Pre-Vacation Post April 27, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Photography, Politics, Travel, Videos, Zoos.Tags: Central Park Zoo, Madison Square Park, Malaysian Flying foxes, Swine Flu, Travel
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Mentally I am already on vacation even though physically I do not leave until very early tomorrow morning. The thrill of a vacation is knocked for a loop with getting ready to go on a vacation. Is the dog sitter available? Is the cat sitter available? Should I pay my bills before I go away or wait until I come home? Will the new plants I just planted this weekend on my patio survive for a whole week? Why did I plant them so early? Did I stop the newspaper from being delivered? Can I eat the food in my refrigerator today? Or do I have to throw it all out? Should I leave the windows open? How much cash should I take? What time should I call to have the car service pick me up? Is the weather going to be good for the flight? Will there be turbulence? What about swine flu? Will some rat bastard carrier be sitting next to me on the flight? Should I buy my lunch today or wait until I get to the Jet Blue terminal tomorrow? Is it going to be cold? Is it going to be hot? How many pairs of socks should I take? How many gigs of memory cards? Did I pack my Xanax?
Getting through the day before a trip is the hardest thing to do. Should I set an alarm clock? I never need an alarm clock but I always set one before a trip. I do not even know if the alarm clock works. I am always up before it goes off. Now I have to worry about that too. These are just a few of the things that are running through my brain at 7 in the morning.
- This is going to be another big week in the world of politics. The Obama Administration is crossing that ever so hyped 100 day mark and the TV Yakkers and the columnists are having a field day comparing him to every other President. The week promises to bring every doctor, pseudo doctor and pandemic expert out in front of your TV screen to talk about the possibilities of your coming down with this new alarmist swine epidemic. There are a few things you can do to avoid getting sick in general (forgetting about this latest flu). Wash your hands often, cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, run as fast as you can from sick people and avoid crowds. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home and call your doctor.
- I am planning to tune out and enjoy my west coast adventure. My zoo buddy and I have planned an almost impossible agenda but are determined to visit seven zoos and aquariums in seven days. I am sure it is not everyone’s idea of a delightful relaxing vacation but we love it and those venues are some of the only places that allow me to forget about the rest of the world and enjoy those wonderful creatures.
- There is lots going on at the Central Park Zoo. So much so – it was a two montage week. The snow monkeys were chomping on some delicious magnolia petals, the lambs were just being darn cute and the polar bears were very frisky. Check out some of the above and more here and here:
- My local Park, Madison Square Park is ablaze with color. My dog Benny and I take longer and slower walks enjoying the smells and the color. See you all soon.
Movie Review: Every Little Step April 23, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.Tags: Movie Review: Every Little Step
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 Movie Review: Every Little Step
Alternate Title: Gotta Sing, Gotta Dance! Story: So you think you can dance, sing and act? You too can join the minions who are longing to be on Broadway. Director James D. Stern and Adam Del Deo have recreated that arduous, heartbreaking process of an audition in a new documentary, about the 2006 remake of Michael Bennett’s brilliant A Chorus Line. There really are not many surprises if you have seen the play (who hasn’t?) But despite the predictability of the plot the honesty of the timeless story shines through. For those that are in the dark about this 1974 musical, director and creator Michael Bennett had an idea for a play. It was based on the audio tapes he made of the actors as they sat around and talked about themselves during the audition process. One Singular Sensation, I might add. A Chorus Line has seventeen Broadway dancers auditioning for spots on a chorus line. The book was authored by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante, lyrics were written by Edward Kleban, and music was composed by Marvin Hamlisch. The idea to bring A Chorus Line back to Broadway in 2006 brings 3000 actors to the audition. The documentary quickly whittles the cuts down to the fighting few and focus’ on several of the leading contenders. The stories are still compelling and I was rooting for almost all of them. The film was made that much more interesting by having many of the original cast either as talking heads or as a big part of the play’s remake. One thing that struck me was the difference between the actors of 1974 and the actors of 2006. The 1974 actors were much thinner with less body mass and muscle. I guess everyone is fatter. To all those struggling to make it on Broadway, all I can say is keep dreaming the dream. I salute you all.
One Singular Sensation:
Acting: Bob Avian, Michael Bennett, Charlotte d’Amboise, Ramon Flowers, Jessica Lee Goldyn, Marvin Hamlisch, Megan Larche, Donna McKechnie, Meredith Patterson, Yuka Takara. Trivia: Michael Bennett (1943-1987) dropped out of high school at the age of 16 to join a touring company of “West Side Story.” He won Broadway’s Tony Award six times: as Best Director (Musical), along with collaborator Harold Prince, and as Best Choreographer, in 1972 for “Follies;” as Best Director (Musical) and Best Choreographer, along with Bob Avian, in 1976 for “A Chorus Line:”and as Best Choreographer, in 1974 for “Seesaw;” and in 1982, along with collaborator Michael Peters, for “Dreamgirls.” As director, co-producer, co-author and co-Choreographer of “A Chorus Line” the show won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, the Tony Award (8), and the Pulitzer Prize. The show ran until April 28, 1990, running for 6,137 performances. He died of Aids-related lymphoma. Predilection: None Critters: None Soundtrack: Marvin Hamlisch’ score is simply wonderful, wonderful. I sang a few of the songs while walking home. Opening Titles: A juxtaposition between the original cast of A Chorus Line and the wanna-bes in the revival. Theater Audience: A handful of us who did not make the cut. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout. Predictability Level: I did not expect a few of the dancers to make it through to the final cast. Tissue Usage: One of the boys made me cry. Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine. You could also rent Richard Attenborough’s 1985 movie of the same name or go to your regional theater to see A Chorus Line for yourself. Length: 90 minutes LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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The Ubiquitous Dick April 23, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Links, Politics, Videos.Tags: Jon Stewart, Dick Cheney, Jonathan Turley, Rachel Maddow, Condoleeza Rice, Robert Mueller, Ali Soufan, Ron Suskind, Jane Harmon
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Raise your hand if your preferred Dick Cheney in an undisclosed location. In the eight long years that the evil Dick ruled over the land - secrecy was the word of the day. There was no meeting, no ruling, no decision that the Dick felt needed to be shared with the public. After all – he knew what was right and needed no nodding public to throw in their approval of his deeds. Now, the ubiquitous Dick is all over the airwaves. Fox might as well give him his own show. He is even now requesting that the information gotten through his torturous methods be released to the public. The New York Times today in an editorial on the subject suggests that Cheney’s motive lies in the old saying that the ends always justify such barbaric means.
I have been beating the drum on the torture issue for a very long time. Apparently President Obama’s decision to ‘move forward’ is not sitting well with lots of other people. Eric Holder has lots to do as does Congress and the more information that comes out before a special prosecutor is appointed the better.
Condoleeza Rice is not coming out smelling like a rose on this matter either. ‘Rice’s role was detailed in a narrative released Wednesday by the Senate Intelligence Committee. It provides the most detailed timeline yet for how the CIA’s harsh interrogation program was conceived and approved at the highest levels in the Bush White House. The new timeline shows that Rice played a greater role than she admitted last fall in written testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee.’
F.B.I. director, Robert Mueller is coming out smelling like a rose in this entire saga. The CIA, the Dick and all of his cronies, passed over the FBI in the interrogation business and allowed the CIA to handle the whole nasty business. Read this interesting article from the NY Times Opinion page on the subject by Ali Soufan (Ali Soufan was an F.B.I. supervisory special agent from 1997 to 2005), called ‘My Tortured Decision’
- On the Rachel Maddow Show, Rachel talks with Ron Suskind about the White House ordered torture program, created before the war in Iraq began for the purpose of finding a link between 9/11 and Saddam Hussein, in order to justify attacking Iraq.
- Jon Stewart nails it on the head again. Best quote is: “Apparently everyone’s not upset about the fact that we torture. They’re upset about the fact that we know about it.”
- Constitutional Law Prof. Jonathan Turley (of George Washington University) joins David Shuster (subbing for Keith) to talk about what the Justice Dept.’s next course of action will be in pursuing accountability for the torture for the torture of U.S. detainees.
- And then there is the Jane Harmon story. The Congresswoman from CA was caught on one of those wiretaps in an ‘oops’ moment. She is caught saying she would try to help the accused lobbyists for some quid pro quo activity. Oh oh. Check out Rachel’s explanation of this convoluted story as only Rachel does it.
- Yesterday from the Yakkers:
- Because everyone needs a break from the torture issue:
Moxie the Lion Cub April 22, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Photography, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Bronx Zoo, Lion Cubs, San Diego Wild Animal Park
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It is good to take a break from politics, torture and the economy. Meet Moxie the Bronx Zoo’s adorable lion cub. She is the first lion cub born at the Bronx Zoo in 31 years. Her doting parents were part of the zoo’s breeding program. The cub weighed 3 pounds at birth on November 6, 2008 and is on her way to an expected 350 pounds.
Want to see more lion cubs? Watch these darlings that we saw last June at the san Dieg Wild Animal Park.
Bye bye, Bybee? April 21, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Links, Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Eugene Robinson, Obama Cabinet, Justice Dept., Eric Holder, Judge Bybee, Pulitzer Prizes
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Judy-One-Note continues on the issue that gladly is not going away despite Obama’s desire to ‘move forward.’ Those recently released, declassified torture memos are actually being read and many of us just cannot simply ‘move forward’ and that includes the Justice Department. There are whispers of an ongoing investigation into Judge Bybee, the authors of the memos and Senior Bush officials. Stay tuned.
- Incase you forgot what Judge Bybee signed off on, in the memo, Bybee authorized CIA interrogators to, among other techniques:
– Slam a detainee’s head against a wall: “any pain experienced is not of the intensity associated with serious physical injury.”
– Slap a detainee’s face: “The facial slap does not produce pain that is difficult to endure.”
– Place a detainee into stress positions: “They simply involve forcing the subject to remain in uncomfortable positions.”
– Waterboard a detainee: “The waterboard…inflicts no pain or actual harm whatsoever.”
- Here is Rachel Maddow speaking with Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island about Judge Bybee and the future of his Judge’s seat. I vote for impeachment, the New York Times votes for impeachment – how about you?
- And then there is this interesting piece about the Justice Department’s NOT moving forward on the torture issue. Eric Holder Seriously Considering Appointing Outside Counsel to Investigate Torture:
- The first Obama Administration Cabinet meeting was held yesterday. There is only one position still to be filled, that of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. As for the rest of the cabinet, the make-up is historic.
Of the filled positions:
* 1 Republican, 1 Independent. (“People” keep saying Robert Gates is a Republican, but he’s a registered Independent.)
* Six women (7 if Sebelius is confirmed).
* Four African-Americans (with Eric Holder being the first African-American AG).
* Three Asian-Americans.
* Two Hispanic-Americans.
* Youngest: Peter Orszag (40), eldest Eric Shinseki (66).
* Three members each from California, New York, Illinois and the District of Columbia.
- The Pulitzer Prizes were announced yesterday. Here is the entire list.
I was very happy to hear that Eugene Robinson, who frequently appears on both Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann’s show received a Prize for his commentary. Hats off to Eugene Robinson of the Washington Post. ‘Robinson won for his columns on the 2008 presidential campaign focusing on the election of the first black president, which the judges said displayed “graceful writing and grasp of the larger historic picture.” To my friend Elise who deserved a prize for her photography – you wuz robbed! Next year is your year. Here is another list of the winners with photos and descriptive passages for you.
- In the money grabbing, I cannot believe what I am reading column – Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush will meet for a debate late next month.
- Much ado about a silly handshake. The yakkers are jerks:
- Check out this very cool site with a living spider. Poke and prod the spider with your mouse. Also ‘grab’ one of its legs with your mouse and drag it around the screen. Also anywhere on the map hit the space bar and it leaves little bugs where your mouse is, watch the spider go after them.
- Visit SoulWow.com and get that almost baptized feeling!
Movie Review: State of Play April 20, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.Tags: Movie Review: State of Play
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| Movie Review: State of Play
Alternate Title: Collateral Damage Story: I am a sucker for tension filled political thrillers that focus on investigative reporters. Throw in murder (or was it suicide?), dead junkies, incriminating photos, adultery, corporate corruption and Government conspiracy and I am sitting in the front row. This film has a lot going for it (if you forget about the ending). It was directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) written by Matthew Michael Carnahan (The Kingdom), Tony Gilroy (Michael Clayton, The Bourne Trilogy) and Billy Ray (Shattered Glass), and is based on the BBC television series created by Paul Abbott. Up and coming PA Congressman Stephen Collins’ aide dies in a mysterious accident. She was head researcher of Collins’ investigation into PointCorp’s (think Haliburton) attempts to make billions in the privatization of the Homeland Security Department. Reporter Cal McAffrey, who happens to be Collins’ college roommate starts digging as does blogger Della Frye. The digging turns up lots of juicy scandal, conspiracies and incidental characters. This movie is an old fashioned thriller. You are really pretty sure what to expect around the next corner but are nervous anyway. The editing, camera angles, dark shadows, gloomy parking garages and scary characters all add up to lots of action and thrills. The side story about the prospects for the newspaper business was semi-documentary in its reality. Government in bed with corporations fell into this realm as well. Despite the fact that I did not believe the plot twisting ending (and was disappointed), I can recommend this film for its good production values, acting and surely not a waste of your time or money.
Here is the trailer for the original BBC six hour TV series:
Acting: Russell Crowe as Cal McAffrey is rumpled, pudgy and always on target. Ben Affleck as Stephen Collins, could have been played by anybody. Rachel McAdams as blogger Della Frye was unimpressive and not in the same league with the other actors. Robin Wright Penn as Anne Collins, is always good. Jason Bateman as sleazy Dominic Foy was delicious. Jeff Daniels as Senator George Fergus was fine and the wonderful Helen Mirren as Cameron Lynne stole the film with the best lines. Trivia: Rachel McAdams is an on again off again vegetarian. She is co-founder of www.greenissexy.org, a web site which helps raise awareness about the environment. John Mostel, son of Zero Mostel started off as a boy soprano for the Metropolitan Opera. Predilection: I like tension filled political thrillers. Critters: None Food: Mashed potatoes, chili and lots of coffle and booze. Sex Spectrum: None Blatant Product Placement: Ben’s Chili, Corrados Opening Titles: A short chase/ and murder sequence followed by the film’s title. All other credits at the end of the film. Visual Art: Washington DC looked mighty scary. Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I paid attention throughout. If you drift you will get lost. Predictability Level: High until the disappointing ending. Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: I always prefer the big screen but you could probably get by with a rental. While you are renting, All the President’s Men is the best newspaper thriller I ever saw. Length: Two hours LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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The Honeymoon is Over April 17, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Links, Photography, Politics, Videos, wildlife.Tags: howling wolf, Jay S. Bybee, John Yoo, Jonathan Turley, Keith Olbermann, Rachel Maddow, torture memos
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Oh dear. Less than three months into the Obama Administration and the honeymoon ended for me. Yesterday’s good decision to release those oh so secret Bush/CIA memos on the torture program that operated from 2002 to 2005 was knocked silly by the decision to not prosecute anyone of the CIA operatives involved in this program. There was apparently a bitter debate in Obama world about the release of these memos – but released they were. It is difficult and shameful reading with little redacted. Here is a New York Times link to summary of the memos.
Here is a link to the statement that President Obama made when releasing the memos. “This is a time for reflection, not retribution. I respect the strong views and emotions that these issues evoke. We have been through a dark and painful chapter in our history. But at a time of great challenges and disturbing disunity, nothing will be gained by spending our time and energy laying blame for the past. Our national greatness is embedded in America’s ability to right its course in concert with our core values, and to move forward with confidence. That is why we must resist the forces that divide us, and instead come together on behalf of our common future.”
So it seems to me that President Obama thinks that acknowledging these shameful acts is enough and we should move forward and simply not do it again. Bad idea. No one will be punished and actually some of the major players in this nightmare have been rewarded. Jay S. Bybee is now a Federal Judge. That is a post for life. He was in the Justice Department and oversaw John Yoo, who wrote most of the memos and authorized their use by the CIA. Bad decision, bad people, bad policy.
- On last night’s Rachel Maddow’s Show, Jonathan Turley talks about the release of the CIA memos on how the Bush administration authorized torture, and how Obama is guilty of obstruction if he refuses to appoint a special prosecutor or have the DOJ investigate and prosecute the Bush administration.
- Keith Olbermann delivers one of his special comments on the decision.
- In some really needed silly stuff: There is a new website, http://www.capitolwords.org/ where you can look up your Representative or Senator and find the most common words they spoke in Congress, as read into the Congressional Record. From demconwatch.com here are the most
common words, and the number of times used, by some of the lawmakers they like to keep up with (In no particular order):
* Richard Shelby “Believe” 63 times.
* Ted Kaufman “Short” 71 times.
* Arlen Specter “Court” 434 times.
* Ted Kennedy “Workers” 195 times.
* Mitch McConnell “Leader” 298 times.
* James Inhofe “Billions” 374 times.
* Harry Reid “Republicans” 771 times, and “Republican” 690 times.
* And I am not making this up: Charlie Rangel “Caribbean” 293 times.
- Here’s what happened yesterday according to the yakkers on TV:
- In other news – it is going to be 72 degrees today in New York City. It is the first time the temperature will soar that high since last October. Wa-hoo. It is a zoo day.
- This is how I sound today:
One lump or two, Paul Krugman and song April 16, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Links, Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Al Franken, Obamameter, Paul Krugman, Tea Bag Day
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‘The truth may set you free, but not if you’re a Republican and the subject is taxes.’ The Repugnants have been orchestrating the silliness around yesterday’s protests. Their partner in silliness, the PR department of the Repugnant Part, Fox News, has given them all of the free air time they desired. The result was another dead on arrival minority flop. Read about the 10 Republican Tax Day lies in detail on Crooks and Liars.
1. President Obama will raise taxes on small businesses.
2. The estate tax devastates small businesses and family farms.
3. 40% of Americans pay no taxes.
4. Tax cuts always increase revenue.
5. The GOP is the party of fiscal discipline.
6. Ronald Reagan was the greatest tax cutter of all time.
7. FDR caused the Great Depression, or at least made it worse.
8. Obama’s cap-and-trade plan will cost each American family $3,100 a year.
9. Obama’s tax proposals will undermine charitable giving.
10. The rich pay too much in taxes already.
If you missed some of the highlights of tea bag Wednesday, check out this short clip:
- Hey Paul Krugman (A song, A plea). This is a fun song devoted to Paul Krugman. I agree.
- If you have not seen this video you are in the minority. Here is Susan Boyle, Simon and some very surprised listeners.
- The New York Times finally chimes in on the Minnesota Senate race/decision in an Editorial called ‘It’s Over, Norm. O.K.?’
- Have you checked out the Obamameter lately? How is our new President doing with his campaign promises?
- April 15, 2009: The Day in 100 Seconds
- There is not much more to say on this funny clip. Just enjoy:
Movie Review: Sugar April 15, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.Tags: baseball, Movie Review: Sugar
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| Movie Review: Sugar
Alternate Title: The Impossible Dream Story: What is it about movies and baseball? There have been a slew of terrific films about the sport and even people like me, who have no interest in sports at all, enjoy the films. You might as well add this fine baseball film to your list of well done baseball movies. Perhaps the fact that the film also deals with culture clashes, race, the immigrant experience and dreams gone awry makes it the enjoyable film that it ultimately becomes. It was sensitively written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Half Nelson). From the opening shots in the Dominican Republic you are hooked. 19 year old Miguel Santos, aka Sugar, has dreams of hitting the big leagues. Sugar gets an opportunity to play in the minor league and gets sent to Iowa. Talk about a fish out of water. How Sugar deals with his host family, his lack of English, his injuries, his ups and his downs are the first two-thirds of the film. One of the reasons I liked the films so much is that it does not follow the formulaic baseball film. The final third of the film delivers twists and turns that are both sad, realistic and hopeful. If you like films with heart, check out this one. It is sweet, like Sugar.
Acting: Algenis Pérez Soto (Miguel Santos, also known as Azúcar), was wonderful. He has a presence that lights up the screen. The entire ensemble cast worked well, including, Rayniel Rufino (Jorge Ramírez), Andre Holland (Brad Johnson), Michael Gaston (Stu Sutton), Jaime Tirelli (Osvaldo), José Rijo (Alvarez), Ellary Porterfield (Anne Higgins) and Ann Whitney (Helen Higgins). Predilection: None Critters: Street dogs, birds and livestock. Food: French toast has a big role. Scrambled eggs has a small part too. Sex Spectrum: Some quickies. Soundtrack: A delightful toe tapping track. Opening Titles: An introduction to the character precedes the title. Theater Audience: Eight guys and me. Drift Factor: Just as I was getting a bit tired of the minor leagues the plot twists began. Predictability Level: I was surprised. Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: No Big Screen or Rental: There have been umpteen films about baseball. Here are a few of my favorites: Bad News Bears, Bang the Drum Slowly, Bull Durham, Cobb, Damn Yankees, Eight Men Out, Fear Strikes Out, Field of Dreams, The Jackie Robinson Story, A League of Their Own, and my very favorite, The Natural. Length: Under two hours LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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And the winner is… April 14, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Links, Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Cuba, Duggars, Pugs, Spanish prosecutors, Valentino
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Al Franken. A Minnesota three judge panel issued its unanimous order and judgment deciding the Minnesota Election contest 97 days after it was filed. Governor Tim Pawlenty (R) said just last week that he would abide by the decision of the court in order to certify this long ago election. Will he now sign and send our 59th vote to the Senate. Me thinks he will stall. Norm Coleman has ten days to file an appeal to the Supreme Court. Will Harry Reid grow the balls that are needed to seat Al Franken and risk the dreaded filibuster? Stay tuned. FYI – just yesterday I got another mailing from the Franken campaign as they get ready to gear up for a Norm Coleman fight. Will I send him more money? Depends on what Coleman does in 10 days.
- If you were off the radar like me yesterday – this is what happened that seemed to capture the interest of the yakking TV talking heads. Look out Captain Sullenburger – we have a new hero who should be hitting the airwaves soon.
- Cuba si! President Barack Obama is allowing Americans to make unlimited trips and money transfers to family in Cuba and easing other restrictions Monday to usher in a new era of openness toward the island nation ruled by communists for 50 years. I cannot wait to book a trip.
- Oh boy, oh boy. ‘Spanish prosecutors have decided to press forward with a criminal investigation targeting former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and five top associates over their role in the torture of five Spanish citizens held at Guantánamo, several reliable sources close to the investigation have told The Daily Beast. Their decision is expected to be announced on Tuesday before the Spanish central criminal court, the Audencia Nacional, in Madrid’.
- The bloated, huge carbon producing, shake your heads in horror family, the Duggars have announced that their oldest child in now pregnant. Could this be the first of 1000 grandchildren? Aurgh.
- Do you like pugs? These are Valentino’s five pugs, Milton, Molly, Margot, Maude and Monty.
