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Grand Master Report
03/31/2013, 10:17 AM, Grand Master - Dark Council
It's report time.
The other day, someone commented in teamspeak that for a club based on the Dark Side of the Force, there's not a whole lot of people playing genuinely evil characters.
Now, this isn't the first time any of us has heard this.
If we look across the club, we have a few real monsters. Oberst is our own version of Hannibal Lecter, intelligent and sadistic. We had Sarin, who murdered his own family on the path to power.
About a year or so ago, I went to the guys in Plagueis with a new concept, a new modus operandi for their unit, to try to distinguish themselves and define themselves as something different in the Brotherhood. To serve as a counterpoint, Plagueis could be the traditional 'Evil' house to balance against the lighties in House Odan-Urr. The original discussions went pretty far down the rabbit hole. Slavery, pillaging, raiding and torture were all regular elements. Now, some of that got thrown by the wayside, but some still remains.
There are a lot of people who don't want to play the bad guy. Black hat evil is just not their thing. And to be honest, the term 'Dark Jedi' doesn't necessarily mean full-on puppy-kicking evil. It means that they have walked away from the strictness of the traditional jedi. I say traditional because in Luke's Order, jedi get married and so forth. But even that doesn't make a lot of sense. Remarkably few of our characters were actually trained as Jedi, so they have nothing to really walk away from.
So is it just that people don't want to be darkity dark evil bad?
Or is evil a bit different than that? There's no shortage of papers and books on the concept, and we can spend all day trying to sort out what true evil is. I mean, there's some things that we all can recognize are wrong, like murder, rape... but that'd generally not how most of us write our characters.
I think that by and large, we run our characters by the 'evil is a point of view' method. Halc is a nice guy, but to Mike Halcyon, he's evil. Korras is great friend, but if you move against him or his own, you'll think he was evil. Raken is quiet and effective, but he will choke-rape you if you step between him and his goals.
We may talk about how we're not evil, but the worst evils usually think the same. I don't think that Mao thought he was evil for doing what he did. I doubt that Hussein or even Bin Laden thought of his acts as evil. They believed that their acts were justified in the face of evil.
The past few months, we have been steamrolling across a series of planets and 'liberating ' them from the One Sith, claiming them under the banner of our Brotherhood. I am sure that the enemy thinks we're the devil. But that's fine. We're not doing it for them, we're doing it for us, for our people, not theirs.
I think that is inherently where the disconnect comes. We do what we do for our loved ones, for our friends, for our philosophy, and that can't possibly be evil, right?
Animals could certainly think that humans are evil. We hunt them, eat their young, imprison them for our zoos. And any time that they strike back, we respond with overwhelming force. Is the hunter evil for doing what he can to feed his family? Are we evil for making the conscious decision that our lives are worth more than the lives of others?
Now, Vegans have made another decision, of course, but most of us respond with a resounding no.
I think we all play bad guys. We just don't all play moral-less sadists. There is a difference.
-> <-

We have the independence games coming very soon here. James is running this for us at a high level, but what you can expect is a lot of competitions to pay in, and some pretty awesome awards for those of us who do the most damage and place in the most of them. Watch for James to make announcements coming relatively soon.
After that, we'll be going back on the warpath. The crusade will return come May, for the final month of Phase One, which is graded solely by participation. Importantly, good participation in May will have a pretty big bonus for the Crusade events in June, so please keep that in mind.
It's been murmured around that phase two will be more skill-based, and that is absolutely correct. Participation will mean a lot and units with healthy participation will have a decided advantage in getting their share of rewards.
A few months ago, it was announced that J.J. Abrams will be directing the new Star Wars films. So far, they've said that Han,Luke and Leia will be involved in some way, shape or form.
It's also rumored that the new films will be in the same general timeframe that we operate in fictionally. The question that was posed to me was 'Should we freeze time and wait for the films?' I asked this back in January, but the responses got buried in a flood of resposnes for another issue. Since it is important, I wanted to bring it back up and get your feedback.
There's pluses and minuses on both sides of that. What do you think? Should we use the 'crusade' to hold time back a bit and wait for the films to catch up to us? Or should we just keep going and make people retcon based on canon?
Ask the GM time!
Mirus asks: The Old Republic has become a large part of the Brotherhood to the point that there are even Wiki templates for TOR characters. Are there currently any plans to expand TOR into the fictional aspect of the DJB or implement those templates in any way?
There are a few things that will come up in the coming phases of the Crusade that will allow certain Tor era characters to operate in the DB timeline. Not many, but a few. We don't want to get too carried away, but it'll be possible. On top of that, we will be exploring old ruins from the TOR years as we get deeper and deeper into the Sith Empire space. There will be a lot of cool bridging between TOR and our timeframe. It won't be complete assimilation, because frankly, we were a club long before the TOR game came out, and gods willing, we'll be around after they shutter. But we will be integrating it to some degree.
Malik asks: how does the whole winning a planet in the crusade work? what are the benefits of winning since to my understanding the winning clouse doesn't own the planet, the DB does.
When the DB goes to war and wins, we all win. Here's how I'm breaking it down: Whichever Unit wins the planet get's the Lion's share and first pick of assets that the DC will install on that planet. Other units who manage to break (in first phase, the ratio of 1.0) in participation will also get a shot at getting some, too, since they did work hard.
So why aren't we doing 'giveaway planets'?
Well, originally, I wanted to give them away in trade for the homegrown planets and systems that the DB has built over the last years. It's an easy move from the past few years pushing toward going with only canon stuff. However, the feedback i received was almost unanimously against giving up the old systems, and I can understand why. We have all put a lot of love and energy into building those things up. So yeah, we'll be doing up some pretty sexy asset portfolios for the victors to take a look at and decide upon. Ultimately, these assets could be wagered in future feuds, if we want to, and that could lend an additional bit of awesomeness to feuds.
Mirus and both score DCs for hitting up questions for AskTheGM. If you want to score one of the easiest DCs ever, simply wait for me to change my nick to 'AskTheGM' and hit me up, or email me.
->

 <-
And that is all for this time. Let me know if I can help with anything. I can be found on IRC, occassionally in teamspeak and TOR. Also, just about every friday night, we do G+hangouts with whoever wants to show up.
-> <-

Seer Mirado L'eonheart, Mar 31, 2013 4:06 PM
I think holding off on moving forward in timeframe is the more wise idea. I base this opinion off of some speculation as to how onerous and annoying a task it would be to retcon the entirety of a couple of years would be. I don't know that anyone would want to have to go over potentially mounds of good work.
Just my take anyways.
Warlord Ronovi Tavisaen, Mar 31, 2013 8:15 PM
Ooh, boy. If we hold off on progressing timeline-wise, 36 or 37 ABY will be the longest year evaaaar.
I'm not quite sure what to think of it. Honestly, no matter what we decide to do timeline-wise, we may have to do quite a bit of retconning, anyway. 36 ABY, 40 ABY, or 50 ABY, what we write may still have to be retconned. Hell, a question of how much we stick to canon is another discussion altogether. But really, there's no easy way to avoid such a situation. Personally, I'd like to see the timeline continually progress, but that's just my own preference, and it may not be beneficial for the rest of the group.
So...I'ma let the experts give their two cents.
Battlelord Etah Deimos Kilij-Bloodfyre, Apr 1, 2013 4:39 AM
I think if we focus on events within our boarders and create the individuals or entities we use fictionally that originate outside of the Brotherhood, time can move forward and not clash with these movies. I think living in the same year for several IRL years will be bad for fiction and our organization. How do you explain having 12 Quaestor's within 12 months? lol That does mean staying away from some of the more important Sith Planets though, like Korriban, Dromund Kaas and Ziost.
Also the d'Tana Crime Family has always been evil-ish. I think the problem is that evil is totally subjective. If you watch the Sons of Anarchy you really get a sense of how evil people love their spouses and their children and live their life. Then the next day they murder a cop to protect the Club. Palpatine probably had family and I bet he hugged them. Darth Maul has awkward emotional moments with his brother. The problem with "evil" and this group is because we don't just portray the dramatic moments, but we're Dark Jedi when the cameras would have stopped rolling, too.
Prophet Halcyon Rokir Taldrya, Apr 1, 2013 5:00 AM
Concerning the timeline...I'm on the side of continuing to move forward. When the new movies come out we'll deal with things then, just like the rest of the actual EU will have to do. We have no idea what will happen so there's not too much sense in worrying about it. The 1-1 timeline works fine for us and keeps us moving organically.
As for the "evil" thing...yeah, we're Dark Jedi Brotherhood and not the Evil Brotherhood :P Some of us can be raging lunatics and others can be subtle. Look at the Mafia...they are not "good", but they generally love their own and will care for their own family. However, some will go off the handle and do crazy things. Most of them will unleash hell if you mess with their own. In SW the Jedi have lines they cannot cross. We don't have any hard rules guiding our behavior and we can do what we want when we want to.
Adept Malik Sadow, Apr 1, 2013 5:07 AM
Etah raises a good point regarding stopping time until the movies are out with houw you'd explain numerous leadership changes in the same fictional year which would be a very real issue if we don't move forward at all for the next two years or however long there is until the movie comes out.
Warlord Ronovi Tavisaen, Apr 1, 2013 6:59 AM
The movie's meant to come out in 2015, right? Yeah, that's two years being in the same fictional year. While there are organizations that do a 2-1 timeline, Malik and Halc make good points, and it goes back to my argument that no matter what decision we make, we'll still have to adjust. But I'd rather adjust knowing that we are moving forward in our own lore.
Also, another thing to bring up: If this Star Wars movie does well, won't that mean more movies will, subsequently, be produced? We can't possibly expect to freeze our timeline every time a new movie comes out. Hell, we'd be perpetually inert time-wise because every movie would offer a new addition to the lore. We can't just stop and wait for Abrams to take care of fiction for us - after all, books and comics also continually come out, and the universe consequently gets altered in the same way. The bottom line is, we have to take this in stride without compromising the excellent fiction we write. The 1-1 timeline is solid, and I say we stick to it.
Oop, and credit to Etah, though. My bad, dude. You has been mentioned.
Reaver Ma`ar-Tyrius Ga-Tir, Apr 1, 2013 9:08 AM
Not sure if this is a hoax or even if its remotely honest, but it deals with the closing of "some" of the SW items....give it a read: http://clubjade.net/?p=48647
Warlord Tarax Eosphoros Taldrya Kor, Apr 1, 2013 4:44 PM
BLARGF OFH RAGE RAAR!! :P
OK now that that's out of the way, onto the questions at hand: Our evil-ness and the timeline.
First, as far as our moral compass goes, I always thought of Dark Jedi as "evil" with respect to the canon SW view of the universe, through Jedi's eyes. We're very similar to the Sith, without actually following the Sith theology and rule book. Or t better explain it, all Dark Siders are Dark Jedi, but they all have their own flavour of "Evil"; the Krath, the Sith, the Brotherhood of Darkness, the One Sith, the Brotherhood of the Sith, etc. They're all Dark Jedi, they all fall on the "evil" side, but each of their evils is different.
As how where the DB fits into that...I'd put us on the dark grey-to-evil side of the spectrum. Hell, we're Dark Jedi, and by SW canon Dark Jedi are the opposite of the peaceful, fun-loving, cozy, warm and fluffy regular Jedi, which are "good." Some of us are more "dark grey" while others are purely "evil." I think whatever progress/development/direction the DC takes us in, they should keep that in mind.
Second, our timeline...I think that the Crusade is a nice little way for us to "pause" time and see where Disney and Abrams take Star Wars next year, while we keep ourselves busy and entertained. Yeah, we could just go on ahead and retcon...but why do so if we don't have to? The Crusade is a perfect excuse for us to take a little step off the train and just do our own thing without worries about the timeline.
Prophet Keirdagh Taldrya Cantor, Apr 1, 2013 5:09 PM
tldr: Timeline modification makes for messy story telling, complicated character histories, and is just kind of bleh. Not a huge fan. The DB itself is going to need to take a long hard look at what happens in the movies, and decide whether we blow up our storyline (because they change the EU so much), or we just go "boom, alternate universe, this is where we live now". Pausing our timeline isn't going to affect that debate one little bit when the time comes, so I don't feel it necessary.
Dark/Light, Good/Evil. Isn't that all part of the fun in developing your own characters? Choosing how evil or light you are? Choosing what lines you will and will not break? My char has always basically been of the sense where he lets passion drive him, more than a pure Jedi would. He's not inherently evil, but he also doesn't become a pussy and not finish an enemy off because they've surrendered.
More than that, if you think about it, it'd make sense that we as the DB don't really go full out sadistic asshole evil. We still form a society. We have to follow certain codes of conduct in order to be effective etc etc etc. Plus we're not allowed to just murder other peoples characters because we don't have the right, so we're forced to coexist in a fashion.
ps: I'll be honest, I forgot that I had originally intended that to be a bullet post. It was not tl:dr at all :P
Master Raken, Apr 1, 2013 6:27 PM
I just assumed that was your particular brand of "evil." Very cagey of you.
Battlelord Etah Deimos Kilij-Bloodfyre, Apr 2, 2013 11:58 AM
I also don't really see the light v. dark dichotomy in Star Wars as good verses evil. I've always seen the the Jedi as passionless to the point of callousness and the Dark Jedi as passionate to the point of overwhelming rage. It seems like that for the Jedi, duty comes before compassion and for the Dark Jedi, passion overrides reason. I would actually really like to see Star Wars do stories with Dark Jedi protagonists and Light Jedi antagonists.
Warrior Draco Maligo, Apr 5, 2013 2:14 PM
Regarding the timeline, its not like we interact at all with the New Republic government in any way, or openly fight the Jedi. We're more a shadow organization that avoids galactic authority. Canon stuff is more a background thing, like if soap opera characters talk about President Obama or which football team won the Superbowl.
As to evil, in SW the Jedi are selfless and controlled, while Sith are selfish and passionate. That's kind of skewed version of good and evil. If you are looking at real world evil, the Nazis are generally considered the worst, but they had youth groups with nature outings, built the autobahns, and there wasn't a lot of rape and pillaging for its own sake. And when Hitler ordered Paris destroyed in 1944, the German commandant dragged his feet until the Allies took the city. Except for the Holocaust, I think the DB commits evil quite well.
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The POINT is a PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP Resort and Campground. This park is a Safe Space for gay & bisexual men who enjoy the outdoors and what nature has to offer. All memberships must be applied, verified and paid for prior to entering the park. Management reserves the right to deny access to anyone to the park at anytime without prejudice. Advance reservations to non members are not guaranteed. Advanced reservations are required. Please call ahead.
In making The POINT even more secure, a new gate and security system has been installed. The primary site holder must obtain a security gate FOB to use during their stay. As is standard practice, $5 is required for the purchase of the gate FOB. This FOB is non-refundable however on your next visit, simply return the FOB and we will activate it for your next visit at no charge.
– Additional site vehicles simply purchase a FOB as required.
– Broken, forgotten or lost FOBs are replaced at cost of $5.
In making The POINT even more secure, a new gate and security system has been installed. As a result, POINT campers must arrive prior to the store closing on your arrival date (call park directly or see park hours) It is the site holder's responsibility to contact the park office to make arrangements. ALL CAMPERS MUST BE CHECKED INTO THE OFFICE PRIOR TO ENTRY. In situations of an exception, campers must prearrange with the park office and have prepaid for their reservation in advance. Checking-in after hours are subject to a fee as the result of engaging an agent after hours.
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What is svchost.exe? And why is it running on your PC?
by Kelan Reay
6:00 pm IST | December 11, 2019 5:56 pm IST | December 11, 2019
If you're anything like me and are sometimes fidgeting around with your PC, then you'd have noticed a certain Service host (svchost.exe) hanging around in your Windows Task Manager. If you don't know what I'm going on about, go ahead and open up the Task Manager on your PC and you'll see. Yes, there's not one but loads of them, you can't delete them, and you know for sure you didn't start them. Well, don't worry, it's not much of a big deal, and I shall break it down for you.
Svchost.exe stands for Service Host, and as the name suggests, that's precisely what it does — host services. Now, what does 'host services' mean? Well, there are many services(basically a program) running in the background within Windows OS, such as Windows Update, Windows Firewall, DHCP Client, among others.
Most services that you might have already heard of operate as .EXE files, which means they can run on their own. However, most services are not .EXE files but operate as .dll files which aren't capable of operating on their own. This is where the service host comes into play — svchost.exe hosts these DLLs so that they can run.
Also read: What is SysMain and how to disable it?
But why are there multiple Service Hosts running?
You're probably wondering why is there a need for so many Service Hosts and can't all the services run under a single svchost.exe? Now see, if every single service ran under a single service host, an error in any one of the services could bring down the entire system. Arranging the services into separate groups (example-network services) performing the same function, and each having a single svchost.exe helps to localise any error and therefore makes it easier to troubleshoot and resolve it later.
Does this affect my PC?
The answer is yes and no. The svchost.exe program, like any program running in the background, does take up a percentage of your CPU. However, today's PC's are much more efficient and optimised and disabling any of these services wouldn't be advisable or necessary as they don't affect overall performance as much.
However, if you do notice a particular Service Host taking up vast amounts of CPU (I'm talking about 100%), then there could be a chance that it is a virus disguised in the form of a svchost.exe process. In this case, you can head up to the Task Manager, right-click on any Service Host and then select the Open File Location option.
If the file location is %SystemRoot%\System32\svchost.exe or %SystemRoot%\SysWOW64\svchost.exe then it is safe, and there is nothing to worry about. If not, then it could be advisable to run an antivirus program to find the bug.
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Lithocarpus toumorangensis är en bokväxtart som beskrevs av Aimée Antoinette Camus. Lithocarpus toumorangensis ingår i släktet Lithocarpus och familjen bokväxter. Inga underarter finns listade.

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Meet Jessy! He is such a handsome puppy. He loves to prance around and show off. He will be your entertainment for the evening at home. He will love to be by your side where ever you go. Dachshunds are great travelers and will be the center of attention where ever you go. I have raised Dachshunds for over 35 years. Jessy will be micro-chipped, come with AKC registration and up to date on his vaccinations and vet checked from head to tail. He is packed and ready for you call. Don't hesitate on this one.


Who loves macaroons? No, we're not talking about those cookies that look like colorful little burgers — those are macarons. Although French macarons are mistakenly often called macaroons, they're unmistakably different when it comes down to taste, texture, and appearance. Macaroons are Italian gluten-free cookies that are made from coconut and they're traditionally held together by whipped-up egg whites. Almond, vanilla, and a chocolate coating are popular ways to flavor macaroons. You can always see the texture of the coconut flakes, even when they're coated in chocolate. Macarons, on the other hand, are meringue-based French sandwich cookies that often have a fruit jam or ganache filling.
For whatever reason, on May 31st, we celebrate Macaroon Day! What better way to welcome the warmer weather than with a coconut-based cookie? The original recipe may call for egg whites, but we actually don't need them at all to make a fantastic macaroon. We can use chia seeds, Medjool dates, coconut oil, and other methods to hold our cookies together — and we can also get creative with the flavors. Don't believe us? Check out these 11 different ways to make macaroons.
These Raw Lemon Macaroons are a great raw vegan snack for lemon and coconut lovers! Easy to make and even easier to eat, their bright, citrusy flavor combined with flaky coconut is perfect for spring! They need to be dehydrated, but if you don't have a dehydrator, you can also "bake" them at your oven's lowest temperature setting.
If Almond Joys are proof of anything it's that coconut and chocolate go marvelously together. These Chocolate Coconut Macaroons bring the classic combination to macaroon-form. You can have these bite-sized treats ready in just 15 minutes only using seven simple ingredients! What more could you want?
These Maple Cardamom Macaroons are simple and the perfect tea accompaniment. They're not overly sweet, which is a nice change from the usual macaroon flavor profile. Vanilla extract, hazelnut, and maple syrup give these treats a subtle sweetness while chia seeds keep them intact.
A bite-size alternative to carrot cake, these oat-based Carrot Cake Macaroons are just delicious for when you crave something sweet. They can be made two ways; the first is with a sweet cashew frosting and the other is with a dark chocolate drizzle. Or, get adventurous and try it both ways at the same time. They're so easy to make, and ready in no time!
This recipe is for perfect, Simple Coconut Macaroons that won't fall apart. They're free of refined sugar but still sweet. As they bake, the coconut toasts and takes on a delightfully nutty flavor. You don't need any special ingredients to make these, either — everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
These Cherry Almond Macaroons are slightly tart, creamy, and nutty with a natural sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. These are also incredibly easy to make. It's a perfect treat to make when you don't have much time to spend in the kitchen.
Considered to be the world's most delicious nuts, macadamias are small, crispy buttery flavored powerhouses full of good fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They bring a richness to these Chocolate Macadamia Macaroons that's different from your average cookie that's enhanced by their chocolatey flavor. If you live chocolate (or know somebody who does), then these are a must-make.
When you can't decide between plain and chocolate, go for this recipe for Raw Macaroons Two Ways! One is like your standard macaroon and the other is made chocolatey through the use of raw cacao and maca powder with a pinch of sea salt to balance out the sweetness. Both are raw and totally delicious.
These Dark Chocolate-Dipped Vanilla Mint Macaroons just melt in your mouth. Their coconutty flavor is enhanced with vanilla and mint extracts and they're dipped in a rich dark chocolate coating. There's never a wrong time for vanilla, mint, and chocolate!
These No-Bake Almond Butter Macaroons are a winner that relentlessly beg to be made, eaten, and then made again. You need only one bowl to make them and you don't even need a tool — just your hands — to do the mixing. Although if you do use your hands, the batter might not make it to the tray. It's so good, you'll want to eat it all before you even have the chance to shape it into cookies.
Whether it's a traditional macaroon recipe or something more creative, we love all macaroons. What's your favorite kind? Tell us in the comments!
My absolutely favorite cookie… my freezer's crammed with them! Just one in the morning and my blood sugar's stable for hours!!!


Welcome to The Vast. Tulsa's newest Class "A" multi-tenant office, retail and restaurant building in downtown Tulsa. Sitting on the edge of the Brady Arts District at the northwest corner of Elgin and Archer, The Vast is a 100,000 square foot building located at the convergence of hotels, entertainment, offices and residential in downtown. The Vast, schedule to be completed in late 2019 will be home to Vast Bank, Casillas Petroleum, BKD and will bring in some 300 daytime occupants. The recent commitment from In The Raw Rooftop will result in vibrant dining and nighttime entertainment options to continue to attract people to The Vast. The ground floor will provide opportunities for high end casual dining options, quick lunch restaurants, work out studios or unique boutiques.
Tulsa Downtown has experienced more growth in the past several years that it has seen in decades. The growth and attractions will continue to add to both the daytime employment and nightlife as those in the Tulsa area choose to live, work or play in the central business district.
ONEOK Field – Attracting over 400,000 visitors annually, ONEOK field is home to the Tulsa Drillers which hosts 71 regular season home games, the Tulsa Roughneck Soccer Games, which host 17 regular season home games and other corporate events and attractions.
Tulsa Performing Arts Center – Home to more than 170 annual performances (Symphony, Opera, Theatre, Ballet, etc.) bringing in more than 200,000 people annually.
BOK – Since its opening in 2008, the 19,199 seat multi-purpose arena regularly hosts 145 +/- major and minor events brining in an estimated 1.5 million people annually.
First Friday – First Friday of every month has grown from 50 – 100 people per event to averaging more than 3,000 people to downtown museums, galleries and eating establishments.
With more than 27,500 jobs in downtown Tulsa, there is a concentration in knowledge industries with high average wages, such as Professional Services with an average income of $86,000 and Finance and Insurance with an average income of $84,000. While knowledge industries comprise a large share of total employment, energy-related industries are the highest paying, with average wages of upwards of $170,000. Employees in these sectors represent significant retail and food and beverage spending potential.
The number of downtown hotel rooms has more than doubled in the past 10 years to 2,402 rooms, with several new hotels located within blocks from The Vast.
There continues to be a strong commitment from the not-for profit and for-profit segments to deliver multifaceted housing options to the downtown Tulsa market. With more than 985 units either recently completed or under development, the projected population downtown is anticipated to double from that just years earlier.


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Category: Seen at the TCM Film Festival
Posted on July 5, 2016 July 5, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much	· 1 Comment
The Genius of James Cagney and 'Yankee Doodle Dandy'
I was not enthusiastic when my dad suggested we see Michael Curtiz's Yankee Doodle Dandy. We were at the TCM Film Festival and I was pushing to see something else. I was finally convinced when my dad mentioned that actor Malcolm McDowell would be introducing the film.
I can't remember exactly what he said, but I know McDowell spoke a lot about the genius of James Cagney. In a 2011 interview with The Guardian, McDowell discussed Cagney's influence on his life and career.
"He influences me all the time. If you love somebody that much, if you admire somebody that much, it's sort of woven into your DNA. I don't really have to think about it. Cagney's just there" (McDowell).
Cagney was known for his roles as tough criminals and all around jerks.
James Cagney in The Public Enemy (1931)
That's why Yankee Doodle Dandy was such a revelation. It was a completely different part for him. If you're not familiar, Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) follows the life of George M. Cohan, the composer, actor and producer known for patriotic songs such as "Over There" and "You're a Grand, Old Flag." Cohan's family was a famous vaudeville act during the late 1800's and early 20th century. They were called The Four Cohans. The film follows them behind the scenes in the theatre.
Here are just a few reasons watching Yankee Doodle Dandy should be on your fourth of july to-do list.
The first, and most important reason to watch this film is James Cagney's performance. He's energetic, sincere and absolutely brilliant. As much as I love Fred Astaire (who was also offered the role), Cagney was the only man for the part. He shined, in both the dramatic moments and the musical numbers.
THE SUPPORTING CAST
In addition to Cagney, Yankee Doodle Dandy is filled with wonderful character actors including Joan Leslie as Mary (George's sweetheart), Walter Huston as Jerry Cohan (George's father) and Jeanne Cagney as Josie Cohan (George's sister). Of course, Jeanne was actually James's sister.
The Four Cohans: Rosemarie DeCamp, Cagney's IRL sister Jeanne Cagney and Walter Huston
The music, written by George M. Cohan is incredible. Featuring songs like "Yankee Doodle Dandy," "Mary's A Grand Old Name," and "Over There," you can't help but tap your foot and sing along. George M. Cohan received the Gongressional Gold Medal by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for his composition of patriotic songs.
Here's one of my favorite numbers, a song Cohan wrote for his wife, Mary:
The film definitely shouldn't be categorized as a romance, but the scenes between Cagney and Joan Leslie are particularly fun. My favorite scene might be the scene when Cohan first meets Mary. Mary thinks he's an old man (since he's dressed like one) and he's going along with it. To watch the scene: Being Eighteen is Very Wise
#SWOON
IT WON SOME OSCARS
I say it's great, but don't take my word for it. It also won three Oscars, including Best Score and Best Actor for James Cagney. In 1974, Cagney was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. His speech is pretty great.
IT'S IDEALISTIC AND PATRIOTIC
This is why it's perfect viewing for Independence Day. It promotes patriotic values and is really, at its heart, about the love of a family. The scene where Cagney is at his father's death bed is said to have been so powerful that director Michael Curtiz started balling and ruined a take.
Also, Cagney improvised one of the best moments of the film where he comes down the stairs at the White House dancing.
I'm telling you this is a good one. It's pure fun and will make you sing the lyrics to Yankee Doodle Dandy even if you don't want to. It's that powerful.
Posted on May 17, 2016 May 17, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much
Charlie Chaplin and "The Kid"
It's national classic movie day so I thought I'd continue telling you about my adventures at the TCM Film Fest by talking about Charlie Chaplin's 1921 film The Kid. The Kid is a great example for why the TCM Film Festival is so important. It was on my list of must see films as soon as it was announced. Still, as excited as I was, I felt hesitant. Silent films require a concentration different from sound films. Everything is visual. If you look down or nod off, you miss something.
I'm happy to say that concentration was not at all a problem during The Kid. Rounding out at only 68 minutes, The Kid follows "the woman" played by Edna Purviance who leaves her baby in the backseat of a car, only to regret it a few minutes later. Eventually, the kid falls into Chaplin's hands and he decides to raise the child as his own. At five, the kid is played by Jackie Coogan who is probably cuter than any kid in any film ever made. I know. That's a big statement, but he really is THAT CUTE. He helps Chaplin steal and they get into fun antics together.
I DARE YOU TO FIND A CUTER GIF 😭
Funnily enough, the parallel I saw was to another film, made twelve years later called The Torch Singer. That film starred Claudette Colbert and was about a woman (Colbert) who had a child out of wedlock and gave up the child, only to become a famous singer/entertainer years later. The same happens in The Kid. The woman becomes a successful actress and wants to find her child.
Before the film, the presenters pointed out something I had already heard, but forgotten. Jackie Coogan is the reason for the Coogan act. He made boatloads of money as a child actor (literal millions), but his mother and step-father spent it all. He sued them once he was of age, but only got pennies compared to what he earned. But, because of him, there are now laws in place so that child performers receive their money.
I've seen a number of Chaplin films but know I still haven't touched the bulk of his work. However, The Kid is really the best example of why Chaplin's films were so popular. The energy is frenetic, the comedy gags are on point, and the emotion is palpable (I was crying!). I had so much fun watching it that I honestly forgot it was a silent film. I think if more people saw it they would understand that not all silent films are scary (boring).
Chaplin understood something other auteurs now could take a page from. For instance, 68 minutes is more than enough time for a feature film. Why are all films 2+ hours now? And it's wasted time, most of the time. Also, Chaplin understood that the visuals are paramount. Obviously, Chaplin started in silent films so all he had was visuals in the beginning, but something's gotten lost today. There are far too many films in which the visuals serve little to no purpose – which, in film, is kinda a waste! Okay, RANT OVER. 😬
Sitting with a full audience around me laughing and reacting was an amazing experience. It was hard to believe this film was made 95 years ago. It kind of gives you a warm and happy feeling though. Good films are timeless. 😍
Oh, and uh, you can watch the whole film on Youtube. So, what are you waiting for??
Posted on May 9, 2016 May 9, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much	· 2 Comments
If you read my blog, you'll know that last weekend, I attended the TCM Film Festival in Hollywood, California. While I saw a good many films this year, there were a few bright standouts. One of them I had seen years ago, but didn't really remember. I had such a good time watching it, I knew I was gonna have to write about it. That film is 1943's The More the Merrier.
The More the Merrier was one of director George Stevens' last comedies. When the war started, Stevens joined the U.S. Army Signal Corps and headed a film crew, shooting footage of D-Day as well as concentration camps. Consequently, after seeing the horrors of the holocaust, Stevens was only interested in making dramatic films. After the war, he made such classics as A Place in the Sun, Shane, and The Diary of Anne Frank.
While it makes sense that Stevens would have little interest in comedies after the war, it's easy to see in watching The More the Merrier that he had great talent in that arena. The More the Merrier follows Connie Milligan (Jean Arthur) who, in trying to be a good samaritan, decides to rent out half her apartment given the Washington D.C. housing shortage. Benjamin Dingle (Charles Coburn), an older gentleman, talks her into renting to him even though she initially wanted a female roommate. Dingle decides Milligan needs a man. Dingle rents half his room to Joe Carter (Joel McCrea) in the hopes that sparks will fly. But, Milligan has a fiance….DRAMA. CONFLICT. COMEDY, ETC.
This film does so many things right, but the main reason it succeeds is because of the actors. Jean Arthur, Joel McCrea, and Charles Coburn are superb, their comic timing exact.
Jean Arthur doesn't get talked about enough. She paved the way for so many female comedians. She was beautiful in a simple way. She was smart. She had heart. She gave countless Oscar worthy performances and was Frank Capra's favorite leading lady. It's also worth noting that Arthur was in her early forties when she starred in this film and that her age didn't matter…at all! Oh, how the industry has changed…
Coburn almost outshines the whole group as Benjamin Dingle. He's bumbling and conniving, but at heart, a very sweet old man. Coburn had great success as a character actor, having noteworthy roles in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Bachelor Mother. But, he ended up taking home the Oscar in 1943 for Best Supporting Actor in The More the Merrier. And believe me, it was well deserved!
Joel McCrea…I don't even know how to express my feelings about. He had such a natural charm. He was just automatically likable. Cari Beauchamp introduced the film at the festival Saturday morning, saying, "It's never too early for Joel McCrea." I heartily agree!
The scene on the porch stoop is said to be one of the best love scenes in American cinema. Like many films of that era, it's all suggestion. The sensuality and eroticism are all implied, but never directly dealt with. If you can watch this scene without having the hots for Joel McCrea, well, I'll be honest, I don't understand you. Just look at that face…
This film could have easily been a stage play. Most of the action takes place inside the apartment and the dialogue is, like most screwball comedies, fast and superbly quippy. The laughs are countless and even 73 years later, it's a joy to watch.
Just a warning: After watching this film, you will, one, want to make "Damn the torpedoes!" your new catch phrase and two, be filled with sadness that Joel McCrea is not a possible suitor…or maybe that's just me. 😍
Trailer (sort of – more just an elongated clip) below:
I leave you with this gif. If it doesn't convince you to watch this film, I don't know what will…
Posted on April 17, 2016 April 17, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much
Field of Dreams: A Modern Classic
This last Monday, TCM finally released their lineup for this year's TCM Classic Film Festival, which is set for the end of this month. Excitedly, I looked over the film descriptions and saw there was a screening of 1989's Field of Dreams planned. Growing up, I watched this movie many times – mostly with my dad. And even though I had no interest in baseball, this movie meant a lot to me.
So, you can imagine my surprise when I brought up the screening to my dad and he said, "Pass. Do you know how many times I've seen that movie?" I, of course, was outraged, "It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it. It's a great movie. Plus, it's being shown at Grauman's Chinese Theater!" But, unfortunately, he could not be moved. No, he has to see the vitaphone classics (I'm sure it's great) which is playing at the same time. I'm not bitter…okay maybe I'm a little bit bitter.
So, even though I'll be attending the screening without my dad (cause he's a Jerk – Jk. He's my dad so I love him anyway), I wanted to write this post and explain why this film is important – both to me personally and in the context of film history.
Field of Dreams follows Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner), an Iowa corn farmer who hears a voice while out in the fields one day. The voice tells him ominously, "If you build it, he will come." He thinks he figures out what it means and for some reason, his wife, Annie (Amy Madigan) goes along with it. Cue Ray building a baseball field on his farm in the hopes that the ghost of "Shoeless" Joe Jackson will come and get to play ball again after being thrown out of baseball for his part in the 1919 Black Box Scandal. Sound crazy? I know. Just go with it. Essentially, Ray goes on this journey to have closure with his father.
If you've never seen the film, here are just a few of the reasons I can watch it a million times over:
THE PREMISE.
It's nuts, I'll give you that. But, I like it because it's original. It's different. It's idealistic. It's about characters. If you think it's crazy, you're not alone. 20th Century Fox passed on the project for years, thinking it just could never be commercially successful. In fact, most of the actors in the film didn't quite "get it" at first. Burt Lancaster had to be convinced. Liotta apparently thought it was "silly." Costner wasn't initially wanted for the film because he had just done another baseball movie, Bull Durham. However, an exec gave him the script anyway. After reading it, Costner was convinced, seeing the film as another incarnation of the Holiday and Capra classic, It's a Wonderful Life.
THE SCORE.
Okay, so once or twice on this blog I've discussed my love for old school, amazing movie scores. And my love of Field of Dreams weighs heavily on its brilliant score by the late James Horner. If you're not familiar, James Horner also composed the scores for Titanic (Hello! GREATEST SCORE), Bravehart, Glory, Aliens, Apollo 13…the list goes on. His score for Field of Dreams gives you all the feels in the best way and its clear in listening to it, how much his score inspired other film composers. Plus, it's just plain pleasant to listen to…
THE CAST.
The cast is what sells this film. It could be really silly and stupid, but Kevin Costner's performance as Ray Kinsella makes us buy it. James Earl Jones is also fantastic as the J.D. Salinger-esque Terrence Mann – he provides much of the comic relief. However, as a kid, it was actually Amy Madigan's performance as Annie Kinsella which stood out for me. She's not the star by any means, but her scene in the school, arguing about why Terrence Mann's book shouldn't be banned, is one of my favorites (below). Ray Liotta and Burt Lancaster are also great! Little tidbit: this film also marked the film debut for actress Gaby Hoffman who you may know from Amazon's hit show, Transparent. The film also has some interesting extras – Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
IT'S ABOUT SOMETHING.
On the surface, it may be a movie about baseball player ghosts, but the underlying themes of the story reach far beyond that. It's about nostalgia for our childhoods, understanding of our parents, and about the effect that we have on one another's lives. As I mentioned before, my dad claims that it's a father-son movie and while I understand him saying that, I disagree. I think it's about more than gender. It's about more than baseball. It's a story about the choices we make and the small moments that make up our lives. To me, it's an example of what cinema should do – make you feel and leave you with something to think about..
In Roger Ebert's review of the film, he said it was "the kind of movie Frank Capra might have directed and James Stewart might have starred in." That makes more sense to me than anything since I love all things Capra (as you know if you've read any of my reviews). It is a true modern classic and I look forward to seeing it at this year's TCM Classic Film Festival, even if it means I'll be going stag!
Posted on April 14, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much	· 1 Comment
The #1 Feel Good Movie of Cinema's First Century
If I'm ever having a bad day, there is one movie that no matter why I'm down, will always cheer me up. I don't care if you're not into musicals. Well, actually, that's a lie. I do care. But, putting that aside, I believe that even if you're not typically into musicals, you can't NOT appreciate 1952's Singin' in the Rain.
I can't remember when I saw this movie for the first time. I've seen it so many times at this point, I truly know it by heart. But, that's one of the things I love most about it: you can be any age and enjoy this movie. Recently, when I saw it at the Aero, I happened to sit next to a 3 year-old girl and her father. The little girl turned to me periodically, exclaiming "This is a funny movie." She was completely engaged and her enthusiasm made me fall in love with the film all over again.
If you've never seen Singin' in the Rain, here's a little synopsis to catch you up. The film takes place in the late 1920's, right before the film industry was changed forever with the advent of talkies. Gene Kelly and Jean Hagen play Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, a pair of silent film stars who just completed their latest effort, The Dueling Cavalier. Lockwood meets Kathy Seldon (Debbie Reynolds), an aspiring actress, and falls in love with her. When The Jazz Singer hits the scene, the executives decide to make Dueling Cavalier a talkie.
That fails altogether when they realize at a test screening that the silent acting techniques don't work in a sound picture. Kathy has a brilliant idea – make Dueling Cavalier into a musical, The Dancing Cavalier. There's one problem though; Lina's voice. Kathy volunteers to dub Lina's talking and singing, and thus The Dancing Cavalier is a success. But what does this mean for Kathy going forward? DRAAAMA.
I've seen the movie many times in a movie theater and it really is just one of those all around entertaining, funny, feel good experiences. While apparently Gene Kelly didn't regard it as highly as his other musical film, On the Town, Singin' in the Rain is the film that has taken on a life of its own. It's just one of those movies where everything came together, from the casting to the musical numbers to the satirical plot.
I was lucky enough to see Debbie Reynolds introduce the film at The TCM Film Festival a few years ago. Little tidbit: my dad routinely brags that when he saw the film in the 1980's, Gene Kelly walked out after the film, holding an umbrella. It should also be noted that I yell Jerk! every time he mentions this. Not my fault I wasn't born yet…
If you've never seen the film, here are just a few reasons to put Singin' in the Rain on your must watch list.
Can I make this ten reasons? The music in this film is so good, I guarantee it will be playing in your head for weeks. Below is one of my favorite numbers:
THE SATIRE.
This movie is smart, entertaining satire. The way they portray not only the film industry of the 1920s, but the transition from silent pictures to sound, is both hilarious and true. If this clip doesn't convince you, I don't know what will.
DONALD O'CONNOR.
Donald O'Connor was a true talent and he's exceedingly charming in this film. Just watch Make 'Em Laugh. I dare you not to laugh. For seriously.
GENE KELLY AND DEBBIE REYNOLDS.
Yeah, he's a bit older than her. Who cares? Their chemistry in this film is fun and alight with energy. They have all the tropes: the meet-cute, the banter…you'll swoon. Especially when Gene sings this song:
JEAN HAGEN.
Jean Hagen is severely underrated in this film. She's a bulk of the comic relief, putting on a hilarious fake voice. In reality, she actually had a lovely singing voice and little trivia: when Debbie Reynolds' character is supposed to be dubbing Hagen's voice, you're actually hearing Hagen's real voice.
IT'S VERITABLE HAPPINESS.
We desperately need movies that lift our spirits, inspire us, and make us laugh. Singin' in the Rain surely fits the bill. This is one film that I've shown to many friends, many of whom swore to me up and down that they could never love a musical. But, somehow, they ended up liking it anyway. IMHO this movie requires frequent viewings and if you have the chance to see it in a movie theater, please GO! The film is veritable happiness and to prove my point, try not to smile at the Gifs below!
Posted on February 19, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much	· 1 Comment
Atticus Finch and #FatherDaughterGoals
In the wake of Harper Lee's death this morning, I thought it'd be a good time to talk about a film that's pretty up there on my list of favorites.
Now, I know what you're thinking. Why is this girl talking about that book/movie I was forced to read/watch multiple times throughout my educational career? Well, that's how I used to feel too. I read To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time in middle school and I remember mostly skimming the book and then looking it up on sparks notes – C'mon, we all did it at one time or another! A few years later, when I was in high school, I was assigned to read the book again. This time, I decided to actually read it and promptly, fell in love.
I had seen the movie before I had heard anything about the book. I didn't remember too much about it, but having fallen in love with the book, I felt like the film required a second viewing. I watched it with my dad and I'm not ashamed to say that by the end, I was tearing up a little. Well, I mean if we're being honest, I was balling. It instantly became one of my favorite movies. It had all the things I love: great acting, coming of age fun and a story that really meant something.
So, here is my plea to you if you're not in love with it. Give it another chance. Just because it's a staple, we seem to discount it and forget just how powerful and poignant it still is. And, of course, sadly, many of the racial tensions it comments on are still alive and well in our country today.
Here are just a few things you'll miss by not watching To Kill a Mockingbird:
GREGORY PECK GIVES AN OSCAR WORTHY PERFORMANCE
I love Gregory Peck and before I really became obsessed with To Kill a Mockingbird, I knew him mostly from Roman Holiday in which he is fantastic. But Mockingbird introduced me to a different Gregory Peck, a more resolute, calm, and infinitely wise one. The scenes between him and his on-screen daughter, Scout (Mary Badham) should be required viewing for…well, everyone.
Here's a little throwback to his 1963 Oscar Speech:
THE FILM'S SCORE IS ONE OF THE BEST EVER WRITTEN
As I've said before, music can have an enormous impact on a film. If it's the right score, the music almost acts as another character. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Elmer Bernstein's score is inextricable from the film's themes and characters. When I saw the film in theaters a few years ago at the TCM Film Festival, the open sequence almost made me tear up — mostly because of the music. Watch and I think you'll agree:
IT'S ONE OF THE BEST COURTROOM DRAMAS EVER MADE
The courtroom scenes in this film have major tension. And the performances of Brock Peters and Collin Wilcox Paxton are a huge part of that. They're understated and intense. Gripping and thought provoking. And the film certainly inspired all the courtroom dramas that came after.
IT'S ABOUT SOMETHING
This seems almost ridiculous to say because all films should be about something. But, this film in particular just comments on so many things so beautifully. It's about growing up, it's about the south, it's about the depression, it's about civil rights, it's about humanity.
AND IT ACHIEVES MAJOR #FatherDaughterGoals
This movie will always hold a special place in my heart if only because I shared it with my dad. The film is about a father and his children, but I, of course, always related to Scout, being a girl. I'm lucky that my dad has a lot in common with Atticus Finch.
If you haven't seen it or if you have, but were too young to appreciate it, then I urge you to give it another shot. If you have any problems with it, you can take it up with me!!
Vintage trailer below…
Posted on February 1, 2016 February 1, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much	· 3 Comments
The Merits of "Gone With the Wind"
Fiddle Dee-dee!
This last weekend, I attended the American Cinematheque's annual screening of Gone With the Wind. Before the film, James Curtis, the author of William Cameron Menzies: The Shape of Things to Come, congratulated us. Why? He told us that although there's been a lot of talk about Star Wars: The Force Awakens taking the #1 box office success crown, that is not in any way accurate, when you factor in inflation. With inflation, The Force Awakens is #14 and #1 is still Gone With the Wind. And we who attended the Aero Theatre on Saturday night were the most recent people to contribute to that figure.
I was so happy to see that Gone With the Wind attracted such a large crowd. The theater was almost completely full and that made the experience so much more enjoyable. Gone with the Wind isn't just meant to be seen on the big screen; it's meant to be experienced with a full audience. I first saw the film a few years ago when it was shown at the TCM Film Festival. I remember that I didn't want to go. It was between Gone with the Wind and something else I can't recall. My dad and I argued, but he ultimately convinced me that I should give it a chance.
I saw it in Grauman's Chinese theater with a completely full audience and had the time of my life. It was one of the most fun experiences I've had in a theater. I was genuinely surprised at the depth of the characters and the grey moral area they were treading. And funnily enough, I loved the script. The reason I say it's funny is that the project went through many writers – so many writers that it's a miracle the film is coherent. Somehow, despite all the obstacles, everything came together on this film.
There are many moments in Gone with the Wind that are controversial. Before I even attended this last weekend's screening, a friend had commented on my Facebook post, calling the film racist. She wasn't wrong. The portrayals of the slaves in the film are very stereotypical and not very nuanced – they were "happy slaves." However, I do believe that you need to look at films in the context of when they were made. While the roles for these African American actors could have and should have been better, at least Gone with the Wind was giving them roles. And of course, Hattie McDaniel, who played Mammy, was the first African American woman to win an Academy Award.
Additionally, there are many moments in the film that are morally ambiguous. Rhett basically raping Scarlett is one of those moments. There are uncomfortable moments in the film and I'm astonished that they got past the censors of the day. However, moral ambiguity makes for interesting characters because people are complex. They don't just do things for one reason.
Scarlett, though she's a horrible person for much of the film, is very complex. I actually find her a very tragic character because she's so passionate about what she wants and will do anything she can to get it, but she's ultimately reaching for something that doesn't exist. When she finally realizes what she does want, which is Rhett, it's too late. There's a scene in the film where she tells Rhett all the reasons why she's going to hell. It makes you see Scarlett in a different light. She understands on some level that she's done wrong, but not enough to put someone else's needs in front of her own.
The cast really makes the movie. Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable and Olivia De Havilland sell the story. Clark Gable did not even want to be in the film though, calling it a "woman's picture." It would be very hard to imagine it without him. Vivien Leigh beat out every young actress of the time for this role. She put everything she had into this part and her performance is enough reason to watch the film. Olivia de Havilland is also wonderful in the film, the only character who is completely sympathetic (although Melanie, her character, did marry her cousin. Ew!).
My dad told me one of the things he thought didn't work in the film was the casting of Leslie Howard as Ashley. Leslie Howard actually hated the part; he thought he was too old for Ashley. I actually don't mind him though because I think it makes Scarlett's wanting of him even more hilarious. She's so blind to her own feelings and of what would make her most happy.
Also, the music of the film is pretty incredible. Max Steiner wrote an unbelievably beautiful and sweeping score. It's intrinsically connected to the film. You can't have one without the other.
There are so many stories behind this film and I really recommend watching the documentaries included on the Special Edition DVD. Honestly, the making of this film is probably more interesting than the film itself. It was a true epic; the last of its kind made is probably Titanic. It appealed to audiences because it had a little something for everyone. How many films can you say that about today?
If you have the chance to see this film in a theater, I would urge you to do so! It's a totally different experience and you can't fully appreciate the film on a television or god forbid, a computer screen.
75th Anniversary Trailer below…
Posted on January 11, 2016 January 30, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much
Why "Guys and Dolls" is not just another 50's musical
I was fifteen or so when I first became introduced to Guys and Dolls. I saw the play at my high school and remember sitting in the audience, bored out of my mind. I was much more preoccupied at the time with the boy I had a crush on and the fact that he'd brought a different girl to the play.
As such, I always had a negative impression of Guys and Dolls. I associated it with that high school experience and as a result, didn't really have much interest in watching the film. However, in my late teens, I was introduced to Brando – not old Brando, but instead, the Brando of On the Waterfront and A Streetcar Named Desire. Around the same time, I also saw a small film called So Long at the Fair which starred a young Jean Simmons.
When I happened to see the cover for Guys and Dolls with Brando, Simmons, and Sinatra, I decided it was worth a chance. I did not expect to fall in love with the film though. I've always loved musicals, but was somehow convinced that Guys and Dolls didn't have a lot of depth. Turns out I was half right. Samuel Goldwyn worked with director and writer Joseph L. Mankiewicz to create more of a backstory and add a little more depth to the characters than originally existed in the stage musical.
A little background first: Guys and Dolls, made in 1955, follows a gambler, Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) who desperately makes a bet that Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando) cannot take out Sergeant Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons). Detroit is also trying to make it work with his fiance, Adelaide (Vivian Blaine).
There was a lot that went into this film, but it wasn't the easiest film to make, partly because of the hostility that existed between Sinatra and Brando. Long story short, Sinatra believed he should be playing Sky Masterson as he was the more musically adept. However, Brando had just won the Oscar for On the Waterfront and was very in demand. Brando knew of Sinatra's jealousy and loved annoying him, messing up takes on purpose just to piss Sinatra off.
When Brando sang "Luck be a Lady", Sinatra apparently went around set, telling people, "It's going to sound a lot better when I sing it tonight!" Sinatra did shows almost every night in Vegas and "Luck be a Lady" was apart of his set. Looking back, it is hard to believe that Sinatra didn't sing the song in the film, as it became one of his signature songs.
Now, on to the important part. Why do I love this film? There are so many reasons, but probably the biggest one is the incredible actors. Brando, while not a great singer, adds a credibility to the film that it just wouldn't have without him. Simmons is absolutely lovely as Sarah Brown. She has poise, a great voice, and great comedic sensibilities. Sinatra, while not wanting the role he was given, also gives a great performance. They even added a few songs for him that were not in the original musical.
Musicals are by their very nature unrealistic. And while this film had a set akin to a theater stage, there was something that made you suspend your disbelief. Joseph L. Mankiewicz accomplished something very specific. He gave the audience a taste of what seeing the broadway show was like while also creating characters that had depth. Outside of all of that, the movie boasts wonderful songs and is just plain fun. I think you'll agree.
Vintage trailer below.
Posted on January 5, 2016 January 30, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much	· 1 Comment
Oh Claudette, you old so and so…
The two holiday weeks are equal parts stressful and fun. There's family and hordes of food, but there's also time for movies.
My favorite part of the holiday season here in Los Angeles is the schedule at the American Cinematheque. For those outside of the Los Angeles bubble, the American Cinematheque is a screening organization which shows classic or "alternative" films. They show films at the historic Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood and also at the Aero in Santa Monica.
During the holidays, they tend to show popular films, the ones that will sell out when people are off work and actually have the time to go to the movies. Die Hard and It's a Wonderful Life are the christmas staples, but what I look forward to most is those first few screenings in the new year when they highlight 30s and 40s screwball comedies.
This year, on the second night of their screwball comedy tribute, they showed a double feature of Midnight (1939) and Remember the Night (1940). I had seen Midnight before, but it had been a while. I knew I liked it, but couldn't remember the particulars. In this second viewing, I was blown away at how modern and hilarious it was. The audience was totally connected to the story and the characters.
For a little background, Midnight stars Claudette Colbert as Eve Peabody, a nightclub singer who arrives in Paris without a cent to her name. Straight off the train, she meets Tibor Chemny (Don Ameche), a taxi driver who falls in love with her at first sight.
However, Eve, scared of her feelings for Tibor, runs away, right into a high class soiree happening nearby where she meets Georges Flammarion (John Barrymore…Yes, he's Drew's great-grandfather)….
Georges sets his eyes on Eve when he sees that his wife's (Mary Astor) lover, Jacques Piqot, played by Frances Lederer is interested in Eve. Georges tells Eve he'll foot all her bills if she pretends to be a baroness and steals away Jacques from his wife. As if there is not enough problems, the taxi driver then comes back in and Eve does everything to protect her story, piling lie upon lie.
Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett penned the script while Mitchell Leisen directed. It really was a dream team in a lot of respects, especially considering that Barrymore died only two short years later. However, the making of the film was slightly tumultuous as Leisen apparently liked to change dialogue. This enraged Wilder and led him to direct his own scripts from then on.
Midnight is light and tremendously fun. Ameche's role is very much something Gable would have done. He's gruffly lovable and we all watch hoping Eve and Tibor can make it work. But, Barrymore really steals the show, taking advantage of every moment he's on screen.
It's the perfect movie for those lazy winter days, especially when rain attacks Los Angeles and all you want to do is watch old movies and drink hot cocoa….or maybe that's just me. Either way, I think you'll enjoy it.
Posted on November 19, 2015 January 30, 2016 by The Girl Who Knew Too Much	· 1 Comment
Coachella for Shut-Ins: What you're Missing at the TCM Film Festival
At a screening of the cult classic Eraserhead, comedian Patton Oswalt described the TCM Film Festival as "Coachella for Shut-ins." He wasn't far off. While every year, young twenty-somethings descend on Indio, California for the Coachella Music Festival, I (and many others) take Hollywood by storm, attending the annual Turner Classic Movies Film Festival.
Norman Lloyd and TCM host, Ben Mankiewicz
For those who are not familiar, The TCM Film Festival is a four day classic film festival which includes little time for sleep or food. By the end, you feel wasted (probably similar to how Coachella attendees feel-but for different reasons). When I first attended the festival I was 17, just a senior in high school. I had no idea what I wanted to do, only that I probably would land somewhere in entertainment.
2010: My brothers and I with Ben Mankiewicz
My connection to Turner Classic Movies started in the early 2000's. My dad, a self-made ultra film buff, started watching the channel. He was hooked, having himself grown up watching these films on television. However, it had been years since he had seen them and he was eager to share them with myself, and my two brothers (I have one older, one younger. Yes, I'm the glorious middle child).
At the time, my two siblings and I were young, at ages where we could easily be melded into little film buffs ourselves. My dad showed us popular films, things he thought we'd appreciate (The Marx Brothers, Abbott and Costello, Capra). However, he also showed us the small ones, the ones that maybe he and only a select group of people remembered and/or cared about. My dad and I bonded over genres my brothers weren't interested in: romantic comedies and musicals. Movies were never just for entertainment. They were an inextricable part of our lives.
In 2009, Turner Classic Movies announced that they would be holding a film festival in Hollywood. The tickets were expensive, around the same price of Coachella. It was an experiment really. It could have been a complete failure for the company.
Nevertheless, my dad took a chance and took my brothers and I out to Hollywood for a week in April of 2010. It was a whirlwind four days. We watched about five movies (yes, really!) a day. At each one, there was a special guest; an actor or producer, a film historian.
Grauman's Chinese Theater: one of the TCM Film Festivals Venues
I'll be honest. At that first festival, we were kind of an anomaly. My brother even made a joke (maybe a little in bad taste) that the average age of the festival-goers was deceased. We were really the only family and because of that, we stood out. We got to speak to actors and producers one-on-one because it was a small group and let's be honest, my little brother was cute. People always are willing to talk to you if you have a cute kid around.
#Squadgoals: My brothers and dad en route to the next film
That year we saw screenings of some major classics, but strangely the ones that stick in my memory are the small ones. We saw a film called Sunnyside Up, one of the first sound musicals. Made in 1929, we were told before we saw the film, that we were seeing it in better quality than audiences did when it was originally shown. I remember watching a scene where a girl (Janet Gaynor) writes in her diary, smitten and hopeful. It was kind of shocking actually. I think, for some reason, it struck a cord with me in establishing that whether or not this girl was living in the 1920s, she was still accessible and relatable.
I also saw a film that year called Leave Her to Heaven. Made in 1945, the film is a fantastic film noir (fancy film speak for a film which had a, "…style marked by a mood of pessimism, fatalism, and menace"….Yes I did copy that from Google) The only living cast member, Darryl Hickman, was there to give insight into what Gene Tierney was like and how they shot a crucial scene in the film.
One of the most interesting things I experienced during the festival was the constant shock from fellow attendees that my brothers and I were interested in classic films, let alone an awe that we had attended the festival. I'm surprised they aren't more young people (there's obviously many out there that love classic films). I've had the joy over the past five years of seeing the festival expand and grow.
A lot of people underestimate the importance of classic films. To me, they are our visual history, or as my dad likes to say, "a living museum." Many of the guests who have come to the festival throughout the years have since passed away. I got to hear Eli Wallach talk about The Good, the Bad and the Ugly and had the opportunity to listen to Mickey Rooney talk about It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World. These experiences were truly once-in-a-lifetime. Moreover though, they established for me that though these stars, directors, writers, editors, etc. may pass away, their films will live forever if audiences continue to appreciate them.
TCM Host, Robert Osbourne and Eli Wallach
I have gone back to the festival every year, despite the fact that I'm now footing the bill. It awakened my love not just for classic films, but for seeing films the way they were meant to be seen: in a theater where there aren't distractions (Cell phones, Facebook, C'mon people!). It's just you and the movie and it's true magic. In 2014, I graduated from school and began working in the industry. There have been moments during my working life where I've felt disheartened and had my ideals torn down, but The TCM Festival has become something of a marker for me. It's not just something I share with my dad. It's a gathering of like-minded souls. I've met people there who have become great friends. It's impossible not to feel inspired in that environment.
Myself and Michelle Matiskiel, a close friend I met at the 2011 festival
I just bought my 2016 pass this morning. It's expensive, but in my opinion, well worth it. I look forward to those four days all year long.
Extra Bonus: My brother and dad are in this old promo. Can you find them?


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Hayling Island Weather
Hayling Island Beaches
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Visitor Questions
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Hayling Island Churches
Refuse and bin collection
Shopping on Hayling Island
The Marketplace – Classified ads
https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
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Emergency Hotline
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Hayling Coastguard
In an emergency, dial 999. Not always manned
(023) 92 464095
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PO Box911,
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In emergency 999, otherwise 07
Lifeboat Station and Museum
Lifeboat Station, Bracklesham Road
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Police Enquiry Centre
In an emergency, dial 999. Or 101
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0845 0454545 or 101
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https://www.gov.uk/report-crime-anti-social-behaviour
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Working together to make the Havant Borough a safer place
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Initial Payment: Your initial rental payment and holding deposit need to be provided by credit card, debit card, direct debit or cheque.
Insurance Cover: We request that all storage contents are valued accurately and insurance cover is valid for your term of stay. We can provide insurance (please note restrictions may apply).
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Resources » Blog » LoopUp opens new office in Chicago
LoopUp opens new office in Chicago
27th September 2019 By The LoopUp Team
LoopUp's new Chicago office is the third to open its doors in the US this year. Extending our reach in the US market, LoopUp's latest addition is ideally located in "the Loop" – central to Chicago's largest enterprises such as Walgreens and Boeing, and steps away from the cultural district.
Eclectic Location
"The Loop" has been dominated by skyscrapers and renowned for its dynamic architecture since early in its history. Following the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, the majority of "the Loop" was destroyed, and rebuilt quickly to become what is the second largest commercial business district in the US today.
Situated in the heart of "the Loop", our Chicago team find themselves in a space that combines a vibrant mix of culture and business, from tech start-ups to consulting firms and everything in between. Home to 36 Fortune 500 companies, opening an office in Chicago was a natural next step for LoopUp. In 2017, the global conference call market was valued at US$ 8.4 billion with the North American region being the largest contributor to the industry.
The opening of the Chicago office is part of LoopUp's international expansion programme this year, a result of the company's strong performance and an increasing demand for conferencing solutions that deliver on audio reliability and offer a simple user experience. Other LoopUp offices that opened in America this year include Dallas and Los Angeles, and our Chicago team cover the broad expanse of Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri.
"Chicago is a hotbed of business, technology and innovation that continues to expand and attract world-leading companies" said Steve Flavell, CEO and Co-Founder at LoopUp. "These businesses all need more productive ways of communicating with their clients and colleagues. By establishing a physical base in Chicago, we hope to help organisations in the area deliver a world-class meeting experience on every conference call."
The new office followed completion of LoopUp's three-month intensive global training programme – 'Pod Academy'. This programme was aimed at more experienced individuals who were looking to make a career change into commercial sales or account management. The team were flown out to our London headquarters for training on the sales process and management structure, followed by final assessments and graduation from the academy.
The Chicago pod is made up of eight members and follows LoopUp's pod structure that is central to the way that we conduct new business acquisition activities. Each pod typically comprises four business development associates, three sales executives and one account manager who work together as one unit towards a common goal.
Chicago's Pod has three international born team members – Doug from Belgium, Vanesa from Bosnia and Clark from Australia. There are also some division 1 athletes including Andi that played lacrosse for Towson, Maggie that ran cross country at Marquette and Cody that has helped deliver over 1,000 piglets…if you can count that as a sport?
The Pod have big goals and big personalities, and are excited to help LoopUp excel even further into the US market! They will be responsible for delivering support to new and existing customers and consulting professional services firms on their conference calling strategy.
The LoopUp Group
At LoopUp, we understand that your client conference calls really matter – all of them. LoopUp ensures a simple, seamless user experience and reliable audio quality without compromise. Over 5,000 clients worldwide trust LoopUp with their remote meetings. You'll find us in 17 global office locations, working around the clock to help firms unlock the true potential of conference calls.
Want to join us? The LoopUp team is growing and always on the look-out for talented individuals! If you are interested in working for LoopUp, please check out our careers page for new opportunities.
To learn more about LoopUp, please get in touch.
loopup office New LoopUp office
LoopUp Moves London HQ to the iconic Tea Building!
We are excited to announce that the LoopUp London team have a new home – The…
Introducing LoopUp's Spanish Team!
Last year, LoopUp expanded its global reach into the Spanish market by opening an office in…


Notes: When I'm in the line for a show I'll be checking over my shoulder to see if Danny's coming down the sidewalk. He usually was at every event worth it's salt. Thanks for all your support and help in making Route 78 West a success. Best of luck in Arizona.
Today's hot trak is by Jason Isbell, "Cigarettes and Wine." Thanks Danny for bringing in the new CD. I will for sure be picking it up as soon as it is released.


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Q: MongoDB: how to copy database/collection with indexes? I need to migrate a big amount of data from one mongo replica (src) to another (dst). But it's important to leave data on dst instance in available state. I'm going to use copyDatabase command for such needs. Do I have a chance to copy already indexes too? It could exclude effort on its recreation in dst instance? Recreation influences dramatically on secondary nodes by reason that process run in foreground and I want minimize it as much as possible.
Thanks for any help or advises.

A: copyDatabase() will not copy the indexes, and so they'll be recreated on the destination after the import.
If you're running your source mongod instance with journaling enabled (the default in v2.0+), you can simply copy the contents of the data directory (the folder containing lots of files in the format collection_name.0, collection_name.1, etc.) into the destination's data directory and then restart the destination's mongod instance.
If these instances are part of a replica set, you should only copy files relating to collections you've created, and exclude "local.x" files as these relate to the replica set's configuration.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


The AdGear Site Reliability Engineer is a software engineer responsible for ensuring that the AdGear platform's services are designed, implemented, deployed, and operated such that they are highly available, highly performing, and scalable.
The ideal candidate for the Site Reliability Engineer position typically self-identifies as a "hacker", who is both a "jack of all trades" as well as possesses deep knowledge in multiple areas of software development, Linux/UNIX systems administration, networking, internet protocols, databases, and distributed systems. The ideal candidate has a mix of software development and infrastructure operations skills and approaches infrastructure operations from the perspective of a software engineer.
Relevant industry experience is important, but ultimately less so than your demonstrated abilities and attitude.
You will work with some incredibly talented and passionate developers within an engineering team with a strong technical background as well as working in a small team of SREs, supporting a medium-sized team of software engineers working on building the next generation of AdGear's administrative interfaces, ad decisioning, delivery, data processing and analytics systems.
In this position, the chosen candidate is expected to have a hands-on, problem-solving approach and a friendly human-facing side to communicate and manage expectations.
Be resourceful, inventive and passionate about technologies.
Excellent communications skills in English; French is an asset.
• Perkopolis website with great rebates, coupons and promotions.


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Rediscovering Identity: The Citizenship Bill 2016 and our future
By Aiman Rahman Khan
One thing Bangladeshis of this generation never had to worry about is citizenship. Unless we are trying to extend our visa by taking an extra course in Canada, or travelling with a maternity leave, we always took citizenship for granted. Studying that next course was about getting a reason to stay back; travelling with heavy legs was to legalize it…. all for citizenship. We only realise the true importance of something when we earn it. That is why those of us Bangladeshis who were not born before 1971 won't ever understand the true feeling of earning freedom and identity. Hence this month last year, the Government of Bangladesh found an interesting way to make everyone in this country appreciate and be grateful for their citizenship. With the Citizenship Law 2016 (hereafter the new law), students in foreign countries may lose many opportunities in their homeland.
Citizenship has many forms: naturalization, jus matrimoni, jus sanguini and jus soli, dual citizenship etc. Bangladeshi citizenship is provided primarily jus sanguinis, or through bloodline, irrespectively of the place or legitimacy of the birth. Therefore, any person born to a Bangladeshi woman illegitimately outside Bangladeshi soil would still be a Bangladeshi citizen, whereas a person born to two non-nationals in Bangladesh would not.[1] S. 4 (1) of the new law seems to show that those born in Bangladesh whose parents died before 26th March 1971, are not regarded as having citizenship by birth. [2] Such a provision conflicts with Article 15 of UDHR which provides 'Everyone has the right to nationality'.
The law that governed the citizenship of Bangladesh prior to the bill, existed in the Citizenship Act 1951 and the Bangladesh Citizenship Temporary Provisions Order 1972. Both these unified Acts will be repealed with the enactment of the new law. The draft law has six chapters and 28 sections which highlighted the process for gaining citizenship, disqualification of getting citizenship, surrender and dissolution of citizenship.[3] Among the other things, it re introduces the term 'Alien Enemy' which can found in the Citizenship Act 1951. If one's parents were an alien enemy, that person could lose their citizenship. If one's father or mother "denies the existence of Bangladesh" or is "engaged in any activity against Bangladesh," that any person will not be qualified to be a Bangladeshi citizen.[4]
Section 6 of the Bill purports to state that a citizen of Bangladesh by birth loses his citizenship upon acquiring a foreign citizenship, but then in certain circumstances, they may apply to the government for their Bangladeshi citizenship. [5]The new law expands the existing provision of getting "dual citizenship" by the expatriate Bangladeshi nationals. The restrictions include being ineligible to contest a parliamentary election, hold the post of President or any local government position, or be appointed to any service of the republic including a justice of the Supreme Court. It also disallows such people from being involved in any political party.[6] The Bangladeshi diaspora in KSA, UAE, USA, Malaysia contribute to the overall economy of this country. Limiting their rights would mean slowing down of the flow of remittance which may prevent Bangladesh to increase its foreign currency reserve.
The ones to be mostly affected by the new law are the urdu speaking non Bengalis residing in Bangladesh. It is commonly estimated that there are some 240,000 to 500,000 Urdu-speakers – popularly known as 'stranded Pakistanis' or 'Biharis' – who are normally considered as existing in a situation of statelessness in Bangladesh. [7] In 2008, the Supreme Court[8] stated that all members of the Urdu-speaking community were nationals of Bangladesh in accordance with its laws and directed the election commission to include them in electoral rolls and give them national identity cards. This declaration ended the statelessness of more than 300,000 Urdu-speaking men, women and children residing in the country.[9] Taslima Yasmin, law teacher at the University of Dhaka, said that the draft citizenship act would make groups of people, including Urdu speakers, stateless if it is enacted unchanged. [10]
As Bangladeshis, we never were familiar with classes. We never bothered who are first class citizens or who aren't. Enactment of such an Act would not only curtail the rights of many classes of the society, it would create a division. This strongly conflicts with the Constitution of Bangladesh which talks about equality of opportunity and non discrimination. The possible consequences would be denying the basic rights of many Bangladeshis. We cannot afford to do so since we are still struggling with our economy. The new law which is to be enacted if not amended may deprive the fundamental rights of many Bangladeshis and the generations that are to follow.
Aiman Rahman Khan is currently pursuing his Master of Social Science with a major in Victimology and Restorative Justice from University of Dhaka.. He completed his LLB from University of London and LL.M from Eastern University, Bangladesh.
[1] Bangladeshi Nationality Law [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bangladeshi_nationality_law]
[2] Khasru N (2017), 'Review proposed citizenship law' [http://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/human-rights/review-proposed-citizenship-law-1341784]
[3] Bangladesh Awami League (2016) 'Cabinet approves the Citizenship Law 2016', [available at: https://www.albd.org/index.php/en/updates/news/3420-cabinet-approves-the-citizenship-law,-2016]
[4] Chaity A (2017) 'New citizenship bill creates second class citizens', Dhaka Tribune Newspaper [http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/law-rights/2017/02/05/new-citizenship-bill-creates-second-class-citizens/]
[5] Ahmed N (2016) 'The proposed Citizenship Bill 2016 and Bangladeshi diaspora' The Financial Express [http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/2016/06/14/34121/The-proposed-Citizenship-Bill-2015-and-Bangladeshi-diaspora]
[7] Paulsen E (2006) 'The Citizenship Status of the Urdu-Speakers/Biharis in Bangladesh', (UNHCR, 2006)
[8] Sadaqat Khan V Chief Election Commissioner (2008)
[9] Schönbauer R, Shadman O (2015), 'How a Bangladesh court ruling changed the lives of more than 300,000 stateless people' [http://www.unhcr.org/news/latest/2015/2/54ec22869/bangladesh-court-ruling-changed-lives-300000-stateless-people.html]
[10] New Age Newspaper (2016), 'Bangladeshi Urdu speakers should get passport: speakers' [http://www.newagebd.net/article/4469/bangladeshi-urdu-speakers-should-get-passport-speakers#sthash.ctQ11kaI.dpuf]
Child Marriage Restraint Act 2017: A Brief Review
Right to Nature: A riveting trend of declaring rivers as 'Living Human Entities'