Saturday, April 30, 2011

2011 Cincinnati Reds Launch

Last day in April 2011, if the Cincinnati Reds win they will have a winning April. If they lose they will have a losing April. So far the team hasn't played as well as they should. Last year, the Reds had only one losing month and that was September.

Today, the Reds won a big game. Yes, it's early. But today the Reds outlasted the Florida Marlins. The Reds faced Marlins ace Josh Johnson who held the Reds scoreless for seven innings. It looked bleak in the eighth when the Marlins were up by 3-0. Then with two outs, the Reds struck for five straight hits. They tied the score. In the tenth, the Reds loaded the bases but got two outs without scoring a run. Then up came Edgar Renteria, former Marlin. He won a World Series for the Marilins with a walk-off single. Last year he was World Series MVP for the San Francisco Giants. Renteria grounded a single to drive in the winning run, 4-3. And this one belongs to the Reds. With the victory, the Reds have a winning April.

The Reds end April the way they started the season. They end it with a thrilling come from behind victory. This Reds team won't quit. Here's the story with video.

Cincinnati Bengals Draft, Rounds Two and Three

The Cincinnati Bengals picked TCU quarterback Andy Dalton in round Two. In round three, the Bengals picked Dontay Moch, a linebacker from Nevada. For a linebacker, Moch is very fast. (Video below.) According to Pro Football Weekly he runs a 4.39 forty yard dash. (PFW Draft Guide, pg. 96)

Andy Dalton is maybe the replacement for Carson Palmer. The Bengals did not overreach here. As reported, he was one of the best players available when the draft started again. Still, the Bengals should sign a caretaker quarterback. Dalton played in a spread offense at TCU and will need to learn what one has to do to play in the NFL. Alex Smith anyone?

Dontay Moch LB.


Andy Dalton QB.


Good analysis.

Friday, April 29, 2011

I Don't Give a Bleep About the Royal Wedding

Yesterday, The Daily Show's Jon Oliver found some English who don't give a damn about the Royal Wedding and some that actually hate it. As an American, I agree with the those that don't give a damn about the wedding. So why would I watch a bunch of super rich people celebrating the wedding of a royalty who don't have any power. Oh, by the way I'm glad they don't have any power. But why is there a need for the monarchy? Here's Jon's video.

Who should the Cincinnati Bengals pick in the second round?

The second round will be tonight. And the Cincinnati Bengals will pick third behind the New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills. I've previously identified five areas of need in order of importance. They are quarterback, offensive tackle, defensive line, wide receiver and cornerback.

ESPN's Mel Kiper has identified Da'Quan Bowers (DE-Clemson), Stepheen Paea (DT-Oregaon State) and QB Andy Dalton (TCU) as three of the best five players available. Bowers has slipped from sure first round pick due to concerns about an operation he had on his knee. The Patriots could use a defensive end and with the large amount of pickes they have, picking Bowers is a no brainer. The Bills could use a quarterback. But if they're smart, they won't overreach since their quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is serviceable. He was also a former Bengal. I can't see Paea being better than current DT Geno Atkins. With luck, Andy Dalton could slip to the Bengals. This is a guy that the Bengals had been focusing on. With Carson Palmer likely retiring, the Bengals should pick Andy Dalton.

The key thing is for the Bengals not to panic. This quarterback class is nothing to get excited about. They all have strengths and weaknesses. The Bengals should draft best available player in areas of need. If Dalton is gone, Ryan Mallet (Arkansas) or Ricky Stanzi (Iowa) maybe available. Just remember, you're going to have to sign a caretaker quarterback anyway if you intend to compete this year. That's because I don't believe a rookie quarterback can lead the team to victories with the Bengals offensive line.

Cincinnati Bengals Pick A.J. Green

I wanted the Cincinnati Bengals to pick defensive tackle Nick Fairley. (Auburn) Instead the Bengals picked Georgia Wide Receiver A.J. Green. With a high pick, the Bengals could have drafted the stud defensive tackle that could make the defensive line formidable. Defense wins championships.

But did the Bengals make another NFL draft day blunder? Well, to answer that question, remember the basic rule in NFL drafting. Pick the best player available in an area of need. Sure, the Bengals could use help on the defensive line. But there's also need at wide receiver. And from what I've read, A.J. Green was the best player available in an area of need. For example see NFL.com's rankings. So the Bengals made the right choice by picking the best player available.

What about A.J. Green? Pro Football Weekly's Draft Guide says A.J. Green has "play making ability to step in as a No. 1 receiver the day he enters an NFL training camp." Pg. 36 He can make acrobatic catches. Runs good routes. And he will block for running backs. Check out what Fox Sports' Brian Billick has to say about him.



Thursday, April 28, 2011

Those Crazy Birthers, Part Thirteen

Now that President Barack Obama has released the long form of his birth certificate and Donald Trump has responded, it's time for some comic relief. Jon Stewart of the Daily Show and Stephen Colbert both had takes from last night. Hilarious. Check it out below.





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Conservative Republicans Have Become Racist

It's become clear that the modern Republican Party has become racist. The whole birther controversy demonstrates it. There's a reason why Donald Trump is leading the Republican pack for the party's presidential nomination. That's because the overwhelming majority of Republicans agree with Trump's doubts on whether President Barack Obama was born in the United States. And Trump's other complaints about Obama's college career are full of racist overtones.

But how is the birther nonsense racist? Well, let's look at the facts when this silly issue came about. When the question was raised around 2008, President Barack Obama released his "short form" birth certificate. This is a official Hawaii government document which is a birth certificate. It indicated that Obama was born in Hawaii. Not only was there that proof but the director of the Department of Health, Chiyome Fukino, has said she's seen the original birth certificate or the so called long form. To further prove that Obama was born in Hawaii, two Honolulu newspapers announced his birth. Here's the story from FactCheck.org.

You may be wondering if I've shown any racism yet. Okay, here it is. It should be clear that there was sufficient proof that Obama was born in the United States. Official birth certificate. Director of Department of Health vouching for his birth certificate. And newspaper reports announcing his birth. If we were talking about a white guy named John Smith, there would be no question from conservative Republicans. But we're talking about an African American who's father is Kenyan not a white Anglo Saxon protestant. So Trump demands the long form even though enough proof has been disclosed. Of course, it's partly done to please the conservative Republicans. But why? It's the Kenyan name. It's the dark skin. Again, do you really think conservative Republicans would be making this issue if Obama was named John Smith and white?

And the Republican leadership refuses to admonish those in their party who adhere to this insanity. House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) on Meet the Press (2-12-11)said it wasn't his job to tell the American people what to think. (Video below.) Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Virginia) refuses to put a stop to this nonsense. There is currently in the House a so called birther bill which demand proof of American birth for future presidential candidates. Guess who are the major sponsors. The reason why Republican leadership doesn't want to stop this craziness is because the majority of the party believes in it. That's why Boehner refuses to tell people in his party that Obama's birth is a non-issue. The Republican Party has become the party of the birthers. By the way, would Boehner tell party members it's wrong to pass laws that say mandate Jews wear the star of David? But I digress.

Now Donald Trump is questioning Obama's college credentials. Saying he's heard that Obama was a poor student at Occidental College, Trump questions how did he get into Columbia and Harvard. Okay, at this stage, one wonders what does this have to do with the problems of the country? That's because it has nothing to do with the problems of this country.

But is this proof of racism in the Republican Party? Remember Trump has risen in the polls because Republicans agree with his principles. He didn't get there by being a liberal. By challenging how Obama got into Harvard is raising the affirmative action card. To an angry white male who believes he lost a job to a minority, this is red meat. Because often, that angry white male will argue that the minority was not qualified. Trump is making an allegation that Obama wasn't smart enough to get into Columbia or Harvard. The alleged intellectual inferiority of African Americans is an old theme for racists.

What destroys Trump's attack is that Barack Obama was great at Harvard law school. Even assuming he received preferential treatment, he was the President of the Law Review. He graduated Magna Cum Laude. You don't get those prestigious honors without earning them. And by the way, did the Republicans question President William Clinton's academic credentials? Gee, what race is Clinton and what race is Obama? Below is Obama biographer David Remnick who debunks Trump's attack on Obama's academic accomplishments.

While Trump is one prominent Republican who espouses racist ideas, are there other Republicans that do so? Yes, not only does the overwhelming majority of Republicans question Obama's citizenship but there are other who have racial views of Obama. Former House Leader Newt Gingrich says Obama may follow a "Kenyan, anti-colonial" worldview. And where does he get this idea? I don't know, that's because Obama spent very little time in Kenya other than to visit. In Cincinnati, WLW radio talk show host, Bill Cunningham, continually emphasizes Obama's middle name of Hussein. Yeah, it's his real name. But did Bill ever emphasize Clinton's middle name or President George W. Bush's middle name? Again, this is more of the "he's not white European like us" garbage.

How about some racist Republican actions from coast to coast. Recently, Orange County Republican Central Committee member, Marilyn Davenport sent an email with a picture of Obama's head on a chimp. South Carolina GOP activist Rusty DePass said First Lady Michelle Obama to an ancestor of an escaped gorilla. Comparing African Americans to apes is another old racist theme.

When I was a teenager, I considered myself as a Republican. At the time, there were moderates in the party. Nelson Rockefeller. President Gerald Ford. Heck, even Barry Goldwater would be considered a moderate compared to the modern Republican Party. But this new Republican Party has left me. It's become hateful and racist.

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On Obama's academic accomplishments-

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Cincinnati Reds Come Back

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Reds demonstrated that they were resilient again. After a tough three days in St. Louis in which they lost two out of three, the Reds came to Milwaukee and beat them two out of three. Now in St. Louis, the Reds were in all three, making it tough to lost two there.

So they came to Milwaukee, to face the Brewers. Now some say the Brewers are the favorite to win the Central Division. The Reds lost last night after blasting the Brewers Monday night. Today was the rubber game. It was tough. The Reds jumped out to a four run lead. Lost it. Then the Reds went up by two runs. Lost that lead. Extra innings. Drew Stubbs blasted a home run to dead center. Francisco Cordero shut the door. Reds win, 7-6. Heroes included Stubbs, Cordero, Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto and Aroldis Chapman. Chapman was stunning. If you get a chance, look at his strikeout of Brewers slugger Prince Fielder. Wow. If he ever gets a consistent change-up, watch out. Anyway, the Red showed they can shake off a bad weekend. Here's the story with video.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Those Crazy Birthers, Part Twelve; DONALD TRUMP HAS NO DECENCY


During the infamous Communist witch hunt conducted by Sen. Joseph McCarthy (R-Wisconsin), attorney for the Army, Joseph N. Welch had heard enough. He said to McCarthy, "Have you no sense of decency, sir [.]" (Video below.) For the last two weeks, super rich guy, Donald Trump has rode the birther movement to the top of the Republican presidential ticket by questioning whether President Barack Obama was born in the United States. He made baseless allegations such as the birth certificate was missing. He refused to accept Hawaii's short form of birth certificate for President Barack Obama or the evidence of newspaper reports announcing his birth. Today, President Obama with a special exception released the long form of his birth certificate. Now, I ask Donald Trump, "Have you no sense of decency, sir?"

Instead of apologizing, Donald Trump amazingly took credit for its release and defusing the issue. He blamed reporters for raising the issue when it was he that kept raising it. Remember how he talked about having people on the ground in Hawaii looking for it? Here are some of his ludicrous comments from the Huffington Post:

"I am really honored to play such a big role in hopefully, hopefully getting rid of this issue, ... Today I'm very proud of myself, because I've accomplished something that no one else has been able to accomplish, ...I want to look at it, but I hope it's true. ... But he should have done it a long time ago."

I want to respond to the charge that Obama should have done it a long time ago. This is a charge that I hear the birthers now making. It's you conservative Republicans that raised the issue. (Most Republicans question whether Obama is a citizen.) No one questioned whether Republican John McCain was a citizen. Since conservative Republicans raised the issue, they bear the burden of proof. It's their accusation. But Obama did release the official short form birth certificate. It did say he was born in Hawaii. Instead, birthers demanded the "long" form. This is in spite of the official short form and evidence of newspaper reports detailing Obama's birth.

So Donald Trump was completely wrong about the birth certificate. Refuses to apologize. Do we want a President Trump who acts without facts? How did that Iraq war turn out? Worse, as I wrote before Trump continues to challenge Obama's ability to get into Harvard Law School.

Have you sense of decency, Donald Trump? I guess not.

Those Crazy Birthers, Part Eleven



Okay, first let me apologize for getting some information wrong. Obviously, you can get a copy of the "long" form birth certificate from Hawaii. President Barack Obama asked the Hawaii Department of Health for a special exception to get it. Still why in the hell the short form and newspaper birth announcements doesn't satisfy the crazy birthers is beyond me.

Today, President Barack Obama has released his "long' form birth certificate. He came into the White House press briefing room and gave a short speech. With grace, he didn't show anger when he discussed the baseless allegations that he was not born in the United States. Watching the nonsense, he said he did so with amusement and puzzlement. He then said, "We don't have time for this type of silliness. Here's the story from the Huffington Post. Below is his statement. Above is a copy of President Barrack Obama's birth certificate.

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Those Crazy Birthers, Part Ten

Last night on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360, Donald Trump said President Barack Obama's birth certificate is "missing." (Video below) Sigh. He offered no proof, only what someone told him. Who? Orly Taitz?

Okay, here it is again for you conservative Republicans. Here's the FactCheck.org story. Here's the AP and Huffington Post stories with quotes from the AP. I'll just summarize it for you idiotic conservative Republicans. In Hawaii, you cannot get the "long" form birth certificate. If you request your birth certificate, the state gives you the "short" form. Second, according to the AP, state health records indicated that Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. Third, in the FactCheck.org story above, you'll see newspaper reports from 1961 that Barack Obama was born in Hawaii.

Keep it up, you crazy conservative Republicans. Maybe this country will see how idiotic you guys really are.

Anderson Cooper with Donald Trump, birth certificate is missing.



Okay, since the birther nonsense is old, let's have some fun with an older but funny piece by Jon Stewart of the Daily Show.

Why Republicans Love Donald Trump

With a Public Policy Polling survey showing Donald Trump leading the Republican race for president, the question has become why. Jon Stewart of the Daily Show seems to think it's because of all that publicity he gets for saying crazy stuff. (Video below.) And while I agree with Jon that early polls are inaccurate as far as who gets the nomination, they do mean that Trump is a serious candidate.

Here are the reasons why Republicans love the Donald. He's an American Caesar. He's what I call a New Fascist. He believes the United States should take Iraqi oil. He's a birther. He hates President Obama so much that he's making stuff up about him. Now he says that Obama didn't deserve to go to Harvard because he wasn't qualified. Obama was magna cum laude at Harvard. He was editor of the law review. Memo to the Donald. Editor of the law review usually goes to the brightest of the law class. All of these insane ideas make him the leader of the Republican Party because a majority of the party believes in them.

By the way, the birther and unqualified for Harvard have racist overtones to them. It's been clear that Obama was born in Hawaii. But Republicans keep the birther issue alive because he's black and has an exotic name. You think they would make this much fuss over a white guy named John Smith? The unqualified for Harvard is all about the racist view that African Americans are not as intelligent as whites. It also connects to Republican views on affirmative action. Even though there's no proof at Harvard, that Obama was given preferential treatment. And if you think this is just the liberal rantings of a blogger, just recently a Republican sent an email with President Obama's head on the body of a chimp. Of course, there was South Carolina Repbulican Rusty DePass saying that an escaped gorilla was an ancestor of First Lady Michelle Obama.

Jon Stewart, you're great but you've got it wrong this time. Jon, there are times, in your effort to be fair, you miss the obvious. Conservative Republicans aren't excited about Donald Trump because of all that publicity. It's because conservative Republicans believe the crazy stuff Trump believes in.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Ohio State Should Not Fire Jim Tressel


First, I'm not an Ohio State fan. So, I believe I'm objective. Today, the NCAA sent a notice of allegations to Ohio State University that the head football coach Jim Tressel basically lied to the NCAA for denying that he knew off any players committing rules violations on a compliance form. All this stems from Ohio State players selling memorabilia to a tattoo parlor for tattoos and discounts on tattoos. In essence, if true, the allegations mean that Tressel knew the players had committed offenses and were ineligible. He then put them on the field.

Though the allegations are not new, they are serious charges by the NCAA. So should Ohio State fire head coach Jim Tressel? Well, it's not that easy. Look at the all the great things that Jim Tressel has done for Ohio State. Under his Ohio State career, the Buckeyes went 106-22. Routinely beat nemesis Michigan. Oh, they won the national championship in 2002. What was he trying to do by not reporting the players actions? I believe Tressel was protecting his players. It's not like the players received exorbitant compensation. Nor is this anything like the players using steroids. The actions were minor. We're talking about tattoos. So, I don't think there were any major advantages for the football team.

On the other hand, these were serious rules violations. The players did receive compensation. And I can't believe that Tressel didn't even bother going to the compliance officer, at least for advice. To me that means he knew and decided to sit on it.

Ohio State should just suck it up and endure. Tressel brought the program back to glory. Yes, what he did is an embarrassment to the university. But suffering the punishment the NCAA will give to the university and issuing apologies especially by Tressel will suffice. Firing Tressel won't alter the violations. The university should look at all the great things he's done and weigh that in deciding what to do with Jim Tressel. The scales should be in Jim Tressel's favor.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Good News Everyone


Hey at tonight's game between the Cincinnati Reds and the St. Louis Cardinals, Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez just finished the first inning without giving up a run. If you've been following the Reds, Volquez has been getting killed in the first inning. This time he got through it with only giving up a hit to Albert Pujols. Let's hope it's a sign that Volquez is back like he was in 2008.

The Best French Fries


Okay, now that Wendy's is advertising its new french fries as naturally cut with sea salt, it's time to compare the big three. In our war of the french fries, I going to compare Wendy's, McDonald's and Burger King.

A. Burger King- Burger King's fries are coated with a potato based starch. That's what BK's wikipage says. Regardless it causes the fry to have a stiff texture. It also overwhelms the taste of the potato. Because of that, it's my least favorite french fry.

B. Wendy's- Wendy's has introduced a new french fry, natural cut and flavored with sea salt. So does the new sea salt add anything to the french fry? No. It's a trendy thing to put sea salt on dishes. From what I've read it's not that much healthier. The fry is thicker than its competitors and the skin is still on. That's a good thing because the fry has a more potato taste than Burger King and McDonald's.

C. McDonald's- Ah, the classic shoe string golden fry from McDonald's. Does it have wheat and milk added to it? Health consequences? That's not the goal of this story, folks. I mean I could discuss the oil that cooks the fries but again in fairness, I would have to do that with Burger King and Wendy's. And as I said, the goal of this story is to announce the best tasting french fry.

But I digress. The McDonald's fry might have a batter but it doesn't overwhelm the potato. Golden and crisp. Salted by the employees. Potato taste still there. Delicious.

Conclusion- Starting with the worst to first, I found Burger King's fries to be overwhelmed by their "batter." Wendy's new french fry is an improvement. Love the skin left on. Sea salt is no big deal. But the classic french of the group is McDonald's. How can I describe it? The fry is perfectly cut thin. But the potato taste is still there. Salted just right. The best french fries belong to McDonald's.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Cincinnati Reds Rebound

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Reds beat the Arizona Diamondbacks, 7-4. That victory ended a four game losing streak and kept the team above .500. Here's the story with video.

Today, the Reds face their Central Division rival, the St. Louis Cardinals. Okay, I'm not going to use Brandon Phillips and my nickname for them yet. But if I see the Cardinals whine, I reserve the right to bring it back.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Scott Rolen's Classy At Bat Song

I usually hate a baseball player's at bat song because a lot of it is either rock or country or rap. Not my favorite genres. I love jazz. Yeah, try putting jazz as an at bat song. But I digress. On my favorite baseball team, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Scott Rolen has a classy at bat song. It's Coldplay's "Viva La Vida."

The song starts with a rhythmic orchestral background. It doesn't rely on loud and ear shattering guitars. And it has a strong melody and a nice melody. Lyrics are intelligent. It seems to be about a ruler who was on top but ran a corrupt government before he falls because of his sins. Interesting choice Scott. Nice strong emotional hook. Video below.

Anyway, Scott continues to show his maturity even in his at bat song. He is the player that the young kids on the team look up to. Maybe they'll listen to his choice in songs too.

Major League Baseball Cares Primarily About Big Cities

Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will appoint a trustee to oversee all business aspects and the day to day operation of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The baseball team has been mired in contentious divorce between owners Frank McCourt and Jamie McCourt.
"I have taken this action because of my deep concerns regarding the finances and operations of the Dodgers and to protect the best interests of the club," Selig said in a statement today.

I don't know if the Dodgers are in such terrible financial shape that they need Major League Baseball to take it over. But what I do know is that the Dodgers are in a huge media market. They usually have one of the highest payrolls in baseball. This year they are twelfth in the league. They made the playoffs three times within the last five years. ('06, '08,' 09) When big market teams play in the World Series, there are big TV ratings.

But there's a bigger problem here than the Dodgers. Bud Selig will protect one of baseball's glamour teams but doesn't do anything to protect the game. And by that I mean level the playing field for all teams. Baseball has become a sport for the two coasts. Los Angeles on the West coast. New York, Philadelphia and Boston on the East coast. Baseball needs a salary cap so the teams in between the coasts have a chance at the playoffs. At least somebody needs to evangelize the concept. Pro football has a salary cap. That's why football has surpassed baseball as America's sport. Every team in the NFL, with the excepting of the Cincinnati Bengals, has a chance to win the Super Bowl regardless of payroll.

The Pittsburgh Pirates are woeful. Eighteen consecutive losing seasons. They have proud history every bit as great as the Dodgers. Where is major league baseball? If you're a Pirates fan, you know the answer.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The Republican Party, the New Fascists, Part Two

Previously I argued that the Republican Party are the new fascists. Donald Trump says the United States should take Iraq's oil. Wisconsin governor and Republicans tried to ignore the rule of law and the courts by implementing their union killing bill. Now here's more proof.

Republican Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan and his Republican cronies have enacted a draconian law that would virtually strip all power away from elected officials and establish government by an "emergency" manager. Does that sound like a dictator? Well, if you got one person running a government and elected officials have no power, that is totalitarian.

So how does the law work? Let's take a look at Benton Harbor, Michigan. At a city commission meeting, the emergency manager declared all items passed void since the enactment of the emergency financial manager law. The emergency manager also said the commission had no power. This is not America, folks. But is there something more pernicious going on here? Rachel Maddow points out that those in power have their eyes on Benton Harbor land. (Story below.)

There was a time when the Republican party had moderates and fair minded individuals. President Dwight Eisennhower. Nelson Rockefeller. Presidnet Gearld Ford. Heck, Senator Barry Goldwater, the father of modern conservatives, took on the religious conservatives. Those days of reason are gone.

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Those Crazy Birthers, Part Nine

It's time for the Republican Party to own up to the birther issue. Let crazy Orly Taitz and Donald Trump be your standard bearers. That's because an overwhelming number of Republicans believe or have doubts that President Barack Obama was born in the United States. In Arizona, Republicans have passed a bill that mandates a candidate for president must show the long form of his birth certificate. Take that Hawaii with your short form birth certificates. Take that Obaama. Sigh. Thankfully, Governor Jan Brewer vetoed the bill. She is a Republican so maybe she's seeing the insanity of her party.

Now how do you get around the long form birth certificate? Show your circumcision or baptism certificate. What the ... ? How does that prove you were born in the United States? Sigh. Okay, here it is again for you Birthers, the FactCheck.org story debunking your crazy theories. Check out Rachel Maddow's story below.

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Sunday, April 17, 2011

Rio 3D Review

How does one make a G rated movie about the birds and the bees? The new animated feature Rio is basically about the propagation of a species. The story of Rio is the attempt to preserve the species of blue macaw by mating Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) with a female blue macaw named Jewel. (Anne Hathaway) Of course this being a family film, you're not going to see hot bird sex.

Rio starts out in a Brazilian rain forest where a baby Blue is abducted and shipped to the United States, specifically Minnesota. As he is being transported by an exotic pets dealer, his crate falls out and he is rescued by a young girl, Linda. Both Linda (Leslie Mann) and Blu grow up. Linda becomes a proprietor of a book shop and Blue is a bird living the high life. Blu is so pampered that he's lost the ability to fly.

There lives change when a Brazilian ornithologist, Tulio (Rodrigo Santoro) comes into the shop and asks Linda if they can take Blu to Brazil so he can mate with the only living female blue macow, Jewel. She agrees. As Blu is left with the lovely Jewel, they're kidnapped by pet poachers and chained together. They escape with the poachers and their mean cockatoo Nigel (Jemaine Clement) in pursuit.

Director-writer Carlos Saldanha (Ice Age) has constructed a very busy CGI animated film with all the color of Brazil. And that's one problem with this movie. It's too busy. Take for instance a fight scene between monkeys and birds. You'll need to take notes to figure out who is fighting who and who gets thrown where. There's no need for all this convoluted action. The 3D version of this film is nice to look at with some nice shots of Rio but the 3D adds nothing to the story or the look of the movie. There's nothing special about the 3D effects. So, if you're on a tight budget, skip the 3D version.

Of course, if you're going to use Rio as a backdrop for a movie, you've got to have Brazilian music. Brazilian jazz. Bossa Nova. Samba. Rio has Sergio Mendes supervise the music. There is Brazilian music. And when Mendes' Mas Que Nada (video below) is heard the film does take off. But it seems to me the great Brazilian rhythms of the samba were toned down by the sound engineers. Maybe it's too much for kids. But come on, it's not heavy metal. Those great Brazilian sambas make you want to dance. And I wished they would stop trying to make Brazilian music digestible to western audiences by stuffing hip hop into it. The bossa nova works just fine by itself especially during a love song as Blu and Jewell ride on a bus.

Jesse Eisenberg is good as the awkward Blu. Will i Am, Jamie Foxx and Tracy Morgan are funny as a couple birds and a slobbering bulldog. Wanda Sykes and Jane Lynch are wasted as a couple of geese. Leslie Mann is fine as Blu' owner. However, the humans are not as interesting as the birds. But it's Anne Hathaway's performance that matches the lovely Jewel. Her voice captures the beauty of Jewel and of course her own physical beauty. It's easy to fall in love with her voice.

It's impossible to dislike this movie. The romance between Jewel and Blu has electricity. And there are many funny and warm moments. The grade is B+.



Saturday, April 16, 2011

The Republican Party, the New Fascists?

President Barack Obama is often accused of being a socialist. But after listening to leaders of the Republican Party, it's beginning to sound like they are a bunch of fascists. Super rich guy Donald Trump is soundly leading the pack in the race for the Republican presidential nomination. (According to the Public Policy Polling, he's 26 percent to second place Mike Huckabee at 17 percent.) That means a lot of Republicans like his ideas. If he gets the nomination that makes him also the de facto leader of the party. Lately Donald Trump is sounding like an American Caesar. Trump told NBC's Meredith Viera,

“…I say we take over the oil fields…I would take over the oil fields, because otherwise, Iran is gonna take over the second biggest oil fields in the world. I would absolutely, without question, not leave that section of that country. I would take the oil. To the victor belong the spoils.”

And he continues to insist "we take" the oil on the Fox News Network. By the way, taking the oil would be a violation of the Hague Conventions which the United States agreed to.

So Trump wants to take Iraqi oil something that Caesar would do. And in Wisconsin, Governor Scott Walker and the Republicans in their effort to destroy public unions ignored a judge's injunction. Yeah. Ignore rule of law. What I see from this Republican party is that might makes right. (It looks like a judge stopped them finally.) That makes the Republicans, the new fascists.

Maybe comedian Lewis Black was right. (Video below.) President Donald Trump would be the crazy third world dictator the country has never seen as president.

Sidney Lumet, 1924-2011


The euphemism for the modern movie audience is teenager. Today's films are filled with eye popping action and explosions. Would this audience appreciate a film directed by Sidney Lumet? Perhaps not. Sidney Lumet did not depend on explosions to make a great film. On April 9, Lumet passed away from lymphoma. He died in his beloved New York city of which many of his movies took place.

His body of work was extraordinary. Instead of the wall to wall action so prevalent in today's films, he got your interest by using intelligent dialogue and human emotion. His best works addressed many of the issues of the day. Nuclear war. The power of television. Social justice.

His best films include 12 Angry Men (1957); Fail-Safe (1964); Dog Day Afternoon (Picture Lumet directing above, 1975); Network (1976) and The Verdict. (1982) Paul Newman's closing argument is below. IMDB list. Do your self a favor. Go rent one of his movies. Experience a master at his art.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Those Crazy Birthers, Part Eight: O'REILLY DEFENDS OBAMA

Sigh. Here we go with part eight of the Crazy Birthers. Oh, you Republicans. The reason why Donald Trump is rising in the polls with Republicans is that he is raising the birth certificate issue. Here's the proof that he was born in Hawaii. Jon Stewart of the Daily Show went over the insanity and saluted Bill O' Reilly of Fox News for debunking the insanity. Bill f@#king O'Reilly? Yep. Tip of the hat from reasonable people to you Bill O' Reilly. Here's the funny piece from Jon Stewart and the Daily Show.

Jelly Bean That Looks Like Kate Middleton


Hey, a man found a jelly bean that looks like soon to be Princess Kate Middleton. The world stops in awe. Hold on. That thing does look like Kate Middleton.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Why Conservative Repbulicans Are Idiots

Last week, conservative Republicans attempted to shut down the government over funding for Planned Parenthood. Conservatives have always hated Planned Parenthood since they perform abortions. Senator John Kyl (R-Arizona) stated that Planned Parenthood does about ninety percent abortions. Which is a bold face lie. Planned Parenthood does about three percent abortions. But in their zeal to destroy Planned Parenthood, conservative Republicans ignore the facts. Fox and Friends in an effort to further diminish Planned Parenthood for its health care services for women, indicated that things like breast cancer screens and pap smears can be gotten at Walgreens. Walgreens? What?!

This is why conservative Republicans are idiots. They ignore the facts. Operate only on fear. Conservative Republicans don't believe President Barack Obama is a citizen. President Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. There is no evidence otherwise. Global warming is endorsed by an overwhelming majority of scientists. But some conservative Republicans don't believe it.

Thank goodness for Stephen Colbert as he takes on Kyl and Fox and Friends.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Does FBI Memo Prove U.S. Recovered UFOs?

A FBI memo has surfaced which seems to show that the United States government recovered UFOs in New Mexico. The memo was found in the FBI's online cache of files called "The Vault." The memo is dated March 22, 1950 and states that its subject mater is "Flying Saucers Information Concerning."

The memo was written by FBI agent Guy Hottel. In the memo, he discusses a report by an Air Force investigator who claimed that circular ships about fifty feet in diameter were recovered. Inside each ship were dead bodies of beings three feet in height. Here's the story with FBI link.

Nothing to See Here?

What do the skeptics say? It's about a hoax perpetrated by Silas Newton. It says nothing about Roswell. And in a TV story I say on the web, one skeptic says there's nothing interesting about the memo.

Let me answer some of the skeptics. First, this is an official government record. It might be hearsay and multiple leveled hearsay but it would likely come into evidence because it's a government record. Second, the memo does not talk about Silas Newton or Roswell. Who says there weren't more than one UFO crash in New Mexico. And the idea that it's not interesting is simply ludicrous. At a time that UFOs were becoming a hot topic, the memo discusses recovered vehicles. It wasn't discussing man made vehicle otherwise it would have said so. And why would the FBI be interested an Air Force vehicle anyway?


The Truth is Out There


So what does this memo really signify? Is it proof of the Roswell crash? No. There's nothing about Roswell in the memo except that the crafts were recovered in New Mexico. Is it real proof that aliens are visiting the planet? No. It's not a first person account and there's no corroborating proof of ET. But clearly the memo is talking about UFO phenomenon.

The memo does mean the following. The United States government was interested in UFOs. And I'm not talking about Project Blue Book. The FBI obviously thought something was there and it could pose a threat to the security of the United States. The next question is how much does the U.S. government know? If there is something like this memo in the FBI's files, are there even more fascinating documents? The Truth is out there.

Reds Rebound

Yesterday, the Cincinnati Reds showed they were as resilient as they were last year. Remember last year, when the Reds lost crushing games only to bounce back and thrive. On Sunday, the Reds blew a five run lead, and a one run lead to the Arizona Diamondbacks. So, the question was would the Reds would go into a tailspin? The answer was no.

Yesterday the Reds played the San Diego Padres with the chance to get back on track. It didn't start too well. Reds starter Edinson Volquez had first inning problems again. He gave up two runs. But after getting bailed out by the defense, a great catch by Chris Heisey and a double play, Volquez settled down. He set down eleven Padres in a row at one point.

But this was a team victory. Padres Ace Mat Latos kept the Reds in check. But along came Jonny Gomes. In the fourth inning, Gomes' patience at the plate is beginning to pay off. Because Gomes slugged a Latos curveball. Going, going, Gomes. In the fifth, Chirs Heisey blasted a two run homer. Reds lead 3-2.

It then was left to the bullpen and defense to hold the lead. Reds relievers Jordan Smith and Bill Bray held the Padres at bay until the ninth for Francisco Cordero. The eighth was all about pitching and defense. With a man on second and none out, Padres outfielder Chris Denorfia tried to bunt. Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez grabbed the bunt and threw it to Scott Rolen at third. Out. Bill Bray came on and battled Padres Jorge Cantu. He struck him out and Denorfia tried to steal second. Hernandez gunned him down. Strike 'em out, throw 'em out. Closer Francisco Cordero was sharp. Excellent fast ball and slider. Yes, the first batter got on but it was bloop single. Cordero was money for the rest of inning. Game over. Reds win.

It was a solid victory. Here's the official story with video.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

The Worst Song Ever

It's finally happened. I have experienced the worst song ever written. It's Rebecca Black's "Friday." In the history of bad songs, this is the worst. It's more terrible than "Three Little Fishies." Why is it so bad? First the song itself is hardly written. There's basically no melody, it's kind quasi-rap. But that's not the real problem.

It's the lyrics. The best I can tell it's about a teenage girl getting up and going to school. She "sings" about which seat she's going to take in her friends car. WTF? Later she sings about Friday being a party night. That's it. No imagination. Check out how bad some of the lyrics are below.


Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Fun, fun, fun, fun

Yesterday was Thursday, Thursday
Today i-is Friday, Friday (Partyin')
We-we-we so excited
We so excited
We gonna have a ball today

Tomorrow is Saturday
And Sunday comes after ... wards
I don't want this weekend to end

Are "we-we-we so excited" excited yet? I bet you didn't know Saturday comes after Friday. And after Saturday comes Sunday. That's just brilliant. NOT! I hope my family gives me a CD of this. So I can do what Triumph the Insult Comic Dog likes to do. I want it for "me to poop on."

I absolutely refuse to embed this garbage to the blog. But if you want to look it, here's the link. Ninety five million so far have seen this junk. Look if Bristol Palin can make 262K for being an abstinence advocate, I guess a song with terrible lyrics can be a hit. Only in American.

Conservative Republicans Have Overreached

With the passage of Senate Bill Five here in Ohio which virtually destroys public unions, the conservative Republicans have overreached. If you are a Democrat, you already knew the Republicans hated unions. But I have never seen such far right radical legislation in my life. When I was growing up I looked up to the moderate Republicans such as Nelson Rockefeller and President Gerald Ford. Heck, George H.W. Bush was a moderate before he became President Ronald Reagan's vice president. But Reagan changed everything. The Republican party moved far right. And now they are so far right, it may be too late for them to save the party.

Why do I say conservative Republicans have overreached. Well, last night I was talking to a police sergeant. Now we both knew that cops tend to vote Republican because of the perception that conservatives are law and order. He told me with the passage of Senate Bill Five, his fellow police officers are now looking to bolt the party. That's how far the Republicans have overreached. Conservative cops may now vote Democratic. There are no more moderates in the Republican Party. The party is now dominated by far right wing conservatives led by the Tea Party.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

The Extended Green Lantern Trailer

Here's the new and extended Green Lantern trailer. You get great shots of aliens Tomar-Re played or should I say voiced by Geoffrey Rush ("The King's Speech") and Kilowog. It looks like it's going to be great. And oh, will you fanboys quit bitching about Green Lantern's costume? It looks fine.

Teen Mom Bristol Palin Makes 262 K For Being Abstinence Advocate

Call this story, it only happens in America. Bristol Palin, Ssarah Palin's daughter, has made $262,000.00 for her work in advocating abstinence for the Candies Foundation. If you remember Bristol was made famous because she got pregnant as a teenager.

Do you see the problem here? First, she's getting all this dough from a non-profit foundation. Second, she's telling teens not to have sex. But she herself is a teen mother. Now I would get the point if she said having a kid as a teen set her back personally and financially. But I have never heard her say this. She might have said it was hard in her PSA with The Situation but the facts are she didn't suffer because of the pregnancy. So while she can claim that she's like a gang member going into schools talking about the evils of gangs, she doesn't have the detrimental experience of being a teen mom. And now with this payday, it's even more hypocritical. She doesn't get that pay just for being a daughter of Sarah Palin. She gets that money for getting pregnant as a teen also. Like I said, this insanity only happens in America.

Friday, April 8, 2011

Conservative Republicans Hate Women

It's easy to say that conservative Republicans hate unions. All these measures to destroy public unions is not about budgets. It's harder to say conservative Republicans hate women. But they do. Why? In today's budget battle it came down to the funding of one organization. The conservative Republicans want to defund Planned Parenthood.

I've watched House Speaker John Boehner's (R-OH) press conference today. When the question was whether it was about Planned Parenthood, he avoided question. Congressman Mike Pence (R-Ind.) (Video below.) made it clear this budget battle was all about Planned Parenthood. By the way here's how biased Fox News is. While covering Senate Majority Harry Reid's (D-Nev.) news conference, the news script for Fox did not say it was about women's health, which is what Harry Reid was complaining about. Second, Fox News went to its talking heads right after his comments, skipping Reid's news conference. Fair and balanced, my ass. But I digress.

Planned Parenthood is funded by federal law, Title X. It was signed into law by President Richard Nixon, who probably is now considered a leftist by the Republicans. No federal money can be used for abortion. Planned Parenthood provides breast cancer screenings, pap smears, and family planning. Yes, Planned Parenthood does provide abortions. But that is only three percent of its services.

Even with their hate of Planned Parenthood and abortions, the organization provides health care to women. Why do Republicans hate breast cancer screenings, pap smears and family planning? In their puritan goal of turning America back to the fifties. It's a far right social view that has absolutely nothing to do with getting the fiscal house in order. The great majority of the budget is medicare, social security and defense. Cutting Planned Parenthood hurts women.

That's why conservative Republicans hate women.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy



It's all about Planned Parenthood.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Thursday, April 7, 2011

When Harry Met Sally, the sequel?

If you take a look at my profile, you'll see that When Harry Met Sally is one of my favorite films. Now here's spoof of a sequel to that great film starring Helen Mirren and Billy Crystal. From Funny Or Die, it's funny so nobody dies at least not in real life. Check it out.

Monday, April 4, 2011

Cool Captain America Trailer

When I was a kid, one of my favorite superheroes was Captain America. This summer, Marvel will release a big budget movie about Captain America. It will be called Captain America: The First Avenger. The movie takes Captain America back to its roots. When I saw the fantastic Source Code, there was a trailer before that film. Below is the cool trailer for Captain American: The First Avenger. It looks like the film will go back to its roots. World War II.

By the way, what a cast! I'm talking about the supporting players. Tommy Lee Jones. Stanley Tucci. Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull. And the lovely Hayley Atwell. Okay, there's Chris Evans as Captain America.

The Cincinnati Reds Send A Message


Yesterday, the Cincinnati Reds walloped the Milwaukee Brewers, 12-3 to complete a three game sweep. First, let's get the "it's early stuff" out of the way. Yeah, I would say that if the Reds lost three in a row to open a season but winning three in a row against an opponent that some say will win the National League Central is different. It's hard to sweep any team in a three game series and I don't care if you're at home or not. But the Reds did it. And in convincing fashion, they beat a good team.

Let's quickly go over the series. The Reds in game one were down by three runs in the ninth. And as they did a bunch of times last year, they won it with their last at bat on a dramatic walk-off home run by Ramon Hernandez. I was at the game on Saturday. Reds pitcher Travis Wood has the look of an ace. He threw to both sides of the plate. When it came to change speeds, he demonstrated he could do that also. The result? Seven innings pitched, seven strikeouts, one earned run and NO WALKS. Remember Wood almost no hit the Philadelphia Phillies last year. I predict he will no hit some team in his career. Yesterday, Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo who is suffering from mono went seven and does what he always does. He kept the Reds in the game. Of course, that became moot because the Reds destroyed the Brewers pitching staff. And get this, yesterday back up cathcer Ryan Hanigan (pictured) blasted two home runs. The Reds have ridiculous depth at the catching position. Along with starter Hernandez, the Reds have in waiting at AAA, Devin Meseraco. There's last year's number one pick Yasmani Grandal. And the Reds have veteran Corky Miller to back up the starting two. Anyway here's the official story about yesterday's game with video.

With the sweep, the Cincinnati Reds have sent a message to Central Division opponents and I do say to the rest of the league. The Cincinnati Reds are not going to rest on their laurels. We want a Reds October.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

The Cincinnati Bengals 2011 Draft Needs

Ah, spring is here again. Baseball has started. The Cincinnati Reds are making their run to win the World Series. So, it's time to talk about the Cincinnati Bengals 2011 Draft! Unlike last year where it was clear who the Bengals would and should draft, this year, it's not clear. That's because of their many needs and the teams drafting ahead of them. The only good thing is that only three teams will draft ahead of them since they have the fourth pick. Of course, that's assuming the Bengals don't trade down. And please Bengals don't trade down unless you get a bunch of picks.

This year I'm going to over the top five needs, in order. That does not mean the Bengals should draft that way. Why? For example, quarterback is the top need but the Bengals should not use the four pick for that. It's not worth it. Also, needs can be filled by free agency. But with the current labor situation, free agency won't occur unless there's a new collective bargaining agreement. Something that could affect the Bengals quarterback situation. So read on football fans, and see who I think the Bengals should and will pick with the number four choice.

A. Cincinnati Bengals Needs

1. Quarterback

Carson Palmer will retire. How do I know that? As much as I'm disappointed in his demands to be traded or he'll retire, he's an honorable guy. He doesn't make idle threats. Owner and de facto GM Mike Brown has said he won't trade him either. Take that to the bank. The Bengals now have a quarterback problem. And it's one of the most important positions on a football team.

That doesn't mean the Bengals should use the fourth pick for a quarterback. The class at quarterback is basically a B grade. Not one choice screams top five pick. The Bengals worship athleticism over everything else. That says Cam Newton. It would be an absolutely terrible pick if the Bengals picked him with the number four pick. Fortunately, two other teams with needs at quarterback pick ahead of the Bengals.

Top three quarterbacks: Blaine Gabbert (Missouri); Jake Locker (Washington); Cam Newton (Auburn)

2. Offensive Tackle Picking Andre Smith was a disaster. Again, the fact that the Bengals worship athleticism over everything even character bit them in the ass. If you recall Smith left the combine and was suspended for the Sugar Bowl. So it comes as no surprise that he continually is overweight and eventually broke his foot twice.

Top three offensive tackles: Tyron Smith (USC); Anthony Castonzo (Boston College); Gabe Carimi (Wisconsin)


3. Defensive Line First, the need at defensive end is not as great as defensive tackle. The Bengals had a couple of good ones with Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom. But injuries to Odom and Geathers seems to be getting lost means that if Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers is there, the Bengals could take him. But note that the Bengals have two great kids here in Carlos Dunlap and Michael Johnson.

Defensive tackle has always been a problem for the Bengals. Domata Peko is solid but doesn't make other teams fear him. Tank Johnson is a Cowboys reject and average. Geno Atkins is an up and comer but so far is not a solution for a starter. The Bengals have a chance to finally get a stud here. The Bengals have a chance at Alabama's Marcell Dareus and Auburn's Nick Fairley.

Top three defensive linemen: Macell Dareus (Alabama); Da'Quan Bowers (Clemson); Nick Fairley (Auburn)

4. Wide Receiver The Bengals are not going to be bring back Terrel Owens especially after he said the problem with the Bengals started at the top. Which by the way is true. Chad Ochocinco is on the backside of his career and is more concerned about his after football life than the Bengals. However at the end of the season Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell started to shine. Probably because they were in the right place at the right time. So the Bengals don't really need to use their top pick for a wide receiver.

Top three wide receivers: A.J. Green (Georgia); Juilo Jones (Alabama); Titus Young (Boise State)

5. Cornerback Jonathan Joseph is a free agent and it's unknown whether he will resign with the Bengals. Pacman Jones was hurt last year and his season ended on the IR. But the Bengals have depth here. Branon Ghee and Morgan Trent will be back along with starter Leon Hall.

Top three cornerbacks: Patrick Peterson (LSU); Prince Amukamara (Nebraska); Aaron Wiliams (Texas)

6. Other needs. If Cedric Benson doesn't return, the Bengals will need to find another running back. Safety always an issue. And I hope that kicker Mike Nugent will return to form. Or else the Bengals will have a need there too but kicker should always be addressed in the sixth to seventh rounds.

B. WHO THE BENGALS WILL AND SHOULD PICK Luckily for Bengals fans, two of the teams ahead of the Bengals will pick Cam Newton, who smells like Akili Smith. My money is on the Carolina Panthers. DE Da'Quan Bowers and DT Marcell Dareus will be gone by the time the Bengals pick.

Hopefully, Marvin Lewis will be able to steer owner Mike Brown to the trenches where games are won. The Bengals have a high draft pick. With the fourth pick of the 2011NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals will pick:

Defensive Tackle Nick Fairley of Auburn Univerisity.

Is this the right pick? Yes. The Bengals finally get to shore up the defensive tackle position. Games are won in the trenches, i.e. the offensive and defensive line. Championships are won by defense. Is this who I think the Bengals will pick? Yes. Remember the Bengals worship athleticism over everything else. They will ignore that his only big year in college play was his last. Plus, let's face it. The position is not as hard as quarterback. A defensive tackle will have an impact from day one. I believe Marvin will convince Mike Brown to look at the war in the trenches. Failey is the best player available in an area of need.

What about quarterback? The Bengals should sign a free agent to be a caretaker like Matt Hasselback or Marc Bulger. And then come round three, pick Ricky Stanzi (Iowa) or Andy Dalton (TCU) if either is available.

Here's some Nick Fairley highlights.

The Science Fiction Movie Spring

So far 2011 has been a good one for science fiction. We've got three intelligent science fiction movies playing this spring. The Adjustment Bureau. Limitless. And there is Source Code. Less meaty are Paul and Battle: Los Angeles. Yet, those two are still quite entertaining. And who says Hollywood doesn't do anything original anymore?

Friday, April 1, 2011

Source Code Review

If you believe that the premise of Source Code is farfetched and complete fantasy, perhaps you should look at quantum mechanics. No, I'm not suggesting you study physics before you see this movie. But if you look at experiments by Dr. Daryl Bem, you will enjoy Source Code even more. Bem was interviewed by Stephen Colbert for a segment he called "Time Traveling Porn." Video below. Bem has an idea that man can fortell the future. His experiments indicated that students could fortell pictures of a naughty nature. I'm not kidding. He attributes success in this type of ESP to quantum mechanics. Anyway, mix with that the concept of alternate reality and how the mind can change reality in the mind, and you'll see Source Code is not that farfetched.

Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is an army officer who is participating in a top secret mission. Colter? Where does Hollywood get these names? What next? Macho Magnum? But I digress. The mission? Leap into a dead man's mind in the last eight minutes of his life. You see the man was killed on a train with a bomb hidden aboard. The terrorist who bombed the train will unleash an even greater bomb, a dirty nuclear bomb on Chicago. The government needs Stevens to find the identity of the bomber. He's guided by Major Collen Goodwin (Vera Farmiga) with project leader Dr. Rutledge (Jeffrey Wright) overseeing the process. The problem is that Stevens is unable to determine the bomber after one leap. He must be continually sent back to the man's death. Complicating things is that he's falling in love with his friend on the train, Christina. (Michelle Monaghan)

Accessing memories is not a new topic to science fiction. So if you can accept that, you'll get by the first part. And once you hear Dr. Rutledge tell you that the Source Code is a program that can let a person access another man's memory with the help of quantum mechanics, you're on the path where you can see how the "Source Code" makes sense. Just mix in time travel, alternate reality, and the fact your mind can manipulate reality.

Ben Ripley has written an ingenious and emotional movie. Once you think the film is illogical, Ripley provides an explanation. For example, you might think that he cannot alter a memory but you are in formed that the mind can construct different realities. Director Duncan Jones comes off his very good film, Moon (2009) to help create an excellent and taught thriller. Ripley and Jones turn the screws until you think the movie must go a certain way but then brilliantly twists it into another reality. It's reminiscent of a the TV show "The Twilight Zone" meeting "The Matrix."

Ths cast is perfect. Jake Gyllenhaal shows heroic humanism. Michelle Monaghan does what she does best. She's charming. That's tough since it's hard to flesh out the relationship between her Christine and Gyllenaal's character. Jeffrey Wright is dead on as the scientist with a single purpose. And as for Vera Farmiga, you've got to have a great face to look at when Stevens is looking at the viewscreeen displaying his handler. Farmiga is both beautiful physically and personally. She exudes empathy. She has the face one could stare at for hours. Scott Bakula of Star Trek: Enterprise and Quantum Leap has voice cameo. It's a cool inside joke. Get it? Quantum leap.

I can't say enough good things about this film. It's as smart as 2001: A Space Odyssey. Yes, when you leave the theater, you'll be thinking, about altering reality and the characters that we have met. Source Code is thrilling and intelligent science fiction film. The grade is A +.

Stephen Colbert interviews Dr. Bem about Time Traveling Porn.



Trailer for Source Code.

Why Opening Day is Important

Here in Cincinnati, Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds is like a holiday. Why is baseball's opening day so important, at least to Cincinnatians? Cincinnati is the home of professional baseball. This city is where professional baseball first started. And for many years, opening day for the the Cincinnati Reds has been revered. At one time baseball was America's sport. Opening Day is the sign that there is life. Spring is here. And winter is over. The new season begins with hopes and dreams.

As for yesterday's game, I was going to write about a game that was going to look like a loss. I was going to say that it's just one game and there are one hundred and sixty one games left. But this is baseball. The Reds were trailing by three runs in the bottom of the ninth. If you know anything about baseball that's not good. You've got to get three runners on base to even think about a tie. And it's your final inning. The Reds were able to load the bases. Then a sacrifice fly by Jonny Gomes set up the scene for Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez. There were two outs. Hernandez belted an opposite field homer that won the game. It's a walk-off that won the game. Talk about Hollywood endings. Now Ramon has been going the opposite way for years. He doesn't try to pull everything. That's something that I hope the kids on the team are learning.

One down. One hundred and sixty one more to win.

Here's the official story with video.

Thanks to Riggs1523 for filming the walk-off home run with fan reaction.