This music video by Canned Heat (or a couple of others), was originally going to be the opening music video of this Sabbat series before I settled on the one you may have viewed above this one-or will view, depending on what time you come here. I included this one anyway, as it fits somewhat with the aspect of Hermes as a god of messengers and travelers. The particular brand of traveler has more than sight-seeing in mind. This is a restless spirit, looking for meaning in life, and engaged in an odyssey of hope and self-discovery.
Hermes as the guide of travelers is also charged with the task of accompanying the spirits of dead mortals to the underworld, and potentially, vice versa. Of course, as mentioned previously, he accompanies Persephone to and from her stay in said Underworld as the Queen of Lord Hades.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Football Tragedy
I wanted to say something about a tragedy that occurred at a Kentucky high school football practice that resulted in the death of a young player from heat stroke. The coach was tried, and eventually acquitted, but something good did come out of the mess. New rules were instituted which required training for coaches to recognize potential problems before they get too out of hand.
Football is too great a sport to allow it to be tarnished with such wholly unnecessary tragedies. Hopefully, school officials at both the high school and college level will follow this up with a realization that a player's health has to take precedence over the prospect of winning and losing games. They are as much to fault as the coaches whom they put inordinate pressure on to produce a winning season.
Football is one of those games that, had the ancient Greeks known of it, they would have gone wild over it, though I doubt they would have bothered with all the protective gear worn today. Hermes would doubtless have been the patron deity of the sport, and it would have been considered his purview as to whether any died during the course of a game, or during practice. Many people might have died from the battering they received at the hands of other players, but one thing I can pretty much promise is, no one would have died from heat stroke.
Such things as that, in our modern era, are simply inexcusable, in the vast majority of cases.
Football is too great a sport to allow it to be tarnished with such wholly unnecessary tragedies. Hopefully, school officials at both the high school and college level will follow this up with a realization that a player's health has to take precedence over the prospect of winning and losing games. They are as much to fault as the coaches whom they put inordinate pressure on to produce a winning season.
Football is one of those games that, had the ancient Greeks known of it, they would have gone wild over it, though I doubt they would have bothered with all the protective gear worn today. Hermes would doubtless have been the patron deity of the sport, and it would have been considered his purview as to whether any died during the course of a game, or during practice. Many people might have died from the battering they received at the hands of other players, but one thing I can pretty much promise is, no one would have died from heat stroke.
Such things as that, in our modern era, are simply inexcusable, in the vast majority of cases.
I always liked this type of ancient Greek vase art, more so than the traditional classical sculptures.
This is Hermes at all of a day old stealing the cattle of Apollo in one of those don't do as I do, do as I say moments so typical of the Greek deities, even though Hermes came to be viewed as the patron of thieves. He was not celebrating the Equinox, I'm sure, though it can be seen as such. I thought it was appropriate to post this due to the nature of how he attempted to avoid detection-by walking backwards in what turned out to be a lame attempt to lure Apollo in the opposite direction. The only thing missing from the scenario was Hermes hiding under a blanket in the middle of the room and thinking there was no possible way Apollo could see him when he, in fact, found him pretty quickly. I would imagine the presence of the cattle might have settled it.
I mention this because, as Hermes was traditionally associated with the planet Mercury by many (the Roman god Mercury certainly was, but be advised that not all the Roman priest hierarchy agreed that Hermes and Mercury were identical), this might have been a myth intended to explain the purpose behind the frequent retrograde motions of the planet. This is especially noteworthy as there are four such retrograde periods this year-there is generally but three.
Could this signify an unusual type of financial or other reversal at the end of the year. We'll see.
This is Hermes at all of a day old stealing the cattle of Apollo in one of those don't do as I do, do as I say moments so typical of the Greek deities, even though Hermes came to be viewed as the patron of thieves. He was not celebrating the Equinox, I'm sure, though it can be seen as such. I thought it was appropriate to post this due to the nature of how he attempted to avoid detection-by walking backwards in what turned out to be a lame attempt to lure Apollo in the opposite direction. The only thing missing from the scenario was Hermes hiding under a blanket in the middle of the room and thinking there was no possible way Apollo could see him when he, in fact, found him pretty quickly. I would imagine the presence of the cattle might have settled it.
I mention this because, as Hermes was traditionally associated with the planet Mercury by many (the Roman god Mercury certainly was, but be advised that not all the Roman priest hierarchy agreed that Hermes and Mercury were identical), this might have been a myth intended to explain the purpose behind the frequent retrograde motions of the planet. This is especially noteworthy as there are four such retrograde periods this year-there is generally but three.
Could this signify an unusual type of financial or other reversal at the end of the year. We'll see.
The most enjoyable break from the housework over the last few days involved the premiere of the sixth season of House. Since I, maddeningly, could not find a decent YouTube clip from the debut episode which aired Monday night, I decided what better way to lighten the mood than with this brilliant parody from Mad TV. The only problem with it-where the fuck is Wilson?
Mabon Apple Pie
Since Mabon is traditionally seen as the time of the second harvest, what better way to celebrate than with that old popular all-American standby, apple pie? Of course, you don't have to have American blood to appreciate this classic dessert, so long as you have taste buds.
2 store-bought frozen pie shells, thawed.
6 Granny Smith Apples, washed, peeled, and sliced into roughly eight equal sized segments
6 heaping tablespoons granulated sugar
3 rounded tablespoons self-rising flour
cinnamon to taste (optional)
Mix ingredients in a large bowl and allow to sit for at least one hour, preferably two, in order to allow a thick syrup to form. Separate the pie shells, pouring the apple mixture into one, then using the other to form the covering, which you can do in strips as pictured above, or simply spread whole over the top. If you choose the latter, easier method (which is what I do) you will need to make slits in the top crust with a knife. You should also miniscule holes, using a fork, on the sides and bottom of the bottom crust.
Set on a baking pan in an oven pre-heated to 400 degrees. Ovens will vary, but it should be done in approximately 40-45 minutes. Well worth the little effort it takes.
2 store-bought frozen pie shells, thawed.
6 Granny Smith Apples, washed, peeled, and sliced into roughly eight equal sized segments
6 heaping tablespoons granulated sugar
3 rounded tablespoons self-rising flour
cinnamon to taste (optional)
Mix ingredients in a large bowl and allow to sit for at least one hour, preferably two, in order to allow a thick syrup to form. Separate the pie shells, pouring the apple mixture into one, then using the other to form the covering, which you can do in strips as pictured above, or simply spread whole over the top. If you choose the latter, easier method (which is what I do) you will need to make slits in the top crust with a knife. You should also miniscule holes, using a fork, on the sides and bottom of the bottom crust.
Set on a baking pan in an oven pre-heated to 400 degrees. Ovens will vary, but it should be done in approximately 40-45 minutes. Well worth the little effort it takes.
Spin-Short Film For Mabon
Okay, it doesn't have much of anything at all to do with Mabon on the face of it, but seeing as to the nature of Mercury Retrograde which falls during this period, with an inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun practically falling exactly during the Autumn Equinox, it does seem to fit somewhat.
Makes for a pretty cool image concept for Hermes, too, even if that was obviously not the filmmaker's intention.
Mabon Astrological Aspects
The astrological aspects for Mabon are pretty intense. Seeing as how there is or was an inferior conjunction of the Sun to Mercury, this might not have been the best time to paint my bedroom. What a bitch. Worse than the living room. Oh well.
Retrograde Mercury is supposed to cause problems, particularly with transportation and communication, with machine malfunctions, etc., none of that happened-well, any more than usual.
In fact, during this period, I think I managed to work out the problems I've been having with my internet service, without actually calling and ranting and making a generally obnoxious ass of myself. I just figured out I need to wait until I turn my computer and monitor on, after I plug in the phone line, before I then plug in and if necessary reset the modem. Then I log on. So far, problems have been minimal.
Maybe Mercury Retrograde just has a bad rap. Maybe it's actually an opportune period to address problems such as that, not avoid them. Or, maybe it means nothing at all.
Otherwise, Saturn is still floating around Virgo in a near direct opposition to Uranus and Pisces, which is compounded further by the fact that Uranus is retrograde. This aspect might best be construed as a need for an extra bit of caution and patience, more so than usual to avoid even greater setbacks in the way of progress. I sure felt that over the last few days.
Neptune has been an assist, being in the off-centered trine to the Sun that it now is-it's retrograde motion though possibly serving to make me wonder if all this hard work is really going to be worth it in the long run. Jupiter retrograde in conjunction with Neptune might well serve to heighten that angst, while adding a little bit of spite into the mix, of the "By God I will get this done" variety. Or, that could be the Mars in Cancer trine to Uranus in Pisces ranting, which would be a considerable influence, especially today when the Moon forms a Grand Trine with the pair.
But ah, Pluto, where art thou? A good solid three signs away from the Sun, a square, which thus gives us the opportunity to concentrate on lessening all the negativities accumulated over the course of the year. It's not been easy though by any means.
Maybe the fact that Venus in the first degree of Virgo is trine Pluto, the combination with the aformentioned Sun square Pluto indicating a need and propensity for sexual release. It's times like this I'm glad this isn't a family oriuented blog, otherwise I wouldn't be able to tell you to go out and get fucked.
Retrograde Mercury is supposed to cause problems, particularly with transportation and communication, with machine malfunctions, etc., none of that happened-well, any more than usual.
In fact, during this period, I think I managed to work out the problems I've been having with my internet service, without actually calling and ranting and making a generally obnoxious ass of myself. I just figured out I need to wait until I turn my computer and monitor on, after I plug in the phone line, before I then plug in and if necessary reset the modem. Then I log on. So far, problems have been minimal.
Maybe Mercury Retrograde just has a bad rap. Maybe it's actually an opportune period to address problems such as that, not avoid them. Or, maybe it means nothing at all.
Otherwise, Saturn is still floating around Virgo in a near direct opposition to Uranus and Pisces, which is compounded further by the fact that Uranus is retrograde. This aspect might best be construed as a need for an extra bit of caution and patience, more so than usual to avoid even greater setbacks in the way of progress. I sure felt that over the last few days.
Neptune has been an assist, being in the off-centered trine to the Sun that it now is-it's retrograde motion though possibly serving to make me wonder if all this hard work is really going to be worth it in the long run. Jupiter retrograde in conjunction with Neptune might well serve to heighten that angst, while adding a little bit of spite into the mix, of the "By God I will get this done" variety. Or, that could be the Mars in Cancer trine to Uranus in Pisces ranting, which would be a considerable influence, especially today when the Moon forms a Grand Trine with the pair.
But ah, Pluto, where art thou? A good solid three signs away from the Sun, a square, which thus gives us the opportunity to concentrate on lessening all the negativities accumulated over the course of the year. It's not been easy though by any means.
Maybe the fact that Venus in the first degree of Virgo is trine Pluto, the combination with the aformentioned Sun square Pluto indicating a need and propensity for sexual release. It's times like this I'm glad this isn't a family oriuented blog, otherwise I wouldn't be able to tell you to go out and get fucked.
The Second Harvest
As a matter of course, the idea of attuning with your power animal is to take it's strength and power inside of you and make it your own-not the other way around.
Nine of Swords
WTF kind of thing is this to draw for a Sabbat? The Nine of Swords signifies an unreasoning fear, a feeling of dread, a sense of impending doom, agonizing over problems that might well be self-created in the first place, and exaggerated in the second. Sometimes I think these cards are more appropriate for my own personal use than they are for general reading on my blog, but I see where they can work both ways.
There are a lot of unreasoning fears out there in a general sense, some of which are certainly based on well-founded concerns, but might be nonetheless exaggerated.
Take Global Warming for instance. Note how when the trickster god of the North Wind started following Al Gore seemingly every place he went, it didn't take too long for people to say, "okay, now hold on here." Suddenly, you rarely hear the words Global Warming uttered. It's now "Global Climate Change."
And it is a real concern. The melting ice releases more moisture into the atmosphere, which in turn might influence the climate in a myriad of ways, depending on the individual locale. I get all that. The question remains, to what degree is manking responsible for this? What, regardless of the answer to that question, can we do about it? Finally, can we do anything about it. SHOULD we do anything about it?
Of course, that is just one of the many agonizing concerns afflicting mankind. There is poverty, health care, the overall state of the economy, global political instability and terrorism.
How much of these concerns are self-created? How many of them are exaggerated for political purposes? Will things eventually resolve themselves of their own accord, over time? Can we afford to wait that long? If we try to change them, what is the best way to go about that? Will we-are we-in many cases only making matters worse?
A good clue might be a study of history. It seems like one decades fears becomes almost a footnote two or three decades down the line. Most people don't spend a lot of time worrying about the Nazi or communist menace, while slavery and Jim Crow seem almost like something that happened on another dimensional plane of existence.
In other words, nothing stays the same for very long. It's commendable to express concern and to work for positive change, but it might be counterproductive to get hysterical about it.
Mabon-What Mabon?
Well, another late series of posts for the Sabbats, but they do keep me hopping, and this one is no exception. Especially since I've taken it on myself to engage in a number of household chores that I've been putting off for far too long-like painting the house, among other things. Bedroom walls, check. Living room walls, check. Then I got the ceilings, doors, door frames, and baseboards to contend with. Then I can feel like I'm about half way done with everything I want to do.
The whole point being, I want this shit out of the way so I can have the time to devote to working on my novel. Make that novels. I have a different idea every day it seems. I still haven't gotten around to doing the rewrite for Radu, the first draft of which I published on this blog some time ago. What thought I give to it now is mainly concerning who will play the lead roles if it is ever made into a feature film of a Showtime or HBO miniseries.
I've settled so far on either Katie Holmes or Thora Birch to play the lead female role, but I'm stumped on the others.
But soon I shall face up to my coming long winter of discontent by actually getting around to hopefully finishing the damn thing first, once I can manage the time without having to worry about spring cleaning being such a bitch.
Anyway, Happy belated Mabon.
The whole point being, I want this shit out of the way so I can have the time to devote to working on my novel. Make that novels. I have a different idea every day it seems. I still haven't gotten around to doing the rewrite for Radu, the first draft of which I published on this blog some time ago. What thought I give to it now is mainly concerning who will play the lead roles if it is ever made into a feature film of a Showtime or HBO miniseries.
I've settled so far on either Katie Holmes or Thora Birch to play the lead female role, but I'm stumped on the others.
But soon I shall face up to my coming long winter of discontent by actually getting around to hopefully finishing the damn thing first, once I can manage the time without having to worry about spring cleaning being such a bitch.
Anyway, Happy belated Mabon.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Brer Killer Rabbit And The Tar Baby
Once upon a time Brer Fox and Brer Bear went to build a likeness of Uncle Bama out of tar and turpentine, but they only had enough to make an image of a young black child.
"This might work even better," Brer Fox said. "Just wait till Brer Killer Rabbit sees this here tar baby. He'll just have to pick him up and hug him and cuddle him and fondle him and he'll get all stuck, and then we can laugh at him."
"We do that all the time anyway though", Brer Bear replied. "But okay, let's hide and wait. When we catch him can we eat him?"
Before Brer Fox could answer with disgust at the thought of eating something so loathsome, Brer Killer Rabbit came hopping along on his way to Uncle Bamas little White House where he planned to bow and kiss Uncle Bama's feet and ass. When he saw the little tar baby with the face of Uncle Bama he was delighted.
"You look like our beloved divine Uncle Bama" said Brer Killer Rabbit.
"You should not be out here by yourself, though," he suddenly added with mounting concern. "There are racists which abound throughout this land. Why, did you not know that almost every white person who does not love and honor Uncle Bama does so because they are racial bigots? You should come along with me and we will go see the great one, Uncle Bama. He will protect you and give you all kinds of good things from the pockets of selfish, greedy white racists."
But the tar baby just looked on and smiled, saying nothing. This angered Brer Killer Rabbit. How dare a simple little black boy ignore him and just smile foolishly at him? Did he not know who he was and what he had done throughout the years for his kind?
"Answer me, boy", Brer Killer Rabbit demanded. "Don't you know what I have done for you people?"
But Tar Baby just looked on in mute nonchalance, his idiot smile seeming to meld into his mouth under the glare of the hot summer sun.
"That does it, boy," Brer Killer Rabbit shouted and reached out and grabbed hold of the Tar Baby, whereupon he found himself stuck to the form of the Tar Baby, to the delighted laughter of Brer Fox and Brer Bear.
"That's the funniest thing I saw since Sistah Fannie and Brer Freddie bribed Uncle Bama," Brer Bear said.
"That's the funniest thing I saw since Brer Wilson shouted the truth about what a liar Uncle Bama is," Brer Fox added.
"You better not throw me in that thar briar patch," Brer Killer Rabbit said desperately.
Understanding full well that any hare, including killer rabbits, were always at home in a thicket, even one filled with briars, Brer Fox turned and walked away.
"You got yourself into this mess", he said with a laugh. "Get out the best you can."
"No, you can't do this to me," Brer Killer Rabbit screamed. "You can't leave me all alone like this and just forget about me."
Brer Fox and Brer Bear both knew knew full well he would never get out of the mess he had got himself into. They didn't care. Brer Killer Rabbit would never change his ways. But that was all right. Brer Killer Rabbit was not important enough to worry about.
"This might work even better," Brer Fox said. "Just wait till Brer Killer Rabbit sees this here tar baby. He'll just have to pick him up and hug him and cuddle him and fondle him and he'll get all stuck, and then we can laugh at him."
"We do that all the time anyway though", Brer Bear replied. "But okay, let's hide and wait. When we catch him can we eat him?"
Before Brer Fox could answer with disgust at the thought of eating something so loathsome, Brer Killer Rabbit came hopping along on his way to Uncle Bamas little White House where he planned to bow and kiss Uncle Bama's feet and ass. When he saw the little tar baby with the face of Uncle Bama he was delighted.
"You look like our beloved divine Uncle Bama" said Brer Killer Rabbit.
"You should not be out here by yourself, though," he suddenly added with mounting concern. "There are racists which abound throughout this land. Why, did you not know that almost every white person who does not love and honor Uncle Bama does so because they are racial bigots? You should come along with me and we will go see the great one, Uncle Bama. He will protect you and give you all kinds of good things from the pockets of selfish, greedy white racists."
But the tar baby just looked on and smiled, saying nothing. This angered Brer Killer Rabbit. How dare a simple little black boy ignore him and just smile foolishly at him? Did he not know who he was and what he had done throughout the years for his kind?
"Answer me, boy", Brer Killer Rabbit demanded. "Don't you know what I have done for you people?"
But Tar Baby just looked on in mute nonchalance, his idiot smile seeming to meld into his mouth under the glare of the hot summer sun.
"That does it, boy," Brer Killer Rabbit shouted and reached out and grabbed hold of the Tar Baby, whereupon he found himself stuck to the form of the Tar Baby, to the delighted laughter of Brer Fox and Brer Bear.
"That's the funniest thing I saw since Sistah Fannie and Brer Freddie bribed Uncle Bama," Brer Bear said.
"That's the funniest thing I saw since Brer Wilson shouted the truth about what a liar Uncle Bama is," Brer Fox added.
"You better not throw me in that thar briar patch," Brer Killer Rabbit said desperately.
Understanding full well that any hare, including killer rabbits, were always at home in a thicket, even one filled with briars, Brer Fox turned and walked away.
"You got yourself into this mess", he said with a laugh. "Get out the best you can."
"No, you can't do this to me," Brer Killer Rabbit screamed. "You can't leave me all alone like this and just forget about me."
Brer Fox and Brer Bear both knew knew full well he would never get out of the mess he had got himself into. They didn't care. Brer Killer Rabbit would never change his ways. But that was all right. Brer Killer Rabbit was not important enough to worry about.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
There Are Some Things You Can Just Never Live Down
Is it possible that little punk Kanye West dissed Taylor Swift as a way of revving up interest in his appearance on the opening night of the new Jay Leno Show? The two events did seem to dovetail a little too neatly to be a mere coincidence. On the other hand, if that's why he did it, why when Leno questioned him about the matter did he seem so embarrassed, so ashamed of himself?
Could it possibly be because when it came time for his appearance, he realized what a dreadful mistake he had made?
No, I'm not talking about the mistake of his insulting Taylor Swift by grabbing the microphone out of her hands at the MTV Video Music Awards and declaring that Beyonce had a great video-implying that she, not Swift, deserved to win.
As you might have guessed by now, I am instead talking about the dreadful mistake he made by agreeing to appear on the first installment of Leno's new dog of a comedy/variety/talk show, which is scheduled to appear five nights a week, Monday through Friday at ten o'clock, on most of the various local NBC affiliates, which I have a strong idea many people are going to be avoiding in droves during said time period.
What the hell are they thinking? That's actually a rhetorical question, again in case you hadn't guessed. It's obvious what's going on here. People are starting, thankfully, to tire of the seemingly endless streams of reality and game shows, so NBC needs another way of attracting viewers-a way that is relatively inexpensive in comparison to creating, writing, producing, directing and casting a truly world class television series, for example.
Simply migrate Leno from his traditional late night spot to the ten pm prime time slot, they seem to have decided, and they should really have a winner. There is only one flaw in their "reasoning". The show is not worth sitting through a whole hour. I made that decision before the first thirty minutes were up on the first night, and didn't even bother to suffer through any more of it before Leno got to his patented "Headlines" routine-the one part of his late night show I use to enjoy somewhat.
Leno is one of those comedians who love to make lame political jokes. Maybe somebody forgot to clue him in to the fact that most people these days just don't have much of a sense of humor when it comes to politics. Granted, this is a problem that could very easily be solved. How? With jokes, of course. The unfortunate caveat to that is-they should be funny.
Yeah, Kanye West, you made a fucking worthless, low-class ass out of yourself, and you should really be ashamed-but take heart. Maybe, like me, most people changed the channel before your appearance on Leno's sorry excuse for a program.
Could it possibly be because when it came time for his appearance, he realized what a dreadful mistake he had made?
No, I'm not talking about the mistake of his insulting Taylor Swift by grabbing the microphone out of her hands at the MTV Video Music Awards and declaring that Beyonce had a great video-implying that she, not Swift, deserved to win.
As you might have guessed by now, I am instead talking about the dreadful mistake he made by agreeing to appear on the first installment of Leno's new dog of a comedy/variety/talk show, which is scheduled to appear five nights a week, Monday through Friday at ten o'clock, on most of the various local NBC affiliates, which I have a strong idea many people are going to be avoiding in droves during said time period.
What the hell are they thinking? That's actually a rhetorical question, again in case you hadn't guessed. It's obvious what's going on here. People are starting, thankfully, to tire of the seemingly endless streams of reality and game shows, so NBC needs another way of attracting viewers-a way that is relatively inexpensive in comparison to creating, writing, producing, directing and casting a truly world class television series, for example.
Simply migrate Leno from his traditional late night spot to the ten pm prime time slot, they seem to have decided, and they should really have a winner. There is only one flaw in their "reasoning". The show is not worth sitting through a whole hour. I made that decision before the first thirty minutes were up on the first night, and didn't even bother to suffer through any more of it before Leno got to his patented "Headlines" routine-the one part of his late night show I use to enjoy somewhat.
Leno is one of those comedians who love to make lame political jokes. Maybe somebody forgot to clue him in to the fact that most people these days just don't have much of a sense of humor when it comes to politics. Granted, this is a problem that could very easily be solved. How? With jokes, of course. The unfortunate caveat to that is-they should be funny.
Yeah, Kanye West, you made a fucking worthless, low-class ass out of yourself, and you should really be ashamed-but take heart. Maybe, like me, most people changed the channel before your appearance on Leno's sorry excuse for a program.
Monday, September 14, 2009
I've been doing a lot of the household stuff most people usually put off until the spring, and one of those things is painting. So far I've painted the living room walls, but not the ceiling and the woodwork yet. I'll get to that later. I painted the walls white, and it looks damn good if I do say so myself. I'm eventually going to do the doors and at least some of the woodwork in turquoise, if I can find that color paint. If not, maybe green, to match my kitchen. Then comes the part I dread-the bedroom. That means a whole lot of moving and cleaning under things first. That's the hard part about painting. It's not the actual painting, it's all the preparation and incidental shit that goes with it that's a pain in the ass. Which is why I haven't posted much in the last few days. Hopefully I'll get caught up in time to do a series of posts for Mabon, and maybe a few things between now and then. But for now, back to the grind.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
How Will We Ever Decide?
I listened to Obama tonight as he appeared before Congress and gave his speech about the need for health care reform, and I must say that, though I find myself in stark disagreement with much of what he said, he did make some good points.
I then listened to the Republican response, in the form of a Louisiana Republican member of the House of Representatives, who came from the perspective of a former heart surgeon. He too raised a lot of good points and did a good job of representing the Republican position on this important issue. At the same time, I found myself wary of a good many of his statements.
So, what should we do? How will we ever decide? Who really has the best answers? Who has the overall best interests of the country and the people at heart?
Obama and the Democratic Congress. The opposition Republican caucus.
How will we ever decide between these two suitors? If only we could listen to them in such a way that we could see clearly just what they both are all about.
Hey, I know-
I then listened to the Republican response, in the form of a Louisiana Republican member of the House of Representatives, who came from the perspective of a former heart surgeon. He too raised a lot of good points and did a good job of representing the Republican position on this important issue. At the same time, I found myself wary of a good many of his statements.
So, what should we do? How will we ever decide? Who really has the best answers? Who has the overall best interests of the country and the people at heart?
Obama and the Democratic Congress. The opposition Republican caucus.
How will we ever decide between these two suitors? If only we could listen to them in such a way that we could see clearly just what they both are all about.
Hey, I know-
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Now the UN is going after airlines emissions in order to combat Global Climate Change, and are pushing an international treaty to keep jet emissions at 2005 levels in perpetuity. Otherwise, airline jet emissions are projected to amount to twenty percent of all carbon emissions by 2050, according to them.
Their recommendation, according to the article, is to allow for a cap-and-trade regime for a brief time before phasing into a period of hard cuts in emissions growth. The plan is to keep reductions steady at 2005 levels, with no increase nor any reductions below this level, the latter of which is apparently an attempt to ensure people can continue to fly at current levels. This moratorium on further emissions growth, in combination with significant cuts in other sectors, will supposedly help to reverse the current climate change trends.
At the current rate of scientific advancement, I wouldn't be too surprised to look up toward the sky one of these days and see-
Of course, then they would be complaining about flying horse flatulence.
Their recommendation, according to the article, is to allow for a cap-and-trade regime for a brief time before phasing into a period of hard cuts in emissions growth. The plan is to keep reductions steady at 2005 levels, with no increase nor any reductions below this level, the latter of which is apparently an attempt to ensure people can continue to fly at current levels. This moratorium on further emissions growth, in combination with significant cuts in other sectors, will supposedly help to reverse the current climate change trends.
At the current rate of scientific advancement, I wouldn't be too surprised to look up toward the sky one of these days and see-
Of course, then they would be complaining about flying horse flatulence.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
The Man With The Golden Arm
I just got through watching The Man With The Golden Arm on KET, or tried to. Whoever was responsible for playing the film apparently went out for pizza or spent most of the time on the phone, or jacking off or whatever, because it was a mess. But it was one hell of a mess.
This is a film that is crying, screaming, and begging to be remade. And this is coming from a person who hates remakes as a general rule.
Still, I can see this remade and set in modern times, with Frankie Machine not a jazz drummer, but maybe as a heavy metal drummer, or for that matter guitarist. Instead of a heroin addict, he is a meth addict. Of course, the film would more sex, violence, and foul language, though admittedly the original starring Frank Sinatra was far ahead of its time in approaching what was then considered the taboo subject of heroin addiction. It was very gritty and realistic, and the jazz score actually added to the film's complexity and charm, as opposed to being corny and distracting, as in the case of so many films where such attempts come across as a blatant attempt to be cool but end up falling flat.
It would be hard to imagine who would direct an updated version and come close to approaching the level of ingenuity achieved by Otto Preminger, and I won't speculate.
It would be interesting to see who would be cast to play the updated role of Frankie Machine. Anybody but that little punk Matt Damon, please.
I won't give a rundown of the film, but if you insist, the link I posted is from Wikipedia, but a word of caution-there is one flaw in the synopsis as given. Of course, I can't be really too damn sure of that, because like I said, the film was so distorted through such a large portion of the airing, its hard to remember everything just right.
Having said that, it's definitely worth watching, and I recommend it highly, so if you haven't seen it, do what I should have done-rent it.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Brian Jones
Now that the authorities in Britain may be on the verge of finally investigating the mysterious, suspicious death of Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones, I wonder if its a safe bet that an old conspiracy theory is about to be trotted out. Of course, I am referring to vague rumors to the effect that Jones was murdered at the behest of Stones lead singer Mick Jagger and/or lead guitarist Keith Richards.
Yet, the very set of circumstances that led to such suspicions might well be the very ones that should serve to put it to rest. Jagger and Richards took creative control of the group which Jones actually founded, and took it in directions in which he never wished it to go.
Jagger and Richards then fired Jones, for a number of reasons-
*He was the only member of the group with a drug conviction, thus could no longer tour the US with the group, which was a practical necessity.
*Jones was so far gone due to drug use he was no good to the group at any rate.
It is also accepted canon in Stones lore that Jones was an abusive figure who slapped his girlfriend around, until she left Jones for Richards.
So what really happened on the night, just one month after the Glimmer Twins fired Jones from the group, that Jones was found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool, the apparent victim of a drug overdose?
Well, according to some reports, Jones was murdered by a friend and contractor by the name of Frank Thorogood, who later allegedly made a deathbed confession to the crime. The reason for the murder of Jones by Thorogood is dependent on who you choose to believe. According to some, Thorogood was angry that Jones was stiffing him on money for services rendered. Another version states that Jones attempted to fire the man and his crew after figuring out he was draining his finances for work that was mostly unnecessary.
There seems to be no principals to the story left alive, other than one witness who claims the contractor, during the night of the party, dived into the pool and approached Jones, whereupon he "did something to Brian"-and then left the scene. But this was known by official investigators at the time, as is the truth of the drug charge. Jones had been drinking, but there was no other drugs in his system. At any rate, why dredge this up now, when there may be no way to prove it one way or another?
Jones could have easily blacked out, suffered a seizure, or hit his head. Jones seemed to be on the verge of making a comeback and attempted to turn his life around. Yet, it might have been all to no avail.His heart was said to be roughly equivalent in health to that of a man in his sixties. Years of self-abuse had certainly taken its toll. And who is to say that the deathbed confession in question actually happened?
Well, of course its also a way to sell papers, and possibly a book by the man most responsible for pushing the investigation, but otherwise, it is doubtful that an examination of a forty year old corpse would turn up anything.
But, even if it did, where then from there? Possibly to the Stones, especially to Jagger and Richards, who are said to "freak out" whenever Jones name is mentioned.
Well, I can think of several reasons for that. One explanation is quite simple-a pair of guilty consciences. Even though they may have felt and still feel that Jones actions and lifestyle left them no choice but to act in theirs and the bands best interests, it has to make them wonder if they could have possibly taken another approach that might have worked out better for all concerned.
Or, they might have felt that Jones death was indeed a murder, by some perpetrator who might have then intended to kill them all. Perhaps Brian Jones death was a portent, or even a warning of some sort.
For that matter, it could have been a reality smack to the Stones. Talent and success are no guarantees that your last breath is not just around the corner. Jones was easily the most talented of the band, by almost all accounts, in at least certain regards. He could play almost any instrument as soon as he picked it up. With just a little effort, he could do so expertly. It was his initial vision and effort that made the Stones a household name. He had the talent, the drive, and the determination to succeed, and not one month after being dumped from the band, was well on his way to rebuilding his life, according to most that knew him well.
Then, just like that-he was gone.
I think, however, that there might well be another reason for the attitude of unease at the mention of Jones. All of them-Mick, Keith, and Jones-were during the time in question involved to some extent not only with drug use, but also with the occult.
I can easily see Jagger, or Richards, or conceivably both of them, conducting a ritual that involved a curse on Jones. Nothing truly meant to be taken seriously, but more than likely conducted partly as a joke, and partly as a way of expelling his influence and all the bad feelings that had built up over the last couple of years. This might well have happened in the days either immediately preceding, or immediately following, Jones firing from the band by Jagger and Richards.
It would be easy to see how Jones death would then affect the men who might have conducted what amounted to an off-hand "Satanic ritual" aimed at their old band mate.
Of course, if this is true, then it would simply mean that Jagger and Richards are probably yet another pair of victims of one of the most pernicious an unfounded myths ever perpetrated on the human race, one intended to keep men mired in superstition and chained to a false belief that a man's fate is not necessarily always in his own hands but can be subverted by supernatural agents who must needs be appeased, a myth which states-there is no such thing as a coincidence.
Of course, the curse might have actually worked. Who can tell?
For any who might be interested, the full story of the life, career, and untimely death of Brian Jones (or at least one version of it) can be read here.
Or, for a truly bizarre yet utterly fascinating take on the tale of sex, drugs, rock and roll and the occult-check out this engaging "true" ghost story.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Hulk Mad! Hulk Smash! Hulk Need Pussy!
Disney buys Marvel Entertainment. Well, that's the plan anyway. All they have to do is sell it to the board of Marvel shareholders. Well, that and cross all t's and dot all i's in the way of getting around any anti-trust concerns, and we will probably be bombarded soon with a slew of Marvel based movies. Worse, this could portend a whole new slate of superhero television series on the ABC television network.
Gag. And just think, when I was a young lad of about seven and eight years old, that would have been a dream come true. As a young whippersnapper, I would spend some time reading my beloved Marvel comics, wondering what it would be like were there to be not merely cartoons, but actual live action adventures starring Spider-Man and the gang. I could envision this to the point that, at this young and tender age, I delighted and regaled family and friends with my own Marvel superhero movie plot and story ideas, just ripe for Hollywood. I think I might have talked just a little too much to a few too many people. Unfortunately,if that is the case, I have yet to receive a dime for all the hard work that went into my pre-pubescent imagination, and I doubt I ever will.
Okay, moving right along-
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Keep On Smiling
Today was originally slated to be the day Michael Jackson was to be buried, but Katharine Jackson, in keeping with the tenets of her faith as a Jehovah Witnesses, decided not to bury Michael on August 29, which happened to be his birthday, because-get ready for it-
Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays.
Maybe Mrs. Jackson, or whoever the jackass is she has as a spokesperson, might like to rephrase that as "Jehovah's Witnesses do not RECOGNIZE birthdays". On the other hand, Michael did leave his mom pretty much set up for life, soooo, moving right along-
Michael's funeral will be "celebrated" on September 3rd, while today was reserved instead solely for the nationwide bi-partisan celebration of the funeral of Senator Edward Kennedy.
Which may be proof positive that, whether you are a Christian, a Jehovah's Witness, a Pagan, or of some other faith, the gods just do not put more bullshit off on humanity at any one time than humanity can possibly bear.
Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays.
Maybe Mrs. Jackson, or whoever the jackass is she has as a spokesperson, might like to rephrase that as "Jehovah's Witnesses do not RECOGNIZE birthdays". On the other hand, Michael did leave his mom pretty much set up for life, soooo, moving right along-
Michael's funeral will be "celebrated" on September 3rd, while today was reserved instead solely for the nationwide bi-partisan celebration of the funeral of Senator Edward Kennedy.
Which may be proof positive that, whether you are a Christian, a Jehovah's Witness, a Pagan, or of some other faith, the gods just do not put more bullshit off on humanity at any one time than humanity can possibly bear.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Where In The Hell Is Senator Kennedy Now?
NEW GAME! FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! CAN YOU SPOT TEDDY IN THE PICTURE BELOW?
I'm sorry, but I just can't see him in this picture. Is it possible Teddy went to heaven after all? Actually, yes, it is not only possible, it is in fact very probable. How? Why? Stay tuned for the answer.
I'm sorry, but I just can't see him in this picture. Is it possible Teddy went to heaven after all? Actually, yes, it is not only possible, it is in fact very probable. How? Why? Stay tuned for the answer.
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