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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Various Thoughts



Anti-Obama BS Watch: Glenn Greenwald today highlights the racist crank that was front and center on an anti-Obama special that played on FOX last weekend. This column focuses on the true "radical" nature of the one time radical William Ayers these days. The "Citizen of the Year in Chicago in 1987" and involvement in an education grant supplied by a "right-wing Republican" suggests the BS factor. Of course, the never repent message being promoted here is rather anti-Christian too. But, hey, what else is new?

[OTOH, one second debate wrap-up suggested this sort of thing was not really a concern of the participants.]

Baseball: The Cubs and Angels, both leaders in their respective divisions, fell apart in the playoffs. This is not news, though the latter did win it all in recent memory. Why? It might be that they comfortably won their spots early, so did not stay fresh to the end. The Red Sox is a very good team, but that did not really justify some sloppy play (and some questionable calls -- why not a safety squeeze?). Still, the Red Sox have owned the Angels for awhile now in the playoffs, getting to be As/Yanks levels at this point. And, the Rays now have home field (and won the season series).

The Cubs really were sloppy in the playoffs. It should be noted that if the Mets did not choke, they could have won three of four (including knocking Zambrano around some) in the last week versus the Cubs. The Cubs had little to play for, yes, but that might point to some problems. Still, the team is not full with a bunch of rookies. The White Sox was clearly a flawed team as was the Brewers. The quick exits of the other two are more troubling for fans.

Book: The movie Bottle Shock was a not very good (if watchable) portrayal of an event that very well could make for a good little film -- the upstarts in California beat out the French in a wine-tasting, leading to the true rise of their fortunes. Apparently, there is another movie in the works about the events ... low bar to beat really. Anyways, I'm reading a book on the events (Judgment of Paris: California v. France and The Historical 1976 Paris Tasting That Revolutionized Wine by George M. Taber), and the movie seems not to be that loyal to history either.

Many movies are not, but when lesser movies also have that "problem," it is another concern. No wine fanatic, but so far, it's a good read with some nicely drawn characters. Something a little different too. So is the new show on the CW on Sundays at 8 (for the time being), Valentine, about gods among us who are trying to hook us up to retain their purpose in life (and immortality). The first episode was cute and something other than another crime or conspiracy or reality show, which are not really my cup of tea.

Might be a pleasant way to follow up football.