Movie Review: Bliss (Mutluluk) August 15, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer, Photography.add a comment
 Movie Review: Bliss (Mutluluk)
Alternate Title: Tradition Meets Modernity Story: The first luscious five minutes of the film will transport you to another time and place. That is both the good news and the bad news for our lovely young, heroine, Meryem. The landscape we encounter is visually ravishing. In the midst of all of this beauty we see an unconscious young woman. She has been raped and left for dead. She lives in a remote part of Turkey that might as well exist in the 9th century (near the Kurdish border). As far as the town elders are concerned she is ruined, has sinned, is tarnished and needs to die. The film is based on the novel Mutluluk by Zulfu Livaneli and masterfully directed by Abdullah Oguz and written for the screen by Kubilay Tuncer, Elif Ayan and Mr. Oguz. The decision to have Mereyem taken to Istanbul and ‘taken care of’ by a returning war hero changes the course of the film. It emerges as a slow growing love story and an emotional self-awareness journey for our young girl. The clash of traditional and modern cultures meet head on and we are richer for the experience. It is a heart warming, thoughtful, provocative piece of film making that takes on the centuries old horrifying tradition of patriarchal misogyny. I urge you to see it.
Acting: Ozgu Namal as Meryem was sensational. She is a terrific screen presence. She is also a well known model in Turkey. Talat Bulut as Irfun the soldier was also well cast. Murat Han as Cemal, the yachtsman was great. The rest of the cast was terrific too including: Mustafa Avkiran (Ali Riza), Emin Gursoy (Tahsin), Sebnem Kostem (Done), Meral Cetinkaya (Munevver) and Erol Babaoglu (Yakup). Trivia: Abdullah Oguz the director said: “When I read the book Bliss, I wanted to see the story on the silver screen. The film proceeds along the axis of a journey that brings together both modern and traditional aspects of Turkey. It tells the moving and hard-hitting story of three people, Cemal, Meryem and Irfan, who all come from different cultures. We shot Bliss in a series of stunning landscapes from the easternmost to the westernmost points of Turkey, a backdrop that underlines the poignancy of the story”. Awards for this film thus far: * Golden Orange Film Festival, Antalya, Turkey (2007): Best Actor (Murat Han), Best Actress (Özgü Namal), Best Make-Up, Best Music, Best Sound Design * Kerala International Film Festival, India (2007): Special Jury Prize * Montpellier Mediterranean Film Festival, France (2007): Audience Award Predilection: None Critters: Sheep, goats, birds, and a funny scene with fish. Food: The abovementioned fish. Sex Spectrum: None. The rape is not shown on the screen. Soundtrack: The wonderful music by Zulfu Livaneli who also wrote the novel.Ömer Zülfü Livaneli is a popular Turkish folk musician (singer and composer), a novelist, newspaper columnist and a film director who has been highly popular for decades. He is also a prominent left-wing and social-democrat politician and was a member of the Turkish parliament for one term. Visual Art: The beauty of the film cannot go without mention. Kudos to cinematographer Mirsad Herovic for some unforgettable images. Theater Audience: About 15 mesmerized people. Weather: Hot and sunny Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: Rape and misogyny is very squirmy. Drift Factor: I was rapt. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: Yes Big Screen or Rental: The big screen would be the way to go if you can find it in your City. Length: Under two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 9 |
Movie Review: Lorna’s Silence (Le silence de Lorna) August 12, 2009
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| Movie Review: Lorna’s Silence (Le silence de Lorna)
Alternate Title: I Married the Mob Story: Call me dense- but I did not know what the heck was going on in this award winning film for the first hour. The writing and directing Dardennes brothers ( Jean-Pierre and Luc) are known for their films about the underclass and struggles with moral issues. This slow paced film features Lorna who has somehow gotten herself involved in a marriage for citizenship and money scheme with Albanian, Belgium and Russian mobsters. For about an hour we watch Lorna go through ordinary life chores. We see Lorna iron, walk to the store, make a phone call, buy stuff, walk home, look in her mail box and go to sleep. Excited yet? Well into the film we start to see that Lorna’s world is filled with people whose entire existences are for sale. Sex, marriage, life and honor. Is there no one with a conscience in Lorna’s world? When I finally figured out what was happening the story took on some semblance of action. Sadly, by that time I lost interest in almost everyone. You want to root for Lorna but her choices in the film make it very difficult. This is not a film for most people. You should probably be serious devotees of the Dardennes brothers. Check out the trailer here:
Acting: Arta Dobroshi as Lorna reminded me of an older Ellen Page (Juno). She has recieved kudos for this role, but I was not moved. Jérémie Renier Claudy, had the only part that required emotion and he was over the top. Trivia: In 1999 the brothers Dardenne had a hit with Rosetta, that won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Festival. The movie tells the story of a blue collar worker with an alcoholic mother who tries to have a better life in a small belgium city. Read my review of that 1999 film here and check out how few categories there were in my reviews 10 years ago. Predilection: None Critters: None Sex Spectrum: Female nudity Soundtrack: The Dardennes brothers usually do not use soundtracks. Visual Art: The details of life in this part of town was depressing. Theater Audience: Six other comatose people Sappy Factor: 0 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: I looked at my watch often. Predictability Level: Did not care Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: This film won Best Screenplay at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Big Screen or Rental: Neither Length: Under two hours. LOBO HOWLS: 4
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Sex, Lies and Stupidity June 25, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards, Photography, Politics, Videos.Tags: Gail Collins, Glenn Beck, Mark Sanford, Oscars
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What is it about some politicians that makes them think they are the ones that can get away with indiscretions, infidelities and recklessness? We expect incompetence and ineffectiveness from them but seem to always be surprised by the latest scandal. I have my annual June, two week delightful house guest and am not as diligent as usual to the political shenanigans of the day. However, when I heard this breaking story a few days ago about the missing Governor of South Carolina, Mark Sanford, something did not smell right. Here was a guy who was front and center in the ’stimulus rejection’ crowd (think Sarah Palin) and was also on the imaginary talking heads list of 2010 contenders for a run for the President. What does he do? He goes for a hike on the Appalachian Trail and his wife does not know (or seem to care) that she has not heard from him. And sin if sins, he is missing over Father’s Day. What will his four young sons think? Oh my, oh my. It, of course, turns out that he was crying over her in Argentina. Who is she? Her name is “Maria” as revealed in some revealing email messages between the governor and said girlfriend. She has two kids and lives in Buenos Aires on a street named Republica de la India, Palermo district. This story will have some legs until the next scandal breaks in a few days. Mark Sanford is toast.
- Speaking of scandal, check out this site for great scandals in US history.
- Alternet.org has a list of The Top 10 Political Sex Scandals of All Time including these delicious titles:
10. If You Can’t Beat Them, Lick a Hooker
9. Baby, You Make Me So Harding
8. Jungle Fever Down in Dixie
7. Spitzing the Magic Pussy
6. Long Dong Justice
5. Out of the Closet and into the Stall
4. The Jesus and Meth Chain
3. All Men Are Created Horny
2. “Get a Ruler and Measure It For Me”
1. Oral in the Oval
- 100 seconds from yesterday:
- Gail Collins has some thoughts about Mark Sanford too. On behalf of the people of Illinois and New York, I’d like to thank South Carolina for giving us Mark (“I’ve been unfaithful to my wife”) Sanford. Finally, a governor who’s weirder than Rod Blagojevich and less responsible than Eliot Spitzer.
- Speaking of crazy: Glenn Beck (true crazy man), claims U.S. is only country with automatic citizenship upon birth. Not true. Read on here.
- In other news: The best picture shortlist at the 2010 Oscars will be 10 films instead of the customary five, it has been announced. Official organizers have said the move will recognize a wider range of films and include “more populist movies”. It is the first time since 1943 that 10 films will be in the running and has been called “a return to the past”.
- In the always leave’ em laughing mode, check out this Mark Sanford parody (I’m a horny man):
Movie Review: Departures June 8, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Best Foreign Language Film 2008 Oscars, Movie Review: Departures
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 Movie Review: Departures
Alternate Title: Smooth Crossings Story: This was the film that most likely helped you lose your 2008 Oscar pool when it beat out the much favored Waltz With Bashir for Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. I can understand why this film beat out the competition. It is a well directed piece by Yojiro Takita with a moving screenplay by Kundo Koyama that has much to say about living, dying and the voyage that we all eventually will take. Daigo, a cello enthusiast loses his job with a now defunct symphony and returns to his childhood home with his adoring wife to find work and to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. In a series of comical scenes he obtains a job in a business that prepares the recently departed’s body (encoffinment), in front of the grieving family, for cremation. As Daigo learns the true meaning of death through the bereaved family, he gains maturity, respect and a new life. We get to watch the ritual of ‘encoffinment’ and also share in the process, the beauty and that often overused word ‘closure.’ There are many scenes without dialogue that will break your heart, make you think, feel and I guarantee that you will shed a tear or two. Bravo to this fine film that is a bit over sentimental and entirely too long but has much to say.
Acting: Masahiro Motoki as Daigo was wonderful and has been awarded for his work. Ryoko Hirosue as his adoring wife, Mika, is perfect. Tsutomu Yamazaki, as the boss, is moe than terrific. He reminded me of a Japanese Gregory Peck. Trivia: Masahiro Motoki started his entertainment career as a member of boy band Shibugaki Tai who made a debut in 1982. They were top idols for the good part of the eighties in Japan. Tsutomu Yamazaki has been nominated for seven Japanese Academy Awards, winning Best Actor awards for the Juzo Itami comedies The Funeral and A Taxing Woman, and the Best Supporting Actor awards for Go and Departures. Ryoko Hirosue is also a pop star in Japan as well as an actress. Predilection: I like to see all of the Oscar winning films. Critters: Geese, octopus and salmon. Food: Food has a large part in this film including octopus, puffer fish, noodles, rice, veggies and lots of chicken. Soundtrack: Soaring music interludes that helps to bring tears to one’s eyes including Bach and Brahms. Opening Titles: An opening sequence that introduces us to the charming star before the title of the film. All other credits are at the end. Visual Art: A beautifully shot film that includes lovely details of the homes, art and lifestyles of the people outside of the big cities. Theater Audience: Our little group, that included a lovely Japanese woman who had seen this film in Japan, plus a fairly crowded audience. Our Japanese movie buddy said the subtitles were pretty good as far as translation goes. Weather: The film takes us through an entire year of weather – from the cold winter to the lovely cherry blossoms in the spring. Sappy Factor: 2 Quirky Meter: 0 Squirm Scale: 0 Drift Factor: Although it was too long – I did not drift at all. Predictability Level: High Tissue Usage: I admit to it being a one tissue film for me. Oscar Worthy: Apparently so. Length: 15 minutes over the two hour rule. LOBO HOWLS: 8.5
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Movie Review: Everlasting Moments March 19, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards, Movie Review Archives, Movie Reviews, Movie Trailer.Tags: Movie Review: Everlasting Moments
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| Movie Review: Everlasting Moments
Alternate Title: I am a Camera Story: If you have the time and patience to appreciate the slowness of watching film develop in a darkroom rather than the immediacy of digital photography, this beautiful film is for you. Swedish director and writer Jan Troell (The Emigrants) introduce us to the hardworking, loyal, Maria. The film takes place in Sweden, during the years1907 through 1921. Maria labors at raising her growing brood of seven children along with putting up with her skirt chasing, brutish, all too often drunkard of a husband. She discovers moments of beauty and escape through the art of photography. The story is told through the eyes of Maria’s oldest daughter and is based on the life of a real person. It is visually beautiful film with sepia tones, memorable images and moments of ordinary life caught in shadows and light. If you like long period pieces that depict a slice of unfamiliar life this evocative film about a woman who struggle’s to find self-fulfillment through art is for you. If you like films that have lots of action and explosions – stay far, far away.
Acting: Maria Heiskanen as Maria Larsson is perfect in the role. Mikael Persbrandt as her brute of a husband Sigfrid, is a complex character and is well played. Trivia: Nine films advanced to the last round of voting in the Foreign Language Film category for the 81st Academy Awards. Sixty-five films had originally qualified in the category. The films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are: Austria, “Revanche,” Canada, “The Necessities of Life,” France, “The Class,” Germany, “The Baader Meinhof Complex,” Israel, “Waltz with Bashir,” Japan, “Departures,” Mexico, “Tear This Heart Out,” Sweden, “Everlasting Moments,” Turkey, “3 Monkeys,” . Everlasting Moments did not make the cut and Departures was the surprise winner. Predilection: I like to see all potential Oscar nominees. Critters: A wonderful bloodhound named Leo, a beautiful house cat, some unlucky pigeons and a lucky horse. Food: Aforementioned unlucky pigeons, slop and gruel. Sex Spectrum: Fumbling, usually drunken sex produces seven children in this film. Visual Art: The entire film is a visual treat down to the smallest detail. Theater Audience: About ten other people. Sappy Factor: 0 Squirm Scale: 2 – There were times that you wanted Maria to kill her husband because of his brutality. Drift Factor: I did drift a bit. Predictability Level: I was not sure where this film was going. Tissue Usage: 0 Oscar Worthy: Missed a nomination by just this much. Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine. Length: Two hours and 11 minutes. LOBO HOWLS: 7.5
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Oscar Review and Winners February 23, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards.Tags: Oscar Review, Oscar winners
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It was ‘Slum’ enchanted evening, wasn’t it? I have not enjoyed Oscar night as much in a very long time. It is hard to be cranky, clever and snarky when I laughed and smiled so much during the award show. While always long, it even ended the same day that it began – four minutes shy of midnight (on the east coast).
The good news is that I thought Hugh Jackman was terrific. He never fails to put on a terrific heartfelt performance and as he said on the hard to watch, sappier than sap, Barbara Walters special prior to the awards show, he wanted to emphasize a little more ’show’ and a little less ‘biz’ into the event. It worked for me.
I liked how they attempted to present the awards in the manner in which a film is made – from concept to post production. Perhaps it even helped some people understand the difference between sound editing and sound mixing. Who knows?
So, in no particular order, her are some of the high lights and low lights of last night.
- The Jocelyn Wildenstein cosmetic nightmare award goes to: both Goldie Hawn and Sophia Loren.
- The Barbra Streisand Most Earnest Speech Award goes to: Dustin Lance Black after winning best screenplay award for Milk.
- The Barbra Streisand Best Political Speech Award goes to: Dustin Lance Black after winning best screenplay award for Milk.
- Most Overdue Award (in the form of an honorarium) goes to: Jerry Lewis (I, like the people of France, am a BIG fan)
- For the second year in a row, the actress I missed least was: Sharon Stone (following as close seconds: Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz and Kirsten Dunst).
- Award for the palest person in the room: Nicole Kidman (a shocking shade of vampire) with a close second going to Ann Hathaway.
- The third annual Ben Stiller most annoying presentation skit goes to: Ben Stiller
- Biggest surprise of the night goes to: Best Foreign Film, Japan’s Departures. I was sure it was going to be Waltz with Bashir, with a close second going to The Class. This is one of those categories where a voter MUST see all of the films in order to vote. I guess it must be a great film and if it is ever released, I will check it out.
- A tie for FUN acceptance speeches goes to: Philippe Petite’s Oscar nose balancing act and Kate Winslet’s father whistling hello from the audience.
- Happiest winner of all: Sean Penn. I thought he was gracious, funny, self-deprecating and yes, I am one of those ‘Commie, homo loving’ voters who was hoping he would in.
- The one moment that made Lobo tear up: seeing Paul Newman at the end of the In Memorium montage. Queen Latifah’s singing was a nice departure from the usual somber music played during this segment each year.
- Most over-rated, camera hogging star of the night: Ann Hathaway
It’s a wrap. Here’s to a very entertaining 2009 year at the movies.
Final Award Tally: Slumdog = 8. Benjamin Button = 3. The Dark Knight = 2. Milk = 2. The Reader = 1.
And the Oscar winners were:
Performance by an actor in a leading role
* Sean Penn in “Milk”
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
* Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight”
Performance by an actress in a leading role
* Kate Winslet in “The Reader”
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
* Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Best animated feature film of the year
* “WALL-E” Andrew Stanton
Achievement in art direction
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” Donald Graham Burt, Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
Achievement in cinematography
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Claudio Miranda
Achievement in costume design
* “The Duchess” Michael O’Connor
Achievement in directing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Danny Boyle
Best documentary feature
* “Man on Wire” James Marsh and Simon Chinn
Best documentary short subject
* “Smile Pinki” Megan Mylan
Achievement in film editing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Chris Dickens
Best foreign language film of the year
* “Departures” Japan
Achievement in makeup
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
* “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
* “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar
Best motion picture of the year
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Christian Colson
Best animated short film
* “La Maison en Petits Cubes” Kunio Kato
Best live action short film
* “Spielzeugland (Toyland)” Jochen Alexander Freydank
Achievement in sound editing
* “The Dark Knight” Richard King
Achievement in sound mixing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
Achievement in visual effects
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
Adapted screenplay
* “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy
Original screenplay
* “Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
Independent Spirit Award Winners February 22, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards, Photography, Videos.Tags: Independent Spirit Awards, Mickey Rourke's acceptance speech
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Last night the Independent Spirit Awards were held. It was live, uncut, uncensored, with no commercials (unlike tonight’s Oscar presentations). It was vastly entertaining. I did not vote for Mickey Rourke to win tonight, but it sure would be delightful if he did.
Here are last night’s winners:
Best Feature: Darren Aronofsky, The Wrestler
Best Director: Tom McCarthy, The Visitor
Best Actor: Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Best Actress: Melissa Leo, Frozen River
Best Supporting Actor: James Franco, Milk
Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Screenplay: Woody Allen, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best First Screenplay: Dustin Lance Black, Milk
Best First Feature: Charlie Kaufman, Synecdoche, New York
John Cassavetes Award: In Search of a Midnight Kiss
Best Cinematography: Maryse Alberti, The Wrestler
Best Foreign Language Film: The Class
Best Documentary: Man on Wire
Someone to Watch Award: Lynn Shelton, My Effortless Brilliance
Piaget Producers Award: Heather Ray, Frozen River
Truer Than Fiction: Margaret Brown, The Order of Myths
Robert Altman Ensemble Award: Synecdoche, New York
Mickey Rourke’s acceptance speech was extremely entertaining. Penelope Cruz’ acceptance speech was also hilarious but I cannot find it to share.
What a difference a week makes February 20, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Animal Stories, Animal Videos, Dogs and cats, Film Awards, Photography, Politics, Videos, Zoos, wildlife.Tags: Chimpanzees, Jonathan Turley for Suprme Court, Keith Olbermann, Nancy Pelosi, Oscar Predictions, primates, torture
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I have been off the grid for a week. I have rebooted my brain and it is time to return to a rant, however short it might be. What a difference a week makes. I noticed this morning as I walked my little dog Benny, that it is no longer pitch black at 6 AM. That slight hint of dawn created a bounce in my step that has been missing during these past cold, dark winter mornings. Spring must be right around the corner. On March 8th we change to daylight savings time.
- One more thing – what do I think about that hullabaloo over the cartoon in the New York Post? It is a cartoon. Get over it.
- Speaking of chimps. That tragic story out of Connecticut involving the attack of the chimp should never have taken place. Chimpanzees do not belong in your home. Period. The only primate that belongs in your home is you.
- In case you are behind the news a bit, here is what happened yesterday in 100 seconds from Talking Points Memo. I love this little review:
- Nancy Pelosi gave an interview to Rolling Stone Magazine where she hints that she could foresee a scenario in which senior members of the Bush administration are actually prosecuted. Do I believe her? No. I think she is stalling and the statute of limitations clock is ticking away on certain issues like torture. Here is Keith Olbermann speaking with my guy, Jonathan Turley on the issue of torture:
- Check out my Oscar predictions here.
- I know that I said you should not have monkeys in your home, but this is very, very cute and it is a temporary foster care situation. Enjoy.
Lobo’s Oscar Predictions February 19, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards, This 'n That.Tags: Oscar Predictions
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This is a tough year. I did a lot of guessing. The Oscars could go in several directions or weighted heavily on one or two films. Oh, the excitement builds. Here are my picks. Look for my Oscar review in this space on Monday.
Performance by an actor in a leading role
* Sean Penn in “Milk” (Focus Features)
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
* Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (Warner Bros.)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
* Kate Winslet in “The Reader”
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
* Penélope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Best animated feature film of the year
* “WALL-E” (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton
Achievement in art direction
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Achievement in cinematography
* “Slumdog Millionaire” , Anthony Dod Mantle
Achievement in costume design
* “The Duchess”, Michael O’Connor
Achievement in directing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Danny Boyle
Best documentary feature
* “Man on Wire”
Best documentary short subject
* “Smile Pinki”
Achievement in film editing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Chris Dickens
Best foreign language film of the year
* “Waltz with Bashir”, Israel
Achievement in makeup
* “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, Greg Cannom
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
* “Slumdog Millionaire” A.R. Rahman
Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
* “Jai Ho” from “Slumdog Millionaire” (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar
Best motion picture of the year
* “Slumdog Millionaire”
Best animated short film
* “Lavatory – Lovestory”
Best live action short film
* “New Boy” (Network Ireland Television),
Achievement in sound editing
* “The Dark Knight” Richard King
Achievement in sound mixing
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
Achievement in visual effects
* “The Dark Knight”
Adapted screenplay
* “Slumdog Millionaire” Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy
Original screenplay
* “Milk” (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
Monday Mix January 26, 2009
Posted by judylobo in Film Awards, Photography, Politics, Videos, Zoos.Tags: financial meltdown, Joe Biden on Gitmo, John Thain, Let them eat McDonalds, Russ Feingold, SAG winners, Truth-0-Meter, Year of the Ox, Yo Quiero Taco Bell
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The beginning of the week sees stories across the board. I am going to try not to obsess over Kirsten Gillibrand and let he pieces fall where they may. There is a lot going on today. Check out some of the stories that caught my eye as we start week two of President Obama’s administration.
- New York Magazine has a juicy article, The zany adventures of Caroline Kennedy, about the behind the scenes machinations of the Caroline Kennedy, David Paterson debacle.
- The Muckraker has an article about John Thain’s Top Ten Greatest Moments. Thud.
- The Screen Actors Guild Awards were handed out last night. Oscar predictor? Hmmmm.
Ensemble Cast: Slumdog Millionaire
Lead Actress: Meryl Streep, Doubt
Lead Actor: Sean Penn, Milk
Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet, The Reader
Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
- Gasp! George Will: Let Them Eat McDonald’s! George Will argues that the rising consumption of cheap fast food during the Bush Recession shows the market works, saying the boost in quarterly profits at McDonald’s is a perfect example of “the market sorting this out.”
- If you missed this piece on Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show, check it out.
- Politifact.com has a cool page all about truth. A scorecard separating fact from fiction.
- Watch Joe Biden on Face the Nation speak about Gitmo:
- Feingold to introduce constutional amendment to require Senate special elections. File this under another good idea from U.S. Senator Russ Feingold. Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, issued the following statement today on plans to introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to end appointments to the Senate by state governors and require special elections in the event of a Senate seat vacancy. “The controversies surrounding some of the recent gubernatorial appointments to vacant Senate seats make it painfully clear that such appointments are an anachronism that must end. In 1913, the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution gave the citizens of this country the power to finally elect their senators. They should have the same power in the case of unexpected mid term vacancies, so that the Senate is as responsive as possible to the will of the people. I plan to introduce a constitutional amendment this week to require special elections when a Senate seat is vacant, as the Constitution mandates for the House, and as my own state of Wisconsin already requires by statute. As the Chairman of the Constitution Subcommittee, I will hold a hearing on this important topic soon.” -(demconwatch)
- “¡Yo Quiero Taco Bell Dinero!”: Restaurant Chain Loses Case Over Talking Chihuahua. Taco Bell must pay the entirely of a $42 million in breach-of-contract award to the two Michigan men who created the idea of a taco-selling Chihuahua.
- Let’s point fingers and fix blame. The Guardian has come out with a list of the 25 people they think are at the heart of the financial meltdown. “The worst economic turmoil since the Great Depression is not a natural phenomenon but a man-made disaster in which we all played a part”.
- Happy New Year. China Welcomes Year of the Ox
