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neonvincentI'm interrupting my reposting of my Examiner.com articles from 2015-2016 to save last month's comments at Booman Tribune, Infidel 753, and elsewhere. I'll resume after I post this and the top entries from last month at Crazy Eddie's Motie News.
I begin with this observation about this year's science fiction movies I left at Infidel753's Video of the day -- ruining the Alien
That was a good choice of video. Thanks to you, I've now subscribed to Hybrid Network on YouTube. It's my kind of channel.
As for "Alien: Covenant," it's a weak entry in a large field of merely average science fiction films released so far this year. It's currently the seventh highest grossing movie in the genre for 2017 according to Box Office Mojo behind Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Kong: Skull Island, War for the Planet of the Apes, Transformers: The Last Knight, Power Rangers (2017), and Blade Runner 2049. It will end up in eighth before Christmas, as Star Wars: The Last Jedi will pass it in one weekend. That written, it will very likely still be on the ballot as Best Science Fiction Movie at the Saturn Awards next year (I'm a voter), as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will be nominated as a Comic Book Movie Adaptation, while Kong: Skull Island and Power Rangers (2017) might be nominated for either Fantasy or Action. The sixth nominee will likely be one of Ghost in the Shell (2017), Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, or Life (2017). Even before the movie is released, I know I'll be voting for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. It's that kind of year.
The next science fiction comments were on Trump’s Defense is That Sessions Perjured Himself at Booman Tribune.
Don't give Drumpf any ideas!
"Not particularly useful comment: God, they're all so awful."
I've seen that format for responses before. It's the way HK-47 in the Knights of the Old Republic and Star Wars: The Old Republic games speaks. Is that where you got it from? Just the same, you're absolutely right. They are all so awful!
Wouldn't that be Clovis the Hutt?
Between this and the possible KOTOR reference, I really do feel like I've wandered into a Star Wars thread. In that case, may The Farce be with us!
I had more comments of a speculative fiction nature on TPM's readers on gun owners and the zombie apocalypse.
"The impression I get is that you can get a good deal of info about what a society (or subset of society) is afraid of by what sort of horror media (films, television series, books, etc.) are popular at any given time."
Your impression is absolutely correct. I've been studying zombies as a pop culture phenomenon and collecting other people's observations like the ones above for most of this decade. I summarized most of the reasons I support for the popularity of the zombie apocalypse in horror in Zombies meet preppers on 'Fear the Walking Dead' Season 3: "the rural-urban disconnect, the fear of urban hordes ravaging the countryside, a lack of faith in progress, a not so subtle racism, and a desire to shoot their fellow Americans." The rest I posted in Discovery News on World War Z: "Who needs a imaginary zombie plague when a very real flu pandemic combined with mass riots against a background of crumbling infrastructure could produce the same response, if not much the same result?" Ebola works even better than flu for this purpose. A reporter for Frontline on PBS said of an incident he covered that "It was like watching a Zombie movie."
I can go on and on about zombies. A fellow blogger called me an expert on them. Too bad it's on a topic that only exists in fiction.
Yes, but also their non-prepper neighbors, who might want to "freeload" off their supplies. Communitarians, these people are not.
I present the rest unedited behind the cut. As one can see, I kept myself busy in comment sections last month.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 39
This week's featured drink is Black Chaser Shots.
BLACK CHASER 1 oz. (30ml) Melon Liqueur 1/2 oz. (15ml) Black Vodka 1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Pineapple Juice 1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Sweet & Sour PREPARATION 1. Pour melon liqueur into base of shot glass and set aside. 2. In an ice filled glass combine pineapple juice and sweet and sour. Shake well. 3. Strain mix gently over melon liqueur. Use a bar spoon to float black vodka on top. Enjoy responsibly!Any requests?
I was in Southern California during the 80s as well, but my favorite band from that scene was X. Here they are on Letterman.
My comments on The NRDC announced it sued the Trump Administration 25 times as it won an Emmy.
I'm glad to have inspired you in a way I find positive. Thanks to you, I know what my next diary entry will be about. Here's a thank you image for a hint.
"Every day is Hallowe'en now!!!"
I have a song for that.
And a drink to go with it: The Bone Collector.
Here's the recipe: THE BONE COLLECTOR (Created by IG: @CocktailsByHawk) 1 1/2 oz. (45ml) Vodka 3/4 oz. (22.5ml) Campari 3/4 oz. (22.5ml) Sweet Vermouth 2 Dashes Apothecary Bitters Garnish: Orange Peel PREPARATION 1. Add vodka, campari, sweet vermouth and bitters to shaking glass. Add ice and roll to combine. 2. Add dry ice to serving glass and pour mix over using a flame to express orange peel at the same time. 3. Rub edge of glass with orange peel and drop into drink. DRINK RESPONSIBLY!
I have more where those came from.
I'm not optimistic, either, but the struggle must continue. Besides, some of these suits will be effective; we just don't know which ones!
Also, you're welcome. I do seem to be making my students more aware of the issues and some of them even change their behavior because of my teaching. I really can't ask for more.
My comments on Are We Better Than This?.
I told a colleague of mine the day after the election that "I had no idea so many of my fellow Americans were such ignorant, hateful people." He agreed with me. Then again, he's African-American. He knew it already.
It's comments like these that make me wish I could use the Facebook "sad" reaction here.
My comment on Whew! Kid Rock is not running for U.S. Senate
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, life really is imitating art and not in a good way.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 40
The day you posted this diary was National Harvey Wallbanger Day.
National Harvey Wallbanger Day is observed annually on November 8th. A Harvey Wallbanger is made with 3 parts vodka, 1 part Galliano and 6 parts orange juice, poured it into a highball glass and garnished with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
A story circulating at a chili tasting in 1968 in San Diego where Harvey Wallbangers were served explained the origin of the cocktail as the result of a party in Laguna Beach where the only remaining supplies were vodka, Galliano and orange juice. When the party goers left, Harvey remained, banging his head against the wall.
However, accepted lore credits the invention of the cocktail to the three-time-world-champion bartender, Donato ‘Duke’ Antone who operated Duke’s Blackwatch Bar on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Antone over the years collected quite a few credits for famous beverages. The bartender’s resume’ speaks volumes as the inventor of the Rusty Nail, White Russian and Flaming Russian. According to the bartending wizard, in 1952, a surfer named Tony Wallbanger inspired the cocktail. Perhaps, the party in Laguna Beach is a version of the Antone’s, but no one has been able to identify the inspirational surfer.
Harvey Wallbanger remained a quiet little secret in the San Diego area until around 1968 when William Young and George Bednar launched him (or it) onto the international scene. Marketing director for McKesson Imports Company (maker of Galliano), Bednar alongside graphic artist Bill Young, developed a successful marketing campaign around the Harvey Wallbanger character that exploded in late 1969 and the early 1970s.
Harvey Wallbangers for everyone!
Here's another song from 1991, the same year as the Jesus Jones song.
I have a weird cover of that for you.
My comment on Election Night Really Wasn't So Great
You've been banned there 11 years and it still stings this much? I've known people divorced less time and aren't as upset about it.
My comments on Casual Observation
In this case, I think the fireable offense was putting the father of Trump's son-in-law in prison. I suspect Kushner has never forgiven Christie for that.
I have two pieces of music inspired by that final sentiment. First, Berlioz.
Next, Geoff Zanelli pretending to be Hans Zimmer. He used the opening theme of the above from 0:48-1:08. It plays while Captain Jack Sparrow is led to the scaffold. Of course, he escapes.
My comment on SPP Vol.639 & Old Time Froggy Bottom Cafe
I have a video for that landscape.
Despite its dry desert landscapes, Utah is a land of endless surprises, and Glen Canyon is one of them, rivaling Arizona's Grand Canyon for sheer majesty.
My comments on Republicans Will Have to Make a Choice
"I await a third party movement."
I'll let Ezra Klein of Vox answer that for me.
Could a third party fix the hellscape of fail that is the United States Congress? Ezra Klein explains.
No, although that's not really what I think you're after. By the way, be flattered. I was going to post this in response to Brodie, but I decided you were more deserving. Besides, this comment will land directly below his anyway.
My comment on Video of the day -- the meaning of life
That was a very informative, well-produced instructional video. It covers all the material I teach my biology students, although it's a bit too basic and too long for the more advanced students I teach during the summer. I like that it makes the same point I do about viruses; they're life that isn't actually alive. As for zombies, I'm glad that the answer was "just kidding." If Aron Ra had been serious, I could go on for another paragraph! That's what happens when one becomes a zombie expert.
"I suppose they must have evolved from more complex, genuinely living things which actually became simpler to adapt to the presence of real cells they could parasitize."
That's the leading hypothesis about their origin that I've read, so you're most likely right.
My comment on The opioid epidemic at this year's News and Documentary Emmy Awards
Thanks for your support and input. I'm glad you like documentaries, as I have at least one more for you (the rest are news reports and news specials). As for the opioid crisis, I'll get to it at my personal blog when I run into good stories. When I do, I'll post them here.
My comment on Bernie Throws Down the Gantlet
"They kneejerk downrate" -- you have the wrong reflex. Think gag.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 41
The bar is open and today's featured drink is the Flaming Bob Marley Shot.
FLAMING BOB MARLEY SHOT
Roots, rock, reggae. Red, yellow and green. It's the Bob Marley shot!
Grenadine
Galliano or Creme de Banana
Creme de Menthe
Bacardi 151
Any requests?
As the video is not only about Bob Marley, but also performing the same piece around the world for peace, I'll note that Monday was World Kindness Day and the day before was Dance for Kindness, where dance groups around the world perform to the same song. Here is a montage of Dance for Kindness 2016 Worldwide Montage from Life Vest Inside.
Every year Life Vest Inside organizes Dance for Kindness (DFK), a worldwide event, in honor of World Kindness Day - showing that regardless of the differences in race, religion, ethnicity, culture and background - the common thread that unites us all is kindness.
In 2016, DFK took place in over 120 cities, 50 countries with over 15,000 participants.
My comment on Is the GOP Creating a 90% Tax Bracket?
Not the only attack on education
The House Tax bill eliminates the school supply deduction for teachers. From MLive here in Michigan Eliminating teacher tax deduction a 'slap in the face,' educators argue.
Stamm, who's now a math and science coordinator for the district, estimated she would often spend more than $500 on classroom supplies.
For years, she used the federal educator expense tax deduction to recoup up to $250 of her expenses.
But with federal lawmakers working to rewrite the tax code, that deduction is now in limbo. A proposal approved Thursday by the House of Representatives scraps the deduction, while the Senate wants to boost it to $500.
Though Stamm is no longer a day-to-day teacher, she says she's disappointed by the prospect of the deduction being eliminated. Teachers feel obligated to provide students with learning materials, she said, and if the government were to eliminate the reimbursement, it sends the wrong message.
The teacher works in the school district literally across the street from my house. I also used to be a K12 classroom teacher. This issue hits very close to home. At least it could be worked out in a compromise in conference.
My comments to Trump to Be Hit With a Legal Tidal Wave.
I thought it was David Frum. According to Slate, it turns out that you are right. Gerson changed Frum's "axis of hatred" to "axis of evil."
Booman didn't even quote my favorite line from the op-ed: "We are witnessing what happens when right-wing politics becomes untethered from morality and religion." Untethered from morality, definitely. Untethered from religion? Well, just look at Roy Moore for why I am not convinced about that.
Well, then, Roy Moore is an example of religion having become unmoored from both morality and history. I also agree he's a con man. Moore and Trump, birds of a feather.
My comments on Frontline's 'The Choice 2016' wins Outstanding Politics & Government Documentary at Booman Tribune.
I'm glad you did and I wish more people had. I'm already looking ahead to watching "Putin's Revenge," which was mentioned by the Frontline people as they accepted their awards. It's already aired, but it's also on YouTube.
I plan on embedding both the teaser and the full show of "Putin's Revenge" at my personal blog later this month as a preview of next year's News and Documentary Emmy Awards. That means it's eventually going to be posted here.
My comment on SPP Vol.640 & Old Time Froggy Botttom Cafe
Another video showing Utah's Iconic Landscapes From the Air.
MatadorU alumni and filmmaker Max Seigal shows you a view of Utah that not many have seen before. Take a look at this iconic landscape like never before, in Utah from the Air.
My comment on Casual Observation
It's a good reason to dislike Jerry Jones. Fortunately, you're in good company. The Wall Street Journal reported NFL Accuses Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones of Damaging the League. This is because Jones is trying to interfere with Roger Goodell's contract renewal and likely being behind "remarks from Papa John’s CEO John Schnatter earlier this month that were critical of the NFL." Both of those could be considered detrimental to the league. According to NBC Sports, the result could be a $500,000 fine for Jones or, if that's deemed insufficient for Goodell, a referral "to the NFL’s Executive Committee, which has the power to compel “[c]ancellation or forfeiture of the franchise in the League of any member club involved or implicated,” with a directive to sell the team." That would be one less reason to hate the Cowboys, but I assume you're an Eagles fan, so I expect you'll always hate the Cowboys.
My comment(s) on 'Trump University Fraud' wins Outstanding Business, Consumer, Economic Report on Booman Tribune.
I know someone who agrees with you, James Howard Kunstler. He devoted an entire podcast to the student loan debt crisis. In another blog post, he wrote "[H]igher education may lie in ruins. It is already burdened and beset by the unintended consequences of the financial racketeering so pervasive across American life these days." I think you would appreciate his writing. He agrees with you on more than just this one issue. You might also enjoy participating in his blog's comment section. You'd find a lot of people there with similar attitudes about the establishment.
You're welcome. Glad to help.
Don't forget the University of Phoenix among your list of bad actors. I interviewed with them twice when I was an adjunct looking for more work and both times I walked away knowing it wasn't for me. I currently teach full-time at a community college and saw what happened when ITT Tech failed and the attempts the college where I work made to pick up their students. I quite agree that they would have been better off with us. As for Betsy DeVos, sister of Erik Prince and wife of Amway heir Dick DeVos, I'm from Michigan and I'm quite aware of her ideological efforts to screw up public education. I'm not the least bit surprised at what she's doing and not doing for higher education, most of which are not good.
"Another intelligent, unclassifiable outlier" -- that's a good description of Kunstler. Another person who fits that description is John Michael Greer, who blogs at Ecosophia. You might check him out, too.
The book is "The Geography of Nowhere." Here's the cover.
(Written, but not posted -- at first) Don't count me among them about all your points. I'm a tenured professor at a community college and I eagerly sought adjunct positions, which were valuable stepping stones to where I am now.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 42
The night before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest bar nights of the year along with New Year's Eve and St. Patrick's Day. To celebrate, I'm offering Thanksgiving Punch from Tipsy Bartender.
THANKSGIVING PUNCH
10 oz. (300ml) Apple Vodka
10 oz. (300ml) Pear Vodka
10 oz. (300ml) Cinnamon Whiskey
34 oz. (1020ml) Angry Orchard Cider
13 oz. (390ml) Apple Cider
13 oz. (390ml) Apple Juice
Apple Slices
Pear Slices
Cinnamon Sticks
PREPARATION
1. Add fruits to base of punch bowl before pouring over alcohols and mixers.
2. Drop in apple slices, pear slices, cinnamon sticks, star anise and cranberries and stir gently.
3. Enjoy responsibly!
I have lots more Thanksgiving drinks where those came from, especially if one likes apple and pumpkin pies. Happy Thanksgiving!
My musical contribution this week is Public Image Limited's (This is Not a) Love Song.
My comment(s) on The NYTs Recommends the WaMo for Policy.
The donation button appears to work at Charity Navigator's page for the Washington Monthly Corporation, the parent organization for Washington Monthly. Also remember that this Tuesday is the National Day of Giving AKA Giving Tuesday, the perfect occasion to donate to your favorite non-profits.
My comment on SPP Vol.641 & Old Time Froggy Botttom Cafe
Here's another Utah video: Utah - Epicenter for Adventure Sports.
Come along with MatadorU student and filmmaker Max Seigal as you take a bird's eye view tour of Utah and some of the best adventure sports locations on the globe.
My comment on November 2017 Open Post.
I recall reading in the comments to one of your earlier posts about humans who were reincarnations of nature spirits. I've run into people who might fit that description, especially those who identify as otherkin (furries and the like) although they could easily be otherwise normal humans with odd interests. What struck me about that was the idea that nature spirits then would not non-physical beings of the next stage of existence, but beings with at the same level of spiritual development as humans. Did I understand that correctly?
On another topic, you have scoffed at the idea of artificial intelligence ever being achieved. Normally, you cite the technological limitations constraining its development. Would another constraint be that intelligence requires will and machines have no will of their own?
Finally, it was thanks to you that I resumed posting on Dreamwidth. I've enjoyed your posts so far and miss you in your absense from the journaling platform. Do you plan on posting there again?
My comment on Dems win big! The Incels subreddit is banned! Celebrate in this open thread
@Katamount
I think John Conyers should retire. He's had his term as the longest serving Representative. Let someone else have the honor. He doesn't deserve it anymore.
That written, the Wonkette article noted that a recurring subject of this blog, Mike Cernovich, was the one who broke the story and pointed out that it was reminiscent of how Roger Stone knew that Al Franken was going to be exposed before the news broke. Josh Marshall noticed this and asked "Why Cernovich?"
This doesn't mean Juicebro and Stone are wrong -- even a stopped clock is right twice a day -- it just means that they're motives aren't pure and they are still not friends of women. As Wonkette wrote, "beware of ratf*cking."
My comment on Link round-up for 26 November 2017
I guess that story about snails and shopping malls was even funnier than I thought. You aren't alone. Kevin Robbins of Hometown USA liked it, too. Now I wonder if it has anything to do with the cartoon you used to illustrate this post.
Just the same, I expected you to link to my post about minor parties being the Underwear Gnomes of U.S. politics, since you left two comments on it. Speaking of which, I finally responded to you. I plan on turning my response to you into a post on my own blog. Also, I don't mind you leaving long comments. Better you than the spammers!
I found the post about "simpletons" to be very informative. The rest of the blog looks like it would be something I should read, too. Thanks for finding it!
Finally, some of my friends on Facebook posted the link to the Red State post about alt-reich-furries as well. They thought it was hilarious, especially the horrified "OMG, the call is coming from inside the house" reaction. Red State is having the kind of response to Trump that Little Green Footballs had to the election of Obama; a realization that succumbing to the temptation to move even farther to the right will lead to madness. LGF moved to the left. Red State is acting like the Red Queen -- running as hard as it can to stay in place.
"As for the third parties post, I was thinking of adapting the comment I left there into a post (it's certainly long enough), and I'd have linked to yours from there."
It's your comment. Go right ahead. I'll wait until you do and then post my response.
"Heaven forbid anyone tells them about vore or shipping or DeviantArt, the poor innocent dears."
*Snork*
My comment on Video of the day -- Mars, the reality
I should probably post this video and the Bill Maher Earth Day video as counterpoints to my regular Elon Musk boosterism. As for Steve Bannon managing Biosphere II, that's hilarious. I use Biosphere II in my classes as an example of failing to take all variables into account and having Bannon mismanage it would be the cherry on top.
My comment on Who is funding the fraudulent group trying to frame the Washington Post? Donald Trump for one.
Unfortunately, yes. It’s a 501(c)3. Charity Navigator has a page for it, but no rating.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 43.
I've already posted my two favorite Talking Heads songs in response to Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 38, so I'm going slightly further afield with America Is Waiting by Brian Eno and David Byrne.
"May the 4s be with you" -- I have just the drink for that sentiment -- Star Wars Cocktails: The Jedi vs The Sith.
THE STAR WARS COCKTAIL...THE JEDI VS THE DARK SIDE OF THE FORCE
THE DARK SIDE:
3 Glowing Ice Cubes
1/2 oz (15ml) Gin
1/2 oz (15ml) Rum
1/2 oz (15ml) Vodka
1/2 oz (15ml) Peach Schnapps
2 oz (60ml) Hawaiian Fruit Punch
Ice
Blueberries
Top off with Black Vodka and Everclear mix
THE JEDI:
3 Glowing Ice Cubes
1/2 oz (15ml) Vodka
1/2 oz (15ml) Blue Curacao
1/2 oz (15ml) Peach Schnapps
2 oz (60ml) Lemon Lime Soda
Ice
Lime Pieces
Top off with Melon Liquor and Everclear
I have more where that came from.
So, any requests?
Facebook comments about the Saturn Awards
"[B]ar the boring as hell Dr Strange" -- Believe it or not, it was voted Best Comic Book Movie at the Saturn Awards last year, beating "Deadpool." Don't blame me; I voted for "Deadpool."
"That makes no goddamn sense."
It makes a certain kind of sense if one considers the previous winners in the the category. So far, they've all be MCU movies focused on single heroes, less well known ones, or both: "Iron Man 3," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Ant-Man," and "Doctor Strange." For some reason, the voters aren't keen on the Avengers movies. Fox's X-Men movies and DCEU movies get nominated, but don't win. It makes me suspect there is something odd about both the politics and taste of the people voting. If one of "Spider-Man: Homecoming," "Thor: Ragnarok," or especially "Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2" beat "Wonder Woman" next year, it will confirm my suspicions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_Award_for_Best_Comic-to-Film_Motion_Picture
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