exponentially changing context

Yes, it's American - and no, I can't speak authentically to the veracity of it's facts and figures, but this is a good illustration of why professionally we all need to run to keep up.

again, another classy tune

Valkyrie

Unmemorable as movies go, but built the tension well - which is no mean feat, considering we all kinda know the outcome.



Historically accurate? Not my specialist subject, but I guess probably some lapses, for dramatic effect. Still pretty good though in terms of characterisation - so three out of five overall, I reckon.

classy tune, and no mistake

oh, and talking of anti-gay put downs

The finest ever put down of anti-gay religious bigotry .......

Milk - the movie

Saw this today - have to admit I found it at least mildly mawkish. Nonetheless, it's well made, well cast, well acted, and worth a watch. Happily enough, it's not sugar-coated or over-varnished either. An interesting reminder of a fascinating and important bit of modern history.

The movie has a little too much original newsreel footage in the first half hour for my taste, though interesting seeing Dianne Feinstein at the start. She's since a long-standing US Senator - and the woman who 'hosted' the Obama inauguration ceremony, introducing the speakers.

Just a few months ago though - California passed Proposition 8, rescinding gay marriage. This guy got it right.

Obama - inauguration speech

Measured, I'd say. I guess the two simple tests for me are first do I feel inspired hearing it (answer, well, a little) and secondly, do I remember any of it (well, honestly, no).

On second listen, I guess the 'all are equal, all are free, all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness' line works well for me (even forgiving the 'god given' bit) - though it really lacked a peroration, or glorious crescendo.

My largest wry smile was how the camera panned to George W Bush as Obama delivered the line 'As for our common defence, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals.' - the closest he really came to sketching out clear blue water between him and Bush (over waterboarding, and the like).

Well, I kinda know that with a crowd of two million you can't use call and response - but I do miss his 'yes we can'. Overall - clearly not a Kennedy.



Oh - and what on earth was the first President Bush wearing on his head?