Eureka, I've Found It!

Games Empire in Pasadena. Nerdfest will commence.

Like the Quest For Bin Laden

My quest to find a new Member's Only Jacket has thus far failed. I've looked in hipster stores, used stores, and online. I really don't want to buy a grungey old jacket. I feel like I won't wear it. I want a new member's only - beige, light blue, or grey. But I don't think I can find it other than used and even that, only online. I find it very difficult to purchase clothes online because how do you know if they will fit?

The quest will continue, however, I am not going to spend much extra time on it.

The Dog Whisperer

Some of these dogs have the most bizarre problems. One dog tonight couldn't walk on any shiny surfaces because he had injured himself months before by running around on shiny surfaces and slamming into a glass wall. The dog was huge - 160 lbs and absolutely refused to enter this school with linoleum floors. The owner needed to take the dog to school on certain days and so in comes the dog whisperer. As usual, the dog whisperer spends a little bit of time with the dog, becomes the "pack leader" and shows the dog how to behave and the dog gets over his phobia.

I realized in watching this show...we should should send the dog whisperer to Iraq. He could, probably in a short amount of time, figure out the psychological dysfunction of the country and get in back on track. Anyway, he could probably do a better job than the current situation.

Don't scoff. This isn't the worst idea.

Man of the Year

Since I (and everyone else) won Time's Man of the Year this year, I would like to donate my award to Tony Blair. He hasn't been in the news much this year, but it's a long overdue award for the most articulate politician of our time and one of the few politicians I honestly admire.

For those with an interest in the Iraq and the war on terror, he has a must read piece in this Foreign Affairs.

Money quote:

This ideology has to be taken on -- and taken on everywhere. Islamist terrorism will not be defeated until we confront not just the methods of the extremists but also their ideas. I do not mean just telling them that terrorist activity is wrong. I mean telling them that their attitude toward the United States is absurd, that their concept of governance is prefeudal, that their positions on women and other faiths are reactionary. We must reject not just their barbaric acts but also their false sense of grievance against the West, their attempt to persuade us that it is others and not they themselves who are responsible for their violence.

Imagine how easy it would be for Blair to come out against the Iraq war and to criticize Bush. If he used his incredible articulation AGAINST the American project in Iraq he would be lionized as a hero - both in Europe and in the United States, by liberals and "realist" conservatives. But he hasn't. Because he's got courage and conviction. And that's why he's my man of the year. Close second: Frank Gore, running back on the 49ers.

Update: Another money quote...

In my nine years as prime minister, I have not become less idealistic or more cynical. I have simply become more persuaded that the distinction between a foreign policy driven by values and one driven by interests is wrong. Globalization begets interdependence, and interdependence begets the necessity of a common value system to make it work. Idealism thus becomes realpolitik.

The debate in America centers around the idea of "interest." Both sides claim Iraq is either not in our immediate interest or is key to our interests. But Blair frames the debate differently. He says clearly foreign policy should be dictated by values which are inseparable from interests.

I love American pragmatism. It is the greatest (and maybe only) addition to Western philosophy by America. We are a nation of pragmatists and I think it has a large part to do with our riches and our upstanding image in the world. But I think we give our values, at times, short shrift. American's won't stand for injustice and lies. And we forget that in some societies - particularly those in the Middle East - we are dealing with places where 2+2=5. Lying is embedded in the political culture. It is why so many Iraqis initially did not believe Uday and Qusay were dead. Now they know they are. As is Saddam.

It's hard to be happy about seeing a man die. But I hope it gives pause to Mubarack, Ahminijabad, Assad, and company, who can now see an alternative to their flimsy grasp of power. I hope they add the calculus of Saddam's fate into their own decision making. And I hope it makes Iraq heal.

Welcome Back

Decided to take a break from blogging over the xmas. But with the Giant's signing Barry Zito and Saddam Hussein about to get the noose, who can resist?

Also upcoming will be an essay on film school and what one can hope to get out of it, now that I'm a graduate.

My Next Script

I am finishing my spy thriller, starting my suburban thriller comedy, but after that, my next big budget script will be about private security firms.

Put it up on IMDB.

Whoa

If she were a really good Miss USA she'd say, "I don't apologize about drinking - I'm Miss USA for goddsake and the drinking age being 21 is ridiculous."

And you know what? Most people would agree with her.

Don't Kid Yourself

The Saudi's are not and never will be our friends. Our relationship with them is for mutual convenience, but they are not to be trusted - ever.

This is why. It is an article written by Aayan Hirsi Ali in the LA Times Oped entitled: Why the deny the Holocaust.

She asks a perfectly reasonable question:

"What's striking about Ahmadinejad's conference is the (silent) acquiescence of mainstream Muslims. I cannot help but wonder: Why is there no counter-conference in Riyadh, Cairo, Lahore, Khartoum or Jakarta condemning Ahmadinejad? Why are the 57 members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference silent on this?

Could the answer be as simple as it is horrifying: For generations, the leaders of these so-called Muslim countries have been spoon-feeding their populations a constant diet of propaganda similar to the one that generations of Germans (and other Europeans) were fed — that Jews are vermin and should be dealt with as such? In Europe, the logical conclusion was the Holocaust. If Ahmadinejad has his way, he shall not want for compliant Muslims ready to act on his wish."

I don't think the contemporary Muslim world quite reflects Germany circa 1933. First off, not a single Muslim country is a world military power like Germany. Even Pakistan is a second or third tier army...as is Turkey. But the current world situation is no less scary if only because it's just as hard to play. Fighting Germany is like a poker opponent with a little smaller stack. Playing against Germany and Japan would be like playing against two fairly rational opponents with medium sized stacks. Playing against Islamic fundamentalists is like playing against twently crazy men who barely know the rules each with a small stack. You can beat most of them, but the odds tell you that some of them will win sometimes.

Go Gays!

This is awesome.

I'd march in solidarity with them.

Chocolate Truffles

I forgot the gluttony that goes on at regular offices. I drop by work today to find a little bag of gourmet truffles. I'm bored and I take one. I'm not really a big candy fan. Or sweets in general. I liked them fine, but wouldn't even really spend the money to buy myself sweets because to me, they generally aren't worth the cost. (Although a good chocolate croissant is a nice afternoon snack - heated up). I take candy only when it's offered for free.

So, case in point...I snag a truffle. Mmm. Good. No surprise. Truffles are yummy. I go back to my seat. Maybe I should get another. I go back to the little kitchen and grab two more. I eat them as I walk away. Goddammit man, if this isn't the best truffle I've ever eaten. My fingers are dark brown with truffle powder and I lick them.

I go back again.

An office mate sees me. "Are these the best truffles you've ever had?" I ask.

"They're good."

"Damn right."

I eat two more and am thinking of going back for more.

Baldwin

"Who is this leader of men?"

"Lemon - do you know why Jack Welch is the greatest leader since the pharohs?"

"You weigh 127 pounds."

Palestinian Civil War

We read a lot about Iraq decending into civil war, but after Israel left Gaza, Palestinians have been killing each other for control.

But it's not as newsworthy because Palestinian lives aren't an issue to anyone unless Israel is the perpetrator. Okay, fine, that was a cheap shot. But is it wrong?

Smith and Gore

Gore looked worn out and tired from a long season until the 4th quarter, when the beast came alive and rushed for 104 yards...most of which were done on while holding a slim lead. I've never in my life seen a Niners team that's been able to take care of a slim lead by ball possession. Even in our glory days, it was all about the pass attack and we always had trouble putting away teams in close games. This is a first.

Smith played like a man tonight. The best play was a scramble he made to the end zone that ended up getting called back on a penalty. This guy dives shoulders first like a RB, not a QB.

He looked like a leader and winner tonight. I'll take him.

Are They Kidding?

Do they really think Al Queda needs an excuse to attack us. If they could, they would.

Where's Gloria Allred?

I want some money from Rosie. How dare she mock my country folk.

Goody

This is a pretty good analysis of what we're involved with. Iraq was an attempt to prevent it and right now it's looking like failure. Cooler heads will not prevail. What reason do have to believe it anymore.

Oh well.

Tennis

I like Wilson Racquets a lot and here is fun site to read about their line of racquets.

Here is fun site to find the Wilson racquet that fits you.

Sorry for the Wilson ad here....but hell, Federer uses them.

I was getting my racquet restrung today and I was telling the guy I really like my racquet but was thinking of getting the new version (so I could have two for friends and when I break a string), he pointed it out to me but said the version I have is the best version Wilson ever made of the racquet - it was the perfect weight he said, afterwards they made the newer versions too light. Cool.

Reasonable

Sullivan is a much better writer and thinker when he's calm.

Hell, maybe we all are.

***A side note - what drives one to write? I've read that anger fuels comedy. What fuels writing? I suppose having something to say...but what fuels having something to say? I know most writers talk about how writing isn't so much a choice, but an urge. It might be said of a writer, it is someone who cannot NOT write.

And although I've always hated that notion - because it is absurd - from a scientific or biological standpoint (what if say, you were never taught to read?), it makes some sense.

Goddammit!

A study proves gay men have bigger penises.

Gone Too Far

The conservative blogosphere has gone too far. They're making fun of Alec Baldwin. I won't accept it. He is the greatest actor working today.

What's Worse?

That this is a headline on CNN or that I've blogged about it.

Headline: Lohan: I haven't had a drink in a week.

No wonder Al Jazeera is so popular.

More Racism

"Contemporary racism is not conscious, and it is not accompanied by dislike, so it gets expressed in indirect, subtle ways," he said.

This article reminds me of the Seinfeld episode when Kramer gets a deli slicer. He says to Elaine, "I once sliced a piece so thin, I couldn't even see it."

We're all racist, we just don't know it or show it.

More Racism

"Contemporary racism is not conscious, and it is not accompanied by dislike, so it gets expressed in indirect, subtle ways," he said.

It reminds me of the Seinfeld episode when Kramer gets a deli slicer. He says to Elaine, "I once sliced a piece so thin, I couldn't even see it." Elaine replies, "How did you know you sliced it?"

"I just assumed."

We're all racist, we just don't know it or show it.

The Niners

I really like watching them this year because they express so much potential. Gore and Smith are in their second year. Davis is a rookie. Are you kidding? These guys have the potential to be awesome. But as a team, they are no good. Without a pass rush, an NFL team sucks. And the Niners defense, which plays with heart at times, fundamentally sucks.

And the offense is interesting. It's one of the few offenses that I don't think is very good, but has a running game. Usually, with a running game, an NFL team is good. But the Niners don't seem able to string it all together. Once in awhile, they do, and I'm like - these guys belong in the playoffs. But 75% of the time, they look like shit.

Anyhow, this is the first time in years I can watch because there is hope.

Click on it to see it big.

Now This Is A Reason To Move to Canada

When it's not a time of war, I don't have such a huge problem with idiots in the government...I should...but I don't.

But when it is a time of war and we have idiots heading our Intelligence committees in congress. Eeee, gawd...

Let me repeat: the new head of the intelligence committee in the house does not know whether Al Queda is a Sunni or Shia organization.

I'm over democracy...

Racist

Ah, yes, Battleship can bring out the worst in people.

Chapelle is a genius..."If you're an American, you're a racist. I'm a racist. You know how I know? Because the other day, I found myself being racist against myself. It's true. Somebody was complaining about a department store not having a black Santa Claus and I agreed with the department store. I wasn't ready for a black Santa Claus. It's too much. We wouldn't be getting our Christmas presents 'til the 28th, 29th..."

He's too funny.

Classic Films

A schedule of classic films in LA this next month.

Must see: Rules of the Game at the Nuart, Nick Ray night at Egyptian.

Awesome.

Iraq Study Group

Okay, so I've read most of it now. What I don't understand is why the study group believes that Iran and Syria have an interest in a stable Iraq. They rightly point out both Iran and Syria are currently de-stabilizing Iraq. If they had an interest in a stable Iraq, why are they currently de-stabilizing it?

It's called wishful thinking.

UPDATE: All right, well this makes a little bit of sense.

The End of the Old World

Melissa sees this as a sign of the apocalypse.

I'm more inclined to be worried about this statistic: no civilization has ever recovered from a birth rate being lower than 1.3 children per woman. That is to say, in the course of human history, any civilization whose birthrate got lower than 1.3, has never had a demographic recovery and been able to replace itself. Over time, the math works itself out and the population ceases to exist when people don't replace themselves with children.

Right now, in 17 European nations, the birthrate has dipped to below this rate.

Now, I am not a europhile. I mock the French, didn't have a great experience in England, got mugged in Prague, found Spanish food gross, and don't like the sound of German. But I'm not so sure I'm excited about a future without any French people. Sure, France, the landmass will exist...but France is more than that, it is a culture with a history. These people invented brie for chrissake. Brie. And fellatio. I've yet to see similar accomplishments from a Muslim country. And right now, on the streets of France at nighttime, it is the young Muslims who populate. This is the future. Now, this wouldn't be an inherent problem if it wasn't for the trouble with Muslim assimilation in Europe and if we didn't care about French culture.

And maybe it's a little embarassing to admit being a freedom fry lover and all, but I don't want to see the French go away. I like Paris, dammit. And this country produced Jean Renior, Andre Bazin, and Jean Luc Godard.

So if you need a reason to have children...here it is: to preserve Western Civilization.

Thanks Alice and Kevin for beginning to do your part.

Update: In the Netherlands, native Dutch people have a net emigration rate. That is, more native dutch are leaving the country than being born. Of course, they can't come to the US because our legal immigration process doesn't work, so they go to New Zealand and Australia.

Economics of Take Out

I hardly ever cook. A friend of mine and my sisters express surprise. Aren't you a poor grad student? How can you afford to eat out all the time?

Today is a perfect example. I went to the store the other day and bought food. This morning, I was running a bit late, but since I had the food, decided to make myself a quick breakfast. Toasted sourdough, avocado, and bacon sandwich. I ate it with a glass of OJ and read news on the internet.

Normally, when I come to the temp job, I pick up a breakfast sandwich or bagel from the place downstairs and eat it when I come up to work. I'm guessing, all things considered, making the breakfast caused me to lose 1/2 hour coming here, but saved me $5 or so.

Since I get paid $17 an hour, I ended up losing $8.50 for my 1/2 hour to save $5 (minus the sunk cost on buying the food - although my bfast sandwich was better than the one downstairs). So I actually lost money by making my own breakfast, according to my calculations.

When you make your own hours, which 90% of my current jobs allow me to do, you really start to realize the value of your time.

Gimme A Break, Sullivan

I'm really annoyed with the self-righteousness of habeaus corpus and rights of terrorism suspects. Sullivan is the king of it. In above linked post a reader talks about the founders crying in heaven.

Do you remember what happened to Loyalists during the American Revolution? Tarred. Feathered. Lynched.

Captured traitors? Strung up on trees. No trials. No judge. No jury. Alex Hamilton, the founder most wary of the mob, expressed great admiration for George Washington's swift justice he handed down at the end of a rope upon discovered traitors in the Continental Army.

We all rightly fear an Orwellian state, but lots not kid ourselves about terrorism suspects. They are the enemy. They are people who are trying to kill us and we caught them before they succeeded. Will some innocent people be suspects? Yes. Will it be unfair? Yes. But welcome to the world. Innocent people get convicted of crimes. Does that mean we disband the police and the justice system?

Get a grip and read a little history and let's figure out how to win, not how to lose.

Jobs

The realization is dawning that I must find a real job, a job that will allow me to take care of myself and not need to call the parents for cash. I am a man, for chrissake!

My first attempt: adding google ads to my blog.

The parents are not relieved.

Why An Atheist Get's Me to Say Amen!

Chris Hitchens on the banning of the N-word.

The Dentist

Riffing off of Alice's trip to the dentist...

It was my second trip to my new LA dentist, but the first time I met the dentist herself and got the full check up.

Something very unnerving about visiting a new dentist, especially because Dr. Bellinger is the only dentist I've ever had. Tear. Needless to say, I was very comfortable with him, despite the fact that he didn't use gloves sometimes. (He washed his hands, okay, and he was old, and I trusted him).

So I'm checking out the digs of this new dentist, trying gauge whether I've wandered into some phony dentist who more rightly belonged in Little Shop of Horrors. The hygenist acted as though she knew what she was doing and used the water spik instead of the scraper. She did not compliment my teeth (like my old dentist used to) and instead said I needed to floss more because my gums bled a lot. They had lots of high tech stuff computer stuff, like a dvd player and digital xrays and a computerized scheduling system all right in the office. Of course, all this high tech stuff made me suspicious - my old dentist didn't need this and he did just fine. These nuevo-dentists and their fancy gadgets. What happened to just good old braces and polishing?

So I'm getting my teeth scrubbed away thinking there's no way I'd be able to handle torture and another hygenist comes in reminding my current hygenist that she needs to take pictures of my teeth.

"Oh, no." I think. "I don't want to be one of the pictures on the wall. Pleeease, no."

But I have no say in the matter. I am escorted into another room and asked to hold these plastic contraptions to stretch my lips and expose my teeth. I do so while this other hygenist snaps a digital photo of my teeth. I see myself in the mirror holding my lips open and this weird lady taking photos and me and suddenly realize I must have stumbled into some fake dentist internet company who publishes fetish pictures of mouths on the internet. I am scared.

The "dentist" comes in because the hygenist is having some type of trouble with the digital camera and starts to assist her. Meanwhile, my mouth is stretched open. The next set of shots require a mirror being shoved into my throat to get an angle on my teeth. Because I must breathe, the mirror fogs, but not so long as the hygenist uses her can of cool spray to counteract my breathing on the mirror. Imagine me, holding my lips wide open, a women shoving a mirror down my throat and spraying some type of cool, compressed air on the mirror, and the third women acting like a set photographer and you get the idea.

What kind of perverse world had I fallen into? This is unnecessary. My old dentist never took digital pictures of my teeth. I remember Andy's story of his childhood soccer coach who took pictures of all the players on the team to "remember names." Later, he was convicted of child molestation.

Could I take these two women if had to? Certainly not with the mirror shoved down my throat. One strong punch and it would've been death for Greg.

Finally the picture session was over and common sense got ahold of me. Why would these people go through this elaborate set up to take pictures of my teeth and put them on the internet? They are probably legit. You've been in LA too long. You're going crazy. You need to trust people more. That's why you don't have a girlfriend.

"Okay, so now we need to take you picture in our picture studio."

"What?"

"Stand up there against the wall."

"Why?"

"For our file."

I stand up against the wall. Next to me is a movie poster for a Hepburn and Tracy movie. I smile crookedly.

"You've got nice teeth."

Using our Power

My biggest problem with the War on Terror is that we don't seem to be using a lot of our potential power. We're spending money, that's clear. And our military is stretched thin. But America, as a whole, isn't sacrificing. There are no comprehensive programs to allow us to do so.

I don't have any proposals.

Lindsay Lohan

Another Blackberry message gone public. I knew all this written communication was going to come back to haunt people. Imagine the first time a president of our generation gets elected and they go back and read his/her old email. Yipes!

I've made the public offer to help Lindsay Lohan on her quest to refocus people's energy onto the real problems of the world. I just don't have her email address or phone number or anything. But just so she knows, she can feel free to contact me via my blog comment section anytime.

And What If That Doesn't Work?

Sullivan says get out or double down. Okay. At least it's a proposal. And what will he say if the double down doesn't work? He will say Bush is incompetent.

Candidate For President?

All from one man:

"I don't know anything about a lot of things, but I would ask somebody and try to make a fair, honest decision for the majority of the people. Not the rich, not the poor, not the black, not the white. When you get elected to public office, you're supposed to represent everybody. Your job is not to take care of the rich or the poor or the black or the white. Your job is to take care of everybody."

"The Republicans are full of it. The Democrats are a little less full of it."

"You shouldn't belong to a political affiliation. Everybody should be an independent. The way it is now you're hamstrung to a particular party. That's not right."

"Well, the thing that's interesting to me -- and this is like my biggest complaint with the whole political process and anybody. I'm trying to figure out -- they throw these words around like liberal, moderate, conservative. And we are like idiots. We sit here and choose sides. Man, I don't care what it is. Let's just solve these problems."

On his 17-year old daughter not dating yet: "Thank goodness. I just hope she doesn't start before I go in the Hall of Fame. That way, I won't have to kill anybody before I get inducted."

A classic '92 Dream Team quote, after the USA played Angola and Charles had elbowed an Angolan national team member in the chest. When asked about it, he responded: "I shouldn't have done that. He probably hasn't eaten in weeks."

More where came fromhere. He could put up a serious fight with Rudy.

The Most Important Thing

"George Michael, what did I always say is the most important thing?"

"Breakfast?"

"Family."

"Oh...I thought you meant to eat."

On Friendship, the Grim Trigger Strategy, and My Nagging Wife Theory of the Anti-War Movement

I woke up today thinking about Iraq. It still burns me that France did not support us in the UN. Aren't they supposed to be our friend? And shouldn't a friend follow a friend into a fight even if it's the wrong fight? We can get into all the nuance and details of the actual situation (and the side theory that Bush wanted to go at it alone), but when it boils down to it, France should have stood by us no matter what. Because by not, they provided cover for every other country who didn't want to get their pants dirty, for Russia, China, and the entire Middle East. (did we do the same in the 1956 Suez Crisis - maybe)

Would things be different? Who knows? It might still be a mess, but it would have felt like we were in it together, rather than in it alone, and it would give us (and Iraqis) strength.

The Grim Trigger Strategy is a term from game theory when a player cooperates with his co-player until the co-player defects a single time from their cooperation. After that, the original player will never cooperate with the player again. As a real life example, if a husband cheats once, the wife leaves forever.

And speaking of spouses...my current theory of the anti-war left is they adopted tactical strategies used by awful, nagging wives. Imagine coming home every night to someone who points out all your small failures, your inconsistencies, your problems, your weaknesses. Once in awhile, they'll treat you well, or make an aside, to appear fair or evenhanded. But in the end, it's a psychology of failure, designed to slowly wear down your confidence, goodness, and courage. The awful wife wants the husband to completely submit to her, knowing he is miserable and it is only she that can save him or stand him. They do it through a long, careful, arduous process of belittling, and undermining. A lifelong castration. You see men worn into little nubs after living a lifetime with a nag.

The Michael Moore's and Cindy Sheehan and Daily Kos crowd are the nagging wives of this country. They are the people who cleverly point to our failures and inconsistencies and weaknesses. "Who they hell do you think you are?" Is their favorite thing to say.

I will not submit to a nagging wife nor allow Western Civilization to do so.

I am off to watch Miami Vice, the unrated directors cut. Thank you.

QUICK UPDATE: Evidence of my nagging wife theory and the role of the news media as the shitty sister of the nagging wife who whispers ideas to the nagging wife, but pretends to be neutral.

That's What I Call Irony

I finally got around to reading Rumsfeld's proposals about Iraq, the memo he sent two days before resigning.

At the risk of sounding like a complete idiot, they are actually the best concrete proposals I've read for how to deal with the obviously shitty situation.

Tomorrow

Is a big DVD day: Miami Vice the directors cut and The Conformist.

There Is No Exit Strategy

There's no need for one. We should fight these people until they're all dead or surrender. The only question is how we can maximize the damage to them and their organizations and the people that help them. That's it. End of story.

An Old Post

It's an old essay, but the despair is genuine and the point right.

I was reading Winston Churhill quotes this evening, trying to find a title or inspiration for a title. One that caught me, "An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last." It seems to fit. A few other good ones:

"A prisoner of war is a man who tries to kill you and fails, and then asks you not to kill him."

"I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me."

"Clement Attlee is a modest man who has a good deal to be modest about."

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."

"It is a fine thing to be honest, but it is also very important to be right."

"Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning."

"My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me."

"Perhaps it is better to be irresponsible and right, than to be responsible and wrong."

"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."

So What If I Watched the Tyra Banks Show?

You got a problem with that!

Beyonce was on talking about Dream Girls, JayZ, etc. Tyra asked her a good question: "What do you miss most about your life before being famous?"

Beyonce said she missed shopping at Target.

The universal pleasure of shopping at Target. A couple of my favorite shirts were purchased from Target. They're so cheap and look good. And there's something about cheap clothes that are more fun and relaxing to wear because who gives a shit what happens to them.

Now That's News!

The Iraqi Prime Minister swiveled his head and shot our President an incredulous look.

CRAAAazy.

Celebrate

Because they're white males, they must be guilty of something.

At the very least, getting a stripper.

Please

I sure hope they take out the bits of J-Lo's sex life from this memoir, because otherwise, it sounds really interesting.

No, This Is Hate Speech

Gloria Allred is a fat, worthless, whore. She is a bottomfeeder, a tourist, a poseur, a pig.

I think hell might need to create a new level for whatever she is.

I'm beginning to rethink the legal concept of "hate" speech. When do the costs start outweighing the benefits?

Say What I Will

Lately, I disagree and make fun of Andrew Sullivan a lot, mostly because I think he whines about foreign policy.

But the guy is a great writer, and that to me, will keep me going back to his blog. That, if it isn't clear, is one of the highest compliments I can give someone.

He talks a lot about gay issues as well, and periodically delves into a personal discussion about his generation of gay men, the generation cursed with AIDS.

I, of course, was young when AIDS first became big news and was raised open-minded enough to know it wasn't a gay disease, nor anything to be ashamed of, but simply a horrible human health issue that we should all rightly fear.

But truthfully, I've never thought too much about it because frankly, I don't know anyone whose suffered from AIDs or HIV. But when Sullivan talks about it, I understand what a horrific thing this was for a rather small community of men. This was a community forced together in large cities because there wasn't a place for gay people in small towns around the world. We all have our little communities, and these communities are vital to our human experience. I can't imagine my own personal community having to go through something like the early spread of the AIDS virus. Imagine what - a third, half, some really high percentage of your friends, your peers, all the people you know and love, walking around with this disease for which there is no cure.

Thankfully, awareness grew, and later generations of gays and straights haven't suffered as much. But there remains that generation, the city dwelling, out of the closet, gay men in early 80s, a generation cursed.

Pot

I just wish it was a little weaker or something. I've never really been into pot, it makes me all weird and paranoid and I can't sleep.

Bush

I've always said I'm not a big fan...but I'll give him credit for pissing off assholes. I can't stand people who want to be liked by everyone. And in particular I can't stand people who want to be liked by assholes as much as decent people.

So while it seems Bush is disliked by both decent people and assholes, that is no better, in my eyes than being liked by both. It's not a popularity content. Or wait a second...

The Best 30 Rock Yet

As a follow up to the below post, 30 Rock may be viewed online.

The episode was the best overall I've seen, addressing all the same issues brought up in the prior blog post...although the total, laugh out loud, one genius moment was not in this show. Perhaps the steady, consistent show is not as able to generate the single moment of genius in the same way the so-so show is...

What?

Our problems didn't go away? But I thought the Democrats won congress and Rumsfeld is out?

So what does Andrew Sullivan now rant about? A psychoanalysis of Bush. Fine, fair, whatever, I still don't know how he proposes to actually win the war. But he's found plenty of people to blame for losing it.

I Would Like An Apology As Well

I'm offended, I'm hurt, I'm a victim, lemme get an apology and some cash, please.

I Promise

Never to go for the field goal in this situation.

Update: Link fixed.

Who Else Other Than Me?

Thinks this deserves retaliation.

Can we just send it some hit squads to kill all the mullahs? No invasion, no bombings, just a bunch of frigging ninjas.

I'm Down

In order to survive, humans need to colonize other planets...

Thanks, Stephen Hawking

Abandon Iraq

Chris Hitchens article.

The jihadist formula: 1) It is easy to creat chaos. No government anywhere has been able to defeat a dedicated group of terrorists. 2) Governments will opt for stability over chaos - even if that stability is in the form of a bunch of assholes.

Thusly, they can create chaos until a satisfactory government, ie Syrian Baathists or Taliban, etc. are in control and will allow them a safe haven.

How do we disrupt such a formula? One attempt: get rid of the government and replace it with a democracy - Iraq. And now it's gotten ugly and tough, but the same issues are in play.

Can I Get Me Some...

...of that global warming stuff in my apartment? Jesus, I get back from Thanksgiving and it's freaking freezing, Mr. Biggilsworth.

I notice a trend these days whenever it's hot, people whisper, un-ironically, mind you, about global warming. Well dammit man, can I get me some in my bedroom this evening.

I Miss the Cold War

Yeah, I said it. The Russian's are off poisoning people left and right. I miss this kind of treachery. At least it makes sense. A guy you who opposes you get poisoned. It's not liberal, not democratic, but it makes sense in a stupid, ape, thuggish way.

But I hate these Islamic Fundamentalists who go around blowing themselves up for attention. That's what basically all this terrorist shit is about. Blowing themselves up to get on the news, make the US and the West feel ashamed about ourselves and leave them alone to chop off the heads of people they don't like and stone women to death when they hold hands with their boyfriends. Fundamentally, that's what they are trying to do. And it's no fun playing cat and mouse with these pieces of shit who don't care whether they live or die. They have no interest in a space race or beating us in the Olympics or trying to engage in an intellectual debate over which systems of governments are better. They want to blow up our athletes in the Olympics, have zero interest in space or technology other than technology that can kill and terrorize, no interest in intellectual debate, just subservience to their primative ideology (yes, primative professor laemelle who in college objected to the term because it denotated superiority).

Like I said, there was some fun in the Cold War, spies running around trying to outfox one another, trying to make the Russians look foolish, beating them at hockey, racing to the moon, Rocky IV for goddsake. Beating up these Islamic Fundamentalists is so unjoyful and boring compared to it.

I miss the Cold War.

ps - a side note idea. The Jihadists got so excited about beating the Russians in Afghanistan, right? That's where they got all their cojones. They think they brought down the mighty Soviet Union. My idea is to somehow solicit the Russians to do our fighting for us in this War on Terror. The Russians are bastards to fight. Ask the Germans in WWII. The Russians don't give a shit about how many of their men die or how many of their civilians die. They just fight and fight and are super brutal. Remember when terrorists took over a Moscow theater? Europeans would have paid the terrorists off, saved the the hostages, looked good for a moment in the headlines, and inadvertantly funded another several hostage taking episodes and/or terrorist attacks. The Russians said fuck it and invaded the theater, killing all the terrorists and losing half the hostages. But the terrorists haven't attack Moscow again because doing so, they know they'll die.

So we supported the mooj against the Russians. Don't they want payback? Can't we now support the Russians against the mooj? Let's get those old KGB badasses running around the globe to terrorize Al Queda and company. Let's sick those plutonium poisoners on Bin Laden. I read today we've spend $495 Billion since 9/11 on War on Terror related things. And I don't see Bin Laden's scalp. Something isn't adding up.

Tina Fey's Interesting Take on Sexuality

"Lemon, if you were any other woman on earth, I'd be turned on."

I was not surprised to hear second hand about Tina Fey's interview with Howard Stern where she talks about losing her virginity at 24 to her current husband. It makes sense, particularly in the context of her work...

In watching 30 Rock (and thinking a bit back upon Mean Girls) Fey has a tendency to portray sexuality as either gross or mindnumbingly stupid. In 30 Rock, the blonde TV star uses her sexuality in a rather repulsive manner and Lemon's intern is the dumb blonde who is able to turn men into primative ape-like dummies by showcasing her butt and boobs.

One of the funniest moments of the show is when Lemon dresses up and feels hot, walks through the office in a glam shot and is met by jeers from her fellow writers, "Ewww, you're making me gay."

There's something about Fey's point of view I find rather refreshing and original, instead of putting sexuality - particularly female sexuality - on this pedastal and relishing in it's seductive power (see Sharon Stone or Salma Hayak), Fey treats it as simply gross and rather stupid. And the fanatistic thing is that she doesn't replace it with an plain jane, dirty hippy, I don't care how I look thing, nor try to disguise her femininity with buff, mannish behavior, but has a cute, self deprecating humor about it all. I rather like it.

And the irony, of course, is that she's totally hot.

One of the Better Writers

I've been casually reading him for awhile, but Victor David Hanson is great at putting things in historical perspective.

As an addendum, there's an article in this month's Atlantic (best magazine - by far) about nuclear weapons and how scientifically easy it is to put one together. There is also a description of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki blasts which in reading, almost brings tears to the eyes, just thinking of the awesome power of these devises and the horror they inflicted. 150,000 civilians dead in Hiroshima. Can we fathom that? In one second.

A few have talked about 9/11 being the jihadists greatest mistake...that they basically let slip the surprise ending of their movie before it came out. Had they only waited until they could get their hands on one or more nuclear devises (which would have been easier pre-9/11), they could've likely brought Western Civilization to our knees.

A First

Believe it or not, I've never walked out of a movie. Until tonight. I have no idea why I had high hopes for Bobby. Perhaps because he's an interesting political figure and personality. They always said you were either a Jack or Bobby fan, and since I wasn't alive, never got to have an opinion. Perhaps there was something I liked about Emilio Estevez reinventing himself as an autuer filmmaker.

But I should've known better. What a piece of shit. From now on, when I'm interested in a person, I'm reading a book.

So....what's next? Now that I've walked out on a movie, we've got snorting cocaine or internet dating...any bids?

The News and the N-Word

Caught some early morning local news today and they were talking about the Michael Richards thang.

Apparently, a bunch of black "leaders" like Jesse Jackson and Maxine Walters (ie old farts) were making a call for the elimination of the n-word. They are asking all comedians, rappers, actors, writers, etc, to stop using the word because of it's hurtful, hateful history. (Note: I just gagged)

And thankfully, the local newspeople took this with skepticism, all pointing to the hilariousness of Chris Rock, Chappelle, and how rappers using, or rather - re-using - the word strips it of the original meaning, strips the hateful history and reappropriates it as an innocuous, impotent, everyday throwaway (a throwaway I can't manage to write on my blog).

Maybe it's a generation thing, they said. Because for some reason Maxine Walters and Jesse Jackson honestly think white people, behind closed doors, secretly are using the n word, and are plotting secret ways to keep the black man down. Gimme a freaking break. No one thinks that way. No one is sitting in their rooms plotting and thinking about how inferior black people are. No one is subtly trying to keep the black man down. Michael Richards himself, I'm positive, if given the power, would not enact racist legislation or otherwise do something to harm a black person because they are black.

But anyway. These "leaders," Jesse Jackson and Maxine Walters, have nothing interesting to say. Nothing new to add. It's a wonder we listen to them at all. Their mindset is stuck in a time that no longer exists. We might as well listen to Mike Ditka talk about the World Cup. Retire already.

Another Altman Eulogy

"I would like to send my condolences out to Catherine Altman, Robert Altmans wife, as well as all of his immediate family, close friends, co-workers, and all of his inner circle.

I feel as if I've just had the wind knocked out of me and my heart aches.

If not only my heart but the heart of Mr. Altman's wife and family and many fellow actors/artists that admire him for his work and love him for making people
laugh whenever and however he could..

Robert altman made dreams possible for many independent aspiring filmmakers, as well as creating roles for countless actors.

I am lucky enough to of been able to work with Robert Altman amongst the other greats on a film that I can genuinely say created a turning point in my career.

I learned so much from Altman and he was the closest thing to my father and grandfather that I really do believe I've had in several years.

The point is, he made a difference.

He left us with a legend that all of us have the ability to do.

So every day when you wake up.

Look in the mirror and thank god for every second you have and cherish all moments.

The fighting, the anger, the drama is tedious.

Please just take each moment day by day and consider yourself lucky to breathe and feel at all and smile. Be thankful.

Life comes once, doesn't 'keep coming back' and we all take such advantage of what we have.

When we shouldn't..... '

Make a searching and fearless moral inventory of yourselves' (12st book) -everytime there's a triumph in the world a million souls hafta be trampled on.-altman Its true. But treasure each triumph as they come.

If I can do anything for those who are in a very hard time right now, as I'm one of them with hearing this news, please take advantage of the fact that I'm just
a phone call away.

God Bless, peace and love always.

Thank You,

BE ADEQUITE

Lindsay Lohan


**Thank you, Lindsay. You can expect that phone call from me.

Things I Learned Over Thanksgiving

1. I still don't pass for 21.

2. My family is surprisingly good at poker.

3. Mike Nolan preps his players well, but when it comes to making play calls, is a wuss.

4. USC has a legitimate shot at winning the national championship.

5. I stink at Golf.

6. Any work discipline I have goes out the window in Northern California.

7. You can get a prostitute from Craigslist.

How Not To Rob A Liquor Store

It's probably not the best idea in the first place, but there's bad ideas and then there's bad execution.

Subjectivity and Objectivity

To understand the notion of right versus wrong is to understand that some moral questions are objective and not subjective. Slavery is not wrong because we all agree it's wrong, or because we happen to live in a particular historical moment. It is objectively wrong. Or so I think.

And does this also apply to taste? Is taste objective?

What's Going On?

Why is everyone gushing over the new Bond movie? The writing is a complete and utter mess - from a structural standpoint. There are some good moments and good casting and if there had been a great 3rd Act, I would have been able to forgive some of the lame aspects of the beginning...but jesus, the third (and fourth) acts were a total disaster.

But my favorite comment of all is still Phil's, when he leans over during the movie and says, "Man, they are getting some really good poker hands."

Indeed.

He Is Your Slave?

But how do you account for cultural differences? That's the real question....NOT.

Altman

I get the impression he lived a good life.

I find his failures as inspiring as his successes.

The downside of comedy. This is what happens when you try to push the envelope and fail. Hugely.

UPDATE: I've watched this about five times. It's so freaking weird. I have a lot of crazy, different thoughts, not of which are least bit concerned with whether this makes Michael Richards racist or not - sorry Chuck.

IF I WERE A MODERN FRENCH PHILOSPHER: This is a man melting down. The comic equivalent of committing suicide. You could feel how badly he hurt. I felt nothing but sadness. People have written similarly of the Zidane incident at the World Cup. How could he crumble like that? If the Columine killings forshadowed 9/11 with the suicidal urge to indiscrimately kill and inflict terror through suicide, what do these professional suicides forshadow? The complete implosion of the West? I have a feeling Mel Gibson's Apocolypto will hit upon the same nerve, the same urge, that something is rotten and sick inside Western Civilization, a self hatred so deep, we've resorted to cutting ourselves on our arms and legs. We need help, lest we jump off the bridge one day.

IF I WERE A COMEDIAN: It wasn't funny. And that, beyond being racist or anything, is the most hurtful thing one can say about a comedian. Comedian's live and die on the success of their last joke. As a comedian, Michael Richards is dead - until he comes back.

IF I WERE HIS FRIEND: I hope I'd be as a good as Seinfeld.

IF I WERE BLACK: I'd be proud of how the the audience members handled the situation. They were above it. Way above it. Martin Luther King would have been proud. As am I.

I like this style of Borat (minus the laugh track) more than the movie. He is in Cambridge. I studied there for six months and remember a lot of the places where he shoots. It's a small place.

Can We Arrest These People?

Got into an argument last night about Constitutional protections for terrorist suspects. With a lawyer. She seemed to think Constitutional protections should apply to suspects - even if they are non-citizens. The example she gave was that legal and illegal aliens in the US are protected by US laws. Okay...

So if that's true, then should non-US citizens in foreign countries also be subject to prosecution if they break US laws? Like, in this case, threatening to assassinate President Bush publically?

Well, she would say, no, of course. But I'm not sure how the logic stands up. Actually, yes I do.

Opps, Pelosi

Although I only read the first half, this article seems to be on the money. Pelosi going for the jugular with Murtha in her first week does strike me as a rather stupid move. Why make your first order of a business a political embarassment? Can't she count votes?

We're Back, Baby

5-5. Could be 6-4 if it wasn't for that lame Arizona loss earlier in the year. The rest of the schedule are all beatable except for the Broncos. Do I smell a 10-6 record and a division victory? No. Gimme a break. The Niners are not a good team, but they play hard for Nolan and they've got a running game and Alex Smith isn't dropping the ball anymore. That means we have a chance and it means I'll be in the Ye Rustic Inn eating breakfast burritos and buffalo wings more than I should.

In other Bay Area sports news, Frank Thomas signed with Toronto...I agree with this blog on the subject. It was a stupid move by him, not by the A's. We made an offer he should have accepted. I think Toronto is overpaying for the guy. He had a great year, but didn't come through in the 2nd round. And let's face it, he's an old man.

Every year it looks tough for the A's in the offseason and every year we come back strong. Let's sign Bonds and just win the whole damn thing.

Okay

An evolutionary biologist predicts humans will subdivide into two different species in the next 100,000 years. I won't hold my breath.

Media Bias

Listening to a podcast about how liberal media bias hurts Democrats. It's an interesting notion that the media, by being tougher on Republicans in general, actually allows the Republicans to respond to criticism quicker and sharper. In contrast, by giving Democrats a little more leeway, the media is in some sense, acting like a unstrict parent who lets their kid get away with too much. Hence, what we see are Democrats constantly being disappointed by election results, having anger towards "Red America," and so forth, similar traits to spoiled children not getting what they want.

Of course, this past election results run counter to this theory. However, there are signs that conservative Democrats are the ones holding the party together, ie Murtha losing the inter-Dem election and Lamont losing in Vermont.

Mark Warner

This is an interview with a man who I could really get behind as a Presidential candidate. Too bad the whole interview is about how he won't run.

I like the tough questions Helen asks throughout the interview. He handles her good questions fairly well. And he's right on the main point. There is a ton of creative and patriotic energy being unused in America right now. Most Americans, save the troops, are not being asked to sacrifice anything. A lot of us long to do something more to make our lives and the world a better place, but there isn't much we can do but go on living our lives and buy ethos water from starbucks.

Borat Discussion

I've entered a Borat discussion under the name gblack in SFGate. I'm comment #22.

Good News

I walked out from Pete's Cafe last night and noticed a cool, small video store opened up next door. I thought to myself, "how in the hell is a new video store opening up with netflix and everything? aren't video stores closing everywhere?"

I peruse around, the shelves are lined with good TV shows and criterion movies, the store is wood with low light.

I ask the guy this very question - when did you open and how do you sustain? He said that it's blockbuster and hollywood video that are really suffering from netflix, that there are people who still like to come to video stores to rent and get ideas about movies to see. Plus, his is the first video store in the neighborhood downtown.

Interesting.

Dropping Coin

That damn Pandora website coupled with Itunes has got me dropping coin again on music....

Billy Walsh

"well, has anyone seen the movie?"
"my editor and my mom."
"what did your mom think?"
"she hated it....but she's a fucking moron."

-------

"i've got a song for your movie."
"fuck you turtle, i'm scoring the whole movie myself with a sitar."

If I Did It

This is just too frigging weird.

There's A Big Difference

It's not 1938 and Iran isn't Germany because the fact remains we could wipe them, or any portion of them off the planet, and so could Israel...I imagine.

Leave It To Hitchens

To take Borat to town.

Did I not write about Borat? I can't believe it. I was working on a blog entry while watching the movie, and don't think I ever got to it.

First, we'll start with the compliments, because that's how were taught to talk about movies in film school. The Gypsy scene was the best in the movie. It was my only belly laugh. My other favorite part were confronting the feminists and the dinner table shit scene...

...but what I longed for in this movie more than anything else was for Borat to take on bigger, tougher targets. It's too damn easy to show stupid frat guys and dumbass homophobic rodeo hicks. We could stick a camera at those fools sans Borat and they'd eventually make idiots of themselves. Big deal.

The great Sacha Cohen work was done when Ali G spoke to Sam Donaldson, Pat "my main man" Buchanan, and Boutros Boutros Gali.

Don't get me wrong. The wine tasting with Borat in Season 2 is perhaps the greatest bit of physical humor put on tape in my lifetime...ut I felt like he didn't expand upon the TV show in the movie. Yes, it's become a cultural phenonmenon, and a more deserved character/comedian I do not know...but this was no South Park, as a movie, and it sure as hell didn't make me think anything different about American society other than, "Man, these folks are rather patient."

Big up yourself.

Keep At It

Maybe rock and roll will indeed save the world.

The Music Genome Project

This is frigging awesome.

Sample:

Song: Blue Moon by Elvis ; 1st Song Returned: Dancing on My Feet by Everly Brothers.

But they add an entire station of music.

Artist: Thievery Corporation ; 1st Song Returned: Reign by Crytal Method.

Awesome.

Goddammit

A's moving to Fremont. How annoying.

It's further away, no longer in Oak-town (a cool city), probably a big increase in ticket prices, and lastly - no offense Cindy - but who the hell has ever heard of Fremont.

Deal with Iran

The problem with making a deal with Iran, as I and a lot of other, smarter, people have proposed is an analysis of their strategic position. Basically, Iran's primary strategic objective is to humiliate the United States. They reason, correctly, that a humiliated United States with relatively less influence in the region will be a boon for Iran's regional power. They also see such a move as isolating Israel even further, moving them towards their dual long term goals of destroying the Israeli state and dominating the Sunnis.

So to make a deal with Iran would make little sense without a reordering of strategic priorities, for we would end up going down a road built designed for our own failure.

Interesting Issue

Are we are war with all terrorists or only terrorists that target the United States?

It's actually a pretty good strategic question. We know that it's only a matter of time before groups such as Hezbollah and Hamas bring the fight to us. But does that mean we should necessarily go after them?

And then there's the case of the PKK, which is a group that is currently destabilizing Turkey, our oestensible alley, but whose feathers we don't want to ruffle for fear the one element of Iraq project that is working could be hurt, ie the Kurdish North (where the PKK hides).

The whole thing is rather complicated.

Why Cut and Run Won't Happen

Europundits finally published a post and he's afraid because Rumsfeld is gone.

The thing is, despite worrisome rhetoric from the Michael Moore-Cindy Sheehan-Huffington-Murtha Left, the people that actually have to govern and weigh consequences of policies will still have to look at Islamic Fundamentalism in the eye and make a decision. They know, like Bush knows, it would be shirking their duty to ignore this menace. There's no excuse, from a historical perspective, after 9/11 and the persistence these guys have shown in Iraq and elsewhere that we can count on them to collapse under their own stupidity.

This is a fight that cannot and will not be abandoned. If we take it in another direction, so be it, and I'll be with the rest of Americans, measuring the results.

Iraq cannot turn into a terrorist stronghold. No politician in the Congress would last, I think, by advocating abandoning it wholeheartedly.

A DeRosa Shot Video

I haven't been able to watch it because the computer at school has no sound...

30 Rock

Click on "Jack the Writer."

Great line, "Uggh. You're making me gay."

UPDATE: Link fixed.

Smoking

I hate smoking, but I love irony.

Looking Forward

I'm really looking forward to proving both the terrorists and Republicans wrong. But don't think it makes me a bit nervous.

Ariana Should Shut Her Hole

I really dislike her. She makes me want to become a Republican. I'm totally serious. She's a shrill, annoying, witch. The only reason she's a democrat is because she was humiliated by her uber rich arch-conservative gay husband. I mean, seriously....this woman was an uber conservative and without any other way to get attention, refashioned herself into an anti-Arnold, and now anti-Iraq crusader.

We have a word for that where I come from: chode.

Interesting...

War is not business and not won or lost in the margins.

I Thought This Already Happened

That's weird, I thought Jack Palance was already dead.

Why The World Is Cruel

It only pays to win. If we were winning Iraq, there would be no talk of war crimes. Since we're losing, there is. Anyone who thinks differently knows they're wrong. If we lost WWII all our heroic generals would have been tried as war criminals. It's a dirty business. And shitty, unfair world.

It's a Whole New World

A Slice of Life

Liberals

If they screw this movie up, I'm going to pissed. They should have brought back Cimino.

Middle East In the Long Term

American power in the region is certainly going downhill. This is a good article outlining what we should do to make sure our interests are protected.

If I were President, I'd make energy independence the number one long term policy goal. Tax gas at the pump, offset by other tax reductions elsewhere...and rabid experimentation with alternative energy sources working in conjunction with the business community and gas and oil companies.

The Middle East would look worse than Africa if they didn't have the oil.

As A Democrat...

What does Tuesday tell us? Uhhh...that democracy works, I guess.

That Sounds Like My Plan

Opening talks with Iran?

The deal I proposed: help us bring Iraqi violence to a manageable level and give up your nuke quest. In exchange, we recognize your country and give you bags of goodies, like Hollywood movies and McDonalds.

It's a win win. Mullah's can't compete with McDonalds for popularity.

Used Amazon

I couldn't find this book I had already read and felt stupid rebuying it, so I looked it up on Amazon and found it used for $2. I thought to myself, how can I go wrong. I ordered it about two weeks ago and it finally came today. Combined with shipping it was $5. Charlie Wilson's War, is the name of the book and it's incredible. It would make a great movie, and then today, I learned it's in the can with Tom Hank and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Directed by Mike Nichols. Bad casting, if you ask me. But anyway.

Now I've just ordered a James Grady book for $.01. No joke. Shipping is $3.50 on this one, but I don't see how I can go wrong buying books this way.

She Represents Marin, Too

Pelosi is saying all the right things. And I hope she shows the country that a "San Francisco Democrat" is something to be proud of...

I hope she can help usher in a new strand of liberalism, one that's shaken the legacy of Vietnam and is ready to confront the largest threat to liberalism everywhere - Islamic Fascism. We'll see.

Notice to Anti-Abortion Advocates

Give up, will ya, already? Jesus.

I Agree

In all big voting issues in my area, I have no reason to complain with the results.

This Was Only A Matter of Time

Hamas military wing calls for attacks against America.

Timing

Say what you will about Bush, but he didn't fire Rumsfeld to curry favor with the voters...which it would have, at least where I live.

We Can Thank Osama For That

The younger generation is voting. I'd say it's because of 9/11 and the aftermath.

Voting

I've written about it before, but it's hard not to feel pretty damn good about this country if you take the 15-30 minutes out of your date to vote.

There's something I really like about walking down the street to the Middle School, seeing a bunch of people from my neighborhood, just matter of factly grabbing their ballots and going into booths and ink dotting the cards. It's something so simple and elegant and something we've all grown up with, I think it's easy not to appreciate the beauty of it. Voting is a symbolic gesture - the symbol of a decent society. It demonstrates a respect for others point of view, and being humble about your own.

In the scheme of things, the results aren't what matters. It's the process.

Voting, like chicken soup, is good for the soul.

PS - on a side note, there is a really interesting essay to be written about the mental process of a voter looking at all the crap on the ballot and what people think when they are voting. I'm guessing, not much...

Food Search

When searching for food, you can search by neighborhood, price, cuisine, restaurant. But I think you should be able to search by dish. Like, who has the chicken parmesan or Kung Pao chicken or Steak Diane.

You know?

What Does Greg Feel Like Doing Tonight?

Eat a steak at Dan Tana and watch Entourage until he passes out on his couch.

What Will Greg End Up Doing Tonight?

Vote. Eat a steak from Vons. Read a Script for Class. Watch Battle of Algiers on ESPN.

Fall asleep early....

Sush, LA Times

Don't insult my girl, Tina Fey.

Balwdin Rules. 30 Rock Rocks. FNL Forever. Go NBC!

High Traffic

A lot of people checking up on the blog, despite my lack on contributions. I suspect the election has something to do with it. It does have the feel of something important right now. Maybe it's the press, maybe it's the fact I'm involved with this redistricting game...who knows.

I don't have any bold predictions or interesting thoughts. In my district Becerra is running unopposed for the House. Feinstein will surely win the Senate. Gov'ner Arnold will probably be the first Republican I vote for.

I'll vote NO on all the Propositions because I always vote NO on Propositions unless I'm firmly convinced they are a good idea.

I won't get excited about a Republican or Democrat victory. I won't suspect the election results are rigged. I'm concerned with getting a job after school and LA getting annihilated by a loose nuke.

In that order.

I Guess I Believe in the Death Penalty

Because this smacks of justice to me.

I Think He Might Be Right

One of the best Iraq essays I've read. From strictly the American point of view.

Idiots

So many weird things here. First, the video quality is unbelievable on this hotair video on waterboarding. A Fox News Correspondent agreed to put himself under the waterboard techniques as done by our CIA guys.

They and Andrew Sullivan focus on whether this shit is torture. I'm sitting here thinking - how the fuck is this useful? How does it make these people speak? Wouldn't they rather die than talk? I don't know, I find it confusing.

Entourage

I'm late to the game, but the show is damn good. Watching the first season. Before there was Baldwin, there was Pivan. The guy is awesome.

Two best moments in the show. End of episode 4, I think, Piven asks the main dude if he thinks his new assistant is hot. Piven admits, he can't tell. The main dude has been dating the girl and says, "Yes," to which Piven responds, "I think I'll bang her."

Then, the long steadicam, Goodfellas rip off on Piven at the beach house. Better than Goodfellas.

Borat Update

I posed the $200 million question. Ahhhhh, no.

Maybe 50. Maybe.

I Still Don't Get the WMD Thing

Everyone, right and left, is still so hopped up on the WMD thing. Today, the hawk blogosphere is creaming their pants because the NY Times points out Saddam was close to getting a nuke.

It doesn't change the fact Iraq is a mess, nor does it retroactively justify the invasion. Nor do I expect it will change anyone opposed to the invasion originally to shift their thinking. I've decided, for my own personal reasons, the possession of WMD argument was one of the least important justifications for going into Iraq. I think Bush and Blair emphasized the reason too heavily and that it was essentially a legal ruse to get the UN on board, when the real good reasons for going into Iraq were political, strategic, and moral - not legal.

And not to mention, that in hindsight the WMD argument has come back to haunt Bush and Blair, giving the war opposition ammunition to avoid the real issue of this weird symbiotic relationship autocratic middle eastern states have with international jihadist organizations. From the debate perspective, it was a weak line of reasoning.

Even if we found WMDs in the first place, that wouldn't have justified the invasion in the eyes of war opponents. Prior to the invasion war opponents were not arguing that Saddam didn't have WMDs. They were arguing that he was containable and that we should only go in with UN backing. Whether he had weapons was, as I said before, unknowable.

I supported the war - not because I knew Saddam had WMDs - but because I thought amoung other things - we would never be able to be sure he did or did not have WMDs. I also think the only long term solution to the issue of jihadism was a shaking up of the Middle East, with an alternative to autocratic governments. I also think we need to wean ourselves off Saudi oil, and a west friendly Iraq sans Saddam could be used as to balance the Saudis - who are blackmailing the world with their control of oil reserves. I also think thugs like Saddam, who thumb their noses at the world, and more importantly the United States, deserve a commupatance, that in general, we'd gotten too soft on mega-assholes and Saddam was the biggest mega-asshole of them all.

Saddam was not behind 9/11. I think the relationship between Saddam and Islamic Jihadist groups was an implicit one, where they benefitted from one another, but did not actively work with one another to a degree that justified immediate retaliation, anyway. I just think the jig was up with the guy, and it was time to deal with him the way we should have 12 years before in Gulf War 1.

I always knew there was a potential downside, that invading Iraq would inflame angry around the Muslim world and make France, Russia, and the rest of the axis of weasels squirm. But I also thought it was time to take a bold, different approach to dealing with pieces of shit.

I didn't not think about the ethnic tensions and hatred. Part of that is because it is so foreign to my own personal mindset, I don't really understand it. I didn't worry so much about the notion of Iraqi nationalism and that there would be a widespread anti-US insurgency like the Viet Cong. And it turns out I was right. There isn't a widespread nationalist impulse in Iraq. There are sectarian elements who fight viciously because they fear being slaughtered by one another.

I still think it was worth the risk. I strongly suspect the administration has bungled the operation and that we could be in a better position today if we figured out the insurgency earlier. But I don't regret going at it alone, but I regret that we weren't good enough to make it a resounding success. Iraq has been humbling. And I don't think we'll be doing it again in the near future.

And despite the negative elements that I did not anticipate, the insurgency and chaos that has been difficult to quell, there are some positive things for the US that we've gotten out of Iraq, that I did not anticipate. One, we're getting a taste of what war is going to look like for the 21st century. We're training troops for the future. We're also starting to see that the democratic reformists in the Middle East are a bunch of bullshitters without any balls whatsoever. For years, "liberals" in the Middle East have been claiming that if the US didn't bail on them and supported them, got the guns from their heads, that we'd see reform. Well, it's looking more and more to me that these fuck faces, for the most part, have been trying to play us to their own advantage. Either they are incapble or disingenous, either way, they aren't to be trusted and don't deserve another opportunity. We've sacrificed too much for them, and it makes me long for the days of real politik, playing groups off one another in a cynical, British style foreign policy. I admit to having twinges of liberal guilt about bailing on the Kurds in 1991, deposing elected governments in Iran, playing Saddam off the Ayatollah's, and so forth. That guilt is fading and that's what they can look forward to in the future.

Enough.

Which Shows How Insensitive I Truly Am

I might be sad when this guy dies. He gives me lots of laughs.

That's Gay

Getting a massage from a gay prostitute is gay. Not that there's anything wrong with it.

Internet Video

For the first time, I see where all this is headed. First, I've started watching TV shows on the internet because they are fast enough and good enough quality to make it worthwhile. And the convenience factor. Awesome. I watch 30 Rock and Friday Night Lights. 30 Rock has one awesome line each episode I've seen. Usually Baldwin has the line, but this week, when Tina Fey gets dressed up sexy, the fat ugly guys goes, "Uhhh, I just threw up in my mouth." I laughed out loud.

But with You Tube taking down copyrighted stuff and television putting all their shows online, the whole business of video over the internet is starting to make sense. Because, let's be honest, who the fuck wants to watch a bunch of home videos on you tube? Losers, that's right. And who would want to pay for those videos? Not even the losers...

...an idea about some sort of movie/tv democratic freedom utopia opportunity via You Tube video is a total joke. It might - and I emphasize might - serve as a calling card for some people to get some opportunities they might not have otherwise had. And if one can take advantage of that - power to them - but it ain't a revolution...it's just a new tool.

Finally, it looks like TV has gotten smart...because suddenly, I'm watching TV again, which I virtually stopped doing. I didn't even watch Arrested Development, despite loving the show, because it wasn't convenient for me to keep up. Now I watch Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock at some point during the week. It I catch the live episode, great. If not, I'll watch it sometime on the internet.

And yes, I watch the commericials. Count it a winner.

Who Knew?

I thought the left had a monopoly on political correctness. Now Instapundit is getting wobbly over a little Halloween fun.

Gimme a break.

From the NY Times...

...Borat, who just recently invited the “mighty warlord” George W. Bush to the premiere of his film...

$200 million domestic?

Tom Cruise, Studio Chief

Congrats to Tom Cruise.

I suspect this story is related...somehow.

Fareed Zakaria

I'm in favor of his proposal for Iraq.

It's a must read for those interested in the region.

Sullivan Is Right

Kerry made a boo boo. Bush completely exploited it for partisan gain. So what? Democrats should be so clever as to do the same. God knows, Bush has enough gaffes that are exploitable.

In soccer, a lot of times wimpy, stupid players whine about another team fouling when the other team is simply playing harder. You can make hard, clean tackles that physically hurt, but are completely legal and even desirable to gain psychological advantage.

On the other hand, you can mean well, be gentle on the other team, but simply be slow or uncoordinated and commit fouls.

Democrats remind me of teams that don't play hard and whine about how the other team is fouling or the referee not calling the game fairly. I feel like saying, shut the fuck up and grow a sack.

If he truly misspoke, Kerry should just say, "look, I've got nothing to really apologize for. I simply misspoke - make your jokes and be done with it. Of all the people, GW should know about misspeaking." Or something to that effect.

Compliments of the Drudge Report

Oh Kerry

Trauma. It's like our country is reenacting the same political trauma over and over. Kerry has a liberal freudian slip and the Republicans jump on it for political advantage.

Snooze.

Principled Stance

I will never drink Jack Daniles again.

Dennis Miller

On Kerry, Bush, and Iraq. Not bad.

This guy is smart, but I don't think he's that funny.

Friends in the Middle East

We have operated under the assumption - on both the left and right - that there are friends to be had in the Middle East, and it's just about sticking with and supporting the right people. Perhaps this is a wrong headed assumption. Perhaps there are no friends to be had there at all. To me, this changes things.

Fair Enough

George Will writes about the lag time between observing a problem and acknowledging a problem in Iraq.

The administration was/is too focused and counted too heavily on the best case scenario, ignoring the worst case of invasion. And of course, we find ourselves much closer to the worst case than the best.

But what I still don't like is this notion that doing nothing about Iraq, and continuing inspections, or going along the pre-9/11 path of containment was some sort of neutral policy. This position, which was tested for 12 years, was not working. Now the clearest argument, I think, is that while the pre-Bush policy was not working in Iraq, Bush's policy is NOT WORKING WORSE.

Look, Clinton appeased the North Koreans and it kept them without nukes. Clinton, through the UN, did sanctions on Iraq and it inflamed anger across the Muslim world. Were these smart policies that contained truly ugly problems? Or were were kicking the can down the road and racking up credit card debt for later generations to deal with? Honestly, I don't know.

Are we right now, making the tough sacrifices so that future generations can be safe? Or are we creating a massive new problem that will cause nightmares for the future? I don't know either.

History will tell.

A Really Great Quote

So true, so true. No one is thinking about what you do or say...

Letterman and O'Reilly

Somewhat interesting.

I dunno. Sure, the Dems make take Congress back. I'm not sure it's anything to get too excited about. Both our parties suck in amazingly different ways. It's a fine time, isn't it?

Most Men Lead Lives of Quiet Desperation

While others lead lives of public desperation.

On A Similar Note...

as my last passage...my screenwriting instructor the other day told a funny story about how he was stressed out, fuming, and trying to figure out how he was going to get all his work done because he had landed three choice writing assignments. But he basically started kicking himself because he's like "This is the exact type of problem I WANT!"

I feel stressed out lately from too much stuff going on...but unlike earlier in film school when some of the projects had seemingly little future or present payoff, most of the things I'm doing now are good. I'm stressed, but it's the good stress, the kind of stress I hope will last.

Firstly, I've been majorly stressed the past week about doing a sitcom rewrite that is at least 3 weeks late. I feel bad, but finally sat down and reworked an outline this afternoon, and I think it could be pretty good. I sent it off and that will hopefully hold off the producer from breathing down my neck for a little while longer. This job will be paid, but I've already put a lot of work into it, and the hourly rate probably won't work out to be that much. But what the fuck, I'm getting paid to write. And that's been my goal. So here I frigging am.

Secondly, the video game project has persistent deadlines and I'm always behind. But I get paid for that work too and feel as though I do good work - for the most part. And again, it's like, you're working on a frigging computer/video game, that's awesome!

Thirdly, my classes - the pitch class and my writing class are loads of work, but it's all about coming up with projects and ideas and hopefully some of these things are the ones that will help my career get started, help get an agent, become my first directed movies, and so forth. So, to me, all of these things are worth the time and stress and because of that, I am able to keep pushing through stress and doing for the most part, good work.

Fourthly, business stuff. Finally, I've figured out what elements of producing I like versus which I don't like, and a way for me to focus on those. I don't love this stuff, but I like it...running SPO and trying to come up with a brand of movies to invest in...both things I'm doing that aren't directly making films, but are tangential to the business. I don't know if this stuff will lead anywhere, but I like it enough to not worry about it too much.

Fifthly, all the things that are on the complete back burner. I simply have no time for the following: Editing my movie from this summer, remixing an electronic music video from Phil's movie, writing a spec script to get a writing job/agent, sending any of my past movies to festivals, searching for a job after December. All these things I want to do, would even like to do, but there's no time...and I suppose, for the moment, that is okay.

DMV

A funny little story about how efficient the DMV has become. I've noticed as well. I scheduled 1/2 day to go down there and get my license renewed. It took 1/2 hour.

While some things in the world seem to be getting worse, others seem to be getting better. Who woulda thought?

Options In Iraq

It seems like we have two options that could help the US achieve limited goals. We of course have a series of other options that probably lead to massive failures.

1. Pull our troops out of trouble spots, keep a bunch of badass special forces divisions around in friendly areas in the West to to kill as many Sunni Islamicists as possible - anytime they poke their heads out too much or threaten to take control of any area. In short, keep the country instable, so that it cannot become a new Afghanistan and can still serve the flypaper theory of killing Islamicists there rather than here.

2. Start over. Bring in 500,000 troops. Completely disband the police forces and militias. Make it illegal to have a gun in Iraq and do what we did with Germany after WWII. Total security. Kill anyone so much as they raise a finger against the occupation. Bring security first and impose upon Iraq a civil society and civil government.

I'm not sure which approach I favor.