Monday, March 30, 2020
Coronavirus - COVID-19 (aka SARS-CoV-2)
March 30, 2020
There is more fiction coming out of the White House (Dr. Fauci excepted) then in the entire inventory at Amazon's book department. Ashamed to say I watched Trump's reality show, The Apprentice, for about 2 seasons, I found it funny. However now I find it chilling. The confabulation, pitting team members against each other, demoting successful team leaders while appointing the weakest link as new team leader, boasting about his ratings and making up reasons in the infamous, "you're fired" segments. Sound familiar?
Late Night with Seth Meyers - You Tube published April 2, 2020
I had heard about the broken generators , oops I mean ventilators. being shipped to states like NY. I did not realize that the repair contract had been canceled by, SURPRISE, The Trump administration.
I know that the comment attributed to Marie Antoinette "Let Them Eat Cake" may not be true, but its meaning concerning the incompetent and clueless aristocracy of France in the late 18th century, seems eerily repeated in Trump's comment about wearing scarves as protection against a virus.
Jimmy Kimmel's Quarantine Monologue -- posted 05/12/2020
While I had always assumed Pence was joking, what I found really amusing was Pence pushing the cart containing some "real" boxes maybe 6 or 7 feet from the back of the van to just outside the doors to the building. Forget the empty boxes, photo ops are for re-election campaigns not pandemics. Photo ops do not: help the sick, develop a vaccine for the healthy, alleviate the pain of those who cannot breathe or assist any one financially due to job loss...because THEY ARE PHOTO OPS. The height of the cluelessness was asking for a public apology from Jimmy Kimmel instead of trying to prove the competence and compassion of the current U.S. administration. They just don't know and worst of all, they just do not care.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Philip DeFranco video posted 02-25-2020 to You Tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT66KexX1C8
My 02/26/2020 comment:
Restraints did not appear to be necessary, at least per the video shown. The child did not appear to be a danger to anyone, including herself. That arrest was beyond an insane response to a child's tantrum. The officer probably felt an arrest was the only way to protect himself from a civil lawsuit as he no doubt knew that Florida did not have an arrest age limit (obvious from his discussion of his arrest record). Finally, why was this even reported to the police, and by whom? Never heard of Jaystation and am now sorry that I have. I do feel sorry for those vacationers trapped on the Diamond Princess (or any cruise ship) as I read in another comment these people were sitting confined to their rooms. They were basically in a floating petri dish. I do not know what else could have been done for those vacationers at that point. WHO and all nations must be more vigilant in noting the arise of any virus and encourage inoculation by providing them free. While this particular virus was not expected, hence the adjective "novel", the birth and growth processes of COVID-19 are predictable and not novel at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TT66KexX1C8
My 02/26/2020 comment:
Restraints did not appear to be necessary, at least per the video shown. The child did not appear to be a danger to anyone, including herself. That arrest was beyond an insane response to a child's tantrum. The officer probably felt an arrest was the only way to protect himself from a civil lawsuit as he no doubt knew that Florida did not have an arrest age limit (obvious from his discussion of his arrest record). Finally, why was this even reported to the police, and by whom? Never heard of Jaystation and am now sorry that I have. I do feel sorry for those vacationers trapped on the Diamond Princess (or any cruise ship) as I read in another comment these people were sitting confined to their rooms. They were basically in a floating petri dish. I do not know what else could have been done for those vacationers at that point. WHO and all nations must be more vigilant in noting the arise of any virus and encourage inoculation by providing them free. While this particular virus was not expected, hence the adjective "novel", the birth and growth processes of COVID-19 are predictable and not novel at all.
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Friday, February 7, 2020
Birds of Prey (2020)
(And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).
R
1 hour 49 minutes
Saw at theater February 7, 2020
This movie was literally a trip to a carnival. It was fun, colorful, exciting and even had fireworks.
I also noticed that the plot with the requisite McGuffin was simple, but the acting (especially Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor and Rosie Perez) was so vivid , along with the cinematography and set design, that I was entertained. This was comic book movie that only desired to entertain, keep you turning its pages (aka scenes). This movie did not aspire to win an Oscar. For me, Birds of Prey deserved a better than passing grade, my choice is B-. The minus is due to the movie's short length resulting in the lack of backstory or dialogue for some of the secondary character and the primary villain. I did not IMDb her yet, but I would love to see Cathy Yan directing a lot more films.
All fight scenes should have glitter, confetti and color-smoke bombs. This was a fun, entertaining movie and even if the McGuffin was ordinary, nothing else in this film was. I would love to see future projects directed by Cathy Yan.
This movie is colorful, outrageous, chaotic, oddly charming and the best characterization of Harley Quinn (better than Suicide Squad) by Robbie yet. I have read/watched some negative reviews. A concept probably not popular on Twitter is that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Martin Scorsese aside (do not tweet him PLS), this is a fantastic (dare I say "Fantabulous") movie, hope there will be more.
Birds of Prey brought the comic book character Harley Quinn to life for me. The look in Margot Robbie's eyes when her character was about to do something really crazy or talk without a filter was hysterical. The CGI "pet" (at least I HOPE that it was CGI) also enhanced the theme that only certain asocial humans or wild creatures are attracted to and semi-tamed by Harley. I do have one question about a scene in the movie where a building was beautifully lit where in reality it should have been dark and dusty. However it must be the the magic of this movie that prevented that question from penetrating my consciousness until I got home.
Harley Quinn's fame as a character is mostly among DC comics fans and comic con cosplayers. I had wondered why this film was being made. However, I am willing to bet the monetary performance was not a huge surprise at DC. I think that this movie was made for all the obvious reasons, plus added PR for Suicide Squad 2 and a possibly leg up to include Birds of Prey as ensemble performers in other DC movies. I am not sure about the character Cassandra Cain as she is quite different from her comic persona, but who knows Ella Jay Basco is likable and perhaps they will recon some of the fighting abilities of the comic book character in a future film or streaming show.
(And The Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn).
R
1 hour 49 minutes
Saw at theater February 7, 2020
This movie was literally a trip to a carnival. It was fun, colorful, exciting and even had fireworks.
I also noticed that the plot with the requisite McGuffin was simple, but the acting (especially Margot Robbie, Ewan McGregor and Rosie Perez) was so vivid , along with the cinematography and set design, that I was entertained. This was comic book movie that only desired to entertain, keep you turning its pages (aka scenes). This movie did not aspire to win an Oscar. For me, Birds of Prey deserved a better than passing grade, my choice is B-. The minus is due to the movie's short length resulting in the lack of backstory or dialogue for some of the secondary character and the primary villain. I did not IMDb her yet, but I would love to see Cathy Yan directing a lot more films.
All fight scenes should have glitter, confetti and color-smoke bombs. This was a fun, entertaining movie and even if the McGuffin was ordinary, nothing else in this film was. I would love to see future projects directed by Cathy Yan.
This movie is colorful, outrageous, chaotic, oddly charming and the best characterization of Harley Quinn (better than Suicide Squad) by Robbie yet. I have read/watched some negative reviews. A concept probably not popular on Twitter is that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Martin Scorsese aside (do not tweet him PLS), this is a fantastic (dare I say "Fantabulous") movie, hope there will be more.
Birds of Prey brought the comic book character Harley Quinn to life for me. The look in Margot Robbie's eyes when her character was about to do something really crazy or talk without a filter was hysterical. The CGI "pet" (at least I HOPE that it was CGI) also enhanced the theme that only certain asocial humans or wild creatures are attracted to and semi-tamed by Harley. I do have one question about a scene in the movie where a building was beautifully lit where in reality it should have been dark and dusty. However it must be the the magic of this movie that prevented that question from penetrating my consciousness until I got home.
Harley Quinn's fame as a character is mostly among DC comics fans and comic con cosplayers. I had wondered why this film was being made. However, I am willing to bet the monetary performance was not a huge surprise at DC. I think that this movie was made for all the obvious reasons, plus added PR for Suicide Squad 2 and a possibly leg up to include Birds of Prey as ensemble performers in other DC movies. I am not sure about the character Cassandra Cain as she is quite different from her comic persona, but who knows Ella Jay Basco is likable and perhaps they will recon some of the fighting abilities of the comic book character in a future film or streaming show.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
Columbine
With any tragedy, we want to immediately assess blame so that we can distance ourselves from the source of the tragedy. Directly following the blamed targets comes its publication in all digital and print media. It is a small amount, but I have noticed a few in the media not giving the shooter's facebook image and murder stats quite as readily as had been done in the past. Also helpful would not be necessarily arming individuals in the field of education who do not have the training of soldiers or police, but assisting these teachers, counselors, coaches and administrators to recognize mental illness or aberration. Weapons are a bandaid, but knowledge can provide both the cure and prevention.
With any tragedy, we want to immediately assess blame so that we can distance ourselves from the source of the tragedy. Directly following the blamed targets comes its publication in all digital and print media. It is a small amount, but I have noticed a few in the media not giving the shooter's facebook image and murder stats quite as readily as had been done in the past. Also helpful would not be necessarily arming individuals in the field of education who do not have the training of soldiers or police, but assisting these teachers, counselors, coaches and administrators to recognize mental illness or aberration. Weapons are a bandaid, but knowledge can provide both the cure and prevention.
Sunday, January 26, 2020
Picard
a series in CBS All Access streaming service
Episode 1:
I think that the Picard series episode one attempted to link off of Star Trek: Nemesis, not the best one in the series. Perhaps this episode tried a little too hard. When the series is completed, we'll see if Star Trek returns to its 24th (maybe 25th century if Picard goes a 2nd season) roots. Hang onto your tricorders, tribbles, and communicators. Cross your phasers and your fingers, there are 9 more episodes so maybe it will all work out.
a series in CBS All Access streaming service
Episode 1:
I think that the Picard series episode one attempted to link off of Star Trek: Nemesis, not the best one in the series. Perhaps this episode tried a little too hard. When the series is completed, we'll see if Star Trek returns to its 24th (maybe 25th century if Picard goes a 2nd season) roots. Hang onto your tricorders, tribbles, and communicators. Cross your phasers and your fingers, there are 9 more episodes so maybe it will all work out.
Friday, January 3, 2020
COLLIDER CANCELS SHOWS - new release 01/02/2020
Comment posted to John Campea You Tube show on 01/03/2020
While maybe the shows were not economically sustainable, I did enjoy the Collider of "old" ("old" defined as being approximately 24 hours ago as of this comment) mixing online personalities with entertainment industry data. The reason I no longer watch much of "conventional" news is the talking head effect. I might as well just read it myself, without the makeup, stylized wardrobe and bright lights. I just hope that that Marc Fernandez had reached out to deliver the bad news way before the news release. Those talented, funny and charismatic people deserved at least that much respect.
Comment posted to John Campea You Tube show on 01/03/2020
While maybe the shows were not economically sustainable, I did enjoy the Collider of "old" ("old" defined as being approximately 24 hours ago as of this comment) mixing online personalities with entertainment industry data. The reason I no longer watch much of "conventional" news is the talking head effect. I might as well just read it myself, without the makeup, stylized wardrobe and bright lights. I just hope that that Marc Fernandez had reached out to deliver the bad news way before the news release. Those talented, funny and charismatic people deserved at least that much respect.
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