text:
Concepts of God
First published Thu Dec 21, 2006; substantive revision Wed Dec 19, 2012
The object of attitudes valorized in the major religious traditions is typically regarded as maximally great. Conceptions of maximal greatness differ but theists believe that a maximally great reality must be a maximally great person or God. Theists largely agree that a maximally great person would be omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient, and all good. They do not agree on a number of God's other attributes, however. We will illustrate this by examining the debate over God's impassibility in western theism and a dispute over God's relation to the space-time world in Indian theism. The entry concludes by examining some concepts of limited deities.
1. Ultimate Concern and Maximal Greatness
2. Impassibility
3. Theistic Vedanta and God's Relation to the World
4. Limited Deities
Paul Tillich believed that the essence of religious attitudes is "ultimate concern." Ultimate concern is "total." Its object is experienced as numinous or holy, distinct from all profane and ordinary realities. It is also experienced as overwhelmingly real and valuable—indeed, so real and so valuable that, in comparison, all other things appear empty and worthless. As such, it demands total surrender and promises total fulfillment.[1]
Tillich's claim is not self-evident. For one thing, it is doubtful that ultimate concern is either a necessary or a sufficient condition of a religious attitude. A late pagan's attitude towards his gods was often too casual to be described as ultimate in Tillich's sense and yet was surely religious. Moreover, Tillich himself believed that a commitment to one's nation or party could be ultimate in his sense (although he thought that if one's concern were to take this form, it would be "idolatrous"). Whether the Nazi's attitude towards his nation and party can be properly described as religious is doubtful, however. Strictly speaking, then, Tillich's claim is probably false. Nevertheless, ultimate concern does appear to be a distinctive feature of the religious attitudes of devout members of the major religious traditions.
These attitudes seem fully appropriate only if their object is maximally great—so perfect and splendid that nothing greater is conceivable. And, in fact, the major religious traditions have (if only implicitly) construed the object of their devotion in precisely these terms. The nature of maximal perfection is controversial, however.
For one thing, the form a religious community's ultimate concern takes (and the conception of its object with which it is bound up) varies from one religious community to another. Ultimate concern may take the form of worship, and involve praise, love, gratitude, supplication, confession, petition, and the like. But it can also take the form of a quest for the ultimate good. The object of the quest is an existentially appropriated knowledge of the ultimate good or a union with it that transforms us and overcomes our wrongness. The two forms of ultimate concern may be combined or exist separately. Christianity and theistic Hinduism combine both. In Theravada Buddhism and Taoism, on the other hand, ultimate concern typically takes the second form but not the first.
In practice, a religious community's conception of the divine is largely determined by its conviction that the object of its devotion is maximally great, by the spoken or oral texts it regards as authoritative, and by metaphysical assumptions and valuations widely shared by the community's members. Of course these sources aren't independent of each other. The form ultimate concern takes in a community incorporates its most fundamental evaluations, and the authoritative texts which express and shape its ultimate concern present pictures of the world and our place in it which include explicit or implicit metaphysical claims. The Buddhist's picture, for example, expresses the vision of a world in constant flux—devoid of fixity or any kind of permanent substance.
Since the form ultimate concern takes, the texts regarded as authoritative, and the metaphysical assumptions and evaluations inextricably bound up with these forms and texts vary from one religious community to another, it is hardly surprising that conceptions of maximal greatness vary as well.
The most striking disagreement is between those who regard the divine reality as personal and those who do not. Theists believe that even though the object of their ultimate concern transcends all finite realities it is more like a person than anything else with which we are ordinarily familiar, and typically conceptualize it as a maximally perfect person. Persons are rational agents, however—beings who have beliefs about themselves and the world and act on the basis of them. The major theistic traditions have therefore described ultimate reality as an omniscient mind and an omnipotent will. Other religious traditions are non-theistic. Advaita Vedanta is an important example.
Advaita Vedanta's rejection of theism is a consequence of its insistence that "Brahman [ultimate reality] is without parts or attributes…one without a second." (Shankara [traditional attribution], second half of the 8th century: 101) If the Brahman has no properties, it necessarily lacks the properties of omniscience, perfect goodness, omnipotence, and personhood, and cannot therefore be understood as God.
The rejection of theism also follows from Advaita's conviction that Brahman contains no internal diversity ("is without parts") and is identical with the whole of reality ("is one without a second"). If Brahman is all there is, for example,then there is nothing outside Brahman that could serve as an object of its knowledge. And if it is devoid of internal diversity, there can be no self-knowledge either, for self-knowledge involves an internal differentiation between the self as knower and the self as known. Nor can the Brahman be a causal agent. If Brahman is maximally perfect, it must be unlimited. But it is limited if something exists outside it. The Brahman must therefore be all there is. If the Brahman is identical with the whole of reality, though, and Brahman contains no plurality, then reality as a whole is an undifferentiated unity. The space-time world with its distinctions between times, places, and events is consequently unreal. Real causal relations are relations between two real things, however. So Brahman is neither the cause of the space-time world as a whole nor of the events in it, and is thus neither the space-time world's creator nor its ruler. It follows from these considerations that Brahman is neither an omniscient mind nor an omnipotent and active will. It cannot be a maximally perfect person, therefore, and so cannot be God.
Advaita does contain what might be called "theistic elements." For example, it distinguishes the nirguna from the saguna Brahman. The former is the Brahman without attributes. The latter is the Brahman with attributes, and is roughly described in the way that theists describe God. The nirguna Brahman is the Brahman as it really is, however, while the saguna Brahman is ultimately illusory. The concept of the saguna Brahman is a useful tool for those who are still on their spiritual journey but is finally cast aside by the fully enlightened. Yet even though Advaita believes that, like all conceptualizations of the Brahman, the idea of an omnipotent, omniscient, and all good cause of the space-time world is ultimately false, they regard it as superior to others. Furthermore, Advaita describes the real Brahman as an infinite, joyous consciousness (albeit a consciousness that has no objects or contents and is thus "empty"). Because Advaita refuses to ascribe either knowledge or activity to ultimate reality, though, it is essentially non-theistic. Its maximally perfect reality isn't the God of the theistic traditions—all powerful, all knowing, all good, the sovereign lord of heaven and earth. It is instead an "infinite ocean" of joyous empty consciousness—impersonal, inactive, and anonymous.
Some schools of Vedanta are theistic, however, and their response to Advaita is instructive. Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, for example, maintains that Brahman is personal and, indeed, the supreme person (paramatman)—creator and lord (ishvara) who leads the world's creatures to salvation. Far from being devoid of attributes, Brahman (which Vishishtadvaita identifies with Vishnu) is the sum of all "noble" attributes—omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and all merciful.
What accounts for this difference? In part, the suspicion that the Advaitin account of a maximally great reality is incoherent. Ramanuja (1017?-1137?), for instance, argued that Advaita's conception of the Brahman is logically incoherent because it conceives of Brahman as a substance without properties whereas, by definition, a substance is what has or underlies properties. Furthermore, because cognitively gasping something involves classifying or identifying it as a thing of a certain kind, and things are classified or identified on the basis of their properties, one can't cognitively grasp a thing without properties. It follows that the Advaitin's Brahman can't be known, and that Advaita itself thus doesn't know it. Finally, Ramanuja argued that the denial of the reality of distinctions undercuts Advaita's appeal to scripture. If the scriptures are valid, then some language accurately describes reality (for scriptural language does so). But language necessarily involves distinctions (between subject and verb, noun and adjective, and the like) and so, if any language accurately describes reality, some distinctions must be real. Therefore, if distinctions aren't real (as Advaita maintains), the scriptures it appeals to aren't valid.
Advaitins aren't without recourse, of course. For example, they will deny that they are construing Brahman as a substance without properties. Since, in their view, no concept applies to the Brahman, neither the concept of a property nor the concept of substance applies to it. Again, even if conceptual cognition necessarily involves classification or identification, Advaitins will insist that not all cognition is conceptual. The fact that Brahman can't be conceptually cognized thus doesn't entail that it can't be known. The important point in the present connection however, is that the Vishishtadvaitin's and Advaitin's disagreements on these issues are rooted in basic differences in metaphysics and epistemology—whether a reality without properties is possible, for instance, and whether cognition involves at least some conceptual content.
Other differences are even more fundamental. All the Vedantin schools profess to elucidate the true meaning of a common set of scriptures—the Brahma Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and, preeminently, the Vedas (especially their last part, the Upanishads). In practice, though, both theistic and non-theistic Vedantins privilege some texts over others. Advaitins, privilege the Isha and other non-theistic Upanishads and interpret theistic sounding texts in their light. Theistic Vedantins, on the other hand, privilege the Bhagavad Gita and theistic Upanishads such as the Shvetashvatara Upanishad, taking these texts pretty much at face value, and then explaining away apparent inconsistencies between their privileged texts and others which, on their face, seem clearly non-theistic.
These differences are themselves rooted in fundamental differences in spiritual practice.
Advaitins, for example, emphasize ascetic practices designed to existentially appropriate the truth of the "great words"of scripture such as "Thou art that [you are the Brahman]," "All that is is one only," or "All is one without distinction," and place a high value on "monistic" mystical experiences—joyous states of consciousness in which the mind is emptied of contents and distinctions disappear. While these experiences aren't the aim of the Advaitin's quest, they are more or less explicitly regarded as a model of the unifying and transfiguring Brahman-knowledge that is the goal of their religious journey. Theistic Vedantins, on the other hand, were Vaishnavas (devotees of Vishnu), and their attitudes, outlook, and actions were profoundly shaped by devotional practices designed to express and cultivate love of, and surrender to, Vishnu. While theistic Vedantins did not deny the reality of monistic mystical consciousness, they downplayed its significance for, in their view, the ultimate aim of the religious life is an ecstatic and permanent loving union with God (Vishnu).
In short, while Advaitins and theistic Vedantins agree that the proper object of ultimate concern is maximally great, they disagree on just how maximal greatness should be construed. This disagreement, in turn, is rooted in metaphysical and epistemological disagreements, in differences in scriptural interpretation, and in differences in religious practice and aspiration. The most fundamental difference, however, is, arguably, a difference in evaluation. Theistic Vedantins prize love in a way in which Advaitins do not. Since love is a relation between persons, it is not surprising that, in their view, maximal greatness necessarily includes personhood.
But while theists agree that a maximally great reality must be a transcendently great person, they sometimes disagree over just what other attributes maximal greatness includes. Most theists do think that God is omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, and all good, although there are disagreements over just how these attributes should be construed. Other differences are more radical. I will illustrate this point by examining the debate over God's impassibility in western theism and a dispute over God's relation to the space-time world in Indian theism.
Most theists agree that God is (in Ramanuja's words) the "supreme self" or person—omniscient, omnipotent, and all good. But classical Christian theists have also ascribed four "metaphysical attributes" to God—simplicity, timelessness, immutability, and impassibility. The doctrine of simplicity states that each of God's real or intrinsic properties is identical with his other real or intrinsic properties, and with his being or nature. God's knowledge is identical with his power, for example, and both are identical with his being. Just as "Thomas Jefferson" and "the third president of the United States" have different meanings but refer to the same person, so "the knowledge of God" and "the power of God," although differing in meaning, refer to the same reality, namely, the infinitely perfect divine life or activity.
Many classical western theists have also thought that God is timeless—altogether outside of time. God resembles abstract objects like numbers or propositions in having no temporal location or extension. God isn't an abstract object, of course, but an infinitely perfect life or activity. One shouldn't think of this life and activity as being in time, however—not even as everlasting. Thus God timelessly knows and wills that conscious life will emerge on earth after certain events and before others. But while temporality is a property of what God knows and wills, it isn't a property of God's act of knowledge or will. The objects of God's knowledge and act of will are in time but God himself and his activity are not.
God is also believed to be immutable. Something is immutable if its real properties can't change. Immutability follows from God's simplicity. An object undergoes real change when it loses one real property and/or acquires another. Real change thus entails that some of the object's real properties aren't identical. (If P, Q, and R are real properties, and x retains P through a change but loses Q and acquires R, then P, Q, and R are different properties.) So if God is simple, he can't undergo real change. God's immutability also follows from his timelessness since change entails a temporal transition from one state to another.
Finally, classical western theists have thought that God is impassible. God creates, sustains, and governs the world. It depends on him both for its being and for its qualities. But nothing acts on God or causally affects him. While the world is affected by God, God is not affected by it.
Why think that the metaphysical attributes are perfections? For several reasons. Most religious traditions stress the imperfections of the temporal order. The space-time world is a world in constant flux. Nothing in it is permanent or secure. All temporal values are threatened and ultimately lost. In human experience, complexity, time, change, and dependency are bound up with loss and imperfection. It thus isn't surprising that religiously sensitive people often conclude that a maximally perfect reality must be free from them. Moreover, this conclusion is reinforced by the experiences of Christian and other mystics who claim to have glimpsed a divine reality exhibiting the metaphysical attributes—a holy unity transcending distinctions and time and change, wholly active and never passive, and upon which they and everything else are absolutely dependent.
There are obvious tensions between these themes and other strands of the Christian tradition, however. Even though the Bible asserts that God is beginningless and endless, for example, he is depicted as if he were in time. He is also depicted as changing (although his existence and character are said to remain constant). In addition, the God of the Bible not only acts upon his creatures, he is affected by them—pitying their distress, being angered by their sin, responding to their petitions, and the like. These considerations aren't conclusive of course since even the most scripturally centered theists agree that not everything in the Biblical pictures can be taken literally. God isn't literally jealous, for instance, nor does he literally repent of his former actions. So perhaps those features of the Biblical picture of God which seem inconsistent with God's possessing metaphysical attributes can also be interpreted as metaphors or analogies or symbols. Other difficulties are more serious, however. God's personality is essential to theism, and many wonder whether personhood is compatible with simplicity, timelessness, immutability, and impassibility. One may also wonder whether a God with these attributes is the God of popular devotion. We will explore this question by examining the attribute of impassibility in more depth.
According to the doctrine of impassibility, God is not affected by his creatures. Everything other than God depends upon him for both its existence and qualities. God himself, though, depends upon nothing. Critics think this has two unacceptable consequences.
In the first place, impassibility seems inconsistent with God's knowledge of the world. Knowledge relates two terms, the knower and the object he or she knows. Typical instances of the relation exhibit two important features. First, the act of knowledge involves a real modification of the knower but not of the object he or she knows. And, second, the act of knowledge depends on its object while the object of knowledge does not depend on the subject's knowledge of it. I know, for example, that the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Superbowl in 2006. But while my knowledge that the Steelers won is a real property of mine, it is not a real property of the Steelers' victory. Knowing that the Steelers won the Superbowl really modifies me (I am internally different than I would have been if I did not know that they had won); it does not modify or make a real difference to the Steelers' winning. Moreover, my knowledge that the Steelers won depends on the Steelers having won whereas the Steelers' winning does not depend on my knowledge of it.
But if God is impassible, his knowledge of the world can't be like that. For the doctrine of impassibility implies that God's real properties depend on nothing other than himself. So if God's knowledge of the world is a real property of God (as theists have usually thought), it cannot depend on its object and is thus very different from paradigmatic instances of knowledge like the one discussed in the previous paragraph.
One way of handling this difficulty is to claim that everything other than God is determined by him. Many theists believe that it is. Madhva (whom we will discuss later), orthodox Muslims, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and some Thomists are examples. In their view, God knows that the Steelers won the Superbowl in 2006 because he eternally decreed that they would. God's knowledge of their victory is an aspect or consequence of his willing it and thus doesn't depend on it.
However, other theists believe that God does not fully determine everything. In their view some of our actions are free in the metaphysical libertarian's sense. They lack sufficient causes, and thus aren't determined either by antecedent natural conditions or by God's decrees. If they aren't, God can't know them in knowing his decrees. So, in this case at least, God's knowledge appears to depend upon its object. But if it does, God cannot be impassible. (It should be noted that this difficulty can't be evaded by appealing to the doctrine of middle knowledge. For even though God's knowledge of our free actions does not depend upon those actions on this view, it does depend upon his knowledge of what creatures would freely do in various circumstances in which he might place them, and the truth of subjunctive conditionals like "If Adam were placed in the Garden of Eden, he would freely sin," while contingent, is not determined by God.)
The second and more pressing problem for the doctrine of divine impassibility, however, is this. All theists describe God as compassionate. Each chapter of the Quran, for instance, begins with the words "In the name of Allah, the compassionate and merciful." Yet if God really is compassionate, then it would seem that his knowledge of free actions isn't the only divine property that depends upon the world, for his affective states do so as well. God isn't aloof or unmoved by our distress but shares our griefs as we share those of people we love. His joy is thus tempered by sympathetic sorrow. The degree and quality of God's happiness is partly determined by the state of sentient creatures.
Charles Hartshorne, for instance, has argued that while certain forms of independence are admirable others are not. "One should not simply agree to every whim of [one's] child," for example, "but neither should one try to act and think and feel just as one would have acted or thought or felt had the child's joy been sorrow, or her sorrow joy…" Nor is there anything admirable about a happiness that is unaffected by the sorrows of others. We don't admire people who "can be equally happy and serene and joyous regardless of how men and women suffer around" them. (Hartshorne: 43–44) Human sympathies are necessarily limited, of course. But a perfect being would be maximally responsive to the joys and sufferings of other. If it is, it could not be impassible.
Classical Christian theology provides several attempts to reconcile God's compassion with his impassibility. Thus, Anselm argued that while God acts as if he were compassionate, he does not experience compassion. "For when You look upon us in our misery it is we who feel the effect of Your mercy, but You do not experience the feeling. Therefore you are both merciful because You save the sorrowful and pardon sinners against You; and You are not merciful because You do not experience any feeling of compassion for misery." (Anselm: chapter viii) This seems unsatisfactory, however, for a compassion without feeling isn't real compassion. A recognition of this may have led Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas to offer their own, rather different, solutions.
Bernard claimed that while God neither suffers nor experiences compassion in his own nature, he does suffer and experience compassion in the human nature that he assumes at the Incarnation. God became man so that he might "learn by his own experience how to commiserate and sympathize with those who are…suffering and tempted." (Bernard: chapter 3). Bernard's solution is superior to Anselm's because it implicitly recognizes that compassion necessarily includes feeling or emotion. It isn't available to non-Christian theists, however, and fails to locate compassion in the divine nature itself.
Thomas Aquinas's solution does so. Some emotions can be literally (albeit analogically) ascribed to God. Love and joy are examples. Other emotions such as anger and sorrow cannot. What accounts for this difference? Love and joy are "pure perfections" (good-making properties that entail no imperfection). As such they can be literally ascribed to God although the mode in which God experiences them differs from that in which we do so. (God's love and joy are purely active emotions, qualifications of his will. Our love and joy, on the other hand, are both actions and passions, partly voluntary and partly involuntary reactions of our animal nature.)
Anger and sorrow can be appropriate, and hence good-making, qualities of the person who experiences them. But they are not pure perfections because they entail perturbation and suffering. They cannot, then, be literally ascribed to God. Even so, compassionate sorrow differs from anger. When God acts as a justifiably angry person would we can ascribe anger to God metaphorically. But nothing in God (no internal modification of God) corresponds to the feeling or emotion of anger in us. By contrast, "God is said to be saddened in so far as certain things take place contrary to what He loves and approves." (Aquinas: Book One, chapter 7, #17) Hence, while God doesn't literally grieve with us, there is something in God that we apprehend as sorrow, namely, his love. For Aquinas, "God is compassionate" not only entails that God acts as a compassionate person would (as it does for Anselm), it also entails that those actions are expressions of a divine emotion or "feeling state"—an emotion or feeling state which qualifies the divine nature itself, and not just the assumed human nature (as Bernard thought).
While Aquinas's solution is superior to those of Anselm and Bernard, it does have problems. Aquinas's distinction between anger and compassion may be specious, since it seems that both could be treated in the same way. Since God's righteousness or love of justice is a pure perfection we can ascribe it to God literally. God's anger can then be interpreted as the way God's righteousness is apprehended by those who have rejected him or recognize that he has been rejected. God not only acts as a justifiably angry person would act, those acts are the expression of an internal modification (namely, his love of justice) which is a real property of God's own being. A more important problem, though, may be the fact that the emotion or feeling state which grounds God's acts of compassion, according to Aquinas, isn't literally tinged with sorrow. For it is at least doubtful that a "compassion" that doesn't include sympathetic suffering is really compassion.
The most important point in the present connection, however, is this. The debate between modern theists like Hartshorne, on the one hand, and classical theists like Aquinas, on the other, revolves around the following question: Can a maximally perfect being be touched by suffering? Hartshorne thinks it must since a maximally perfect being would be maximally responsive to the joys and sorrows of others, and would therefore grieve with all who grieve. Friedrich von Hügel, on the other hand, speaks for the tradition when he says that not only is suffering intrinsically evil, it is inconsistent with unalloyed goodness and perfect joy. God is "Perfect Love, Unmixed Joy, Entire Delectation…We will not admit the presence of any Evil, be it sin or even only sorrow, be they actual or even only potential, in Him Who thus dwarfs for us all our little human goodness and earthly joy by his utter Sanctity and sheer Beatitude." (von Hügel: 208–09) The controversy over God's impassibility is thus ultimately rooted in a clash of value intuitions, a deep disagreement over what properties God must have to be unqualifiedly admirable and worthy of worship.
Our second example of how a dispute over what constitutes maximal greatness can affect one's concept of God is furnished by a disagreement between the great Vishishtadvaitin, Ramanuja, and the founder of the Dvaita school of Vedanta, Madhva (1197–1276).
Vishishtadvaita maintains that God is related to the world as the soul (jivatman) is related to its body. According to Ramanuja, bodies are "absolutely dependent" upon their souls. A soul-body relationship is a relation between (1) support and thing supported (bodies are incapable of separate existence), (2) controller and thing controlled, and (3) "principal" (sheshin) and "accessory" (shesha). ("The accessory is that whose [whole] nature is…to render due glory to…the principal." [Ramanuja, quoted in Lipner: 131], that which can fulfill itself only in serving its principal. Examples of principal-accessory relationships are the relation between an owner and his or her disposable property and the relation between a master and "born servant.") The point of saying that bodies are related to souls as supported to support and controlled to controller is that bodies are ontologically and epistemically dependent on souls. They can neither exist nor act apart from them, and they can only be understood in relation to them. The point of saying that bodies are related to souls as accessory to principal is that bodies are also evaluatively dependent on their souls—they have no worth apart from their relation to them.
To say that the world is God's body, then, is to say that God is the world's support, controller, and principal. Just as bodies are absolutely dependent on their souls, so the world is absolutely dependent on God. And, in fact, the dependence in the latter case is even more complete than it is in the former. For souls need bodies to accomplish their purposes whereas God does not need the world. (In support of this contention, Ramanuja quotes the Bhagavad Gita: "I am the supporter of all beings; they are of no help to me at any time." [Lott: 49]) Moreover, human bodies enjoy a certain temporary and limited independence when death separates them from their souls. The world's dependence on God, on the other hand, is complete. The upshot is that the body-soul relation is only fully exemplified by the world-God relation. The world is absolutely dependent on God; God in no way depends upon it. (It is worth noting that classical western theism's principal objections to the claim that the world is God's body—that it makes God dependent on the world and subject to its imperfections—aren't relevant to Ramanuja's position. For, in the latter's view, not only does the dependence relation run only one way [from body to soul and not vice versa], but the body's defects do not affect the soul.)
Ramanuja and Madhva were both theists, both Vedantins, and both Vaishnavas (that is, both identified God with Vishnu), sharing a common allegiance to the same set of scriptures and engaging in similar religious practices. Yet in spite of these similarities, the flavor of their views is quite different. The central motif of Madhva's theology is God's infinite majesty, utter transcendence, and absolute sovereignty: "What is incompatible with the divine sovereignty should be rejected. Inconsistency with the divine majesty is itself the criterion of what is unworthy of acceptance." (Madhva, quoted in Lott: 58) This motif works itself out in a number of ways. For example, while Ramanuja has a very strong doctrine of grace, he appears to allow some room for libertarian free will. Madhva does not. From eternity souls have different qualities or potentialities (different "aptitudes"). Because of the eternal difference in their qualities and potentialities, souls have different destinies. Some (those with "an innate aptitude for good") are destined for various levels of bliss. Others (those with "an innate aptitude for evil") are destined for different levels of suffering. (Thus Dvaita is one of the few Hindu schools with something like a doctrine of eternal damnation. Some souls are permanently bound to this world with its endless cycle of births and rebirths.) The important point is that these differences in the souls' qualities and potentialities ("aptitudes") are determined by God's will. Hence, says Madhva, "The Lord is the real doer, and the cause of the soul's activity." (Quoted in Lott: 114) Everything depends upon the divine will, and salvation is through grace alone. (It should be noted that Madhva's view was modified by some of his followers. Thus Vyasa Raya [1460–1539] insisted that because innate aptitudes for good or for evil are beginningless, they are not caused by God.)
Madhva's most striking departure from Ramanuja, however, is his absolute rejection of the notion that the world is God's body. In Madhva's opinion, the Vishishtadvaitin view compromises God's transcendence and independence. The relation between God and the world isn't a relation between a soul and its body but between a sovereign will and its effect. "He is the supreme Lord by whose grace exist matter, action (karma), time, nature and souls, and by whose displeasure all these cease to exist." (Quoted in Lott: 111) However, surprisingly (from a western perspective at least), Madhva thinks that while prakriti (the material or stuff out of which the space-time world is composed), time, space, and souls derive their qualities from God, they don't derive their existence or substantial being from him. God's being and activity explain why spatio-temporal things have the properties they do but doesn't explain why they exist in the first place.
Ramanuja, by contrast, thinks that it does. Because bodies depend upon souls for their existence, and the world is God's body, the world depends upon God for its being as well as for its qualities. The world's dependence upon God is thus more complete in Ramanuja's theology than it is in Madhva's.
What accounts for this difference? Why, in particular, does Madhva adopt a position which seems inconsistent with his emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty? The answer appears to Madhva's equally emphatic insistence on God's transcendence and independence.
Indian thought tended to assume that the cause of a thing's being or existence must be a kind of material or substratum (a "material cause") which is then shaped or formed to make it an existent being of a particular sort—an existent elephant, for example, or an existent earth or water atom. The substratum is the cause of a thing's being or existence; the process of shaping or forming is the cause of its being a particular kind of being or existent, that is, of its having one set of qualities rather than another. (Thus, the potter's activity causes the clay to be a pot; but the clay gives the pot its being or existence.) If God were the cause of the existence of the world as well as the cause of its qualities (that is, if he were its material as well as its efficient cause), then God would be the world's substratum. (As he in a sense is for Ramanuja. Prakriti is the world's substratum, and prakriti, according to Ramanuja, is an aspect of God's body.) But this is inconsistent with God's transcendence and independence of the world. If God is truly perfect, then, he cannot be the cause of the world's existence.
This example is particularly instructive because it illustrates how an emphasis on different aspects of God's perfection (the absolute dependence of everything other than God on God, on the one hand, and God's transcendence and independence, on the other) can cause theologians with otherwise quite similar views to draw very different conclusions about God.
Are limited deities counter examples to this entry's claim that religious consciousness tends to construe ultimate reality as maximally perfect? Most apparent counter examples are merely apparent. The limited deity is either not thought to be ultimate or it isn't really believed to be limited (that is, less perfect than a being could possibly be). The following two examples illustrate these possibilities.
Plato introduced the concept of the demiurge (from the Greek demiourgos, meaning "artisan" or "craftsman") in his Timaeus. Being perfectly good, the demiurge wishes to communicate his own goodness. Using the Forms as a model, he shapes the initial chaos into the best possible image of these eternal and immutable archetypes. The visible world is the result. The demiurge is the highest god and the best of causes. He is nonetheless limited. For the material he shapes isn't created by him and, because it is disorderly and indeterminate, partially resists his ordering. The demiurge is not ultimate, however, since his ontological and axiological status is lower than that of the Forms, especially the Form of the Good. Plato's concept of the demiurge thus isn't a counter example to the thesis that religious consciousness tends to construe ultimate reality as maximally perfect.
The God of process philosophy illustrates the second possibility. While differences among process philosophers make generalizations difficult, its critics accuse its God of being a mere demiurge, one power among others who, while influencing everything, controls nothing. Whether God, rather than the process of becoming of which God is a part, is ultimate in this system is a moot point. More important for our purposes, however, is the fact that the God of the most theologically interesting process philosopher is thought to be maximally perfect. Charles Hartshorne agrees that God's power and knowledge are limited. While God influences everything that transpires he neither determines nor controls it. Nor does God know with any certainty just what the future holds in store. But Hartshorne denies that these "limitations" are imperfections. In his view, persuasion or influence is a better or more perfect form of power than control, and knowledge of the contingent future is metaphysically impossible. Although God's power and knowledge are limited, they are as perfect as power and knowledge could possibly be. If a maximally perfect being is the most perfect possible being, then God is maximally perfect.
John Stuart Mill's picture of God, on the other hand, may constitute a genuine counter example to the thesis that conceptions of God are attempts to articulate the concept of a maximally great ultimate reality. Mill believes that there is some evidence for the existence of a "demiourgos" of enormous power and intelligence, and some benevolence. But because nature's contrivances are imperfect, because omnipotence could altogether dispense with contrivances, and because organisms are principally contrived for the mere persistence of the individual or species and not for pleasure or happiness, the evidence not only fails to point to a being of unlimited power, intelligence, and benevolence, it is actually incompatible with it. Still, the evidence is compatible with the existence of a being of limited power and/or intelligence but unlimited benevolence. Furthermore, there are good pragmatic reasons for imaginatively dwelling on the possibility that such a being exists, and for hoping that it does. For if the demiurge's benevolence is infinite then, given its enormous power and intelligence, there is some reason to think that death will not have the last word and that good will eventually get the upper hand over evil. And "the beneficial effect" of this "hope with regard to the government of the universe and the destiny of man after death…is far from trifling. It makes life and human nature a far greater thing to the feelings and gives greater strength as well as a great solemnity to all" our nobler sentiments and to our resolve to "cultivate the improvement of character up to the end of life." Furthermore, "there is another and a most important exercise of the imagination which…has been kept up principally by means of religious belief" which reinforces the first, and which Mill not only countenances but endorses since "human excellence greatly depends upon the sufficiency of the provision made for it"—"the idealization of our standard of excellence in a person." (Mill: 81–82)
Does Mill's position provide a counter example to our thesis? The answer isn't entirely straightforward. On the one hand, Mill doesn't begin with the idea of a maximally great reality as mature religious consciousness normally does, and then—given his metaphysical, empirical, and evaluative commitments—ask how maximal greatness should be construed On the other hand, Mill's reflections on religion are shaped from their beginning by his conceptions of value—of what is truly "God-befitting" or worthy of admiration and emulation. But, for Mill what matters for humankind's spiritual growth and development are ideals of moral, not metaphysical perfection. It isn't surprising, then, that in spite of the fact that Mill's divinity isn't maximally perfect tout court, it is maximally morally perfect. In short, while Mill's reflections on God aren't driven by a concept of maximal perfection simpliciter, they are importantly driven by a concept of maximal moral perfection.
Alston, William P., 1961, "Tillich's Conception of a Religious Symbol," in Sidney Hook (ed.), Religious Experience and Truth, New York: New York University Press.
Anselm, St., 1077–78, St. Anselm's Proslogion with a Reply on Behalf of the Fool by Gaunilo and the Author's Reply to Gaunilo, M. J. Charlesworth (trans.), Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1965.
Aquinas, St. Thomas, 1259–64, On the Truth of the Catholic Faith: Summa Contra Gentiles, Book One, Anton C. Pegis (trans.), Garden City, NY: Doubleday Image Books, 1955.
Bartley, Christopher J., 2002, The Theology of Ramanuja, London: Routledge-Curzon.
Bernard of Clairvaux, c1125, The Steps of Humility, George Burch (trans.), Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 1963.
Deutsch, Eliot, 1971, Advaita Vedanta: A Philosophical Reconstruction, Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.
Grant, R. M., 1966, The Early Christian Doctrine of God, Charlottesville: University Press of Virginia.
Griffiths, Paul J., 1994, On Being Buddha: The Classical Doctrine of Buddhahood, Albany: State University of New York Press.
Hartshorne, Charles, 1948, The Divine Relativity, New Haven: Yale University Press.
Hill, David J., 2005, Divinity and Maximal Greatness, London and New York: Routledge.
Hoffman, Joshua and Gary S. Rosenkrantz, 2002, The Divine Attributes, Oxford: Blackwell.
Hügel, Friedrich von, 1930, Essays and Addresses on the Philosophy of Religion, Second Series, London; J. M. Dent.
Lipner, Julius, 1986, The Face of Truth, Albany: State University of New York Press.
Lott, Eric J., 1980, Vedantic Approaches to God, London: Macmillan.
Mill, John Stuart, 1874, Theism, New York: Liberal Arts Press, 1957.
Morris, Thomas V., 1984, "The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Anselm," Faith and Philosophy, 1: 177–87.
–––, 1991, "Defining the Divine," in Definitions and Definability: Philosophical Perspectives, James H. Fetzner, David Shatz, and George N. Schlesinger (eds.), Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic Publishers.
Owen, H. P., 1971, Concepts of Deity, New York: Herder and Herder.
Ramanuja, first half of 12th century, Vedarthasamgraha, S. S. Raghavachar (trans.), Mysore: Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, 1956.
–––, first half of 12th century, The Vedanta Sutras with the Commentary by Ramanuja, George Thibaut (trans.), Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1962.
Rowe, William L., 1968, Religious Symbols and God: A Philosophical Study of Tillich's Theology, Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Sarma, Deepak, 2003, An Introduction to Madhva Vedanta, Aldershot, England: Ashgate.
Shankara, first half of 8th century, The Vedanta Sutras of Badarayana with the Commentary by Sankara, George Thibaut (trans.), New York: Dover, 1962.
–––, [traditonal attribution], second half of 8th century, Shankara's Crest Jewel of Discrimination, Swami Prabhavananda (trans.), New York: Mentor Books, 1970.
Smart, Ninian, 1992, Doctrine and Argument in Indian Philosophy, 2nd ed., London: George Allen & Unwin.
Swinburne, Richard, 1977, The Coherence of Theism, Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Tennant, F. R., 1930, Philosophical Theology, vol. II, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Tillich, Paul, 1951, Systematic Theology (Volume 1), Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Tillich, Paul, 1957, Dynamics of Faith, New York: Harper.
Wainwright, William J., 2009, "Two (or Maybe One and a Half) Cheers for Perfect Being Theology," Philo, 12: 228–51.
Wierenga, Edward R., 1989, The Nature of God: An Inquiry into Divine Attributes, Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.
The Prosblogion, the only professionally run philosophy of religion blog, contains a subcategory devoted to the Concept of God.
Anselm, Saint [Anselm of Bec, Anselm of Canterbury] | Aquinas, Saint Thomas | Hartshorne, Charles | Hume, David: on religion | Mill, John Stuart | monotheism | omnipotence | omnipresence | omniscience | process philosophy | simplicity: divine
William Wainwright <wjwain@uwm.edu>


text:
Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel Meeting
6 August 2013, 5:00pm
Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel 6 August 2013
PRESENT: Hon David Lloyd, Chairperson, Eugene Sarich, Town Planning Expert, Steve Fermio, Environmental Expert and Susan Robinson, Community Representative
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Mason, Executive Manager, Environmental Services, Rajiv Shankar, Manager, Development Assessment, May Li, Senior Town Planner and Kristy Wellfare, Town Planner
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Nil
WEBCASTING OF COUNCIL MEETING
The Chairperson advised those present that the Meeting was being webcast.
The Panel convened at 5pm. The public were invited into the chamber.
Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel ReportS
7 Chisholm Street, Greenwich
That pursuant to the provisions of Section 96 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, as amended, the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel grant approval for the development consent DA09/155 granted on the 15th January 2010 for the demolition and construction of a two storey dwelling house at 7 Chisholm Street, Greenwich to be amended in the following manner:-
A Replace Condition 1 with the following:-
1. (20) That the development be strictly in accordance with drawing number DA155-A01 to DA155-A07, inclusive, dated 22/6/13 by Kin S Chan, and drawing number 8132 DA 1, Rev. C, dated 6.10.09 by Vision Dynamics Pty Ltd, except as amended by the following conditions.
B Insert Conditions 1A and 1B as follows:-
1A. The maximum height of the development shall be reduced by not less than 250mm to an overall height of not greater than RL56.35. Internal ceiling arrangements may be amended accordingly.
1B. The roof of the carport shall be amended to feature a curved roof form in keeping with the curved roof form of the dwelling house on the site.
S82A Review Report-15 Austin Street, Lane Cove
That pursuant to Section 80(1)(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, as amended, the Independent Hearing and Assessment Panel reaffirm the original decision and refuse the Section 82A Review of Determination application DA 12/133 for the demolition of an existing dwelling house and construction of a boarding house comprising 19 rooms on Lot 16, DP 529942 and known as 15 Austin Street, Lane Cove for the following reasons:-
1. The proposed development fails to meet the aims of Lane Cove Local Environmental Plan 2009.
Particulars:-
a). The proposal fails to preserve and improve the existing character, amenity and environmental quality of the land.
b). The proposed design is incompatible with the existing environmental character of the locality.
c). The proposed design of the development would not have a sympathetic and harmonious relationship with adjoining development.
d). The proposal fails to conserve a significant street tree.
2. The proposal fails to meet the provisions of State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009.
a) The proposed development does not meet the parking requirements of the SEPP relating to the motor bike and bike cycle parking spaces.
b) The proposed development is incompatible to the character of the existing development in relation to the build form, context and streetscape.
3. The proposed design fails to meet the requirements of Lane Cove Development Control Plan.
a) The proposed design does not meet the access and mobility requirements of the DCP in relation to the access to the outdoor common area and the number of the accessible rooms.
4. The proposed development would create an adverse impact to the amenity of the adjoining properties.
a). The proposed development would create over looking impact to the adjoining properties.
b). The degree of the proposed excavation is excessive.
c). The proposed building design would create an unacceptable visual impact to the streetscape.
5. The proposed design fails to meet the provisions of Building Code of Australia.
a). Accessibility.
b). Car parking layout for the disabled car space, bike cycle parking spaces, and motor bike parking spaces.
c). Fire safety.
The meeting closed at 6pm.
********* END OF MINUTES *********

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text: Q: J48 Decision Tree only uses one attribute in dataset to classify output, why is this happening and how can I get it to use all the attributes? This may be a stupid question, so I apologise in advance. I'm currently using weka to classify performance  using a number of attributes. However after running the J48 model on a 70/30 split, and visualising the decision tree, there is only one attribute being used, as opposed to all of them. Where have I went wrong and how do I fix it?this is what I've got

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


A short film played in taxi cabs throughout target neighborhoods in New York City to communicate the Department of Environmental Protection's recent green infrastructure construction initiatives to the public.
The final campaign represents the effort and collaboration of a ten person design team. My role included research, on-location filming, editing, title sequencing, and contribution to a final case study team write-up.


There's one in every pack. At the front. Make way for the Indian Chieftain® Limited. Others step aside when they see you rolling down the street with its sawed-off open front fender, showcasing a 19" contrast cut wheel. Now the only question is where will you lead them? If you're familiar with the Chieftain, it's easy to spot two of the biggest changes added to these brand-new models: a 10-spoke, 19-inch front wheel on prominent display courtesy of an airy looking "sawed-off" front fender. Now that the dual four-piston front brake calipers, which clamp down on 300mm floating rotors, sit out in the open rather than being covered, they've been adorned with the Indian script logo. It's a fresh look, and with a tire that's slightly narrower than the 16-inch front used on previous Chieftains, steering now feels a touch lighter and a bit more linear in steering action.


text:
Letters to Italy Podcast
Italian Frequency Radio
Hazel Reading Series
Events + News
HAZEL is a San Francisco-based monthly reading series and an ever-evolving community. Each month, emerging and established women writers share their work, and go on to choose next month's readers. Through this curation-by-evolution process we've come into contact with some of the best writers in th e Bay Area, and hosted evenings that are as unpredictable as they are unforgettable.
Hazel is a place for experimentation, for support and community, for writers and literature lovers of all kinds to bump into new work and new ideas. We're also invested in creating a space that represents and celebrates the diverse ethnicity, sexuality, ability, age, and form of the Bay Area's artists.
Hazel started in Erica Eller's living room in the Mission in 2013, and was named in honor of her grandmother: although it has grown in size, and changed locations in the intervening years, we've kept the living room feeling alive through all of Hazel's iterations, creating an intimate space that becomes electric with dazzling and daring new work. The result: a truly unforgettable evening.
Past Readings
©2021 Sara Marinelli


Atticus builds technology to reinvent the way Americans access legal help. Working together with an affiliated law firm, we're creating the first place anyone with a serious legal issue — divorce, estate planning, immigration, injury, workplace harassment, etc. — can come for trusted advice and a referral to the right lawyer.


text:
Patricia Brown
How did you get involved in music? What was your inspiration?
My inspiration to sing was my mother. I got involved with music at a very early age; my mother was choir director for our church in Long Island, New York. At my mother's knee, I listened and tried to sing along, later becoming a member of the choir. My mother was an Opera Singer, having studied at Boston University for classical voice. She received numerous awards and sang up and down the east coast, often bringing a new genre of music to those who had never heard classical music before.
Who has been an African American musical influence in your life?
I have been inspired by many wonderful Opera singers: my mother, Joan Harris Wilson, Leontine Price, Denise Graves, Kathleen Battle, Jessie Norman, and our own, Angela Brown. I remember sitting behind stage when Angie sang with IO during the 2000 production of Porgy and Bess, she was phenomenal.
What has been your favorite production you have participated in and why?
I have three favorite Opera productions that I have performed in. Aida, with the Syracuse Opera. The entire cast was amazing, the set was fabulous and there were easily 100 singers involved. In 1991 and again in 2000 I performed in Porgy and Bess. I remember rehearsals at the State fairgrounds Horse Pavilion; we got to sing and see the occasional horse trot by! IO recently put on L'Elisir d'amore, this was a fun performance and I truly enjoyed the comedy, music and performing with my cast mates.
Do you have a piece of music you would like to share with the Indianapolis Opera community?
I don't have a recording of myself, but I would like to submit a recording of Ava singing a Negro spirituals, Give Me Jesus. My daughter Ava is an Opera Singer. She is currently attending Oberlin Conservatory studying classical voice. She sang in the Choir Concert in 2019 for an internship. Ava recently began learning Negro Spirituals and long forgotten works by black composers; I look forward to hearing her sing these gems.
Watch Ava Brown perform "Give Me Jesus"
Read Patricia Brown's Artist Bio


Now if you are ready to pay the cost - increase processing and memory foot print - sfm can deal with that.
for example using the JdbcMapperFactory - it will be the same for all other except for POI where it's not yet supported.
the order of the root object will be their first order of appearance in the rows.


text:
Mrparka's Video Reviews for the Week of February 2nd (Episode 90)
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podbean-70/shut-up-brandon-podcast
https://letterboxd.com/mrparka/
https://www.patreon.com/mrparka
Week 86 Copyright?– 0:10
"Crimson Peak" Review – 1:38
"The Fifth Cord" Review – 10:24
"Dis" Review – 18:33
"Black Shampoo" Review – 25:02
"Uninvited" Review – 31:55
"There's Nothing Out There" Review – 39:55
Patreon Pick "A Measure Of Sin" Review – 46:05
Patreon Pick "The Ruins" – 51:14
The VHS Voyage "Blood Beach" Review –56:51
"For Your Height Only" Pick a movie Review – 1:04:47
Pick a movie drawing – 1:10:49
Q&A – 1:11:20
Last week's question of the week Answers. –What is your favorite little creature flick? – 1:13:06
Question of the Week – What is your favorite actor/director combination? 1:16:20
Update – 1:16:35
"Crimson Peak" Blu-Ray Review (Arrow Video)
From the imagination of Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth, The Shape of Water) comes Crimson Peak, a lavish, stunningly realised journey into the dark heart of Gothic romance... Beginning in Buffalo, New York, during the 1880s, Crimson Peak stars Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, Stoker) as Edith Cushing, an aspiring writer who is haunted by the death of her mother. Edith's falls in love with seductive stranger Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston, Avengers Assemble), who whisks her off to Allerdale Hall, his baronial, yet dilapidated English mansion built upon a mountain of blood-red clay. Here Edith meets Lucille (Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty), Thomas's sister who at times seems hostile and jealous. As Edith struggles to feel at home in the imposing residence, she gradually uncovers a horrendous family secret and encounters supernatural forces that will help her discover the terrible truth behind Crimson Peak. Boasting incredibly intricate and ornate production design and a rich visual style, del Toro's film is a grandiose, boldly baroque triumph of Gothic decadence, which expertly combines and contrasts the sublimely beautiful with the shockingly grotesque. Crimson Peak is presented here in sumptuous special packaging, with a wealth of extra features, affording unprecedented insight in to the making of this modern Gothic classic.
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original 5.1 and 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio and optional English 2.0 DTS Headphone:X Audio
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
Optional Descriptive Video Service® (DVS®) for the visually impaired
Audio commentary by co-writer and director Guillermo Del Toro
The House is Alive: Constructing Crimson Peak, a newly edited, feature-length documentary with cast and crew interviews and extensive behind the scenes footage
Previously unseen Spanish language interview with Guillermo Del Toro
The Gothic Corridor, The Scullery, The Red Clay Mines, The Limbo Fog Set; four featurettes exploring different aspects of Allerdale Hall
A Primer on Gothic Romance, the director and stars talk about the key traits of Gothic romance.
The Light and Dark of Crimson Peak, the cast and crew talk about the film's use of color
Hand Tailored Gothic, a featurette on the film's striking costumes
A Living Thing, a look at the design, modelling and construction of the Allerdale Hall sets
Beware of Crimson Peak, a walking tour around Allerdale Hall with Tom Hiddleston
Crimson Phantoms, a featurette on the film's amazing ghosts
Kim Newman on Crimson Peak and the Tradition of Gothic Romance, a newly filmed interview with author and critic
Violence and Beauty in Guillermo Del Toro's Gothic Fairy Tale Films, a new video essay by the writer Kat Ellinger
Original trailers and TV spots
Double-sided, fold-out poster
Six double-sided, postcard-sized lobby card reproductions
Limited Edition packaging newly designed by Crimson Peak concept artist Guy Davis
Limited edition 80-page, hard-bound book featuring new writing by David Jenkins and Simon Abrams, an archival interview with Guillermo del Toro, and original conceptual design illustrations by artists Guy Davis and Oscar Chichoni
Arrow Video – https://www.arrowvideo.com/
"Crimson Peak" Blu-Ray – https://grindhousevideo.com/shop?keywords=crimson%20peak&olsPage=products%2Fcrimson-peak-limited-edition-blu-ray
"The Fifth Cord" Blu-Ray Review (Arrow Video)
The success of Dario Argento's The Bird with the Crystal Plumage ushered in a host of imitators, seeking to capitalize on this new, modern take on the giallo thriller. Many were highly derivative, but a number nonetheless rose above the crowd thanks to skillful execution and a willingness to experiment stylistically. One such example is The Fifth Cord - which, in the hands of director Luigi Bazzoni (The Possessed, Footprints on the Moon), turns a conventional premise into a visually stunning exploration of alienation and isolation. When a man barely survives a brutal assault en route home from a New Year's party, washed-up, whisky-swilling journalist Andrea Bild (Franco Nero, Django) is assigned to report on the case. Before long, the maniac strikes again, this time with fatal results. As the body count rises, Andrea falls under suspicion himself, making it even more imperative that he crack the case. His only clue lies in a series of black gloves found at the location of every attack, each with a finger cut off... Adapted from a novel by David McDonald Devine, The Fifth Cord boasts a complex, Agatha Christie-esque plot, outstanding cinematography courtesy of future Oscar-winner Vittorio Storaro (Apocalypse Now) and supporting appearances by a raft of genre stalwarts, including Silvia Monti (A Lizard in a Woman's Skin), Edmund Purdom (Nightmare City) and Rossella Falk (Sleepless). Debuting here in high definition, arguably the most visually stunning giallo ever made now shines like never before.
Brand new 2K restoration from the original camera negative
Original lossless mono Italian and English soundtracks
English subtitles for the Italian soundtrack
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing for the English soundtrack
New audio commentary by critic Travis Crawford
Lines and Shadows, a new video essay on the film's use of architecture and space by critic Rachael Nisbet
Whisky Giallore, a new video interview with author and critic Michael Mackenzie
Black Day for Nero, a new video interview with actor Franco Nero
The Rhythm Section, a new video interview with film editor Eugenio Alabiso
Rare, previously unseen deleted sequence, restored from the original negative
Original Italian and English theatrical trailers
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Haunt Love
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film by Kat Ellinger and Peter Jilmstad
"The Fifth Cord" Blu-Ray – https://mvdshop.com/products/fifth-cord-the-blu-ray
"Dis" Blu-Ray Review (Unearthed Films)
What you sow you will reap.
An ex-soldier with a criminal past takes refuge in the woods. A demonic figure seeks the seed of killers and the blood of the damned to feed his mandrake garden. DIS is an infernal descent into the root of the mandrake legend and a man who wanders too close to that legend and the unnamable terror behind it. What you sow you will reap.
Introduction by director Adrian Corona
Interview with Bill Oberst Jr.
Unearthed Films – http://www.unearthedfilms.com/
"Dis" Blu-Ray – https://mvdshop.com/products/dis-blu-ray
"Black Shampoo" DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Review (VCI Entertainment)
HE''S BAD...HE''S MEAN... HE''S A LOVIN'' MACHINE!
John Daniels stars as Jonathan Knight, the owner of "Mr. Jonathans," the most successful hair salon for women on the Sunset Strip. Jonathan is tall, muscular, black and ballsy. His reputation as a lover has become so awesome that he is sought after almost as much in that capacity as in his experience as a hair stylist. Everything is cool for Jonathan until he messes with the mob in an effort to protect his young attractive receptionist from her former boss. Action explodes when the "lovin' machine" becomes the "killing machine". Jonathan, equipped with chainsaw in hand, gets down on the vicious mob gang.
Director Commentary
Interview with John Daniels
VCI Entertainment – https://www.vcientertainment.com/
"Black Shampoo" DVD/Blu-Ray Combo – https://mvdshop.com/products/black-shampoo-blu-ray-dvd
"Uninvited" DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Review (Vinegar Syndrome)
This special limited edition embossed slipcover (designed by Earl Kessler Jr.) is limited to 2,000 units and is only available here at VinegarSyndrome.com!
At a secluded biochemical lab, which runs cruel tests on animals, a seemingly innocent looking cat has just escaped, but beneath its furry exterior, a terrifying monster has been seeded, emerging to brutally maim and kill anyone it finds threatening. Discovered by a group of teenage spring breakers and brought aboard a luxury yacht bound for the Cayman Islands, the cuddly fluff ball quickly begins gnawing away at the ship's guests and crew. But to make matters even worse, it's soon revealed that the cruise's host, a renowned multimillionaire, is in fact on the run from the law and won't return the boat to shore, killer mutant cat be damned!
A mind-boggling piece of late 80s horror weirdness, mixing low-fi creature effects, explosive gore, crime thriller subplots, and a fairly logical cat monster, Greydon Clark's (JOYSTICKS) UNINVITED stars George Kennedy (DEATH SHIP), Alex Cord (THE DEAD ARE ALIVE), and legendary character actor Clu Gulager (RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD). Vinegar Syndrome proudly brings this video store classic to Blu-ray, newly restored in 4k from its 35mm camera negative and includes a previously unreleased international cut which features exclusive footage, including an alternate ending!
directed by: Greydon Clark
starring: George Kennedy, Alex Cord, Clu Gulager, Toni Hudson, Clare Carey
1987 / 91 min / 1.85:1
• Region A Blu-ray/DVD combo (due to studio restrictions)
• Newly scanned & restored in 4k from it's 35mm original camera negative
• Commentary track with director Greydon Clark
• Alternate International edit (93min)
• "That Darn Mutant Cat!" – an interview with cinematographer Nicholas von Sternberg
• Original theatrical trailer
• Reversible cover artwork
• English SDH subtitles
Vinegar Syndrome – https://vinegarsyndrome.com/
"Uninvited" DVD/Blu-Ray Combo – https://vinegarsyndrome.com/shop/uninvited-slipcover/
"There's Nothing Out There" DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Review (Vinegar Syndrome)
Mike is always getting in the way of fun. His obsession with horror movies and their rules dictates that no matter where he goes, he can't help but expect to find a monster lurking around every corner. But this time, his paranoia might be justified…
After being invited to a remote lodge, along with some friends, Mike immediately begins to sense that something isn't right, but none of his friends believe him. Unfortunately, they're dead wrong, and a slimy alien frog monster has indeed landed in the nearby woods and set out to fulfill it's mission of killing all human males and mating with females. Can Mike convince his friends that there IS something out there, before the men have their brains sucked out and the women are carrying green mutant fetuses?
Made by then 19 year old cinematic wunderkind Rolfe Kanefsky, THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE is a gag and gore filled horror comedy which lovingly riffs on some of the genre's most used tropes. Produced and edited by acclaimed editor Victor Kanefsky (GANJA & HESS, BLOODSUCKING FREAKS), Vinegar Syndrome presents the Blu-ray debut of THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE, newly restored from its 35mm interpositive and featuring more extra features than any other title in our catalog, including Kanefsky's first feature, MURDER IN WINTER.
directed by: Rolfe Kanefsky
starring: Craig Peck, Wendy Bednarz, Mark Collver, Bonnie Bowers
• Region Free Blu-ray/DVD combo
• Newly scanned & restored in 2k from it's 35mm interpositive
• "There's A Movie Out There" – new interview with writer/director Rolfe Kanefsky and editor Victor Kanefsky
• "40 Years Of Cutting" – new interview with Victor Kanefsky
• New interview with actor Craig Peck
• Brand new group commentary with director Rolfe Kanefsky, Joe Lynch (filmmaker), Jeff Reddick (filmmaker) and others
• Archival '20th anniversary' commentary with Rolfe Kanefsky
• Archival group commentary with Rolfe Kanefsky, Victor Kanefsky, Craig Peck, Mark Collver and others
• Commentary with The Hysteria Continues!
• Archival interview with Rolfe Kanefsky
• "Copycat" – a short film about the film's influence
• "Murder in Winter" – an early feature film by Rolfe Kanefsky (Blu-ray only)
• "Just Listen" – an early short film by Rolfe Kanefsky
• "Mood Boobs" – a short film by Rolfe Kanefsky
• Behind the scenes of "Mood Boobs"
• Theatrical trailer
• Music video
• Production stills gallery
• Behind the scenes rehearsal footage
• Pre-production footage and video storyboards
• Original cast auditions
• Animation test footage and deleted shots
"There's Nothing Out There" DVD/Blu-Ray Combo – https://vinegarsyndrome.com/shop/theres-nothing-out-there-slipcover/
Patreon Pick "A Measure of Sin" Blu-Ray Review (Brink Vision)
A SUPER 16MM FEATURE FILM. SURVIVAL IS ALL THAT MATTERS. Every childhood is normal…to the child who lives it. For Meredith that means an enchanted seclusion that is shattered when she is deprived of her mother. Desperate and alone, Meredith must join a household with other women and their children, a sinister man who controls every facet of her existence, and a vicious bear that only she can see. As life in this world becomes increasingly strange and frightening, Meredith realizes that she must flee, even though she fears she has not learned enough to survive on her own.
Brink Vision – http://www.brinkvision.com/
"A Measure of Sin" Limited Edition DVD – http://www.brinkvision.com/filmdetails/74/a-measure-of-the-sin-limited-edition-combo
Patreon Pick "The Ruins" Blu-Ray Review
Based on the terrifying best-seller by Scott Smith, "The Ruins" follows a group of friends who become entangled in a brutal struggle for survival after visiting a remote archaeological dig in the Mexican jungle where they discover something deadly living among the ruins. "The Ruins" stars Jonathan Tucker ("Texas Chainsaw Massacre", "The Black Donnellys"), Jena Malone ("Pride and Prejudice", "Donnie Darko"), Shawn Ashmore ("X-Men: The Last Stand"), Laura Ramsey ("She's the Man") and Joe Anderson ("Across the Universe").
Deleted Scenes
"The Ruins" Blu-Ray – https://www.amazon.com/Ruins-Unrated-Blu-ray-Shawn-Ashmore/dp/B00194XBPW/
The VHS Voyage "Blood Beach" VHS Review (Media Home Entertainment)
JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK IN THE WATER – YOU CAN'T GET TO IT.
Something or someone is attacking people one by one on the beach. Some of them are mutilated, but most of them are sucked into the sand, disappearing without a trace. What is the creature responsible? Where does it live, and where did it come from? And is there any chance of it reproducing? Meanwhile, David Huffman and Mariana Hill are once-almost-married old friends, reunited over the death of her mother on the beach, and searching for clues in the abandoned buildings where they used to play when they were young.
"Blood Beach" VHS – https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Beach-David-Huffman/dp/B0001CNN4C/
Pick a Movie "For Your Height Only" DVD Review (Mondo Macabro)
For Your Height Only is legendary amongst lovers of truly out there cinema. A film about a two and a half foot tall secret agent - A kung fu master and suave loving machine who struts his stuff in a Travolta style white suit! Can it be true that such a film exists? It can and it does and here it is! Unquestionably one of the most outrageous and whacked movies in the world. This double disc set also includes Challenge Of The Tiger - featuring the greatest clone of Bruce... Bruce Le. Released for the first time ever in a beautiful new 2.35: 1 scope transfer ... this is red hot martial arts action as two secret agents race around the globe to foil a crazed madman's plan for world domination!
Remastered - Widescreen
Digitally Restored
Extensive Background Information
Mondo Macabro Previews
Mondo Macabro – http://mondomacabrodvd.com/
"For Your Height Only" DVD – https://www.amazon.com/Your-Height-Only-Challenge-Tiger/dp/B000BLI5RI
Ask a Question/Answer a Question
Please leave a question below to have it answered on the next show!
Who is your favorite actor/director combination?
Podcast Version
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podbean-70/shut-up-brandon-podcast
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-brandon-podcast/id988229934?mt=2https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podbean-70/shut-up-brandon-podcast
https://shutupbrandon.podbean.com/e/mrparka%E2%80%99s-weekly-reviews-episode-90-audio-version/
1. Bloody New Year
2. Splatter University
3. A Climax of Blue Power
4. Rituals
5. The Psychic
6. The Puppet Masters
7. The Last Plane Out
8. Exeter
9. Candyman
10. The Hornet's Sting and the Hell It's Caused
11. The Hornet's Disciple and the Scars She Left
12. Show Me Love aka Fucking Amal
Crimson Peak – 2015 – Guillermo del Toro
The Fifth Cord – 1971 – Luigi Bazzoni
Dis – 2017 – Adrian Corona
Black Shampoo – 1976 – Greydon Clark
Uninvited – 1988 – Greydon Clark
There's Nothing Out There – 1991 – Rolfe Kanefsky
A Measure of Sin – 2013 – Jeff Wedding
The Ruins – 2008 – Carter Smith
Blood Beach – 1980 – Jeffrey Bloom
For Your Height Only – 1981 – Eddie Nicart
Mrparka's Video Reviews for the Week of January 26th (Episode 89) (Ghoulies Franchise)
The Ghoulies Franchise – 0:10
"Ghoulies" Review – 0:50
"Ghoulies 2" Review – 13:59
"Ghoulies 3: Ghoulies Go to College" Review – 35:15
Ratings and Rankings – 1:01:56
"Sheborg" Review – 1:06:36
"Kiss of the Tarantula" Review– 1:11:01
Patreon Pick "Assassination Nation" Review – 1:16:51
Patreon Pick "Real Steel" – 1:24:26
The VHS Voyage "Video Murders" Review –1:32:27
"The Fits" Pick a movie Review – 1:39:06
Last week's question of the week Answers. –Who is the coolest actor? – 1:49:00
Question of the Week – What is your favorite little creature flick?– 1:52:00
Patreon Shout Out – 1:53:20
Ghoulies Franchise!
Ghoulies - THEY'LL GET YOU IN THE END.A young man and his girlfriend move into the man's old mansion home, where he becomes possessed by a need to control ancient demons.
Ghoulies 2 - THEY'LL GET YOU IN THE END … AGAIN!
Ghoulies II picks up a short time after the first movie, a few of the little nasties stow away on an amusement park ride and bring big bucks to a dying fair. The creatures are mad after an attempt to kill them, so the creatures go on a rampage through the fairgrounds, ultimately leading to an explosive conclusion!
Ghoulies 3: Ghoulies Go to College - EVERYBODY'S FAVORITE TROUBLEMAKERS ARE ON THE LOOSE AGAIN!
A college teacher brings the little creatures back to his campus, where they proceed to terrorize the faculty and students.
Ghoulies 4 - A LITTLE BIT MAGIC, A LITTLE BLACK LEATHER... AND A LOT OF BLACK HUMOR
While in pursuit of cop Johnathan Graves, his demonic nemesis, Faust, sends his disciple Alexandria to hunt down the amulet that will set him free. Meanwhile, the Ghoulies find their way through an open porthole and onto the streets of L.A., creating madness and mayhem as they search for a way to get back home. As the body count rises, it becomes an ultimate battle between a demonic killer, a rule-breaking cop, and our favorite creatures from the netherworld!
Special Guest - Dustin Mills
Dustin Mill's Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/Dwmills/posts
Derek Bourgeois YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYX2LEg91cBhyH5lJckoSuA
"Sheborg" Blu-Ray Review (Wild Eye Releasing)
Part Woman. Part Machine. Total Destruction.
An alien fugitive crash lands on earth and begins turning people into cyborgs that feed on animal flesh. Dylan and her best friend Eddie have to team up to stop the Sheborg before the whole town is assimilated into monstrous machines of destruction.
Wild Eye Releasing – http://www.wildeyereleasing.com/
"Sheborg" Blu-Ray – https://mvdshop.com/products/sheborg-blu-ray
"Kiss of the Tarantula) DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Review (VCI Entertainment)
SO SILENT, SO DEADLY, SO FINAL
Mommy and Daddy operate and live in a mortuary with their daughter, Susan, who collects tarantula spiders and has always been ostracized by her friends because... well she's a little bit strange. In true schlocky b-movie horror fashion, this is a real All-American Dysfunctional Family! So when Susan discovers that mommy dearest is plotting to have dear old dad killed... well this puts sweet little Susie over the top and she pulls out all the stops, making good use of her father's mortuary and her creepy little playmates to exact horrendous revenge! A 70s drive-in classic! Includes new 2018 commentary by David Del Valle.
"Kiss of the Tarantula" DVD/Blu-Ray Combo – https://mvdshop.com/products/kiss-of-the-tarantula-blu-ray-dvd
Patreon Pick "Assassination Nation" Blu-Ray Review
High school senior Lily and her three best friends live in a world of selfies, emojis, snaps and sexts. But when their town of Salem is besieged by a massive data hack, resulting in half the citizens' private info spewed into the public view, the community descends into anarchy. Lily is targeted after being falsely blamed for the hack—and bands together with her friends to survive a long, blood-soaked night.
Includes a digital copy of Assassination Nation (Subject to expiration. Go to NBCUCodes.com for details.)
Deleted/Extended Scenes
Gag Reel
"Assassination Nation" Blu-Ray – https://www.amazon.com/Assassination-Nation-Blu-ray-Odessa-Young/dp/B07HSJYD54/
Patreon Pick "Real Steel" Streaming Review (Amazon Prime)
Enter the not-so-distant future where boxing has gone high-tech -- 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots have taken over the ring. Starring Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter turned small-time promoter, REAL STEEL is a riveting, white-knuckle action ride that will leave you cheering. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the thrill-packed arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback. Visually stunning and complete with knockout bonus material, REAL STEEL is a pulse-pounding, inspirational adventure filled with heart and soul.
Blu-ray(TM) Feature Film + Bonus|DVD Feature Film + Bonus|Bloopers|Making Of Metal Valley|Building The Bots|Audio Commentary With Director Shawn Levy|REAL STEEL Second Screen: Ringside With Director Shawn Levy|Deleted & Extended Scenes -- With Introductions By Director Shawn Levy|Countdown To The Fight: The Charlie Kenton Story|Sugar Ray Leonard: Cornerman's Champ
"Real Steel" Blu-Ray - https://www.amazon.com/Real-Steel-Two-Disc-Blu-ray-Combo/dp/B005ZKYXZI/
The VHS Voyage "Video Murders" (Trans World Entertainment)
THERE IS NO REHEARSAL!
David Lee Shepherd, who desperately wants work in the video business, is luring hookers into his hotel room so that he can videotape himself strangling them. The police conclude that a serial killer is at work and thus begins an intense manhunt.
"Video Murders" YouTube – https://youtu.be/lrpieyNQAJo
Pick a Movie "The Fits" Streaming Review (Amazon Prime)
While training at the gym 11-year-old tomboy Toni becomes entranced with a dance troupe. As she struggles to fit in she finds herself caught up in danger as the group begins to suffer from fainting spells and other violent seizures.
"The Fits" Amazon Streaming – https://www.amazon.com/Fits-Royalty-Hightower/dp/B01GSZC32S/
Favorite little creature flick?
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podbean-70/shut-up-brandon-podcast
https://shutupbrandon.podbean.com/e/mrparka%E2%80%99s-weekly-reviews-episode-89-audio-version-ghoulies-franchise/
1. Plague of the Zombies
Patreon Shout Outs!
Geek Street - https://www.patreon.com/SimplyDrunk/posts
Ghoulies – 1984 – Luca Bercovici
Ghoulies 2 – 1987 – Albert Band
Ghoulies Go to College – 1991 – John Carl Buechler
Ghoulies IV – 1994 – Jim Wynorski
Sheborg – 2016 – Daniel Armstrong
Kiss of the Tarantula – 1976 – Chris Munger
Assassination Nation – 2018 – Sam Levinson
Real Steel – 2011 – Shawn Levy
Video Murders – 1988 – Jim McCullough Sr.
The Fits – 2015 – Anna Rose Holmer
Mrparka's Video Reviews for the Week of January 19th (Episode 88) (Room Tour)
"Molly" Review – 0:33
"Gas, Food, Lodging" Review – 7:12
"The Night Eats the World" Review– 11:58
"Cold Hell" Review – 15:57
Patreon Pick "Out of the Blue – 20:15
The VHS Voyage "Tales of the Unknown" Review –24:28
"Fucking Amal aka Show Me Love" Pick a movie Review – 33:13
Pick a movie drawing – 37:50
Last week's question of the week Answers. –How do you feel about Kino Lorber? What is your favorite release? What release are you most looking forward to? – 41:27
Question of the Week, "Who is the coolest Actor/Actress of all time? – 42:30
Patreon Shout Out – 44:20
Room Tour – 44:36
"Molly" Blu-Ray Review (Artsplotation Films)
In a post-apocalyptic world, one girl fights for survival against all odds.
Mad Max meets Turbo Kid in Molly, in this electrifying and imaginative tale of one young woman's determined struggle to survive in an inhospitable world. In a barren landscape ravished by war, Molly, a super-powered young woman, roams the violent post-apocalyptic landscape, armed only with a bow and arrow, to confront the dangers around her. When a sadistic ringmaster who run an underground fight club hears of her supernatural abilities he sends his sociopathic marauders to capture her and make her a star attraction in his cage fights to the death.
Artsploitation Films – http://www.artsploitationfilms.com/
"Molly" Blu-Ray – https://www.amazon.com/Molly-Blu-ray-Julia-Batelaan/dp/B07C5M3FP5/
"Molly" DVD/CD – https://mvdshop.com/products/molly-dvd-cd
"Gas, Food, Lodging" Blu-Ray Review (Arrow Academy)
THEY''RE SISTERS. BUT IT WILL TAKE A MIRACLE TO MAKE THEM A FAMILY.
Adapted from the novel Don't Look and It Won't Hurt by Richard Peck, Allison Anders (Grace of My Heart) whipped up a storm at the 42nd Berlin International Film Festival with her masterfully crafted tale of a young woman trying to find love while struggling to bring up her two daughters. Abandoned by her husband, Nora (Brooke Adams, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Stuff) waitresses to keep her head above water while raising two teenagers in a small New Mexico town trailer park. Beautiful and rebellious, Trudi (Ione Skye, Wayne's World, Zodiac) quits school to work alongside her mother, while her sister Shade (Fairuza Balk, The Craft, American History X) whittles away her time watching old movie matinees. Their life is turned on its head when Trudi finds that she has fallen pregnant after a string of promiscuous relationships and the girls' absent father returns with hopes of mending the relationships he broke when he left. A wonderfully engaging story of the woes of teenagers reaching adulthood, Gas Food Lodging is a distinctly American portrayal of a mother trying to raise two wayward teens with growing pains, who are learning about love, life and each other. This director-approved restoration finally affords this 90s modern classic the home video treatment it rightly deserves.
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation, approved by director Allison Anders
Original uncompressed 2.0 audio
The Road to Laramie: A Look Back at Gas Food Lodging, italicise title and remove commas a brand new interview with Allison Anders and Josh Olson
Cinefile: Reel Women italicise(Chris Rodley, 1995), a documentary looking at the challenges women face in the film industry from independent to studio filmmaking, featuring interviews with Allison Anders, Kathryn Bigelow, Jane Campion, Penny Marshall, Gal
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Matthew Griffin
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector's booklet featuring new writing on the film
"Gas, Food, Lodging" Blu-Ray – https://mvdshop.com/products/gas-food-lodging-blu-ray
"The Night Eats the World" Streaming Review (Amazon Prime)
After waking up in an apartment the night after a raging party, Sam comes face to face with his new reality, an army of zombies have invaded the streets of Paris and he is the lone survivor. Petrified with fear, he barricades himself inside the building to survive. He wonders how long can he last in silence and solitude, and the answer comes when he learns that he's not all alone after all.
"The Night Eats the World" Amazon Streaming – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HJW6SWC
"Cold Hell" Streaming Review (Shudder)
When Özge, a young Turkish-born taxi driver and Thai-boxer, witnesses a brutal murder, she is convinced the killer has seen her. A life-and-death struggle ensues when the madman begins his pursuit. Oscar-winning director, Stefan Ruzowitzky's ferocious film is a must-see blend of serial killer thriller and hard boiled pulp. A SHUDDER EXCLUSIVE. Contains strong language, violence and gore. Contains strong language, violence and gore.
Shudder – https://www.shudder.com/
"Cold Hell" Shudder Streaming – https://www.shudder.com/movies/watch/cold-hell/3973916
Patreon Pick "Out of the Blue" DVD Review (IFC Films)
THE TRUE STORY OF A SMALL TOWN MASSACRE
Ordinary people find extraordinary courage in the face of madness. On 13–14 November 1990 that madness came to Aramoana, a small New Zealand seaside town, in the form of a lone gunman with a high-powered semi-automatic rifle. As he stalked his victims the terrified and confused residents were trapped for 24 hours while a handful of under-resourced and under-armed local policemen risked their lives trying to find him and save the survivors. Based on true events.
IFC Films – http://www.ifcfilms.com/
"Out of the Blue" DVD – https://www.amazon.com/Out-Blue-Karl-Urban/dp/B00151QYCQ/
The VHS Voyage "Tales of the Unknown" VHS Review (A.I.P. Studios)
Four supernatural horror tales with a surreal and humorous twist to nearly every one. In 'Jack Falls Down', Jack Clayton is an unscrupulous insurance agent who is confronted by Death (aka: the Grim Reaper) with an offer to take the life of a office co-worker, named Leslie, in exchange for his own life. In 'The Big Garage', a newish businessman, knowingly only as 'B' finds himself trapped in a living nightmare when his car breaks down in a small town and he finds himself in more or less a prison of a garage in his frantic quest to search for his car. In 'Living on Video' an average guy named Joe inexplicit ably finds his entire life in front of any video screen that he comes into contact with with his privacy robbed. In 'Warped', Elizabeth is a young woman who arrives to stay with her cousin Voyola and senile aunt after a stay in a mental hospital, only to realize that her relatives are even MORE deranged than she in their attempts to hide a long-hidden family secret.
"Tales of the Unknown" VHS – https://www.amazon.com/Tales-of-the-Unknown/dp/6301792696
Pick a Movie "Show Me Love" aka "Fucking Amal" DVD-R Review
TWO GIRLS. ONE LOVE.
Åmål is a small insignificant town where nothing ever happens, where the latest trends are out of date when they get there. Young Elin has a bit of a bad reputation when it comes to guys, but the fact is that she has never done *it*. Another girl in her school, Agnes, is in love with her but is too shy to do anything about it. For different reasons, Elin ends up at Agnes' birthday party as the only guest. They have a girl's night out together but after that Elin desperately avoids Agnes, refusing to even consider her own homosexuality.
"Fucking Amal" aka "Show Me Love" DVD – https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fucking-Amal-Show-Me-Love-1998-Alexandra-Dahlstrom-Rebecka-Liljeberg-DVD-NEW/112040485500
Who is the coolest actor/actress of all time?
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podbean-70/shut-up-brandon-podcast
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/shut-up-brandon-podcast/id988229934?mt=2https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podbean-70/shut-up-brandon-podcast
1. Jungle Holocaust
2. Street Law
3. What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice?
4. Let the Corpses Tan
5. Westworld
Alex Williams – Thank You!!!
Molly – 2017 – Colinda Bongers/Thijs Meuwese
Gas, Food, Lodging – 1992 – Allison Anders
The Night Eats the World – 2018 – Dominique Rocher
Cold Hell – 2017 – Stefan Ruzowitzky
Out of the Blue – 2006 – Robert Sarkies
Tales of the Unknown – 1990 – Greg Beeman/John Kim/Todd A. Marks/Roger Nygard
Show Me Love – 1998 – Lukas Moodysson
"Dogs" Review – 1:25
"Day of the Animals" Review – 6:55
"Kingdom of the Spiders" Review– 10:43
"Spasms" Review – 15:27
The VHS Voyage "Strays" Review –20:33
"Midnight Express" Pick a movie Review – 24:12
Las weeks question of the week Answers. Quintessential antihero?"– 32:46
Question of the Week –How do you feel about Kino Lorber? What is your favorite release? What release are you most looking forward to?–34:19
"Dogs" Blu-Ray Review (Scorpion Releasing)
David McCallum (Man From U.N.C.L.E, NCIS) stars in this horrifying tale of man's best friend turning into his worst enemy!
On the quiet campus of the remotely-located South Western University, something strange is happening. All of the dogs in the area, once loyal gentle pets, are now banding together in wild packs and hunting down their former masters. Could the strange transformation have anything to do with the secret government experiments being conducted in the school's physics laboratory? More importantly, can the dogs be stopped before it's too late? Now watch this terrifying entry in the animal attack genre in glorious widescreen from a brand new HD master!
Starring David McCallum
Special Features: New HD master, Interviews with cast and crew, Theatrical Trailer, Liner notes by Lee Gambin, Fun Facts, Trivia
Scorpion Releasing // 1976 // 91 Minutes // Rated R // Color // English // Region A
Scorpion Releasing – http://scorpionreleasing.com/
"Dogs" Blu-Ray – https://roninflix.com/products/dogs
"Day of the Animals" Blu-Ray Review (Scorpion Releasing)
The Terrifying Movie of a World Gone Mad!
Scientists warn that the depletion of the earth's ozone layer is reaching critical levels, particularly in higher altitudes. How critical? Enough to unleash the vengeful wrath of the entire animal kingdom! No human is safe, particularly a group of nature-loving hikers who are constantly menaced by every conceivable mountain-dwelling creature. Dogs, rats, snakes, hawks, owls, mountain lions and bears are out to send a clear message about chlorofluorocarbon abuse. Director William Girdler follows up his 1976 hit film, Grizzly, with this eco-sensitive, nature-runs-amok thrill-ride. Now see it from a brand new HD master from the original IP in correct widescreen scope format, along with a brand new 5.1 mix, first time anywhere in the world!
Starring Leslie Nielsen, Jon Cedar, Christopher George, Richard Jaeckel, Lynda Day George, Michael Ansara, Ruth Roman
Special Features: New HD master, Isolated Score by Lalo Schifrin, Interviews with Jon Cedar and Paul Mantee
Scorpion Releasing // 1977 / 91 Minutes // Rated PG // Color // English // Region A
Scorpion Releasing – http://scorpionreleasing.com/
"Day of the Animals" Blu-Ray – https://roninflix.com/products/day-of-the-animals
"Kingdom of the Spiders" Blu-Ray Review (Code Red)
Blu-ray includes Limited Edition Slipcover with artwork by Chris Labrenz while supplies last.
William Shatner stars as vet "Rack" Hansen in this cult classic about an Arizona town infested with a horde of arachnids that turn on the humans. After livestock belonging to Rack's friend Walter Colby fall victim to a spider attack, entomologist Dian Ashlery arrives and tries to help Rack deal with the the crisis. But with the big county fast approaching, Mayor Connors refueses to let them quarantine the Colby's ranch. Soon the remaining residents of the town must barricade themselves to stave off the eight-legged invaders in the ultimate man vs. arachnid showdown!
Starring William Shatner, Tiffany Bolling, Woody Strode
Special Features: New 2K scan of the interpositive, reversible artwork, Jim Brockett: Spider Wrangler featurette, Audio Commentary with director John "Bud" Carlos, producer Igo Kantor, spider wrangler Jim Brockett and Cinematographer John Morrill, Rare Behind the Scenes footage, Theatrical Trailer
Code Red // 1977 // 97 Minutes // Rated PG // Color // English // All Region
Code Red – http://codereddvd.com/
"Kingdom of the Spiders" Blu-Ray – https://roninflix.com/products/kingdom-of-the-spiders
"Spasms" Blu-Ray Review (Code Red)
Blu-ray includes a Limited Edition Slipcover while supplies last.
A scientist on a Pacific island finds a new source of true evil - a deadly snake. It is captured and transported to the civilized world. Disaster strikes when the creature escapses onto the city streets to terrorize the community and wreak a frenzied trail of carnage and destruction. SPASMS features some of the most amazing practical special effects make-up ever to grace the screeen.
Starring Peter Fonda, Oliver Reed, Al Waxman
Code Red // Horror // 1983 // 90 Minutes // Rated R // Color // English // All Region
Please Note: When the film elements were found for Spasms, there was a section of the film missing. Code Red had to insert ten minutes of standard definition video footage into the new HD master to be able to present the full-length film.
"Spasms" Blu-Ray – https://roninflix.com/products/spasms
The VHS Voyage "Strays" VHS Review (Universal Home Video)
THEY HAVE NINE LIVES. WE HAVE ONLY ONE.
Family moves into new home and is attacked by stray cats.
"Strays" VHS – https://www.amazon.com/Strays-VHS-Kathleen-Quinlan/dp/6302568293/
Pick a Movie "Midnight Express" Blu-Ray Review
Midnight Express is the harrowing story of Billy Hayes, a young American tourist condemned to a Turkish prison for his futile attempt to smuggle hashish out of the country. Made an example of by a corrupt legal system and a victim of ineffectual diplomacy, Hayes is sentenced to 30 years and must overcome ruthless brutality and his own descent into madness in order to survive and, hopefully, escape.
Nominated for six 1978 Academy Awards, and winner for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score, Midnight Express is led by the powerful direction of Alan Parker (Mississippi Burning, Evita), with searing performances from Brad Davis, John Hurt and Randy Quaid. It is an unforgettable look at one of the most dangerous prisons in the world, and one mans fight to get home.
Commentary With Director Alan Paker
The Making Of Midnight Express
The Producers, The Production And The Finished Film
"Midnight Express" Blu-Ray – https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Express-Blu-ray-Brad-Davis/dp/B0024FAG4Y/
Ask a question/Answer a Question
General thoughts on Kino Lorber? Favorite releases? What releases are you looking most forward to?
1. The Life and the Times of Judge Roy Bean
2. Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3
3. Village of the Damned
4. Super Fly
5. Dark of the Sun
6. The Swinging Barmaids
7. Mirror Mirror 2: Raven Dance
8. Out of the Blue
Jason Willard!! Thanks
Dogs – 1976 – Burt Brinckerhoff
Day of the Animals – 1977 – William Girdler
Kingdom of the Spiders – 1977 – John "Bud" Cardos
Spasms – 1983 – William Fruet
Strays – 1991 – John McPherson
Midnight Express – 1978 – Alan Parker


text:
Poet Prince (foaled 1932) was a British Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 1941 Cheltenham Gold Cup. He had earlier won the Stanley Chase at Aintree and went on to contest two more Gold Cups. He was unplaced when well-fancied in 1942 and finished fourth in 1945 at the age of thirteen.

Background
Poet Prince was a chestnut gelding with a broad white blaze bred in the United Kingdom. He was sired by Milton, a representative of the Godolphin Arabian sireline whose wins included the Criterion Stakes in 1918 and the Ribblesdale Stakes in the following year. His dam, Welsh Princess was a great-granddaughter of Wedding Eve, an Irish broodmare whose other descendants have included the Kentucky Derby winner Ponder.

As a young horse Poet Prince had breathing problems and was not regarded as a serious racing prospect. He was acquired for only 40 guineas by David Sherbrooke, a veterinary surgeon who also competed as an amateur jockey. He was initially sent into training with Ivor Anthony at Wroughton in Wiltshire.

Racing career
Poet Prince showed good form in the early part of his racing career and won the Stanley Chase at Aintree Racecourse in the spring of 1940. Despite his success at the course, he never contested the Grand National.

On 20 March 1941, Poet Prince was one of ten horses to contest the sixteenth running of the Cheltenham Gold Cup. David Sherbrooke had intended to ride the horse himself but was injured in a fall on the previous day and the ride went to Roger Burford. The 1940 winner Roman Hackle favourite ahead of Savon with Poet Prince third choice in the betting at odds of 7/2 whilst the other fancied runners included Red Rower (also trained by Ivor Anthony) and The Professor. In the race Poet Prince tracked Red Rower before taking the lead at the final obstacle. He drew away on the run-in and won by three lengths from Savon, with Red Rower a short head away in third place.

Poet Prince ran well in hurdle races in the early part of the next season. On 21 March 1942 he made an attempt to win a second Gold Cup when he faced stronger opposition in a race run in thick fog. Ridden again by Burford he finished unplaced behind the French-bred Medoc II. National Hunt racing in Britain was suspended in September 1942. The first Cheltenham Festival for three years was held in 1945 and Poet Prince, now trained by Fulke Walwyn, returned to contest his third Gold Cup at the age of thirteen. He traveled very well for most of the way and looked the likely winner two fences out but then began to struggle and dropped back to finish fourth behind Red Rower.

Assessment and honours
In their book, A Century of Champions, based on the Timeform rating system, John Randall and Tony Morris rated Poet Prince a "poor" Gold Cup winner.

Pedigree

Poet Prince was inbred 4 × 4 to St Simon and Amphion, meaning that both of these stallions appeared twice in the fourth generation of his pedigree.

References

1932 racehorse births
Racehorses bred in the United Kingdom
Racehorses trained in the United Kingdom
Thoroughbred family 23
Cheltenham Gold Cup winners
Cheltenham Festival winners
National Hunt racehorses
Godolphin Arabian sire line

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia