AVATAR :A Review

AVATAR : Breaking a personal rule not to bother seeing big budget over the top general release movies I purposely used “movies” because I like seeing “films” not movies difference simply being movie usually turn out to be dull / boring and empty of plot. Avatar was and is a Movie with all those traits and I should have known better. It was not worth the $12.00 cost of a ticket. The Hero and Good Guy is Jake Sully (Sam Wotyhington) a paraplegic ex marine who is the stereotypical “What are my orders Sir” marine meaning a dull character. The film takes place on the moon Pandora of the planet Polyphemus in Alpha Centauri ( for trivia buffs Alpha Centauri is where the LOST IN SPACE Robinson Family of 1960’s were headed) Lost in Space even had better story lines. Pandora looked like it was filmed a Rainforest Café Restaurant. The story takes place in 2154 where Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver) is still chain smoking. And the bad guys (People from Earth) are still using Guns Yes Guns bullet firing guns you would think by 2154 some type of laser or phaser would be used. I seen the film in a 3D IMAX theatre and have to admit the 3D effect and super big screen and awesome Sound were something to behold. But as far as story plotlines and acting it was a Big Blank. Essentially nothing more than a 1950's B Science Fiction movie with cool special effects. And director James Cameron is talking two more possible sequels. I suggest quiting while you are ahead. Save your Money go see a Film is a Art House / Independent Movie House. And leave this empty suit to the Friday night teen date multiplex.

SENATE PASSES HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION

SENATE PASSES HEALTHCARE LEGISLATION

The United States Senate this morning passes H.R. 3962 (60-39) “ Affordable Health Care for America Act“ It is not a Victory . The bill will allow 31 million more Americans to purchase Health Care insurance . It will stop health care insurance companies from denying coverage to persons with pre existing conditions (diabetes - heart problems - kidney illnesses) it is however a start . Hopefully it will lead eventually to the United States not simply making health care coverage affordable to all but to provide health care to the all citizens from birth to death complete health care coverage at little or no cost. As I said it’s a start.

The State of Healthcare Reform (Dec-15)

I really feel sorry for those of my fellow Americans who’s jobs do not provide Health Insurance and those who cannot afford Healthcare Insurance do to numerous factors including but not limited to pre existing conditions. It looks like the current legislation in congress is going no where. Senator Joe Lieberman is a big reason but he is not the sole reason. The democrats caved it and gave in too much. What is coming out is not reform but a watered down piece of nothing. Two points I want to make Point-1 The bill in it’s current form should be voted down. Because it’s not reform Americans will still be paying extreme high rates to be insured if they are paying out of there own pockets. They should not be doing so. Employer covered healthcare was correct in it’s time that time is over Employers keep asking employees to contribute more and more to there coverage. Now I am willing to compromise in this regard if we do not have single payer healthcare like all other normal civilized countries they I believe a Employer should be REQUIRED BY LAW to cover there employees. Employees families on the other hand should be the responsibility of the employee I believe it is wrong that a employer should have to pay for there employees spouse / partner and or children. But they should pay for the employee.

Point-2 I am very disappointed in President Obama handling of the Healthcare legislation he should have been extremely aggressive in pushing for Single Payer all US Citizens will be covered and told the Republicans and conservative Democrats if you are not going to join us in this then get out of the way because WE ARE GOING TO COVER ALL AMERICANS 100% in Healthcare weather they are employed or unemployed weather they have a pre existing condition or not. And should have told congress that unless we pass this bill I will not sign or allow any bills to continue. WE ARE DOING THIS !!!!!

Additional Note: I said before and still believe a simple one line bill could solve this debate “For every $1.00 we spend on War, Defense, Killing, Military WE MUST SPEND $2.00 for Universal Single Payer Healthcare” That Simple

Congressman Todd Akin (R- Missouri)

Watching the US House Special orders speeches I cannot believe what I just heard from Congressman Todd Akin (R- Missouri) he just said on Healthcare reform and I am paraphrasing "When a patient and a doctor makes a decision no one should inter fear and get involved it is between them" I thought that's what Roe v Wade was all about? Shows you what Hippocrates the Republicans are. This Proves it.

Another Current News Comment

ITEM: Republicans including former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani are criticizing President Obama’s decision to bring Guantanamo detainees to both be put on trial in federal court in New York. And to house them in a prison in Illinois.

View: I have a simple solution for President Obama to consider. I believe he should ask for Prime TV time and say the following. to congress. “ You will back me on this decision or I will release all detainees without any trials” It’s up to you.

Random Observations of Recent News Items (Nov-2009)

ITEM: PRESIDENT OBAMA BOWS TO JAPAN EMPEROR AKIHITO ON ASIA TOUR

View: It’s About time a American President did what is a traditional custom when visiting Japan. For too long American Presidents have thumbed there noses in these diplomatic settings. By not following these tradition it suggest a attitude of “We’re Better than you and we don’t bow to anyone” I’m not one for clichés but in this situation Is truly is “When in Rome do as the Romans Do”

ITEM: 9/11 SUSPECTS TRAIL TO BE HELD IN FEDERAL COURT IN NEW YORK

View: As far as I am concerned this is a no brainier. The Military trials that were to be held under the Bush administration would have appeared to the world as nothing buy kangaroo courts where guilty verdicts would have been pre determined. A trial in open court is the only course of action that should be or should have been considered.

ITEM: THERE WILL BE NO VIDEO EMINATING FROM THE 9/11 TRIALS COURTROOM

View: If you are conducting a legitimate fair trial then you allow it to be televised live with no restrictions other than the usual practice of not showing the faces of jurors . To have a trial behind closed doors with only newspaper and other media reports after the fact is not sufficient. Present your evidence for all to see and each individual judge for themselves if were are seeking justice or revenge. If these suspects are guilty of what the government prosecutors allege I too want them to receive life sentences but I do demand a fair trial.

ITEM: DEFENCE SECRETARY ROBERTS GATES BLOCKS ABUSE PHOTO RELEASE

Defense Secretary Robert Gates' blocked the public release of any more pictures of foreign detainees abused by their U.S. captors specifically 21 color photos that the ACLU sued to be released.

"Public disclosure of these photographs would endanger citizens of the United States, members of the United States armed forces, or employees of the United States government deployed outside the United States," Gates said in his order blocking release of the photos.

View: Release all photos unedited and as is. If there is anything there that could as Gates says ”Public disclosure of these photographs would endanger citizens of the United States, members of the United States armed forces, or employees of the United States government deployed outside the United States," Then maybe that is something they should have thought about prior to participating in mistreatment and torture. Beside release of these photos will make it easier to charge those responsible. Criminals must be brought to answer for there crimes.

From the Right- It's all President Obama's Fault

Why wait for the Right to start let's beat them to it.

The Democratic losses in the Governorships in Virgina and New Jersey / The defeat of the Same Sex Marriage Public Question in Maine / The Transit Strike in Philadelphia / The Postal Strike in the United Kingdom is all fault of President Obama. There is no Doubt about. That's what the Palin's and Limbaugh's are going to say and there will be Tea Party wing nuts that will buy into it 100%

For New Jersey Governor

For New Jersey Governor (November- 3)

Newspapers Endorsements

The New York Post- Christopher Christie

The Home News - Tribune- Christopher Christie

The Courier News- Christopher Christie

Philadelphia Inquirer- Christopher Christie

The Newark Ledger (and 15 other newspapers) - Christopher Daggett

The Record - Jon Corzine

The New York Times - Jon Corzine

Christopher Daggett is an unknown player.

Christopher Christie in characteristic Republican views against a Women’s right to choose, Same Sex Marriage and Healthcare Reform is not the candidate New Jersey Needs

The Best Choice in my opinion is for New Jersey voters to reelect Jon Corzine

12 VS 36

12 vs. 36

In his op-ed piece in The Sunday New York Times (October-19-2009) U2 front man Bono quoted from President Obama ‘s speech to the United Nations in September.

“We will support the Millennium Development Goals, and approach next year’s summit with a global plan to make them a reality. And we will set our sights on the eradication of extreme poverty in our time.”

He went further to say

“But for me, these 36 words are why I believe Mr. Obama could well be a force for peace and prosperity — if the words signal action”

What he is saying here is if President Obama follows in action what he says in words he will be a positive force worldwide toward easing hunger and peace.

Now contrast those 36 words with the 12 words President Bush (II) gave in 2001

“You're either with us or against us in the fight against terror.”

Do you see a difference one is Hopeful, Enlightening and Optimistic the other is Arrogant, Confrontational and In your Face. When I speak with some about the problems that President Bush caused I am told “President Bush in on longer in office leave him out of this” They are correct he is no longer in office. But the problems and bitterness toward the United States he caused did not end with his leaving office they continue and will take time to overcome. I feel a lot better with Hopeful, Enlightening and Optimistic over Arrogant, Confrontational and In your Face.

Random Observations

BASBALL: Phillies at Rockies. How ridiculous does it look that fans at a baseball game (summer sport) in October are dressed as if they are attending a football game in Green Bay (fall and winter) game in January. With temperatures in the 40o and will chills in the 20o baseball should be ashamed.

FOOTBALL: Right wing conservative talk show host and seemingly blatant racist Rush Limbaugh reportedly interested in purchasing a share of National Football team the St. Louis Rams. Got me thinking how would KKK (Ku Klux Klan) Sheets and hoods look as a football uniform?

DON’T ASK DON’T TELL POLICY: During his Presidential campaign then Senator Barak Obama said if elected he would end the military’s discriminatory policy toward LGBT people by eliminating the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy. Over the weekend 200,00 LBGT people and there supporters gathered in Washington to tell President Obama and Congress they are not happy with the pace of these changes. I could not agree more. President Obama should immediately call a press conference and sign a executive order ending both the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy of the military and repealing all laws limiting marriage to one man and one women.

THE NEW JERSEY GOVERNORS RACE: The Star Ledger the largest daily newspaper in New Jersey has endorsed Independent candidate Christopher Daggett . Over both Democrat Jon Corzine and Republican Christopher Christie. It’s not often a major newspaper backs anyone except a Democrat or a Republican . That tells me this Daggett may be someone to look into some more. As a registered Independent I have no problem voting for a 3rd candidate .There have been local elections where I have wrote in myself.

Review-Kris Kristofferson "Closer to the Bone"

“Closer to the Bone” Kris Kristofferson 1st studio release since 2006 ‘s ‘This Old Road” continues Kris stripped down stark simple arraignments. Produced by Don Was who also did “This Old Road” there are only 4 musicians accompanying Kris producer Don Was on Bass, Jim Keltner on drums, Rami Jaffee on keyboards and the late Steven Bruton to whom the album is dedicated. “ This Album is dedicated to the spirit of my soul brother Steven Bruton and his unique legacy of music and laughter that has enriched our life” on guitar, mandolin and backing vocals. With the exception of SISTER SINEAD a song dealing with shit Sinead O’Connor had to deal with after her tearing a photo of Pope John XXIII on Saturday Night live a few years back. There is no political commentary in any of the other songs that have been the staple of much of Kris’s recent work. It takes a little to digest that seeing Kris just doing some good tunes. FROM HERE TO FOREVER A TUNE Kris intro’s by saying “Here’s one I wrote to my Kids” The chorus goes “And Darling if’s were not together. There’s One thing I want you to know. I’ll Love you from Here to Forever. And be there Wherever You Go” Track #12 a hidden track one that Kris says was the 1st whole song he ever wrote as a 11 year old. Is a simple sit back and laugh song Titled I HATE YOUR UGLY FACE Don’t know if this Album will draw much attention outside of Hard Core Kristofferson Fans. It’s been 37 or 38 years for me since I first heard ME AND BOBBY MCGEE, TO BEAT THE DEVIL and SUNDAY MORNIN COMIN DOWN from 1970’s Kristofferson when I was Hooked Thinking “Wow there is Something Special Here” and there Still is

Track Listing

1-Closer to the Bone

2-From Here to Forever

3-Holy Women

4-Starlight and Stone

5-Sister Sinead

6-Hall of Angels

7-Love don’t Live Here Anymore

8-Good Morning John

9-Tell Me One More Time

10-Let the Walls Come Down

11-The Wonder

12-I Hate your Ugly Face (Hidden Track-Not Listed)

President Obama's Nobel Peace Prize Comments

Beautiful and humble words of acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize just spoken by President Obama in the White House Garden. A few commentators on MSNBC suggested that the voting of the award may have been more a vote denouncing the policies of President George Bush than a endorsement of President Obama’s policies. I believe that could be a reasonable assumption.

This is so Cool

President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said, citing his outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation.

This is something the entire country should be Proud of. But I am willing to bet there will be some on the Right will only downplay and ridicule it. No need to mention names you know the usual suspects.

The Dalia Lama and President Obama

When President Obama does something I do not agree with I am not going to stand by and not comment. He is open to criticism same as any other elected or appointed official or private citizen for that matter. The Dalai Lama is visiting Washington this week The Dalai Lama is the Spiritual Leader of Tibet similar to what the Pope means to Roman Catholics on his busy schedule is a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Dalai Lama on this trip is not meeting with President Obama who has informed the Dalia Lama’s delegation that he wants to meet with him but only after the President’s trip to Beijing in November. This seems like a concession to China who believe that that Dalai Lama is a troublemaker and someone that is pushing for autonomy for Tibet. Something that he had denied on many occasions. This might be seen as a small matter in the grand scheme of things but I believe it is a misguided position . I believe a low key meeting with only a few staff members from each side and only official White House photos being released could have both the meeting taking place and would not irritate China to any great extent.

Now I understand the Healthcare Debate

Today it hit me I now understand the Healthcare fight. On one side there are those that want to make Healthcare “Available” to all and the other there are people that want to make “Provide” Healthcare to all. And still another side does not want anyone not working a full time 40+ hour per week job to have any Healthcare. I side with those that want to “Provide” Healthcare to all Americans.

The Healthcare Public Option

With the vote today in The Senate Finance Committee it looks as if The Public Option is dead. With no chance of it being resurrected. They had there say so now it's up to us. Next time the US election rolls around we must see to it that each member of that Committee that voted "No" Is defeated so soundly there heads spin. The Public Option as far as I was concerned was "No Option" It was a must. Now we the voters have to see to it these officials are tossed out!!!!!

Review- Maura Kennedy "Parade of Echoes"

It might not be as Earth Shattering as Dylan going electric at Newport. But Maura Kennedy’s 1st solo project self produced and self mixed “Parade of Echoes” travels a similar path. Missing for the most part are the soft soothing harmonies of The Kennedy’s sound . They are replaced by a mixture of songs that could potentially get airplay across a wide spectrum of radio formats. Folk, Rock, Americana and even Country on the Nashville slick production sounding “Shadows With The Lonely” Your not given time to sit back and absorber or get to explore what’s here because right from the start on Track-1 “The Thing With Feathers” a so feel good song you will find yourself bopping around the room snapping your fingers. Because these songs were written over a time period and release individually month to month in digital format by Maura a The imagery encompasses in them runs a gamut that includes Sunshine, Snow, Rain, and the seasons of Summer, Winter and Fall, The months October and November are also given prominent mention. Maura as a rock guitarist would not look out of place alongside Joan Jett, Lita Ford or even newcomer Haley Williams the front women of Paramore. Joining Maura for the ride are husband Pete laying some hot guitar solos on “Sun Burns Gold, Make it Last, and Shadows With The Lonely“. Tommy Allen with some cool percussion beats to “Chains and Summer Coulda Lasted Forever” and the Lap Steel Genius Rocky Roberts also on “Sun Burns Gold” The holidays are not that far off why bother fighting traffic heading to the malls. All you need to is head to a Kennedys or Maura Kennedy show and purchase a copy of “Parade of Echoes" to everyone on you holiday list.

Track Listing (Parade of Echoes)

1- The Thing With Feathers

2- New Way To Live

3- Sub Burn Gold

4- Chains

5- Patience

6- Time Will Steal Your Heart

7- October

8- Just The Rain

9- Some Kind Of Life

10- Dreamless Sleep

11- Make It Last

12- Summer Coulda Lasted Forever

13- Shadows With The Lonely.

U2 360 Tour

U2 360 Tour at Giants Stadium (September-23-2009) during and just after the show I posted the gig as “OK” now I need to expand on that. For years I have said that the young female pop stars Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Pink, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and others. Have some Pretty Good music I like much of it but when do a live show it is stacked with distractions 40 dancers-lights-explosions-multi video displays. The music is good enough to stand on it’s own I wish they realize that I would love to see any one of them do a acoustic show sit down on a stool pick up a guitar and sing to me. This was the way I felt last night at the Giant Stadium stop of the U2 360 Tour. The stage well it was much more than a stage it was this massive structure that took up probably ¼ of the football field with four legs topped by a giant canvas covering with a tower that looked like a rocket. Rapped around all this was a black video screen that used 4 stationary cameras and a few hand held ones. At times all 4 members of the band were shown in split screen. There were 2 bridges that extended from the center stage to a round catwalk these bridges moved 360o during the set allowing band members to walk over and onto the catwalk. Now onto my point was/ is all this necessary ? U2 as I said I believe is the Worlds 2nd best band behind Mike Peters-James Stevenson-Craig Adams and Steve Grantley collectively The Alarm. U2 can deliver a powerful high energy concert without all the visual distractions Bruce Springsteen is a good example his shows are high profile and high energy without all the pyrotechnics I do not believe all these visuals add to the concert experience I believe it takes away from it. Let’s leave all that nonsense to the pop stars. Come on Bono-Adam-Larry and Edge bring me into a small venue leave the electric instruments home and show me what you got. I have full confidence in you.

Eastern Europe Missal Defense System

Today President Obama announced that he is ending the foolish idea that was advanced by the previous administration of installing a missile defense system in Easter Europe namely Czechoslovakia and Poland. A policy in which Russia felt threatened there borders a threat that was dismissed by the George Bush administration as bearing no merit. Well I can recall back in 1962 when the then Soviet Union were placing missals in Cuba and we felt threatened our borders it became knows as “The Cuban Missile Crises ” It brought both nations to the brink of nuclear war. Cancelling the program was a wise decision. Now I wonder how long will it be before former Vice President Dick Cheney throws in his 2¢ on the matter and how the Obama administration is hurting National Security.

A Responce to "You lie"

Back in the days of the No Holds barred raunchy ECW Wrestling if during a match a wrestler missed a move the audience would immediately start a chant of "You Fucked Up, You Fucked Up" Just started me thinking that maybe we on the left are in the vicinity of a Republican rally or Congressman Joe Wilson town hall or better yet a Glen Beck eventand they mention or start chanting "You lie" as there rallying cry maybe we should simply turn ECW and do a few "You Fucked Up, You Fucked Up"

President Obama's Healthcare Speech to a joint session to Congress

President Obama may have not been as forcible as I would have liked demanding the public option be the center piece of the proposed legislation. But I was impressed when he pointed out the outright lies that were put forward politicians on the right (Sarah Palin ?) such as coverage for illegal aliens and public funding of abortions are just that Lies. It seemed when he said “That No One should go Broke because they get Sick” drew applause from both sides of the isle. I really liked when he said “If you come to me with serious proposals I will listen my door is always open” He quoting the late Senator Ted Kennedy in a letter delivered after his death to the White House saying that Healthcare is a Moral Principal I agree complete. He named Republican Senators that worked with Senator Kennedy on Legislation that created Patients Bill of Rights and Children’s Health Coverage. I myself personally have know people that feel that “If you do not have or your spouse have a job that included Healthcare coverage then you do not deserve Healthcare coverage” Is this a position that a country as wealthy and as powerful as the Untied States could seriously take. To throw fellow citizens to the wayside. And when you question those that take these positions “What about people that loss there healthcare because they loss there jobs?” They have no legitimate answer other than to wisecrack things like “Well get another job” I guess that could work if there were jobs out there is not the unemployment rate something like 9.9 %. When President Obama stated the bill “Will not cover those in the country illegally” The IDIOT that yelled “It‘s a Lie” has been identified as South Carolina Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) was a Douche bag . Well the President has challenged congress particularly Republicans to get this done let’s see what happens.

The Real Reason the Right is Opposed to President Obama's Policies

I have spent the better part of the last 6 weeks trying to figure out exactly what it is that Red State Christian Conservative Right Wing Republican FOX NEWS viewing America has against President Obama’s They are against Healthcare Reform, They were against the Auto and Bank Bailout. And now the icing on the cake they are against him speaking to School Children about the need to stay in school to get a education . And I have come to the conclusion that for a percentage of those people I don’t know how large a percentage that is but I believe that down to a simple fact no matter what he proposes no matter how much they may agree with a position he suggest they will still oppose it because they are unable to come to terms that the United States has elected a Black Man tothe highest office in the land. O they will deny that is the case and try to convince everyone including themselves that race has noting to do with it and say it is based on President Obama’s policies and socialist positions but they are not fooling anybody they are simply racist and I hope they Stop putting on this act and just come right out and say “ There is no way a ( N-Word) is the President of my country” Maybe then I will understand there position.

President Obama's Healthcare Speech to Congress on Sept-9th

President Obama is scheduled to speak to a joint session of Congress and the American People on Wednesday evening on Health Care Reform. In My Opinion President Obama needs to stop talking about working with the Republicans who obviously have no intention of coming to any sort of agreement. Republicans want no reform of any kind and on top of that are making statements that any fool with half a Brain should realize are just nutty. Things like Death Panels, Pulling the Plug on Grandma and the one I love that Living Wills are encouraging you to die early. Anyway back to my original point President Obama needs to say straight forward and without flinching “Since I took over this office 8 months ago I have been trying to get Congress to reform our broken Healthcare it was one of the positions that the people of this country elected me on” There are members of Congress that seem to be opposed to any form of reform at all. The time has come to either ask these members to come on board and write legislation to make Healthcare available to all US Citizens despite rumors that those in the country illegal would be covered is false as were many of there other lies about this legislation . So it has brought me to a point I am not happy to be at but I have no alternative. Members of Congress I expect a law on my desk by Thanksgiving that changes the way Healthcare is run in this country I expect this law to make affordable Healthcare to all weather employed or not employed , self employed . No one in the Greatest Country in the World should die or untreated illnesses because they either do not have of cannot afford health insurance and to achieve this goal a Public Option Must be included that is not negotiable. If we as a country can spend Billions to wage Wag we can and Must spend Billions to treat and care for us all. Any member of congress that wants to come on board and join up you will be welcome if you do not then get out of our way because this reform is going to Happen.

One Day

I will start posting a to my blog again