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Tag Archives: humour
BBC, Reviews, Television
January 17, 2020 Paul. Writer and Filmmaker	2 Comments
Created and Written by: Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat
Based on: Dracula by Bram Stoker
Producer: Sue Vertue
Directors: Jonny Campbell, Paul McGuigan, Damon Thomas
Cast: Claes Bang, Dolly Wells, John Heffernan, Morfydd Clark, Joanna Scanlan, Lujza Richter, Jonathan Aris, Sacha Dhawan, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Clive Russell, Mark Gatiss, Catherine Schell etc.
Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat are uber-television scriptwriters of vast experience and expertise. Solo and together they have been involved with fine TV programmes including: Sherlock, Doctor Who, Coupling, The League of Gentlemen, Press Gang, Jekyll and many other films, comedies and dramas. Their latest BBC project found them combining forces again and breathing new life into Bram Stoker's classic vampire novel. Screened over three dark nights on BBC1 from January 1st, 2020 onwards, this horror adaptation mixed Stoker's traditional vampiric tropes with fresh and bloody ingredients infused by Moffat and Gatiss' typically iconoclastic approach to genre.
The structure of the first episode, Rules of the Beast, finds a gravely ill Jonathan Harker (John Heffernan), recounting his misadventures having travelled to Count Dracula's (Claes Bang) castle in Transylvania. A haunted shell of a man, his stories of doomed employment, entrapment and the "children of the night" are delivered to Sister Agatha (Dolly Wells). Somewhat incisive, intelligent and irreverent for a nun, Sister Agatha becomes both our hero and main foe to Dracula's nefarious uber-villain. Having said that, the fantastically witty script and Claes Bang's charismatic representation of Dracula almost succeed in making him the hero. Indeed, other than being a life-sucking, murderous, blood-addicted, shape-shifting, immortal and homicidal maniac he's actually quite charming and likeable.
The first episode, apart from certain structural alterations and differences in characterisation, stays kind of faithful to the spirit of Stoker's gothic vision. The second episode especially is one of the best examples of horror television I have seen in a long time. Cleverly called Blood Vessel, the action merges suspense and terror with an Agatha Christie style of plot. Here the crew and passengers of the ship Demeter find they are at the mercy of a vicious killer. It doesn't take a genius to work out who is picking them off one-by-one. The episode also contains an ingenious reference to the BBC anthology series Inside No. 9. Thus, overall, this was my favourite episode of the series.
By the third episode though, Gatiss and Moffatt couldn't stop themselves taking a bold leap away from the original text. The Dark Compass contains some fantastic twists and ideas, but arguably the writers strive too much for reinvention and originality. So much so, it lost some of the narrative impetus of the first two in the mini-series. Nonetheless, I would love to see more of Claes Bang's Dracula in the future. His performance and chemistry with Dolly Well's Sister Agatha were a bloody joy. Likewise, the script was brilliant; full of fangtastic one-liners, poetic turns of phrase and fascinating plot developments. Lastly, I was grateful they did not spare us the horror too. There were many memorably gory deaths throughout, as Dracula and his wolves wreaked devilish havoc across land, time and the television screen.
ActoradaptationaddictionBLOODBram StokerCatherine SchellClaes BangClive RussellDamon ThomasDolly WellsDraculadramaGothichorrorhumourJoanna ScanlanJohn HeffernanJonathan ArisJonny CampbellloveLujza RichterMark GatissMorfydd ClarkNathan Stewart-JarrettnovelPaul McGuiganSacha DhawanshapeshiftingSteven MoffatVampirevampiresVan Helsing
Articles, Netflix, Television
Bit late with this one, but following on from my twelve favourite films of 2019, here are the twelve favourite television shows I watched. I must admit I am still way behind on many AMAZON shows and don't have APPLE TV+ or DISNEY +, so there's probably loads of good TV stuff I have missed. For comparison I include last year's favourites here:
FAVOURITE TWELVE TV SHOWS OF 2018
Atlanta (2018) – Season 2 – Fox
Billions (2018) – Season 4 – Showtime / Sky Atlantic
Black Mirror (2017) – Season 4 – Netflix
Bodyguard (2018) – BBC
The Deuce (2018) – Season 2 – HBO – Sky Atlantic
The Handmaid's Tale (2018) – Season 2 – Hulu / Channel 4
Inside No. 9 (2018) – Season 4 – BBC
Killing Eve (2018) – Season 1 – BBC
Patrick Melrose (2018) – Showtime / Sky Atlantic
Vanity Fair (2018) – ITV
A Very English Scandal (2018) – BBC
Now, this was TOUGH! Television productions just got better and better! I cannot believe I had to leave the following off the list. Yet, here are the honourable mentions: Afterlife (Season 1), Billions (Season 4), Black Mirror (Season 5), Euphoria (2019), Ghosts (2019), The Handmaid's Tale (Season 3), Line of Duty (Season 5), The Loudest Voice (2019), My Brilliant Friend (2018), Ozark (Season 2), Stranger Things (Season 3); and the baffling genius of Watchmen (2019). But I decided to limit myself to twelve favourite shows and here they are:
CHERNOBYL (2019) – HBO / SKY ATLANTIC
"… an incredible TV drama. This tragic event teaches us to never take anything for granted. We have built our own gallows."
DARK (2019) – SEASON 2 – NETFLIX
"… confused in a good way and totally immersed in the Tenebrae. You will be lost — searching for the light — yet you will be astounded too ."
ESCAPE AT DANNEMORA (2018) – SHOWTIME / SKY ATLANTIC
"… These are not likeable characters, but the Showtime production delivers as compelling a character drama as you're likely to see all year."
FLEABAG (2019) – SEASON 2 – BBC
"… Waller-Bridge takes familiar themes and situations and spins comedic and dramatic gold from them. Deserves all the praise and awards going."
FOSSE / VERDON (2019) – FX / BBC
"… If you're interested in the life and work of Fosse and Verdon then you will absolutely love this warts and all biopic. Rockwell and Williams are incredible."
GAME OF THRONES (2019) – SEASON 8 – HBO / SKY ATLANTIC
"… despite the incredibly disappointing final episode, it was all about the journey rather the final destination. Winter has come and winter has gone and it's one I will never forget!"
IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA (2019) – SEASON 13 – FX / NETFLIX
"… The season takes joy in referencing the #MeToo and Time's Up and Inception. The latter becoming a hilarious meta-textual delight. By the thirteenth episode, I had thoroughly enjoyed the scatter-gun chaos!"
MINDHUNTER (2019) – SEASON 2 – NETFLIX
"… with gripping narratives, great direction, memorable performances and the production team's accurate eye for period detail in mind, I just did not want the latest season of to end."
SUCCESSION (2019) – SEASON 2 – HBO / SKY ATLANTIC
"… Ultimately, this is Shakespearean television of the highest quality. Succession (2019), is what we would get if Billy Wilder did TV."
UNBELIEVABLE (2019) – NETFLIX
"… thoughtful, suspenseful and, at times, heartfelt drama. It highlights the shocking nature of sexual crimes against women and the very different ways police departments handle such situations."
THE VIRTUES (2019) – CHANNEL 4
"… a more individual focused, personal and painful character study. Stephen Graham is absolutely amazing as the character of Joseph."
WHEN THEY SEE US (2019) – NETFLIX
"… Beautifully written, acted and directed, this is an incredible work of television. It combines both a fascinating style and a brutal vision of the struggle of these characters experience."
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Netflix, New Releases, Reviews
MARRIAGE STORY (2019) – NETFLIX FILM REVIEW
December 30, 2019 Paul. Writer and Filmmaker	8 Comments
Written and Directed by: Noah Baumbach
Produced by: David Heyman, Noah Baumbach
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, Azhy Robertson, Merrit Weaver etc.
Cinematography: Robbie Ryan
Distributed by: Netflix
I think one of the trickiest things that can hinder a writer, is that doubt whether it is worth telling one's story. This is especially true of privileged or first world narratives involving wealthy characters or those deemed not having to struggle daily. For me the way to beat such doubt is to write the hell out of your story. Moreover, you've got to make the story relevant to all audiences by concentrating on universal themes and creating empathetic characters. Noah Baumbach achieves this by writing and directing the hell out of Marriage Story (2019); a moving drama that focuses on something we can all relate to — a relationship break-up.
The film centres on a couple of creatives, Nicole and Charlie Barber, portrayed by Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver. Charlie is a New York theatre director; Nicole is a Los Angeles actress. They have both been committed to forging successful careers. The film opens brilliantly as they attend relationship mediation, attempting to divorce amicably without the use of lawyers. Baumbach's superb script starts strongly with each character delivering bittersweet monologues that describe what attracts them most to each other. Sadly, for them and their young son, Henry (Azhy Robertson), mediation fails and it's not long before they are drawn into the Kafkaesque, manipulative and financially draining American legal system.
This is a gem of a film which finds a seemingly suited couple learning that their differences have slowly been driving a wedge between them. Charlie is a controlled and respected director who has worked his way up from nothing. Nicole is a more privileged, but equally talented actress; however, her free-spirited nature is locked in his shadows. Geographically too they are very different. While he is originally from Indiana, he has made New York his home. Moreover, while his avant garde plays have gained him critical acclaim, she yearns for the sunlight of Los Angeles and the offer of TV work. Thus, through sheer brilliance of the writing we, in a short period of time, understand and empathise with both characters' situations.
As the narrative develops Baumbach's script is brought to life with two incredible central performances by Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson. They imbue Nicole and Charlie with a humanity and warmth, that even when we do not agree with their actions, we are still with them. As the story was inspired by his own divorce, Baumbach cares very much about these people. Indeed, he gives each actor the chance to shine during a number of fine monologues, bitter exchanges and heartfelt scenes of acceptance and potential reconciliation. Further, the supporting cast members are also really great too. Ray Liotta as a bitter shark of a lawyer and Laura Dern, as his legal adversary, have some wonderfully biting lines of dialogue. Meanwhile, Alan Alda, as Charlie's other legal representative, is arguably too nice and avuncular for this cutthroat business. Together these collective legal minds, while shining a plausibly negative light on divorce proceedings, added strong energy to the comedy and drama of the film.
Ultimately, I have always respected Noah Baumbach's films because he is a very solid independent writer and director. However, with Marriage Story (2019), he has matured beyond belief to create a compelling and funny relationship drama. It is full of standout scenes, with Adam Driver ever impressing and Scarlett Johansson delivering the best performance of her career. Lastly, as someone who has experienced a very difficult break-up involving a child, I felt every moment of grief, heartache, humour, love and relief on the screen. Yet, it's worth reliving those moments because you know you survived; and so will Charlie, Nicole and their son, Henry.
Adam DriverAlan AldaAzhy RobertsonCaliforniachildchildrenComedyDavid HeymandivorcedramaFilm ProductionGriefhumourJulie HagertyLaura DernLos AngeleseloveMarriage StoryMarriage Story reviewMerrit WeaverNetflixNetflix filmsNew YorkNoah BaumbachPaul Laight ReviewsRay LiottaRobbie RyanSCARLETT JOHANSSONseparationSexThe Cinema FixThe Cinema Fix reviewsthe end
All 4, Reviews, Television
ALL 4 TV REVIEW – DERRY GIRLS (2018 – 2019) – SEASONS 1 & 2
November 25, 2019 Paul. Writer and Filmmaker	2 Comments
Created and written by: Lisa McGee
Directed by: Michael Lennox
Cast: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, Dylan Llewellyn, Nicola Coughlan, Tara Lynne O'Neill, Siobhan McSweeney, Tommy Tiernan, Ian McElhinney, Kathy Keira Clarke etc.
Original Network: CHANNEL 4 – (Available on ALL 4 and Netflix)
There have been many dramas over the years on the stage and screen about the "Troubles" in Ireland. For decades, civil war had divided the Catholic and Protestant people of Ireland, precipitated by the English occupation of Northern Ireland. Many lives were lost in the fighting and the tragedies. It unsurprisingly drew attention from writers, artists and dramatists. Recently though Lisa McGee created and wrote a comedy called Derry Girls, which was also set during this era; and very funny it is too.
Set in Derry (also known as Londonderry) in the 1990's, Derry Girls introduces us to four teenage girls, their families and friends during these difficult times. The main characters are: the vocal and passionate Erin (Saoirse-Monica-Jackson); the voice of reason Clare (Nicola Coughlan), often crude, anti-authoritarian, Michelle (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell); and detached eccentric Orla (Louise Harland). Joining them is James (Dylan Llewellyn), an English kid who has to join the girls' school for fear of what the Irish boys may do.
As well as the British army's occupation of Derry and the divide between Protestants and Catholics providing a backdrop to the girls' everyday lives, they also manage to find themselves in loads of other trouble too. Episodes centred around: family squabbles, romance, sex, music, drugs, school projects, religious artefacts and holidays create a relatable familiarity to many episodes. The events and energy evoking the girls' school days reminded me especially of another Channel Four hit comedy, The Inbetweeners.
While the performances by our lead protagonists are very good, scenes are often stolen by the older supporting cast. Siobhan McSweeney as the deadpan and jaded Sister Michael is really funny. As is one of my favourite stand-up comedians, Tommy Tiernan. His downtrodden Dad tries to keep the peace, but often finds himself at the butt of abuse from Ian McElhinney's contemptuous remarks. Nonetheless, the humour is always good-natured and not nasty, especially toward faith or authority figures.
Overall, Derry Girls is a fast-paced and very funny situation comedy. It's well written, acted and directed comedy, with loads of fun and eccentric characters to enjoy. While not overtly political in its representation of the "Troubles", it uses that situation intelligently as part of the narrative and wider social context. Above all else, however, it shows through many fine comedic episodes, that despite the ongoing divide within the country, humans will strive to overcome adversity through friendship, family, community and humour.
All 4BritishCatholicChannel 4Civil WarComedyCONFLICTDerry GirlsDylan LlewellyneducationEIREfaithhumourIan McElhinneyIrelandJamie-Lee O'DonnellKathy Keira ClarkeLondonderryLouisa HarlandNetflixNicola CoughlanNorthern IrelandnunspROTESTANTreligionSaoirse-Monica JacksonschoolSiobhan McSweeneySitcomThe DivideThe TroublesTommy Tiernan
Cinema, New Releases, Reviews
JOKER (2019) – CINEMA REVIEW
October 8, 2019 Paul. Writer and Filmmaker	10 Comments
Directed by: Todd Phillips
Produced by: Todd Phillips, Bradley Cooper, Emma Tillinger Koskoff
Written by Todd Phillips, Scott Silver
Based on : DC Comics' Joker created by Bill Finger, Bob Kane & Jerry Robinson
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert DeNiro, Bill Camp, Zazie Beetz, Francis Conroy, Glen Fleshler, Brian Tyree Henry, Marc Maron etc.
Music: Hildur Guðnadóttir
Cinematography: Lawrence Sher
**** MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ****
"Is it just me – or is it getting crazier out there?"
There's no let up for poor coulrophobes. You wait so long for an evil clown and two come along in quick succession! First Pennywise hits the big screen twice. Now, Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix deliver an incendiary cinematic masterpiece, based on DC's uber-villain, Joker.
With Marvel's cinematic universe heroically saving the world and making Disney a lot of money in the process, everything was looking a bit bright in the comic book film world. Not anymore, because Joker (2019) brings darkness, chaos, delusions and insanity to the screen. This film doesn't reflect a safe world full of heroes, but instead illustrates one without them or a shred of hope.
The year is 1981. The place is Gotham. The symbol of this urban disintegration will be downtrodden clown, Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix). Crime and garbage ravage the city and social services budgets are being cut. Arthur struggles with his mental health, his clown work and his unwell mother (Francis Conroy). He attempts to find solace in stand-up comedy, but his psychological problems stretch to uncontrollable laughing fits, making people laugh AT him, as opposed to WITH him. He seeks potential romance with a neighbour, Sophie (Zasie Beetz), but his world begins to collapse when he loses his job and his medication is cut off. Attacked by kids on the street and bankers on the tube, Arthur is forced to fight back. But, violence begets violence, as a new, more dominant persona comes to the fore.
Joker (2019) is a bravura and risk-taking character study charting the downward spiral of both a city on the edge; and an individual losing touch with the real world. Rather than being cared for by the system, Arthur is thrown to the gutter, only to rise up with fire, violence, colour, costume and maniacal chuckling. From the mean streets of Gotham comes not calm, but social unrest and protests; not a hero but a painted villain, dancing and plotting bloody murder.
I have read that there have been complaints that the film trivialises mental health. Well, having experienced a close family member suffer mental breakdown and have a friend commit suicide due to extreme anxiety, I actually think Joker (2019) presents madness in a very truthful way. Mental health is scary, unpredictable, difficult to treat and prone to startling bursts of uncontrollable energy. It's hard to comprehend what happens in people's brains to make them act a certain way and this film captures that. The reason the film is scary is because mental health is scary. If it is not treated, then people can harm themselves and others. Therein lies the truth and tragedy of mental illness.
Joaquin Phoenix is absolutely incredible as Arthur Fleck/Joker. Hysterical laughter echoes and haunts the screen. Every cigarette he smokes drags nicotine anxiety into his ravaged lungs. As violent outbursts jolt and as his skinny body dances, I felt a gamut of emotions including: fear, humour, shock and sadness. Fleck's transformation into Joker is a slow-burn trajectory and masterful acting performance. He tries to avoid violence and confrontation, but it's drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He tries to make people laugh, but sadly only ends up hurting them. Joker is an outsider desperate to step inside and be part of society, but, even down to his unknown parentage, he is rejected at every turn.
As well as Phoenix, Todd Phillips deserves much kudos for creating an incredibly dark, but impressive cinematic experience. He is ably assisted by the startling cinematography of Lawrence Sher, who captures that gritty, paranoiac and urban look perfectly. Much praise also to Hildur Guðnadóttir, who, for me, has orchestrated the musical score of the year. Lastly, the genius of marrying cinematic classics like Taxi Driver (1976) and The King of Comedy (1983), with a DC comic-book super-villain is an absolute masterstroke. Indeed, Joker (2019), is one of the most memorable and compelling films of 2019. Why so serious? Watch it and discover for yourself.
2019BatmanBill CampBill FingerBob KaneBradley CooperBrian Tyree HenryBruce WayneCinemaCinema Fix reviewsCinema ReviewclownscryDarkDCDC ComicsDEATHdelusionsfearFilm ReviewfireFrancis ConroyGlen FleshlerGothamGotham CityHildur GuðnadóttirhumourHyenainsanityITJoaquin PhoenixJokerjokerskaughterKing of ComedylaughLawrence ShermadnessMarc Maronmental healthMurderparanoiaPaul Laight reviewPennywiseRobert DeNiroscarystand-up comedyTaxi DriverThe JokerTodd Phillipsurban decayWarner BrosZazie Beetz
Articles, Cinema, Essays and Theory
October 4, 2019 Paul. Writer and Filmmaker	3 Comments
"Just because you are a character, doesn't mean you HAVE character."
Winston Wolf – Pulp Fiction (1994)
What makes one film character more interesting than others? Obviously, the actor who plays them brings much to the role, but the writing, their story and personality are what draws us specifically to them. While film studios have utilised the star system and cast well regarded actors to sell their movies, the actual personas of the characters are just as, if not, more important.
Having strong characters to support the genre, concept and plot of their works is integral to writers, directors and actors. Thus, I'd like to explore some general character traits which help define a strong film character. I would like to consider the following: LIKEABILITY, EMPATHY, EXPERTISE, RESILIENCE, HUMOUR, COOLNESS and COMPLEXITY. There are obviously many other aspects to a character we could consider but I'll stick to these for now.
To support this, I will list five film characters in each category. If I have missed anything glaring, then please feel free to shout out and comment.
*******CONTAINS FILM SPOILERS*******
LIKEABILITY
Does a character have to be likeable for you to root for them? Not at all! However, if they are a positive character it does help you to warm to their stories and emotions. That isn't to say you cannot appreciate unlikeable characters, however, they are more complicated and I will come to those later.
FIVE LIKEABLE FILM CHARACTERS
GEORGE BAILEY – IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946)
WOODY – TOY STORY (1995)
SAMWISE GAMJEE – LORD OF THE RINGS (2001)
MARGE GUNDERSON – FARGO (1996)
ATTICUS FINCH – TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
Empathy and sympathy are two sides of the same coin, but can also contain variants. You can sympathise with a character but not necessarily empathise with their actions; and vice versa. For me, empathetic aspects are what I look for most in a character. They could still be pretty unlikeable, but if I feel drawn to their plight I will still connect with their story. Nonetheless, the characters I list here are both empathetic and mostly sympathetic too.
FIVE EMPATHETIC FILM CHARACTERS
ROCKY BALBOA – ROCKY (1976)
MARTY PILETTI – MARTY (1955)
FORREST GUMP – FORREST GUMP (1994)
CARRIE WHITE – CARRIE (1976)
KING KONG – KING KONG (1933)
I have read a lot of screenwriting books and many of them say if you cannot make a character likeable or sympathetic, make them excel at something. Their expertise in their chosen field will draw you into their world, empathise and even admire their actions. If they are on the right side of the law that will obviously increase identification with such a character. Having said that there are many experts who are villains and I, like many, love a good nemesis too.
FIVE EXPERT FILM CHARACTERS
TONY STARK – IRON MAN (2008)
ETHAN HUNT – MISSION IMPOSSIBLE franchise.
INDIANA JONES – RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981)
HANNIBAL LECTER – SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (1991)
DETECTIVE WILLIAM SOMERSET – SEVEN (1995)
Resilience or the overcoming of insurmountable odds is a sure-fire way of getting an audience on side. The fact a character refuses to give in despite overwhelming odds creates all manner of means with which to identify with a character. When watching a film we also want to see characters who mirror our own personalities. So, to watch characters who never give in is very appealing to me.
FIVE RESILIENT FILM CHARACTERS
ELLEN RIPLEY – ALIEN (1979)
SOLOMON NORTHUP – TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE (2013)
CELIE JOHNSON – THE COLOR PURPLE (1985)
ANDY DUFRESNE – THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994)
OH-DAE-SU – OLDBOY (2003)
Obviously making an audience laugh is a fine way of making the one like a character. It's also a good way to mask a characters' agendas or be employed as a defence mechanism or weapon too. Funny characters are not just limited to comedy films as humour can enhance action, romantic and drama genres too.
FIVE HUMOROUS FILM CHARACTERS
ACE VENTURA – ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE (1994)
PETER PARKER – SPIDERMAN (2002)
JUNO MACGUFF – JUNO (2007)
AXEL FOLEY – BEVERLEY HILLS COP (1984)
RANDALL P. MCMURPHY – ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
Arguably the most difficult one to quantify and even write, because it could be the actor who the one bringing the cool to the role. However, I think there are great examples of characters who are written that way too. Usually, a cool character will be someone of few words or a reserved demeanour or simply designated cool by their skills, actions and even what they wear.
FIVE COOL FILM CHARACTERS
VIRGIL HILTS – THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963)
CLIFF BOOTH – ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD (2019)
LEE – ENTER THE DRAGON (1973)
HOLLY GOLIGHTLY – BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S (1961)
MAX ROCKATANSKY – MAD MAX (1979)
Complexity can be defined it many ways. It could be they are conflicted souls, searching for their place in the world. Or characters who are behaving badly while striving to be good. They could just be presenting a certain persona while hiding their real self. Or they could just be totally screwed and have mentally flipped. Complex characters are often unpredictable, but always compelling.
FIVE COMPLEX FILM CHARACTERS
HOWARD BEALE – NETWORK (1976)
MIRANDA PRIESTLY – THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (2006)
DARTH VADER – STAR WARS (1977)
TRAVIS BICKLE – TAXI DRIVER (1976)
JOHNNY FLETCHER – NAKED (1993)
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
There are so many wonderful characters in the world of cinema. Those mentioned above are just a few. The aspects I speak of too are just brief sketches really in such a fascinating area. Certain characters are more than simply likeable, empathetic, cool, complex and funny. Some of are a collision of all the facets I have noted above. Lastly, as well as different elements to their personas, characters can also be defined as an archetype or genre type. But, that is another story for another article.
articleCinemacomplexitycoolnessEMPATHYEXPERTISEexplorationfavourite charactersFilmFilm Articlefilm charactershumourLIKEABILITYmovie charactersPaul LaightRESILIENCEThe Cinema Fix
All 4, Comedy
ALL 4 CLASSIC TV REVIEW – "THE COMIC STRIP PRESENTS"
September 20, 2019 Paul. Writer and Filmmaker	Leave a comment
ALL 4 CLASSIC TV REVIEW – "THE COMIC STRIP PRESENTS. . . "
I have been continuing my cultural trawl through the online streaming platform ALL 4, which, if you didn't know, screens television films and programmes from Channel 4's roster, past and present. My next port of call was re-watching the twenty-three comedy films – ranging from thirty to six minutes – written and directed by the anarchic comedy collective called The Comic Strip.
The Comic Strip were pioneers of the late 1970s and early 1980's alternative comedy scene. Much like punk rock did for music, alternative comedy sought to satirise and lampoon the status quo, railing against the capitalist, sexist and homophobic right wing politics of the day. This energetic and crazy comedy troupe consisted of now established comedic and acting luminaries such as: Peter Richardson, Rik Mayall (R.I.P), Adrian Edmondson, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Nigel Planer, Robbie Coltrane, Keith Allen, and Alexei Sayle etc.
Peter Richardson booked and opened the first The Comic Strip show at the Revuebar's Boulevard Theatre on October 7th 1980. Soon the company had television executives clamouring for these anti-establishment comedic talents. The BBC would soon get Mayall, Planer, Edmondson and Richardson signed up for the anarchic student comedy The Young Ones, and the rest, they say, is comedy history. Richardson would drop out of the classic BBC comedy show, but signed a deal with Channel 4 to write, produce and direct a series of films called The Comic Strip Presents. . .
Channel 4 was a perfect platform for the The Comic Strip as they were a brand new channel whose remit was to provide an alternative creative output to the more traditional British TV channels. Thus, on the launch night of Channel 4 in November 1982, their very first comedy film was released called Five Go Mad in Dorset (1982). Immediately, it caused controversy as the show mercilessly satirised Enid Blyton's wholesome "Famous Five" with a scurrilous deconstruction of middle-class values. The first series consisted of six short half-hour films and were so successful they would run for another five seasons, plus many comedy specials and feature films too.
The Comic Strip Presents. . . above all else is extremely funny and took many risks in its productions, even to the extent that some episodes verge on avant garde incomprehensibility. The following episodes, however, perfectly marry that punk and anarchic spirit with reasonable narrative and genre cohesion. Well, I say that because I grew up with watching these legendary and always quotable comedy programmes.
To an outsider watching the first time round they may find them, like comedy masterpieces such as Monty Python, Spike Milligan, The Young Ones, The League of Gentleman and The Mighty Boosh, too surreal for their taste. But compared to some of today's television they can seem quite tame and even dated. Having said that, at the time many of these shows were considered cutting-edge and even "dangerous", shaking up the conservative complacency with satirical swipes, slapstick parodies, nihilistic irony and genre pastiche.
ALL 4/Channel 4, currently hold twenty-three episodes and I re-watched them all before writing this article. Please be aware that I am aware that there are a number of episodes produced for the BBC before The Comic Strip Presents. . . went back to Channel 4. But it's at its' original channel that I am focusing on today. Overall, for me, The Comic Strip Presents. . . is part of my cultural DNA and something I shall always treasure. The opening intro-ident with the bomb falling into the countryside and "Quando, Quando, Quando" playing is as iconic as it comes. Anyway, enough of the talking bollocks, here are some of their programmes I recommend you watch immediately!
BAD NEWS TOUR (1983) / MORE BAD NEWS (1988)
Two riotously funny fly-on-the-wall mockumentaries about the infamous British rock band, Bad News!
DIRTY MOVIE (1984)
Rik Mayall features as a slimy cinema-owner who wants to watch a porno in his cinema, in this silly, post-modern slapstick classic.
EDDIE MONSOON – A LIFE? (1984)
Adrian Edmondson stars as suicidal TV producer Eddie Monsoon, facing both financial and mental ruin.
THE BULLSHITTERS (1984)
British TV action show The Professionals is mercilessly lampooned with Keith Allen and Peter Richardson as tough-guy cops, Bonehead and Foyle.
THE STRIKE (1988)
Brilliant comedy which satirises the Hollywood adaptation of the British Miner's Strike; starring Al Pacino (Peter Richardson) as Arthur Scargill!
MR JOLLY LIVES NEXT DOOR (1988)
Genuinely one of the funniest comedy films ever made, with Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson as Dreamytime Escorts! Together they have to "take out" Nicholas Parsons and cause mayhem in the process.
FOUR MEN IN A CAR (1998) / FOUR MEN IN A PLANE (2000)
Hilarious comedies about four salesmen out on the road who argue and conflict all the time. In each episode they manage to get themselves stranded on the motorway and in a barren desert.
1980SAdrian EdmondsonAlexei SayleAll 4All 4 reviewAll 4 reviewsAlternative comedyBad NewsChannel 4ComedyDawn FrenchDirty MovieDreamytime EscortsEddie MonsoonFive Go Mad in DorsetFour Men in a CarFour Men in a PlanehumourJennifer SaundersKeith AllenMonty PythonMore Bad NewsMr Jolly Lives Next DoorNigel PlanerPeter Richardsonpoliticspunkpunk comedyRik MayallRobbie ColtranesatireslapstickSpike MilliganThe BullshittersThe Comic StripThe Comic Strip PresentsThe League of GentlemanThe Mighty BooshThe StrikeThe Young Ones


Zen Audio and Video Resources — The Contemplative Life.
Introduction to Zazen Meditation: "The Hazy Moon"
This is a no-nonsense introduction to typical zazen meditation. The introduction is to the practice, and no elaboration on the goals or philosophy of Zen are explored.
This is an introduction to Zen practice from Victoria Zen Centre. The speaker in the video is highly focused on correct posture whether using a chair, in a kneeling position, or seated. Zen authors and teachers are often highly concerned with exact posture, even more so than in this video, as posture has the ability to affect the mind. Notice the uniqueness of zazen in that the eyes remain open during meditation. His main understanding of the aim of the practice appears to be developing non-attachment and non-aversion.
This is an excerpt from a documentary on Zen Buddhism. The video touches on the role of ritual, "working zen" ("when chopping wood, just chop wood"), and the two main schools of Zen (Soto and Rinzai). By following a couple who each practice, it also gives a really good picture into what a "Zen life" can become.
This is a collection of lectures from the famous Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki. He is famous for writing Zen Mind, Beginners Mind and founding the Zen Center of San Fransisco.
This is a continuation of a series on Eastern philosophy from Alan Watts. Here he discusses the concept of "The Void" and the experience of Satori.


Are you moving from one city to another? Or are you moving from one state to another? Perhaps you are remodeling your current home? All of these situations can be stressful. You may have a home still on the market or are waiting on closing. Or maybe you are deciding whether you want to rent or buy a home in your new city. In all of these scenarios, choosing corporate housing for your medium-term accommodations is an ideal solution before you get fully settled.
The stable job market of yesteryear is exactly that—a thing of the past. The job security many once enjoyed simply does not exist. While many people used to settle into careers with one company, climb the corporate ladder, and stay the course through to retirement, such career trajectories are atypical. In today's modern economy, employees move fluidly from one company to another. And often that means moving from one city or state to another.
Uprooting from your home is never easy. You may decide to put your current home on the market, and selling it could be a lengthy process. When your new job beckons, you may have to make the move quickly.
Home shopping can be a lengthy process. Even finding the right place to rent can take time. You have to decide on a neighborhood, evaluate your budget, scout out availability, view properties, etcetera. If you are awaiting a sale and closing of your old house, you might not be financially prepared to put a down payment down on a new home.
In these types of situations, corporate housing helps bridge the gap between your old and new homes. Forget the sterile feeling of living in a hotel. Finding a solution with AirBnb or a similar vacation rental can be complicated and frustrating when you need an extended stay. With Kozi Corporate Housing, we have your temporary housing needs covered!
Kozi Corporate Housing provides furnished apartments in every major city in Texas. Our friendly staff is here to help you find and get settled into one of our fully-furnished apartments. Your home-away-from home experience awaits. Contact us today to find out more about our beautiful properties at great locations and the many great amenities you will get to enjoy!


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Home » The X-Force Comes Together in New Trailer for Deadpool 2
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The X-Force Comes Together in New Trailer for Deadpool 2
March 23, 2018 Mr. Greg Universe
20th Century Fox has released a new trailer for the Deadpool sequel, and unlike the first full trailer, we now have more emphasis on the X-Force members as well as Cable mission as to why he's come back to the present.
Besides returning characters like Dopinder, Blind Al, Weasel, Colossus, Negasonic Teenage Warhead,and Vanessa; we also get a look at some new characters in the form of Domino as well as Terry Crews' Bedlam. We also get a look at Bill Skarsgard (IT) in costume, as well as a pink mutant who is said to be Negasonic's girlfriend.
The trailer is actually making Colossus out to be the villain of the film, with him seemingly trying to track down and kill Julian Dennison's mutant character. I have no doubt that he'll end up cooperating with Deadpool in the end, as Josh Brolin is slated to come back as the character in an X-Force movie.
Speaking of X-Force, isn't it neat that they got Deadpool in his gray costume from the comics?
After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Mayberry's hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor – finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World's Best Lover.
Deadpool 2 is set to hit theaters May 18.
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text:
December 29, 2011 bones
"'Bienvenido Bones Banez, Jr."' is a Filipino surrealist painter born in Davao City in the southern island of Mindanao, the Philippines, on June 7, 1962. Bien rose to comparative international prominence when he was counted in as the greatest living Filipino surrealist by Terrance Lindall[http://www.oovrag.com/gallery/gallery2011a-banez.shtml], president and executive director of the Williamsburg Art and Historical Center in New York.
At The Learning Center of the Arts (now Ford Academy of the Arts) Ben came under the watchful eyes of national artist Victorio C. Edades, Jr. (now deceased), who, along with school president Aida Rivera-Ford, was the soul behind the establishment of the arts institution.
Later, Ben became associate professor of Fine Arts in his college alma mater and at the Philippine Women's College-Davao which, following the success of the Ford Academy, had opened its own Fine Arts department.
Ben began to participate in the annual competition launched by America's largest international artist community, the Vermont Studio Center based in Vermont, USA. Ben complied. After two tries he won first place in said competition and, by October 2002, flew all-expense paid to the USA for his grand prize. [http://books.google.com/books?id=elZCg0E6eWgC&pg=PA44&lpg=PA44&dq=bienvenido+bones+banez+jr+lexikon-surreal&source=bl&ots=uiXcwSaHpk&sig=s5ymIJIAFCKLvVDduhKlCMCwe5s&hl=en&ei=BxTYTun5LsTy0gHiuMDEDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEwQ6AEwBzgo#v=onepage&q&f=false]
Bienvenido Bones Banez, Jr., spent two months of artist residency at the Vermont Studio Center in Johnson, VT., October and November of 2002, as main part of his prize. There He also had a one-person exhibition in the community's Red Mill Gallery. After his VSC stint, he applied for working permit and tutored special children in California. In 2004 he proceeded to New York.
The Thematic Focus of the 666 Art World
The theme of all of Bien's work is the "World of 666" focusing on Satan being "Perfect in Prettiness." [http://www.welcomebones666artworld.trilogistick.com/]
Ben desired to see the Antichrist with admiration because of his strong belief in Almighty God, as told by Judeo-Christian metanarrative about the Devil's rebellious power dominating over the world[https://sites.google.com/site/internationalsurrealism/home/new-international-surrealists-of-the-21st-century/bienvenido-bones-banez-jr].
Terrance Lindall categorizes Bien's work as Fiero Electric because of his striking juxtaposition of primary colors. [http://www.welcomebones666artworld.trilogistick.com/index.php?id=event&item=21]
The Terrance Lindall Association
At the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Ben met Terrance Lindall, the organizer of the world renowned Brave Destiny exhibit in 2003 and a John Milton scholar and illustrator of Paradise Lost.
Ben's Warlock Dreams was exhibited in the Brave Destiny exhibit in 2003 [http://www.wahcenter.net/exhibits/2003/surreal/BD_artists.html] Ben was the only Filipino featured in Milton's world's largest ever celebration for John Milton's 400th birthday, the 2008 Grand Paradise Lost Costume Ball and Exhibition, organized by Lindall with one of Milton's descendents Clive Milton present.
Selected Exhibitions
Brave Destiny,"Brave Destiny"[http://www.wahcenter.net/exhibits/2003/surreal/] 2003
Around the Coyote Winter Arts Festival. 2003, Chicago IL. USA
Paradise Lost Festival and Ehibit Celebrating Milton's 400th Birthday, 2008 [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n40CoySmS94&feature=related][http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMQZNMTBRjI&feature=user]
Fifty Year Fantastic, The Society for Art of Imagination, United Kingdom, London, 2010 [http://www.artofimagination.org/]
International Surrealist Show, 2006, 2008 [http://www.surrealismnow.com/]
Selected Contemporary Works From The Permanent Collection, PART 2 (2002-Present), Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA[http://wahcenter.net/exhibits/2009/collection2/]
A Peaceful Aftrenoon Birthday Toast for Terrance Lindall & Yuko Nii
Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
[http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=154258231279742]
WAH Salon Art Club, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Red Mill Gallery, Vermont Studio Center, 2002, Johnson, Vermont, USA [http://www.vermontstudiocenter.org/vsc-galleries/]
Mark Gallery, 1993, Davao City, Philippines
Victoria Gallery,Victoria Plaza, Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines
April 1984, Ford Academy of the Arts, 1984, Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines
WAH Salon Art Club, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011[http://www.wahcenter.net/salon/]
Amarin Café, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Reviews and Publications
Paradise Lost Elephant Folio, 2011 [http://www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrance_Lindall#The_Paradise_Lost_Elephant_Folio]
LEXIKON-SURREAL (Gerhard Habarta), Encyclopedia of Fantastic & Surrealistic & Symbolist & Visionary Artists, 2009, Internationales Archiv Fantastischer Kunstler
[http://www.lexikon-surreal.com]
WHO'S WHO in VISUAL ART 2010-2011, 2010, Art Domain Whois Verlag, Leipzig
[http://www.amazon.com/Whos-Who-Visual-Art-v-2010-2011/dp/3981347404]
WHAT'S NEW IN THE SURREAL WORLD (Terrance Lindall), Art & Antiques Magazine, /March 2006/ [http://www.kellynewcomer.com/pdf/0603Surrealism_Lindall.pdf ]
VISIONARY ART YEARBOOK 2010-201, By Otto Rapp, [http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1732179]
''INDEX OF PAINTERS & SCULPTORS BIOGRAPHY & WORKS AROUND THE WORLD''[http://www.settemuse.it/pittori_index/B05.htm]
PANANAW-2 Book of Mindanao Artists 2000, Philippine Journal of Visual Art
DAVAO HARVEST –TWO / 2008, Edited by: Ricardo M. de Ungria & Tita Lacambra Ayala, National Commission for Culture and the Arts
CROSS BREED & ÉMIGRÉ, VISUAL FLUX 200, Documentation Project of National Commission Culture & Arts
The Thematic Focus of the 666 Art World: The theme of all of Bien's work is the "World of 666" focusing on Satan being "Perfect in Prettiness." [http://www.welcomebones666artworld.trilogistick.com/]
http://www.tonicbooks.com/post/2011/12/03/Bienvenido-%E2%80%9CBones%E2%80%9D-Banez-Jr-The-Terrance-Lindall-Association.aspx


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Online Social Skills Game Improves Kids' Social Wellbeing
Keywords: computer, games, health, internet, kids, prosocial, social skills, tweens,
Kids with social skill difficulties might benefit from online games that allow them to experiment with social encounters and emotional responses. Targeting the social skills of these kids in an online adventure game can improve their social wellbeing, a study in Games For Health Journal shows.
Playing the online game Adventures aboard the S.S. GRIN can increase social literacy and social satisfaction and decrease social anxiety and experiences of being bullied in kids with social skill difficulties.
The game is not successful in changing children's confidence in their own social skills, or in decreasing bullying itself.
Serious games that can be played at home (such as the Adventures game) can be a viable way to implement mental health interventions, because this allows to reach large numbers of kids and reduce treatment costs.
Can an online game targeting social skills improve social wellbeing of kids with social skills difficulties?
69 seven-to-eleven-year-olds (mean age: 8.9 years; 59% males; 55% was White; 6% was Hispanic)
Not reported (online)
The researchers recruited participants via their schools, child services, and online advertisements targeted at their parents. Interested parents filled out a survey about their kids' behavioral and emotional functioning. Kids were eligible to participate when they were between 7 and 11 years old, participated in regular education, were proficient in the English language, had access to a computer with internet connection at home, and were at risk of behavioral and/or emotional problems based on the survey parents completed. The kids were divided into two groups: for nine weeks, the treatment group weekly played an online game, while the control group did not play this game.
The online game Adventures aboard the S.S. GRIN was based on the principles of the similar in-person intervention. In the game, kids were crew on a sailing ship that traveled around an island. They had to solve social challenges, such as addressing conflicts and saving friendships, while the rest of the crew served as agents to foster specific social skills. All kids completed an online survey at the start and the end of the study, which contained questions about their social literacy (kids' understanding of social skills such as respect, empathy, and cooperation), social self-efficacy (kids' confidence in their ability to succeed in the social domain, like being sure they can start a conversation with a peer), social anxiety (kids' worries about social situations with peers such as being teased), social satisfaction (kids' satisfaction with their peer relations), being bullied (e.g., being punched or ignored), and bullying (e.g., teasing other kids or stealing from them).
Compared to kids who did not play the online game, kids who played the game reported increased social literacy (Figure 1) and social satisfaction (Figure 2) and decreased social anxiety (Figure 3) and experiences of being bullied (Figure 4).
The game had no effect on social self-efficacy and bullying.
The results did not vary for kids from different ages and they did not differ between boys and girls.
Critical note: A relatively small number of kids participated in the study, thus the results should be interpreted with caution.
Tip! The original article contains screenshots of the game (see link at the right side).
Rebecca Sanchez, Emily Brown, Kelly Kocher, & Melissa DeRosier
All authors are affiliated with the 3C Institute, Durham, North Carolina (USA).
Improving children's mental health with a digital social skills development game: A randomized controlled efficacy trial of adventures aboard the S.S. GRIN
Games For Health Journal: Research, Development, and Clinical Applications, 2017


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Sir Thomas Walter Bannerman Kibble CBE (Tom Kibble, meist zitiert als T. W. B. Kibble; * 23. Dezember 1932 in Madras; † 2. Juni 2016 in London) war ein britischer theoretischer Physiker.

Biografie
T. W. B. Kibble wurde als Sohn des Mathematikers Walter Frederick Kibble und der Missionarin Janet Cowan Watson Bannerman (1893–1976) im damaligen Britisch-Indien geboren. An der University of Edinburgh erwarb er seinen Bachelor of Science in Mathematik und seinen Master of Science in Physik. 1958 wurde er an der University of Edinburgh zum Ph.D. in Mathematischer Physik promoviert. Anschließend lehrte er von 1958 bis 1959 am California Institute of Technology und als Dozent von 1959 bis 1970 am Imperial College London.

Er war seit 1970 Professor und Senior Researcher am Blackett Laboratory des Imperial College London, wo er in den 1980er Jahren Vorstand der Physik-Fakultät und danach Professor emeritus war. Bekannt wurde er durch seine Arbeiten mit Carl R. Hagen und Gerald Guralnik über spontane Symmetriebrechung als Methode der Massenerzeugung von Vektorbosonen in Yang-Mills-Theorien, eine wichtige Basis des Standardmodells. Unabhängig gelang dies auch Peter Higgs sowie François Englert und Robert Brout, später als Higgs-Mechanismus bekannt. Weiter beschäftigte er sich mit Strukturbildung durch topologische Defekte in der Kosmologie wie Kosmische Strings. Von ihm und Wojciech Zurek stammt der Kibble-Zurek-Mechanismus in der Kosmologie und Festkörperphysik.

1961 entwickelte er mit Dennis Sciama eine Eichtheorie der Gravitation mit der Poincaré-Gruppe als Eichgruppe, die die Einstein-Cartan-Theorie umfasst.

Auszeichnungen
Kibble war seit 1980 Fellow der Royal Society. 1981 erhielt er mit Higgs die Hughes Medal der Royal Society, 1984 ebenfalls mit Higgs die Rutherford Medal des Institute of Physics (IOP). 1993 erhielt er die Guthrie-Medaille. 1998 wurde er Commander of the British Empire. 2000 wurde er zum ordentlichen Mitglied der Academia Europaea gewählt. 2010 erhielt er mit Guralnik, Hagen, Higgs, Englert, Brout den Sakurai-Preis. 2012 erhielt er die Royal Medal der Royal Society. 2013 wurde ihm gemeinsam mit James Peebles und Martin Rees die Dirac-Medaille (ICTP) zugesprochen. 2014 wurde Kibble mit der Albert-Einstein-Medaille ausgezeichnet und von Königin Elisabeth II. zum Ritter geschlagen. Für 2016 wurde ihm postum die Isaac-Newton-Medaille des IOP zugesprochen.

Schriften
 Classical Mechanics. McGraw Hill 1966, 3. Auflage, Longman 1985

Literatur
 Jerome Gauntlett: Thomas Kibble (1932–2016). In: Nature. Band 534, Nr. 7609, 2016, S. 622, doi:10.1038/534622a

Weblinks

 Homepage am Imperial College
 Guralnik: The History of the Guralnik, Hagen and Kibble development of the Theory of Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking and Gauge Particles

Einzelnachweise

Physiker (20. Jahrhundert)
Hochschullehrer (Imperial College)
Knight Bachelor
Commander des Order of the British Empire
Mitglied der Royal Society
Mitglied der Academia Europaea
Person (Chennai)
Brite
Geboren 1932
Gestorben 2016
Mann

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For those of you just tuning in, a couple of BIG factors are currently impacting my lifestyle in a major way.
1. I am marrying the love of my life this coming September, and we are financing our own wedding. As a result, I am very much the broke bride-to-be.
2. I am prepping for a competition this spring, and every single fitness and food decision I make is reflective of that fact.
So, what do those two things have to do with BumbleBee Superfresh? Everything, actually! Valentine's Day is coming up, and the Mr. and I being in penny-pinching mode means that a grand dinner out isn't necessarily in the cards for us this year, and that's okay! That being said, we still want to have a nice dinner in, to commemorate not only Valentine's Day, but the 1 year mark since we have gotten engaged. Another thing for both of us to consider is that I am officially in show prep, which means that clean eats are my preferred eats of choice.
Cue Bumble Bee's newest- Superfresh, which is a premium frozen seafood line that offers up easy-to-make gourmet dishes, designed to be enjoyed in the comfort of one's own home. Each bag will come with everything you need to recreate the dish you see on the package, including parchment to cook the fish in or sauce medallions to simmer your shrimp in. Best of all, these dishes go from frozen to delicious in less than 20 minutes!
For our last date-night meal, Anthony and I opted to take the Spicy Shrimp Romesco for two for a whirl. As you can see, the pack came with the raw shrimp, and the sauce medallions to toss in once the shrimp were partially cooked. The dish not only took us only 10 minutes to make (when I'm hungry, quick is very good!), but it also tasted DELICIOUS. The shrimp (thanks to the Mr) were cooked to tender perfection, and the sauce had the right amount of spice to make it oh-so-delectable. Anthony loved it just as much as I did!
Not to be outdone, the Salmon with Garlicky Black Pepper and Extra Virgin Olive Oil was just as succulent. All in all, another winner!
There are seven different varieties in the Superfresh line, and if these two dishes are any indication- this line rocks. Whether you are on a budget, looking to clean up your meals, or trying to bring a little bit more of the gourmet into your culinary lifestyle, Bumble Bee's Superfresh is definitely the way to go.
Seven varieties, but endless possibilities. For ideas on how you can get creative with the new Bumble Bee Superfresh line, visit: http://www.bumblebeesuperfresh.com/menu/ideas. Give these a try, and let me know if you love them in the comments!


Agreed - and below are my results for https://www.dslchecker.bt.com/.
But I am still only getting 130-150Mbps on Ultrafast Fibre 2 - perhaps I've been put on a banded profile or something?
You are well below the handback threshold speed. Are those the speeds you get when connected to the test socket behind the removable faceplate of the master socket?
I have the faceplate where there are two sockets (the one that does not need a microfilter). However, if I take that off and use a microfilter anyway, I still get the speeds that I mentioned previously on a wired connection.
Then you need to report the fault and get an engineer visit to investigate.
Yeah, I've had an engineer visit a couple of times already to try and sort the issue. With his equipment, he tested the speed to be 190-200Mbps and simply mentioned it is due to me living quite far from the cabinet.
It is either that or I am possibly on a banded profile for some reason. I can't really think of what else could be the problem.
I'm not familiar with what stats are available with G.fast, but might be worth posting them here to see if it gives any clues.
I have FTTP and currently have Superfast Fibre 2 Unlimited. I'm getting 80/20. I just ran the availability checker, results as below. When I go to https://www.bt.com/broadband/ultrafast/ it says I can get Ultrafast 2, up to 330mbps with a guarantee of 100mbps. If I click on the link to upgrade to this and log in to my account, it is not an available upgrade. Anybody know why that is?
We are currently with Plusnet who can't provide Ultrafast - we get 15mb down, 0.5mb up.
ULtrafast is available from BT (and a few others) via a new fibre cable, but it's expensive at the moment and speeds up to 300meg.
I did notice, however, that when doing a line check BY are offering me the speeds below on their Superfast packages.


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Choosing between leveraged recapitalisation and the initial public offering
Oct 11, 2020 in Business
The commercial aviation industry experienced bankruptcies of thousands airlines. Unfortunately, the things keep getting worse as time goes. For instance, at the start of the year 2010 Japan Airlines landed their fleet. A plausible explanation of such the state of affairs is the following. Competitive forces of the market cannot make numerous airlines work on their performance since there are a plenty of parties that strive to avoid closing a large carrier. For example, going out of business on the part of a commercial flight performer entails substantial losses of its creditors. Besides, such the event significantly impacts unemployment rates, disturbs the comfort of almost a million of tourists, and hurts the esteem to the nation which carrier turns out to be a failure. Hence, the authorities often provide airlines, even those that operate at a loss, with funds needed to keep them afloat.
Get 15% off your 1st order
Use minus15 discount code
Moreover, the capacities of such the carriers are often excessive and they tend to lower their prices impeding the performance of the airlines that do not experience financial challenges. Under such the circumstances, struggling airlines become obsessed with taking loans in the eyes of the potential creditors. The given aspect complicates their survival in the times of fuel price increases, volcanic eruptions, and increased terroristic activities (Investopedia Staff 2010). As for Pinkerton, its recent activity in taking loans (Mason, Lawrence, & Berger 1999, pp. 2-3) could damage its reputation too. In the context of taking loans, what is bad for a company turns out to be good for an individual. Similarly, the current paper will analyse why Pinkerton should prefer recapitalization through an initial public offering (IPO) to the leveraged one and why Wathen should prefer changing the lifestyle to retiring the debt to Pinkerton. In fact, hindering the search of improvement of airlines business activities on the part of the governments could the consequence of the basic infrastructure absence prospect due to the imminent change in climate (Siegel 2013).
Wathen Should Avoid Alleviating the Debt Burden
According to rough estimates, the current absence of mitigating the global change implies the 6 degrees Celsius increase in the average surface temperature by the end of this century. Such a spike can result in unbearable heat in warm parts of the developed world such as southern Europe and the American Midwest. What is more, the distorted weather is likely to ruin the todays infrastructure (Siegel 2013).
Such a state of affairs lowers the value of the majority of Wathens current expenditures drastically. Furthermore, they are often excessively large. For instance, finding a good mechanic for a car who charges fair rates is time consuming. One can try to get written estimates of repair costs in one garage and show them in another one. Illustratively, showing the response of the second garage for the management of the first one could backfire. The authorities try to counteract the practice of charging people for holding money. For instance, they allow omitting the reports of minor car accidents if the total damage does not exceed $ 2, 000 (Anne Marie 2016). Another example is the following. Between police, judiciary, and corrections allocating funds the government favours the first agency. As a result, the number of people police arrests often exceeds the capacity of courts and the one of corrections. Therefore, courts concentrate their efforts and the ones of corrections only on very serious offences and crimes that attract substantial attention of the mass media. It suggests that writing-off the portion of receivables, subsequent disqualifying another portion on the part of the creditor, and the drastic increase in the worker insurance requirements Pinkerton experienced was not a coincidence. In fact, it was likely to be the charge the Wall Street imposed for holding funds. Unfortunately, the authorities cannot handle such the activities directly since Illuminati threaten the humankind with the initiation of a nuclear conflict through launching missiles that carry nuclear warheads from the Moon. As a matter of fact, not retiring the debt to Pinkerton on the part of Wathen has a value not only for him but also for the company since current Wathens ownership of 89.15 % of total outstanding shares implies his ownership of 55.57 % of such the shares after IPO (Mason, Lawrence, & Berger 1999, p. 10).
Pinkerton Should Choose an IPO Alternative
Specifically, such an ownership structure carries an opportunity to prevent managers who work at Wall Street from penetrating in the management team. One of such administrators is Michael Bay. Particularly, this film director tends to ignore traditional features that makes the movie be of high quality and rips off abnormally high profits thanks to excessive expenditures on special effects. He targets the teenage audience with actions full of violence. Such tactics is in conformance with Illuminati plans of shaping the public attitude to violence. The Wall Street produced such the plans following the withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam due to anti-war protests in the USA. Actually, there is evidence that this film director orchestrated the terroristic attacks that occurred on September 11 in 2001 (Bruce 2013).
Moreover, some opponents of the global warming claim that Illuminati distort the data to persuade the public that the global warming threatens the humankind since such a belief facilitates destroying the developed world on their part. For instance, recent artificial designing the first porous liquid is likely to meet the large scale carbon capturing challenge and people will have to look for the place to store huge amounts of the carbon dioxide. Although storing them in the oceans is detrimental to fishes, Abkhazia and Crimea are experiencing economical ordeal. Therefore, the local governments may allow storing the captured carbon dioxide in the Black Sea to raise some funds. However, numerous members of Brother Circle came from Caucus. Hence, organized crime could start interfering with climate mitigation activities. Although such a security threat boosts the demand for services Pinkerton provides, the expenditures could turn out to be too large due to the scale of operations the Brother Circle involved. More specifically, the euro is strong enough to compete with American dollars that contain Illuminati symbols. Still, the stability of the euro depends on the well-being of Italy, since the third largest European economy suffers from poor competiveness of Italian products. Only a strong leader could implement needed reforms. Mateo Renzi could become the first powerful leader in the post-war history of Italy (Stratfor 2015). In the context of the climate change, it makes him be a possible target of Brother Circle. Besides, Ukraine serves as a buffer that prevents Russian troops from penetrating the Eurozone. Since the state conducts an antiterrorist operation, assassination of its leader could influence the stability of the euro. Hence, the context of global warming requires possessing financial flexibility on the part of Pinkerton.
Total price: 00.00
The prospect of imminent climate change implies that bad weather conditions will destroy almost all existing infrastructure. Therefore, the industry of commercial flight is likely to vanish soon. Thus, the authorities prefer providing the struggling airlines with loans to fostering the competiveness in this industry to avoid financial losses of the airlines creditors, inconvenience of numerous travellers, inflation of the unemployment rates, and damaged self-esteem of the nation which carrier goes bankrupt. At the same time, such carriers eventually fail since having the image of frequent borrower they cannot collect needed funds in the case of the drastic increase of the fuel prices and disturbances to normal conducting operations due to events such as volcanic eruptions or surges in the activities of Islamic terrorists. However, opponents of the reality of the imminent global change in climate assert that Illuminati distort the data about climate trends to use the threat of the global warming as a facilitator of destroying the developed world. For instance, the recent designing the first porous liquid means meeting the large scale carbon capturing challenge of climate change mitigation. Black Sea is likely to become a storage place for the captured carbon, since Abkhazia and Crimea experience enormous economic difficulties. It is worth to note that a number of Brother Circle members are born in Caucus. Due to the fact that storing huge amounts of the carbon dioxide in a sea implies significant damage to its ecosystem, gangsters could target the euro stability to compensate Illuminati, which symbols are present on dollar bills, for forgoing the opportunity to store the captured carbon dioxide in Black Sea. In fact, the stability of this currency is vulnerable to such the threat since Italy badly needs reforms which only Mateo Renzi could implement because he is going to be the first powerful leader of this country since the end of the Second World War. Another aspect of such vulnerability is the antiterrorist operation in Ukraine since it requires a strong leader too.
Correspondingly, Pinkerton should prefer IPO to leveraged recapitalization since it implies better financial flexibility. However, avoiding the retirement of Wathens debt to Pinkerton has to accompany the IPO alternative since the current structure of Pinkertons ownership implies that after the IPO Wathen will control the management of the company. Such a feature has the value since there are successful managers that work for Illuminati. One of them is Michael Bay. He is a successful film director who allegedly orchestrated the terrorist attack on September 11 in 2001. Ultimately, keeping the current level of debt to Pinkerton is going to benefit Wathen since having spare money he is likely to spend them on things that have low value for him due to activities of Illuminati such as those that gave rise to appearance of a number challenges large enough to prevent Pinkerton from paying the first instalment according to the loan agreement between the enterprise and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Corporation.
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Your WIRED daily briefing. Today, Chinese security researchers have been accused of industrial espionage against Seimens, Timble and Moody's, a breach of image sharing site Imgur included 1.7 million users' account details, Chernobyl is to become home to new solar power projects and more.
US prosecutors have accused Chinese security research firm Guangzhou Bo Yu Information Technology Company of being a front for a hacking operation responsible for industrial espionage against financial rating and services agency Moody's, industrial giant Siemens, and GPS satellite developer Timble (The Register). Defendants Wu Yingzhuo, Dong Hao and Xia Lei are accused of multiple counts of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and conspiracy to commit trade secret theft, conspiracy and identity theft. However, all three are resident in China and it seems profoundly unlikely that the Chinese government will extradite them, especially as malware used by the firm has been speculatively linked to China's Ministry of State Security.
Image-hosting site Imgur has announced that 1.7 million users' email addresses and passwords were stolen during a breach in 2014 (BBC News). The firm only learned of the breach at the end of last week, when security researcher Troy Hunt discovered the data cache, which he's now added to the Have I Been Pwned breach checking site. Imgur says it "has never asked for real names, addresses, phone numbers, or other personally-identifying information ("PII"), so the information that was compromised did NOT include such PII."
Automatic search completion suggestions on YouTube have been showing disturbing suggestions, such as "how to have s*x with your kids", in what's thought to be the result of an organised attempt to game the site's autosuggestion algorithm (Buzzfeed News). A YouTube representative said: "Earlier today our teams were alerted to this awful autocomplete result and we worked to quickly remove it. We are investigating this matter to determine what was behind the appearance of this autocompletion."
From 2019, the London Underground will have blanket mobile service – even in tunnels – following successful trials on the Waterloo & City line (WIRED). The technology won't interfere with existing railway signalling systems or with the existing Wi-Fi networks. Mobile operators O2 and Vodafone tested on the 800MHz, 1,800MHz and 2,100MHz bands in tunnels, and the 1,800MHz, 2,100MHz and 2,600MHz bands at the two stations, Waterloo and Bank. The culmination of the trial was taking a call in the ticket hall, walking through the station to the platform, hopping on a powered track-trolley for a ride through the tunnel to the second station and exiting to the ticket hall without dropping the call.
Soft robotics researchers have developed "artificial muscles" that are capable of both gently handling delicate objects and lifting 1,000 times their own weight (The Verge). The muscles are sealed bags filled with air or liquid and containing a folding origami skeleton. As the pressure in the bag is changed using an electric pump, it can extend or contract like an animal's muscles.
A startup called Mythic is trying to revive analogue computing for artificial intelligence (WIRED). CEO Mike Henry says it's necessary if we're to get the full benefits of artificial intelligence in compact devices like phones, cameras, and hearing aids. Mythic uses analogue chips to run artificial neural networks or deep-learning software, and Henry says internal tests indicate that Mythic's chips make it possible to run more powerful neural networks in a compact device than a conventional smartphone chip.
Amazon has announced a new cross-platform virtual and augmented reality development tool called Sumerian (TechCrunch). Designed to work in any web browser that supports WebGL or WebVR graphics rendering, Sumerian is first and foremost a tool for building 3D environments, and it includes an editor, libraries of pre-built objects and scripting tools, and customisable 3D characters that you can insert into your virtual worlds. It supports HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Google Daydream and Apple ARKit among other platforms and is free to use, although access to the tool is currently by invitation.
Death by Pokémon Go is a study so new that it has yet to be peer-reviewed, but its authors - Purdue University professors Mara Faccio and John J. McConnell - have established credentials and a strong methodology (Ars Technica). They analysed 12,000 traffic incident reports in a US county in the months surrounding the launch of Niantic's Pokémon Go in June 2016 and found a 26.5 per cent increase in car crashes in the vicinity of Pokéstops in the 148-day period following the game's release. Distracted driving is an important consideration for the developers of augmented reality games, and in the months following the game's release, Niantic launched a number of measures to make it difficult to play while in a moving vehicle.
The Zium Museum is an exhibition space showcasing the work of 37 artists, in which the art comes to you as a downloadable 3D experience (Rock, Paper, Shotgun). Curated by Michael Berto, the interactive museum lets you roam three storeys filled with exhibits that experiment with light, sound and space, and includes work from artists including Pippin Barr and Fi Silva. It's available to download for free from itch.io on Windows and MacOS.


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After the success of my previous articles about YouTubers, I thought I'd write one about my favorite editors!
I thought I would change it up a bit and focus on what happens behind the camera. Over the past few years, the amount of female editing geniuses on YouTube has skyrocketed. It doesn't cut it anymore to stick a camera on yourself and start talking. I thought I was a pretty good editor until I watched these ladies. These girls go above and beyond to create colorful, creative and beautiful pieces of art. They are in alphabetical order and I put a * by some of my absolute favorite video editors on YouTube.


text:
package main

import (
	"fmt"

	"github.com/serulian/compiler/vcs"
	"github.com/spf13/cobra"
)

func main() {
	var url string
	var cmdRun = &cobra.Command{
		Use:   "discovertool --url [url]",
		Short: "Small tool for testing VCS discovery",
		Long:  `A small tool for testing VCS discovery against a URL`,
		Run: func(cmd *cobra.Command, args []string) {
			if url == "" {
				fmt.Println("Expected URL")
				return
			}

			fmt.Printf("Performing discovery for URL: %v\n", url)

			found, err := vcs.DiscoverVCSInformation(url)
			if err != nil {
				fmt.Printf("Error: %v\n", err)
				return
			}

			fmt.Printf("Discovery information: %v\n", found)
		},
	}

	cmdRun.Flags().StringVar(&url, "url", "", "The URL to discover")
	cmdRun.Execute()
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Progressive forces battling that God-awful gob of global corporate gobbledygook, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, encountered an odd problem: Incredulity. As the Lowdown has detailed (August 2013, January 2015), the 1,000-page TPP trade scam is an unprecedented power grab by corporate elites. It is so unbelievably bad for workers, consumers, the environment, and our democracy that people literally can't believe what they're hearing.


text:
Unconscionable
Perpetuating the Gay Stereotype
Biblical Misuse by Antigays
In a totally, I mean totally surprising (as in not at all) turn of events, another antigay individual is, well, GAY! Or, at least that's what is being alleged about a Lutheran pastor.
Here's the brief snippet from The Advocate website:
Lavender Magazine, a Minneapolis-based gay publication, has outed a Lutheran pastor critical of gay clergy after reporter John Townsend found the pastor, Rev. Tom Brock, at a confidential Catholic meeting for gay men struggling with chastity.
Brock is known for his denunciation of homosexuality, Townsend reported. His church, Hope Lutheran in Minneapolis, left the Evangelical Church in America last year as it liberalized its policy over gay clergy, and Brock has railed against ECLA's decision to welcome partnered (and presumably sexually active) gay ministers.
The magazine's president acknowledged that Townsend joined the support group, where he encountered the Rev. Brock, without revealing he was a journalist.
Brock is now on leave from Hope Lutheran, where another pastor called the magazine's story "unconscionable."
Here's the full article with a link to the full story in the magazine.
None of the above is really that important. Okay, it's important that the truth (alleged or otherwise) about the pastor was revealed. But for me, the important part of the article is the fact that "another pastor called the magazine's story "unconscionable".
Well, excuse the "F" out of me? It's wrong to out someone but not wrong for someone who is allegedly gay to denounce gays? Uh, what delusional world is that pastor living in? Certainly not the real world.
Wrong is wrong. If you're gay and promoting antigay, it's wrong. Yes, perhaps the reporter should have outed (oops) so to speak, himself, but then again, isn't the whole point of undercover investigation not outing (oops) yourself? I'm just saying . . .
The point is, the dear antigay pastor is allegedly a hypocrite, as are many other lawmakers out there passing antigay legislation while having men on the side.
The point is: it is not unconscionable that this pastor was outed. Okay, it is to a certain extent, especially if married w/children. A friend of mine and I get in some quite lively discussions over that subject. I'm not one for outing someone, even if they are passing antigay legislation, if they're married w/children. That's a whole other story, and a whole other set of complications and ramifications that are beyond my understanding.
Still . . . no matter my beliefs on the whole outing thingy, I think to call the outing unconscionable is, well, wrong! Yes, it's only my opinion, and probably doesn't count for much.
We live in a divided world where equality only exists for some people, and not all people. On a daily basis, gays and lesbians are denied equal rights. They are denied the right to marry, to care for their loved ones, to provide healthcare for their loved ones, and to enjoy equal status with heterosexuals because some people (unfortunately the ones with the most $$) feel that gays/lesbians are deviant, not natural, and that our sexuality is a choice and not genetics.
Well, enough said!
Okay, maybe not enough said. Let me tell you, and let my mother, for that matter tell you: I was born gay. My mother - 85, people, 85 - has made the statement: Scott, my favorite child (okay, she didn't say that, but I am her favorite) was born the way he was born, just as my other children were. I didn't make a choice, no more than any heterosexual out there made a choice to be heterosexual. They. Were. Born. That. Way!!!!! Geesh.
Yes, I know, there are people who will always, always, always, believe that gays choose their lifestyle (oh, you don't want me started on that subject, trust me on that). My being gay is no more a lifestyle choice than Elizabeth Taylor being straight. I was born that way. She was born that way! Enough! Said!
The unconscionable act here, was not the reporter (well, perhaps he bears some of the blame), but rather the allegedly gay pastor fighting against who he truly is as an individual and channeling that fight in a hateful, arrogant, and ignorant manner that does more harm than good. I'm just saying . . .
So, Logo (that's the gay channel for anyone wondering) is prepping for a new reality series called The Gay Housewives of New York! Yes, you read that right. No kidding on my part.
No, the series does not - at least to the best of my knowledge - star a bunch of lesbians.
The series, for all intents and purposes . . . oh, wait, why should I explain, when The Advocate did so well . . .
Gawker has done some digging and come up with a few of the men slated to take part in the first season of Logo's upcoming Gay Housewives of New York series.
Amazing Race winner turned model-actor-author Reichen Lehmkuhl and his boyfriend, Brazilian model Rodiney Santiago, will appear on the show. Lehmkuhl relocated to New York earlier this year to star in the off-Broadway production of My Big Gay Italian Wedding.
Celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz, who is known for his work with stars including Tyra Banks and Dolly Parton, will also appear on the show. Ruiz is Los Angeles-based but travels to New York often for work.
I'm sorry, but these are not women, i.e., wives, but men. Yes, as a gay man I know that many within the gay community refer to each other as girl. I don't happen to like that fact, but I can't change that fact . . . other than not to use the term myself. These are men - anatomical correct men at that! They are not women, thus they aren't - at least not in the definitive sense of the word - wives. They might be husbands, but not wives.
Hollywood - motion picture, television, and whatnot - has an allegedly ignorant tendency to perpetuate the gay stereotypes. Okay, wait, perhaps not always mainstream Hollywood, but more network TV Hollywood. Will & Grace - you have two extremes: Nellie as can be Jack and straight-laced (no pun intended) Will, a good-looking man that just can't find a date. Trust me, that doesn't happen in the real gay world. 9 times out of 10, a gay male on Network TV is going to perpetuate the Nellie, effeminate, not a butch man stereotype, rather than the reality that only a small percentage of gay men are actually effeminate.
If, as many in the community want to end these stereotypes, then why do we continually allow - gay housewives anyone - the stereotypes to continue? Why is it all right for Logo to title a show The Gay Housewives of New York?
I don't know. I just know, as a gay man, that I'm more than a bit offended by this perpetuation of gay stereotypes. I've been partnered for almost sixteen years. I don't consider myself Frank's wife, but rather his husband, and vice versa. Frank's not my wife, but my husband . . . well, for all intents and purposes except legally since we live in a back-asswards country (for the most part)! I want to see gay men (and women, for that matter) realistically represented, and not just on Showtime. I want network television to quit portraying a minute percentage of the gay community, and portray the entire spectrum from effeminate to butch (in both gays and lesbians).
I'm just saying . . .
Sometimes, I don't need to say anything at all, because someone else said it much better. Case in point, the below article from cnn.com. Here's the link to the actual article.
Now, since this is me posting, I'm going to italicize/bold my favorite sections.
Anti-gays hide their bias behind the Bible
Grand Rapids, Michigan (CNN) -- My partner and I recently took our mothers to Las Vegas for a week for Mother's Day. It's not our favorite city, but for a pair of 60-somethings who can sit at the penny slot machines for hours, it was heaven.
When they were not being robbed by one-armed bandits, we saw a couple of shows and had some amazing dinners. We also enjoyed trying to figure out which women were hookers and which were just dressed like one. And of course saying "public drunkenness" is pretty redundant after 11 a.m.
But that's why we go to Vegas, right? Life on the Strip. What happens here stays here ... and all that good stuff. By the end of our trip, the four of us had seen just about everything you would expect to see in a place nicknamed Sin City -- except for faith-based protesters.
Funny, a week of walking up and down the main artery of the self-proclaimed heart of moral debauchery, and nary a Bible verse could be heard. In the many times I've been to Las Vegas over the years, I've never seen a religious protest. And yet let a midsize city try to add sexual orientation to its municipal nondiscrimination policy or a high school senior bring a same-gender date to prom, and you would think it was the apocalypse.
The Bible doesn't state that one sin is greater than another, but you wouldn't know that by counting the number of comments that quote Scripture on news stories about the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. Compare them with how many address murder, or the environment, or the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and well, the word "hypocrite" comes to mind.
I am never ashamed to say I follow the teachings of Christ, but I am not always proud to say I am a Christian. That's because I am bothered by the continual mutilation of my religion's basic principle of love by the extremists in my religion who construct a hierarchy of sin -- which does not exist in the Bible -- for no other reason than to protect their own prejudices.
We've seen this throughout this country's history, and perhaps with the exception of abortion, no current issue illustrates this transgression more so than gay rights.
Some conservatives might attend church only twice a year, but ask their opinion about gays in the military. They can find Leviticus 18:22 blindfolded, handcuffed and sinking underwater: "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is an abomination."
Rarely do you hear them mention the other "sexual sins" in Leviticus, such as making love to your wife while she's menstruating. There are some people who say Jesus freed us from the old laws with one side of their mouths while using old laws to condemn GLBT people with the other.
Many turn to the destruction of Sodom as proof against homosexuality. But the King James version lists fornication, greed and lying as sins committed in Sodom as well, and never specifies which particular sin caused God's wrath.
In fact, the word "Sodomite," which some like to toss around as an anti-gay insult, is a mistranslation and is not used in the original Hebrew text. The actual word is "kadesh," and it does not refer to the city, its inhabitants or a specific sexual act. It refers to the occult male prostitutes in the shrines, just as "kedesha" refers to the female equivalent. Neither word reflects sexual orientation.
It may be convenient to say Sodom was all about homosexual people, but historically and scripturally, that isn't accurate. This is why I, like so many other Christians, do not follow a literal interpretation of the Bible.
I'm not ducking Leviticus, I'd just rather go directly to the source. Concepts get lost in translation, and we all know history is filled with influential people and institutions that have defined religion for the masses based upon their own selfish needs. For example, King Henry VIII, the man who authorized the first English translation of the Bible, was married six times and essentially had the British Empire separate from the Roman Catholic Church so he could divorce in peace. Then there's King James, whose own writings suggest he was secretly gay or bisexual, according to historians such as Michael B. Young and Caroline Bingham.
He was directed to marry for the sake of the throne before authorizing the version of the Bible that swapped "kadesh" for "Sodomite" in the first place. Hmm, where have we heard that story -- closeted gay politician with an anti-gay policy -- before?
But theology and history aside, it is clear from the lack of consistent reaction to and organization against the litany of other present-day sins that a large number of people who call themselves Christians do not follow the literal interpretation of the Bible either. So, if some of us are picking and choosing which Bible verses to follow, why are so many opting to pick and choose verses that appear to condemn homosexuality and not the one against marrying a woman who isn't a virgin?
If sin is sin, why such Christian angst directed at the GLBT community and not the greedy corporate community, which, quite frankly, has more direct impact on the average person's life?
The answer is simple: Those who are uncomfortable or fearful of someone who is different from them sometimes hide behind religion to gain power, nurture their ignorance and justify their prejudices.
It's no different from Christian slave owners using Scriptures to feel better about enslaving Africans, or men pointing to Jezebel as a way to keep women out of the clergy, or Bob Jones University picking verses that supported the school's ban on interracial dating.
The extremists aren't fighting gay rights because of sin and honoring Leviticus 18:22. If they were, then where are the faith-based organizations spending millions trying to make adultery a crime punishable by death, as suggested in Leviticus 20:10? Is 18:22 more true than 20:10, or does it just support a more common and entrenched prejudice?
LZ Granderson is a senior writer and columnist for ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com, and has contributed to ESPN's Sports Center, Outside the Lines and First Take. He is a 2010 nominee and the 2009 winner of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) award for online journalism as well as the 2008 National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association (NLGJA) winner for column writing.