Poetry: "What do you seek?

Poetry: "What Do You Seek?"

What do you seek?

The world's so cold and so bleak

Don't be so weak

For the strong supersede the rights of the meek... (to be cont'd?)

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "The Road"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "The Road"

Director: John Hillcoat Starring: Viggo "Lord of the Rings" Mortenson, Kodi McPHee, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy "Memento" Pearce, etc.

Based on a novel by Cormac McCarthy, who also wrote "No Country For Old Men". In this film, a father and son warily roam a bleak future world in which an unspecified cataclysm has killed all edible animals and plants. All that are left are some desperately hungry people, a few dogs, some inedible grass and some dead and dying trees. While wandering, on the lookout for whatever food (canned goods, etc.) and shelter they can find, they must evade gun, knife and arrow-wielding gangs and thieves. While a very bleak and depressing atmosphere, this was very well made and worth seeing.

Poetry: "Leaders Causing Trouble"

Poetry: "Leaders Causing Trouble"

Our so-called leaders only lead us into trouble

Our economy has popped just like a bubble

For executives that goes double

And they'll gladly tax or bill our budgets into rubble...

Poetry: "Unrequited Love"

Poetry: "Unrequited Love"

Unrequited love is a horrible bitch

As welcome as a gangster's snitch

Who ought to be thrown right into a ditch

But keeps spellbinding me like a devious witch...

Poetry: "A Casino in Reno"

Poetry: "A Casino in Reno"

At a casino in Reno

A man made a bet

Alas, the man lost

And now he's in debt

Wagering foolishly you know what you'll get

No matter how hard he tries, he can't pay it yet...

Sci-Fi Bri's Favorite Movies

Sci-Fi Bri's Favorite Movies

The following are some of my favorite films:

"Goodfellas" Rated R (1990) Directed by Martin Scorsese Starring Ray Liotta (Henry Hill), Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Paul Sorvino, Lorraine Bracco, etc.

Arguably the best gangster film ever made. (Sorry "Godfather") Loosely based on a real guy, Henry Hill who spent thirty years working for the New York mob until he turned states evidence and went into the Federal Witness Protection program. Thirty seconds into the movie I knew I would love every moment of this riveting film. It is fascinating and fun, plus it has a really good soundtrack. Joe Pesci won a Best Actor award, and it just barely lost the Best Picture award to "Dances With Wolves".

"Dances With Wolves" (1990) Dir. Kevin Costner Starring Kevin Costner ( Lt. John Dunbar), Graham Greene, Mary Mcdonnel (?), etc.

The reverse of past racist westerns like "Stagecoach" with John Wayne. During the Civil War, Union army Lieutenant John Dunbar (Kevin Costner) with a seriously injured leg, draws enemy fire, hoping to die. Instead, he inspires his fellow soldiers to defeat their Confederate foes. As a result of his act of bravery, Dunbar's leg is successfully treated instead of amputated, and he has the choice of any army post of his choosing. I don't exactly remember what army post he chose, but I believe it was one in Nebraska that turned out to be abandoned. Although nobody else was there, he decided to stay put. Nearby are a tribe of Sioux. Dunbar and the Sioux are wary of each other, but in spite of a different language and very different customs, the Lieutenant becomes friendly with the tribe. Normally, he would likely be their enemy. Anyway, after a while, Dunbar lives among the tribe, and even takes a Lakota bride who was born white. Dunbar helps the tribe battle belligerant Pawnees and even takes up battle against buffoonish, mean, nasty U.S. cavalry men who would think nothing of wiping out the tribe. This movie was about three hours long and worth every minute.

"Thelma and Louise" (1990) Directed by Ridley Scott Starring Geena Davis (Thelma), Susan Sarandon (Louise Sawyer), Brad Pitt (his movie debut), Harvey Keitel, etc.

Thelma (Geena Davis) is a housewife married to an arrogant lout of a husband. Louise Sawyer ( Susan Sarandon) is an unmarried, middle-aged woman who has a lousy job as a waitress and a boyfriend who is in no hurry to marry her. Against Thelma's husband's wishes, Thelma and Louise go on a girl's weekend which ends up out of their control. The two go to a honkytonk bar, and an innocent dance with Thelma ends up in an attempted rape. Louise puts a bullet between the would-be rapist's eyes. The girls flee, and after losing all their money they embark on a crime spree with a multi-state police chase. Women would find Brad Pitt's movie debut as a smooth talking drifter very memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed this film, except their unnecessary demise at the end. It would have been a different movie if they survived, going to jail or back to their dreary lives.

"Let's Scare Jessica To Death" (early '70s) A young housewife just released from a mental hospital is at risk for another breakdown after seeing ghosts and a centuries old vampire living next door. Has little or no blood or gore, but it is truly eerie and scary.

"Lonesome Dove" Based on a novel by Larry McMurtry. Starring Robert Duvall ( Augustus Mcrae) Tommy Lee Jones (Woodrow Call), Robert Urich, Diane Lane, Rick Schroeder, etc.

Perhaps the best western I have ever seen. This wasn't a theatrical film, but a multi-part television miniseries released some time in the mid to late eighties. Gus Mcrae (Robert Duvall) and Woodrow Call (Tommy Lee Jones) are former Texas Rangers on a cattle run. During the cattle run they deal with horse thieves, murderers, Indians, etc. Although several hours long, it was a very worthwhile show to watch.

"D.O.A" (1949) In this film noir classic, Edmund OBrien plays a man who has been poisoned and has twenty-four hours to find out who his killer is before the poison takes effect. This was a really excellent film; far superior to the remake with Dennis Quaid.

Poetry: "Windsor Knot"

Poetry: "Windsor Knot"

I cannot tie a Windsor Knot

Or tie a bow tie either

But would I wear a clip-on tie?

I'd rather get a fever... (tbc?)

Poetry: "Dead Man's Shoes"

Poetry: "Dead Man's Shoes"

For thirty bucks I bought a pair of Dead Man's Shoes

It gave its former owner a case of the walking blues

If the first owner died in 'em I haven't got a clue

Either way, the deceased paid the ultimate final dues

I wear these shoes daily, not just a day or two

The sneakers have a grey stripe and a bright white hue

If he died in 'em, the second owner maybe knew

But he would no longer wear 'em and he left 'em by the loo

When I bought the shoes they looked brand spankin' new

What good did it do the first owner to sit within the pews

I don't mind wearin', I do not at all rue

Even if the shoes have slew

Death cursed shoes may or may not be true

Would you wear them if this were your point of view?

If shoes caused a death would they be for you?

Or, would you ignore them like a budget-bankrupt zoo?

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "2012"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "2012"

According to the ancient Mayans, the world will supposedly end some time in the year 2012, when all the planets line up. That is the premise of Roland Emmerich's latest disaster film. Emmerich is the guy who blew up the White House in "Independence Day", and who depicted the world in deep freeze in "The Day After Tomorrow". In late 2009, a geologist played by Chiwetel Ejiofor finds out that the world as we know it will come to an end in 2012. So he rushed to

Washington, D.C. to tell the bad news to machiavellian Senator Anheiser (Oliver Platt), the villain of the movie. Governments around the world prepare for this eventuality, but most people are kept in the dark until the last minute. In a subplot, failed novelist turned limo driver Casey Jackson (John Cusack) takes his kids on a camping trip to Yosemite National Park in California just before disaster ensues. He converses with a conspiracy nut ( Woody Harrelson), who has his own fringe radio show about UFOs and other oddness. Harrelson was a hoot in this role. When Jackson returns his kids to his ex-wife (Amanda Peet), he must convince her and her cosmetic surgeon of a new husband to pack up and leave with him ASAP. Meanwhile, all hell breaks loose. Highways crumble, Yosemite becomes a volcano, and as limo driver Cusack drives, he has near miss after near miss until California starts to fall into the sea. Jackson hires a plane and rushes his estranged family to the airport. While aviation-pilot trainee Gordon (Peet's second husband) reluctantly flies the Cessna plane, the runway starts to crumble. Cusack and family end up on a bigger plane owned by a wealthy Russian, and they end up flying abroad to where the destruction isn't as bad. Meanwhile, the President (played by Danny "Lethal Weapon" Glover) gives up his seat on one of several futuristic arks. Only so many people can be saved, and many (or most) of them are wealthy or politically powerful. Although the earth's crust has shifted, there are many survivors. This is one of those movies whose special effects come before the story. This won't likely win any acting awards, other than its special effects; but it held my interest for nearly three hours. It was like a roller coaster, with the various character's stories, and then how they react to what seems like the apocalypse.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "A Serious Man"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "A Serious Man"

Actors: Fyvish "Picket Fences" Finkel, Adam "Sons of Anarchy Arkin, Richard "Bob Newhart Show" Kind, etc. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen ("No Country For Old Men")

At the beginning of the movie, set about a hundred years ago, some Russian Jews invite a bearded old man into their home who may or may not be a "dybyk" (a demon from Jewish folklore). The husband treats him as a guest, but the suspicious wife, suspecting the old man is a "dybyk", stabs him in the chest. The old man just laughs, and as blood starts to flow he wanders off into a blizzard.

Immediately after this occurs, the film cuts to the late '60s. A teenage slacker listens to Jefferson Airplane on a portable radio while he is supposed to be preparing for his Bar Mitzvah in Hebrew class. All he seems to care about is getting high on pot, watching "F Troop", and avoiding a Hebrew class bully he owes money to who may be his cannabis dealer.

The boy's father, Larry Gopnik, is a Jewish physics professor at a small university who all kinds of bad things are happening to. Someone is writing anonymous notes badmouthing him to the tenure board. His jobless ne'er-do-well brother (Richard Kind) moves in and is under suspicion by the police. His wife leaves him for a widower and wants a Jewish-approved divorce and he moves into a motel with his no good brother. His daughter may be stealing money from him to save for plastic surgery, a non-Jewish neighbor bothers him, and a female neighbor entices him by sunbathing in the nude. When things start to improve, some further bad news comes, courtesy of his doctor. This movie is a semi-autobiographical film about a Jewish man and his family. Perhaps as a non-Jew I didn't understand it as much as I would have liked to. I think it may have been about a potentially unjust, uncaring or absent God, or maybe I just read that into it.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Men Who Stare At Goats"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Men Who Stare At Goats"

Characters/Actors: Ewan McGregor, Lyn Cassady (George Clooney), Bill Djambo (Jeff Bridges), Kevin Spacey, etc.

After his wife leaves him, a distraught reporter travels to the Middle East around 2006 to seek out a man who turns out to be a "psychic soldier". This reporter gets the story of a lifetime when Lyn Cassady (George Clooney) tells him about self-proclaimed real-life Jedi Knights who can supposedly walk through walls, disarm the enemy without weapons with only mind power, and who are trained to kill goats just by staring at them, among other things. Cassady tells the journalist about a soldier in Vietnam who while in combat has a spiritual awakening and becomes a hippie who implements ideas for "psychic soldiers of peace rather than war". Clooney and the other members of the "New Earth Army" are a hoot as they scrunch up their eyes to subdue the enemy, kill goats, drive blindfolded, and practice by getting clouds to disappear. Like MASH with psychics instead of doctors.

"Saw VI" (Rated R for graphic violence, torture, and depictions of death) Actor(s): Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), Costas "Picket Fences" Mandylor, etc.

Believe it or not, there is a genre of movies that are so violent and sadistic that it is called "torture porn". The two "Hostel" movies and all of the "Saw" series are in this category. In the latest "Saw" movie, master torturer Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) is long dead, but his work is far from done by his protege', (Costas Mandylor) a detective investigating the murders. At the end of "Saw V" his identity was revealed. In "Saw VI" the authorities are on the verge of discovering who is continuing Jigsaw's work with ingenious torture devices. In one of the opening scenes, two people compete to cut off the most flesh, and the 'winner' resorts to sawing off her own arm to escape a deadly fate. In this film, all of those being tortured are insurance people who think nothing of denying coverage to seriously ill or dying people. The tortured people have decisions to make to stay alive. They can either live or die, but in order to live someone else has to die (usually in excruciatingly painful ways). Not for the squeamish, or for those with a full stomach.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Astro Boy"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Astro Boy"

"Astro Boy" is an animated science-fiction film with the voice talents of Nicolas Cage, Charlize Theron, Kristin "Veronica Mars" Bell, Bill Nighy, Nathan Lane, etc.

In the near future, we rely on robots for almost everything. Also, the surface of the earth is basically in shambles, but Metro City is a sprawling metropolis in the sky. A brilliant scientist named Dr. Tenma (Nicolas Cage) allows his precociously intelligent son to be present when the power-mad President of Metro City places unstable, negative "Red Matter" in a robot for military purposes; and tragedy results. After his son Toby dies, Tenma spends every waking moment constructing a robotic replica of his child. The robot is powered with positive "Blue Matter", plus it has his son's consciousness and good heart. The malevolent President Stone (Bill Nighy) hopes to start a war with the surface of the earth, so he will be reelected. It seems Stone will go to any length to stay in power. After the disaster with the "Red Matter", Stone wants to use the "Blue Matter" for nefarious purposes, so he wants the boy robot destroyed. Instead, the robot-boy escapes to the surface and gets the name "Astro Boy". Astro Boy ends up saving everyone from the malevolent Stone's madness. A movie that both kids and adults can enjoy.

Poetry: "A Killer Has Died" A Work in Progress

Poetry: "A Killer Has Died" A Work in Progress

A killer has died.

I won't give his name

For what he has done

He deserveth no fame

Some of his victims he killed with a pin

Soaked in some poisons and mingled with gin.

Some he killed with a rusty blade

As he laughed out loud as their lives would fade

Others he slew with a makeshift gun

He pulled back the hammer as they started to run

Even sisters in habits who he killed just for fun... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Waging War" A Work in Progress

Poetry: "Waging War" A Work in Progress

Waging War and War Wages

Blood on the Battlefield

Casualties are many

The enemy refuses to yield.

Waging War and War Wages

A taut bow stretches back

Arrows start to hit their mark

A lethal wound starts flowing black

Death turns the battleground quite dark

Waging War and War Wages

A poor vet steps on a mine

As his mangled legs won't let him flee

All he can do is whine.

Waging War and War Wages

Bullets strike a guy in his chest

And his body goes cold

as he dies on the side of a road

Waging War and War Wages

In Iraq an IED [Improvised Explosive Device] creates a deadly blast

It killed thirty some-odd people

Whose lives weren't meant to last... (to be cont'd?)

Waging War and War Wages

Roads are covered in Gore

Blood and violence are in history's pages

Battles ought to be shown the door... (to be cont'd?)

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Law Abiding Citizen"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Law Abiding Citizen" Rated R

Character(s)/ Actor(s): Clyde Shelton (Gerard "300" Shelton), Jamie "Ray" Fox, etc.

After a brutal home invasion, Clyde Shelton's wife and young daughter are murdered by two thugs. Thanks to a plea bargain, the guy who really killed Shelton's family gets off practically scot-free. Ten years later, seemingly mild-mannered Shelton goes on an over the top vigilante killing spree, crossing over into terrorism. Even in maximum security prison and in solitary confinement, the police and the government are powerless to stop Shelton from killing whomever he pleases. Shockingly violent at times. If you enjoyed movies like "Death Wish" with Charles Bronson, you might enjoy this as well. If you are squeamish, you won't like this movie.

Sci-Fi Bri's Television Picks

Sci-Fi Bri's Television Picks:

"Occupation" (2009) (On BBC America)

In this two-part, four hour miniseries, three British soldiers recently stationed in Iraq have a tough time adjusting to civilian life. They all return to Iraq. One returns to pursue love. Another returns to pursue greed, and the third returns out of guilt. This miniseries depicts the war in Iraq, terrorism and the 'private military contractors' who profit from the war. A really excellent show. One minor complaint was that the British accent was hard to decipher, even with subtitles.

"Community" Thursdays on NBC

I'm not a big fan of situation comedies, but I try to never miss this one about a bunch of misfits who attend a community college. The main character is a smarmy former lawyer whose law license was pulled when the college degree he once earned somewhere south of the border was invalidated. He's pretty much going through the motions at this community college. However, when he meets a very attractive fellow student named Britta he pretends to be an expert in Spanish and starts a study group with the intent of sleeping with her. Instead, he sort of befriends the other members of the study group. I can't recall the actor's name, but one member of the cast is former Saturday Night Live player Chevy Chase. The ex-lawyer is always scheming to get with Britta and to pass his classes with as little effort as possible. Very funny.

"The Forgotten" (ABC)

Christian Slater plays a former cop whose child went missing who leads a group who help find missing people, especially children. Very similar to the program "Without A Trace".

"Mercy" (NBC) A former Iraqi war vet is now head nurse at Mercy Hospital. She constantly butts heads with an arrogant doctor, and another doctor she once had an affair with in Iraq begins working at her hospital. She's married but is still attracted to her former paramour. Very similar to "Hawthorne" on TNT network.

"Flash Forward" (ABC) Just about everyone on earth passes out for two and a half minutes and most have visions of what will happen exactly six months later. Some people try to evade that fate, but others welcome it. Very similar to "Lost". Every week you get a little more information of what happened in that two and a half minutes, but not everything. I really like this kind of show, but you have to give it your undivided attention or you'll probably be lost.

"The Vampire Diaries" A many centuries old vampire becomes a high school student and begins dating a beautiful young fellow student. Very similar to the movie "Twilight", but the story was written before the "Twilight books came out. Incidentally, "Community", "Flash Forward" and "The Vampire Diaries" are all scheduled at the same time, so prepare to deploy your DVR machine, if you have one.

"Modern Family" (ABC) A lame sitcom with an aging Ed O'Neill (the former Al Bundy from "Married With Children") as an older man married to a stunning Latina with a step-child he can't relate to, a gay couple who decide to adopt a child, and overprotective parents who are all friends. I only watched one episode, and it didn't present a good first impression. If I watch it again it will likely be in reruns.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Zombieland"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Zombieland" Rated R for violence, profanity, and nudity

Characters/Actors: Columbus (Jessie Eisenberg), Tallahassee (Woody "Cheers" Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone), Abigail "Little Miss Sunshine" Breslin Directed by: Ruben Fleishcher

Tongue in cheek horror about a zombie- infested America in which the four or so remaining humans end up traveling together and kill as many flesh-eating zombies as they possibly can. More funny than scary. Columbus, a twenty-something hypochondriac with irritable bowel syndrome is hilarious as an unlikely survivor in a post-apocalyptic world with his meticulous rules for survival. Tallahassee, a cowboy on the lookout for the last Hostess Twinkies on the planet, is just the opposite. His one area of expertise is "killing zombies" in all kinds of ingenious ways. Columbus and Tallahassee meet and end up traveling together, even though Columbus gets on Tallahassee's nerves. In their travels, they meet a pair of devious girls, who scam them several times. Eventually, they all team up as perhaps the last four living people in America, if not the world. There is a surprise cameo in the film which I won't give away. This was one of the funnier movies I have seen this year.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Surrogates" ,etc.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Surrogates" , "Paranormal Activities" and "Whip It"

"Surrogates" Characters/Actors: Greer (Bruce Willis), the Prophet (Ving Rhames), Radha "Melinda and Melinda" etc. Mitchell, James Cromwell, etc.

In the not-too-distant future, people mostly stay home and live vicariously through their robotic "avatars" or surrogates by way of Virtual Reality. Robotic police 'avatars' Greer (Bruce Willis) and Mitchell's character investigate the murder of someone related to the inventor of the surrogates. Meanwhile, "Dreads" or a group of people who despise the surrogates and live in their own separatist enclave, initiate violent acts against any perceived surrogate. After awhile, the real Greer lethargically ventures out of his house to himself investigate and feels quite disoriented. It also seems that everyone with a surrogate takes antidepressants. Someone or many people plot to end the surrogate system. I really enjoyed this film, especially since you couldn't really tell the difference between real people and their avatar surrogates.

"Paranormal Activities" Actors: Katie (Katie Featherston), Micah (Micah Sloat)

Ultra-low budget film mostly about a young couple and the unknown presence that seems to haunt one of them. Micah and Katie are "engaged to be engaged" and have recently moved in together in a nice house in San Diego, California. Katie believes she has been "haunted" since she was a little girl, and she attributes a house she once lived in that burned down to the haunting. Her boyfriend Micah sets up fancy video equipment to record what, if anything is going on. At first, not much happens, but as time goes by the 'presence' manifests itself more and more. It moves and does something else (I don't want to give it away) to a Ouija Board, and it eventually drags Katie out of her bed. You might think that the couple could flee from the 'presance', but think again. Soon after failing to hire an exorcist or similar supernatural expert, the movie comes to a shocking end. The scares are few, but effective. Like a combination of the "Blair Witch Project" and "The Exorcist".

"Whip It" Directed by: Drew Barrymore Characters/Actors: Bliss aka 'Babe Ruthless ( Ellen "Juno" Page), Drew "E.T." Barrymore, 'Hot Tub' Johnny Rockets (Jimmy "SNL" Fallon), Marcia Gaye Harding, Daniel "Home Alone " Stern, Juliette Lewis, etc.

In actress Drew Barrymore's directorial debut, a semi-rebellious beauty pageant contestant goes to a roller derby contest, tries out for the league, and though she is under the minimum age, she makes the team and secretly sneaks out to play between high school classes and her miserable part time job. At first she can barely skate, but after awhile she gets her hapless team into the championship against their arrogant, undefeated rivals. Naturally, her parents oppose her new hobby. It is obvious that the women in this movie had a lot of fun as Roller Derby queens. Not exactly original, but fun to watch.

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 6 of 6

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 6 of 6

If Virtual Reality became perfected over time, I'm sure that a sizable segment of the population might say: "Screw reality! I think I'll remain in Virtual Reality." As for myself, if I had the choice between a world filled with disappointment and mediocrity, or a world of unlimited fulfillment of all or most of my wants, needs and desires; I think I would choose VR.

VR may end up being about the closest to Utopia or paradise that anyone could ever experience. There may be some drawbacks to being there too long, though. For instance, if someone was born and raised in Virtual Reality, or if they spent too much of their life there; once actual reality faces this person(s) again, they may be unwilling or unable to cope with the constant disappointment and broken dreams which all-too-often are associated with the real world. Also, if two or more people, especially those with opposite outlooks on life, become trapped in the same VR habitat together, then even Virtual Reality might become a nearly unbearable hell on earth. One way or the other, Virtual Reality is what the real world should be but isn't: an Anarchist's Disneyland.

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 5 of Several

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 5 of Several

My VR experience would be like "Westworld" without Yul Brynner. Virtual Reality is the intermediate step between passive experiences like TV, movies or live theater (at least for the audience), and the active pursuit of life, or reality.

Virtual Reality could be positively used to perhaps, for instance, to overcome shyness, with simulated conversations or social situations; or any number of other simulated rehearsals for real-life situations, only in a virtual environment.

It would not surprise me at all if criminals someday may use VR to prepare for real-life crimes. Likewise, it wouldn't surprise me if perverts or pornographers eventually use Virtual Reality in conjunction with 976 Numbers, or to offer all the decadence, debauchery, vice, and voyeurism than anyone can stand, and then some. Speaking of sleaziness, I'm sure the military or the CIA will soon use VR for their own evil purposes. (to be cont'd)

[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and was later part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 4 of Several

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 4 of Several

In my VR world, I could make certain people who have wronged me die 10,000 deaths, each one a little slower and more painful than the one before. I could also, at my whim, take the image of any professor or teacher who ever gave me a failing grade, or of anyone who ever gave me a lousy job recommendation, and eviscerate them; without causing any actual harm or breaking any rules or laws.

Other than that, I might be inclined to devise a Virtual world, pristine and untainted by mankind or religion. As a future ad for Virtual Reality might say: " It's getting awfully radiant in here, especially with the pantheon of South Seas Island James Bond girls I have programmed into my VR simulation. You can do the same... "

As I'm sure you've figured out by now, the Real World is very limited in feasible possibilities, but Virtual Reality is a simulated world which has almost unlimited possibilities. Its only limitations are: imagination, fear, or personal inhibitions. (to be cont'd)

The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University in the early '90s and later was part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 3 of Several

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 3 of Several

In Virtual Reality, a simulated world you yourself create, you can program a world where you never again, for instance; need experience rejection or resistance. You could also simulate doing just about whatever you like, without ever needing to experience guilt, shame, embarrassment or regrets. Virtual Reality is also a world without rules. You decide when and if anything will happen. You say what goes, and for once you are literally your own boss. Virtual Reality is a world where no artificial, man-made concepts exists to impede your success or fulfillment,such as: laws, propriety, etiquette, sin, or social graces, unless of course you want them to. For example, in VR you could slay or torture a simulated image of whoever wronged you, without breaking any laws or actually harming anyone. You could safely by pushing the envelope in any direction you choose. (to be cont'd)

[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and later was part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 2 of Several

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 2 of Several

Wrecked dreams are hard enough to bear when you have no ambition or talent(s) to make up for one's shortcomings, but when you have talent(s), versatility, ambition and perseverance, what can be worse that when even your slightest hopes remain unfulfilled?

Not too long ago, a new way to cope with the fact that our so-called 'perfect' Creator (if he exists), or the Fate(s) deprived us of an ideal, semi-perfect world had been invented. It is called Virtual Reality. You can soon conceivably experience all of the pleasure(s), but none of the pain, disappointment, BS, or hypocrisy all-too-often associated with reality and life itself. In Virtual Reality or VR, all good or evil, right or wrong, risque thoughts, and realizable, possible, improbable, or even improbable dreams, fantasies or pipe dreams can all become simulated as coming true. (to be cont'd)

[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and later as part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 1 of Several

Essay: "Virtual Reality" Part 1 of Several

Life is arguably a Mexican standoff between what you want, what you need (or think you need), and what you get. Unfortunately, what you get always prevails, especially when you do not get what you want or what you believe you need. Few people get everything they need, and even fewer get everything that they want. Hence, there is a 50% divorce rate, a high rate of depression among both genders, and at least 60% of us are strongly dissatisfied with our job or career (if we are lucky enough to have one in this terrible economy).

Most people become resigned to the mediocrity that is their life. If they experience enough pain, disappointment and heartbreak, even the most confident and optimistic of individuals could let their zest for life slip away; and thus perhaps perpetuate a lifetime of adversity and discontent. Some people certainly bring their own disappointments upon themselves, but injustice is so widespread in this world that at least as many folks are impeded from success or happiness by a variety of external factors. (i.e. other people, bad luck, or fate). (to be cont'd)

[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and later appeared in my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Capitalism: A Love Story", etc.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Capitalism: A Love Story", etc.

Rabble-rousing documentary director Michael Moore takes aim at American greed and capitalism. The movie opens with a depiction of ancient Rome and cuts to contemporary America; strongly implying that our society could fall just like Rome once did. This movie made me pretty angry. Not angry at Moore, but at a society which allows the ultra-rich to prosper, while most of the rest of us get screwed. For instance, a lot of people shone in this film were undergoing foreclosure; many through no fault of their own. Lots of people are out of work. struggling to get by, and perhaps one health scare away from bankruptcy. The wealthy and their Congressional enablers are fiddling while our economy burns. Perhaps the most aggravating part of the film was when a certain judge sent juveniles to a private detention facility so he could get kickbacks for doing so. I admit, I agree with at least 90% of Moore's sentiment, but the people who really need to hear his message will likely refuse to see it.

Conservatives tend to dislike or despise Michael Moore, but they ought to take what he says to heart.

"Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs" in 3-D

Based on a children's book. Eccentric, young inventor Flint Lockwood devises some disastrous inventions, like a "rat-bird" and a television that literally walks away, and he is also quite socially awkward. One day, he comes up with a device which causes just about any kind of food to rain from the sky. In spite of his eccentricity, he eventually attracts a weather girl who was once a "nerd" herself. Due to the greed of another character the machine goes haywire and nearly destroys their town. In the end, Lockwood discovers the weather girl likes him as much as he likes her, he finds out his mostly silent dad is proud of him, and the townspeople actually respect him. Featuring the voice talents of: Anna Faris, James Caan, Neil Patrick Harris ("Doogie Hauser"), Mr. T and others. I mostly saw this because it was in 3-D, but it was quite amusing.

Poetry: "It's Time For Dread"

Poetry: "It's Time For Dread"

It's time for dread.

Our Constitution has been shred.

The American Dream has long been dead.

Better dream when you go to bed,

Ere you can no longer afford your daily bread...

Poetry: "Turnng 42"

Poetry: "Turning 42"

As I turned forty I was quite portly

But I lost the weight and I'm feeling great.

Forty-one I had some fun

And tried to do everything under the sun.

I'm now forty-two and not feeling blue.

I'm starting to age, but the next year is just another page.

Some things I've done I really rue.

I'm getting old but it's nowhere near the time to fold.

How the next 364 days will go I haven't a clue.

Hopefully my time is due...

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Pandorum", etc.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Pandorum", etc.

"Pandorum" The last vestiges of humanity aboard the spaceship Elyseum, many who have just awoken from cryogenic sleep, must contend with an outerspace psychosis called 'Pandorum' and dangerous, fast-moving, flesh-eating cannibals who have infested the ship. Science-fiction and horror fans will love this movie, but others may not. The special effects were excellent and the space vampires were truly scary. The movie starred Dennis Quaid and several other semi-familiar actors.

"Food Inc." Fascinating documentary about where the food we eat comes from. It focuses on factory farming, to grain, to "Genetically Modified Organisms" or "GMOs". It was especially interesting how many products are derived from corn, some of which are non-food. It was scary how, according to the movie, corn-fed livestock may harbor harmful bacteria; which has caused many illnesses and some deaths. Well worth seeing.

"9" An animated movie for adults with the voice talents of Elijah Wood ("Lord of the Rings"), Martin Landau, Crispin Glover ("Back to the Future"), Christopher Plummer, Jennifer Connelly, etc. A cartoon in which the human race is annihilated by man-made machines and in our place are man-made burlap machines with human qualities, who are hunted by these evil war machines. Some of the evil, killing machines resemble machines from "The Matrix" and the walking spaceships from "Star Wars" and "The War of the Worlds" movie, and of course "The Terminator". Not very original, but is visually intriguing.

"Knowing" (2008?) (On home video)

In 1959 at a Lexington, Massachusetts elementary school a time capsule is buried underground. While most other students draw pictures as part of the capsule one odd little girl writes a sequence of numbers on a sheet of paper and when the teacher takes the paper from her she runs off and uses her fingernails on a door to continue, until her hands are all bloody. Fifty years later, Caleb Kessler, a young boy, gets ahold of this paper when the time capsule is unearthed. Caleb's father, played by Nicolas Cage, is a recent widower and M.I.T. professor. He is shown in class discussing "determinism" vs. randomness in the universe. When Cage's character glances at the paper with numbers he inputs the numbers into his computer and comes to the conclusion that the numerals seem to prophecy many of the major dates, casualties and possibly locations of many disasters over the last fifty years. Professor Kessler (Cage) comes to believe that the little girl even predicted the end of the world. Meanwhile, strange men start following Kessler and his son and the daughter and granddaughter of the little girl from fifty years before. Suspenseful, interesting and with dazzling special effects.

Sci-Fi Bri's Books: "Skulduggery Pleasant"

Sci-Fi Bri's Books: "Skulduggery Pleasant" by Derek Landy

Deceased horror writer Gordon Edgley bequeaths his estate to his favorite niece, twelve year old Stephanie Edgley. It turns out Gordan's stories were based on fact, and he may have been murdered. Soon after staying alone at the estate, which she will gain ownership of at the age of eighteen; Stephanie is saved from certain death by a strange individual named Skulduggery Pleasant. Skulduggery is not actually alive. He was a "mage" or sorceror while alive, but now he is a skeleton who is also a detective of the supernatural variety. Stephanie is bored with her ordinary existence, and when Pleasant comes into her life she isn't afraid of him or his strangeness. She insists on going on adventures with him in spite of the possible danger of dangerous trolls, evil "mages" [sorcerors], so-called "Hollow Men", vampires, etc. and a deadly magical weapon called "the Scepter of the Ancients." She goes through all this peril to find out how her dear uncle died and out of boredom. This is a children's book perhaps aimed at Harry Potter fans, but is just as enjoyable a read for adults. By the way, this book is one of several in a series of "Skulduggery Pleasant" books, and I plan to read every book in the series ASAP.

Poetry: "I Barged Right In"

Poetry: "I Barged Right In"

I knocked on the door

But nobody heard

So I barged right in

Like a raptor bird

When I saw their sin

I was at a loss for words

In such a situation you cannot win.

Poetry: "Addiction and Subtraction"

Poetry: "Addiction and Subtraction"

Addiction and Subtraction

Your money's been spent

You might have to steal just to cover your rent.

Addiction and Subtraction

Your money's all gone

The grass you use doesn't grow in your lawn.

Addiction and Subtraction

Your money's been spent

And you have very little idea where it all went.

Addiction and Subtraction

Your money's all gone

You don't much care that what your doing is wrong... (to be cont'd?)

Essay: "900 Numbers", Part 4 of 4

Essay: "900 Numbers", Part 4 of 4

Especially puzzling to me is why certain people call those so-called party lines. First of all, the people on the other end may be actors trained to keep you talking. Second of all, there are at least six billion people in the world. If you really want to talk to someone, there is bound to be a real person around, locally or not too far away, to talk to or get to know.

Finally, even if the people on the other end of a party line are just there to talk and not actors, rather than to just make money off your loneliness, why take the chance of perhaps meeting a Jeffrey Dahmer, an ax murderer or murderess, a fatal attraction type, a criminal, swindler, rapist, or other undesirable dreg(s) of humanity?

[Note: the original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in 1992 and was later part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "900 Numbers", Part 3 of Several

Essay: "900 Numbers", Part 3 of Several

Any 900 number contest is automatically suspect of being a sham, since most contests don't require a purchase. ("No purchase necessary."). Before you call an astrology line, go to the library and read the horoscope in the newspaper for free. Even buying a book about astrology or going to a psychic in person would likely be cheaper than repeatedly calling a 900 number.

If you call a confession line, why not confess your secrets to a close friend, a shrink, a clergyman, or anonymously blog about it on the internet? Or why not keep it to yourself and save your money? Instead of calling an advice line, read someone like "Dear Abby" and perhaps write in, or go to someone who knows what you need to know, perhaps for free; or at least for legitimate advice. (to be cont'd).

[Note: The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and was later part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "900 Numbers" Part 2 of Several

Essay: "900 Numbers", Part 2 of Several

Calling a 900 Number costs at least one dollar per minute, and very few callers can resist talking for a minute or less. As a matter of fact, in many cases, the people on the other end (for instance, on the party lines) are actors or actresses specially trained to keep people who call in talking for as long as possible. Naturally, any phone line which costs an astronomical amount per minute or for conversation is bound to attract crooks, con artists, and all around sleazy groups and individuals.

It wouldn't surprise me if all the sleazy and potentially sleazy groups and individuals get in on the action. I could imagine people and/or groups such as the CIA, indicted or convicted members of the Reagan administration, unindicted members of the Dubya Bush administration, tv evangelists, organized crime and religion, and many others all establishing nine hundred number lines to exploit the public. (to be cont'd)

[Note: The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and was later part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "900 Numbers"

Essay: "900 #s"

Never mind the perverts and the lonely hearts who call those party lines and sleazy phone sex lines; at least for now.

Nine hundred numbers- They're made for exploitation, for many folks across the nation.

In the last decade or more, what started out as an underground industry has been made almost mainstream from many people's points of view.

During the nineteen eighties, underage kids routinely got through to the sleazy adult phone lines. In the last decade or so, 900 #s have proliferated like a virus. There are contest lines, astrological and psychic lines, confession lines, advice lines, and you name it, there is probably a 900 line for it. (to be cont'd)

[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in August of 1992 and was later part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Poetry: "A Meteorological Poem"

Poetry: "A Meteorological Poem"

It's eighty in Haiti.

It's forty in Spain.

And if in Seattle expect lots of rain.

It's twenty in Juneau. [Capital of Alaska]

It's fifty in France.

And in Hawaii, it's too hot for long pants...

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Julie and Julia"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Julie and Julia" Directed by Norah Ephron Starring Amy Adams as Julie Powell, Meryl Streep as Julia Child, Stanley Tucci as Julia Child's husband, etc.

Based on two autobiographical books, one about Julia Child and the other about Julia Child aficionado Julie Powell. Basically, the premise of the movie is: A frustrated writer who works full time handling telephone gripes for the government decides to blow off steam by "making 521 Julia Child recipes" over the course of a year and to blog about it. This actually happened and opened doors for the writer which might not otherwise have been opened. Eventually she cooks one of Ms. Child's famous recipes for Julia's onetime cookbook editor. The movie cuts between Julia Child learning French cooking in France and the cooking blogger. Both parts of the movie were good. Perhaps either story could have been a movie on its own. Ms. Child's struggle to learn French cooking and to get her cookbook published was intriguing and Streep's depiction of her was spot on, but I enjoyed Amy Adams even more as the frazzled Julie Powell risking her diet, her sanity, her job, and her marriage with her devotion to this recipe-making project. Besides, Amy Adams is, in my opinion, a naturally likable actress. Part drama and part comedy, this move to me was well worth seeing, whether on the big screen or home video.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "The Hurt Locker"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "The Hurt Locker"

Directed by: Kathryn Bigelow Actors: Jeremy Renner, Guy ("Memento") Pearce, David Morse, Ralph Fiennes, Evangeline ("Lost") Lilly, etc.

Based on a true story. Portrayal of the U.S. army's bomb squad in Iraq, constantly under danger from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which it their job to defuse; from insurgents bullets, and sometimes with their own recklessness. After a fellow bomb squad member loses his life to an IED, his replacement, SGT. Wm. James (Jeremy Renner) is either very brave or extremely reckless. he seems to have a death-wish, but he thrives in his specialty in the Iraqi desert. Unfortunately, the chances he takes put the other soldiers in his unit at risk. In fact, a lower ranked soldier is even seeing a military psychologist over his fear of possibly dying in the war. Very tense, the movie allows the audience to feel how the soldiers feel who must defuse explosives on a daily basis; putting themselves at risk to save the lives of Americans and Iraqis alike. The movie depicts the 38 days before their tour of duty is over.

Subvsersive Poetry: "Spay or Neuter Your Kid"

Subversive Poetry: "Spay or Neuter Your Kid"

Spay or Neuter your kid!

Put their vasectomy or hysterectomy out to bid

Be prepared to pay several quid

For overpopulation is something we have to be rid.

Spay or neuter your child

Ere he or she starts running wild

With other people beguiled

He or she will bear stacks of others like tiles... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "A Beetle Crawled..."

Poetry: "A Beetle Crawled..."

A beetle crawled across my floor

It came so uninvited

I crushed it with my shodden shoe

I hope I don't get cited... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Dead End Job" A Work in Progress

Poetry: "Dead End Job" A Work in Progress

The pay is low.

Even worse is Respect.

It seems my future has been wrecked.

With a Dead-End Job, what do you expect?... (to be cont'd?)

"Second-Hand Smoke" A Work in Progress

Acrid smoke wafts in the air.

About my lungs, smoke fiends don't care.

In the end they'll pay the fare. [Get lung cancer or emphysema, etc.]

But extinguish their smokes, I wouldn't dare... (to be cont'd?)

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Ponyo" and "Paul Blart: Mall Cop"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Ponyo" and "Paul Blart: Mall Cop"

"Ponyo": (Rated G) Animated With voice talents of Cate Blanchette, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson, and Betty White

In this Japanese anime film, a five year old boy finds a magical goldfish stuck in a glass jar and he names her Ponyo and takes her home as a pet. Ponyo wants nothing more than to become human. Despite her god-like father's (Liam Neeson) disapproval, as long as the boy loves her unconditionally, she will live the rest of her life as a human being. Although geared toward children,I enjoyed this movie with its hand-drawn animation, except that Ponyo has a very annoying voice.

"Paul Blart: Mall Cop" (Rated PG-13) On Home Video Characters/Actors: Paul Blart (Kevin ["Hitch"] James), Amy (Jayma Mays), etc.

From former "SNL" comedian Adam Sandler's Happy Madison Productions comes this semi-hilarious knockoff of "Die Hard". On the day after Thanksgiving, known as "Black Friday" to retailers, an overweight rent-a-cop foils the plans of armed mostly skateboard-

wielding thieves. Mall security guard Paul Blart recently failed the physical component of entrance to the police academy and he outwits the gang of menacing thieves without a gun and his only weapon is his Segway Scooter. In a subplot, single father Blart ineptly attempts to romance a pretty fellow mall employee. Somewhat silly, but I enjoyed it anyway.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Final Destination" in 3-D

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Final Destination" in 3-D

In the original "Final Destination" film, Devon Sawa has a vision or premonition just before he and some friends are about to board a plane for a school trip. A moment after failing to board the airplane, the jet explodes, killing the rest of his classmates and many teachers who were unfortunate enough to be aboard the airliner. Very soon after enduring the trauma of watching all of their classmates die right before their eyes, the survivors start dying one by one in strange ways. At the end, actress Ali Larter ("Heroes") is the sole survivor, only to be killed off in the sequel. All the movies in the "Final Destination" franchise have pretty much the same formula: To wit, a tragedy occurs to several mostly young people. The survivors just missed tragically dying themselves. And, when those who endured start dying one by one some or all of them come to suspect that they can't cheat death. In other words, if they narrowly escaped death they are bound to meet their demise very soon afterwards.

The second "Final Destination" movie took place at an amusement park when a rollercoaster kills a bunch of riders. The third "Final Destination" Film takes place on a subway where a train kills a lot of riders. In the latest: "Final Destination" in 3-D, at the McKinley Raceway, a young college-aged man has a vision of a serious crash of a stock car crash which ends up killing fifty-two some-odd spectators. The young man flips out and his actions result in a number of people being saved. But, as in all "Final Destination" films, the survivors soon start dying off one at a time. In this movie, you see debris from the crash and blood and body parts in 3-d. I jumped at least once. If you enjoyed "Saw" or the other "Final Destination" movies you will likely also enjoy this one, especially if you see the movie in three dimensions. Be aware, there is nudity, profanity and a sex scene. Also, when people die they die in the worst ways imaginable.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "Inglourious Basterds"

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies

"Inglourious Basterds": Dir. Quentin Tarentino Characters/Actors: Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt), SS Col. Hans Landa (Christoph Waltz), Shosana (Melanie Laurent), Diane Kruger, etc.

Rated R for profanity and graphic violence

In Nazi-occupied France, a Jewish girl named Shosana hiding under the floorboards at a farmhouse barely survives after a ruthless SS officer (Christoph Waltz) has her whole family slaughtered. Under a new identity, as a movie theater owner, the Jewish girl plots her revenge.

Elsewhere in Europe, a untit of mostly Jewish-American soldiers, under the command of U.S. Lieutenant Aldo Raine parachutes into enemy territory nearby to torture, kill, and scalp as many Nazi soldiers as possible. In more recent parlance, they are waging pre-emptive war or committing war crimes, depending on your point of view. Those few German soldiers whose lives they spare have their foreheads carved with a swastika.

Lt. Raine's men are nicknamed the "Inglourious Basterds" by a very worried German high command, including a paranoid and supersitious Adolf Hitler, but SS officer Hans Landa may foil the 'Basterds' plans to create as much Nazi-killing mayhem as humanly possible. As in most Quentin Tarentino movies, the dialogue is the best part of the film, but be forewarned: a lot of the movie is in German, French, or Italian, with English subtitles; which can be a little hard to keep up with at times. Also, the violence is graphic and sometimes over the top, with at least one head bashed in with a baseball bat and many dead Nazis shown being scalped. Not as good as "Pulp Fiction" or the "Kill Bill" movies, but better than a lot of movies by more mainstream directors. The "Inglourious Basterds" act as if the Ends always Justify the means, just like the Nazis and the George W. Bush administration did after 9/11 occurred.

"Adam" (2009) (Independent Film) Character(s)/Actor(s): Adam Riki (?) (Hugh Dancy), Beth ( Rose Byrne), Peter Galagher, Amy Irving, etc.

A school teacher and children's book author inexplicably has a relationship with a young man with Asperger's Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. Adam is a very sweet and intelligent man, but due to his autism he has a difficult time with socializing and he has an extremely difficult time with a romantic relationship. I normally hate chick flicks and romantic comedies, but this movie was quite unique and worth seeing. However, it would be just as good on Redbox or Netflix or Cable when it eventually arrives there.

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies: "500 Days of Summer"

Characters: Summer (Zooey "Yes Man" Deschanel), Tom (Joseph "Third Rock From the Sun" Gordan-Leavit), etc.

An idealistic lovelorn man temporarily attains his seemingly unattainable dream girl at the greeting card company where he works, but eventually Cupid's arrow is for unrequited love for the one he comes to believe is his "soulmate". Tom (Joseph Gordan-Leavit) is an architectural school graduate who settles for a job as a greeting card writer. He isn't particularly happy there, until the lovely and effervescent Summer (Zo(o)ey Deschanel) comes into his life. She tells him up front that she a: isn't looking for a boyfriend and b: she doesn't believe in love, but he pursues her nevertheless. They become good friends and basically have, as young people say these days a "friends with benefits" relationship. Around the time their relationship might progress to the next level she inexplicably moves away and he is so devastated and hurt that his job performance suffers. As a rule I hate so-called "romantic comedies", but I consider this an anti-romantic comedy mostly from the male point of view. In a non-linear fashion, the movie shows random moments of the ups and downs of their relationship, like the shuffling of a deck of cards. He comes to think she's his soulmate, but like the season itself, summer is bound to end and he must move on to another season and be open to the possibility of finding someone else. Well worth seeing, especially with someone of the opposite sex.

Poetry: "Clutter" A Work in Progress

Poetry: "Clutter" A Work in Progress

[Note: I'm somewhat of a slob, but I'm not this bad.]

A pile of papers

A mountain of mail

If they graded housekeeping

I'd certainly fail.

Clutter, clutter, everywhere

And not much room to move

To clean things much, much better

For me, it would behoove... (to be cont'd)

Poetry: "Origami" A work in progress

Poetry: "Origami" A Work in Progress

What if Origami came to life?

With unfolded wings it did take flight

Could you kill it with a knife?

Or sic it on your unfaithful wife?... (to be cont'd)

Poetry: "Dorothy Parker At The Movies", etc.

Poetry: "Dorothy Parker At The Movies", etc.

Popcorn's too pricey.

Drinks make me pee.

Candy oft falls down

Or gets all over me...

"A Not-So Pristine World" [A work in progress]

The world was once pristine.

Now it is a sewer.

It really ain't too clean

And the animals are fewer

Plus some pollution is also caused by a well-known famous brewer... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Exquisite Female Entity"

Poetry: "Exquisite Female Entity"

Exquisite Female Entity

Will you go in a tent with me

We could go on a shopping spree

For camping gear for you and me

Exquisite Female Entity

Will you give your key to me?

Love is thus the plea from me

For winning the hand of she or thee.

Exquisite Female Entity

Please don't ever flee from me

I could ski with she or thee

Or with her drink some lemon tea.

Exquisite Female Entity

Will you run away with me?

Imagine what might be for we

If I got down on a knee for thee... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "The Malevolent Militia"

Poetry: "The Malevolent Militia"

The Malevolent Militia

Took over a town

They quickly turned things upside-down.

The Malevolent Militia

Took over a village

They victimized the people and looted and pillaged.

The Malevolent Militia

Took over the county

For any insurgents they had a high bounty.

The Malevolent Militia

Took over a city,

On those living there they had no pity.

The Malevolent Militia

Took over the state

Those that they killed had a horrible fate.

The Malevolent Militia

Took over the nation

Denying too many their valuable rations.

The Malevolent Militia

Took over the world

Into mass graves many corpses were hurled... (to be cont'd?)

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies

Sci-Fi Bri's Movies [Note: I'm contemplating starting another blog devoted to movies, mostly science-fiction and horror.]

"District 9": In this movie about twenty years ago, an alien ship from outer space appears over Johannesburg, South Africa. Before long, millions of the giant, shrimp-like aliens, derogatorily referred to as "Prawns" are herded into a tent city slum and are forbidden to roam among humans. People of all kinds hate them, feel comtempt for them, and sometimes even kill them for little or no reason. Superstitious people even eat their body parts in hopes of gaining their "power". Ironically, the Prawns have advanced weaponry, but they opt not to use it on their human oppressors. Also, these weapons can only be wielded by the aliens.

Wikus Van de Merwe (Sharlto Copley) is in charge of evicting the Prawns from their tent city, and corral them into a guarded refugee camp. Somehow, while attempting to evict the Prawns a mishap occurs and one character undergoes a transformation, kind of like Gregor Samsa in Franz Kafka's novella "Metamorphosis". Once the powers that be discover the transformation, the military and government plot to dissect and kill him for biotech and military weapon purposes. The mutated character manages to escape and reluctantly helps some of the Prawns in order to survive. This movie is an allegory of apartheid, racism, militarism, and man's inhumanity to others. The first half of the movie was slow-paced, but after the transformation the movie has action aplenty. I rather liked this movie. Also, Peter Jackson, director of "The Lord of the Rings" series directed this film.

"G-Force" in 3-D A kid's movie about anthropomorphic, talking guinea pigs, a mole, and a housefly who are secretly spies, who just may save humanity from an evil plot. There were some funny moments, but the movie would appeal more to very young kids;not so much adults. Save your money and wait until it's on video or television.

Poetry: "Hit By A Train"

Poetry: "Hit By A Train"

A guy from Maine

Who walked with a cane

Was very careless and

Got hit by a train

Tracks were splattered with parts of his brain

Witnesses saw it from way down the lane

I couldn't imagine his level of pain

While blood and guts seeped out like the rain... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "I'd Rather Be Asleep Than Go To A Wake"

Poetry: "I'd Rather Be Asleep Than Go To A Wake"

[Note: A distant aunt-in-law or step-aunt recently passed away and I'm very ambivalent about travelling the long distance for the wake and funeral. In fact, I might not go at all.]

I'd rather be asleep than go to a wake

If I missed a closed casket my heart wouldn't break

Nor deal with people who's smiles are so fake

Who you'd otherwise tell to go jump in a lake... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "The Hottest Day of the Year"

Poetry: "The Hottest Day of the Year"

Its the hottest day of the year

But not too hot to celebrate with cold beer

Sweating profusely like a river of tears

I'm not sure whether to mourn or to cheer

Melanoma is something to fear

Make sure you have suntan lotion gear

Scantily dressed ladies are about to appear. (to be cont'd)

Poetry: "The Spider's Website"

Poetry: "The Spider's Website"

A spider had a website

Hoping to catch a few flies

Instead, the arachnid

Lured quite a few bored and lonely guys... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Nickeled and Dimed"

Poetry: "Nickeled and Dimed", etc.

Nickeled and Dimed

Banking fees ought to be a crime

Greedy bankers come out of the slime

And take your hard-earned money

While you toil in the grime

I bet they think its funny

Nickeled and Dimed

Banking fees ought to be a crime

Greedy bankers come out of the slime

And take your hard-earned cash

Bank profits rise

While our economy and stock market crash

With the passage of time... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry Fragment: "The way you think"

The way you think

Is like a tattoo drawn with indelible ink

Like Zambonis on a melting ink

Like rank garbage thrown down a sanitized sink... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry "The Bees Are Dying"

Poetry: "The Bees Are Dying"

They say the bees are dyin'

And we don't know why

There may soon be few fruits or veggies

So no more berry pies... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Killing People Overseas"

Political Poetry: "Killing People Overseas"

Killing people overseas

With weapons of mass destruction

Bringing despots to their knees

Via the media's instructions

Make sure you have your keys

For there is overpopulation

Air pollution in the breeze

Is ruining every nation... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Smoking Will Kill You"

Poetry: "Smoking Will Kill You"

Smoking will kill you

You might as well stop

You'll likely get winded by pushing a mop

Smoking will kill you

You might as well quit

Puffing won't benefit you

One bleeping bit... (to be cont'd?)

Essay: The Demise of Boston Radio's WBCN FM

Essay: The Demise of Boston Radio Station WBCN FM

After forty-one years Boston's progressive rock station WBCN FM went off the air forever on or around midnight on Wednesday August 12 at midnight. In its place was the new Mix 104.1, formerly Mix 98.5. A few DJs from WBCN, Toucher and Rich and a few to be named later moved to the new All Sports station at 98.5 FM.

WBCN had forty-one years of history, but it was no forgotten relic. In the beginning, in the late sixties, Peter Wolf was a DJ before he hit it big with the J. Geils band. Chalres Laquidara was a DJ for decades. The station frequently had on-air celebrities and live music. It also had the guts to play local musicians on the air. A Battle of the Bands called the WBCN Rumble became an annual tradition. In the seventies and eighties the station was a hard rock station, but some time in the nineties the station changed its format to so-called Alternative Rock. That made it appealing to young people and college students, but it may have turned off older listeners.

In the late eighties or early nineties WBCN aired the Howard Stern show, a raunchy comedy/talk show with very little music, with the shock jock known for pulling racy stunts and R-rated content on air, which likely turned off more potential listeners.. After Stern moved to satellite, BCN aired those other notorious shock jocks Opie and Anthony, whose mean-spirited comedy bits and stunts also likely turned off a lot of listeners. Not too long ago, BCN had some success with DJs Toucher and Rich, but they played little or no music and talked on and on about such inconsequential people as this insignificant guy Adolfo, a slob who probably lived with his parents. Anyway, I'm sure these guys turned off potential listeners who tuned in to hear music.

The consolidation of media by such giants as Clear Channel and Greater Media may also have hastened BCN's demise on free radio. Fortunately, the station is still available on WBCN.com and on high definition radio. Unfortunately, a receiver for high-def radio can run into hundreds of dollars, but I understand that a portable receiver may be available for under sixty dollars at certain stores. I hope that new sports station crashes and burns. I hope no other stations on free radio that I enjoy listening to will fade to black anytime soon.

Poetry: "Sheep Happens"

Poetry: "Sheep Happens"

Sheep happens when you join a frat.

And you'll wear a silly hat

When girls stop by to drink a keg

You'll see much more than their two legs... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Ratgut Whiskey"

Poetry: "Ratgut Whiskey" A work in progress

[Note: I'm neither homeless nor a drinker]

Ratgut whiskey burns my throat

While I wear a tattered coat

Looking for a place to sleep

In a world with problems deep

I beg for alms just to survive

I suppose I'm lucky I'm still alive

Living here without a home

Like a nomad I do roam... (to be cont'd)

Sci-Fi Bri's Summer Movies

Sci-Fi Bri's Summer Movies

I am a big movie buff, particularly in the horror and science-fiction genre's. I haven't seen as many movies as I have in the past, but I'd say I see an average of at least one hundred movies a year (not including cable and DVDs). The following movies are, for the most part well worth seeing.

Best horror movie I have seen since May or earlier:

"Drag Me To Hell" starring Christina Lohman as a pretty young junior loan officer who has a Gypsy curse put on her after denying the wrong person a loan extension. This movie directed by Sam Raimi of the "Spider Man" franchise and "Evil Dead" trilogy fame. It had excellent suspense and special effects and it was also quite funny at times. It may be on home video by now.

Best kids movie I have seen this year: "Up" in 3-D

The newest animated Pixar film features Ed Asner as a crotchety retired balloon salesman who opts to attach thousands of balloons to his house and fly south rather than to go to an old-age home. He reluctantly takes along a stowaway, an enthusiastic but lonely Boy Scout.

Good and Some not-so-good Science Fiction.

J.J. Abram's "Star Trek"

The creator of such television hits as "Heroes", "Lost", "Fringe", and "Alias", among others, presents a big-screen reimagining of Gene Roddenbury's "Star Trek". In this one, a mix of familiar and not-so-familiar faces are up against a Romulan menace from the future who is in possession of a weapon which can quickly destroy entire planets. Just like in the original, cocky, young Starfleet cadet James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) bends the rules to beat an unbeatable test and after being snuck on board the starship U.S.S. Enterprise by a doctor friend (Bones McCoy[Karl Urban]) Kirk soon becomes captain. At first, Kirk and a not-so-in emotional control Commander Spock (Zacchary Quinto of "Heroes" fame) do not get along, but eventually they learn to respect and even like each other. Simon Pegg ( "Sean of the Dead") as a young Montgomery Scott ("Scotty") is underused and is mostly presented for comic relief. Zoe Saldana was also excellent as linguist Uhura, and you would never guess who she is involved with. Winona Ryder also has a cameo as Mr. Spock's ill-fated human mom. The crew from the original series, played by younger and different actors (except Leonard Nimoy as an older Spock from the future) help Kirk defeat the vengeful and ruthless Romulan (an unrecognizable Eric Bana of "Troy" and "The Incredible Hulk" fame). I'm a big fan of the "Star Trek " franchise and I had a ball at the IMax showing, but I can imagine most non-fans can have a good time as well. Hopefully, this cast will make many successful sequels. Star Trek, as Mr. Spock often says: may it "Live long and prosper."

"Terminator: Salvation": I can't recall who directed this sequel to the original "Terminator", the fourth movie in the series. In this one, John Connor is played by Christian Bale ("Batman Begins", "American Psycho", "The Machinist", etc.) His character is important, but not as important as you'd expect him to be. Also, Arnold Schwarzennegger has only a very short cameo, because it arguably wouldn't be "The Terminator" without him. I am a big fan of the "Sarah Connor Chronicles" though.

The short review of "Terminator: Salvation": In 2003, Death Row inmate Marcus Wright agrees to donate his body to science. Fifteen years later, "Judgment Day" has happened. After scientists at Cyberdine Industries create the Skynet computer, the machine becomes "Self-aware" and with an army of robots it strives to destroy the vestiges of mankind following a nuclear war. An adult John Connor leads the "resistance" of man against the machines. Fifteen years after supposedly being executed, Marcus Wright wakes up in the future unaware that he is now part cybernetic organism (cyborg). The big question is is he a good guy or is he malevolent? Helena Bonham Carter was also good as a terminally ill scientist who somehow becomes Skynet. Overall I liked this movie, but it was nowhere as good as the first three movies in the series by director James Cameron.

"Transformers II" In this summer blockbuster the Transformers robots who can transform into cars, trucks and household appliances come back to earth to combat the evil Decepticons, who are intent on destroying the human race. Shia Laboef's character goes off to college without the Transformers or his hot girlfriend, played by Megan Fox. While away at school, Shia's character has what he calls a "meltdown" in class and he starts writing strange hieroglyphs. This movie was ok, but it had more action than its nearly nonexistent plot. There was one scene I didn't see coming involving a girl who may be much more than what she seems.

Fantasy: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"

In this sequel in the Harry Potter franchise Harry and his classmates must not only contend with the evil Voldemort and his henchmen at Hogwarts, but the raging teenage hormones which Harry, Ron Weasely, Hermione and many other of his cohorts feel. I really enjoyed this film and perhaps I'll gain a new perspective on it when I see it again in IMax 3-D.

Best independent film I've seen lately:

"Sunshine Cleaners" Amy Adams plays a maid having an unfulfilling life and an affair with a cop played by Steve Zahn (?) After she loses her job and her troubled young son needs tuition at a private school she finds out from the cop that cleaning up after violent crimes and suicides is a very lucrative business. With her semi-irresponsible sister she goes into business cleaning crime scenes. Amy Adams was great in this movie.

Poetry: "Bernie Madoff"

Poetry: "Bernie Madoff"

He made off with our savings

And left us off with nil

He lived a life of luxury

And made us pay the bill

He lost the people billions

Before he had his fill

Now that he's gone to prison

He'll need a different set of skills

He showed few pangs of conscience for the rotten things he did

I hope his victims get back all the money that he hid...

Poetry: "Wal-Mart"

Poetry: "Wal-Mart"

They built a wall at Wal-Mart

To keep the people in

And the only place to bed-down

Was their Bargain Bin.

The way Wal-Mart does their business

They keep all wages down

Big-Box stores will always be

A blight on any town...

Poetry: "Fees"

Poetry: "Fees" A work in progress

With malicious glee

They charge a fee

And pass it on to you and me

You cannot flee

No loophole key

Or get off free

For government won't let us be.

To pay their bills

You know the drill

More taxes, fees and fines,

While big shot contributors like to wine and dine.

It seems to do us little good to do much more than whine

The best we can do is vote pols out of office

Even then, most pols like to scoff at us... (to be cont'd?)

Untitled Work in Progress:

There's no use bawlin'

If the floor is crawlin'

With insect pests

Who never rest

If your place is a sty

An infestation might never die

So neaten up or at least try... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Tabloid Papers"

Poetry: "Tabloid Papers"

Tabloid Papers

Full of Lies

UFOs and Alibis

Tabloid Papers

Worth a Dime

That people buy them is a crime

Celeb moments are not news

but real current events give some the blues.

The rich and famous

become the news

For tabloid papers

Don't have a clue

Endless war

Political coup(s)

A stolen election

We don't get to view

But the death of the famous

Or a celeb fight

Can keep a tabloid

On the shelf for many a night.

Innuendo and rumor

Truth over lie

While mainstream papers go bankrupt

The tabloids still thrive... (to be cont'd?)

Poetry: "Drool"

Poetry: "Drool"

I hate when I drool.

It makes me feel like a fool.

And look so uncool.

Like a ravenous ghoul

Thrashing about in a salivary pool

Using just moisture for fuel...

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 10

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 10 of 10

[Cont'd from Part 9]

You could also write letters to newspapers, movie studios, the music industry, the FCC, Congress, etc., letting them know in no uncertain terms that they best not support censorship in any way, shape, or form, or risk losing their jobs or your business or approval.

Judging by their actions, the claim by self-appointed moralists that they are "morally superior" to just about everyone else is a total crock. For instance, many Bible-thumping tv evangelists have been found to engage in all kinds of debauch behavior, as well as being shameless scammers and absolutely devoid of sincerity.

Back in the day, Savings and Loan slimeball William Keating, who screwed the American taxpayers out of two billion dollars (an obscene amount), was also an anti-porn crusader. During the sixties, the late 'morally superior' senator Jesse Helms was a tv commentator denouncing the Civil Rights movement. As a Senator, he similarly supported South Africa's past system of Apartheid. And this guy wanted to decide what was moral for the rest of us? Many tv evangelists live the high life by scamming and lying to their naive and gullible followers. At the same time, they claim to be epitomes of morality.

Lastly, for anyone who would prefer to be treated like a child; and would like the government, the Church, or small-time moralists or morality groups to impose censorship or morality on non-believers, I have just one more thing to say: Long-Live Decadence, Debauchery, Vice, and Voyeurism!

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 9

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 9 of Several

Whether a financial siege works or not, vote against any politician who advocates censorship in any way, shape, or form; or form, join, or support any anti-censorship group, such as People For The American Way or Students Against Censorship.

Boycott any advertiser, merchant or corporation who support or give-in to the demands of moralists or morality groups. For instance, not too long ago, Phillip Morris products should have been boycotted because that corporation had given campaign contributions to pro-censorship, anti-everything politicians like the late Jesse Helms. Burger King should be boycotted for giving-in to the demands of Focus On The Family, or a similar irksome morality group; which demanded that Burger King should stop advertising on tv programs which the morality group considered offensive. There are many other examples of executive cowardice in giving-in to the demands of morality groups. If those of us who are against censorship boycott companies which give-in to the extortion of morality groups who advocate censorship and the curtailing of freedom of action and choice; then in the future executives would think twice before being used as instruments for narrow-minded moralists and morality groups to impose their extreme views on the rest of us. (to be cont'd)

[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and later as part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 8

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 8 of Several

[ Note: After a tough fortnight of a missing and then alive and recovered sibling I return to The Censorship Series after a brief respite.]

If, after a financial siege, censors still will not back-off, messing with their tax-exempt status may do the trick. If enough people demanded that the tax-exempt status of morality groups and/or churches who use underhanded tactics or violate the Separation of Church and State be revoked, then such groups and organizations could be in serious tax trouble. If that doesn't work, we should demand that the Justice Department investigate self-appointed moralists and/or morality groups for any violations of the law. Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) suits should be filed against any morality group which breaks laws or bends rules in order to try to impose their alleged morality on the rest of us without our expressed written permission. (to be cont'd)

[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and later as part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

A Missing Sibling Part 3: Sibling Is Found

"A Missing Sibling" Part 3: My Sibling Is Found!

Fifteen days ago, on July 1st, my younger brother went missing. It seemed the longer he was gone the less likely he would be found at all or found alive and in one piece. As I practically started to accept (after several melancholy days of spontaneous tears and fears) that he might never turn up or even turn up alive, my brother Kevin left a message on my machine last night at 9:30 p.m. that he was at the Pine Street Inn; a well-known homeless shelter in Boston. Unless something unforeseen happens (like A-holes who beat up homeless people for kicks) my brother Kevin should be home and back to his regular life after a brief hospitalization. I'm not at all a religious person, but I feel genuine gratitude for those who prayed for his safe return and the police and others who worked so hard to try to locate him.

A Missing Sibling Part 2

A Missing Sibling, Part 2

On or around July 1, 2009 my younger brother Kevin Wm. Mich disappeared from the Norwood, Massachusetts area. It has now been twelve days since he was last seen. His date of birth is June 20, 1970. He just turned 39 less than a month ago. He is 5 foot 9, about 200 ponds, is right-handed, has brown eyes, and wears glasses when he reads or drives. Kevin seems to have vanished into thin air. He left behind his car, his keys, his wallet, his money, his license, and most, if not all of his belongings. Kevin also has a tattoo of an angel on one arm and a grim reaper on the other arm.

In the late '80s or early '90s Kevin joined the army and was a Specialist in Operation Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia or thereabouts. After discharge from the regular army, Kevin joined the National Guard and stayed about seven years or so.

After leaving the army Kevin ended up in the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, even though he probably could have lived with my parents. After awhile, Kevin showed signs of mental illness and was told to either seek help or leave. Kevin chose to leave and lived on the streets for awhile. While 'sick' he once jumped in either the Charles River or Boston Harbor. He probably could have drowned, but he was rescued. Eventually, he was hospitalized for a number of years and diagnosed a schizophrenic until he was put on the powerful psych. drug clozaril. He eventually turned his life around except for the occasional temporary relapse setback. As far as I can tell, he seemed happy and happy-go-lucky up until the time he disappeared without a trace.

Kevin was granted power of attorney once my mother was sent to a nursing home, he neglected to pay a $100 traffic ticket, he was about to lose his license and therefore his ability to get to his copy editing job in Needham. He lost or was about to lose his MassHealth coverage due to forgetfulness or neglect (didn't send paperwork in time). He was totally neglecting his duties on behalf of my mother. We were both hemorrhaging money to fix up my mother's house so it could be sold, and there were likely other pressures on him which would be hard to take for nearly anyone.

On Day 2 Kevin's girlfriend reported him missing to the Norwood Police. On Day 4 his disappearance was the talk of a surprise party/cookout. On Day 5 or so the police searched my brother's apartment building and soon afterward my mother's house. By Day 7 I was crying practically at the drop of a hat. I had to take a personal day off from work. I still cry off and on, but I will try to remain optimistic that he will be found safe, sound and alive. I have the highest gratitude and regard for the hard work by the Norwood Police dept., especially Detective Paul Ryan and Officer Murphy to try to locate my brother. (to be cont'd)

I just posted a recent photograph of Kevin. I couldn't figure out how to get it right-side up, but if you have seen the man in the photograph since July 1st please call the Norwood Police at 781-762-1212

[Note: My missing brother was found alive and well on July 14, 2009.]

A Missing Sibling, Part 1

Poetry: "Kevin"

[Note: I am taking a temporary break from the Censorship Series due to a more pressing matter.]

Kevin is missing.

Where did he go?

All that is certain is nobody knows.

He ain't around to sleep in his bed.

One thing I hope is I hope he's not dead.

Kevin is missing, I don't know where.

I'd like all to know I certainly care.

Kevin is gone without a trace,

As if he has vanished right into space.

He's not in a river. He's not in the sea.

He's not struck by lightning beside an old tree

Kevin Mich, I hope he will live.

He's got so much more of life to give.

July is tough (it's) when my father died, Kevin's gone, It's too damned hot (and)

When mosquitoes will fly.

Kevin, I hope you are found;

Even if you turn out to be way out of town.

Brother Kevin, I hope you're OK.

I hope you'll endure 'til you're real old and grey.

The world still turns and life goes on;

It's hard to take that Kevin's gone. (to be cont'd with story and hopefully pictures)

[Note: My brother was found alive around July 14, 2009]

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 7

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 7 of Several

       It must be pointed out that many self-appointed moralists and morality groups are as devious as Mario Puzo's fictional Corleone family. Unlike the Corleones though, non-profit morality groups and churches can never make you an offer you cannot refuse. You see, non-profit organizations rely on donations to remain financially afloat. If enough people cut off donations (a financial siege) morality groups and/or even churches can theoretically become crippled, paralyzed, immobilized, and best of all, powerless. If such a ploy doesn't work, a number of other tactics can be used to prevent would-be censors from wreaking havoc on freedom and the Constitution. (to be cont'd)

 [The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and later as part of my unpublished manuscript  "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 6

Essay:  "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 6 of Several

       Most Americans are against censorship. We do not like to be told what to do, but not enough of us care to do anything about the problem of censorship. The biggest trick is to get approximately 220 million complacent Americans off their collective asses and do something about censorship;before some of the freedoms we all tend to take for granted become lost, perhaps forever. I have devised a number of ways to essentially say "Up Yours!" to so-called moralists and censors.  (to be cont'd) 

  [The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and later as part of my unpublished manuscript  "In Mediocrity We Trust...In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 5

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship"  Part 5 of Several

       Freedom should prevail over censorship, because it must prevail. The war against censorship will largely be a battle of words and wills, but more extreme tactics may or may not be necessary. Fighting fire with fire by confrontation may deter many of these self-appointed moralists. After all, allowing censors and so-called  'Moral Majority' types even one small victory makes them bolder and even more arrogant; and that much more likely to try to destroy the freedoms which we all should cherish and vigilantly protect at all costs.  (to be cont'd)

  [The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and later as part of my unpublished manuscript  "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]

Essay: "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 4

Essay:  "The Never Ending Fight Vs. Censorship", Part 4 of Several

 

[Cont'd from Part 3]

       The American Family Association is so relentless that Playboy and Walenbooks filed a Racketeering and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) lawsuit to stop the harassment of this irksome self-appointed morality group. I'm hoping that the bastards really get what's coming to them.

       If so-called moralists will no back off in trying to impose censorship on the rest of us, they should no longer expect passive indifference. Instead, they should be prepared for an all-out, tooth and nail, no-holds-barred not so civil equivalent of a street fight. They should especially be aware of losing their non-profit tax privileges.  (to be cont'd)

 [The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper and later as part of my unpublished manuscript  "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]