First Impression

As I've written here before, I'm a movie fanatic on a long, self-imposed exile from the cinema.  The quality of the experience when I quit going to see those first runs on the big screen had gotten to be too little gained for too much spent.  I've purchased hundreds of DVDs in the time between, but stuck to my boycott without regret.  But just now, the film we've all waited for longer than my lifetime has come into existence.  And I'm here to report on whether it was worth breaking the strike.

I fetched up Freckles and her first-born yesterday, and we all went to the picture show.  We rode an hour and a half, and had to dodge some Interstate highway gum-ups, incorporated a stop at Bass Pro (since I was to be right there at it, there was a fish net needed getting), had a fine meal, and settled in to see Atlas Shrugged.

I'll try to spoil as little as possible, but can say I was satisfied with how the movie-makers adapted a 54-year-old story to show to a 2011 audience.  And I think I'll see it at least once more before giving a full-fledged review.  There were elements that I immediately felt could have been a fraction better (a bit of the dialog seems hurriedly delivered, a little subtlety would do wonders), and I'd like to have seen an hour's worth of enhanced character development (not that everyone else would, of course).  But by and large, it was an excellent first installment of the 3-part series.

My two accomplices had not read the book, but were anxious for Part II.  And judging from the lively discussion we had on the long ride home, they caught on well to Mrs. Rand's themes, drawing parallel after parallel with their modern world.  And when it's all said and done, it is not for ourselves, those of us who've read Atlas, that we hope this film appeals, but that it does so to those who don't yet know the whole story and its importance.

If you only know Ayn Rand rhetorically, or if you read Anthem and/or The Fountainhead (or saw that movie) and couldn't make yourself endure the magnum opus, or if you tried to read Atlas and gave up for whatever reason, you should see the film.  Those of us who did enjoy the book and have yearned for the movie, were given a treat, and should certainly consider seeing it a couple times.  An 8PM screening, and no younguns kicking my seatback, and no other distractions.  All-in-all, a very enjoyable movie-going experience.  Can't wait for Part II.

It is worth noting that 1 week ago, there wasn't a theatre listed to be showing Atlas anywhere in North Carolina.  That's changed due in large part to fans demanding that it be shown.  Go here to find your nearest screen, or to demand that it be shown in your area.  It was worth it to me to drive that far, and it's certainly worth your speaking up to get it shown.

Again, it's not just for you.

Better.

Well, I said that I'd try to do better.  How about a few observations from the world of sports?

ITEM NO. 1
Great news out of Chapel Hill, the big guys are sticking around.  I read where someone was touting the potential continued successes of those mid-major schools (Butler,et al), due to the presumed continued trend of "one-and-done" players in the marquee programs, but not so with Zeller and Henson.  I predict Barnes stays, too.

ITEM NO. 2
What's more pathetic (for a sports fan) than having your biggest/closest news resource be of the McClatchey syndication?  Answer: nothing.  Because they're more intent on social engineering, the Charlotte Observer's sports staff keeps pretending that Cam Newton is a viable choice as the #1 overall draft pick.  See, it's their job to establish public palatibility for a black quarterback, not maintain objective reportage.

Hey kids, I've got nothing against Cam Newton, and don't care what the heritage of my team's QB is (remember that I'm a big Armanti Edwards fan).  Okay, maybe I don't quite believe his insulation from the whole pay-to-play scheme for which his father took all the heat, but I'm just not sold on his talent.  In fact, I don't think he'd be less of a project than Jimmy Clausen.  I still prefer his teammate Nick Fairley at the top spot, and as a fillable need for the Panthers, and I'd take Cam Newton...just not as the numero uno.  The only way I'd take Newton is if there's a team out there (there isn't) that would package their first and second round picks for him alone.  Or if Cincy will give up Carson Palmer?

ITEM NO. 3
The biggest crybabies in the ACC are up to their same old shite.  Again.  They fired their perfect symbol of mediocrity (Cindy "Butterball" Lowe) down at NoClassStateU, and before the new guy even gets to show how mediocre he can become in such a bile-filled environment their idiot Athletic Director starts throwing mud at...wait for it...the University of Maryland's Head Coach, Gary Williams, for sabotaging their coaching search.  Allrighty then Debbie Yow, you've got a bug up your ass about Gary Williams.  But seriously, imagine you're Mark Gottfried.  He's sitting there, getting ready to go to work for the Wusspack and his AD is telling folks that they'd have gotten who they wanted were it not for Maryland's head coach sabotaging their efforts.  How's that for a vote of confidence?

ITEM NO. 4
As usual, I'll be rooting for Freddie to take another green jacket.  I hope Woods putts it in the water (again), and misses the cut.  I hope Hootie Johnson sneaks up on Rickie Fowler and bitch slaps his hat around straight.  I hope Kelly Tilghman suffers a terrible allergic reaction to azaleas, and leaves Augusta...never to return.

SLR

How many things (that you can enjoy in public) are better than this?

Rally. Really? No, Raleigh.

From the flyer linked below,

It has been over 110 years since the Republicans have controlled both Houses of the (NC) General Assembly, and we should celebrate this achievement.

I'd add perhaps, celebrate this achievement as a product of Tea Party patriotism, not to be confused with blind allegiance to the "R" party.  But yeah, this is a great idea.  And I hope to lend my support in person.  Wednesday January 26, 11AM-1PM, Raleigh.

You can download and print this flyer, and post it around your town.  See you there, fellow Patriots!

Release Date For Atlas Shrugged

I'd been checking regularly on IMDB.com for updated information regarding the release date for Atlas Shrugged, the movie.  For a while, they had January 1 as the release date, but I was pretty sure that wasn't right.  And then, at first, I thought it was a joke when I read April 15 was to be the date.  So, I did some googling, and yep...that's it.

Perfect.  Tax day.  Tax revolt, day?

You can bet that my schedule is blocked out for this.

I once swore off theatre movie-going, after a final straw type experience.  The last movie I've seen in a theatre was U-571.  In front of me sat two "men" holding hands, and in back of me (in spite of the fact I'd opted for the late show, specifically to avoid younguns), were a woman and her two pre-teen, seat-kicking boys.  My seat.  I believe the ticket was about 7 bucks, too, which is $6.75 more than the actual film was worth, just on its own merit.  All in all, a rather souring experience.

That was, what, 12-14 years ago?  I believe I've held out admirably.  And until I was too poor to justify it, I satisfied my love for movies building a fairly impressive DVD collection.

What a great way to end the streak.

Currahee!

Rest in Peace, Major Winters

Major Richard "Dick" Winters, whose Easy Company (506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne during WWII) was the subject of the HBO miniseries Band Of Brothers, passed away last week.  Always diverting glory from himself to his men, Dick Winters was a genuine hero.

Pennlive.com has a warm and fitting tribute to the man.

People who knew Winters during and after the war said he is exactly what he appears to be. He could lead without ever raising his voice or swearing. His friend Bob Hoffman, a Lebanon architect, said Winters’ eyes could “burn a hole right through you.”

The men who served under him and people who only met him later in life call him a hero, no matter what he says.

According to the book, one wounded member of Easy Company wrote Winters from a hospital bed in 1945, “I would follow you into hell.”

NC Blogroll, Update

Either something is amiss within Blogger, I'm not holding my mouth right, or universal planetary alignment is out of whack.  I've been trying to add a second blogroll, specifically to highlight NC bloggers, but keep stubbing my toe.

It ain't that I changed my mind, or forgot.  Technical difficulties and operator error, but I'll get 'er done if I hafta draw my pistol grab my computer adjustment hammer.

Signed It, Yet?

Don't you suppose that it's easier for them (your elected representatives) to ignore you if you fail to speak your mind?  Especially if/when they might be listening?

It's a great big stack of paper that someone said is healthcare reform legislation.  I have a bucketful of cowpies that I am calling healthcare reform.  Is either of the proclamations more believable than the other?  Have you read the "healthcare law"?  Has your Congressman or Senator?  Can he/she tell you where to find the "good" parts?



Sign the petition.  Force your representatives to vote on repeal.  Un-deem and un-pass, and be held accountable.

Right Minded In The Old North State

Look around me.  The Tar Heel State is blessed with an embarrassment of riches when it comes to talent in the blogosphere.  Some more prolific than others, some more widely-read than others.  But by and large, I have to say it's mighty impressive company hereabouts.  In fact, I'd like to advance the proposition that North Carolina has the finest collection of Right-thinking bloggers around.

Okay, raise your hand if you're a liberal blogger in North Carolina?  Didn't think so.

By contrast, consider this list of localish wordsmithery (in no particular order):


Sister Toldjah
What Bubba Knows He likes to refer to himself as an "Aggregator" rather than a blogger.  A rose by any name...
The Locker Room (The John Locke Foundation)
Hillbilly White Trash
No Feet Required
Red State Make sure to read Erickson's assessment of Reince Preibus' RNC Chair candidacy today.  I still contend that every voting member should pencil in the name Sarah Palin.
From The Barrel Of A Gun
Cold Fury
Katy's Conservative Corner
Silence Do Good Likes to quote Ben Franklin and Bubba.  'Nuff said.
Confederate Yankee
Jane Q. Public

Plus...

On Motivation & Chocolate Denise prefers reporting on chocolates and sweets to governmental malfeasance, but I have it on good authority that Ayn Rand's Dagny Taggart is her hero, and she favors Reese's Cups to all other confections.  That makes her right as rain in my book.

Very soon, I'll be collecting these into a special Nor' Cackolackian blogroll.

Happy 2011, y'all.  Esse Quam Videri...To Be Rather Than To Seem

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone from the Land of Livermushes.  God bless us every one.

'Out There' Is Over There

As I mentioned a few days ago, my outdoor adventuring efforts now reside in a new home.  For the title of that, I wanted to give some homage to this site.  Introducing Livermush Untamed & Out There.

I apologize that today's post there delivers such depressing news, but it is what it is.  We appreciate your prayers.

That effort will include very little, if any, of the political rantings that it seems I've found myself gravitationally drawn to here.  And hopefully, both endeavors should benefit from the separation.  Please swing by over there and let me know what you think.

-Jeff

Doesn't Belong

12/06-

I was just reading some of Lori Heine's blog post on David Horowitz' NewsReal Blog (h/t Bubba), and I've been following the public debate over DADT between the military brass, the Pentagon, and Congress.  Plus, I've read the sources that I've come to trust most regarding anything to do with the US Armed Forces: the very astute preachings over at BLACKFIVE, where I subscribe more toward Grim's sentiments, than Uncle Jimbo's.  That's unusual, because I'm almost always in agreement with the Uncle.

On the other hand, I do seem to always agree with Miss Coulter, who helps to remind us that there are reasonable limits to the concept of "tolerance."  Miss Ann submits:

We've heard 1 billion times about the Army translator who just wanted to serve his country, but was cashiered because of whom he loved.

I'll see your Army translator and raise you one Bradley Manning. According to Bradley's online chats, he was in "an awkward place" both "emotionally and psychologically." So in a snit, he betrayed his country by orchestrating the greatest leak of classified intelligence in U.S. history.

Isn't that in the Army Code of Conduct? You must follow orders at all times. Exceptions will be made for servicemen in an awkward place. Now, who wants a hug? Waitress! Three more apple-tinis!"

Lori Heine would have you subscribe to the notion that gays in the military are only dangerous in that "well, they have guns."  Combat soldiers have guns, dipshit...not your Army translators.  If they'd have all been armed at Ft. Hood, I'll bet Maj. Hassan (terrorist, muslim) would have either A) not killed as many real soldiers or B) never hatched such a scheme in the first place.

And the point Ann Coulter makes is that a soldier's duty exists regardless of his/her frame of mind.  A person's fitness to serve takes into account (or certainly should) the general state of that person's mind, and anyone whose sexuality is that screwed up so as to prefer that which is unnatural, ought to at least raise some skepticism on the fitness report, much like any Army Major who spends his free time hanging with sharia-loving disciples of that reknowned pedophile Mohammed.

Let me remind you, homosexuality is a perversion, and no less of one than beastiality, necrophilia, or pedophilia.  If you and I are repulsed at that behavior, it's safe to assume that most soldiers (and sailors and airmen) are similarly disgusted.  If you aren't repulsed, fine.  But don't go around making up labels like "homophobia" to make me feel guilty for my intolerance.  And don't ascribe terms like that to a soldier's level of tolerance or lack thereof.

12/09-

I'd delayed publishing this to let it stew a bit...

This morning, I read another essay by Ann Coulter on the subject.  Just as I had been thinking (that's the way it goes--I'm busy thinking it, and she says it), there's no reason we shouldn't just dedicate a special branch of the military just for those pillow-biters who "want to serve their country."  I put the quotation marks around the previous phrase because I don't believe for a minute that they're serving anything other than their own whimsy.

I was unaware that today's military employs "sensitivity training facillitators" or why such should ever, ever be necessary.  It's the Marine Corps, you dipshits, fuck a bunch of sensitivity.

Again, Miss Coulter:

Why can't the Army and Marines have their own rules? Why does everything have to be the same? Whatever happened to "diversity"?

Maybe we could have an all-gay service! They'd be allowed to wear camouflage neckerchiefs (a la Paul Lynde) and camo capri pants. To avoid any sexual harassment claims, they'd have to have their own barrack, which we could outfit with a dance club, a cosmo bar and a counseling center called "The Awkward Place." Their band would mostly play show tunes, and soldiers captured by the enemy would be taught to reveal only their name, rank and seasonal color analysis ("I am Private First Class Jeffrey Smith and I'm a 'winter.'")

They wouldn't be allowed in combat, however, for the same reason women aren't –- it takes them too long to get ready.

If you were a soldier, you'd strive to be the best soldier in the best outfit, and there would be no place for weakness in your squad.  A little bit of cowardice or distraction puts everyone at risk, and you'd be right (as it should be within your rights) to employ some considered discrimination.  A soldier's life is too big a price to pay for social engineering.

Splitting

In an effort to be more organized, blog-wise, I am planning on taking the "Outdoors" portion and branching it into a stand-alone effort.  I have several reasons for thinking this a good idea, but chief among them is that currently, posting every thought here on the ST&L leaves any reader with an "It's Wednesday at the Mickey Mouse Club, Anything Can Happen Day" everyday kinda expectations.  That can have its benefits, but can get tiresome, too.

And hopefully, branching off would help direct more clarity of focus, plus drive me to maintain higher standards of productivity, continuity, and quality.

I just recently had been trying to use the "page create" function to add a second page to this one, towards that purpose.  But, there wasn't a way to whittle out sidebar elements (that's what happened to the Atlas poll) on one page without losing it on the other.

I'll be playing around with templates to see what I like, and something new should be forthcoming within a week or two...

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Sporting World Update

This just in:

James Harrison, linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been fined by the NFL another $25,000.  It turns out that the Steelers' opposing QB for this coming weekend, Baltimore's Joe Flacco, called the League office to complain that Harrison "might be thinking about looking at him funny."

Sources close to the aforementioned League office also quoted many other quarterbacks as having said, "Waaa, mommy, he touched me too!"

Pansies.

Seriously, I was watching the Carolina Panthers game last Sunday.  One of the Panthers D-linemen was flagged for a "blow to the head" against the Ravens' QB and within about 30 minutes (real-time) I saw Tyler Brayton give Jon Beason a celebratory whack upside the head which was infinitely more "violent."

As Jack Lambert famously said, "If they didn't come to play football, put a dress on 'em."

From ReasonTV...

...On the set of Atlas Shrugged.

[T]elling the epic tale of a society where the "men of the mind" go on strike and refuse to contribute to a collectivist world.

IMDB says that the scheduled release is January 1, but I wonder if that's not just their way of saying "next year."  The most definitive time frame I've heard otherwise is "springtime."  Whichever the case, I can hardly wait.

Here's an idea for ya: Let's have a big gathering of Right-minded North Carolina bloggers.  We could have a pig-picking and then attend the premier en masse.

Cavewoman Casting 11/22: The BigAss Reptiles

It seems so unfair, I know, to limit the preliminary casting choices for Cavewoman 2011 (catchy working title) to just those charming anchor-babes and correspondent-babes at the Fox family of networks.  So to be fair, but not necessarily balanced, how about we include a few non-Fox personalities for consideration?

For the TRICERATOPS, I'm thinking Joy Behar, Rosie ODonnell, or maybe Janeane Garofalo. 

Playing the PTERODACTYL, how about Katie Couric or Whoopie?

Helen Thomas, not really a teevee personality (and well, not much of anything, and could use some work), could do a cameo appearance as herself in a death-match against the TYRANNOSAURUS played by Rachel Maddow.

Other ideas?

Your Favorite Movie

I stole this from Boortz, then tweaked it.

See if this simple math exercise can predict your favorite movie...of...all...time.  Among the 18 films listed after the fold, your favorite movie will appear beside a number.  That exact number will be predicted by the following math problem.

I guarantee that it'll work.

Movie Quiz:

Pick a number from 1-9.

Multiply by 3.

Add 3.

Multiply by 3 again.

Now add the two digits together to find your favorite movie in the list of 18 movies on the next page.

Boob's Out

Lots of time, as voters, we're faced with choices between the lesser of two evils.  Occasionally though, we get to decide between a really good person with character and genuine leadership skills, versus a particularly despicable one that embodies the worst traits of the ruling elite.  And for North Carolina citizens, winning such an election was almost undermined by one campaign's dirty magic tricks.

The popular vote tally was in favor of Renee Ellmers, and by a wide enough margin that a recount would not be automatic.  But that final score was before someone miraculously discovered 450+ ballots, all marked (even more miraculously) in favor of her opponent, Bob Etheridge.

Bullshit, Bob.  You owe me $25.

Yesterday afternoon, Etheridge called Ms. Ellmers to finally admit that he'd lost; that further challenging the will of the people was unwarranted.  Ladies & gentlemen of the Old North State, meet your new Congresswoman from the 2nd district, Renee Ellmers.

Ms. Ellmers, please don't forget that compromise is for politicians, and that losing a fight is much better than giving in.  We don't need you to go make friends, or bring home pork (we make plenty of the real stuff, anyway, you know).  We need you to go fix your predecessors' shit.

Congratulations, Ma'am.

A special thanks to SarahPAC's Momma Grizzly fund, gettin' it done!

One last note:  Let's all not forget the fact that this election was much closer than it ever had to be, mainly because the RNCC never spent a dime to help her campaign.

We Used To Like Ya

I was driving hither and yon this morning, and was about 3/4 listening a local radio station known for outside-the-rut programming.  Sometimes the stuff they spin at WSGE is better than other times (it's sometimes been pretty great), and this morning was on the leave-side of the take-it-or-leave-it scale.  At the top of the hour, in the mornings, they cut to a news package, and I'm pretty sure (at 9AM) it was "AP Radio News."

The headline story was over (brace yourself) Bristol Palin's Dancing with the Stars competition.  As with most so-called news programs, legitimate or not, I'm generally about 3/4 tuned out, and certainly couldn't care less about anything to do with DWTS, but in the last sentence or two the newsreader credited Miss Palin's success, in part, to the tea-baggers.

I've actually written checks in support of Public Radio stations in the past.  But, when I got home, I fired off this short email to the folks at WSGE:

To whom it may concern,

On a network news feed this morning from your station, the newsreader used a vulgar term of derision ("tea-bagger") as a backhanded slur against a group of common Americans whose collective sins amount to having the audacity to peacefully assemble in opposition to what they perceive as governmental malfeasance.  Although I don't actually belong to the Tea Party, I do have great admiration and affinity for their efforts, and I take umbrage at having the national media so-casually deride them.

Whereas I believe the news service is AP Radio News, and not your own production, I listened to the "DJ" return to the programming long enough to offer an apology for airing the offensive term.  None was provided.

I've enjoyed your station in the past.  I've even been a financial contributor to Public Radio in the past.  But, no more.  Plus, I will lobby my elected representatives harder than ever to work toward de-funding National Public Radio and the Corporation For Public Broadcasting.

Regards,

Ex-listener

The WSGE website is here.

I'm not the only non-liberal who sometimes listens to stations that provide the AP feed, I'm sure. Did anyone else catch this?

Hangin In

"Still hangin' in there," as Colonel Bigfoot Thompson says, "like a hair on a biscuit."

Five rounds of SBRT gamma-knifin' radiation, and only slightly worse for the wear & tear.

I probably made it much worse on myself than it had to be.  One of the technicians who locked me into this contraption each day...

...clucked disapprovingly at my Tar Heel hat lying on the counter nearby on day 2, and expressed her love for the Blue Babies from Durham.  I then made the mistake of offending her (the one responsible for monitoring the dosage) by asking, "Do you think this current crop of Blue Devil footballers is a case of Don't Ask Don't Tell as applied to college athletics?"

GZZZZZDT - that's the sound the machine makes as it's zapping you.

I got her back on the last day, though.  I told her supervisor that if she touches my junk again, I'd have her arrested.

Seriously, thanks for the prayers and well-wishes.