Monday, October 31, 2011

Sanctity of Marriage? Kardashian Calls it Quits After 72 Days

He can do better. She's got a "brand?" Gahhhh.
This post has nothing to do with any respect I might have for the Kardashian family, or any of the several dozen ridiculous reality shows they have. The only reasons this story registers on my radar, are a) because the scale of the wedding was on par with the British Royal Wedding of Prince William; and b) that this highly public "sanctified" union was rubbish before a typical 90-day probationary period would be over.

Often, when it regards marriage equality (same-sex or gay marriage), we are told that marriage is not a civil right. It is a holy, sanctified privilege. This is of course, far from the truth. The truth is that any two opposite-sex, unrelated, of-age people can get married. They need not be in love. They need not be able to procreate. They can be criminals, they can be insane. They don't even have to know each other. In fact, I could put an ad on Craig's list for a insta-bride, and I--a gay man--could marry whoever showed up, tomorrow. But I can't marry* my partner of almost 14 years? You know what? I'll bet this Kardashian chick gets married again before I can legally do so in Las Vegas. Sin City!

Also: The fact that this chick has a "brand," and a following is a sad note on today's young people.


[Excerpt]


Kardashian's divorce won't tarnish her brand

Seventy-two days after their lavish wedding ceremony, which cost an estimated $10 million and was subsequently televised to more than 4 million viewers, the couple announced their split. . .

Read more at: USA Today


* I'm actually now married to my husband for over three of those years, in Palm Springs. I'm part of  one of those "still valid, but only in some states" marriages.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

"I'm Only Just a Right-Wing Troll"

One area where the right-wing has been more successful than the left is in messaging. For instance, Frank Luntz, the uber-wordsmith of the right makes up phrases like "job creators" (rich people) and  "energy exploration" (oil drilling).  Even Luntz has difficulty shrugging off what he's doing. You know he knows that he's lying by not lying. . .getting off on a technicality. But a whole lot of the public buys into it.

To reinforce the message, there is an army of paid "trolls." People who infiltrate progressive (and mainstream) message boards, and radio shows, with the intent of seeding it with dissent. Not actual dissent, but calculated dissent. It's like "FReeping" a poll, bombing it with your side's opinion, to make it look like your side is more represented than it is.  And so, we now have the professional, right-wing troll.

I'm Only Just A Right Wing Troll by Mike In Raleigh

Halloween Horrors: Top 10 SCARY Horror Movies

Back in the early days of the blog, I posted a series of lists of my favorite Halloween films. Since we're nearing All Hallows' Even again, I thought I'd repost some of them. With a few updates and additions.





Image from Wikipedia.org

There are as many "top 10" horror movie lists as there are horror fans. And for the list to have any relevance, you have to quantify what you mean by "horror." There's the kind of movie that really scares you, and keeps you up at night. There's the kind that makes you laugh (yes, horror can be funny). And there's the kind that is just iconic--they might not scare you exactly, but leaving them off of your list is heresy.

So, because I'm unable to whittle all of those types down to 10, here is one that is just focussed on the really scary horror movies. Hopefully, you can use this for your Halloween night suggestion list.

Greenlee Gazette Top 10 Scary Horror Movies

1. The Exorcist (1973) - This is the granddaddy of all scary movies. Even better if you're Catholic (so I'm told), or have ever had a devil dream (which I have). Loses none of its punch, 35 years later, except for a few anachronisms that remind you: "Hey, this is a 70s movie," like lighting up cigarettes in a hospital! You know the movie has really got something when it can effect a completely non-religious cynic like me!

2. The Hitcher (1986) - Maybe not strictly "horror," but definitely scary. The first time I watched this, I was on the edge of my seat for the whole film. Rutger Hauer is one of the scariest villains ever on screen. Sometimes the tension is almost unbearable. Though C. Thomas Howell's 80s 'do might take you out of the moment. But, skip the sequel and the remake, seriously.

3. Dawn of the Dead (1978) - The greatest zombie movie of all time packs in the gore, shocks and scares. Possibly the best low-budget horror movie of all time. Even Leonard Maltin thinks so. Mall culture may be dying, but not quite like this! The sequel looks newer and snazzier, sure, but the original can't be beat.

4. The Omen (1976) - Creepy, scary and right up there with The Exorcist for religion-inspired nightmares. That little Damien kid is the archetype for all scary horror movie children. Yet another where you can skip the remake, but the first two sequels have their moments.

5. Halloween (1978) - The godfather of slasher flicks, this film will actually make you jump. Great suspense, good payoffs, and an incredible score. Jamie Lee Curtis is the best movie scream queen in cinema history. I haven't seen the remake yet, but haven't heard great things. But if you like this one, Parts 2, 4 and 5 are pretty good. The rest are rubbish.

6. 28 Days Later (2003) - A modern update of zombie movies--sort of. It will scare you, and give you a vague discomfort hours later. The sequel? Nah.

7. Phantasm (1979) - This (extremely) low-budget film has more scares than some entire horror franchises. The Tall Man is one of the creepiest villains ever on film, short of Dick Cheney.

8. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) - Sure, you may have forgotten that the series started out scary, but the first film in the franchise delivers the scares, and an eerie nightmare vibe. First time viewers will have a hard time sorting out dreams from reality. Some of the sequels are good, but none are as scary.

9. Hostel (2005) - This is in the current trend of "horror porn," where the camera lingers on the cruelty and gore. But it is undeniably scary, and will freak you out. The sequel? Not so much.

10. Hellraiser (1987) - The series has been diluted by the countless sequels, but the original still gives me the creeps. Pinhead and his Cenobites will tear your soul apart! Again, sequelitis robs this one of its novelty and creepiness. So, avoid them if you're looking to get frightened.

Blast from the Past: Cult Horror Movies

What is a cult horror movie? Well, it would usually be a movie that isn't a mainstream franchise, like Friday the 13th, or Halloween.They're a little more obscure, a little out of the mainstream. Sometimes they worm their way into the public consciousness, but usually? If you like these movies, you're a rare breed.



Herman Cain Accused of Sexual Harassment

It's apples and oranges! Image form Raw Story
If you're accused of sexual harassment, blame yourself!

[Excerpt]

Politico: Herman Cain accused of sexual harassment

Politico reported on Sunday that when Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain was head of the National Restaurant Association, a post he held from 1996 to 1999, “at least two female employees complained to colleagues and senior association officials about inappropriate behavior. . .”

Read more at: Raw Story

 

Herman Cain Gets the Bad Lip Reading Treatment

Halloween Horrors: Guide to Halloween, the Michael Myers Saga

 Here's my take on the Halloween movie franchise. Keep in mind, the ratings are genre-specific, and don't necessarily apply to other movies in general.
Image from Wikipedia

Halloween (1978) - John Carpenter struck gold with the original in the series. He created the faceless killing machine (Michael Myers), the "you're dead if you have sex/drink/party/do drugs" horror cliche. And Carpenter's score for the film is amazingly creepy. Easily the best in the series, in fact the best of the genre. And Jamie Lee Curtis was fantastic, as was Donald Pleasence. ****

Halloween II (1981) - Picks up immediately after part one, and holds very close to the tone and the quality. More gore, more violence and more inventive kills are a consequence of the other slasher picks being made at the time, and cause many to dislike this entry. Curtis and Pleasence still are in top form, and Michael Myers seems to meet his end. In fact, unless you're fanwanking, you can't really explain his later resurrection. Also notable for the fantastic soundtrack, an improvement on the original. Great to have on the stereo to creep out the trick-or-treaters. ***

Image from Wikipedia
Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982) - The creators decided to drop the storyline, and try a different sort of Halloween movie, which was pretty good, but disappointed most fans. It had nothing to do with the previous films, other than the producers, and similar eerie music. Had it been successful, there were supposed to be other unrelated, Halloween-themed movies in the series. The film had one of the coolest logos in the whole series, as seen in the image on the right. **

Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers (1988) - They went back to the original story (and dropped the roman numerals), which continued the storyline of Michael Myers, and ignored the ending of the second movie, where Michael Myers clearly died. The great thing about Halloween 4 was that the characters reacted like normal people--trying to get the heck out of dodge--and died anyway. Very close to the tone of the first two, and a great performance by Pleasence. ***

Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers (1989) - OK, but weaker than the previous films. Continues the storyline from part 4, but adds a psychic angle, shifting the tone of the series. **

Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers (1995) Dropped the number, and tried to add new elements that weren't in the previous films (Michael was a Druid?). The series was running out of steam. *

Halloween: H20 (1989) - 20 years into the franchise, this entry tried to reinvigorate the storyline. Donald Pleasence had died, but Jamie Lee Curtis was back, and much of parts 4, 5 and 6 were ignored. They even brought in Janet Leigh (Jamie Lee Curtis' real mother, and star of Psycho). H20 was an improvement, but the concept was really running on fumes. **

Dreadful. From Wikipedia.
Halloween: Resurrection (2002) - The less said about part 8, the better. Updates the series for the internet era. Not an improvement. Don't bother. *

Halloween (2007) - This film was ultimately unnecessary, as the original was impossible to top. The attempt to reboot the series, and bring it into the 21st century isn't a total misfire, but is kind of pointless. As far as remakes go, it isn't bad.  Malcolm McDowell does an okay job as Loomis, but nobody can replace Jamie Lee Curtis.  **

Halloween II (2009) - Terrible. That is all. Zero Stars

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Official Greenlee Gazette Jack O'Lantern


Yeah, that's a pen line on his left eye. Shut up,
they won't see it in the dark!



The pumpkin up there in the logo is stolen, I admit it. I don't know if it is a photo of the world's first barfing pumpkin, but it's a good one! So, this year I decided to make a real puking jack-o-lantern. Of course my gumption and my follow-through are two different things. Taking off the lid is easy, but have you carved a fresh pumpkin lately? Those suckers are dense, and blades don't really like to curve when they're handle-deep. What, I have the wrong tools? Yes, I'm sure that I shouldn't have started with a bread knife.

At night without a flash, my camera holds its shutter
open soooo long. Yeah, I could reset it, but why?
Anyway, here's my Jack O'Hurley.

Over Time with Bill Maher, October 28, 2011

Cornell West, good. Grover Norquist and that Christie guy? Not so much.


Thursday, October 27, 2011

Halloween Horrors: Rating the Horror Remakes

I've finally over the last year or so, gotten to viewing a slew of the new remakes and reboots of classic horror films.  There have been quite a few, and some are better (or worse) than others. Here's a handy guide for you, to help you out with your holiday video viewing.  (*Star ratings are for within-the-genre only)

Greenlee Gazette Modern Horror Remakes Guide

The Thing (2011) - This one is almost brand new, having only been around for a couple of weeks. Apparently it isn't tearing up the box office records, but then neither did the 1982 installment. If you liked the original, I can't see why you wouldn't like this one. There is no big Kurt Russell-type star. But it's basically the 1982 version, spruced up, and with improved effects. It has genuine suspense, and in some ways is more satisfying than the original one was. And if you hate the cold? You'll have a little more to shiver about. The 2011 Thing is more gooey, and more gross, so of course I recommend this one. Be sure to watch through the end credits. Something happens there that could potentially make this one inappropriate for this list. But whatever. ***

Image from Wikipedia
Rob Zombie's Halloween (2007) - If there was ever a horror series that needed a change, it was Halloween. Though the original is an all-time classic, and there are a few enjoyable sequels sprinkled in there, the last three sequels run the gamut from bad to worse.  But Zombie's reboot of the franchise isn't promising. The movie itself is fine, and if it had no legend to live up to might be be rated higher.  It is tied to the previous series--interestingly enough--by having the star of parts 4 and 5 as one of the actors.  But you won't be scared by this one, and anything promising for a new series is trashed by the immediate Halloween II remake, which is bizarre and confusing, trying too hard to shoehorn in supernatural elements.  You could certainly do worse, but you can do so much better by renting or buying the original.  **  (Sequel: No *)

Friday the 13th (2009) - This reboot had no real legend to live up to.  The Friday the 13th series is an interesting mixture of nostalgia and "so bad, it's good" in the pantheon of horror, and literally couldn't be wrecked.  Also, Jason Voorhees' character and back-story were already muddled, and continuity between editions was so loose, re-starting the story is no big deal.  You might call it more of a ret-con than a reboot. Anyway, this is by far the highest quality, best produced edition of the series.  You've never seen such clarity and crispness in a Friday film, which were usually muddy and dark.  Acting is better than the original series, and the effects are fun.  This is really a remake of Part 2 of the original, which was one of the better original sequels, and it's not bad.  They fleshed out Voorhees' background, adding in a couple of odd elements, neither improving or detracting much from what we know. It has a few surprises, and a couple of jolts. But scary? Not so much.  More fun than later Friday sequels (except for maybe Freddy vs. Jason). Amazingly, this film still doesn't explain why Jason's mother thought he was dead, how he survived, or why he was there to witness his mother's death!  Any future sequel would play like an extension of the first series, rendering the reboot kind of moot.  ***
Image from Wikipedia

A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) - This one had me the most worried, going in.  The original Nightmare is an undisputed classic. Sure it was low-budget, had some problematic acting, and is hopelessly mired in the 80s. But it was so original, mixing the dream world with reality, relateable nightmares and a terrifying villain in Freddy Krueger. Later sequels kind of neutered Freddy though, so a reboot, Wes Craven's New Nightmare was made several years ago.  New was not a success, even though it was critically praised, so this remake came to be, recasting and rebooting the entire franchise.  It's a mixed success. There's a new guy playing Freddy, and while he did a fine job, Robert Englund is a tough act to follow.

This isn't like the other horror franchises, with masked killers.  Englund is Freddy. That's the toughest aspect to get around.  I was surprised that they didn't focus on Nancy's house much at all, which was an iconic aspect of most of the original series.  Also, Freddy is made more creepy and disgusting than scary.  He was always a "child killer" but the implications of that were obscured before. Here, he's very definitely a pedophile and killer, which makes you more queasy than terrified.  All in all, a decent remake, but the original is still better. **

The Hills Have Eyes - You couldn't really damage the original in this Wes Craven flick.  Hills falls into the Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Wrong Turn sub-genre of films, with ordinary people finding themselves in desolate places ruled by murderous, cannibalistic mutants/hillbillies/inbreds.  It's nasty, it's bloody, and you will want to cover your eyes in parts.  If you like it messy and nasty, this belongs on your rental list. The sequel falls right in line, playing like an extension of the first. Not Shakespeare, but what horror is?  *** (Sequel **1/2)

April Fool's Day (2008) - The original is a personal favorite, though not very well known. By the same people as the Friday the 13th series, April Fool's Day was a novel twist, with better acting, humor and an interesting premise of a "murder mystery weekend" going horribly wrong (or did it?).  The "remake" is really in name only. There's some decent gore, and even the acting isn't too bad. But it's a terrible movie. No stars.

Image from Wikipedia
The Last House on the Left (2009) - Another remake of a Wes Craven film, and this one is better than the original.  The old one was gritty and dirty, and disturbing, feeling almost like 70s porn.  This one is more standard-issue modern horror, but more disturbing than your typical slice & dice.  The acting is terrific, with Tony Goldwyn (Ghost) and Garrett Dillahunt almost unrecognizable as the bad guy, Krug (apparently based on the same bully of Craven as Freddy Krueger).  The film--though it does have a few typical "oh, they wouldn't do that" horror movie moments--is quite engaging and suspenseful, and is only marred by an ending that seems kind of out of left field.  It's satisfying, gory and nasty, but not entirely believable. Overall though, the best of this list. ****

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) - Unlike the other remakes in this list, I've never seen the original Tobe Hooper film.  I've caught a handful of the sequels though, and this one is better than any of those.  Some decisions by main characters are completely unbelievable, but that's a critique of most horror films, so it goes with the territory. This one plays like a better-produced installment of the never-ending original franchise.  **

There are others, of course.  George Romero's Dead series of zombie films has the unique distinction of having different folks produce remakes of each of the original three movies, and even sequels to them.  There's Prom Night, Psycho, Children of the Corn. . .but a good rule of thumb is this: get the original.  It's almost always better.

Envious of iPhone's Siri? Android Now Has Iris

I'd have named it "Andy" for Android, but Iris is cool.
Image from source, CNN
Steve Jobs was really infuriated by Google's Android smart phone operating system. Jobs may have had a case if the software actually stole actual Apple code, or was involved in some sort of corporate espionage or something. But it seems like he was just pissed that someone decided to rival the iPhone.


Well, imagine what he'd think of Iris.


[Excerpt]


Siri, Iris and the dream of just talking to our phones 

The only scene I really loved in "Star Trek: The Voyage Home" was when Scotty tried speaking verbal commands to a Macintosh Plus. Keyboards always seem to get in the way of doing what I want to do -- and nowhere is this as apparent, or frustrating, as on smartphones and tablets. . .

Read more at: CNN

Mitt Romney is Running for Office, for Pete's Sake!

Another funny clip by Mike in Raleigh, from The Stephanie Miller Show.

I'm Running For Office For Pete's Sake Landscaping by Mike In Raleigh

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Iraq War Veteran Critically Injured at "Occupy Oakland"

War zone in California. Image from ABC.
I have a increasing attraction to the "Occupy" movement, given its motives. I'm slightly less clear on their goals, though I get the gist: Wall Street caused the economic woes we're all going through, but no one was punished, no one arrested, and the 1% who weathered the storm are living high on the hog. Meanwhile, Congress (and let's just say it, the Republican Party) has been throwing goodies to the 1% while preaching austerity to the other 99%. It's enough to piss anybody off.

It's kind of inspiring to see the various groups all over the country and around the world, gathering for a cause. And so far, sticking with it. But the response by police and government has been really messed up in some places. "Beanbags" and "rubber bullets" sound harmless, but are actually capable of some damage. The response seems incredibly out-of-scale. The video from Occupy Oakland--where an Iraq War veteran was critically injured by police--looks like something out of Egypt earlier this year. Crazy.

[Excerpt]


Iraq War Vet Injured During Oakland Protests

A clash between Oakland police and Occupy Wall Street protesters left an Iraq War veteran hospitalized Wednesday after a projectile struck him in a conflict that came as tensions grew over demonstration encampments across the San Francisco Bay Area. . .

Read more at: ABC News

Steve Jobs Really Didn't Like FOX "News"

Jobs throws Murdoch on the barbie.
Image from source, Huffington Post
As the first bits of the new Steve Jobs biography leaked out, right-wing world was positively giddy about what Jobs thought of President Obama and his policies. Ostensibly liberal, Jobs still was a mogul. One who has his beloved products made in China, for instance. Well, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and countless others were gushing over these details. Hannity gave every few words that annoying uptalking thing that he does. All of this despite the fact that Jobs wanted to help run Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.

Something tells me they're not so thrilled with this. . .

[Excerpt]

Steve Jobs: Fox News 'A Destructive Force In Our Society' 

. . ."You're blowing it with Fox News," Jobs told him over dinner. "The axis today is not liberal and conservative, the axis is constructive-destructive, and you've cast your lot with the destructive people. Fox has become an incredibly destructive force in our society. You can be better, and this is going to be your legacy if you're not careful." Jobs said he thought Murdoch did not really like how far Fox had gone. "Rupert's a builder, not a tearer-downer," he said. "I've had some meetings with James, and I think he agrees with me. I can just tell.". . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

Greenlee Gazette's Guide to Friday the 13th

Happy Halloween! If you have not yet picked out your scary movies for your Halloween weekend, here is another of my lists from the early days of the blog, this one a run-down of the famous Friday the 13th series. When I originally wrote this, news of a "reboot" of the series was fresh. Now it is available on DVD and Blu-ray, and I definitely recommend it.


Photo from Wikipedia.org

Sprinkled throughout this blog is ample evidence that I am a horror movie nut. That's in addition to being a comic book/superhero nut, a 70s ABC-TV nut, and a far-left loony moonbat political nut!

With Halloween coming up, there will undoubtedly be a heavier focus on the horror movie nut side of me. Previously, I commented on how much I did not want to see Rob Zombie's re-imagined Halloween. I still don't, but I'm sure someday I'll get the DVD. Anyway, unlike the original Halloween, I'm not sure anyone would put Friday the 13th in the "classic" category. At least not good classics. The series is loved with a heavy dose of nostalgia, and not a lot else.

Sure, it's iconic, was amazingly influential, and made a whole lot of money for both Paramount and New Line studios. But the Friday the 13th string of movies was easily the hollowest, least plotted, acted and impactful storywise of the horror movie franchises (Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween, Hellraiser). Each Friday film pretty much follows a mindless killer, stalking stupid people.

There were variations along the way. And if you try to assign a real-world continuity to the films, you'll give yourself a headache that feels like a machete in your skull. Here are some short recaps (star ratings do not relate to the real movie world, only within the horror movie genre!):

Friday the 13th - The first film is by far the best. Jason does not appear (outside of a possible hallucination), but his storyline is set up. Notable for Betsy Palmer's iconic performance as Jason's mother. Sets the tone and atmosphere for the first four to seven movies. Genuinely scary for the uninitiated. Plus, Kevin Bacon. ***

Friday the 13th, Part 2 -Almost as good as the first, though very short (especially considering the recap at the beginning). Notable for Amy Steel's strong performance, the VW bug scene, and the guy in the wheelchair. Struggles to find a reason why Jason didn't drown, and why he was motivated to start his killing spree. Though the explanation is weak, it is used as the basis for the rest of the series. **

Friday the 13th, Part 3 - This (originally) 3D installment is one of the weakest, with very little story, and shots that were intended for the 3D audience. Most notable for hand-walking guy's death, and Jason's acquisition of his iconic hockey mask.  I initially thought this installment was terrible, but it's better in retrospect. *

Friday the 13th - The Final Chapter - Yeah, right! It's the best of sequels, and could have served as the finale, but there was more money to be made. Jason ventures out of Camp Crystal Lake, and seems to meet his end. Considering that this was 1984, I'm sure you know that it wasn't to be. Plus, Corey Feldman and Crispin Glover? ***

Friday the 13th (Part V): A New Beginning - Close to as good as part 4, reviled by fans for its plot twist, but very much in line with the tone of the first four movies. And Corey Feldman only wishes he grew up to look like John Shepherd!  Woof. **

Friday the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives - Yeah, I guess he lives. Often considered one of the best sequels, it left me cold. It felt like a different studio picked up the reigns. This edition has a vastly different tone from the first five films, and the gory kills just aren't there.  But I guess the MPAA is to blame for that. *

Friday the 13th, Part VII: The New Blood - They throw a psychic girl into the mix, and tack on a ridiculous ending, which puts Jason into the same scenario as the end of the last movie--making this one irrelevant. On the plus side the tone of the first five movies is back. And for you gay fans out there, this one is known as FriGAY the 13th for the high number of gay actors in the movie. *

Friday the 13th, Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan - The tone is still there, as Jason stows away on a cruise ship bound for New York. Most of the action is on the boat, and there are some great scenes. But it feels like the series is running on fumes. And that ending. What the hell? *1/2

Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday - Speaking of Hell, New Line Cinema took over the franchise from Paramount here, and it is very, very obvious this was made by others. Some of the feel is still there, and the film is undeniably fun. Adds a bunch of new story elements that wreck any (already strained) continuity from the first 8 films. Also ignores the end of Part VIII. Fun anyway. And it sets up the movie after the next one.**1/2

Jason X - Tenth installment puts Jason in space, with no context to the rest of the storyline. Continuity-wise has no home, and is akin to a comic book "elseworlds" or "imaginary story." Has its fun parts, but utterly skippable. But the cryogenic scene? Priceless. *1/2

Freddy Vs. Jason - I loved it. They took the monster from the best horror franchise (though it had run out of steam) and the worst (but still loved), and pitted them against each other. Truly, one of the best outings for this type of movie in a long, long time. That said, not the least bit scary. Plays like gory comedy. ***

Friday the 13th (Remake) - I was right that they couldn't really mess up the remake. It's a hoot. The twist--apparently--is that most of the characters you kinda want to see dead. And Jason is given a much heftier back-story. Unfortunately, they still don't explain what happened that made Mrs. Voorhees think he died when he didn't. Still, I'd put this in the top three with the first two installments. I don't know if there will be a part 2 (actually XIII), but I'm game. ***

FOX "Business" Warned Not to Emulate FOX "News"

Obviously, the order not to copy FOX "News" doesn't extend to the
"news babes." Image from CNBC
Here's a nugget of "common wisdom" I'd love to see consigned to the dustbin of history: the media is liberally biased. In what freakin' universe? Nearly all of the mainstream media is owned by massive multi-national conglomerates. Nearly all of those entities would be considered fiscally conservative. Even MSNBC--the whipping boy of cable news, to most conservatives--has a three-hour morning show every weekday, hosted by a Republican former-Congressman, Joe Scarborough. Even in their admittedly liberal-skewing evening programs (The ED Show, The Rachel Maddow Show, and The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell, they regularly have conservative guests like Michael Steele and others. You'd never see that on FOX "News."


For another example, here in Las Vegas, which went blue in 2008, and regularly goes blue in Clark County, there has never been a truly liberal radio station. But there are at least three conservative ones, some on both AM and FM simultaneously.  When you can only name those above along with Bill Maher and Jon Stewart as progressive voices, how can you seriously say it is a liberal media? And yet FOX "News" pretends to be "fair and balanced." And their sister network, FOX "Business" has mostly been a little-watched clone. But the bigwigs are not digging that fact, and they're laying down the law.


[Excerpt]


Memo to Fox Business staff: don`t copy Fox News

Here's a novel idea: Fox Business Network should focus on covering business news.
At least that's what Kevin Magee, executive vice president of the News Corp-owned <NWSA.O> cable news network, is urging his staff to do. . .

Read more at:  CNBC

Obama Doesn't Get Credit for Anything

What did President Reagan do that was so great? I mean really, he's held up as practically a saint in today's Republican Party, but what did he do? He raised taxes several times. He gave amnesty to all then-illegal aliens. He doddered around a bit in the waning days of his administration, and many thought Nancy was running things there at the end (with her astrologers). But the biggest thing (besides: "I'm from the government, and I'm here to help) that is remembered is "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" Reagan didn't actually tear down that wall, though you'd believe he did, based on the reverence given to him. No, the Soviet Union didn't fall until George H.W. Bush's term. But Reagan gets the credit.

So tell me. Osama bin Laden is dead. Muammar Gaddafi is dead. Lots of Al-Qaeda operatives are dead. The actions in Egypt and Iraq are all but over, and Afghanistan is soon to follow. There are a handful of disorganized terrorists left, and we're hunting them too. What the hell does President Obama have to do to get a little credit?


[Excerpt]


Jon Stewart Mocks GOP Over Blaming Obama For Bush’s Iraq Withdrawal Agreement




Last week, President Obama announced plans to remove all U.S. military forces from Iraq by year’s end, effectively ending the long and still questionably effective Iraq War. Over the weekend, numerous GOP leaders like Lindsey Graham and John McCain . . .


Read more at: Mediaite

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Calvin and Hobbes: Ahead of its Time, Corporate Arrogance

I adore Calvin and Hobbes,  by Bill Watterson, with a passion reserved for exactly two other comic strips besides itself, The Far Side by Gary Larson and Bloom County by Berkeley Breathed. And I'm aware that Calvin's creator is very averse to commercialism. I can't imagine what the "Calvin peeing on X" does to him. Calvin peeing, really? Anyway, I found this strip on the interwebs, and I'm passing it on. But I'll gladly remove it by request if necessary. But it is so on point, so perfect. I just had to share it.

Source: OMGblog

AMC Renews The Walking Dead for a Third Season!

Image from source, Deadline: Hollywood
Yeah, I've been entertaining this evening, along with The Other Half, which is why I'm late to blogging. But I'm back! And none too soon, either. Because AMC--after only two episodes this season--has already renewed The Walking Dead for a third season! And I was a little worried. Not because I didn't like the show, no, no, far from it. But because a big part of the two new episodes this season have been largely character-driven, with the scary zombies taking (mostly) second stage. So, YAY!, America is a little more with it than I thought!

[Excerpt]


AMC Renews ‘Walking Dead’ For Season 3

After shattering cable ratings records with its second-season premiere, AMC’s zombie drama The Walking Dead has been quickly rewarded with a third-season pickup. “Today we are pleased to announce that the ‘dead’ shall live as we proudly renew The Walking Dead for a third season on AMC and, globally, with our terrific partners at Fox International Channels,” AMC president Charlie Collier said. After launching its second season with 7.3 million total viewers and 4.8 million in the adults 18-49 demographic — the most ever for a basic cable premiere. . .

Read more at: Deadline: Hollywood

With special thanks to Stupid Monkey Planet for the link.

Koch/Cain: The Rich Guys Behind Herman Cain

Several days ago, radio host Randi Rhodes (quoted in a post below) mentioned the Koch Brothers-Herman Cain connection. She even termed it Koch/Cain, as a handy way to remember that fact. Now, Rachel Maddow is talking about it, which does mean something, even if you're a FOX Fan who points and laughs at MSNBC's ratings. Because if it's not on the teevee machine, it didn't happen.



Monday, October 24, 2011

Notable Quoteable: Randi Rhodes on Michele Bachmann

On Michele Bachmann's belief that we should be staying in Iraq.

"It seems Michele thinks that once you make a terrible mistake, you should just stick with it... kind of like her marriage to Marcus."

--Radio host, Randi Rhodes

Source: RandiRhodes.com

Church of Scientology Investigated South Park Creators

Matt and Trey, from source, Huffington Post
I might be able to understand why the Church of Scientology would be investigating Matt Stone and Trey Parker. . .if I understood why an ostensibly religious organization would be investigating anybody.  Hopefully, if they do L. Ron, The Musical! they're as spirited as they were on South Park.

[Excerpt]

Church Of Scientology Investigated 'South Park' Creators Matt Stone, Trey Parker: Report 

For Matt Stone and Trey Parker, nothing is holy or immune to satire. And since the launch of their groundbreaking animated TV series "South Park," they've skewered a multitude of world religions, pointing out hypocrisies, inanities or just playing with ridiculous stereotypes. One of their most famous religious satires, 2005's Scientology-targeting "Trapped In The Closet" episode, allegedly struck such a nerve with the church's leaders that the group responded by targeting Stone, Parker and their friends in a long-term covert investigation. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

Mitt Romney: The Most Caucasian Man in the World

From The Stephanie Miller Show contributor, Mike in Raleigh. Funny as always.

The Most Caucasian Man In The World by Mike In Raleigh

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Steve Jobs Wanted to Crush "Stolen" Android

Image from source, MSNBC
I can surely understand why Steve Jobs was perturbed about Google's Android phone and tablet operating system. After all, more phones are sold with Android than with Apple's iOS. But I'm not sure I agree with his reasoning, or am even sympathetic. After all, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates basically stole from Xerox when they created the Macintosh and Windows, respectively.


I might agree if Google actually stole technology. But if they're merely making a similar product? Whoop-de-friggin'-do! Edison didn't have exclusive rights to making records or record players. There are many manufacturers of very, very similar dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators, cordless phones, televisions, stereos. . . I understand wanting to trounce the competition. But you don't get the eternal right to no competition. I'm starting to wonder if the upcoming Steve Jobs biography is going to sully his image more than enhancing it.


[Excerpt]

Jobs tears into Google in upcoming biography

Google can only hope that Steve Jobs' final vendetta doesn't haunt the Internet search leader from his grave. 

The depths of Jobs' antipathy toward Google leaps out of Walter Isaacson's authorized biography of Apple's co-founder. The book goes on sale Monday, less than three weeks after Jobs' long battle with pancreatic cancer culminated in his Oct. 5 death. The Associated Press obtained a copy Thursday. . .

Read more at: MSNBC

Blast from the Past: Attack of the Horror Movie Sequels!

Last week's blast from the past featured trailers from some of the most classic horror movies ever made, good and bad. This week is about the sequels. Not all of them are bad. In fact, some are better than the original! Check it out. . .






Happy Monday!

MotoGP Crash in Malaysia • Marco Simoncelli • 1987-2011 (NSFW)

Video found on YouTube Courtesy Kimikazupy

There was a terrible tragedy at the MotoGP race in Malaysia today.

24 Year old Marco Simoncelli lost his life on lap two of today's race. He lost traction thru a right-hander & began to veer off course, to the left as expected. Then something happened & his bike regained traction & quickly dove into traffic. He collided with two other riders; Colin Edwards & Valentino Rossi.  Unfortunately, his helmet was dislodged during the accident & the ultimate price was paid. He died 45 minutes later. (In this video you are seeing he & his bike after it had regained traction & dove into traffic. He is still on the tarmac dragging on his right side, whilst his bike is trying to regain it's upright. Then the impacts occur.)

Some may argue his "Sideshow Bob" like hair-do may have contributed to his helmet coming off... Another argument to be had later, I am sure. Although it was a helluva whack or two.

The last rider to die in a MotoGP race was Daijiro Kato in a 2003 MotoGP event in Japan. Almost eight years between deaths is a pretty good record considering the danger these guys put themselves in.

You can watch Valentino Rossi (right-side) recover & avoid going down during this crash. To give you an idea of the skill level these competitors are at. 

Another tragic loss to the racing world in a very short time. 

Live like lightning, crash like thunder. 

For those who are wondering or may be unaware... Motorcycles are a large part of the Stupid Monkey's life. Which is how this bit ended up here.


Herman Cain Flip-flops on Gay Marriage

Instant flip-flops happen when candidates say something that irks their base. Usually, a candidate will be artful in how he pulls this off, sometimes avoiding the "flip-flop" label with a clever turn of phrase. Not Herman Cain. The man who only days ago thought that same-sex marriage ought to be left to the states is now on board with a Federal Marriage Amendment to the Constitution, to effectively ban it. The irony of a black man wanting to change the Constitution to enshrine second-class citizen status to a group of people should not be lost on anybody.


[Excerpt]

Cain: I Support Federal Marriage Ban
   


. . .
I think marriage should be protected at the federal level also. I used to believe that it could be just handled by the states but there’s a movement going on to basically take the teeth out of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act and that could cause an unraveling, so we do need some protection at the federal level because of that and so yes I would support legislation that would say that it’s between a man and a woman. . .


Read more at (yes, it's that Pat Robertson site): CBN News 

Greenlee Gazette is Now on Twitter and Facebook!

Yeah, I'm a little slow getting to the transition, I realize that. But from now on, most posts here on the main site will be posted to Facebook, and all Facebook posts will automatically post to Twitter. Plus, a few "quickie" posts that don't make the main site will be available there as well. I'm trying to cajole Stupid Monkey Planet into setting up a presence there with me, and if he does, I'll make sure everything is cross-posted. Follow me, you'll be glad you did!
 
Follow GreenleeGazette on Twitter

What Happens in Vegas: Restored Film Shows Vintage Vegas

Very, very cool. Thanks to Stupid Monkey Planet for the link.

[Excerpt]

Restored Film Offers Glimpse of Vintage Vegas



They are the icons of old Las Vegas - the Stardust, the Silver Slipper and the Dunes.
These images of history spent decades etched on a 16mm film, tucked in a box in the Florida home of Jeff Altman's grandmother. . .

Read more at: 8NewsNow

Las Vegas 1962 from Jeff Altman on Vimeo.

Stephanie Miller's Sexy Liberal Tour Rolls On

Funny people: Lily Tomlin, Edie McClurg, Stephanie Miller,
John Fugelsang and Hal Sparks. Image from LA Times
Years ago, my sister would tell me how much she loved The Stephanie Miller Show. When I'd visit her in Ohio, I'd catch the odd snippet, and it just seemed noisy. Here in Las Vegas, we don't have--and never have had--a liberally-oriented radio station. And TSMS airs at 6:00 here in Pacific Time, a bit earlier than I get up. But about four years ago or so, I started tuning in to the last 1 or 1-1/2 hours of the show. I was a nearly instant fan. The show is politically liberal, but it is also very funny, with improvisational humor by voice artist Jim Ward, Stephanie herself, and her producer Chris LaVoie.

The show features numerous guests, from Senators and Congresspersons, to comedians and actors. The comedy ranges from the high-brow to the basest humor allowed by the FCC. Regular guests like Edie McClurg, Aisha Tyler, Hal Sparks and John Fugelsang provide "must hear" appearances almost every day of the week. In the last year, TSMS has birthed a traveling stage show, called The Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour, featuring Sparks, Tyler (sometimes), Miller and Fugelsang. It's been selling out all over the country, and getting rave reviews. It's doing so well, Bill O'Reilly and Dennis Miller are attempting to rival them with their own tour. Except O'Reilly and Miller aren't funny.

This weekend, Sexy Liberal was in Los Angeles, which is the radio show's home base. And since they're in Hollywood, they got some liberal friends to join them: Lily Tomlin, McClurg and Rob Reiner. Even LaVoie and Ward got to get in on the act. I'm jealous. Hey, Steph! I live in Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world! Come entertain us! Please?


[Excerpt]

Can a comedy tour be 'sexy and liberal?'

At each stop on Stephanie Miller’s nationwide "Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour" -– launched at Madison, Wis.'  Barrymore Theatre in April -- a surprise comic guest shows up onstage. At the tour’s Southern California debut Friday night at the Wadsworth Theatre, the surprise guest was Lily Tomlin, who joined talk show host Miller and comedians John Fugelsang and Hal Sparks for a panel discussion at the end of the show. . .

Read more at: Los Angeles Times




Saturday, October 22, 2011

Nevada GOP Caves on Caucus/Primary Calendar

Churchy, Crazy, Crazy Bread, Ken Doll, Dummy, Fatso and
Battsina Belfry.  Image from source, Politico.
I love the headline from the story excerpted below. Nevada's trouble-making Republican Party caused the problem in the first place!

[Excerpt]

Nevada helps resolve calendar chaos

Finally conceding defeat to New Hampshire in the Republican calendar stare-down, Nevada’s GOP on Saturday voted to move its caucus date from Jan. 14 to Feb. 4.

New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner is now expected to set his state’s first-in-the-nation primary for Jan. 10. He will not make any announcement before Monday, his office said Friday. . .

Read more at: Politico
As I always say, Rachel Maddow and Bill Maher together is Must See TV, as it was again. Seek out the whole show, it was one of the bets Real Times this season (hint: no conservatives!).

Friday, October 21, 2011

News of the Weird: Man Tries to Turn Poop into Gold

I can't believe the Huffington Post went for the "shitting bricks" joke, but I salute them for it!

[Excerpt]


Paul Moran, Northern Ireland Man, Tries To Turn Feces Into Gold, Ends Up In Jail 



The plan was to s!@# bricks -- gold bricks.

Paul Moran hatched a scheme to get rich quick by turning his own feces into gold, according to authorities in Northern Ireland. But like King Midas himself, Moran might have flushed his life down the drain in pursuit of his golden dreams. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

End to Iraq War

Credit to The Guardian

Adam Levine to Fox "News": Stop Playing My Music

Too sexy to be conservative. Adam Levine,
from source, Rolling Stone.
Who can blame him? Anyway, why would FOX "News" be using music from anyone other than Ted Nugent or, I don't know, Herman Cain?

[Excerpt]

Adam Levine to Fox News: Stop Playing My Music

Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine went on Twitter earlier this afternoon to demand that Fox News stop playing his band's music. "Dear Fox News, don't play our music on your evil fucking channel ever again. Thank you," he wrote. It is unclear what exactly prompted this public outburst. When reached by Rolling Stone, Levine's representative declined to comment. . . 


Read more at: Rolling Stone

DeLorean Makes a Comeback: Heavy!

This is a great idea, as long as they aren't too faithful. Automobile interiors and exteriors have improved since the early eighties, after all. We're not expecting a flux capacitor, but we'd appreciate an MP3-ready audio system, and a bluetooth-ready communications system. And an interior slightly ahead of a 1984 Dodge Omni. Other than that, this is the coolest thing that has happened in America since Pixar. McFly!

[Excerpt]


DeLorean Goes Electric 

Gas? Where we’re going, we don’t need gas.
Back to the Future, the movie to most prominently feature John DeLorean’s gull-winged icon of 1980s cool, ends with the future version of the DeLorean time machine running on household garbage. Well, folks, the future is now, and the new DeLorean doesn’t need gas or rubbish. The DMCEV, which will go into production by 2013, will run entirely on electricity. The expected starting price for the electric DeLorean is $90,000.

Read more at: CNBC

Christian Right: Masturbation is Gay

Hmm. Kinda sexy. Is that wrong?
Image from source.
The right wing has made great strides since the Tea Party took over. Oh, we can't govern for shit, but they won governorships, Congressional seats, and all kinds of offices in 2010. But the rhetoric is starting to get a little too restrictive. A little too limited. I mean, Rick Santorum (and, unwittingly, Mitt Romney) are advocating getting rid of contraceptives. And now we've got this uber-Christian dude (kinda hot in his Mickey Mouse shirt) saying you can't masturbate because it's GAY! C'mon, dude? You can't have premarital sex, and you can't have one off the wrist? Really? Free entertainment, right out the window? Somebody buy this dude a Fleshlight.


[Excerpt]

Christian Right Wing Pastor Mark Driscoll Says Masturbation Is Form Of Homosexuality

The Christian Right has much to say about homosexuality. Fred Phelpsl says God hates them and stages protests at the funerals of American soldiers to bring attention to his hatred. An anti-gay Christian Right wing activist recently said there wasn’t any proof that LBGT people exist. And most recently, a conservative crowd booed a gay soldier during a GOP Debate. Now a “pastor” on the Christian Right is saying that masturbation is a form of homosexuality. . .

Read more at: Addicting Info

9-9-9 Plan Loophole: Used Food Emporium

Cartoon character and 2012 Presidential Election candidate Herman Cain has been touting his 9-9-9 plan all over America. Economists scoff, poor people shrink in horror, but the rich folks seem to like it. When asked about the severe 9% tax on everything people need to live, Cain said that the tax would encourage people to "buy used." This prompted many people to wonder, "where the hell do you get used food?"  Friend, wonder no longer!


Rachel Maddow Teaches Mitt Romney About Lady Parts

I know that the last post was a Maddow post, but I can't help it. In this segment, Rachel reports from the man cave, to explain to Mitt Romney about lady parts, and the basics of conception. Why? Because Mittens agreed to support the idea that life begins at conception. What's the matter with that idea? Well, besides the generally agreed-upon "life begins at implantation," the fact that a large percentage of birth control prevents implantation after conception. Which causes "life at conception" laws to make many forms of contraception illegal. Go for it, America, I'm gay, it doesn't matter to me. But does it matter to you?


Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Koch Brothers Go After Maddow, Maddow Shoots Back

Though I'll probably abandon The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell when it goes to 10:00pm, I'm sticking by The Rachel Maddow Show. Because she's ten kinds of awesome. Don't believe me? Watch this takedown and challenge to the multi-billionaire Koch brothers. You'll see what I mean.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

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