Money Doesn't Buy Happiness
...Or, maybe it actually does (for the kids, anyway).
Friday, October 09, 2015
Monday, October 05, 2015
How Women Think
There are literally not enough single men out there.
In reading this, what it more accurately means to say, is there aren't enough single men of sufficient status for single women out there. Which of course, will always be the case. I'd suggest tapping the 20 million men from China who have 0 percent chance of finding a mate since the demographics are skewed due to the 1-child policy. But no self-respecting college educated American women would actually consider these men...and that's not racist, but instead a matter of "attraction."
And then this:
Let's just say I'm listening to the world's smallest violin.
There are literally not enough single men out there.
In reading this, what it more accurately means to say, is there aren't enough single men of sufficient status for single women out there. Which of course, will always be the case. I'd suggest tapping the 20 million men from China who have 0 percent chance of finding a mate since the demographics are skewed due to the 1-child policy. But no self-respecting college educated American women would actually consider these men...and that's not racist, but instead a matter of "attraction."
And then this:
And my argument is that the old discrimination [against women] obscured a fundamental biological truth: Girls' brains mature at a faster rate than boys' brains, girls mature [faster] socially and intellectually. They're about a year ahead of boys. When it comes to actual schoolwork, girls do their homework better, girls are more organized, they're less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, they don't get put in jail [at the same rates]. So I think girls have a developmental advantage when it comes to college preparation.Notice when women do better at school, the reasons are biological, but women are underrepresented in math, science, entertainment, etc, there are misogynistic structures discriminating against them.
Let's just say I'm listening to the world's smallest violin.
Sunday, September 27, 2015
Yikes
Kaepernick line today:
9 for 19, 67 yards, 4 ints, 0 TD
Highest paid player on the team. 15 mil a year. Where's all the voices who thought the Alex Smith dumpage was a good idea now? I haven't even watched these last two games, but they sound atrocious. I love how last week the news on Kap is that the offense got going in the 2nd half...meanwhile the score is 43-18.
Kaepernick line today:
9 for 19, 67 yards, 4 ints, 0 TD
Highest paid player on the team. 15 mil a year. Where's all the voices who thought the Alex Smith dumpage was a good idea now? I haven't even watched these last two games, but they sound atrocious. I love how last week the news on Kap is that the offense got going in the 2nd half...meanwhile the score is 43-18.
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Friday, September 11, 2015
Logging
TV: The Knick, season 1
I did not like the final two episodes. Entirely too bleak for my taste and devolved into what I would call a typical druggie narrative. Perhaps inevitable because of the Thackery character, but it was entirely familiar and made the show way less interesting to me than the initial exploration into surgery. In fact, I'm not much intrigued by the 2nd season at all.
I was particularly disappointed in how the Edwards-Cornelia abortion bit was played. It revealed pure pandering to an upper middle class white liberal audience and made the characters mouthpieces for political points of view versus real people. Upon finding out Cornelia intended to abort the child, Edwards was hurt and disappointed by the racial element. This seemed entirely ridiculous for the Edwards character, who would fully understand the implications to Cornelia (an engaged women) to having a mix raced child at the time. And at the same time, he expressed no opposition to abortion on a spiritual level. It seems to me his character would have religious objections to the practice. Later, he cannot go through the procedure because it was his child, but not because it was a child. This is a ridiculous position to take. It makes his emotional priorities about himself as a victim versus himself in relation to a larger, spiritual existence, or about the unborn child, or even about Cornelia and the fact it is her body and she is the one who stands to lose everything. An entirely problematic section, if you ask me. I won't even go into the vast numbers of dead infants in the show, which hit a tipping point for me.
Earlier in the season, there was a fantastic subtle moment about race when Edwards, Thackery, and Herman performed some clutch maneuver and were bonding in the aftermath and Herman offered Thackery a drink and neglected Edwards. The bottle was out of focus in the foreground and Edwards in focus in the background, realizing he was not going to be offered a drink because the men did not want to share the bottle with him. But that was the one good moment. Too often, Edwards was the magical negro.
TV: The Knick, season 1
I did not like the final two episodes. Entirely too bleak for my taste and devolved into what I would call a typical druggie narrative. Perhaps inevitable because of the Thackery character, but it was entirely familiar and made the show way less interesting to me than the initial exploration into surgery. In fact, I'm not much intrigued by the 2nd season at all.
I was particularly disappointed in how the Edwards-Cornelia abortion bit was played. It revealed pure pandering to an upper middle class white liberal audience and made the characters mouthpieces for political points of view versus real people. Upon finding out Cornelia intended to abort the child, Edwards was hurt and disappointed by the racial element. This seemed entirely ridiculous for the Edwards character, who would fully understand the implications to Cornelia (an engaged women) to having a mix raced child at the time. And at the same time, he expressed no opposition to abortion on a spiritual level. It seems to me his character would have religious objections to the practice. Later, he cannot go through the procedure because it was his child, but not because it was a child. This is a ridiculous position to take. It makes his emotional priorities about himself as a victim versus himself in relation to a larger, spiritual existence, or about the unborn child, or even about Cornelia and the fact it is her body and she is the one who stands to lose everything. An entirely problematic section, if you ask me. I won't even go into the vast numbers of dead infants in the show, which hit a tipping point for me.
Earlier in the season, there was a fantastic subtle moment about race when Edwards, Thackery, and Herman performed some clutch maneuver and were bonding in the aftermath and Herman offered Thackery a drink and neglected Edwards. The bottle was out of focus in the foreground and Edwards in focus in the background, realizing he was not going to be offered a drink because the men did not want to share the bottle with him. But that was the one good moment. Too often, Edwards was the magical negro.
Inaction
Is the Syrian refugee crisis Obama's fault? He can no, of course. But is it the result of the United States not playing a leadership role in the Middle East? Is it related to squandering the stabilization we had achieved in Iraq post surge? Or, can we also blame this on Bush?
We are damned if we do, damned if we don't in the Middle East and the Liberals who were vehemently against the Iraq war didn't acknowledge this point. Now, we see the cost of inaction.
Is the Syrian refugee crisis Obama's fault? He can no, of course. But is it the result of the United States not playing a leadership role in the Middle East? Is it related to squandering the stabilization we had achieved in Iraq post surge? Or, can we also blame this on Bush?
We are damned if we do, damned if we don't in the Middle East and the Liberals who were vehemently against the Iraq war didn't acknowledge this point. Now, we see the cost of inaction.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Friday, September 04, 2015
Thursday, September 03, 2015
Logging
TV: Hard Knocks, e. 1-4
Love this show. And more than in other seasons, this one makes me really like the Texans. I mean, Watt, Wilfork, Hopkins, EZ, Charles Johnson, all these guys are incredibly likable characters. I like O'Brien, too. Only guy who comes across as a douche is Ryan Mallett. I felt bad for the receiver who got cut, but you just look at the guy physically compared to the other NFL players and I'm thinking to myself: no shot in hell. I'll be curious to see how the team does. My only request: more Clowney.
Oye.
TV: Hard Knocks, e. 1-4
Love this show. And more than in other seasons, this one makes me really like the Texans. I mean, Watt, Wilfork, Hopkins, EZ, Charles Johnson, all these guys are incredibly likable characters. I like O'Brien, too. Only guy who comes across as a douche is Ryan Mallett. I felt bad for the receiver who got cut, but you just look at the guy physically compared to the other NFL players and I'm thinking to myself: no shot in hell. I'll be curious to see how the team does. My only request: more Clowney.
Oye.
Wednesday, September 02, 2015
She Can't Do That
A county clerk does not have the right to ignore laws that violate her conscience. She has the right to quit her clerk job, but she doesn't get to decide policy. If there's one thing that bugs me more than an overzealous court assessing the political winds and choosing a popular side, it would be an obstinate government bureaucrat believing she gets to dictate local policy based on her religious convictions. Get her out of there.
A county clerk does not have the right to ignore laws that violate her conscience. She has the right to quit her clerk job, but she doesn't get to decide policy. If there's one thing that bugs me more than an overzealous court assessing the political winds and choosing a popular side, it would be an obstinate government bureaucrat believing she gets to dictate local policy based on her religious convictions. Get her out of there.
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
Logging
Film: The Gift
Pretty good, but not great. One jump out of your seat moment, but the set up a bit slow going and not particularly original characterization.
TV: The Knick e. 1-4
Incredible. Terrific show on numerous levels from the writing, acting, score. Shot in a fascinating way. One incredibly weird fight scene I didn't think worked.
Film: Heat
Obviously a re-watch. Love this movie partially for the narrative imperfections.
Film: The Gift
Pretty good, but not great. One jump out of your seat moment, but the set up a bit slow going and not particularly original characterization.
TV: The Knick e. 1-4
Incredible. Terrific show on numerous levels from the writing, acting, score. Shot in a fascinating way. One incredibly weird fight scene I didn't think worked.
Film: Heat
Obviously a re-watch. Love this movie partially for the narrative imperfections.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Driverless Cars
I'm skeptical on numerous levels.
I'm skeptical on numerous levels.
Technologies have an unerring tendency never to perform as their initial architects envisaged. But there is a more fundamental reason to stop and think: when all these claims are examined, they reveal one worrying underlying common assumption – namely, that human error and weakness are the real problems that need fixing.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Canceling ESPN
I'm thinking of dropping ESPN completely. I already let go of Insider. They lose their two best commentators, Simmons and Cowherd, and they keep suspending people left and right. The quality of the programming is down and sports have becoming incredibly over-covered.
I'm thinking of dropping ESPN completely. I already let go of Insider. They lose their two best commentators, Simmons and Cowherd, and they keep suspending people left and right. The quality of the programming is down and sports have becoming incredibly over-covered.
Monday, August 24, 2015
Amen
Peggy Hubbard's video.
Black Lives Matter focuses on police brutality above and beyond a more pernicious cultural problem: violent crime. I wonder if police brutality should be viewed as a symptom more than a cause of violence.
Peggy Hubbard's video.
Black Lives Matter focuses on police brutality above and beyond a more pernicious cultural problem: violent crime. I wonder if police brutality should be viewed as a symptom more than a cause of violence.
No Tricks
With the Fed keeping interest rates so low for so long, what tools do they have left to "boost" the economy? Not as many. And with the markets tanking right now, should policy makers be nervous?
Yes.
A market correct was long overdue. Hopefully, this pullback is simply a correction rather than a plunge, because if there is a plunge, I'm not sure whether the government has many tricks up their sleeve to stabilize the markets.
Just on a personal note, I hope this swoon puts a damper on the housing prices, which are totally ridiculous.
With the Fed keeping interest rates so low for so long, what tools do they have left to "boost" the economy? Not as many. And with the markets tanking right now, should policy makers be nervous?
Yes.
A market correct was long overdue. Hopefully, this pullback is simply a correction rather than a plunge, because if there is a plunge, I'm not sure whether the government has many tricks up their sleeve to stabilize the markets.
Just on a personal note, I hope this swoon puts a damper on the housing prices, which are totally ridiculous.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Logging
TV: Show Me A Hero, e. 1 and John Adams, e. 1
Mini-series week!
I've been meaning to watch John Adams for years and somehow never get too into it. Yet, in watching it, the mini-series is quite good.
On the flip side, the first episode of Show Me A Hero was a bit disappointing. Felt like your standard docudrama with an undercurrent of finger wagging. Could title it, "Show Me A Lecture." I'm not sure if I'll stick with it. "Race" as a topic in contemporary American drama is nearly as boring as super hero films.
TV: Show Me A Hero, e. 1 and John Adams, e. 1
Mini-series week!
I've been meaning to watch John Adams for years and somehow never get too into it. Yet, in watching it, the mini-series is quite good.
On the flip side, the first episode of Show Me A Hero was a bit disappointing. Felt like your standard docudrama with an undercurrent of finger wagging. Could title it, "Show Me A Lecture." I'm not sure if I'll stick with it. "Race" as a topic in contemporary American drama is nearly as boring as super hero films.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Logging
Film: Mission Impossible 5 and Straight Outta Compton
Both pretty enjoyable summer films -- maybe the two most enjoyable summer films this year. MI5 was too long, but worth it for the villain actor (Sean Harris) and some of the stunt work. Straight Outta Compton was quite good. Like most biopics, I enjoyed the first half better than the second.
Film: Mission Impossible 5 and Straight Outta Compton
Both pretty enjoyable summer films -- maybe the two most enjoyable summer films this year. MI5 was too long, but worth it for the villain actor (Sean Harris) and some of the stunt work. Straight Outta Compton was quite good. Like most biopics, I enjoyed the first half better than the second.
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Logging
Film: The Cooler, The Matador, Locke
Three movies about men at the end of their ropes. The Cooler is a shockingly good movie and the best of the lot. The Matador is really weird, but one of the most interesting Pierce Brosnan performances I'm aware of. Locke is a movie about one man in a car taking phone calls. I was tempted to turn it off, but stuck it out for the 85 minutes. It was a one man play and much of filmmaking, as far as I could tell, was just random shots to break up the monotony of looking at one guy. A very writerly piece and a reminder why the director is and should be king.
TV: Mr. Robot pilot
I wasn't a fan, especially considering all the ridiculous over praise. First off, hacking is lame. Second off, this whole anti-corporate, anti-debt ethos is old and trite and boring.
Film: The Cooler, The Matador, Locke
Three movies about men at the end of their ropes. The Cooler is a shockingly good movie and the best of the lot. The Matador is really weird, but one of the most interesting Pierce Brosnan performances I'm aware of. Locke is a movie about one man in a car taking phone calls. I was tempted to turn it off, but stuck it out for the 85 minutes. It was a one man play and much of filmmaking, as far as I could tell, was just random shots to break up the monotony of looking at one guy. A very writerly piece and a reminder why the director is and should be king.
TV: Mr. Robot pilot
I wasn't a fan, especially considering all the ridiculous over praise. First off, hacking is lame. Second off, this whole anti-corporate, anti-debt ethos is old and trite and boring.
Sunday, August 09, 2015
GOP Debates/Candidates/Hillary
How do I feel about Trump? Listen, the man is an egomaniac and a clown and cannot win the GOP nomination, much less the Presidency. But I like what he brings to the early election cycle: a bit of recklessness, a bit of showmanship, a bit of aggression, and the willingness to shake up the field. Commenters and pundits and people who find him crass, vulgar, etc, I think miss the point a bit. He creates competition, he makes others hone their political skills, he brings up issues that are not otherwise being talked about, and he engages people not traditionally involved with politics. I believe these to be all good things. The political class is calcified, in my opinion, and Trump is like adding some vinegar to help clean it up.
From what I've seen, my favorite candidate is Carly Fiorina. I watched her get interviewed by Chris Mathews this morning and she gave the best answer to the economy and tax code questions that I've heard from any candidate. She said the 75,000 page tax code out to be 3 pages. She said the overly complicated code benefits the rich and well connected because of their armies of lawyers and accountants. She wants to cut taxes and Wallace said, well, isn't that just trickle-down economics -- isn't that what Hillary Clinton is going to attack you about -- and Fiorina said, look, I lived in California for 12 years. And in every single state where progressives make policy, the gulf between rich and poor has grown. Their policies don't work. And man, she's not wrong. But can she last? I don't get the impression she gets much support from the GOP money people and will be crushed by Jeb Bush. I don't see why she isn't more mainstream -- but maybe she isn't very connected politically speaking.
Ron Paul - did not do well in the debate in my opinion. He comes across like Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons and has this arrogant smirk on his face. When one-on-one, however, he comes across much better.
Jeb Bush - seems to be the establishment candidate and more likable than his brother, but maybe not more lovable, if that makes sense. I got the impression a lot of people loved GW (and a lot hated), but Jeb maybe doesn't arouse passion in the same way.
Scott Walker - has a little bit of a sleepy eyed, unhealthy look I think. Also, is he short? I don't know. He doesn't convey Presidential, although his answers in the debate were pretty good. He might be too conservative for a mainstream election.
Marco Rubio - I think he comes off a little young, and maybe like a rookie and too boyish. I don't think his line about paying off student loans four years ago was endearing - at least not to me. I feel it makes him seem simply too young and frankly, unsuccessful.
John Kasich - I found him to have an endearing, coach-like, teacher-like demeanor. I did not know him before, but I doubt he will win over the GOP establishment.
Ben Carson - I enjoyed hearing him speak, but he seems like an incredible long shot and I can't imagine how long he will last.
Rick Perry - comes across as maybe not too intelligent, which is not a good thing.
Ted Cruz - he comes across as smarmy and perhaps untrustworthy to me, although I have no idea whether this is true or not. I actually think his biggest problem is visual - he seems like a bad guy in a cartoon.
Chris Christie - I'm not entirely sure what makes this guy a Republican, to be honest. Seems like a very okay candidate who I imagine Hillary would crush.
Mike Huckabee - Was more impressive in the past. He strikes me as having gotten a little weirder as he's gotten older.
My basic thoughts on Hillary: America knows who she is and does not love her. She's had a million swings at the plate, it seems, and does about average or even a little below average. She has a cult like aura around her, which makes her supporters see her with rose-tinted glasses and they do not grasp how unappealing she is to regular people. This makes her overconfident and can be partially to blame for her losing the candidacy last time around. I don't think she is a particularly good politician. How many elections has she won? One? As Senator to New York because those goobs are star fuckers. What is her signature accomplishment...in anything? Being an "involved" first lady? I feel like when you dissect Hillary, her failures are more notable than her accomplishments:
1. As first lady: Hillarycare
2. As Senator: Her vote of support on the Iraq War
3. As Presidential Candidate: losing her lead to Obama
4. As SoS: Benghazi and email scandal
What are her accomplishments? Being a woman and being part of the Clinton machine? Knowing a lot of people? I sense her best accomplishment has been to stay politically relevant for a really long time. And I guess she is able to possess some type of aura of political power. Maybe because I'm in LA and far away from Washington, I see that like Varys the Spider sees it - a magic trick and a shadow on the wall. I just think there's a reason she's never been able to break through in the past, despite having numerous opportunities.
How do I feel about Trump? Listen, the man is an egomaniac and a clown and cannot win the GOP nomination, much less the Presidency. But I like what he brings to the early election cycle: a bit of recklessness, a bit of showmanship, a bit of aggression, and the willingness to shake up the field. Commenters and pundits and people who find him crass, vulgar, etc, I think miss the point a bit. He creates competition, he makes others hone their political skills, he brings up issues that are not otherwise being talked about, and he engages people not traditionally involved with politics. I believe these to be all good things. The political class is calcified, in my opinion, and Trump is like adding some vinegar to help clean it up.
From what I've seen, my favorite candidate is Carly Fiorina. I watched her get interviewed by Chris Mathews this morning and she gave the best answer to the economy and tax code questions that I've heard from any candidate. She said the 75,000 page tax code out to be 3 pages. She said the overly complicated code benefits the rich and well connected because of their armies of lawyers and accountants. She wants to cut taxes and Wallace said, well, isn't that just trickle-down economics -- isn't that what Hillary Clinton is going to attack you about -- and Fiorina said, look, I lived in California for 12 years. And in every single state where progressives make policy, the gulf between rich and poor has grown. Their policies don't work. And man, she's not wrong. But can she last? I don't get the impression she gets much support from the GOP money people and will be crushed by Jeb Bush. I don't see why she isn't more mainstream -- but maybe she isn't very connected politically speaking.
Ron Paul - did not do well in the debate in my opinion. He comes across like Sideshow Bob from the Simpsons and has this arrogant smirk on his face. When one-on-one, however, he comes across much better.
Jeb Bush - seems to be the establishment candidate and more likable than his brother, but maybe not more lovable, if that makes sense. I got the impression a lot of people loved GW (and a lot hated), but Jeb maybe doesn't arouse passion in the same way.
Scott Walker - has a little bit of a sleepy eyed, unhealthy look I think. Also, is he short? I don't know. He doesn't convey Presidential, although his answers in the debate were pretty good. He might be too conservative for a mainstream election.
Marco Rubio - I think he comes off a little young, and maybe like a rookie and too boyish. I don't think his line about paying off student loans four years ago was endearing - at least not to me. I feel it makes him seem simply too young and frankly, unsuccessful.
John Kasich - I found him to have an endearing, coach-like, teacher-like demeanor. I did not know him before, but I doubt he will win over the GOP establishment.
Ben Carson - I enjoyed hearing him speak, but he seems like an incredible long shot and I can't imagine how long he will last.
Rick Perry - comes across as maybe not too intelligent, which is not a good thing.
Ted Cruz - he comes across as smarmy and perhaps untrustworthy to me, although I have no idea whether this is true or not. I actually think his biggest problem is visual - he seems like a bad guy in a cartoon.
Chris Christie - I'm not entirely sure what makes this guy a Republican, to be honest. Seems like a very okay candidate who I imagine Hillary would crush.
Mike Huckabee - Was more impressive in the past. He strikes me as having gotten a little weirder as he's gotten older.
My basic thoughts on Hillary: America knows who she is and does not love her. She's had a million swings at the plate, it seems, and does about average or even a little below average. She has a cult like aura around her, which makes her supporters see her with rose-tinted glasses and they do not grasp how unappealing she is to regular people. This makes her overconfident and can be partially to blame for her losing the candidacy last time around. I don't think she is a particularly good politician. How many elections has she won? One? As Senator to New York because those goobs are star fuckers. What is her signature accomplishment...in anything? Being an "involved" first lady? I feel like when you dissect Hillary, her failures are more notable than her accomplishments:
1. As first lady: Hillarycare
2. As Senator: Her vote of support on the Iraq War
3. As Presidential Candidate: losing her lead to Obama
4. As SoS: Benghazi and email scandal
What are her accomplishments? Being a woman and being part of the Clinton machine? Knowing a lot of people? I sense her best accomplishment has been to stay politically relevant for a really long time. And I guess she is able to possess some type of aura of political power. Maybe because I'm in LA and far away from Washington, I see that like Varys the Spider sees it - a magic trick and a shadow on the wall. I just think there's a reason she's never been able to break through in the past, despite having numerous opportunities.
Friday, August 07, 2015
Monday, August 03, 2015
Logging
TV: True Detective s2 e7
I'm generally pretty good at following crime stuff, but I got utterly lost last night. What's the big deal with the diamond heist from 23 years ago? Who stole them? Who cares? I feel like we found out who killed Casper, but I honestly don't remember whether we met the character or who she is. And so whoever killed Casper isn't connected to the "bad guy" land stealing plot? Also, I totally visually forgot the Vinci PD boss and when he stepped through the shadows and said, "I hear you've been looking for me." I was like...Whaaa....who's this guy? Only later did I recall. I was happy to see Colin F get some poon tang from Rachel McAdams and wasn't the least bit surprised to see Taylor Kitch get killed.
Basically, the main plot can be properly understood as numerous, interweaving plots as it seems every single character (big small, and even unseen) has their own little story and move they're making. I'm finding this structure pretty unsatisfying because it leaves our main characters - the characters we are actually following - as perhaps the least interesting characters of all. They are ten steps behind everyone else and their backstories end up standing completely alone from the main story. I mean...the backstories are OK in and of themselves, but I don't see the connection with the actual story thematically or otherwise. I guess we have to wait for the conclusion. That said, I'd like to bitch about serial TV -- the makers of such TV will often say "wait until the end, don't review a book until it's finished, etc." Did I miss something here? If I wanted to read a book, I'd read a freaking book. TV is an episodic format and you really expect the audience to wait and hold out judgment on a piece until it is complete? I suppose you could make the argument a little better if a show were sold as a mini-series -- but this whole don't evaluate until it's done is preposterous.
Film: Southpaw
Pretty mediocre. I enjoyed Forest Whitaker parts, but a pretty rote boxing movie.
TV: True Detective s2 e7
I'm generally pretty good at following crime stuff, but I got utterly lost last night. What's the big deal with the diamond heist from 23 years ago? Who stole them? Who cares? I feel like we found out who killed Casper, but I honestly don't remember whether we met the character or who she is. And so whoever killed Casper isn't connected to the "bad guy" land stealing plot? Also, I totally visually forgot the Vinci PD boss and when he stepped through the shadows and said, "I hear you've been looking for me." I was like...Whaaa....who's this guy? Only later did I recall. I was happy to see Colin F get some poon tang from Rachel McAdams and wasn't the least bit surprised to see Taylor Kitch get killed.
Basically, the main plot can be properly understood as numerous, interweaving plots as it seems every single character (big small, and even unseen) has their own little story and move they're making. I'm finding this structure pretty unsatisfying because it leaves our main characters - the characters we are actually following - as perhaps the least interesting characters of all. They are ten steps behind everyone else and their backstories end up standing completely alone from the main story. I mean...the backstories are OK in and of themselves, but I don't see the connection with the actual story thematically or otherwise. I guess we have to wait for the conclusion. That said, I'd like to bitch about serial TV -- the makers of such TV will often say "wait until the end, don't review a book until it's finished, etc." Did I miss something here? If I wanted to read a book, I'd read a freaking book. TV is an episodic format and you really expect the audience to wait and hold out judgment on a piece until it is complete? I suppose you could make the argument a little better if a show were sold as a mini-series -- but this whole don't evaluate until it's done is preposterous.
Film: Southpaw
Pretty mediocre. I enjoyed Forest Whitaker parts, but a pretty rote boxing movie.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Logging
TV: Oz s.1e.2-4
Loving this show. Very theatrical. Uses numerous devices I don't care for - breaking 4th wall, flashbacks, but overall, I don't mind the artifice. The Wire owes a heavy debt to this show and I wonder why this isn't more talked about. Or maybe it was, but I wasn't paying attention.
TV: Oz s.1e.2-4
Loving this show. Very theatrical. Uses numerous devices I don't care for - breaking 4th wall, flashbacks, but overall, I don't mind the artifice. The Wire owes a heavy debt to this show and I wonder why this isn't more talked about. Or maybe it was, but I wasn't paying attention.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Logging
TV: Oz pilot
HBO Go! Turning this on was like stepping into a time warp. 4x3. Crappy production value. Strange breaking of the 4th wall narrator like character. But boy, by the end of the pilot, I was incredibly into it. I thought it was quite terrific and the detailed portrait of the different prison faction was incredibly thorough and realistic. Very impressive. I know the Wire was inspired by the show and you can see it. Also, quite a strange structure to the pilot with little to no interweaving of the main story arcs. Almost like they start with a B-story, run with it and then hand it off to an A-story. The characters overlap, but still, it was a nice contrast to the way most dramas are told these days with constant cutting back and forth. This is old fashioned stuff - just good acting and sharp, realistic writing. Some is stagey and almost play-like, but the show deals with big themes and questions. I'd wish HBO would return to this type of programming rather than its current obsession with prestige and massive production value.
TV: Oz pilot
HBO Go! Turning this on was like stepping into a time warp. 4x3. Crappy production value. Strange breaking of the 4th wall narrator like character. But boy, by the end of the pilot, I was incredibly into it. I thought it was quite terrific and the detailed portrait of the different prison faction was incredibly thorough and realistic. Very impressive. I know the Wire was inspired by the show and you can see it. Also, quite a strange structure to the pilot with little to no interweaving of the main story arcs. Almost like they start with a B-story, run with it and then hand it off to an A-story. The characters overlap, but still, it was a nice contrast to the way most dramas are told these days with constant cutting back and forth. This is old fashioned stuff - just good acting and sharp, realistic writing. Some is stagey and almost play-like, but the show deals with big themes and questions. I'd wish HBO would return to this type of programming rather than its current obsession with prestige and massive production value.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Logging
Book: Chinaman's Chance by Ross Thomas
I was into the first half more than the second and the end wasn't particularly satisfying. Still, I like Thomas' style. His descriptions and prose are among my favorite of crime writers.
TV: True Detective s. 2. e. 6
That orgy scene was straaaange. What was up with the score? It felt like I was in a DePalma movie or something all of a sudden. The tone got real wonky for me in this episode. I found the Colin F and VV scene in the opening incredibly awkward and stiff and like the guys were talking in fake-deep Bain-esque voices. I was totally confused about the plan at the orgy. What exactly were they trying to accomplish? Also, why do the bad guys choose to do big time land deals at these massive orgy parties? Why bring important contracts to a social gathering where you will be soon having sex in public in front of all these people? Do rich people really do this? I'm trying to picture if I somehow became a billionaire real estate mogul, would a big public sex party with drugged up ladies appeal to me?
I actually think this was my least favorite episode of the season. I found the scene talking about the LA riots to be historically off. If I remember correctly, Beverly Hills was not a place where riots and looting were taking place. I feel like the stories are all over the place. They're chasing diamonds, they going under cover at sex orgy parties, they're investigating corruption, I can't even tell you how many murders and of who...., Frank's trying to find his money...I can go on and on. It feels like the stories are totally spiraling out of control to no apparent conclusion. I'm a little bummed and not really looking forward to the next two episodes now.
Book: Chinaman's Chance by Ross Thomas
I was into the first half more than the second and the end wasn't particularly satisfying. Still, I like Thomas' style. His descriptions and prose are among my favorite of crime writers.
TV: True Detective s. 2. e. 6
That orgy scene was straaaange. What was up with the score? It felt like I was in a DePalma movie or something all of a sudden. The tone got real wonky for me in this episode. I found the Colin F and VV scene in the opening incredibly awkward and stiff and like the guys were talking in fake-deep Bain-esque voices. I was totally confused about the plan at the orgy. What exactly were they trying to accomplish? Also, why do the bad guys choose to do big time land deals at these massive orgy parties? Why bring important contracts to a social gathering where you will be soon having sex in public in front of all these people? Do rich people really do this? I'm trying to picture if I somehow became a billionaire real estate mogul, would a big public sex party with drugged up ladies appeal to me?
I actually think this was my least favorite episode of the season. I found the scene talking about the LA riots to be historically off. If I remember correctly, Beverly Hills was not a place where riots and looting were taking place. I feel like the stories are all over the place. They're chasing diamonds, they going under cover at sex orgy parties, they're investigating corruption, I can't even tell you how many murders and of who...., Frank's trying to find his money...I can go on and on. It feels like the stories are totally spiraling out of control to no apparent conclusion. I'm a little bummed and not really looking forward to the next two episodes now.
Friday, July 24, 2015
Logging
TV: True Detective s.2 e.5
Colin Farrell figures out what the audience knew the beginning: Frank tricked him. Still, the acting was incredible. Farrell is carrying the season like LeBron carried the Cavs in the finals.
My favorite LA detail was Frank moving to Glendale as a sign of his star falling. It looked like a nice neighborhood to me. But I wonder...isn't that a pretty long commute to Vernon? So then I looked it up and it turns out to only be 30 minutes down the 5. The move makes a lot of sense, especially for adopting because the schools in Glendale are decent.
Also, I liked the Lloyd Braun (from Seinfeld) cameo.
TV: True Detective s.2 e.5
Colin Farrell figures out what the audience knew the beginning: Frank tricked him. Still, the acting was incredible. Farrell is carrying the season like LeBron carried the Cavs in the finals.
My favorite LA detail was Frank moving to Glendale as a sign of his star falling. It looked like a nice neighborhood to me. But I wonder...isn't that a pretty long commute to Vernon? So then I looked it up and it turns out to only be 30 minutes down the 5. The move makes a lot of sense, especially for adopting because the schools in Glendale are decent.
Also, I liked the Lloyd Braun (from Seinfeld) cameo.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Logging
Film: Back to the Future
My earliest "Oscar" memory was watching the event with my parents and telling my dad that the best picture contest was absurd because Back to the Future was clearly better than "Out of Africa" and frankly, all the other nominees. To this day, I can't say that I was wrong, although I see why adults don't quite respond to the film -- frankly, it's pretty cheesy in tone. But the formal aspects of the story construction are absolutely brilliant and I say it without any sort of irony. Also, the film is quite taboo -- way moreso than The Color Purple or Witness or Out of Africa -- when you boil down the story to idea that Marty must make sure his own mother doesn't fall in love with him. I mean, that is a crazy fucking idea! Preston Struges probably rolled over in his grave cursing Zemeckis and Gale for coming up with that one.
I've heard Nic Refn talk about how Pretty Women is one of the most subversive movies ever made because they couch an incredibly dark tale of a rich man falling in love with a prostitute into this made-for-everyone romantic comedy. But think how much more taboo and subversive the idea of Back to the Future is -- a kid traveling back in time must make sure his mother and father fall in love -- so he and his family can survive and it's for KIDS!
The other element of the film which works fantastically is the score -- is rousing and simply perfect in spots -- the moment when Marty is on his skateboard and walks over the car, causing Biff to crash into the manure truck was as good yesterday as the first time I saw it in 1985. Pure cinematic joy and by the standards of most effects today, relatively simple and entirely based upon character. The movie also clocks in at 2 full hours - long for a movie for kids - but the story has so much going for it and is so perfectly constructed, the 2 hours is fully earned.
To me, Back to the Future far surpasses any Pixar accomplishment.
Film: Back to the Future
My earliest "Oscar" memory was watching the event with my parents and telling my dad that the best picture contest was absurd because Back to the Future was clearly better than "Out of Africa" and frankly, all the other nominees. To this day, I can't say that I was wrong, although I see why adults don't quite respond to the film -- frankly, it's pretty cheesy in tone. But the formal aspects of the story construction are absolutely brilliant and I say it without any sort of irony. Also, the film is quite taboo -- way moreso than The Color Purple or Witness or Out of Africa -- when you boil down the story to idea that Marty must make sure his own mother doesn't fall in love with him. I mean, that is a crazy fucking idea! Preston Struges probably rolled over in his grave cursing Zemeckis and Gale for coming up with that one.
I've heard Nic Refn talk about how Pretty Women is one of the most subversive movies ever made because they couch an incredibly dark tale of a rich man falling in love with a prostitute into this made-for-everyone romantic comedy. But think how much more taboo and subversive the idea of Back to the Future is -- a kid traveling back in time must make sure his mother and father fall in love -- so he and his family can survive and it's for KIDS!
The other element of the film which works fantastically is the score -- is rousing and simply perfect in spots -- the moment when Marty is on his skateboard and walks over the car, causing Biff to crash into the manure truck was as good yesterday as the first time I saw it in 1985. Pure cinematic joy and by the standards of most effects today, relatively simple and entirely based upon character. The movie also clocks in at 2 full hours - long for a movie for kids - but the story has so much going for it and is so perfectly constructed, the 2 hours is fully earned.
To me, Back to the Future far surpasses any Pixar accomplishment.
Fallacy of Mood Affiliation
How did I miss this concept put forward by one of my favorite bloggers, Tyler Cowen?
I actually think this does a great to explain how critics and audiences talk about movies and television these days (and politics).
How did I miss this concept put forward by one of my favorite bloggers, Tyler Cowen?
I actually think this does a great to explain how critics and audiences talk about movies and television these days (and politics).
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Logging
TV: True Detective s.2e.4
The freeze frame suggests, I think, a major time jump into the next episode. I only figured this by seeing the preview where Colin Farrell shaved his moustache. I could see the episode jumping to Taylor K having a baby, Farrell working for VV, and Rachel McAdams...who knows. I think this would be a cool and make sense from how the first season played out. Still...the storytelling is wonky this season.
Film: Force Majuere
One excellent moment and several other quite good ones. Overall, quite a decent movie, but not great.
TV: True Detective s.2e.4
The freeze frame suggests, I think, a major time jump into the next episode. I only figured this by seeing the preview where Colin Farrell shaved his moustache. I could see the episode jumping to Taylor K having a baby, Farrell working for VV, and Rachel McAdams...who knows. I think this would be a cool and make sense from how the first season played out. Still...the storytelling is wonky this season.
Film: Force Majuere
One excellent moment and several other quite good ones. Overall, quite a decent movie, but not great.
Sunday, July 05, 2015
Logging
Film: Inside Out and Night Moves (Penn)
TV: Rectify, ep. 1
A strange double on the 4th of July, I'll be the first to admit. Inside Out was by the wife's request, obviously. What can I say? I can start off by saying I fell asleep. Then I awoke and watched most of the movie. I don't care for the aesthetics of Pixar animation. It doesn't do anything for me. I find it weird so many adults connect with it. Of course the movie is brilliantly constructed and makes what I guess is taken for a "complex" point, that sadness is a part of life and can lead to joy.
All I know is that when I got home I badly needed a cleanse. Rectify didn't do it, but Night Moves did.
Film: Inside Out and Night Moves (Penn)
TV: Rectify, ep. 1
A strange double on the 4th of July, I'll be the first to admit. Inside Out was by the wife's request, obviously. What can I say? I can start off by saying I fell asleep. Then I awoke and watched most of the movie. I don't care for the aesthetics of Pixar animation. It doesn't do anything for me. I find it weird so many adults connect with it. Of course the movie is brilliantly constructed and makes what I guess is taken for a "complex" point, that sadness is a part of life and can lead to joy.
All I know is that when I got home I badly needed a cleanse. Rectify didn't do it, but Night Moves did.
Friday, July 03, 2015
Logging
Film: Me Earl and the Dying Girl
An occasionally decent film.
Random thoughts:
Sundance movies are incredibly formulaic.
Wes Anderson's dick must be sore from getting such a long filmmaking hand job
Best line of the movie, "Books...nice." I laughed out loud, but I don't think anyone else in the theater did.
Molly Shannon best side character, IMO.
Didn't buy he and Earl were actual friends.
Film: Me Earl and the Dying Girl
An occasionally decent film.
Random thoughts:
Sundance movies are incredibly formulaic.
Wes Anderson's dick must be sore from getting such a long filmmaking hand job
Best line of the movie, "Books...nice." I laughed out loud, but I don't think anyone else in the theater did.
Molly Shannon best side character, IMO.
Didn't buy he and Earl were actual friends.
Thursday, July 02, 2015
Econ Getting Interesting
Is Kevin Love a better player on a bad team? And how it can apply to other situations. Very smart post.
Is Kevin Love a better player on a bad team? And how it can apply to other situations. Very smart post.
Monday, June 29, 2015
Logging
Book: Yellow Dog Contract by Ross Thomas
Elmore Leonard has some competition. My qualms with these last two crime books I read - this one and Somebody Owes Me Money are the finales. The final resolutions doesn't entirely make sense, nor do they tie up the proceedings in a satisfactory way. I guess I'd like to read a book when the end makes the experience of reading the book greater than the sum of its parts. Still, lots of great lines in this one, particularly the descriptions of characters. This guy Ross Thomas must've been a real wise-ass in real life.
Book: Yellow Dog Contract by Ross Thomas
Elmore Leonard has some competition. My qualms with these last two crime books I read - this one and Somebody Owes Me Money are the finales. The final resolutions doesn't entirely make sense, nor do they tie up the proceedings in a satisfactory way. I guess I'd like to read a book when the end makes the experience of reading the book greater than the sum of its parts. Still, lots of great lines in this one, particularly the descriptions of characters. This guy Ross Thomas must've been a real wise-ass in real life.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Gay Marriage Decision: Absurd
I support gay marriage and find the Supreme Court case utterly absurd. The decision is clearly political and not legal in nature. The Supreme Court has merely checked the winds and determined the country is "ready for gay marriage," as if they were running a movie studio and now know what the public wants and is ready for. Our system of laws was designed to be flexible and change with the times. We have a process designed to handle such changes, a process every 7th grader learns (or should learn) about turning a bill into a law. 30 plus states have already done this. Gay Marriage is winning as a political issue and the court has jumped onto the bandwagon and now will compel society to change at the rate the court deems acceptable. I'd hate to have a minority conviction these days in a country of 350 plus million where the courts decide the law based upon which way the political winds blow.
I support gay marriage and find the Supreme Court case utterly absurd. The decision is clearly political and not legal in nature. The Supreme Court has merely checked the winds and determined the country is "ready for gay marriage," as if they were running a movie studio and now know what the public wants and is ready for. Our system of laws was designed to be flexible and change with the times. We have a process designed to handle such changes, a process every 7th grader learns (or should learn) about turning a bill into a law. 30 plus states have already done this. Gay Marriage is winning as a political issue and the court has jumped onto the bandwagon and now will compel society to change at the rate the court deems acceptable. I'd hate to have a minority conviction these days in a country of 350 plus million where the courts decide the law based upon which way the political winds blow.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Logging
Book: Somebody Owes Has My Money by Donald Westlake
Fun, but not as fun as the Parker novels. Also, didn't enjoy the mystery reveal at the end much. Felt like a bit of a cheat and I think Westlake knew it.
Film: Sound of Music
Quite enjoyed the movie more than I remember (from childhood). Did the sing-a-long at the Hollywood Bowl, which is a fairly remarkable event. The place gets packed and people get dressed up and participate with the movie in all sorts of strange, ritualistic ways, the meanings of which passed over my head. For instance, people hold up flash cards during certain songs and let off poppers during certain moments in the film.
Book: Somebody Owes Has My Money by Donald Westlake
Fun, but not as fun as the Parker novels. Also, didn't enjoy the mystery reveal at the end much. Felt like a bit of a cheat and I think Westlake knew it.
Film: Sound of Music
Quite enjoyed the movie more than I remember (from childhood). Did the sing-a-long at the Hollywood Bowl, which is a fairly remarkable event. The place gets packed and people get dressed up and participate with the movie in all sorts of strange, ritualistic ways, the meanings of which passed over my head. For instance, people hold up flash cards during certain songs and let off poppers during certain moments in the film.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Monday, June 22, 2015
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Logging
Films: Ong-Bak, Stray Dog, The Raid (re-watch)
Had to return both of these before getting a chance to finish. Was really enjoying Ong-Bak in a campy JCVD sort of way. Good filmmaking, too. Lots of wide shots where you could see the actual stunts.
Stray Dog didn't capture my interest at all. Kurosawa movies in general rarely grab me. I think his work was more of the time vs. stand the test of it. I prefer Ozu for the big Japanese directors.
The Raid is quite good, except for the attempts at emotion.
TV: True Detective S.2 E.1, Hannibal S.3 E.1/2, Wayward Pines random episodes
TD was a bit of a rough start plot-wise and new cast-wise. Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams can do no wrong, but poor old Tim Riggins is tough to watch with a straight face. Every word out of his mouth is Riggins. And VV is questionable... Got a little bit of the Luck (after the amazing pilot) feeling watching this one. The back room business nonsense is gonna drag. HBO mercy killed Luck under the guise of animal murder. It'll be interesting to see what cover story they come up with for TD if it continues on this path.
(Also note: last time, I checked, you can't just arrive at someone's house and beat their face with brass knuckles in front of their son without consequence. It would take exactly three minutes for that father to put together who Colin Ferrell was and about six minutes before he was fired and put up on criminal charges. I felt similarly about some scenes from TD 1 when Woody goes around poking his gun in people's faces and stupidly executes the pedophiles in the 4th episode... You gotta earn the ability to put the fear of God in people. For good reference, check out Nick Nolte in Q&A. There, you believe a cop can run around doing this stuff because he has angles on people and a willingness to murder. Here, these cops are doing it to near strangers and out of impulse. It just doesn't stand to reason.
Hannibal. The show the continues to be bonkers and I cannot believe it exists. On NBC!!!
Wayward Pines is not for me, although there is some interesting stuff. The mystery mini-series form has really worn me out. Top of the Lake, Broadchurch, and TD 1 were all terrific, albeit, the ends were almost always less satisfying than the journey. But there's so much of this stuff these days - The Fall, The Whispers, Under the Dome, Wayward Pines, The Killing, they all go on and on, and it gets pretty tiresome to watch hours and hours of TV that is withholding the "BIG REVEAL," which always turns out to be not all that interesting. (After all, if it were, it'd be revealed right away).
Films: Ong-Bak, Stray Dog, The Raid (re-watch)
Had to return both of these before getting a chance to finish. Was really enjoying Ong-Bak in a campy JCVD sort of way. Good filmmaking, too. Lots of wide shots where you could see the actual stunts.
Stray Dog didn't capture my interest at all. Kurosawa movies in general rarely grab me. I think his work was more of the time vs. stand the test of it. I prefer Ozu for the big Japanese directors.
The Raid is quite good, except for the attempts at emotion.
TV: True Detective S.2 E.1, Hannibal S.3 E.1/2, Wayward Pines random episodes
TD was a bit of a rough start plot-wise and new cast-wise. Colin Farrell and Rachel McAdams can do no wrong, but poor old Tim Riggins is tough to watch with a straight face. Every word out of his mouth is Riggins. And VV is questionable... Got a little bit of the Luck (after the amazing pilot) feeling watching this one. The back room business nonsense is gonna drag. HBO mercy killed Luck under the guise of animal murder. It'll be interesting to see what cover story they come up with for TD if it continues on this path.
(Also note: last time, I checked, you can't just arrive at someone's house and beat their face with brass knuckles in front of their son without consequence. It would take exactly three minutes for that father to put together who Colin Ferrell was and about six minutes before he was fired and put up on criminal charges. I felt similarly about some scenes from TD 1 when Woody goes around poking his gun in people's faces and stupidly executes the pedophiles in the 4th episode... You gotta earn the ability to put the fear of God in people. For good reference, check out Nick Nolte in Q&A. There, you believe a cop can run around doing this stuff because he has angles on people and a willingness to murder. Here, these cops are doing it to near strangers and out of impulse. It just doesn't stand to reason.
Hannibal. The show the continues to be bonkers and I cannot believe it exists. On NBC!!!
Wayward Pines is not for me, although there is some interesting stuff. The mystery mini-series form has really worn me out. Top of the Lake, Broadchurch, and TD 1 were all terrific, albeit, the ends were almost always less satisfying than the journey. But there's so much of this stuff these days - The Fall, The Whispers, Under the Dome, Wayward Pines, The Killing, they all go on and on, and it gets pretty tiresome to watch hours and hours of TV that is withholding the "BIG REVEAL," which always turns out to be not all that interesting. (After all, if it were, it'd be revealed right away).
Friday, June 19, 2015
Guest Blogging
I wrote a guest blog post for Financial Finesse on Financial Planning Tips For Irregular Income Earners.
I wrote a guest blog post for Financial Finesse on Financial Planning Tips For Irregular Income Earners.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Logging
TV: Game of Thrones Finale Season 5
I did not enjoy this episode. Perhaps killing off two of my favorite characters has something to do with it, but also the way the deaths happened felt illogical and unsatisfying. In chronological order:
1. Stannis. I found very little satisfaction in Brianne's revenge. But more, the entire Stannis storyline was devoid of any twist whatsoever. He should've at the very least, seemed to benefit from the sacrifice of Shireen before plunging his army into total destruction. Also, they've played up Stannis as a great battlefield commander. The man outlasted a siege of Storm's End, unseated the Targaryens, defeated the Wildlings, and nearly took King's Landing. It seemed a bit strange to plunge his remaining forces into total destruction. Or was the battle meant to suggest that literally everyone on both sides was killed except for a few Bolton's at the end? That Stannis was miraculously able to mount a defense of foot vs. horse soldiers? Also, was Melisandre just totally wrong in her prophesies? Anyhow, none of this was answered very well and I suppose it is still possible he or Jon Snow are raised from the dead.
2. Jon Snow. Again, it felt an illogical time to mutiny against him. Why let all the Wildlings through only to turn on Jon Snow after? Now, can't the Wildlings destroy the Night's Watch, being on the other side of the Wall?
Anyhow, I hold out one or both of these characters is coming back. If not, it'd be pretty annoying.
TV: Game of Thrones Finale Season 5
I did not enjoy this episode. Perhaps killing off two of my favorite characters has something to do with it, but also the way the deaths happened felt illogical and unsatisfying. In chronological order:
1. Stannis. I found very little satisfaction in Brianne's revenge. But more, the entire Stannis storyline was devoid of any twist whatsoever. He should've at the very least, seemed to benefit from the sacrifice of Shireen before plunging his army into total destruction. Also, they've played up Stannis as a great battlefield commander. The man outlasted a siege of Storm's End, unseated the Targaryens, defeated the Wildlings, and nearly took King's Landing. It seemed a bit strange to plunge his remaining forces into total destruction. Or was the battle meant to suggest that literally everyone on both sides was killed except for a few Bolton's at the end? That Stannis was miraculously able to mount a defense of foot vs. horse soldiers? Also, was Melisandre just totally wrong in her prophesies? Anyhow, none of this was answered very well and I suppose it is still possible he or Jon Snow are raised from the dead.
2. Jon Snow. Again, it felt an illogical time to mutiny against him. Why let all the Wildlings through only to turn on Jon Snow after? Now, can't the Wildlings destroy the Night's Watch, being on the other side of the Wall?
Anyhow, I hold out one or both of these characters is coming back. If not, it'd be pretty annoying.
Friday, June 12, 2015
I Don't See Why Not
She's transblack.
Our collective treatment and valuation of gender and race have become absurd.
She's transblack.
Our collective treatment and valuation of gender and race have become absurd.
Game Theory
How weird would it have been if the Cavs simply rested LeBron and Dellavedova last night? I suppose this would never happen for fear of psychologically breaking your team, but from a strategic standpoint, I wonder if it would make sense. Think about it: the Cavs are overmatched. They stole games 1 and 3 by, hustle, strategy, and monster efforts by LeBron. They were clearly burned out last night and knew GSW would be playing for their lives. Imagine a Game 5 dynamic with a rested LeBron? I know it sounds absurd, but I think there are ways overmatched teams can compete more effectively in long series and also "mess" with their opponents.
For instance, in baseball, when facing a team with a dominant number 1 starter, I would consider staggering my pitching rotation like this:
Team A #1 vs. Team B #4
Team A #2 vs. Team B #1
Team A #3 vs. Team B #2
Team A #4 vs. Team B #3
And especially, if you had strong 1-3 pitchers. One could almost imagine designing a team with three #2 type of guys rather than a 1, 2, and 3.
How weird would it have been if the Cavs simply rested LeBron and Dellavedova last night? I suppose this would never happen for fear of psychologically breaking your team, but from a strategic standpoint, I wonder if it would make sense. Think about it: the Cavs are overmatched. They stole games 1 and 3 by, hustle, strategy, and monster efforts by LeBron. They were clearly burned out last night and knew GSW would be playing for their lives. Imagine a Game 5 dynamic with a rested LeBron? I know it sounds absurd, but I think there are ways overmatched teams can compete more effectively in long series and also "mess" with their opponents.
For instance, in baseball, when facing a team with a dominant number 1 starter, I would consider staggering my pitching rotation like this:
Team A #1 vs. Team B #4
Team A #2 vs. Team B #1
Team A #3 vs. Team B #2
Team A #4 vs. Team B #3
And especially, if you had strong 1-3 pitchers. One could almost imagine designing a team with three #2 type of guys rather than a 1, 2, and 3.
Game of Thrones End Game Theory
The other night I had an epiphany about how the show would end. Various forces including Daenerys, Tyrion, Jon Snow, and possibly Stannis, Bran, Sansa, Aria, and Jamie Lannister, will all battle the Night King with the Dragons and the using swords melted into the Iron Throne itself. The discovery that Valerian steel kills White Walkers will make the need for the steel great and where else can a significant amount be found other than the Iron Throne? Plus, the revolutionary aspect of Dany's journey suggests that the end of the show might usher in a new form of government to Westeros. The melting down of the Iron Throne would be symbolically rich end of the show. Also, I can see Jon Snow flying one of the other dragons, revealing himself to have Targaryen blood and perhaps also Bran, using his warg skillz. But those are just details.
The other night I had an epiphany about how the show would end. Various forces including Daenerys, Tyrion, Jon Snow, and possibly Stannis, Bran, Sansa, Aria, and Jamie Lannister, will all battle the Night King with the Dragons and the using swords melted into the Iron Throne itself. The discovery that Valerian steel kills White Walkers will make the need for the steel great and where else can a significant amount be found other than the Iron Throne? Plus, the revolutionary aspect of Dany's journey suggests that the end of the show might usher in a new form of government to Westeros. The melting down of the Iron Throne would be symbolically rich end of the show. Also, I can see Jon Snow flying one of the other dragons, revealing himself to have Targaryen blood and perhaps also Bran, using his warg skillz. But those are just details.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Yes, This Is A Problem
Has ESPN just jumped the shark? I've been thinking this recently since I go to the site way less than I used to. First, they spun off Grantland. Then, they fired Simmons. And in the meanwhile, they started putting up video EVERYWHERE. You can't go to the site without your computer starting to talk in that annoying Sportscenter tone. Don't get me wrong -- I like Sportscenter -- on Sunday nights for football highlights, and just towards the end of the night in general. Not in the morning or during the day. I like newspaper articles. I like thoughts, recaps, not amped up wannabe jocks talking. Anyhow, ESPN has become - how can I put this - increasingly annoying.
And now - I go there to read about the NBA finals and what is the front cover story? Something about a 19-year old video gamer.
KHHHAAAAANNNNNNNN!
Did I just transport into a Robert Heinlein or Orson Scott Card novel?
Let me say this once and be done: playing video games is not a sport.
Maybe the nerds are mad everyone has taken over their play space (the internet) and the revenge is the cosmic punishment is comic book movies and video game tournaments. If so, I concede. The nerds can have the internet back and have their dungeons and dragons. But please...leave sports alone. Please. Please. Please.
Has ESPN just jumped the shark? I've been thinking this recently since I go to the site way less than I used to. First, they spun off Grantland. Then, they fired Simmons. And in the meanwhile, they started putting up video EVERYWHERE. You can't go to the site without your computer starting to talk in that annoying Sportscenter tone. Don't get me wrong -- I like Sportscenter -- on Sunday nights for football highlights, and just towards the end of the night in general. Not in the morning or during the day. I like newspaper articles. I like thoughts, recaps, not amped up wannabe jocks talking. Anyhow, ESPN has become - how can I put this - increasingly annoying.
And now - I go there to read about the NBA finals and what is the front cover story? Something about a 19-year old video gamer.
KHHHAAAAANNNNNNNN!
Did I just transport into a Robert Heinlein or Orson Scott Card novel?
Let me say this once and be done: playing video games is not a sport.
Maybe the nerds are mad everyone has taken over their play space (the internet) and the revenge is the cosmic punishment is comic book movies and video game tournaments. If so, I concede. The nerds can have the internet back and have their dungeons and dragons. But please...leave sports alone. Please. Please. Please.
Monday, June 08, 2015
NBA Finals
Could LeBron win the MVP even if the Cavs lose? This is a legitimate question. I mean, the stat line last night was ridiculous 39-16-11. But watching the game...I mean it seemed like the guy literally made every single offensive possession work for the Cavs. He was the point guard, shooting guard, power forward. I know he missed his last seven shots and again failed to score on the final possession. Does it matter? The man has turned into a monster. He doesn't seem to care about missing "clutch shots" now. He simply keeps going. It felt like LeBron willed his team to victory yesterday over a vastly superior opponent. The Cavs have taken on the identity of those gritty Detroit Pistons team, or even the Paul Pierce/KG Celtics. They were just grinding the Warriors into pulp last night. They figured out a way to make the series into a slug fest and I wonder if the Warriors can figure a way out of it. Dellavedova was a pest on Curry. I thought he did what I was thinking Patrick Beverly would've done to him had he been healthy. I like the strategy almost better than Kyre trying to match Curry on offense.
Before the series, a lot of LA talk radio was LeBron vs. Kobe. I don't remember Kobe ever putting together two games like LeBron just did. I don't remember Kobe losing his 2 and 3 and winning an NBA finals game on the road.
Side note: One point about LeBron vs. Kobe vs. Michael in the clutch. I realized something after watching these games that no one seems to mention with regard to clutchness at the end of games: endurance. Michael and Kobe are lean basketball players and probably less fatigued at the end of games relative to a guy of LeBron's size. In game one, he pulled up when he should've drove, a sure sign of fatigue. LeBron carries 30-50 extra pounds than Michael or Kobe and while that provides some advantages (posting, rebounding), it also provides some disadvantages: fatigue at the end of games. It could account for the perception LeBron is not as good at the end as those guys.
Could LeBron win the MVP even if the Cavs lose? This is a legitimate question. I mean, the stat line last night was ridiculous 39-16-11. But watching the game...I mean it seemed like the guy literally made every single offensive possession work for the Cavs. He was the point guard, shooting guard, power forward. I know he missed his last seven shots and again failed to score on the final possession. Does it matter? The man has turned into a monster. He doesn't seem to care about missing "clutch shots" now. He simply keeps going. It felt like LeBron willed his team to victory yesterday over a vastly superior opponent. The Cavs have taken on the identity of those gritty Detroit Pistons team, or even the Paul Pierce/KG Celtics. They were just grinding the Warriors into pulp last night. They figured out a way to make the series into a slug fest and I wonder if the Warriors can figure a way out of it. Dellavedova was a pest on Curry. I thought he did what I was thinking Patrick Beverly would've done to him had he been healthy. I like the strategy almost better than Kyre trying to match Curry on offense.
Before the series, a lot of LA talk radio was LeBron vs. Kobe. I don't remember Kobe ever putting together two games like LeBron just did. I don't remember Kobe losing his 2 and 3 and winning an NBA finals game on the road.
Side note: One point about LeBron vs. Kobe vs. Michael in the clutch. I realized something after watching these games that no one seems to mention with regard to clutchness at the end of games: endurance. Michael and Kobe are lean basketball players and probably less fatigued at the end of games relative to a guy of LeBron's size. In game one, he pulled up when he should've drove, a sure sign of fatigue. LeBron carries 30-50 extra pounds than Michael or Kobe and while that provides some advantages (posting, rebounding), it also provides some disadvantages: fatigue at the end of games. It could account for the perception LeBron is not as good at the end as those guys.
Logging
Film: Once Upon A Time in Anatolia, Ip Man
My exploration of Ceylan continues. Anatolia is good, albeit slow and not one I could recommend to many people, even lovers of Winter's Sleep.
Ip Man had great kung fu, but a soapy and lame script. It also happens to be the exact same story as Wong Kar Wai's The Grandmaster.
TV: Game of Thrones, ep. 8 and 9 season 5
The most action packed episodes of the season. I enjoyed both. People are disturbed by the Shireen death and I am too. But it is unquestionably good storytelling and of course, has antecedents in the bible - ie Abraham and Isaac story.
The most WTF moment for me was the Sons of the Harpy showing up and nearly ending Daenerys. Didn't the Harpies stop their insurrection upon the opening of the fighting pits? Weren't they controlled, or at least influenced, by the guy she married? Didn't marrying him put a stop to their insurgency? And then the go massacre a bunch of masters, including the dude she was going to marry, and nearly knock her off? I'm totally confused about who controls those guys and I've read the freaking books.
Also, the merging of Tyrion and Daenerys provides some strange moments. It's almost confusing whose POV we are with. Tyrion gets totally lost in the scene and his comments feel tacked on. Ending on him looking up at the dragon didn't carry the awe I think it was supposed to. Nevertheless, the episode was chock full of good stuff and has propulsiveness to where I'm excited about seeing what happens in the finale...
Film: Once Upon A Time in Anatolia, Ip Man
My exploration of Ceylan continues. Anatolia is good, albeit slow and not one I could recommend to many people, even lovers of Winter's Sleep.
Ip Man had great kung fu, but a soapy and lame script. It also happens to be the exact same story as Wong Kar Wai's The Grandmaster.
TV: Game of Thrones, ep. 8 and 9 season 5
The most action packed episodes of the season. I enjoyed both. People are disturbed by the Shireen death and I am too. But it is unquestionably good storytelling and of course, has antecedents in the bible - ie Abraham and Isaac story.
The most WTF moment for me was the Sons of the Harpy showing up and nearly ending Daenerys. Didn't the Harpies stop their insurrection upon the opening of the fighting pits? Weren't they controlled, or at least influenced, by the guy she married? Didn't marrying him put a stop to their insurgency? And then the go massacre a bunch of masters, including the dude she was going to marry, and nearly knock her off? I'm totally confused about who controls those guys and I've read the freaking books.
Also, the merging of Tyrion and Daenerys provides some strange moments. It's almost confusing whose POV we are with. Tyrion gets totally lost in the scene and his comments feel tacked on. Ending on him looking up at the dragon didn't carry the awe I think it was supposed to. Nevertheless, the episode was chock full of good stuff and has propulsiveness to where I'm excited about seeing what happens in the finale...
Thursday, June 04, 2015
Racism
Against Asian students in college admissions. Literal, actual racism in institutional practice and yet, I hear no Black, or Jewish voices standing up against this oppression. Makes me wonder if any of this equality of opportunity warriors believe any of their own schtick.
Against Asian students in college admissions. Literal, actual racism in institutional practice and yet, I hear no Black, or Jewish voices standing up against this oppression. Makes me wonder if any of this equality of opportunity warriors believe any of their own schtick.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Friday, May 22, 2015
Suicides in Palo Alto
Yikes.
Yikes.
A cluster of teen suicides at Palo Alto high schools in 2010 was followed this year by another four suicide victims from the wealthy and achievement-blessed Henry M. Gunn High School. Fifty-two of its 1,900 students were treated for suicide ideation this past school year.Increasingly, Americans are looking to career achievements as the basis for "the good life." Anyone who reads novels or history ought to understand this to be foolish, but these people don't have time for that between SAT prep courses, reading self help books, and checking their bank balances.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Logging
TV: Game of Thrones, ep. 5 and Mad Men Finale
I'm a little worried about Game of Thrones. As I said last week, I think DD (as you'll see Benioff and Weiss referred to on nerd GOT forums) have done a terrific job of paring the books down to the show and with casting. But there is no proof, or even suggestion, they can come up with creative and artful ways to tell the stories and deliver the twists and turns of GRRM. Last night was full of this stuff. I dread watching the Arya stuff. The Sansa-Ramsey scene was brutal and a bit too much, if you ask me. I actually liked the fighting scene in Dorne, but those Sand Snakes physically don't match up. If there were ever an anti-feminist moment in the show, watching these little girls play fighting was it. Although, I liked the detail of Bronn getting cut. That might be lights out for Bronn for those who pay close attention and know Oberyn poisons his weapons. I'm just worried and feel like the pieces aren't adding up and the show is getting a little predictable - strange as that sounds - since they are actually veering off story-wise.
Mad Men. I haven't watched in years, but I thought it'd be fun to watch the finale. The show just isn't for me, but I do have a quibble with those who contend "this is the best show or TV or the best drama ever written." I don't see it. At all. It's soppy melodrama and John Hamm doesn't do emotional well. The scene with January Jones and John Hamm on the phone was pretty tough to stomach. Peggy realizing she is love reminded me of a cartoon fairy tale for children.
The best parts were Roger's quips and the one really good moment when Joan's beau leaves. In some respects, maybe Roger and Joan were always the best part of the show.
I totally didn't understand the Coke ending, but just read that supposedly Don came up with this iconic ad campaign. I thought the ending was that Don finds Buddism. I suppose the idea that he came up with the idea makes more sense, but was I supposed to give a flying shit about a 70s Coke campaign that seems dated and cheesy? Maybe ultimately that's the problem with the show: I don't give a flying shit about advertising campaigns.
TV: Game of Thrones, ep. 5 and Mad Men Finale
I'm a little worried about Game of Thrones. As I said last week, I think DD (as you'll see Benioff and Weiss referred to on nerd GOT forums) have done a terrific job of paring the books down to the show and with casting. But there is no proof, or even suggestion, they can come up with creative and artful ways to tell the stories and deliver the twists and turns of GRRM. Last night was full of this stuff. I dread watching the Arya stuff. The Sansa-Ramsey scene was brutal and a bit too much, if you ask me. I actually liked the fighting scene in Dorne, but those Sand Snakes physically don't match up. If there were ever an anti-feminist moment in the show, watching these little girls play fighting was it. Although, I liked the detail of Bronn getting cut. That might be lights out for Bronn for those who pay close attention and know Oberyn poisons his weapons. I'm just worried and feel like the pieces aren't adding up and the show is getting a little predictable - strange as that sounds - since they are actually veering off story-wise.
Mad Men. I haven't watched in years, but I thought it'd be fun to watch the finale. The show just isn't for me, but I do have a quibble with those who contend "this is the best show or TV or the best drama ever written." I don't see it. At all. It's soppy melodrama and John Hamm doesn't do emotional well. The scene with January Jones and John Hamm on the phone was pretty tough to stomach. Peggy realizing she is love reminded me of a cartoon fairy tale for children.
The best parts were Roger's quips and the one really good moment when Joan's beau leaves. In some respects, maybe Roger and Joan were always the best part of the show.
I totally didn't understand the Coke ending, but just read that supposedly Don came up with this iconic ad campaign. I thought the ending was that Don finds Buddism. I suppose the idea that he came up with the idea makes more sense, but was I supposed to give a flying shit about a 70s Coke campaign that seems dated and cheesy? Maybe ultimately that's the problem with the show: I don't give a flying shit about advertising campaigns.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Clippers Eulogy
Ultimately, I thought they played a little soft. Rockets came out with more energy and heart. In the end, they were down 10 with about 2 minutes left, there was a play where Blake got the ball at the top of the key wide open and rather than knock down the shot like he did all playoffs, he pivoted around for an eternity trying to find JJ Redick to get a contested 3 that he missed. Now, I'm sure they designed this play and felt they needed 3 at the time, but it just summed up how Griffin played in the 4th quarter all playoffs - hesitant, confused, tight. I don't know why...I guess the defense picks up, etc, but it would've been nice to see Blake rise above -- take the ball to the hoop, or make a play on defense, or get a big time offensive rebound...something...just make an important basketball play when his team really needed it. Is that so much to ask a star player? That said, I think Blake has an underrated weakness: height. He isn't very tall. And I think taller players, like Josh Smith, can give him trouble on both ends of the floor. On defense, if they are athletic enough, and come crunch time to put in the effort, Blake has trouble getting easy buckets around the basket, which is his bread and butter. And then, on the other end, he can get scored on and muscled around on the block. Sure, he has huge hops and quickness and during the game, make incredible scoring plays -- but as a power forward, he's a little short, and it shows up when the game's intensity is upped a notch.
But, in the end, the 1&2 seeds from the East and West are moving on. I don't see anyone beating Golden State 4 out of 7. They're too deep.
Ultimately, I thought they played a little soft. Rockets came out with more energy and heart. In the end, they were down 10 with about 2 minutes left, there was a play where Blake got the ball at the top of the key wide open and rather than knock down the shot like he did all playoffs, he pivoted around for an eternity trying to find JJ Redick to get a contested 3 that he missed. Now, I'm sure they designed this play and felt they needed 3 at the time, but it just summed up how Griffin played in the 4th quarter all playoffs - hesitant, confused, tight. I don't know why...I guess the defense picks up, etc, but it would've been nice to see Blake rise above -- take the ball to the hoop, or make a play on defense, or get a big time offensive rebound...something...just make an important basketball play when his team really needed it. Is that so much to ask a star player? That said, I think Blake has an underrated weakness: height. He isn't very tall. And I think taller players, like Josh Smith, can give him trouble on both ends of the floor. On defense, if they are athletic enough, and come crunch time to put in the effort, Blake has trouble getting easy buckets around the basket, which is his bread and butter. And then, on the other end, he can get scored on and muscled around on the block. Sure, he has huge hops and quickness and during the game, make incredible scoring plays -- but as a power forward, he's a little short, and it shows up when the game's intensity is upped a notch.
But, in the end, the 1&2 seeds from the East and West are moving on. I don't see anyone beating Golden State 4 out of 7. They're too deep.
Logging
Film: Mad Max Fury Road
Balls to the wall action. Audience clapping. Tom Hardy is almost pre-language primal for the first 30 minutes of the film. The movie didn't deliver any profound emotion, but it was an awesome cinematic experience in IMAX 3D at the Mann's Chinese. One of my favorite "summer movies" in quite a long while.
Film: Mad Max Fury Road
Balls to the wall action. Audience clapping. Tom Hardy is almost pre-language primal for the first 30 minutes of the film. The movie didn't deliver any profound emotion, but it was an awesome cinematic experience in IMAX 3D at the Mann's Chinese. One of my favorite "summer movies" in quite a long while.
Friday, May 15, 2015
First Nikki Finke and Now Bill Simmons
Simmons built Grantland and his corporate overlords took it from him in a nearly identical situation to Nikki Finke and Deadline. I say this only as a consumer and knowing nothing - nor much caring - about the behind the scenes. These sites were built by those two writers. If not for them, they plainly do not exist. And within 4-5 years (not a long time), these individual voices are pushed out in favor of more amenable, and less powerful people. As a reader, it saddens me, but I'll probably still visit each, just not enjoy either of them as much. But apparently whatever makes the money men's job easiest is the way it ought to be...
Simmons built Grantland and his corporate overlords took it from him in a nearly identical situation to Nikki Finke and Deadline. I say this only as a consumer and knowing nothing - nor much caring - about the behind the scenes. These sites were built by those two writers. If not for them, they plainly do not exist. And within 4-5 years (not a long time), these individual voices are pushed out in favor of more amenable, and less powerful people. As a reader, it saddens me, but I'll probably still visit each, just not enjoy either of them as much. But apparently whatever makes the money men's job easiest is the way it ought to be...
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Playoffs
Caught the 3rd quarter of Cavs-Bulls. Both teams looked atrocious. Made me think Memphis might be the 2nd best team in the NBA. Or maybe the Clippers.
The worst player in the playoffs is Pablo Prigioni. He is not an NBA basketball player. Seeing Austin Rivers squaring off with him is like...my goodness...there must be bball players all over the world pulling out their hair.
Caught the 3rd quarter of Cavs-Bulls. Both teams looked atrocious. Made me think Memphis might be the 2nd best team in the NBA. Or maybe the Clippers.
The worst player in the playoffs is Pablo Prigioni. He is not an NBA basketball player. Seeing Austin Rivers squaring off with him is like...my goodness...there must be bball players all over the world pulling out their hair.
Memphis-Golden State
Golden State overwhelmed Memphis yesterday. GS is a funny team. My impression is that they can easily blow you out, but if you keep the game close and physical, they are vulnerable. They can get jittery and frustrated when the shots aren't falling.
Without Tony Allen, Memphis only has three real ballers and one of them, Z-Bo is past his prime. Conley is injured, but effective, and Gasol is elite. Courtney Lee is okay. Jeff Green does not play to his potential. I find him very frustrating to watch. Yesterday they need him badly. They needed him to take the ball to the hoop and create offense. He tried, but kept missing at the basket. They need him, Conley, Lee, or someone to knock down the outside shots that become available when doubling Gasol and Z-Bo.
I like Memphis a lot, but their offense let them down yesterday and GS was hot enough.
Golden State overwhelmed Memphis yesterday. GS is a funny team. My impression is that they can easily blow you out, but if you keep the game close and physical, they are vulnerable. They can get jittery and frustrated when the shots aren't falling.
Without Tony Allen, Memphis only has three real ballers and one of them, Z-Bo is past his prime. Conley is injured, but effective, and Gasol is elite. Courtney Lee is okay. Jeff Green does not play to his potential. I find him very frustrating to watch. Yesterday they need him badly. They needed him to take the ball to the hoop and create offense. He tried, but kept missing at the basket. They need him, Conley, Lee, or someone to knock down the outside shots that become available when doubling Gasol and Z-Bo.
I like Memphis a lot, but their offense let them down yesterday and GS was hot enough.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Sports Thoughts...
1. Joe Montana never cheated.
2. Seemed like Memphis was getting hacked to pieces down low during the first half of game 4 and the refs simply weren't calling the fouls. I could hear Marc Gasol get slapped while watching TV and they didn't call it.
3. Jeff Green is totally unreliable and seems to shrink from the moment.
4. James Harden has a lot of trouble against the Clippers. I'm not sure why. Does Doc draw up some really good defense? Or is it just DeAndre Jordan makes it hard to finish at the basket.
5. ESPN firing Bill Simmons in the midst of NBA playoffs seems to be a vindictive and dumb move by both sides.
6. If I played in the NBA, I'd want to be on Memphis. I love how they play.
1. Joe Montana never cheated.
2. Seemed like Memphis was getting hacked to pieces down low during the first half of game 4 and the refs simply weren't calling the fouls. I could hear Marc Gasol get slapped while watching TV and they didn't call it.
3. Jeff Green is totally unreliable and seems to shrink from the moment.
4. James Harden has a lot of trouble against the Clippers. I'm not sure why. Does Doc draw up some really good defense? Or is it just DeAndre Jordan makes it hard to finish at the basket.
5. ESPN firing Bill Simmons in the midst of NBA playoffs seems to be a vindictive and dumb move by both sides.
6. If I played in the NBA, I'd want to be on Memphis. I love how they play.
Monday, May 11, 2015
Logging
TV: Game of Thrones, S. 5, ep. 5
Great beginning, a few cool scenes, but I didn't love the episode. I'm a little worried with the showrunners veering off the books, whether they're going to be able to pull off the big narrative turns that make the seasons. Certainly one cannot expect another Red Wedding, but consider the Battle of the Blackwater, Ned getting his head chopped off, the capture of Jamie Lannister, or the Oberyn death -- these are huge, series defining moments. GMM has a few twists and turns laid out for season 5, and maybe he's shared with them ideas for the book 6, but those big world-shifts are GMM's storytelling. And while the showrunners have done a terrific job trimming the show to essentials and making the tone less nerdy, we've yet to see any evidence that they could pull off the sweeping narrative twists that are the bread and butter of the show.
TV: Game of Thrones, S. 5, ep. 5
Great beginning, a few cool scenes, but I didn't love the episode. I'm a little worried with the showrunners veering off the books, whether they're going to be able to pull off the big narrative turns that make the seasons. Certainly one cannot expect another Red Wedding, but consider the Battle of the Blackwater, Ned getting his head chopped off, the capture of Jamie Lannister, or the Oberyn death -- these are huge, series defining moments. GMM has a few twists and turns laid out for season 5, and maybe he's shared with them ideas for the book 6, but those big world-shifts are GMM's storytelling. And while the showrunners have done a terrific job trimming the show to essentials and making the tone less nerdy, we've yet to see any evidence that they could pull off the sweeping narrative twists that are the bread and butter of the show.
Friday, May 08, 2015
Thank God For Armond White
I love this bite regarding the Avengers sequel:
I love this bite regarding the Avengers sequel:
Age of Ultron works only if you’re already in the Marvel cult. Just buy the ticket, barter your brain, and give up real movies.
Logging
Film: Ex Machina
Underwhelming. In fact, I felt sleepy during the film. Beautiful location. Cold movie. Decent technical research in the writing, but poor, predictable screenwriting for my taste. Very poor staging of scenes...a lot of two people talking. Felt nothing by the end. Do we need another dystopian sci-fi flick?
Film: Ex Machina
Underwhelming. In fact, I felt sleepy during the film. Beautiful location. Cold movie. Decent technical research in the writing, but poor, predictable screenwriting for my taste. Very poor staging of scenes...a lot of two people talking. Felt nothing by the end. Do we need another dystopian sci-fi flick?
Tuesday, May 05, 2015
Sons of the Harpy
Best episode yet of this season. Highly entertaining and exciting. I really hope Barristan the Bold is alive. Given the nature of Game of Thrones death scenes, which tend to be definitive, stopping short of getting his neck sliced seems to indicate the man will live to see another day. And shit, I just want to see the old man swing the sword some more.
A few qualms: tiny bit weird that the Faith Militant so quickly become this powerful entity in Kings Landing. I'd imagine Tyrell guards and Loras himself ought to be able to kick their asses, especially given this was the same army that threw back Stannis at the Blackwater. And speaking of Stannis, I imagine others will start to join team Stannis (which I've been on since the beginning) after that scene with his daughter. But knowing how GOT operates, the scene has me worried. It means they are thinking off doing something awful to Stannis and he gets this high moment before the "fall." Also, Melisandre showing off her boobs to Jon Snow also suggests they are setting up Stannis for a fall.
Last note, it also seems they are setting up R+L=J given the multiple mentions of Rhaegar in the episode.
Best episode yet of this season. Highly entertaining and exciting. I really hope Barristan the Bold is alive. Given the nature of Game of Thrones death scenes, which tend to be definitive, stopping short of getting his neck sliced seems to indicate the man will live to see another day. And shit, I just want to see the old man swing the sword some more.
A few qualms: tiny bit weird that the Faith Militant so quickly become this powerful entity in Kings Landing. I'd imagine Tyrell guards and Loras himself ought to be able to kick their asses, especially given this was the same army that threw back Stannis at the Blackwater. And speaking of Stannis, I imagine others will start to join team Stannis (which I've been on since the beginning) after that scene with his daughter. But knowing how GOT operates, the scene has me worried. It means they are thinking off doing something awful to Stannis and he gets this high moment before the "fall." Also, Melisandre showing off her boobs to Jon Snow also suggests they are setting up Stannis for a fall.
Last note, it also seems they are setting up R+L=J given the multiple mentions of Rhaegar in the episode.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
What Could Go Wrong?
Dubai to introduce robo-cops.
Dubai to introduce robo-cops.
In four or five years, however, Alrazooqi said that Dubai Police will be able to field autonomous robots that require no input from human controllers. “These will be fully intelligent robots that can interact with people, with no human intervention at all,” he said. “This is still under research and development, but we are planning on it.”
Game 5
Barkley said it right: it came down to the Spurs bench. The Clippers starters are better than the Spurs. Paul and Griffin are the two best players in the series. Jordan is a monster on the boards, put backs, and defense. Do you see how many Spurs shots are altered near the rim because of his presence? But the Clips were worn down and tired by the 4th quarter -- especially Blake. And maybe he gets a little jittery in the head. He does continuously seem to play sloppier at the end of games -- but you know what -- everyone does during hard fought, intense games. Witness Danny Green's wide open three that barely hit the rim. And that said, Blake's shot at the end might've just rolled in anyhow. Tough loss for the Clips. But you have to tip your hat to the Spurs, especially Duncan. He's awesome. I mean, that block on Blake was, as Pop said, the play of the game. The guy has a knack for winning and being at his best when his best is needed. He doesn't have the stats of Griffin, he just scores big baskets when his team needs them and makes big plays on defense when you don't expect it of a 39 year old who can't jump. And he does it all without making a big deal of it. I know pundits are saying it is Kahwi's team now, as they said it was Parker's team years ago. Come on, bra. This is Duncan's team. Always has been.
Barkley said it right: it came down to the Spurs bench. The Clippers starters are better than the Spurs. Paul and Griffin are the two best players in the series. Jordan is a monster on the boards, put backs, and defense. Do you see how many Spurs shots are altered near the rim because of his presence? But the Clips were worn down and tired by the 4th quarter -- especially Blake. And maybe he gets a little jittery in the head. He does continuously seem to play sloppier at the end of games -- but you know what -- everyone does during hard fought, intense games. Witness Danny Green's wide open three that barely hit the rim. And that said, Blake's shot at the end might've just rolled in anyhow. Tough loss for the Clips. But you have to tip your hat to the Spurs, especially Duncan. He's awesome. I mean, that block on Blake was, as Pop said, the play of the game. The guy has a knack for winning and being at his best when his best is needed. He doesn't have the stats of Griffin, he just scores big baskets when his team needs them and makes big plays on defense when you don't expect it of a 39 year old who can't jump. And he does it all without making a big deal of it. I know pundits are saying it is Kahwi's team now, as they said it was Parker's team years ago. Come on, bra. This is Duncan's team. Always has been.
Monday, April 27, 2015
Pirlo
Caught a little Champions League at the gym today. Juventus playing Monaco, I believe. Maybe it was a replay. Who knows. But it gave me a few minutes to watch the man I consider the only genius to be playing sports right now: Andrea Pirlo. Watch the man play for 30 minutes and you'll see what I mean. He sees openings a few crucial tics before anyone else. The balls he plays are ridiculous. You watch him play and think - how come that guy never runs, is undersized, slow, and not physically up to snuff for this high level soccer - and yet, is often the most effective player on the field.
I'm not saying he is the best soccer player in the world. I'm saying he's the only sporting genius I know. I call him a genius because he literally sees things that ALL the other players do not. He is one of the only players I watch who makes plays I cannot see from the TV.
Name another athlete like this. I cannot think of one off the top of my head. There are no basketball players. Steph Curry has an insane skill. LeBron is a freak athlete. But none of these guys are geniuses. Perhaps Magic or Bird in the old days...or Tony Allen's defensive freakishness.
Maybe Federer. Maybe Peyton Manning when in top form. No one is coming to me...
Caught a little Champions League at the gym today. Juventus playing Monaco, I believe. Maybe it was a replay. Who knows. But it gave me a few minutes to watch the man I consider the only genius to be playing sports right now: Andrea Pirlo. Watch the man play for 30 minutes and you'll see what I mean. He sees openings a few crucial tics before anyone else. The balls he plays are ridiculous. You watch him play and think - how come that guy never runs, is undersized, slow, and not physically up to snuff for this high level soccer - and yet, is often the most effective player on the field.
I'm not saying he is the best soccer player in the world. I'm saying he's the only sporting genius I know. I call him a genius because he literally sees things that ALL the other players do not. He is one of the only players I watch who makes plays I cannot see from the TV.
Name another athlete like this. I cannot think of one off the top of my head. There are no basketball players. Steph Curry has an insane skill. LeBron is a freak athlete. But none of these guys are geniuses. Perhaps Magic or Bird in the old days...or Tony Allen's defensive freakishness.
Maybe Federer. Maybe Peyton Manning when in top form. No one is coming to me...
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Logging
Film: Alien
A print at the Egyptian. Place was packed. Really great movie, but not one that I love or treasure in any way. That is to say, it is great fun, but it speaks to me zero on an emotional level. I wouldn't bring it to the desert island.
Perhaps the most interesting element of the movie, given the history of the franchise and the Ripley character is how little she is featured in the first act of the film. She is just one of the crew and doesn't have anything more to do than many of the others and only slowly takes over the movie. Structurally, this is rather unique and could point to one reason the narrative works so well -- along with the terrific journey of the Alien itself.
Film: Alien
A print at the Egyptian. Place was packed. Really great movie, but not one that I love or treasure in any way. That is to say, it is great fun, but it speaks to me zero on an emotional level. I wouldn't bring it to the desert island.
Perhaps the most interesting element of the movie, given the history of the franchise and the Ripley character is how little she is featured in the first act of the film. She is just one of the crew and doesn't have anything more to do than many of the others and only slowly takes over the movie. Structurally, this is rather unique and could point to one reason the narrative works so well -- along with the terrific journey of the Alien itself.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Word of the Week: Dysgenics
Lynn argued that natural selection in pre-industrial societies favored traits such as intelligence and character but no longer does so in modern societies.Also the premise of Idiocracy, an underrated film.
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Rondo
Drama not good in Dallas. Rondo didn't even play in 2nd half. Other playoff thoughts:
1. I enjoy watching the Boston team play.
2. New Orleans played a really good game two. Maybe I was too dismissive of them -- maybe they just looked terrible because it was their first playoff game against a great Golden State team.
3. Seeing how far Golden State can go will be an interesting test of whether a streaky "jump shooting" team can win it all (vs. inside-out basketball)
4. Inside the NBA is still the best talk show on TV.
5. I am rooting for the Clips. I love how they're developing into the bad boys of the league.
6. It says something about Kevin Love that he could not lead a Minnesota team anywhere near the playoffs and cannot figure out a way to co-exist with the best player in the league. I know you can get technical about spacing and the offense they run, etc, etc, but great players figure out a) how to win and b) how to make an impact in a game. I don't like players that play bad defense and can only get 25-12 in losing efforts. I have no idea why the media insist this guy was ever a top 10 player in the league.
7. DeAndre Jordan and Draymond Green are very good at defense.
8. John Wall is a star.
Drama not good in Dallas. Rondo didn't even play in 2nd half. Other playoff thoughts:
1. I enjoy watching the Boston team play.
2. New Orleans played a really good game two. Maybe I was too dismissive of them -- maybe they just looked terrible because it was their first playoff game against a great Golden State team.
3. Seeing how far Golden State can go will be an interesting test of whether a streaky "jump shooting" team can win it all (vs. inside-out basketball)
4. Inside the NBA is still the best talk show on TV.
5. I am rooting for the Clips. I love how they're developing into the bad boys of the league.
6. It says something about Kevin Love that he could not lead a Minnesota team anywhere near the playoffs and cannot figure out a way to co-exist with the best player in the league. I know you can get technical about spacing and the offense they run, etc, etc, but great players figure out a) how to win and b) how to make an impact in a game. I don't like players that play bad defense and can only get 25-12 in losing efforts. I have no idea why the media insist this guy was ever a top 10 player in the league.
7. DeAndre Jordan and Draymond Green are very good at defense.
8. John Wall is a star.
Monday, April 20, 2015
10,000 Hours
Watching DeAndre Jordan take free throws got me thinking about the Malcolm Gladwell idea of 10,000 hours of practice it takes to get really good at something. A number of basketball players simply have trouble making free throws, seemingly the most easy part of the game. I doubt Jordan, or Shaq, or Rondo, or any of these guys who can't make free throws practice any less than guys who have no trouble making 65-75%. I just think they aren't very good at it no matter how hard they try or practice. I guess the Greeks would call it a fatal flaw. Maybe Gladwell can take that up in his next book.
Other playoff thoughts:
1. New Orleans stinks, even if Anthony Davis is good.
2. The Clippers have a chance to beat the Spurs if their defense continues to be this strong throughout the series.
Watching DeAndre Jordan take free throws got me thinking about the Malcolm Gladwell idea of 10,000 hours of practice it takes to get really good at something. A number of basketball players simply have trouble making free throws, seemingly the most easy part of the game. I doubt Jordan, or Shaq, or Rondo, or any of these guys who can't make free throws practice any less than guys who have no trouble making 65-75%. I just think they aren't very good at it no matter how hard they try or practice. I guess the Greeks would call it a fatal flaw. Maybe Gladwell can take that up in his next book.
Other playoff thoughts:
1. New Orleans stinks, even if Anthony Davis is good.
2. The Clippers have a chance to beat the Spurs if their defense continues to be this strong throughout the series.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
Is This Lady Serious?
I can understand someone not wanting to have children, but I guess I don't see why society ought to applaud the choice.
I can understand someone not wanting to have children, but I guess I don't see why society ought to applaud the choice.
Not having children isn’t selfish. Not having children is a perfectly rational and reasonable response given that humans are essentially parasites on the face of a perfectly lovely and well-balanced planet, ploughing through its natural resources, eradicating its endangered species, and ruining its most wonderful landscapes. This might sound misanthropic, and it is, but it is also true.I guess she's never heard of the categorical imperative. I see it a different way -- if you choose to not have children for selfish reasons, ie you want to devote the time to yourself instead -- I'd say own it. I don't get wanting to behave selfishly and then resenting being called on it. Strange article.
Saturday, April 18, 2015
On Grantland, they compared Steph Curry to Pistol Pete, who was before my time. Thank God for Youtube. The first move Curry move that got me thinking "holy crap" was several years ago when he literally pulled #7 from Pistol Pete, but in the middle of a crowded lane. I think the comparison fits, except Curry is certainly a more ridiculous shooter.
Friday, April 17, 2015
Logging
Book: Rabbit is Rich by John Updike
I probably won't finish, as I don't particularly like his prose. Some of the large scenes with multiple characters talking, however, are quite good.
Book: Tunnel to the Sky by Robert Heinlein
The movie pitch, of course, is Lord of the Flies in space. I'm enjoying. Young adult story. I prefer his POV to the Hunger Games and the other popular YA stuff out there today.
Book: Rabbit is Rich by John Updike
I probably won't finish, as I don't particularly like his prose. Some of the large scenes with multiple characters talking, however, are quite good.
Book: Tunnel to the Sky by Robert Heinlein
The movie pitch, of course, is Lord of the Flies in space. I'm enjoying. Young adult story. I prefer his POV to the Hunger Games and the other popular YA stuff out there today.
Logging
TV: Better Call Saul (full season), Justified (final season), Last Man on Earth (ep. 1-8), Game of Thrones
Lots of TV of late. After really disliking the first two episodes of Better Call Saul, I completely got into the show and quite liked it by the end. Justified was a terrible final season with a terrific final scene. Last Man on Earth is one of the best network comedies in ages and gets extra kudos for creativity and boldness. I must admit to laughing out loud more during this show than any other recent comedies. But, I also get super tired of the show at times as well. It's a weird one.
Game of Thrones first episode wasn't great, but boy, what a show. In the end, I'm predicting this goes down as one of the best shows of all time.
TV: Better Call Saul (full season), Justified (final season), Last Man on Earth (ep. 1-8), Game of Thrones
Lots of TV of late. After really disliking the first two episodes of Better Call Saul, I completely got into the show and quite liked it by the end. Justified was a terrible final season with a terrific final scene. Last Man on Earth is one of the best network comedies in ages and gets extra kudos for creativity and boldness. I must admit to laughing out loud more during this show than any other recent comedies. But, I also get super tired of the show at times as well. It's a weird one.
Game of Thrones first episode wasn't great, but boy, what a show. In the end, I'm predicting this goes down as one of the best shows of all time.
Can't Legislate Against Stupid
I've been casually paying attention to the talk about regulating financial advisors. Then today I see this headline and can't tell if it is deliberately satiric: Should Mutual Funds Be Illegal?
I don't see why the government is so concerned with everybody's investments. First of all, if you are dumb enough to invest all your money into a high priced financial advisor and see no gains, isn't the simple solution to simply not invest with them anymore? People blow money on all sorts of dumb things like motorboats and overpriced homes. Should that be regulated? I don't see why. There's this idea out there that adult folks need to have all these rules to protect them basically from themselves. But in my experience, you can't legislate against stupid and if people want to toss their money into investment advisors who charge a high percentage and in the long run their returns end up being 2% rather than 7%, I don't see this as being an issue worthy of government trying to correct.
I've been casually paying attention to the talk about regulating financial advisors. Then today I see this headline and can't tell if it is deliberately satiric: Should Mutual Funds Be Illegal?
I don't see why the government is so concerned with everybody's investments. First of all, if you are dumb enough to invest all your money into a high priced financial advisor and see no gains, isn't the simple solution to simply not invest with them anymore? People blow money on all sorts of dumb things like motorboats and overpriced homes. Should that be regulated? I don't see why. There's this idea out there that adult folks need to have all these rules to protect them basically from themselves. But in my experience, you can't legislate against stupid and if people want to toss their money into investment advisors who charge a high percentage and in the long run their returns end up being 2% rather than 7%, I don't see this as being an issue worthy of government trying to correct.
When Are We Gonna Learn?
And we are helping the Saudis with this plan...
And we are helping the Saudis with this plan...
Saudi officials said they are not targeting areas with Al Qaeda fighters, however, and are focusing only on the Houthis, a Shiite Muslim minority whom they view as proxies for Iran, Saudi Arabia's regional rival.I'm confused who we are fighting with and against in this region. Are we fighting Iran via Saudi and Yemeni proxies? Or, are we fighting Al Queda through Iranian proxies? Let's go smart diplomacy...still waiting for that one to kick in.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Freak
Curry nails 77 straight 3s in practice.
I'd love to see the Warriors play the Clippers-San Antonio-Cleveland. If they got through that gauntlet, it'd be a season for the ages.
I still hold the Jordan Bulls never beat a great team to win any of their titles.
Curry nails 77 straight 3s in practice.
I'd love to see the Warriors play the Clippers-San Antonio-Cleveland. If they got through that gauntlet, it'd be a season for the ages.
I still hold the Jordan Bulls never beat a great team to win any of their titles.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Logging
Film: Noir fest at the Egyptian, The Suspect and Ladies in Retirement
Charles Laughton in the Suspect. I quite enjoyed this film - very savvy, I thought. Laughton reminds me of Peter Dinklage a bit.
Ladies in Retirement. An interesting film about a woman who turns to murder in order to protect her two lunatic sisters. A little wonky at times -- the second half of the film basically follows a secondary character as he tries to figure out what our main character did -- but so what if you find that kind of thing enjoyable? I enjoy these structural incongruities that would not pass muster by the Robert McKee's of the world, and yet, still exist and work as films. Here's the thing: some stories work very well in the prescribed screenplay structure. Other stories work better told in a different way. There is no prescription. A precocious child could make this observation. Why some folks think the screenplay form ought to be so rigid is beyond me.
Film: Noir fest at the Egyptian, The Suspect and Ladies in Retirement
Charles Laughton in the Suspect. I quite enjoyed this film - very savvy, I thought. Laughton reminds me of Peter Dinklage a bit.
Ladies in Retirement. An interesting film about a woman who turns to murder in order to protect her two lunatic sisters. A little wonky at times -- the second half of the film basically follows a secondary character as he tries to figure out what our main character did -- but so what if you find that kind of thing enjoyable? I enjoy these structural incongruities that would not pass muster by the Robert McKee's of the world, and yet, still exist and work as films. Here's the thing: some stories work very well in the prescribed screenplay structure. Other stories work better told in a different way. There is no prescription. A precocious child could make this observation. Why some folks think the screenplay form ought to be so rigid is beyond me.
Thursday, April 09, 2015
Wednesday, April 08, 2015
Clues
What are the two most expensive and burdensome elements of the American economy? Housing and education. What is similar about both of these products? Heavy government involvement, both with mortgages and student loans, but also with respect to zoning laws, development, and publicly funded Universities. So what are liberal solutions? More government subsidies and involvement. It won't work unless we take it to an extreme level no one would be comfortable with.
What are the two most expensive and burdensome elements of the American economy? Housing and education. What is similar about both of these products? Heavy government involvement, both with mortgages and student loans, but also with respect to zoning laws, development, and publicly funded Universities. So what are liberal solutions? More government subsidies and involvement. It won't work unless we take it to an extreme level no one would be comfortable with.
Monday, April 06, 2015
NBA MVP
From what I've watched and read, good cases can be made for Curry, Harden, and James. I don't understand the case for Westbrook at all. Leading his team to perhaps an 8th spot in the playoffs? Going 1 on 5 whenever they need a score? Racking up ridiculous numbers in games where OKC barely beats Philly and other teams that are the dregs of the league? No thanks.
From what I've watched and read, good cases can be made for Curry, Harden, and James. I don't understand the case for Westbrook at all. Leading his team to perhaps an 8th spot in the playoffs? Going 1 on 5 whenever they need a score? Racking up ridiculous numbers in games where OKC barely beats Philly and other teams that are the dregs of the league? No thanks.
Freezing Eggs Restored My Sanity
From the Washington Post:
From the Washington Post:
I don’t know if we will ever inseminate any of the 13 egg pops sitting in a freezer in Rockville. (My mom has named one of them Gigi.) But I wave to them whenever I drive by on I-270. I like to think they will be of use somehow in this world, and I’m already grateful for what they’ve done for me. For more than four years, they’ve given me some crucial peace of mind.Because the only issue of any importance to American feminists is their own peace of mind.
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