Kurdish Jews in Israel
Kesher Talk has links. I, being part-Sephardic, appear to be related to the Kurds. I will take this opportunity to remind the reader of the link to the Kurdish National Congress of North America. Their website has information on the historical and present-day oppression of the Kurds, and the organization is active in lobbying for North American support of the Kurdish people.
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Gregg Easterbrook takes on David Edelstein:
Somebody's Head Was Swimming All Right: A critic for the New York Times swooned that "movies as we knew them changed" because of "The Matrix" and declared that its "inspirations" could "make your head swim." Matrix inspirations included, supposedly, "video games, Hong Kong sword-fighting ghost epics, Japanese anime, William Gibson cyberpunk, Philip K. Dick dystopian science fiction, druggy Alice-in-Wonderland surrealism, the bio-mechanical designs of the artists H. R. Giger and Geoff Barlow, David Cronenberg's visions of cybernetically enhanced flesh and Terminator-like battles of man vs. runaway machine (with a nod to the writer Harlan Ellison and the father of robotics, Hans Moravec), the ancient philosophy of Gnosticism, which in this case overlaps with Jean Baudrillard's postmodern book Simulacra and Simulation (which makes a cameo in "The Matrix"), messianic Christianity and even Zen Buddhism. (Also) a philosophy essential to many Eastern martial arts, that the material world is secondary."
The review further declared, "A science-fiction screenwriter I know said he'd been stewing over his own simulated-universe project for years when "The Matrix" came out. 'What I didn't think of,' he said sadly, 'was the martial-arts angle.' And that's the crux of it." So - Gnosticism, Jean Baudrillard and H.R. Giger, but what was missing was fist fights! Talk about a great breakthrough by The Matrix's producers. Coming soon to a theater near you: Catharism, Andre Malraux and Lo Spagna, plus naked women!
A mere one week after penning the above love poem to the "Matrix" series, the same critic wrote on Slate that Matrix Revisited[sic] was "messy and flat-footed ... ugly, bloated, repetitive ... the disposable feel of a video game ... fake." The same critic complained that "Matrix Reloaded" was bad because it's a bunch of pretentious mumbo-jumbo tied together with obviously staged kung-fu fights: exactly what the same critic had praised as inspirational just one week before.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
Lt. Smash is a Douglas Adams fan!
"...and many [people] were unhappy, even the ones with digital watches."
-Opening of Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy
"...and many [people] were unhappy, even the ones with digital watches."
-Opening of Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Today's Critics Don't Boost Movies, They Down Them
I saw The Road To Perdition last night. It was one of the best films I've seen in a while. I believe tat it should have won an Academy Award if The Pianist hadn't also been made in the same year. That it won only one Emmie and was not nominated for Best Picture is a sign that Hollywood is becoming increasingly phobic of films that mean things, give the award to Chicago, an entertaining comedy of little real meaning, in short, the only films David Edelstein of Slate likes, except for films like the Pianist. From reading his review of The Core, you get the distinct feeling he thought it was a better film than The Road To Perdition.
One can't help but wonder why Edelstein is so obsessively negative about films like About Schmidt, The Road to Perdition, The Matrix Reloaded, and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels; (Caveat: the second half of these aren't high-concept films, but I liked them.) even when it is obvious that they are trying to make something other than a formulaic crowd-pleaser, and almost almost half of the films Edelstein reviews are pure commercial crap, even (or especially, if you want to be cynical) many he liked. (I'm thinkling the whole Austin Powers series, The Core, The Italian Job, etc.) Therefore, I bring you the Thre Rules of David Edlestein's Movie Criticism:
1. If you think the film is good but flawed, remember, a flawed good film is a bad film.
2. If the film is bad, relentlesly attempt to find good things about it.
3. Corollary to #2: If the film is good but you think the creator is a "showbiz whore" for making and promoting high-concept films, or "pickling in their own self-importance" for making a film that is merely decent when you expect them to build the Sistine Chapel, relentlessly use any real or imagined bad points to justify panning it as a horrible film. And remember, the public cares intensely what you thought of acting plot, etc. on a deeply subjective, biased basis. So if you the think the acting is bad because of your own preconceptions of what the acting should have been, the pubic must know that the film is bad because you think the acting is bad.
Coming soon: An "Edelstein-ing" of the Road To Perdition review, and an important announcement.
I saw The Road To Perdition last night. It was one of the best films I've seen in a while. I believe tat it should have won an Academy Award if The Pianist hadn't also been made in the same year. That it won only one Emmie and was not nominated for Best Picture is a sign that Hollywood is becoming increasingly phobic of films that mean things, give the award to Chicago, an entertaining comedy of little real meaning, in short, the only films David Edelstein of Slate likes, except for films like the Pianist. From reading his review of The Core, you get the distinct feeling he thought it was a better film than The Road To Perdition.
One can't help but wonder why Edelstein is so obsessively negative about films like About Schmidt, The Road to Perdition, The Matrix Reloaded, and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels; (Caveat: the second half of these aren't high-concept films, but I liked them.) even when it is obvious that they are trying to make something other than a formulaic crowd-pleaser, and almost almost half of the films Edelstein reviews are pure commercial crap, even (or especially, if you want to be cynical) many he liked. (I'm thinkling the whole Austin Powers series, The Core, The Italian Job, etc.) Therefore, I bring you the Thre Rules of David Edlestein's Movie Criticism:
1. If you think the film is good but flawed, remember, a flawed good film is a bad film.
2. If the film is bad, relentlesly attempt to find good things about it.
3. Corollary to #2: If the film is good but you think the creator is a "showbiz whore" for making and promoting high-concept films, or "pickling in their own self-importance" for making a film that is merely decent when you expect them to build the Sistine Chapel, relentlessly use any real or imagined bad points to justify panning it as a horrible film. And remember, the public cares intensely what you thought of acting plot, etc. on a deeply subjective, biased basis. So if you the think the acting is bad because of your own preconceptions of what the acting should have been, the pubic must know that the film is bad because you think the acting is bad.
Coming soon: An "Edelstein-ing" of the Road To Perdition review, and an important announcement.
Thursday, July 31, 2003
From staus.blogger.com, July 7th:
Your gross incomtence sickens even my jaded twisted soul. I bite my thumb at thee, and wish that I could beat you to death with my shoe. An eleventh circle of Hell (see the onion for the tenth) is currently being added especially for the contemptibly useless and sadistic assholes who make up Pyra's design group. I wish that you suffer greatly when you arrive, preferably when you are all electrocuted by shorts in your com[puters that you obviously use exclusively to play Daikatana, because it sure hasn't been to make a usable version of Blogger.
Some users of free Blogger will receive Big Post errors when publishing long posts (greater than 8000 characters). We are working to resolve this problem.
Update: This error has been fixed.
Your gross incomtence sickens even my jaded twisted soul. I bite my thumb at thee, and wish that I could beat you to death with my shoe. An eleventh circle of Hell (see the onion for the tenth) is currently being added especially for the contemptibly useless and sadistic assholes who make up Pyra's design group. I wish that you suffer greatly when you arrive, preferably when you are all electrocuted by shorts in your com[puters that you obviously use exclusively to play Daikatana, because it sure hasn't been to make a usable version of Blogger.
I had a really good post on what Bush was actually doing on "Yellowcake-gate," but Blogger ate it with an "internal server error"! Thanks a lot Pyra!
As a result the remainder of the week will be devoted to flaming the new "Blogger".
"...death to all those who would whimper and cry!"
-Bob Dylan, "Tombstone Blues"
P.S. Has everything on the internet suddenly become crap? (note downgrading of Bravenet counter service.)
As a result the remainder of the week will be devoted to flaming the new "Blogger".
"...death to all those who would whimper and cry!"
-Bob Dylan, "Tombstone Blues"
P.S. Has everything on the internet suddenly become crap? (note downgrading of Bravenet counter service.)
Thursday, July 24, 2003
Thursday, July 17, 2003
I have been on hiatus from blogging, but until I return, go read this. Read the post, follow the link to the bottom, and if it doesn't make you smile at least, you must be a, idiot or a black-hearted pessimistic cynic, in which case this will all be too typical.
Brook Trout caught so far this year: 24 fish.
Brook Trout caught so far this year: 24 fish.
Thursday, June 26, 2003
Damn, Glenn Reynolds already listed his vacation reading. (Do great minds think alike?[Now you're being facetious -IC. Ummm...yeah...]) So I guess I'll just tell you my reading.
Bag of Bones, by Stephen King. This is a supernatural mystery with some love story elements. (The back cover didn't lie that much.)
A Division of the Spoils, by Paul Scott. Go to Google and search "Raj Quartet".
What you wanted a link? Move those lazy fingers and type it in! Or copy click Google in favorites and paste. The web is your undercooked oyster...
Bag of Bones, by Stephen King. This is a supernatural mystery with some love story elements. (The back cover didn't lie that much.)
A Division of the Spoils, by Paul Scott. Go to Google and search "Raj Quartet".
What you wanted a link? Move those lazy fingers and type it in! Or copy click Google in favorites and paste. The web is your undercooked oyster...
One year ago on this day, June 26th, the first post in what would not become known as "The Internet's Biggest Mistake," and did become known as Meanderings of a Post-Modern Present-Day Wit, and somewhere between 100 and 500 random people read it, most in search of a summary of John Grisham's book, Skipping Christmas.
But I the one known to you only as "NF" did persist and in the next week or so will bring you the finest fruits of my labor, and will send out a message that...
...what the hell, here's the first two posts.
10:12 PM, June 27, 2002
Today I give a post relevant to current events. Based on recent events involving the Pledge of Allegiance, God, and the 9th Circuit Court (if this becomes a book title I want a share of the royalties), a critique of a well-known writing piece:
I pledge allegiance to the flag
The flag? What about the Constitution!?!
And to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God,
Some argue that given economic and racial boundaries it is actually several nations. I will not say much about the god part here, as you have likely heard too much already. I will say that the phrasing implies that God favor the U.S., and the mainstream religious right believes that God only held biblical Israel as the Promised Land, contrary to what the Rev. Jerry Falwell said.
Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
A) The nation has divided once, and B) ask a civil libertarian about liberty and justice for all.
"What's hidden in an empty box?" -Zen saying
NF
9:51 PM, June 26, 2002
This is a first post, so you may expect some sort of, I don't know, impressive meanderings, but I say no, offer up some bit of wisdom and put a sock in it, that's the way to go. Here goes a meandering:
Who is behind the terrorism in Israel? How deep is Arafat's involvement? What is the purpose behind the timing of suicide attacks with attempts to restart negotiations?
I think Arafat was responsible mostly for the first wave of terrorism, in an effort to bring Barak back to the table with whatever it was exactly that Arafat wanted. A land for peace deal, which Arafat may have thought Barak would take to save his position in the government (Arafat would have). Then Hamas began to get involved. Arafat's goal is a Palestinian state at whatever cost. Hamas' official goal is the same, just more so. Their actual goal is the complete destruction of Israel, and their manifesto even says that they oppose negotiations with Israel. Hamas has done everything possible todestroy the peace process, coordinating suicide bombings whenever the peace process could start again. The first condition of any agreement should be the dismantling of Hamas and other terrorist organizations, otherwise they could take over once Arafat (or who ever replaces him) has built up a respectable military. Hamas and Arafat are in a power struggle right now. The outcome will determine how much of a chance a lasting peace has. Israel should take note of this.
"As the blind lead the blind, so shall the unenlightened lead the unenlightened. They know the way don't they?"
NF
So that's it. In my opinion, not bad. I think the part about Hamas is even prescient to a degree. And the Supreme Court would do well to take note of my deconstruction of the Pledge of Allegiance. Of course that's just my opinion.
P.S. I will be gone on vacation for the next week, so I might or might not do more posts. Rest assured though, all that has been promised will be delivered eventually. I'll even list my unfinished business, the "Part Two"s I haven't written yet. Until then, I leave you, the reader to guess what my vacation reading is. (Hint: The author of one of each of the two are Stephen King and Paul Scott, who I have read extensively, and one book is a mystery and the other has a certain finality:)
But I the one known to you only as "NF" did persist and in the next week or so will bring you the finest fruits of my labor, and will send out a message that...
...what the hell, here's the first two posts.
10:12 PM, June 27, 2002
Today I give a post relevant to current events. Based on recent events involving the Pledge of Allegiance, God, and the 9th Circuit Court (if this becomes a book title I want a share of the royalties), a critique of a well-known writing piece:
I pledge allegiance to the flag
The flag? What about the Constitution!?!
And to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God,
Some argue that given economic and racial boundaries it is actually several nations. I will not say much about the god part here, as you have likely heard too much already. I will say that the phrasing implies that God favor the U.S., and the mainstream religious right believes that God only held biblical Israel as the Promised Land, contrary to what the Rev. Jerry Falwell said.
Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
A) The nation has divided once, and B) ask a civil libertarian about liberty and justice for all.
"What's hidden in an empty box?" -Zen saying
NF
9:51 PM, June 26, 2002
This is a first post, so you may expect some sort of, I don't know, impressive meanderings, but I say no, offer up some bit of wisdom and put a sock in it, that's the way to go. Here goes a meandering:
Who is behind the terrorism in Israel? How deep is Arafat's involvement? What is the purpose behind the timing of suicide attacks with attempts to restart negotiations?
I think Arafat was responsible mostly for the first wave of terrorism, in an effort to bring Barak back to the table with whatever it was exactly that Arafat wanted. A land for peace deal, which Arafat may have thought Barak would take to save his position in the government (Arafat would have). Then Hamas began to get involved. Arafat's goal is a Palestinian state at whatever cost. Hamas' official goal is the same, just more so. Their actual goal is the complete destruction of Israel, and their manifesto even says that they oppose negotiations with Israel. Hamas has done everything possible todestroy the peace process, coordinating suicide bombings whenever the peace process could start again. The first condition of any agreement should be the dismantling of Hamas and other terrorist organizations, otherwise they could take over once Arafat (or who ever replaces him) has built up a respectable military. Hamas and Arafat are in a power struggle right now. The outcome will determine how much of a chance a lasting peace has. Israel should take note of this.
"As the blind lead the blind, so shall the unenlightened lead the unenlightened. They know the way don't they?"
NF
So that's it. In my opinion, not bad. I think the part about Hamas is even prescient to a degree. And the Supreme Court would do well to take note of my deconstruction of the Pledge of Allegiance. Of course that's just my opinion.
P.S. I will be gone on vacation for the next week, so I might or might not do more posts. Rest assured though, all that has been promised will be delivered eventually. I'll even list my unfinished business, the "Part Two"s I haven't written yet. Until then, I leave you, the reader to guess what my vacation reading is. (Hint: The author of one of each of the two are Stephen King and Paul Scott, who I have read extensively, and one book is a mystery and the other has a certain finality:)
Monday, June 23, 2003
Heads Up
Just getting the word out that the 1st birthday of my weblog is June 26th. Events will include the blogger archiving of my first posts, Best Post of the Year, and Rabid Dirtbag of the Year (preliminary nominees: Rep. Jim "The Jews Control Everthing" Moran, Sen. Rick "Legal Gay Sex Will End Society As We Know It" Santorum, and Jonah "McCarthy Kicked Some Commie Ass" Goldberg).
Check back soon for Part Two of the Mother of All Posts.
Just getting the word out that the 1st birthday of my weblog is June 26th. Events will include the blogger archiving of my first posts, Best Post of the Year, and Rabid Dirtbag of the Year (preliminary nominees: Rep. Jim "The Jews Control Everthing" Moran, Sen. Rick "Legal Gay Sex Will End Society As We Know It" Santorum, and Jonah "McCarthy Kicked Some Commie Ass" Goldberg).
Check back soon for Part Two of the Mother of All Posts.
Friday, June 13, 2003
David Adesnik calls for Maureen Dowd's dismissal. I think he has a good point.
Tuesday, June 10, 2003
As far as presidential candidates go, Dennis Kucinich is just weird.
Sunday, June 08, 2003
The Mother Of All Posts
Part I: Gulf War II in retrospect
The second Gulf War was not marred by any of the possible problems I had predicted. I didn't say that any of these problems would definitely happen, I said that they might happen and should be discussed more. The reasons that none of these problems manifested is at the core of the situation today.
The war was a success. There were few civilian deaths, few military deaths, and no major damage to the Iraqi economic infrastructure that remained. More people died at Halabja than in Gulf War II. I think one thing that is over-emphasized by pundits is the role of US technological superiority in the victory in Iraq. What happened was not a victory of the much-hyped shock and awe, but a massive assault of highly-mobile well-trained soldiers and excellent combat recon, as well as unchallenged air superiority that allowed the Air Force and Navy to hit targets with inpunity. These combined to convince an already demoralized army that by and large did not like Saddam to forget about the fighting and return home. Those that didn't desert were handily defeated, as at Kharbala Pass before Baghdad.
Turkey was rebufffed in its desire to invade Kurdistan, and neither the Kurds nor the Shiites continue to be oppressed. Evidence of atrocities commited by Saddam emerged, including a children's prison and mass graves. Also, at no point did Iraq use chemical or biological weapons on the American soldiers or its own people. This brings us up to the post-war, where the next part will continue from.
Part I: Gulf War II in retrospect
The second Gulf War was not marred by any of the possible problems I had predicted. I didn't say that any of these problems would definitely happen, I said that they might happen and should be discussed more. The reasons that none of these problems manifested is at the core of the situation today.
The war was a success. There were few civilian deaths, few military deaths, and no major damage to the Iraqi economic infrastructure that remained. More people died at Halabja than in Gulf War II. I think one thing that is over-emphasized by pundits is the role of US technological superiority in the victory in Iraq. What happened was not a victory of the much-hyped shock and awe, but a massive assault of highly-mobile well-trained soldiers and excellent combat recon, as well as unchallenged air superiority that allowed the Air Force and Navy to hit targets with inpunity. These combined to convince an already demoralized army that by and large did not like Saddam to forget about the fighting and return home. Those that didn't desert were handily defeated, as at Kharbala Pass before Baghdad.
Turkey was rebufffed in its desire to invade Kurdistan, and neither the Kurds nor the Shiites continue to be oppressed. Evidence of atrocities commited by Saddam emerged, including a children's prison and mass graves. Also, at no point did Iraq use chemical or biological weapons on the American soldiers or its own people. This brings us up to the post-war, where the next part will continue from.
Friday, June 06, 2003
Requiem for an Editor:
I have just one question: who will Kaus hound now?
The morale Raines damaged will self-repair. But he will have to live with the sad fact that he made his beloved newspaper the punchline of a thousand cruel jokes. He left the paper in worse condition than he found it and positioned his successor to reap the glory that he dreamed was his.
I have just one question: who will Kaus hound now?
Thursday, June 05, 2003
Howell Raines Resigns
I've been expecting this would happen soon, ever since the news got out that Raines blocked a story on Torricelli's corruption.
I've been expecting this would happen soon, ever since the news got out that Raines blocked a story on Torricelli's corruption.
