I just have to say that The Inspector Lewis Series on Masterpiece Mystery is some of the best television there is. Too bad it's on PBS and, therefore, has a relatively small following compared to, say, The Mentalist or Law and Order SUV.
Why The Inspector Lewis series, set in Oxford, England, is vastly more compelling than the bucket-load of mysteries on American television is, well, a mystery to me. Oh, I know why I find it so - better writing, superior characters, lovely photography, considerably more depth, but the question is why can't American mystery dramas be more like the Inspector Lewis Masterpiece Mysteries on PBS?
Sad to say, I think we all know the answer to that question - the audience. But maybe television producers are selling the American viewers short. From what I see, even on Facebook and Twitter, the American audience is a bit sharper than television producers think. The overblown and predictable dramas on American television leave little to the imagination - the audience has little sense of participation. I wonder what would happen if Inspector Lewis and Sergeant Hathaway showed up on ABC?
On second thought, I guess it's best to leave Inspector Lewis on PBS. The commercials would destroy the dramatic flow.
There is a former PBS thriller coming to ABC network television. At least the pilot is being filmed. Known as Spooks in Britain the PBS series was known here (and loved on PBS) as MI-5. Oh, I'm starting to cringe just thinking of how the American version will devour the beauty of the original.
Now I believe more than ever that American paws should never get their claws into Inspector Lewis and Sergeant Hathaway. And there's no mystery why.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Johnny Depp as Dillinger: A Match Made in Movie Heaven
With an official theatrical release on July 1, 2009, the first reviews of Michael Mann's Public Enemies starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale have hit the internet.
Two thumbs and eight fingers are up for Depp as Dillinger and kudos are rolling in as well for director Michael Mann.
Here's a bit of the review buzz:
Rex Reed, film critic, Public Enemies review, National Observer
Slashfilm.com pre-screener reviews.
From Hollywood Reporter online review offered a middle of the road review written by critic who couldn't quite keep up with all the characters who roamed the depression-era robbery circuit. The review is enlightening, however, for the numerous viewer comments falling along the left column. Running 90% + positive.
From what I've read, you can bet I'll be in the audience over the Fourth. Rating for Public Enemies is R.
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Two thumbs and eight fingers are up for Depp as Dillinger and kudos are rolling in as well for director Michael Mann.
Here's a bit of the review buzz:
Rex Reed, film critic, Public Enemies review, National Observer
Slashfilm.com pre-screener reviews.
From Hollywood Reporter online review offered a middle of the road review written by critic who couldn't quite keep up with all the characters who roamed the depression-era robbery circuit. The review is enlightening, however, for the numerous viewer comments falling along the left column. Running 90% + positive.
From what I've read, you can bet I'll be in the audience over the Fourth. Rating for Public Enemies is R.
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Horrific! Indecent! President Obama Swims Without a Shirt!
Glad to see so many republicans concentrating on the stark horror of President Obama shirtless in a beach picture (much as JFK famously appeared on the cover of LIFE, I believe). See Jake Tapper's article at POLITICAL PUNCH, his ABC blog where you will find the new cover of the May, 2009 issue of The WASHINGTONIAN.
In reading the comments (playground snipes) following the article, I suspect the majority of comments were pounded out on defenseless keyboards by right wing Christians who are so terrified of life they shiver in their timbers over catching a chill on a sunny day. The outrage they express and the oh so personal venom spit at the president is different and more dangerous than the left's anger with George W. Bush. Bush ambled along unmarked until the Iraq invasion. With Obama-bashing, however, one sees the green-eyed monster thriving in the fertile ground of the insatiable right-wing hunger for approval. They appear to be against everything that isn't "them." Bitter, clinging to guns and religion. Ouch, did that ever hit home.
Please,fearful ones, instead of praying every day will be "the end of days," nut up to life here and now, show adult courage. Stifle the whimpering; go forth and rejoice in life. You might even wander down to the beach and, God forbid, take off your shirt!
I supposed Jake Tapper, who wrote the article about the shirtless President Obama, knows how to generate traffic which, no doubt, is a fine craftsman's tool. Still, I say, it's a shame ABC is fomenting another vacant story to stir up the end-timers who are sexually repressed beyond belief as it is.
I ask myself, why is 35% percent of an electorate, one that was thoroughly rejected in the last election, getting so much airplay? Why is the corporate media stirring the pot with every wedge issue it can find? Is the right truly determined to bring down this country? Is it true that corporate media has been co-opted by Republicans?
That would be enough for anyone to strip naked, put their hair on fire and pray for the end or days.
In reading the comments (playground snipes) following the article, I suspect the majority of comments were pounded out on defenseless keyboards by right wing Christians who are so terrified of life they shiver in their timbers over catching a chill on a sunny day. The outrage they express and the oh so personal venom spit at the president is different and more dangerous than the left's anger with George W. Bush. Bush ambled along unmarked until the Iraq invasion. With Obama-bashing, however, one sees the green-eyed monster thriving in the fertile ground of the insatiable right-wing hunger for approval. They appear to be against everything that isn't "them." Bitter, clinging to guns and religion. Ouch, did that ever hit home.
Please,fearful ones, instead of praying every day will be "the end of days," nut up to life here and now, show adult courage. Stifle the whimpering; go forth and rejoice in life. You might even wander down to the beach and, God forbid, take off your shirt!
I supposed Jake Tapper, who wrote the article about the shirtless President Obama, knows how to generate traffic which, no doubt, is a fine craftsman's tool. Still, I say, it's a shame ABC is fomenting another vacant story to stir up the end-timers who are sexually repressed beyond belief as it is.
I ask myself, why is 35% percent of an electorate, one that was thoroughly rejected in the last election, getting so much airplay? Why is the corporate media stirring the pot with every wedge issue it can find? Is the right truly determined to bring down this country? Is it true that corporate media has been co-opted by Republicans?
That would be enough for anyone to strip naked, put their hair on fire and pray for the end or days.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Crying Glenn Beck of FOX News a Dangerous Pied Piper
Glenn Beck of Fox News is one whacked out Pied Piper. Here is some fascinating analysis and here are some great clips I found on www.unattributable.com.
More often than not, a person flirting with insanity would have my sympathy and support. But when that person threatens to unleash millions of rats scurrying about the countryside carrying a plague of hate, fear and 9 mm Glocks, my sympathy ends in a hurry. Apparently so does Shepherd Smith's (clip two).
Glenn Beck supporters on the right will counter defensively that Barack Obama also has a Pied Piper quality; unlike Beck, however, Obama's mission is to send plague-carrying rats over a cliff. Glenn? He’s bent on feeding the vermin in hopes they eventually will burst, pop, and spew their vile disease on all of us.
That said, should Obama at any point mirror Beck by slobbering, gagging and crying a river of theatrical tears, then I say, plug your ears, run for the hills and avoid cliffs at all cost.
More often than not, a person flirting with insanity would have my sympathy and support. But when that person threatens to unleash millions of rats scurrying about the countryside carrying a plague of hate, fear and 9 mm Glocks, my sympathy ends in a hurry. Apparently so does Shepherd Smith's (clip two).
Glenn Beck supporters on the right will counter defensively that Barack Obama also has a Pied Piper quality; unlike Beck, however, Obama's mission is to send plague-carrying rats over a cliff. Glenn? He’s bent on feeding the vermin in hopes they eventually will burst, pop, and spew their vile disease on all of us.
That said, should Obama at any point mirror Beck by slobbering, gagging and crying a river of theatrical tears, then I say, plug your ears, run for the hills and avoid cliffs at all cost.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Able to Pay Back Much of TARP, Says Ken Lewis, Bank of America
In an extended on-air interview this morning on CNBC, Bank of America's Ken Lewis said that B of A is in a position to pay back a large portion of the TARP funds provided by the government and the taxpayers. Lewis went on to offer cautious, yet optimistic views on the state of the economic recovery while reminding listeners that painful job losses will be a lagging indicator of recovery.
For video of the interview with Ken Lewis, as well as written synopsis, the CNBC link is here.
For video of the interview with Ken Lewis, as well as written synopsis, the CNBC link is here.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
A Multi-Drug Wonder Pill to Fight Heart Disease?
It only makes sense that someone would come up with a combination pill to dramatically cut the risk of heart disease.
As the article points out, innovations like the polypill for the heart may be just what the doctor ordered as we take on the challenges of making health care affordable. Cost effective medicine and preventive care sounds like a sane prescription for all.
Go get 'em, polypill.
As the article points out, innovations like the polypill for the heart may be just what the doctor ordered as we take on the challenges of making health care affordable. Cost effective medicine and preventive care sounds like a sane prescription for all.
Go get 'em, polypill.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Capital One Raising Interest Rates. Are They in Trouble?
N.Stormy Milam Malone
As a content producer with Associated Content, at nearly 150,000 page views, I try to be responsible with my mini-bully pulpit. Today, however, I'm going to come out with guns blazing and aimed at Capital One. I thought in advance I might call Capital One and warn them of the impending verbal slaughter headed their way, but, nah, what the heck. I'll just let 'em have it.
Since the first of the year (2009) Capital One has graced me with 7 pretty tasty offers. 7 offers on one account in 2 months and 11 days. They really must love me over there because my rates held steady for years and my payments were always above minimum and always, always on time. And my credit report and FICO score are the envy of many. Yes, I have debt from a past life but always good credit and several years of steady pay down.
But what really sold me on Capital One as my go-to card was this stalwart blurb, printed over and over on all their materials to me.
HOW YOUR ACTIONS COULD AFFECT YOUR APR
"UNLIKE SOME COMPANIES, WE WON'T INCREASE YOUR APR SIMPLY BECAUSE:
YOU PAY LATE ONLY ONCE (Never happened, nada.)
YOU GO OVER YOUR CREDIT LINE (Like I'm that stupid.)
YOUR CREDIT RECORD CHANGES WITH ANOTHER LENDER (yeah, to the upside.)
After a decade of seeing the "we got your back" reassurance from Capital One, it eerily disappeared from it's customary box about a month ago, to be replaced by the following:
HOW YOUR ACTIONS COULD AFFECT YOUR APR
IF YOU, AT ANY TIME, PAY LATE TWICE IN 12 BILLING PERIODS, WE MAY INCREASE YOUR APR ON THIS OFFER
Two weeks later, here's what my trusted financial bed-fellow, Capital One has the balls to say:
Due to extraordinary changes in the economic environment, we're reviewing our existing credit card accounts (on the down-low, natch). Having considered these economic conditions (when I failed to run up my debt with those special offers), your accounts current purchase rate (13%)and the amount of time you've had this rate and account, we will be increasing your purchase rate.
The following will be effective, blah blah, after April 17, 2009: (Cut to the quick)17.99 percentage.
I know changes are coming down the pike with the predatory credit card policies, but it takes a lot of cheek to raise rates on people who are paying lots of taxes to bail out financial institutions.
In the spirit of fairness, my other credit cards have dropped rates.
My only conclusion - Capital One must be in real trouble. They've been flying under the radar, but I think they've just popped on the screen as a bogey.
Question - should you sell Capital One stock now? Taking language from my erstwhile financial parter, Capital One, I have this advice, which is my lame opinion and nothing more:
Due to extraordinary changes in the economic environment, I've reviewed Capital One's existing actions. I can only conclude that it is time to jump off their sinking ship with all the other respectable rats and SELL, SELL, SELL.
And if you're in tough economic times and have a choice to make, to pay either Capital One or American Express, I'd go with American Express and send that Capital One statement right through the shredder.
*-+`* And here is the rest of it.
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As a content producer with Associated Content, at nearly 150,000 page views, I try to be responsible with my mini-bully pulpit. Today, however, I'm going to come out with guns blazing and aimed at Capital One. I thought in advance I might call Capital One and warn them of the impending verbal slaughter headed their way, but, nah, what the heck. I'll just let 'em have it.
Since the first of the year (2009) Capital One has graced me with 7 pretty tasty offers. 7 offers on one account in 2 months and 11 days. They really must love me over there because my rates held steady for years and my payments were always above minimum and always, always on time. And my credit report and FICO score are the envy of many. Yes, I have debt from a past life but always good credit and several years of steady pay down.
But what really sold me on Capital One as my go-to card was this stalwart blurb, printed over and over on all their materials to me.
HOW YOUR ACTIONS COULD AFFECT YOUR APR
"UNLIKE SOME COMPANIES, WE WON'T INCREASE YOUR APR SIMPLY BECAUSE:
YOU PAY LATE ONLY ONCE (Never happened, nada.)
YOU GO OVER YOUR CREDIT LINE (Like I'm that stupid.)
YOUR CREDIT RECORD CHANGES WITH ANOTHER LENDER (yeah, to the upside.)
After a decade of seeing the "we got your back" reassurance from Capital One, it eerily disappeared from it's customary box about a month ago, to be replaced by the following:
HOW YOUR ACTIONS COULD AFFECT YOUR APR
IF YOU, AT ANY TIME, PAY LATE TWICE IN 12 BILLING PERIODS, WE MAY INCREASE YOUR APR ON THIS OFFER
Two weeks later, here's what my trusted financial bed-fellow, Capital One has the balls to say:
Due to extraordinary changes in the economic environment, we're reviewing our existing credit card accounts (on the down-low, natch). Having considered these economic conditions (when I failed to run up my debt with those special offers), your accounts current purchase rate (13%)and the amount of time you've had this rate and account, we will be increasing your purchase rate.
The following will be effective, blah blah, after April 17, 2009: (Cut to the quick)17.99 percentage.
I know changes are coming down the pike with the predatory credit card policies, but it takes a lot of cheek to raise rates on people who are paying lots of taxes to bail out financial institutions.
In the spirit of fairness, my other credit cards have dropped rates.
My only conclusion - Capital One must be in real trouble. They've been flying under the radar, but I think they've just popped on the screen as a bogey.
Question - should you sell Capital One stock now? Taking language from my erstwhile financial parter, Capital One, I have this advice, which is my lame opinion and nothing more:
Due to extraordinary changes in the economic environment, I've reviewed Capital One's existing actions. I can only conclude that it is time to jump off their sinking ship with all the other respectable rats and SELL, SELL, SELL.
And if you're in tough economic times and have a choice to make, to pay either Capital One or American Express, I'd go with American Express and send that Capital One statement right through the shredder.
*-+`* And here is the rest of it.
AuctionAds
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