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WGA Strike - Creative Failure of Imagination

It’s not enough to simply kill the Golden Goose, some folks feel that they must beat the poor dead beast ’til it’s no longer recognizable.

by Daniel Mallock, BookFolks

The first warning signal comes from an unexpected quarter. Carson Daly, host of a late night talk show announced today that he will be crossing the picket lines and his show will be on the air - without WGA involvement. If his show is successful without their support, and the WGA must be praying hard that it fails, other entertainers and hosts will follow in Daly’s path the “Writer’s strike” will be in serious trouble.

When a union’s membership lands on the picket lines the leadership has failed in planning, strategy, imagination, and negotiation. Redress of grievances and negotiating with management for better wages and benefits is the core purpose of the union. Fundamentally, negotiating with the threat of strike is the position of strength, striking is a signal of defeat. Abandoning negotiations for the picket line is an existential defeat for the union.

Creative people sometimes get too involved in their own stories, too involved in their own creative process so that they are blinded to more sanguinary and generally uninteresting issues like, oh, business. Certainly, hollyweird products are generally a conglomeration of creative minds. All of those creative minds should have a fair share in the profits resulting from the products that they create together. But when one group in this conglomerate brings the entire process to a grinding halt and puts the entire operation at risk-that group has lost sight of some very important facts. The most important fact is that there are many writers who would be delighted to have the opportunity to write for tv and film. These folks, not currently in the WGA will certainly have the chance if this strike continues for much longer.

Daly will come under intense criticism from the WGA and its supporters as his actions threaten their action. His argument is a good one, and difficult to refute. “As a non-WGA member I feel I have supported my four Guild writers and their strike by suspending production for a month,” he said, “While I continue to support their cause, I can’t, in all good conscience, stand by and let that (loss of income and livelihood) happen to the vast majority of my loyal staff and crew.”

The writers in the Guild have forgotten their roots, or perhaps remember them too well.

They are now bullies, damaging the economy of LA and California and affecting the careers and livelihoods of thousands of others. This union bullying is one of the strongest reasons why the union movement in the US is on a steep decline - folks don’t want to be bullied by other folks who won’t sit at a conference table and patiently work out differences with the “other side”. This strike is as demonstrative of leadership on the part of WGA negotiators as the decision by a court in Sudan to jail a middle-aged Brit for her unfortunate choice of name for a teddy bear is illustrative of civilized or rational behavior.

There are far more writers who are ready to work for Hollyweird than there are angry writers who, rightly or wrongly, want a larger slice of the profit pie and are striking to get it. The demands of the WGA appear reasonable and legitimate in the long-term, their decision to strike now and stay on the strike line does not.

What will be the result if Carson Daly’s admirable desire to save the jobs of his staff due to the short-sightedness of the writer’s union’s leadership? The result will be that more shows will go back on the air, non-union writers will be hired, etc. Writer’s in the Guild do not have a lock on creativity - there are many excellent non-union writers waiting for a big break. This could well be the break they are waiting for.

If the strike fails, and if Hollyweird studios and management recovers with non-union writers, the Guild will be left a powerless shell. Throwing down the gauntlet and refusing to work (striking) thus breaking contracts, endangering projects/productions, negatively impacting local and regional economies, and putting the livelihoods of others at risk cannot have anything but negative results for the Guild and its members.

The notion that writers are irreplaceable is not a widely accepted one. Couldn’t a more productive approach to studio management and their bean-counters have been, “We aren’t pleased, but we would like to negotiate for a larger piece of the profits as we continue working side by side with you (management/studios) our partners.”

The strike decision appears desperate, unprofessional, and lacking in both prudence and patience. As a writer, I understand the value of my own partners and the business-side folks who make it possible through their deal-making to get projects that allow me to work professionally as a writer. Hurting them hurts me. I know this. It is completely stunning that the WGA leadership does not understand this core truth of the writer’s life. Diminishing the importance and the reputation of writers by forcing union members to break agreements and walk the picket line is nothing at all about empowering writers, but rather the opposite.

Let cooler heads prevail. Honor your agreements, create art, go back to work, negotiate with your partners!

“Enchanted” - Walt Disney’s Apocalypse Now
-Helicopters and Dragons-

by Daniel Mallock, BookFolks

Sometimes a movie hits just the right notes (espcecially a musical), and is released at just the right time - that it is on its way to massive box office returns by the first day of release. Disney’s “Enchanted” is such a movie. The last time a movie was so perfectly timed, and of such high quality, might have been Francis Ford Coppolla’s “Apocalypse Now”. This is not to say in any way, of course, that “Enchanted” has anything in common with “Apocalypse Now”… wait. Hold on. Now that I think about it - they have so much in common.

Apocalypse Now documents the shattering of a country and the two male leads (Brando and Emelio Estevez’s dad) through the Vietnam War, a complete upheaval that sucks up everything in its path and spits it out again all broken and battered, or just plain dead. Lots of folks end up waking up dead in “Apocalypse Now”. Enchanted is a kind of apocalypse, too- a potentially life shattering event for a cartoon princess in which the heroine could well find herself waking up dead! Great stories are about watching interesting characters go through changes. The more intense and cinematic the change, the better! Few films have come close to the shattering images in Apocalypse Now, for example the image of Marlon Brando making a million dollars a minute for his fairly average performance is hard to forget. Much like the disturbing and artsy images from Coppolla’s violence-fest, Disney’s “Enchanted” has equal number of bright, happy, and sometimes “ewwwww!” inspiring moments to match.

While helicopters thump and whirr overhead and shriek across village’s blowing them to bits in Coppola’s helo homage, Amy Adams twitters and flits and bobs and dances and smiles her way into almost every viewer’s heart in “Enchanted”. Met with almost universal affection from viewers and pointy headed critics alike, There are exceptions, of course. These folks can find help easily. Some folks just haven’t got any joy. One unhappy reviewer even suggests that “…the movie becomes pedantic and predictable, proceeding from fanciful to boring in about ten minutes flat.” So wrong. So sad. So many people scratch their heads and wonder aloud about critics - how they can appear in print when they are so often utterly mistaken or deluded in their grasp of art and the artists who perpetrate it!? The value of critics and criticism is outside the purview of this particular post; needless to say, most critics have little merit. A by-line doesn’t make one insightful. However, even the most clueless of critics can have moments of accuracy. Roger Ebert, for example, so notorious for being so wrong, so often, is favorable to the movie. So, where critics are concerned, fantasies can come true! [For a great illustration of how deeply confused most critics are take a look at their utterly pathetic wrong misinterpretations of "Running With Scissors". A superb and disturbing movie almost completely misunderstood by critics.]

“Apocalypse Now” has Emiolio Estevez’ dad, while “Enchanted” has the by far more talented and lovely Amy Adams. Both films were just right for the times in which they were released, both were box office hits and critically acclaimed (not that that matters). It was the right time in 1979 for Coppolla’s movie. It was right for him-he needed money for his vineyard and winery, and he got it. It was right for the movie-going public-folks were ready for a serious artistic review of the Vietnam War. Apocalypse Now was there when it was needed and wanted. In a sense it provided a service. Now, folks are ready for a more whimsical tour de force. “Enchanted” is perfectly timed, and has just the right mix of charm, humor, drama, action, music, and romance. This is the combination that America needs now. And boy do we need it bad!

Some will say, including me, that “Enchanted” may be the best Disney movie since Julie Andrews’ stole America’s hearts in with her attitude heavy portrayal of Mary Poppins. The country is ready for “Enchanted” - America now has more than enough real apocalyptic activity going on right about now what with the vanquishing of evil, mysogonist, reactionary, cruel and heartless, self-aggrandizing Islamo-Fascists over in Iraq and Afghanistan and on our own shores currently underway. “Enchanted” is a much deserved break from the harsh realities of our lives. And its timing couldn’t be better.

The foundation of good drama, good art is watching folks change. The more change, the more real the change, the better! What could be more traumatic to watch (other than repeated viewings of Rocky Horror Picture Show) than a lovely cartoon princess being thrown into the real-life (at least from her perspective) bizarre, shocking, and dirty world of current day Times Square? Not much! That is exactly the predicament sweet Princess Giselle finds herself in. But she handles this existential change not by being shattered or violently blowing things up, but by handling herself with panache, positivity, music, and meeting new animal friends! Princess Giselle then has to fight Susan Sarandon, of all the horrors the film makers could throw at the young lass, did they have to be so cruel as that? Well, yes. And despite Ms. Sarandon’s lack of “clue”, the ensuing conflict works. Princess Giselle grows into a perfectly decent, always stunning and talented New York gal of the current day. Patrick Dempsey of Grey’s Anatomy is lucky enough to find her wandering in the rain in Times Square and takes her home so that his five year old girl can explain how life really works to him. Male leads in Disney films are often incredibly daft. And over time, we see Dempsey change and grow and learn that his cynical approach to life can be quickly overturned when the right princess is dropped in his life to muck up his very tight schedule, which doesn’t include cleaning his very expensive west side apartment. All the leads are quite good except for Sarandon whose obvious obsession with Frank N. Furter leads her far far astray.

While a critic (not me, of course) could readily blame the director for allowing Ms. Sarandon to so muck up her role, it’s more fun to directly heap criticism upon her. But it’s not all bad with Ms. Sarandon. Taking a much needed break from her seeming endless agitprop silliness Ms. Sarandon may well have put her most memorable role on celluloid with this movie. A small hint regarding her questionable performance can be found here in this interview in which she says that she never was really “into” the princess thing and doesn’t really understand why so many little girls are so intrigued by them. In answering the question “Why do you think the princesses still resonate with a new generation of girls today?” Ms. Sarandon uses the term “I don’t know” four times. Clearly, she is being honest. Looking a cross between Nora Desmond and Rocky Horror’s FrankNFurter Ms. Sarandon is so far over the top that the plummet to the bottom of the fountain for Giselle is but a quick dip compared to the endless millenia it will take for Sarandon’s Princess Narissa to fall her own distance to bottom.

“Apocalypse Now” had helicopters spitting fire from on high, “Enchanted” has a dragon doing the same. Both are scary in some primal way. But as our helicopters were silent during the release of “Apocalypse Now” - they are very much in action again today. Now is the time for “Enchanted” with it’s personal upheavals and battles and profound multiple apocalypses for a battle and war weary public.

This is not an anti-war film by any stretch, it recognizes as so many in our country do not, that there are times when force and evil must be met with an overwhelming force response so that the princess and the kingdom can be preserved. Believing that our enemies will desist in their evil because we request them to do so, or because we hope they will, or because we apologize to them is more a fantasy than anything in “Enchanted”.

    

An Unpleasant International Relationship in Which Orwell’s 1984 becomes Reality.

by Daniel Mallock, BookFolks

Our hypocritical sham relationship with Saudi Arabia is a national shame. As an illustration of an ally one could do little worse than Saudi Arabia in their relations with the United States. A relationship of desperation on our part if ever there was one, this double-speak “friendship” is both desipicable and dangerous.

Having the largest oil reserves on the planet makes Saudi Arabia an important trading partner, a critical partner in fact. But is their hysterical brand of Wahabism which encourages anti-Democratic and pro-Jihadist ideas beneficial to anyone but our enemies? It is certainly no benefit to us, their nominal “friend”. Can a friendly country be truly friendly when they support philosophies that seek our destruction?

A recent abomination of a “legal case” from Saudi Arabia shows the massive abys that exists between that country and our own society. In this case, a young woman and her male friend were abducted and gang-raped by ten men. The rapists were all given light sentences of several years in prison - this is appalling enough but most eggregiously the woman victim is also to be punished - with 200 lashes no less!! What kind of twisted justice can suggest that punishment of victims is a reasonable or rational response to a crime? The United States has been very critical of the Chinese government over the years for their human rights failings, their harsh treatment of the Falon Gong cult (which showed their political muscle by staging a 10,000 strong sit-down strike in front of Communist Party headquarters in Peking in April of 1999 which stunned the Chinese government), and many other reasons. This conflict between Chinese policy and American ideals has brought us close to direct conflict on several ocassions most recently when China captured one of our aircraft, and held 24 of our personnel hostage just prior to 9/11. This incident is little discussed now but it illustrates the very heightened tensions that exist between the two mega powers of the world ocassionally whose concepts of justice, morality, and good conduct are so different. And yet, in the face of this appalling miscarriage of justice and obvious abuse of human rights, our government remains silent!

The mysogyny of Saudi society has been documented extensively online and off. Here, here, here. There are fewer societies more brutal than that of our “ally” and “friend” the Saudis.

Yet where are our “Women’s Rights” groups? Where is NOW? Where are the feminists who should be shouting daily from the rooftops of the country about the abysmal conditions for their sisters in Saudi Arabia? If you do a search on the NOW website you’ll find articles on this subject, but this is not the classic feminist activism that we used to see on issues closer to home, say about the “glass ceiling” and how unpleasant (in their opinion) American men can be. Why aren’t American and European feminists and human rights folks out in the streets shouting and demanding reform in Saudi Arabia?

Our fake ally Saudi Arabia are actively opposed to America on the one hand while gladly selling us their oil on the other. Saudi involvement in terror activities according to one analyst “is indisputable”. Even after 9/11 when Saudi killers killed our countrymen we continue to go on as if nothing is wrong. But so much is wrong.

If the Saudis want to have a society that we consider anti-thetical to our own, that is their business, but we ought to let them know that we aren’t pleased. And here we go right back to the original point - Saudi Arabia sits on top of the largest oil reserve in the world. Because we need their oil, we can say and do little to influence them, or effect change. Can there be a more frustrating American relationship with a foreign power than this?

Why do we continue to be hostages in this farcical and ugly relationship? Where are our great chemists announcing a replacement for fossil fuel? Where are the great inventors with their solutions to the alternative energy enigma?

Many voices have spoken on this and related matters. Michelle Malkin and many other conservative writers have discussed this issue of our fake friendship with our most important oil supplier. Daniel Pipes, a leading thinker and writer on Middle East relations wrote a particularly insightful piece called “The Scandal of US-Saudi Relations”. Pipes is correct, our relationship with Saudi Arabia is indeed a scandal, but alas we can do nothing because we so desperately need their oil. We are like a country of crack addicts desperate for crack, and we will do anything and say anything and accept any insult or violence upon us if only the supply of crack is uninterrupted.

Our Relationship of Weakness Comes with a Very High Price

Slowly, our national spine is diminished. Our need for oil, the foundation of our national economy, overrides our morality, ethics, and better judgement so that CNN can state the following disgusting news that “Shying away from criticism of key ally, State Department spokesman Sean McCormack called the case and the punishment ’surprising’ and ‘astonishing’.” Punishing a gang rape victim is just surprising and astonishing to our state department?? What happened to American outrage, spine, vigor?? When do we end this national soul destroying addiction to oil and the high price in treasure and national character that goes with it?? Rapid development and deployment of alternative fuels and a replacement for fossil fuel oil is nothing more than a patriotic duty. America has the greatest chemists in the world - let’s them show their “stuff”!

Even presidential candidate Clinton (much to her credit) now joins the building outcry against this Saudi crime against a victim of crime describing it as an “outrage”. This pronouncement may likely be the bravest moment of her political career. As a conservative it is almost painful to have to suggest such a thing, but… well done Hillary! All of our political leaders across the spectrum should condemn this travesty and cruelty. The fact that as of this writing only Hillary Clinton has spoken out loud and clear on this matter is another illustration of our political spinelessness.

A society flush with money (from us, of course) but not burdened with a humanitarian or democratic foundation is an out of control society. This deep confusion of justice, this fallacy of our fake ally must end. Speak the truth! This case is not about any form of “justice” that we Americans could acknowledge as such.

Justice for the Victim of Gang Rape - In Saudi Arabia She’ll Get 200 Lashes

In the court “proceedings” against the unfortunate rape victim, a judge said to her,”You were involved in a suspicious relationship and you deserve 200 lashes for that.” There is no reason, no morality, and no ethics that can explain this bizarre and abhorent approach to justice. But then again, these folks are our “friends” and we need their oil. It is long past time for a serious change in the way our “friendships” work and far past the time to end this slavery to oil in which we are all victims.

Tragedy of Cleveland, Ohio Should Not Be Its Obituary - It Should be A Call for Renewal!

by Daniel Mallock, BookFolk

Recent headlines for Cleveland could hardly be worse, “Where Cleveland Went Wrong”, and School Shooting! are two of the most recent. This once proud “rust belt” city on Lake Erie is in eclipse. Long known for lake effect heavy snows and too many gray days per year Cleveland is now the horror that all American cities fear to become. With a completely diminished tax base, a failed economy, and little apparent hope for economic recovery in the near future Cleveland waits to figure out how to repeat the stunning recovery of similar cities like Pittsburgh. After the steel mills close, the inner city rots away, foreclosures suck the life out of low and middle class areas, and folks who can flee flee, where can Cleveland turn for growth and renewal?There are four fascinating aspects of Cleveland life that, if properly fostered, encourage, and leveraged, will be the foundation of its rebirth - diversity of population, superb civic culture and history, excellent health care, Lake Erie waterfront and port.

The excessive and horrible foreclosures currently sweeping the country, based upon shady and misleading mortgages sold to folks wanting a share in the American dream of home ownership - have hit Cleveland hardest. One section of Cleveland in particular now is littered with empty foreclosed homes looted by dirtbags and crooks (see link above).

This is now the time for urban renewal folks to make their plans. Giving up on Cleveland is for fools - Cleveland can now become a shining example of American ingenuity - a place where folks will want to move to and live. It’ll take time, but the effort should be made, and quickly.

Cleveland is blessed with one of the finest orchestra’s in the world, the Cleveland Orchestra. Long recognized as one of the finest symphonies in the world it is a testimony to Cleveland’s importance that so many in the area continue to support this great institution as the city that hosts it continues its long crumble into decay. There is enough money in the area, enough people loyal to the area - living outside the city limits - who continue to support the superb cultural and educational offerings of the city. In addition to the Orchestra, Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Museum of Art are available for all to enjoy. Cleveland has a proud history. Ohio was one of the largest contributors of soldiers to the Union during the Civil War. The monument to Civil War veterans in downtown Cleveland is a little known national treasure that all who appreciate American heritage and history should visit. Folks are not leaving the region en masse, only the inner city itself (with folks who can’t leave, staying). Cleveland can be saved. If Cleveland is not revitalized and rehabilitated it will become a sister city Detroit. While the proponents for Cleveland and Detroit may challenge the studies that proclaim the failure of these cities and speak of the irresponsibility and cruelty of suggesting such things - the problems remain. These problems must be resolved, and quickly. Hopefully, for both Cleveland and Detroit the hour is not too late to make a change. And don’t forget, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is in Cleveland, too! Cleveland rocks, remember?

The failure of American steel and the closure of most of Cleveland’s factories, steel mills, and economic infrastructure shattered the economy of the city in the 70s and 80s - but… businesses remain and are growing - albeit in completely different sectors. Now, healthcare and technology are the economic hopes for Cleveland’s future growth and prosperity. Cleveland Clinic is a nationally ranked hospital system serving folks from all across the planet. Imagine - Cleveland as a destination city just for health care! Well, that’s the truth.

The true natural resource of Cleveland and the foundation of its recovery is the waterfront. Some folks in Cleveland are actively working to build up the waterfront, attract investment and bring folks back to Cleveland. The Port Authority is leading the way. Why can’t Cleveland have a bustling port and waterfront anchored with the Rock Hall and the Science Museum just like Boston’s or Baltimore’s or San Francisco’s. Build a destination for folks - a beautiful place with great hotels and parks and condos and apartments and restaurants and homes - and folks will come!

So, how does a city recover after being the hardest hit in the nation by foreclosures with school shootings and serious inner city decay? All the great urban planners, investment gurus, historians, restaurateurs, and government officials - city, regional, and federal - should build a commission now to reclaim Cleveland.

It is a national sin to let our cities fall and die while our pathetic neanderthal pseudo allies grow rich on our consumption of their oil. Our cities should be a shining light, a beacon, to everyone in the world - a testament to our ingenuity, our skills at planning, organization, and creativity. Shame on the government of Cleveland and the federal government for allowing Cleveland to rust and die a slow wretched death.

Bring Cleveland back to life and bring Detroit back to life, too. America is built on hard work and business and caring for our fellow citizens. Let Cleveland be a beacon to those creative folks who want to show their stuff, their organizational and leadership skills, and their patriotism. Rebuild Cleveland. Do it now.

Disney World - Empowering Little Girls at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

by Daniel Mallock, BookFolks

Recognizing the Need for Supporting Youngsters Boys and Girls

There has been a serious debate in our culture for approximately 15 years about helping girls achieve in academia, in business, and in life. If Oprah covers it, it must be of some moment, right? Some schools have even created girls-only classrooms believing ridiculously that “girls only education” without the apparently negative influence of boys will somehow elevate the intellectual capabilities of the girls. This absurd notion has found a strong foothold in society. I think it a better approach to empower girls in general, just as we ought to empower our boys, and teach them to get along with mutual respect for one another. This silly idea of separating the sexes early on in education is another way for the education industry to suggest a solution to a problem of their own failings. Doubtless young boys and girls have difficulties during their early years but both should be encouraged and supported in equal measure according to their needs. But I digress.

Disney World, Orlando, Florida - long the bain of many cultural snobs, literatti, and Puritans has a new, expensive but superbly important offering - their contribution to empowering little girls.

All Kids Need to Feel Good About Themselves

As a parent or educator there are many options to help our children feel empowered- films, books, sports, etc. But we should also include essential character building with empowering activities and entertainments. For girls, building a sense of personal value and personal power will help them overcome the very strong negative messages of peer pressure and advertising from Madison Avenue. Here is a good bit against advertising, and another one and another good one here on deceptive weight loss advertising . One of the most important aspects of empowerment is making girls and boys feel good about themselves whatever their condition may be. Barbie movies of recent vintage are particularly impressive. These movies even have good animation. But most importantly they all include a message of responsibility, empowerment, and personal strength. They are a pleasant surprise amidst all the drek available for children’s entertainment. Much of this drek is general drek that children might mistake for children’s drek, but is really adult-oriented drek. But drek is drek, right? We’ve got the whole Barbie movie collection and I am quite happy to watch my little one enjoying them. They are well-written and the producers understand the value of positive messages for little girls. Of course, they are also repulsively cute, but that is not a problem for the little one.

How Disney World Helps Little Girls Feel Special, and Empowered - Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Disney World in Orland, Florida has a new offering called Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique . There are two locations at Disney World-one in Downtown Disney, the other in Disney World itself at the Princess Cinderella castle. At the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique little girls get a makeover, and walk out looking like a proper Disney princess! There are several fairy god-mothers in training (hair stylists and makeup artists) who pamper and primp the little girls. Parents can choose from three levels of princess makeover, from mildly expensive to quite pricey. Go for the lowest price, then save some money for a tip for the fairy god-mothers. If you can get a nice princess dress for your little girl, bring it with you, too. Making children feel special is something that Disney does very very well. They charge a pretty penny for it, but it’s worth it if you know how to pre-plan a vacation and save some money. I am not a shill for Disney by any stretch having thought the entire concept of Disney World was hooey until only recently. I’ve been to Disney World several times and enjoy it each time. (An excellent forum for all things Disney can be found here. )

This trip was particularly positive on account of the superb treatment of my little one at the Bibbidy Bobbidy Boutique! The attention that she received, the positive reinforcement, the excellent service given to her for her about her was almost more than she could believe. All smiles, she walked in a proper princess but exited also looking the part, too. And all day throughout the park many guests and most staff greeted her with “hello princess” some even bowing and curtseeing. It was a pleasure for me as a parent to see. My little one is my princess, after our visit to the boutique everybody else saw that she was a princess, too! While the notion of “princess” might seem silly to those older and more jaded, for little girls it’s a very serious matter. And what better way to teach social responsibility, empowerment, manners, bravery, personal strength, comportment, etc., than to explain what a proper princess would do and wouldn’t do. As a former disdainer of Disney I can say now that I am most impressed and would recommend this boutique experience to anyone travelling to Disney World in the company of a princess.

John Adams Finally Gets The Attention He Merits!

Controversial but Excellent President, Superb Statesman, Philosopher, American Hero, and Cousin to Samuel Adams Brewer/Patriot!

Long overlooked and ignored John Adams of Massachusetts will finally get the press he merits when Paul Giamatti plays the great man in an upcoming HBO Special- John Adams.

Giamatti, recently from the Pinot Noir orchards of Napa and the bizarre worlds of M. Night Shyamalan, is a great choice to play the much maligned Adams. While the musical “1776” with William Daniels (later Dr. Craig in St. Elsewhere) was a huge and well-deserved hit and included a loving and (likely highly accurate) portrayal of Adams - for the most part in American history studies he has been widely ignored falling victim in the public mind to the obsessive ignorant love of the populist, slave holder, gourmand and wine connoisseur Thomas Jefferson of Monticello.

It should be remembered that Jefferson embraced the French Revolution while Adams despised it, rightly prophesying its eventual malignant corruption into mass murder and finally Napoleonic aggressive war across Europe. Jefferson thought so quaintly, “the tree of liberty must eventually be watered with the blood of patriots” or some such nonsense to justify the beheadings, ultra-violence and regicide of the Revolution in late 18th century Paris. Adams knew better.

If only it weren’t for the bad choice of the Alien and Sedition Acts John Adams would be recognized for the great hero and leader that he was - after all, Reagan had his October Surprise and Iran/Contra Scandal, Adams had his Alien and Sedition Acts. Reagan’s legacy and reputation was quickly rehabilitated since his death (and during his retirement years, too) now it’s John Adams’ turn.

Perhaps the finest Adams biography of recent memory and perhaps the authoritative treatment by far is John Adams by the renowned biographer and historian David McCullough. John Adams (2002) is superbly written, a treat. It’s time to meet John Adams and appreciate him once more. Without John Adams there would be no United States of America.

John Adams by David McCullough.
Reviewed by Daniel Mallock, BookFolk

What a fantastic way to learn about John Adams! What a great way to be introduced to excellent biography writing. One of the best ways to learn history is to read biographies of the great players of their times. John Adams was one of the key leaders of the American Revolution, a great diplomat, philosopher, and a great reader. So much like Benjamin Franklin yet so far apart in character and manners.

McCullough is a brilliant and exciting writer. Adams seems to come alive in this book and when Adams inevitably dies at the conclusion - it is a very sad thing!

Adams is a hero of the Republic. A forgotten, unfairly maligned and ignored American hero. Once in conflict with the populist Jefferson, then a friend to him again in later years they would die within hours of each other on July 4, 1826. Adams is undeservedly overlooked by many students of American History. Adams would say on his death bed, his last words, “Jefferson still lives”. But the third President had actually died several hours earlier. The irony is striking.

Adams the republican vs Jefferson the populist was at one time illustrative of the great debate in American history which still continues today. Adams saw the horror of the French Revolution for what it was and predicted that it would end in depravity and violence and likely cause a savage reaction which would bring about the end of the French Republic itself. He was right, Bonaparte quickly followed the French Revolution and war across Europe was the result. Jefferson on the other hand embraced the French Revolution as an expression of the people’s desire for liberty. How wrong he was!

Adams was a brilliant Statesman, and student of history. A wonderful family man and superb husband Adams’ correspondence with his wife Abigail is a classic of American literature.

McCullough does so well what so many biographers do so poorly and that is he captures the times of the subject and places his subject in his rightful context. He brought me back to the grounds of “Peacefield” (having visited that mansion many times) through his beautiful evocations of it as it hosted great people and great events, Washington and Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, then later Henry Adams and Charles Francis Adams of the next generation of that great American family.

History is best studied by understanding how historical figures lived and understood their own lives and times. Hind sight is an overrated tool in historiography.

Bringing the past to life in writing is a special gift and McCullough has it. Enjoy his talents and get to know the foundations of the American nation a story not fully known by so many.

Adams’ story deserves to be told. What a brilliant man, and McCullough does him superb justice in this highly readable and entertaining biography.

So much can be said here about Adams, but it’s not necessary as McCullough has written the definitive John Adams biography and says it better than I. Get to know John Adams through this superb book, you’ll be glad that you did.

Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.
- H. L. Mencken

Americans love spectacles.

We love NASCAR, slasher movies, corrupt politicians. We especially find it irresistible when our stars fall from grace. Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton, Elizabeth Taylor, we love ‘em all. But of all the bad girls who party down, crash their cars, abuse photographers, make porno videos, and saunter about with little or no clothing (particularly under-garments) we can’t help our admittedly sick obsession with Britney Spears.

Adult Stuff Link Warning: Click here to see a review of Paris’ porno from AVN.

Wasn’t it only a few years ago when Britney appeared on the MTV Awards swapping spit with Madonna? Wasn’t it only a few years ago that she was the most successful young pop tart/singer/hottie/ even eclipsing Christina Aguilera and the great Tiffany?

Britney’s fall is particularly startling involving so many components of personal and professional failure, and now even involves daily drug testing and being a bad mom. Britney is the new Joan Crawford - only this time there aren’t any clothes hangers involved. A bad performance (horrible) at the MTV Video music awards is one thing, but neglecting her children is quite another.

And what is the horrible result of all the limelight, all the paparazzi and all the media’s attentions focused so closely on Britney’s lack of knickers? Other than the danger of being over-exposed, the most terrible result at least according to Carl Bernstein is that over coverage of Britney’s lack of under coverage has destroyed American journalism!

An “Idiot Culture”?

Bernstein says that what we’ve got is an “idiot culture”.

An “idiot culture” that gorges itself on coverage of Britney and her “artist” colleagues. The extensive coverage of celebrities has taken resources (journalists) away from covering more important things, things like actual news and analysis of important events. So, in addition to having a broken home and broken career, Britney now is supposed to be responsible for breaking American journalism?? No way! Stop!!

No. Britney Spears is great fun. A beautiful train wreck that most folks hope can get herself back on track, off the drugs and booze and back to her version of “art”. Any suggestion that the failure of American journalism can be laid at her feet is utterly absurd.

Carl Bernstein says:

The problems we have in news and journalism are about us not doing our job well enough. The ideal of providing the best available version of the truth is being affected by the dominance of a journalistic culture that has less and less to do with reality and context.

Yes, that’s it. He’s right. Journalists don’t do their jobs very well. Real investigative journalism, real objective reporting is almost a thing of the past now it’s so rare. Most “Journalists” are editorialists in disguise - they can’t help but give their opinions (subtle or obvious) to try to sway the reader towards a specific conclusion.

In the mainstream press, the specific sway is toward the left. The bias in media is painfully obvious and it’s there because journalists are biased, and so are editors. Journalists are people too, after all. But they are expected to leave bias out of their stories - they don’t in the main. There is a good reason why the editorial pages are separated from the news pages in traditional newspapers. It’s because just like Church and State in our American government, the two are not supposed to overlap at all. In American journalism editorializing and news reporting go hand-in-hand - but they shouldn’t.

Who is responsible for the failure of journalism? Britney Spears? Hogwash.

The schools of journalism and the newspapers of this country are to blame.

Bernstein mentions reality and context. Journalism should provide American society with solid news content not mixed obviously or obliquely with opinion. Journalism schools exist to train writers how to keep the two separate! They don’t. Journalism should provide context and teach readers background and context so that they can form solid opinions about events of the day based upon facts provided by journalists.

The core problem in journalism today is that so many journalists think of themselves as opinion makers rather than teachers.

The apparent popular opposition to the war in Iraq is directly related to the lack of context and historical understanding that those in opposition lack. They have little understanding of Iraq’s past, Islam’s past, and American history. Why?

Because they are too busy watching Britney Spears coverage and not being taught the facts by journalists who are too obsessed with molding opinion!

Let Britney take responsibility for her own failings, and let the journalists of America step up and reform their failed profession. Teach the people! should be the mantra of journalists not Shape Public Opinion!

Britney Spears is a professional! She gets lots of press and people love watching her- heck, folks pay lots of money to watch her. In her “field” this is professionalism.

For journalists ethics and objectivity are the watchwords, fallen so silently of late amidst the hubbub and demands of molding public thinking with editorializing ersatz “news” stories. Lack of standards, lack of oversight, lack of professional purpose are why journalism as a profession has failed.

Britney, on the other hand, having few standards, a confused morality, and certainly little or no oversight - in her chosen field this makes her a professional - is a leader.

The more she falls the higher she climbs. Journalists have no such luxury. The more journalism fails the more confused and out of touch the American people become. Journalists have a moral and ethical responsibility to American society which they’ve of late failed to deliver.

He knows what he wants.
-Don’t you, Rocco?
-Sure! What’s that?
Tell him, Rocco.
Well, l want.
. . .he wants more. Don’t you, Rocco?
That’s it! More.
— Bogart and EG Robinson in Key Largo

By Daniel Mallock, BookFolk

The current Hollywood Writer’s strike is an unfortunate mistake. Nobody is irreplaceable. Folks on the picket lines say, “Well, they need us… don’t they?” with a kind of quirky hesitation and fear in their voices hinting just a whit at self-doubt. Of course, the entertainment industry needs writers to create new shows, work edits, bring ideas - be the fountains of creativity that they are. But there are others out there, hungry writers who want a break without deep concern about “DVD profit streams” as a deal breaker on the road to fame and fortune.

Certainly writers should be better paid, so should cops, and teachers and
firefighters, and soldiers and helicopter jockeys and on-and-on-and-on. It
seems to me that the moneyed folk in Hollywood were at the table negotiating
willing to give some concessions, but not the concessions that the writers
wanted and not on the schedule that they wanted. Instead of 8% the moneyed folk offered 2.5%, etc. But the Union (I mean “Guild”), in all their wisdom, decided to throw the gauntlet down and walk away from the discussion. Why is this a reasonable decision? I do not think that it was.

Writing is very much about personal relationships and trust whereby the writer
is trusted by the client to deliver quality on-time and on-budget. A strike,
especially with nasty words and ugly press, and yelling strikers walking the line, cannot help but break this relationship of trust. I believe that film producers, and television executives will now do their utmost - if the strike is not quickly resolved - to circumvent the Guild and find others who will provide content and new shows, the creativity (good and bad) that makes American television the money machine that it is.

If this strike goes on for a lengthy time television executives will have every
incentive to go in other directions - the day of the independents will have come
and the Writers Guild will have gone the way of PATCO, remember them?

Staying at the negotiating table, lowering the rhetoric, removing the anger - these are the ways to make deals with moneyed folks. Why would the Union, I mean Guild, actively pursue this path whereby the executives and deal-makers have every reason not to work with the Guild again? If they can avoid it in future, they will.

Making a living as a writer is a special gift. That’s how I feel about it. Why alienate the client? What is the value in ruining the relationships by which writers are hired, and checks are cut? It makes little sense to me. Patience is the virtue here, not angry picket lines. There are many forms of entertainments for the people to enjoy, all kinds of bread-and-circus kinds of things. Network television is on a massive decline. If this strike continues for a lengthy time, the great unwashed will get all washed up, and head on out to the symphony, the park, local theater, local clubs, museums, etc., even… cable. Yep, if this strike goes on for too long, the gigs will dry up, the executives will not call nor answer calls, the checks will stop coming and independents will have their day. Not that that is necessarily a total negative.

Go back to the table, quickly. Save the Guild, and show the executives and entertainment consumer that writers are still the brilliant humble folks that make the world of culture go ’round.

We all want “more”. But most of us accept the truth of life that - in order to get it - we usually just have to wait.

by Daniel Mallock, BookFolk

Jeremy Brett vs. Basil Rathbone:

The Best Sherlock Holmes on Film

vs.

The Truth is Always a Simple Matter Once Explained!

Most fans of Sherlock Holmes will attest that Jeremy Brett is the very embodiment of Sherlock Holmes on any television or movie screen anywhere, ever, period. However, there are those who retain some affection for Basil Rathbone the Sherlock Holmes of previous generations. Both actors are superb, and model the height of acting skill for their generations. But Brett is clearly the superior actor, and the superior Holmes. The game is afoot!

Different Generations, Different Film Technology Demand a Different Holmes

Basil Rathbone’s Holmes fits perfectly into the 1940s era in which his films were made. In the midst of WW2 England and the U.S. needed heroes on the screen. Sherlock Holmes through Rathbone helped the Allies find and destroy Nazi goons within their midsts. A patriotic Brit and hater of fascism Rathbone’s Holmes is the perfect addition to Air Force, Marines, and Navy power. The intellect used as a weapon of war is rarely shown so effectively as in Rathbone’s portrayal of Holmes! One of the major problems with the Rathbone Holmes stories is that 95% of them are originals, that is, they are not adaptations of Conan Doyle’s Holmes stories. Granada Television did every episode as a spectacular and deeply faithful adaptation of the Doyle originals with Jeremy Brett. Most every episode included one or more scenes taken directly from the original drawings by Sydney Paget from the Strand Magazine - that is faithful adaption if ever there was!

• An episode list of Brett’s Holmes can be viewed here.
• You can see some of Paget’s Holmes illustrations for the Strand Magazine, here.

For the purest the Rathbone lack of faithfulness to Doyle is an almost unforgiveable problem. In fact, it’s something of an insoluble conundrum. In addition to the problematic stories themselves whose pacing and supporting actors are often of questionable quality and expertise the characterization of Watson by Sir Nigel Bruce is distracting, aggravating, and overly comedic.

The Problem of the Three Watsons

vs. vs.

The relationship between Holmes and Watson in the Rathbone series is supportive, considerate, gentlemanly, but with Holmes so far eclipsing Watson in intellectual acumen that one has to wonder why the two stay together. In addition, Rathbone’s Holmes is so markedly without those neuroses of character shown by Brett’s portrayal that the viewer must wonder why Rathbone’s Holmes is not married or at least involved with some stunning academic, classical pianist, opera starlet, or some brilliant Irene Adler-type lovely lady. But there is no explanation and no context in which Holmes should be alone, accompanied everywhere by Sir Nigel. Holmes as played by Rathbone should have girlfriends, a wife, some kind of vibrant emotional connection to some favored female(s)!

Brett covers Holmes in self-doubt, utterly driven by intellect. So much so, that he has sacrificed the better parts of his nature, those tender parts that would appeal to a woman and that would allow him to relax and trust enough to be loved by a woman and to love her in return. He has essentially “shut off” those parts of his soul that he believes might distract him from his work - or something has happened. Something dark and painful long ago that Brett occasionally hints at, but never reveals. The depth of Brett’s Holmes is astounding. Brett plays Holmes as a grand knight of deduction who has sacrificed the pleasures of love. As a lover Holmes would be a second-rate detective, and that would simply not do. But there is more to this than all that. Brett is haunted by his sacrifices and his lack of tenderness. This is seen most clearly perhaps in the Adventure of the Abbey Grange. (Pay special attention to the part when the lady attempts to thank Holmes. He does not handle the moment well.)

• You can get a nice plot summary of Abbey Grange right here.

Rathbone’s Watson (Sir Nigel Bruce) plays Watson as a bumbling oafish but utterly dedicated partner and friend exactly the companion that Holmes needs. Brett’s Watson(s) are much more formidable.

Menace, Mania, and Moroseness - Choosing Brett

While Rathbone is not to be faulted for acting in the 40s style, flat and somewhat affected - Brett’s Holmes is the very picture of a highly complex, brilliant, intellectual artiste - the great detective brought to life.

Granada television and PBS is to be complimented for airing such a beautifully written and lovingly adapted series such as the Brett Holmes set. Rarely in recent television history has such a finely made program been aired. The Hollywood writer’s strike of the current hour is little lamented here as nothing of this quality has been seen in so long on the small screen. The complexity and depth of Brett’s Holmes will long be held as the standard for this character. Brett’s early death was a serious loss to every Holmesian. Brett is the Johann Sebastian Bach of the Sherlock Holmes world.

Others have attempted Sherlock Holmes from Ian Richardson’s overly whimsical take to Rupert Everett’s quite passable go, but Brett is the master interpreter. Without a case to work he is difficult, petty, argumentative, morose, bored. His seven percent solution would see him through too many dry spells, but when the game was afoot Holmes’ intellect, brilliance and bravery the finer components of his character always quickly came to the fore.

Basil Rathbone a Fine Holmes - But No Match for Jeremy Brett

From the LoveBoat to Immortality

Having once appeared on the LoveBoat (see this incredible clip on YouTube) Brett rose to the very heights of the acting profession. Still mourned today by those who knew him and appreciated his brilliance as Sherlock Holmes, the same reverence cannot be claimed by Rathbone. Now known to but a few, and those mostly Holmes fans, Rathbone long ago set the stage for the appearance of someone like Brett - to finally bring a permanent record to a living Holmes on screen. Depth of characterization, complex line deliveries, hints of past events and unspoken secrets and pain - Jeremy Brett is an actor’s actor.

Jeremy Brett is the greatest Sherlock Holmes on screen, ever. Long may he solve cases! And never require the needle!

K. Mallock, BookFolks

I was very excited for this album to be released as I have been a fan of Robert Plant since grade school and a fan of Alison Krauss for the past several years. When I first heard of this collaborative effort, I was ready to buy! I downloaded this within minutes of it being released.

That said, this album just isn’t groundbreaking or innovative and is not as remarkable as it truly could have been and should have been.

The first several times I listened, I was left with the impression that it was an Alison Krauss record with Robert Plant doing backup. With each successful hearing, however, I realized that Plant did more on here than it originally seemed. But, still– the music is stylistically Allison Krauss’ not Plant’s.

Plant’s voice sounds as strong as ever, but when he does those Zeppelin-esque improvs, they just seem out of place on this album. In addition, there’s too much of a Honeydripper feel to Plant’s singing and interpretations. I really wanted something new, and was frustrated that it wasn’t here.

Robert Plant sounds great on every song here as does Krauss. However, Krauss is doing her thing here. . . this is her element and her project. Plant seems just along for the ride.

I don’t hear anything new here, unfortunately — you won’t find her “rocking” here and you won’t find anything as superb as Battle of Evermore which would have been great with Krauss’ striking vocals — imagine her doing Sandy Denny’s part!

I was hoping there’d be some unbelievable, haunting, amazing duets here. But the unpleasant truth is that these duets are really Alison Krauss singing a song with Robert Plant singing harmony/backup. On those songs, it’s hard to hear that it’s the same great Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin or even his own excellent solo efforts– as his participation doesn’t really shine through.

These are good songs. They are not great songs. Krauss gets to shine on these songs and Plant doesn’t. It’s a disappointment, a let down, a shame.

On Plant’s efforts where he sings lead or solo, Krauss very much is in the background–as a matter of fact, I’m not certain she even is participating. There are few real duets going on. Plant’s songs are good, just not great or really memorable.

There’s one more thing that bothered me (not too much, just a little). Some of these songs are written from a man’s point of view with Alison singing lead. I always find that a bit disconcerting. Why couldn’t she change the lyric to “her” instead of “him” or “he” instead of “she”? It’s not a serious matter, it just seems disconcerting and confusing to my ears even though I’m well aware that this is seen fairly frequently in the country/bluegrass genre.

Alison Krauss is blessed with a fantastic voice and so is Robert Plant. Both have very distinctive sounds that do compliment each other but do not make this a standout album. To me, this collaborative effort is extremely disappointing. Considering it’s popularity, however, I realize they may very well come out with another disc in the future. If and when they do, I hope it has more emphasis on genuine partnership.

When Mark Knopfler’s and Emmylou Harris’ CD collaborative effort, All The Roadrunning, was first released, I also excitedly purchased it. And, although many might absolutely adore Emmylou Harris, I never did. I never really liked her voice. I have heard people singing her praises for years and years, but I never liked it as much as the other folk artists of her generation. However, All The Roadrunning is a wonderful CD! The cooperative efforts of Knopfler and Harris ARE what Plant’s and Krauss’ CD should have been. All The Roadrunning CD IS much more innovative than this CD. I have always loved Dire Straits and Mark Knopfler’s solo work, but I have LOVED Robert Plant’s voice and style since the fifth grade. I think Alison Krauss’ voice is gorgeous and much better than Emmylou Harris’ voice (which grates on me after a while). That said, Raising Sand misses the mark and Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris’ CD hits it.