In the New Orleans Times-Picayune, Chris Rose interviews Michael Almereyda, movie maker and all-around Renaissance man from Kansas. Almereyda's film tltled "New Orleans, Mon Amour", will be shown on Sunday at the New Orleans Film Festival. I like it already just from the title. It's the story of two people who meet doing relief work after Hurricane Katrina. All right then! Now it's a must-see.
Anyway, since it's his third movie about the city, Chris asks Almereyda what draws him to make movies about New Orleans. He answers:
I'm the same as most people: Crazy about New Orleans. I love the people, the architecture, the music, the food, and the way they all blend together. I love the hauntedness and the sense of immediacy. And I love the unique rhythm of the place -- the way things are always switching from slow to fast, lazy to frenetic, and back again.
My heart melts. But wait! There's more.
Chris asks Almereyda if the New Orleans Film Festival has reached "big-time" status, and he answers:
You seem a bit fixated on this idea of "bigness." The thing is, if you have to ask, it's hard to pretend this is a big potato festival. But the bigger potatoes aren't necessarily the tastiest. And the big, self-important festivals aren't the most fun. I'm sure the New Orleans Fest will yield a fair number of treasures this year and I'm assuming it's one of the few festivals on the circuit that allows you to bring to-go cups into the theaters. That's good enough for me.
That's telling him, and it's good enough for me, too.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Connecticut Court Rules For Equal Treatment Under The Law
From Mike in Texas and Holy Foolishness in an email:
The Connecticut Supreme Court posted its decision on Kerrigan v. Public Health -- a marriage equality case --
Here's the whole decision.
Here's the bottom line:
We conclude that, in light of the history of pernicious discrimination faced by gay men and lesbians,1 and because the institution of marriage carries with it a status and significance that the newly created classification of civil unions does not embody, the segregation of heterosexual and homosexual couples into separate institutions constitutes a cognizable harm.
We also conclude that (1) our state scheme discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, (2) for the same reasons that classifications predicated on gender are considered quasi-suspect for purposes of the equal protection provisions of the United States constitution, sexual orientation constitutes a quasi-suspect classification for purposes of the equal protection provisions of the state constitution, and, therefore, our statutes discriminating against gay persons are subject to heightened or intermediate judicial scrutiny, and (3) the state has failed to provide sufficient justification for excluding same sex couples from the institution of marriage.
Very good news, indeed. The opponents of gay marriage are engaged only in a holding action. Movement is in the direction of acceptance. The acceptance may not come as swiftly as some of us might like, and others will see the decision as the rush toward Armageddon, but the outcome is not in doubt.
The Connecticut Supreme Court posted its decision on Kerrigan v. Public Health -- a marriage equality case --
Here's the whole decision.
Here's the bottom line:
We conclude that, in light of the history of pernicious discrimination faced by gay men and lesbians,1 and because the institution of marriage carries with it a status and significance that the newly created classification of civil unions does not embody, the segregation of heterosexual and homosexual couples into separate institutions constitutes a cognizable harm.
We also conclude that (1) our state scheme discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation, (2) for the same reasons that classifications predicated on gender are considered quasi-suspect for purposes of the equal protection provisions of the United States constitution, sexual orientation constitutes a quasi-suspect classification for purposes of the equal protection provisions of the state constitution, and, therefore, our statutes discriminating against gay persons are subject to heightened or intermediate judicial scrutiny, and (3) the state has failed to provide sufficient justification for excluding same sex couples from the institution of marriage.
Very good news, indeed. The opponents of gay marriage are engaged only in a holding action. Movement is in the direction of acceptance. The acceptance may not come as swiftly as some of us might like, and others will see the decision as the rush toward Armageddon, but the outcome is not in doubt.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Companies That Are Merging
Investment tips for 2008 for all of you with any money left, be aware of the next expected mergers so that you can get in on the ground floor and make some BIG bucks.
Watch for these consolidations in 2008:
1.) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W. R. Grace Co. Will merge and become:
Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.
2.) PolyGram Records, Warner Bros., and Zest Crackers join forces and become:
Poly, Warner Cracker.
3.) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become:
MMM Good.
4. Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become:
ZipAudiDoDa
5. FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become:
FedUP.
6. Fairchild Elec tronics and Honeywell Computers will become:
Fairwell Honeychild.
7. Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become:
PouponPants.
8. Knotts Berry Farm a nd the National Organization of Women will become:
Knott NOW!
And finally ...
9. Victoria 's Secret and Smith &Wesson will merge under the new name:
TittyTitty Bang Bang
OH YOU KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO FORWARD THIS ONE.
Oh no, Susan S. I'm going to post it. Thank you. In these trying times we need any help that we can get.
Watch for these consolidations in 2008:
1.) Hale Business Systems, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Fuller Brush, and W. R. Grace Co. Will merge and become:
Hale, Mary, Fuller, Grace.
2.) PolyGram Records, Warner Bros., and Zest Crackers join forces and become:
Poly, Warner Cracker.
3.) 3M will merge with Goodyear and become:
MMM Good.
4. Zippo Manufacturing, Audi Motors, Dofasco, and Dakota Mining will merge and become:
ZipAudiDoDa
5. FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become:
FedUP.
6. Fairchild Elec tronics and Honeywell Computers will become:
Fairwell Honeychild.
7. Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become:
PouponPants.
8. Knotts Berry Farm a nd the National Organization of Women will become:
Knott NOW!
And finally ...
9. Victoria 's Secret and Smith &Wesson will merge under the new name:
TittyTitty Bang Bang
OH YOU KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO FORWARD THIS ONE.
Oh no, Susan S. I'm going to post it. Thank you. In these trying times we need any help that we can get.
Geaux Joe!
From FirstRead at MSNBC:
“All of the things they said about Barack Obama in the TV, on the TV, at their rallies, and now on YouTube … John McCain could not bring himself to look Barack Obama in the eye and say the same things to him,” Biden said this morning. “In my neighborhood, when you’ve got something to say to a guy, you look him in the eye and you say it to him.”
To which Josh Marshall adds (forgive me if I offend anyone, but I simply could not resist):
After the election, in the interests of national reconciliation, I imagine Obama and Biden may allow McCain to make special non-custodial visits to his testicles.
Hey! It's just a word, a part of human anatomy.
“All of the things they said about Barack Obama in the TV, on the TV, at their rallies, and now on YouTube … John McCain could not bring himself to look Barack Obama in the eye and say the same things to him,” Biden said this morning. “In my neighborhood, when you’ve got something to say to a guy, you look him in the eye and you say it to him.”
To which Josh Marshall adds (forgive me if I offend anyone, but I simply could not resist):
After the election, in the interests of national reconciliation, I imagine Obama and Biden may allow McCain to make special non-custodial visits to his testicles.
Hey! It's just a word, a part of human anatomy.
Another Good Man
Fr. Geoff Farrow is a Roman Catholic priest in Fresno, California. Upon receiving a "pastoral" letter from his bishop asking all the pastors in the diocese to advocate to their parishioners to vote in favor of Proposition 8, which would overturn a recently passed law permitting same-gender marriages and enforce a ban on them once again, Fr. Farrow could not keep silent and publicly expressed his disagreement with the bishop's "pastoral".
He now has a blog. His first post, titled How It All Began, explains the reason for his disagreement and his decision not to remain silent. His words are beautiful and eloquent.
Fr. Farrow faces serious consequences by publicly expressing his opposition to the bishop's letter advocating for a "Yes" vote for the proposition. I admire him greatly for his honesty and courage. I urge you to visit his blog and read his initial post and perhaps leave a word for him. His comments moderation is enabled, so your comment may not appear immediately.
I can't help but wonder at the RCC bishops' many admonitions to the laity about bringing forth life and procreating, since they do not follow their own advice in the matter. Why aren't they doing their part by marrying and procreating?
Further, how is it life-giving to condemn gays and lesbians to lives of loneliness by not allowing them to bind together and express their love for one another, even if they are in faithful and committed relationships? It seems to me that members of the bishops' flocks are left unpastored. Anyway, Fr. Farrow says all of this a lot better than I ever could.
I offer him my prayers and support.
He now has a blog. His first post, titled How It All Began, explains the reason for his disagreement and his decision not to remain silent. His words are beautiful and eloquent.
Fr. Farrow faces serious consequences by publicly expressing his opposition to the bishop's letter advocating for a "Yes" vote for the proposition. I admire him greatly for his honesty and courage. I urge you to visit his blog and read his initial post and perhaps leave a word for him. His comments moderation is enabled, so your comment may not appear immediately.
I can't help but wonder at the RCC bishops' many admonitions to the laity about bringing forth life and procreating, since they do not follow their own advice in the matter. Why aren't they doing their part by marrying and procreating?
Further, how is it life-giving to condemn gays and lesbians to lives of loneliness by not allowing them to bind together and express their love for one another, even if they are in faithful and committed relationships? It seems to me that members of the bishops' flocks are left unpastored. Anyway, Fr. Farrow says all of this a lot better than I ever could.
I offer him my prayers and support.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
John McCain On The Trail Today
From TPM.
"Across this country, this is the agenda I have set before my fellow prisoners and the same standards of clarity and candor must now be applied to my opponent."
The video is now posted.
Watch Sarah's expression after he says "prisoners".
The manner in which Sarah Palin and other surrogates of McCain whip up the crowds into a frenzy to the point where there are shouts of "Terrorist!" or "Treason!" about Obama is quite dangerous. Or are they plants as Josh Marshall asks? Whatever it is, this campaign tactic is irresponsible in the extreme.
"Across this country, this is the agenda I have set before my fellow prisoners and the same standards of clarity and candor must now be applied to my opponent."
The video is now posted.
Watch Sarah's expression after he says "prisoners".
The manner in which Sarah Palin and other surrogates of McCain whip up the crowds into a frenzy to the point where there are shouts of "Terrorist!" or "Treason!" about Obama is quite dangerous. Or are they plants as Josh Marshall asks? Whatever it is, this campaign tactic is irresponsible in the extreme.
What Breed Of Liberal Are You?
My Liberal Identity:
You are a Peace Patroller, also known as an anti-war liberal or neo-hippie. You believe in putting an end to American imperial conquest, stopping wars that have already been lost, and supporting our troops by bringing them home.
Take the quiz at www.FightConservatives.com
I don't believe that I am liberal. I lean more toward the radical persuasion.
From Merriam-Webster: Definition of RADICAL:
Etymology:
Middle English, from Late Latin radicalis, from Latin radic-, radix root — more at root
Date:
14th century
1: of, relating to, or proceeding from a root: as a (1): of or growing from the root of a plant
2: of or relating to the origin : fundamental
3 a: marked by a considerable departure from the usual or traditional : extreme b: tending or disposed to make extreme changes in existing views, habits, conditions, or institutions c: of, relating to, or constituting a political group associated with views, practices, and policies of extreme change d: advocating extreme measures to retain or restore a political state of affairs
4: slang : excellent, cool
I'll take 3 and especially 4.
Thanks to Lapin, who can tell you himself his results of the quiz, if he so chooses.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Not You, Tom!
What was that about? Tom Brokaw, you will not be Secretary of the Treasury. Strange, very strange. What's McCain got against Brokaw? Or was it his lame idea of a joke?
Did McCain give a straight answer to a single question? Maybe so. I may have missed it. He called Obama "that one". Again, he seemed condescending and dismissive of Obama. He appeared quite uncomfortable, too, whereas Obama was cool and in command.
The tee vee talking heads say that McCain needed to hit a knock-out punch to win the debate, and he did not. And that's the way it is.
Did McCain give a straight answer to a single question? Maybe so. I may have missed it. He called Obama "that one". Again, he seemed condescending and dismissive of Obama. He appeared quite uncomfortable, too, whereas Obama was cool and in command.
The tee vee talking heads say that McCain needed to hit a knock-out punch to win the debate, and he did not. And that's the way it is.
Happy Birthday Archbishop Desmond Tutu!
Shame, shame, shame on me. Fran, a Roman Catholic, scooped me in remembering Archbishop Tutu's birthday. Do visit her site, FranIAm to see her lovely post on the dear, dear man.
God's dream is that you and I and all of us will realize that we are family, that we are made for togetherness, for goodness, and for compassion. In God’s family, there are no outsiders, no enemies. Black and white, rich and poor, gay and straight, Jew and Arab, Muslim and Christian, Hindu and Buddhist, Hutu and Tutsi, Pakistani and Indian—all belong. When we start to live as brothers and sisters and to recognize our interdependence, we become fully human.
This dream can be found throughout the Bible and has been repeated by all of God's prophets right down to Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi.
Just the other day, I received his authorized biography in the mail. I have not read it yet, but I'm looking forward to it.
Image from Wiki.
What If...?
What if a time of persecution against Christians arose all over the world and great numbers were martyred for the faith, including all priests and bishops? Is there a way that the Christian remnant could still have the Eucharist?
I'm referring rather specifically to those groups and denominations who profess belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. I tried really hard to think of a less cruel and violent manner to get priests and bishops out of the picture, in order to ask my purely speculative question, but I could not. God forbid that this should ever happen! No wish-fulfillment involved here, my clergy friends. I love you all and very much appreciate your services to us, especially during this month when we celebrate Clergy Appreciation.
The reason that the question occurred to me is that in the early church, I can't make out which procedures were followed as to deciding who presided at the gathering of the meal in obedience to Jesus' instruction, "Do this in remembrance of me". The ordination process, as we know it today, seemed not to exist. How did it come to be that only those who were validly ordained (and what does that mean?) could pronounce the words of consecration?
Even now, as I type this, I wonder if I should even hit "Publish" for this post, but the question has been simmering for a while, therefore, I shall hit "Publish", for better or for worse.
I'm referring rather specifically to those groups and denominations who profess belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. I tried really hard to think of a less cruel and violent manner to get priests and bishops out of the picture, in order to ask my purely speculative question, but I could not. God forbid that this should ever happen! No wish-fulfillment involved here, my clergy friends. I love you all and very much appreciate your services to us, especially during this month when we celebrate Clergy Appreciation.
The reason that the question occurred to me is that in the early church, I can't make out which procedures were followed as to deciding who presided at the gathering of the meal in obedience to Jesus' instruction, "Do this in remembrance of me". The ordination process, as we know it today, seemed not to exist. How did it come to be that only those who were validly ordained (and what does that mean?) could pronounce the words of consecration?
Even now, as I type this, I wonder if I should even hit "Publish" for this post, but the question has been simmering for a while, therefore, I shall hit "Publish", for better or for worse.
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