courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
I have a slightly religious theory.
Before I lay down this theory on you, a few things about my personal belief system.
I'm a Christian. I'm not what I would call "Born Again," rather more like a wandering Christian. Confirmed Catholic, but with a father who is a strict agnostic. I grew up doubting my church, yet also believing in it. During College, I met a few Born Again Christians who felt like they needed to convert me. I tried to tell them I was Catholic already, but they wouldn't listen. "Oh, So you're not really Christian," they used to say to me. I called myself a Godspellian for a while, choosing to focus on the teachings of Christ as laid out in the musical Godspell, and ignoring everything else in the Bible. My friend Joe, who is no longer with us, and I used to discuss religious issues constantly. Finally, about 8 years ago, I got a job as a Church organist at a Presbyterian Church. Being a part of the worship planning process rekindled my faith and, I feel, saved my life.
Long story short, (too late), I am absolutely certain that there is a God, and that he guides the events of the world.
Now, for part two of my beliefs: I DON'T believe in Global Warming. Now calm down, let me explain. I realize that something is up with the world's climate. Weather is unusual and unpredictable. I just don't believe that the cause of all this climate change is the gradual raising of the temperatures of the earth. It's sound science in theory, but I don't believe that it's happening, and I don't subscribe to the end of the world scenario laid out in "An Inconvenient Truth." That having been said, I DO believe that we should "Go Green." Respecting the environment just makes sense. We shouldn't waste our resources, pollute our air, or shit up the planet. We need to live here, we should respect nature around us. I just don't need to be frightened or threatened into doing it.
I believe that the weather can't be predicted. As I write this, weathermen have been predicting a rain storm all day turning into snow tonight. It's 8 in the morning, and it's snowing. How can you be mistaken about a weather report for the next day, and then tell me that you can predict what will happen 100 years from now thanks to Global Warming? The Christian in me believes that God controls the weather, and if He wants it to snow in Texas, then it shall be written. The Skeptic in me believes that weather patterns are guided by several unpredictable variables, and there's no way to know when that butterfly flapped its wings in Tokyo to create the monsoon in Florida.
My theory is this... God Hates Weathermen. Well, probably not hate, I don't believe that God hates anyone, but if you have the hubris to claim to be able to predict the weather; maybe God chooses to send a message; a subtle hint that He's the one in control, not you. And just to prove His point, in this age of Global Warming theories and weather predictions; He makes it snow in 49 of the 50 states, many of which hardly ever get snow. He follows up unusually temperate winters with a Snowlapalooza; leaving Meteorologists and Theorists alike wondering how Global Warming could possibly explain this. The science won't back it up, but they'll try to make it.
Meanwhile, those of us who take the weather day by day, will simply enjoy the flakes, shovel the walk and get on with our day. For we have given up this idea of how we need to explain these things away, and have a sense of control in matters that we should just trust in the forces that guide us. I do not fear the snow. I survived 4 years in Potsdam. I trust that God will keep everything in balance.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Current Events 1/25/2011
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
Regis is Retiring. About freakin' time.
American Idol began its final season with Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez "Judging." Of all the judges that have ever been on AmId, as I call it; Steven Tyler is the only one, I think, who has the right to judge anyone on their singing ability.
The Skins: Let's be clear. From the beginning, MTV has claimed that its target demographic is 18-25 year olds. And from the beginning it's been clear that their actual viewers are 12-18 year olds. New Kids on The Block didn't get to be number one on TRL because College Students are watching it. I started watching MTV when I was 10, (Back when it was a music channel) and it officially got too immature for me when I was 18. Still they push sexually provocative, and very mature subject matter on young teens. A show like "The Skins" should not have been a surprise. We didn't need a parent's group to tell us it's inappropriate; it's on MTV, of COURSE it's inappropriate!
PM Berlusconi involved in a sex scandal. First off, it's Italy. They've elected Porn Stars to Parliament. Secondly; a politician involved in a sex scandal? Perish the thought. Third of all, ZZzzzzzzzzzzz. More tabloid gossip masquerading as news.
State of the Union tonight. Two very surprising things are happening this year. One: I'm getting very interested in the NFL playoffs. (Go, Jets... :( ) and two, I'm actually psyched for the State of the Union. I think it's because we have a president that has, and can give an intelligent, and poignant verbal smack down, and a congress that desperately needs one. Last year, some things were said that were uncomfortable, but necessary. Every time the media begins to brainwash me into doubting my president, he comes through and reminds me why I voted for him. This, by the way is the opposite of GWB, who disappointed me with his actions, and the media had to remind me; why did we vote for him?
Regis is Retiring. About freakin' time.
American Idol began its final season with Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez "Judging." Of all the judges that have ever been on AmId, as I call it; Steven Tyler is the only one, I think, who has the right to judge anyone on their singing ability.
The Skins: Let's be clear. From the beginning, MTV has claimed that its target demographic is 18-25 year olds. And from the beginning it's been clear that their actual viewers are 12-18 year olds. New Kids on The Block didn't get to be number one on TRL because College Students are watching it. I started watching MTV when I was 10, (Back when it was a music channel) and it officially got too immature for me when I was 18. Still they push sexually provocative, and very mature subject matter on young teens. A show like "The Skins" should not have been a surprise. We didn't need a parent's group to tell us it's inappropriate; it's on MTV, of COURSE it's inappropriate!
PM Berlusconi involved in a sex scandal. First off, it's Italy. They've elected Porn Stars to Parliament. Secondly; a politician involved in a sex scandal? Perish the thought. Third of all, ZZzzzzzzzzzzz. More tabloid gossip masquerading as news.
State of the Union tonight. Two very surprising things are happening this year. One: I'm getting very interested in the NFL playoffs. (Go, Jets... :( ) and two, I'm actually psyched for the State of the Union. I think it's because we have a president that has, and can give an intelligent, and poignant verbal smack down, and a congress that desperately needs one. Last year, some things were said that were uncomfortable, but necessary. Every time the media begins to brainwash me into doubting my president, he comes through and reminds me why I voted for him. This, by the way is the opposite of GWB, who disappointed me with his actions, and the media had to remind me; why did we vote for him?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Music Review: Can't have your Cake and Edie, too!
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
Get it? Cake, and Edie? Anyhoo...
I was first introduced to the band Cake last year. I saw this iPod ad which featured a song that sounded a bit familiar. At the very end, it was revealed that I was listening to the theme song from "Chuck." Now, I LOVE the theme song to "Chuck." It's got funkiness and sets the tone for the series perfectly. But who did that song?
Then, Napster had a playlist of TV theme songs. I thought it would be amusing, so I downloaded it. Final track, wouldn't you know... "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" by Cake; the same song from the ad; the theme from "Chuck." This soon became my favorite song. And I started to imagine how awesomely creative the band was that came up with the clever lyrics, and loopy, funky grooves behind them. So, when Cake's new album, Showroom of Compassion came out last week, I checked it out. I had seen appearances on "Conan" and Jimmy Fallon, and I liked the single, "Sick of You." In this, my little Napster Project, I test out one song from each new album, so I downloaded the second track, "Long Time." Not bad. So, I then tried out the whole album. And as I listened I realized something.
Having that "Sound" in a groovy song, like "Short Skirt/Long Jacket," makes for great listing. That same "Sound" spanned out over 12 songs... not so much. Clever lyrics gave way to dumb lyrics that are intentionally provocative so as to seem poetic, (Such as in the final track "Italian Guy.") And the pseudo hip-hop-y loopiness of the backing tracks gets old after the 3rd or 4th tune. The talking on pitch that substitutes for singing, yecch! In "Short Skirt," the solo trumpet part is a welcome, much needed addition to the overall groove. But that trumpet featured in EVERY SONG, not so welcome.
The beauty of Napster to Go, though, is that I can keep "Sick of You," and "Long Time," I can even keep "Short Skirt," and just delete the rest. There was a time where I'd have to shell out $16 for an album on which I only liked 2 songs. Now, if I bought these tracks, $1.98.
So, I moved on to another album that came out this week, the new self-titled album from Edie Brickell. Remember her? From New Bohemians? I'm reminded of the inherent sexism in the music business. When Aimee Mann did her first solo album, I remember the question hovering in the air, will she be as good without 'Til Tuesday? Little did we realize, Aimee Mann WAS 'Til Tuesday. Nobody thought, "Rob Thomas, will he be any good without Matchbox Twenty?" Of course he will, he's a guy. So, why do we think, "Edie Brickell, will she be any good without New Bohemians?"
Turns out, it's a really good album. And here's the inherent difference between her and Cake. Cake is trying so hard to be quirky and unique. Edie Brickell is just being herself, and she really IS quirky and unique. If you remember "What I Am," you, no doubt, remember her unique singing style. In Cake's case, that sound in every track can get irritating. But Edie uses it to let the soul of the music shine through.
I tested out the first track, "Give It Another Day." it seemed like it was going nowhere, but then the hook comes in and satisfies. All the songs are great, but standouts are "Pill," "Waiting for Me," and "You Came Back," which abandons the rest of the album's folksy sound in favor of a slightly more produced pop track. It all works, and it will probably become one of my favorite albums.
Get it? Cake, and Edie? Anyhoo...
I was first introduced to the band Cake last year. I saw this iPod ad which featured a song that sounded a bit familiar. At the very end, it was revealed that I was listening to the theme song from "Chuck." Now, I LOVE the theme song to "Chuck." It's got funkiness and sets the tone for the series perfectly. But who did that song?
Then, Napster had a playlist of TV theme songs. I thought it would be amusing, so I downloaded it. Final track, wouldn't you know... "Short Skirt/Long Jacket" by Cake; the same song from the ad; the theme from "Chuck." This soon became my favorite song. And I started to imagine how awesomely creative the band was that came up with the clever lyrics, and loopy, funky grooves behind them. So, when Cake's new album, Showroom of Compassion came out last week, I checked it out. I had seen appearances on "Conan" and Jimmy Fallon, and I liked the single, "Sick of You." In this, my little Napster Project, I test out one song from each new album, so I downloaded the second track, "Long Time." Not bad. So, I then tried out the whole album. And as I listened I realized something.
Having that "Sound" in a groovy song, like "Short Skirt/Long Jacket," makes for great listing. That same "Sound" spanned out over 12 songs... not so much. Clever lyrics gave way to dumb lyrics that are intentionally provocative so as to seem poetic, (Such as in the final track "Italian Guy.") And the pseudo hip-hop-y loopiness of the backing tracks gets old after the 3rd or 4th tune. The talking on pitch that substitutes for singing, yecch! In "Short Skirt," the solo trumpet part is a welcome, much needed addition to the overall groove. But that trumpet featured in EVERY SONG, not so welcome.
The beauty of Napster to Go, though, is that I can keep "Sick of You," and "Long Time," I can even keep "Short Skirt," and just delete the rest. There was a time where I'd have to shell out $16 for an album on which I only liked 2 songs. Now, if I bought these tracks, $1.98.
So, I moved on to another album that came out this week, the new self-titled album from Edie Brickell. Remember her? From New Bohemians? I'm reminded of the inherent sexism in the music business. When Aimee Mann did her first solo album, I remember the question hovering in the air, will she be as good without 'Til Tuesday? Little did we realize, Aimee Mann WAS 'Til Tuesday. Nobody thought, "Rob Thomas, will he be any good without Matchbox Twenty?" Of course he will, he's a guy. So, why do we think, "Edie Brickell, will she be any good without New Bohemians?"
Turns out, it's a really good album. And here's the inherent difference between her and Cake. Cake is trying so hard to be quirky and unique. Edie Brickell is just being herself, and she really IS quirky and unique. If you remember "What I Am," you, no doubt, remember her unique singing style. In Cake's case, that sound in every track can get irritating. But Edie uses it to let the soul of the music shine through.
I tested out the first track, "Give It Another Day." it seemed like it was going nowhere, but then the hook comes in and satisfies. All the songs are great, but standouts are "Pill," "Waiting for Me," and "You Came Back," which abandons the rest of the album's folksy sound in favor of a slightly more produced pop track. It all works, and it will probably become one of my favorite albums.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Music Reviews - Randy Montana and Michael Daugherty
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
I used to start every year searching through the billboard charts, and listening to every song that was out from week to week. I even geeked out and made spreadsheets giving number values to their ranking, and calculating the number of charts they were on. And I'd eliminate the crappy music, and just download the good stuff. My goal was to have at the end of the year a list of the BEST music from the previous year ranked from 100 to 1. (I secretly wanted to be Casey Kasem when I was a kid. Then I did a countdown show on my college radio station, and realized it was not all that.)
This December, I simplified. I rolled back to the beginning of the year, and found the albums that I downloaded released that year. It turned into a series of blogs (1, 2, and 3) So this year, I'm breaking free of Billboard, and instead searching Napster for the New Releases each week. I'll get to hear more obscure, and often better, music that way, and will be more well informed as to who's out there.
Already, first week out, I have two amazing recordings. One is by a country singer named Randy Montana (No relation to Hannah.) He released a single on 1/4/11 called 1,000 Faces. The "EP" features the title song, and two more. The thing about Country music to me is: It's either hick-ish, down-home, no-teeth, cousin-shtupping raunchy tunes, which talk about how "country" we are; or it's great, well-written music, focusing on the songwriting, which shows off how brilliant American Music can be. Toby Keith is the former, Keith Urban is the latter, Zac Brown is both! Montana starts off with "1,000 Faces" which falls into the songwriter category. It has a sound like a soft rock ballad, the only indication of being country being the occasional steel guitar twang. Great song, which should be a big hit. The other two begin a decline into Hick territory. "Last Horse," also a well written song, uses more western imagery, and features the tag line, "Don't want to be the last horse living in this one-horse town." That is SUCH a country line. Finally, "Assembly Line" celebrates the joy and pride that comes with being an assembly line worker. No metaphor, no simile, it's literally about an assembly line worker. All three are great songs for any country fan. People like me, who like well written country music will also be satisfied, but will only LOVE the title track.
My other recommendation is a classical album. It's the new recording of Route 66 composed by Michael Daugherty, Featuring the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop. I had never heard of Michael Daugherty, but apparently, (I did my research) he's the most often performed American Composer today, and I can see why. His music features many Jazz styles combined with a classical approach to writing. The concept of the album is literally a trip west. It begins with "Route 66" a tribute to the famous highway, which is exciting and jazzy. If classical albums had singles, this should be one. The next three pieces are "Ghost Ranch" inspired by an actual ranch in New Mexico owned and lived in by Georgia O'Keefe, "Sunset Strip" which gives you the feel of night life on the California strip, and finally "Time Machine." The final piece is an experiment which I found fascinating. It's performed by an Orchestra with 3 conductors. They divide the group up into three separate small ensembles, and each one has a different conductor, each leading them at a different tempo! Believe it or not, it totally works. You don't leave the recording humming any of the tunes, but you never regret turning the recording on. The music is new, and yet reminiscent of the past (Daugherty was obviously inspired by Bernstein). He also brings very vibrant imagery to the music. I'm going to be on the lookout for his music from now on. I highly recommend this album.
Not a bad start to the new year. Next up, Cake and Edie Brickell.
I used to start every year searching through the billboard charts, and listening to every song that was out from week to week. I even geeked out and made spreadsheets giving number values to their ranking, and calculating the number of charts they were on. And I'd eliminate the crappy music, and just download the good stuff. My goal was to have at the end of the year a list of the BEST music from the previous year ranked from 100 to 1. (I secretly wanted to be Casey Kasem when I was a kid. Then I did a countdown show on my college radio station, and realized it was not all that.)
This December, I simplified. I rolled back to the beginning of the year, and found the albums that I downloaded released that year. It turned into a series of blogs (1, 2, and 3) So this year, I'm breaking free of Billboard, and instead searching Napster for the New Releases each week. I'll get to hear more obscure, and often better, music that way, and will be more well informed as to who's out there.
Already, first week out, I have two amazing recordings. One is by a country singer named Randy Montana (No relation to Hannah.) He released a single on 1/4/11 called 1,000 Faces. The "EP" features the title song, and two more. The thing about Country music to me is: It's either hick-ish, down-home, no-teeth, cousin-shtupping raunchy tunes, which talk about how "country" we are; or it's great, well-written music, focusing on the songwriting, which shows off how brilliant American Music can be. Toby Keith is the former, Keith Urban is the latter, Zac Brown is both! Montana starts off with "1,000 Faces" which falls into the songwriter category. It has a sound like a soft rock ballad, the only indication of being country being the occasional steel guitar twang. Great song, which should be a big hit. The other two begin a decline into Hick territory. "Last Horse," also a well written song, uses more western imagery, and features the tag line, "Don't want to be the last horse living in this one-horse town." That is SUCH a country line. Finally, "Assembly Line" celebrates the joy and pride that comes with being an assembly line worker. No metaphor, no simile, it's literally about an assembly line worker. All three are great songs for any country fan. People like me, who like well written country music will also be satisfied, but will only LOVE the title track.
My other recommendation is a classical album. It's the new recording of Route 66 composed by Michael Daugherty, Featuring the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marin Alsop. I had never heard of Michael Daugherty, but apparently, (I did my research) he's the most often performed American Composer today, and I can see why. His music features many Jazz styles combined with a classical approach to writing. The concept of the album is literally a trip west. It begins with "Route 66" a tribute to the famous highway, which is exciting and jazzy. If classical albums had singles, this should be one. The next three pieces are "Ghost Ranch" inspired by an actual ranch in New Mexico owned and lived in by Georgia O'Keefe, "Sunset Strip" which gives you the feel of night life on the California strip, and finally "Time Machine." The final piece is an experiment which I found fascinating. It's performed by an Orchestra with 3 conductors. They divide the group up into three separate small ensembles, and each one has a different conductor, each leading them at a different tempo! Believe it or not, it totally works. You don't leave the recording humming any of the tunes, but you never regret turning the recording on. The music is new, and yet reminiscent of the past (Daugherty was obviously inspired by Bernstein). He also brings very vibrant imagery to the music. I'm going to be on the lookout for his music from now on. I highly recommend this album.
Not a bad start to the new year. Next up, Cake and Edie Brickell.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Current Events 1/17/11
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
Arizona Tragedy. The president spoke at the funeral and called for us not to use this tragedy to politically attack one another. Then, the networks started attacking each other.
I'm moving past what I originally wrote:
"can we please acknowledge that Republicans and Teabaggers... a) Use rhetoric which labels Liberals and Democrats as 'people who are destroying the country we hold dear, and who need to be stopped.' b) Reference imagery from the American Revolution which equate what they (The Tea Party) are doing with the violent uprisings of the past. and c) are blatantly seeking as their target audience, ignorant, easily swayed and easily manipulated people prone to incitement. When you set that kind of tone, and then use verbiage like putting someone on their "hit list," what is an idiot to think?"
...and will acknowledge that this weirdo probably would have shot someone eventually. It just turns out, he shot a politician.
But here are a few MORE thoughts that I have...
1) A crazy person with a history of drug abuse bought a gun. It's illegal to sell it to him. BY LAW, there should have been a background check. Will they prosecute the person who sold the gun to the shooter? To everyone calling for stricter gun laws, recognise that gun control laws exist that are not being enforced. We don't need NEW gun control, we need the existing gun control laws to work.
2) OK, the negative extremist rhetoric of the Reps and Teabaggers maybe didn't DIRECTLY lead to this guy shooting Rep. Giffords. But, independent of this incident, the rhetoric isn't useful or helpful. What's wrong with simply saying, "I disagree philosophically with the opposition's point of view?" I'll tell you what. You don't motivate people to action over your personal disagreement. You need to make it personal, and scary, and threaten that something terrible will happen if they don't vote, or come out for a rally, or follow your side. But political debates should be just that... political debates, where two differing points of view meet and discuss, and seek out a compromise. The new balance in congress is only a victory in the sense that such compromise may actually happen.
and 3) The members of the Westboro Baptist Church need to consider the fact that maybe what your pastor wants is not what Jesus wants. Instead of being incited by the ravings of a madman, how about actually READING the BIBLE? Find me the part of the bible that translates in any way into "God sent the shooter," and I'll let you protest any inapprpriate venue you like.
Verizon and iPhone - I explained to my daughter, who mentioned to me that another 7-year old girl had a cell phone, that I didn't think she was ready for one. She then asked if, when she's 13, she could have an iPhone 4. I then told her that in 5 years, when she's 13, the most uncool thing in the world will be the iPhone 4. They'll be up to iPhone 17 by then. And besides, a cell phone is just that... a PHONE. yeah, my Blackberry can do other cool things, but that's not the purpose of my having it. I have it to be my phone, which also tell time, updates my Facebook status, and allows me to play chess online. Now that the iPhone carries Verizon, it can be used as a phone. Finally. I still won't get one, though, because I hate, Hate, HATE touch screens.
Golden Globes - I don't care about the Golden Globes. I watched it, but I don't take it seriously. Just like Top Chef, I find the gameplay fascinating, but my world doesn't begin and end with which chef gets voted off or who stole the Pea Puree. Watching the Globes, I noted a few things.
1) The HFPA has LOUSY taste in movies. I mean, the TOURIST? ALICE IN WONDERLAND? BURLESQUE????!!!!! Burlesque WON for crying out loud!
B) Ricky Gervais is doing mean spirited humor just for the sake of being mean spirited. It's not funny, it's just mean. I felt like someone needed to run up and defend the targets of his humor from a bully. Gervais is a very funny guy, but dude, have some respect.
and 4) Glee won. Nuff Said.
Arizona Tragedy. The president spoke at the funeral and called for us not to use this tragedy to politically attack one another. Then, the networks started attacking each other.
I'm moving past what I originally wrote:
"can we please acknowledge that Republicans and Teabaggers... a) Use rhetoric which labels Liberals and Democrats as 'people who are destroying the country we hold dear, and who need to be stopped.' b) Reference imagery from the American Revolution which equate what they (The Tea Party) are doing with the violent uprisings of the past. and c) are blatantly seeking as their target audience, ignorant, easily swayed and easily manipulated people prone to incitement. When you set that kind of tone, and then use verbiage like putting someone on their "hit list," what is an idiot to think?"
...and will acknowledge that this weirdo probably would have shot someone eventually. It just turns out, he shot a politician.
But here are a few MORE thoughts that I have...
1) A crazy person with a history of drug abuse bought a gun. It's illegal to sell it to him. BY LAW, there should have been a background check. Will they prosecute the person who sold the gun to the shooter? To everyone calling for stricter gun laws, recognise that gun control laws exist that are not being enforced. We don't need NEW gun control, we need the existing gun control laws to work.
2) OK, the negative extremist rhetoric of the Reps and Teabaggers maybe didn't DIRECTLY lead to this guy shooting Rep. Giffords. But, independent of this incident, the rhetoric isn't useful or helpful. What's wrong with simply saying, "I disagree philosophically with the opposition's point of view?" I'll tell you what. You don't motivate people to action over your personal disagreement. You need to make it personal, and scary, and threaten that something terrible will happen if they don't vote, or come out for a rally, or follow your side. But political debates should be just that... political debates, where two differing points of view meet and discuss, and seek out a compromise. The new balance in congress is only a victory in the sense that such compromise may actually happen.
and 3) The members of the Westboro Baptist Church need to consider the fact that maybe what your pastor wants is not what Jesus wants. Instead of being incited by the ravings of a madman, how about actually READING the BIBLE? Find me the part of the bible that translates in any way into "God sent the shooter," and I'll let you protest any inapprpriate venue you like.
Verizon and iPhone - I explained to my daughter, who mentioned to me that another 7-year old girl had a cell phone, that I didn't think she was ready for one. She then asked if, when she's 13, she could have an iPhone 4. I then told her that in 5 years, when she's 13, the most uncool thing in the world will be the iPhone 4. They'll be up to iPhone 17 by then. And besides, a cell phone is just that... a PHONE. yeah, my Blackberry can do other cool things, but that's not the purpose of my having it. I have it to be my phone, which also tell time, updates my Facebook status, and allows me to play chess online. Now that the iPhone carries Verizon, it can be used as a phone. Finally. I still won't get one, though, because I hate, Hate, HATE touch screens.
Golden Globes - I don't care about the Golden Globes. I watched it, but I don't take it seriously. Just like Top Chef, I find the gameplay fascinating, but my world doesn't begin and end with which chef gets voted off or who stole the Pea Puree. Watching the Globes, I noted a few things.
1) The HFPA has LOUSY taste in movies. I mean, the TOURIST? ALICE IN WONDERLAND? BURLESQUE????!!!!! Burlesque WON for crying out loud!
B) Ricky Gervais is doing mean spirited humor just for the sake of being mean spirited. It's not funny, it's just mean. I felt like someone needed to run up and defend the targets of his humor from a bully. Gervais is a very funny guy, but dude, have some respect.
and 4) Glee won. Nuff Said.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Current Events 1/10/11
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
One of my New Year's resolutions is to blog more about personal stuff, and less about politics. Instead I'll reduce my political opinions into entries addressing the many current events of the week. Week 1 of 2011 had a lot! So, here's my "Skewed View."
Ted Williams - I'm happy for this guy. Homeless, but as a cool voice. Gets discovered, and gets famous. The rest of us paid our dues, and worked our asses off on the way up from the bottom, but OK. I saw him as a guest on Jimmy Fallon, and as wonderful a rags-to-riches story as this is; he's pretty freaky. I know it's happening pretty fast, but damn!
Repeal of Healthcare - The new Republicans got sworn in to Congress, and immediately, their first priority: Throw out that historic law that Obama passed last year. Why?
Kills jobs? Only if Employers are scumbags. And new regulations need people to regulate, so it actually creates jobs.
Increases the Deficit? No, the CBO, who by the way are the ones who determine whether or not it increases the deficit, say no. Actually, repealing it will cause the deficit to increase. So, that's not it.
Because it represents a major defeat of the Republican party and they would rather erase it from the history books? Yeah, probably.
Reading the Constitution - The 112th congress started their session with a collective reading of the US Constitution. Afterwards, the Tea Party candidates said, "Wait, THAT'S what it says?" I think every politician, heck, every American should familiarize himself (or herself) with the U.S. Constitution, but they should do it on their own. They shouldn't have the document read TO them. Rather condescending, if you ask me. This was political theater meant to make a point, which was lost through the line by line format of the performance, the omission of certain inconvenient parts (Regarding Slavery) and constant interruptions from the peanut gallery. I might have preferred an actor or some important person not affiliated with congress to have read the entire document dramatically.
Shooting of Gabrielle Giffords - A teacher did a series of lessons where he modeled his classroom after the way things were in Nazi Germany. He did this to make a point to the students of how easy it is to go along with propaganda like this. When the students took it too far, and started bullying and beating up other students, I'm sure the teacher realized that the student's actions were inappropriate and the students are responsible for these acts. However, I like to think that he had enough sense to realize that it was the tone he set in the classroom that eventually led to these incidents, and in the novelization at least, he attempted to make it right.
I will not say that Sarah Palin incited this guy to shoot those people in Arizona, nor did any particular Republican leader. The guy was deranged and acted on his own motivation. But can we please acknowledge that Republicans and Teabaggers...
a) Use rhetoric which labels Liberals and Democrats as "people who are destroying the country we hold dear, and who need to be stopped."
b) Reference imagery from the American Revolution which equate what they (The Tea Party) are doing with the violent uprisings of the past. and
c) are blatantly seeking as their target audience, ignorant, easily swayed and easily manipulated people prone to incitement.
When you set that kind of tone, and then use verbiage like putting someone on their "hit list," what is an idiot to think? Idiots need to be specifically told NOT to do something violent and stupid. I won't say that what happened in Arizona is the fault of the Republican Tea Party Movement, but I think they need to acknowledge that they set the tone for this, and make amends.
One of my New Year's resolutions is to blog more about personal stuff, and less about politics. Instead I'll reduce my political opinions into entries addressing the many current events of the week. Week 1 of 2011 had a lot! So, here's my "Skewed View."
Ted Williams - I'm happy for this guy. Homeless, but as a cool voice. Gets discovered, and gets famous. The rest of us paid our dues, and worked our asses off on the way up from the bottom, but OK. I saw him as a guest on Jimmy Fallon, and as wonderful a rags-to-riches story as this is; he's pretty freaky. I know it's happening pretty fast, but damn!
Repeal of Healthcare - The new Republicans got sworn in to Congress, and immediately, their first priority: Throw out that historic law that Obama passed last year. Why?
Kills jobs? Only if Employers are scumbags. And new regulations need people to regulate, so it actually creates jobs.
Increases the Deficit? No, the CBO, who by the way are the ones who determine whether or not it increases the deficit, say no. Actually, repealing it will cause the deficit to increase. So, that's not it.
Because it represents a major defeat of the Republican party and they would rather erase it from the history books? Yeah, probably.
Reading the Constitution - The 112th congress started their session with a collective reading of the US Constitution. Afterwards, the Tea Party candidates said, "Wait, THAT'S what it says?" I think every politician, heck, every American should familiarize himself (or herself) with the U.S. Constitution, but they should do it on their own. They shouldn't have the document read TO them. Rather condescending, if you ask me. This was political theater meant to make a point, which was lost through the line by line format of the performance, the omission of certain inconvenient parts (Regarding Slavery) and constant interruptions from the peanut gallery. I might have preferred an actor or some important person not affiliated with congress to have read the entire document dramatically.
Shooting of Gabrielle Giffords - A teacher did a series of lessons where he modeled his classroom after the way things were in Nazi Germany. He did this to make a point to the students of how easy it is to go along with propaganda like this. When the students took it too far, and started bullying and beating up other students, I'm sure the teacher realized that the student's actions were inappropriate and the students are responsible for these acts. However, I like to think that he had enough sense to realize that it was the tone he set in the classroom that eventually led to these incidents, and in the novelization at least, he attempted to make it right.
I will not say that Sarah Palin incited this guy to shoot those people in Arizona, nor did any particular Republican leader. The guy was deranged and acted on his own motivation. But can we please acknowledge that Republicans and Teabaggers...
a) Use rhetoric which labels Liberals and Democrats as "people who are destroying the country we hold dear, and who need to be stopped."
b) Reference imagery from the American Revolution which equate what they (The Tea Party) are doing with the violent uprisings of the past. and
c) are blatantly seeking as their target audience, ignorant, easily swayed and easily manipulated people prone to incitement.
When you set that kind of tone, and then use verbiage like putting someone on their "hit list," what is an idiot to think? Idiots need to be specifically told NOT to do something violent and stupid. I won't say that what happened in Arizona is the fault of the Republican Tea Party Movement, but I think they need to acknowledge that they set the tone for this, and make amends.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
12 Days 2011: Finale 11th and 12 days
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
Happy Epiphany! The Twelfth Night! Wise Men Day! Little Christmas. And the day of the last and biggest gift of all for you, my true loves!
Thanks to me, you've had bird poop all over your house; a few weeks of Poultry Dinner; Bling on yo' fingers, and lively entertainment from a Birdie Vocal Group, a swan Swim team, a mildly erotic or at the very least suggestive performance from some milk maids, and Dancing ladies and lords. How do we top that?
On the 11th and 12 day of Christmas, my true loves, I give to you... 11 Pipers Piping, and 12 Drummers Drumming! It's a bagpipe and drum extravaganza! Powerful cadences leading an annihilating drone from 11 bagpipers. It is truly a sight and sound to behold.
They will march up your street, and you'll hear them from a few miles away, and even a few miles past you. All the neighbors will come out to see the dying kitties on the road, only to find that they're really bagpipes performing, "California Gurls." The drum hits may signal some reports of gunshots to the police, but no problem, most of the police force is IN the Pipe band!
Enjoy your final gift. And a Merry Christmas to you. Happy New Year. And the best of luck to your and your kin in 2011.
Happy Epiphany! The Twelfth Night! Wise Men Day! Little Christmas. And the day of the last and biggest gift of all for you, my true loves!
Thanks to me, you've had bird poop all over your house; a few weeks of Poultry Dinner; Bling on yo' fingers, and lively entertainment from a Birdie Vocal Group, a swan Swim team, a mildly erotic or at the very least suggestive performance from some milk maids, and Dancing ladies and lords. How do we top that?
On the 11th and 12 day of Christmas, my true loves, I give to you... 11 Pipers Piping, and 12 Drummers Drumming! It's a bagpipe and drum extravaganza! Powerful cadences leading an annihilating drone from 11 bagpipers. It is truly a sight and sound to behold.
They will march up your street, and you'll hear them from a few miles away, and even a few miles past you. All the neighbors will come out to see the dying kitties on the road, only to find that they're really bagpipes performing, "California Gurls." The drum hits may signal some reports of gunshots to the police, but no problem, most of the police force is IN the Pipe band!
Enjoy your final gift. And a Merry Christmas to you. Happy New Year. And the best of luck to your and your kin in 2011.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
12 Days 2011 : 9th and 10th Day
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com
Sorry I missed a day, my true loves, but those maids a-milking got me distracted. Fortunately, the next two days' gifts go together. I know how much of a fan of "Dancing With the Stars" you are; and I know that you watch it because you're a connoisseurr of the dance. So, here we go...
My True Loves, for your entertainment, I give you Nine Ladies Dancing, AND Ten Lords a-leaping. Together, they partner up to do a perfect Pas de Dixneuf. It's really cool, the ladies do ballet, and the lords do traditional Russian dance and aerial acrobatics. You'd think they wouldn't go together, but strangely they do.
There is that one extra lord, though. He just stands upstage center, and leaps up and down. He's a bit extraneous, but the ladies and the other lords are so phenomenal, that they more than compensate.
They need plenty of room, so clear out all the furniture from your place, and enjoy the performance.
Sorry I missed a day, my true loves, but those maids a-milking got me distracted. Fortunately, the next two days' gifts go together. I know how much of a fan of "Dancing With the Stars" you are; and I know that you watch it because you're a connoisseurr of the dance. So, here we go...
My True Loves, for your entertainment, I give you Nine Ladies Dancing, AND Ten Lords a-leaping. Together, they partner up to do a perfect Pas de Dixneuf. It's really cool, the ladies do ballet, and the lords do traditional Russian dance and aerial acrobatics. You'd think they wouldn't go together, but strangely they do.
There is that one extra lord, though. He just stands upstage center, and leaps up and down. He's a bit extraneous, but the ladies and the other lords are so phenomenal, that they more than compensate.
They need plenty of room, so clear out all the furniture from your place, and enjoy the performance.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
12 Days 2011: 8th Day
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
OK... enough with the birds! I mean, really! Partridge, Hens, Geese... enough already! You know, sometimes it's not a thing that you get for your true love, but rather a service. So... I got you some servants.
Today, My True Loves, I got you Eight Maids a-Milking! No, wait, hear me out. Everybody needs milk. Milk prices are through the roof. And you know that old expression... about getting the milk for free. So these lovely maids will milk every morning for you. That means, every morning, Eight buckets of milk! Use it in your coffee, put it on your cereal, cook with it, drink it... whatever you like.
And for the guys, they serve as entertainment. There is nothing that excites a man like watching a beautiful maid a-milking. Which reminds me... I should get the cows also. I'll get right on that.
OK... enough with the birds! I mean, really! Partridge, Hens, Geese... enough already! You know, sometimes it's not a thing that you get for your true love, but rather a service. So... I got you some servants.
Today, My True Loves, I got you Eight Maids a-Milking! No, wait, hear me out. Everybody needs milk. Milk prices are through the roof. And you know that old expression... about getting the milk for free. So these lovely maids will milk every morning for you. That means, every morning, Eight buckets of milk! Use it in your coffee, put it on your cereal, cook with it, drink it... whatever you like.
And for the guys, they serve as entertainment. There is nothing that excites a man like watching a beautiful maid a-milking. Which reminds me... I should get the cows also. I'll get right on that.
12 Days 2011: 7th Day
courtesy of my blog: http://cjferrara.blogspot.com/
Happy New Year, My True Loves. I'm still on this bird kick. It's sad, really. I've been giving you all these birds, and encouraging you to eat them. I've completely forgotten their entertainment value!
So today, I give to you, Seven Swans a-Swimming! And they're great. They are the world's only avian synchonized swim team. They can do all kinds of formations like the Figure 8, the Half Moon, the Double Dip, the Pennsylvanian Horseshoe, the Armenian Googoo Cluster, the Wonder Twins "Form of... Water," The Straight Line, and the Amityville Random Placement All Over the Field; just to name a few.
To accomodate the troupe, I went into your back yard and dug out a gigantic pond for them to swim in. Your yard was actually a bit small, so I went into your neighbors' yards as well. I hope they don't mind. And if they do, I will totally explain and treat them to a fine performance of their routine set to the music of that great neo-classical composer, Sir Mix A. Lot.
Happy New Year, My True Loves. I'm still on this bird kick. It's sad, really. I've been giving you all these birds, and encouraging you to eat them. I've completely forgotten their entertainment value!
So today, I give to you, Seven Swans a-Swimming! And they're great. They are the world's only avian synchonized swim team. They can do all kinds of formations like the Figure 8, the Half Moon, the Double Dip, the Pennsylvanian Horseshoe, the Armenian Googoo Cluster, the Wonder Twins "Form of... Water," The Straight Line, and the Amityville Random Placement All Over the Field; just to name a few.
To accomodate the troupe, I went into your back yard and dug out a gigantic pond for them to swim in. Your yard was actually a bit small, so I went into your neighbors' yards as well. I hope they don't mind. And if they do, I will totally explain and treat them to a fine performance of their routine set to the music of that great neo-classical composer, Sir Mix A. Lot.
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