rights Watch.
"GENOCIDAL ORDERS"
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he expected Sudan to ensure the safety of U.N. staff there despite the Darfur proceedings, noting in a statement that the "United Nations must respect the independence of the judicial process."
Moreno-Ocampo said it usually took two to three months for ICC judges to rule on an application for an arrest warrant, but it could take longer as this case was so complicated. He said he would also ask the court to freeze Bashir's assets.
The prosecutor said Bashir masterminded a plan to destroy the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups in Darfur who launched a rebellion in 2003 against the Khartoum government, accusing it of marginalizing the vast western province.
He charged Bashir with three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture and rape, and two of war crimes.
The prosecution said Bashir promoted those who complied with his "genocidal orders", such as Humanitarian Affairs Minister Ahmed Haroun, whom the ICC charged last year over Darfur.
"The decision on this indictment is a victory for humanity," said Suleiman Sandal of the Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement. "Now this decision will put Bashir in a corner and will help us now to overtake this regime. A criminal man cannot be a president of a member state of the United Nations."
(Additional reporting by Opheera McDoom in Khartoum and Ezekiel Kamwaga in Dar es Salaam; Editing by Jon Boyle)
(For full Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: africa.reuters.com/)
http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL1417202620080715
Reuters
Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:42pm EDT
By Emma Thomasson
THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The International Criminal Court's (ICC) prosecutor charged Sudan's president on Monday with masterminding a campaign of genocide in Darfur, killing 35,000 people and persecuting 2.5 million refugees.
ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asked the court for an arrest warrant for President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, the most senior figure pursued by the court since it was set up in 2002.
Bashir is the first sitting head of state charged by an international court since Liberia's Charles Taylor and Yugoslavia's Slobodan Milosevic.
The Sudanese leader dismissed the charges and said the ICC had no jurisdiction in Sudan.
"Whoever has visited Darfur, met officials and discovered their ethnicities and tribes ... will know that all of these things are lies," he said in comments carried on state TV.
Sudan will seek support from allies such as China and Russia to get the U.N. Security Council -- which asked the ICC to investigate crimes in Darfur in 2005 -- to block any warrant.
China declined to comment on the case, which arises at a bad time for Khartoum's biggest arms supplier and a major investor in its oil industry just weeks before the Beijing Olympics.
Moreno-Ocampo said on top of the thousands killed by Sudan's armed forces and the militia they support, 2.5 million others were subjected to a campaign of "rape, hunger and fear" in refugee camps where he said genocide continued "under our eyes."
"The decision to start the genocide was taken by Bashir personally," he told a news conference. "Bashir is executing this genocide without gas chambers, without bullets, without machetes. It is a genocide by attrition."
International experts say at least 200,000 people have died in Darfur and 2.5 million have been displaced since 2003. Khartoum says 10,000 people have been killed.
BASHIR PARTNERS URGE TALKS
Thousands of demonstrators rallied against the ICC in Khartoum on Sunday ahead of the announcement. Aid groups and the U.S. embassy tightened security, fearing an upsurge in violence from an enraged Bashir and emboldened rebels in Darfur.
A few dozen people protested outside the British embassy and the U.N. headquarters in Khartoum after the ICC news.
Before the indictment Khartoum, which is not a party to the court, pledged to continue peace efforts and to protect U.N. staff in Darfur, home to the world's largest relief operation.
While Bashir's government sought support abroad, its coalition partner said it favored talks with the ICC, something Bashir's dominant National Congress Party (NCP) has rejected.
"We should open a window of consultation, exchange of views with the ICC," the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) spokesman Yasir Arman told Reuters.
Arab foreign ministers said they would hold an emergency meeting on Saturday to discuss the case against Bashir, a former army general who came to power in a coup in 1989.
The chairman of the African Union urged the ICC to suspend any moves to arrest Bashir so as to help efforts to end strife in Sudan, which has spread beyond western Darfur into the east and south and to neighboring nations.
"If you arrest Bashir, you will create a leadership vacuum in Sudan. The outcome could be equal to that of Iraq. There would be an increase in anarchy," Tanzanian Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Membe told Reuters, speaking on behalf of President Jakaya Kikwete who chairs the African Union.
Human rights groups welcomed the prosecutor's action.
"Charging President al-Bashir for the hideous crimes in Darfur shows that no one is above the law," said Richard Dicker of New York-based Human Rights Watch.
"GENOCIDAL ORDERS"
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he expected Sudan to ensure the safety of U.N. staff there despite the Darfur proceedings, noting in a statement that the "United Nations must respect the independence of the judicial process."
Moreno-Ocampo said it usually took two to three months for ICC judges to rule on an application for an arrest warrant, but it could take longer as this case was so complicated. He said he would also ask the court to freeze Bashir's assets.
The prosecutor said Bashir masterminded a plan to destroy the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa ethnic groups in Darfur who launched a rebellion in 2003 against the Khartoum government, accusing it of marginalizing the vast western province.
He charged Bashir with three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, forcible transfer, torture and rape, and two of war crimes.
The prosecution said Bashir promoted those who complied with his "genocidal orders", such as Humanitarian Affairs Minister Ahmed Haroun, whom the ICC charged last year over Darfur.
"The decision on this indictment is a victory for humanity," said Suleiman Sandal of the Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement. "Now this decision will put Bashir in a corner and will help us now to overtake this regime. A criminal man cannot be a president of a member state of the United Nations."
(Additional reporting by Opheera McDoom in Khartoum and Ezekiel Kamwaga in Dar es Salaam; Editing by Jon Boyle)
(For full Reuters Africa coverage and to have your say on the top issues, visit: africa.reuters.com/)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)