Bush On Freedom

Over the past several years some rights and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans have been taken away in most of the country. The government has greatly expanded its powers in the name of national security and terrorism. Yes, I know: the people of this country still have a lot of freedom. Who cares if rights are being taken away from a few people which don't fit the norm?

Right.

So I laugh that the president begs (dictates? demands?) the Arab leaders to produce more oil and bring the price down, and then gives them a speech on freedom.

"There is much to do, " he said. "The future is in your hands -- and freedom and peace are within your grasp."

Crazy talk if you ask me. I laugh at the hypocrisy.

Land Of The Free, Except For Song Of The South Fans

So check it out. There's this harmless movie out there called Song Of The South. Uncle Remus has a great line in this movie that goes something like this: "If there's a problem with the stories, then why do they last so long?"

Nearly twenty years after Disney decided to never release the movie, it continues to last and to stand the test of time. The demand doesn't cease. Just go check out www.songofthesouth.net and while you're at it sign a petition linked at that site.

This touching movie, set in the South and in the post-Civil War era, is a harmless collection of stories about Brer Rabbit. I finally watched the entire movie, and all I have to say is, "what the fuck?"

One thing is certain. Can't wait until 2036 when this movie becomes part of the public domain. Not that its stopping people today from doing what they can to get their hands on this little gem. And I mean that from technical and storytelling standpoint.

At least we have two very visible survivors of a twenty-year-old controversy: the Splash Mountain attraction, and the Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah song. It will certainly be a wonderful day when we can look back at this point in time and laugh at how foolishly we handled the infinite diversity of our human differences in race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. etc. etc. Land of the free indeed.

True Leaders Say No To Gay Marriage Bans

Years ago, a good friend once told me that a true leader does the right thing even though popular vote encourages the opposite. When I read about Puerto Rico's marriage ban, the memory of that observation came to mind. I've observed that truth time and time again.

My Review of Rosa Salvaje [3 Discs]

Originally submitted at BestPrices.com

Rosa Salvaje [3 Discs]

Not the same classic!

By overload74 from New Berlin, WI on 1/20/2008

 

3out of 5

Pros: Engaging Characters

Cons: Disappointing, Soundtrack Dubbed Over, Not What I Expected

Describe Yourself: Casual Viewer

Beware if you purchase this item. The soundtrack has been dubbed over with new music. It is a hack job, it appears half the show is re-edited and cut out. It's not the same classic, regurgitated as a run-of-the-mill, everyday novela.

Usted tenga pendiente si compra este video. La musica esta cambiada, la novela esta cortada, y ahora parece como qualquier novela. No es la misma clasica que era antes.

(legalese)

Touch by HTC versus Apple iPhone

I finally jumped on the bandwagon and purchased a smartphone. I must confess I did consider getting the Apple iPhone. I found out right away about its irreplaceable battery. This was a complete turnoff so I stayed clear. I later saw a commercial for the Windows Mobile based Touch. When I finally got my hands on one, well.. I couldn't resist.

Then, I was curious: what complaints have people had about these two phones? I checked and quickly found web sites dedicated to complaining about the iPhone. The Touch? It is a phone Microsoft bashers love to hate, yet sites dedicated to complaints about this little wonder have yet to crop up.

See for yourself, and make your own opinion:

Google Search: iPhone complaint

Google Search: HTC Touch Complaint