Con Air. OMG Con Air

Ok, why didn’t anyone demand that I watch Con-Air? I finally stumbled across it last night, and not only did it change my opinions of John Malkovich, Jon Cusack, Steve Buscemi, and the rest of the cast, but it also helped lower my opinion on humanity. My opinion on Nicolas Cage, however, remains exactly the same.

It was so bad, it was actually pretty good; Was that what they were after? If so, bravo. But I just can’t shake the idea that the script was written by one monkey at one typewriter (the other 999 monkeys were on a coffee break, I’d imagine.)

An amazing cast, a terrible movie. Just what the doctor ordered following a 30-hour travel adventure from Los Angeles to Brazil. But seriously, folks, you have to work with me here. As a bad-film aficionado, there just is no excuse for me to go 12 years without seeing a movie like this. Let me know if there are any other classically horrible movies I’ve overlooked (and yes, I saw Madonna’s “Swept Away.” Tres Magnicrap.)

–WKW

The last time two democracies fought? Right now

One would hope that the “When have two democracies ever fought?” line will at last fade away peaceably with the current Israel-Palestine war. Doubtful. Like the “no oil was spilled by Katrina” lie, this one will likely continue.

–WKW

Stop the presses!! America is at war!!

I just did a little research and noticed that the U.S. is still involved in wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Seriously. U.S. troops are still there. Still dying, even.

I mean, I’m aware – very aware – that Israel is at war with Palestine, but after spending a month in the U.S., I could have sworn the Iraq and Afghanistan battles were all over. Just don’t see too much about our own wars these days.

–WKW

Two great sportswriters for hire as Los Angeles Newspaper Group decides quality is unaffordable

Relating to the recent post here and Diane Tucker’s recent post at The Huffington Post about the decline of print newspapers, I just saw via Paul Oberjuerge’s blog that two very talented sportswriters were let go by the Los Angeles News Group – Steve Dilbeck and Doug Padilla.

Dilbeck should be familiar to all Southern California sports fans, as he was a long-time columnist with the L.A. Daily News. Dilbeck has big-time experience as a baseball writer, covering the Dodgers’ last World Series title among a host of other things. A very talented writer whose voice shines through, Dilbeck will definitely bounce back, but it’s possible that So. Cal has lost another important voice, as they did with the aforementioned Oberjuerge.

I worked with Padilla for awhile at the San Bernardino Sun, and the guy just oozes professionalism and integrity. After leaving the Sun, Padilla covered the Angels for the Daily News, but alas, the powers that be at the L.A. News Group decided that covering a team called the Los Angeles Angels wasn’t something they needed. Doug’s one of those guys who has worked at every level of journalism and I have no doubt he’ll be picked up by a newspaper that is searching for quality over the bottom line.

These are the bad times for journalists, and worse for sports journalists (unless you happen to be a big-time sports announcer, of course) . And while such organizations as the L.A. News Group are bottom-line fixated and would likely outsource all their content to India if they could, the overall effect is simple – quality, local journalism is becoming a thing of the past. I wish both Dilbeck and Padilla the best of luck.

–WKW

Two tasty morsels awaiting me in Brazil

While I’ll miss my father terribly, it’s time for us to head back home. And I know awaiting me there are four friends that I’ve been thinking about quite a bit, including these two tasty morsels:

Coming home will be sweet, and very likely fairly sticky, as well. I’m really looking forward to it.

–WKW

Barbara Wolfrum – a life worth writing about

My Mom was featured in a story in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune today, and was also included in a story from the Victorville Daily Press. I truly appreciate the work of Maritza Velasquez and Brooke Edwards on the stories.

But I’ll just never have the words to express how much I miss her.

–WKW

Sometimes I’m right

We all have the right to our own opinions, but not to our own facts. And while I’m confident in my fact-finding abilities, I’ll be the first to admit that my opinions are sometimes erroneous. Which is just one of many reasons why I’ll never be a big-time pundit. Ask Bill Kristol – admissions of error just aren’t done. But I think I hit the nail on the head last September when I made this comment at Dylan Matthews’ place:

I really think Obama will follow Clinton’s script, though – kiss GOP ass despite the fact that they treat liberals like crap on every single issue.

Obama could eliminate all taxes and get every last Islamic fundamentalist to convert to Christianity, and Conservatives will still utterly despise him and thwart him at every turn. But I’ll be very surprised to see Obama stop trying to court the GOP anytime soon, even after they bury the Senate in an avalanche of filibusters.

–WKW

Throwing red meat at Conspiracy Theorists – Newspapers vs. digital media edition

While I’m no fan of Alex Jones and his ilk, I do like the fact that he’s able to speak freely and easily via the Internet. So to throw some red meat at the Conspiracists out there, and possibly give Jones another angle to profit from, this theory just struck me:

Newspapers have been getting more and more monopolized over the years (see: Murdoch, Rupert). They have also seen a drop in both popularity and profitability, with the Internet being a main culprit. And some, like Atrios, see the Internet as a happy mistake that took flight before governments could contain it.

So my theory is thus: Print newspapers will eventually go the way of the dinosaurs. And when that happens, the grand, secretive, illuminati – or whatever – will shut down the Internet. And with all news services having been disappeared, the bad guys will win and enslave us all – or whatever.

I can’t say I believe this, but someone will, I’m sure. Here’s hoping it gains some momentum. For some real debate over the future of newspapers, take a look at Diane Tucker’s latest Huffington Post entry – Could Twitter Have Saved The New York Times?

–WKW

Oscar Grant: Still think that electing Barack Obama means racism is dead in the U.S.?

The shooting of Oscar Grant is just horrific on so many levels. More than anything I’m struck by the disrespect for life in general, and the life of a black man in general. More than anything, though, I’m just saddened. The video is below, but be warned – it shows a man being killed.

[Read more]

Country First: Will John McCain ever share his secret plan to get Osama Bin Laden?

Following on the heals of his inept run for the U.S. Presidency, John McCain has now started a new PAC, which he calls “Country First.” By “Country,” of course, McCain means “Republicans.”

Country First will serve as a powerful voice for the American people. It will allow us to get our Republican message out to the voters and elect a new generation of Republican leaders who can go to Statehouses and Congress to fight for all we believe in.

Now, after seeing McCain command what was likely the worst, most over-dramatic and outright stupid campaign in the modern political era, those who donate to “Country First” should not be surprised when they play the “fool” role in the saying “a fool and his money … .” But McCain could turn that all around if he shared some vital info – his ultra-secret, foolproof plan for capturing Osama Bin Laden. After all, McCain made it perfectly clear that he knew how to get the Al Qaeda mastermind:

“I’m not going to telegraph a lot of the things that I’m going to do because then it might compromise our ability to do so. But, look, I know the area, I have been there, I know wars, I know how to win wars, and I know how to improve our capabilities so that we will capture Osama bin Laden — or put it this way, bring him to justice…We will do it, I know how to do it.”

So while McCain’s plans of pushing some type of new Republican agenda may excite some, the whole “Country First” thing has a bit of a hollow ring to it if McCain doesn’t share his super-scheme to take down Bin Laden. Or, at very least, the hyper-honorable Senator from Arizona could admit that he was just lying.

–WKW

My lunch with Martin Eisenstadt

After an acrimonious year-long investigation, I finally met with Martin Eisenstadt earlier today in the green room of a local news organization (it was undergoing renovations, I believe). And while the notorious neo-con pundit bragged as much as he could about his upcoming, tell-all book, one thing is for certain – neither of us left the meeting very impressed with one another.

More on this epic meeting at a later date …

–WKW

That which we do not speak of

No nation works harder to make the United Nations irrelevant and impotent than the U.S. Especially when it comes to acts of aggression. Hell, the U.S. won’t even allow the U.N. to make nonbinding statements against aggression.

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The United States late Saturday blocked approval of a U.N. Security Council statement calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers, diplomats said.

French U.N. Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert, the council president, said the 15 council members could not agree on a statement in closed discussions held after Israel launched a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip on Saturday. But he said there were “strong convergences” among the members to express concern about the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the need for “an immediate, permanent and fully respected cease-fire.”

Libyan Ambassador Giadalla Ettalhi said the United States during the discussions objected to “any outcome” on the proposed statement. He said efforts were made to compromise on a weaker press statement but there was no consensus.

Several other council members, speaking on condition of anonymity because negotiations were closed, also said the U.S. was responsible for the council’s failure to issue a statement.

The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has designated Hamas a terrorist organization. U.S. deputy ambassador Alejandro Wolff said the United States saw no prospect of Hamas abiding by last week’s council call for an immediate end to the violence. Therefore, he said, a new statement “would not be adhered to and would have no underpinning for success, (and) would not do credit to the council.”

Of course, Israel’s and the United States’ defense of their own acts of aggression are things that we don’t speak of. We are allowed to accuse the UN of being inept and ineffective, of course. We just don’t ever speak of why.

–WKW

What a long, strange 2008 it was

As 2009 begins, I just wanted to say thank you to those who helped and affected me in 2008:

Reader and Commenter of the Year

Dgun: We don’t agree on everything, but he’s my most loyal reader and someone I consider a friend. Plus, one out of every three jokes he attempts is a home run.

Frenemy of the Year

Martin Eisenstadt: The crazed neo-con pundit made my life hell and mocked me at every turn. Dan Mirvish and Eitan Gorlin, however, are pretty good guys who spoke highly of me to the New York Times.

Inspiration of the Year

Emru Townsend: Told he had leukemia and a host of other problems, Emru and sister Tamu became advocates for getting people to join the Bone Marrow Donor Program in Canada and the U.S. He helped me and my family, and many others before his valiant fight ended.

Blogosphere Buddies

• Hugh C. McBride: This blog’s No. 2 commenter and a very funny, smart guy. He absolutely has what it takes.
• Shakesville: A wonderful blog where I have contributed for nearly two years. Melissa McEwan is just brilliant and a fantastic ally.
• Mustang Bobby: As good a writer as you’ll find on these intertubez and someone I can always count on.
• Mike Finnegan: Mike was a supporter of mine early on at Crooksandliars and is someone who just rocks, figuratively and literally.
• Diane Tucker: A top-notch journalist who has honored me by finding me worthy of being the subject of two of her articles.
• Kate Harding: Kate has my back and I hope she knows I have hers. I look forward to her upcoming book, “Lessons from the Fatosphere.”
• Phillip Barron: Pure class and someone I know I can count on. His work on the Lavena Johnson case is an inspiration.
• Jon Swift: Equal parts talent and heart. Just a really good guy.
• Blue Gal: If you don`t like Fran, there’s something wrong with you. She’s always there to help.
• Patricia Hannigan: Want proof that golf writers aren’t all boring? Check out Patricia’s quirky, fun and unique writing.
• Mark Nessmith: I can honestly say that I’ve never had a better boss.

Other Blog Pals and sites

In no particular order:

Bob, Jen, Random Babble, Rotus, SpoutBlog, Bastard Logic, Ravenwolf68, Sensen No Sen, Sprawled Out, The Church of the Apocalyptic Kiwi, Portly Dyke, Konagod, American Street, Paul Oberjuerge, SourceWatch, FamousDC, InfamousQbert, Huffington Post, Jonathan Turley, Pundit Fight, Democrats Abroad, Corrente, Anonymous Liberal, Alternet, Newsvine, Feministing, Waggleroom, Alan Colmes, The Vanity Press, Tart Juice, Angry Black Bitch, Deeky, VivirLatino, News Hounds, The Truffle, Triporati, Danny Schecter, Sheldon Rampton, Thinking American, The Offside, Hoyden About Town, MacYapper, Jterrygr, John G. McDaid, Andrew Sullivan, Media Bistro, Deadspin, Common Nonsense, Heath Harrison, Tiny Little Dots, Prescott Shibles, Last Syllable, Mother Jones, Blue Herald, Jeff Julliard, Slate, Portfolio, Tiny Cat Pants, Richard Wilson, Philadelphia City Paper, Slog, The Falcon’s Gyre, Blonder and Thinner, Pencader Days, Rawrahs, Cinie’s World, Dan Froomkin, The Daily Background, Witchy Woman, Ten Percent, Kevin Pierce, Michael Calderone, One Pretentious Bastard, The Clog, Dred Tory, The Golf Chick, Soberish, Hitchens Watch, Shouting Match, Christian Agnostic, Northstar Chronicle, The Blue State, Smashed Frog, Night Bird’s Fountain, Dylan Matthews, Historiann, Bookworm, The Sideshow, Litbrit, Endi Thinks, Left Word, Sam Seder, Booman Tribune, Memeorandum, Geoff Shackelford, Steve Silver, Clickmonkey, Millard Fillmore’s Bathtub, Neural Gourmet, Victorville Daily Press, PFC Lavena Johnson, Generation Q, Daily Kos, International Medical Corps, PR Watch, Blue Lyon, Deconstructing the Manifest, Armchair Golfer, Suzie-Q, Mistrel Boy, Sciolistic Factotum, Tofubo, Boing Boing, Brilliant at Breakfast, Alternate Brain, Excuse me for Kicking.

If you feel you’ve been overlooked, let me know and I’ll rectify it. Regardless, thank you all so much. Here’s to a breakout 2009.

–WKW

Can you lend my friend a hand?

My pal, Sarah – a wonderful, thoughtful woman – could use a little financial help. Her father died suddenly and she has borrowed a chunk of money to get to her family in New Zealand. If there’s anything you can offer, please head to her Live Journal page here.

I’m so sorry for your loss, Sarah. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Bill

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