There’s simply no way to describe this film, or the Teutonic audacity of Werner Herzog in making it, without diminishing it. Simply brilliant. And what’s with the post-war obsession of Germans with dwarfs anyways (cf. The Tin Drum). With its outrageous images and eerie leit motiv of dwarfish laughter, and the shrill singing, and Pepe strapped to the chair, and the disconcerted camel taking a dump . . . what’s to say? It’s like Toy Story on acid in prison.
If you can’t read, watch this DVD. Otherwise, read either Lansing’s book or Alexander’s book about this amazing adventure.
Caroline Alexander’s rendition of the now well-known Shackleton tale adds dozens of photographs and details about the heroic escape from the Antarctic by 28 men in 1916.
“What the ice gets, the ice keeps.” Alfred Lansing describes with almost perfect pacing the incredible and heroic voyage of 28 men after they abandoned their ship The Endurance, which was trapped for months in the ice in the Antarctic Ocean in winter, in 1916, hundreds of miles from land. Read about Sir Ernest Shackleton’s fanatic desire to save his men.
Check out this movie review of Avatar. ‘Nuff said.
In a moment more characteristically narcissistic than his affair with Rielle Hunter, but less narcissistic than what one might otherwise expect, former senator, Democratic vice presidential candidate, trial attorney, and current narcissist John Edwards has legally separated from his wife Elizabeth Edwards, CBS News has confirmed with someone familiar with the situation.
To help all of us get through Mr. Edwards’ narcissism, broad and deep, I’ve included these relevant quotes:
“It is an extraordinarily sad moment, but I love my children more than anything and still care deeply about Elizabeth.”
–John Edwards“Everyone who is born to the Earth has the psychic ability lying dormant.”
–John Edward“The God that holds you over the pit of hell, much as one holds a spider, or some loathsome insect over the fire abhors you, and is dreadfully provoked: his wrath towards you burns like fire: he looks upon you as worthy of nothing else, but to be cast into the fire.”
–Jonathan Edwards“And so oddly enough, I spent the last five days of my life crying in Argentina.”
–Mark Sanford
Thank you.
This documentary won the Audience and Directing Awards at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. A true story, Susan Tom adopted 11 children with special needs. You would expect it to be either overwhelmingly depressing or sugary. It is neither. It is full of real kids who love life. It is starkly refreshing in its matter of act presentation. Should you see it? Absolutely, particularly if you have no interest in seeing a documentary about children with special needs.
The Relentless Enchroachment of the Sea, by Brian McLean
As read to you by Brian McLean
The relentless enchroachment of the sea,
Slowly washes away everything in front of me.
First the beach, and then the cities, which is real bad,
Even though the sea is pretty.
We build a sea castle, but the sea washes it away.
Tomorrow we may not be here, but we enjoy the sea today.
Just finished Richard Matheson’s I am Legend, the 1954 science-fiction novella about apocalypse, vampires, zombies, dust, life, death, loneliness, classical music,canned food, and a brief interlude with a dog. Hollywood has based three movies on the book, including The Last Man on Earth (1964), The Omega Man (1973), and most recently I Am Legend (2007).
It’s a must read in the science fiction genre, creative, well-written, and entertaining, telling a different story from the movies that it spawned.
Is it Shakespeare? No. More literate but less creative than Philip K. Dick.
Does Circle Justice work? That’s the main question asked in Touching Spirit Bear. After viciously attacking a classmate, young Cole Matthews is permitted to spend a year on a remote Tlingit island, facing hardship and seclusion, in hopes of avoiding a trial as an adult and the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.
In a civilized society, when a person is convicted of a crime, there are sentencing consequences that may involve jail time, financial penalties, mandatory counseling, drug testing, community supervision, or even death. There are many considerations in what makes a just consequence for the criminal’s actions. Sentencing in the traditional state justice system includes considerations of at least punishment, rehabilitation, vengeance, and deterrence. Continue reading “Touching Spirit Bear” By Ben Mikaelsen