Suburban Conspiracy

My attempt as an Art Critic

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 02:57:00 +0000

I wrote up a post to Newsbusters regarding the "Unauthorized Abortion of W" sculpture presented during this weekend's episode of Showtime Network's The L Word. Most of the contributors to the site expressed the vitriol one expects from such a deplorable display. I attempted to develop a comparative criticism that the art world, and producers of the show, may want to consider:

In junior high, I made my sole trip to New York City, taking part along the way in an obligatory visit to the UN. Amongst their sculptures on the grounds is the famous one that shows a revolver with the barrel tied in a knot. You can argue about the intentions of the artists if you want, and you may even disagree with the political insinuation, but the piece itself is not objectionable and presents a point of view in a manner that encourages responsible debate and progression of human nature.

Compare that to the abortion sculpture. It makes me think of the stories regarding how Nazi propaganda, whatever form they used, was so powerful in hate that it caused women to orgasm. No thought comes from this type of art. The only rational response is rage, whether you are for or against. It is akin, in some degree (not equating), to the emotions experienced amongst witnesses to a lynching. There are people who watch in a state of catatonic jubilation, while others are equally terrified and angry.

The simplest recourse is to terminate your services with Showtime. I don't subscribe to them anyway because their programming overall is pitiful. You could take it a step further and go after their parent, CBS. Remember, the Super Bowl is on CBS this year. If a boycott was sufficient enough, it would be devastating to their network. That is not likely, of course. Wish it could be like Super Bowl I when 2 networks carried it.

Compare to Any Article

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 02:14:00 +0000

This list of journalism groaners provides excellent humor material when reading any over-the-top piece of drivel hacked-up by a supposedly learned reporter.

To Google, or Not to Google...

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 22:52:00 +0000

Google is receiving flack again for its attempts to "protect its trademark" by discouraging the use of its name as a description for general Internet searching. Honestly, I do not see how having a name that integrates itself into the international lexicon is a bad thing for any company. Not everyone will use Google "to google," but not everyone drinks Coca-Cola when they say they are "having a coke" (except in the South, where Pepsi is a no-no).

Google is better off focusing only on those who directly make money off the trademark, not everyone who uses it (especially the media).

The Billy Graham Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Mon, 07 Aug 2006 00:07:00 +0000

Just finished reading an extensive article on and interview of Reverend Billy Graham, written by Jon Meacham for Newsweek. The work focuses on a "moderating" of Reverent Graham's views, in an effort by the writer to expose the differences between the world-renowned evangelist and today's leaders of Christian fundamentalism (including his son, Franklin). One such effort at identifying contrasts goes like this:

"For Graham, politics is a secondary to the Gospel, which transcends party lines and, for believers, transcends earthly reality itself. When NEWSWEEK asked Graham whether ministers—whether they think of themselves as evangelists, pastors or a bit of both—should spend time engaged with politics, he replied: "You know, I think in a way that has to be up to the individual as he feels led of the Lord. A lot of things that I commented on years ago would not have been of the Lord, I'm sure, but I think you have some—like communism, or segregation, on which I think you have a responsibility to speak out." Such proclamations, however, should not be "the main thing," and he admits he has no perfect formula: "I don't know the total answer to that."
"A partial answer may lie in a distinction Graham draws between lobbying organizations and the spirit of individual Americans. "In the founding era of our country, it was not organized religion but personal faith that brought focus and unified the early leadership—maybe an unspoken faith in God, and certain values that came with that faith," he says. "So in that sense, we cannot discount, in my judgment, religious faith in politics." But he is talking about faith as one factor—perhaps the most important, but still just one—in the life of a people, not about churches or lobbies using the name of God to win votes.

"One way for a minister to fulfill his duty to his flock on public-policy questions is to focus on ends while leaving the means to others. An example of this in Graham's own life was his work for nuclear disarmament. When he spoke out on the cold-war arms race, he urged a change of heart—he did not rally support for a particular treaty or a particular agenda.

In reality, the author draws his own conclusions to Reverent Graham's thoughts in a way that promotes the belief that modern Christian fundamentalist has "strayed" for true Christianity. While I will be the first to admit that some of their doctrine does not abide well to the modern world, or to positive values that we hold within it, I do not see their actions as an affront to the message of Christ. They are merely interpretations designed to guide followers in living a better life, so long as they do not endanger the lives of others who pose no threat ( Peace on Earth to Men of Good Will).

At the Movies (on my comfortable couch)

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 07:51:00 +0000

Since I'm up a little past 3 in the morning, I thought I would share some thoughts on recent movie screenings. I'm not going to crib my work with a rating system, so you will have to read what I say to understand the review (sorry for being so difficult).

Cars

Overall, this is a pretty good film. The animation appears amazingly realistic, especially in several landscape scenes (except for the cars, of course). The story works well, yet it still follows Pixar's continued effort to interject some degree of liberalism into their plots. This time, they discuss how the creation of the Interstate Highway, ruined one facet of America. Not as bad as the politics of Monsters, Inc., which infuses commentary on energy source dependence and the promise of alternative fuels, but it is still there. The best part is including Richard Petty as the voice of "The King". I was also impressed how they incorporated a remake of his spectacular late-1980's Daytona 500 crash during the into the script. One review I saw criticized the movie for manufacturing a moral focal point, as if it was trying too hard. Honestly, it was telegraphed from about the first 5 minutes of the movie, and everything fell pretty easily into place. Not much guess work for an adult, but plenty of fun and thoughtfulness of younger audiences.

The 40-Year Old Virgin

My wife prefers Wedding Crashers, but I really think, having now seen this movie a couple more times, that this is easily comparable. The fact that Steve Carrell and friends join an adult movie full of debauchery with a pretty serious and positive message promoting responsible relationships without making it seem like it is preaching in a sinner's lair ( i.e., Christian Metal), shows what is possible if Hollywood's inspiring minds focus on their craft. The humor gets better with every viewing, as does the acting.

Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang

This movie just made the video rental counter after a short time early in the year in theatres. It should have gotten more publicity early on, because it is a great film. The banter between Val Kilmer and Robert Downey, Jr. is fantastic, as is the storyline intermixing Hollywood, murder, rekindling of relationships, and personal introspection. The best part, in my mind, was the fascinating action sequences, featuring some of the best gun play I have seen in quite a while. What else do you expect from Richard Donner (of Lethal Weapon fame).

Brokeback Mountain

Yes, I saw the film. For a movie to work, especially a drama, you have to have sympathy for at least some of the characters. Not all, just some. This would include identifying a protagonist. Even if they are only a shade of gray better than the antagonist, it does help to have one. This film does not have one, nor do its characters encourage you to feel sympathy or share their struggles. Gay sex aside, the principals (Jack and Ennis) are both flawed and undeserving. Those around them, save Ennis' wife and Jack's parents, are not much better. It also does not help that the second half of the film feels twice as long as the first half. Perhaps this was Ang Lee's intent, to emphasize that Jack and Ennis, though they did not know it until it was too late, had a long, meaningful life together. I really do not know. If someone can clue me in, please do so.

Transamerica

This was far better than Brokeback. Your are able to come away from this film without morally judging Felicity Huffman's character, a transsexual awaiting gender changing surgery. You can still disagree with her lifestyle, as I do, but the film does not portray her as anything more than someone seeking to be happy with themselves, not necessarily concerned with the acceptance of others. While the film does probe into the lead's relationship with their estranged family, made complex with the revelation of a teenage son, you do not see the usual "will you accept me for who I am" cry often found in movies featuring characters of alternative lifestyles. Also, you have to kind of admire an successful mainstream television actress (and network at that) performing in a full frontal nude scene that actually, as my wife explained it, served a purpose with regard to the story.

Match Point

To wrap up this round, I want to praise my choice for last year's Best Picture. It should have been nominated, and it should have won. Woody Allen finally resurrected himself as a writer and director, putting together a riveting story that resurrects the forbidden love storyline, cast in a modern light. The acting was superb as well. I remember the previews emphasizing the conclusion, and I honestly felt disappointed... until the last three minutes. I honestly think that this is Allen's best work, of those I have seen.

With the exception of Cars, all of these films were seen at home, on DVD (The 40-Year Old Virgin is now available on HBO). Honestly, it's how I prefer to see them nowadays. Theatre visits are for important, life-changing exceptions.

Is training useless?

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 07:17:00 +0000

Most of it, according to this management coach . His arguments are sound. I agree that the best training leads its students toward searching out for their own information. As a self-starter, this is pretty easy. Noticing a deficiency in my work, I seek out information and perform self-study. Not everyone acts this way, especially when dealing with skill improvement (rather than knowledge).

Are we really serving the people... or talking with their money?

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 23:59:00 +0000

Instapundit linked to a blog that published a recent New York Times Letter to the Editor where the writer described how a recent article made them think of a personal episode where a friend borrowed a couple of dollars in order to have a conversation with a bum. The blogger looked beyond the writer's initial context and argued that they should have been angry that someone wasted their money for their own selfish purpose. I agree with her.

This also makes me think about the effectiveness of the public sector in solving society's problems. I do believe we have success, but often the results are disappointing. How often do we initiate programs and services (and spend the money of others, through charities and government) just to busy ourselves? Public servants want to be creators just as much as artists or private entrepreneurs. The difference is we use other people's money with no mandate to return (or increase) it.

I appreciate the lesson of the analogy and its relevance to my field. It is definitely something worth thinking about for all of us in the public sector.

The Wrong Kind of Green

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sat, 01 Jul 2006 03:31:00 +0000

Tennessee's public universities (of which I am an alum) seem to be focusing on energy lately. Not research, mind you, but the use of it. Among fee increases for the coming academic year approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents was a "green power" fee for students at Middle Tennessee State University. The extra $16 a year was "voted" for by the student body earlier this year.

This information comes on the heels of announcements by three state universities, including my Alma Mater Tennessee Tech, that purchases of electrical generators meant to reduce overall electricity costs through peak demand arrangement with TVA will actually cost more due to fuel costs. On this, it is probably a case of how ideas conjured up by academics in professional fields like economics often fail when faced with real world realities that practitioners recognize at first glance. Of course, given the fluid nature of energy prices in recent years, everybody may have been in the dark on this one.

Regarding MTSU, I want to first say something about referendum votes. The idea that the indicate the desires of the student body as a whole is grossly inaccurate. Most students do not participate in these elections, partly because of apathy, but mainly because their lives are too busy to be occupied with trivial matters like "green power." A total of 3,800 votes were cast in the election, which based on my projection, represents about 20% of the student body. While I did serve in Student Government as an undergrad and feel that administrators should listen to the ideas expressed by their students, they must do what is best for the institution as a whole. Raising costs on all students for a pet cause is not acceptable. It may not sound like much, but it is wrong on general principle.

I also noticed that a similar referendum was passed at TTU, which alarms me greatly. I expect better from them. They should think about the nontraditionals, the part-timers with full-time jobs and full-time families, who will likely fit the bill.

Drop the Wright Amendment, Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 20:44:00 +0000

It does look like Congress will repeal the Wright Amendment, an unfair corporate benefit and attack on free enterprise that prevented Southwest Airlines from offering nationwide service to its home airport, Love Field in Dallas. I am not a huge fan of Southwest, but regardless, the Federal government should not hinder their ability to provide flights in the marketplace in order to prop up another airline (in this case, American). The deal will phase in the repeal over eight years. Congress should make the full repeal effective immediately.

Education Policy Myths... Good Read

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 02:02:00 +0000

Last month, I caught a John Stossel special (done to promote his new book) where he discussed the widely-perpetuated myth regarding teacher pay inequity. I have not read Stossel's book yet, but I imagine that the information he provides is similar to that found in an overview of education myths published recently in the magazine of the American Enterprise Institute. Before listening to another educrat or School Board member cry about why public schools fail, I encourage you to read it.

The Price of Taxes

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sat, 24 Jun 2006 01:04:00 +0000

Do taxes really cost you what you pay? According to new research, the answer is "no, it costs more."

Not Surprised

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 13:53:00 +0000

I'll admit that when I learned about a man of Hispanic descent who fled from police in Nashville and caused an accident that killed two people, I thought he was likely an immigrant. This would not be new, as columnists/bloggers like Michelle Malkin have chronicled the criminal activity of immigrants, particularly illegals. My suspicions were correct, as we now know that the individual was not only an immigrant, but was a repeat criminal offender whose previous run-ins with the law had not resulted in deportation .

The article did not say whether or not the individual was illegal, but it is clearly apparent that he should have been flagged by Federal authorities and deported following prior transgressions. It is easy to connect the dots and argue that failure to enforce existing law did result in the death of two innocent American citizens. More fuel for the fire when it comes to the immigration debate.

What Kids Should Know About Cuba

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 13:53:00 +0000

Miami-Dade public schools will remove all copies of a children's book that apparently glorifies Cuba's communist government. This decision was made by the citizen-elected School Board and is the opposite of the recommendations of educrats. The ACLU is also likely to step in arguing censorship.

Personally, I rarely think removing a book from a school library really serves a positive purpose. All it does is encourage students to read it and think, "hey, the authorities do not like it, it must be good." I understand the concern when it comes to younger students. Are they really old enough to critically evaluate what the book glamorizes when comparing it to the harsh realities faced by Cubans under Castro's totalitarian regime. For older students, however, proper education would make it where the book would be available as an example of the propaganda often encouraged by oppressors to help glorify their image in contrast to the truth. Honest teachers would discuss it with a critical eye, and it would probably help the students understand the means by which enemies of freedom try to coop others in broadcasting their messages.

Of course, this means that the educators and educrats have to be committed to the truth. Some of them, however, may think that the book is right. Others would ignore the hidden message and consider the book harmless.

There really is not a right or wrong answer to this issue. The action of the School Board likely reflects the lack of trust they and the citizens have in the educators' commitment to the truth. If they possessed trust, they would not be concerned with the presence of a little book.

For the King and his "Throne"

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 13:53:00 +0000

The iPod-inspired accessory market continues to grow, with one of the newest offerings being a docking deck with speakers and charge integrated with a toilet paper dispenser .

This might appeal as a Father's Day gift for you last-minute shoppers (only kidding).

(Thanks to NRO's Phi Beta Cons)

Don't Slam the Door on Cars

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 01:01:00 +0000

I haven't gone to see Cars yet, but the story and makeup of voices makes it appealing. Unfortunately, initial response this past weekend was not viewed well enough. Wall Street is not happy, since the movie did not take in a gross for its opening weekend that exceeded all past Pixar creations. Reviews are mixed, with my trusted reviewer at NRO not liking it. I trust her on most things, but she liked Finding Nemo (which I did not), so she may be wrong on this.

The key I see with box office is not week one, but the following week. Cars may not have opened as highly as The Da Vinci Code, but I have a feeling that it will hold on to more of its take from week to week than Da Vinci. Despite the stronger opening, people have argued Da Vinci to be a failure. If Cars keeps moving along, its critics may have put their comments into reverse.

One note, however. The product tie-ins and toy marketing for Cars have been pretty extreme and have lasted quite a while. Perhaps there is a correlation, indicating viewer shell shock.

Worth the Paper It's Printed On?

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Wed, 14 Jun 2006 00:47:00 +0000

NRO's Phi Beta Cons used an announcement of a new Doctoral program for education administration to comment on their displeasure with the concept of requiring such specialized education, often focusing on bureaucratic culture, to obtain positions like principal or school system administrator. Their concerns are understandable. Despite the growing specialization in education study, an effort designed to improve the performance of educators, school performance is worsening. At the same time, educrats are establishing credential-based criteria for positions that leaves out those with natural leadership skills who are interested in helping improve education without having to go through years of suspect instruction to have the opportunity to prove themselves.

There are those who believe that one of the problems with education is the teaching of educators. Making it a niche market with programs such as PhDs in education administration may work for some, but it can also serve as credential-building for those with questionable natural abilities who weed their way from promotion to promotion in the education bureaucracy, all at the expense of the students. The same can also be said about most bureaucracy-laden fields, including my own.

Continuing education, including the graduate level, does have its place. I find the knowledge gained during my graduate studies to be valuable in my work. However, education at any level should have a quantifiable result that benefits not only the recipient, but those he or she serves (public or private). If graduate programs in education just produce credentialed mediocrity, the concept needs to be questioned.

It's What We Wanted All Along

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 23:25:00 +0000

Harvard Scientists are now using non-government funds to develop new embryonic stem cell lines . Naturally, some opponents to the research method will criticize this move as immoral, but it is by all means linger. Embryonic stem cell supporters aghast over President Bush's decision to prohibit the develop of new lines with government funds should remember that he did not stand in the way of line development funded in other ways. He believed, like the majority of Americans, that it was not appropriate for the taxpayers to pay for a research methodology that they do not agree with on moral grounds and has yet to provide any credible results. However, as abortion is legal, there is nothing he can do to prevent development by privateers. This is exactly what should happen. Perhaps it will signal the further transition of scientific research into the private sector, where more and more of it belongs.

The Demise of Synergy and Consolidation in Media

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 23:22:00 +0000

Time Warner, one of the world's biggest media and communications companies, was once the temple of the church of synergy, the concept where a company builds itself in multiple divisions and products, then makes them work together to increase market presence. After decades of believing the gospel, however, Time Warner is now pulling away from the concept, selling off under performing divisions and encouraging its operations to find the best deals for partnerships, even if they are outside of the corporate family.

They are not the only one, as other companies like Viacom have gone through splitting and reduction. This likely signals the beginning of an era in the media industry, where large conglomerates will realize that their size and breadth do not result in greater revenues, but likely stymie innovation and development that occurs best in an independent environment. What is important to note is that the market is making this happen, not governments, as it should be.

It makes perfect sense why big media is in decline. Buying up other operations uses up cash that would be better spent improving existing operations. It also creates debt that only serves to put undue pressure on the corporate culture, indirectly impacting innovation in the negative. Then there is the law of diminishing returns, which makes it clear that the more you have, the less profitable it is.

Opponents to relaxing of media consolidation rules by Congress and the FCC argued that big media would create eternal monopolies, reduce competition, and harm the consumer. Today's media, however, is infinite (way beyond the boundaries of the finite broadcast television and radio of the past), with competitors coming online everyday. With competition growing, big media cannot grow market share, which they need to survive (and was the goal of their efforts all along). Thus, the market eliminates the benefits of synergy and consolidation, forcing these players to recognize current and future trends and adapt accordingly, and break-up.

I believe this will be true for all media. This includes print and radio. With regard to print, we are already seeing that newspaper companies have stopped growing, and some, like Knight-Ridder, have been bought in order to be cracked-up. When it comes to radio, eventually the growth and costs associated will catch up with the heavyweights (even Clear Channel will eventually start selling stations).

Again, the market and consumers are responsible for this trend. Their demand for freedom of choice prohibits bringing too much under one umbrella. With the trend going towards redistribution and synergy in decline, the public will continue to win. Perhaps we will see consolidation once again, as these trends go back and forth. When it does, however, we should not be alarmed, as it will not last too long.

Could Google be Strategizing in China?

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 23:22:00 +0000

Google's cofounder admitted what many observers rightfully called the company on the carpet for in recent months: the compromising of stated corporate values in order to enter the Chinese market with a censored search site. The comments reflect the potential philosophical conflict experienced by Google executives over their decisions regarding China, which were likely not the way they wanted to proceed. I still believe that they should have demanded Internet freedom outright from the beginning or refused to play ball. However, these comments could be the start of a strategy (just hypothesizing here) for Google to broaden the freedom of its search system in the Communist country.

By establishing a foothold in China, they are creating demand for their service among the Chinese people. If they were, as the article suggests, to openly consider pulling the service, it may create unrest amongst the public there against the government. Now, China does not have a great history when it comes to catering to the public interest and modifying its policies accordingly, but the country is under far more scrutiny today than it has been in the past. It is possible that a situation where a major international entity were threatening to close itself off from China, after already establishing presence there, because of government censorship may force China's hand.

One may argue that I am trying to see the silver lining here. Regardless, if Google did threaten to pull out of China, it will be interesting to see the government's response. They could easily say "good bye" and forget it, but we can always hold out hope that they will see the light of freedom. I am not being naive, just hopeful.

Korean War Veterans Honored with Bridge

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 16:34:00 +0000

For some, it may be insulting. Others will find it appropriate. Yesterday, Nashville's Gateway Bridge was renamed in honor of the veterans of the Korean War.

My grandfather is a Korea veteran, and I am happy to see that Nashville chose to honor these fine individuals for their contribution to our defense of freedom. Regardless of the personal opinions some have regarding the Korean War, whether or not it was worth it, the commitment our soldiers showed toward serving their country is worthy of our respect. It has taken a long time for these veterans to receive proper recognition, far longer than it did for those who served in Vietnam (and are just as deserving).

Prepare Yourself

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Thu, 01 Jun 2006 13:15:00 +0000

Today is the start of Hurricane Season, so it best to be prepared for the worst. Plenty of resources exist online to learn more, including this one.

The biggest mistake made when it comes to severe weather is the lack of individual preparedness before the storms. Do not let this endanger you or your family. Remember, as well intended government emergency planning is, it cannot fulfill your personal needs. You must be self-reliant in the face of disaster.

Be Careful Around the Water

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sat, 27 May 2006 22:43:00 +0000

Memorial Day Weekend is not even in high gear, the summer just started, and we are already seeing the tragic consequences of ignoring water safety. People in both Tennessee and Georgia have died in accidents on lakes and rivers. If you plan to enjoy the water, make sure you are properly prepared.

If you build It...

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sat, 27 May 2006 22:33:00 +0000

Michelle Malkin provides a good rundown on the newest Minutemen initiative: a border fence. The volunteer effort is a practical manifestation of the anger these patriots have over the lack of enforcement of immigration and border control laws. It shows the practical nature of the movement to go beyond rhetoric and offer meaningful solutions.

Some would argue that their effort will only serve to feed illegals through other crossing sites, since the fence will only extend across a limited area. However, for the land owners agreeing to the service, it is still worthy protection.

Despite plans from Washington to build such a fence, this volunteer initiative may prove, if not joined by the government, to be one of the largest self-reliant protection efforts in American history. Time will tell, but while the Minutemen and their supporters may be angry at the Federal government for their lack of action (and deserve to be), they should be even more proud of their own dedication to this important issue that involves every American and their security. I do believe the Feds will join in, and if not them, states and countless volunteers. In a way, the fence represents its very own positive Field of Dreams for citizens.

Iraqi Struggles with Terrorists extend to Sports

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Sat, 27 May 2006 22:19:00 +0000

We are aware of the efforts of radical Islamic terrorists to inflict pain and death upon the majority of Iraqi people. This week, an Iraqi Coach and two players were murdered by such a group . Their crime? Actually, it was two-fold. First, they were wearing shorts, a violation of Islamic social law. Second, while the coach was Sunni Muslim, the two players were Shiite.

Incidents like this emphasize just how important it is to win the war on terror. This cannot stand anywhere, especially if we have the opportunity to eliminate it.

Just How Bad is Your State in Driver Knowledge?

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Eagle) — Fri, 26 May 2006 23:33:00 +0000

In case you are interested, GMAC Insurance just released the state-by-state results of its drivers' knowledge test . Surprises are minimal. Specifically, the data backs up the experiences I have had dealing with drivers from DC.