The Oscars

Allow me one moment to say unequivocally that after complete and thorough analysis of the films that were nominated, I feel quite comfortable stating that I don't give a damn who wins.

Only two of the ten competing movies were any good at all. So, it's a safe bet they will not win.


Discuss.

Richard Wright Dies

From the LA Times comes this story:

Richard Wright, the founding member of Pink Floyd whose piano and synthesizer work played a critical part in the pioneering British psychedelic rock band's ethereal sound, died Monday after a short battle with cancer, his spokesman said. He was 65.

Coming to grips with one's mortality is often difficult enough. Losing a parent usually helps facilitate this stage of human development. When entertainers, athletes, and one's own peers pass, it only serves to reinforce it.



He will be missed.

Fun At The Fair

Last Saturday, Mrs. Sunsett decided that was the day we would make our annual trek to see the Indiana State Fair. Never mind that we go every year, it is a tradition that cannot be broken, once started.

Not much new here this year except for one event that my wife thoroughly enjoyed, many more times than I could/did (being the sports fan in the family). Don't get me wrong, this was a very interesting hour speaking to these guys.

Here are the four remaining members of the 1954 Milan Indiana basketball team that won the state championship, back when Hoosier Hysteria meant something (when there was a single class tournament and one champion). It was the team of which the 1986 movie Hoosiers was based on. This was about a true to life David that slew a true to life Giant. Interestingly enough in this saga, the giant was not evil, he was just the giant and the David was just the David.

The gentleman that is second from the left is Bobby Plump, the guy that hit the real shot to win the real game. He spoke of the time George Steinbrenner had Lee Iaccocca on his private plane for a flight to somewhere (long enough to watch a movie). At first, Lee balked at watching a movie about Indiana high school basketball history. After George talked him into it, he relented. After watched it, he said it was one of the greatest motivational movies he'd ever seen. In fact, he wanted to see it again on the way back.

Here are the four surviving members of the "Milan Miracle":





One of the attractions that the Fair offers, year-round, is a replica of a historical Hooks Drug Store, a chain of drugstores deeply rooted in the history of Indiana. Here is the outside of where the druggist worked:



Here is the inside:



These were some of the items that were probably some of the most popular:



When the cost of your tofu goes up, you can look no further than the use of soy diesel. It is used exclusively in all Fair shuttles:



One the regulars here is Amerloque. He raises apples. I clearly had him in mind, when I snapped these:





No trip to the Fair is complete without looking at the animals. This year, we gave some of that time to visit with the Milan guys. But we did manage to see some of the cows:





Do you like history? Like to walk in it? Anyone who wonders why the spirit of rugged individualism is still alive and well, can see by taking a tour of this popular annual exhibition. Here are a few shots of Pioneer Village, the first is from the barbershop:



Here a typical daytime farm kitchen, where the family had breakfast and lunch:



Here are a couple pics of the evening kitchen, where the evening meal was eaten:





These are just a few of the many shots I was able to get off, when I was not looking for something good to eat. This year we went lighter than usual. Only one funnel cake (as a hazardous ingestion material) was consumed by yours truly. The rest of my diet was fairly healthy. No fried Oreos or candy bars, this year.

I may post more later, if anyone is interested.

News In Brief (And The Usual Opinionated Commentary)

Obama Supporters Pour Salt On The Wounds

One only has to visit a Pro-Obama blog or listen to a Pro-Obama snert that probably hasn't worked a day in his/her life, to see how they are treating Hillary Clinton. Now I, myself, am no real fan of Hillary (mainly because I disagree with her ideology). But many that do agree with many of her stances on the issues are treating her horribly. I cannot say I am surprised, most of these people are fans of Howard Dean - who is one of the most hate-filled and ugly politicians I have ever seen.

Froma Harrop elaborates further in her essay, in the link.



Problems With Obama's Hired Hands (Again)

Yesterday, we covered the resignation of Rob Malley for a certain indiscretion that was about to be outed, by an article in the London Times. Jake Tapper has a rundown of the lousy help that seems to be attracted to his campaign.



Moore Making Sequel To Fahrenheit 9/11

Oh boy! Can't wait to ignore this upcoming piece of garbage just like I have the others.

From the article:

All in all, Moore has made three of the top five grossing documentaries of all time. "Fahrenheit" is the highest grossing docu ever domestically, earning $119.1 million. It grossed another $100 million at the international box office.

Here are the Top 100 movies of all-time, adjusted for inflation. No Fahrenheit 9/11 there.

Here are the Top 300, not adjusted for inflation. You will note that F 9/11 comes in at a staggering #290 and probably wouldn't even be anywhere near that high, if the figures were adjusted for inflation.

A PYY Movie Review

There Will Be Blood

There will be boredom.

Other than a great acting performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, it's hard to understand why this film was nominated for an Oscar and why it has received the raves of so many critics. It could have been because of the scenes that portrayed the people of that era as a bunch of whacko Christians. Hollywood loves to paint Christians with a warped brush, you know.

Don't waste your time or money.