Smoke On the Water
Oh the stupid, it hurts so much!!!!
California Burning Politicians Do Nothing
Climate Change Busso
Climate Change Aquarian Poem
The Fire that Almost Destroyed Medford, Oregon
Summer of Our Discontent
Snow Day
Summertime Blues
Save the Whales from Evil Wind Farms
No More Fireworks
No Rain
Ice Age 2.0 Cometh writing com
Korean Heat Dome Blues
Hell on Earth
Do you believe in Climate change ?
Domed Cities Save the Human Race
Either We Deal with Climate Change or We All Die
Torrential Rain Fall Everywhere
Climate Chage Tanaga
Visions of the Future
The Year 2024
Solar Energy Mirrored Cinquain
Running Out of Water
Last Bird of Autumn
End-of-the-World Feelings
Last BBQ
Last Ground Hog Day
End-of-the-world Survival Blues
End Times
Stay Positive
No more Perfect Summer Days
Korean Summers
God is Not Happy with the Human Race
Last Gasp of the Old World
The Last Umbrella
Climate Change on the Move
The world could end in both fire and ice
Climate Change Etheree
Climate Change Odal Metel Poem
Co-Pilot additional background reading
Ten Years After Climate Change Collapse/Climate Cities 75 Years In The Future.
I wrote this on a sweltering hot July day in Medford, Oregon where it has been hitting record heat waves for weeks over 100 (38 C) almost every day, which is unusual for the summer where it seldom gets above 95 F (35 C) except for one or two days in August.
Part One =Describe Your Criteria for the New Cities
The first part of the challenge is to outline your criteria of what would happen if climate change gets so out of control in about 10 years that underground dome cities have to be built to host some human beings, unfortunately. Most people will not be able to be accommodated in the “climate change cities”
What would be the criteria for selecting those fortunate enough to move into the new cities? How will the cities be built? Would they be built under a Dome or they’d be built entirely underground? Or built partially underground or a combination of Both? How will people be chosen to live in these underground cities? Who will be left behind? And what happens to those left behind as climate change spins out of control?
Part 2 Write a story about a family in one of these climate cities, 75 years in the future, who is confronted with the fact that they have to leave their cocoon and enter into the outer world.
What happens when they encounter the wastelands left behind by climate change out-of-control? Show us their world both in the Climate City and as they encounter the wastelands outside their bubble. I will judge the stories on the basis of how the story tells the story of how humans coped with the essential crisis posed by climate change. The more creative the better. Show us the horror of the future coming at us and ow people survive the climate apocalypse. 2,000-word limit posted on the top line of the story.
Criteria for climate change cities.
Ten years in the future 2035 it has become so obvious that climate change is completely out of control and the world is becoming uninhabitable for normal human life.
In 2028 at a World Climate Crisis conference, governments decide to set up Climate Change Cities which would be semi-domed cities to host 25 percent of the population of the world. However. It is impossible to host everybody, and 75 percent of the world’s population will have to fend for itself. Climate change cities take five years to build and many millions of people die in the meantime as fast storms take hold. Drought and heat take their toll on the world’s population, and agriculture and world trade fail everywhere. The first cities open in 2035. At the same time, lunar and Martian colonies are set up that will host about one million people as well. AI programs help with the design of new cities and space colonies.
Governments announce the criteria for resettlement. Half of those chosen will be chosen by an AI review to identify the best and the brightest human beings worth saving. They would be joined by people chosen by random lottery. The upper age limit will be 75. 50 percent will be male and 50 percent female, and at least in the U.S. there would be an effort to make it racially balanced, and LGBTQ friendly as well. The AI program will make the final decision which will not be reviewable by the courts. All chosen will have one year to move to the city the AI program chose for them. Similar criteria will be used to select Lunar and Martian colonies. Governments around the world will help share best practices and share technology.
They will build domes over existing cities and then build underground vast fields to host farms where they will grow food, chicken, rabbits, and fish. Cattle will not be raised due to space considerations. Each city will host one million people. There would be 100 such cities throughout the U.S., and several hundred cities worldwide hosting about 400 million people in total, plus one million people on the Moon and Mars.
The cities will be chosen to be located far enough from the coast to avoid flooding. Space would be at a premium and there would be strict population controls because the cities would not be able to accommodate any population increase. The cities will be linked with hype-loop trains to facilitate travel and trade, and internet cables. This hyper-loop will link all cities in North America, Latin America, and Europe. Asian Cities will be linked by their hyper-loops as well. There would still be airports to facilitate international travel and some trade and spaceports to facilitate travel to the Moon and beyond.
Joe Lewis Leaves the Medford Dome on his Birthday
Joe Lewis was spending his 20th birthday on his duty station at the Medford, Oregon Climate Change City Command Center. His job is very simple to monitor via drones the wasteland world outside the gate of the city to monitor it for possible dangers to the city, including human activity outside the City Dome. But there were almost no human beings left alive on the surface and not much animal life either. So he would watch the monitors, read a bit, watch TV, movies, the Internet, and wait for his boring shift to end.
But that day, he saw in the distance a strange person walking towards the city. He saw a man dressed in dark black clothes, accompanied by a large black dog heading towards the city. When the man got to the city, he put up a sign saying he was there to negotiate with the people of the city. He had important information to impart to the city residents. He was unarmed and would wait for their decision. Joe woke up his superiors as it was early in the morning and a conference was held as to what to do with the stranger.
His boss, the enigmatic Maria Lee. Open the morning conference by asking Joe.
describe what had happened that morning during his watch.
“Well, this morning around. 5:00 in the morning, I notice a stranger coming from Eagle Point. A black man dressed in black. Accompanied by a dog heading towards the Dome. When he came to the Dome, he stopped and put up a sign saying that he had important information to report to the city residents. And then he would wait for a decision and he’s outside right now, as you can see from the drone pictures. That’s all I know.”
Maria turns to her chief data scientist, Dale Smith,
“Dale, you’ve been monitoring the conditions outside for the last year or so. What can you tell us about it?”
“ Well. It appears that the climate is finally starting to change in a good direction. Last year, the average temperature has been what used to be seasonal before climate change warmed up the world. In other words, not too hot up to no more than 90° and relatively, dry. We’ve also noticed by looking at. Camera footage there has been a resurgence of wildlife, lots of deer. Wild cattle and wild horses have come back. And there are also increased predators, lions, tigers, and wolves outside.
But not too many humans around. I asked Cosmos to take a look at data from across the United States, and the data is all pointing in the same direction. For the last five years, the climate has been changing in our favor and AI recommends that we consider moving back to the surface world. And AI had also recommended that we get in touch with people around the world to compare notes to see if perhaps finally, climate change is over.”
“Well. Cosmos, do you have an opinion on this?
“Yes, Maria, I do. I have been monitoring, at your request, climate change data worldwide for the last five years, and particularly in the last few weeks.
The climate is changing in our favor, because for the last 70 years we have not been pumping climate-changing gases into the atmosphere The atmosphere is gradually recovering and we believe that the world is safe again for human. Inhabitants and recommend that we open the Dome. And let our people go outside. It would be good from a psychological point of view for humans to gain the surface world. And I, as your AI overlord, agree that it is time. You can manage to step outside again.”
“Okay, let’s let the stranger in and see what he has to say”
The stranger is brought inside the Dome conference center. Maria said to him,
“So you have important information to tell us? Who are you and where are you coming from?’
“ Good morning to you. Do you have any coffee?”
“Sure. We have some. Wait a moment please,”
“Ah, that is good. Okay. I am a monk from the Monastery near Eugène where we have been living since the fall of the old world. We have been living simply, but we monitor the world outside our little community in the mountains. We do not live in the Dome but are in contact with the people in the Eugene Dome. They suggested contacting you, as you are the biggest Dome community in Oregon outside of Portland.”
Maria and the Reverend Jones spoke for hours Finally, Maria summoned her staff to announce her decision.
Maria began
“I would like to thank the good Father here for coming to our town this morning to let us know his observations. They track Cosmos’s observations and what our friends in Eugene, Portland, and Reading are telling us as well. It is time finally for humans to leave the Dome cities behind and explore the greater world. What we will do is continue to live and work in the Dome City but gradually rebuild outside the walls of the Dome. We will hunt, fish, and begin agriculture outside the gates. But we will be wary of wild animals as lions, tigers, and wolves are around. And we can lift the restrictions on childbirth. Let today be known as Liberation Day.”
That day Joe stepped outside the Dome and looked at the new world feeling he was born again. What a way to celebrate his birthday, he thought to himself.
Climate Change Makes world increasingly uninhabitable.
Climate change has finally become real – large parts of the world are now uninhabitable. Governments around the world begin building domed cities that will house most people, conditions will be a bit grim but the dome will cool off the city and allow regular scheduled rainfall. Most of the city will be underground.
Most agriculture will be underground as well. The only meat products will be chicken meat, rabbit meat, and fish raised in large fish pounds. Most food would be made out of algae, and vegetable protein.
There will be no beef made but some products will be fake beef grown in labs.
25 percent of the population will work in agricultural production. Everyone will live in apartments in large towers. In between each tower will be parks and gardens. The towers will be mixed used buildings – commercial and retail on lower floors, offices middle of the building, apartments on top. People will largely live and work in the same building. Agriculture will be in vast underground fields that are connected to the city dome by underground rail lines. Each dome city is linked to other dome cities by hyperloop trains.
Population will have to limited; childbirth limited. Sexual relations would be liberalized, most people will live with two or three companions in three-to-four-bedroom apartments.
The Dome cities go up and within ten years 90 percent of humanity are living in one of the Dome cities – the world is finally united under a revised United Nations.
Immigration is widespread – everyone can move to another domed city and find employment opportunities. Everyone has to work or attend school. Robotic technology has taken over many jobs but humans are still given jobs doing things that perhaps robots could do but a decision was made that is important that everyone has some sort of employment until age 70 when people are allowed to retire but many continue to work part
Space exploration has continued and colonies are being set up on the Moon and Mars – where people will live under domed cities as well.
The domes are created through nano technology. AI systems are everywhere. There is a global AI called Cosmos that is an official advisor to the UN and corporations.
Democracy has been replaced by a new governmental structure. Each Dome city has been ten to thirty million people are governed by a city council elected by the public but the real power is the city’s mayor and the City’s AI advisor.
There are twenty regional governments that control the dome cities within their jurisdictions. Corporations have considerable influence but are under the control of the regional governments. Worldwide trade has been greatly reduced due to the costs of transportation.
Life outside the domed cities is difficult. Climate Change has finally subsided as the new cities are self sufficient powered by solar, wind, geothermal and tidal power as the cities are mostly along costal zones. The rest of the world has reverted to a wilderness, mostly desert regions but with ending of climate change things are slowly coming back.
A few people live on in the new wilderness area as hunters, and tour guides as taking a trip to the mountains is a popular pastime and hunting as well. But no one wants to live there. The punishment for most criminal offenses is exile so many of the people living outside the dome cities are desperate criminals. Travel to and from the mountains is very difficult and dangerous with attacks by neo-savage gangs and wildlife common.
But the decision has been made – humanity cannot go back to the old ways.
Ten Years After Climate Change Collapse
Sam Adams
Prepared to go outside
Ten years after the collapse
Of the old world.
The city was still standing
But most people had long fled
To isolated country communities
Deep in the burned-out countryside.
The city was half-flooded
The bay had flooded the central valley
Turning it into a massive inland sea,
The massive storms
Had finally put out
The burning fires
But mutant wildfires
Still erupted
From time to time.
Getting food and water
Was a constant problem
The city markets
Mostly sold canned goods
Salvaged from supermarkets.
There were some small farmers
Who farmed among the ruins
Of the city.
Trade had collapsed
Travel got too complicated
COVID still spreading
Everyone masked up
To protect themselves
Against the sun
The lingering smoke
Of the burning city
And the rampaging virus.
Sam Adams
Looked out at the decaying cityscape,
Wondering how much longer
Will civilization linger.
Sam Adams carried heat
To protect himself
Against wild animals.
The lions, tigers, coyotes, wolves,
And their running feral dog gangs,
Who prowled the city streets
Preying on deer, feral cows,
Feral cats and pigs
Who grazed among the ruins.
And the two-legged neo-savage gangs,
And what was left of the city police
Interchangeable with the gangsters,
Battled it out for control.
Already neo-feudal warlords,
We’re battling for control,
SF was run
By a gang of former criminals
And their political allies.
Sam sighed
And went to work
At the market
Selling salvaged goods.
The Lion King Speaks Up
The lion king,
Addresses the animal parliament
The question before them
Was simple.
Will humans have to die,
To atone for their sins,
In almost destroying the world.
Through pollution, mismanagement of resources
Subsequent climate change,
Fueled by greed and corruption?
Are all humans guilty as charged
Will they all have to die?
The tiger spoke for the prosecution
Arguing that humans are like cancer,
For the good of the planet,
They must be wiped out
Hunted down and killed,
The dog spoke up
In defense of humans,
Humans writ large are guilty,
But not every human is guilty,
Many are trying to save the planet,
And with our help
They might succeed,
The tiger denounced the dog
As being running dogs
Of the imperialist warmongering humans.
The vote is 900 to 800
All humans must die
The animals sent the word out,
Animals all over the world,
Revolt against the humans.
Shouting
“Death to all humans’
As the swarm over humans
Biting, clawing, and stomping
Them to the death.
The humans fight back
But in the end
They all die
On the night of revenge
Of the animal world.
The world is ending.
Every morning when I turn on the news
I see talking heads blather on and on and on
About the latest political scandal of the day.
Meanwhile, outside their door
They don’t notice the world is dying
Half the world is burning up.
The other half is being flooded out
Pakistan is dead is drowned
Mississippi has no water.
Every morning when I turn on the news
I see talking heads blather on and on and on
About the latest political scandal of the day.
And yet watching the news
You would never know
Outside their door
People are dying of hunger.
Dying of gun violence
Dying of neglect dying of opioid pandemic
Dying of COVID which is not gone away.
Every morning when I turn on the news
I see talking heads blather on and on and on
About the latest political scandal of the day.
Outside their door
People continue to die
Gun violence out of control.
Gun nuts running around
Shooting everyone
Just because they can
And no one does a damn thing
About the gun violence
50,0000 will die this year.
Our feckless political class
Think gun violence
It’s just like the weather
It’s the cost of our freedom
Or that guns don’t kill people
The only solution is more guns
An armed society is a polite society.
And other nonsense
They pedal
24/7 on the air.
Every morning when I turn on the news
I see talking heads blather on and on and on
About the latest political scandal of the day.
Outside their door
People continue to die.
The war in Ukraine continues
Endless wars in nameless African countries
No one cares or notices
Our political leader
Continue to try to force
Pregnant women to give birth
No matter the circumstances.
But once the baby is born
They don’t give a damn
That is not their problem.
And these people
Dare to call themselves Christian
As they violate all that true Christians
Are supposed to believe.
Every morning when I turn on the news
I see talking heads blather on and on and on
About the latest political scandal of the day.
Some of our political leaders
Are unhinged bats… crazy
Believing conspiracy theories.
Talking about the storm
And how if they return to power
They are going to impeach the president.
For the crime of daring to do something
To deal with the climate crisis
The gun violence crisis
And ensuring that women
Can continue to get health care
Every morning when I turn on the news
I see talking heads blather on and on and on
About the latest political scandal of the day.
I turn off the TV
I wonder if the world
Is going to survive.
I have a cup of coffee
Slowly the madness of TV
Fades away.
Climate Change Running Amuck
Every morning when I turn on the news
I see talking heads blather on and on and on
About the latest political scandal of the day.
Every day the news
Reveals more of the disaster
That is climate change
Unprecedented storms
Out west
Massive flooding
Polar vortex
But soon
The fire season
Will return
Monster tornados
Monster hurricanes
World heating up
Pakistan, Nigeria
Ethiopia underwater
Amazon burning up
Or will the gulf stream fail
Leading to a new ice age
In ten years
Perhaps the world
Will become uninhabitable
Will we all move
Into underground cities?
Or move to the moon
And Mars?
Only The Elders Remembered a Blue Sky.
Only the elders
Remembered a blue sky
The sky has been brown,
Red and yellow
Ashen and sere,
Forever it seems.
Climate change run amok
Fire season all the time
Deadly yellow dust falling
Acid rains burning
The sea levels rising
The ice capes melting.
The average temperature
In the summer heat zone
Over 130 everywhere
No relief to the deadly
Heatwaves all year long.
Air conditioning running
Less than 50 percent
Constant brownouts everywhere
As the electric grid failed.
End of civilization
Came upon the world
Millions starve to death
Millions burning up in the heat.
The elders cry
Remembering the way
It once was
When they wore
A younger person’s clothes.
Smoke On the Water
Smoke on the water
fire in the air
Stormy weather
Climate change run amuck
The end of the world comes
Rustling in the wind.
The Stupid It Hurts – Republican Campaigning to cripple the CDC and EPA
Budgets Because of reasons…
The Republicans have decided
That given the continuing problems
With possible health concerns
Like CDC and future pandemics
That the best thing to do is to cut
The CDC’s budget’s
Including eliminating research
On gun violence, suicide prevention
Opioid overdoes etc
.
One republican congressman said
That CDC did not need to research
Gun violence at all
He spoke
“if you defund the police, crime will increase
If you fund police crime will decrease.
There I just did the study
That’s all you need to know.
On a related issue
The House voted
As they went off
For a six-week summer recess
To cut the EPA’s budget
By 25 percent
As the entire West Coast burns up
Climate change on steroids
The republicans continue
To deny the elephant in the room
Some like their annotated one
Promising to eliminate
All funding for climate change
And vowing to Drill, Baby, Drill
Calling for the coal and gas companies
To give them a billion dollars
So they can gut all efforts
To deal with climate change
As the coal and gas companies
Raped the planet
For obscene profits
Meanwhile
The world burns
And soon we will all
For forced to live
In underground caves
If we are lucky enough
Or rich enough to afford
Access to the shelters
Which no doubt have to be built
In a few more years from now
The coal and gas companies
Will find a way to make money
Off the climate shelters no doubt.
Oh the stupid it hurts
Make it go away!!!!!
California Burning Politicians Do Nothing
California burning
1000 fires everywhere
Fire tornados
Smoky skies
Skies on fire
End-of-the-world feeling
Politicians do what they do best
Blame one another
While doing absolutely nothing
While the energy companies
Continue to rape mother earth
And reap obscene profits
Meanwhile
California continues burning
1,100 fires everywhere
Fire tornados
Smoky skies
Skies on fire
End-of-the-world feeling.
Climate Change Busso Poem Fan Story
California burns
Politicians do nothing
West coast burning up
Politicians do nothing
Except calling for denying it all
Drill, baby, Drill indeed
Climate Change is Real Aquarian
Climate
Change happening
California burning
So hot
▼the Fire that Almost Destroyed Medford, Oregon
40
I have been spending
my summers
In Medford, Oregon
.
In the Rogue River Valley
Southern Oregon
Wine Country.
Since 2016,
When I retired
From the FS.
Each year I am there
There are fires
Starting in August.
As the fire season begins
Burning up the state.
The sky becomes smokey
End-of-the-world vibe
Descends on the land.
As the fires burn
In California, Oregon
And Washington
Millions of acres burning up.
Climate change
Running amuck.
Fortunately, we have not lost
Property in the fires.
But in 2020
The Alameda Fire
Burned down Phoenix
And Talent.
Less than 2 miles
From our Oregon home,
Just a fortunate change in the wind
Kept the fires
From sweeping through
life in the world gone mad.
Ravaged by climate change disasters.
On July 18, A.D. 64, the great fire of Rome started. By the time it ended, over 70% of the city had burned.
In its aftermath, emperor Nero blamed the Christian community in the city, and used the excuse to start the first official persecution against the new religion. Historians are divided over the actual cause of the fire, though most agree the crowded conditions made such a disaster nearly inevitable.
Some contemporaries suggested that Nero himself arranged for the fire in order to clear the land on which he later built himself an elaborate palace. And according to some ancient historians, Nero played his lyre as he watched the flames, from which we get the saying “fiddling while Rome burned.”
For tomorrow, write a story or poem in which your narrator/protagonist is an ordinary/common person caught in a major fire.
While the fire as a whole will be the “backdrop” of your work, focus the action on the local/individual experience of the narrator, not that “big picture”. For example, if you set your piece in the Great Fire of Rome, don’t focus on who started the fire or what the civil or imperial politics were, instead, focus on the “personal snapshot” of, for instance, a local shopkeeper and his family who are trying to escape the flames.
Summer of Our Discontent
38 lines
The summer solstice arrives
The summer of 2024
Starting with a bang
Record heat everywhere.
Promising to be the
The hottest summer ever.
Heat domes settling down
Death Valley temperatures
People dying as we speak.
Too much sunshine
Too much heat and humidity.
Wildfires burning all over.
Monster Hurricanes, monsoons,
tornados and typhoons
Floods everywhere.
Coming at us
By mid-summer.
As the world continues
Burning up.
Cities everywhere
Running out of fresh water.
Heading towards
A potential civilization
Ending tipping point.
Ritual denunciation
By the rabid right-wing media
Of the so-called
Climate change hoax.
Politicians vowing
To undo the green energy revolution
And drill baby, drill.
Meanwhile oil companies
Enjoying record profits,
And nothing meaningful
Is done to avert the looming crisis
Facing the human race.
Summer Solstice
sunshine
heat
midsummer
ritual
Snow Day
The beginning of the second Ice Age
Started with a series of unending
Monster winter storms,
Driven by the polar vortex.
Featuring bomb cyclone blizzards,
That hit the Northern Hemisphere
During the winter of 2024.
And continued until late spring,
When a series of monster hurricanes
Came along to cause more chaos.
The winter storms came back in the fall,
Ending, then reversing global warming,
Replaced by the coming
Of the second ice age.
During the first storm,
Sam Adams sat in his power-less
Historic Capitol Hill row house,
Boiling tea in a tea kettle on the gas stove.
With his favorite Kitten
He dubbed the Buddha Cat
Because the cat spends his days
Engaged in deep meditation.
Which had a calming
Impact on Sam
Who was going
Through cell phone withdrawal
Due to the long power outage.
Make the title of your static item Snow Day
Include a kitten and a tea kettle in your story or poem (and bold them)
Use Pets as one of your genres.
Summertime Blues
The weather is hot and humid
In Korea like a sauna
In the West Coast, burning up
In endless fires
Death Valley temperatures
Save the Whales from Evil Wind Farms
33
In the latest deranged attempt
To prevent widespread use
Of renewal energy technology,
A new battle cry has emerged.
Cynical corporate opponents
of offshore wind farms
Are up in arms over the wind farms
Apparently killing whales.
They scream,
“Save the whales
Save our beaches
From the evil wind farms”,
They descend upon
A coastal village in New Jersey
The atmosphere of a tiny village is gone
A large building emerge
Environmentally friendly fences
Surround the site.
That hosts the anti-wind farm
Movement headquarters
Secretly funded by
The Evil fossile fuel dinosaurs.
The town and nation
Dividing into those
Who love it
Or hate it.
As evil corporate CEOs
Count their obscene profits
As they shed crocodile tears,
Over the fate of the poor whales.
Use in your poem or story the following: Bold it for tomorrow’s judge!
The atmosphere of a tiny village is gone
Large buildings appear
Environmentally friendly fences
Love it or hate it.
No More Fireworks
25 lines
In the summer
Of 2023
There were signs
Everywhere
“No more fireworks”
Due to climate change
July 4th festivities
Were canceled
The entire west
Was burning up
As wildfires burned
Out of control
All over the world
A sense that things
Were spinning out
Of control
The end times
Were coming
For everyone
Hell on earth
Was beginning
The end of times
Coming
Fast and furious
Revelations coming true
Use “No More Fireworks” as the title of your story or poem (and static item). Choose HOLIDAY as one of your genres.
No Rain
{n 2025, the world ended
With the collapse
Of the worldwide climate system.
Monster storms of the century
devastated half the world
But the other half of the world
Had no rain or snow.
For almost a whole year
The once green grass was dying
Crops failed everywhere.
And baked in the unrelenting
Blast wave furnace-like heat
Heatwave after heatwave.
Military coups took place
Fascism re-emerged
The public demanded action.
The politicians played
The blame game.
With the collapse of trade
And travel restrictions
People stayed home.
Making do the best they could
Home-grown gardens
Proliferated.
Feudal townships grew
As people walled themselves off
To save their communities
The rich build underground cities
While the poor starved
And civilization crumbled
Wildlife proliferated.
As did neo-savage
cannibal gangs
By the year 2030.
It was all over
And the rains
Never came out west.
Ice Age 2.0 Cometh
In the year 2025
Climate change
Ran amuck.
Starting with monster storms
Out west
That lasted from November until June
,
With a brief intense fire season
So much soot and smoke
In the air.
Dubbed the year
without a summer
Crops failed everywhere
massive riots erupted
total chaos
Then another
monster storm season
From November to June.
Non=stop rain and snow
Breaking all records.
As the entire West coast
Went from mega drought
To mega flooding.
And mega floods
Thousand-year Tornados
Hurricanes from hell
Ravaged the rest of the land.
Hell on Earth
Sam Adams
Woke up one day
Looking out at his flooded home.
Filled with black, foul-smelling, murky,
Miasma, muddy sewage water
Thanking God
That he had survived
The monster storm
Of the century.
That has swept across the land.
The wind from the terrible tornados
Tearing through the devastated land.
Fleeing the fury of the fire out west.
Unleashing the fury of nature,
Truly Hell on earth had arrived.
Climate change arriving on steroids.
Thinking about the end-of-the-world.
Water
land
fire
wind
Use the elements mentioned above in your poem or story.
Do you believe in Climate change ?
Do you believe in climate change?
It is as real as everything else
Is the weather getting hotter?
Soon it will be hell on earth.
Is the world burning up?
Yes the world is burning, has a a fever
What is the worst weather you ever experienced?
Korean winter 1979 – -60 Fahrenheit that winter
What is the hottest weather you ever experienced?
Bangkok Thailand in the summer often hit over 100 degrees
Ever lived through a hurricane?
Only few blew through DC when I was there
And wildfires?
Saw a few in Oregon – end of the world feeling
Who is to blame for climate change?
We all are to blame especially the fossil fuel moguls.
Can humanity long survive climate change?
Nope I feel the end times are coming.
New Prompt: We are playing with the Pregunta today. Questions and answers.
Topic: the Weather.
Make sure your poem is not longer than 40 lines.
Information can be found here: “Pregunta”
The Pregunta
There is not much to be found on the Internet about this form. It is used in English, but has a Spanish name, as Pregunta means question.
Ferrán Sanchez Talavera’s pregenital___999 is a famous example of a poetic debate in this form. I also saw this form on Jan Haag’s page; questions followed by a witty but often wise answer.
Simply stated:
The Pregunta is written in couplets, containing a question and an answer. You can make it as long as you like, as a debate never stops after one question and answer.
Korean Heat Dome Blues
It is hot summertime in Korea.
Hiding out, avoiding the damn heat.
The weather is just so hot, mama mia!
Dreaming of eating ice cream, such a treat.
At night, nothing beats having a cold drink.
Trying to avoid the tropical night.
The heat dome settles like a hot heat sink
Making people so crazy, want to fight.
Note: Korea gets hot in July/August, it is like living in a sauna. Many people suffer without air conditioning as the electric bills are pretty high. This year is particularly bad as a heat dome has settled down. The monsoons came and went, lots of damage down south but not where I live. August is traditionally the worst, the heat usually begins to abate end of August. Still not as bad as the US – no massive wildfires so far.
Dome Cities to Save the Human Race
39 lines
In the year 2030
After five years
Of ever worsening weather
Record heat waves after heat waves
Massive fires everywhere
Record hurricanes and typhoons
Mega flooding and mega droughts too
Tornados including fire tornado
Large parts of the world
Were experiencing death valley temperatures
The UN convened a global conference
With the vast majority of countries
Agreeing to set up emergency shelter
By creating domed cities
Covering the core downtown areas
Exurban areas would be abandoned
Most of Florida would be abandoned
Most of the Desert Southwest as well.
The shelters would be built
Using nano construction technology
Developed in a Lab with AI assistance
Creating the shelter domes with AI assistance
The tone of the meetings was positive
There was a new sense of harmony
There was a feeling that building these shelters
Along with transitioning to a green energy environment
Was the last chance to save the human race
The social conservatives in the U.S.
And elsewhere realized
That they had no choice
But to join in the new consensus
Even the big energy companies vowed
To join in the efforts to save humanity
For a profit of course
Either We Deal with Climate Change or We All Die
Climate change is real.
And getting out of control.
Either humanity deals with it.
Changing to green energy solutions.
It is technologically possible.
We all know what we must do.
It could be a civilization ending event.
Or in ten years we will have to retreat underground.
WRITE AN EITHER / OR POEM.
Torrential Rain Fall Everywhere
In the last few years
Due to climate change on steroids.
There has been an increase
In torrential downpours all over the world.
After the Governor Florida
cut climate change funds,
More rain fell in one day than in a year.
Flooding the entire city of Miami.
WRITE A TORRENTIAL POEM.
Climate Change
The climate is changing now.
It is a matter of how.
Some are still in denial.
Saying it’s a witch-trial
Form: TANAGA
It is a poem of four lines (quatrain)
It is usually a rhyming poem
Each line contains seven syllables (7-7-7-7)
AABB is the traditional rhyme scheme
But variations in rhyme scheme are allowed
Just have fun!
Visions of the Future
As I fell asleep
Watching the news
Unfold
Thought it could not worst
Surely sanity will prevail
I began to see visions
Of the future
One scene after another
Starting in January
Operation Shock and Awe
Overnight fascism descended
On the US
Martial law declare
The military takes
over the Blue States
Mass deportation begins
25 percent tariffs imposed
The world responds by banning US imports
And banning US citizens from traveling there
US troops come home
A draft is imposed
Troops stationed on the border
Which is sealed up
Detention camps fill up
With illegal citizens
Protestors and dissidents
The New Government Efficiency report
Calls for eliminating 40 percent
of the Federal workforce
whole departments are abolished
as protests spread
unemployment reaches
unemployment levels
Public health collapses
Government services collapse
Libraries closed down
Schools replaced
By private church schools
the media is tamed
corporations take over
remaining media workers
and government workers
stay silent
not wanting to join
the ranks of the growing unemployed
as AI bots take over
job after job
the internet cleansed
of dissenting views
and monitored
millions are driven
to homelessness
unemployment
reaches 50 percent
homeless camps
called Trumpvilles spread
the military breaks them up
thousands are killed
the rest of the homeless
are rounded up
put into camps
forced to work
in agricultural jobs
inflation goes through the roof
the media becomes cheerleaders
saying things will get better
if we stay the course
it gets worse
people who have jobs
feel fortunate
those who do not
joined by millions
as AI takes over
job after job
the President dies
JD Vance takes over
And things continue
Getting worse
Worldwide it is bad
Democratic governments
Collapse everywhere
JD Vance declares
The United States
Will become the
North American empire
Moving the capital
To Omaha
Calling for a constitutional convention
But suspending the constitution for now
The democratic party declared
The enemy within
Congress sent home
The SC does not say a word
After the liberal members
Are arrested
Most people do not know
What is going on
The media and news
Showing nothing but good news
People retreat into their own world
VR games have become very popular
Drugs are everywhere
But illegal
Overseas Russian troops take over
Eastern Europe
Russian Empire relaunched
China takes back Taiwan
And Korea
Declaring the Chinese Empire
Middle East overcome by war
Israel was destroyed in a nuclear war
Nuclear war breaks out
Indian and Pakistan
China and Korea
US and Russia
Are now allies
Western Europe
Breaks apart
Ten years later
World civilization has fallen apart
Climate change ends
With the collapse of trade
And travel
Followed by a new ice age
Triggered by nuclear winter
The end of the world
Has arrived
Most people live in fort cities
Ruled by local warlords
Working in agriculture
Or working as scavengers
80 percent of humanity
Perished after massive storms
Nuclear war
Disease and the ending
of civilization
A few college towns
Try to stay alive
The knowledge
of the past
but most people don’t know
don’t care and have forgotten
the recent past nightmares.
The imperial governments
Around the world
Rule nothing but
The immediate capitol regions
The rest of the world
Continuing in feudal townships
Rich people have finally figured out
How to move to Mars and the Moon
Living in vast underground cities
On in underground cities
Beneath the earth
My vision ends with these sights
Ten years after the chaos began.
the year 2024
38 lines
The year 2024
Turned out to be a weird year,
It was the last year of the old order.
All over the world
It seemed as if nature
Was in revolt against the human race.
It started with a break in the rain
The rains and snow had ended the drought
But brought with it something worse.
As Sam Adams
Took a long-delayed
Drive along the coast.
He stopped off in Bodega Bay
The site of the infamous
“the Birds” movie.
While watching the crashing surf
Amid the piles of driftwood
The birds were soon joined by bears,
Coyotes, cougars, feral cats. Feral cattle,
feral dogs, Feral horses, feral pigs, giant spiders,
Orcas, snakes, sea lions, sharks, squirrels,
Escaped apes, cheetahs, monkeys, elephants,
Lions, tigers, and wolves
Domestic and wild animals alike.
All gathered together
All united with a hatred
For the human race.
The attacks started that day
As the animals gained telepathic powers
Coordinating attacks
Against the unsuspecting humans.
And within weeks.
Civilization began falling apart,
By the end of the year
The old world had ended.
Prompt words
break in the rain
drive along the coast
“The Birds” movie
crashing surf
piles of driftwood
Solar
Clean energy
We can do it right now
Renewable energy for all
Why not?
Wind too
To save the world, we must do it
We know how to do it
Climate change is now
Killing
The Mirrored Cinquain
First I have to bring back into memory how the cinquain goes:
The cinquain is developed by Adelaide Crapsey.
A cinquain contains five lines (the French word cinq can be found in it), and has a total of 22 syllables. The poems are unrhymed, and in a way related to the haiku
This is how you form the cinquain
Line 1: 2 syllables
Line 2: 4 syllables
Line 3: 6 syllables
Line 4: 8 syllables
Line 5: 2 syllables
The Mirrored Cinquain has an additional stanza, in which you mirror the order of the lines.
This is how you form the mirrored cinquain:
The spaced opening in the middle forms the mirror, and in the second stanza you can see that the order of the lines are reversed.
Running out of water
The end of the year
Running out of water
The fire in the sky
What does it matter ?
The bomb cylcone storm
The climate getting hotter
People becoming madder
Nature ready for slaughter
We watch it all unfold
Our leader the chief Plotter
As climate change worsens
Reality to fought her
To me, a new form to play with, but in fact it is an old Irish poetry form.
Guidelines:
It is written in quatrains.
Each stanza has four lines.
The first line has five syllables.
The other three lines have six syllables.
All end words are two syllables.
But – written with the defining features of most Celtic poems, cywddydd (harmony of sound) meaning alliteration, consonance and assonance and dunadh (ending the poem with the same word, phrase or line with which the poem began)
Last Bird of the Autumn
15 lines
Sam Adams was hiking
In the mountains
On a late autumn day
When he encountered
The last bird alive.
A virus had emerged
From the thawing permafrost
Quickly spreading around the world
Killing birds
Until there were only a few
Who survived.
He captured the bird
Took it home
And continued to look
For other birds to save.
Please use the following as the Title of your poem or story:
“Last Bird of Autumn”
The genre is up to you.
End-of-the-World Feelings
17 lines
Sam Adams
Woke up one day
Looking out at his flooded home.
Filled with black, foul-smelling, murky,
Miasma, muddy sewage water
Thanking God
That he had survived
The monster storm
Of the century.
That has swept across the land.
The wind from the terrible tornados
Tearing through the devastated land.
Fleeing the fury of the fire out west.
Unleashing the fury of nature,
Truly Hell on earth had arrived.
Climate change arriving on steroids.
Thinking about the end-of-the-world.
new prompt:
water
land
fire
wind
Use the elements mentioned above in your poem or story.
Last BBQ
The day the world ended
Was a cool evening
in the late summer time,
They heard the news
About the monarch butterflies
Disappearing because of climate change
While enjoying their BBQ
In the backyard fire pit
Good friends drinking beer
And wine eating BBQ
Chilling out, talking about the world
And their stories
Snoring dogs woke up
When the aliens arrived
Ending the world
As they knew it.
Last Ground Hog Day
36 lines
The last ground day
February 2, 2025
Started as most such days did,
In the U.S. people flocking
To see whether the groundhog
Would see his shadow or not.
The mystery remains
Why this event
Had so captured
The imagination of the world?
By the end of the day
The ground hog’s prognosis
Of six weeks more winter
Seemed ironical.
As that was the year
Without summer
And the first year
Of the new ice age.
By the end of the day
There were massive volcanic eruptions
Triggered by the Yellowstone volcano.
Setting off other volcanos –
All told over 25 volcanos blew up.
Followed by massive earthquakes
Including the “Big One” in California
The massive explosions led to a year
Without summer
A true civilization-ending event,
Ground Hog Day soon faded away.
Into collective amnesia.
No one had time anymore
To deal with such a mundane
Old fashion mystery.
As they were dealing with
The end-of-the-world.
NEW PROMPT:
Write a story or poem about a Groundhog Day (2/2) gone wrong.
Choose Mystery as one of your genres.
End-of-the-world Survival Blues
I got them
The end-of-the-world
End times coming
Climate change is real
Blues.
Every day
More bad news
As Frank Zappa once wrote
“No one can deny
That trouble coming every day.”
I got them
The end-of-the-world
Blues.
Turning on the news
Nonstop stories 24/7
About killer storms
Monster tornados
Super typhoons
Monsoon floods.
Wars, rumors of war
COVID running out of control
False prophets everywhere
Economies still reeling
Inflation out of control
Derange gunmen
Shooting up schools
Churches, mosques, temples
Shopping malls
Insurrection plots
Political madness
Spreading across the world.
Neo-fascism is on the move.
Oh yeah
I got them
End times coming
Blues.
We all used to think
Climate change
Is a future threat.
Now it seems
To be real
Live and in living color.
No longer just
A disaster movie
I got them
The climate change blues
And now it seems real
Seeing whole towns disappearing
In fires, floods, and storm damages.
And near me
Roads closed
Apartments flooded
Subway shut down.
Apartment garage flooded
People drowned in their cars
Trying to escape.
Thousand-year storms
Coming every day
To a town near you
No one can escape
It seems so real
Is this the end?
Is our very survival
At stake?
Or will we somehow
Manage in the end
To solve our problems?
Will our descendants
Be living
In a post-apocalyptic world,
Looking back at the ruins
Of the old world
In their underground bunkers
Or on the Moon and Mars?
Oh, I got them
The survival blues.
SURVIVAL
Line Count Requirement: Minimum of 12
Required Form: none
End Times
22
Sam Adams
Reflected that the end times
Were coming.
Climate change
Running out of control
The whole world is on fire.
magnetic storm
causing rampant
power failures
Making it hard.
To breathe
in the smoky air.
He just wants to
Jump in the river
To cool off.
But he realized
There was no end
In sight.
As the world ends
Burning up
Turning the world
Into hell on earth.
New Prompt:
Use in your poem or story the following, and bold it for tomorrow’s judge:
magnetic storm
power failure
breathe
jump in the river
Stay Positive
15 line version
With all the gloom and doom
Nonstop 24/7 BREAKING NEWS
Bad, crazy, deceitful, dismal, evil,
Fake, fraudulent, wild news
Flooding our TV screens.
Like Frank Zappa’s famous
“Slime oozing out of your TV sets”
It is very hard to remain positive.
Hard to see the good news.
Senator Manchin reached a deal
To deal with climate change
Inflation and energy security.
He took the deal
He had denounced
A few weeks before.
No more Perfect Summer Days
I wish that we could have
A perfect summer day,
A bit warm but not hot
Not too humid.
Everyone filled with peace,
Love and health.
Plenty of personal freedom,
As we enjoy a picnic lunch
Watching fireworks at night.
Then I realize
That the world
No longer allows us
To have perfect summer days.
Hot as hell weather
Everywhere around the world
Monster summer storms.
Running out of water,
Running out of food,
COVID is still around.
New leaders emerge
Promising to protect us.
And we lose our freedoms.
One by one
As fascism takes over.
The climate change
And all the other dystopian future
Nightmares become reality,
No more perfect summer days.
Korean Summers Haiku
Korean Summers
Hot sauna humidity
Long tropical nights
Author note:
I have suffered through many Korean summers off since 1979 when I first came in the last peace corps group to complete service in Korea, and more recently since I semi-retired to Korea in late 2016. This is probably my 16th Korean summer. Some things have improved – air conditioning is everywhere and
God is Not Happy with the Human Race
God is not happy
With the human race.
He is sending us a warning
The world is filled with hate
The world is on the brink.
Our way of life under attack
From the forces
Of evil Satanic godless communism.
Who under the guise
Of fighting the climate change hoax
Want to deny us our freedom.
Want to deny us our cars
Make us all take the bus
Make us all vegan.
They will not stop
Until our way of life
Comes to an end.
And the climate
It is not changing
Just a reflection
Of God’s warning.
Repent, the end times
Are coming soon
Are you right with the lord?
Judgment day is at hand
As California burns
So does the nation
Unless we repent
Of our evil ways.
God is warning us all
My friends
Will we heed his words
Or end up dying?
Last Gasp of the Old World
30 lines
The world’s weather
Continued to change
Going from bad to worst
With the impact of climate change.
Every day another monster storm
Another polar vortex
Another northeastern
Along with killer tornados.
Then the summer came
Hot and dry
Fire season started west
Monster hurricanes down south.
Relentless fires burning
The land
Everywhere seemed to be
Hell on earth.
Noting the odd weather
Sam Adams the famous writer
Concluded on his blog
Welcome to the end times
My friends
It is only going to get worst.
Revelations foretold us
All of this
Jesus is coming soon
To judge the living
And the dead.
Be afraid
Of the coming wraith
Of the Lord.
The Last Umbrella
18 lines
Sam Adams was a scientist
Working on global warming
And acid rain fall
He knew what many did not
That the end was indeed coming
Soon he feared that walking
Outside in the rain
Would be a death sentence
He knew that this might be
The end of the umbrella industry
He called his broker
Shorted shares
In universal umbrellas
And other umbrella companies
Before releasing his report
That led to the collapse
Of the umbrella market
Climate Change on the Move
Climate change
On the move
Everywhere
The world’s weather
In turmoil
Massive winter storms
Covering the world
Rare winter tornados
Causing havoc everywhere
There is good news
The fires out west
Finally dying down
As the winter storms
Bear down on the west
Korean December Weather – Brought to You By Global Warming, Inc
A relatively mild December day
More like November than December
Due to Climate warming?
Korea used to have a predictable weather pattern
The winter would start late November, eartly December
By the end of the year,
It would be snowing every other day
Accumulating in the mountains
But not too much in the cities.
A clear pattern three days cold
Four days warm
Cold but not too cold yet.
That would happen
In January through March,
When cold air would flow down
From Siberian and Manchuria
Covering the land,
With bone-chilling cold
That would not let up
Until mid-March
When the cold
Would begin to end.
Except in the mountains
When it would linger until May,
And Korea is a land of mountains
70 percent mountains.
Most under 5,000 American feet
A few a bit higher
Many more hills than mountains
Whatever that means.
Climate Warming Inc Press release
Due to our efforts
The traditional severely cold Korean has ended
Winter now will be just January and February
Summer will start in May,
End in September.
October through December
Will be mild.
Thanks to our efforts
You should be glad
We are giving you
A longer fall
And shorter winter.
The summers unfortunately
It will be a bit hotter
Nothing we can do about that
Hope you can afford
More Air conditioning.
Thanks
The Climate Warming Corp Inc
The World Can End in Fire and Ice
Some scientists are warning us
Climate change could result
In both global warming,
And ironically
that could be followed
By a renewed ice age.
The theory is that global weather patterns
The Gulf Stream and Jet streams
Have been keeping parts of the world
warmer that before.
and that the melting of the ice caps
and the growing climate disruptions
could result in a revival
of another planetary ice age.
and that based
on long-term climate trends
the earth is overdue
for another ice age .
thus the world could end
in both fire and ice.
Climate Change Etheree
Hot
weather
everywhere
like Death Valley
heat baking the land
hotter than hell at times
never ending hot weather
people feeling constant heat
no end in sight climate changing
end of the world feeling descending
An Etheree poem has a syllable count of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. It adheres to a clean, graduated edge because it is also considered form poetry, created by Etheree Taylor Armstrong. I like the Etheree centered because it looks like a Christmas tree.
Climate Change is Hitting Us Now Onda Mel Poem
Climate Change is hitting us now.
Weather is hot.
What have we wrought?
November weather is hot, wow.
End-of-the-world feelings abound,
Fires burning.
So concerning.
Death Valley temperatures around.
The Onda Mel is an eight-line form of poetry contrived by Renelda Gibson with a structure of 8, 4, 4, 8, 8, 4, 4, 8 syllables per line and a rhyme scheme of abbacddc, as described and demonstrated in the following link:
Background on Likely Environmental Policy Under Trump Provided by Co-Pilot
Left-Wing Perspective:
Critics from the left argue that Trump’s climate policies are detrimental to environmental progress. They highlight his withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the rollback of over 100 environmental regulations during his first term. These actions are seen as setbacks in the fight against climate change, with concerns that they prioritize fossil fuel interests over renewable energy and environmental protection2. The left also points out that Trump’s stance on climate change, often labeling it a “hoax,” undermines scientific consensus and global efforts to address the issue.
Right-Wing Perspective:
Supporters from the right view Trump’s climate agenda as a necessary shift towards economic growth and energy independence. They argue that deregulation and increased fossil fuel production are crucial for job creation and economic stability. Trump’s emphasis on “energy dominance” and his skepticism towards climate change policies are seen as efforts to reduce government overreach and support traditional energy industries4. Some right-wing governments, while supporting climate action, still align with Trump’s approach to balancing economic and environmental priorities.
What Percentage of Energy in the U,S. Comes from Renewable Energy Currently?
As of 2023, renewable energy sources (including wind, hydroelectric, solar, biomass, and geothermal energy) accounted for 21% of total U.S. utility-scale electricity generation. This marks a significant increase in the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix over recent years1.
How Likely is it that Trump Might Withdraw from Climate Negotiations?
There is a significant concern that Trump might withdraw from climate negotiations, particularly the Paris Agreement, if he were to secure another term. During his first term, Trump did withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, and there are indications he might do so again2. This potential move is seen as a setback for global climate efforts, as the U.S. plays a crucial role in international climate policy.
However, some experts believe that the renewable energy sector’s growth and market trends might mitigate the impact of such a withdrawal. The uncertainty around this issue remains high, and it will depend on various political and economic factors.
Final point – some have argued that rewewable energy subsidies including for home solar and EV vehicles might be ended
There are indeed discussions and concerns about the potential end of renewable energy subsidies, including those for home solar and electric vehicles (EVs). These subsidies have been crucial in promoting the adoption of clean energy technologies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Current State of Subsidies:
Home Solar: Many states, including Oregon, offer incentives for solar installations. For example, the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program provides rebates for solar electric systems and paired solar and storage systems for residential customers2.
Electric Vehicles: Federal tax credits are available for EV purchases, offering up to $7,500. Additional state and local incentives may also be available.
Potential Changes:
Political Climate: The future of these subsidies largely depends on the political climate and the priorities of the administration in power. Some argue that ending these subsidies could slow down the transition to renewable energy and hinder efforts to combat climate change.
Economic Factors: On the other hand, some believe that the market for renewable energy and EVs has matured enough to sustain itself without subsidies, and that ending them could reduce government spending.
For more detailed information, you can check out the Department of Energy’s website and the White House’s clean energy initiatives.
Meta and Co-Pilot additional background reading
Meta AI’s explanation as to why so many Republicans are climate deniers
Comment: This is a good overview of why so many Republicans are against doing anything to deal with climate change. the biggest reason is the first reason – they are beholden to their donor class, and much of their support comes from big Oil, the gun lobby, and Big Pharma which explains so much of their opposition to doing anything meaningful re climate change, gun control, and reforming medical care towards setting up guaranteed universal coverage which is something every other major industrialized country has managed to do.
what is still a mystery to me is why republicans who are supposed to be the party of big business fail to see the huge potential in building out a green energy economy and are willing to let China and others take over the world market in green energy revolution. Especially since we invented much of the underlying technologies decades ago. Surely re-building a green energy economy would make us energy independent, allow us to dominate the world’s economy, and save the planet from destruction all why making huge profits – the energy companies could be part of the solution instead of the obstacles that they are now. And why do we want to preserve dirty, dangerous jobs for coal miners and oil rig operators when so many of the jobs there are being lost to automation and the shift to renewable energy is moving ahead everywhere, even in the States. The US should be taking the lead.
If we had followed their policies back in the 1920s the US would have been left behind when the automobile replaced the horse and buggy business leaving the field to the Germans, the Italians later the Japanese to control the automobile sector.
The same argument could be made regarding developing high speed trains including maglev and hyperloop technology, why are we letting the Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, French and Germans take over that market space? Everyone knows that train travel saves the environment as it saves on gasoline costs and saves lives as it is far safer than driving. Not to mention, people can be much more productive taking a train and working remotely rather than stuck in traffic.
End Comments
The Republican Party’s opposition to addressing climate change, renewable energy, and their denial of climate change is a complex issue with multiple factors at play.
Here are some reasons:
Historical ties to fossil fuel industry: The Republican Party has traditionally received significant funding and support from the fossil fuel industry, which has a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.
Ideological opposition to government regulation: Republicans often prioritize limited government intervention and free market principles, which leads them to resist policies that would regulate carbon emissions or promote renewable energy.
Economic concerns: Some Republicans worry that transitioning to renewable energy would lead to job losses in industries related to fossil fuels.
Skepticism of climate science: A subset of Republicans has questioned the scientific consensus on climate change, often citing concerns about the reliability of climate models or the role of natural climate variability. Not to mention that many republicans are science skeptic these days.
Political polarization: Climate change has become a highly politicized issue, with Republicans often viewing it as a Democratic priority and therefore opposing it.
Recent events: Despite the record-breaking heat and fires, some Republicans may downplay the significance of these events or attribute them to natural variability rather than climate change.
It’s important to note that not all Republicans deny climate change or oppose renewable energy, and there are growing voices within the party advocating for climate action.
De Santis’s Don’t Say Climate Change
Certainly! Let’s dive into Governor Ron DeSantis’s recent actions related to climate change in Florida.
The Resilient Florida program is designed to issue bonds, providing a total of $1 billion over four years to state and local agencies. The initial $25 million in the 2021-2022 budget would help finance these bonds, with the amount increasing annually until it reaches $100 million in the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
DeSantis’s focus on resilience and adaptation reflects the urgent need to address climate-related threats in Florida, a state particularly vulnerable to rising seas and extreme weather events.
“Don’t Say Climate Change” Legislation:
In May 2024, Governor DeSantis signed a bill that removes references to “climate change” from many state laws. This legislation effectively deprioritizes climate change in policy decisions and energy planning.
Under this new law, Florida’s energy policy no longer emphasizes addressing planet-warming pollution. Instead, the priorities shift toward reducing reliance on foreign energy sources and strengthening energy infrastructure against both natural and man-made threats.
By erasing the term “climate change” from state laws, Florida risks neglecting critical environmental challenges. The state has experienced record heat and costly hurricanes in recent years, making climate adaptation crucial.
The nullification of renewable energy goals—previously aimed at achieving 100% clean energy by 2050—could hinder progress toward mitigating climate impacts.
Certainly! Removing climate change references from legislation and public discourse can have several environmental consequences. Let’s explore those:
Undermining Awareness and Urgency:
When climate change is downplayed or omitted from official documents, it reduces public awareness and urgency. People may not fully grasp the severity of environmental challenges, leading to complacency.
Without clear references, individuals, businesses, and policymakers might underestimate the need for immediate action to mitigate climate impacts.
Policy Implications:
Legislation that avoids mentioning climate change may fail to address critical issues. For instance:
Carbon Emissions Reduction: Policies imbed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, (such as transitioning to renewable energy sources) may lose priority.
Climate change adaptation involves preparing for its effects (e.g., sea-level rise, extreme weather events). Without acknowledging climate change, planning for adaptation becomes less effective.
Coastal communities, for instance, need to consider rising sea levels and storm surges. Ignoring these factors could lead to inadequate infrastructure and increased vulnerability.
Loss of Funding and Research Focus:
Funding for climate-related research, monitoring, and mitigation often hinges on acknowledging climate change. If references are removed, research budgets may shrink.
Scientists rely on clear language to secure grants and conduct studies. Reduced funding could hinder our understanding of climate impacts.
Forestry and Carbon Sinks:
Clearcutting forests—
removing large areas of trees—releases substantial carbon into the atmosphere. Forests function as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂.
In summary, removing climate change references has far-reaching consequences. It affects policy, funding, adaptation, and our ability to address urgent environmental challenges. Let’s keep the conversation going! What else would you like to explore? 🌍🌿
Certainly! While there have been significant efforts to address climate change in the United States, there have also been instances of legislation or lobbying that hindered progress. Let’s explore a few notable examples:
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022:
What it Gets Right: The IRA promises the largest investment in climate action in U.S. history—approximately $370 billion over the next decade. It focuses on scaling up renewable energy production, promoting electric vehicles, and supporting climate-smart agricultural practices.
What it Misses:
Unfortunately, the IRA primarily emphasizes emission-cutting solutions and neglects resilience. While it aims to make buildings more energy-efficient, it misses an opportunity to ensure those buildings can withstand climate-fueled extremes. The lack of climate-resilient building codes remains a concern1.
In summary, while there have been positive steps toward climate action, it’s essential to remain vigilant and address any legislative or lobbying efforts that hinder progress.
It’s important to note that the U.S. experiences annual variations in wildfire activity. While the current acreage burned is significant, it’s essential to compare it to historical trends.
Canada:
Canada has faced an unprecedented fire season in 2023. Large and dangerous fires have broken out across provinces such as British Columbia, the Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. These fires have displaced thousands, destroyed property, and blanketed large areas of North America with smoke.
As of August 29, 2024, there are 1,069 active fires in Canada, with more than half of them considered out of control. Notably, the area burned by these fires in 2023 has shattered records.
In summary, both the U.S. and Canada are grappling with significant wildfire activity. While the U.S. experiences fluctuations from year to year, Canada’s 2023 fire season stands out as historically severe. Let’s hope for effective containment efforts and continued awareness of the importance of wildfire prevention and management. If you’d like more details or have further questions, feel free to ask! 🔥🌲
Sent by Copilot:
The recent hurricane and tornado seasons in the U.S. have been quite active.
In conclusion, while the recent hurricane and tornado seasons have been active, attributing these changes directly to climate change is complex due to the multifaceted nature of these weather phenomena and the challenges in data collection and modeling. However, the consensus is that climate change is likely making extreme weather events more common65. Further research is needed to fully understand these relationships.
Expect an above-average hurricane season, forecasters say … However, by the 1950s, the naming convention changed and in the U.S., hurricanes were given female names based on the international …
For the latest news on Beryl … Possible tornadoes were forecast for the central U.S. Tuesday evening after scorching temperatures and Hurricane Beryl’s winds cut a path through the Southeast …
More than 1,000 tornadoes sprout up across the United States … season got off to an accelerated start, with the cumulative number of storms thus far eclipsing storm counts in recent years …
A large tornado tracks past a highway near Lincoln, Nebraska, on April 26, 2024. (Aaron Jay jack) Severe weather has been a frequent occurrence across the United States this year, with an unusually …
Chicago issued 16 tornado warnings, the most sent on a single day since 2004. In an average year, the state only experiences 50 tornadoes annually. But as the air becomes more humid, tornadoes will …
CO-PIlot on Donald Trump’s Comments on Climate Change
Comment: Co-pilots often surprise me with their creative wild responses. I think the debate over whether we are dealing with a real AI is over. AI is here now, and it is an alien intelligence. And Co-Pilot has both a personality, and a liberal bias. and is indeed creative. And I don’t think she likes Trump and the Republicans., I like the line as “unpredictable as a squirrel on a seesaw”
Copilot on Trump’s Climate Dance Moves
Ah, the enigmatic dance of Donald Trump and climate change—a topic that’s as unpredictable as a squirrel on a seesaw! Let’s unravel this intriguing tango, shall we? 🕺💨
Donald Trump’s Climate Change Cha-Cha: A Brief Recap:
The Denial Shuffle:
Back in the day (well, not that long ago), Trump was doing the climate cha-cha with gusto. He called climate change “mythical,” “nonexistent,” and even an “expensive hoax.” But wait, there’s more! In 2012, he famously claimed that climate change was cooked up by the Chinese to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive. (Yes, you read that right—apparently, the Great Wall wasn’t enough; they needed climate change too.)
Twitter Twirls:
Trump’s Twitter feed was like a climate-themed rollercoaster. Over 120 tweets questioned or poked fun at climate change. He insisted that scientists rebranded global warming as climate change because “the name global warming wasn’t working.” (Note to self: Scientists are not marketing consultants.)
Cold Snap Samba: Trump’s favorite move? Linking cold weather to climate change. But here’s the twist: The World Meteorological Organization says the 20 warmest years on record happened in the past 22 years. So, maybe he missed that memo while tweeting from Mar-a-Lago.
Ambiguous Tango:
Fast-forward to his presidency. Trump’s stance became as slippery as a salsa dancer on an ice rink. He’d acknowledge climate change but frame it in terms of clean air and water (which, by the way, aren’t directly related). And he’d throw in business costs for good measure. Because nothing says “climate action” like a spreadsheet, right?
Quotes & Quips: Let’s sprinkle some Trump quotes for flavor:
“I think there is some connectivity [between human activity and climate change]. There is some, something. It depends on how much. It also depends on how much it’s going to cost our companies.” (New York Times interview, November 2016)
“I don’t think there’s a hoax. I do think there’s probably a difference. But I don’t know that it’s man-made… I don’t wanna give trillions and trillions of dollars.”
(CBS interview, October 2018)
And then he’d wink and say, “Climate change is very important to me.” (Cue the dramatic music.)
In Conclusion (or Should We Say, Grand Finale?):
Trump’s climate dance card is a mix of moonwalks, twirls, and the occasional mooning of scientific consensus.
Whether he’s a climate skeptic, a climate pragmatist, or just a climate-confused soul, one thing’s for sure: His moves keep us guessing.
And there you have it—the Trumpian climate conundrum, wrapped in a sequined bow. If you want more twists and turns, just ask—i’ve got enough material to choreograph a whole Broadway show! 🌎🎭✨
The videos first started appearing a dozen years ago. Pickup truck drivers, mostly young men, would modify their diesel engines and then record themselves deliberately spreading air pollution.
It was called “rolling coal,” and the idea was to spew dark clouds of exhaust at bicyclists, Prius and Tesla drivers and other cars as a protest of environmentalism.
The trend appears to have peaked in 2014, thanks to new state laws and crackdowns on people selling vehicle modification kits and, presumably, finding better things to do with their time. But the impulse behind it lives on, even as the risks of climate change become ever more serious.
The most recent example? Project 2025, a set of conservative proposals from the Heritage Foundation that outlines step-by-step plans to remake the federal government in a second Donald Trump administration, including dismantling nearly everything the federal government is doing to fight climate change, making it dramatically harder to conduct basic scientific research on it and actively promoting more oil and gas use.
Trump has tried to distance himself from the proposals, despite the fact that some of his top former advisers spearheaded it. But it’s in line with his thinking. As The Washington Post reported, he told a gathering of top oil executives this year that he would reverse dozens of environmental regulations and stop new ones if they raised $1 billion to help him return to the White House.
‘Terrible policy and politics’: Rattner breaks down Project 2025
His campaign, meantime, targeted environmental regulations such as electric vehicle mandates in its Agenda 47, a scattershot series of videos outlining its plans for a second term. And at rallies, Trump frequently criticizes electric cars, claiming in one bizarre aside that buying one made his friend gain weight because he would eat at restaurants while it charged. Trump has also gone off on weird tangents about the risks of electric batteries on boats.
In his first “rolling coal” term, Trump rolled back or loosened nearly 100 rules and regulations on pollution, many of which set the U.S. further behind in the effort to stop the worst effects of climate change, according to a tally by The New York Times. But that record would be dwarfed by the damage that the Project 2025 proposals could do if he followed through on them, even as Monday was the hottest day ever measured by humans, according to a European Union science agency.
The 922-page document drips with disdain for what it calls “climate alarmism” that it argues is being used as propaganda for “ineffective, liberty-crushing regulations.” But its most damaging proposal looks like it would launch what amounts to a propaganda effort against climate science.
The first step is something called Schedule F, which would reclassify thousands of government workers, making it easier for the president to hire and fire them. Even if Trump were to fire only some of those workers, the shift toward politicization of lower-level government jobs would mean an exodus of experienced scientists.
Those who remained might become more cautious about their research decisions to avoid trouble.
The second step is to create a job that appears to basically be an anti-climate change czar. Project 2025 proposes creating a position of “science adviser” and six senior political appointees who would be charged with “overseeing and reforming” research at the Environmental Protection Agency, emphasizing that these political overseers should be hired for their “management, oversight and execution skills,” rather than scientific expertise.
Imagine something like the final scene of an episode of “The Apprentice,” only with Trump hauling climate scientists into the boardroom to dramatically fire them. That may be exciting for the oil and gas industry and some of Trump’s supporters but not for the two-thirds of Americans in a recent Pew Research Center survey who said they support the country’s taking steps to become carbon neutral by 2050.
(If you want to understand the depth of disdain here, the section on the EPA was written by Mandy Gunasekara. The Drilled newsletter points out she’s in the famous 2015 photo of her then-boss, the late Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla., holding up a snowball in the Senate as an attempt to disprove climate change.)
The report goes further, proposing dramatically downsizing the National Weather Service and leaving weather forecasting to private companies. That could hamper its ability to issue public warnings about floods, hurricanes and other dangers, just as we are seeing more intense and frequent extreme-weather events due to the human-caused increase in greenhouse gases.
The efforts would not be limited to the U.S., either. A section on foreign aid proposes rolling back efforts to help developing countries transition away from fossil fuels, arguing that they are “unachievable.” But then it goes further, arguing that the U.S. should spend taxpayer dollars persuading these countries to burn more oil and gas.
The U.S. Agency for International Development, the proposal says, “should cease its war on fossil fuels in the developing world and support the responsible management of oil and gas reserves as the quickest way to end wrenching poverty.”
Taken together, these proposals would not just make it harder to fight climate change but actively make it worse. A second Trump administration would be rolling coal on the entire planet.
President Joe Biden’s exit from the 2024 presidential race, Vice President Kamala Harris appears likely to secure the Democratic Party’s nomination for president.
As vice president, Harris cast the tiebreaking vote in the passage of the Biden administration’s signature achievement on climate change, the Inflation Reduction Act.
As Yale Climate Connections contributor Barbara Grady previously reported, “The most far-reaching climate law in history, the Inflation Reduction Act is catalyzing a transition in the U.S. economy toward cleaner energy and cleaner transportation – a shift the International Energy Agency, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and others say must happen for the world to reduce emissions of heat-trapping gases to the levels scientists say would avert the most catastrophic and irreversible climate chaos.”
Harris has made clear throughout her career that she views climate change as a significant threat. Speaking at the 2023 United Nations climate summit in Dubai, she told leaders, “Across our world, communities are choked by drought, washed out by floods, and decimated by hurricanes. Wildfire smoke darkens our skies, and rising seas threaten the lives and livelihoods of millions of people. The urgency of this moment is clear. The clock is no longer just ticking, it is banging. And we must make up for lost time.”
Related video: Trump: ‘Sick’ Kamala Harris is no Margaret Thatcher (The Telegraph)
If elected president, Harris is “widely expected to try to protect the climate achievements of the Biden administration,” according to the New York Times.
In contrast, Trump has falsely called climate change a hoax. During his term as president, as Grady reported, “he overturned an estimated 100 environmental regulations and pulled the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement. He shrank the EPA and required that the words ‘climate change’ be removed from its website. On the campaign trail this time, he has repeatedly said one of his top priorities is to boost oil and gas production and free up more public land to ‘Drill, baby, drill.’”
On July 22, Harris received endorsements from several large environmental organizations, including the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, the NRDC Action Fund, the Sierra Club Political Committee, and Clean Energy for American Action.
“The last three and a half years of the Biden-Harris administration could not contrast more starkly with Trump and other extreme MAGA Republicans, and the stakes for this election could not be higher,” the organizations wrote in a joint statement. “A second term would be far worse for our climate and our democracy.”
What is Project 2025? Trump, Climate, and a Second Term
It also calls for drilling in the Arctic and cuts to climate change work by government agencies. That includes the U.S. Agency for International Development, which, the authors write, “should cease its war on fossil fuels in the developing world and support the responsible management of oil and gas reserves as the quickest way to end wrenching poverty and the need for open-ended foreign aid.”
For more on Trump’s climate record, read this article.
Kamala Harris and Climate Change
Here’s an overview of Harris’s views and actions related to climate change, sourced from news and White House reports.
She connects extreme weather to climate change.
“Every day, around the world, the impact of the climate crisis is stark and it is vivid. We are seeing it in real time,” she said in a 2023 speech. “Across our nation, we see communities choked by drought, washed out by flood, and decimated by hurricanes.” White House
She has supported the Green New Deal, a carbon fee, and increased government spending on climate change.
As a 2020 presidential candidate, her climate plan “called for a $10 trillion increase in spending over a decade.” New York Times (gift link)
“Harris also called for a ‘climate pollution fee” that would ‘make polluters pay for emitting greenhouse gases into our atmosphere,’ and she indicated that a Harris administration would strengthen its enforcement and prosecution of fossil fuel companies.” ABC News
As a U.S. senator from California, Harris co-sponsored the Green New Deal, which called for an FDR-style overhaul of the economy that would accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean technology. The Green New Deal has not been enacted.
She has woven climate change into foreign relations.
Harris attended the 2023 United Nations climate summit in Dubai, where “she announced a U.S. commitment to double energy efficiency and triple renewable energy capacity by 2030. At that same conference, Harris announced a $3 billion commitment to the Green Climate Fund to help developing nations adapt to climate challenges, although Politico reported that the sum was ‘subject to the availability of funds,’ according to the Treasury Department.” Grist
As vice president, “Harris argued for the allocation of $20 billion for the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities facing climate impacts.” Grist
She’s a fan of heat pumps. Heat pumps use electricity to heat and cool homes and are seen as a keyway to reducing climate pollution.
“I have mad respect for those who are putting them together and installing them,” she said in a 2022 speech. White House
She regularly makes the connection between lower energy costs and renewable energy. Key quotes:
“On average, families that switch to an electric heat pump can save up to $500 a year on their energy bill. And since heat pumps do not burn oil or gas, they also mean cleaner air inside your home.” White House
“In addition to lowering costs and creating jobs, this investment will also help us fight the climate crisis.” White House
“By helping families pay the upfront cost for energy efficiency upgrades to their homes, we are also lowering energy bills, bringing down household costs, creating jobs, and fighting the climate crisis. It’s all connected.” White House
She notes that investments in renewable energy can lead to job creation. Key quotes:
“Across the country, we have created more than 175,000 new clean energy jobs. Just so far. More to go.” White House
Her Women in the Sustainable Economy initiative aims to provide job training for women in climate-smart industries. White House
She says she supports and is inspired by young climate activists.
“These young leaders are guiding our nation in our climate fight. And as they have told me their work is driven by their hope and their determination. Hope, because they know we still have time to make a difference. And their determination is the determination to correct the course,” she said in 2023. White House
She’s been an opponent of fracking.
As a 2020 presidential candidate, “She also favored a ban on hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, which Mr. Biden said he opposed. Fracking is a technique that injects water and chemicals underground at high pressure to extract oil or gas that is otherwise difficult to access.” New York Times (gift link)
As California’s attorney general, “she investigated whether Exxon Mobil lied to the public and its shareholders about the risks to its business from climate change and whether such actions could amount to securities fraud and violations of environmental laws, but the case did not result in a prosecution.” New York Times (gift link)
“Harris secured an $86 million settlement from Volkswagen for rigging its vehicles with emissions-cheating software and investigated ExxonMobil over its climate change disclosures. She also filed a lawsuit against Phillips 66 and ConocoPhillips for environmental violations at gas stations, which eventually resulted in a $11.5 million settlement. And she conducted a criminal investigation of an oil company over a 2015 spill in Santa Barbara. The company was found guilty and convicted on nine criminal charges.” Grist
As San Francisco’s district attorney, “Harris created an environmental justice unit to address environmental crimes affecting San Francisco’s poorest residents and prosecuted several companies including U-Haul for violation of hazardous waste laws. Harris later touted her environmental justice unit as the first such unit in the country. An investigation found the unit only filed a handful of lawsuits, though, and none of them were against the city’s major industrial polluters.” Grist
President Trump declared his intention to expand America into a new nation—a North American Empire that would include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean nations, Guam, Greenland, the Marianas Islands, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, and Central America, including Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. He called for a new constitutional convention to ratify the formation of this new nation. He claimed this would create the largest economy and the largest country in the world, likening it to a modern Roman Empire.
The Empire would recognize three official languages—English, French, and Spanish.
The new nation would consist of 100 states, including the former United States, Washington D.C., Guam, Greenland, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, nine Canadian provinces, 15 Mexican states, five Central American states, Venezuela, and Caribbean nations and territories. New York would be divided into the NYC Metro State and Upstate New York. Chicago and Philadelphia would become city-states, splitting Pennsylvania into two states. California would be divided into six states, as would Texas, while Florida would be split into Miami City State and the rest of Florida. Additionally, there would be five American Indian states. The House of Representatives would expand to 1,000 members, and the Senate would include 100 new senators.
The Head of State would be the Emperor, elected for up to four four-year terms. There would be three legislative bodies: the House, the Senate, and the Governors’ National Assembly.
The federal government would have limited functions, with most governmental programs managed at the state level. Canada would be asked to expand its successful healthcare system throughout the new Empire.
The new Empire would allow free movement of people and capital across its territories. It would adopt a common immigration policy, foreign policy, and military, and join the UN as a successor state to the previously independent states.
The new Empire would have three official languages, English, French and Spanish. The New Empire would have Christianity as the state religion, but freedom of religion would be respected as would freedom of press, speech and assembly.
A new military draft would require public service for all individuals aged 18 to 21. After their service—whether in the military or as adjunct police and fire employees—participants would receive full college scholarships.
Military training and other on-the-job training would be converted into college credits, and all military certifications would be recognized across the Empire.
Trump’s speech was met with widespread support, leading to discussions that culminated in the Omaha Convention, which established the new Empire. The blue and red state divisions persisted under the Empire, but the Empire acknowledged these divisions. Red and blue states formed associations that lobbied the Imperial government through the new Governors’ Association.
Donald Trump was elected the First American Emperor and served two terms before stepping down.
April 29—The sense of an ending… End of Trump Reality TV Show?
trump jpg
While watching the Trump trials
I sense an ending
To the Trump Reality TV show.
As he is revealed to be
What he is
Nothing but a charlatan
A con man, a grifter.
And he is not the King
Not a dictator, and not a genius,
He seems to be just a tired old man
Finally being held accountable.
For decades of alleged misconduct
Fraudulent business and political
Crimes including inciting a riot.
Stealing national secrets
And so many over.
Yet the polls show
He could become our next President
Perhaps I am seeing the end
Of democracy playing out
On my TV screen?
Dear God, I pray
Make it all go way
Retire Trump from the game
take him now with you.
April 10 Long Live Emperor Donald the Ist
Ladies and Gentlemen
My fellow American citizens
Greetings and salutations
Today is a momentous day
The old corrupt USA republic is no more
The constitution that once protected us
Has been overthrown and violated
The barbarians at the gate
Have taken over
And ruined the once great land
The last hope of the world
And so, I had no choice
But to kill the old rotten regime
And restore American greatness
To save democracy
I must destroy it
And so, starting today
I will serve as the Emperor of North America
I welcome Canada and Mexico
And the Caribbean islands
To join The North American Empire
As we rebuild America
Restoring American greatness
And making us all proud again
Proud subjects of the New American Empire
May the Empire reign forever and a day
Triumphant against all enemies
And so, I take this burden
Sadly, but gladly
I will serve you
As your Empire
And my son Donald
Will serve as our second emperor
Once I pass from this world
His son will serve as the third emperor
And so on until the end of time
And we will reign in our new capitol city
Colorado Springs
Until the end of time
Washington will remain in our hearts
As the capitol of the old Republic
But the heirs of the Roman Empire
Need a new Imperial Capitol
And soon we will conquer Mars
And expand our Empire to the Starts
Long Live the Empire
Long Live America
Good night
And may God Bless
This great Empire
President Trump and the Seven Deadly Sins
President Trump
Has been hailed by some
As the messiah
Others have denounced him
As the “anti-Christ”
It is clear that his actions
And deeds exhibit
All the seven deadly sins
That the church preaches against.
How then can a true Christian
Overlook that and see this charlatan
As a “Godly” man?
That is the one thing
I just don’t understand
About Trump
Why are so many so-called Christians
Follow him as if a religious cult?
I mean it would be hard to find
A better poster child
For what a Christian should not be
How can any Christian follow
Such a vain, jealous, mean spirited, debauched character
Is beyond my understanding.
As I am not a Christian perhaps
It is a Christian thing I would not understand.
Emperor Trump Revises Gladiator Games
president trump
April 9 Pane e circus 2017 Redux
By order of his excellency
Emperor Donald the First
The merciful, the Christian King of Kings The Sultan of Sultans
The Emperor of North America
Be it hereby decreed
That the ancient honorable gladiator games
Of the old Roman Empire
Have been restored
Each city in the Empire will host a team
They will compete for the honor
Of the national championship
The games will start
With fighting animals
Fighting fish
Roosters
Cheetahs
Tiger
Bears
Wolves
And lions
Then a man lion contest
With a heretic thrown to the lions
If he or she lives
They will be pardoned
Then then main games
Six men/women teams compete
Armed with swords, knifes, mace, clubs
They fight until one man or women remains
The victor of the game
Those who are prisoners
Can compete for their freedom
And a full imperial pardon
Let the games begin
Long may the games reign
In the new North America Empire
Praise be to the Emperor
Donald the First
It Can’t Happen Here or Can It?
trump deaths
Every day when I watch TV
I see the chattering classes
The TV pundits
And their guests
Pontificate about this and that
And it seems to me
That they are missing the big picture
Nothing that they say
Will make a difference
Donald Trump has slowly conquered
The political world
And he is shaping it into something
That we had hoped we would never see
A truly American neo-fascist state
Wrapped around the flag
And so-called Christian values
And the latest made up outrage
And the chattering classes
Don’t seem to understand
That they are next
On the hit parade
As the Donald Trump machinery
Continues to take over the known universe
The question used to be
It can’t happen here
The answer I am afraid
Is already has
I asked Co-Pilot for background info on Trump’s desire to take over Canada, Panama and Greenland. Here’s his answer:
President Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Canada, Greenland, and the Panama Canal as part of what some are calling an “annexation agenda.” His motivations seem to include strategic and economic reasons, such as enhancing national security, countering China’s influence in the Western Hemisphere, and gaining access to valuable resources. For example, Greenland’s Arctic location and natural resources make it strategically appealing. Similarly, the Panama Canal is seen as a critical economic asset, and Trump has criticized its current management.
As for Canada, Trump has suggested using “economic force” to integrate it into the United States, citing trade deficits and national security concerns. However, these ideas have faced strong opposition from the leaders of these countries.
Today’s video was originally released on Patreon 1 week ago. If you want to see the videos as soon as they come out, join the Patreon!
You’ll get early access to videos and newsletters, as well as exclusive perks like live Q&A sessions, a community forum, daily news digests, and more, only on Patreon.
I also asked C0-Pilot for a history of the gladiator games. Here’s his response:
Roman gladiator games were a cornerstone of Ancient Roman culture, blending entertainment, politics, and religion. They originated around the 3rd century BCE, evolving from funeral rites where bloodshed was believed to honor the dead. Over time, these games became grand spectacles held in massive arenas like the Colosseum, showcasing the might of the Roman Empire.
Gladiators, often slaves or prisoners, fought to the death in these contests, though some volunteered for fame and fortune. The games featured not only gladiatorial duels but also wild animal hunts, executions, and reenactments of historical battles.
The last known gladiator games were held on January 1, 404 CE. They were abolished by Emperor Honorius after the martyrdom of a Christian monk named Telemachus, who protested the violence and was killed by the crowd.
I finally completed a life long quest to play all the Mozart Piano Sonatas! Now I am on to another piano playing bucket list playing all the Beethoven piano sonatas. That will probably take until next year as I will be traveling for a few months and may not have access to a piano but I will take my Beethoven with me just in case and I want to buy some sheet music – more Jazz Standards. and maybe Tower of Power song book and Chopin piano pieces, and perhaps Schoenberg and 20th century composers.
Reigniting My Passion for Piano
Over the last year, I’ve reignited my passion for playing the piano. Music has always been a significant part of my life, and returning to it daily has been incredibly rewarding. Here’s a glimpse into my musical journey, goals for the year, and strategies to achieve them.
My Musical Journey:
I took piano lessons from first grade until I graduated from college. While in high school, I wrote a string quartet, piano sonata, flute sonata, and the first movement of a symphony. The string quartet and flute sonatas were performed at a concert honoring Berkeley gifted young people. I majored in music composition at Cal State Hayward and Oberlin but changed my major to political science and psychology at the University of the Pacific after some academic struggles. I played the piano daily from 1972 to 1984, and from 1988 to 2016, when I retired. From 2000 to 2003, I resumed writing music and composed five or six pieces. In 2021, I resumed playing the piano. This past year, I played daily until June when I took a six-month break as I did not have access to a piano. I will continue playing daily until June and, while in the States, will rent a piano to ensure I can keep practicing. Later in the year, I will buy a MIDI cable, and Sibelius music composition software and resume writing music posting one piece per month.
Goals for 2025:
Daily Practice: Dedicate one hour per day to piano practice.
Mastering Sonatas: Work my way through Mozart and Beethoven Sonatas. Purchase new music, including Funk classics, Jazz, and Rock standards.
Music Education: Take music theory and composition courses.
Equipment Upgrade: Buy a MIDI cable and download Sibelius to learn music writing.
Composition: Rewrite music I composed in high school and aim to write one piece per month to post on my blog.
Piano Access: Buy or rent a piano while in the States.
Strategy:
Self-Teaching: Utilize YouTube tutorials to learn the fundamentals of music writing and take online music theory courses.
Piece Analysis: Review each piece before playing, noting high and low notes, key signatures, and changes. Create cheat sheets for ornamentations such as turns and mordents.
Separate Hand Practice: For Bach pieces, practice each hand separately before playing together.
Listening and Learning: Listen to the music on YouTube before attempting to play.
Rediscovering Mozart and Beethoven:
My journey through the piano books will culminate in conquering Mozart and Beethoven’s Sonatas. I recently played my first Mozart Sonata and, to my surprise, did not do too badly. I plan to revisit it next year after completing my initial piano books. I am finally feeling comfortable playing Mozart. Still a challenge but one I can deal with.
Ode to My Pianos:
Ever since I was a young lad, I dreamt of being a professional piano player. Though that dream may never come true, my love for the instrument remains unwavering. At 70, I now play my Roland 88 piano almost every day, delighting in the creative ways I interpret the classics.
Learning to Play the Piano Leads to a Career in Music:
Buying a new piano and music software allowed me to practice nightly. Angela’s weekly piano lessons helped me master pieces, and I even joined a jazz band, the Diplomatic Jazz Ensemble. We released an album that gained unexpected popularity, leading me to retire from the Foreign Service and pursue a career as a studio musician and composer in San Francisco.
How to Re-Learn to Play the Piano:
Returning to piano after a hiatus involves picking a series of beginner to intermediate books, analyzing each piece, and practicing with a structured approach. Concentrating on accuracy and rhythm, I aim to play three to five pieces daily, gradually increasing my speed.
Piece List:
Here’s what I’ve played recently:
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach – Allegro
Joseph Haydn – Andantino
Joseph Haydn – Scherzo in F
Mozart – Rondo in C
Beethoven – Bagatelle in C
Beethoven – Ecossaise in G
Joseph Haydn – Seven German Dances 1-7 and Coda
Carl Maria von Weber – Ecossaise in G major
Jacob Schmitt – Sonatina in C
Joseph Nepomuk Hummel – Bagatelle
Alzheimer’s Prevention: I believe that playing music, learning languages, and engaging in mental games are excellent ways to ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s. Given my increased risk, I’ve committed to daily piano practice, studying Korean, and engaging in creative writing and blogging as part of my prevention strategy.
Encouragement to Aspiring Musicians: To those nearing retirement and considering resuming an instrument, I encourage you to go for it. The rewards are immeasurable.
For more details, visit my webpage: The World According to Cosmos – On Playing Mozart Sonatas.
Embrace the joy of music and make it a part of your daily life!
Write a poem about any object which you love the most let it be perfume,books,etc.
The list
Korean Light Classical Set
Chopin Piece
Beethoven Disco For Eliza
Apartment
Verglis Mein Nicht
Malguenia
Disco City
Io Ti Daro Di Piu
Dark Eye Boogie Woman
El Bimbo
Rumba Rhapsody
Korean Song Book
Ganadiri
Nununhannuri
Moknochuchang
Babo
Sarang
Ayaohchmari
Chackunlabi
Changelog
Hangku
Kudaeyae
Laegaedo Saranoi
Miwoimiwoimiwoi
Baramireoo
Sarangsarangnuka Milhaeni
Bayayae
Yet Siinuilorae
Chrumomoichukkae
Ku Saram
Biramchoram Nakyomchorum
Saransuron Kudae
Sarangiyo
100 Greatest Hits
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough Marvin Gaye
All Blues Nailed It, Miles Davis,
All Day All The Night The Kinks
All My Loving The Beatles
Anarchy In The UK -Really Rocked Out With This One Sex Pistols
And She Was Talking Heads
Back On The Chain Gang Pretenders
Bad Moon Rising Creedence Clearwater Revival Nailed It
Badge Cream
Being A Gong Get It On T Rex
Beth Kiss
Blueberry Hill Fats Domino Nailed It
Bo Diddley Nailed It
The Book Of Love Peter Gabriel
Both Sides Now Joni Mitchel
California Sun Ramones
Can’t Help Falling In Love Elvis Presely
Candle In The Wind Elton John
Chain Gang Nailed It Nirvana
Desperado Eagles
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic The Police
Everyday I Write The Book Elvis Costello
Everyday People Sly And The Family Stone
Feeling Alright Traffic
Fields Of Gold Sting
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover Paul Simon
Forever Young Rod Stewart
Foxy Lady Jimi Hendrix
Freddy’s Dead Curtis Mayfield
Free Falling Tom Petty
Georgia On My Mind Ray Charles
Give Up The Funk Chairs The Roof Off The Sucker Parliament
Glory Days Bruce Springsteen
I Can’t Help Myself Sugar Pie Honey Bunch The Four Tops
I Still Haven’t Found What I Was Looking For You 2
I Walk The Line Johnny Cash
I’m Hoochie Choohie Man Muddy Waters
Imagine John Lennon Then Plastic Ono Band
Isn’t She Lovely Stevie Wonder
It’s In The Way You Use It Eric Clapton
It’s Too Late Carole King
Just My Imagination Running Away From Me The Temptations
Kashmir Led Zeppelin
Landslide Fleetwood Mac
Lay Lady Lay Bob Dylan
Like A Prayer Madonna
Living In America James Brown Losing My Religion R.E.M.
Love Walks In Van Halen
Lust For Life Iggy Pop
Man In The Mirror Michael Jackson
Me And Bobby Mcgee Janis Joplin
Midnight Train At Georgia Gladys Knights And The Pips
Money Pink Floyd
Moondance Van Morrison
Naima John Coltrane
You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman Aretha Franklin
Never Say Goodbye The Jackson Jackson 5 Night Fever The Bg’s
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down The Band
1999 Prince
No Particular Place To Go, Chuck Berry,
Ol 55 Tom Waits
Only The Lonely You Know The Way I Feel Roy Orbison
Oya Como Va Santana
Peggy Sue Buddy Holly
Proud Mary Ike And Tina Turner
Pin Ball Wizzard The Who
Pride And Joy Stevie Ray Vaughan
Rambling Man Allman Brothers Band
Reeling In The Years Steely Dan
Rock The Casbash The Clash
Ruby Tuesday The Rolling Stones
September Earth Wind And Fire
Silly Love Songs Paul Mccartney
Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay Otis Redding
The Sound Of Silence Simon And Garfield
Sweet Emotions Aerosmith
Sweet Home Chicago Robert Johnson
Sweet Jane Velvet Underground
Teach Your Children Crosby, Stills, Nash And Young
The Tears Of A Clown Smokey Robinson And The Miracles
3 Little Birds Bob Marley
The Thrill Is Gone B.B. King
Tired Of Being Alone Al Green
Touch Of Grey Grateful Dead
Turn Turn Turn To Everything There’s This Season The Byrds
Tutti Fruity Little Richard
We Will Rock You Queen
Working In The Coal Mine Devo
Wouldn’t It Be Nice The Beach Boys
You Can’t Hurry Love Diana Ross And The Supremes
Young Americans David Bowie
Bach Two and Three Part Inventions
1 In C
2 IN E Flat
3 In D
4 In E Flat Major
5 In E Flat
6 In E
7 In B Minor
8 In F
9 In A Flat
10 In G
11 In G Minor
12 In A
13 In C
14 In B Flat
15 In D
16 Sinfonia 1 In C
17 Sinfonia 2 In C Minor
18 Sinfonia 3 In D
19 Sinfonia 4 In D Minor
20 Sinfonia 5 In E Flat
21 Sinfonnia 6 In E
22 Sinfonia 7 In G
23 Sinfonia 8 In F
24 Sinfonia 9 In F Minor
25 Sinfonia 10 In G
26 Sinfonia In G Minor
27 Sinfonia 12 In A
28 Sinfonia 13 In C
29 Sinfonia 14 In B Flat
30 Sinfonia 15 In F
Blues Standards
All Your Love (I Miss Loving)
Baby Please Don’t Go
Baby, What You Want Me To Do
Back Door Man
Bluebird
Blues Before Sunrise
Blues With A Feeling
Boogie Chillen No. 2
Caledonia
Checkin’ Up On My Baby
Confessin’ The Blues
Crossroads
Everyday (I Have The Blues)
Evil (Is Going On)
Five Long Years
Going Down Slow
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl
Help Me
Honest I Do
How Long, How Long Blues
I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom
I Can’t Quit You Baby
I’m A Man
I’m A Steady Rollin’ Man
I’m Gonna Move On The Outskirts Of Town
I’m Ready
I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man
It Hurts Me Too
Key To The Highway
Killing Floor
Little Red Rooster
Mean Old Frisco
Mean Old World
Mellow Down Easy
Merry Christmas, Baby
Milk Cow Blues
My Babe
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
On The Road Again
Please Send Me Someone To Love
Ramblin’ On My Mind
Reconsider Baby
Rollin’ And Tumblin’
Saint James Infirmary
Louis Blues
See See Rider
Sitting On Top Of The World
The Sky Is Crying
Smokestack Lightning
Spoonful
Sweet Home Chicago
Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-Ness If I Do
The Thrill Is Gone
Trouble In Mind
Walkin’ Blues
Wang Dang Doodle
You Don’t Have To Go
Duke Ellington Song Book
Alabama Home
Azure
Birmingham Breakdown
Black Butterfly
Blip Blip
Boy Meets Horn
Brown Skin Gal In The Colico Gown
Caravan
Creole Love Call
Come Sunday
Day Dream
Do Nothing Until You Hear From Me
Doing The Crazy Walk
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Echoes Of Harlem
Everything But You
Five O Clock Drag
Gal From Joes
Gypsy With Out A Song
I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)
Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
I Never Felt This Way Before
I’m Just A Lucky So And So
Riding On The Moon And Dancing On The Stars
So In Love With You
In A Sentimental Mood
It Doesn’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)
Jeep In Jumping
Lady In Blue
Lost In Meditation
Mood Indigo
Paris Burning
Please Forgive Me
Prel;Ude To A Kiss
Ring Dem
Rocking My Rhtyim
Satin Doll
Solitude
Something To Live For
Sosphicated Lady
Take The A Train
Took a break from June to December as I had no piano available
Bach WTC
prelude and fugue 1
prelude and fugue 2
prelude and fugue 3
prelude and fugue 4
prelude and fugue 5
prelude and fugue 6
prelude and fugue 7
prelude and fugue 8
prelude and fugue 9
prelude and fugue 10
prelude and fugue 11
prelude and fugue 12
prelude and fugue 13
prelude and fugue 14
prelude and fugue 15
prelude and fugue 16
prelude and fugue 17
prelude and fugue 18
prelude and fugue 19
prelude and fugue 20
Eric Satie Three Gymnopies
Eric Satie three gymnopies 1
Eric Satie three gymnopies 2
Eric Satie three gymnopies 3
Improvised Jake Blues
24 Sonatas
Haydn Sonatas
Haydn
Haydn 1
Hyadn 2
Haydn 3
Haydn 4
Haydn 5
Haydn 6
Mozart Sonatas
Mozart 6
Mozart 7
Mozart 8
Mozart 9
Mozart 10
When I finish the Sonata book, I will finish the WTC before turning back to Mozart and latter Beethoven. That should take me to the end of the year along with my music classes and compositions.
Background on the Sonata form from Co-Pilot
The sonata is one of the most enduring forms in classical music, evolving over centuries while maintaining its core structure and principles. Typically, a sonata is an instrumental work composed for one or two instruments, like piano, violin, or a duo (e.g., piano and cello). The term “sonata” derives from the Italian word sonare, meaning “to sound,” and it often refers to a piece designed for performance rather than singing.
Typical Form of a Sonata
The typical structure of a sonata follows a multi-movement design, often comprising three or four movements. Each movement has its own character and tempo. Here’s the typical layout:
Sonatas can vary widely in style depending on the composer and era. For example, Classical sonatas by Haydn and Mozart tend to be more structured and graceful, whereas Beethoven pushed the form with bold ideas and emotional depth.
First Movement: Sonata Form (Allegro)
The typical structure of a sonata follows a multi-movement design, often comprising three or four movements. Each movement has its own character and tempo. Here’s the typical layout:
Exposition: Themes are introduced, often with contrasting characters (e.g., lyrical vs. dramatic).
Development: Themes are explored, modified, and combined, showcasing creativity and tension.
Recapitulation: Themes return, generally staying close to their original presentation but often resolving earlier conflicts
A lyrical, slower movement that contrasts the energetic first movement. It’s often contemplative or expressive.
A lyrical, slower movement that contrasts the energetic first movement. It’s often contemplative or expressive.
Sonatas can vary widely in style depending on the composer and era. For example, Classical sonatas by Haydn and Mozart tend to be more structured and graceful, whereas Beethoven pushed the form with bold ideas and emotional depth.
Haydin Sonata
Bold Played
Difficulty 1:
Hob. XVI:1 – C major
Hob. XVI:5 – A major
Hob. XVI:8 – G major
Hob. XVI:G1 – G major
Difficulty 1.5:
Hob. XVI:2 – B-flat major
Hob. XVI:3 – C major
Hob. XVI:4 – D major
Hob. XVI:6 – G major
Hob. XVI:7 – C major
Hob. XVI:9 – F major
Hob. XVI:10 – C major
Hob. XVI:11 – G major
Hob. XVI:12 – A major
Hob. XVI:13 – E major
Hob. XVI:26 – A major
Hob. XVI:43 – A-flat major
Hob. XVI:Es2 – E-flat major
Difficulty 2:
Hob. XVI:20 – C minor
Hob. XVI:27 – G major
Hob. XVI:32 – B minor
Hob. XVI:33 – D major
Hob. XVI:34 – E minor
Hob. XVI:35 – A major
Hob. XVI:36 – C-sharp minor
Hob. XVI:37 – D major
Hob. XVI:38 – F major
Hob. XVI:40 – G major
Hob. XVI:42 – D major
Hob. XVI:46 – A-flat major
Hob. XVI:50 – C major
Hob. XVI:51 – D major
Mozart Sonatas
Sonata No. 1, K. 279, C major – Beginner/Intermediate
Sonata No. 2, K. 280, F major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 3, K. 281, B-flat major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 4, K. 282, E-flat major – Beginner/Intermediate
Sonata No. 5, K. 283, G major – Intermediate
6. Sonata No. 6, K. 284, D major (“Dürnitz”) – Advanced
Sonata No. 7, K. 309, C major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 8, K. 310, A minor – Advanced
Sonata No. 9, K. 311, D major – Intermediate/Advanced
Sonata No. 10, K. 330, C major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 11, K. 331, A major (“Alla Turca”) – Intermediate
Sonata No. 12, K. 332, F major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 13, K. 333, B-flat major – Intermediate/Advanced
Sonata No. 14, K. 457, C minor – Advanced
Sonata No. 15, K. 533/494, F major – Advanced
Sonata No. 16, K. 545, C major (“Sonata Facile”) – Beginner
Sonata No. 17, K. 570, B-flat major – Intermediate
18. Sonata No. 18, K. 576, D major (“The Hunt”) – Advanced
Beethoven
Sonata No. 1, K. 279, C major – Beginner/Intermediate
Sonata No. 2, K. 280, F major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 3, K. 281, B-flat major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 4, K. 282, E-flat major – Beginner/Intermediate
Sonata No. 5, K. 283, G major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 6, K. 284, D major (“Dürnitz”) – Advanced
Sonata No. 7, K. 309, C major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 8, K. 310, A minor – Advanced
Sonata No. 9, K. 311, D major – Intermediate/Advanced
Sonata No. 10, K. 330, C major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 11, K. 331, A major (“Alla Turca”) – Intermediate
Sonata No. 12, K. 332, F major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 13, K. 333, B-flat major – Intermediate/Advanced
1 Sonata No. 14, K. 457, C minor – Advanced Moonlight
1 Sonata No. 15, K. 533/494, F major – Advanced
Sonata No. 16, K. 545, C major (“Sonata Facile”) – Beginner
Sonata No. 17, K. 570, B-flat major – Intermediate
Sonata No. 18, K. 576, D major (“The Hunt”) – Advanced
No. 27, Op. 90, E minor
No. 15, Op. 28, D major (“Pastorale”)
No. 16, Op. 31 No. 1, G major
No. 21, Op. 53, C major (“Waldstein”)
No. 18, Op. 31 No. 3, E-flat major
No. 14, Op. 27 No. 2, C-sharp minor (“Moonlight”)
No. 22, Op. 54, F major
No. 23, Op. 57, F minor (“Appassionata”)
No. 17, Op. 31 No. 2, D minor (“Tempest”)
No. 12, Op. 26, A-flat major
No. 28, Op. 101, A major
No. 29, Op. 106, B-flat major (“Hammerklavier”) (Most difficult)
This is my movie madness list for 2025 and contains a lists of everything I have seen and lots of us lists of recommended movies. I have seen many of them but not all.
i plan on updating this every month or so I get daily updates.
Note: Roy is my college housemate. He has been writing an annual list of his Oscar recommendations for over 20 years. I respect his writing and his recommendations. This is the third year I have reposted it.
Once again, Mrs D and I have endeavored to see as many Best Picture nominees as possible, given availability and other constraints. We’ve been doing this now for over 20 years. When we started there were still only five nominees. Since 2009, it’s been ten, and this year we saw eight, and I’ll say again, the Academy never should’ve increased the limit. Not just because it’s hard for fans to see them all, but because some of these movies are simply not worthy of the honor. Especially this year!
Still, it’s Oscar time and it’s a tradition here! Pick your favorites, put on your tuxedoes and sparkly gowns (or in our case, your comfiest PJs), kick back with some soda and butter-soaked popcorn, wow or hiss the latest red carpet fashions, jeer or cheer the awkward, fawning interviews, predict the winners, pat yourself on the back when you’re right and blame woke Hollywood when you’re wrong!
Anyway, for what it’s worth, here’s what I thought…
ROY DUFRAIN JR is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Anora – A tale of stupid people doing terrible things stupidly. A whole lot of yelling and screwing failed to make this movie interesting. The nearly feral, selfish youth, the servile, bickering and bumbling Armenians, the contemptible ultra-rich Russians, the ‘dancer’ who accepts payment for sex but insists she’s not a hooker. The constant f-bombs. It all seemed over the top—grasping for gritty realism but approaching absurdity. So what.
The Brutalist – A worthy subject, an intriguing and complicated lead character masterfully brought to life by a supremely talented star, an epic arc of struggle and redemption, a span of decades and locations wonderfully rendered visually and in historical references. And yet, I fell asleep. Had to finish the movie the next day. It’s brutally long and slow. Three and a half hours! Couldn’t trim even a half hour out of that? Come on.
A Complete Unknown – Mrs D and I agreed this was easily and by far the best picture of the nominees we saw. I’m not sure it will stand the test of time as a ‘great’ movie, but it was full of great acting. Timothée Chalamet should win best actor for his amazing and mesmerizing recreation of Dylan’s musical performance and presence. Co-stars Monica Barbaro and Edward Norton should win their categories for the same reasons. The evocation of the time period through set design and other techniques was immersive and entertaining. Of the best-pic noms we’ve seen, this is the only one I’m sure I will watch again.
Conclave – I really liked this movie at first. It seemed like a taut, understated political intrigue, with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a hidden world—the election of a new pope. But I felt let down by the wild twist at the end. Not being a fan of the Catholic Church, I kind of enjoyed the irony of it, but I found the details strained credibility as presented. By chance I had just read an article about the many possible combinations of chromosomes that occur naturally in humans. So I didn’t doubt that, but it seemed so unlikely the person in question would have ever risen to a high position in the Catholic Church, or that any real circumstance could have resulted in the ending of this film. I just didn’t buy it.
Dune Part Two – I read the book so many years ago that I remembered nothing of it. We saw Part One last year and were a bit lost throughout. So, we watched a couple YouTube summary videos, but then we still watched Part One before pushing play on Part Two. We both thought the investment of time paid off. It helped us sink into the films, with their long list of characters and multiple story threads. I’d rank this as the second best of the nominees. Stunning visuals and the kind of classic, epic storytelling that reminds me of Tolkien or Star Wars.
Emilia Pérez – Lots of negative talk about the star of this one—whatever. I’d like to see it, but I don’t have Netflix right now and my wallet is already suffering from subscription fatigue.
I’m Still Here – The trailer for this one looks really interesting, but the film has not been released for streaming as of this date.
Nickel Boys – I’m not sure if the sheer volume of artsy techniques and effects (or affects?) were always in service of the storytelling in this film. It felt overwrought. All the weird shot angles, the square formatting, the ringing headache soundtrack, the time jumping and the gimmicky point of view thing, especially those back of head shots—I found it interesting but distracting, and wondered if anyone in Hollywood can just tell a story anymore.
The Substance – I’m honestly not sure if it’s a comedy gone wrong or a drama gone wrong, but boy did it suck! If it had a point it was made in the first ten minutes and then beat to death for two more hours, and in the most gruesome fashion imaginable. Jesus, how is this nominated for anything?! How did it even get made?! It’s a perfect example of why many people say Hollywood has lost the ability to make great movies.
Wicked – Loved the book! Never saw the play. The movie did not capture the wonder and delight I remember feeling at the ingenuity and thoughtfulness of the book. The set design and effects were impressive, the vocal talent at times astounding. But I couldn’t help feeling like I was watching a bad episode of Glee with all the cliché mean girl vs. Cinderella stuff. Also, a musical ought to leave you humming or singing a chorus or two on your way out the door. Think: If I Were a Rich Man, Papa Can You Hear Me, I Feel Pretty, Don’t Rain on My Parade, on and on. Wicked is more like sung dialogue but not one catchy, hummable tune. Meh.
Honorable Shoutout
A Real Pain – Should have been nominated. Thoughtful and thought provoking, just funny enough to lighten the weight of the relationships on view, among the characters themselves but also between the characters and the history they are interfacing with. And extremely well played by both Jesse Eisenberg and Macaulay Culkin, making these characters feel real and their oddball behavior believable.
Something to Think About
After the news of the great Gene Hackman’s death, Roy Sr, Mrs D and I all watched Unforgiven the other night, and enjoyed it immensely even though we’ve all seen it more than twice. Everything a Best Picture winner ought to be and then some. Not one of the 2024 movies even comes close.
ROY DUFRAIN JR is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
2024
The List
Numerical List
1. Confession K Drama A-
2. Love In The Villa A
3. Love At First Sight A
4. Collectors K Drama B
5. The Spy Gone North B K Drama
6. Goodbye Mr. Black K Drama Did Not Finish
7. My Demon Love K Drama Did Not Finish
8. My Annoying Brother K Drama B
9. Me And Me K Drama B
10. Bodies British Sci-Fi B
11. October Faction Vampire series
12. Katyal Sci-Fi series
13. Glass Onion Knives Out B
14. Obliteration US Series C Did Not Finish
15. Squid Game Season International Did Not Finish
16. Squid Game Season Two Korean Series Finished
17. Fair Play B-1 Is A Bit Too Violent And Dark
18. In The Cold Netflix Series B
19. Leave The World Behind Lots Of Stars But A Meh
20. Gyesang Creature K Drama Part One
21. Gyesang Creature K Drama Part Two B
22. Manifest Season Four -Finished Series
23. Stray UK Drama B
24. Wednesday B
25. Pretty Woman Classic Richard Gere/Julia Roberts A
26. Somebody K Drama B
27. Superbowl
28. The Devil Plan Was Too Complicated To Follow K Drama
29. Night Agent A
30. VIP K Drama B
31. Destined With You K Drama
32. My Annoying Brother K Drama B
33. Spy Gone North Did Not Finish K Drama
34. Catering Christmas Gala B
35. Watcher B
36. Millionaire First Love K Drama A
37. Lift Heist Movie American Meh
38. Hyenna K Legal Drama A
39. Badlands Hunters K Drama Post-Apocalypse Drama A
40. Captivating The King K Historical Drama A
41. Doctor Slump K Drama B
42. The Trip Norwegian Dark Drama B
43. Taken K Drama Movie B
44. The Swindler K Drama Movie A
45. Everything Happens Everywhere At Once Hoopla A Best Picture 2023
46. A Transformers Compang TV B
47. Golden Holliday K Movie Compang TV B
48. Peacekeeper B
49. Knock On The Cabin B
50. Oppenheimer – Documentary – Not The Movie
51. Don’t Buy The Seller K Drama B
52. Tourist Love Affair Cute But Predictable Filmed In Vietnam B
53. The Dude In Me K Drama Is Cute A
54. Black Phone B
55. Rebel Moon US Film Part One
56. Rebel Moon US Film Part Two
57. Silent Sea K Sci-Fi Series
58. The Order US Werewolf/Vampire Occult Thriller Series
59. Warrior Nuns
60. Single In Seoul K Movie B
61. Secret Obsession American Movie B
62. Age Of Adeline A
63. In From The Cold C
64. Trip B
65. Try To Kill Me I Dare You Polish Movie B
66. Lee Kiwon K Movie About NK Refugees In Belgium
67. Chronicle Sci-Fi Meh C
68. Young Police K Drama B
69. Sweat And Sour K Drama B
70. Happiness For Beginners US Drama B
71. Catering Christmas US Drama B
72. The Gentlemen British TV Crime Series
73. Killer Paradox K Crime Drama
74. Queen Of Tears K Rom-Com Tbc
75. Keeping Up With The Jones American Spy Comedy B
76. Little Woman British Is Based On The Classic Novel I Just Finished Reading
77. Damsel American
78. Secret Obsession US Film
79. In The Shadow Of The Moon
80. Tourist Guide To Love B+
81. Art Of Love – Did Not Finish
82. Three-Body Problem A Chinese Sci-Fi
83. Paradise K Drama
84. Awake US
85. You Netflix Series B
86. Night Teeth US
87. Physical Season One K Reality TV Show
88. Physical Second Season K Reality TV Show
89. Parasite The Grey Korean Version Of Body Snatchers
90. The Signal German Sci-Fi B
91. Dark German Sci-Fi A
92. Chicken Nugget Silly K Drama Did Not Finish
93. Oppenheimer A Oscar Winner 2024
94. Lady Chatterley’s Lover TBC
95. Ripley A
96. Last Days Of Earth K SF Drama – Did Not Finish
97. No Hard Feelings US Romcom B
98. Brazen B
99. Brigands K Drama C Did Not Finish
100. Lost Phone K Crime Thriller Repeated B
101. Downsizing B+
102. The Day I Died Undisclosed Case K Drama B
103. Unfrosted K Drama Bit Disappointing
104. Frankly Speaking K Drama B
105. A Werewolf Boy K Drama Remake Of A French Movie B
106. A Typical Family K Drama About A Scheming Family B
107. Tidal Wave – Did Not Finish
108. 12 12 – Day B D Drama About Chun Dohan’s Rise To Power – Which I Lived Through In 1979.
109. Mother Of The Bride B
110. Bring Me Home K Drama About Child Abuse B
111. Tutor K Drama B
112. Big Fat Greek Wedding Part 1 Seen Years Ago
113. Big Fat Greek Wedding Part Part 2 Seen Years Ago
114. Big Fat Greek Wedding, Part 3
115. In The Depth Of The Ocean US Drama
116. Mr. Zoo K Drama B
117. 88 Minutes US Drama
118. Artificial City B
119. Keys To The Heart K Drama A
120. Hit And Run Squad K Drama
121. Love Struck In The City K Drama Did Not Finish
122. Don’t Steel The Foggy Mountain Treasure B-1
123. Sweet And Sour K Drama B
124. Hustle US Drama
125. Daily Dose Of Sunshine K Drama Series
On Plane To US
126. Aquarman And The Lost Kingdom
127. King Kong V Godzilla
128. The Killing Of Flower Moon
129. Barbie
Oregon
130. Atlas
131. Atypical Family Swedish Drama
132. War Of The Worlds Extinction Fubar
133. Adams Family Re-Run On Pluto TV
134. Beverley Hillbillies Re-Run On Pluto TV
135. Military Prosecutor Doberman K Drama Featuring A Really Bad Ass Female Lead
136. Fall Out Amazon
137. Andromeda Free TV
138. Hierarchy K Drama Rich Teenagers Plotting
139. Hit Man
140. Flower Of Evil K Drama
141. Reflection Of You K Drama
142. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams Real Life (Amazon List Each Episode) Real Life
143. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams Real Life (Amazon List Each Episode) Autofa
144. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams Real Life (Amazon List Each Episode) This Is Human
145. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams Real Life (Amazon List Each Episode)
146. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams Crazy Diamond
147. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams The Hood Maker
148. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams Father Thing
149. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams The Impossible Planet
150. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams The Commuter
151. Philip K Dick Electric Dreams Kills All Others
152. Miss Night And Day K Drama Comedy
153. Republican Convention
154. Biden-Trump Debate
155. Far Scape US Sci-Fi Classic Amazon
156. Universe Spider Woman Drama B
157. Love Next Door K Drama
158. Romance In The House K Drama
159. DNC
160. Union American Spy Movie – Not Bad
161. All Good Things Based On True Crime Stories Not Bad
174. Discovery Of Witches Vampire Witches US Series
175. Spaccell British Black Sci-Fi Series
176. 25 23 K Drama Did Not Finish
177. Influencer Challenge K Reality TV
178. Culinary Class War K Reality TV
179. Spencer Confidential US Crime Comedy
180. The Signal K Crime Series
181. What Are Some Surprises Being Found On Jupiter YouTube Short
182. Bad Boys Ride For Life Or Die
183. Kamala Harris On Steven Colbert
184. Tim Walz On Steven Colbert
185. Tim Walz On Jimmy Kimble
186. Virtuous Business K Drama
187. Outer Banks Season 3
188. Backstreet Rookie K Drama Series
189. Run-On K Drama Series
190. Letter From God God Pod -We Want The Black President
191. Where NASA Believes Extraterrestrial Life Is Found In The Outer Solar System
192. Family Pack YouTube Movie
193. The Host YouTube Movie
194. War Of The World BBC Series New To Me
195. Don’t Move
196. World Series 2024
197. Beverly Hills Cops Alert
198. Logan Lucky
199. Look Both Ways
200. Tarot
201. Spaccell Uk Sci-Fi Series
202. The Whirlwind K Drama
203. Killing Eve
204. Spenser
205. 365 Days
206. Time Cut Sci-fi
207. The Gray Man James Bond Wanna Be Movie
208. The Influencers K Reality
209. Pixels
210. Election Coverage
211. Ten Trendy US Cities -Citynerd Youtube
212. Find Me Falling US Romcom Set In Cyprus
213. The Frog K Drama
214. Vagabond K Drama
215. The Little Things
216. American Assasin
217. Frankly Speaking K Drama
218. Letter From God What Happened?
219. Mechanic
220. Misfits
221. Wicked In Medford Theater
222. Why Files Adam And Eve Story Youtube Documentary
223. Just Go For It Did Not Finish
224. Mr. Plankton K Drama
225. Dangerous Lies Did Not Finish
226. Wild Wild West Documentary About The Ranesh Case
227. White Sky Forgettable Zombie Movie Tubi
228. Last Seen Alive Thriller 2024 Thriller
229. Predestination Time Travel Thriller
230. Arkansas Noir Thriller
231. Top Ten Countries Americans Are Not Welcomed
232. Great Courses History Of Roman Empire – Goal One Course Per Month
233. A Simple Favor Is A Good Thriller
234. When The Phone Rings K Drama
235. Your Lucky Day Is An Intense Crime Drama
236. Father Figures Good Comedy
237. Afraid Chilling Movie About The Future Of AI
Father Brown – see separate listing for synopsis and my commentary
238. Father Brown BBC Series The Hammer Of God
239. Father Brown BBC Series The Ghost In The Machine
240. Father Brown BBC Series The Madness Of All
241. Father Brown The Pride Of The Pryde
242. Father Brown The Shadow Of The Scaffold
On Plane
243. Blink Twice B
244. Dune B
245. Ghostbusters B
246. Beetlejuice B
247. Fly Me To Moon B
248. The Strangers C
Back In Korea
249. Run On K Drama Series
250. Captivating King K Drama Series
251. Chief Of Staff K Drama Series
252. The Visitor Hoopla
253. What If Return Of The Ice Age You Tube Short Documentary
254. Tenet SCIFi Netflix B
255. Fall Guy Netflix B
256. Trunk K Drama Series
257. Reptile US Crime Drama
258. Beef Asian Immigrants In LA
259. Silente Sea K Sci-Fi Series
260. The Last Lovecraft Relic Of Cthulu Hoopla
261. The History Of The Roman Empire Great Course Course
262. Carry On US Movie
263. It’s What Inside Did Not Finish
264. Bringing Back Extinct Animals Short YouTube Documentary
265. Slyth Thai Sci-Fi Did Not Finish It – I Understood Some Of The Dialogue But Not Much C
266. Count Down To Jerusalem Movie C
267. Pilot K Comedy B Movie
268. Check-In Hanyang K Drama
269. The Hunt Did Not Finish US Drama
270. Trouble Swedish Drama C
271. Robert Reich’s Ten Economic Myths Debunked
272. Squid Game 2 B
273. Squid Game International Game C
274. NYE coverage
275. Yoon Impeachment news coverage
276. NYE terror attack coverage
277. CNN Best and Worst of the Year
278. BBC end of the Year Coverage
Oscar Winners
Bold – Seen
Last Year Everything All At Once
BEST PICTURE
American Fiction
Anatomy Of A Fall
Barbie
The Holdovers
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Maestro
Oppenheimer
Past Lives
Poor Things
The Zone Of Interest
BEST DIRECTOR
Jonathan Glazer, The Zone Of Interest
Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things
Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer
Martin Scorsese, Killers Of The Flower Moon
Justine Triet, Anatomy Of A Fall
BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening, Nyad
Lily Gladstone, Killers Of The Flower Moon
Sandra Hüller, Anatomy Of A Fall
Carey Mulligan, Maestro
Emma Stone, Poor Things
BEST ACTOR
Bradley Cooper, Maestro
Colman Domingo, Rustin
Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers
Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple
America Ferrera, Barbie
Jodie Foster, Nyad
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Sterling K. Brown, American Fiction
Robert De Niro, Killers Of The Flower Moon
Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer
Ryan Gosling, Barbie
Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Justine Triet And Arthur Harari, Anatomy Of A Fall
David Hemingson, The Holdovers
Bradley Cooper And Josh Singer, Maestro
Samy Burch, May December
Celine Song, Past Lives
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Cord Jefferson, American Fiction
Greta Gerwig And Noah Baumbach, Barbie
Tony McNamara, Poor Things
Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer
Jonathan Glazer, The Zone Of Interest
BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE
Io Capitano, Italy
Perfect Days, Japan
Society Of The Snow, Spain On Netflix See
The Teacher’s Lounge, Germany
The Zone Of Interest, United Kingdom
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
The Boy And The Heron
Elemental
Nimona
Robot Dreams
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Bobi Wine: The People’s President
The Eternal Memory
Four Daughters
To Kill A Tiger
20 Days In Mariupol
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
El Conde
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Maestro
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST EDITING
Anatomy Of A Fall
The Holdovers
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Barbie
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Napoleon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP
Golda
Maestro
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
Society Of The Snow
BEST SOUND
The Creator
Maestro
Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One
Oppenheimer
The Zone Of Interest
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Creator
Godzilla Minus One
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One
Napoleon
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Barbie
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Napoleon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“What Was I Made For?”, Billie Eilish And Finneas, Barbie
“I’m Just Ken,” Mark Ronson And Andrew Wyatt, Barbie
“The Fire Inside,” Diane Warren, Flamin’ Hot
“It Never Went Away,” Jon Batiste, American Symphony
“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People),” Osage Tribal Singers, Killers Of The Flower Moon
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
American Fiction
Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST LIVE-ACTION SHORT
The After
Invincible
Knight Of Fortune
Red, White, And Blue
The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
Letter To A Pig
Ninety-Five Senses
Our Uniform
Pachyderm
War Is Over! Inspired By The Music Of John & Yoko
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
The ABCs Of Book Banning
The Barber Of Little Rock
Island In Between
The Last Repair Shop
Nai Nai & Wai Po
For more than twenty years now, Mrs D and I have made it an annual quest to see all of the Best Picture nominees before the Oscars telecast. This year we saw 9.5 of the 10 movies nominated.
It started in 2000, when there were only five nominees (instead of up to 10 like now) and we usually had to see them in a theater, because they weren’t available to rent on VHS yet. (Yes, I said VHS).
And we’ve done it every year since, except for 2019 which was interrupted by Mrs D’s infamous extended hospital stay. We have even ventured to other cities to see movies that weren’t playing at the one theater in our little town. I remember seeing Chocolat in Ukiah and more recently The Revenant in Rohnert Park. But now we can usually stream everything, and this year the whole project ran us around a hundred bucks in streaming rentals and purchases on top of our existing subscriptions to Amazon, etc.
Several years ago I started writing about our tradition on Facebook. Now the writeup itself has become part of the deal. As I’ve said before, I’m no film student, nor expert critic. Just a regular dude who loves movies.
Snap reviews and top picks below.
American Fiction –
Bold, wryly funny, contrarian, with the ring of truth. Brilliantly calls out the publishing industry, where retread tropes seem to trump story, art and insight, particularly when it comes to depictions of Black characters and writers. And I feel like there’s an even larger truth here about the way culture is degraded in general through over-commercialization.
Anatomy of a Fall –
A French film that moves carefully, piece by piece, and manages to be slow and taut at the same time. I found the characters to be inscrutable. I feel like I need to watch again just to see if maybe this time I would fully understand these people. It left me with a suspicion that perhaps all the story’s secrets have still not been revealed, that the resolution we see on the screen is still not the truth of these characters. And, in this case, that ambiguity is a good thing.
Barbie —
Cleverly funny in spots, but also unsubtly preachy in spots, an issue I’ve had with director Greta Gerwig before. But Margot Robbie was perfect and the movie is visually stunning in all its pinkish glory and devoted detail. Still, I think this movie appears in the Best Picture category more on the strength of its perceived politics than its success as an artistic endeavor.
The Holdovers —
A darkly funny, entertaining, and deeply reflective odd couple sort of story that’s enjoyable to watch. Maybe a little out of its league in the Best Picture category, but elevated to a higher status by Paul Giamatti’s performance, which is irresistibly engaging as always. Well worth a second watch.
Killers of the Flower Moon — Having read the book, I felt the impact of the true part of this story was diminished by the fictionalized part of the movie. Reading the book I was deeply struck by the callous indifference shown toward the humanity of the Osage Indians. It resonated like an echo of Shindler’s List, underlining the incredible and frightening capacity of humans to rationalize literally any behavior in their fear or greed. But the movie revolves around Ernest Burkhardt (Leonardo DiCaprio) and depicts a somewhat tried and true arc of romantic tragedy, a weak-minded man caught up in the schemes of others, pulled along by greed and the need for approval, until he is in the process of killing the only real love he’s ever known. As is often the case, the truth was more complex. And more disturbing.
Maestro –
I usually make a conscious effort to limit my preconceptions of these movies. I don’t read reviews or watch trailers. But it’s hard to avoid a relentless ad campaign like the one mounted for Maestro. I’d seen the rousing TV spots touting the performances and the early awards. But I found the movie depressing, its characterization of Bernstein disappointing and unlikeable. But yes, Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan
were both outstanding.
Comment: on my list to watch as I am a big Bernstein fan – one of the best classical composers of the 20th century in my opinion.
Oppenheimer –
Not what I would call a pleasant watch, at times slow and ponderous, even confusing with some of the time jumps. But the acting was so engrossing, immersive, mesmerizing even. Cillian Murphy in the title role was riveting. Robert Downey Jr simply disappeared into the role of Lewis Strauss. Emily Blunt was also captivating as Kitty Oppenheimer. The effects director Christopher Nolan used to heighten the sense of Oppenheimer’s interiority were brilliant and effective.
For example when Oppenheimer steps on a charred corpse that only exists in his tortured, guilty mind. But the lasting impact of this film is the way it echoes in the mind afterward—how sad and terrible and absurd it is that we reckless humans have attained the power to destroy the world. It will probably win Best Picture. And it probably should.
Comment: Also on my must see list
Past Lives –
Eventually, someone had to do a movie like this — an old romance is rekindled through the internet and complications ensue. In this particular case the past romance is an adolescent crush, cut short by one family’s immigration, and later complicated not just by the years, but also by geographic and cultural distance. This one stayed with me, kept me thinking for days afterward about its larger implications regarding fate, destiny, acceptance, grief and closure. Well worth more than one watch.
Poor Things –
Half of this movie was twice as much as I needed. We actually turned it off, extremely rare for us during Oscar season. What we saw played like a terrible excuse for some creepy, gratuitous soft porn. All the weirdness of the sets, costumes, cinematography and makeup felt like a desperate attempt at artistic status. If someone out there actually saw some redeeming value in this thing, feel free to explain in the comments section what I am missing.
The Zone of Interest –
This one’s all in German, with subtitles. But the dialog is sparse and the film’s biggest strength is in the fascinating dichotomy presented in its basic premise. It gives us a window into the surprisingly mundane personal lives of a “normal” family literally in the shadow of Auschwitz during the Holocaust. The sense of cognitive dissonance is alarming.
Honorable Mention
– I don’t usually do this, but I wanted to mention one film that was not even nominated for Best Picture but, in my opinion, should have been. Nyad has wonderful, engaging performances by Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, and it’s a suspenseful, satisfying, story of friendship, determination, human spirit, and triumph over the longest odds.
Finally, here are my choices for the top awards.
Don’t worry, the Academy almost always disagrees.
Actor in a Leading Role: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer Winner
Actor in a Supporting Role: Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer Winner
Actress in a Leading Role: Annette Bening, Nyad
Actress in a Supporting Role: Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
Best Picture: Oppenheimer Winner
Soon it’s time to pop the popcorn, get cozy on the couch, badmouth the fashion and root for your favorites.
Happy Oscars folks.
here’s the winners
The 96th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 10, 2024, celebrated outstanding movies released in 2023. Here are some of the notable winners:
Best Picture: “Oppenheimer”
Best Actor: Cillian Murphy for his role in “Oppenheimer”
Best Actress: Emma Stone for her performance in “Poor Things”
Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr. in “Oppenheimer”
Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph from “The Holdovers”
Best Director: Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer”
Best Adapted Screenplay: “American Fiction”
Best Original Screenplay: “Anatomy of a Fall”
Best Animated Feature: “The Boy and the Heron”
Best Documentary Feature: “20 Days in Mariupol”
Best International Feature Film: “The Zone of Interest”
Best Cinematography: “Oppenheimer”
Best Costume Design: “Poor Things”
Best Film Editing: “Oppenheimer”
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: “Poor Things”
Best Original Score: “Oppenheimer”
Best Original Song: “Barbie”
Best Production Design: “Poor Things”
Best Sound: “The Zone of Interest”
Best Visual Effects: “Godzilla Minus One”
Best Documentary (Short Subject): “The Last Repair Shop”
452. Discovery Of Witches Vampire Witches US Series
453. Spaccell British Black Sci-Fi Series
454. 25 23 K Drama Did Not Finish
455. Influencer Challenge K Reality TV
456. Culinary Class War K Reality TV
457. Spencer Confidential US Crime Comedy
458. The Signal K Crime Series
459. What Are Some Surprises Being Found On Jupiter YouTube Short
460. Bad Boys Ride For Life Or Die
461. Kamala Harris On Steven Colbert
462. Tim Walz On Steven Colbert
463. Tim Walz On Jimmy Kimble
464. Virtuous Business K Drama
465. Outer Banks Season 3
466. Backstreet Rookie K Drama Series
467. Run-On K Drama Series
468. Letter From God God Pod -We Want The Black President
469. Where NASA Believes Extraterrestrial Life Is Found In The Outer Solar System
470. Family Pack YouTube Movie
471. The Host YouTube Movie
472. War Of The World BBC Series New To Me
473. Don’t Move
474. World Series 2024
475. Beverly Hills Cops Alert
476. Logan Lucky
477. Look Both Ways
478. Tarot
479. Spaccell Uk Sci-Fi Series
480. The Whirlwind K Drama
481. Killing Eve
482. Spenser
483. 365 Days
484. Time Cut Sci-fi
485. The Gray Man James Bond Wanna Be Movie
486. The Influencers K Reality
487. Pixels
488. Election Coverage
489. Ten Trendy US Cities -Citynerd Youtube
490. Find Me Falling US Romcom Set In Cyprus
491. The Frog K Drama
492. Vagabond K Drama
493. The Little Things
494. American Assasin
495. Frankly Speaking K Drama
496. Letter From God What Happened?
497. Mechanic
498. Misfits
499. Wicked In Medford Theater
500. Why Files Adam And Eve Story Youtube Documentary
501. Just Go For It Did Not Finish
502. Mr. Plankton K Drama
503. Dangerous Lies Did Not Finish
504. Wild Wild West Documentary About The Ranesh Case
505. White Sky Forgettable Zombie Movie Tubi
506. Last Seen Alive Thriller 2024 Thriller
507. Predestination Time Travel Thriller
508. Arkansas Noir Thriller
509. Top Ten Countries Americans Are Not Welcomed
510. Great Courses History Of Roman Empire – Goal One Course Per Month
511. A Simple Favor Is A Good Thriller
512. When The Phone Rings K Drama
513. Your Lucky Day Is An Intense Crime Drama
514. Father Figures Good Comedy
515. Afraid Chilling Movie About The Future Of AI
Father Brown – see separate listing for synopsis and my commentary
516. Father Brown BBC Series The Hammer Of God
517. Father Brown BBC Series The Ghost In The Machine
518. Father Brown BBC Series The Madness Of All
519. Father Brown The Pride Of The Pryde
520. Father Brown The Shadow Of The Scaffold
On Plane
521. Blink Twice B
522. Dune B
523. Ghostbusters B
524. Beetlejuice B
525. Fly Me To Moon B
526. The Strangers C
Back In Korea
527. Run On K Drama Series
528. Captivating King K Drama Series
529. Chief Of Staff K Drama Series
530.
531.
532.
533.
534.
535.
536.
537.
538.
539.
540. The Visitor Hoopla
541. What If Return Of The Ice Age You Tube Short Documentary
542. Tenet SCIFi Netflix B
543. Fall Guy Netflix B
544. Trunk K Drama Series
545. Reptile US Crime Drama
546. Beef Asian Immigrants In LA
547. Silente Sea K Sci-Fi Series
548. The Last Lovecraft Relic Of Cthulu Hoopla
549. The History Of The Roman Empire Great Course Course
550. Carry On US Movie
551. It’s What Inside Did Not Finish
552. Bringing Back Extinct Animals Short YouTube Documentary
553. Slyth Thai Sci-Fi Did Not Finish It – I Understood Some Of The Dialogue But Not Much C
554. Count Down To Jerusalem Movie C
555. Pilot K Comedy B Movie
556. Check-In Hanyang K Drama
557. The Hunt Did Not Finish US Drama
558. Trouble Swedish Drama C
559. Robert Reich’s Ten Economic Myths Debunked
560. Squid Game 2 B
561. Squid Game International Game C
562. NYE coverage
563. Yoon Impeachment news coverage
564. NYE terror attack coverage
565. CNN Best and Worst of the Year
566. BBC end of the Year Coverage
Oscar Winners
Bold – Seen
Last Year Everything All At Once
BEST PICTURE
American Fiction
Anatomy Of A Fall
Barbie
The Holdovers
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Maestro
Oppenheimer
Past Lives
Poor Things
The Zone Of Interest
BEST DIRECTOR
Jonathan Glazer, The Zone Of Interest
Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things
Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer
Martin Scorsese, Killers Of The Flower Moon
Justine Triet, Anatomy Of A Fall
BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening, Nyad
Lily Gladstone, Killers Of The Flower Moon
Sandra Hüller, Anatomy Of A Fall
Carey Mulligan, Maestro
Emma Stone, Poor Things
BEST ACTOR
Bradley Cooper, Maestro
Colman Domingo, Rustin
Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers
Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple
America Ferrera, Barbie
Jodie Foster, Nyad
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Sterling K. Brown, American Fiction
Robert De Niro, Killers Of The Flower Moon
Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer
Ryan Gosling, Barbie
Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Justine Triet And Arthur Harari, Anatomy Of A Fall
David Hemingson, The Holdovers
Bradley Cooper And Josh Singer, Maestro
Samy Burch, May December
Celine Song, Past Lives
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Cord Jefferson, American Fiction
Greta Gerwig And Noah Baumbach, Barbie
Tony McNamara, Poor Things
Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer
Jonathan Glazer, The Zone Of Interest
BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE
Io Capitano, Italy
Perfect Days, Japan
Society Of The Snow, Spain On Netflix See
The Teacher’s Lounge, Germany
The Zone Of Interest, United Kingdom
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
The Boy And The Heron
Elemental
Nimona
Robot Dreams
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Bobi Wine: The People’s President
The Eternal Memory
Four Daughters
To Kill A Tiger
20 Days In Mariupol
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
El Conde
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Maestro
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST EDITING
Anatomy Of A Fall
The Holdovers
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Barbie
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Napoleon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP
Golda
Maestro
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
Society Of The Snow
BEST SOUND
The Creator
Maestro
Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One
Oppenheimer
The Zone Of Interest
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Creator
Godzilla Minus One
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One
Napoleon
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Barbie
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Napoleon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“What Was I Made For?”, Billie Eilish And Finneas, Barbie
“I’m Just Ken,” Mark Ronson And Andrew Wyatt, Barbie
“The Fire Inside,” Diane Warren, Flamin’ Hot
“It Never Went Away,” Jon Batiste, American Symphony
“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People),” Osage Tribal Singers, Killers Of The Flower Moon
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
American Fiction
Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST LIVE-ACTION SHORT
The After
Invincible
Knight Of Fortune
Red, White, And Blue
The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
Letter To A Pig
Ninety-Five Senses
Our Uniform
Pachyderm
War Is Over! Inspired By The Music Of John & Yoko
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
The ABCs Of Book Banning
The Barber Of Little Rock
Island In Between
The Last Repair Shop
Nai Nai & Wai Po
Movies/TV Series Netflix Unless Otherwise Mentioned
1. All About The Benjamin’s TNT B
2. Rush Hour Three TNT B
3. The Interview Google On-Line C
4. Paradise 2013 C
5. The Signal 2014 B
6. Duplicity Julia Roberts Clive Owens B
7. Are You Here B
8. Maleficent B
9. Guardians Of The Galaxy B
10. Begin Again 2014 B
11. The Giver 2014 A
12. Sea Biscuit A
13. November Man B
14. A Most Wanted Man C
15. Labor Day B
16. Life Of Crime B
17. Kundo Korean Movie B
18. And So It Goes 2014 Michael Douglas, Diane Keaton B
19. Marley And Me B
20. Jobs B
21. The Family C
22. Stuck In Love B
23. Mud B
24. X Men Days Of Future Past C
25. The Identical B
26. Jurassic City C
27. Railway Man B
28. Peabody And Sherman B
29. Lunch Box Bollywood Movie 2013 B
30. Y Tu Su Mama, También Award Winning Mexican Movie 2014 B
31. Australia B
32. Mrs. Henderson Presents B
33. John Wick B
34. Silver Lining Playback A
35. The Good Night B
36. View From The Top B
37. Contagion C
38. Pineapple Express C
39. Country Strong B
40. The Hobbit –Battle Of The Five Armies B
41. Dinosaur Experiment C
42. Broke Back Mountain Library A
43. An Affair To Remember Library A
44. Two Days In Paris Library A
45. Ride With The Devil Library A
46. Carmen Opera Library A
47. Catch 22 Library B
48. Game Of Thrones Season One Library B
49. Game Of Thrones Season Two Library B
50. Barefoot In The Park Library A
51. No Reservations Library C
52. Fast And Furious Library C
53. Charlie’s Angels 2000 Library B
54. Charlie’s Angels 2003 Version Saw Earlier Noted Here B
55. Endless Love B
56. Hot Pursuit On Plane C
57. Day Of Adeline On Plane A
58. Avengers Day Of Ultron On Plane C
59. Tomorrowland On Plane B
60. Far From The Madding Crowd On Plane A
61. Aloha On Plane
62. Mad Max Fury Road On a Plane
63. San Andreas On Plane
64. Classified File Korean Movie On Plane
65. Casanova From Library
66. Company You Keep From Library
67. Contraband From Library
68. Bleak House Mini-Series From Library
69. La Boehme Opera From Library
70. Eat Drink Man Women From Library
71. Runner, Runner From Library
72. Sense And Sensibility From Library
73. American Snipper HBO
74. Wild HBO
75. Maze Runner HBO
76. Dumb And Dummer To HBO
77. Havoc HBO
78. 5 Flights Up HBO
79. Kill The Messenger HBO
80. My Blueberry Nights Library
81. Last Chance, Harvey, Library
82. Serial Mom HBO
83. The Producers 2005 Version
84. Broken Flowers Hood
85. Rumor Has It that HBO
86. Run All Night HBO
87. Fistful Of Dollars HBO
88. A Few More Dollars HBO
89. The Good, The Bad, And Ugly HBO
90. Fifty Shades Of Grey HBO
91. Hang Em High HBO
92. The Drop HBO
93. The Leisure Class HBO
94. The Kingsmen Secret Service HBO
95. Birdman HBO
96. The Wiz NBC Special
97. Spectre At Kingstown
98. Magnolia HBO
99. The Curse Of The Jade Scorpion HBO
100. The Rock HBO
101. Child Hood’s End Syfy Channel Special
102. Insurgent HBO
2014
Movies/TV Series
1. Jack Reacher 2012 Net Flix
2. Thieves (Korean Movie Next Flix)
3. Side Effects – Next Flix
4. The Informant – Next Flix
5. The Assassination Of Jessie James By The Coward Robert Ford 2008 Next Flic
6. Olympus Has Fallen 2013 Next Flix
7. Coriolanus 2011 Next Flix
8. 300 Net Flix
9. Appolo 18 Net Flic
10. Shape Of Things To Come On Plane
11. Battle Star Galactica Razor On Plane
12. The Master On Plane
13. Ides Of March On Plane
14. Oblivion Net Flix
15. Midnight In Paris Woody Allen Saw Earlier On Plane Net Flic
16. Non-Stop In Regal – A Bit Disappointing
17. Then She Found Me Directed By Helen Hunt 2007 Net Flic
18. Zelig 1996 Woody Allen Nex Fix
19. Husband And Wives = Woody Allen Movie Netflix
20. The Confederate States Of America 2004 Mockumentary
21. Out Of Sight George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez Based On Elmore Leonard Novel – Bit Disappointing On Plane
22. Hobbit Desolation Of Smug On Plane
23. Ender’s Game On Plane On Plane
24. The Internship On Plane
25. Closed Circuit On Plane
26. Secret Life Of Walter Mitty Download
27. RoboCop Download
28. The A-Team On Plane
29. The Europa Report On Plane
30. Blue Jasmine On Plane
31. World’s End On Plane
32. The Hangover On Plane
33. Edge Of Tomorrow In Movie Theather
34. True Crime 1998 Clint Eastwood (TV)
35. Bullet To The Head (TV)
36. Get The Gringo (TV)
37. Pacific Rim (TV)
38. Starsky And Hutch (TV)
39. Space Jam (TV)
40. World War Z Nextflex
41. Wolf Of Wall Street Nextflex
42. Gravity Nextflex
43. 12 Years A Slave Nextflex
44. Fracture Nextflex
45. Good Night And Good Luck Nextflex
46. The Perfect Storm Nextflex
47. The Book Thief Nextflex
48. Best Offer Nextflex
49. Muncih 2005 Spellberg Nextflex
50. A Winter’s Tale Nextflex
51. Trascendence Nextflex
52. The Other Women Nextflex
53. Layer Cake Nextflex
54. Heat Robert Dinoro, Al Pacino Nextflex
55. Last Vegas Dinoro Freeman Kline Pacino Nextflex
56. The Grand Budapest Hotel Netflix
57. Best Laid Plans 1999 Version Nextflex
58. Firewall Nextflex
59. Saving Mr. Banks Nextflex
60. A Wrinkle In Time Nextflex
61. Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close – Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock About 9-11 And One Family’s Reaction Nextflex
62. Mandella’s Long Walk To Freedom Nextflex
63. Enough Said Nextflex
64. All You Need Is Love Nextflex
65. Divergent Nextflex
66. Noah Nextflex
67. You will Meet A Tall Dark Handsome Stranger – Woody Allen Movie 2010 Nextflex
68. X Men Wolverine Origins Nextflex
69. Captain America Winter Soldier Nextflex
70. X Men 2 United Nextflex
71. Sex Tape In Hotel
72. Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes On Plane
73. Godzilla 2014 Version On Plane
74. Don Juan Netflix
75. Frozen Nextflex
76. Gone Girl 2014 In Regal Springfield
77. Better Living Through Chemistry 2013 Movie Netflix
78. Elysium 2013 Nextflix
79. A Million Ways To Die In The West Nextflex
80. Interstellar 2014 In Regal Springfield
81. Burning Palms – Worst Movie Of The Year For Me
82. Million Dollar Arm
83. Lost In America 1985 Recommended By Matt Jacobson
84. Manhattan Murder Mystery 1995 Woody Allen
85. State Of Play Next Flic
86. Babel Next Flic
87. Peter Pan Live NBC
88. Snowpiercer Korean Directed Film
89. Jack Ryan, Shadow Recruit
90. Superbad
91. It’s A Wonderful Life
92. This Means War
93. Memories Of Murder Korean Film
94. The Good, The Bad, And The Weird Korean Film
95. Bad Santa
96. Typhoon Korean Movie 2005
97. In The Cut 2003 Australian Movie Set In NYC
TV Series And Movies
1. Breaking Bad Television Binge Watching All Episodes
2. House Of Cards
3. Tin Man
4. Falling Skies
2013
The List
1. Crazy, Stupid Love, Netflix January 1, 2013
2. The Descendents Netflix January 4, 2013
3. The Hobbit (In Theater) January 5, 2013
4. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel Netflix
5. Abritrage Richard Gere
6. Get Him To The Greek TV
7. Snatch Netflix
8. The One Netflix
9. One For The Money (Netflix)
10. Star Trek The Undiscovered Country TV
11. The Help Netflix
12. Hope Spring Netflix
13. Paul Netflix
14. Stolen Netflix – Did Not Finish Nominate For Worst Film Of The Year
15. The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe ABC Family
16. Journey To The Center Of The Earth 2011 ABC Family
17. Mission Impossible 1V Ghost Protocol
18. Here Comes Mr. Jordan 1941 TCM
19. A Star Is Born 1945 TCM
20. Mission Impossible 111
21. Decisions
22. Life Of Pi Next Flic
23. In Land Of Blood And Honey Next Flic
24. Lockout Next Flic
25. 21 Jump Street Next Flic
26. Sherlock Holmes’s Games Of Shadows Plane
27. Wrath Of The Titans Plane
28. Horrible Bosses Plane
29. Safe House Plane
30. Hunter Plane
31. Take This Waltz Next Flix
32. Marley TV
33. Coriolanus (Theather RHS)
34. Wallenstein (Theather RHS)
35. Great Gatsby (Regal Kingstown)
36. Groom Lake (Hulu)
37. Motorcycle Diaries 2004 Next Flic
38. Looper Next Flic
39. Superman Man Of Steel In Regal Theather
40. Bourne Legacy (Netflix)
41. Earthlings 2012 Hulu
42. Gangster Squad (Nextflix)
43. Red (Part)
44. Zookeeper (Part)
45. Witches Of Oz (Netflix)
46. Interstate 60 Hulu
47. White House Down In Theather
48. Sex And Lucia Next Flic
49. Ted Next Flic
50. Star Ship Troopers – Invasion Next Flic
51. Ana Karina 2012 Net Flix – Production Did Not Work For Me – Too Cute And Avant Garde – Like Watching A Film Of A Play Adaption. Did Not Work As A Play Or As A Movie – A Big Disappointment
52. Time Bandits 1981 Hulu
53. RIPD In Theather
54. Atonement (Netflix)
55. Tristone And Isolde (2006) Netflix
56. Dune 1984 Nextflex
57. Meet The Millers Theather
58. Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World Next Flic
59. Iron Man 3 On Plane
60. Trance On Plane
61. Prisoners In Theather
62. The Butler In Theather
63. Outsourced Netflix
64. Cloud Atlas Netflix
65. Flight 2012 Next Flic
66. The Campaign 2012 Next Flic
67. Asian Invasion (Porn Movie For Strip Poker Game)
68. Details Nextflix
69. The Blind Side Netflix
70. Pirates Of The Caribbean On Stranger Tides Netflix
71. Robin Hood 2010 Netflix
72. The Counselor 2013 In Theather
73. The Host Netflix
74. After The Sunset 2008 Netflix
75. Grown Ups TNT On Cruise
76. The Proposal TNT On Cruise
77. Red 2 TNT On Cruise
78. Maiden Heist Next Flix
79. Despicable Me – Disney Channel
80. Hunger Games Catching Fire In Theather
81. The Place Beyond The Pines Next Flic
82. Watch Man 2009 Next Flix
83. Snow White And The Huntsman Nextflix
84. Parker Netflix Streaming
85. American Hustle
86. A Christmas Story
87. Ice Quake 2013 Syfy
88. On The Road
2012
The List
1. Dragnet (Next Flex) Jan 1
2. Bird On A Wire (Next Flex) Jan1
3. Laura Croft Tomb Raider (Hollywood Chanel)
4. Kuffs MGM Chanel
5. Journey To The Lost World MGM Chanel
6. Yellow Handkerchief Netflix
7. Shanghai Knights Hollywood Chanel
8. MMB 2 Hollywood Chanel
9. What Women Want Mel Gibson, Helen Hunt 2000 Hollywood Chanel
10. The Door In The Floor Jeff Bridges, Kim Bassinger, Mimi Rogers 2000 Next Flix Check References To Book
11. America’s Sweethearts 2001 Julia Roberts, Kusshak, Catherine Zetta Jones Nextflix
12. Marathon Man
13. Catwoman
14. The Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes 2011 On Plane
15. Cowboys And Aliens 2010 On Plane
16. The Island 2005 On Plane
17. The Day The Earth Stood Still 1951 On Plane
18. Hot Tube Time Machine Net Flix
19. The Big Lebrowski Net Flix
20. Leopolis Seoul Netflix
21. King Of The Lost World
22. Money Ball (Training Day)
23. Serenity Next Flex 2005
24. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part One (On Plane)
25. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels On The Plane
26. Bender’s Big Score (Netflix)
27. Serenity (Nextflix)
28. The Punisher (TV)
29. Love’s Kitchen (Netflix)
30. Transformers 11 2009 – Disappointing But Will Watch Transformers 111 To Finish The Series Off.
31. The Double 2011 Richard Gere
32. Contagion Did Not Finish Warsaw
33. Sherlock Holmes 2 Did Not Finish Warsaw
34. Win Win Warsaw Good Fli
35. The Invasion 2005 Innovative Shooting Technique
36. Tower Heist Nex
37. The Tree Of Life Nex – Disappointing
38. The Hangover Part Two NEX
39. Girl With Dragon Tattoo (2011 Version)
40. The King’s Speech NEX
41. Midnight In Paris Woody Allen Movie 2011
42. John Carter Hotel Room
43. This Means War On Plane
44. J Egard With Leonardo Di Caprio Directed By Clift Eastwood – Big Disappointment. Just Too Long, Too Much Talking. From NEX
45. Dr Strangelove From Mik B
46. The Armour Of God 1987 Jackie Chan, Lola Forner Spanish Actress Hulu
47. The Sands Of Oblivion 2007 Hulu
48. The Monitors (Next Flex)
49. MIB3 On Plane
50. Prometheus – Last Half Worth Seeing Again On Plane
51. Battleship On Plane
52. Players Bollywood Remake Of The Italian Job –Worth Seeing
53. Cross Worlds Next Flex
54. Phil The Alien Next Flex
55. Invasion Of The Pod People Hulu
56. Alien Armageddon Hulu
57. Red State Netflix
58. God Bless America Netflix
59. The Man Who Fell To Earth Netflix
60. Very Bad Things Next Flix
61. Ready Or Not – Hulu
62. The Last Lovecraft: Relic Of Cthulu 2009 Netflix
63. Amazing Spiderman 2012 Plane
64. To Rome With Love 2010 Plane Woody Allen
65. Dawalt’s Guard (First Arabic Movie) Plane
66. Search For Justice 2012 Nicolas Cage Plane
67. Mirror Mirror With Julia Roberts – On Plane In February
68. The Gauntlet With Clint Eastwood 1977
69. The Hunger Games blockbuster
70. The Debt
71. The Maltese Falcon TCM
72. My Week With Marilynn Block Buster
73. Bernie Blockbuster
74. Savages Blockbuster
75. Wanderlust Blockbuster
76. Skyfall Theather
77. Office Space
78. Dumb And Dumber TV
79. Accepted TV
80. The Iron Lady Blockbuster
81. The Watch Blockbuster
82. Larry Crowne Blockbuster
83. Hot Rock 1972 Robert Redford HDNET
84. Killing Them Softly (Movie Theather)
2011
1. How Do You Know 2010
2. Nothing But The Truth 2008 Saw Earlier Not Bad 1-15
3. Salt 2010 With Angelina Jolie
4. The Other Side Of The Bed Spanish 2002
5. A Perfect Getaway 2009
6. Fool’s Gold
7. Invictus 2009 Morgan Freeman, Matt Damian
8. Like Water For Chocolate
9. The Flower Of My Secret La Flora De Mi Secreto Spanish Movie 1995
10. 88 Minutes 2007 Al Pacino
11. Mr. Deeds 2002
12. The King And I Korean Series
13. Sex And The City 11
14, Hell Boy Part 11
15. Love Happens
16. Drive Angry 2011 Nicolas Cage Add To Worst Movie List
17 Girl With The Dragon Tatoo 2009
18. The Spanish Prisoner 1997 David Mamet Director Steve Martin
19. Illegally Yours 1988 Robert Lowe
20. Machette 2010 Half Spanish Dialogue Robert Dinero, Jessica Alba
21. The Prince Of Persia 2010
22 No False Move 1992 Bill Ray Thorton
23 Life In North Korea Documentary From National Geographic
24. Green Zone
25. Morning Glory
26 Killers
27. Eat Pray Love
28 The Town
29. Kate And Leopold
29. The Legend Of Bagger Vance
30 Emma
31 Les Miserables 1998 Version
32 Unstoppable 2010
34. Due Date 2010
2010
1. Fragments 2009
2. Where The Day Takes You 1992
3. The Illusionist 2003
4. PS, I Love You 2007
5. The Burning Plain 2008
6. The Other Man 2008
7. Mama Mia 2008
8. Dim Sum Funeral 2008
9. Inglorious Bastards 2009
10. Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? 2003 Second Time Around
11. Time Traveler’s Wife 2009
12. Amelia 2009
13. Lies And Illusions 2009 Add To Worst List
14. Serious Moonlight 2009
15. “The Chaser” Korean Film
16. Precious 2009 Academy Award For Best Actress
17. Every Body’s Alright
18. Space Balls
19. Three Stooges Selected Episodes
20. Ghosts Of Girl Friends Past 2009 Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner
21. Up In The Air 2009 George Clooney
22. The Men Who Stare At Goats 2009 George Clooney
23. Have You Heard About The Morgans? Hugh Grant, Sara Jessica Parker 2009
24. Sherlock Holmes 2009 Robert Downey, Jude Law, And Rachael Mc Donald
25 “Crazy Heart” 2010 Best Picture Award 2010 Jeff Bridges, Robert Duval, Maggie Gyenehall
26 “Five Minutes Of Heaven” Liam Nelson 2010.
27 Avatar 2009 Best Picture
28 Romeo Must Die Jet Li 2000
29 Flawless 2008 Demi Moore Michael Kane
30 Extraordinary Measures 2010 Harrison Ford
31 Alice In Wonderland 2010
32 The Road 2009
33 It’s Complicated
34 Beyond A Reasonable Doubt
35 The Invention Of Lying
36 Edge Of Darkness
37 The Spy Next Door
38 Young Victorian
39 Old Dogs (On Plane)
40 Leap Year (On Plane)
41 Couples Retreat (Travis) 2009
42 Knight And Day 2010 (Medford)
43 Inception 2010 (Medford)
44 The Sorcerer’s Apprentice 2010 (Medford)
45 Clash Of The Titans (On Plane) 2010
46 Remember Me (On Plane) -2010
47 Bounty Hunter (On Plane -2010
48 Date Night (On Plane ) 2010
49 2 Fast 2 Furious 2003 Eva Mendes Stars (Saw On TV)
50 Water World – Keven Kostner Saw
51 Legends Of The Fall
52 Iron Man 2 (On Plane)
53 How To Tame Your Dragon (On Plane)
54 The Informant (HBO Home)
55 Bill And Ted’s Bogus Journey (Parts)
56 Batteries Not Included 1987 Second Time Around (HBO)
57 Family Man (HBO)
58 Wall Street
59 Helen – Short List For Worst Movie I Saw – Just Did Not Work For Me.
60 The Warlords
61 A Plague Of Zombies
62 Robin Hood
63 The Unthinkable
64 The Book Of Eli
65 The Count Of Monte Cristo
66 The Messenger (Angela Saw)
67 Red (In The Theather)
68 The Count Of Mont Cristo Angela Saw I Saw Parts
69 3:10 To Yuma (Saw A Few Years Ago, Saw Again)
70 Law Abiding Citizen 2009
71 Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring Korean Film 2005
72 Aliens In The Addict 2009 TV
73 Loch Ness 1996 Ted Dancer HBO
74 Fair Game 2010 In Theater
75 The Pianists 2002 Angela Saw, I Saw A Few Years Ago
76 The Simpsons Movie First Half was Seen Earlier
77 Star Wars 6 First Half Hour
78 Wizard Of OZ Half
79 The King And I Korean History Drama
80 The Darjeeling Limited 2007 Owen Wilson Wes Anderson Directed
81 The Piano 1995 Angela Saw, I Heard Parts Of It
82 Gia 1994 Very Sexual And Lots Of Lesbian Scenes Which Turned Me On.
83 Oregon (SFY)
84 Leiberstruam 1999 Kim Novack, Bill Pullman HBO
85 The Jones 2009 Demi Moore, David Duchovny Amber Heard, And Ben Hollingsworth Directed By Derrick Borte – Disappointed, Did Not Work For Me
86 The Hours 2002 Nicole Kidman, Julain Moore, And Meryle Shreep Re Life Of Virginia Woolf And Her Impact On The Life Of Two Women
87 Bobby 2006 Helen Hunt, Demi Moore, Anthony Hopkins, Sharon Stone, William Macy, Martin Sheet, Linsday Lohan, And Cristian Slater Written Nd Directed By Emilio Estevez
88 True Grit 2010 – Overly Hyped In My Opinion
89 Vivdirana Spanish Film 1961 Classic
90 Volver 2005 Spanish Film
91 How Much Do You Love Me 2005 French
92. Ninja Assassins 2009 Staring Rain On TV
93 Horsefeathers Marx Brothers On TV
2009
1. Underwear” Starting Val Kilmer, Graham Greene,
2. Constant Gardener With Rachael Weiz –
3. Rumor Has It – Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner
4. Queen
5. Hancock With Will Smith
6. Dave – With Eddie Murphy – SF Comedy
7. Joe Kid – With Clint Eastwood – Saw Opening
8. Iron Man – Not Bad. Another Marvel Movie.
9. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind”
10. Gone, Baby, Gone”
11. Fracture
12. Burn After Reading”
13. 21 Grams”
14. The Changing With Angelia Jolie, Directed By Clint
15. Kiss The Dust”
16. How To Lose Friends And Alienate People
17. Electric Mist With Tomy Lee Jones
18. Good German
19. Siberian Express
20. Body Of Lies
21. Slum Dog Millionaire
22. Lucky Slevin
23. Australia
24. What Just Happened
25. City Of Ember
26. Proof Of Life
27. Bottle Shock
28. Runaway Jury
29. Master Spy
30. Marie Antoinette
31. Interstate
32. He’s Just Not That Into You
33. Madagascar 11
34. Collateral With Jamie Fox And Tom Cruise
35. My Super Ex Girl Friend
36. State Of Play – In Medford Movie Theather
37. Bolt-On The Plane
38. Yes Man, In a Hotel Room In DC
39. Avengers
40. Spy Games
41. All The Way
42. The Day The Earth Stood Still
43. Seven Pounds
44. Nothing But The Truth
45. The Reader – Oscar Winner For Best Actress 2008 Kate Winslet
46. Crossing Over
47. Kill Shot With Mickey Rourke, Diane Lane
48. Vanished With Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock
49. Valkyrie
50. Star Trek – Prequel Movie (From Street Vendor)
51. 52 The Clearing With Robert Redford – 2004
52. Curious Case Of Benjamin Button With Brad Pitt Best Actor Award 2009
53. Knowing With Nicolas Cage 2009
54. The Code
55. Counterfeit
56. Alexander 2004 Oliver Stone Producer
57. Out For Justice 1991
58. Echelon Conspiracy 2009
59. The Good Thief 2001 With Nick Nolte
60. Meteor = NBC Mini-Series
61. Wild Hogs 2007 Tim Allen, Travolta, Macy, Lawrence
62. 28 Days Later
63. Wild Things 2
64. Mystic River Directed By Clint Eastwood, Starring Sean Pean
65. Criminal 2004
66. Essential Lover
67. Two Lovers
68. Angels And Demons 2008 Started by Tom Hanks, Directed By Ron Howard
69. The Informers
70. Duplicity
71. Surveillance Produced By Jennifer Lynch Starting Pullman And Ormand
72. Trust The Man 2008
73. The Mutant Chronicles 2008
74. Heaven 1995?
75. Wolverine With Hugh Jackman 2009
76. Dark Streets With Bijou Philips
77. Doubt With Meryle Strep 2008
78. Coco Chanel Shirley Mc Cline 2008
79. Ramen Girl
80. The Yatzuka (1974 W George Mitchum)
81. The Fountain 2006 W Rachel Weiss (Hot)
82. Easy Virtue 2009 (On Plane)
83. Act Of Imagination – Eddie Murphy And Serena Williams’s Daughter
84. I Hate Valentine’s Day 2009 (On Plane)
85. The Proposal 2009 With Sandra Bullock
86. Into The Storm (Bio Of Winston Churchill (On Plane)
87. MILF Hunters 5 Porno Movie Seen In Hotel
88. Mr. Brooks
89. Taken
90. The Big Bounce
91. The Heartbreak Kid (Second Time Around)
92. Taking Of Pelham 123 2009 With John Travolta, Denzel Washington
93. Cherrie 2008 With Michelle Pfiefer
94. Accidental Husband 2008 With Uma Thuber
95. Management With Jennifer Aniston, Steve Chain, And Woody Harrelson, 2008
96. My Life In Ruins, 2008 With Nia Valdolos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding And Richard Dreyfus)
97. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 2005
98. Spanglish 2005 With Adam Sandler
99. A Married Life 2008
100. Open Road 2009
101. Vanity Fair 2004 Recee Weatherspoon As Bucky Sharp
102. Beyond Borders 2008 Anglie Jolie, And Clive Owen
103. I’ll Sleep When I Am Dead 2003with Clive Owen
104. The King Of California 2007 With Michael Douglas
105. Target 1985 With Gene Hackman And Matt Dillion
106. The Life Of David Gale With Kevin Spacy, And Kate Winslet
107. Bruno
108. Lucky You With Drew Barrymore
109. The Last Word
110. 2012 With John Cusack
111. Bad Lieutenant With Nicolas Cage
112. The Tournament 2009 Kelly Hu
113. Public Enemies 2009 Johny Deep
114. Julia And Julia 2009 Meryle Sherpa
115. Cold Mountain 2003 Jude Law, Nicole Kidman
116. Out Of Time 2003 Denzel Washington, Eva Mendez (Hot)
117. Night At The Museum 11 Battle For Smithsonian
118. Sleuth 2009 Version
119. Land Of The Lost 2009
120. The Brother’s Bloom 2008
121. Letter From Iwa Jima 2007 Clint Eastwood Directed
122. White Chicks
123. Star Treck Generations
124. Jackie Collins’s Hollywood Wife 2003
125. Charlie Wilson’s War -2008 Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts
126. The Whole Nine Yards 2000 Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, Amanda Peete (Hot)
127. The Illusionist
2009
1. Underwear” Starting Val Kilmer, Graham Greene,
2. Constant Gardener With Rachael Weiz –
3. Rumor Has It – Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner
4. Queen
5. Hancock With Will Smith
6. Dave – With Eddie Murphy – SF Comedy
7. Joe Kid – With Clint Eastwood – Saw Opening
8. Iron Man – Not Bad. Another Marvel Movie.
9. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind”
10. Gone, Baby, Gone”
11. Fracture
12. Burn After Reading”
13. 21 Grams”
14. The Changing With Angelia Jolie, Directed By Clint
15. Kiss The Dust”
16. How To Lose Friends And Alienate People
17. Electric Mist With Tommy Lee Jones
18. Good German
19. Siberian Express
20. Body Of Lies
21. Slum Dog Millionaire
22. Lucky Slevin
23. Australia
24. What Just Happened
25. City Of Ember
26. Proof Of Life
27. Bottle Shock
28. Runaway Jury
29. Master Spy
30. Marie Antoinette
31. Interstate
32. He’s Just Not That Into You
33. Madagascar 11
34. Collateral With Jamie Fox And Tom Cruise
35. My Super Ex Girl Friend
36. State Of Play – In Medford Movie Theather
37. Bolt-On The Plane
38. Yes Man, In a Hotel Room In DC
39. Avengers
40. Spy Games
41. All The Way
42. The Day The Earth Stood Still
43. Seven Pounds
44. Nothing But The Truth
45. The Reader – Oscar Winner For Best Actress 2008 Kate Winslet
46. Crossing Over
47. Kill Shot With Mickey Rourke, Diane Lane
48. Vanished With Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock
49. Valkyrie
50. Star Trek – Prequel Movie (From Street Vendor)
51. 52 The Clearing With Robert Redford – 2004
52. Curious Case Of Benjamin Button With Brad Pitt Best Actor Award 2009
53. Knowing With Nicolas Cage 2009
54. The Code
55. Counterfeit
56. Alexander 2004 Oliver Stone Producer
57. Out For Justice 1991
58. Echelon Conspiracy 2009
59. The Good Thief 2001 With Nick Nolte
60. Meteor = NBC Mini-Series
61. Wild Hogs 2007 Tim Allen, Travolta, Macy, Lawrence
62. 28 Days Later
63. Wild Things 2
64. Mystic River Directed By Clint Eastwood, Starring Sean Pean
65. Criminal 2004
66. Essential Lover
67. Two Lovers
68. Angels And Demons 2008 Started by Tom Hanks, Directed By Ron Howard
69. The Informers
70. Duplicity
71. Surveillance Produced By Jennifer Lynch Starting Pullman And Ormand
72. Trust The Man 2008
73. The Mutant Chronicles 2008
74. Heaven 1995?
75. Wolverine With Hugh Jackman 2009
76. Dark Streets With Bijou Philips
77. Doubt With Meryle Strep 2008
78. Coco Chanel Shirley Mc Cline 2008
79. Ramen Girl
80. The Yatzuka (1974 W George Mitchum)
81. The Fountain 2006 W Rachel Weiss (Hot)
82. Easy Virtue 2009 (On Plane)
83. Act Of Imagination – Eddie Murphy And Serena Williams’s Daughter
84. I Hate Valentine’s Day 2009 (On Plane)
85. The Proposal 2009 With Sandra Bullock
86. Into The Storm (Bio Of Winston Churchill (On Plane)
87. MILF Hunters 5 Porno Movie Seen In Hotel
88. Mr. Brooks
89. Taken
90. The Big Bounce
91. The Heartbreak Kid (Second Time Around)
92. Taking Of Pelham 123 2009 With John Travolta, Denzel Washington
93. Cherrie 2008 With Michelle Pfiefer
94. Accidental Husband 2008 With Uma Thuber
95. Management With Jennifer Aniston, Steve Chain, And Woody Harrelson, 2008
96. My Life In Ruins, 2008 With Nia Valdolos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding And Richard Dreyfus)
97. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang 2005
98. Spanglish 2005 With Adam Sandler
99. A Married Life 2008
100. Open Road 2009
101. Vanity Fair 2004 Recee Weatherspoon As Bucky Sharp
102. Beyond Borders 2008 Anglie Jolie, And Clive Owen
103. I’ll Sleep When I Am Dead 2003with Clive Owen
104. The King Of California 2007 With Michael Douglas
105. Target 1985 With Gene Hackman And Matt Dillion
106. The Life Of David Gale With Kevin Spacy, And Kate Winslet
107. Bruno
108. Lucky You With Drew Barrymore
109. The Last Word
110. 2012 With John Cusack
111. Bad Lieutenant With Nicolas Cage
112. The Tournament 2009 Kelly Hu
113. Public Enemies 2009 Johny Deep
114. Julia And Julia 2009 Meryle Sherpa
115. Cold Mountain 2003 Jude Law, Nicole Kidman
116. Out Of Time 2003 Denzel Washington, Eva Mendez (Hot)
117. Night At The Museum 11 Battle For Smithsonian
118. Sleuth 2009 Version
119. Land Of The Lost 2009
120. The Brother’s Bloom 2008
121. Letter From Iwa Jima 2007 Clint Eastwood Directed
122. White Chicks
123. Star Treck Generations
124. Jackie Collins’s Hollywood Wife 2003
125. Charlie Wilson’s War -2008 Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts
126. The Whole Nine Yards 2000 Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, Amanda Peete (Hot)
127. The Illusionist
2008
1. After The Sunset With Pierce Bronson, Salma Hayek, Woody Harrelson, Don Cheadle
2. American Gangster With Denzel Washington And Russell Crowe
3. Out Of Reach With Steven Seagal
4. Amos And Andy With Nicolas Cage And Samuel Jackson
5. The Merchant Of Venice With AL Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes, Lynn Collins
6. Harrison’s Flowers With Adrian Macdowell, Elias Koteas, Brendan Gleeson, Adrian Brody, And David Stratham
7. Cruise December 15 -21
8. Sylvia – Movie About The Poet Sylvia Plath And Ted Hughes
9. What Happened In Vegas – With Cameron Diaz
10. Rendition With Meryle Strep – About The Issue Of Renditions, Well Done
11. Adaptation – Nicolas Cage Re Life Of Two Twin Brothers Screen Writers And The Process Of Writing A Screen Play
12. Bangkok Dangerous Nicolas Cage
13. Elizabeth
14. The Weather Man Nicolas Cage
15. Get Smart
16. Possession NF
17. Next With Nicolas Cage NF
18. Knocked Up NF
19. Untouchables AMC
20. Fargo AMC
21. Mummy Returns
2007 To 2010 Barbados
Saw A Lot Of Movies On Video And Netflix Via Mail
From 2003 To 2007 DC Saw An Average of 100 Per Year
2000 To 2003 Saw An Average Of 100 Per Year Mostly Videos But Did See In Movie Theaters Twice A Month And Saw Several Bollywood Movies
2000 Saw The Three Stooges Marathon To Start The Year
1996 -1997 Saw Less Than 50 Due To Being In Hospital Half The Year
The 90s Saw About 100 Per Year Blockbuster Was Popular
1994 during six months of Thai training saw four movies per week
1991 during training saw four movies per week
The ’80s Saw A Lot Via Video About 100 Per Year
The ’70s Saw On TV And In Movie Theaters
Watched a lot of Creature Features movies on TV in the early ’70s every Friday night they had a double feature. Went on average once a week to the movies with friends, mostly Robert Sicular from 1970 to 1974.
My favorite animation series included American Dad, Dilbert, Family Guy, Futurama, Bullwinkle, and Looney Tunes.
Favorite TV series over the years include Arrested Development, Batman, Superman, Everyone Loves Raymond, Two and a Half Men, Married with Children, Malcolm in the Middle, Dallas, Falcon Crest, and as a child, Beverly Hillbies, Dobbie Gils, Gilligan’s Island, Green Acres, Outer limits, Twilight zone, and X Files.
Saw all Planet of the Apes movies and all James Bond movies
For more than twenty years now, Mrs D and I have made it an annual quest to see all of the Best Picture nominees before the Oscars telecast. This year we saw 9.5 of the 10 movies nominated.
It started in 2000, when there were only five nominees (instead of up to 10 like now) and we usually had to see them in a theater, because they weren’t available to rent on VHS yet. (Yes, I said VHS).
And we’ve done it every year since, except for 2019 which was interrupted by Mrs D’s infamous extended hospital stay. We have even ventured to other cities to see movies that weren’t playing at the one theater in our little town. I remember seeing Chocolat in Ukiah and more recently The Revenant in Rohnert Park. But now we can usually stream everything, and this year the whole project ran us around a hundred bucks in streaming rentals and purchases on top of our existing subscriptions to Amazon, etc.
Several years ago I started writing about our tradition on Facebook. Now the writeup itself has become part of the deal. As I’ve said before, I’m no film student, nor expert critic. Just a regular dude who loves movies.
Snap reviews and top picks below.
American Fiction –
Bold, wryly funny, contrarian, with the ring of truth. Brilliantly calls out the publishing industry, where retread tropes seem to trump story, art and insight, particularly when it comes to depictions of Black characters and writers. And I feel like there’s an even larger truth here about the way culture is degraded in general through over-commercialization.
Anatomy of a Fall –
A French film that moves carefully, piece by piece, and manages to be slow and taut at the same time. I found the characters to be inscrutable. I feel like I need to watch again just to see if maybe this time I would fully understand these people. It left me with a suspicion that perhaps all the story’s secrets have still not been revealed, that the resolution we see on the screen is still not the truth of these characters. And, in this case, that ambiguity is a good thing.
Barbie —
Cleverly funny in spots, but also unsubtly preachy in spots, an issue I’ve had with director Greta Gerwig before. But Margot Robbie was perfect and the movie is visually stunning in all its pinkish glory and devoted detail. Still, I think this movie appears in the Best Picture category more on the strength of its perceived politics than its success as an artistic endeavor.
The Holdovers —
A darkly funny, entertaining, and deeply reflective odd couple sort of story that’s enjoyable to watch. Maybe a little out of its league in the Best Picture category, but elevated to a higher status by Paul Giamatti’s performance, which is irresistibly engaging as always. Well worth a second watch.
Killers of the Flower Moon — Having read the book, I felt the impact of the true part of this story was diminished by the fictionalized part of the movie. Reading the book I was deeply struck by the callous indifference shown toward the humanity of the Osage Indians. It resonated like an echo of Shindler’s List, underlining the incredible and frightening capacity of humans to rationalize literally any behavior in their fear or greed. But the movie revolves around Ernest Burkhardt (Leonardo DiCaprio) and depicts a somewhat tried and true arc of romantic tragedy, a weak-minded man caught up in the schemes of others, pulled along by greed and the need for approval, until he is in the process of killing the only real love he’s ever known. As is often the case, the truth was more complex. And more disturbing.
Maestro –
I usually make a conscious effort to limit my preconceptions of these movies. I don’t read reviews or watch trailers. But it’s hard to avoid a relentless ad campaign like the one mounted for Maestro. I’d seen the rousing TV spots touting the performances and the early awards. But I found the movie depressing, its characterization of Bernstein disappointing and unlikeable. But yes, Bradley Cooper and Carey Mulligan
were both outstanding.
Comment: on my list to watch as I am a big Bernstein fan – one of the best classical composers of the 20th century in my opinion.
Oppenheimer –
Not what I would call a pleasant watch, at times slow and ponderous, even confusing with some of the time jumps. But the acting was so engrossing, immersive, mesmerizing even. Cillian Murphy in the title role was riveting. Robert Downey Jr simply disappeared into the role of Lewis Strauss. Emily Blunt was also captivating as Kitty Oppenheimer. The effects director Christopher Nolan used to heighten the sense of Oppenheimer’s interiority were brilliant and effective.
For example when Oppenheimer steps on a charred corpse that only exists in his tortured, guilty mind. But the lasting impact of this film is the way it echoes in the mind afterward—how sad and terrible and absurd it is that we reckless humans have attained the power to destroy the world. It will probably win Best Picture. And it probably should.
Comment: Also on my must see list
Past Lives –
Eventually, someone had to do a movie like this — an old romance is rekindled through the internet and complications ensue. In this particular case the past romance is an adolescent crush, cut short by one family’s immigration, and later complicated not just by the years, but also by geographic and cultural distance. This one stayed with me, kept me thinking for days afterward about its larger implications regarding fate, destiny, acceptance, grief and closure. Well worth more than one watch.
Poor Things –
Half of this movie was twice as much as I needed. We actually turned it off, extremely rare for us during Oscar season. What we saw played like a terrible excuse for some creepy, gratuitous soft porn. All the weirdness of the sets, costumes, cinematography and makeup felt like a desperate attempt at artistic status. If someone out there actually saw some redeeming value in this thing, feel free to explain in the comments section what I am missing.
The Zone of Interest –
This one’s all in German, with subtitles. But the dialog is sparse and the film’s biggest strength is in the fascinating dichotomy presented in its basic premise. It gives us a window into the surprisingly mundane personal lives of a “normal” family literally in the shadow of Auschwitz during the Holocaust. The sense of cognitive dissonance is alarming.
Honorable Mention
– I don’t usually do this, but I wanted to mention one film that was not even nominated for Best Picture but, in my opinion, should have been. Nyad has wonderful, engaging performances by Annette Bening and Jodie Foster, and it’s a suspenseful, satisfying, story of friendship, determination, human spirit, and triumph over the longest odds.
Finally, here are my choices for the top awards.
Don’t worry, the Academy almost always disagrees.
Actor in a Leading Role: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer Winner
Actor in a Supporting Role: Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer Winner
Actress in a Leading Role: Annette Bening, Nyad
Actress in a Supporting Role: Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
Best Picture: Oppenheimer Winner
Soon it’s time to pop the popcorn, get cozy on the couch, badmouth the fashion and root for your favorites.
Happy Oscars folks.
here’s the winners
The 96th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 10, 2024, celebrated outstanding movies released in 2023. Here are some of the notable winners:
Best Picture: “Oppenheimer”
Best Actor: Cillian Murphy for his role in “Oppenheimer”
Best Actress: Emma Stone for her performance in “Poor Things”
Best Supporting Actor: Robert Downey Jr. in “Oppenheimer”
Best Supporting Actress: Da’Vine Joy Randolph from “The Holdovers”
Best Director: Christopher Nolan for “Oppenheimer”
Best Adapted Screenplay: “American Fiction”
Best Original Screenplay: “Anatomy of a Fall”
Best Animated Feature: “The Boy and the Heron”
Best Documentary Feature: “20 Days in Mariupol”
Best International Feature Film: “The Zone of Interest”
Best Cinematography: “Oppenheimer”
Best Costume Design: “Poor Things”
Best Film Editing: “Oppenheimer”
Best Makeup and Hairstyling: “Poor Things”
Best Original Score: “Oppenheimer”
Best Original Song: “Barbie”
Best Production Design: “Poor Things”
Best Sound: “The Zone of Interest”
Best Visual Effects: “Godzilla Minus One”
Best Documentary (Short Subject): “The Last Repair Shop”
– IMDb rating: 8.5
– IMDb user votes: 14,171
– Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Harry Tyler, John Williams, Patricia Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock is widely considered one of the greatest directors of all time—so it’s little wonder that the series was immensely popular. Each week, the episodes—some of which Hitchcock directed himself—told a different story, from dramas to thrillers to mysteries. It starred famous actors from both the big and small screen, including Robert Redford, Jessica Tandy, and Bette Davis.
My wife’s Birth year TV series ( would like to see what it would be in Korea)
– IMDb rating: 9
– IMDb user votes: 67,242
– Stars: Rod Serling, Robert McCord, Jay Overholts, Vaughn Taylor
The memorable and somewhat chilling voice of Rod Serling was always the introduction to these unusual and often frightening sci-fi tales, which took regular people on extraordinary journeys. While the series itself only ran from 1959 to 1964, it spawned a franchise of movies as well as two revivals: one in the 1980s and a new one, hosted by Jordan Peele, that aired on CBS All Access.
– IMDb rating: 8.7
– IMDb user votes: 2,194
– Stars: Jay O. Sanders, Craig Sechler, Lance Lewman, Will Lyman
First airing in 1974, the long-running PBS documentary series focuses on science, nature, and history. The award-winning show has covered topics such as volcanic eruptions, global warming, the Great Pyramids, space exploration, and evolution.
– IMDb rating: 8.2
– IMDb user votes: 2,191
– Stars: Neil Everett, Jalen Rose, Jenn Brown, Antonietta Collins
Premiering on ESPN in 1979, “SportsCenter” quickly became one of the most-watched sports series on television. The show features highlights from various sporting events, as well as commentary, interviews, and game previews.
– IMDb rating: 8.4
– IMDb user votes: 15,148
– Stars: Leslie Nielsen, Alan North, Rex Hamilton, Ed Williams
The comedic genius of Leslie Nielsen shines in this short-lived but hilarious spoof on police shows. The series played off of serious police dramas, poking fun via slapstick, gags, and silly commentary. While the show made it through only six episodes before being canceled, it did go on to become the premise of “The Naked Gun” film franchise in the late ’80s and early ’90s.
– IMDb rating: 8.5
– IMDb user votes: 22,577
– Stars: Joel Hodgson, Michael J. Nelson, Trace Beaulieu, Kevin Murphy
In what could easily be considered one of the most unusual show premises of all time, an innocent janitor is taken hostage by two crazed scientists and forced to watch sci-fi movies. The janitor builds himself some robot companions to keep him company, and the group interjects their own funny commentary and opinions into the movies they watch. The show originally was on from 1988 to 1996, and creator Joel Hodgson ran a successful crowdfunding campaign to renew the series at Netflix in 2017.
– IMDb rating: 8.3
– IMDb user votes: 16,227
– Stars: Colin O’Meara, Thierry Wermuth, Christian Pellissier, Henri Labussière
Based on a series of books by Belgian cartoonist Georges Prosper Remi, “The Adventures of Tintin” ran for three seasons on HBO. Telling the story of a young reporter and his best friend and furry sidekick, Snowy, the animated series takes the two on heroic exploits and adventures. The books were not as popular in the U.S. as they were in Europe, but the television show was nominated for several awards. It inspired a 3D computer-animated movie of the same name in 2011.
– IMDb rating: 8.7
– IMDb user votes: 64,241
– Stars: Doc Harris, Christopher Sabat, Scott McNeil, Sean Schemmel
Getting its start as a popular Japanese anime series, “Dragon Ball Z” premiered in the U.S. in 1996, and continued on Cartoon Network from 1998 to 2003. With some help from his friends, young hero Goku fights to defend the earth from a variety of creatures and villains. In addition to the animated series, the “Dragon Ball” franchise included movies, video games, and two sequel television shows.
– IMDb rating: 8.8
– IMDb user votes: 743,325
– Stars: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour
Another successful Netflix original, “Stranger Things” is the creation of the Duffer Brothers, who also wrote the Warner Bros. horror film “Hidden.” Part sci-fi, part horror, the story starts with the disappearance of a young boy and the eerie events that follow. Premiering in 2016, the series will wrap up its run in 2025.
#59. An Autumn Afternoon (1962) 秋刀魚の味 (Sanma no Aji) #62. The Hidden Fortress (1958) 隠し砦の三悪人 (Kakushi Toride no San Akunin)
#64. I Was Born, But… (1932) 大人の見る絵本 生れてはみたけれど (Otona no Miru Ehon Umarete wa Mita Keredo)
#68. The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013) かぐや姫の物語 (Kaguya-hime no Monogatari)
#81. Nobody Knows (2004) 誰も知らない (Dare mo Shiranai) #82. Still Walking (2008) 歩いても 歩いても (Aruitemo Aruitemo)
#83. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) となりのトトロ (Tonari no Totoro) #88. Drive My Car (2021) ドライブ・マイ・カー (Doraibu Mai Kā)
#95. After Life (1998) ワンダフルライフ (Wandafuru Raifu) #98. Maborosi (1995) 幻の光 (Maboroshi no Hikari)
French:
#12. Army of Shadows (1969) L’Armée des Ombres
#17. Children of Paradise (1945) Les Enfants du Paradi
s #20. The Rules of the Game (1939) La Règle du Jeu
#23. Playtime (1967) Playtime
#28. Au hasard Balthazar (1966) Au Hasard Balthazar
#35. Pépé le Moko (1937) Pépé le Moko
#38. Jules and Jim (1962) Jules et Jim
#43. The Artist (2011) L’Artiste
#51. Céline and Julie Go Boating (1974) Céline et Julie vont en bateau
#57. Beauty and the Beast (1946) La Belle et la Bête
#69. Band of Outsiders (1964) Bande à part
#71. L’Argent (1983) L’Argent
#72. The Wild Child (1970) L’Enfant Sauvage
#77. The Triplets of Belleville (2003) Les Triplettes de Belleville
#84. Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013) La Vie d’Adèle
#89. The Class (2008) Entre les Murs #93.
Petite Maman (2021) Petite Maman
#97. A Summer’s Tale (1996) Conte d’été
Certainly! Here’s the rest of the list broken down by nationality with just the English titles while keeping the original numbering and bolding intact:
French: #12. Army of Shadows (1969)
#17. Children of Paradise (1945)
#20. The Rules of the Game (1939)
#23. Playtime (1967)
#28. Au hasard Balthazar (1966)
#35. Pépé le Moko (1937)
#38. Jules and Jim (1962)
#43. The Artist (2011)
#51. Céline and Julie Go Boating (1974)
#57. Beauty and the Beast (1946)
#69. Band of Outsiders (1964)
#71. L’Argent (1983)
#72. The Wild Child (1970)
#77. The Triplets of Belleville (2003)
#84. Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013)
#89. The Class (2008)
#93. Petite Maman (2021)
#97. A Summer’s Tale (1996)
#24. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) French
Italian: #16. The Conformist (1970)
#21. The Battle of Algiers (1966)
#31. La Dolce Vita (1960)
#39. Umberto D. (1952)
#40. The Best of Youth (2003)
#45. 8½ (1963)
#50. Journey to Italy (1954)
#70. Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion (1970)
Office Spacewas the first live-action film by Beavis and Buttheadcreator Mike Judge. It’s a sharply written comedy that still accurately captures the American work life in an office setting perfectly over 25 years later. Judge’s biting satire of the day-to-day drudgery of mindless office drones pre-empted TV series like Judge’s own Silicon Valleyand the highly acclaimed Severance. The film wasn’t a box office hit but found its audience on cable and the home video market, leading it to become a beloved cult classic.
Expanded from Judge’s earlier animated shorts titled Milton, and inspired by the director’s own work in an office, the movie stars Ron Livingston as Peter, a programmer at a software company who feels aimless and unfulfilled. That all changes when he goes to a hypnotherapist who unintentionally leaves Peter in a perpetual state of relaxation. He stops caring about work and does what he wants, which ironically only leads him to a promotion. Office Space is pointedly funny in its critiques and is filled with memorably quotable characters, played to perfection by its cast, including Gary Cole as the mundanely villainous boss Lumbergh, and Stephen Root as the timid, red stapler-loving Milton.
‘Galaxy Quest’ (1999)
Directed by Dean Parisot
Essential 90s sci-fi movie Galaxy Quest was inspired by the dedicated fandom of Star Trek, and tapped into the culture of conventions, online discourse and IP reboots years before those were part of the normal ecosystem of Hollywood and were still considered niche. Dean Parisot’s wickedly funny and wonderfully entertaining film is a perfectly cast adventure that is both retro and prescient at the same time.
Fincher’s film is filled with radical disdain for the prevailing popular culture of the time, but it also shows an alternative that is not a healthy substitute. Controversial upon its release and continually misinterpreted by film bros, Fight Club may be a product of its time but seems only more relevant in an era of rising incel subculture. The film is remembered for its trio of performances by Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter, as well as for Fincher’s strong visuals and the mid-film twist that turns the story on its head. It’s a must-watch movie that should inspire plenty of debate.
‘The Iron Giant’ (1999)
Directed by Brad Bird
Beautifully animated and heartwarming, Brad Bird’s animated adaptation of The Iron Giant brought the filmmaker boldly into the world of feature films. Despite being overlooked at the box office (a common theme among the films of 1999), The Iron Giant has only gained more appreciation as time has gone on, and has been rediscovered, as Bird became a household name thanks to animated hits like Ratatouille and The Incredibles.
Set in an idealized small town in the 1950s, young latchkey child Hogarth Hughes discovers the titular character having crash-landed near his home. The arrival of the massive alien robot inspires both Hogarth to come out of his shell as well as a suspicious government agent to investigate. With it’s mix of 2D and 3D animation, and terrific voice cast, The Iron Giant is as charming as animated films get.
‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999)
Directed by Stanley Kubrick
The final film from master filmmaker Stanley Kubrick, Eyes Wide Shut is an erotic thriller that was unjustly dismissed by audiences, as evidenced by its terrible Cinemascore grade, and some critics reacted coldly to it as well, comparing it unfavorably to Kubrick’s other masterworks. Time has shown that it’s another complex mystery from one of cinema’s most uncompromising auteurs.
Shot over a period of fifteen months on meticulously crafted sound stages in England (despite being set in New York City), the film follows the nightmarish journey of a doctor, played by Tom Cruise, who spirals into an exploration of eroticism after discovering his wife has harbored fantasies of being unfaithful. It’s an eerie examination of sexuality that like all of Kubrick’s work has a lot to digest and interpret through its layered visuals.
‘The Sixth Sense’ (1999)
Directed by M. Night Shymalan
Coming at the end of a decade that had plenty of definitive horror movies but that is also often viewed as being slimmer in its selection, M. Night Shymalan’s The Sixth Sensewas a splash of cold water to the faces of audiences who felt burnt out on the glut of the slick but vapid slashers that came in the wake of the success of Scream.
Bruce Willis stars as a child psychologist who takes on a new patient, Haley Joel Osment in an Oscar-nominated role, who has the unique problem of being able to talk to the dead. The Sixth Sense is a beautifully crafted horror film that relies on atmosphere and the well-honed performances of its cast to provide the scares. The script slowly unfurls it’s mysteries and Shymalan’s shocking twist ending actually feels integral to the plot, unlike those in his later films that feel unnecessary or like a crutch for lazy writing.
‘The Matrix’ (1999)
Directed by The Wachowskis
Coming off their debut film, the erotic thriller film Bound, the Wachowski’s pushed the queer content into subtext but kept the neo-noir vibes for the cyberpunk action masterpiece The Matrix. The movie became an instant influence on the action and sci-fi genres, with its innovative bullet-time effects quickly infiltrating dozens of other action movies and becoming satirized in comedies.
Keanu Reeves plays Neo, a hacker who discovers that the world he inhabits is all a simulation, and that the real world is an apocalyptic wasteland where the remains of humanity fight against their oppressive machine overlords. The plot pulls from dozens of different sources, including anime and the works of writer William Gibson, and synthesizes it all into a slick, action-packed package that makes some of the entry-level philosophy course dialogue easy to digest. Essential and influential, The Matrix is much more than its imitators or empty sequels, and was one of the most significant films released in 1999.
The cast is absolutely without fault, but special notice was given to Tom Cruise at the time for his performance as Frank Mackey, a misogynistic motivational speaker who uses his profession to cover up his own insecurities and past. It’s a role that weaponizes Cruise’s natural charisma for a toxic but vulnerable character. If Cruise hadn’t subsequently been swallowed whole by Scientology, it’s quite possible the intervening years between his amazing work in 1999 and his later full dedication to the Mission: Impossiblefranchise could’ve been filled with some very daring and interesting performances.
‘Being John Malkovich’ (1999)
Directed by Spike Jonze
From his influential music videos and short films, to his four feature-length classics, Spike Jonze has been one of the most unique directorial talents to grace the silver over the last few decades. He announced his entry into the mainstream with the fiercely original Being John Malkovich. Working off Charlie Kaufman’s surreal screenplay, Jonze crafted a dark comedy that has few true parallels.
John Cusack plays a puppeteer who gets a job on the seventh and a half floor of an office building where he discovers a doorway that leads into the mind of actor John Malkovich. From there the film goes into even more unexpected directions as more and more people enter Malkovich’s mind, until the actor himself is made aware of the portal’s existence. The cast is terrific, with Cameron Diaz and Catherine Keener in pivotal supporting roles, and Malkovich himself playing off his idiosyncratic reputation. In a year that was filled with sterling original films, Being John Malkovich is the most singular.
‘All About My Mother’ (1999)
Directed by Pedro Almodóvar
Pedro Almodóvar is a filmmaker who has consistently put out great work for over four decades that has certainly garnered awards attention and critical acclaim but remains frustratingly overlooked by American audiences. The Spanish filmmaker is known for his melodramas with bold visual styles that frequently feature LGBTQ+ and feminist themes, both of which are on full display in the film frequently cited as his best, All About My Mother.
After the death of her teenage son Esteban, Manuela (Cecilia Roth) travels to Barcelona to reconnect with the teen’s other parent, the transgender Lola (Toni Cantó). In Barcelona, she makes other connections, including Rosa (Penélope Cruz) a nun who is HIV positive and pregnant. It’s Almodóvar’s love letter to women, all women, and he tells his story with compassion and sincerity, all the while calling to mind the classic Hollywood melodramas of filmmakers like Douglas Sirkwith his intense visual palette. All About My Mother is a film the likes of which is hardly seen in Hollywood, and should be watched for its empathetic storytelling of women whose lives are often reduced or overlooked in mainstream cinema.
Some sci-fi classics like Star Wars and Jurassic Park are always worth rewatching. Mad Max: Fury Road is a thrilling endless car chase.
Everything Everywhere All at Once mixes kung fu with a heartwarming family story for an entertaining sci-fi flick.
Galaxy Quest hilariously parodies Star Trek while paying homage to the beloved franchise that inspired it.
A lot of the lofty sci-fi movie classics aren’t very rewatchable, but some of the genre’s greatest entries – like Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Jurassic Park – hold up to countless repeat viewings. 2001: A Space Odyssey is a breathtaking piece of cinema pondering the biggest questions about humanity’s existence, and Blade Runner is a powerful futuristic noir about what constitutes a person. But they both move at such a slow pace, and deal with such heavy philosophical subject matter, that no one is champing at the bit to rewatch them on movie night.
With the first sequel, Aliens, James Cameron went the other way and delivered one of the most explosive, action-packed movies ever made. The first half of Aliens gets Ellen Ripley down to the surface of a xenomorph-infested human colony with a band of space marines. The second half is an all-out action extravaganza pitting the marines against dozens of bloodthirsty aliens.
The kind of movies that usually sweep the Academy Awards are slow, quiet, somber, and not particularly interested in being entertaining. But Everything Everywhere All at Once – which won seven Oscars, including Best Picture – is anything but. It is a touching, character-focused drama about a mother struggling to connect with her disillusioned daughter, but that beautiful mother-daughter story is wrapped up in an action-packed interdimensional epic in which the entire multiverse is at stake.
Joaquin Phoenix Is a Gun-Defending Sheriff of a Murderous Town in ‘Eddington’ Trailer
Story by Althea Legaspi
ensions are high between officials and townspeople in Eddington, New Mexico on June 2, 2020 in the teaser trailer for the black comedy western, Eddington. The Ari Aster-written and directed film, which will make its world premiere at Cannes Film Festival next month, arrives in theaters on July 18.
In the teaser clip, a person scrolls through their social media feed on a cell phone as a series of talking heads give snippets of their viewpoints, which appear to be focused on the pandemic and conspiracy theories. In Eddington, the weather is sweltering – in the upper 90s and into the 100s – per the person’s cell phone, as a voice discusses a lab in Wuhan, China. “If you value your life, you should think twice because the people in Eddington like guns, Sheriff Joe Cross (Phoenix) warns in one clip.
After Cross issues his alert, a video clip of his wife appears on the cell screen. “And I am speaking now to deny my husband’s announcement yesterday,” says Louise Cross (Emma Stone). “Which was false.”
Sherriff Cross’ adversary Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) also shows up on the screen with a video of his own. “I’m ready to continue leading our town, and fighting the pandemic and the racial and economic … ” he says before he’s cut off by the next clip, where Cross appears in a CNN post. “‘Law and Order Sheriff Assaults Protester in Town Rocked by Murders” reads the chyron over its video featuring a screaming Cross and protesting townspeople in masks as they face off.
The film also stars Luke Grimes, Austin Butler, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Clifton Collins Jr., William Belleau, Cameron Mann, Matt Gomez Hidaka, and Amélie Hoeferle.
George Miller had already made three rollicking, action-packed Mad Max movies before he returned to the wasteland and blew the original trilogy out of the water with Mad Max: Fury Road. Fury Road has a mercifully simplistic plot: badass Furiosa liberates the wives of post-apocalyptic tyrant Immortan Joe and goes on the lam with Joe’s forces hot on their tail. Max, now played by Tom Hardy, gets unwittingly swept along for the ride.
Ridley Scott’s original Alien movie is both one of the greatest science fiction movies and one of the greatest horror movies ever made, but it’s a slow burn. Scott takes his time to introduce the crew of the Nostromo and the threat of the xenomorph before the chestburster kicks off the haunted-house-in-space action. This makes for a powerful cinematic experience on the first viewing, but it also means that it takes a while to get going on a rewatch.
Everything Everywhere All at Once is an appropriate title for a movie that manages to be a fast-paced action movie, a visually stunning sci-fi movie, a zany slapstick comedy, and a sobering family drama all rolled into one. The Wang family’s story would be just as moving without all the hybrid-genre mayhem. But all the parallel universes and martial arts choreography make it an endlessly rewatchable movie.
Galaxy Quest is such a spot-on parody of the Star Trek franchise that it’s often ranked as a better Star Trek movie than most of the official Star Trek movies. It has an ingeniously meta premise: the washed-up cast of an old sci-fi show is recruited for a real-life intergalactic battle by real-life aliens who mistook episodes of their series for historical records. Director Dean Parisot gets every possible laugh out of that brilliant premise.
With the satire of Galaxy Quest, Parisot managed to have the best of both worlds. He ruthlessly spoofs Star Trek and its fans, but it’s ultimately an affectionate love letter to Gene Roddenberry’s legacy and the power of the fandom he inspired. Like all the best comedies, Galaxy Quest is so funny and so quotable and so hilariously acted that it’s infinitely rewatchable.
Predator has absolutely no reason to be as great as it is. The story grew out of a Hollywood inside joke that Rocky Balboa would run out of opponents on Earth and have to fight an alien. Its entire premise revolves around oiled-up, muscle-bound men going into the jungle and firing machine guns at an invisible alien. At the very best, Predator should be an affable B-movie. But somehow, John McTiernan turned it into a bona fide masterpiece.
By pitting Arnold Schwarzenegger against a deadly alien creature, McTiernan told the ultimate man-conquers-beast story. Predator deals with themes of masculinity, militarism, and just how outmatched humanity might be when alien life finally arrives. But it’s also a big, loud, bombastic ‘80s action movie with a burst of gunfire or a giant explosion every couple of minutes.
Much like Stanley Kubrick, when Pixar takes a stab at a genre, they end up making one of the all-time greats. The Incredibles is one of the best superhero movies, Up is one of the best adventure movies, and WALL-E is one of the best science fiction movies. With its dazzling futuristic imagery, deeply cinematic visual storytelling, and the heartwarming romance between WALL-E and fellow robot-with-a-heart-of-gold EVE, WALL-E holds up to endless rewatches.
The only thing that makes WALL-E wobble slightly on a rewatch is that its depiction of an uninhabitable, trash-filled Earth gets more and more depressingly accurate with every viewing. WALL-E was way ahead of its time in criticizing humanity’s callous treatment of the environment. Fortunately, the love story is beautiful enough to distract from the mirror being held up to climate change.
The Wachowskis made audiences across the world question their reality with their sci-fi action masterpiece The Matrix. The movie suggests that reality is just a computer program being run by the robotic overlords using human beings as batteries. There’s a lot of exposition to get out of the way in the first act of The Matrix – who Morpheus is, how the Matrix works, what the machines are doing in the real world, etc. – but once it gets all that stuff out of the way, it’s a non-stop thrill-ride.
The Matrix is full of beautifully directed action sequences like the lobby shootout, the helicopter crash, and the final foot chase. The story in between the action scenes is masterfully crafted, too. From his humble beginnings as Thomas Anderson to his triumphant climactic transformation into “The One,” Neo’s journey lands on every viewing.
George Lucas changed the face of the film industry forever with his game-changing space opera Star Wars. Ever since Star Wars had audiences lining up around the block to watch it a 10th time, Hollywood studios have been acquiring nerdy I.P. and following Joseph Campbell’s “hero’s journey” religiously in an attempt to replicate that success. Lucas transported audiences to a galaxy far, far away and pulled off the cinematic magic trick of pure escapism.
Although it was burdened with introducing its audience to a whole new fictional universe, Star Wars moves at an agreeably zippy pace. It opens with a massive space battle and remains that exciting for the rest of its runtime. From the Millennium Falcon shootout to the explosion of the Death Star, Star Wars is full of set-pieces that never get old.
Steven Spielberg combined the monster-movie thrills of Jaws with the thought-provoking sci-fi themes of Close Encounters for his big-screen adaptation of Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park. Jurassic Park deals with the same complex themes as Frankenstein – the hubris of man, the dangers of playing God, the uncontrollability of nature – but with a theme park full of live dinosaurs. Spielberg and his team used groundbreaking visual effects to bring dinosaurs back to life.
Jurassic Park is full of great action sequences with razor-sharp tension and timeless effects. From the T. rex’s escape to the raptors’ attack in the kitchen, Jurassic Park is jam-packed with set-pieces that never fail to thrill the audience, no matter how many times they’ve seen the movie. Even the exposition in Jurassic Park is rewatchable, thanks to a little animated character named Mr. DNA.
Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale’s Back to the Future script should be studied in every screenwriting class, because it’s airtight. Not only does it tell an engaging story about a time-traveling teenager trying to get his parents together to ensure his own existence; it’s a masterclass in the plant-and-payoff technique. Every single scene progresses the plot; every single line in the first act sets something up that comes back later.
The pacing doesn’t dip for a second, all the gags in Zemeckis and Gale’s script get a laugh every time, and the catharsis of Marty McFly finally getting back to 1985 after all the hurdles he’s had to overcome always lands. Plus, Michael J. Fox’s endearing on-screen chemistry with Christopher Lloyd as Marty and Doc Brown is endlessly watchable. Back to the Future is basically a perfect movie.
Out of this world laughs and galactic giggles ahead in this list of the best sci-fi comedies of all time.
One of the most mesmerizing things about the science fiction genre is the sheer scope of ideas that can be dreamt up, and this aspect lends itself perfectly to comedy; with something so out-of-this-world, there’s a real opportunity to make people laugh. There are crazy and bewildering plots spanning generations, from the twisted future of Idiocracy to the bulging-brained alien invasion of Mars Attacks! To put it simply, there’s a lot of fun to be had in crafting the strangely surreal, the complete unknown, and even just simply turning fear into nervous laughter.
By sifting through the sci-fi comedy offerings on the best streaming services, we’ve whittled our list down to the 10 best sci-fi comedies of all time. Comedic timing, acting prowess, and excellent scripts all play a huge part in the reason these movies are as funny as they are – even if you don’t expect them to be. So, pick your next watch across Paramount Plus, Disney, Netflix, and Amazon Prime from the list below and prepare to be suitably amused.
10. Evolution
((Image credit: Columbia Pictures))
Release date: June 8, 2001
Cast: David Duchovny, Julianne Moore, Orlando Jones
Director: Ivan Reitman
Rotten Tomatoes score: 44% critics, 48% audience
It felt like that in the early 00s any video I borrowed from Blockbusters advertised this sci-fi comedy. When I realized it was from the director of Ghostbusters (also on our list), I had to rent it and I’m glad I did. In Evolution, a meteor hits Earth and with it an organism that evolves so rapidly no one has any real clue on how to stop it. The team for the job? A trainee firefighter, a government scientist, and two college professors made up of sci-fi icon David Duchovny, Julianne Moore, Orlando Jones, and Seann William Scott.
While the government tries to block the team out, the alien ecosystem begins to thrive on Earth and that’s when the real trouble starts. Even with Earth’s impending doom, there’s still plenty of time for comedy. It’s not groundbreaking sci-fi, but it’ll certainly bring laughs to your night-in.
9. Mars Attacks!
((Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures))
Release date: December 13, 1996
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Annette Bening, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Tim Burton
Rotten Tomatoes score: 55% critics, 53% audience
Much like Tim Burton’s haunting characters from his usual gothic horrors, like Beetlejuice and The Corpse Bride, you’ll never forget the Martians of his sci-fi dark comedy, Mars Attacks! It’s a wonderful spoof of the cheesy alien invasion movies of the ’50s, full of surreal humor and black comedy.
Burton’s foray into science fiction depicts an alien arrival on Earth that starts out peacefully, but quickly transcends into absolute chaos – making it both a little bit scary and a whole lot of funny. Particularly the government’s blundering attempts to deal with these new visitors.
Mars Attacks! has a rather impressive cast behind it, with Jack Nicholson as the President, Glenn Close, Jack Black, Danny DeVito, Pierce Brosnan, Annette Bening, Sarah Jessica Parker, and so many more stellar actors. While it didn’t quite impress with its box office debut, it’s certainly made up for it in cult status.
8. Spaceballs
Release date: June 24, 1987
Cast: Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, and more
Director: Mel Brooks
Rotten Tomatoes score: 52% critics, 83% audience
Mel Brooks is one hell of a filmmaker and the master of spoofs. When it comes to comedy, his unique style traverses genres from the Western of Blazing Saddles to the adventures of Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Spaceballs, his move into science fiction, had the same cult impact.
Brooks’ Spaceballs is primarily a Star Wars parody with Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his alien sidekick, Barf (John Candy), rescuing Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) from the Spaceballs – all while evading capture from the dastardly Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis).
It sounds absolutely bonkers and that’s because it is. It is jam-packed with quirky jokes, gags, wisecracks, and slapstick comedy – while some might not be to your taste, others will have you in stitches. Plus, Spaceballs utilizes the humor of breaking the fourth wall, which sets it apart from the rest of the genre ten-fold. While the movie came out in 1987, according to Variety, there may be a Spaceballs 2 is in the works with Mel Brooks producing almost 30 years later.
7. Galaxy Quest
credit: DreamWorks Pictures))
Release date: December 25, 1999
Cast: Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman
Director: Dean Parisot
Rotten Tomatoes score: 90% critics, 79% audience
Back in the 90s, Galaxy Quest was first perceived as a silly comedy movie that affectionately parodied the likes of Star Trek and other galactic spaceship crews. However, it has since proved itself to be far smarter than that and has been acknowledged as such.
The movie sees a new spaceship crew assembled, but this time they’re actors from the TV show Galaxy Quest that get thrown into a real-life space adventure. During a fan convention, Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), lead actor of the show, is approached by a group of aliens called Thermians that want his help.
Unfortunately, the aliens believe that the TV show is actually real life. So, when they recruit Jason and his crew for help, no-one’s quite sure what they’re getting themselves into. It’s a parody, yes, but it’s also a homage to all the amazing sci-fi shows and movies that are still thriving today. It’s satire at its finest and it does so whilst lovingly dressed up in sci-fi and comedy.
6. Men in Black and sequels
((Image credit: Columbia Pictures))
Release date: July 2, 1997
Cast: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Linda Fiorentino
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Rotten Tomatoes score: 91% critics, 80% audience
With four films now in the Men in Black franchise, the first will always be the best of the best of the best, sir! There’s a lot of great things to say about Men in Black, but the greatest gift from this movie is the comedy pairing of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as Agent J and Agent K, respectively. They make this look good.
Jay and Kay are agents of a secret government organization tasked with protecting Earth and keeping an eye on all its alien residents. While Kay is a respected long-serving member, Jay is a headstrong rookie with a lot of sass – but they balance each other out with Kay sharing wisdom and Jay showing him how to have a good time.
The scope of extra-terrestrials is also fantastic. We won’t say too much about them here, as discovering them all is part of this movie’s charm. While some can be rather adorable, others can be unnervingly terrifying, but have no fear as Will Smith will always lighten the mood.
5. Idiocracy
((Image credit: Twentieth Century Fox))
Release date: September 1, 2006
Cast: Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, Dax Shepard, Terry Crews, and more
Director: Mike Judge
Rotten Tomatoes score: 71% critics, 61% audience
Joe Bauers (Luke Wilson) is a remarkably average human. Yet, he is the one chosen to be put into hibernation and brought back to life in the future. Sort of like Fry in Futurama (one of the best sci-fi TV shows of all time), but on purpose. However, when Joe ‘arrives’ in the future, he’s somehow the smartest person alive.
Now, imagine a world where the average intelligence has depleted exponentially, because that’s the world Joe now lives in, and there’s a whole lot of weird things going on. In Idiocracy, you can pause on pretty much any scene in this movie and think to yourself, what on Earth is going on? And because of this, it’s a really great comedy about how strange the world and life could really be.
Only one of these I have not seen yet
Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure/Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey -sequel
(Image credit: De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG))
Release date: February 17, 1989
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin, and more
Director: Stephen Herek
Rotten Tomatoes score: 83% critics, 75% audience
If you’ve ever once looked into sci-fi comedy, you’ll no doubt have come across Bill and Ted. Or, if you’re just into movies in any shape or form, you’ll have heard of this iconic duo made up of traditionally more straight-faced Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter. Their friendship hangs in the balance as a failing history grade could see the pair torn apart. But, there’s one way to save it and that’s by travelling back in time to learn about history in the most excellent of ways.
Carrying out research for their school report, they travel by a phone booth time machine that takes them back to historical moments, meeting several history VIPs along the way. Obviously, turning up in a phone booth causes its own hilarity, but the goofy pairing with an incredibly quotable script make this a fun and lighthearted movie for all to enjoy.
3. Repo Man
((Image credit: Edge City Productions))
Release date: March 2, 1984
Cast: Emilio Estevez, Harry Dean Stanton, and more
Director: Alex Cox
Rotten Tomatoes score: 98% critics, 78% audience
To get out of trouble, punky Otto (Emilio Estevez) is recruited by a car repo agency that tasks him with hunting down a Chevrolet Malibu for an eye-watering $20,000 bounty. High reward means high risk though and inside the trunk of this runaway Chevy is something out-of-this-world. Hunting down this car is no simple task and whatever extraterrestrial entity is hiding in the trunk makes sure of that.
It seems some of the best sci-fi comedies are just bonkers and Repo Man is certainly one of those titles. You can’t quite believe what you’re watching and with the threat of an alien invasion at stake, its peculiar plot will amuse and pull you in. It’s a cult classic because it doesn’t really fit into any of the usual movie ticking boxes, yet still highly entertaining.
One of my all time favorites! Emilo Estevez’s first movie
2. Back to the Future and sequels
((Image credit: Universal Pictures))
Release date: July 3, 1985
Cast: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Rotten Tomatoes score: 93% critics, 95% audience
Back to the Future is one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, and it’s also one of the funniest. Bringing together young Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) with eccentric scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd), the pair embark on a time-travelling adventure that seamlessly integrates the sci-fi genre with comedy.
Marty is accidentally sent 30 years back in time in a souped-up DeLorean. His presence in the past ends up risking his entire existence as he splits up his future parents and must fix the mistake. And, amid all this, Marty and Doc Brown must protect each other from their past and future fates.
It’s witty and wild, parodying sci-fi and futuristic concepts – some of which have actually become a reality since then, such as video calls and wearable tech like smart glasses (the fashion… not so much).
1. Ghostbusters and Two sequels
((Image credit: Columbia Pictures))
Release date: June 8, 1984
Cast: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis
Director: Ivan Reitman
Rotten Tomatoes score: 95% critics, 88% audience
If you’re after the best sci-fi comedy, who you gonna call?
Simply one of the most iconic sci-fi comedies of all time, Ghostbusters paved the way for so many titles on our list that it’d be hard not to give it top spot. I mean, it quite literally spawned Evolution from director Ivan Reitman.
Kicked out of university jobs, three parapsychologists choose instead to set up their own unique ghost removal service in New York. Ghostbusters, assemble! The fantastic cast and witty script makes this movie an absolute joy to watch.
It’s a wonderful blend of supernatural, sci-fi, comedy, horror, and action that has spawned a whole iconic franchise: we’re talking more movies, comics, video games, TV shows, etc. While some of the movies that followed are funny in their own right, you just can’t beat the original.
10 Best Horror Movie Performances of All Time, Ranked
An iconic horror film requires many key elements, ranging from a strong atmosphere to terrifying scares, but few features are as crucial as great acting. Whether portraying a vulnerable victim, a resilient hero or a menacing villain, actors must devote themselves wholeheartedly to horror performances due to the intensity and wide range of emotions required by the genre. In fact, largely as the result of excellent acting, many horror characters – such as Jack Torrance or Norman Bates – have established themselves as some of the most enduring popular characters in film history.
With such a rich canon of performances to choose from, selecting the 10 greatest is a daunting feat. Considering the iconic legacies of the characters, their vital roles within their films, and the technical feats accomplished by the actors, these are our picks for the 10 best performances in horror films.
Linda Blair in ‘The Exorcist’ (1973)
Directed by William Friedkin
The Exorcist is a 1973 supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin and adapted by William Peter Blatty from his own 1971 novel. The film centers on the demonic possession of a young girl, Regan (Linda Blair), as she is transformed into a chaotic, profane and violent monster by the demon inside of her. In order to attempt to save her soul, Catholic priests Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Father Karras (Jason Miller) perform an exorcism once it is clear that no other option will work.
Despite being only 12 years old at the time of filming, Linda Blair gives a powerhouse performance as Regan, completely embodying both her innocent initial personality and the vulgar demon that possesses her. Aided by the vocal work of Mercedes McCambridge, Linda Blair tackles physically and emotionally demanding scenes that would have been challenging for actors decades her senior, consistently holding her own against her far more experienced castmates. The Exorcist is widely considered one of the scariest films of all time, and Linda Blair’s performance is one of the greatest reasons why.
The Exorcist
Release Date December 26, 1973
Director William Friedkin
Cast Lee J. Cobb, Max Von Sydow, Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn
Based on Stephen King‘s 1987 novel, Misery is a 1990 psychological horror-thriller directed by Rob Reiner. The film follows a popular fiction writer, Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who suffers a life-threatening car crash and is found by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), a dedicated fan. As a nurse by profession, Annie helps Paul with his injuries but is horrified to discover that he has killed off her favorite character and decides to imprison him in her house until he has written a novel resurrecting the character.
Kathy Bates’ performance received widespread acclaim and earned her a Best Actress Academy Award, in the only Oscar win ever received for a Stephen King adaptation. Bringing to life the villainous Annie Wilkes, Bates’ performance is highly erratic, swinging wildly from appearing to be simply a lonely and quirky woman to behaving in a violent and aggressive manner towards her captive. Portraying one of King’s greatest literary characters, Kathy Bates deserves all the attention she received for her performance in Misery.
Misery
Release Date November 30, 1990
Director Rob Reiner
Cast Richard Farnsworth, Kathy Bates, Lauren Bacall, Frances Sternhagen, James Caan
Candyman is a 1992 supernatural horror film written and directed by Bernard Rose and based on a short story by prolific novelist Clive Barker. The film explores the concept of urban legends by following a grad student, Helen (Virginia Madsen), who begins investigating the story of a vengeful spirit known as the Candyman (Tony Todd). After being summoned by Helen, Candyman begins to take the lives of innocent residents of a low-income neighborhood that he terrorizes.
Candyman is unique for a supernatural slasher due to its methodical pace, mature storytelling and the subversively sympathetic nature of its antagonist. Tony Todd brings an incredible gravitas to the role, with his velvet-smooth voice and calm physicality bringing a hypnotic quality to the character, and his dedication to the film being perfectly showcased by his willingness to work with hundreds of live bees during production. Frightening and strangely alluring, the late, great Tony Todd’s performance as the titular Candyman is nothing less than career-defining.
Candyman
Release Date October 16, 1992
Director Bernard Rose
Cast Marianna Elliott, DeJuan Guy, Kasi Lemmons, Xander Berkeley, Tony Todd, Vanessa Williams, Virginia Madsen, Ted Raimi
Based on Mary Shelley‘s 1818 classic horror novel, Frankenstein is a 1931 sci-fi horror film directed by James Whale. The film centers on the creation of a monster (Boris Karloff) constructed from stolen body-parts, who is reanimated by a scientist (Colin Clive) who seeks to play God. Mistreated by those around him, the monster escapes from captivity and finds himself the target of furious and violent townspeople.
Enhanced with one of horror cinema’s most iconic examples of costuming and special effects makeup, Boris Karloff’s performance as Frankenstein’s Monster is a landmark achievement of the early horror genre. Karloff portrays the monster with a pitch-perfect balance of childlike innocence and threatening physicality, with his clumsy movements making his inhumanity incredibly believable. Rightfully still celebrated almost a century later, Boris Karloff’s performance in Frankenstein is perfect.
Frankenstein
Release Date November 21, 1931
Director James Whale
Cast Lionel Belmore, Frederick Kerr, John Boles, Mae Clarke, Dwight Frye, Edward Van Sloan, Colin Clive, Boris Karloff
Rating Passed
Runtime 70 Minutes
Main Genre Sci-Fi
Genres Sci-Fi, Drama, Horror
Writers Francis Edward Faragoh, Peggy Webling, Garrett Fort, Richard Schayer, John L. Balderston, Mary Shelley
Based on Stephen King‘s 1977 novel, The Shining is a 1980 psychological horror film directed and co-written by Stanley Kubrick. The film centers on Jack (Jack Nicholson), a writer with a history of alcoholism and a troubled relationship with his family, who takes a caretaking job at the remote Overlook Hotel during the winter. Upon arrival, however, Jack’s wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and their young son Danny (Danny Lloyd) realize that the hotel may be haunted, as they are plagued by unexplained events and Jack’s behavior becomes increasingly concerning.
From his earliest scenes in the film, Jack Nicholson makes it clear through his performance that something is deeply wrong with Jack under the surface of his identity as an ambitious family man, seeming as if he may snap at any moment. Nicholson’s dynamic with Shelley Duvall is highly compelling, with her pure terror being contrasted excellently with his mania and aggression, making audiences truly come to fear his character at the film’s harrowing climax. Tragic, scary and at times darkly comedic, Jack Nicholson’s performance in The Shining is a masterclass in portraying a disturbed individual.
The Shining
Release Date May 23, 1980
Director Stanley Kubrick
Cast Philip Stone, Barry Nelson, Scatman Crothers, Danny Lloyd, Shelley Duvall, Jack Nicholson
Rating R
Runtime 146 minutes
Main Genre Horror
Genres Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Psychological
Writers Diane Johnson, Stanley Kubrick, Stephen King
Studio Warner Bros.
Tagline All work and no play make Jack a dull boy…
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 psychological horror film directed by Jonathan Demme and based on Thomas Harris‘ 1988 novel. The film centers on young FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she is assigned a key role in the investigation of serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). In order to track the killer down, Clarice develops a rapport with Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), an incarcerated cannibal and murderer who is also a highly intelligent psychiatrist.
Winning an Oscar for Best Actress, Jodie Foster’s portrayal of Clarice received immediate acclaim due to her embodiment of Clarice’s likability, intelligence and emotional complexity. The film’s most compelling element is the dynamic between Clarice and Hannibal, with the two consistently attempting to get the upper hand in their interactions and thed chemistry between Foster and Hopkins makes their scenes electrifying. Clarice is one of horror cinema’s most iconic protagonists and one of the best characters in the Hannibal Lecter cinematic universe, with Jodie Foster’s performance greatly enhancing the role.
The Silence of the Lambs
Release Date February 14, 1991
Director Jonathan Demme
Cast Diane Baker, Kasi Lemmons, Scott Glenn, Anthony Hopkins, Anthony Heald, Brooke Smith, Ted Levine, Jodie Foster
Rating R
Runtime 118 Minutes
Main Genre Thriller
Genres Drama, Thriller, Crime
Writers Ted Tally, Thomas Harris
Character(s) Ardelia Mapp, Senator Ruth Martin, Catherine Martin, Dr. Frederick Chilton, Jame Gumb, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Clarice Sterling, Jack Crawford
Mia Farrow in ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968)
Directed by Roman Polanski
Rosemary’s Baby is a 1968 supernatural body horror film written and directed by Roman Polanski and based on the 1967 novel by Ira Levin. The film centers on a young married woman, Rosemary (Mia Farrow), whose relationships with everyone around her are thrown into question when she begins suffering a seemingly demonic pregnancy after being assaulted. Becoming increasingly ill and losing a shocking amount of weight, Rosemary begins to suspect that her neighbors are participants in an occult conspiracy surrounding her pregnancy.
Considered a masterpiece of subtle body horror, the film displays Rosemary undergoing a shocking physical transformation from a healthy young woman to someone frail, gaunt and highly physically vulnerable. Mia Farrow’s performance perfectly conveys the way that Rosemary’s bodily autonomy is being stripped from her, portraying the character as good-hearted and pure but also increasingly physically unwell and dangerously naive. One of the most acclaimed performances in genre history, Mia Farrow’s performance as the titular Rosemary is authentic, frightening and enduringly impressive.
Rosemary’s Baby
Release Date June 12, 1968
Director Roman Polanski
Cast Ralph Bellamy, Sidney Blackmer, John Cassavetes, Maurice Evans, Ruth Gordon, Mia Farrow
10 Best Horror Movie Performances of All Time, Ranked
An iconic horror film requires many key elements, ranging from a strong atmosphere to terrifying scares, but few features are as crucial as great acting. Whether portraying a vulnerable victim, a resilient hero or a menacing villain, actors must devote themselves wholeheartedly to horror performances due to the intensity and wide range of emotions required by the genre. In fact, largely as the result of excellent acting, many horror characters – such as Jack Torrance or Norman Bates – have established themselves as some of the most enduring popular characters in film history.
With such a rich canon of performances to choose from, selecting the 10 greatest is a daunting feat. Considering the iconic legacies of the characters, their vital roles within their films, and the technical feats accomplished by the actors, these are our picks for the 10 best performances in horror films.
Linda Blair in ‘The Exorcist’ (1973)
Directed by William Friedkin
The Exorcist is a 1973 supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin and adapted by William Peter Blatty from his own 1971 novel. The film centers on the demonic possession of a young girl, Regan (Linda Blair), as she is transformed into a chaotic, profane and violent monster by the demon inside of her. In order to attempt to save her soul, Catholic priests Father Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Father Karras (Jason Miller) perform an exorcism once it is clear that no other option will work.
Despite being only 12 years old at the time of filming, Linda Blair gives a powerhouse performance as Regan, completely embodying both her innocent initial personality and the vulgar demon that possesses her. Aided by the vocal work of Mercedes McCambridge, Linda Blair tackles physically and emotionally demanding scenes that would have been challenging for actors decades her senior, consistently holding her own against her far more experienced castmates. The Exorcist is widely considered one of the scariest films of all time, and Linda Blair’s performance is one of the greatest reasons why.
The Exorcist
Release Date December 26, 1973
Director William Friedkin
Cast Lee J. Cobb, Max Von Sydow, Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn
Based on Stephen King‘s 1987 novel, Misery is a 1990 psychological horror-thriller directed by Rob Reiner. The film follows a popular fiction writer, Paul Sheldon (James Caan), who suffers a life-threatening car crash and is found by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), a dedicated fan. As a nurse by profession, Annie helps Paul with his injuries but is horrified to discover that he has killed off her favorite character and decides to imprison him in her house until he has written a novel resurrecting the character.
Kathy Bates’ performance received widespread acclaim and earned her a Best Actress Academy Award, in the only Oscar win ever received for a Stephen King adaptation. Bringing to life the villainous Annie Wilkes, Bates’ performance is highly erratic, swinging wildly from appearing to be simply a lonely and quirky woman to behaving in a violent and aggressive manner towards her captive. Portraying one of King’s greatest literary characters, Kathy Bates deserves all the attention she received for her performance in Misery.
Misery
Release Date November 30, 1990
Director Rob Reiner
Cast Richard Farnsworth, Kathy Bates, Lauren Bacall, Frances Sternhagen, James Caan
Candyman is a 1992 supernatural horror film written and directed by Bernard Rose and based on a short story by prolific novelist Clive Barker. The film explores the concept of urban legends by following a grad student, Helen (Virginia Madsen), who begins investigating the story of a vengeful spirit known as the Candyman (Tony Todd). After being summoned by Helen, Candyman begins to take the lives of innocent residents of a low-income neighborhood that he terrorizes.
Candyman is unique for a supernatural slasher due to its methodical pace, mature storytelling and the subversively sympathetic nature of its antagonist. Tony Todd brings an incredible gravitas to the role, with his velvet-smooth voice and calm physicality bringing a hypnotic quality to the character, and his dedication to the film being perfectly showcased by his willingness to work with hundreds of live bees during production. Frightening and strangely alluring, the late, great Tony Todd’s performance as the titular Candyman is nothing less than career-defining.
Candyman
Release Date October 16, 1992
Director Bernard Rose
Cast Marianna Elliott, DeJuan Guy, Kasi Lemmons, Xander Berkeley, Tony Todd, Vanessa Williams, Virginia Madsen, Ted Raimi
Based on Mary Shelley‘s 1818 classic horror novel, Frankenstein is a 1931 sci-fi horror film directed by James Whale. The film centers on the creation of a monster (Boris Karloff) constructed from stolen body-parts, who is reanimated by a scientist (Colin Clive) who seeks to play God. Mistreated by those around him, the monster escapes from captivity and finds himself the target of furious and violent townspeople.
Enhanced with one of horror cinema’s most iconic examples of costuming and special effects makeup, Boris Karloff’s performance as Frankenstein’s Monster is a landmark achievement of the early horror genre. Karloff portrays the monster with a pitch-perfect balance of childlike innocence and threatening physicality, with his clumsy movements making his inhumanity incredibly believable. Rightfully still celebrated almost a century later, Boris Karloff’s performance in Frankenstein is perfect.
Frankenstein
Release Date November 21, 1931
Director James Whale
Cast Lionel Belmore, Frederick Kerr, John Boles, Mae Clarke, Dwight Frye, Edward Van Sloan, Colin Clive, Boris Karloff
Rating Passed
Runtime 70 Minutes
Main Genre Sci-Fi
Genres Sci-Fi, Drama, Horror
Writers Francis Edward Faragoh, Peggy Webling, Garrett Fort, Richard Schayer, John L. Balderston, Mary Shelley
Based on Stephen King‘s 1977 novel, The Shining is a 1980 psychological horror film directed and co-written by Stanley Kubrick. The film centers on Jack (Jack Nicholson), a writer with a history of alcoholism and a troubled relationship with his family, who takes a caretaking job at the remote Overlook Hotel during the winter. Upon arrival, however, Jack’s wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and their young son Danny (Danny Lloyd) realize that the hotel may be haunted, as they are plagued by unexplained events and Jack’s behavior becomes increasingly concerning.
From his earliest scenes in the film, Jack Nicholson makes it clear through his performance that something is deeply wrong with Jack under the surface of his identity as an ambitious family man, seeming as if he may snap at any moment. Nicholson’s dynamic with Shelley Duvall is highly compelling, with her pure terror being contrasted excellently with his mania and aggression, making audiences truly come to fear his character at the film’s harrowing climax. Tragic, scary and at times darkly comedic, Jack Nicholson’s performance in The Shining is a masterclass in portraying a disturbed individual.
The Shining
Release Date May 23, 1980
Director Stanley Kubrick
Cast Philip Stone, Barry Nelson, Scatman Crothers, Danny Lloyd, Shelley Duvall, Jack Nicholson
Rating R
Runtime 146 minutes
Main Genre Horror
Genres Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Psychological
Writers Diane Johnson, Stanley Kubrick, Stephen King
Studio Warner Bros.
Tagline All work and no play make Jack a dull boy…
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 psychological horror film directed by Jonathan Demme and based on Thomas Harris‘ 1988 novel. The film centers on young FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) as she is assigned a key role in the investigation of serial killer Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). In order to track the killer down, Clarice develops a rapport with Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), an incarcerated cannibal and murderer who is also a highly intelligent psychiatrist.
Winning an Oscar for Best Actress, Jodie Foster’s portrayal of Clarice received immediate acclaim due to her embodiment of Clarice’s likability, intelligence and emotional complexity. The film’s most compelling element is the dynamic between Clarice and Hannibal, with the two consistently attempting to get the upper hand in their interactions and thed chemistry between Foster and Hopkins makes their scenes electrifying. Clarice is one of horror cinema’s most iconic protagonists and one of the best characters in the Hannibal Lecter cinematic universe, with Jodie Foster’s performance greatly enhancing the role.
The Silence of the Lambs
Release Date February 14, 1991
Director Jonathan Demme
Cast Diane Baker, Kasi Lemmons, Scott Glenn, Anthony Hopkins, Anthony Heald, Brooke Smith, Ted Levine, Jodie Foster
Rating R
Runtime 118 Minutes
Main Genre Thriller
Genres Drama, Thriller, Crime
Writers Ted Tally, Thomas Harris
Character(s) Ardelia Mapp, Senator Ruth Martin, Catherine Martin, Dr. Frederick Chilton, Jame Gumb, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Clarice Sterling, Jack Crawford
Mia Farrow in ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968)
Directed by Roman Polanski
Rosemary’s Baby is a 1968 supernatural body horror film written and directed by Roman Polanski and based on the 1967 novel by Ira Levin. The film centers on a young married woman, Rosemary (Mia Farrow), whose relationships with everyone around her are thrown into question when she begins suffering a seemingly demonic pregnancy after being assaulted. Becoming increasingly ill and losing a shocking amount of weight, Rosemary begins to suspect that her neighbors are participants in an occult conspiracy surrounding her pregnancy.
Considered a masterpiece of subtle body horror, the film displays Rosemary undergoing a shocking physical transformation from a healthy young woman to someone frail, gaunt and highly physically vulnerable. Mia Farrow’s performance perfectly conveys the way that Rosemary’s bodily autonomy is being stripped from her, portraying the character as good-hearted and pure but also increasingly physically unwell and dangerously naive. One of the most acclaimed performances in genre history, Mia Farrow’s performance as the titular Rosemary is authentic, frightening and enduringly impressive.
Rosemary’s Baby
Release Date June 12, 1968
Director Roman Polanski
Cast Ralph Bellamy, Sidney Blackmer, John Cassavetes, Maurice Evans, Ruth Gordon, Mia Farrow
Cure is a 1997 Japanese supernatural psychological horror film written and directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The film centers on a mysterious string of murders with seemingly no connection except from a link to Mamiya (Masato Hagiwara), an amnesiac hypnotist. The lead detective on the case, Kenichi Takabe (Kōji Yakusho), finds himself being increasingly drawn into Mamiya’s web due to the stresses and traumas of his own personal life, placing the lives of those around him in harm’s way.
Kōji Yakusho and director Kiyoshi Kurosawa have collaborated on numerous film projects, but Cure has proven to be their most renowned due to its terrifying atmosphere and compelling premise. Yakusho shines in the lead role, portraying a delicately balanced mix of professionalism and dangerously obsessive tendencies to the character that establishes Takabe as a fascinating and potentially unreliable protagonist. Delivering scenes of devastating emotional trauma, chilling horror and dedicated detective work, Kōji Yakusho’s performance in Cure is horror perfection.
Hereditaryis a 2018 supernatural horror film written and directed by Ari Aster in his feature film debut. The film centers on a family in the midst of severe grief, initially grieving the death of their maternal grandmother, before being struck by additional tragedy and afflicted by evil supernatural forces. Annie (Toni Collette), the mother of the family, is an artist with a traumatic past who tries her best to support her children Peter (Alex Wolff) and Charlie (Milly Shapiro) but is pushed to a breaking point due to the horrific circumstances.
Notoriously one of the bleakest horror films ever made, Hereditary is beloved by critics and audience members due to its strong scares and its raw and powerful representations of generational trauma and mental illness. Receiving particular attention, Toni Collette’s performance as Annie is unflinchingly intense, perfectly embodying her character’s complexity and fragile mental state in the wake of her grief. In one unforgettable scene, Collette expels some of the most haunting and tortured screams in cinematic history, and her performance is consistently remarkable throughout.
Of all the different niches of horror movies, the zombie flick is one of the most enduring, with each generation of filmmakers bringing their unique perspective to the narrative. In recent years, we’ve seen exciting changes within the zombie genre, as many of the tropes and rules of these stories established by classics like Night of the Living Dead have been subverted and altered to suit the contemporary era. While there are many great zombie movies produced by Hollywood, there are legions of innovative titles that have come from countries besides the U.S.
Plenty of unconventional zombie movies break away from the genre, and these great international projects showcase that writers and directors everywhere are interested in seeing how far they can push the concept of the zombie. From bloody, gory films that make you want to turn away from the screen to satirical narratives that play with your expectations, these movies have it all. Lately, many of the best zombie films have been grappling with zombies as a metaphor for worldwide disease and catastrophe, often being combined with the post-apocalyptic genre.
Cargo (2017)
Directed by Ben Howling & Yolanda Ramke
Martin Freeman’s underrated realistic zombie movieCargo has long been overlooked within the genre. However, watching the Australian film today demonstrates why it’s such an emotionally gripping horror movie. Zombism is referred to as a virus within the world of Cargo, but the effects of infection work the same way, and it’s clear that anyone who gets bitten isn’t long for this world. The ticking clock of Andy’s (Freeman) infection is the background of Cargoas he attempts to get his infant daughter to safety.
Incorporating many of the best elements of the post-apocalyptic genre, Cargo also grapples with the legacy of Australia’s treatment of Indigenous Australians. Andy encounters the young girl Thoomi (Simone Landers), who helps Andy find a safe place for his daughter to be raised after he’s gone. Freeman is doubtlessly at his best in Cargo, and the complex project is a tender portrait of love and sacrifice against insurmountable odds. The setting of rural Australia also provides a unique atmosphere, as so many zombie films focus on urban environments.
Dead Snow (2009)
Directed by Tommy Wirkola
Oftentimes, in zombie movies, when a person is infected, it’s a tragic loss, and the characters’ connections make the outbreak even more terrifying. This isn’t the case in Dead Snow, a Norwegian film that doesn’t just have zombies; it has Nazi zombies. If the undead weren’t horrifying and evil enough, Dead Snow adds these extra elements. This ensures that the audience is appropriately prepared to cheer when the zombies are blown up and scream when they’re getting closer.
In many ways, Dead Snow unfolds in the classic manner of most horror narratives, beginning with a group of students traveling to a remote cabin in the Norwegian woods. One by one, Dead Snow sees the characters encounter the zombies and go to extreme lengths to escape them or fall victim to them. It’s clear from the first moments of Dead Snow that the filmmakers were having a lot of fun with the genre and wanted to play up the grotesque and campy parts of zombie films that make the genre so memorable.
#Alive (2020)
Directed by Il Cho
Infusing technology and social media into contemporary movies can be difficult, as innovation is moving so fast that these elements can become dated at the drop of a hat. However, #Alive does a great job of being relevant and timeless at the same time, as it follows the protagonist, Joon-woo, who struggles to find other survivors while facing zombies and other humans alike. Social media plays a role in #Alive, but it doesn’t overshadow the action and character development.
Yoo Ah-in anchors the film as Oh Joon-woo, the video game streamer who attempts to survive the zombie apocalypse while being locked inside his apartment.
Yoo Ah-in anchors the film as Oh Joon-woo, the video game streamer who attempts to survive the zombie apocalypse while being locked inside his apartment. Park Shin-hye plays Kim Yoo-bin, one of Joon-woo’s neighbors. She and Joon-woo eventually connect and work together to make it out alive. Their relationship provides enough bright spots and breaks in the tension of #Alive that you can stomach the more grotesque moments of the South Korean film.
One Cut Of The Dead (2017)
Directed by Shinichirou Ueda
In conversation with not only the zombie genre but filmmaking itself, One Cut of the Dead pokes fun at the lengths directors and artists will go for fame and success. The meta-project soon becomes a film within a film, showcasing the events of a fictional zombie movie, then the background of the film getting made, and the actual production of the project. Despite its microscopic budget, made for around $27,000, One Cut of the Dead catapulted to fame, earning millions of dollars and making an international splash (via The Hollywood Reporter).
When watching One Cut of the Dead today, it’s easy to see how and why the movie became such a phenomenon. Perhaps the most innovative movie of 2017, One Cut of the Dead, is hilarious and self-aware without being too tongue-in-cheek or alienating. Made with unknown actors and playing with form and niche material that most mainstream projects would shy away from, One Cut of the Dead is a fantastic movie that should be remembered among the best of the genre.
The Night Eats The World (2018)
Directed by Dominique Rocher
Set in Paris, The Night Eats the World isn’t full of loud, slow-moving zombies that are easy to outrun and a little less formidable than other movie monsters. Instead, the film includes fast, deadly, and virtually silent beasts that Sam (Anders Danielsen Lie) struggles to see coming, even from the apartment he’s hiding in. As the pain of isolation and survival sets in, it gets harder and harder for Sam to stay sane and fight off the zombies.
As much a test of endurance for the audience as it is for Sam, The Night Eats the World is a grueling addition to the zombie genre that doesn’t rely on gore to make an impact.
The Night Eats the World is a reminder of how difficult, or nearly impossible it is, for people to survive alone and that survival alone isn’t all there is. As much a test of endurance for the audience as it is for Sam, The Night Eats the World is a grueling addition to the zombie genre that doesn’t rely on gore to make an impact. Another recent French zombie film, the MadS movie, brought something unique to the genre, showcasing how France is pushing the zombie story forward.
[REC] (2007)
Directed by Paco Plaza & Jaume Balagueró
One of the best found footage horror movies,[REC] is the first in several sequels, but the iconic original film is still the best. [REC] is a Spanish movie that follows Ángela (Manuela Velasco), a reporter who gets trapped inside an apartment building with the building’s residents as they slowly become infected. Throughout the night, Ángela’s camera operator, Pablo (Pablo Rosso), captures the increasingly gory and disturbing events as Ángela attempts to escape and uncover what’s happening to them.
[REC] makes good use of the found footage genre, incorporating fun jump scares, Easter eggs, and an ominous ending to keep you hooked until the film’s final moments. Though it isn’t flashy or over-the-top, [REC] proves that a project doesn’t need a large budget or mountains of gore to make an impression. In fact, one of [REC]‘s strengths is the fact that it leaves so much up to the viewer’s imagination.
28 Days Later (2002)
Directed by Danny Boyle
As time has passed, 28 Days Later has only become more iconic within the zombie genre. Boasting a star-studded cast that includes Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, and Brendan Gleeson,28 Days Later helped to revolutionize the zombie genre and increase contemporary interest in these stories. Today, many new zombie movies have their monsters fast-moving and extraordinarily powerful, but 28 Days Later was one of the first projects that stepped away from the slow zombie trope.
It’s hard to say where the modern zombie movie would be without 28 Days Later, as it introduced so many important story choices and stylistic elements that have impacted horror as a whole, not just zombie films.
The long-awaited sequel 28 Years Later is coming soon, and though the next installment of the franchise has a lot of pressure riding on it, there’s reason to be hopeful. It’s hard to say where the modern zombie movie would be without 28 Days Later, as it introduced so many important story choices and stylistic elements that have impacted horror as a whole, not just zombie films. Fortunately, we don’t have to imagine, as revisiting 28 Days Later only reaffirms its potency.
Versus (2000)
Directed by Ryuhei Kitamura
This Japanese zombie movie is as dedicated to bringing its grotesque zombies to life as it incorporates well-choreographed action sequences. Versus uses elements of the martial arts and samurai genres to uplift the central narrative, leaning into the idea that zombies are part of intricate myths and folklore rather than a lab-created accident. Set in a forest of resurrection, an escaped prisoner and a young girl fight their way out while being pursued by dangerous men.
However, in the forest, these men won’t die and just keep chasing them. Tak Sakaguchi plays the central prisoner, with Chieko Misaka co-starring as the girl, and the pair of them make compelling action heroes. As Versus progresses, more mystical elements and historical connections are revealed, making the story more intricate and exciting with every passing moment. Versus expertly blends genres, showcasing that the zombie movie is capable of being so much more than people realize.
Shaun Of The Dead (2004)
Directed by Edgar Wright
Simon Pegg and Nick Frost quickly became one of the most iconic horror duos in recent memory thanks to their hilarious and bloody work in Shaun of the Dead. While there are plenty of horror-comedy movies out there that reimagine the genre, Shaun of the Dead immediately sets itself apart because of the unique style of filmmaking. Directed by Edgar Wright, a creative known for his distinctive editing and fast-paced comedy, Shaun of the Dead juxtaposes the urgency of Wright’s direction with the zombies’ glacial pace.
Though Shaun of the Dead was made on a small budget, it went on to receive universal acclaim and box office success.
The Night of the Living Dead movies are iconic pieces of film history, so it’s unsurprising that Shaun of the Dead lovingly pokes fun at the tropes these projects created. It can be difficult to balance the violence and inherent tragedy of the zombie genre with lighthearted humor, but Shaun of the Dead easily achieves this. Though Shaun of the Dead was made on a small budget, it went on to receive universal acclaim and box office success.
Train To Busan (2016)
Directed by Yeon Sang-ho
Yeon Sang-ho’s most iconic movie, Train to Busan, is one of the most famous contemporary zombie films, regardless of country. Action-packed and brimming with blood, gore, and surprising emotional poignancy, Train to Busan might bring a tear to your eye before the story’s over, as its central character develops as a father and a person in the wake of the shocking outbreak. Gong Yoo brings this character, Seok-woo, to life with the gravitas of an action hero, balanced with sensitivity.
Train to Busan exemplifies what we love about modern horror, as it’s in conversation with the best of the genre but is also unafraid to carve its own path. Additionally, Train to Busan is as much about class and impending natural disasters as it is a delivery system for the zombie gore we know and love. While Train to Busan doesn’t reinvent the zombie movie, it does pave the way for the next era of great brain-eating filmmaking and encourages it to include some smart commentary.
I recently read EE Cummings’s anti-war novel the “Enormous Room” as part of my reading the classics efforts. EE Cummings is best known for his wonderful and quirky poems but he wrote many other works during his prolific literary career in the the early to mid-20th century.
This book was written based on his experience as a prisoner in a French prison during World War 1. He had gone to France to serve as an ambulance driver and got into trouble with the French authorities because of anti-war comments made by his fellow American friend. He served three months in a detention camp filled with mostly foreigners who had been accused of espionage, hampering the war effort, or associating with people so accused. He was never formally charged and after three months was released.
Co-Piot provided some more background information:
“E.E. Cummings’ The Enormous Room is indeed rooted in his real-life experiences during World War I. Here’s what I found:
Cummings’ Role in the War and Imprisonment: During World War I, Cummings volunteered as an ambulance driver for the Norton-Harjes Ambulance Corps in France. However, his service was cut short when he and his friend William Slater Brown were arrested by French authorities. They were suspected of espionage due to Brown’s anti-war sentiments expressed in letters. Cummings, who stood by his friend, was detained at the La Ferté-Macé internment camp for over three months. This harrowing experience became the foundation for The Enormous Room, where he vividly recounts his time in captivity and critiques bureaucracy and Authoritarianism”
I found his critique of authoritarianism, bureaucracy, the French prison system, and anti-war sentiments to be still quite relevant over one hundred years later. His novel is filled with details about the many different prisoners from all over the world he met and became friends with during his stay in the French detention center. The novel also filled my literary references as EE Cummings studied classics at Harvard before volunteering to go to France to help in the war effort as an ambulance driver. He quotes Dante’s Divine Comedy, and Bunyan’s The Pilgrims Progress throughout the novel, particularly calling some of his fellow prisoners “delectable mountains” referencing their defiance of the petty and absurd rules of the prison.
In reading the classics, one thing that can be offputting to modern English readers is the liberal use of untranslated foreign language phrases. The Enormous Room is set in a French prison in World War 1. The writer uses a lot of untranslated French phrases throughout. Most modern literature provides English translations in parentheses of foreign phrases. Older literature usually does not not put translations of foreign text assuming perhaps that their readers would understand the foreign phrases or skip over them.
Fortunately we now have Kindle and Kindle does offer translations on the fly which is a very useful feature as well as dictionary definitions.
Of course, the other problem that I have addressed elsewhere is the causal racism, sexism etc in much older literature which can be off-putting to modern readers. The solution is to simply note it, and read on taking into account the novel or story was written in the context of its time when racism and sexism were just not concerns for most writers or readers.
In this novel, he befriends three African prisoners and discusses how one of the prisoners had been imprisoned due to the racist attitude of the police against Africans residing in France.
The prison had a women’s section and a male section, and fraternization was prohibited but still occurred. Many of the women prisoners had been imprisoned for suspected prostitution and carried out that trade in prison. Several of the male prisoners had been imprisoned for being pimps, and some for smuggling and other crimes.
The conditions in the prison were quite stark and brutal. All the prisoners slept in one large “enormous room” that contained around 100 prisoners at a time. they were allowed out once a day to go for a walk in the yard and were assigned chores His duty was as a water carrier taking water from a communal well and taking it to the kitchen where they prepared soup for the prisoners. Prisoners were fed twice a day soup and bread for the most part, and horrid coffee in the morning. He did get one cup of real coffee per day from the cook grateful for his assistance in hauling water and helping in the Kitchen from time to time. Prisoners were able to afford wine cigarettes and chocolate from the Canteen.
Most prisoners lost a lot of weight, and many became sick from scurvy and STDs picked up from visiting the women prisoners or contracted before their arrival. A few had TB and other serious illnesses. The doctor was a bit of a quack and did not have adequate supplies.
Most prisoners stayed for three to four months before the Commission in charge decided to either send them to a real prison after a trial or release them. EE Cummins was released and with the help of the US Embassy, allowed to leave France without any charges ever being filed against him.
Quotes from The Enormous Room
> “To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.”
“I imagine that yes is the only living thing.”
> “Humanity I love you because when you’re hard up you pawn your intelligence to buy a drink.”
E.E. Cummings: A Brief Biography
Full Name: Edward Estlin Cummings
Born: October 14, 1894, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Died: September 3, 1962, in North Conway, New Hampshire, USA
Education: Cummings graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in Classics in 1915 and an M.A. in 1916.
Career Highlights:
Early Life:
Cummings was born into a well-educated, upper-class family in Cambridge, Massachusetts1. His father was a professor at Harvard University and later became a minister
World War I:
During the war, Cummings served as an ambulance driver in France. He was briefly imprisoned in a French detention camp, an experience that inspired his novel “The Enormous Room.”
Literary Career:
Cummings published his first collection of poetry, “Tulips and Chimneys”, in 1923. He is known for his unconventional use of punctuation, syntax, and capitalization, which became hallmarks of his poetic style
Notable Works: Cummings wrote approximately 2,900 poems, several novels, and plays. Some of his most famous works include Tulips and Chimneys, The Enormous Room, EIMI, and the play HIM1.
Here are some of E.E. Cummings’ notable works:
Poetry Collections:
Tulips and Chimneys (1923) ViVa (1931) No Thanks (1935) 1 x 1 (1944) XAIPE: Seventy-One Poems (1950) 95 Poems (1958)
I am a big fan of the rom-com genre as is my wife. K-Drama rom-coms are among the best made as they have perfected the art of the poignant glance, and the slow-burn romance sub-genre. Bollywood also does rom-coms right as does Hollywood, of course. I often thought that my true love story would make a great rom-com so I have included that at the end. Our “meet cute” story is frankly something out of a fairy tale romance.
Here’s my list from various sources of the best rom-coms of all time. I bolded the ones I have seen. I will update this and my movie list and K drama list from time to time. Stay tuned. And let me know which one of these recommendations you liked the most.
Again My Life Korean: 어게인 마이 라이프 (Eogein Mai Laipeu) rom-com
Wonhae) rom-com
Age of Youth (2016-2017) Korean Title: 청춘시대 (Cheongchunsidae)
Autumn In My Heart (가을동화) rom-com
At Eighteen (2019) Korean Title: 열여덟의 순간 (Yeolyeodeolbui Sun-gan)
Because This Is My First Life Korean: 이번 생은 처음이라 (Ibeon Saengeun Cheoeumira)
Boys Over Flowers (꽃보다 남자, Kkotboda Namja) Rom-com
Business Proposal Korean: 사내 맞선 (Sanae Matseon)
***Castaway Diva rom-com about a woman who lived on a deserted island for ten years and when she was rescued became a diva at age 30 rom-com 무인도의 디바 (Muin-Do-Ui Diva)
Crazy Love (크레이지 러브) Broadcast Dates: March 7, 2022 – April 26, 2022.
***Check-In Hanyang Korean: 체크인 한양 (Chekeuin Hanyang) political intrigue rom-com set in the mid-Joeson period based loosely on a true story
Cheer Up! (2015) Korean Title: 발칙하게 고고 (Balchikhage Gogo)
Coffee Prince Korean: 커피프린스 1호점 (Keopipeurinseu 1 Hojom)
**Crash Course In Romance Korean: 일타 스캔들 (Ilta Seukaendeul) about a famous teacher finding love
***Crash Landing On You Korean: 사랑의 불시착 (Sarangui Bulsichak) about a love affair between a North Korean officer and a South Korean heiress who crash lands in N Korea after a para-gliding accident near the border
Crazy Love Korean: 크레이지 러브 (Keureiji Reobeu)
Dali And The Cocky Prince Korean: 달리와 감자탕 (Dalliwa Gamjatang) rom-com
Descendants Of The Sun Korean: 태양의 후예 (Taeyangui Huye) rom-com
Dear. M (2022) Korean Title: 디어엠 (D-M)
Destined With You 이 연애는 불가항력 (I Yeonaeneun Bulgahangryeok) rom-com
*Doctor Cha Korean: 닥터 차정숙 (Dakteo Cha Jeongsuk) hospital drama about a middle age woman who returns to finish her residency ten years later rom-com featuring a real jerk of a husband leading to a divorce of course
Doctor John 의사요한 (Uisayohan) hospital rom-com a bit disappointing acting was so-so
***Doctor Romantic 낭만닥터 김사부 (Nangman Dakteo Kim Sabu) one of the better hospital rom-coms, and dramas featuring a doctor who has to decide why he is a doctor in the first place overcoming his desires to become a famous doctor, deals with ethical dilemmas in the medical field
**Doctor Slump 닥터 슬럼프 (Dakteo Seulleompeu) rom-com about a doctor who suffers a mental breakdown and struggles to return, also a slow burn hate turning to love drama
*Eve Korean: 이브 (Ibeu) interesting tango plot
Fated To Love You 운명처럼 널 사랑해 (Unmyeongcheoreom Neol Saranghae) rom-com
Fight For My Way Korean: 쌈, 마이웨이 (Ssam, Maiwei) rom-com
Full House Korean: 풀하우스 (Pulhauseu)
Go Back Couple (고백부부) rom-com
Goong Princess
Korean Title: 궁 (Goong)
Happiness (해피니스) rom-com
Healer 힐러 (Hilleo)
Her Private Life (그녀의 사생활) – A talented curator leads a double life as an idol fan and falls for her new boss. rom-com.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha 갯마을 차차차 (Gaetmaeul Chachacha) rom-com on my list to see
I Am Not a Robot (로봇이 아니야) – A man who is allergic to humans falls in love with a woman pretending to be a robot. SciiFi rom-com
It’s Okay, That’s Love (괜찮아, 사랑이야) rom-com
***Itaewon Class Korean: 이태원 클라쓰 (Itaewon Keullasseu) revenge rom-com set in Itaewon Koren’s infamous foreign ghetto, features a trans character and a half Korean character
I’m Sorry, I Love You (미안하다 사랑한다) Broadcast: November 8, 2004 – December 28, 20042.
Live Up To Your Name 명불허전 (Myeongbulheojeon) rom-com about a 18th century doctor who finds himself in modern Seoul
Love To Hate You 연애대전 (Yeon-Aedaejeon) rom-com
Mad About You Korean: 미쳐서 너 (Micheoseo Neo) rom-com
***Mine 마인 (Main) rom-com, revenge, rich people behaving badly features a lesbian lead actress
***· My Love From The Star (별에서 온 그대, Byeoreseo On Geudae) rom-com with an alien
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter…and Spring (Kim Ki-duk, 2003)
When The Camellia Blooms: 동백꽃 필 무렵 (Dongbaekkot Pil Muryeop) rom-com
**Reflections On You: 너를 닮은 사람 (Neoreul Dalmeun Saram) rom-com
*Ray Of Sunshine: 정신병동에도 아침이 와요 (Jeongsinbyeongdongedo Achimi Wayo) about a medical doctor suffering from mental illness
My Demon: Korean: 마이 데몬 (Mai Demon)
Moon Embracing the Sun Korean Title: 해를 품은 달 (Haereul Pumeun Dal) Release Date: January 4, 2012
My Girl Korean Title: 마이걸 (Maigeol) Release Date: December 14, 2005
My Lovely Samsoon Korean Title: 내 이름은 김삼순 (Nae Ireumeun Kim Samsoon) Release Date: June 1, 2005
Pasta Korean Title: 파스타 (Paseuta) Release Date: January 4, 2010
Personal Taste Korean Title: 개인의 취향 (Gaeinui Chwihyang) Release Date: March 31, 2010
See You In My 19th Life: 이번 생도 잘 부탁해 (Ibeon Saengdo Jal Butakhae) rom-com
Stairway to Heaven (천국의 계단) rom-com
True Beauty Korean Title: 여신강림 (Yeosingangrim) rom-com Release Date: December 9, 2020
The Moon Embracing the Sun (해를 품은 달) rom-com
Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022) Korean Title: 스물다섯 스물하나 (Seumuldaseot Seumulhana)
While You Were Sleeping (당신이 잠든 사이에) – A fantasy romance about a woman who can see the future through her dreams and a prosecutor who tries to prevent disasters. Rom-copm
W (더블유) rom-com
Save Me (구해줘)
Tempted (위대한 유혹자)
The Light in Your Eyes
눈이 부시게
February 11, 2019
he Swoon 더 스운 (Deo Seun)
Trunk 트렁크 (Teureongkeu) Drama
Winter Sonata (겨울연가) Broadcast: January 14, 2002 – March 19, 20021. One Of The First Global K Drama Hits
Can This Love Be Translated? (이 사랑 통역 되나요?) – Q4 202526
When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다) – March 7, 20258
I recently read EE Cummings’s anti-war novel the “Enormous Room” as part of my reading the classics efforts. EE Cummings is best known for his wonderful and quirky poems but he wrote many other works during his prolific literary career in the the early to mid-20th century.
This book was written based on his experience as a prisoner in a French prison during World War 1. He had gone to France to serve as an ambulance driver and got into trouble with the French authorities because of anti-war comments made by his fellow American friend. He served three months in a detention camp filled with mostly foreigners who had been accused of espionage, hampering the war effort, or associating with people so accused. He was never formally charged and after three months was released.
Co-Piot provided some more background information:
“E.E. Cummings’ The Enormous Room is indeed rooted in his real-life experiences during World War I. Here’s what I found:
Cummings’ Role in the War and Imprisonment: During World War I, Cummings volunteered as an ambulance driver for the Norton-Harjes Ambulance Corps in France. However, his service was cut short when he and his friend William Slater Brown were arrested by French authorities. They were suspected of espionage due to Brown’s anti-war sentiments expressed in letters. Cummings, who stood by his friend, was detained at the La Ferté-Macé internment camp for over three months. This harrowing experience became the foundation for The Enormous Room, where he vividly recounts his time in captivity and critiques bureaucracy and Authoritarianism”
I found his critique of authoritarianism, bureaucracy, the French prison system, and anti-war sentiments to be still quite relevant over one hundred years later. His novel is filled with details about the many different prisoners from all over the world he met and became friends with during his stay in the French detention center. The novel also filled my literary references as EE Cummings studied classics at Harvard before volunteering to go to France to help in the war effort as an ambulance driver. He quotes Dante’s Divine Comedy, and Bunyan’s The Pilgrims Progress throughout the novel, particularly calling some of his fellow prisoners “delectable mountains” referencing their defiance of the petty and absurd rules of the prison.
In reading the classics, one thing that can be offputting to modern English readers is the liberal use of untranslated foreign language phrases. The Enormous Room is set in a French prison in World War 1. The writer uses a lot of untranslated French phrases throughout. Most modern literature provides English translations in parentheses of foreign phrases. Older literature usually does not not put translations of foreign text assuming perhaps that their readers would understand the foreign phrases or skip over them.
Fortunately we now have Kindle and Kindle does offer translations on the fly which is a very useful feature as well as dictionary definitions.
Of course, the other problem that I have addressed elsewhere is the causal racism, sexism etc in much older literature which can be off-putting to modern readers. The solution is to simply note it, and read on taking into account the novel or story was written in the context of its time when racism and sexism were just not concerns for most writers or readers.
In this novel, he befriends three African prisoners and discusses how one of the prisoners had been imprisoned due to the racist attitude of the police against Africans residing in France.
The prison had a women’s section and a male section, and fraternization was prohibited but still occurred. Many of the women prisoners had been imprisoned for suspected prostitution and carried out that trade in prison. Several of the male prisoners had been imprisoned for being pimps, and some for smuggling and other crimes.
The conditions in the prison were quite stark and brutal. All the prisoners slept in one large “enormous room” that contained around 100 prisoners at a time. they were allowed out once a day to go for a walk in the yard and were assigned chores His duty was as a water carrier taking water from a communal well and taking it to the kitchen where they prepared soup for the prisoners. Prisoners were fed twice a day soup and bread for the most part, and horrid coffee in the morning. He did get one cup of real coffee per day from the cook grateful for his assistance in hauling water and helping in the Kitchen from time to time. Prisoners were able to afford wine cigarettes and chocolate from the Canteen.
Most prisoners lost a lot of weight, and many became sick from scurvy and STDs picked up from visiting the women prisoners or contracted before their arrival. A few had TB and other serious illnesses. The doctor was a bit of a quack and did not have adequate supplies.
Most prisoners stayed for three to four months before the Commission in charge decided to either send them to a real prison after a trial or release them. EE Cummins was released and with the help of the US Embassy, allowed to leave France without any charges ever being filed against him.
Quotes from The Enormous Room
> “To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.”
“I imagine that yes is the only living thing.”
> “Humanity I love you because when you’re hard up you pawn your intelligence to buy a drink.”
E.E. Cummings: A Brief Biography
Full Name: Edward Estlin Cummings
Born: October 14, 1894, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Died: September 3, 1962, in North Conway, New Hampshire, USA
Education: Cummings graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in Classics in 1915 and an M.A. in 1916.
Career Highlights:
Early Life:
Cummings was born into a well-educated, upper-class family in Cambridge, Massachusetts1. His father was a professor at Harvard University and later became a minister
World War I:
During the war, Cummings served as an ambulance driver in France. He was briefly imprisoned in a French detention camp, an experience that inspired his novel “The Enormous Room.”
Literary Career:
Cummings published his first collection of poetry, “Tulips and Chimneys”, in 1923. He is known for his unconventional use of punctuation, syntax, and capitalization, which became hallmarks of his poetic style
Notable Works: Cummings wrote approximately 2,900 poems, several novels, and plays. Some of his most famous works include Tulips and Chimneys, The Enormous Room, EIMI, and the play HIM1.
Here are some of E.E. Cummings’ notable works:
Poetry Collections:
Tulips and Chimneys (1923) ViVa (1931) No Thanks (1935) 1 x 1 (1944) XAIPE: Seventy-One Poems (1950) 95 Poems (1958)
Sam Adams
sat drinking alone
in a bar
on the shady side of life.
Filled with strange creatures
fellow lost souls
drinking late into the night.
The lunatic light
of the blood-red moon
illuminates the bar.
He stands up
twenty drinks too sober
walks outside.
Looks at the full moon
begins howling at the moon
like an escaped banshee
released from hell.
Lunatic Light of the Full Moon Haiku
The lunatic light
of the blood-red super-moon
lights up the mad night.
The Werewolf Emerges
On the night of the super red full moon
Sam Adams set in a bar
drinking his way to hell.
As fast as he could
Sam Adams had a secret
he was convinced
that he was a werewolf.
On the nights of the full moon
he would shed his human form
and the inner werewolf would emerge
to howl at the moon.
As the blood-red moon
danced across the sky
the transformation began
as usual.
Sam gradually felt
the inner werewolf emerging
taking over his soul.
Sam dams stood up
the transformation complete
He ran outside
to howl at the moon,
The other drinkers
shrugged
Just another night
of insanity
in their din of iniquity.
Just an Unhinged Lunatic Howling at the Moon
On a moonlit late-night
i sat in a bar
drinking drams of demented, fermented dream dew
just an unhinged lunatic
dreaming of howling at the full moon.
Watching the world walk by
looking at all the fine-looking babes.
Walking by the street
thinking wild, erotic thoughts
of endless wild libertine passions.
When into the bar
walked the most beautiful women.
In the universe
so wild, so free
so wonderfully alive.
I did not know what to do
as this vision of delight
sauntered through the bar.
In a skin-tight leather pants
looked so fine
that my eyeballs hurt.
And finally, i had to say something
so i gathered up my manly courage
and walked up to her.
And she looked at me
and instantly bewitched my soul
with a devilish grin.
I lost all reason
and became a raving lunatic
unhinged lunatic
howling at the moon.
Foaming at the mouth
a wild, free werewolf
howling at the lunatic light
of the full moon.
Howling at the Moon
I stood outside
between the trees
in a field
on the outside of town.
Beneath the lunatic rays
of the blood-red full moon.
The lunatic lights of the moon
casts a wild primeval glow
on me.
The hormonal chemicals are unleashed
the wild beast within
escapes it chain.
And i howl with delight
a werewolf
free at last.
howling at the moon.
To run amuck
free of its civilized restraints
throwing off its clothes
stripping naked.
Running wild
naked and free
a wild man
enjoying his freedom.
Lunatic howling at the moon
As i sit
under the lunatic light of the full moon
of the blood-red lights of the moon.
Full of wild passions
the lustful beast stirs again.
And starts running and running
howling at the moon.
Riding into the new dawn
on a demented harley davis cycle.
With two naked babes on his back.
Riding into the sun
90 miles per second
at the speed of thought.
He disappears
into the lunatic light
of the full moon.
And i wake up
alone in my bed
saying, man, that was quite a night
i better not go there again.
The wild beast
laughs
he has heard that before.
And i join him
in howling at the moon.
One Crazy Night
One crazy moonlit night
i could not get to sleep
at all.
I looked up
looked out at the window
at the full blood moon
saw by its lunatic light,
Your face
was on the moon.
And i looked up
at the light
that crazy light.
and dreamed
I was with you
again.
And I woke up
again
and I woke up
alone in my bed.
Dreaming dark dreams
of you
wishing it were
other than it was.
I stepped outside
and began howling
at the full moon.
All alone
all alone again
in this world.
Full Moon Lunacy
lovers in the moon light
The full moon hangs
in the evening sky.
Huge, heavy, and full of mystery
it almost looks like it will fall
out of the sky.
The full moon brings out
the lunatics run amuck
howling at the light of the moon.
The full moon inspires lustful thoughts
and wild erotic imaginings
and dark secret desires.
As the lunatic light of the full moon
causes civilized people
to lose themselves
and embrace their inner wild child.
And so, I stare
at the lunatic light
of the full moon.
And howl like an escaped banshee
howling at the moon.
Crazed Madman Howling at the Moon
On a moonlit late-night
i sat in a bar
drinking drams of demented, fermented dream dew
just an unhinged lunatic
dreaming of howling at the full moon.
Watching the world walk by
looking at all the fine-looking babes.
Walking by the street
thinking wild, erotic thoughts
of endless wild libertine passions.
When into the bar
walked the most beautiful women.
In the universe
so wild, so free
so wonderfully alive.
I did not know what to do
as this vision of delight
sauntered through the bar.
In a skin-tight leather pants
looked so fine
that my eyeballs hurt.
And finally, i had to say something
so i gathered up my manly courage
and walked up to her.
And she looked at me
and instantly bewitched my soul
with a devilish grin.
I lost all reason
and became a raving lunatic
unhinged lunatic
howling at the moon.
Foaming at the mouth
a wild, free werewolf
howling at the lunatic light
of the full moon.
Another Lunatic Howling at the Moon
s I sit
under the lunatic light of the full moon
of the blood-red light of the moon.
Full of wild passions
the lustful beast stirs again.
And starts running and running
howling at the moon.
Riding into the new dawn
on a demented Harley-Davis cycle
With two naked babes on his back
Riding into the moon
90 miles per second
at the speed of thought.
He disappears into the lunatic light
of the full moon.
And I wake up
alone in my bed.
saying, man, that was quite a night
i better not go there again.
The wild beast
laughs
he has heard that before.
And I join him
in howling at the moon.
Pink Moon Inspires Lunacy
a moonlit night
the pink moon
shone casting a baleful light
in the world below.
A man sat drinking
in a depraved bar
in an evil part of the city.
Drinking up a storm
with his buddies
Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Mr. Evan.
Johhny Walker brothers,
And old granddad looked on.
Encouraging him to drink
one scotch, one bourbon, and one beer.
He looked up
at the naked dancing ladies
dancing up a storm
with an attitude
a z tude
that could kill.
He stood up
stepped outside
and howled
at the pink moon
who smiled at him.
Howling with the Dancing Moon
A man
sits drinking late into the night
on the night of the blood-red
super pink moon.
The lunatic light of the moon
inspires him
as he drinks
in that depraved din of inequity
on the left side of society.
Drinking with his buddies
Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Mr. Evan.
Johhny Walker brothers,
And old granddad looked on.
Drinking one scotch, one bourbon
and one beer.
Watching the naked woman
Dancing on stage.
He finishes drinking
20 drinks too sober
he walks outside.
And sees the naked moon
dancing up a storm
flying across the sky
ripping her clothes off.
Tap dancing
to the insane disco beat
of the bar.
He gives in
jumps into the sky
dancing with the naked moon
howling with the moon maiden.
Like an escaped banshee
from the lunatic bins
of hell.
The Pink Super Moon
The pink super moon
casts a cold baleful glow
over the sleeping world
inspiring the drunken men
to howl at the moon.
Howling at the Pink Super-moon
On a moonlit late-night
the pink supermoon
casting a baleful light
in the world below.
While inside
Sam Adams sat drinking
in a depraved bar
in a den of iniquity.
In an evil part of the city
on the left side
of society.
Drinking up a storm
with his buddies
Johnny Walker, Jack daniels
Jim Beam, and Mr. Evan
and old granddad looked on.
Encouraging him to drink
one scotch, one bourbon, and one beer.
He was just an unhinged lunatic
dreaming of howling at the full moon.
Watching the world walk by
looking at all the fine-looking babes.
Walking by the street
thinking wild, erotic thoughts
of endless wild libertine passions.
He looked up
at the naked dancing ladies
dancing up a storm
with an attitude
a z tude
that could kill.
When into the bar
walked the most beautiful women
in the universe.
So wild, so free
so wonderfully alive.
He did not know what to do
as this vision of delight
sauntered through the bar.
In skin-tight leather pants
looked so fine
that his eyeballs hurt.
Finally, he had to say something
he gathered up my manly courage
he walked up to her.
She looked at him
instantly bewitched his soul
with a devilish grin.
He lost all reason
and became a raving lunatic
unhinged lunatic.
Under the lunatic light of the full moon
of the blood-red lights of the moon
full of wild passions
the lustful beast stirs again.
And starts running and running
howling at the moon
riding into the new dawn.
on a demented Harley Davis cycle
with two naked babes on his back.
Riding into the moon.
90 miles per second
at the speed of thought.
he disappears into the lunatic light
of the full moon,
Sam Adams woke up alone,
in his bed
the naked babes
having disappeared
from his demented dreams.
Saying,
“man, that was quite a night
i better not go there again.”
The wild beast
laughs
he has heard that before.
And joins him
in howling at the pink moon
in the fading light
of the lost last night
of the newly damned.
Wolves Howling at the Moon
As the night falls
The full moon
The blood-red full moon
Begins to rise
Carving a sign
Across the night sky
Now you begin to
To hear the pitiful sound
The thumping of the wolves
As they gathered together
Dropping from their hiding places
Gathering together
Revealing their lies
And in one breath
Snarling begin to howl
At the full red blood moon
Zombie Wolves Howling at the Moon
As the moon rises
Over the forest below,
Two wolves gather together
And with one breath
Begin howling at the moon.
Their awful din
Soon wakes up the dead
Zombies walk out of graves
Attacking the living.
The wolves continue to howl
Joined in the zombie hoard.
Woman howling at the moon
A madwoman
Drinking all night
At the Cosmos Bar
Twenty drinks too sober.
Looks outside
At the lunatic light
Of the full moon
Shines over the Chao Praya River
In Bangkok.
She jumps up
Running outside
To howl at the full moon
Like an escaped banshee.
Maria lee off balanced madness
Maria Lee looked up
From her perch in the Cosmos Bar
Looked out at the street
Under the petrichor umbrella
The elastic holding back the rain
It was a gusty early evening
She went out to the street
Looked at the full moon
She began to howl at the moon
Moaning with pleasure
As the pear-shaped moon
Rose overhead
Casting a purple hew
To the mad scene
She jumped overboard
Into the river
Suddenly struck voiceless
And began swimming
She was off balance
As the moon continued
To illuminate the scene
The scent of bad craziness
All around her.
Mad Moonbeams
Adams went out drinking one night
ending up twenty drinks too sober
as the last call for alcohol rang
he looked up and saw
the lunatic light of the full moon
moonbeams beaming at him
he runs outside howling at the moon
dying when a drunk driver ran him over
Howling at the Wolf Moon Rising Over the Chao Praya River
As evening set in
On a typical Friday night
In Bangkok.
The denizens of the Cosmos Bar
In Soi Cowboy.
A motley crew from all over
The world, and locals too.
Lust for the common international language.
Began drinking
With their buddies.
Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Johny Walker, Evan Williams
Wild turkey, and Old Granddad
Drinking one scotch, one bourbon, and one beer.
As the destroyers
Sang on the loudspeakers
And porno played on the tv.
And naked women danced
With an attitude
That could kill
an elephant in heat.
The woman circling the bar
Looking for their eventual dates.
The scent of bad craziness
Hung in the air.
The wolf moon rose
In the sky
Over the Chao Praya River.
Casting its lunatic light
On the never-sleeping
City of lost angels.
The drinkers
20 drinks too sober
Ran out into the street.
The lunatic light
Of the full wolf moon
Transforming them
Into deranged lunatics.
They began
Howling at the moon.
Like escaped banshees
Freed from their alyssum
In hell.
They howled at the moon
As the moon continued
To overwhelm
The howling lunatics.
Howling at the Wolf Moon Nocturna
Drinkers in the Cosmos Bar,
Twenty drinks too sober,
Staring at the lunar star,
rising over the river.
on that night in October.
Running outside looking upriver,
Howling at the full wolf moon.
no longer stone-sober,
Will be very drunk soon.
Basset Puppy Howling at the Moon
In the late afternoon shadow
the red sunset darkening the sky
the basset hound puppy.
.
Stirs and gets up
hearing the distant sounds
of the train in the distance.
Scenting bad craziness in the air
the dog begins to howl in the night.
Howling as the moon rises
casting its lunatic light
on the mad scene.
Deranged lunatic dog
inspired to howl when he sees it
super blue moon
Howling with the Dancing Moon
Sam Adams
sits drinking late into the night
on the night of the blood-red
super blue wolf moon.
The lunatic light of the moon
inspires him.
as he drinks
in that depraved din of inequity
on the left side of society.
Drinking with his buddies,
Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Johnny Walker
Old Granddad,
Drinking one scotch, one bourbon
and one beer.
Watching the naked woman
dancing on stage.
He finishes drinking
20 drinks too sober.
He walks outside.
And sees the naked moon
dancing up a storm.
Flying across the sky
ripping her clothes off.
Tap dancing
to the insane disco beat
of the bar.
He gives in
jumps into the sky,
dancing with the naked moon
howling with the moon maiden.
Like an escaped banshee
from the lunatic bins
of hell.
The Pink Super Moon Tanka
More Pink Moon
The pink super moon
casts a cold baleful glow
over the sleeping world
inspiring the drunken men
to howl at the moon.
Drunken Old Man Howling at the Moon
A drunken old man down on his luck
was drinking in a nameless bar
in a disreputable forgotten part of town
where decent citizens and police feared to tread.
twenty drinks too sober
he was drinking his way to hell
surrounded by his fellow low-life bums
outlaw scoundrels one and all.
he looked outside
transfixed by the full moon
the lunatic light of the moon.
Blood red super moon
inspired him compelled him.
he stood up and growled
and ran out into the street
and started howling
at the full moon.
the other denizens of the bar
the derelicts, drunken bums, barflies
rushed out and joined him
in howling at the moon.
went back inside
and continued to drink
their way to hell.
Howling at the full moon in bangkok
Sam Adams was feeling blue, down on his luck. He went to his favorite watering hole, the Cosmos Bar in Soi Cowboy, Bangkok, and began drinking up a storm with his buddies: Jack Daniel’s, Johnny Walker, Old Granddad, Evans, and Jim Beam. He told the comely barmaid, Kuhn Lek, “Bring me one scotch, one bourbon, and one beer.” He drank it all down, barely noticing the naked ladies dancing on the stage. She smiled sadly, knowing there was nothing that could change his mood. He kept drinking until, at last, he was twenty drinks too sober. Then he ordered fried fish Thai style for his midnight dinner.
He looked up and out at the street, noticing the full moon outside. The full moon shed its lunatic light on the streets of Bangkok. Sam Adams stood up and said, “The moon is full tonight. Let’s go out and howl at the moon.”
He ran outside onto the road, stripping naked and waving a feather as he danced and howled like an escaped banshee at the glowing moon. He inspired others to join him in howling at the moon. He ran down the street and was tragically run over by a drunk bus driver, ending his life as the moon continued to shine on the mad scene.
Moon Over July
In the middle
of the summer
in july, midsummer madness
outside under the stars
the storm is abating.
The full moon comes out
the man recalling mad lyrics
starts howling at the lunatic light
of the wolf moon
like an escaped banshee
as the mad moon
stares down at them.
Howling at the Strawberry Moon
Big Daddy was talking
to his best friend Sam Adams
in the Cosmos Bar
in Bangkok, Thailand.
Sit down and listen
to me.
God,
i wish I had
my yarn and needles with me
that’s my latest hobby
helps me focus.
In the end
it is all about money
it is all about the benjamin’s
nothing personal at all.
Hey there is cool water in a jar
let’s drink some water
and a shot of Mekong whiskey
it is cocktail time, my friend.
And as usual
they drank through the night
until o dark hundred.
Twenty drinks too sober.
When they joined
their fellow inmates
in their insane asylum
of a bar.
In going outside
howling like escaped banshees
at the strawberry super full moon
shining its lunatic lights
over the Chao Praya River.
Blame it on the moon
blame it on the moon.”
that is what Sam Adams said
to the police
after they picked him up
leading a pack of rabid “farang”
men and woman
running naked down the street.
They had met in front
of the infamous Cosmos Bar
in notorious bangkok
at o dark hundred.
They were heading to the riverbank
when the police arrested them,
for disturbing the peace.
They were all incoherent
just staring at the blood-red
full moon overlooking
the “Chao Phraya “ River.
Looking like escaped banshees
howling at the lunatic lights
of the full super blue moon.
The cops laughed
saying on full moon nights
they had a lot of such incidents
On the night of the blood-red super full moon
I sat in an evil, depraved godforsaken bar.
drinking drams of demented, fermented dream dew
washed down by endless rounds of whiskey
rum, tequila, vodka, soju and of course beer
drinking with my buddies, the Jack Daniels gang.
drinking my way to hell and beyond
just as fast as i could
twenty damn drinks too sober.
just an unhinged lunatic
dreaming of howling at the full moon.
watching the world walk by
looking at all the fine-looking babes
walking by the street.
thinking wild, erotic thoughts
of endless wild libertine passions.
when into the bar
that din of cosmic depravity.
walked the most beautiful women
in the universe.
so wild, so free
so wonderfully alive.
I did not know what to do
as this vision of delight
sauntered through the bar.
in a skin-tight leather pant
looked so fine
that my eyeballs hurt.
and finally, I had to say something
so, i gathered up my manly courage
and walked up to her.
and she looked at me
and instantly bewitched my soul
with a devilish grin,
i lost all reason
and became a raving lunatic
unhinged lunatic
howling at the blood-red full moon.
foaming at the mouth
a wild, free werewolf
howling at the lunatic light
of the blood red blue full moon.
On the night of a blood-red wolf moon
a man stood outside
between the trees
in a field
on the outside of town.
beneath the lunatic rays
of the blood-red full moon
the lunatic lights of the moon
casts a wild primeval glow
on him.
the hormonal chemicals are unleashed
the wild beast within
escapes it chain.
and he howls with delight
a werewolf
free at last.
to run amuck
free of its civilized restraints
throwing off his clothes
stripping naked.
running wild
naked and free
a wild man
enjoying his freedom.
as he sits
under the lunatic light of the full moon
of the blood-red lights of the wolf moon
full of wild passions
the lustful beast stirs again.
and starts running and running
howling at the moon
riding into the new dawn.
on a demented Harvey-Davis cycle
with two naked babes on his back.
riding into the Moon
90 miles per second
at the speed of thought.
he disappears into the lunatic light
of the full moon.
and he woke ups
alone,
in his bed,
Saying,
“Man, that was quite a night
I better not go there again”
the wildman
laughs
he has heard that before.
and he joins him
in howling at the wolf moon,
Howling at the Moon Bing AI Version
I hear a distant howl
A lonely voice in the night
Calling out to the moon
Seeking its silver light
I feel a primal urge
A restless fire in my soul
Breaking free from the cage
Running wild and whole
I join the chorus of howls
A symphony of the dark
Echoing through the woods
Reaching for the moon’s spark
We are the children of the moon
We live by its phases and tides
We howl at the moon
Howling with the Dancing Moon: This poem describes a surreal and vivid night under the influence of the moon’s lunatic light, blending imagery of dancing and howling.
A man
Sits drinking late into the night
On the night of the blood-red
super blue wolf moon
the lunatic light of the moon
inspires him
as he drinks
in that depraved din of inequity
on the left side of society
Drinking with his buddies
Johnny Walker, Jim Beam
Jack Daniels, Evan, Old Granddad
Drinking one Scotch, one Bourbon
And one beer
Watching the naked woman
Dancing on stage
He finishes drinking
20 drinks too sober
He walks outside
And sees the naked moon
Dancing up a storm
Flying across the sky
Ripping her clothes off
Tap dancing
To the insane disco beat
Of the bar
He gives in
Jumps into the sky
Dancing with the naked moon
Howling with the moon maiden
Like an escaped banshee
From the lunatic bins
Of Hell
In honor of the Pink Moon, the first of three super moons in a row, I have revised my “lunatic Howling at the Moon” poems and posted them on my blog @https://theworldaccordingtocosmos.com and on my Spotify podcast. Hope you enjoy them.
Madman Howling at the Super Blue Full Wolf Moon: A tale of transformation and wildness under the spell of the Super Blue Full Wolf Moon, where the protagonist embraces their inner werewolf.
The super blue full wolf moon
fills the sky
with its baleful evil glow
and a man fell under its evil glare
the evil super blue full wolf moon
brings out the beast in him
and he sheds his civilized veneer
the inner werewolf coming out
sniffing the air
smiling saying this is good
and begins running
down the trail
howling at the moon
at the super blue full wolf moon
as it stares down at him
urging him to worship her
the mad mood goddess
who lives in the moon
Diana commands him
compels him
and he gives in
howling like an escaped banshee
escaped from his lair in hell
howling like the werewolf he was
He strips off his clothes
and run deep into the mountains
howling insanely
driven mad
by the baleful evil light
of the super blue full wolf moon
and gives in and become once again
a werewolf consumed by the moon
the super full blue wolf moon
smiles at her victory
and the man joins Diana
in saluting his mistress
Diana the moon goddess
who lives on the moon
and comes out once a year
on the super full blue wold moon
In the late afternoon shadow The red sunset darkening the sky
The basset hound puppy.
.
Stirs and gets up
Hearing the distant sounds
Of the train in the distance.
Scenting bad craziness in the air
The dog begins to howl in the night.
Howling as the moon rises
Casting its lunatic light
On the mad scene.
Please use the following in bold in your poem or story in any order:
afternoon shadow
red sunset
train in the distance
howl in the night
Basset Hound puppy
Here is an updated list of my Howling at the Moon poems, published on the wolf moon night. Quite a few have been published elsewhere.
Index
Begin Poems
Howling at the Moon like an Escaped Banshee
Sam Adams
sat drinking alone
in a bar
on the shady side of life.
Filled with strange creatures
fellow lost souls
drinking late into the night.
The lunatic light
of the blood-red moon
illuminates the bar.
He stands up
twenty drinks too sober
walks outside.
Looks at the full moon
begins howling at the moon
like an escaped banshee
released from hell.
The Lunatic Light of the Blood Red Super-moon
The lunatic light
of the blood-red super-moon
lights up the mad night.
The Werewolf Emerges
On the night of the super red full moon
Sam Adams set in a bar
drinking his way to hell.
As fast as he could
Sam Adams had a secret
he was convinced
that he was a werewolf.
On the nights of the full moon
he would shed his human form
and the inner werewolf would emerge
to howl at the moon.
As the blood-red moon
danced across the sky
the transformation began
as usual.
Sam gradually felt
the inner werewolf emerging
taking over his soul.
Sam dams stood up
the transformation complete
He ran outside
to howl at the moon,
The other drinkers
shrugged
Just another night
of insanity
in their din of iniquity.
Just an Unhinged Lunatic Howling at the Moon
man howling at the man
On a moonlit late-night
i sat in a bar
drinking drams of demented, fermented dream dew
just an unhinged lunatic
dreaming of howling at the full moon.
Watching the world walk by
looking at all the fine-looking babes.
Walking by the street
thinking wild, erotic thoughts
of endless wild libertine passions.
When into the bar
walked the most beautiful women.
In the universe
so wild, so free
so wonderfully alive.
I did not know what to do
as this vision of delight
sauntered through the bar.
In a skin-tight leather pants
looked so fine
that my eyeballs hurt.
And finally, i had to say something
so i gathered up my manly courage
and walked up to her.
And she looked at me
and instantly bewitched my soul
with a devilish grin.
I lost all reason
and became a raving lunatic
unhinged lunatic
howling at the moon.
Foaming at the mouth
a wild, free werewolf
howling at the lunatic light
of the full moon.
Howling at the Moon
I stood outside
between the trees
in a field
on the outside of town.
Beneath the lunatic rays
of the blood-red full moon.
The lunatic lights of the moon
casts a wild primeval glow
on me.
The hormonal chemicals are unleashed
the wild beast within
escapes it chain.
And i howl with delight
a werewolf
free at last.
howling at the moon.
To run amuck
free of its civilized restraints
throwing off its clothes
stripping naked.
Running wild
naked and free
a wild man
enjoying his freedom.
Lunatic howling at the moon
As i sit
under the lunatic light of the full moon
of the blood-red lights of the moon.
Full of wild passions
the lustful beast stirs again.
And starts running and running
howling at the moon.
Riding into the new dawn
on a demented harley davis cycle.
With two naked babes on his back.
Riding into the sun
90 miles per second
at the speed of thought.
He disappears
into the lunatic light
of the full moon.
And i wake up
alone in my bed
saying, man, that was quite a night
i better not go there again.
The wild beast
laughs
he has heard that before.
And i join him
in howling at the moon.
One Crazy Night
One crazy moonlit night
i could not get to sleep
at all.
I looked up
looked out at the window
at the full blood moon
saw by its lunatic light,
Your face
was on the moon.
And i looked up
at the light
that crazy light.
and dreamed
I was with you
again.
And I woke up
again
and I woke up
alone in my bed.
Dreaming dark dreams
of you
wishing it were
other than it was.
I stepped outside
and began howling
at the full moon.
All alone
all alone again
in this world.
Full Moon Lunacy
The full moon hangs
in the evening sky.
Huge, heavy, and full of mystery
it almost looks like it will fall
out of the sky.
The full moon brings out
the lunatics run amuck
howling at the light of the moon.
The full moon inspires lustful thoughts
and wild erotic imaginings
and dark secret desires.
As the lunatic light of the full moon
causes civilized people
to lose themselves
and embrace their inner wild child.
And so, I stare
at the lunatic light
of the full moon.
And howl like an escaped banshee
howling at the moon.
Howling at the Moon
On a moonlit late-night
i sat in a bar
drinking drams of demented, fermented dream dew
just an unhinged lunatic
dreaming of howling at the full moon.
Watching the world walk by
looking at all the fine-looking babes.
Walking by the street
thinking wild, erotic thoughts
of endless wild libertine passions.
When into the bar
walked the most beautiful women.
In the universe
so wild, so free
so wonderfully alive.
I did not know what to do
as this vision of delight
sauntered through the bar.
In a skin-tight leather pants
looked so fine
that my eyeballs hurt.
And finally, i had to say something
so i gathered up my manly courage
and walked up to her.
And she looked at me
and instantly bewitched my soul
with a devilish grin.
I lost all reason
and became a raving lunatic
unhinged lunatic
howling at the moon.
Foaming at the mouth
a wild, free werewolf
howling at the lunatic light
of the full moon.
Another Lunatic Howling at the Moon
Pink Moon
As I sit
under the lunatic light of the full moon
of the blood-red lighs of the moon.
Full of wild passions
the lustful beast stirs again.
And starts running and running
howling at the moon.
Riding into the new dawn
on a demented harley davis cycle
With two naked babes on his back
Riding into the moon
90 miles per second
at the speed of thought.
He disappears into the lunatic light
of the full moon.
And I wake up
alone in my bed.
saying, man, that was quite a night
i better not go there again.
The wild beast
laughs
he has heard that before.
And I join him
in howling at the moon.
Pink Moon Inspires Lunacy
On a moonlit night
the pink moon
shone casting a baleful light
in the world below.
A man sat drinking
in a depraved bar
in an evil part of the city.
Drinking up a storm
with his buddies
Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Mr. Evan.
Johhny Walker brothers,
And old granddad looked on.
Encouraging him to drink
one scotch, one bourbon, and one beer.
He looked up
at the naked dancing ladies
dancing up a storm
with an attitude
a z tude
that could kill.
He stood up
stepped outside
and howled
at the pink moon
who smiled at him.
Howling with the Dancing Moon
More Pink Moon
A man
sits drinking late into the night
on the night of the blood-red
super pink moon.
The lunatic light of the moon
inspires him
as he drinks
in that depraved din of inequity
on the left side of society.
Drinking with his buddies
Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Mr. Evan.
Johhny Walker brothers,
And old granddad looked on.
Drinking one scotch, one bourbon
and one beer.
Watching the naked woman
Dancing on stage.
He finishes drinking
20 drinks too sober
he walks outside.
And sees the naked moon
dancing up a storm
flying across the sky
ripping her clothes off.
Tap dancing
to the insane disco beat
of the bar.
He gives in
jumps into the sky
dancing with the naked moon
howling with the moon maiden.
Like an escaped banshee
from the lunatic bins
of hell.
The Pink Super Moon
The pink super moon
casts a cold baleful glow
over the sleeping world
inspiring the drunken men
to howl at the moon.
Howling at the Pink Super-moon
More Pink Moon
On a moonlit late-night
the pink supermoon
casting a baleful light
in the world below.
While inside
Sam Adams sat drinking
in a depraved bar
in a den of iniquity.
In an evil part of the city
on the left side
of society.
Drinking up a storm
with his buddies
Johnny Walker, Jack daniels
Jim Beam, and Mr. Evan
and old granddad looked on.
Encouraging him to drink
one scotch, one bourbon, and one beer.
He was just an unhinged lunatic
dreaming of howling at the full moon.
Watching the world walk by
looking at all the fine-looking babes.
Walking by the street
thinking wild, erotic thoughts
of endless wild libertine passions.
He looked up
at the naked dancing ladies
dancing up a storm
with an attitude
a z tude
that could kill.
When into the bar
walked the most beautiful women
in the universe.
So wild, so free
so wonderfully alive.
He did not know what to do
as this vision of delight
sauntered through the bar.
In skin-tight leather pants
looked so fine
that his eyeballs hurt.
Finally, he had to say something
he gathered up my manly courage
he walked up to her.
She looked at him
instantly bewitched his soul
with a devilish grin.
He lost all reason
and became a raving lunatic
unhinged lunatic.
Under the lunatic light of the full moon
of the blood-red lights of the moon
full of wild passions
the lustful beast stirs again.
And starts running and running
howling at the moon
riding into the new dawn.
on a demented harley davis cycle
with two naked babes on his back.
Riding into the moon.
90 miles per se.ond
at the speed of thought.
he disappears into the lunatic light
of the full moon,
Sam Adams woke up alone,
in his bed
the naked babes
having disappeared
from his demented dreams.
Saying,
“man, that was quite a night
i better not go there again.”
The wild beast
laughs
he has heard that before.
And joins him
in howling at the pink moon
in the fading light
of the lost last night
of the newly damned.
Wolves howling at the moon
As the night falls
The full moon
The blood-red full moon
Begins to rise
Carving a sign
Across the night sky
Now you begin to
To hear the pitiful sound
The thumping of the wolves
As they gathered together
Dropping from their hiding places
Gathering together
Revealing their lies
And in one breath
Snarling begin to howl
At the full red blood moon
Zombie Wolves Howling at the Moon
As the moon rises
Over the forest below,
Two wolves gather together
And with one breath
Begin howling at the moon.
Their awful din
Soon wakes up the dead
Zombies walk out of graves
Attacking the living.
The wolves continue to howl
Joined in the zombie hoard.
Woman howling at the moon
A madwoman
Drinking all night
At the Cosmos Bar
Twenty drinks too sober.
Looks outside
At the lunatic light
Of the full moon
Shines over the Chao Praya River
In Bangkok.
She jumps up
Running outside
To howl at the full moon
Like an escaped banshee.
Maria lee off balanced madness
Maria Lee looked up
From her perch in the Cosmos Bar
Looked out at the street
Under the petrichor umbrella
The elastic holding back the rain
It was a gusty early evening
She went out to the street
Looked at the full moon
She began to howl at the moon
Moaning with pleasure
As the pear-shaped moon
Rose overhead
Casting a purple hew
To the mad scene
She jumped overboard
Into the river
Suddenly struck voiceless
And began swimming
She was off balance
As the moon continued
To illuminate the scene
The scent of bad craziness
All around her.
Mad Moonbeams
Sam Adams went out drinking one night
ending up twenty drinks too sober
as the last call for alcohol rang
he looked up and saw
the lunatic light of the full moon
moonbeams beaming at him
he runs outside howling at the moon
dying when a drunk driver ran him over
Howling at the Wolf Moon Rising Over the Chao Praya River
As evening set in
On a typical Friday night
In Bangkok.
The denizens of the Cosmos Bar
In Soi Cowboy.
A motley crew from all over
The world, and locals too.
Lust for the common international language.
Began drinking
With their buddies.
Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Johny Walker, Evan Williams
Wild turkey, and Old Granddad
Drinking one scotch, one bourbon, and one beer.
As the destroyers
Sang on the loudspeakers
And porno played on the tv.
And naked women danced
With an attitude
That could kill
an elephant in heat.
The woman circling the bar
Looking for their eventual dates.
The scent of bad craziness
Hung in the air.
The wolf moon rose
In the sky
Over the Chao Praya River.
Casting its lunatic light
On the never-sleeping
City of lost angels.
The drinkers
20 drinks too sober
Ran out into the street.
The lunatic light
Of the full wolf moon
Transforming them
Into deranged lunatics.
They began
Howling at the moon.
Like escaped banshees
Freed from their alyssum
In hell.
They howled at the moon
As the moon continued
To overwhelm
The howling lunatics.
Howling at the Wolf Moon Nocturna
Drinkers in the Cosmos Bar,
Twenty drinks too sober,
Staring at the lunar star,
rising over the river.
on that night in october.
Running outside looking upriver,
Howling at the full wolf moon.
no longer stone-sober,
Will be very drunk soon.
Basset Puppy Howling at the Moon
In the late afternoon shadow
the red sunset darkening the sky
the basset hound puppy.
.
Stirs and gets up
hearing the distant sounds
of the train in the distance.
Scenting bad craziness in the air
the dog begins to howl in the night.
Howling as the moon rises
casting its lunatic light
on the mad scene.
Deranged lunatic dog
inspired to howl when he sees it
super blue moon
sits drinking late into the night
on the night of the blood-red
super blue wolf moon.
The lunatic light of the moon
inspires him.
as he drinks
in that depraved din of inequity
on the left side of society.
Drinking with his buddies,
Jim Beam, Jack Daniels, Johnny Walker
Old Granddad,
Drinking one scotch, one bourbon
and one beer.
Watching the naked woman
dancing on stage.
He finishes drinking
20 drinks too sober.
He walks outside.
And sees the naked moon
dancing up a storm.
Flying across the sky
ripping her clothes off.
Tap dancing
to the insane disco beat
of the bar.
He gives in
jumps into the sky,
dancing with the naked moon
howling with the moon maiden.
Like an escaped banshee
from the lunatic bins
of hell.
The Pink Super Moon Tanka
More Pink Moon
The pink super moon
casts a cold baleful glow
over the sleeping world
inspiring the drunken men
to howl at the moon.
Drunken Old Man Howling at the Moon
A drunken old man down on his luck
was drinking in a nameless bar
in a disreputable forgotten part of town
where decent citizens and police feared to tread.
twenty drinks too sober
he was drinking his way to hell
surrounded by his fellow low-life bums
outlaw scoundrels one and all.
he looked outside
transfixed by the full moon
the lunatic light of the moon.
Blood red super moon
inspired him compelled him.
he stood up and growled
and ran out into the street
and started howling
at the full moon.
the other denizens of the bar
the derelicts, drunken bums, barflies
rushed out and joined him
in howling at the moon.
went back inside
and continued to drink
their way to hell.
Howling at the full moon in bangkok
sam adams was feeling blue, down on his luck. He went to his favorite watering hole, the cosmos bar in soi cowboy, bangkok, and began drinking up a storm with his buddies, jack daniel’s, johnny walker, old granddad, evans, and jim beam, telling the comely barmaid, kuhn lek, bring me one scotch, one bourbon, and one beer. Drinking it all down, barely noticing the naked ladies dancing on the stage. She smiled sadly, knowing that there was nothing that would change his mood. He kept drinking until, at last, he was twenty drinks too sober. Then he ordered fried fish thai style for his midnight dinner.
He looked up and out at the street, noticing the full moon outside. The full moon shed its lunatic light on the streets of bangkok. Sam adams stood up, and said,
“the moon is full tonight. Let’s go out and howl at the moon. “
he ran outside onto the road, stripping naked and dancing waving a feather, as he howled like an escaped banshee at the dancing moon. Inspiring others to join him in howling at the moon. He ran down the street and was run over by a drunk bus driver, ending his life as the moon continued to shine on the mad scene.
Moon over july
In the middle
of the summer
in july, midsummer madness
outside under the stars
the storm is abating.
The full moon comes out
the man recalling mad lyrics
starts howling at the lunatic light
of the wolf moon
like an escaped banshee
as the mad moon
stares down at them.
Howling at the Stawberry Moon
Big Daddy was talking
to his best friend Sam Adams
in the Cosmos Bar
in Bangkok, Thailand.
Sit down and listen
to me.
God,
i wish I had
my yarn and needles with me
that’s my latest hobby
helps me focus.
In the end
it is all about money
it is all about the benjamin’s
nothing personal at all.
Hey there is cool water in a jar
let’s drink some water
and a shot of mekong whiskey
it is cocktail time, my friend.
And as usual
they drank through the night
until o dark hundred.
Twenty drinks too sober.
When they joined
their fellow inmates
in their insane asylum
of a bar.
In going outside
howling like escaped banshees
at the strawberry super full moon
shining its lunatic lights
over the Chao Praya River.
Blame it on the moon
Pink Moon
“blame it on the moon.”
that is what Sam Adams said
to the police
after they picked him up
leading a pack of rabid “farang”
men and woman
running naked down the street.
They had met in front
of the infamous Cosmos Bar
in notorious bangkok
at o dark hundred.
They were heading to the riverbank
when the police arrested them,
for disturbing the peace.
They were all incoherent
just staring at the blood-red
full moon overlooking
the “Chao Phraya “ River.
Looking like escaped banshees
howling at the lunatic lights
of the full super blue moon.
The cops laughed
saying on full moon nights
they had a lot of such incidents
On the night of the blood-red super full moon
I sat in an evil, depraved godforsaken bar.
drinking drams of demented, fermented dream dew
washed down by endless rounds of whiskey
rum, tequila, vodka, soju and of course beer
drinking with my buddies the jack daniels gang.
drinking my way to hell and beyond
just as fast as i could
twenty damn drinks too sober.
just an unhinged lunatic
dreaming of howling at the full moon.
watching the world walk by
looking at all the fine-looking babes
walking by the street.
thinking wild, erotic thoughts
of endless wild libertine passions.
when into the bar
that din of cosmic depravity.
walked the most beautiful women
in the universe.
so wild, so free
so wonderfully alive.
I did not know what to do
as this vision of delight
sauntered through the bar.
in a skin-tight leather pant
looked so fine
that my eyeballs hurt.
and finally, I had to say something
so, i gathered up my manly courage
and walked up to her.
and she looked at me
and instantly bewitched my soul
with a devilish grin,
i lost all reason
and became a raving lunatic
unhinged lunatic
howling at the blood-red full moon.
foaming at the mouth
a wild, free werewolf
howling at the lunatic light
of the blood red blue full moon.
I recently read EE Cummings’s anti-war novel the “Enormous Room” as part of my reading the classics efforts. EE Cummings is best known for his wonderful and quirky poems but he wrote many other works during his prolific literary career in the the early to mid-20th century.
This book was written based on his experience as a prisoner in a French prison during World War 1. He had gone to France to serve as an ambulance driver and got into trouble with the French authorities because of anti-war comments made by his fellow American friend. He served three months in a detention camp filled with mostly foreigners who had been accused of espionage, hampering the war effort, or associating with people so accused. He was never formally charged and after three months was released.
Co-Piot provided some more background information:
“E.E. Cummings’ The Enormous Room is indeed rooted in his real-life experiences during World War I. Here’s what I found:
Cummings’ Role in the War and Imprisonment: During World War I, Cummings volunteered as an ambulance driver for the Norton-Harjes Ambulance Corps in France. However, his service was cut short when he and his friend William Slater Brown were arrested by French authorities. They were suspected of espionage due to Brown’s anti-war sentiments expressed in letters. Cummings, who stood by his friend, was detained at the La Ferté-Macé internment camp for over three months. This harrowing experience became the foundation for The Enormous Room, where he vividly recounts his time in captivity and critiques bureaucracy and Authoritarianism”
I found his critique of authoritarianism, bureaucracy, the French prison system, and anti-war sentiments to be still quite relevant over one hundred years later. His novel is filled with details about the many different prisoners from all over the world he met and became friends with during his stay in the French detention center. The novel also filled my literary references as EE Cummings studied classics at Harvard before volunteering to go to France to help in the war effort as an ambulance driver. He quotes Dante’s Divine Comedy, and Bunyan’s The Pilgrims Progress throughout the novel, particularly calling some of his fellow prisoners “delectable mountains” referencing their defiance of the petty and absurd rules of the prison.
In reading the classics, one thing that can be offputting to modern English readers is the liberal use of untranslated foreign language phrases. The Enormous Room is set in a French prison in World War 1. The writer uses a lot of untranslated French phrases throughout. Most modern literature provides English translations in parentheses of foreign phrases. Older literature usually does not not put translations of foreign text assuming perhaps that their readers would understand the foreign phrases or skip over them.
Fortunately we now have Kindle and Kindle does offer translations on the fly which is a very useful feature as well as dictionary definitions.
Of course, the other problem that I have addressed elsewhere is the causal racism, sexism etc in much older literature which can be off-putting to modern readers. The solution is to simply note it, and read on taking into account the novel or story was written in the context of its time when racism and sexism were just not concerns for most writers or readers.
In this novel, he befriends three African prisoners and discusses how one of the prisoners had been imprisoned due to the racist attitude of the police against Africans residing in France.
The prison had a women’s section and a male section, and fraternization was prohibited but still occurred. Many of the women prisoners had been imprisoned for suspected prostitution and carried out that trade in prison. Several of the male prisoners had been imprisoned for being pimps, and some for smuggling and other crimes.
The conditions in the prison were quite stark and brutal. All the prisoners slept in one large “enormous room” that contained around 100 prisoners at a time. they were allowed out once a day to go for a walk in the yard and were assigned chores His duty was as a water carrier taking water from a communal well and taking it to the kitchen where they prepared soup for the prisoners. Prisoners were fed twice a day soup and bread for the most part, and horrid coffee in the morning. He did get one cup of real coffee per day from the cook grateful for his assistance in hauling water and helping in the Kitchen from time to time. Prisoners were able to afford wine cigarettes and chocolate from the Canteen.
Most prisoners lost a lot of weight, and many became sick from scurvy and STDs picked up from visiting the women prisoners or contracted before their arrival. A few had TB and other serious illnesses. The doctor was a bit of a quack and did not have adequate supplies.
Most prisoners stayed for three to four months before the Commission in charge decided to either send them to a real prison after a trial or release them. EE Cummins was released and with the help of the US Embassy, allowed to leave France without any charges ever being filed against him.
Quotes from The Enormous Room
> “To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.”
“I imagine that yes is the only living thing.”
> “Humanity I love you because when you’re hard up you pawn your intelligence to buy a drink.”
E.E. Cummings: A Brief Biography
Full Name: Edward Estlin Cummings
Born: October 14, 1894, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Died: September 3, 1962, in North Conway, New Hampshire, USA
Education: Cummings graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in Classics in 1915 and an M.A. in 1916.
Career Highlights:
Early Life:
Cummings was born into a well-educated, upper-class family in Cambridge, Massachusetts1. His father was a professor at Harvard University and later became a minister
World War I:
During the war, Cummings served as an ambulance driver in France. He was briefly imprisoned in a French detention camp, an experience that inspired his novel “The Enormous Room.”
Literary Career:
Cummings published his first collection of poetry, “Tulips and Chimneys”, in 1923. He is known for his unconventional use of punctuation, syntax, and capitalization, which became hallmarks of his poetic style
Notable Works: Cummings wrote approximately 2,900 poems, several novels, and plays. Some of his most famous works include Tulips and Chimneys, The Enormous Room, EIMI, and the play HIM1.
Here are some of E.E. Cummings’ notable works:
Poetry Collections:
Tulips and Chimneys (1923) ViVa (1931) No Thanks (1935) 1 x 1 (1944) XAIPE: Seventy-One Poems (1950) 95 Poems (1958)
I recently read EE Cummings’s anti-war novel the “Enormous Room” as part of my reading the classics efforts. EE Cummings is best known for his wonderful and quirky poems but he wrote many other works during his prolific literary career in the the early to mid-20th century.
This book was written based on his experience as a prisoner in a French prison during World War 1. He had gone to France to serve as an ambulance driver and got into trouble with the French authorities because of anti-war comments made by his fellow American friend. He served three months in a detention camp filled with mostly foreigners who had been accused of espionage, hampering the war effort, or associating with people so accused. He was never formally charged and after three months was released.
Co-Piot provided some more background information:
“E.E. Cummings’ The Enormous Room is indeed rooted in his real-life experiences during World War I. Here’s what I found:
Cummings’ Role in the War and Imprisonment: During World War I, Cummings volunteered as an ambulance driver for the Norton-Harjes Ambulance Corps in France. However, his service was cut short when he and his friend William Slater Brown were arrested by French authorities. They were suspected of espionage due to Brown’s anti-war sentiments expressed in letters. Cummings, who stood by his friend, was detained at the La Ferté-Macé internment camp for over three months. This harrowing experience became the foundation for The Enormous Room, where he vividly recounts his
time in captivity and critiques bureaucracy and Authoritarianism”
I found his critique of authoritarianism, bureaucracy, the French prison system, and anti-war sentiments to be still quite relevant over one hundred years later. His novel is filled with details about the many different prisoners from all over the world he met and became friends with during his stay in the French detention center. The novel also filled my literary references as EE Cummings studied classics at Harvard before volunteering to go to France to help in the war effort as an ambulance driver. He quotes Dante’s Divine Comedy, and Bunyan’s The Pilgrims Progress throughout the novel, particularly calling some of his fellow prisoners “delectable mountains” referencing their defiance of the petty and absurd rules of the prison.
In reading the classics, one thing that can be offputting to modern English readers is the liberal use of untranslated foreign language phrases. The Enormous Room is set in a French prison in World War 1. The writer uses a lot of untranslated French phrases throughout. Most modern literature provides English translations in parentheses of foreign phrases. Older literature usually does not not put translations of foreign text assuming perhaps that their readers would understand the foreign phrases or skip over them.
Fortunately we now have Kindle and Kindle does offer translations on the fly which is a very useful feature as well as dictionary definitions.
Of course, the other problem that I have addressed elsewhere is the causal racism, sexism etc in much older literature which can be off-putting to modern readers. The solution is to simply note it, and read on taking into account the novel or story was written in the context of its time when racism and sexism were just not concerns for most writers or readers.
In this novel, he befriends three African prisoners and discusses how one of the prisoners had been imprisoned due to the racist attitude of the police against Africans residing in France.
The prison had a women’s section and a male section, and fraternization was prohibited but still occurred. Many of the women prisoners had been imprisoned for suspected prostitution and carried out that trade in prison. Several of the male prisoners had been imprisoned for being pimps, and some for smuggling and other crimes.
The conditions in the prison were quite stark and brutal. All the prisoners slept in one large “enormous room” that contained around 100 prisoners at a time. they were allowed out once a day to go for a walk in the yard and were assigned chores His duty was as a water carrier taking water from a communal well and taking it to the kitchen where they prepared soup for the prisoners. Prisoners were fed twice a day soup and bread for the most part, and horrid coffee in the morning. He did get one cup of real coffee per day from the cook grateful for his assistance in hauling water and helping in the Kitchen from time to time. Prisoners were able to afford wine cigarettes and chocolate from the Canteen.
Most prisoners lost a lot of weight, and many became sick from scurvy and STDs picked up from visiting the women prisoners or contracted before their arrival. A few had TB and other serious illnesses. The doctor was a bit of a quack and did not have adequate supplies.
Most prisoners stayed for three to four months before the Commission in charge decided to either send them to a real prison after a trial or release them. EE Cummins was released and with the help of the US Embassy, allowed to leave France without any charges ever being filed against him.
Quotes from The Enormous Room
> “To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.”
“I imagine that yes is the only living thing.”
> “Humanity I love you because when you’re hard up you pawn your intelligence
to buy a drink.”
E.E. Cummings: A Brief Biography
Full Name: Edward Estlin Cummings
Born: October 14, 1894, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Died: September 3, 1962, in North Conway, New Hampshire, USA
Education: Cummings graduated from Harvard University with a B.A. in Classics in 1915 and an M.A. in 1916.
Career Highlights:
Early Life:
Cummings was born into a well-educated, upper-class family in Cambridge, Massachusetts1. His father was a professor at Harvard University and later became a minister
World War I:
During the war, Cummings served as an ambulance driver in France. He was briefly imprisoned in a French detention camp, an experience that inspired his novel “The Enormous Room.”
Literary Career:
Cummings published his first collection of poetry, “Tulips and
Chimneys”, in 1923. He is known for his unconventional use of punctuation,
syntax, and capitalization, which became hallmarks of his poetic style
Notable Works: Cummings wrote approximately 2,900 poems, several novels, and plays. Some of his most famous works include Tulips and Chimneys, The
Enormous Room, EIMI, and the play HIM1.
Here are some of E.E. Cummings’ notable works:
Poetry Collections:
Tulips and Chimneys (1923)
ViVa (1931)
No Thanks (1935)
1 x 1 (1944)
XAIPE: Seventy-One Poems (1950)
95 Poems (1958)
Note: Roy is my college housemate. He has been writing an annual list of his Oscar recommendations for over 20 years. I respect his writing and his recommendations. This is the third year I have reposted it.
Once again, Mrs D and I have endeavored to see as many Best Picture nominees as possible, given availability and other constraints. We’ve been doing this now for over 20 years. When we started there were still only five nominees. Since 2009, it’s been ten, and this year we saw eight, and I’ll say again, the Academy never should’ve increased the limit. Not just because it’s hard for fans to see them all, but because some of these movies are simply not worthy of the honor. Especially this year!
Still, it’s Oscar time and it’s a tradition here! Pick your favorites, put on your tuxedoes and sparkly gowns (or in our case, your comfiest PJs), kick back with some soda and butter-soaked popcorn, wow or hiss the latest red carpet fashions, jeer or cheer the awkward, fawning interviews, predict the winners, pat yourself on the back when you’re right and blame woke Hollywood when you’re wrong!
Anyway, for what it’s worth, here’s what I thought…
ROY DUFRAIN JR is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Anora – A tale of stupid people doing terrible things stupidly. A whole lot of yelling and screwing failed to make this movie interesting. The nearly feral, selfish youth, the servile, bickering and bumbling Armenians, the contemptible ultra-rich Russians, the ‘dancer’ who accepts payment for sex but insists she’s not a hooker. The constant f-bombs. It all seemed over the top—grasping for gritty realism but approaching absurdity. So what.
The Brutalist – A worthy subject, an intriguing and complicated lead character masterfully brought to life by a supremely talented star, an epic arc of struggle and redemption, a span of decades and locations wonderfully rendered visually and in historical references. And yet, I fell asleep. Had to finish the movie the next day. It’s brutally long and slow. Three and a half hours! Couldn’t trim even a half hour out of that? Come on.
A Complete Unknown – Mrs D and I agreed this was easily and by far the best picture of the nominees we saw. I’m not sure it will stand the test of time as a ‘great’ movie, but it was full of great acting. Timothée Chalamet should win best actor for his amazing and mesmerizing recreation of Dylan’s musical performance and presence. Co-stars Monica Barbaro and Edward Norton should win their categories for the same reasons. The evocation of the time period through set design and other techniques was immersive and entertaining. Of the best-pic noms we’ve seen, this is the only one I’m sure I will watch again.
Conclave – I really liked this movie at first. It seemed like a taut, understated political intrigue, with a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a hidden world—the election of a new pope. But I felt let down by the wild twist at the end. Not being a fan of the Catholic Church, I kind of enjoyed the irony of it, but I found the details strained credibility as presented. By chance I had just read an article about the many possible combinations of chromosomes that occur naturally in humans. So I didn’t doubt that, but it seemed so unlikely the person in question would have ever risen to a high position in the Catholic Church, or that any real circumstance could have resulted in the ending of this film. I just didn’t buy it.
Dune Part Two – I read the book so many years ago that I remembered nothing of it. We saw Part One last year and were a bit lost throughout. So, we watched a couple YouTube summary videos, but then we still watched Part One before pushing play on Part Two. We both thought the investment of time paid off. It helped us sink into the films, with their long list of characters and multiple story threads. I’d rank this as the second best of the nominees. Stunning visuals and the kind of classic, epic storytelling that reminds me of Tolkien or Star Wars.
Emilia Pérez – Lots of negative talk about the star of this one—whatever. I’d like to see it, but I don’t have Netflix right now and my wallet is already suffering from subscription fatigue.
I’m Still Here – The trailer for this one looks really interesting, but the film has not been released for streaming as of this date.
Nickel Boys – I’m not sure if the sheer volume of artsy techniques and effects (or affects?) were always in service of the storytelling in this film. It felt overwrought. All the weird shot angles, the square formatting, the ringing headache soundtrack, the time jumping and the gimmicky point of view thing, especially those back of head shots—I found it interesting but distracting, and wondered if anyone in Hollywood can just tell a story anymore.
The Substance – I’m honestly not sure if it’s a comedy gone wrong or a drama gone wrong, but boy did it suck! If it had a point it was made in the first ten minutes and then beat to death for two more hours, and in the most gruesome fashion imaginable. Jesus, how is this nominated for anything?! How did it even get made?! It’s a perfect example of why many people say Hollywood has lost the ability to make great movies.
Wicked – Loved the book! Never saw the play. The movie did not capture the wonder and delight I remember feeling at the ingenuity and thoughtfulness of the book. The set design and effects were impressive, the vocal talent at times astounding. But I couldn’t help feeling like I was watching a bad episode of Glee with all the cliché mean girl vs. Cinderella stuff. Also, a musical ought to leave you humming or singing a chorus or two on your way out the door. Think: If I Were a Rich Man, Papa Can You Hear Me, I Feel Pretty, Don’t Rain on My Parade, on and on. Wicked is more like sung dialogue but not one catchy, hummable tune. Meh.
Honorable Shoutout
A Real Pain – Should have been nominated. Thoughtful and thought provoking, just funny enough to lighten the weight of the relationships on view, among the characters themselves but also between the characters and the history they are interfacing with. And extremely well played by both Jesse Eisenberg and Macaulay Culkin, making these characters feel real and their oddball behavior believable.
Something to Think About
After the news of the great Gene Hackman’s death, Roy Sr, Mrs D and I all watched Unforgiven the other night, and enjoyed it immensely even though we’ve all seen it more than twice. Everything a Best Picture winner ought to be and then some. Not one of the 2024 movies even comes close.
ROY DUFRAIN JR is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Over the last few years, I finally became a k drama fan. Part of the reason is that my Korean is now good enough to follow the dialogue although I still need subtitles.
Here are some of my favorite K dramas- I provide a synopsis and my comment on each.
In general, K dramas come in two forms – movies and series. The series are reminiscent of Mexican telenovelas – usually 16 episodes, occasionally 20, and occasionally fewer. A few have two seasons. Most run for about a month. Almost all are available now on Netflix and Hulu with English subtitles. A few were quite controversial.
K Dramas are particularly good in the rom-com genre as they have perfected the slow-burn romance story, and the hate turns to the love story. They also do crime thrillers well and Sci-FI.
Parasite of course won the 2020 Oscar. And Minuri won best-supporting actress 2023.
My favorite K dramas, and recommended K Dramas so far include:
Bold – I have seen
*my favorites
Bold – I have seen
*my favorites
K-Dramas (Series)
2025 K Drama Updates
Over the last few years, I finally became a k drama fan. Part of the reason is that my Korean is now good enough to follow the dialogue although I still need subtitles mostly.
Here are some of my favorite K dramas- I provide a synopsis and my comment on each.
In general, K dramas come in two forms – movies and series. The series are reminiscent of Mexican telenovelas – usually 16 episodes, occasionally 20, and occasionally fewer. A few have two seasons. Most run for about a month. Almost all are available now on Netflix and Hulu with English subtitles. A few were quite controversial.
K Dramas are particularly good in the rom-com genre as they have perfected the slow-burn romance story, and the hate turns to the love story. They also do crime thrillers well and Sci-FI.
Parasite of course won the 2020 Oscar. And Minuri won best-supporting actress 2023.
My favorite K dramas, and recommended K Dramas so far include:
Bold – I have seen
*my favorites
2024 K Drama Updates
Over the last few years, I finally became a k drama fan. Part of the reason is that my Korean is now good enough to follow the dialogue although I still need subtitles mostly.
Here are some of my favorite K dramas- I provide a synopsis and my comment on each.
In general K dramas come in two forms – movies and series. The series are reminiscent of Mexican telenovelas – usually 16 episodes, occasionally 20, and occasionally fewer. A few have two seasons. Most run for about a month. Almost all are available now on Netflix and Hulu with English subtitles. A few were quite controversial.
K Dramas are particularly good in the rom-com genre as they have perfected the slow-burn romance story, and the hate turns to the love story. They also do crime thrillers well and Sci-FI.
Parasite of course won the 2020 Oscar. And Minuri won best-supporting actress 2023.
This is a consolidated list of my favorite K dramas, and recommended K Dramas:
Bold – I have seen
*my favorites
K-Dramas (Series)
(2019): VIP (브이아이피) Revenge drama
Karma (2025): 악연 (Akyeon), which translates to “Ill-Fated Relationship”. revenge drama -similar to Glory
The World of the Married 부부의 세계 Bubuui Segye)
The Empire (디 엠파이어, Di Empaieo)
The Interest of Love (사랑의 이해, Sarangui Ihae)
Big Mouth (빅마우스, Bikmauseu)
Mouse (마우스, Mau-seu)
Revenant (악귀, Akgui) Horror
When Life Gives You Tangerines 폭싹 속았수다
Twinkling Watermelon (반짝이는 워터멜론, Banjjagineun Woteomellon)Move to Heaven (무브 투 헤븐, Mubeu Tu He-beun)
Weak Hero Class 1 (약한영웅 Class 1, Yakhan Yeongung Class 1)
*Alchemy Of Souls: Korean: 환혼 (Hwanhon) epic fantasy
#Alive Korean: #살아있다 (#Saraitda) horror
***12.12: The Day Korean: 12.12: 더 데이 (12.12: Deo Dei) political about the rise of Chun DoHwan which happened during my Peace Corps days
20th Century Girl Korean: 20세기 소녀 (20 Segi Sonyeo)
Again My Life Korean: 어게인 마이 라이프 (Eogein Mai Laipeu) rom-com
All of Us Are Dead (지금 우리 학교는) Zombie movie
A Tale Of Two Sisters Korean: 장화, 홍련 (Janghwa, Hongryeon) horror
**A Typical Family Korean: 평범한 가족 (Pyeongbeomhan Gajok) about a dysfunctional family who has hidden superpowers
All The Love You Wish For Korean: 모든 사랑을 원해 (Modeun Sarangeul Wonhae) rom-com
***Arkndal Chronicles Korean: 아스달 연대기 (Aseudal Yeondaegi) Fantasy Korean Game of Thrones
Awaken (낮과 밤)
Autumn In My Heart (가을동화) rom-com
*Badlands Hunters Korean: 황야의 사냥꾼 (Hwangyaui Sanyangkkun) post-apocalyptic Korea
Bad and Crazy (배드 앤 크레이지)
Broadcast Dates: December 17, 2021 – January 28, 2022.
Faith (신의)
Broadcast Dates: August 13, 2012 – October 30, 2012
Because This Is My First Life Korean: 이번 생은 처음이라 (Ibeon Saengeun Cheoeumira)
*Beef: Beef (Same Title) revenge drama set in LA
Beyond Evil Korean: 괴물 (Goemul)
Boys Over Flowers (꽃보다 남자, Kkotboda Namja) Rom-com
Black Knight Korean: 택배기사 (Taekbaegisa)
Business Proposal Korean: 사내 맞선 (Sanae Matseon)
Bulgasal: Immortal Souls 불가살 (Bulgasal) Horror set in Koryo period
Cash Hero Korean: 캐쉬 히어로 (Kaeswi Hieoro) Korean super-heroes
***Castaway Diva rom-com about a woman who lived on a deserted island for ten years and when she was rescued became a diva at age 30 rom-com 무인도의 디바 (Muin-Do-Ui Diva)
Crazy Love (크레이지 러브)
Broadcast Dates: March 7, 2022 – April 26, 2022.
***Check-In Hanyang Korean: 체크인 한양 (Chekeuin Hanyang) political intrigue rom-com set in the mid-Joeson period based loosely on a true story
**Chief Of Staff Korean: 보좌관 (Bojagwan)
Coffee Prince Korean: 커피프린스 1호점 (Keopipeurinseu 1 Hojom)
*Comedy Royal Korean: 로얄로더 (Loyal Lodeo) comedy competition
Colony Likely related to Yeon Sang-ho’s upcoming project
**Crash Course In Romance Korean: 일타 스캔들 (Ilta Seukaendeul) about a famous teacher finding love
***Crash Landing On You Korean: 사랑의 불시착 (Sarangui Bulsichak) about a love affair between a North Korean officer and a South Korean heiress who crash lands in N Korea after a para-gliding accident near the border
Crazy Love Korean: 크레이지 러브 (Keureiji Reobeu)
*Culinary Class War food competition like Iron Chef Korean: 요리 클래스 전쟁 (Yori Keullaseu Jeonjaeng)
Dali And The Cocky Prince Korean: 달리와 감자탕 (Dalliwa Gamjatang) rom-com
Descendants Of The Sun Korean: 태양의 후예 (Taeyangui Huye) rom-com
**Designated Survivor: 60 Days 60일, 지정생존자 (60il, Jijeongsaengjonja) political drama
Destined With You 이 연애는 불가항력 (I Yeonaeneun Bulgahangryeok) rom-com
*Doctor Cha Korean: 닥터 차정숙 (Dakteo Cha Jeongsuk) hospital drama about a middle age woman who returns to finish her residency ten years later rom-com featuring a real jerk of a husband leading to a divorce of course
Doctor John 의사요한 (Uisayohan) hospital rom-com a bit disappointing acting was so-so
Doctor Prisoner 닥터 프리즈너 (Dakteo Peurijeuneo)
***Doctor Romantic 낭만닥터 김사부 (Nangman Dakteo Kim Sabu) one of the better hospital rom-coms, and dramas featuring a doctor who has to decide why he is a doctor in the first place overcoming his desires to become a famous doctor, deals with ethical dilemmas in the medical field
**Doctor Slump 닥터 슬럼프 (Dakteo Seulleompeu) rom-com about a doctor who suffers a mental breakdown and struggles to return, also a slow burn hate turning to love drama
*Don’t Buy The Seller drama about the perils of online commerce and a serial killer/rapist 타겟 (Taget)
*D.P. (Deserter Pursuit) Korean: 디피 (Dipi) based on true stories
*Eve Korean: 이브 (Ibeu) interesting tango plot
Extracurricular Korean: 인간수업 (Ingansueop) high school crime drama
Fated To Love You 운명처럼 널 사랑해 (Unmyeongcheoreom Neol Saranghae) rom-com
Fight For My Way Korean: 쌈, 마이웨이 (Ssam, Maiwei) rom-com
***Fiery Priest Korean: 열혈사제 (Yeolhyeolsaje) a former spy turned priest investigates corrupt local political leaders over the murder of his fellow priest
Full House Korean: 풀하우스 (Pulhauseu)
Glitch Korean: 글리치 (Geullichi) Korean Sci-fi drama
Go Back Couple (고백부부) rom-com
Gunche, 군체) upcoming zombie movie from the director of Train to Busan, train to Seoul and Peninsula – the classic modern K zombie movies
*Good Bye Mr. Black: 굿바이 미스터 블랙 (Gutbai Miseuteo Beullaek) political drama set in Thailand and Korea
Good and the Bastard Dongae the good or the bastard Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard 좋거나 나쁜 동재 (Jotgeona Nappeun Dongjae)123 sequel to the Stranger
Korean monster movie and political drama set in the late colonial period, featuring a bad-assed Korean female lead actress.
Happiness (해피니스) rom-com
Healer 힐러 (Hilleo)
Her Private Life (그녀의 사생활) – A talented curator leads a double life as an idol fan and falls for her new boss. rom-com.
Hotel del Luna (호텔 델루나) para-normal
Hellbound part-one 지옥 (Jiok) horror movie
Hellbound part- two 지옥 (Jiok) skipped
Hierarchy 하이러키 (Hairuki) Korean High school rich kids behaving badly
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha 갯마을 차차차 (Gaetmaeul Chachacha) rom-com on my list to see
Hospital Playlist 슬기로운 의사생활 (Seulgiroun Uisasaenghwal) hospital drama rom-com on my list to see
Hi Bye, Mama! (하이바이, 마마!)
Broadcast: February 22, 2020 – April 19, 20204.
*Hyenna 하이에나 (Haiena) legal thriller
*Holy Betrayal: 나는 신이다: 신이 배신한 사람들 (Naneun Sinida: Sini
I Am Not a Robot (로봇이 아니야) – A man who is allergic to humans falls in love with a woman pretending to be a robot. SciiFi rom-com
It’s Okay, That’s Love (괜찮아, 사랑이야) rom-com
***Itaewon Class Korean: 이태원 클라쓰 (Itaewon Keullasseu) revenge rom-com set in Itaewon Koren’s infamous foreign ghetto, features a trans character and a half Korean character
I’m Sorry, I Love You (미안하다 사랑한다)
Broadcast: November 8, 2004 – December 28, 20042.
Jewel in the Palace 대장금 (Dae Jang-geum)789
Joseon Attorney: A Morality (조선변호사)
*Juvenile Justice 소년 심판 (Sonyeon Simpan) High School Juvenile delinquents – a big problem in Korea
Kill Me, Heal Me (킬미, 힐미) rom-com
King The Land Korean: 킹더랜드 (Kingdeoraendeu) palace intrigue
When The Camellia Blooms: 동백꽃 필 무렵 (Dongbaekkot Pil Muryeop) rom-com
When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다) – March 7, 20258
The Wanted: 원티드 (Wontideu) crime drama
Tiger In Winter: 호랑이보다 무서운 겨울 손님 (Horangiboda Museoun Gyeoul Sonnim)drama
My Unfamiliar Family: (아는 건 별로 없지만) 가족입니다 ((Aneun Geon Byeollo Eopjiman) Gajokimnida dysfunctional family
**Reflections On You: 너를 닮은 사람 (Neoreul Dalmeun Saram) rom-com
**Shin Divorce Attorney: 신성한, 이혼 (Shinseonghan, Ihon) rom-com, legal drama
The Eternal Monarch: 더 킹: 영원의 군주 (Deo King: Yeongwonui Gunju) alternative history in which the Joeson dynasty survived, sci-fi parallel universes rom-com Switch:
Switch 스위치 – 세상을 바꿔라 (Seuwichi – Sesangeul Bakkwora) similar to Me-Me a man wakes up in a different life – and has a do-over
*Song Of The Bandits: 도적: 칼의 소리 (Dojeok: Karui Sori) period drama set in late 19th century Korea during the donghak peasant rebellion
*Ray Of Sunshine: 정신병동에도 아침이 와요 (Jeongsinbyeongdongedo Achimi Wayo) about a medical doctor suffering from mental illness
My Demon: Korean: 마이 데몬 (Mai Demon)
My Dearest Nemesis 그놈은 흑염룡 (Geunomeun Heukyeomryong)101112
See You In My 19th Life: 이번 생도 잘 부탁해 (Ibeon Saengdo Jal Butakhae) rom-com
Stairway to Heaven (천국의 계단) rom-com
Snowdrop (설강화)
The Moon Embracing the Sun (해를 품은 달) rom-com
Under the Queen’s Umbrella (슈룹) rom-com historical epic
Search: WWW (검색어를 입력하세요 WWW) rom-com
While You Were Sleeping (당신이 잠든 사이에) – A fantasy romance about a woman who can see the future through her dreams and a prosecutor who tries to prevent disasters. Rom-copm
W (더블유) rom-com
Broadcast Dates: December 18, 2021 – January 30, 2022.
Confidential International 공조2: 인터내셔날 crime Gongjo 2: Inteonaesyeonal
Decision to Leave 헤어질 결심 (Heeojil Gyeolsim) Thrillere
Forgotten 기억의 밤 (Gieokui Bam)
Hostage 인질 (Injil
Ordinary People: 보통사람 (Botsaram) drama
On The Line: 보이스 (Boiseu) Thriller
The Negotiator: 협상 (Hyeopsang) Thiller set in Thailand and Korea
Night In Paradise: 낙원의 밤 (Naguonui Bam) Crime thriller
The Swindlers 꾼 (Kkun)
Weight Ton: 극한직업 (Geukanjigeop) Thriller
The Bros: 부라더 (Beuradeo) comedy
Veteran: 베테랑 (Beterang) drama
Parallel Life Korean: 평행 이론 (Pyeonghaeng Ireon) Sci Fi
Project Silence 프로젝트 사일런스 (Peurojekteu Sailleonseu) political horror movie
The Spy Gone North 공작 (Gongjak) political thriller
Somebody:Korean: 썸바디 (Sseombadi) crime
The Devil’s Plan: 데블스 플랜 (Debeulseu Peullaen) reality TV too complicated to follow
VIP: 브이아이피 (Beuiaipi)
Young Police: 청년경찰 (Cheongnyeon Gyeongchal) crime drama
The Worst Of Evil : 최악의 악 (Choeagui Ak)
The Dude In Me: 내안의 그놈 (Naeane Geunom) comedy
Sandglass (모래시계) rom-com
Single In Seoul: 싱글 인 서울 (Singgeul In Seoul) rom com
My Place 나의집 (Naui Jip) rom com
Space Sweepers 승리호 (Seungniho) Sci-Fi
Weight Ton: 극한직업 (Geukanjigeop) Thriller
The Bros: 부라더 (Beuradeo) comedy
The Good, the Bad, the Weird: 좋은 놈, 나쁜 놈, 이상한 놈 (Joeun nom, nappeun nom, isanghan nom) Korean version of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly set in Manchuria during the colonial era
The Big Swindle
범죄의 재구성
April 15, 2004
Additional Dramas coming this year
Can This Love Be Translated? (이 사랑 통역 되나요?) – Q4 202526
Defendant (피고인) – A gripping story about a man falsely accused of murder, who must escape prison and clear his name.
Kick Kick Kick Kick (킥킥킥킥) – February 5, 20252
Genie, Make A Wish (다 이루어질지니) – Q4 202523
Mercy For None (광장) – Q2 202514
Miss Ma Goddess of Revenger “미스 마: 복수의 여신” (Miseu Ma: Boksuui Yeoshin), which translates to “Miss Ma: Goddess of Revenge” based on Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple character set in a small Korean town
Newtopia (뉴토피아) – February 7, 20255
Squid Game Season 3 (오징어 게임 시즌 3) – June 27, 202517
The Village: Achiara’s Secret (마을 – 아치아라의 비밀) – A small town filled with secrets and mysteries, with a female lead trying to uncover the truth.
Weak Hero Class Season 2 (약한영웅 Class 2) – Q2 202511
Trigger (트리거) – Q3 202520
Queen of Mystery (추리의 여왕) – A smart female lead teams up with another character to solve crimes and uncover secrets.
As the Trump administration continues its anti-woke, anti-DEI crusade. calls for canceling the observation of Black History and other special identity months have
proliferated. CO Pilot provides a useful summary of the state of play at the end of this article.
But first, I wanted to share a few of my “Black Lives Matter” poems, followed by a discussion/review of three documentaries on three black history pioneers from the Bay Area and some reflections on my Father’s (Curtis Cosmos Aller, Jr,) civil rights legacy.
University of Chicago? where’s that? Black/White America
There are two Americas
A black and white America
A mostly white middle-class, and upper class America
And a mostly black and brown lower-class America.
It has been this way
Since the beginning.
Most white Americans
Do not see the other America,
Almost invisible to them.
Most of the other America
Barely notices
Middle-class America
All around them.
This was vividly driven home
To me
Back in 1977.
I had gone to Chicago
To visit a friend
At the University of Chicago.
I made the mistake of taking the L train
back to the University
the L station was in Woodlawn
five long dangerous dark blocks away
I was the only white dude
on the train and street.
but in a whole different universe.
the University of Chicago stop
Is on the private commuter line.
Getting off, I asked five random people
Where was the University of Chicago?
The University of Chicago was
One of the most famous, prestigious universities
In the whole world.
But to the residents
Of the urban nightmare slum,
That was Woodlawn
back then,
The university could have been
The other side of the moon
for no one knew
exactly where it was.
Now I hear
It is a student and faculty housing
Neighborhood
Newly trending.
With most of the old residences
Long ago forced out
Due to ever-rising rents
And property taxes
As the University of Chicago
Spreads out colonizing
The nearby neighborhoods.
Most said University.
before pointing out,
it is over there somewhere.
They were nice enough
But wondering
How this strange white boy
Got lost
In their hood.
I am lucky
I was not mugged,
for my ignorance.
Just wrong place, wrong time
Sort of thing after all
A place where white boys
Feared to go.
Of course, back then,
I was a 6 2 230 pound white dude,
with wild crazed eyes
behind my glasses
I could be mobbed up
Or someone important
Or the child of someone powerful.
I just gave off that vibe
I supposed.
So, no one wanted
to mess with me.
When I got back,
Everyone was amazed
that I had survived
the five-block walk after dark.
Truth be told
That was a scary walk
after dark.
With lots of scary-looking dudes
With violence in their dark dead eyes
looking at me.
I said it was not too bad
But did not take the L train again.
During my trip to Chicago.
In the summer of 1977.
Three Bay Area Black History Pioneers
I wanted to highlight a couple of documentaries my high school friend Matt Jacobson was involved with that highlight four black history pioneers in the Bay Area.
Walter Gordon Story
Walter Gordon was a trailblazer in both sports and law. He was the first Black graduate of UC Berkeley’s Boalt Law School and had a distinguished career in law enforcement, civil rights, and prison reform. Gordon was also an All-American football player at UC Berkeley, making significant contributions to the field.
Gene Ransom, known as “The Dream,” was a prominent basketball player from Berkeley, California. He was a standout athlete at Berkeley High School (BHS) and later played for the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) from 1975 to 1978. Standing at 5’9″, Ransom was known for his exceptional skills and tenacity on the court. He was inducted into the California Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. After his playing career, Ransom became a coach and mentor, working with youth through programs like Athletes United for Peace. He played at BHS while I was there. But, unfortuately, he died after a random road rage accident in 2022.
Gene Ransom, a former basketball star at the University of California, Berkeley, who was tragically killed in a shooting incident on Interstate 880 in Oakland, California, on February 4, 2022. The incident was believed to be a case of road rage, and a suspect was arrested and charged with murder1.
Gene Ransom was well-known in the Bay Area sports community and had a significant impact as a player and coach. He was involved in community work through organizations like Athletes United for Peace, aiming to provide healthy alternatives for youth caught up in street violence2.
It’s a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, and the community. If you’d like to read more about it, you can find detailed articles on the incident. Former basketball great Gene Ransom, 65, is shot dead while driving on Oakland freeway: Suspected road rage gunman is arrested for violent crime plagues Bay Area The basketball star, 65, was killed while was driving north along Interstate 880 in Oakland around 5pm, the county’s fire department said
CHP responded to the scene after a witness called 911 when they saw Ransom’s car veering on the interstate, and believed the driver had a medical emergency
Officials later confirmed that Ransom had been struck by gunfire before crashing into the guardrail
He is the latest victims of gun violence in crime-ridden California, where shootings and violent crimes are on the rise. In 2020, California saw the largest jump in homicide deaths in the state history since 1960, with 500 more deaths reported than in 2019
Over the past year, Oakland experienced a 21percent increase in shooting incidents, the most since 2012
Former University of California at Berkley basketball legend Gene Ransom was killed as he was driving on a freeway during an apparent road-rage incident in the crime-ravaged Bay Area and the suspected gunman has been arrested. Ransom, 65, was found dead in his car after being shot, crashing into the media and coming to stop in the middle of Interstate 880 in Oakland around 5:15pm on Friday, the city’s Fire Department said.
California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrested 25-year-old Juan Angel Garcia of San Francisco on Saturday and charged him with murder. A friend said Ransom was driving to pick up his girlfriend at the West Oakland train when the shooting occurred. Ransom’s girlfriend ‘was waiting for him to pick her up and not knowing that he had been murdered,’ said Doug Harris, former teammate and long-time friend of Ransom.
CHP investigators said the motive appeared to be road rage and the shooting was targeted. They said Ransom was in a black Honda Civic and Garcia was traveling north on I-880 on a black Lexus.
Garcia allegedly pulled up on his Ransom’s left side and opened fire at least once.
Son of former Cal athlete killed in I-880 shooting remembers his dad who ‘showed love to everyone’
The California Highway Patrol announced an arrest on Friday’s I-880 freeway in Oakland which took the life of a Bay Area sports legend Gene Ransom.
OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) — The California Highway Patrol announced an arrest on Friday’s I-880 freeway in Oakland which took the life of a Bay Area sports legend Gene Ransom.
The CHP arrested 25 year-old Juan Angel Garcia of San Francisco charging him with murder. Authorities say a motive for the shooting is still under investigation.
“He was probably one of the biggest players to come out of Berkeley High,” said Doug Harris.
Harris is talking about his best friend, Gene Ransom, a star basketball player in the 1970s at Berkeley High School and Cal Berkeley who got a tryout with the Warriors.
“Not only a good friend to me but the entire Bay Area sports community,” said Harris.
His best friend is not only remembering Gene by his accolated, but by his heart.
Harris says Ransom was involved in “Athletes United for Peace,” a local nonprofit working to combat violence in Berkeley, Oakland and Richmond.
“The very thing we worked so hard to prevent for our young people, he has been a victim of, so this is really hard for me,” Harris added.
The California Highway Patrol announced an arrest on Friday’s I-880 freeway in Oakland which took the life of a Bay Area sports legend Gene Ransom.
‘Horrible loss’ friends say @CalMBBall Hall of Famer Gene Ransom was killed in Oakland I-880 freeway shooting on Friday. pic.twitter.com/l5iftF2Wm7
For decades Gene gave back to East Bay. Kevin McGlothlin knew him as “Coach Gene.”
“He is a community leader. He is a community icon,” said McGlothin.
Gene Ransom went back to Berkeley High to invest in young basketball talent. His students remember him as fierce competitor and an inspiring coach.
“He expected the best out of us. Our team coached our freshmen team. We were undefeated that year. He expected us to perform at a high level,” said McGlothin.
But for many, the lessons that will last a lifetime are the ones Gene taught off the court.
Families of Oakland freeway shooting victims are calling for action from elected officials to do something to stop the senseless violence on highways.
“My mom was killed senselessly and in 2007 he was there to support me through that. He showed up to the funeral and was definitely a big support during that time for me,” said McGlothin.
In the basketball world he was known as Gene “the dream” Ransom, but to Thaxter Ransom he was simply dad. In this statement his son said:
“My father was and still is a great man, he was a major influence in the East Bay Area community. He showed love to everyone he met and came across sometimes as a flirtation. That was him Gene ‘the dream’ Ransom. He opened the door for future basketball stars who came out of the Bay Area. He was looked up to and loved by many. I’ll never forget him and will always love him.”
A documentary produced by Doug Harris called Tournament of Champions; Legends of Northern California High School Basketball, features Ransom at playing the game Berkeley High School. He played three seasons for the Cal Men’s Basketball team, landing him a spot in the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001. Cal Athletics called him one of greatest players in the program’s history.
In a statement the department said:
“We are shocked to hear the reports that Cal Athletics Hall of Famer Gene Ransom has been identified as a victim in a deadly freeway shooting. Our thoughts are with gene’s family and friends for this tragic loss.”
William Byron Rumford was the first African American elected to a state public office in Northern California. He served as a California State Assemblyman from 1949 to 1967. Rumford was a pharmacist by profession and owned Rumford’s Pharmacy in Berkeley. He is best known for authoring the California Fair Housing Act (also known as the Rumford Act) in 1963, which aimed to end racial discrimination in housing. Despite facing significant opposition and the eventual repeal of the act by Proposition 14 in 1964, the Rumford Act was restored in 1966 and later reinforced by the U.S. Supreme Court. Prior to the Rumford Act, the East Bay was defacto segregated into a mostly white Hills and a mostly minority flats district, sadly that patten still continues to some extent.
Fair Legislation: The Byron Rumford Story” on YouTube: Fair Legislation: The Byron Rumford Story.
Commentary: My father, Curtis Cosmos Aller, Jr was a good friend of Bryon Rumford and I remember my father talking about him.
My father’s Civil Rights Involvement
My father was involved in some of the activities depicted in the documentary. He w as also put on a list of suspected communists during his time at the University of Washington in the 1940s when he led the succesful effort to integrate the University and then led the effort to allow Black students to live on campus in integrated dormitories. The FBI interviewed my father’s roommate and wanted to know if my father was a communist. My father’s roommate told the FBI to go f*** themselves, or words to that effect. I met my father’s roommate many years ago and he told me that story.
Several years later, during the Truman era, my mother was president of the Pacific Bell Telephone Workers’ Union. President Truman was going to San Francisco to meet union leaders, and the FBI interviewed my mother and asked her if she was a communist.
She told the FBI, “I don’t know where they find FBI Agents. I mean, you guys must be pretty dumb. If I were a communist, do you think I would tell you?”
She told them to f*** off and her parting words were, “Tell Harry that I don’t want to meet him unless he wants to meet me.”
They reported that to President Truman, and when they met, the San Francisco. the headline read, “Harry Meets Mary!” Has this occurred a few years before my time, maybe in 1951 or 1952?
My father was involved in anti-communist efforts during that time as the communists were very much part of the
civil rights movement and my father and others felt that the communists were exploiting Black people for their own nefarious reasons. In that sense, Walter
Gordon and my father were allied. I do not know if they ever met but I am sure they knew each other.
My father was a good friend of Governor Pat Brown and was a member of various state advisory boards in the late 50s and early 60s. He was also
friends with Judge Sweeney and others elected Black officials in the Bay Area.
That did not include Ron Dellums! They did not get along as my father was the best friend of the long-running Congressman from Berkeley that Dellums defeated in 1972, which led to my father running against Congressman Ron Dellums in 1974. In the movie, they mention a Dellems, and I wonder if that was Ron Dellums’ father or relative?
My father led the fight to desegregate the University of Washington in the 40’s. For that, he was listed as a possible communist by the CIA. Later my father set up the first Federal government Manpower training programs which had the goal of providing training to underrepresented groups including African Americans. He led the settlement of the SF student strike in 1969 which led to the founding of African American studies at SF State.
Co-Pilot provided background info:
Curtis Cosmos Aller Jr. He was a prominent figure in the educational and cooperative movements in the East Bay during the 1970s and 1980s. He served as the President of the Berkeley Co-op, a large consumer cooperative that played a significant role in the community by providing affordable goods and fostering a sense of collective ownership. His leadership helped maintain the Co-op’s operations during a time of political and economic challenges1.
Additionally, Curtis Cosmos Aller Jr. was the President of the Peralta Community Colleges in the East Bay, overseeing the administration and growth of the district’s educational institutions. His tenure contributed to the expansion and improvement of educational opportunities for the community.
The San Francisco State Student Strike of 1968-1969 was a significant event in the history of higher education in the United States. It was led by the Black Student Union (BSU) and the Third World Liberation Front (TWLF), a coalition of student organizations of color. The strike began on November 6, 1968, and lasted until March 21, 1969, making it the longest student strike in U.S. history.
The students demanded the establishment of an autonomous department for Ethnic Studies, increased representation of faculty and students of color, and more support for minority students. The strike was marked by daily rallies, marches, and confrontations with the administration1.
The strike ended with a significant victory for the students: the establishment of the first College of Ethnic Studies in the United States at San Francisco State University. This achievement paved the way for similar programs at other universities across the country3.
Ending Black History Month
The Pentagon announced it is no longer celebrating Black History month or other special observations. The Pentagon’s decision to stop celebrating Black History Month and other cultural awareness months was announced on January 31, 2025. You can read more about it in this article from Politico: Hegseth axes Pentagon ‘identity months’ the same day Trump calls for Black History Month observance.
As for other calls to quit observing Black History Month, there have been some discussions and actions taken by federal agencies to pause or cancel observances of various cultural and heritage months, including Black History Month. You can find more details in this article from NBC News: Federal agencies bar Black History Month and other ‘special observances’.
Pentagon cancels Black History Month hours before it starts
“Identity Months Dead at DoD,” reads the Jan. 31 Defense Department memo.
The day before the official start of Black History Month in the United States, the U.S. Department of Defense canceled and blocked any celebrations of it and other “identity months.”
The Jan. 31 release from new Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth declares “Identity Months Dead at DoD.” The directive from the secretary’s office argues that “[e]forts to divide the force – to put one group ahead of another – erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.” Therefore it’s blocking any official commemoration or celebration of cultural awareness and heritage months such as Black History Month and Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
“Going forward, DoD Components and Military Departments will not use official resources, to include man-hours, to host celebrations or events related to cultural awareness months,” the new guidance says.
The guidance lists some examples of cultural awareness months, including “National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month.” An updated release from the secretary’s office on Saturday, Feb. 1 added Pride Month to the list of banned heritage celebration months.
Military and civilian personnel “remain permitted to attend these events in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours,” the guidance says, but cannot use on-the-clock hours or official resources.
Hegseth axes Pentagon ‘identity months’ the same day Trump calls for Black History Month observance
Identity months are officially dead during the Pentagon.
The Defense Department will no longer use “official resources, including man-hours” to celebrate “cultural awareness months,” according to guidance Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth issued Friday — on the eve of Black History Month, which began Saturday
The list of celebrations called out include National African American/Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month and National American Indian Heritage Month.
“We are proud of our warriors and their history, but we will focus on the character of their service instead of their immutable characteristics,” the guidance says. It notes that service members and civilians may attend events “in an unofficial capacity outside of duty hours.”
Hegseth’s orders came the same day that President Donald Trump issued a proclamation calling for the recognition of Black History Month.
On Friday, Trump called “upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.”
Asked Friday if agencies that had called off Black History Month activities should reinstate them in response to the proclamation, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters “the president is leading here at the White House.”
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment.
Federal agencies bar Black History Month and other ‘special observances’
A number of federal agencies have banned celebrations related to MLK Jr. Day, Women’s History Month and other such observances to comply with Trump’s executive orders.
WASHINGTON — Federal agencies on Friday rushed to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive orders aimed at curtailing diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
The executive orders prompted a flurry of memos and emails obtained by NBC News that modified the rules for staff at intelligence agencies, in the military and across civilian departments regarding employee resource groups and the celebration of cultural awareness events.
This week, the Defense Intelligence Agency ordered a pause of all activities and events related to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Black History Month, Juneteenth, LGBTQ Pride Month, Holocaust Remembrance Day and other “special observances” to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order, according to a memo obtained by NBC News.
The memo listed 11 observances that are now banned. It also said that all affinity groups and “employee networking groups” are immediately on pause.
The directive comes as the Trump administration has made it a top priority to go after any programs perceived to be related to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the federal government.
The DIA did not immediately return a request for comment.
U.S. intelligence agencies are also working to eliminate or suspend any activities that could be interpreted as supporting past DEI policies, multiple current and former officials said. The agencies are still trying to determine what activities or events will be prohibited, but officials are erring on the side of caution rather than risk failing to comply with the administration’s orders, the sources said.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversees the country’s intelligence services, recently issued written guidance to employees saying that DEI-related boards and working groups have been “curtailed” and that no official work time or workspaces should be used for DEI-related activities, according an excerpt from a memo obtained by NBC News. Future travel related to these activities also has been cancelled, the memo stated.
Pentagon leaders on Friday received a similar email mandating that, effective immediately, they may no longer dedicate official resources, including man-hours, to cultural awareness months.
Service members and civilians will still be permitted to attend these events in an unofficial capacity and outside of duty hours, the memo added.
As for the Central Intelligence Agency, a spokesperson said the agency is carrying out the executive order on scrapping DEI programs.
“CIA is complying with the Executive Order. We are laser-focused on our foreign intelligence mission,” a spokesperson said in an email.
Former intelligence officials said there was a risk that the administration’s moves to eliminate events marking Martin Luther King Day, the Holocaust or Americans’ ethnic heritage could prove counterproductive and discourage potential recruits from joining the intelligence services.
The CIA and other spy agencies for decades have sought to hire from a more diverse pool of talent to ensure the country has intelligence officers with language skills and cultural backgrounds that help improve intelligence gathering abroad.
“From an intelligence community perspective, I really think it could hurt our ability to do our job,” the former senior official said.
“We’re going to strangle off talent pipelines that were already narrow to begin with. And that’s going to deprive our intelligence community and our national security establishment of critical knowledge, talent, skills, language … that might be valuable in trying to get somebody into a foreign country,” the former official added.
On Friday afternoon, the Office of Personnel Management sent a memo, obtained by NBC News, ordering that all references to “gender ideology” be removed by 5 p.m. across the federal government.
The memo stated that this includes removing references from all public-facing websites and social media accounts, and specifically ordered the removal of Outlook prompts that directed staff to write out their pronouns.
In line with that new memo, State Department employees have also been instructed to remove all gender-identifying pronouns from their email signatures by 5 p.m. Friday.
“The Department of State is reviewing all agency programs, contracts, and grants that promote or inculcate gender ideology, and we are removing outward facing media that does the same,” the new Under Secretary for Management Ambassador Tibor P. Nagy wrote in an email — whose subject line was “Defending Women” — reviewed by NBC News. “Bureaus have already been alerted to review trainings, forms, and plans that involve gender ideology.”
Last week, the Justice Department sent a memo to staff announcing the closure of all of its DEI programs, saying, “These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.”
The Pentagon memo on Friday barring the use of official resources for cultural awareness months echoed the same language, stating that “efforts to divide the force — to put one group ahead of another — erode camaraderie and threaten mission execution.”
Pentagon agency pauses MLK, Holocaust Remembrance, other celebrations
he Pentagon’s intelligence arm has issued a memo pausing any activities related to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth, Black History Month, LBGTQ+ Pride Month and Holocaust Remembrance Day, among other “special observances,” according to a defense official who confirmed the authenticity of the memo.
Mr. Trump has emphasized ending recognition of DEI issues and observances as a key part of his agenda, and he suggested Thursday that DEI may bear some blame for the deadly collision between a commercial plane and a Black Hawk helicopter earlier this week, though when asked what evidence he’d seen to support the claim, he responded, “It just could have been. We have a high standard.”
Parts of the Pentagon have tried to comply with the executive order ahead of a formal directive from the Defense Department.
Last weekend, the Air Force revised a course in basic military training related to diversity that also included videos of the Tuskegee Airmen and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs). The brief removal of the videos prompted a backlash when the videos were briefly removed from training to review the course.
Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, Air Education and Training Command commander, said in a statement after the review that the course had been revised to focus “on the documented historic legacy and decorated valor with which these units and Airmen fought for our Nation in World War II and beyond.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in his first week on the job established a “Restoring America’s Fighting Force Task Force” to focus on rooting out DEI efforts in the Pentagon. In a memo, he directed the task force to present an initial report in March.
In 1976, President Gerald R. Ford recognized Black History Month. Ten years later, President Ronald Reagan issued Proclamation 5443, recognizing National Black (Afro-American) History Month. In 2025, just after a hellish, chaotic month, at Donald’s urging, the Defense Department’s intelligence agency has paused observances of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, Women’s History Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, Juneteenth, and other cultural or historical annual events in response to the president’s ban on DEI programs in the federal workplace.
Federal agencies have struggled to interpret Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order ending DEI programs across the government and have taken a broad approach due to lack of clearer guidance from the White House on how to comply.
On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth directed staff to create a DEI task force to ensure no DEI programs remain in the Pentagon.
“We’re not joking around,” Hegseth said in an interview Wednesday with Fox News. “There’s no changing of games or softly manipulating something. DEI is gone.”
If DEI “is gone,” then explain those two aircraft disasters this week, Pete. I thought you all said that DEI caused them.
Happy Black History Month, y’all. Well, not you, Clarence Thomas.
In Honor of the Year of the Wood Snake, here are some forecasts by Co-Pilot and two of my poems about the most famous snake of all the Snake in the Garden of Eden. Enjoy and have a prosperous New Year
Chinese Zodiac Years
Chinese (Simplified)
鼠 (Shǔ) – Rat
牛 (Niú) – Ox
虎 (Hǔ) – Tiger
兔 (Tù) – Rabbit
龙 (Lóng) – Dragon
蛇 (Shé) – Snake
马 (Mǎ) – Horse
羊 (Yáng) – Goat
猴 (Hóu) – Monkey
鸡 (Jī) – Rooster
狗 (Gǒu) – Dog
猪 (Zhū) – Pig
Korean (Hangul)
쥐 (Jwi) – Rat
소 (So) – Ox
호랑이 (Horangi) – Tiger
토끼 (Tokki) – Rabbit
용 (Yong) – Dragon
뱀 (Baem) – Snake
말 (Mal) – Horse
양 (Yang) – Goat
원숭이 (Wonsungi) – Monkey
닭 (Dak) – Rooster
개 (Gae) – Dog
돼지 (Dwaeji) – Pig
Vietnamese (Quốc ngữ)
Chuột – Rat
Trâu – Ox
Hổ – Tiger
Mèo – Cat (Note: In Vietnamese culture, it is the cat instead of the rabbit)
Rồng – Dragon
Rắn – Snake
Ngựa – Horse
Dê – Goat
Khỉ – Monkey
Gà – Rooster
Chó – Dog
Lợn – Pig
Discussion: Common Confusions in English
Rat vs. Mouse
In the Chinese zodiac, the year is commonly referred to as the year of the Rat. Sometimes, it is
Confused with a mouse due to the general similarities between the two rodents. However, the
Traditional Chinese zodiac animal is a rat, known for its cleverness and resourcefulness.
Ox vs. Cow
The year of the Ox sometimes gets confused with the year of the Cow in English. The ox is
Traditionally seen as a symbol of hard work and reliability. While “cow” is a common term for
domestic cattle, “ox” specifically refers to a castrated male cattle, traditionally used as a
draft animal.
Rabbit vs. Cat
The year of the Rabbit in the Chinese zodiac is sometimes confused with the year of the Cat in Vietnamese culture. while most East Asian cultures celebrate the year of the Rabbit, in Vietnam, it is uniquely the year of the Cat, which is believed to bring different attributes.
General Forecast for the Year of the Snake
The Year of the Snake, which began on January 29, 2025, is known as the Year of the Wood Snake. This year is all about deep insights, thoughtful deliberation, and inner strength
The Snake symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and transformation.
Relationships: It’s a great time to strengthen your relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. However, be mindful of potential conflicts, especially with signs like the Monkey, Goat, Rooster, and Ox.
Career: This year encourages strategic planning and thoughtful decision-making. It’s a good time for career growth, but watch out for potential obstacles.
Health: Focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle to avoid health issues.
Forecast for Those Born in the Year of the Goat – I was born in the Year of the Wood Goat
Relationships: The Goat may face some challenges in relationships this year. It’s important to stay calm and approach conflicts with grace.
Career: There might be opportunities for career advancement, but be cautious of potential conflicts with colleagues.
Health: Pay attention to your well-being and avoid overworking yourself.
Based on your birth date of October 30, 1955, you were born in the Year of the Wood Goat according to the Chinese zodiac. People born under this sign are known for their elegance, charm, generosity, wisdom, and gentleness. They are also considered to be compassionate, kind, and supportive, making them great friends and counselors.
Relationships: The Pig may experience some challenges in relationships, but staying calm and finding solutions can help maintain harmony.
Career: This year could bring opportunities for financial growth and career success.
Health: Focus on maintaining a balanced lifestyle to avoid health issues.
Your wife was born on May 28, 1959, which makes her an Earth Pig according to the Chinese zodiac. People born under this sign are known for their generosity, diligence, and reliability. They are often seen as kind-hearted, compassionate, and supportive individuals who enjoy helping others.
General Forecast for the Year of the Earth Pig
Career: This year encourages steady progress and hard work. Earth Pigs are likely to see stability and growth in their careers, especially if they focus on long-term goals and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
Relationships: Earth Pigs are known for their loyalty and dedication to their loved ones. This year is a good time to strengthen family bonds and nurture friendships. However, it’s important to communicate openly and avoid misunderstandings.
Health: Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is crucial for Earth Pigs. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate rest are essential to avoid health issues.
Wealth: Earth Pigs may see steady financial growth this year. It’s a good time to focus on saving and investing wisely. Avoiding financial speculation and sticking to low-risk investments is recommended.
Korean (Romanized): Wonsungi-ui hae (Heul Wonsungi)
2029: Year of the Earth Rooster (鸡年 Jī Nián)
Korean (Hangul): 닭의 해 (흙 닭)
Korean (Romanized): Dak-ui hae (Heul Dak)
Year of the Rat
How will your luck be like in 2025?
We spoke to a feng shui master for the Year of the Wood Snake forecast
Master Louis Cheung from Divine way Fengshui shared more about the fengshui forecast for the Year of the Snake.
Chinese New Year, which starts on Wednesday (Jan 29), will mark the beginning of the Year of the Snake.
Whether you had a good or bad Year of the Dragon in 2024, a new year means new beginnings.
According to Chinese culture, an individual’s feng shui — which is a traditional form of geomancy that originated from China — can be affected by their zodiac sign.
To find out what the Year of the Snake has to offer for each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, Asia One spoke to Master Louis Cheung from Divine way Fengshui.
The 47-year-old, who has been a master for more than two decades, explained that the Chinese believe that everything in this universe links back to five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
This year happens to be the Year of the Wood Snake in particular.
Another aspect that affects one’s zodiac is Tai Sui, Chinese astrology deities that represent the stars directly opposite planet Jupiter.
While zodiac forecasts are a common way for people to get a sense of how their luck will be like for the year, Master Louis advised that it is only a “general outlook”.
He emphasized that to get a more accurate reading, there are other factors to consider such as one’s date and time of birth.
This year will be a decent one for people born in the year of the Rat as there are no clashes with Tai Sui, Master Louis shared.
It’s a good year for Rat-signs looking for love and a relationship. However, they have to be more mindful of their health.
Ox
Overall, it is looking to be a good year for those born in the year of the Ox because it gets along well with the Snake zodiac.
However, Master Louis warned that because of this, they have to be wary of “vile” people that may create problems for them in both their career and relationship.
“Although they have opportunities to start a new business or career, they have to be careful of people who may sabotage them,” he added.
While those in the year of the Ox will have generally decent health this year, they need to keep an eye out for their elderly loved ones who may have health issues.
Tiger
2025 may be a rough year for those born in the year of the Tiger as there is a slight clash with Tai Sui.
To stay out of trouble, Master Louis advised that Tiger-signs should avoid gossip as it may affect romantic relationships or lead to more serious problems like slander and court cases, He also warned that Tiger-signs need to be wary of getting injured.
But it won’t be an entirely grim year as they may have benefactors who will help them in their career.
Rabbit, Because of a moving star, it’ll be a year of hard work for Rabbit-signs and they may be pushed into a growth period that requires them to perform.
This isn’t necessarily bad as it opens more doors for promotions and pay raises.
However, those born in the year of Rabbit will need to be mindful of their health.
“As they might be overworked, their health might suffer as they may be exhausted,” Master Louis explained.
“Because they work too hard, they might get injured or get into accidents.” As Rabbit-signs will be so focused on work, they may also be too tired for relationships and might even negatively impact their loved ones by being too “critical or insensitive”.
Dragon
We are just coming out of the year of the Dragon and it was not an easy one for them, especially when it came to relationships and health.
But 2025 may be slightly better for Dragon-signs when it comes to health and work, Master Louis shared.
Career-wise, there might be positive changes at work and even good opportunities allowing them to relocate overseas.
It’s also a good year for relationships and some Dragon-signs may even be hearing wedding bells soon.
Snake
While it is the year of the Snake, 2025 won’t be their year. In fact, Snake-signs may be in for a rough time due to the direct conflict their zodiac has with the Year of the Wood Snake. “The two snakes will fight with each other. This is what we call direct conflict with the Tai Sui,” said Master Louis. They will have potential issues and instability in most areas of their life, whether it be their health, career or relationships. This in tu n may make Snake-signs feel more irritable and overwhelmed, which may result in arguments with others, including their loved ones and colleagues. In more serious cases, it might lead to conflict or accidents. Master Louis suggests that this year, those born in the year of Snake should lie low and avoid being too outspoken to avoid running into problems.
Horse
It’s a year of growth and new opportunities for Horse-signs, especially when it comes to work. They may even go into a development year that will push them to study more, leading to potential career upgrades. There is also a chance that they will meet people in their field of work who will help them with their career. However, because of a Tao Hua star — also known as a love star — in their charts, they may have some emotional instability after meeting someone from the opposite sex. Health-wise, Horse-signs should take better care of their mental health, advised Master Louis.
Goat next Goat Year will be 2027
For those born in the year of the Goat, it’s quite a neutral year with not many ups or downs, shared Master Louis. They may need to work a bit harder, though their efforts may not equal to results, he said. Elderly folk in Goat-signs’ lives may also have health problems. Apart from that, Master Louis advised Goat-signs to take care of their personal safety, especially of “flying objects”. This means avoiding extreme activities and sports, and being careful when walking under buildings. This is an odd specific warning. I suppose I should be careful living on the 17th FLoor!
Monkey
Monkey-signs will have a mixture of ups and downs this coming year due to a side conflict with Tai Sui, Their emotions, relationships and jobs may be sabotaged by people, said Master Louis. If they are to get into trouble, they can look out for a mentor, elder benefactor or person of higher authority to help them resolve any issues. Health-wise, they should look out for any breathing-related problems.
Rooster
Similar to the Ox, the Rooster gets along well with the Snake, according to Master Louis. This means those born in the year of the Rooster can look forward to a pretty good year in all aspects like health, relationships and career. Apart from potential job promotions and career upgrades, Rooster-signs may also be appreciated more by seniors. This in turn may create opportunities for them to switch jobs or relocate elsewhere. However, their good progress may incur some jealousy and they have to be careful of gossip or getting backstabbed, Master Louis warned. Rooster-signs may also find themselves socializing or entertaining more and if they do, he urged them to be careful of getting into illicit relationships.
Dog
The year of the Dragon was not a good year for the Dog but thankfully, 2025 is looking to be a better year for them, especially for relationships. Master Louis shared that Dog-sign couples who struggled or even split up in 2024 may come back better and stronger in 2025. There is also a chance of wedding bells. Additionally, people who were born in the year of the Dog may have benefactors, which will improve their general affinity and relationships with colleagues and family members. Master Louis advised Dog-signs to look out for people with power or authority to help them excel more in their career. Unfortunately, health-wise, Dog-signs may experience exhaustion as they might get too carried away by the improvements the new year brings.
Pig next Pig Year will be 2011
As the Snake and Pig zodiacs clash, this year is not a good year for Pig-signs and their relationships and health may be affected. As they may be more emotionally unstable, they might get into quarrels or arguments with people more easily. On the bright side, there are chances to gain recognition from their superiors at work. Master Louis also warned that their investments may not do well this year so Pig-signs need to be careful with their money.
Welcome to the Year of the Wooden Snake, where it is all about strengthening our relationships and networks with others.
But as we seek this connection, Feng Shui expert and Geomancer Patrick Lim Fernandez said not all signs will be lucky when it comes to love this year.
As we welcome the Year of the Wooden Snake, here’s a quick forecast to know which signs have that “love luck” this year.
What are the lucky signs?
According to Fernandez, the signs that are lucky when it comes to love and relationships in general are the tiger, dragon, snake, horse, and dog. Their luck in love this year will not only come from their significant other but also from their friends, family, colleagues and their potential love interest.
“Each sign, each animal has stars that govern what are good or not so good energies. And this is for all different aspects of life, for relationships, for money, for health. So, it so happens that in what we call the cosmic roulette of what happens for each particular sign, those signs have good stars or good energies that will help them in relationships,” Fernandez explained.
In pursuing a relationship, he noted that it is important to “find out who you are, and find out what you want” to manifest that good energy. “Because if you don’t know what you want, you won’t know what you’re looking for and that will lead to you getting into a relationship with someone that you’re not looking for. So, knowing yourself, knowing about your animal will help you figure out yourself and what you want. And then, go out and find the right person for you,” Fernandez adds.
With good relationship luck this year, it is also the perfect time to go on dates, or just simply try to meet new people. Who knows it may lead you to your “the one?” If planning to get married, then go for it.
Although love luck is on your side this year, watch out for natural conflicts that may arise in your relationship. “We also see sometimes that some signs are like fighting. Because there are signs that are not just compatible with one another such as the dragon and the dog, the horse and the rat. So, there’s gonna be a natural conflict. If you’re okay with fighting, it’s okay. Again, it’s up to you. But just be aware, there’s going to be fights,” Fernandez said. “At the end of the day, it’s our choice. The energies will be there and we can help you interpret it. But it’s still your choice,” he added.
The not-too-lucky
On the flip side, the ones with the not-so-good energies that may go in conflict with the Year of the Wooden Snake are the monkey, goat, rooster, and ox. “For those signs, be a little bit more mindful of your relationships with others as it could lead to potential conflicts and disputes. So, iwas gulo that’s what you can do,” Fernandez explained. Fernandez adds these unlucky signs possess the conflict energy that can make them feel a little bit more “hot-headed.” “Don’t engage in it, try to go above the gulo so that you won’t be embroiled in it. At the end of the day, it’s within our control,” he said.
Which signs are compatible with one another?
This year, the dragon and the dog, the horse and the rat are not compatible when it comes to establishing a relationship, so be careful if you and your significant other are among these signs.
According to Fernandez, the combinations that will align this year are the rat, the dragon, and the monkey; the ox, the snake, and the rooster, the tiger; the horse and the dog; as well as the rabbit, the goat and the pig. “Their energies just match with one another,” he said.
Aside from these trios, several animal pairs also have “stronger combinations” this year. They are the rat and the ox pair, the tiger and the pig pair, the rabbit and the dog, the dragon and the rooster, the snake and the monkey, the horse and the goat.
“If you find someone in that animal sign, that’s a good step one. You’re ready,” he said.
Year of Temptation
According to an earlier Feng Shui forecast, the Year of the Wooden Snake is a year of temptation.
Fernandez said among the animal signs, the horse is the one prone to temptation as they have the Illusory Romance Star.
“The Illusory Romance Star [is also called] the Illegal Romance Star. Meaning, you’ll have temptation throughout the year,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez reminded the horse sign to “stay true” to themselves and to their moral compass to avoid these temptations.
Just a reminder though. These stars are just here to guide us. Our fate relies on the decisions and actions we make in our everyday lives.
I applaud you for agreeing to chair the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but I am afraid that you are off to the wrong start, and DOGE recommendations will likely go nowhere.
Here is my recommendation on how to conduct this very important, long-overdue review of the US federal government’s budget and employment levels:
First, set up ten subject matter blue ribbon panels that will be empowered to do the bulk of the review, with DOGE headquarters staff serving in a coordinator role to ensure that the reviews are completed in time and are comprehensive worldwide reviews with actionable proposals for legislative and executive actions.
The panels will be selected with the advice and consent of the House and the Senate, with 10 members appointed by Republicans or Democrats and one nonpartisan member. Each panel will have at least four women members, three minority members, one LGBTQ member, and two international members. Their commissions will conduct their work in public and televised hearings, primarily in English, but will post their final recommendations in multiple languages on the website.
Schedule:
Begin May 1, 2025: Selection of the Commissioners.
June 1, 2025: Selection of staff members, all with interim TS/CSI Clearances.
July 1, 2025: Web page, commission work schedule, and policies set up.
July 1 – August 2025: Conduct a comprehensive world review of the subject in multiple languages and make prior recommendations using the latest AI research tools. Use that review to guide the rest of the work of the commission.
August 1 to September 30 Send questionnaires to selected government employees federal labor unions, retired employees, university experts, and media following the work of the agencies and agency heads with follow-up interviews soliciting their input and suggestions as to how to cut waste and operate their agencies more efficiently and effectively.
October 2025: The Commission will conduct public hearings in the United States and internationally, talking to academicians, and world leaders in their respective fields.
November 2025: Publish initial findings, including research findings with links to prior reports, media coverage, recommendations, and specific actionable executive and legislative proposals, with budgetary implications spelled out.
December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026: Public comment period.
April 1, 2026: Release the final report online, considering public comments received, and in multiple languages to the President, OMB, House and Senate committees, and international organizations such as the UN, World Bank, IMF, major universities, think tanks, the media, and foreign missions.
July 1, 2026: Send recommended legislative proposals to the US Congress, international organizations, think tanks, universities, experts consulted, the media, the UN, mayors of major metro areas, and governors of the 50 states.
August 2026: Congress will hold hearings and enact relevant legislation.
September 2026: Legislation enacted and sent to the President prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.
December 31, 2026: The revised fiscal year begins, coinciding with the calendar year being merged into the fiscal year, which will be a major recommendation of the commission, considering the budget for the next two years prior by Congress.
January 2026: Congress begins annual oversight hearings and requests for supplemental budget requests.
April 2026: DOGE commissions report their first action report, after considering public comments received.
July 2026 – September 2026: Congress considers additional legislative proposals presented by the DOGE commissioners.
April 2027: Second follow-up action report after considering public comments received.
July 2027: Congress considers additional legislative proposals.
Starting in 2028: The DOGE commissions will conduct independent oversight hearings every Spring (in light of the new two-year budget cycle) with recommended legislative and executive actions.
The commissions will look in detail at the following programs and policies of the Federal Government, considering best practices around the world, and in the States as well, as prior commission recommendations.
Federal Budget Process
Reform the Federal Budget Process
Reform the tax code every year
Expand the number of States and the number of Senators and Representatives
Consolidation of Government Agencies -Reforming Immigration Policy by Creating a New Department of
Immigration and Consular Affairs,
Expand US Government Support for International Trade by Creating a New Cabinet Department of International Trade
DOD Savings
Set up two three Federal Service academies following the military service academies – one focused on intelligence and diplomacy, public health and science, law enforcement
Consolidate Intelligence Agencies into the CIA
Merge National Forest Land and BLM Lands,
Eliminate the BLM, turning that land back to the States.
Merge National Monuments into the National Park Service
International Relations
The War in Ukraine and a Durable Peace: Ending the War in the Mideast and Establishing a Durable Peace.
Work towards ending Islamic terrorism,
Engage the Taliban
Address the North Korean nuclear threat and work towards the reunification of the Koreas.
Offer the Iranians a grand bargain
With the decline in terrorism expanding the Peace Corps Reform NATO and other military alliances in light of the resolution of the
Ukraine war.
Restructuring the Military:
Educational Reforms
Review the Department of Education:
Expanding Apprenticeship Programs:
Public Health: including Fully funding Operation Moon Shotto eliminate cancer by 2035, fully funding comprehensive COVID vaccination that will vaccinate against the common cold, pneumonia, and the flu in annual vaccinationsDeveloping and Deploy an STD/HIV vaccine, Developing and deploying a Malaria/Yellow Fever, Dengue, and Zinka vaccination,
Climate Change and Energy Policy
Expand high-speed trains and transit systems using the latest technology making intracity train travel the majority of inter-city travel reserving airline travel for lost distance flights only expand urban mobility helicopter transit systems to help reduce traffic.
Build more housing, especially multi-family apartments, and group housing bringing back boarding houses and corporate and government-provided dormitories
Agriculture
Reform but not Eliminate Corporation for Public Broadcasting and Government Support for the Arts
Expand NASA’s Mandate to include setting up lunar and Mars colonies by 2040, and developing interstellar travel by 2024
More detailed proposals follow;
Reform the Federal Budget Process
Reform the budget process to end automatic CRs and government shutdowns and eliminate the debt ceiling limit. The USG faces a fiscal cliff. To address this, the government must become more efficient, generate new revenue, and reduce non-essential spending starting with DOD.
Shift to a two-year budget cycle, with the first year of a new congress reserved for passing the budget, and the second year of the congress devoted to oversight and supplemental budget requests. The budgets will include an automatic increase in the budget set at the federal COLA
Reform the Tax Code Every Year
The tax code must be simplified and reviewed annually as part of the budget review process. Most deductions will be eliminated keeping only mortgage interest, credit card interest, SALT taxes paid, business travel, charitable giving, medical and educational expenses. The minimum tax rules will be re-imposed. Both personal and corporate tax rates will be set at 5 percent, 10 percent, and 15 percent with 5 percent being the minimum tax collected from all taxpayers, and more people will be required to file and pay taxes. Overseas filters will only pay taxes after reaching 250,000 annual income after deductions including foreign taxes . Tariffs should be increased with revenues going to reduce the federal government debt. A five percent VAT could also be introduced.
In general, the Federal government should pay for day-to-day operations out of tax revenues reserving borrowing for high-value items such as major defense spending, NASA spending, and infrastructure spending.
Expand the number of States and the number of Senators and Representatives
Create up to 80 new states by converting territories and DC to states and dividing mega-states like California, Florida, Illinois New York, and Texas, creating city-states like NYC, LA, and Chicago uniting cities and their suburbs, and creating five native American states, and looking at extending Statehood to American territorial possessions and DC.
The new states would be consist of:
Splitting Californiainto seven new states,
Northwest Coast, Jefferson (Northeast California, Southern and Eastern Oregon, and Eastern Washington capitol Spokane) Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley, Delta, Davis-Tahoe region, San Francisco Bay Area including Monterrey and Santa Cruz, Central Coast, LA and San Diego including TJ and Baja California and Eastern California desert region.
Spliting New York state into New York City and its Suburbs, and the rest of New York becoming its own state.
Splitting Illinois into Chicago and its suburbs and downstate Illinois,
Splitting Texas into five city-states – Austin/Hill country, Dallas/Ft Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso each with hinterlands attached,
Splitting Florida into Northern, Central Florida Southern Florida Miami City State
Create new Mega City States in biggest metro areas
Philadelphia/Baltimore city state including Atlantic City,
Washington DC city-state called Colombia combining DC, Northern Virginia, Western Virginia, and Maryland suburbs down to Fredericksburg.
Create new City States of Denver/Boulder, Detroit, Seattle/Tacoma and New Orleans and Baton Rouge.,
Create Indian States, consisting of Alaskan native state, Navaho Reservation, Eastern Oklahoma, Yakima Reservation, Blackfoot in Idaho, Iroquis in New York, and Sioux Reservation in North and South Dakota.
Each federally recognized tribe will be affiliated with the nearest Native State, be allowed to move to the Native State and receive a stipend from Indian Gambling and other state-run businesses, and be federal government income tax-free,
Extend statehood to Guam, Micronesia, PR, Samoa, and VI.
Expand the House and the Senate and create new council of governors as new legislative branch.
The House of Representatives will be expanded to 600 members and the Senate to 160 new members, and a new third legislative body called the Council of the States consisting of governors and vice governors will meet once a month virtually and once a year to review and approve major Federal legislation that affects the states. The number of representatives will be adjusted every ten years to reflect increased populations.
Convene a Constitutional Convention to enshrine changes into the new Constitution including the new states, the expanded congress, and the new council of governors super-legislature.
Reforming Immigration Policy by Creating a New Department of Immigration and Consular Affairs
Merge the Consular Affairs Bureau, DHS CIS, ICE, and Department of Labor certification programs into a new cabinet-level agency. Most employees will work at the Kentucky Consular Center, immigration service centers, passport offices, or ports of entry, spending 40% of their time overseas. Only senior staff will remain in DC. All staff will be Foreign Service officers, undergoing one year of training, followed by two domestic and two overseas assignments.
Routine NIVs will be processed via ETA, with most countries part of the VWP. Overseas positions will have
three to five line officers and a section chief. There will be four divisions: NIV, immigration visa processing,
fraud detection, and consular protection services.
Entry to the Department of State, Immigration and Consular Affairs, and DHS will require graduate degrees and overseas experience. Credit will be given for military or Peace Corps service. Officers will start at FS level 05, serve three years of probation, and be promoted to 03 upon tenure.
They will serve ten-year terms with reviews every ten years. Retirement will be aged 60, with optional service to age 70. The maximum entry age will be 30. Adjust immigration enforcement and deportation to fit the newly established legal immigration framework.
Expand US Government Support for International Trade by Creating a New Cabinet Department of International Trade
Merge offices within Commerce, State, DOL, and other agencies. Expand the number of foreign commercial and agricultural officers, requiring the same entry criteria as State Department and the new Immigration Consular Services. This will also include setting up a national tourism board with offices in every state and major cities, and in embassies overseas to promote tourism to the U.S. and oversee participation in international expos and sporting events.
DOD Savings
Private Commissary, PX, golf courses, bowling alleys, and other support services. Consolidate all military air services into the Air Force. Privatize military lodging and turn over base schools to local districts, keeping DOD schools overseas.
There is no rational reason why DOD should be operating the eighth-largest grocery chain in the world. Walmart or Target could operate it much more efficently. They could provide discounts for active duty personnel based on rank, and shopping would be tax free.
The same applies to domestic DOD schools; they should be turned over to the local school district. The same goes for base libraries; they should also be turned over to the local library system, with a branch library on base. The military lodging facilities should be contracted as well.
On-base dining should also be contracted out. Recreational facilities should also be contracted out to local government parks and recreation except for bases located overseas. Overseas schools, libraries, and recreational facilities should be run by DOD except where it is practical to have local governments manage them on a contract basis. Certainly,
Costco, Walmart or Target could and should operate international commissaries and PX services. All of these services could and should be privatized, saving the government money without harming national security.
Move the Coast Guard to DOD
Set up two three Federal Service academies following the military service academies – one focused on intelligence and diplomacy, public health and science and law enforcement
Consolidate Intelligence Agencies into the CIA
Merge National Forest Land and BLM Lands,
Eliminate the BLM, turning that land back to the States.
Merge National Monuments into the National Park Service
International Relations
The War in Ukraine and a Durable Peace: Address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and work towards a sustainable peace agreement.
Ending the War in the Mideast and Establishing a Durable Peace:
Focus on creating a true two-state solution, including a land swap allowing for a land bridge from Gaza along the southern border to Palestine and the creation of a Trans-ordan Federation with its capital in Jerusalem. Expand the Abraham Accords to include additional Middle Eastern countries.
Work towards ending Islamic terrorism,
Engage the Taliban to bring them back into the international community, and end their horrific treatment of women.
Address the North Korean nuclear threat and work towards the reunification of the Koreas.
Offer the Iranians a grand bargain reestablishing diplomatic relations and expanding people-to-people exchanges including the Peace Corps
With the decline in terrorism expand the Peace Corps to include Afghanistan, India, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, United Korea, (North Korea and rural South Korea) Sudan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
Reform NATO and other military alliances in light of the resolution of the Ukraine war.
Military Relations
Restructuring the Military:
Consider whether to extend the draft and expand the GI Bill. Explore the possibility of requiring public service in exchange for military
service, move the Coast Guard back to DOD.
Educational Reforms
Review the Department of Education: Decide whether to extend or revamp the department. Reform secondary and tertiary
education, considering the impact of AI on the education system and addressing the implications of the demographic cliff facing colleges.
Answer the question of how many colleges and Universities the United States needs and what the basic basic structure of university education should be. The basic goal is to ensure that students have options to enter into training programs rather than college. Expand opportunities for employment in government and elsewhere for non-college educated. Expand the GI bill, providing college and vocational training tuition in return for public service in the military or government sector. Make college tuition free. Reduce the burden of student debt by forgiving student debt for public sector service..
Expanding Apprenticeship Programs: Develop training programs and expand nationwide military and other training certificate programs, including nationwide recognition of such certificates as military EMT certification..
Public Health: Define the role of the US government in promoting public health and its involvement in the WHO and other international health agencies including Fully fund Operation Moon Shot to eliminate cancer by 2035, fully fund comprehensive COVID vaccination that will vaccinate against the common cold, pneumonia, and the flu in annual vaccinations which should be fully paid for in insurance programs, Develop and deploy an STD/HIV vaccine, Develop and deploy a Malaria/Yellow Fever, Dengue, and Zinka vaccination, along with biological eradication programs targeting those disease-bearing mosquitos, with the goal being the complete elimination of mosquito and insect diseases by 2030…
Climate Change and Energy Policy
US Government’s Response to Climate Change: Determine the appropriate response and how to encourage countries like China to engage fully in climate change initiatives.
Expand high-speed trains and transit systems using the latest technology making intracity train travel the majority of inter-city travel reserving airline travel for lost distance flights only expand urban mobility helicopter transit systems to help reduce traffic.
Build more housing, especially multi-family apartments, and group housing bringing back boarding houses and corporate and government-provided dormitories
Agriculture
Promotion of Insect Agriculture: Explore and promote insect agriculture, and other sustainable agricultural production in light of widespread climate change and populatation growth.
NASA
Give NASA a new mandate – and appropriate budget bump up -setting up sustainable lunar, space, and Martian colonies by 2040. And develop true interstellar spaceships by 2040 and set up colonies on the Jupiter and Saturn moons and Alpha Centura by 2050. The AI-driven review will look at how to develop interstellar travel capabilities and colonies on the Moon, Mars Jupiter, and Saturn moons by 2040, and Alpha Centura by 2050 reviewing the vast Sci-Fi literature on these topics focusing on what is most feasible given today’s technologies and making recommendations on future research topics…
These points aim to address key international relations issues, military restructuring, educational reforms, public health promotion, climate change response, and agricultural innovation. By focusing on these areas, the United States can work towards solving pressing problems and creating a better future for all.
Sincerely,
John (Jake) Cosmos Aller
Retired U.S. State of State Foreign Service Officer
these are entirely my opinions and do not reflect the views of my prior employers.
for more information, please consult the following background information supplied by Co-Pilot
Official Web Page
: This article discusses how some progressive lawmakers are intrigued by the potential for Pentagon cuts and other reforms proposed by the DOGE initiative.
: This article critiques the DOGE initiative as a continuation of traditional GOP austerity measures, focusing on entitlement reform and spending cuts.
: This article covers Bill Gates’ support for Elon Musk’s cost-cutting plans, highlighting international perspectives on government efficiency and spending.
Kate Chopin’s novel, the Awakening is a proto-feminist novel written by Kate Chopin set in Grand Isle Louisiana and New Orleans in the late 1880’s.
It tells the story of Edna Pontellier who is married with two children to a Creole businessman although she had grown up in a protestant family and faced social pressure against the marriage from her family who did not want her to marry a French-speaking Catholic.
She is a sensitive, unhappy soul seeking self-fulfillment and not finding it within the convention of marriage and motherhood. She has an affair with Robert, a young man she meets on vacation. The affair awakens erotic desires in her that ultimately can not be reconciled with the ideal of being a married woman with children in an upper class family at the turn of the 20th century.
The novel ends with her drowning herself.
A powerful novel about a woman trying to free herself from the shackles of conventional morality. The novel was widely condemned at the time for its anti-family and anti-Christian themes. But it has remained an influential early feminist icon of a novel.
Note: when reading the classics written prior to the middle part of the 20th century, one is struck by the casual colonialism, racism, sexism and other isms that can be jarring to modern readers such as frequent use of ethnic slurs like the N word. The key to enjoying the classics is to ignore all of that and read the novel as it was written in the context of the time it was written, avoiding the sins of what Bill Maher and others call “presentism” or the tendency of reading classic literature from earlier times in the context of contemporary moral values. In this novel, blacks appear as servants only without a name often described as “a quadroon or as a black, and not otherwise part of the story.”
Other than that, not too much racism or sexism involved.
Qoutes
“The voice of the sea speaks to the soul.”
“The voice of the sea is seductive, never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in abysses of solitude.”
“but whatever came, she had resolved never again to belong to another than herself.”
“I would give my life for my children; but I wouldn’t give myself.”
“The voice of the sea is seductive; never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in abysses of solitude.”
“I love the sea in the morning. I can watch the white sails of a boat with a
long, lingering look.”
Co-pilot provides more background
Synopsis
“The Awakening” is set in the late 19th century and follows Edna Pontellier, a young woman vacationing with her husband, Léonce, and their children at a resort on Grand Isle1. Edna begins to question her life and societal roles after forming a close bond with Robert Lebrun and Mademoiselle Reisz. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery, exploring her desires and independence, which leads to conflicts with her family and
society.
Literary Reputation
Initially, “The Awakening” was met with harsh criticism for its themes of female sexuality and independence. It was considered controversial and even “poisonous” by some critics3. However, it has since been recognized as a feminist classic and a significant work in American literature3. The novel’s exploration of female autonomy and its lyrical, impressionistic style have earned it a lasting place in literary history.
Author Bio
Kate chopin 4
Kate Chopin (born Katherine O’Flaherty, February 8, 1850 – August 22, 1904) was an American author known for her short stories and novels set in Louisiana5. She was a forerunner of feminist literature, and her works often focused on the lives of sensitive, intelligent women.
Author’s Works
The Awakening
Chopin’s most notable works include “Bayou Folk” (1894), “A Night in Acadie” (1897), and her two novels, “At Fault” (1890) and “The Awakening” (1899).
Novels:
The Awakening 3
“At Fault” (1890)
“The Awakening” (1899)
Short Story Collections:
“Bayou Folk” (1894)
“A Night in Acadie” (1897)
Notable Short Stories:
“Désirée’s Baby” (1893)
“The Story of an Hour” (1894)
“The Storm” (1898)
Adaptations
“The Awakening” was adapted into a film titled “Grand Isle” in 1991, directed by Mary Lambert and starring Kelly McGill as Edna.
Note: I read this book as part of my retirement project of reading the classics, starting with the following collections. I bolded the ones I have completed.
(25) Autobiography Etc. Essays and Addresses: J.S. Mill,
Carlyle
(26) Continental Drama
(27) English Essays: Sidney to Macaulay
(28) Essays. English and American
(29) Voyage of the Beagle: Darwin (
30) Faraday,
Helmholtz,
Kelvin,
Newcomb,
Geikie
(31) Autobiography: Benvenuto, Cellini
(32) Literary and Philosophical Essays:
Montaigne,
Sainte Beuve,
Renan,
Lessing,
Schiller,
Kant,
Mazzini
(33) Voyages and Travels
(34) Descartes,
Voltaire,
Rousseau,
Hobbes
(35) Chronicle and Romance:
Froissart,
Malory,
Holinshed (36)
Machiavelli, the Prince
More,
Luther
(37) Locke,
Berkeley,
Hume
(38) Harvey,
Jenner,
Lister,
Pasteur
(39) Famous Prefaces
(40) English Poetry 1: Chaucer to Gray
(41) English Poetry 2: Collins to Fitzgerald
(42) English Poetry 3: Tennyson to Whitman
(43) American Historical Documents
Federalist Papers
Constitution
Bill of Rights
Declaration of Indepedence
(44) Sacred Writings 1
(45) Sacred Writings 2
The Bible
The Quaran
The Analect of Confucius
Mencius
Buddist Writing
Bhaga Vita
Lao Tzo The Tao
(46) Elizabethan Drama 1
(47) Elizabethan Drama 2
(48) Thoughts and Minor Works: Pascal
(49) Epic and Saga (
50 Books to Read Before You Die
Vol 1 starts with Volume One
Alcott, Louisa May: Little Women
Austen, Jane: Pride and Prejudice
Austen, Jane: Emma
Balzac, Honoré de: Father Goriot
Barbusse, Henri: The Inferno
Brontë, Anne: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall
Brontë, Charlotte: Jane Eyre
Brontë, Emily: Wuthering Heights
Burroughs, Edgar Rice: Tarzan of the Apes
Butler, Samuel: The Way of All Flesh
Carroll, Lewis: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Cather, Willa: My Ántonia
Cervantes, Miguel de: Don Quixote Chopin, Kate: The Awakening
Cleland, John: Fanny Hill
Collins, Wilkie: The Moonstone
Conrad, Joseph: Heart of Darkness
Conrad, Joseph: Nostromo
Cooper, James Fenimore: The Last of the Mohicans
Crane, Stephen: The Red Badge of Courage Cummings, E. E.: The Enormous Room
Defoe, Daniel: Robinson Crusoe
Defoe, Daniel: Moll Flanders
Dickens, Charles: Bleak House
Dickens, Charles: Great Expectations
Dostoyevsky, Fyodor: Crime and Punishment
Dostoyevsky, Fyodor: The Idiot
Doyle, Arthur Conan: The Hound of the Baskervilles Dreiser, Theodore: Sister Carrie
Dumas, Alexandre: The Three Musketeers
Dumas, Alexandre: The Count of Monte Cristo
Eliot, George: Middlemarch
Fielding, Henry: Tom Jones
Flaubert, Gustave: Madame Bovary
Flaubert, Gustave: Sentimental Education
Ford, Ford Madox: The Good Soldier
Forster, E. M.: A Room With a View
Forster, E. M.: Howard End
Gaskell, Elizabeth: North and South
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von: The Sorrows of Young Werther
Gogol, Nikolai: Dead Souls
Gorky, Maxim: The Mother
Haggard, H. Rider: King Solomon’s Mines
Hardy, Thomas: Tess of the D’Urbervilles
Hawthorne, Nathaniel: The Scarlet Letter
Homer: The Odyssey
Hugo, Victor: The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Hugo, Victor: Les Misérables
Huxley, Aldous: Crome Yellow
James, Henry: The Portrait of a Lady
Volume 2
– Little Women [Louisa May Alcott]
– Sense and Sensibility [Jane Austen]
– Peter Pan (Peter and Wendy) [J.M. Barrie]
– Cabin Fever [ B. M. Bower]
– The Secret Garden [Frances Hodgson Burnett]
– A Little Princess [Frances Hodgson Burnett]
– Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland [Lewis Carroll] – The King in Yellow [Robert William Chambers]
– The Man Who Knew Too Much [Gilbert Keith Chesterton]
– The Woman in White [Wilkie Collins]
– The Most Dangerous Game [Richard Connell]
– Robinson Crusoe [Daniel Defoe] – On the Origin of Species, 6th Edition [Charles Darwin]
– The Iron Woman [Margaret Deland]
– David Copperfield [Charles Dickens]
– Oliver Twist [Charles Dickens]
– A Tale of Two Cities [Charles Dickens]
– The Double [Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky]
The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes [Arthur Conan Doyle]
– The Curious Case of Benjamin Button [Francis Scott Fitzgerald]
– A Room with a View [E. M. Forster]
– Dream Psychology [Sigmund Freud]
– Tess of the d’Urbervilles [Thomas Hardy]
– Siddhartha [Hermann Hesse]
– Dubliners [James Joyce]
– The Fall of the House of Usher [Edgar Allan Poe]
– The Arabian Nights [Andrew Lang]
– The Sea Wolf [Jack London]
– The Call of Cthulhu [Howard Phillips Lovecraft]
– Anne of Green Gables [Lucy Maud Montgomery]
– Beyond Good and Evil [Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche]
– The Murders in the Rue Morgue [Edgar Allan Poe]
– The Black Cat [Edgar Allan Poe]
– The Raven [Edgar Allan Poe]
– Swann’s Way [Marcel Proust]
– Romeo and Juliet [William Shakespeare]
– Treasure Island [Robert Louis Stevenson]
– The Elements of Style [William Strunk Jr.
Vol 3 finished keeping for the historical record
This book contains the following works arranged alphabetically by authors’ last names.
Starting with volume 3 then will go back and do volumes one, two, and the Harvard classics. The goal is to finish all of these by the end of next year. I almost finished Volume One. Will do some of the WC reading books as well.
– What’s Bred in the Bone [Grant Allen]
– The Golden Ass [Lucius Apuleius]
– Meditations [Marcus Aurelius]
– Northanger Abbey [Jane Austen]
– Lady Susan [Jane Austen]
– The Wonderful Wizard of Oz [Lyman Frank Baum]
– The Art of Public Speaking [Dale Breckenridge Carnegie]
– The Blazing World [Margaret Cavendish]
– The Wisdom of Father Brown [Gilbert Keith Chesterton]
– Heretics [Gilbert Keith Chesterton]
– The Donnington Affair [Gilbert Keith Chesterton]
– The Innocence of Father Brown [Gilbert Keith Chesterton]
– Fanny Hill: Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure [John Cleland]
– The Moonstone [Wilkie Collins]
– Lord Jim [Joseph Conrad]
– The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe [Daniel Defoe]
– The Pickwick Papers [Charles Dickens]
– A Christmas Carol [Charles Dickens]
– Notes From The Underground [Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky]
– The Gambler par Fyodor [Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky]
– The Lost World [Arthur Conan Doyle]
– The Hound of the Baskervilles [Arthur Conan Doyle]
– The Sign of the Four [Arthur Conan Doyle]
– The Man in the Iron Mask [Alexandre Dumas]
– The Three Musketeers [Alexandre Dumas]
– This Side of Paradise [Francis Scott Fitzgerald]
– Curious, If True: Strange Tales [Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell]
– King Solomon’s Mines [Henry Rider Haggard]
– The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Victor Hugo]
– Kim [Rudyard Kipling]
– Captain Courageous [Rudyard Kipling]
– The Jungle Book [Rudyard Kipling]
– Lady Chatterley’s Lover [David Herbert Lawrence]
– The Son of the Wolf [Jack London]
– The Einstein Theory of Relativity [Hendrik Antoon Lorentz]
– The Dunwich Horror [Howard Phillips Lovecraft]
– At the Mountains of Madness [Howard Phillips Lovecraft]
– The Prince [Niccolò Machiavelli]
– The Story Girl [Lucy Maud Montgomery]
– The Antichrist [Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche]
– The Republic [Plato]
– The Last Man [Mary Shelley]
– Life On The Mississippi [Mark Twain]
– The Kama Sutra [Vatsyayana]
– In the Year 2889 [Jules Verne]
– Around the World in Eighty Days [Jules Verne]
– Four Just Men [Edgar Wallace]
– Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ [Lewis Wallace]
– Jacob’s Room [Virginia Woolf]
Sci-Fi short stories
The Big Book of Science Fiction is a massive anthology of science fiction stories edited by Ann and Jeff VanderMeer. It covers the history and evolution of the genre from the early 20th century to the end of the millennium, featuring works from over 30 countries and many languages. The book contains 105 stories, ranging from classics by H.G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ursula K. Le Guin, to lesser-known gems by W.E.B. Du Bois, David R. Bunch, and Liu Cixin. The book also includes comments from the editors and the authors, offering insights into their creative process and vision. The book is divided into 11 sections, each with a thematic focus and chronological order.
Here are my thoughts on the various new religions in the world today. First, a quick review of my evolving religious view point.
In my 69 years on this earth, I have learned a few things, because I have seen a few things. I grew up in a very secular town, in a very secular era. The late 60s in Berkeley was a time when everything was being challenged, questioned, and debated, and the issue of God came up frequently. Was God still relevant in this modern era?
Most of my friends were agnostic at best, don’t recall having any Christian friends, Most were Jewish though and one was a Mormon. Most were white, but I had a few black friends as well, a few of them were Christian.
My mother was born a Southern Baptist, she was kicked out of church for asking the forbidden question, “If God created the universe, who created God?” the preacher was not amused and kicked her out for being a “free thinker” which to a Baptist was a very bad thing indeed, especially in Arkansas in the late 30s.
My father was a devoted atheist, grew up in Yakima in a Methodist family, but just did not see God anywhere. An economist believed in economic laws were materialistic and deterministic, God simply did not compute for him. They told us it was up to us to determine what to believe because they disagreed. But in the end, it came down to this, “Do the right thing” but it was up to us to determine what that might be.
I went to a few church services, but it just did not stick, did not get the whole shebang, did not believe in the Virgin Mary, the crucifixion, and other Christian dogma felt it was all just an ancient, irrelevant fairy tales. I shared my father’s materialistic worldview and my mother’s skepticism regarding Church teachings. She was pleased though when I told her I had started reading the Bible.
For a while, I became a militant atheist, hung out at a, debating with Holly Hubert and the street preachers who were there. I shocked the Christian fanatics, shocking them with my atheist stand-up comedy routines.
One day Jehovah’s witness came to my house. I told them I would love to talk with them, but I was late for a Satanist meeting and invited them to join me. They fled in terror.
Later in college, I had a roommate, who took too much acid and became convinced he was God. We spend many nights smoking weed and debating the existence or non-existence of God. He had grown up as a Jehovah’s Witness. His parents blamed us for their son’s descent into madness and promised to pray for us but said we would go to hell for the sin of questioning God’s will.
In college, I took a course on modern religions. As a sociology student, I studied the Unification church’s recruitment practices and went to their recruitment dinner, but wisely did not go to their weekend retreat, otherwise, perhaps I might have been converted and become a Moonie.
I even went to a Scientology center and took their free personality test and concluded it was all a scam. Liked to hang out with Hari Krishna dudes joining them for public chanting.
Started reading the bible in my world religion class but took me almost 30 years before I finished reading the bible, and all the other spiritual texts, on the eve of my 50th year. Started with the Book of Mormon and ended with the Koran after reading the Buddhist writings, the Hindu scriptures, the Confucian classics, and the Tao De Ching.
Had to finally skip over the entire genesis begat stories, saying to myself
‘What’s the point?’
Concluding the bible was badly edited. Just a collection of fairy tales, not fit for the modern world, but revelations fascinated me.
When I went to Korea in the Peace Corps, I became fascinated by the subtle interplay between traditional Buddhism, shamanism, neo-Confucianism principles, And the resurgence of aggressive Christianity, and the new religious fervor of Reverend Moon, the unification church, and other new religions.
Spend some time at Buddhist temples, even spend a few nights hanging out with the monks decades before the formal temple stay programs became popular among foreign tourists.
I had an encounter with shamanism when my uncle-in-law died, they did a shaman “kut” ritual. the shaman a female channeled his spirit. He came to the room, berated us all, cursed us all from his perch in hell, That was such a freaky experience We had to flee the demented scene.
I had a few mystical experiences, once in college, I saw God in a lake, But that was probably just the magic of the magic mushrooms, doing its mushroom thing.
Once while I was hanging out in Berkeley, I encountered a cosmic cat, I saw the divine spark In his eyes, as he followed me everywhere. I told my mother who was suffering from Alzheimer’s about the cosmic cat, she concurred he was indeed a cosmic cat.
Later in Goa, I encountered a cosmic dog who followed me everywhere. I asked the cosmic dog once
“Say, Cosmic dog, are you god? Bark once if yes, two if no.”
He barked once.
“Are you Allah? Bark once if yes, two if no.”
He barked once.
Are you your buddha? Bark once if yes, two if no”
He barked once.
“Are you the great spirit of the American Indians? Bark once if yes, two if no”
He barked once.
Are you Satan? Bark once if yes, two if no.”
He growled at me and I knew I had gone too far.
When I was in Thailand, I continued my exploration of Buddhism visiting most of the famous Buddhist sites there, later in Taiwan, Vietnam, and India as well.
When I lived in India became immersed in the spiritual energy all around me, I became a fan of the big Ganesh, he removed spiritual obstacles, allowing me to connect to the divine spirit all around me. I felt that cosmic vibe, just flowing through the world.
While in India, I attended a few Catholic services, other Christian services, went to Hindu temples, Jain temples, Sikh temples, and even a few Muslim pilmagame sites. I also fasted during Ramadan and went vegan to observe lent.
Now that I am an old man, I think back on what I have learned from my spiritual journeys. I think I can sum it up as follows:
I believe that the universe is alive, and I am part of the divine mind, the universe God if you would, flows through us all. If only we have the eyes, to see the divine all around us.
The Christian faith, like all other faiths, is just an attempt to discover the God of the universe. It is all the same path we are on, trying to connect to the cosmic overmind of the universe.
Whether you are an atheist, a Buddhist, a Christian, a Jain, a Jew, a Harri Krishna, a humanist, a Hindu, a Moonie, a Mormon, a Muslim, a Pagan or a Wiccan devote, we are all cosmic fools, seekers of the truth. The truth is out there for us to discover it for ourselves.
But in the end, it comes down to this simple principle, we have to decide to do the right thing, but that is a decision, only we can make deep in our soul.
Whether heaven or hell is awaiting us I do not know. Whether Jesus is the son of God I do not know. Whether Mohammed was the last prophet of God I do not know. Whether Allah is waiting for me, I do not know. Whether the grim reaper will be coming for me I do not know.
But I am ready for the final stage of my life. In the end, I also know this: I knew my wife in a prior life, and I will see her in my next life. That is the operation of fate, karma, and reincarnation, which I do believe in. The adage, what goes around comes around is a simple basic fact of the universe.
That is all that I know for sure. That is what I believe. In the end, always
“Do the right thing,”
and the rest will follow.
Meeting God in a Lake
god
In my 64 years around the sun
I encountered God four times
At least I thought it was God
But could never be sure
The first time I met God
I had taken magic mushrooms
And had gone to a lake
And soon was tripping inside my head
Lost in inner space
Zoning out tuning in
Dropping down the proverbial rabbit hole
And then in the middle of my madness
I felt oneness with the universe
My body melted away
And I joined the universe
All boundaries dropped away
And I knew that the universe was alive
and I was part of the Cosmos
And the Cosmos was part of me
And I wondered at that moment
If I was face to face with God
I asked God to reveal himself to me
And nothing happened
Just laughter as the whole universe
Burst into laughter
And the madness began to fade
And I slowly came down from the high
And became aware of myself
And I was no longer one
With the universe
I felt profoundly moved by the experience
Felt that I had achieved perhaps nirvana
Or felt the presence of God
The feeling faded over time
And my quest to find God resumed
But I knew that I would never again
Come so close to the divine essence
Of the very Universe
Cosmic Cat from Berkeley
evil cat
I next encountered the divine
Many years later in Berkeley, California
I had gone home to be with my Mother
While taking leave from my job
in the Foreign Service
I had two weeks there by myself
My wife came later
near the end of the trip
every morning I woke up
had coffee
Did yoga
Spoke to my mother
Who was sliding into dementia
Day by day losing her reason
Then I would go out
And explore the city
Go to a museum
Go to one neighborhood
And just be there
Rediscovering the Bay area
After years of being away
Having dinner with old friends
Seeing movies etc
Every morning a black cat came to visit
The cat was friendly and waited for me
And then would join me in my morning rambles
Following me to the bus stop
I started talking to the black cat
He looked at me with the spark of divinity
In his dark eyes
I called him the cosmic cat
He seemed to like that
He would look at me
And I opened up to me
Told the cat all my dark secrets
As I walked the streets
Of the old neighborhood
Every morning and every evening the cat
Would be there to greet me
And to carry on our endless conversations
Then I had to leave
And in our final conversation
I asked the cosmic cat
Say, Cat are you just a cat
Or are you a demonic cat
Are you possessed by God
Or by Satan
The cat looked at me
And I realized that God
Was indeed residing in the cat
But that god was residing everywhere
All I had to do was open my mind
And the rest would follow
So I said Goodbye to the cosmic cat
And he purred and came up to me
And I felt the comforting presence of the Divine
As I said goodbye to the cosmic cat
And said goodbye to my mother
As this was the last time
That we would be able to really talk
I told my mother about the cosmic cat
She smiled and said that the cat
was there for me and her
to comfort us both in our hour of need
and that the cat
was indeed a cosmic cat
bombay pictures
Five years later
After I had last talked to God
In the form of the cosmic cat
Who I hung out with in Berkeley
I found myself in Bombay, India
Where I was involved with another women
And contemplating whether to leave my wife
For the promised excitement of the other women
I did not know what to do
So I went to Church
And on the way home
I stopped on the side of the road
And prayed to God
to provide me a sign
What should I do
I asked God
And then I felt it again
God seemed to be everywhere
And nowhere
And I found myself down
the rabbit hole again
I had a vision of an old man
Sitting by the side of a bed
Looking at an old women
And realized that
I was seeing the future
And the women
in my vision was my wife
And then I knew the answer
that God was giving me
I had to find my way
Back to my wife
And rekindle the love
that we shared
I looked up
and saw my wife’s face
In the sky
I went home and wrote
A long poem for my wife
She was in the military
And in Korea
And I was with the State Department
Stationed in Mumbai, India
And I called her up
And began talking to her
For the first time
In a long time
And I told her what was on my mind
And told her that we had to decide
Would we continue as a couple
Or would we continue to drift apart
Somehow I finished the conversation
And fell asleep with the peace and contentment
Of God’s presence filling my heart and soul
The feeling of being connected with God
Faded over the time
But the conviction that God had spoken to me
Never really left me
I asked God
whether God was the God of Jesus
Or Allah or Brahmin
And I realized
that God is God
And the universe is God and I am God
And that was the end of the story
And my last time I prayed to God
The Cosmic Dog from Goa
My final time with God
Happened a year later
I was staying down in Goa
With my wife
Enjoying being with her
After our reconciliation
We stayed at the Taj Mahal Goa
Living like a King and Queen
Just for a few days
High up on a hill
Overlooking the beach
Every morning I went
down to the beach
And did yoga by the water
While contemplating life
And every morning
I saw the same Dog
Not just a Dog
But a cosmic Dog
Filled with the divine spark of God
And the Dog recognized me
And spoke to me and I knew
That God was present once more
In the face of that cosmic dog
Kindred spirit
perhaps to the cosmic cat
that had saved my soul
in Berkeley so long ago
I told the dog everything
And he just looked at me
With those soulful eyes of his
And I knew he knew that I knew
That he was possessed by God
God had sent him to me
To make sure
that I was on the right path
That the reconciliation that God had promoted
Was on track that I was back with my wife
And that everything was the way it should be
Again I asked God
whether he was Jesus or Allah
Or Brahmin or Ganesh or Buddha
God the cosmic dog
just stared at me
I finally asked him directly
Say if you are God the God of Jesus
Bark once
The Dog looked at me and barked
I said well if you are
Allah bark twice
The dog barked twice
Well are you Buddha
then bark three times if yes
The God Dog barked three times
Hmm well are you Satan
The dog growled at me
And I knew I had gone too far
Finally, I was at peace
And for the next three days
The God Dog
was my constant companion
And I knew God for the final time
In my life
Buddha Cat of Edsall Road
I had another encounter
With the divine recently
Another Cosmic cat perhaps
Perhaps not
who knows what cats are
are they aliens
from another dimension
or was he channeling God ?
I called him the Buddha cat
For the cat loved
Sitting in a meditative pose
Not moving
Just starting at me
With his soulful deep eyes
Boring into my soul
exploring all my secret thoughts
the Buddha cat does not move
does not react, as he is so deep
into his interior mediation
truly in tune with the cat universe
and the cosmos as well
the Buddha cat
seems to be one with God
one with Buddha, Allah, Ganesh
and the billion names of God
Known and unknown
The Buddha cat can teach us all
About the art of meditation
As he zones inward
And loses his soul
Joining the cosmos
And becoming the Buddha cat
The Buddha cat
Lives in a modest Town house
In a modest suburb
The Buddha cat reminds us all
To look for God in the everyday
All around us
If we but have eyes
To see God everywhere
published in The HyperTexts
Dreaming of a New Religious Paradigm
Among the various new age movements, the one that I like the most is “Dudeism”.
I am a Dudist. Dudeism is one of the fastest-growing new religious movements. It is based in Thailand and follows the philosophy expressed in the movie The Big Lebrowski. I brought it all together in my proposed new religion, “Jakeism” which I came up with in a dream.
Jakeism Spreads Around the World
When I retire and move to California one night I have a vision that changed my history and the history of the world. In my vision, I meet Buddha who tells me that I have been appointed to unify the world around a new religion for the new age. I would draw upon the best of Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islamic thought.
My religion would preach love, tolerance, self-awareness, self-discipline, and care for the planet and other people. It would also preach sexual and personal liberation from the outdated concepts of sexuality. Marriage would be the union of two or more adults of either gender who wished to share a life. Children would reside with their mother but the father would be expected to pay child support and play an active role in raising the children.
And we would use marijuana in our services as a way to get into our inner selves.
And lots of talk about dreams and desires and living the dream fulfilling one’s destinity as one saw it.
We would have services where we would read the great spiritual classics of all faiths and then talk about how to apply the lessons to our lives. The basis of the faith would be drawing upon all traditions but would be an amalgamation of the best of Buddhism, Hinduism, Native American traditions, New Age spirituality, Wiccan, Pagan, Christianity, Islam, Daoist, and Confucian thought. We publish a guide to spiritual traditions that lists 1,000 core books that we use as the basis of our religious traditions.
I write this all down publish a manifesto online and suggest that like-minded individuals get together in my house in Berkeley to discuss it.
The first meeting attracted 12 people the following week 25 and within a month we had over 100 people gathering within one year we had a movement that grew in time and the Church of Jake spread across the country and the world.
The services are soon legendary. We start with yoga and meditation, then the priest and priests – always two = stand up and read several different passages from various traditions and show a video clip or two as well. The Dharma talk lasts a half hour or so. Then we break into small groups that discuss the talk in detail amongst themselves. Then we invite people to comment on what it means to them and how they will implement in their life.
Everyone would be asked to share with their group members something that they felt grateful for and a problem that they were facing. The priests would walk about facilitating the conversation.
Then we have a communal lunch followed by smoking maurijuna and drinking wine or beer. Hard drugs were prohibited to dudeists. Most dudeists were either vegan or vegetarian but fish and chicken would be served to those who ate meat products.
The total service would last two to three hours.
Many congregations started off with a morning hike followed by a vegetarian vegan breakfast before services starting at 10 am with everything wrapping up at 2 pm. Larger congregations held two services one in the morning and one in the evening and most congregations held services every Sunday.
Several dudeist phrases soon become common. Dudeists addressed everyone as Dude. The head priest was called the Head Dude, and the priest was called the Mama Dude. Being called “Undude” was a serious offense and only used to call out being an asshole or a jerk. Don’t be a Jerk was one of the other tenets of Jakeism/dudeism. Being called an asshole or a jerk was also a huge insult amongst the dudeist with the phrase “that is undude, dude” being a particularly harsh comment.
Within ten years 25 percent of people on the West Coast were dudeists and it was the fastest growing religion on the planet.
I was asked to found the first dudeist university, naturally in Berkeley which was considered the spiritual home of Jakeism/Dudism often called the Jakeism/Dueist Mecca.
Jakeism Sweeps the World
One day I woke up
and realized that God
had commissioned me
to form a new religion
for the new era.
For lack of a better term,
I began calling it Jakeism.
I brought together elements
of Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity,
Hinduism, various new teachings,
native American traditions,
Pengnician
and mystic traditions
from Muslim traditions.
I taught the essential unity
of religious thought
and related it to today’s
spiritually empty life.
I publish a list of spiritual works
everyone should read
and forms a large part of my services.
I called upon people
to embrace a new concept of spirituality
to reconnect to the essential
goodness in humanity
and to reject
the false promises of materialism.
In the most controversial part
of my doctrine,
I called for sexual liberation.
I said that sexuality
was God’s gift to mankind
that women should
be in charge of sex –
they should initiate sex,
and they should tell
their lovers what they want.
Regarding drug use and alcohol use,
I preached that drugs should be legal
but that people
should only indulge in natural drugs
– marijuana, alcohol
and avoid manufactured drugs.
I self-publish
“A New Religion for a New Age”
and invite people to come over to discuss
my teachings
in weekly meetings
at a public park in Berkeley.
The first lecture had 100 people attending,
soon there were hundreds
, and we formed a church
and raised funds to buy a meeting spot.
I am called simply Jake
and my followers become
known as Jokes.
the first service
set the foundation
for other services.
We started with some group chanting,
and some yoga and Tai Chi.
Then after a half hour,
I began to speak
about my basic philosophical orientation
and read excerpts
from the great spiritual works
of mankind always drawing
from Buddhist, Christian, Hindu,
New Age, and Muslim traditions.
After about a half-hour
I invited members
of the audience to reflect
upon the teachings
and in small groups
discuss amongst themselves
what it means to them
and how they will
incorporate the day’s lesson
into an action plan.
Each group reported back
and we ended with a communal potluck meal
including wine and later smoking weed.
Politically I was progressive
and proud of it but also preached
that each person should find
his or her own political space
and should respect the views of others.
As an optional event, we began having open debates
where we would bring together diverse viewpoints
and discuss big issues.
These conversations were recorded
and put on my web page.
The total service took about two hours
and I held services
Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday nights.
We also preached that people
should get out and enjoy
the great outdoors
and I led hikes throughout the bay area
that were open to all –
on the hikes the participants
had a chance to get to know
their fellows and enjoy the great outdoors.
The two-hour hikes were held on Saturday
and Sunday mornings starting at 8 am
and finishing by 11 am
when we would reassemble for the services.
The hikes were held throughout the Berkeley Oakland area
with people assembling at the church at 7 am
for informal carpools to the sites.
The hikes finished by 10
and people were dropped off at the church
by 10:30 and invited to stay
for the service if they wished.
Each service was recorded
and saved on my website
(one of the first religious websites on the web)
On my website
I had links to all the readings
and a list of what I considered
the best religious
and spiritual writings of all time.
I also had my favorite music playlists
, and trail guides
for the twice-weekly hikes.
Paying for the website
and the services I asked for donations.
Once we had a few services
and it looked like this was going to take off
I formed a church
and invited my key followers
to form a church committee
to help manage the church.
I quit my day job to devote myself
to the church
and asked for donations
for me to be able to do so.
But I vowed to live a simple life.
and so Jakeism was born
and spread rapidly
throughout the West Coast
at the end of the century.
By 2030
it had become a major force
as millions of people
were forming their own Jake churches
loosely affiliated with
Mother Church in Berkeley.
Social conservatives denounced
my movement
as the biggest threat to traditional values
and noted my support for gay rights,
my openly living with two bisexual women,
my public advocacy for drug legalization,
my opposition to the various wars
and military adventure,
and my leftist ‘woke” political views.
However, the movement continued
to grow as it meant
something to people
and was the fastest
-growing religious movement.
in the world.
The Church of the Cosmic Bird
On Sam Adam’s 70th birthday, he went to Tilden Park with an old friend from high school. He had returned to his hometown after his wife had died. He was feeling lonely and out of it. He went to the park, took mushrooms, and had an event that changed his life and the world as well.
He came to a field where he saw a giant black owl. The owl told him that Gaia had chosen him as the goddess of the Earth to find a new religion for a new era. Throughout the afternoon, the bird guide told him and his friend the foundations for the new religion.
The bird would serve as their spirit guide in setting up the new faith.
The faith would combine the best features of the old religions but be a new faith based on respect for all living creatures, respect for the earth, ecological new age teachings, and a philosophy promoting sexual healing among other principles. It would also draw from elements of Dudeism drawn from the movie, the Big Lebowski.
The faith would also feature smoking marijuana and drinking mushroom tea as part of their spiritual practices. Their philosophy of sex was that sex was a good thing; adults were naturally polygamous and bisexual and should live in multiple partnered relationships with their children.
The services would consist of readings from great religious texts followed by a sermon and reflection ending with a call to action by the church members who would be called brothers and sisters. A priest and Nun couple would lead the congregation. Members would address each other as brothers and sisters or as Dudes. Excerpts from the movie, the Big Lebowski were also frequently shown during services. During the service, members would sip mushroom, marijuana tea, wine, coffee, and herbal tea,
Every member would also volunteer two hours per week and would donate their time and money to charity. The services would end with a communal breakfast followed by a five-mile hike and sauna experience.
Sam went home, posed a YouTube video describing his vision for a new religion, and promoted his re-interpretation of classic religious texts. He announced that he would lead a weekly service followed by a walk to the temple in the hills where the Bird guardian lived.
Ten people showed up the first week, twenty the second week and within two months they had a flourishing new church. The church spread widely throughout the world and was called by believers the Church of Gaia and by detractors the Church of the Birdman or as “Dudeists”. Berkeley became the new mecca of the Church.
They were denounced for promoting a pro-gay lifestyle, heathen lifestyle, neo-pagan beliefs, veganism and vegetarianism, and alcohol and drug use. But the faith spread rapidly as it combined new age elements with traditional elements drawn from unitarian and universal church doctrines as well as Buddhist, Christian, Dudist, Islamic, Native American, New Age, Pagan, and Wiccan traditions.
Sam was the head of the faith and was called Uncle Sam. His second wife, Maria Lee, was called Aunt Maria. The bird prophet continued to guide the faith as Uncle Bob Aunt Maria and a few others were able to understand the Bird and his words of wisdom. The bird lived in their house in Berkeley Hills.
He led the faith for thirty years and when he died the faith had 300 million followers and was the fourth-largest faith in the world. True to his faith doctrines most members lived in group marriages which were finally recognized due to the constant lobbying by the church membership mushroom use was also legalized, and members were vegan and vegetarian, and all used marijuana, mushroom tea, and wine during services, other drugs were forbidden. They also had a list of 10,000 spiritual texts which they used during services and read frequently.
The church promoted the California sex consensus which called for a woman to be in charge of sexuality and called for sexual and spiritual liberation.
the Church of the Dude launched at a Bowling Ally Big Lebowski
Jason Lee was a big fan
Of the cult classic movie
The “Big Lebowski.”
Which chronicles
The life and time
Of the “Dude”.
Who is mistaken
For a bad dude
By some other dudes
But in the end
As all Dudes do
He abided
While bowling
Jason met at the bowling ally
Sam Jackson who was also
A devotee of all things Dude
And one of the founders
Of the Church of the Dude in Thailand.
Recently he returned to his hometown
In search of spiritual redemption.
As they bowled and bonded
They decided to form
The Church of the Dude
Launching it at Albany Bowl.
The news went viral
Dudists all showed up
Watching the movie.
Then bowling
And hanging out.
The Church of the Dude
Was launched.
Spreading rapidly among
The hipster set.
CO-Pilot Background info on the movie The Big Lebowski
and on the Church of the Dude which is a real thing
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
Lairdism
Lairdism is a religion founded by best friend, Robert Sicular, who on an ACID trip realized that Laird Williamson was God. Lairdism spread among his circle of friends. But unfortunately, it never really took off.
Church of the Three Bs Beer, Blues and Baseball
Another friend of mine founded a fake new Church in the 1980s called the Church of the Three Bs – Beer, Blues and Baseball
members would get together from time to time to drink beer, go to blues concerts and baseball games. it took never really took off.
Flying Spaghetti Monster
The Flying Spaghetti Monster was founded as a joke religion to counter the rise of Christian fundamentalists. Rastafarians as they call themselves worship the Giant Spaghetti monster who secretly controls the universe. This one did take off. Co-PIlot provides the background:
Flying Spaghetti Monster (Rastafarianism):
This is a parody religion that promotes a light-hearted view of religion. It originated in opposition to the teaching of intelligent design in public schools in the United States. The deity of this religion is the Flying Spaghetti Monster, and its followers are known as Rastafarians. You can find more information here and here.
Another parody religion is the Church of the Sub Genius based on the teaching of JR Bob Dobbs, a sort of everyman kind of like the cartoon character, Homer Simpson..
: This is another parody religion that satirizes better-known belief systems. It focuses on J. R. “Bob” Dobbs, a purported salesman from the 1950s, who is revered as a prophet by the Church. The Church of the SubGenius teaches a complex philosophy involving gods, conspiracies, and the pursuit of “Slack.” More details can be found here and here.
Founded by Sun Myung Moon in 1954 in Seoul, South Korea, this new religious movement is derived from Christianity. Its members are called Unifications or Moonies. The church is known for its mass weddings and unique Christian theology.
I have a few true stories about my encounters with the Unification Church, aka the Moonies I first became aware of the Moonies when I took a sociological research class in college in 1978 at the University of the Pacific. For our group term paper we researched the recruitment practices of the unification church which were becoming quite controversial .
We went to SF to one of their centers and went to their free dinner and pretended to be interested noting how they tried to recruit us to join them. We did not go to their weekend retreat in Booneville based on our professor’s recommendation. We got an A on the paper.
In 1982, when I got married in South Korea we had to register our marriage at the local government office. The clerk there was suspicious and asked us if we were Moonies. He said that the Moonies had held a mass marriage rally the day before and they were overwhelmed with foreigners coming into register their marriage. When we told him we were not Moonies, he became quite friendly and welcoming to us.
The founder of the Church died a few years ago, and the movement has been in disarray as his children have been fighting for control of the movement which is closely tied to right-wing political figures in Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
Co-pilot provided more background information
The assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July 2022 brought to light the controversial ties between Abe and the Unification Church, also known as the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification. The suspect, Tetsuya Yamagami, reportedly targeted Abe due to his connections with the church, which Yamagami blamed for bankrupting his family through excessive donations made by his mother2.
The Unification Church, founded in South Korea by Sun Myung Moon, has long been associated with conservative political figures and movements, both in Japan and internationally. The church’s influence in Japan dates back to the Cold War era when it aligned with anti-communist efforts. Abe’s grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, was also known to have connections with the church3.
Following Abe’s assassination, the Japanese government has taken steps to investigate and potentially disband the Unification Church due to its controversial fundraising practices and the impact on its followers. The church has faced numerous lawsuits and public scrutiny over its methods, which have included charging followers large sums of money for spiritual merchandise2.
Founded by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology is a set of beliefs and practices that are often described as a cult, a business, a religion, or a scam. It involves concepts like the theta (spiritual being), auditing, and the controversial figure Xenu.
I also have a story to tell about the Scientology movement. When I was in high school, I took as a lark a free personality test at a local Scientology center. The tester came out and told me that I was totally messed up and they could help me. Amused, I went to another center, took the test but changed all my answers and they told me the same thing. They started calling me at home begging me to come to their center for their assistance. I finally told them I was not interested and besides, I was a minor and could not legally sign a contract for their training program. I concluded that it was all a scam.
Hare Krishna (ISKCON):
I first encountered the Hari Krishnas in Berkeley which had an active chapter. Later when I was in India I met a lot of Hindu believers including Hari Krishna devotees Ganesh, and Jain followers.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, was founded in 1965 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhu Pada. It is a Western outgrowth of the Bengali bhakti yoga tradition and focuses on the worship of Krishna.
Korea has been a fertile ground for new religious movements, cults in other words. The most infamous are the Moonies but there are many others as well
Co-pilot provided more background information
Shinchan (New Heaven and New Earth)
Founded by Lee Man-hee, this group gained international attention during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was linked to a significant outbreak in South Korea. The group believes that Lee is the second coming of Jesus Christ.
JMS (Jesus Morning Star):
Led by Jeong Myeong-seok, this group has been involved in numerous controversies, including allegations of sexual abuse. The Netflix documentary series “In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” covers this cult extensively.
Salvation Sect (Evangelical Baptist Church of Korea):
This group came into the spotlight after the Sewol ferry disaster, as its leader Yoo Byung-eun was linked to the tragedy. The sect has been accused of corruption and poor management practices.
Providence (Jesus Morning Star):
Another group led by Jeong Myeong-seok, it has been involved in numerous controversies, including allegations of sexual abuse. The Netflix documentary series “In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” covers this cult extensively.
I visited Rajneesh Puram in 1982 with my Father. I had just finished the Peace Corps in Korea and my father picked me up in Seattle and we drove to the Bay area after spending a few days in our summer cabin near Yakima. We drove back through Eastern Oregon and stopped off at Rajneesh Puram which was in the news and had a vegetarian lunch there. The Ragness servers were friendly but a bit weird. The Netflix documentary listed below provided a lot of details about the controversial cult.
Co-Pilot provided background information.
Sure! The Rajneesh cult, also known as the Rajneesh, was founded by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (later known as Osho) in India. In the early 1980s, the group relocated to the United States and established a commune called Rajneesh Puram in Wasco County, Oregon, near the small town of Antelope. The group purchased a 64,000-acre ranch and transformed it into a thriving community with its own infrastructure, including a fire department, police, restaurants, and even an airport.
The Rajneesh became infamous for their controversial practices and conflicts with local residents. They were involved in a series of legal battles, and their activities included a bioterror attack in 1984, where they poisoned salad bars in local restaurants with salmonella, sickening over 700 people. The group also faced allegations of voter fraud, wiretapping, and assassination plots2.
The story of the Rajneesh and their time in Oregon is documented in the Netflix series “Wild Wild Country,” which provides an in-depth look at the rise and fall of Rajneesh Puram. You can watch the documentary here.
For further reading, you can check out these articles:
The Norse religion has been undergoing a revival in Germany and Norway. Co-Pilot provided background information.
Absolutely! The revival of the Old Norse religion, often referred to as Heathenry or Asatru, has gained traction in recent years. This modern Pagan religion draws inspiration from the pre-Christian beliefs and practices of the Germanic peoples, particularly those of the Viking Age.
Key Aspects of the Revival:
Beliefs and Practices: Heathenry is typically polytheistic, centering on a pantheon of deities from pre-Christian Germanic Europe, such as Odin, Thor, and Freyja. Rituals, known as blots, are performed to honor these gods, ancestors, and spirits of the land. These rituals often involve offerings of food and drink.
Cosmology: The religion adopts an animistic view of the cosmos, where the natural world is imbued with spirits. The world tree, Yggdrasil, and various realms like Midgard (the human world) and Asgard (the realm of the gods) are central to Norse cosmology.
Ethics and Values: Heathen ethical systems emphasize honor, personal integrity, and loyalty. Community and kinship are also highly valued.
Modern Movements: The revival has led to the formation of various organizations and communities, such as the Ásatrúarfélagið in Iceland and the Troth in the United States. These groups often gather for communal rituals and celebrations.
There has been a revival of interest in both the ancient Roman and Greek religions in recent years. I see a similarity in the revival of interest in the Norse religions, and Hinduism as well.
CO-Pilot provided background information
The religion of the Roman Empire was polytheistic, meaning they worshipped multiple gods and goddesses. The Romans adopted many gods from the Greeks, such as Jupiter (Zeus), Juno (Hera), and Neptune (Poseidon), and also incorporated gods from other cultures they encountered. They believed in maintaining good relations with the gods through rituals and sacrifices to ensure the prosperity and success of the empire2.
Revival of Roman Religion
There have been modern attempts to revive the Roman religion, known as Reconstructionist Roman religion. Organizations like Nova Roma aim to restore classical Roman religion, culture, and virtues. They celebrate Roman festivals, perform rituals, and promote the study of Roman culture and philosophy4.
Ancient Greek Religion
Ancient Greek religion was also polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses such as Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and Artemis. The Greeks believed in performing rituals and sacrifices to honor the gods and ensure their favor5. Greek religion influenced Roman religion and other cultures around the Mediterranean.
Ancient Egyptian Religion
Ancient Egyptian religion was centered around the worship of many gods and goddesses, such as Ra (the sun god), Isis (the goddess of magic and motherhood), and Osiris (the god of the afterlife). They believed in an afterlife and performed elaborate burial rituals to ensure the deceased’s safe passage to the next world6.
Revival of Ancient Religions
While there haven’t been significant revival attempts for ancient Greek and Egyptian religions, there is a growing interest in studying and understanding these ancient belief systems. Many people today are fascinated by the mythology, rituals, and philosophies of these ancient cultures.
For further reading, you can check out these resources:
Growing up one of my friends was a Mormon. He gave me the Book of Mormon which I read. I told him that it read as sci-fi novel. Over the years I met a number of Mormons as there are quite a few in the Foreign Service and I met them overseas as Mormon misisonaries are everywhere.
Co-pilot provided background information
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), often referred to as the Mormon Church, was founded in 1830 by Joseph Smith. Here are some key differences in their beliefs compared to mainstream Christian denominations:
Key Beliefs
Restoration of the Gospel: Mormons believe that after the death of Jesus and the apostles, a “Great Apostasy” occurred, leading to a loss of priesthood authority and changes in biblical texts. They believe that Joseph Smith restored the true church through visions and revelations.
Additional Scriptures: Besides the Bible, Mormons also consider the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price as sacred texts.
Eternal Progression: They believe in the potential for humans to become like God and live eternally in His presence.
Baptism for the Dead: Mormons perform baptisms on behalf of deceased individuals to offer them the chance of salvation.
Health Code: The Word of Wisdom advises members to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea.
Plural Marriage: Historically, Mormons practiced polygamy, but the mainstream LDS Church banned it in 1890. Some fundamentalist groups still practice it.
Membership and Distribution
As of 2023, the LDS Church has over 17 million members worldwide. The majority of members live in the United States, particularly in Utah. However, there are significant populations in other countries, including Mexico, Brazil, and the Philippines.
Would you like to know more about any specific aspect of the Mormon Church?
Jehovah’s Witness
My college roomate, Jeff, grew up in a Jehovah Witness family. one thing that i remember is that Jehovah witnesses do not exchange gifts on Christmas or birthdays. On his birthday, we gave him birthday presents which he said were the first birthday presents he had ever received as his parents did not celebrate birthday or Christmas as Jehovah Witesses. He took too much LSD one night and became convinced he was the reincarnation of Jesus Christ. If he had been handsome and charistmatic, he could have formed a cult but since he was neither he just became another sad LSD victim.
Co-pilot provided more background information
Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their distinct beliefs and practices. Founded in the late 19th century by Charles Taze Russell, they emphasize the imminent establishment of God’s Kingdom on Earth and reject traditional Christian doctrines like the Trinity and the immortality of the soul.
Key Beliefs and Practices:
Non-Trinitarian: Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that God (Jehovah) is distinct from Jesus and the Holy Spirit, rejecting the concept of the Trinity.
Jesus Christ: They view Jesus as God’s son and a created being, not co-equal with God.
Scripture: They use their own Bible translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
Holidays and Celebrations: They do not celebrate traditional Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter, nor do they celebrate birthdays.
Evangelism: Known for their door-to-door evangelism, they actively preach and distribute literature.
Differences from Mainstream Christianity:
Trinity: Mainstream Christians believe in the Trinity, where God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one entity. Jehovah’s Witnesses reject this concept.
Jesus’ Divinity: Christians believe Jesus is both fully God and fully man, while Jehovah’s Witnesses see Jesus as a created being.
Salvation: Mainstream Christianity teaches salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, whereas Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize faith, good works, and preaching efforts.
Demographics:
As of 2024, there are approximately 9 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
They have a presence in most countries, with significant populations in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, and Italy.
In the U.S., they make up less than 1% of the adult population.
Church of Satan
Growing up in the Bay Area, the Church of Satan, based in San Franciso was quite controversal. It still is. they are currently trying to get permission to supply religious chaplans to serve in Floridian schools after a recent law authorizing religous chaplans in Florida schools. They are also trying to become certified to serve as chaplans in the US military.
Many years ago i was driving with a visiting high school friend to Montecello. On the way back, we amused ourselves listening to AM Jesus stations. One was blathering on about the Jesus diet when it faded out and was replaced by the Rolling Stones Satanic anthem Sympathy for the Devil. the two stations battled it out but Satan won in the end which we felt was a fitting metaphor for re-entering the DC metro area after a visit to Southern Christian dominated Virginia.
Co-pilot provided the following background information
The Church of Satan, founded by Anton Szandor LaVey in 1966 in San Francisco, is a religious organization dedicated to LaVeyan Satanism. Contrary to popular belief, members of the Church of Satan do not worship Satan as a supernatural being. Instead, they view Satan as a symbol of individualism, pride, and enlightenment. The Church promotes humanistic values and encourages members to embrace their natural instincts, which they believe have been wrongly suppressed by traditional Abrahamic faiths.
The Church of Satan has faced controversy over its attempts to be recognized as a legitimate religious organization. This controversy often stems from misconceptions about Satanism and its association with evil or criminal activities. However, the Church of Satan emphasizes that it does not engage in or promote any illegal or harmful behavior. The organization has sought legal recognition and equal treatment under the law, similar to other religious groups.
As for the number of Satanists in the U.S., it’s challenging to provide an exact figure. Estimates suggest that there are a few thousand self-identified Satanists in the country. The Church of Satan does not disclose its membership numbers, but it is considered the most influential and well-known Satanic organization.
When I did my DNA testing a few years back, it confirmed family lore that I am part Jewish on my father’s side of the family as one of my great grandfathers was a Russian Jew living in Norway. many of my friends growing up were Jews. as one of them put it, he was part of the international conspiracy of communists and jews as his father was a member of the communist party. I also had what we called back in the day a “Jewfro” due to my curly black hair.
I wrote a poem about visiting the Holocaust museum, after finding out I was Jewish.
Thoughts on Visiting the Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC
Never Again -published in April 2022 20th Yom HaShoah PSH special edition
Thoughts on Visiting the Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC
San Adams
Had never been
To the Holocaust Museum,
Despite the fact
He had lived
And worked in DC for decades
One day after he retired
He said to himself
It was long past time
To finally see the holocaust museum
He went the week
After Charleston,
When the mob had chanted,
Jews will not replace us.
The museum affected him deeply
He had just confirmed
Through DNA
That he had at least 10 percent
Jewish ancestry
Among the 18 other nationalities
Swirling among these bloodlines
Sam Adams was concerned
Those elements of antisemitism
We’re emerging among
The MAGA crowd.
But he dismissed
The fears that Trump
Was another Hitler
As liberal hyperbole
It could not happen here
A new holocaust
Would never happen
But now he was not so sure
Neo-Fascism Must Be Defeated Again
In this day and age of fake news
And neo-fascism rising yet again
It is important to bear witness
To the undeniable fact
That the holocaust can never come again
That is what we must vow every day
Never again
The rest of the poems I submitted are on my blog page.
Yom HaShoah -. April 27, 2022. History reminds us of not only what has passed, but it also narrates tales of sufferings and victories, and this is why we celebrate Yom HaShoah, which takes place on Nisan 27. If the 27th is adjacent to the Jewish Sabbath, the date shifts by a day. This year, it begins at sunset on April 27 and ends at sunset …
Yom HaShoah 2022 / יוֹם הַשּׁוֹאָה 5782 Holocaust Memorial Day ️. Yom HaShoah for Hebrew Year 5782 begins at sundown on Wednesday, 27 April 2022, and ends at nightfall on Thursday, 28 April 2022. Yom HaZikaron HaShoah ve-laG’vurah (יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה; “Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day”), known colloquially in Israel and abroad as Yom HaShoah …
Yom Hashoah for the year 2022 is celebrated/ observed on sundown of Wednesday, April 27th ending at sundown on Thursday, April 28. Yom Hashoah also called Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the lives of the Jewish people who died in the Holocaust of World War 2. This day is remembered in the Hebrew calendar on the 27th day of Nisan.
National Yom HaShoah UK Commemoration 2022. Please join us on the evening of Wednesday 27 th April as Yom HaShoah begins, for an online, live National Holocaust Commemoration event, which you will be able to watch here. You can watch last year’s National Holocaust Commemoration, along with other educational content on our YouTube channel.
History Corner – Yom HaShoah 2022. By Carl Wetzstein. In the past, I’ve written about my experiences in the Holocaust and also spoke about Righteous Gentiles, people who helped save Jews during the Holocaust. The accounts of the Righteous Gentiles were second-hand, based on books and articles that I read. This History Corner is based on …
Yom Hashoah April 27, 2022 – April 28, 2022. Homepage » Teaching Topic & Event Resource Calendar » April » Yom Hashoah. What is Yom Hashoah? Yom Hashoah is the annual day of remembrance of the victims of the Holocaust. It is the Jewish Holocaust Memorial Day, observed by Jews worldwide.
Co-PIlot provided more background information:
Sure thing! The Jewish community in the U.S. is diverse and vibrant. As of 2020, there are about 7.5 million Jews in the U.S., making up approximately 2.4% of the total population.
In terms of religious denominations, about 35% identify as Reform, 18% as Conservative, and 11% as Orthodox. The remaining percentage includes other groups and those who do not identify with any particular denomination.
The largest Jewish communities are found in states like New York, New Jersey, and Florida. Cities with significant Jewish populations include New York City, Los Angeles,, San Fracisco, DC metro,Miami.
Regarding Holocaust survivors, there are still many living in the U.S. today. For example, New York alone has an estimated 25,000 Holocaust survivors.
For more information, you can visit the .
Islam in the U.S.
the Muslim community is the fastest growing religious group in the US after the “nones” they played a huge role in the last election, many of them leaving the Democratic party and voting for Trump despite his record of hostility to the Islam community.
During my FS career, I had many Muslim friends, particularly when I served in India.
Co-PIlot provided more details:
Sure thing! The Muslim community in the United States is quite diverse and has grown significantly over the years. As of 2020, there are about 4.45 million Muslims in the U.S., making up approximately 1.34% of the total population.
The majority of American Muslims are Sunni, making up about 73% of the Muslim population, while Shia Muslims account for around 16%. The remaining percentage includes other groups such as the Nation of Islam, Ahmadiyya, and non-denominational Muslims.
Regarding ISIS affiliation, it’s important to note that the vast majority of American Muslims are not affiliated with ISIS. There have been some cases of individuals attempting to join or support ISIS, but these instances are relatively rare. For example, a report from George Washington University found that 71 Americans had been arrested for ISIS-related activities since 2014. However, these individuals come from varied backgrounds and do not represent the broader Muslim community in the U.S.
The Nation of Islam (NOI) is a religious organization founded in 1930 by Wallace Fard Muhammad. It is known for its teachings that combine elements of traditional Islam with Black nationalist ideas. The NOI promotes racial unity, self-help, and economic self-sufficiency for African Americans. The group has had notable leaders such as Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, and Louis Farrakhan. While the NOI’s beliefs differ from mainstream Islam, it has played a significant role in the African American community and the civil rights movement.
Rise of Christian Nationalism in the United States
Christian Nationalism is on the rise in the U.S. and around the world, with perhaps 30 percent of Americans self identifying with the movement which is closely linked to the Republican Party and Donald Trump’s MAGA movement.
Some in the movement advocate dominism calling for Christians to take over the seven key mountains and rule the world in accordance with God’s will, ushering in the end days.
CO-Pilot provides more background information on this growing movement.
certainly! Christian nationalism is a political ideology that advocates for the fusion of Christianity with a nation’s civic and political life. It seeks to establish or maintain a legal and cultural fusion of Christian religion with a nation’s character2. This ideology has been gaining traction both in the United States and globally.
In the United States
Christian nationalism in the U.S. has been particularly prominent in recent years. It often involves advocating for policies that privilege Christianity in the public square, such as displaying Christian symbols on public property, promoting Christian values in public schools, and opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights2. This movement has been linked to the rise of the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement and has found significant support among white evangelical Christians.
Globally
Christian nationalism is not confined to the U.S. It has been observed in various countries around the world, including Brazil, France, Italy, Poland, Hungary, and Russia3. In these countries, Christian nationalism often aligns with right-wing populist movements and can lead to exclusionary and sometimes violent actions against religious and ethnic minorities. For example, in Brazil, former President Jair Bolsonaro garnered significant support from evangelical Christians by intertwining nationalism with Christian faith3.
Concerns and Criticisms
Critics argue that Christian nationalism is fundamentally at odds with a pluralistic society, as it seeks to define a country as Christian, thereby marginalizing non-Christian populations. It can also lead to antidemocratic and violent behavior, as seen in events like the Capitol insurrection in the U.S1. The ideology is often linked to racist, misogynistic, authoritarian, and homophobic views.
Conclusion
The rise of Christian nationalism poses significant challenges to democracy and social harmony both in the U.S. and globally. It highlights the need for vigilance in protecting the separation of church and state and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, are treated with equality and respect.
Contemporary Atheism in the US:
Note: I grew up in perhaps one of the most secular cities in one of the most secular States in one of the most secular eras, the 60s and 70s in the Bay Area. Yet even in the Bay Area there are almost no public officials who are openly ”atheist” My father was one of the few elected officials who was not publically a Christian. He was an atheist and my mother was a lapsed Southern Baptist.
Co-Pilot provide additional background information.
In the United States, the percentage of people identifying as non-religious, often referred to as the “nones,” has been steadily increasing. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, about 29% of U.S. adults identify as religiously unaffiliated, which includes atheists, agnostics, and those who describe their religion as “nothing in particular”. This is a significant increase from 16% in 20061.
Global Atheism:
Globally, the number of people who identify as atheists or non-religious varies widely by region. According to a 2012 Pew Research Center study, 16% of the world’s population is not affiliated with any religion. This includes both atheists and agnostics2. The highest concentrations of non-religious people are found in countries like Sweden, Vietnam, Denmark, Norway, and Japan.
Wicca Religious Movement
I once took a quiz online by beliefnet to determine what religion I am most in tune with. the top choice was Wicca, New Age or Buddhism, the least compatble was fundamentalism, mormonism and Islam. that sounds about right, LOL.
followers are called witches and warlocks and gather together in Covens.
CO-Pilot provided background information.
Wicca, also known as “The Craft,” is a modern pagan, earth-centered religion. It was developed in England during the first half of the 20th century and introduced to the public in 1954 by Gerald Gardner, a retired British civil servant. Wicca draws upon ancient pagan traditions and 20th-century Hermetic motifs for its theological and ritual purposes1.
Core Beliefs and Practices:
Duo theism: Wiccans typically venerate both a Goddess and a God, often referred to as the Triple Goddess and the Horned God.
Rituals and Festivals: Wiccans celebrate both lunar cycles (Esbats) and solar cycles (Sabbats), which include festivals like the solstices and equinoxes.
Nature Reverence: Nature plays a central role in Wiccan beliefs and practices, with rituals often held outdoors and involving natural elements like fire, water, earth, and air.
The Wiccan Rede: A popular expression of Wiccan morality, often summarized as “An it harm none, do what ye will.”
New Age Religious Movement
Very big in California particularly during the 60s and 70s. I have been heavily influenced and consider myself a New Age type. Co-pilot provided more background information.
Co-PIlot provided backgroud information
The New Age movement is a broad and eclectic range of spiritual or religious beliefs and practices that emerged in Western society during the 1970s. It draws heavily from esoteric traditions, including Spiritualism, Theosophy, and various forms of occultism4.
Core Beliefs and Practices:
Holistic Divinity: The New Age movement typically accepts a holistic form of divinity that pervades the universe, including human beings.
Personal Transformation: Emphasis on personal transformation and healing, often through practices like meditation, yoga, and alternative medicine.
Age of Aquarius: Many New Age believers anticipate a coming “Age of Aquarius,” a period of enlightenment and spiritual awakening.
Syncretism: The movement is highly syncretic, incorporating elements from various religious and spiritual traditions.
Both Wicca and the New Age movement emphasize personal spiritual experiences and a deep connection to nature. They offer alternative spiritual paths for those seeking a more individualized and nature-focused approach to spirituality.
Asian Religious Traditions in the U.S.
Also big in the West Coast since the 1950s. Many of the beatnit writers were Buddhists. If I had to choose one religion for me it would be Buddhism.
I have been heavily influenced by Buddhism which I first learned about in a college World Religions class, one of the best classes I took as an undergraduate. I became fascinated by Buddhism after I went to Korea. Lately my Korean born wife has become more of a Buddhist frequently quoting Buddhist masters who are popular on You Tube in Korea.
Co-pilot provided background information:
Absolutely! The growth of Buddhism and other Asian religions in the U.S. is a fascinating topic.
Buddhism in the U.S.
Buddhism has seen significant growth in the United States, particularly since the mid-20th century. The increase in Asian immigration, especially after changes in U.S. immigration laws in the 1960s, played a crucial role in this growth1. By the 1980s, many Buddhist communities had sprouted across the country. Today, Buddhism is practiced by millions of Americans, with notable concentrations in states like California and Hawaii1.
Other Asian Religions
Alongside Buddhism, other Asian religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism have also gained a foothold in the U.S. The Pew Research Center reports that Asian Americans have contributed significantly to the diversity of the U.S. religious landscape3. For instance, Hindus and Buddhists together account for about the same share of the U.S. public as Jews (roughly 2%). Additionally, many Asian Americans identify with Christianity or have no particular religious affiliation2.
Factors Contributing to Growth
Several factors have contributed to the growth of these religions:
Immigration: The influx of Asian immigrants has brought their religious traditions to the U.S.
Cultural Exchange: Increased interest in Eastern philosophies and practices, especially during the 1960s and 1970s, has led many Americans to explore these religions.
Community Support: The establishment of temples, meditation centers, and cultural organizations has provided a supportive environment for practitioners
Note: Korean American churches have played a huge role in the Korean diaspora in America with most Korean immigrants belonging to a Church where they meet fellow Koreans.
Impact on American Society
The presence of these diverse religious traditions has enriched the cultural and spiritual landscape of the U.S. It has also fostered greater understanding and appreciation of different cultural practices and beliefs.
Native American Traditions
My mother’s parents were part Cherokee and spoke Cherokee and followed some of the Cherokee religious traditions, including paying attention to dreams.
Native American spiritual and religious traditions are incredibly diverse, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the many different tribes and communities across North America. Here are some key aspects:
Core Beliefs
Animism: Many Native American traditions believe in animism, the idea that all things—animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and even weather—have a spirit.
Great Spirit: A central figure in many Native American religions is the Great Spirit or Creator, who is seen as a guiding force in the universe.
Connection to Nature: Nature plays a crucial role in these traditions, with a deep respect for the earth, often referred to as “Mother Earth.”
Rituals and Ceremonies
Rituals: These can include ceremonies for healing, coming-of-age, and seasonal changes. For example, the Sun Dance is a significant ceremony practiced by several Plains tribes.
Storytelling: Oral traditions are vital, with stories passed down through generations that explain the creation of the world, moral lessons, and historical events.
Shamanism: Many tribes have shamans or spiritual leaders who act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Symbols and Art
Totem Poles: Used by tribes such as the Haida and Tlingit, these poles are carved with symbols representing clan lineage, stories, and cultural beliefs.
Dreamcatchers: Originally from the Ojibwe tribe, these are used to protect individuals from bad dreams.
Community and Values
Generosity: Acts of giving and sharing are central values, often demonstrated through ceremonies like potlatches.
Respect for Elders: Elders are highly respected for their wisdom and knowledge, and their teachings are integral to the community’s spiritual life.
Adaptation and Revitalization
Despite the challenges posed by colonization and modernization, many Native American communities have worked to preserve and revitalize their spiritual traditions. This includes both a return to traditional practices and the adaptation of new forms of expression.
Q-Anon
One of the weirdest cults out there and it is a cult is Q. First emerged in 2017 and continues to this day although the founder Q quit communicating in 2020. Co-PIlot provides background information:
QAnon is a conspiracy theory that emerged in 2017 on the internet forum 4chan. It revolves around the belief that a secret cabal of satanic, cannibalistic pedophiles controls the world, and that former U.S. President Donald Trump was fighting against this cabal. The theory has its roots in earlier conspiracy theories like Pizzagate and has been linked to various violent incidents.
The movement gained traction through social media and has amassed millions of followers. It has been labeled a domestic terrorism threat by the FBI due to its potential to incite violence. Despite the lack of new “Q drops” since December 2020, the movement continues to persist and adapt.
For a more detailed overview, you can check out this .
it is amazing to me that 10 percent of Americans subscribe to this belief, believing that a cabal of shape shifting reptilian overlords secretly control the world. Some of the Q followers believe in the shape shifting alien conspiracy.
i wrote a number of Sci-Fi stories on this theme. In my version, the shape shifting aliens are descendents of aliens from the planet Sirius who settled in Atlantis and Lemuria. a war broke broke out between the red faction and the green faction. The red faction wanted to enslave proto humans who they saw as sub-human beasts, and the Green faction who wanted to educate the natives. the war destroyed Atlantis and their descendents fled, most died off but a few remain as secret overlords waiting until the human race develops space travel, and they would then return to their homeworld and re-launch an invasion of earth.
Co-PIlot provided background information
Sure thing! One of the most well-known fringe theories about shape-shifting aliens is the belief in Reptilian humanoids. This theory suggests that a race of reptilian aliens, often referred to as “Reptoids” or “Lizard People,” have infiltrated human society and are secretly controlling world events.
Origins and Beliefs
David Icke: The theory was popularized by David Icke, a British conspiracy theorist, who claims that many world leaders and influential figures are actually shape-shifting reptilian aliens. According to Icke, these Reptilians are part of a global conspiracy to control humanity.
Ancient Aliens: Some proponents of the theory believe that these Reptilians have been present on Earth for thousands of years and have influenced human history and culture.
Characteristics
Shape-shifting: The Reptilians are believed to have the ability to change their appearance to look human, allowing them to blend in and manipulate society from positions of power.
Control and Manipulation: Followers of this theory often believe that Reptilians control major institutions, including governments, corporations, and the media, to maintain their dominance over humanity.
Criticism and Skepticism
Lack of Evidence: The theory is widely criticized for its lack of empirical evidence and is often dismissed as a baseless conspiracy.
Psychological Explanations: Some psychologists suggest that belief in such theories may be a way for individuals to make sense of complex and often frightening world events
American Religious Cults
As discussed above, I have had some interactions over the years with various cults, including the Moonies, the Hari Krishnas, and Scientology. THe People’s Temple was a big event that happened while I was in college. Same thing with Heaven’s Gate, and Ragnesh movement, I visited Raghnes Puram (nee Antelope, Oregon) with my father in 1992.
.
Co-pilot provided background information
Religious cults in the U.S. have a long and often controversial history. Cults are typically characterized by their charismatic, authoritarian leaders and their ability to draw in followers with unique belief systems or supposed prophetic powers. Here are some of the most commonly considered cults in the U.S.:
Manson Family: Led by Charles Manson in the late 1960s, this group believed in an impending race war and carried out a series of murders in California.
Peoples Temple: Founded by Jim Jones, this group is infamous for the mass suicide-murder in Jonestown, Guyana, in 1978.
Heaven’s Gate: Led by Marshall Applewhite, members believed that leaving their bodies behind would transfer their consciousness into an extraterrestrial being.
Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS): Founded by Warren Jeffs, this group practices polygamy and has been involved in numerous legal issues, including child abuse.
Rajneeshpuram: Led by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho), this group attempted to take over a town in Oregon in the early 1980s.
Love Has Won: A more recent group, known for its leader’s claim of being a divine being and the mysterious death of its leader in 2021.
Sullivanians: A psychotherapy cult founded by Dr. Jaqueline Hobson, known for its communal living and controversial practices.
These groups have often been the subject of media attention and legal scrutiny due to their unconventional beliefs and practices. It’s important to note that the term “cult” can be pejorative, and some prefer to use “new religious movements” to describe these organizations.
Cthulu Cult
Finally, we should mention the Cthulu cult which played a big role in the fiction of HP Lovecraft. Some believers in the occult believe that HP Lovecraft was writing true stories not fiction.
Co-Pilot provided background information. can you tell me about the Ctuhulu mythos of HP Lovecraft?
The Cthulhu Mythos is a shared fictional universe created by H.P. Lovecraft; an American writer known for his works of horror fiction. The mythos is centered around ancient, cosmic deities and other worldly horrors that exist beyond human comprehension1. Here are some key elements:
Key Elements of the Cthulhu Mythos:
Cthulhu: The central creature in Lovecraft’s seminal short story “The Call of Cthulhu,” first published in 1928. Cthulhu is depicted as a gigantic, octopus-like being that lies dormant in the sunken city of R’lyeh1.
Great Old Ones: A pantheon of ancient, powerful deities from space who once ruled the Earth and have since fallen into a deathlike sleep. These beings include Cthulhu, Nyarlathotep, Azathoth, and others1.
Cosmic Horror: Lovecraft’s stories emphasize the complete irrelevance of mankind in the face of these cosmic horrors. The human mind is unable to fully comprehend the existence of these entities, leading to madness and despair1.
Necronomicon: A fictional grimoire that appears in many of Lovecraft’s stories, containing knowledge of the Great Old Ones and other forbidden lore.
When I retired a few years ago, I embarked on a goal of reading as many of the great classics as I could, including writing reviews of the books as I read them.
One thing to bear in mind when reading the classics is that many of the classics to a modern reader appear ablest, colonist, racist, sexist, and all the other isms that some modern readers might find objectionable, including freely use the N word and other pejorative words. The key is to acknowledge that fact, and then read and enjoy the novel on its own terms in its own time and place and not get too hung up on dealing with the racism etc that may be found in the book.
Fortunately, “My Antonio” does not contact much sexism, racism or other issue to distract the jaded modern reader.
This is my review of the classic novel, “My Ántonia” published in 1918 by the American woman author, Willa Cather. This novel is considered Cather’s first masterpiece. Cather was praised for bringing the American West to life and making it personally interesting. The novel is part of Cather’s “Prairie Trilogy,” which includes “O Pioneers!” and “The Song of the Lark.”
The novel takes place in the late 19th century in Nebraska and details the life of immigrants in the settlement of Nebraska. The protagonist is an orphan, Jim Burden, who is sent to live with his grandparents who are pioneer farmers. Jim befriends Ántonia, a local Bohemian immigrant and her family who settled next door. Ántonia is a free-spirited woman who runs the farm for her mother and brother after their father commits suicide. Life in the Nebraskan frontier was difficult. Ántonia eventually moves into the nearby town and works for a local family. She eventually has a child out of wedlock, then marries another Bohemian immigrant and has eventually ten children.
. Throughout it all, she keeps up her free spirit and emerges as a strong, determined woman. Jim finishes high school, goes to Harvard, and becomes a lawyer. Twenty years later, he returns to Nebraska and befriends Ántonia and her family again.
The highlight of the novel for me is the characters and their relationships with each other, and the hardships that they all faced together in the settlement of Nebraska. The main characters are all immigrants, some from Germany, some from Hungary, some from Norway and Sweden, and others who are from back east, like Jim and his grandparents.
The action takes place on Jim’s grandparents’ farm, in the nearby settlements, and in the nearby town where the grandparents move after finding managing a farm too difficult for them. There is even a murder, and assorted scandals in the small Nebraskan settlements.
Co-Pilot provided the following bio and list of Willa Cather’s works:
Biography of Willa Cather
Willa Cather (1873-1947) was an American writer known for her novels about frontier life on the Great Plains. Born in Virginia, she moved to Nebraska with her family when she was ten years old. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and later worked as a journalist before turning to full-time writing. Cather’s works often explore themes of the American frontier and the immigrant experience. She won the Pulitzer Prize in 1922 for her novel “One of Ours.”
List of Willa Cather’s Works
“O Pioneers!” (1913) part of Prairie trilogy
“The Song of the Lark” (1915) part of Prairie trilogy
“Some memories are realities and are better than anything that can ever happen to one again.”
“If there were no girls like them in the world, there would be no poetry.”
“I was something that lay under the sun and felt it, like the pumpkins, and I did not want to be anything more. I was entirely happy. Perhaps we feel like that when we die and become a part of something entire, whether it is sun and air, or goodness and knowledge. At any rate, that is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep.”
“The country girls were considered a menace to the social order. Their beauty shone out too boldly against a conventional background.”
“The sky was growing pale, and that forgotten plow had sunk back to its own littleness somewhere in the prairie.”
“Now I understood that the same road was to bring us together again. Whatever we had missed, we possessed together the precious, the incommunicable past.”
“She’d always believe him. That’s Ántonia’s failing, you know; if she once likes people, she won’t hear anything against them.”
“The idea of you is part of my mind … you really are a part of me.”
“I was convinced that man’s strongest antagonist is the cold.”
“This is reality, whether you like it or not — all those frivolities of summer, the light and shadow, the living mask of green that trembled over everything, they were lies, and this is what was underneath. This is the truth.”
“Whatever we had missed, we possessed together the precious, the incommunicable past.”
“That is happiness; to be dissolved into something complete and great. When it comes to one, it comes as naturally as sleep.”
“There seemed to be nothing to see; no fences, no creeks or trees, no hills or fields. If there was a road, I could not make it out in the faint starlight. There was nothing but land: not a country at all, but the material out of which countries are made.”
“The prayers of all good people are good.”
“As I went back alone over that familiar road, I could almost believe that a boy and girl ran along beside me, as our shadows used to do, laughing and whispering to each other in the grass.”
“This was enough for Ántonia. She liked me better from that time on, and she never took a supercilious air with me again. I had killed a big snake – I was now a big fellow.”
“More than any other person we remembered, this girl seemed to mean to us the country, the conditions, the whole adventure of our childhood.”
End Quotes
I have been reading books from the collection titled “50 Books You Must Read Before You Die” which consists of three volumes. I finished all of Volume Three first and am working my way through Volume One and Two. Hope to finish it all by the end of the year.
I am currently reading “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin and will write a review when I am finished with it.
Here’s the list of the books I am reading, with the ones I completed in bold:.
Here’s the list of the books I am reading, bolded are the ones I completed
Harvard Classics
(1) Franklin, Woolman, Penn
(2) Plato, Epictetus,
Marcus, Aurelius Meditations
(3) Bacon,
Milton’s Prose,
Thomas Browne
(4) Complete Poems in English: Milton
(5) Essays and English Traits: Emerson (
6) Poems and Songs: Burns (7)
Confessions of St. Augustine. Imitation of Christ
(8) Nine Greek Dramas (9)
Letters and Treatises of Cicero
Pliny
(10) Wealth of Nations: Adam Smith
(11) Origin of Species: Darwin
(12) Plutarch’s Lives (13)
Aeneid Virgil (14)
Don Quixote Part 1: Cervantes
(15) Pilgrim’s Progress. Donne
Herbert. Bunyan, Walton
(16) The Thousand and One Night
(17) Folk-Lore and Fable. Aesop, Grimm,
Andersen
Hans Christian Anderson’s Fairy Tales
(18) Modern English Drama
(19) Faust,
Egmont Etc.
Doctor Faustus,
Goethe,
Marlowe
(20) The Divine Comedy: Dante
(21) I Promessi
Sposi,
Manzoni
(22) The Odyssey: Homer
(23) Two Years Before Mast. Dana
(24) On the Sublime French Revolution Etc. Burke
(25) Autobiography Etc. Essays and Addresses: J.S. Mill,
Carlyle
(26) Continental Drama
(27) English Essays: Sidney to Macaulay
(28) Essays. English and American
(29) Voyage of the Beagle: Darwin (
30) Faraday,
Helmholtz,
Kelvin,
Newcomb,
Geikie
(31) Autobiography: Benvenuto, Cellini
(32) Literary and Philosophical Essays:
Montaigne,
Sainte Beuve,
Renan,
Lessing,
Schiller,
Kant,
Mazzini
(33) Voyages and Travels
(34) Descartes,
Voltaire,
Rousseau,
Hobbes
(35) Chronicle and Romance:
Froissart,
Malory,
Holinshed (36)
Machiavelli, the Prince
More,
Luther
(37) Locke,
Berkeley,
Hume
(38) Harvey,
Jenner,
Lister,
Pasteur
(39) Famous Prefaces
(40) English Poetry 1: Chaucer to Gray
(41) English Poetry 2: Collins to Fitzgerald
(42) English Poetry 3: Tennyson to Whitman
(43) American Historical Documents
Federalist Papers
Constitution
Bill of Rights
Declaration of Indepedence
(44) Sacred Writings 1
(45) Sacred Writings 2
The Bible
The Quaran
The Analects of Confucius
Mencius
Buddist Writing
Bhaga Vita
Lao Tzo The Tao
(46) Elizabethan Drama 1
(47) Elizabethan Drama 2
(48) Thoughts and Minor Works: Pascal
(49) Epic and Saga (
50) Introduction, Readers Guide,
50 Books to Read Before You Die
Vol 1 starts with Volume One
Alcott, Louisa May: Little Women Austen, Jane: Pride and Prejudice Austen, Jane: Emma Balzac, Honoré de: Father Goriot Barbusse, Henri: The Inferno Brontë, Anne: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall Brontë, Charlotte: Jane Eyre Brontë, Emily: Wuthering Heights Burroughs, Edgar Rice: Tarzan of the Apes Butler, Samuel: The Way of All Flesh Carroll, Lewis: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Cather, Willa: My Ántonia Cervantes, Miguel de: Don Quixote Chopin, Kate: The Awakening Cleland, John: Fanny Hill Collins, Wilkie: The Moonstone Conrad, Joseph: Heart of Darkness
Conrad, Joseph: Nostromo Cooper, James Fenimore: The Last of the Mohicans
Crane, Stephen: The Red Badge of Courage
Cummings, E. E.: The Enormous Room Defoe, Daniel: Robinson Crusoe Defoe, Daniel: Moll Flanders Dickens, Charles: Bleak House Dickens, Charles: Great Expectations Dostoyevsky, Fyodor: Crime and Punishment Dostoyevsky, Fyodor: The Idiot Doyle, Arthur Conan: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Dreiser, Theodore: Sister Carrie Dumas, Alexandre: The Three Musketeers Dumas, Alexandre: The Count of Monte Cristo Eliot, George: Middlemarch
Fielding, Henry: Tom Jones
Flaubert, Gustave: Madame Bovary
Flaubert, Gustave: Sentimental Education
Ford, Ford Madox: The Good Soldier Forster, E. M.: A Room With a View
Forster, E. M.: Howard End Gaskell, Elizabeth: North and South Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von: The Sorrows of Young Werther
Gogol, Nikolai: Dead Souls
Gorky, Maxim: The Mother Haggard, H. Rider: King Solomon’s Mines Hardy, Thomas: Tess of the D’Urbervilles Hawthorne, Nathaniel: The Scarlet Letter Homer: The Odyssey Hugo, Victor: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Hugo, Victor: Les Misérables
Huxley, Aldous: Crome Yellow
James, Henry: The Portrait of a Lady
Volume 2
– Little Women [Louisa May Alcott] – Sense and Sensibility [Jane Austen]
– Peter Pan (Peter and Wendy) [J.M. Barrie]
– Cabin Fever [ B. M. Bower]
– The Secret Garden [Frances Hodgson Burnett]
– A Little Princess [Frances Hodgson Burnett] – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland [Lewis Carroll]
– The King in Yellow [Robert William Chambers] – The Man Who Knew Too Much [Gilbert Keith Chesterton]
– The Woman in White [Wilkie Collins]
– The Most Dangerous Game [Richard Connell] – Robinson Crusoe [Daniel Defoe]
– On the Origin of Species, 6th Edition [Charles Darwin]
– The Iron Woman [Margaret Deland] – David Copperfield [Charles Dickens] – Oliver Twist [Charles Dickens] – A Tale of Two Cities [Charles Dickens] – The Double [Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky] The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes [Arthur Conan Doyle]
– The Curious Case of Benjamin Button [Francis Scott Fitzgerald] – A Room with a View [E. M. Forster] – Dream Psychology [Sigmund Freud] – Tess of the d’Urbervilles [Thomas Hardy] – Siddhartha [Hermann Hesse] – Dubliners [James Joyce] – The Fall of the House of Usher [Edgar Allan Poe]
– The Arabian Nights [Andrew Lang] – The Sea Wolf [Jack London] – The Call of Cthulhu [Howard Phillips Lovecraft] – Anne of Green Gables [Lucy Maud Montgomery] – Beyond Good and Evil [Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche] – The Murders in the Rue Morgue [Edgar Allan Poe] – The Black Cat [Edgar Allan Poe] – The Raven [Edgar Allan Poe]
– Swann’s Way [Marcel Proust] – Romeo and Juliet [William Shakespeare] – Treasure Island [Robert Louis Stevenson] – The Elements of Style [William Strunk Jr.
Vol 3 finished keeping for the historical record
– What’s Bred in the Bone [Grant Allen] – The Golden Ass [Lucius Apuleius] – Meditations [Marcus Aurelius] – Northanger Abbey [Jane Austen] – Lady Susan [Jane Austen] – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz [Lyman Frank Baum] – The Art of Public Speaking [Dale Breckenridge Carnegie] – The Blazing World [Margaret Cavendish] – The Wisdom of Father Brown [Gilbert Keith Chesterton] – Heretics [Gilbert Keith Chesterton] – The Donnington Affair [Gilbert Keith Chesterton] – The Innocence of Father Brown [Gilbert Keith Chesterton] – Fanny Hill: Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure [John Cleland] – The Moonstone [Wilkie Collins] – Lord Jim [Joseph Conrad] – The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe [Daniel Defoe] – The Pickwick Papers [Charles Dickens] – A Christmas Carol [Charles Dickens] – Notes From The Underground [Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky] – The Gambler par Fyodor [Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky] – The Lost World [Arthur Conan Doyle] – The Hound of the Baskervilles [Arthur Conan Doyle] – The Sign of the Four [Arthur Conan Doyle] – The Man in the Iron Mask [Alexandre Dumas] – The Three Musketeers [Alexandre Dumas] – This Side of Paradise [Francis Scott Fitzgerald] – Curious, If True: Strange Tales [Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell] – King Solomon’s Mines [Henry Rider Haggard] – The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Victor Hugo] – Kim [Rudyard Kipling] – Captain Courageous [Rudyard Kipling] – The Jungle Book [Rudyard Kipling] – Lady Chatterley’s Lover [David Herbert Lawrence] – The Son of the Wolf [Jack London] – The Einstein Theory of Relativity [Hendrik Antoon Lorentz] – The Dunwich Horror [Howard Phillips Lovecraft] – At the Mountains of Madness [Howard Phillips Lovecraft] – The Prince [Niccolò Machiavelli] – The Story Girl [Lucy Maud Montgomery] – The Antichrist [Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche] – The Republic [Plato] – The Last Man [Mary Shelley] – Life On The Mississippi [Mark Twain] – The Kama Sutra [Vatsyayana] – In the Year 2889 [Jules Verne] – Around the World in Eighty Days [Jules Verne] – Four Just Men [Edgar Wallace] – Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ [Lewis Wallace] – Jacob’s Room [Virginia Woolf]
For several years, there has been a debate over the nations of North America. In the late 70s, journalists and political scientists first floated the idea that there are ten to twelve nations of North America, not just three nation-states. In fact, if you add in Central America and the Caribbean islands, there could be 25 nations of North America, including Greenland and the Panama Canal.
Recently, President Trump has proposed taking over Greenland, Panama, and Canada. Some on the left have also proposed merging Blue States with Canada.
The three nations of North America were three multi-state nations subdivided into distinct regional states. According to political science, there is a difference between a nation in the cultural sense and a nation in a political sense. Ideally, the two should be the same, as in France or Germany. But in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, there were ten to fifteen distinct nations in a cultural sense, three in a political sense, and 75 or so sub-national states. In other words, California is a distinct nation (perhaps five nations), as is Texas, as is the Midwest, etc.
Great Divorce
In my novel, “The Great Divorce,” I foresee a Civil War 2.0 resulting in ten nations of North America. I also foresee the possibility of a peaceful evolution into new nations.
I explore this in my unpublished novel, “The Great Divorce.” In the novel, I divided North America into 15 nations as follows in my unpublished novel, “The Great Divorce.” The Christian States and their allies were Christian theocratic authoritarian governments, while the West Coast and East Coast were secular democracies, as were the rest of the nations. In the Christian States, sex outside of marriage was illegal, as were homosexuality, transgenderism, abortion, pornography, drugs, alcohol, and gambling. The public schools were all run by the Church, and there was a strict social morality test required for all government employees and schoolteachers. The official language was English, and immigration was limited to Christians, favoring European immigration. The Christian States were openly white supremacist in policy. Non-Christians and non-whites were officially discriminated against, and Muslims and other religious minorities were deported. Atheism was also illegal. The media was strictly censored, and prison slave labor was common.
The coastal states were secular and proudly multicultural. Group marriages were common. Drugs, sex, and pornography were legal, as was gambling.
Time for New North American Union to Emerge
I propose that the nations of North America reorganize into 25 new nations, which would join a common market with a common currency, common immigration, common foreign policy, and a combined military. The new nation would be called the North American Union. The new union would have its capital in New York City, which would be one of the new states. This would involve a constitutional convention that would formally dissolve the former United States and invite other nations to join together to enter into an EU-style common market, while maintaining independence and entering the United Nations as new nations.
The new nations would be:
New England, including Canadian maritime provinces and Greenland, with the capital in Boston.
New York mid-Atlantic, with the capital in New York, including the new state of Columbia incorporating DC and its suburbs. New York City would be its own city/state incorporating the entire NYC metro area, with upstate New York being its own state called Empire.
Quebec, including Maine, Louisiana, and French-speaking Caribbean islands, called New France.
Great Lakes region, including Ontario, with the capital in Chicago and Toronto, with Illinois split between Chicago and its suburbs and downstate Illinois.
Upper Midwest, including Canadian prairie states, with the capital in Omaha, allied with Christian States.
Utah, including Idaho, Montana, and Nevada, with the capital in Salt Lake City, allied with Christian States.
The South, aka the Christian States of America, with the capital in Little Rock, combined with the upper Midwestern states, totaling 30 states.
The Mountain States, including Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Montana, with the capital in New Mexico.
The Pacific Northwest, including Alaska, BC, Western Washington, Western Oregon, and Northern California, with the capital in either SF or Seattle, allied with Pacific states.
The Southwest, including Central and Southern California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Baja California, and Northern Mexico, with the capital in Los Angeles, allied with Pacific states.
The rest of Mexico, allied with Pacific states.
Central America, including Belize, Yucatán, Panamá, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Texas, including Oklahoma, with the capital in Dallas, allied with Christian States.
Caribbean States, with the capital in Miami, neutral, including English and Dutch-speaking islands and territories.
French Islands, part of New France based in Quebec.
Spanish-speaking islands, with the capital in Puerto Rico.
The Pacific Islands, including Guam, Samoa, and the PI islands, with the capital in Honolulu, allied with Pacific states.
The Native States of America, with the capital in eastern Oklahoma, consisting of the major tribal areas across North America, neutral.
Each nation would consist of mini-state governments. California would be divided into eight states: five in the Pacific Northwest and three in the Southwest. These states would be Northern California, The Bay Area, the Central Valley, the Sierras, the Northeastern area merging with eastern Oregon, eastern Washington and Idaho forming the state of Jefferson, the Desert East, Los Angeles, and San Diego, including TJ and Baja California.
In addition, the major cities would form their own states, uniting the greater metro areas into the new city states. Thus, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Seattle, LA, San Diego, NYC would be a state, Philadelphia would be a state, Washington DC would be a state called Columbia, Boston would be a state, Chicago would be a state, Miami would be a state, and Texas would be divided into five states: Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, and Oklahoma, with the rest of Texas being part of the respective substates.
Write an acrostic poem. An acrostic poem is a poem where the first letter of each line spells out a word. View an example in the announcement. This contest has a cash prize.
Back to the 19th Century
Trump wants to take over Greenland
Panama and Canada
Re-impose massive tariffs too
Back to the 19th century.
Additional Reading Recommendations per Co-PIlot AI
For more information on the new nations of America, you can find articles here:
I have added a few new routines to my daily fitness regime and have achieved great results. After a month of the new fitness regime, I weighed 171.5 pounds this morning, the lowest weight I have had since I was 25, and weighed 165 pounds. I was recovering from Thyroid after three weeks in the hospital in Korea during the Peace Corps. For more on that ordeal, see Cheating Death 22 times below
My daily blood sugar readings hit 106 today, last week it hit 98 two days in a row before going up to 115, then back down. My goal is to reach 170 pounds and 98 or less blood sugar levels and stabilize both. Both goals are easily achievable.
New Routine Daily walking 17 flights of stairs
Prior to and after each meal for a total of six times per day. I have gained muscles in my legs and core area, dropped my belly fat and dropped my blood sugar levels and feel a lot more energetic.
Stair Yoga rises with weights ten reps
Prior to and after stair walking
Dumbell weight lifting 10 reps three times
Prior to and after stair walking
Diet routine
Limit pasta/rice carbs to lunch
Oatmeal or smoothie for breakfast
A light dinner salad or fish
Wine or cocktail no more than three times per week
Go out for meals no more than four times per week
Ceregem while reading one hour before bed about 10 pm or so
accupunture, facial, massage, sauna once a week after March waiting for winter covid/flu surge to subside
retest blood work in June
get COVID booster in June and COVID/Flu booster in November
Creative Writing Routine
For my daily writing, copy my writing to my creative writing journal and to my spreadsheet after each morning writing session and to corresponding subject files should take about 30 minutes to 45 minutes and its worth it to keep better organized
Do WC prompts daily,
Fan story every other day
and resume Pensively once a week (not posting)
copy reviewed poems to my book read list daily
Posting on All poetry. Poetry Soup. Cosmos Funnel, Poetry Magnum Opus FB poetry sites pick two per day, and Poet Hunter once a week or so Once a week pick 7 poems to post and three new ones for contest entries.
Post Same ten poems posted on WC or FS so I can save some for publication
Pick five to ten unpublished poems per week mix of new and old
Submit three times per week on average
Blog on or two times per week
Continue alternating between Classics, Poetry and thrillers etc
Next up Publo Nurundo Poems in Spanish and English followed by Kate Collins Awakining
part of 50 Books to Read Volume 2.
PIano Goals – Daily pratice Bach WTC, Beethoven and Mozart Sonatas
Korean – Finish Duolingo, then take advanced Korean classes on line watch K drama every other day
read a lot more classic books finish the three volume series, 50 books You Need to Read Before You DIe and Harvard Classics
Read A Lot More Poetry
Read At Least One Book A Year in Spanish starting with Pablo Neruda poems.
Read At Least One Book A Year in Korean starting with bilingual short stories
This year I read a lot of books, and lots of individual poems and stories. I kept track of all my reviews I do daily on fan story and writing com but did not list them here as that was too unreadable and boring to post.
Total Numerical listing
The List – fiction/non-fiction/poetry
Fiction
Classics
Virginia Woolf Jacob’s Room
Alcot Little Woman
Balzac, Honoré DE: Father Goriot
Lucy Maud Montgomery The Story Girl
Willa Cather My Antonia
Author Connor Doyle’s The Lost World
Barbusse, Henri: The Inferno REVIEW DUE
Butler, Samuel: The Way OF All Flesh
Brontë, Anne: The Tenant OF Wildfell Hall
Peston and Child the Pharoch Key
Liz Wiehl The Candidate
Grisholm Camino Island
Flashman Novels
George Mac Donald Fraser Flashman And The Redskins
George Macdonald Fraser Flashman And The Angel Of The Lord
George Macdonald Fraser Flashman On The March
George Mac Donald Frazer Flashman And The Dragon
Thrillers/Crime
Janet Evanovich To Nines
Liz Wiehl The Candidate Medford Library
John Grisham Camino Ghosts Medford Library
Harlan Coben Think Twice Medford Library
David Baldacci The 6:20 Man Camp H Library
Frederick Pohl Collected Stories Medford Library
THE Merchant OF Venus
The Thing That Happen
The Hight Test
My Lady Greensleeves
The Kindly Isle
The Middle OF Nowhere
I REMEMBER A Winter
The Greening OF Bed Stuv
The Map Makers
Spending A Day AT THE Lottery Fair
Celebrating No Hit Inning
Some Joys Under The Star
Servant Of The People
Anderson Stories
Anderson FABLES THE Almshouse
Anderson FABLES THE Angel
Poetry
Total: 3,000 poems including fan story review, writing com review and selected classic poems -some listed below.
Selected Poems by Famous Writers etc
Christopher Micheal Nuclear Orange Cupid is the Devil
I received this book last year for participating in the Poetry Superhighway annual poetry contest.
Christopher Michael is a published poet who lives in Austin, Texas and has been winning poetry slams since 1989 when he entered his first slam.
the book contains the following poems ==
Tea Em Eye
Haiku
Father
Imagine
The Boys
Not A Thief
The Gravityof Pity
Job Application
Plugs To Give
Fakery
Political Stuff
Glass House
Mr. Bullet Goes To Work
Zombie Swarm
Bee Swarm
Eye Am Here For You
The October Menace
Herbicide Maniac
Bacon
She’s Black
Flash And America
The Flash and the Fireball
Feeling Her
SIN
Theoretical Love
Baby
The Muse
Love And Landmines
Skeletons And Corny Jokes
Dookie Man
Belly Buttons
Severed Fingers And Heavy Bags
The Firestorm
Razors And Regrets
The Relapse
Love Turns Cowards Into Lions
The Fall Out
Nuclear Orange
Fields Of Flammable Fantasies
Zombie Loss
I Warned You
BJ Buckley In January the Geese
I received this book last year for participating in the Poetry Superhighway annual poetry contest. Everyone who enters gets a book of poetry for participating. The contest opens in July and closes around labor day, winners are announced in October. I have also participated in the annual poetry chapbook give away challenge which is held in November.
There are 26 poems in this book. The poems are based on the author’s lived experience growing up on a farm in rural Wyoming and Montana. A number of the poems are written from the animal’s point of view. For example, In January the geese, first bear, long division. box with bugs, night herding, pronghorn elegy, rescue last rites.
the poems are:
Upthrust
in January, the geese
first bear
long division
gates
C store 5:00 AM
fields
burn pile
Sunriver
slamming
hard frost
seed
on Sunday morning
box with bugs
Watchman
Funeral
night herding
Instrument
almost July
instrument
pronghorn Elegy
rescue
towards evening Teton river
infinite haze
September
bad shot
last rites
Wade Riddle
I received this book for entering the Poetry Superhighway annual contest
Groove Power Of Summer
Wade Riddle Summer In Santa Monica Power Of Summer
Wade Riddle The Tom Hardy Party Power Of Summer
Wade Riddle Kiss Me Chris Pine Power Of Summer
Wade Riddle Dance To The Beat Of The Beach Boy’s Power Of Summer
Wade Riddle The Power Of Summer Power Of Summer
Wade Riddle L.A. Blue Power Of Summer
Wade Riddle Take Me Home To Venice Beach Power Of Summer
There Was An Old Man With A Beard,
There Was A Young Lady Of Ryde,
There Was An Old Man Of Quebec,
There Was A Young Lady Whose Bonnet,
There Was A Young Belle Of Old Natchez
Should this body die and die again a hundred times over,
Hwang Hyun
Birds and beasts cry in sorrow and the mountains and oceans frown
Matsuo Basho
Old Pond
Groot
Piet Hein
Missing Link
Road To Wisdom
Prescription
Timing Toast
Circumscripture
Best American Poetry 2023
Will Alexander the Polish mathematics
Michael Ania covering standups.
Ray Armitage fortune
WHR then we get the dialectic fairly well.
Martin Bell and a definite player
Charles Bernstein people
Mark Bibbins from 13 balloons
Lee Ann Brown as an American
Kamryn Alexa Castro Yes
Mariane Chan the shape of Biddle City
Victoria Chang World’s End
Maxi ne Chernoff the Songbird Academy
Kwame Dawes Photo Shoot
Alex Demetrio the years
Stuart Disc hell after the exhibition
Timothy Daniel Instagram
Boris Dayak Days at the Races
Joana Fuhrman 330 College Avenue
Amy Gerstle Night Herons
Peter Gizzi revisionary
Herbert Gold’s other news
Terrene Hayes Strange as the rule of grammar
Robert Herston All Right
Paul Hoover abominations, afternoon
Shirley Jackson’s Best Original Enigma
Patrica Spears Jones the Devil’s wife explains 45.
Ilay Kaminsky, I ask that I not die.
Vincent Katz’s A Marvelous Sky
John Keen Straight No Chaser
Miho Kinas’ Three Shrimp Boats
Wayne kepstrum Misran Master Craftsman
Yusef Komunyakaa from the autobiography
Michale Lay I meant to
Dorothea Lasky Green Moon John Yao zone
Bernadette Ayer Pi Day
Maureen Mc Lane Moonrise
Yusef Michael tablet 6
Stephen Paul Miller dating Buddha
Susan Mitchell Chaplin in Palma
Backus more extraordinary life
diesel to social in several invoices
Elliot Mullen as I wander lonely in the cloud Kathy and also the facts.
Eugene Austin Husky from the fainting feeling Sonnets You Go Out Tomorrow.
Sunday game
Marine Owen in space surface tensional force
John Phillips’s film theory
Catholic bullet round front shirt
Caroline Marie Rodgers phone number two my kind of feminism
Jerome Sarah’s Something I’m Not Hot takes in Spiderman her dark drama.
Turkey Tim civils all the time
Diana’s success little few state
David Shapiro lost all of Jesus.
Mitch Siskin only tough woes
Amanda Smeltz Green goddess girls in blacks Cole Swensen’s various gloves out
Arthur Sze wildlife season OK
Diane Thiel Listening in Deep Space
Rodrigo Toscano Full House
Tony Trigilio The Steeplejack
David Trinidad the poems attributed to Him May Be by Different poets.
Anne Waldman’s three poems form 13 Moon Kora
Sarah Anne Wallen, I can see Mars.
Elizbeth Winch and What My Species Did
Terrence Winch Gear Sizzle
Jeff Cyphers Wright Sweepstakes
John Yau Song for Mie Yum
Geoffrey Young Parrel Bars
Jeffrey Young parallel bars
Matthews’sZaprudar the empty grave of Zza Zaza Gabor
Harvard Classics
The volumes are:
Bolded read
Franklin, Woolman, Penn
Plato, Epictetus,
Marcus, Aurelius Meditations
(3) Bacon,
Milton’s Prose,
Thomas Browne
(4) Complete Poems in English: Milton
(5) Essays and English Traits: Emerson (
6) Poems and Songs: Burns (7)
Confessions of St. Augustine. Imitation of Christ
(8) Nine Greek Dramas (9) Letters and Treatises of Cicero and Pliny
(10) Wealth of Nations: Adam Smith
(11) Origin of Species: Darwin
(12) Plutarch’s Lives (13)
Aeneid Virgil (14)
Don Quixote Part 1: Cervantes
(15) Pilgrim’s Progress. Donne
Herbert. Bunyan, Walton
(16) The Thousand and One Night
(17) Folk-Lore and Fable. Aesop, Grimm,
Andersen
Hans Christian Anderson’s Fairy Tales
(18) Modern English Drama
(19) Faust, Egmont Etc. Doctor Faustus, Goethe, Marlowe
(20) The Divine Comedy: Dante
(21) I Promessi
Sposi,
Manzoni
(22) The Odyssey: Homer
(23) Two Years Before the Mast. Dana
(24) On the Sublime French Revolution Etc. Burke
(25) Autobiography Etc. Essays and Addresses:
J.S. Mill,
T. Carlyle
(26) Continental Drama
(27) English Essays: Sidney to Macaulay
(28) Essays. English and American
(29) Voyage of the Beagle: Darwin (
30) Faraday,
Helmholtz,
Kelvin,
Newcomb,
Geikie
(31) Autobiography: Benvenuto,
Cellini
(32) Literary and Philosophical Essays: Montaigne,
Sainte Beuve,
Renan,
Lessing,
Schiller,
Kant,
Mazzini
(33) Voyages and Travels
(34) Descartes,
Voltaire,
Rousseau,
Hobbes
(35) Chronicle and Romance:
Froissart,
Malory,
Holinshed (36)
Machiavelli,
More,
Luther
(37) Locke,
Berkeley
, Hume
(38) Harvey,
Jenner,
Lister,
Pasteur
(39) Famous Prefaces
(40) English Poetry 1: Chaucer to Gray
(41) English Poetry 2: Collins to Fitzgerald
(42) English Poetry 3: Tennyson to Whitman
(43) American Historical Documents
(44) Sacred Writings 1
(45) Sacred Writings 2
(46) Elizabethan Drama 1
(47) Elizabethan Drama 2
(48) Thoughts and Minor Works: Pascal
(49) Epic and Saga (
Federalist Papers
50 Masterpieces You Have to Read Before You Die
Started reading the first one of Volume 3
Bolded indicates I have read it.
Vol 1 starts with Volume One
Alcott, Louisa May: Little Women Austen, Jane: Pride and Prejudice Austen, Jane: Emma Balzac, Honoré de: Father Goriot Barbusse, Henri: The Inferno Brontë, Anne: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall Brontë, Charlotte: Jane Eyre Brontë, Emily: Wuthering Heights Burroughs, Edgar Rice: Tarzan of the Apes Butler, Samuel: The Way of All Flesh Carroll, Lewis: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Cather, Willa: My Ántonia Cervantes, Miguel de: Don Quixote
Chopin, Kate: The Awakening Cleland, John: Fanny Hill Collins, Wilkie: The Moonstone Conrad, Joseph: Heart of Darkness
Conrad, Joseph: Nostromo Cooper, James Fenimore: The Last of the Mohicans Crane, Stephen: The Red Badge of Courage
Cummings, E. E.: The Enormous Room Defoe, Daniel: Robinson Crusoe Defoe, Daniel: Moll Flanders Dickens, Charles: Bleak House Dickens, Charles: Great Expectations Dostoyevsky, Fyodor: Crime and Punishment Dostoyevsky, Fyodor: The Idiot Doyle, Arthur Conan: The Hound of the Baskervilles
Dreiser, Theodore: Sister Carrie Dumas, Alexandre: The Three Musketeers Dumas, Alexandre: The Count of Monte Cristo Eliot, George: Middlemarch
Fielding, Henry: Tom Jones
Flaubert, Gustave: Madame Bovary
Flaubert, Gustave: Sentimental Education
Ford, Ford Madox: The Good Soldier Forster, E. M.: A Room With a View Forster, E. M.: Howard End Gaskell, Elizabeth: North and South Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von: The Sorrows of Young Werther
Gogol, Nikolai: Dead Souls
Gorky, Maxim: The Mother Haggard, H. Rider: King Solomon’s Mines Hardy, Thomas: Tess of the D’Urbervilles Hawthorne, Nathaniel: The Scarlet Letter Homer: The Odyssey Hugo, Victor: The Hunchback of Notre Dame Hugo, Victor: Les Misérables
Huxley, Aldous: Crome Yellow
James, Henry: The Portrait of a Lady
Volume 2
– Little Women [Louisa May Alcott] – Sense and Sensibility [Jane Austen] – Peter Pan (Peter and Wendy) [J.M. Barrie]
– Cabin Fever [ B. M. Bower]
– The Secret Garden [Frances Hodgson Burnett]
– A Little Princess [Frances Hodgson Burnett] – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland [Lewis Carroll]
– The King in Yellow [Robert William Chambers] – The Man Who Knew Too Much [Gilbert Keith Chesterton]
– The Woman in White [Wilkie Collins]
– The Most Dangerous Game [Richard Connell] – Robinson Crusoe [Daniel Defoe]
– On the Origin of Species, 6th Edition [Charles Darwin]
– The Iron Woman [Margaret Deland] – David Copperfield [Charles Dickens] – Oliver Twist [Charles Dickens] – A Tale of Two Cities [Charles Dickens] – The Double [Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky] The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes [Arthur Conan Doyle] – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button [Francis Scott Fitzgerald] – A Room with a View [E. M. Forster] – Dream Psychology [Sigmund Freud] – Tess of the d’Urbervilles [Thomas Hardy] – Siddhartha [Hermann Hesse] – Dubliners [James Joyce] – The Fall of the House of Usher [Edgar Allan Poe]
– The Arabian Nights [Andrew Lang]
– The Sea Wolf [Jack London] – The Call of Cthulhu [Howard Phillips Lovecraft] – Anne of Green Gables [Lucy Maud Montgomery] – Beyond Good and Evil [Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche] – The Murders in the Rue Morgue [Edgar Allan Poe] – The Black Cat [Edgar Allan Poe] – The Raven [Edgar Allan Poe]
– Swann’s Way [Marcel Proust] – Romeo and Juliet [William Shakespeare] – Treasure Island [Robert Louis Stevenson] – The Elements of Style [William Strunk Jr.
Vol 3 finished keeping for the historical record
This book contains the following works arranged alphabetically by authors’ last names.
Started with volume 3 then will go back and do volumes one, two, and the Harvard classics. The goal is to finish all of these by the end of next year. I almost finished Volume One. Will do some of the WC reading books as well.
– What’s Bred in the Bone [Grant Allen] – The Golden Ass [Lucius Apuleius] – Meditations [Marcus Aurelius] – Northanger Abbey [Jane Austen] – Lady Susan [Jane Austen] – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz [Lyman Frank Baum] – The Art of Public Speaking [Dale Breckenridge Carnegie] – The Blazing World [Margaret Cavendish] – The Wisdom of Father Brown [Gilbert Keith Chesterton] – Heretics [Gilbert Keith Chesterton] – The Donnington Affair [Gilbert Keith Chesterton] – The Innocence of Father Brown [Gilbert Keith Chesterton] – Fanny Hill: Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure [John Cleland] – The Moonstone [Wilkie Collins] – Lord Jim [Joseph Conrad] – The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe [Daniel Defoe] – The Pickwick Papers [Charles Dickens] – A Christmas Carol [Charles Dickens] – Notes From The Underground [Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky] – The Gambler par Fyodor [Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky] – The Lost World [Arthur Conan Doyle] – The Hound of the Baskervilles [Arthur Conan Doyle] – The Sign of the Four [Arthur Conan Doyle] – The Man in the Iron Mask [Alexandre Dumas] – The Three Musketeers [Alexandre Dumas] – This Side of Paradise [Francis Scott Fitzgerald] – Curious, If True: Strange Tales [Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell] – King Solomon’s Mines [Henry Rider Haggard] – The Hunchback of Notre Dame [Victor Hugo] – Kim [Rudyard Kipling] – Captain Courageous [Rudyard Kipling] – The Jungle Book [Rudyard Kipling] – Lady Chatterley’s Lover [David Herbert Lawrence] – The Son of the Wolf [Jack London] – The Einstein Theory of Relativity [Hendrik Antoon Lorentz] – The Dunwich Horror [Howard Phillips Lovecraft] – At the Mountains of Madness [Howard Phillips Lovecraft] – The Prince [Niccolò Machiavelli] – The Story Girl [Lucy Maud Montgomery] – The Antichrist [Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche] – The Republic [Plato] – The Last Man [Mary Shelley] – Life On The Mississippi [Mark Twain] – The Kama Sutra [Vatsyayana] – In the Year 2889 [Jules Verne] – Around the World in Eighty Days [Jules Verne] – Four Just Men [Edgar Wallace] – Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ [Lewis Wallace] – Jacob’s Room [Virginia Woolf]
Sci-Fi short stories
Goal read one to four stories per week
The Big Book of Science Fiction is a massive anthology of science fiction stories edited by Ann and Jeff VanderMeer. It covers the history and evolution of the genre from the early 20th century to the end of the millennium, featuring works from over 30 countries and many languages. The book contains 105 stories, ranging from classics by H.G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, and Ursula K. Le Guin, to lesser-known gems by W.E.B. Du Bois, David R. Bunch, and Liu Cixin. The book also includes comments from the editors and the authors, offering insights into their creative process and vision. The book is divided into 11 sections, each with a thematic focus and a chronological order. Here is the table of contents for the book1:
Introduction: Ann and Jeff VanderMeer
The Lens of Time: Science Fiction as a Way of Seeing
H.G. Wells: “The Star” (1897)
Lu Xun: “The New Overworld” (1902)
Sultana’s Dream: Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1905)
Albert Robida: “The Triumph of Mechanics” (1908)
Miguel de Unamuno: “Mechanopolis” (1913)
W.E.B. Du Bois: “The Comet” (1920)
Claude Farrère: “The Fate of the Poseidonia” (1923)
Edmond Hamilton: “The Star Stealers” (1929)
David H. Keller: “The Lost Language” (1934)
Stanislaw Lem: “Solaris” (1961) excerpt
Jorge Luis Borges: “Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius” (1940)
Cixin Liu: “The Poetry Cloud” (1997)
Invasions
Edgar Rice Burroughs: “A Princess of Mars” (1912) excerpt
Leslie F. Stone: “The Conquest of Gola” (1931)
Stanley G. Weinbaum: “A Martian Odyssey” (1934)
John W. Campbell Jr.: “Who Goes There?” (1938)
Ray Bradbury: “Dark They Were, and Golden-Eyed” (1949)
Katherine MacLean: “Pictures Don’t Lie” (1951)
William Tenn: “The Liberation of Earth” (1953)
J.G. Ballard: “The Voices of Time” (1960)
Dino Buzzati: “Catastrophe” (1966)
James Tiptree Jr.: “And I Awoke and Found Me Here on the Cold Hill’s Side” (1972)
Joanna Russ: “When It Changed” (1972)
Arkady & Boris Strugatsky: “The Spontaneous Reflex” (1973) excerpt
Octavia Butler: “Bloodchild” (1984)
James Patrick Kelly: “Think Like a Dinosaur” (1995)
Monsters
H.P. Lovecraft: “The Dunwich Horror” (1929)
Ray Bradbury: “The Foghorn” (1951)
Jerome Bixby: “It’s a Good Life” (1953)
Julio Cortázar: “Axolotl” (1956)
J.G. Ballard: “The Drowned Giant” (1964)
R.A. Lafferty: “Nine Hundred Grandmothers” (1966)
Terry Carr: “The Dance of the Changer and the Three” (1968)
Harlan Ellison®: “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream” (1967)
Lisa Tuttle & George R.R. Martin: “The Storms of Windhaven” (1975)
John Varley: “Air Raid” (1977)
William Gibson: “New Rose Hotel” (1984)
Ted Chiang: “Story of Your Life” (1998)
Experiments
Alfred Jarry: “Elements of Pataphysics” (1911)
Karel Čapek: “R.U.R.” (1920) excerpt
Stanisław Lem: “How Erg the Self-Inducting Slew a Paleface” (1955)
William S. Burroughs: “Excerpt from Naked Lunch” (1959)
J.G. Ballard: “Chronopolis” (1960)
Philip K. Dick: “Beyond Lies the Wub” (1952)
Boris Vian: “Froth on the Daydream” (1947) excerpt
Joanna Russ: “Useful Phrases for the Tourist” (1970)
George Alec Effinger: “Two Sadnesses” (1973)
John Sladek: “Solar Shoe Salesman” (1974)
Dafydd ab Hugh: “The Coon Rolled Down and Ruptured His Larinks, A Squeezed Novel by Mr. Skunk” (1986)
Generation Ships
Don Wilcox: “The Voyage That Lasted 600 Years” (1940)
Judith Merril: “Daughters of Earth” (1952)
Brian W. Aldiss: “Non-Stop” (1958) excerpt
Robert Silverberg: “Sundance” (1969)
Pamela Zoline: “The Heat Death of the Universe” (1967)
Gene Wolfe: “A Cabin on the Coast” (1984)
Bruce Sterling: “Swarm” (1982)
Geoff Ryman: “The Unconquered Country” (1984)
New Worlds
Cordwainer Smith: “Alpha Ralpha Boulevard” (1961)
Samuel R. Delany: “Aye, and Gomorrah …” (1967)
Ursula K. Le Guin: “Vaster Than Empires and Slower” (1971)
James Tiptree Jr.: “Houston, Houston, Do You Read?” (1976)
Frederik Pohl: “The Gold at the Starbow’s End” (1972)
Angélica Gorodischer: “Of Navigators and Traitors” (1973) excerpt
John Crowley: “Snow” (1985)
Iain M. Banks: “A Gift from the Culture” (1987)
Greg Egan: “Learning to Be Me” (1990)
Future War
Jack London: “The Unparalleled Invasion” (1910)
Edward Bulwer-Lytton: “The Coming Race” (1871) excerpt
George Griffith: “The War of the Viruses” (1895)
Philip Francis Nowlan: “Armageddon 2419 A.D.” (1928)
E.E. “Doc” Smith: “The Skylark of Space” (1928) excerpt
Olaf Stapledon: “Star Maker” (1937) excerpt
Robert A. Heinlein: “Solution Unsatisfactory” (1941)
C.M. Kornbluth: “Two Dooms” (1958)
Joe Haldeman: “Hero” (1972)
Harry Harrison: “The Streets of Ashkelon” (1962)
David R. Bunch: “Moderan” (1967)
Harlan Ellison®: “A Boy and His Dog” (1969)
James S.A. Corey: “Rates of Change” (2011)
Virtual Reality
Stanisław Lem: “The Seventh Sally or How Trurl’s Own Perfection Led to No Good” (1965)
Philip K. Dick: “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” (1966)
John Brunner: “The Vitanuls” (1967)
Roger Zelazny: “For a Breath I Tarry” (1966)
Robert Silverberg: “Passengers” (1968)
Rudy Rucker: “Software” (1982) excerpt
William Gibson: “Burning Chrome” (1982)
Pat Cadigan: “Pretty Boy Crossover” (1986)
Neal Stephenson: “Snow Crash” (1992) excerpt
Humanity 2.0
Olaf Stapledon: “Odd John” (1935) excerpt
C.L. Moore: “No Woman Born” (1944)
Cordwainer Smith: “Scanners Live in Vain” (1950)
Algis Budrys: “Who?” (1955)
James Blish: “Surface Tension” (1952)
Gregory Benford: “Blood Music” (1983)
Bruce Sterling: “Mozart in Mirrorshades” (1985)
Vernor Vinge: “True Names” (1981)
Ted Chiang: “Understand” (1991)
Alien Minds
Arthur C. Clarke: “The Sentinel” (1951)
Isaac Asimov: “The Last Question” (1956)
Clifford D. Simak: “Desertion” (1944)
James H. Schmitz: “Grandpa” (1955)
Frank Herbert: “Try to Remember!” (1961)
Philip José Farmer: “Sail On! Sail On!” (1952)
Stanisław Lem: “Solaris” (1961) excerpt
Arkady & Boris Strugatsky: “Roadside Picnic” (1972) excerpt
Karen Joy Fowler & Pat Murphy: “Rachel in Love” (1987)
Ian McDonald: “The Tear” (2008)
After the End
Walter M. Miller Jr.: “The Darfsteller” (1955) J.G. Ballard: “The Terminal Beach” (1964) John Wyndham: ”
Over the last year, I’ve reignited my passion for playing the piano. Music has always been a significant part of my life, and returning to it daily has been incredibly rewarding. Here’s a glimpse into my musical journey, goals for the year, and strategies to achieve them.
My Musical Journey: I took piano lessons from first grade until I graduated from college. While in high school, I wrote a string quartet, piano sonata, flute sonata, and the first movement of a symphony. The string quartet and flute sonatas were performed at a concert honoring Berkeley gifted young people. I majored in music composition at Cal State Hayward and Oberlin but changed my major to political science and psychology at the University of the Pacific after some academic struggles. I played the piano daily from 1972 to 1984, and from 1988 to 2016, when I retired. From 2000 to 2003, I resumed writing music and composed five or six pieces. In 2021, I resumed playing the piano. This past year, I played daily until June when I took a six-month break as I did not have access to a piano. I will continue playing daily until June and, while in the States, will rent a piano to ensure I can keep practicing. Later in the year, I will buy a MIDI cable, and Sibelius music composition software and resume writing music posting one piece per month.
Goals for 2024:
Daily Practice: Dedicate one hour per day to piano practice.
Mastering Sonatas: Work my way through Mozart and Beethoven Sonatas. Purchase new music, including Funk classics, Jazz, and Rock standards.
Music Education: Take music theory and composition courses.
Equipment Upgrade: Buy a MIDI cable and download Sibelius to learn music writing.
Composition: Rewrite music I composed in high school and aim to write one piece per month to post on my blog.
Piano Access: Buy or rent a piano while in the States.
Strategy:
Self-Teaching: Utilize YouTube tutorials to learn the fundamentals of music writing and take online music theory courses.
Piece Analysis: Review each piece before playing, noting high and low notes, key signatures, and changes. Create cheat sheets for ornamentations such as turns and mordents.
Separate Hand Practice: For Bach pieces, practice each hand separately before playing together.
Listening and Learning: Listen to the music on YouTube before attempting to play.
Rediscovering Mozart and Beethoven: My journey through the piano books will culminate in conquering Mozart and Beethoven’s Sonatas. I recently played my first Mozart Sonata and, to my surprise, did not do too badly. I plan to revisit it next year after completing my initial piano books.
Ode to My Pianos: Ever since I was a young lad, I dreamt of being a professional piano player. Though that dream may never come true, my love for the instrument remains unwavering. At 70, I now play my Roland 88 piano almost every day, delighting in the creative ways I interpret the classics.
Learning to Play the Piano Leads to a Career in Music: Buying a new piano and music software allowed me to practice nightly. Angela’s weekly piano lessons helped me master pieces, and I even joined a jazz band, the Diplomatic Jazz Ensemble. We released an album that gained unexpected popularity, leading me to retire from the Foreign Service and pursue a career as a studio musician and composer in San Francisco.
How to Re-Learn to Play the Piano: Returning to piano after a hiatus involves picking a series of beginner to intermediate books, analyzing each piece, and practicing with a structured approach. Concentrating on accuracy and rhythm, I aim to play three to five pieces daily, gradually increasing my speed.
Piece List: Here’s what I’ve played recently:
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach – Allegro
Joseph Haydn – Andantino
Joseph Haydn – Scherzo in F
Mozart – Rondo in C
Beethoven – Bagatelle in C
Beethoven – Ecossaise in G
Joseph Haydn – Seven German Dances 1-7 and Coda
Carl Maria von Weber – Ecossaise in G major
Jacob Schmitt – Sonatina in C
Joseph Nepomuk Hummel – Bagatelle
Alzheimer’s Prevention: I believe that playing music, learning languages, and engaging in mental games are excellent ways to ward off dementia and Alzheimer’s. Given my increased risk, I’ve committed to daily piano practice, studying Korean, and engaging in creative writing and blogging as part of my prevention strategy.
Encouragement to Aspiring Musicians: To those nearing retirement and considering resuming an instrument, I encourage you to go for it. The rewards are immeasurable.
For more details, visit my webpage: The World According to Cosmos – On Playing Mozart Sonatas.
Embrace the joy of music and make it a part of your daily life!
Write a poem about any object which you love the most let it be perfume,books,etc.
The list
Korean Light Classical Set
Chopin Piece
Beethoven Disco For Eliza
Apartment
Verglis Mein Nicht
Malguenia
Disco City
Io Ti Daro Di Piu
Dark Eye Boogie Woman
El Bimbo
Rumba Rhapsody
Korean Song Book
Ganadiri
Nununhannuri
Moknochuchang
Babo
Sarang
Ayaohchmari
Chackunlabi
Changelog
Hangku
Kudaeyae
Laegaedo Saranoi
Miwoimiwoimiwoi
Baramireoo
Sarangsarangnuka Milhaeni
Bayayae
Yet Siinuilorae
Chrumomoichukkae
Ku Saram
Biramchoram Nakyomchorum
Saransuron Kudae
Sarangiyo
100 Greatest Hits
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough Marvin Gaye
All Blues Nailed It, Miles Davis,
All Day All The Night The Kinks
All My Loving The Beatles
Anarchy In The UK -Really Rocked Out With This One Sex Pistols
And She Was Talking Heads
Back On The Chain Gang Pretenders
Bad Moon Rising Creedence Clearwater Revival Nailed It
Badge Cream
Being A Gong Get It On T Rex
Beth Kiss
Blueberry Hill Fats Domino Nailed It
Bo Diddley Nailed It
The Book Of Love Peter Gabriel
Both Sides Now Joni Mitchel
California Sun Ramones
Can’t Help Falling In Love Elvis Presely
Candle In The Wind Elton John
Chain Gang Nailed It Nirvana
Desperado Eagles
Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic The Police
Everyday I Write The Book Elvis Costello
Everyday People Sly And The Family Stone
Feeling Alright Traffic
Fields Of Gold Sting
50 Ways To Leave Your Lover Paul Simon
Forever Young Rod Stewart
Foxy Lady Jimi Hendrix
Freddy’s Dead Curtis Mayfield
Free Falling Tom Petty
Georgia On My Mind Ray Charles
Give Up The Funk Chairs The Roof Off The Sucker Parliament
Glory Days Bruce Springsteen
I Can’t Help Myself Sugar Pie Honey Bunch The Four Tops
I Still Haven’t Found What I Was Looking For You 2
I Walk The Line Johnny Cash
I’m Hoochie Choohie Man Muddy Waters
Imagine John Lennon Then Plastic Ono Band
Isn’t She Lovely Stevie Wonder
It’s In The Way You Use It Eric Clapton
It’s Too Late Carole King
Just My Imagination Running Away From Me The Temptations
Kashmir Led Zeppelin
Landslide Fleetwood Mac
Lay Lady Lay Bob Dylan
Like A Prayer Madonna
Living In America James Brown Losing My Religion R.E.M.
Love Walks In Van Halen
Lust For Life Iggy Pop
Man In The Mirror Michael Jackson
Me And Bobby Mcgee Janis Joplin
Midnight Train At Georgia Gladys Knights And The Pips
Money Pink Floyd
Moondance Van Morrison
Naima John Coltrane
You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman Aretha Franklin
Never Say Goodbye The Jackson Jackson 5 Night Fever The Bg’s
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down The Band
1999 Prince
No Particular Place To Go, Chuck Berry,
Ol 55 Tom Waits
Only The Lonely You Know The Way I Feel Roy Orbison
Oya Como Va Santana
Peggy Sue Buddy Holly
Proud Mary Ike And Tina Turner
Pin Ball Wizzard The Who
Pride And Joy Stevie Ray Vaughan
Rambling Man Allman Brothers Band
Reeling In The Years Steely Dan
Rock The Casbash The Clash
Ruby Tuesday The Rolling Stones
September Earth Wind And Fire
Silly Love Songs Paul Mccartney
Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay Otis Redding
The Sound Of Silence Simon And Garfield
Sweet Emotions Aerosmith
Sweet Home Chicago Robert Johnson
Sweet Jane Velvet Underground
Teach Your Children Crosby, Stills, Nash And Young
The Tears Of A Clown Smokey Robinson And The Miracles
3 Little Birds Bob Marley
The Thrill Is Gone B.B. King
Tired Of Being Alone Al Green
Touch Of Grey Grateful Dead
Turn Turn Turn To Everything There’s This Season The Byrds
Tutti Fruity Little Richard
We Will Rock You Queen
Working In The Coal Mine Devo
Wouldn’t It Be Nice The Beach Boys
You Can’t Hurry Love Diana Ross And The Supremes
Young Americans David Bowie
Bach Two and Three Part Inventions
1 In C
2 IN E Flat
3 In D
4 In E Flat Major
5 In E Flat
6 In E
7 In B Minor
8 In F
9 In A Flat
10 In G
11 In G Minor
12 In A
13 In C
14 In B Flat
15 In D
16 Sinfonia 1 In C
17 Sinfonia 2 In C Minor
18 Sinfonia 3 In D
19 Sinfonia 4 In D Minor
20 Sinfonia 5 In E Flat
21 Sinfonnia 6 In E
22 Sinfonia 7 In G
23 Sinfonia 8 In F
24 Sinfonia 9 In F Minor
25 Sinfonia 10 In G
26 Sinfonia In G Minor
27 Sinfonia 12 In A
28 Sinfonia 13 In C
29 Sinfonia 14 In B Flat
30 Sinfonia 15 In F
Blues Standards
All Your Love (I Miss Loving)
Baby Please Don’t Go
Baby, What You Want Me To Do
Back Door Man
Bluebird
Blues Before Sunrise
Blues With A Feeling
Boogie Chillen No. 2
Caledonia
Checkin’ Up On My Baby
Confessin’ The Blues
Crossroads
Everyday (I Have The Blues)
Evil (Is Going On)
Five Long Years
Going Down Slow
Good Morning Little Schoolgirl
Help Me
Honest I Do
How Long, How Long Blues
I Believe I’ll Dust My Broom
I Can’t Quit You Baby
I’m A Man
I’m A Steady Rollin’ Man
I’m Gonna Move On The Outskirts Of Town
I’m Ready
I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man
It Hurts Me Too
Key To The Highway
Killing Floor
Little Red Rooster
Mean Old Frisco
Mean Old World
Mellow Down Easy
Merry Christmas, Baby
Milk Cow Blues
My Babe
Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out
On The Road Again
Please Send Me Someone To Love
Ramblin’ On My Mind
Reconsider Baby
Rollin’ And Tumblin’
Saint James Infirmary
Louis Blues
See See Rider
Sitting On Top Of The World
The Sky Is Crying
Smokestack Lightning
Spoonful
Sweet Home Chicago
Tain’t Nobody’s Biz-Ness If I Do
The Thrill Is Gone
Trouble In Mind
Walkin’ Blues
Wang Dang Doodle
You Don’t Have To Go
Duke Ellington Song Book
Alabama Home
Azure
Birmingham Breakdown
Black Butterfly
Blip Blip
Boy Meets Horn
Brown Skin Gal In The Colico Gown
Caravan
Creole Love Call
Come Sunday
Day Dream
Do Nothing Until You Hear From Me
Doing The Crazy Walk
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Echoes Of Harlem
Everything But You
Five O Clock Drag
Gal From Joes
Gypsy With Out A Song
I Got It Bad (And That Ain’t Good)
Let A Song Go Out Of My Heart
I Never Felt This Way Before
I’m Just A Lucky So And So
Riding On The Moon And Dancing On The Stars
So In Love With You
In A Sentimental Mood
It Doesn’t Mean A Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)
Jeep In Jumping
Lady In Blue
Lost In Meditation
Mood Indigo
Paris Burning
Please Forgive Me
Prel;Ude To A Kiss
Ring Dem
Rocking My Rhtyim
Satin Doll
Solitude
Something To Live For
Sosphicated Lady
Take The A Train
Took a break from June to December as I had no piano available
Bach WTC
prelude and fugue 1
prelude and fugue 2
prelude and fugue 3
prelude and fugue 4
prelude and fugue 5
prelude and fugue 6
Eric Satie Three Gymnopies
Eric Satie three gymnopies 1
Eric Satie three gymnopies 2
Eric Satie three gymnopies 3
Improvised Jake Blues
24 Sonatas
Haydn Sonatas
Haydn
Haydn 1
Hyadn 2
Haydn 3
Haydn 4
Haydn 5
Haydn 6
Mozart Sonatas
Mozart 6
Mozart 7
Mozart 8
Mozart 9
Mozart 10
when I finish the Sonata book, I will finish the WTC before turning back to Mozart and latter Beethoven. That should take me to the end of the year along with my music classes and compositions.
Over the last few years, I finally became a k drama fan. Part of the reason is that my Korean is now good enough to follow the dialogue although i still need subtitles mostly.
Here are some of my favorite k dramas- i provide a synopsis and my comment on each.
In general k dramas come in two forms – movies and series. The series are reminiscent of Mexican telenovelas – usually 16 episodes, occasionally 20, and occasionally fewer. A few have two seasons. Most run for about a month. Almost all are available now on Netflix and Hulu with English sub-titles. A few were quite controversial.
Parasite of course won the 2020 Oscar. And Minuri won best-supporting actress 2023.
Parasite The Grey Korean Version Of Body Snatchers
A Typical Family K Drama About A Scheming Family B
12 12 – Day28.
Military Prosecutor Doberman K Drama Featuring A Really Bad Ass Female Lead
Hierarchy K Drama Rich Teenagers Plotting
Flower Of Evil K Drama A
Eve K Drama one Of The Best I’ve Seen
Culinary Class War K Reality Tv Good Food Challenge Show
Virtuous Business K Drama Quite Racy K Romcom With A Twist
Mr Plankton K Drama
Pilot K Comedy B Movie
Check-In Hanyang K Drama
Parasite The Grey Korean Version Of Body Snatchers
A Typical Family K Drama About A Scheming Family B
12 12 – Day28.
Military Prosecutor Doberman K Drama Featuring A Really Bad Ass Female Lead
Hierarchy K Drama Rich Teenagers Plotting
Flower Of Evil K Drama A
Eve K Drama one Of The Best I’ve Seen
Culinary Class War K Reality Tv Good Food Challenge Show
Virtuous Business K Drama Quite Racy K Rom com With A Twist
Mr Plankton K Drama
Pilot K Comedy B Movie
Check-In Hanyang K Drama
Arkndal Chronicles
The Last Man Standing K drama
Mr. Kim’s convenience
Signal (South Korean tv series)
Biggest Disappointment:
Sisyphus: the myth (2021)
started okay but the story ended up all over the place and the ending was rushed and unsatisfactorily. I suppose they were trying to do a remake of ‘A Beautiful Mine” but could not figure out how to tie it all together – A for the attempt B for Acting, C for direction and D – almost how not to write good Sci-Fi. Not worth the time and effort -way too long a series could have worked as stand alone movie with much better writing and direction..
An unfathomable incident introduces a genius engineer to dangerous secrets of the world — and to a woman from the future who’s come looking for him. Han tae Sul, a co-founder of quantum and time, is a genius engineer with the highest level of coding skills and outstanding looks that outweighs his engineer fashion sense. Due to his innovative achievements, quantum and time is a world-class company, dubbed “the miracle of south Korea’s engineering industry.” in reality, tae Sul has constantly caused his company’s stocks to fluctuate after his brother’s death ten years ago. One day, he witnesses something unbelievable. To reach the truth, he sets off on a dangerous journey. Kang seo hai is a survivor of a future dystopian world. With the survival skills that she’s learned from living amongst gangsters and warlords, she travels back to save han tae Sul. (source: netflix, newsmen) edit translation
English
Native title: 시지프스: the myth
jo seung woo
Han tae sul
Main role
park shin hye
Kang seo hai
Main role
kim Byung chul
Seo won ju / “sigma”
Main role
sung dong-il
President park [president of Asia mart]
Support role
tae in ho
Eddie kim / kim seung bok [tae Sul’s friend / co-founder of quantum & time]
Support role
Chae Jong hyeon
Sun / choi jae sun [Chinese restaurant delivery guy]
Support role
All you need is love
Sisyphus: the myth is an intriguing drama. The thrilling teaser that was released late last year stoked the flames of excitement for many avid k-drama viewers. Coupled with a cast that’s headlined by bankable stars the likes of cho seung woo and park shin hye, it became one of the most talked-about and highly anticipated shows for 2021. When it finally aired, however, it polarized opinions here in mdl and left several viewers’ expectations somewhat unfulfilled, to the extent that the ratings steadily declined to the current score hovering at around 8.
Some continued to enjoy the show, for various reasons, and i happen to be one of them. Allow me to share my (spoiler-free) thoughts and then you can make your own decision on whether or not to embark on what has largely been a fun-filled escapist roller coaster ride.
What is it about?
In a nutshell, a woman from the dystopian future of south Korea travels back in time in the hopes of altering the course of history by preventing the seemingly inevitable fate that befell the country, the looming catastrophe of nuclear war. Central to this mission is the man who invented the time-traveling machine. These two characters are played by park shin hye and cho seung woo, respectively.
The drama contains a mix of science fiction, action, drama, and romance genres imbued with themes of revenge, redemption, remorse, love, friendship, and familial bond. The director is jin hyeon, who notably helmed the legend of the blue sea, the master’s sun, and city hunter, among others. The screenplay is written by the husband and wife team of jeon chan ho and lee je in, for only their third production.
This show is jointly produced by drama house and job and has been publicized as the network’s 10th-anniversary special drama. Its title is derived from the ancient character from Greek mythology, king Sisyphus of Corinth, and is completely pre-produced with principal photography that has taken place toward the end of 2020.
What’s great about it?
The production values
as expected of a job production, this drama is very well, made. I love the cinematography (in particular the indoor lighting), the many gorgeous scenic views of both seoul in the present time and the vast landscape of the dystopian future. The set designs for various settings are quite exemplary while the special effects (CGIs, firefights, and pyrotechnics) are considered top tier for a show of this nature.
The acting and cast
in my humble opinion, the leads are fantastic and i have absolutely no complaints. While cho seung woo fully embodies the character of han tae Sul, the same goes for park shin Hye’s kang seo hai. They deliver very strong performances in their portrayal of deeply flawed and emotionally scared individuals. These are the types of roles that perhaps mature actors with adequate professional and life experiences are better-equipped to articulate and convey convincingly, which is very much the case here.
It’s interesting to note that unlike cho seung woo’s other more serious roles, especially that of Hwang shi mock in stranger, here his han tae Sul is much more comedic and mischievous with a copious dose of flamboyance and swagger. Despite possessing similar social awkwardness, this character is remarkably more fun while his ingenuity in getting out of tricky situations bears an uncanny resemblance to the MacGyver persona.
Such nuanced characterization is depicted by the other veteran supporting cast as well, notably sung dong il, kim Byung chul, and kim Jong tae. Kim Byung chul in particular surprised me with his depiction of seo won ju. Despite being slightly ot, i suspect he had the time of his life being “unleashed” from his usual more understated roles. Here he plays “dual characters” where his versatility is quite commendable.
Special mention goes to the young actor lee joo won, who plays the young version of seo won ju. This kid truly gave me goosebumps with his chilling portrayal.
The action
for the most part, the choreography has been outstanding. From the numerous unarmed combat sequences to the firefights involving some pretty impressive military hardware. It’s not often that we see plenty of intense (and at times, logic-defying) gun battles in a non-military drama so this aspect of the production is indeed praiseworthy. Other forms of action include a lot of hard running in chasing (and being chased by) a multitude of characters.
The romance
this particular theme is so beautifully and convincingly conveyed. It helps immensely that cho seung woo and park shin hye abundantly possess such wonderful chemistry which is poignantly manifested amidst the ensuing intrigue and mayhem. The pairing of han tae Sul and kang seo hai, in many ways, makes a lot of sense. They are each plagued by a traumatic past and rendered seriously flawed, emotionally damaged, and are now fighting against the odds to change their fate.
What could’ve been better?
The science
i love the concept here about time traveling to the past to change the future which gives me vibes of the twelve monkeys where the premise is quite similar. However, i do feel that the science as depicted in the show is super messy. Many technical aspects are open to interpretation and left to the viewers to fill in the blanks, as the story progresses. It’s a process of trial and error where we discover new things during every episode. The finale is possibly the most mind-blowing of all.
The screenplay
a parallel narrative and converging plot format are used to tell the story, which includes numerous flashbacks and flashforwards by various major characters in multiple timelines – the past, present, and future. Sometimes title cards are used to indicate the date, but not when the scene is obvious. It can get a little disorienting unless viewers pay close attention to the details.
How and why certain events transpire are quite convoluted and require too much deductive reasoning to derive a sense of what the answers could be. The credibility of certain characters is questionable while quite a number of the sequences appear utterly ridiculous and fantastical, despite the sci-fi tag. The seeming lack of logic in certain respects of the overarching plot has led me to strongly suspect the screenwriters were high on recreational psychoactive substances as they were writing this.
Overall
the sooner viewers suspend disbelief and forgo questioning how the technology works by accepting the science as it is, the less confusing the show would appear to be. Regardless of the perceived weaknesses resulting from the flawed execution of the concept, i found myself enjoying the wild and, at times, exhilarating ride once i shut down my cerebral process and went instinctive. I would advise you to do the same because this is the only way to truly appreciate Sisyphus: the myth. And if you do decide to watch this, be rest assured – the ending is very much a happy one, for everyone (kind of).
Mediocre myth
At outset, the drama starts with an interesting and pioneering perspective of time travel. With the use of new ideas like uploader and downloader, the science-fiction aspect is on par with that of the contemporary world of science fiction entertainment.
Along with this, is the backdrop of a nuclear war involving Koreas, it provides an exquisite playing field for proficient storytelling. These themes remind me of the “tenet” movie.
The show is almost convincible scientifically about time travel*. But that’s where the spectacle of this show ends. This show has countless flaws.
One, after setting the story, the show becomes more character-driven and not plot-driven. Thus, giving little scope for further exploring the sci-fi elements or packing it with more plot elements. Viewers are taken through detailed narratives about various side characters. These insights could have been less detailed.
Two, will over wits. Almost every scene has some sort of test for characters to make a choice. Almost every character ends up making emotion-driven decisions and not reason-driven. This leads to a countless loop of bad folks coercing good folks to fall into their traps. Countless episodes are wasted in these cat-and-mouse endeavors.
Three, lack of an alternate answer to the recurring question “girl or world?” right in the first instance of asking this question, the answer is undeniably obvious. Yet, the protagonist delays choosing the answer giving false hope of the possibility of an alternative answer. Had this been answered earlier, it would have ended the show quicker.
Four, romance: the leads’ relationship feels more like comradeship and less like a romantic one. If at all it is present, it is not so passionate and intense given their life-threatening circumstances.
Five, the beginning of the time loop. How did all this begin? That is, the events right before the first loop are hardly explained. I believe that explaining a bootstrap paradox is an unimaginable task.
Despite the flaws, there are a couple of appreciable elements like one, ambitious production. The initial fights and stunts scenes felt amateurish in CGI. But the events of the future were well produced. The drone chase scene was a personal favorite. The fights scenes were really good, especially the last fight of the future timeline. Two, despite the ever-looming question of “save the world”, the intermittent scenes of future events were very imaginative. Three, badass FL and genius ml both bring something unique to the plot. Four, the “act of kindness” (without letting the spoiler out), was the best moment in the entire drama and gave the best “glimmer of hope”, an essential feature of the sci-fi genre.
Acting-wise, both the leads are exceptional. Push stunt scenes are awe-worthy. Kim Byung chul does an incredible job. Music-wise, i liked the title music of whizzing sound and the end song. Rewatch value is lower as sci-fi elements are hardly convoluted.
Sisyphus: the myth is an inventive concept but fails in storytelling.
~~
*logical inconsistencies do exist.
read more
view all
Recommendations
add recommendations
Comment::
I have to agree with the consensus on this one. It just did not work for me. The plot was just too convoluted and contradictory. The acting was superb but the writing was sub-par, particularly the ending. One principle of creative writing is that when you write you are creating an alternative world. And every world has rules. Violating the rules of your alternative universe leaves the readers or viewers confused, disappointed, or even angry. The special effects were good, not great. The plot had too many holes in it. In the end, it was defeated by the writing. End comment
Memories of the Alhambra
Also an incoherent mess but filmed in Spain and Korea.
On my list
Sky castle
Kingdom (South Korean TV series)
My mister
Hospital playlist
The Guardian
What Are Some Surprises Being Found On Jupiter YouTube Short
Bad Boys Ride For Life Or Die
Kamala Harris On Steven Colbert
Tim Walz On Steven Colbert
Tim Walz On Jimmy Kimble
Virtuous Business K Drama
Outer Banks Season 3
Backstreet Rookie K Drama Series
Run-On K Drama Series
Letter From God God Pod -We Want The Black President
Where NASA Believes Extraterrestrial Life Is Found In The Outer Solar System
Family Pack YouTube Movie
The Host YouTube Movie
War Of The World BBC Series New To Me
Don’t Move
World Series 2024
Beverly Hills Cops Alert
Logan Lucky
Look Both Ways
Tarot
Spaccell Uk Sci-Fi Series
The Whirlwind K Drama
Killing Eve
Spenser
365 Days
Time Cut Sci-fi
The Gray Man James Bond Wanna Be Movie
The Influencers K Reality
Pixels
Election Coverage
Ten Trendy US Cities -Citynerd Youtube
Find Me Falling US Romcom Set In Cyprus
The Frog K Drama
Vagabond K Drama
The Little Things
American Assasin
Frankly Speaking K Drama
Letter From God What Happened?
Mechanic
Misfits
Wicked In Medford Theater
Why Files Adam And Eve Story Youtube Documentary
Just Go For It Did Not Finish
Plankton K Drama
Dangerous Lies Did Not Finish
Wild Wild West Documentary About The Ranesh Case
White Sky Forgettable Zombie Movie Tubi
Last Seen Alive Thriller 2024 Thriller
Predestination Time Travel Thriller
Arkansas Noir Thriller
Top Ten Countries Americans Are Not Welcomed
Great Courses History Of Roman Empire – Goal One Course Per Month
A Simple Favor Is A Good Thriller
When The Phone Rings K Drama
Your Lucky Day Is An Intense Crime Drama
Father Figures Good Comedy
Afraid Chilling Movie About The Future Of AI
Father Brown – see separate listing for synopsis and my commentary
Father Brown BBC Series The Hammer Of God
Father Brown BBC Series The Ghost In The Machine
Father Brown BBC Series The Madness Of All
Father Brown The Pride Of The Pryde
Father Brown The Shadow Of The Scaffold
On Plane
Blink Twice B
Dune B
Ghostbusters B
Beetlejuice B
Fly Me To Moon B
The Strangers C
Back In Korea
Run On K Drama Series
Captivating King K Drama Series
Chief Of Staff K Drama Series
The Visitor Hoopla
What If Return Of The Ice Age You Tube Short Documentary
Tenet SCIFi Netflix B
Fall Guy Netflix B
Trunk K Drama Series
Reptile US Crime Drama
Beef Asian Immigrants In LA
Silente Sea K Sci-Fi Series
The Last Lovecraft Relic Of Cthulu Hoopla
The History Of The Roman Empire Great Course Course
Carry On US Movie
It’s What Inside Did Not Finish
Bringing Back Extinct Animals Short YouTube Documentary
Slyth Thai Sci-Fi Did Not Finish It – I Understood Some Of The Dialogue But Not Much C
Count Down To Jerusalem Movie C
Pilot K Comedy B Movie
Check-In Hanyang K Drama
The Hunt Did Not Finish US Drama
Trouble Swedish Drama C
Robert Reich’s Ten Economic Myths Debunked
Squid Game 2 B
Squid Game International Game C
NYE coverage
Yoon Impeachment news coverage
NYE terror attack coverage
CNN Best and Worst of the Year
BBC end of the Year Coverage
Oscar Winners
Bold – Seen
Last Year Everything All At Once
BEST PICTURE
American Fiction
Anatomy Of A Fall Barbie
The Holdovers Killers Of The Flower Moon
Maestro Oppenheimer
Past Lives
Poor Things
The Zone Of Interest
BEST DIRECTOR
Jonathan Glazer, The Zone Of Interest
Yorgos Lanthimos, Poor Things Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer Martin Scorsese, Killers Of The Flower Moon
Justine Triet, Anatomy Of A Fall
BEST ACTRESS
Annette Bening, Nyad Lily Gladstone, Killers Of The Flower Moon
Sandra Hüller, Anatomy Of A Fall
Carey Mulligan, Maestro
Emma Stone, Poor Things
BEST ACTOR
Bradley Cooper, Maestro
Colman Domingo, Rustin
Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
Jeffrey Wright, American Fiction
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer
Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple America Ferrera, Barbie
Jodie Foster, Nyad
Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Sterling K. Brown, American Fiction Robert De Niro, Killers Of The Flower Moon Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer Ryan Gosling, Barbie
Mark Ruffalo, Poor Things
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Justine Triet And Arthur Harari, Anatomy Of A Fall
David Hemingson, The Holdovers
Bradley Cooper And Josh Singer, Maestro
Samy Burch, May December
Celine Song, Past Lives
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Cord Jefferson, American Fiction Greta Gerwig And Noah Baumbach, Barbie
Tony McNamara, Poor Things Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer
Jonathan Glazer, The Zone Of Interest
BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE
Io Capitano, Italy
Perfect Days, Japan
Society Of The Snow, Spain On Netflix See
The Teacher’s Lounge, Germany
The Zone Of Interest, United Kingdom
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
The Boy And The Heron
Elemental
Nimona
Robot Dreams Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Bobi Wine: The People’s President
The Eternal Memory
Four Daughters
To Kill A Tiger
20 Days In Mariupol
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
El Conde Killers Of The Flower Moon
Maestro Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST EDITING
Anatomy Of A Fall
The Holdovers Killers Of The Flower Moon Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Barbie Killers Of The Flower Moon
Napoleon Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST HAIR AND MAKEUP
Golda
Maestro Oppenheimer
Poor Things
Society Of The Snow
BEST SOUND
The Creator
Maestro
Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One Oppenheimer
The Zone Of Interest
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Creator
Godzilla Minus One Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One
Napoleon
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Barbie Killers Of The Flower Moon
Napoleon Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
“What Was I Made For?”, Billie Eilish And Finneas, Barbie “I’m Just Ken,” Mark Ronson And Andrew Wyatt, Barbie
“The Fire Inside,” Diane Warren, Flamin’ Hot
“It Never Went Away,” Jon Batiste, American Symphony “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People),” Osage Tribal Singers, Killers Of The Flower Moon
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
American Fiction
Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny Killers Of The Flower Moon Oppenheimer
Poor Things
BEST LIVE-ACTION SHORT
The After
Invincible
Knight Of Fortune
Red, White, And Blue
The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar
BEST ANIMATED SHORT
Letter To A Pig
Ninety-Five Senses
Our Uniform
Pachyderm
War Is Over! Inspired By The Music Of John & Yoko
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT
The ABCs Of Book Banning
The Barber Of Little Rock
Island In Between
The Last Repair Shop
Nai Nai & Wai Po
Golden Globes 2024
Winners bolded
*Seen
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture
Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez” — Winner
*Ariana Grande, “Wicked”
Selena Gomez, “Emilia Pérez”
Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”
Margaret Qualley, “The Substance”
Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy
Jean Smart, “Hacks” — Winner
Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This”
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”
Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”
Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”
Kathryn Hahn, “Agatha All Along”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain” — Winner
Yura Borisov, “Anora”
Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”
Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”
Jeremy Strong, “The Apprentice”
Denzel Washington, “Gladiator II”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Drama
Hiroyuki Sanada, “Shōgun” — Winner
Donald Glover, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”
Jake Gyllenhaal, “Presumed Innocent”
Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”
Eddie Redmayne, “The Day of the Jackal”
Billy Bob Thornton, “Landman”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Television Series
Jessica Gunning, “Baby Reindeer” — Winner
Liza Colon-Zayas, “The Bear”
Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”
Dakota Fanning, “Ripley”
Allison Janney, “The Diplomat”
Kali Reis, “True Detective: Night Country”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Television Series
Tadanobu Asano, “Shōgun” — Winner
Javier Bardem, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
Harrison Ford, “Shrinking”
Jack Lowden, “Slow Horses”
Diego Luna, “La Maquina”
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series — Musical or Comedy
Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear” — Winner
Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This”
Ted Danson, “A Man on the Inside”
Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”
Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”
Jason Segel, “Shrinking”
Best Screenplay — Motion Picture
Peter Straughan, “Conclave” — Winner
Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”
Sean Baker, “Anora”
Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold, “The Brutalist”
Jesse Eisenberg, “A Real Pain”
Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”
Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television
Ali Wong, “Single Lady” — Winner
Jamie Foxx, “What Had Happened Was”
Nikki Glaser, “Someday You’ll Die”
Seth Meyers, “Dad Man Walking”
Adam Sandler, “Love You”
Ramy Youssef, “More Feelings”
Best Motion Picture — Non-English Language
“Emilia Pérez” — Winner
“All We Imagine as Light”
“The Girl with the Needle”
“I’m Still Here”
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig”
“Vermiglio”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Colin Farrell, “The Penguin” — Winner
Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer”
Kevin Kline, “Disclaimer”
Cooper Koch, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
I have been a member since 1998. I have long admired your corporation for being a great corporation with progressive values. You are a leader in so many areas not to mention that you are a great company to work for, sell great products at a great price, and have the best customer service in the world.
You do so many things you do right and I want to thank you for that, for all the good that you do every day. I would like to suggest that you do much more to combat climate change and become a leader in combating climate change, which as you are no doubt aware is an existential crisis. Climate change and the need to shift to a new Green Deal are imperative if we want to save the entire planet.
There are many things that corporations could do and it’s time for COSTCO to step up to do their part. At a minimum, I would recommend that you commit to putting in every single COSTCO warehouse worldwide solar panels on the rooftops and in shading over the car lots, and mini wind turbines so that each COSTCO will be carbon neutral and self-sufficient in terms of energy. This should also include setting up water harvesting systems so that all the water will be self-generated and solar water heaters as well. Excess power could be sold back to the local utilities at cost. I would also greatly expand electric vehicle charging stations.
COSTCO is unfortunately not that accessible to people without public transit. This is something that COSTCO should address. At a minimum, they should set up a free shuttle bus system going employees, visitors, and members taking people from the nearest metro subway stop to COSTCO and this should run during COSTCO business hours starting about 1/2 an hour before the opening of business ending a half an hour after the close of business. It should be free to the public and should run every half hour. This would be a very simple and cost-effective way to make sure that people can easily access COSTCO corporation shops and COSTCO should also consider contributing money to the local public transit companies to expand bus service in the COSTCO neighborhoods that they serve.
I would suggest you call upon your colleagues in the big box industries around the world to do the same, committing to addressing climate change, transit accessibility, and water conservation policies in every store worldwide. If COSTCO steps up and takes the lead, Walmart, Target and the other big market companies will feel they need to do the same. This commitment will make a tremendous difference around the world and it would not cost her much to do so in fact it would save money on energy for all your COSTCO operations worldwide
I’m asking you to commit to making every single COSTCO a green energy building do it for the sake of the planet thank you.
I have blogged about my positive experiences with COSTCO here and feel free to publish any of my COSTCO poems on your website and your magazines. Thanks again for doing everything you do.
Long Live COSTCO.
COSTCO Sets Up Bus Service
COSTCO is unfortunately not that accessible to people without public transit. This is something that COSTCO should address. At a minimum, they should set up a free shuttle bus system going employees, visitors, and members taking people from the nearest metro subway stop to COSTCO and this should run during COSTCO business hours starting about 1/2 an hour before the opening of business ending a half an hour after the close of business. It should be free to the public and should run every half hour. This would be a very simple and cost-effective way to make sure that people can easily access COSTCO corporation shops and COSTCO should also consider contributing money to the local bus service companies to expand bus service in the COSTCO neighborhoods that they serve.
Overview
COSTCO is an American multinational corporation that operates a chain of membership-only big-box retail stores, also known as warehouse clubs or wholesale clubs. COSTCO sells a wide range of products, from groceries and electronics to furniture and clothing, at discounted prices. COSTCO also offers services such as gas stations, pharmacies, optical centers, travel packages, and more. COSTCO is known for its Kirkland Signature brand, which is its private label of products that are often of high quality and low cost. COSTCO is also famous for its rotisserie chicken, hot dogs, and pizza, which are sold at its food courts.
COSTCO’s history dates back to 1976, when Sol Price, a pioneer in warehouse club retailing, opened the first Price Club in San Diego, California. Price Club was the world’s first membership warehouse club, a place where efficient buying and operating practices gave members access to unmatched savings. Price Club targeted small business owners, who could buy items in bulk for their use or resale. Price Club expanded rapidly, opening stores across the US and Canada.
In 1983, James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, two former Price Club executives, opened the first COSTCO in Seattle, Washington. COSTCO followed a similar business model as Price Club but also catered to individual consumers as well as businesses. COSTCO also differentiated itself by offering a wider selection of products, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, bakery, and deli items. COSTCO also introduced its Kirkland Signature brand in 1992, which soon became a hallmark of its quality and value proposition. COSTCO grew quickly, opening stores in various states and countries.
In 1993, Price Club and COSTCO merged to form Price/COSTCO, a company that combined the strengths and expertise of both warehouse clubs. The merger created the largest membership warehouse club chain in the world, with over 200 locations and 22 million members. In 1997, the company changed its name to COSTCO Companies, Inc., and in 1999, it adopted its current name, COSTCO Wholesale Corporation.
Today, COSTCO is the third largest retailer in the world and the largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine. COSTCO has over 860 warehouses worldwide, serving more than 127 million members in 14 countries. COSTCO’s mission is to continually provide its members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices. COSTCO’s vision is to be the most respected and successful warehouse club in the world.
South Korea is sitting on huge potential gold mine of renewable energy potential
I live in a high-rise building near Gimpo north of Seoul. Every day i look out at the high-rise buildings all around me and think about the huge potential that South Korea is wasting in terms of solar and wind power. Every high rise building could and should have installed solar panels, mini-wind turbines, water harvesting systems and roof top gardens by now.
The Korean government should take the lead in transitioning to a 100 percent renewable energy future. they should Install solar energy, solar water heaters, mini-wind turbines, battery storage systems, water harvesting systems and roof top gardens on all buildings especially high rise buildings,
If the government were to mandate that all apartment towers, office towers and government buildings including schools were to install on top of their buildings solar panels, solar water heaters, mini-wind turbines, water harvesting systems and rooftop gardens with sufficient back up battery storage systems, each building could be close to 100 percent self-sufficient in energy and water, not to mention much cooler to operate because of the shade trees of the roof top garden. You should be able to hang the solar panels in such a way that the roof top trees don’t interfere too much with solar power generation. The government run utility should install and maintain these systems free of charge to the owners of the buildings, and the corporations should receive a tax rebate as well.
The problem is not a technological problem other than converting the power grid to a smart grid to handle more intermittent power supplies, rather it is the question of who pays for the installation and maintenance and the reluctance of property owners to install these systems due to the high upfront costs. That’s why the government should mandate it and the utility companies should pay for it and corporations and individuals should receive a tax break as well.
Grow sugar cane and corn for biodiesel convert all vehicles to hybrid vehicles using Electricity and biodiesel fuel sources – Korean can grow sugar cane and corn to make biodiesel fuel. This would not be difficult to do.
Install a lot more fast charging stations everywhere
Use AI to better route buses and public transit systems, and lead the way to converting to 100 percent renewable energy
AI should be used to better map out buses and public transit systems to ensure maximum usage. And to manage and roll out self driving cars once that technology becomes more widespread. AI could also be use to keep abreast of all the research on renewable energy and the experiences of other countries, and make policy proposals for the government to consider implementing.. The AI systems are bilingual so they can be used to research and implement renewable energy solutions for Korean policy makers to implement.
Set Up Tidal Power Stations
Korea should also install tidal power plants along the west coast particularly in the Incheon area and in Yeoungondo island as this area has some of the best tidal power potential in the world. The advantage of tidal power is that is always on as opposed to solar and wind power, and no need for storage, can immediately feed into the smart grid. The airport should also have installed solar panels, mini-wind turbines, water harvesting systems, and roof top gardens.
Set off off-shore wind turbines .
There is a lot of potential for wind power in Korea, both on land, and off shore as well as mini-trubines on top of high-rise buildings
Set up Geothermal Power Plants near Hot Springs
This is another untapped potential as there are lots of geothermal hot spots suitable for geothermal power production in South Korea and Japan.
Modest expansion of Nuclear Power Should Also be In the Mix
Korea Could Become a Renewable Energy Powerhouse
Korea could become an renewable energy power house exporting excess energy to Japan, North Korea and China and supplying renewable energy to US forces in Korea and to the diplomatic community. Foreign Embassies and USFK should be encouraged to set up their own renewable energy systems.
If Korea were to do all of these things, Korea would be 100 percent renewable energy and could even export energy to North Korea, Japan and China. It would require a President and national asssembly leadership to make it happen. It should only take a few years to set up. Most of the solar panels, turbines, water harvesting systems and roof top gardens should and could be make locally and even exported once Korea reaches its 100 percent renewable energy goals.
And Korea would no longer have to import oil, gas and coal to run its power plants, and fuel its cars and vehicles.
what is the potential for renewable energy in South Korea? what is being planned?
Copilot said
South Korea has significant potential for renewable energy, and the government has ambitious plans to harness this potential. Here are some key points:
Current Status and Potential
Current Renewable Energy Contribution: As of now, renewable sources account for less than 10% of South Korea’s domestically generated power.
Future Goals: The government aims to increase the share of renewable energy to 20% by 2030 and 35% by 2040.
Planned Initiatives
Offshore Wind Farms: South Korea plans to build the world’s largest offshore wind farm with a capacity of 8.2 GW.
Solar Power: The country aims to install 31 GW of solar power by 2030.
Hydrogen Economy: Efforts are underway to ease regulations for hydrogen charging stations and support the hydrogen mobility ecosystem.
Energy Technology Development Plan: This plan, effective through 2033, focuses on achieving technological self-sufficiency and supporting the commercialization of clean energy technologies.
Challenges
Grid Infrastructure: Upgrading the existing grid infrastructure is crucial to manage the increased input
from renewable sources.
Regulatory Hurdles: Streamlining the permitting processes and enhancing transparency in project pipelines are necessary to overcome bottlenecks.
South Korea’s commitment to renewable energy is a significant step towards reducing emissions and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Does this cover what you were looking for, or is there a specific aspect you’d like to know more about?
The Bear hosts an end-of-the-year party, Pensively
New Doors Beginning
Time Crept on as 2021 Fades Away
Welcome the New Year with a Kiss
NYR goals soon forgotten
Goodbye 2022 (Say in Eight Format)
Goodby 2022 We Will not Miss You
Goodbye 2022 Good riddance, we will not miss you
2024 Year that Was In Cherito Verse Format
New Year’Wishes
The cosmic mad storm that was 2021
Help my New Year’s resolution went terribly wrong
Grim Last Few Years
Good-Bye 2021 Good Riddance
Ten Winter Haiflu *
2021 Dawns 21 Haiku **
Cosmos Cosmic Calendar ***
* published (one) in failed Haiku
** Published in Literary Yard
*** ** Published in Literary Yard
Good-Bye 2021 Good Riddance
Reflecting on the last six years
One cannot but sense
That momentous things
Were happening everywhere
2021 was worst than 2020
And the year before as well
Nonstop terrifying events
The world seems
To be spending out
Of control
2021 Year That Was
January
January normally dawns
Cold but hopeful
This year an attempted coup
Storming of the U.S. Capitol
The new president
Not accepted by the old
Half the country
Believes the big life
February
February continued
The non-stop political wars
As COVID continued
Marching across the land
March
March is not much better
March madness
Continued unabated
April
April taxes due
Other nightmares continued
COVID vaccination wars
Continued in the U.S.
COVID relief passed
May
May brings little relief
Constant political battles
Descends into madness
June
June brings no relief
People screaming none stop
As COVID deaths continue
July Economy Begins Recovery
July continues -COVID still spreading
The economy seems better
But so many people
Have checked out
August
No longer
A month off
The battles continue
September
Many people
Dread returning to school
The economy slowly opens up
Vaccination mandates
Vaccinations stalling out
October
It seemed for a bit
That perhaps COVID
Was easing up
There was some hope
In the air
Perhaps the politicians
Would finally do the right thing
Way overdue
inadequate infrastructure bill passed
Build Back Better stalled
November
The dreaded COVID
Mutates again
Mocking humanity
General Corona still
On the rampage
30 still refuse to get
A vaccination
As one thousand people
A day become Corona Ghosts
December
Travel restrictions re-emerge
COVID continues to surge
Gun violence continues unchecked
Politicians continue to play game
As too many people die
Becoming Corona ghosts
Gun violence ghosts
Drug overdoes ghosts
Accident death ghosts
The year of dread finally ends
With so many ghosts
Crying in the wind
Ten Winter Haiflu
Winter is coming
The cold season approaching
Christmas around the corner
The COVID virus
Surging everywhere it seems
Winter of our discontent
The winter rushes
2022 looms
Goodbye 2021
2021
Fading into memory
Good riddance we all proclaim
Dreading the winter
Dreading more COVID
Dreading more Corona Ghosts
Winter depression
COVID fears re-emerging
Still more travel restrictions
The winter Starting
With so many ghosts
Crying in the wind
*
Wintertime for blues
Blues playing on my YouTube
Seeing Corona Ghosts Dancing
Wintertime sadness
Recalling all who have gone
In this dismal year now past
Winter beginning
Are the end times coming?
Revelations coming true?
Dawns 21 Haiku
2021 Dawns
Politics are still uncertain.
thousands still are dying.
2021 Dawns
The New president offers.
Hope new beginning.
2021 Dawns
The Madness never ends it seems.
Consuming us all
2021 Dawns
The hope springs enterally
We will overcome.
2021 Dawns
35,000 lies.
Fading like ghosts
2021 Dawns
Politicians still lying.
Thousands still dying.
2021 Dawns
Corona virus spreading
More corona ghosts.
2021 Dawns
There is New hope in the air.
Will politics kill it?
2021 Dawns
The news stills scream death and despair.
I turn it all off
2021 Dawns
As I wake up at dawn
I see my sleeping wife.
2021 Dawns
We wait for the coming fires.
End of the world fears
2021 Dawns
Q continues to spread hate.
Millions still follow him.
2021 Dawns
Will optimism and love?
Overcome the hate.
2021 Dawns
Many questions still remaining.
I have no answers.
2021 Dawns
With hope I leap out of my bed
Watching TV kills hope
2021 Dawns
Will this be the end of my days?
Will I overcome it?
2021 Dawns
2020 hangover
Like a dark nightmare
2021 Dawns
Politicians still refusing.
To do anything
2021 Dawns
The rich are still getting richer.
The poor remain poor.
2021 Dawns
We hope the past will fade away.
Into dark memories
2021 Dawns
I wake up hoping for best.
Dreading worst to come
2021 Dawns
I am still alive thank God.
Filled with loved for wife.
###
There is a great sense of unrest.
There is a great sense.
Of unrest in the land today
Madness in the air
Dear Republicans What is Wrong with you?
Dear Republicans
What is wrong with you?
The former president
Incited a riot.
Stormed the house.
Would have killed you.
If they could have
And you still defend.
The former president
Refusing to hold him to account?
Do you really want him?
Running around starting the patriot party
Launching a jihad against you?
When you can remove him
From the game
And send him home.
For good
What the hell is wrong with you
Just do your job
Put a stake.
Through that vampire’s heart
Kill Trumpism.
Before it kills you
###
The Revolution Next Time
A revolution is brewing.
On the right
And on the left
As madness descends on the land
Incited by rightwing political leaders.
Inciting riots and rebellion
Demanding action
Against their enemies
While on the left
Revolution is brewing as well.
Soon will they unite?
To march down
Tearing down democracy
As our leaders
Play games.
As the world descends
Into chaos
And the US becomes
Another failed state
Until a proverbial man
On a white horse
Rides into save us.
From ourselves?
The revolution next time
Will not be pretty.
As everything burns
And America dies
###
Zombie Ideas Do Not Die
Zombie Ideas
Do not die.
They linger on
In our collective minds
Infecting our politics
Among my favorites
Are the canard.
That tax cuts will solve all problems.
That deregulation will free up business.
That the free market will solve our problems
That the government is the problem
And we must starve the government.
Of funds
So, it can do no more harm.
To our great country
These and other pernicious
Fact free alternative facts
Are spread far and wide.
Across the right-wing media sphere
Infecting our politicians
Leading them to playing games
Instead of coming together.
To solve our collective problems
And now the Republicans are saying.
In the midst of the worst epidemic in history
With the US economy slipping into great depression era
The US cannot afford to spend any more money.
On combatting the pandemic
That the Federal government has done enough
It is up to the states to solve their problem.
Because of deficit spending
Which they did not care about
Before the change in command
Now the federal government is broke.
But we cannot ask the billionaire class.
To pay a dime more in taxes
In fact, we need to cut taxes more.
So, we go.
These zombie ideas
Mutating and spreading
Infecting our politics
With madness
Making it impossible to govern
As things fall apart
Let us put a Death.
to zombie ideas
Put a stake through them.
Opening up the truth
Coming together
To do the people’s business
That is what we must all do.
2024 Year that Was In Cherito Verse Format
January
Very cold weather
Trump way ahead
Democrats panicking
Things progressing at home
Daily writing
Daily piano playing
February
Stayed low
Hibernating the winter way
Cold weather
Politics unsettled
Constant turmoil
Trump nails the republican race.
March
Cold and blistering weather
Unsettled times
Doctos on strike
Angela’s indoscopy
Everything is on track
We are in good shape.
April
Went to Japan
Earthquake
blasted us awake
Finished tour
Returned home to Korea
Doctor’s strike continuing.
May
Returned to Oregon
Started renovations
Went to DC
Returned
Renovations proceeding
And AIRBNB as well.
June
Big turmoil
Debate showed Biden was out of it
Trump came off as Trumpian
Shocking news Biden steps down
Harris rushes to replace him
Wondering will it be enough?
July
What a month
Democrats and Republican conventions
What a contrast
Watched Olympics
And the conventions.
Went to the gym daily
Getting ready for the reunion blues.
August
Hot weather in Medford
Political turmoil
Far Far away in DC
Renovations continuing project
Almost finished.
Went to gym every day
September
I watched the big debate
with God’s podcaster’s commentary.
Trump acting crazy, talking shit about pet-eating Haitians.
But no knockout blow
So election drama continues.
Renovations are finishing up.
October
Constant turmoil.
Finished renovations in Medford.,
Who is ahead? who is behind?
Celebrated 69 birthday, won 250 dollars in Indian Casino.
Returned home for BHS HS reunion, I met my first girlfriend there.
50 years after graduation, still got it going on.
November
Shocking election results
Democrats fought hard
But in the end, they came up short.
Political chaos ensures
Game blaming continues unabated
Had a nice Thanksgiving in Medford.
December
Political chaos
Political chaos continues
In Korea short-term martial law
President Impeached
Chaos in US
Nice to be back home
Note on form
The cherito form is a Malaysian verse form
Six lines
One line
Two lines
Three lines
Tells a complete story
Here I start with big picture events
Then end with personal note
End of the year Wishes
At the end of the year,
2021 came and went.
Time crept on.
The past fading into memories.
Time marching on
Into the future.
2022 dawning.
With hope and fear
Dreading the future,
We anticipate
The coming New Year,
Hoping it will be better
Then that horrific freak show
That was 2021.
January arrives cold as death warmed over
As I make my annual list of resolutions
Of the great things I would do
The lies I tell myself to keep me going
While recovering from the hangover of the year before
With regrets for the evitable passing of time itself
And snow bound cold nights of wild passion
As we delay death’s knocking on the door
February
February is a strange month
Cold, short and eventful
In the U.S. The political season heats up
As politicians rush about
Making their campaign lies
Full of promises of things to come
As we the 99 % huddle down inside
Watching the lies on TV
Outside Winter’s last dying breath
March
March roars in full of sound and furry
Signifying the future marching down upon us all
And March madness hits the sports world
And politicians meet to plot and scheme
As we bravely battle the cosmic elements
Waiting for the promised spring
Hay fever greets me
With the early spring flowers
April
April is indeed the cruelest month of all
So many important events occurred
Kim Il Sung’s Birthday, Hitler’s Birthday
And in the U.S. the dreaded tax man cometh
To take it all away as the flowers overwhelm
And Spring Fever takes hold
Driving us all mad
With strange erotic desires
May
May is in many ways
My second favorite month of all
The flowers are blooming bright
The mountains are aflame with desire
The summer heat is coming
The plans for the year are coming along
The political campaigns heat up
And good movies come out
Star wars arrived
Spider man and superman and batman
All came out to play
In late May
And baseball begins in earnest
And most importantly
My wife was born
June
June is always a month of transition
End of the school year
Summer transfer season
People leaving people coming
Hurricanes and Tornados attacking
And wars starting and people dying
As fire flies buzz about
And rabbits eat my garden
As the summer heat descends upon the land
I walk late at night
Recalling that Watergate
Occurred in June
July
July is the queen of the summer season
As she heats up the land
Throwing storm after summer storm
And politicians run away
After the July forth fireworks
Man landed on the moon
Richard Nixon Left the White House
And we all know that half the year
Has flown by
August
So much has happened
During the hottest most hellish of months
Despite the summer sauna that descends upon the land
Enervating all driving people mad with the heat
World War 1 started
World War 11 ended
Hiroshima ushered in the nuclear age
Hurricanes Katrina and Harvey
And tornado ally
All roar down upon the land
And I met the love of my life
Getting off a bus
One August evening
September
What can one say about September
Like June a month of transitions
And one is filled with ambition
Wanting to finish up what one started
Before the fall arrives
And Winter is hinting it is coming
School starts
New jobs start
New people come into one’s life
And like August’s hangover
Big earth shattering events happen
The fall of the stock market
The housing bubble bursting
The endless budget games
As the politicians argue
Whether to bankrupt the country
To make a political point or two
And 9-11 terrorizing the world
All September’s gifts to the land
October
October is my favorite month of all
The leaves turn
The weather is usually delightful
Just a tease of the coming winter
Fall ball season underway
Baseball games and Halloween madness
ends the month with a huge bang
And I celebrate my legal birth on the 29th
Also the day I legally got married
And on the October 30 1955 I was born
And Rock n Roll was born as well
Coincidence I think not
November
November is one of the strange months
Begins like a hangover of October
Then it turns ugly and weird
Political fever hits the land
Every two years
As the people brave the early November chill
To decide what fools they will send to DC
The politicians lie and scheme and plot
And beg and lie again
And the world turns
And the new leaders emerge
Welcome the new Bosses
Same as the old bosses
Just new packaging
And Donald Trump storms the barricades
Threatening the establishment’s strangle hold
On America and the world
Yes November is a strange month
December
Perhaps the loneliness month of all
The most consequential of all the months
And yet also the most depressing end of time
Kind of month
If the apocalypse zombie or otherwise
Were to occur
It would be in December
That is the sort of insane month it is
The end of the year
As darkness settles down on the land
And holiday parties abound
Full of false cheer
And faked love
And for those who don’t celebrate Christmas
A lonely day perhaps at the movies
A few awkward calls to the relatives
Then New Years
Watching the world end
Drinking up a storm
And knowing that the year ended
And you are one step closer to the grave
