The economy is in the toilet. People's homes are being foreclosed on. Jobs are being cut by the thousands. Major corporations are going bankrupt. And in the meantime, Congress votes to give themselves a pay increase. If the automaker executives should work for a dollar a year, how about our Congresspeople? Don't you think they could forgo a raise?
The mission is to get enough people behind this movement: they need to take the extra money and send it back to the treasury. They can think of it as doing their part to live like the rest of us and to keep their country afloat.
Here's how to contact your U.S. Representative and your Senator. Pass this on to your friends, family, and neighbors. Let's make a difference!
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this is outrageous! They are browbeating Auto Executives and Labor and they won't even make a token effort during this time!
ReplyDeleteThe Invention of Lying
ReplyDeleteFrom the moment Anna played by Jennifer Garner, opens her mouth with an outrageous comment made to actor Ricky Gervais , loser Mark Bellison in The Invention of Lying, one can’t help but wonder where this plot is going. An assertion in the opening sequence says everyone in their always community tell the truth. This information doesn’t resonate until scene after scene reveals astonishing comments made by citizens to one another, most of which can’t be recorded in a family newspaper.
Its difficult to appreciate the whimsy and satirical nature of screenwriters Ricky Gervais and Mathew Robinson as the story plunges ahead sweeping viewers in its grasp. Its a lot like being caught in a whirlpool as elements of the plot begin to fuse together. Finally the impetus for the story is revealed.
Mark is rejected by Anna. He’s not in her class, fat and doesn’t have the right genetic make up. Then his boss as Lecture Films fires him. He’s been working as screenwriter that failed to make the 13th Century interesting since nothing happened then but the Black Plague.
A visit to the nursing home him finds his mother in peril. She will be passing away soon. If all this misery isn’t enough, the super at his residence wants his $800 rent right away as he heard Mark lost his job.
At his wits end Mark goes to the bank to withdraw all his money. When questioned about the amount money he asked for, he replies with the amount of money he “wanted. ” Behold! In a computer mix he is given $800 instead of $300. He told a LIE! No one in their community had ever told one before.
From that point on, whatever lie he tells gets him what he wants or needs. Except Anna. She likes Mark now that he has money, but is being romanced by Brad Kessler played by Rob Lowe. He is gorgeous, rich and has all the right genetic makeup and is a serious threat to Mark who loves Anna.
The next frame finds him at his mother’s deathbed. She’s in despair as dying means descending into “Nothingness.” He begins an elaborate description of after life - full of friends, family and comfortable housing and peace. She smiles and passes. The attending staff is stunned with those words and learn from Mark that “The Man in the Sky” told him about afterlife and other things.
The plot then gallops along with tales from “The Man in the Sky.” A gathering takes place at Mark’s apartment to hear his words. There is a collection of concerned citizens, alarmist and fringe kooks. Don’t miss Mark’s pronouncements from “The Man in the Sky.” It’s all too wonderful.
It would be interesting to inventory the brains of these writers – Gervais and Robinson. No telling what would fall out.
Tag: Ricky Gervais has a winner with his contemporary satire about lying/.
Bright Star
ReplyDeleteEnglish majors, fans of Victorian Literature and enthusiasts for
England's Regency period are urged to run don't walk to see "Bright Star," the most recent project to come from the deft hands of writer/ director Jane Campion. This niche film also will be enjoyed by film enthusiasts who appreciate a well told tale, beautifully executed.
The work is an account of the Romantic poet John Keats and his love for Fanny Brawne, his next- door neighbor in Hampstead. Set in 1819 -1820. Ms. Campion did a remarkable job finding the Hyde House estate in Bedfordshire, England. Its two houses serve as the setting where their early relationship began. According to Campion, "There's not a lot of 1820's left in England, but this site was perfect."
Watching the film with its strict attention to the important details of that time is like drinking tea out of a cup of fine English bone china. An appreciation of that era suffuses every scene via the magnificent cinematography, the wardrobe, and the fine performances of Abbie Cornish as Fanny Brawne and Ben Whishaw as John Keats.
The fine stitchery that was the signature of Fanny Brawne is captured in the intriguing wardrobe worn by Abbie Cornish. Whishaw adeptly handles the tortured persona of Keats as the penniless poet. Paul Schneider as Keats's protector, Mr. Brown, is convincing in his unusual role that is designed to generate little sympathy from viewers. He is jealous of Fanny interrupting his relationship with Keats and his blatant lust thrusts him into a compromising situation that he unwillingly accepts. There is not a lot about his character to like and Schneider plays it well.
There are bits of Keats's poetry sprinkled throughout the film and of course " Bright Star" is recited. However, it seems appropriate to add one of his better known verses such as:
A thing of beauty is a joy forever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.