Charlie in his cups

So shoot me

Law enforcement is not what it used to be.

Newsweek Newsflash

Newsweek hits the stands this week with the news that Lifestyle can cause cancer.

If you can handle that news, prepare yourself for something even more dire--Life causes Death.

There. It's out of the bag. If you dare to live, you are certain to die. Unfortunately, if you are reading this it is already to late. You can't escape it. You are going to die. Isn't that terrible? What could be more horrible than to know for sure that you are going to die? If you didn't know that already, you are free to blame me. I am the messenger. I always blame the messenger because without him all would be bliss.

Interestingly, I seem to be an exception to the death syndrome. I have been around for a long time already and show no signs of departure. Apparently, I will live forever. Okay, I can live with that. Though I know it will be sad to see so many friends and loved ones come and go.

Hollow victory

If there was ever a sports team in America that doesn't know how to respond to a big win it's the Boston Celtics. I watched their overwhelming victory over the L.A. Lakers but their post-game reactions and interviews left much to be desired. All the players and coach did was yak about themselves and how much they appreciated their teammates, the Celtic organization and the loyal Boston fans. Not one word to acknowledge that their victory was due to their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I guess they think they just did it all by themselves. Such ungrateful egotists. I know Jesus has a tear of dismay in his eye today.

And what happend to Disneyland, Paul Pierce? Who do you think made you MVP?

Praise the Lord, the NFL knows how to deal with winning.

Veeps in waiting

I am weary of this namby pamby so called liberalism of the Democratic Party. Universal Health Care is not liberalism or socialism it is simple common sense; as essential for the economic survival of America as Energy and all other public public service regulation.

If Obama is really for change then let's be sure to get away from the so called politics of moderation, which is just another name for conservative capitalism. The choice of a truly liberal running mate will prove his commitment to change is not just rhetoric. I am pretty parochial so the only candidates I can think of are in the Great State of California. Gavin Newsom, Barbara Boxer and, I'm embarrassed to say, based on past negativism, Jerry Brown.

If Barack picks a "complementary" moderate running mate, it can only be deemed a typical political sell out. Where is Ralph Nader when we need him. Let's face it, America in the year 2000 deserved George Bush. If only because the Democratic Party offered no better alternative than Al Gore. It was shit versus piss. And now, all you political mediocrities who voted for either one can wallow in your lost jobs, foreclosed homes and shattered investments.

See you at the gas pump, suckers.

Cinéma vérité or Cinéma Direct?

Frederick Wiseman would seem to not claim either category for his documentary films. Though his camera's eye seems as casual and indifferent as the fly on the wall, every set up and edit is a selection of his personal choice. Presented without a narrator's Voice Over, each film, nonetheless, is a clear narrative by Wiseman.

The films are all now available on his DVD releasing company: Zipporah Films. Though his first film, Titicut Follies was shown on PBS in 1967, neither the impact of Titicut Follies or the 30-some films that followed have been dimmed in any way by the passage of time. Unfortunately. The human foibles and folly are as relevant to our lives and social structure as ever.

I don't know what category of cinema to place Frederick Wiseman so I'll just place him at the top of the class of great documentary film makers.