No spoilers here. In this era of reboots A&E's "Bates Motel" was one of the better ones. It's the origin story of the "Psycho" killer Norman Bates as created by writers Carlton Cuse, Kerry Ehrin, and Anthony Cipriano. Now in it's 4th season, some pivotal characters had to go (sometimes tragically). Freddy Highmore has played Norman in such a way that you want to protect him as much as his troubled mother. Norma, Norman's mom is played by the lovely Vera Farmiga. Norma has significant emotional problems that become more and more disorienting for her.
Throughout the seasons Freddy Highmore's superior acting has engaged me in this drama, regardless of the side stories, used as fillers basically to complete a 45 minute episode. Most of the storylines seemed irrelevant to Norman Bates' development as a serial killer. Nestor Carbonell plays Sheriff Alex Romero, who looks more like the original "Psycho" film actor Anthony Perkins than Freddy Highmore. Maybe there is a reason why that has not yet been revealed, but this fact really threw me off in the first few seasons.
As for Norman's family tree, if you think you have family problems, you may rethink that after watching the complete season to date. As I said in the beginning of this review, this series "was" one of the better reboots. As of episode 10 their is no reason to continue the series because there seems to be no further redeeming value in Norman. No hope. I just can't root for Norman anymore knowing how the story will go from here, and ultimately end. Only my curiosity will allow me to see how the writers recover from the most dismal episode of the series.
Friday, May 20, 2016
The Agenda of Megyn Kelly of Fox News
Does Megyn Kelly want to be a reporter or an entertainer? She has latched on to Donald Trump to the point that the man probably feels harassed. Knowing that they are not on good terms, she walks into Donald Trump's office (to his and his staffs surprise) and somehow brokers her enemy #1 to appear on her first TV "Special". What was discussed in this meeting?
Megyn kept pitifully pursuing the issue of her being called names, or otherwise being disrespected by him and his supporters as though she would illicit some guilt from Donald. A total failed attempt. Mr. Trump said, to para-phrase, that he doesn't review, and then try to edit what he has said in the past when he was defending himself against attacks. But Megyn kept pressing, clearly fishing for a personal apology.
Megyn Kelly made a shameless promotion of her auto-biography featuring her interaction with Donald Trump during his campaign. Yes, that's what she said. Did Donald write the Forward? Was the book dedicated to him?
Does Megyn have a bombshell story about Donald for her book that he wants covered-up in return for his appearance? Or did Megyn negotiate some of the future earnings to her up coming book to Donald Trump, his campaign, or his charitable efforts? Crazier things have happened, like the two being civil now for example.
I must say to Megyn Kelly's credit that she is diligent and thorough at her profession. I think when she takes a stand she will not abandon it. She is dedicated and goal driven. I really respect that. But when a reporter becomes biased (positively, or negatively) toward their subject, they become entertainers. I respect some things about Donald Trump too. The problem is the things I don't respect about Donald Trump.
How can Megyn Kelly, a former lawyer, appear to be so sensitive to the point of using her media platform for retribution. How can Donald Trump, a billionaire, use his platform for childish bullying techniques. The answer is that they're human. Criticism is everyone's "Kryptonite". Megyn Kelly and Donald Trump are more alike than different.
Megyn kept pitifully pursuing the issue of her being called names, or otherwise being disrespected by him and his supporters as though she would illicit some guilt from Donald. A total failed attempt. Mr. Trump said, to para-phrase, that he doesn't review, and then try to edit what he has said in the past when he was defending himself against attacks. But Megyn kept pressing, clearly fishing for a personal apology.
Megyn Kelly made a shameless promotion of her auto-biography featuring her interaction with Donald Trump during his campaign. Yes, that's what she said. Did Donald write the Forward? Was the book dedicated to him?
Does Megyn have a bombshell story about Donald for her book that he wants covered-up in return for his appearance? Or did Megyn negotiate some of the future earnings to her up coming book to Donald Trump, his campaign, or his charitable efforts? Crazier things have happened, like the two being civil now for example.
I must say to Megyn Kelly's credit that she is diligent and thorough at her profession. I think when she takes a stand she will not abandon it. She is dedicated and goal driven. I really respect that. But when a reporter becomes biased (positively, or negatively) toward their subject, they become entertainers. I respect some things about Donald Trump too. The problem is the things I don't respect about Donald Trump.
How can Megyn Kelly, a former lawyer, appear to be so sensitive to the point of using her media platform for retribution. How can Donald Trump, a billionaire, use his platform for childish bullying techniques. The answer is that they're human. Criticism is everyone's "Kryptonite". Megyn Kelly and Donald Trump are more alike than different.
Monday, May 16, 2016
Netflix's "Daredevil" Season 2 Review.
I binge watched Netflix's whole 2nd season of Daredevil yesterday. Actors are magicians. Charlie Cox formerly of "Boardwalk Empire", plays Matt Murdock (completely no sign of an Irish accent in this roll) who patrols the streets of Hell's Kitchen, New York exclusively, (his territory) fighting crime. Without re-telling Daredevil's origin, Matt took on his alter-ego to avenge the murder of his father, a professional boxer. Not only does Matt have boxing skills, but has acquired training in various martial arts and is more of a Kick-boxer now.
Electra and the Punisher are introduced into this seasons plot. I actually liked Jennifer Garner's film version of Electra believe it or not. However, actress Elodie Yung's portrayal is totally different. Darker, unforgiving, and more appropriate casting. But just like the movie version, I still don't understand what the heck "Back Sky" is, or why "The Hand" wants it. Will I ever know?
Daredevil is trying to stop both Electra and The Punisher from killing bad people, failing several times an episode. Actor Jon Bernthal of "The Walking Dead" fame, plays The Punisher outstandingly. Although appearing too lean for the role, I forget that fact once he vocalized his rage like a Edgar Allen Poe. Nick Castle recalls his past as a war hero, and flawed but dedicated father and husband. But Nick's past is utterly gone now. Taken. All that remains is vengeance...The Punisher.
Vincent D'Onofrio, best known probably for his detective roll in "Law and Order- SVU" (although he's appeared in in dozens of films), plays Wilson Fisk, "The Kinpin". Absolutely perfect casting, and I would love to see him portray this roll in the movies. He would steal the show just like Jack Nicholson, and after him, Heath Ledger, played "The Joker" in their Batman films. In the episodes that Vincent D'Onofrio appeared in, he dominated the scenes.
Daredevil's second season was great. Good special effects, believable fighting techniques, and interesting storylines. Clearly, The Punisher will be spun-off into his own series soon because of the focus shown on the development of his storyline within Daredevil's 2nd season. But what does it say about Daredevil, the main character, if the villain (The Kingpin), the love interest (Electra), and the anti-hero (The Punisher) are all more interesting than him?
Electra and the Punisher are introduced into this seasons plot. I actually liked Jennifer Garner's film version of Electra believe it or not. However, actress Elodie Yung's portrayal is totally different. Darker, unforgiving, and more appropriate casting. But just like the movie version, I still don't understand what the heck "Back Sky" is, or why "The Hand" wants it. Will I ever know?
Daredevil is trying to stop both Electra and The Punisher from killing bad people, failing several times an episode. Actor Jon Bernthal of "The Walking Dead" fame, plays The Punisher outstandingly. Although appearing too lean for the role, I forget that fact once he vocalized his rage like a Edgar Allen Poe. Nick Castle recalls his past as a war hero, and flawed but dedicated father and husband. But Nick's past is utterly gone now. Taken. All that remains is vengeance...The Punisher.
Vincent D'Onofrio, best known probably for his detective roll in "Law and Order- SVU" (although he's appeared in in dozens of films), plays Wilson Fisk, "The Kinpin". Absolutely perfect casting, and I would love to see him portray this roll in the movies. He would steal the show just like Jack Nicholson, and after him, Heath Ledger, played "The Joker" in their Batman films. In the episodes that Vincent D'Onofrio appeared in, he dominated the scenes.
Daredevil's second season was great. Good special effects, believable fighting techniques, and interesting storylines. Clearly, The Punisher will be spun-off into his own series soon because of the focus shown on the development of his storyline within Daredevil's 2nd season. But what does it say about Daredevil, the main character, if the villain (The Kingpin), the love interest (Electra), and the anti-hero (The Punisher) are all more interesting than him?
Sunday, May 15, 2016
The Next President Will be The Best Liar.
There is no doubt that Hillary Clinton is "establishment", having worked in law and government most of her life. Ironically, she's worked as a lawyer for the Nixon administration, who was quite a liar himself. It's been written that she was to run for President before Bill (Clinton), but Hillary and Bill had planned just what they hoped would occur, but failed to do in 2008. Hillary is almost over the finish line this time around.
Getting women on paper money is an obvious endorsement from this Democratic administration that the next President could, and should be President. But why Hillary Clinton? She has lied to us about the Benghazi incident, and rose issues of impropriety with her emails. Hillary Clinton will not only have to be a great liar, but she'll need a lot of help to stay out of jail. A President can't be sued while in office. This is motivation in itself for Hillary.
Donald Trump, the "wheeler dealer", is fooling many into thinking he can run a government. Well, if one of his businesses fail, he can claim bankruptcy. But if the American economy fails, then what would he do. Could he lead a recovery like President Obama did?
There is no doubt that either candidate, if elected, will proceed to appoint the best talent for their administration. But the President gets to make the tough calls. The monumental, and even historical decisions.
Hillary Clinton already made a few foreign policy blunders, and few, (if any) foreign national leaders won't even speak to Trump. It's strange how Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be friendly with Trump. This is probably because he thinks a President Donald Trump will destroy America for him all on his own. Voting for President in this election is like choosing a form of execution. Hanging or a firing squad? Either way, there's no coming back.
Getting women on paper money is an obvious endorsement from this Democratic administration that the next President could, and should be President. But why Hillary Clinton? She has lied to us about the Benghazi incident, and rose issues of impropriety with her emails. Hillary Clinton will not only have to be a great liar, but she'll need a lot of help to stay out of jail. A President can't be sued while in office. This is motivation in itself for Hillary.
Donald Trump, the "wheeler dealer", is fooling many into thinking he can run a government. Well, if one of his businesses fail, he can claim bankruptcy. But if the American economy fails, then what would he do. Could he lead a recovery like President Obama did?
There is no doubt that either candidate, if elected, will proceed to appoint the best talent for their administration. But the President gets to make the tough calls. The monumental, and even historical decisions.
Hillary Clinton already made a few foreign policy blunders, and few, (if any) foreign national leaders won't even speak to Trump. It's strange how Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to be friendly with Trump. This is probably because he thinks a President Donald Trump will destroy America for him all on his own. Voting for President in this election is like choosing a form of execution. Hanging or a firing squad? Either way, there's no coming back.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Fire Trump GOP
Donald Trump faces some stereotypes being a "New Yorker", just how he stereotypes Mexicans (immigrants). Many New York residents are fighters, survivors, and resourceful, virtues that Trump is proud to claim. These same virtues many have immigrants have too. To "Make America Great Again" to Trump seems to mean keeping immigrants and minorities down, and allowing White people to ascend as it was before Segregation ended, or maybe, just before America elected it's first Back President.
Trump and his voters surely are concerned that Hispanics are the fastest growing minority in America now. Illegal immigration is a problem. "Sanctuary Cities" prevent law enforcement from doing their jobs and creates conflicts between agencies. Donald Trump chose to be a straight-talking New Yorker instead of a diplomatic American in explaining his platform on illegal immigration resolution. He manipulated the media through his salesmanship, connections, and intentional inflammatory comments.
Now, many foreign leaders reportedly don't even want Trump in their country. The Rolling Stones don't want Trump playing their music at his campaign events. And, the former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, said on CNN's "Smerconish" that he would endorse Hillary Clinton at the Democratic Convention if invited.
Donald Trump is a narcissist running to be King of America. I watched every Republican debate. "Must See TV" just like his NBC Apprentice, and Celebrity Apprentice shows. Donald Trump appeared immensely, and admirably charitable on those shows. But what do you give a billionaire who has everything? America.
Trump and his voters surely are concerned that Hispanics are the fastest growing minority in America now. Illegal immigration is a problem. "Sanctuary Cities" prevent law enforcement from doing their jobs and creates conflicts between agencies. Donald Trump chose to be a straight-talking New Yorker instead of a diplomatic American in explaining his platform on illegal immigration resolution. He manipulated the media through his salesmanship, connections, and intentional inflammatory comments.
Now, many foreign leaders reportedly don't even want Trump in their country. The Rolling Stones don't want Trump playing their music at his campaign events. And, the former President of Mexico, Vicente Fox, said on CNN's "Smerconish" that he would endorse Hillary Clinton at the Democratic Convention if invited.
Donald Trump is a narcissist running to be King of America. I watched every Republican debate. "Must See TV" just like his NBC Apprentice, and Celebrity Apprentice shows. Donald Trump appeared immensely, and admirably charitable on those shows. But what do you give a billionaire who has everything? America.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Are We Still Using The "N" Word?
I read in the New York Times ( April 16, 2016 ) that Georgetown University had sold 272 slaves to raise money to pay it's bills in 1838. The slaves had belonged to the most prominent Jesuit priests and were sold for funding to keep this top Catholic institution at the time open. Reparations to those slaves' descendants are actually being considered by the University. Mr. Richard J. Cellini, an alumni of Georgetown University, started this movement, with the help from other's affiliated with the University initially. Mr. Cellini is a White man.
Legend has it, (I saw it on ABC News) that an 11 year old girl from Massachusetts named, "Sofia" had suggested in a letter to President Obama, 2 years ago, that Harriet Tubman should be on paper currency. A great public relations move by the Federal Government in light of on-going racial struggles in Black communities. "Sofia" is White.
The majority of people involved with approving this decision, (who are undoubtedly White males) choose the $20 bill instead of the $10 bill because the $20 bill is the highest used form of U.S. currency. They didn't want another failure like the Susan B. Anthony $1 coin. A Black President, "Black" money, Confederate flags being removed, and acknowledgement of the evils of slavery would lead you to believe that many White people think very highly of the Black community now. Is the Harriet Tubman $20 a form of reparation?
In my opinion, the Black communities have tremendous political power and influence. During political election years like now, you can see how candidates try to tap into it. This fact motivates certain "reparations". Free colleges for example.
As long a human skin color differs between ethnicities, people will continue to discriminate against one another, whether it be blatant or anonymous. Even if the Earth's population was comprised of a homogeneous skin shade, certain peoples would still be discriminated against for other physical differences. This seems to be the nature of Mankind. This racist "survival gene" ( or genetic flaw ) seems to be in everyone to some extent.
Perpetuation of the use of the word "Nigga" in Black communities dismays me. Many other ethnicities are now empowered to use the term freely because Hip Hop culture has become globalized. I don't even pretend to know how this happened. But ironically, it's unreasonable to believe that a Hip Hop mogul for example, would teach any child of theirs say "Nigga", so why would we allow our youth to say it? The term "Nigger" has been re-engineered into the user friendly "Nigga" to the point that many young people, especially internationally, wouldn't even associate it with slavery, or racism. Was that the agenda? Is this what Black communities want?
The Wikipedia definition the word "Nigga" doesn't sound so bad actually. The problem is that it's a word at all. It's meaning is a lie regardless of any positive intent. The word "Nigger", as opposed to "Nigga", is also a word according to Wikipedia. "Nigger" was manufactured too, with it's origin being the Portuguese and Spanish word "Negro" that was derived from the Latin word "Niger". "Niger" simply means "black". Not "Black people", but the color "black". The Dutch, German, and English used the word "Neger" to mean "Black person", also derived from the Latin "Niger". It's possible a White slave owner owner mispronounced or misspelled either "Neger" or "Niger", and thus "Nigger" was created. This likely mistake spread amongst his peers, and obviously became widely used, popular, and accepted. Yes, "Nigga" can be an improvement on "Nigger", depending on how the target of that remark perceives it. But should a functional word have a positive and negative meaning at the same time? Can we just stop using the "N" word? Would you accept you child using it? Let's keep making progress.
Legend has it, (I saw it on ABC News) that an 11 year old girl from Massachusetts named, "Sofia" had suggested in a letter to President Obama, 2 years ago, that Harriet Tubman should be on paper currency. A great public relations move by the Federal Government in light of on-going racial struggles in Black communities. "Sofia" is White.
The majority of people involved with approving this decision, (who are undoubtedly White males) choose the $20 bill instead of the $10 bill because the $20 bill is the highest used form of U.S. currency. They didn't want another failure like the Susan B. Anthony $1 coin. A Black President, "Black" money, Confederate flags being removed, and acknowledgement of the evils of slavery would lead you to believe that many White people think very highly of the Black community now. Is the Harriet Tubman $20 a form of reparation?
In my opinion, the Black communities have tremendous political power and influence. During political election years like now, you can see how candidates try to tap into it. This fact motivates certain "reparations". Free colleges for example.
As long a human skin color differs between ethnicities, people will continue to discriminate against one another, whether it be blatant or anonymous. Even if the Earth's population was comprised of a homogeneous skin shade, certain peoples would still be discriminated against for other physical differences. This seems to be the nature of Mankind. This racist "survival gene" ( or genetic flaw ) seems to be in everyone to some extent.
Perpetuation of the use of the word "Nigga" in Black communities dismays me. Many other ethnicities are now empowered to use the term freely because Hip Hop culture has become globalized. I don't even pretend to know how this happened. But ironically, it's unreasonable to believe that a Hip Hop mogul for example, would teach any child of theirs say "Nigga", so why would we allow our youth to say it? The term "Nigger" has been re-engineered into the user friendly "Nigga" to the point that many young people, especially internationally, wouldn't even associate it with slavery, or racism. Was that the agenda? Is this what Black communities want?
The Wikipedia definition the word "Nigga" doesn't sound so bad actually. The problem is that it's a word at all. It's meaning is a lie regardless of any positive intent. The word "Nigger", as opposed to "Nigga", is also a word according to Wikipedia. "Nigger" was manufactured too, with it's origin being the Portuguese and Spanish word "Negro" that was derived from the Latin word "Niger". "Niger" simply means "black". Not "Black people", but the color "black". The Dutch, German, and English used the word "Neger" to mean "Black person", also derived from the Latin "Niger". It's possible a White slave owner owner mispronounced or misspelled either "Neger" or "Niger", and thus "Nigger" was created. This likely mistake spread amongst his peers, and obviously became widely used, popular, and accepted. Yes, "Nigga" can be an improvement on "Nigger", depending on how the target of that remark perceives it. But should a functional word have a positive and negative meaning at the same time? Can we just stop using the "N" word? Would you accept you child using it? Let's keep making progress.
Monday, May 2, 2016
Bernie and Free Colleges
This is my first blog and I've decided to discuss...Politics. I've heard that when you first meet someone, don't bring up politics or religion. I think it's because either someone may get offended, or a casual meeting might turn into a serious debate. Oh well, I'll start with Bernie Sanders. Free college? Have you ever heard the expression, "You get what you pay for"? What a demagogue. This approach would literally devalue such degrees. Free colleges would attract the worst professors because their salaries would certainly be the lowest in the industry.
And those countries with free colleges that Bernie frequently speaks of have incredible tax burdens that pay for them. Just augment the financial aide programs Bernie. Create more scholarships. If Bernie is elected, "Wall Street" will stay in court for his whole 1st, and only term to avoid paying American colleges' expenses. I definitely like Bernie Sanders, but you don't become President to be liked. It appears that he is as dependent on Wall Street as Hillary Clinton is.
And those countries with free colleges that Bernie frequently speaks of have incredible tax burdens that pay for them. Just augment the financial aide programs Bernie. Create more scholarships. If Bernie is elected, "Wall Street" will stay in court for his whole 1st, and only term to avoid paying American colleges' expenses. I definitely like Bernie Sanders, but you don't become President to be liked. It appears that he is as dependent on Wall Street as Hillary Clinton is.
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