Saved comments from January 2018
Feb. 1st, 2018 08:12 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
neonvincentMy comment on Veery Interesting.
With this title, the diary needs one more image.
Now it's complete.
My comment on Climate Change is Shrinking Moose.
This is Bergmann's Rule in action, an article about which the authors cite in their references. From the figure in its Wikipedia entry: "Bergmann’s rule is an ecologic principle stating that body mass increases with colder climate. Data demonstrating such a relationship in Swedish moose are shown... In addition to being a general pattern across space, Bergmann's rule has been reported in populations over historical and evolutionary time when exposed to varying thermal regimes." In other words, this is a completely expected result; moose are known to become smaller as the climate becomes warmer. The only surprise may be that it's happening more quickly than one might predict, as it's happening faster than mere genetic change over generations might explain. Instead, it seems to be a developmental response; moose grow to smaller sizes as an interaction with their environments over their lifetimes. Given the choice in the abstract between phenotypic plasticity or evolution, I choose phenotypic plasticity.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 46
I know just the drink theme for The Grateful Dead. Take it away Tipsy Bartender!
Since all the musicians in top-level comments are connected to The Grateful Dead, it behooves me to remind the readers of this diary that a documentary about the band has been nominated for a Grammy as Best Music Film and is on the shortlist for an Oscar nomination for Best Feature Length Documentary. Here is 'Long Strange Trip' Official Trailer (2017) | Grateful Dead Documentary.
Watch the official trailer for Grateful Dead documentary "Long Strange Trip," featuring Bob Weir, Bill Kreutzmann, Phil Lesh, and Mickey Hart. Directed by Amir Bar-Lev.Yes, there is a threatrical release date of May 26, 2017. There is another one in the trailer itself, June 2, 2017, when it started streaming on Amazon. That's important because it came after the cutoff for the 2017 Emmy Awards. That means the documentary will be eligible for the Creative Arts Emmys this year. It could possibly pull off an EGO (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar).
Release Date: May 26th, 2017
Plot Summary Emerging from the Bay Area's vibrant 1960s counterculture, the Grateful Dead were a motley crew whose unique sound sprang from an eclectic blend of influences: bluegrass, folk ballads, R&B, free-form jazz, classical and jug band.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 47
I looked up David Bowie's favorite drink and got a gin martini with Bombay Sapphire gin. Tipsy Bartender has a video showing viewers How to make a Gin Martini.
A classic for classy people.........the GIN MARTINI! We have the gorgeous German, Sophia, here in full regalia for this special occasion in which we mix up this all-time favorite cocktail. The traditional Gin Martini is a great, simple drink, but only gin lovers need apply for this one! It's a seriously potent drink, and the classic simplicity of this elegant martini is timeless. This is a fun drink to enjoy...it has a way of making you feel like a million bucks when you sip one of these!Speaking of Life on Mars, I'm a big fan of fantasy and science fiction, as was David Bowie, sci-fi superstar. Science fiction liked him, too. Here is a montage from "The Martian" set to Bowie's Starman that reflects that mutual interest.
...
GIN MARTINI
Gin
Vermouth
Olives
Thanks for the suggestion. I'll make a point of looking for Lawrence's books as soon as I finish my wife's copy of "American Gods," which is by my bedside. Speaking of which, the TV adaptation of "American Gods" features Gillian Anderson as Media playing Bowie, just to bring our conversation back to the subject of this diary.
My comments on Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 48.
I couldn't think of anything for Ryan Adams, but Cowboy Junkies inspired me. Since they're a Canadian band, I decided to feature a Canadian drink, the Calgary Herald's recipe for Stampede Caesar.
The paper even posted a video to show its readers how to make a Stampede-inspired caesar cocktail.
- Rim: Fresh cracked salt and black pepper with steak spice
- 1 oz Alberta premium rye whisky
- 4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- 3 pinches steak spice
- 3 grinds fresh cracked salt and black pepper
- 1 oz beef stock
- 3 oz Mott's Clamato Cocktail
- Garnish: Grilled Alberta flank steak on a skewer
- Method: Rim a highball glass with citrus and rimmer. Fill the glass to the top with ice. Add the ingredients in the order listed. Stir well to mix the cocktail, and garnish.
Here's the video.
Drink up, eh.
Continuing with the Canadian theme, I present The Crash Test Dummies.
Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 49
Happy Hump Day! I'm filling in for Don Durito again tonight and I'm continuing with the theme I started in Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 44, music from award-nominated (and hopefully award-winning) movies with political and environmental themes. Since the Oscar nominations were announced yesterday, I'm featuring two Oscar-nominated songs.
The first song is "Stand Up For Something" from "Marshall," which is also nominated for a Grammy.
"Stand Up For Something" by Andra Day feat. Common. Written by Diane Warren and Lonnie Lynn, from the original soundtrack to the motion picture "Marshall", in theaters Oct. 13, 2017.
In case this looks familiar, I posted it in the comments to Midweek Cafe and Lounge, Vol. 45. I'm an environmentalist; I recycle.
The next song for today is Mary J Blige - "Mighty River" (Mudbound OST).
Not only did Mary J. Blige earn a nomination for this song that she wrote and sung, she earned a nomination for her acting in the film. This is the first time someone has been nominated at the Academy Awards for both music and acting in the same year. Not even Barbra Streisand has pulled that off!
I'll post the rest of the nominated songs in comments as I see fit. I invite the rest of you to post your favorite songs from movies and television in the comments as well.
The bar/cafe is open
Today's featured drinks honor another music nominee, John Williams, who composed the score for "The Last Jedi." These recipes were created in honor of the previous movie in the series, "The Force Awakens." Take it away, Skyy and Inna of Tipsy Bartender!
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
May the Farce be with you!
The bartender is taking requests.
One of the favorites to win Best Original Song, "Remember Me" from "Coco"
While both "Marshall" and "Mudbound" are political, the other movies with nominated songs also make social statements. The one that I think has the best chance of winning is "Remember Me" from "Coco." Welcome to Mexico on Dia de los Muertos.
"Mystery of Love" from "Call Me by Your Name"
This is a very pretty song, even if it's the one that I think has the least chance of winning.
This is Me from The Greatest Showman
This is the other favorite to win Best Original Song. Personally, I'd rather have "Remember Me" win.
My comment on DONALD TRUMP: THE PATTER SONGS
Penius? Am I reading the comments at No More Mr. Nice Blog or Wonkette?
That written, Avattoir's response to donnakh is inspiring me to write a parody of "The List." Until I do, here is a couplet from the English National Opera's 2016 version:
"That Republican contender who behaves just like a chump
Building golf courses and skyscrapers that none can ever Trump"
And the next couplet is about Russia fixing contests, athletic ones, not elections, but I found the juxtaposition apt nonetheless.
Addition at Casual Observation
Those were hilarious. The second verse inspired me to post a response.
Penius? Am I reading the comments at No More Mr. Nice Blog or Wonkette?
That written, Avattoir's response to donnakh is inspiring me to write a parody of "The List." Until I do, here is a couplet from the English National Opera's 2016 version:
"That Republican contender who behaves just like a chump
Building golf courses and skyscrapers that none can ever Trump"
And the next couplet is about Russia fixing contests, athletic ones, not elections, but I found the juxtaposition apt nonetheless.
Here is the verse:
"And all those Russian athletes and the drug test that they missed
The Metabollicists -- those steroids might be missed"
And here is the video I got those lyrics from.
My comments on A Happy New Year LTTE.
Thanks for dropping by my blog! I'm glad to see you blogging again; I missed you.
I just checked the Cook Political Report's 2018 House Race Ratings and did not see NY - 21 or Representative Stefanik listed. That must mean they think her district is "Safe Republican." Sigh. At least Daily Kos reports that she has eight (!) Democratic challengers. In case her district comes into play, she'll be in more trouble than she expects.
I hope you give your readers a report on the forum. I'm looking forward to it just for your take on the candidates.
Twitter, eh? Now I'm looking for your account so I can follow it.
My comment on One for B Movie Fans
HAHAHAHAHA! Perfect!
Oh, I'm quite aware of Campbell's and Raimi's Michigan connections. I also have one degree of separation from at least one of them. Campbell was born and raised in Royal Oak, where I lived for four years. I also used to work for the man who made the props for the Evil Dead films. He ran a prehistoric themed amusement park near where I used to live in the Irish Hills and he would tell stories about the breakaway furniture and glass he would build for action scenes. Before that, he was Gerald Ford's presidential photographer. Michigan connections all.
My comment on Notes From the Candidates' Debate.
Thanks for the report. May one of your favorites win the primary and then beat Stefanik.
My comments on No, You Are the McCarthyite.
Reading about Roy Cohn and AIDS reminds me of the fictional Cohn in "Angels in America." Here is Al Pacino playing Cohn being visited by Meryl Streep playing the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg.
Yeah, an asshole to the end.
I can think of a few ways in which progressives might imagine Pence being worse, a couple of which are paradoxical. The one I've said myself is that if Pence replaced Trump, some of the Resistance would dry up and blow away, because it is about Trump personally, not whatever passes for his ideology. That doesn't help in raising money and recruiting candidates, never mind that Trump might start a nuclear war before the next election. While Pence would likely be worse for single women and LGBT Americans, he isn't as unstable or vulgar as Trump; he has experience in government and electoral politics, so he knows how to play the game even if he's on the wrong team. Both of those lead to the paradoxical reasons why Pence might be considered worse than Trump. He is more disciplined, so he might be more effective at getting his reactionary agenda enacted. Also, he has a strong ideology, which is even more repulsive to progressives in some ways than what passes for Trump's, so he's going to be more consistently awful in his policy preferences. What that ignores is that Pence won't appeal to the racists and crazies as effectively as Trump, so he won't have the same level of support, and that he would be damaged if he ever succeeds Trump before his term expires. As a result, I think it's a wash.
My comment on The Next Recession: Not A Matter of When But A Matter of How Soon.
Hi and thanks for quoting and linking to me! My recommendation for a hard cider is Woodchuck. I don't drink it any more, but not because I don't like it. No, too much sugar for my diabetes.
If you want an even stiffer drink, here's one from Tipsy Bartender:
APPLE CIDER MARGARITA
1 oz. (30ml) Gold Tequila
1 oz. (30ml) Grand Marnier
5 oz. (120ml) Apple Cider
Orange Slices
Apple Slices
Ground Cinnamon
Sugar
PREPARATION
1. Rim edge of glass with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
2. In an ice filled glass mix tequila, grand marnier and apple cider. Shake well to mix.
3. Fill prepared glass with ice and orange slices and pour mix over top. Garnish with an apple slice and ground cinnamon. Enjoy responsibly!
Oh, you can drink whiskey. One of the first things I learned about diabetes, back when I was in seventh grade, was that diabetics could drink it because it had no sugar left. In retrospect, I'm amazed that detail made it into a book that was allowed to be in the middle school library.
Wait, you're a diabetic, too?
My comment on Mitt Romney is Not the Tonic for Trumpism.
I have to admit I'm one of those writing about Mitt Romney replacing Orrin Hatch. I call Romney Willard the Rat and Willard Scissorhands, the Barber of Severe, but promised not to call him either of those should he run, win, and oppose Trump from inside the G.O.P. At least I have nearly a full year before I might have to keep that promise.
That written, whenever I read about Romney's penchant for mendacity, I'm reminded of The Long Con by Rick Perlstein in The Baffler. It cites Steve Benen's fact-checking, but also puts Romney's lying in perspective as something cultivated among right-wing circles to the point where it is now expected of conservative candidates.
The strategic alliance of snake-oil vendors and conservative true believers points up evidence of another successful long march, of tactics designed to corral fleeceable multitudes all in one place—and the formation of a cast of mind that makes it hard for either them or us to discern where the ideological con ended and the money con began.
...
And what of Willard M. Romney’s part in the game? There’s a lot going on with Romney’s lying, not all of it related to his conservative identity; he was making things up as a habit, after all, back when he was a Massachusetts moderate. To a certain extent, Romney’s lies are explicable in just the way a lot of pundits are explaining them. When you’ve been all over the map ideologically, and you’re selling yourself to a party now built on extremist ideological purity, it takes a lot of tale-telling to cover your back. But that doesn’t explain one overlooked proviso: these lies are as transparent to his Republican colleagues as they are to any other sentient being. Nor does it account for a still more curious fact—for all the objections that conservatives have aired over Romney’s suspect purity in these last months, not one prominent conservative has made Romney’s dishonesty part of the brief against him.
It’s time, in other words, to consider whether Romney’s fluidity with the truth is, in fact, a feature and not a bug: a constituent part of his appeal to conservatives. The point here is not just that he lies when he says conservative things, even if he believes something different in his heart of hearts—but that lying is what makes you sound the way a conservative is supposed to sound, in pretty much the same way that curlicuing all around the note makes you sound like a contestant on American Idol is supposed to sound.
Bento is right about all the ways Romney is preferable to Trump, but the man is still an insincere Etch-A-Sketch who is responding to the conservative base's demand for deceitfulness.
As for who to promote instead, the likely Democratic nominee is Jenny Wilson. Since I have connections to Utah, I promise to blog more about her. If one wants another possible anti-Trump Republican, I suggest Mia Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants. After Trump's $#!+hole remarks about Haiti, she is not enamored with him.
My comment on Good Speech, Sen. Flake, But Where’s the Beef?
I'm old enough to know -- a series of Wendy's commercials from 1984.
Of course, it helped that I had worked for the fast food chain already. Yes, I know how their chili is made and I'll still eat it.
My comments on Friday Foto Flogging 2.13
O/T Midweek Lounge Hosting
Do you have something planned for tomorrow? If so, no problem. If you don't, I'd like to post one featuring nominated songs at this year's Oscars.
I want it. I'll do it. I have the music, now to find the drink.
My comment on Link round-up for 14 January 2018
@nonnie9999: "Are we sure those are really big animals and not really small people?"
Most of those animals look big, but I see bigger deer in my backyard all the time.
"Remember Father Coughlin?"
I used to live a mile-and-a-half down the street from his church in Royal Oak, Michigan. I used to pass it every day on the way home from work. The place is both impressive and creepy. I'm glad to have moved away from it.
"I don't think Oprah should run for President."
I don't think the Democratic Party is as ready for a celebrity takeover as the Republican Party was. It's been an issue with the G.O.P. in California since Reagan was elected governor. The closest the Democrats came to that was Al Franken in Minnesota. Just for his being forced out, I'm not voting for Kristen Gillibrand in the 2020 primary should she be on the ballot in Michigan. I'll vote for her in the general election, but my primary vote will go to someone else, even if they called for Franken to resign. At least Kamela Harris and Elizabeth Warren didn't start it!
My comments on Quote of the Day.
"The Party of Lincoln morphs into the Party of LaRouche" -- the irony is that LaRouche considers himself a Democrat. I'm not sure the rest of the Democratic Party agrees. Personally, I'd love to run all of the LaRouchies out of the party.
My FB post re: Coffee Party Movie and TV Awards for favorite or best depictions of politics and government in movies and television
I'm watching the Golden Globes and seeing shows like "The Handmaid's Tale" win and movies like "The Post" nominated and it reminded me that I've been thinking of starting an online awards program for the best or favorite depictions of politics and government in movies and television. There are programs that recognize best science fiction, fantasy, and horror, best depiction of environmental themes, and best use of science and health in TV and movies, why not one for politics? As far as I can tell, none exists. I wonder if I should run this for the Coffee Party. What do you all think? If you're interested, I'll provide proposals for nominating and voting procedures and categories. I'm also open to suggestions.
Marianne and anyone else interested on working on the Coffee Party Entertainment Awards:
The announcement of the Academy Award nominees reminded me that it's time to work on the Coffee Party Entertainment Awardsfor the best or favorite depictions of politics and government in movies and television. I've brought this idea before the board and they've given me the go-ahead to work on this. We will have to create a Facebook group where polls can be posted. We will ask current volunteers to join first to pilot these awards. The members of the group will vote for nominees and winners the first time. Later, I plan on opening membership of the group to anyone who participates on the Join the Coffee Party Movement page so that all of our supporters can vote, but I haven't determined when that will happen.
The next step is to determine whether we will honor both movies and TV shows from 2017 first or just the movies for now, saving the TV shows for summer, when the TV season ends. That way, we can synchronize our awards to the Oscars for movies and the Emmys for TV shows.
The step after that would be to determine the categories. For movies, it would be simple. We could start with as small as two categories: Best Political Comedy or Drama Feature and Best Political Documentary. If we wanted to add an acting category, we could have a Best Government Official. We could add more categories; I'm open to suggestions.
For television, we would have to have more categories. Some ideas include Best Political Drama, Best Political Comedy, Best Political Variety Talk Show, Best Political News Talk Show, Best Political Documentary on TV, Best TV President, and Best Government Official other than President. Again, I'm open to suggestions for other categories.
Also, I think we might need a cute or catchy name for these awards. The Polly Awards exist in New Zealand. We could be the Polly Awards USA. We could also be the Golden Coffee Cups. Or we could call them something else. I'm open to suggestions.
Those are my thoughts. What are yours?
My comment on The Fourth Annual Golden Coffee Cup Awards
This looks like the last Golden Coffee Cup Awards you presented. Are you planning on resuming these awards? I'm asking because I'm a director of Coffee Party USA and we're working on awards for best depictions of politics and government in movies and television and we'd like to name our awards the Golden Coffee Cups. We're not going to do that if you are planning on resuming these awards. We're also not going to do that without your permission. Please email me at vince at coffeepartyusa.com with your response.
My comment on Paddington 2
Please see my comment on "The Fourth Annual Golden Coffee Cup Awards" about Coffee Party USA using the name Golden Coffee Cup Awards for our entertainment awards, then email me at vince at coffeepartyusa.com with your response.
As for "Paddington 2," it probably doesn't qualify as an animated feature, otherwise it would start the year in first place for that category at next year's Oscars. On the other hand, it is nominated in three categories at the BAFTA Awards, including Best British Film. Let's see if it gets screened for the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films by February 14th so that it is eligible for Best Fantasy Film at this year's Saturn Awards.
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