Some Election Thoughts

We are in the heart of election season and the campaigns are at full strength. And since I'm kind of annoyed by both candidates right now (seriously, quit calling the other guy names and talk about YOUR plans/policies), I thought I'd get a few thoughts about the important choices off my chest. So, here are my election thoughts....Star Wars style.

I found these T-shirts from zazzle.com which I think are awesome. They are campaign style shirts telling you to vote for __________ in '08. I'm going to rank my preference of candidates, based on their shirts. Go here if you want to buy (or look) for yourself.

In dramatic descending order....

15. Asaij Ventress
Bald chicks that can kick my butt don't generally get my vote. However, awesome dual lightsaber skills is strangely hot....but still, I'll pass. I really don't think she has the best interest of the galaxy at heart.

14. Ahsoka
While this Jedi padawan would have the best interest of all, she is just too inexperienced to fill the ticket. Now if someone wanted to pander to the feminist and the Jedi base, they could pick a young, inexperienced female and talk her up without any actual record to stand on...but who would do something like that.

13. General Grievous Grievous can't get my vote because is nothing but a puppet. He never made independent decisions, but just did as he was told. An independent thinker is required to hold the most powerful office in the galaxy.

12. Boba Fett
The problem with Fett is he exclusively looks out for himself and not others. However, his cool appearance does bump him up the list a bit. Also, he would raise some important questions about the rights of clones.

11. Anakin Skywalker
I'm not sure the campaign slogan "There's Still Good in Him" is really the way to go. Who wants that much teen angst in the driver seat anyway? Once Anakin comes into his own, then he might be vote worthy.

10. Emperor Palpatine
Well, of all the candidates we have the most hands on experience with how Palpatine will rule. He is a conniving, devious, piece of Sith. Certainly wouldn't be good for the galaxy, but you have to respect his credentials and ability to get things done. (Please don't shoot force lightning at me.)

9. C-3PO and R2-D2
Apparently 3PO thought he could run on his own as evident by this campaign poster. 3PO is too indecisive and cowardly to lead the way. Plus, his slogan ("Fluent in over 6-million forms of communication") seems like he is running for press secretary or something.
An apparent re-ordering of the ticket makes the droids more ideal. R2-D2 certainly is the better of the two to lead, and this way 3PO could translate all his executive orders. My problem is that R2-D2 is a little too rash. While experience tells it that it works out, I don't really like the idea of someone who ignores most rational thought and does whatever he (she or it) wants.

8. Luke Skywalker
Military experience, war hero, good, and has true understanding of what it is like to be the little guy in the Outer Rim. The problem is he is just too bleepin' whiny. Give him a few more years to age (but not yet be senile) and he'll be ready to lead the entire galaxy.

7. Princess Leia
Experienced and very pleasant on the eyes. Seriously, if she would debate or campaign in Jabba slave gear, every male would be voting for her. She also is appealing to the plight of the galaxy, "This is Our Most Desperate Hour." A proven leader who deserves your consideration.

6. Chewbacca
This vote is exclusively due to Chewbacca's coolness. Really, Chewie is a solid right hand man, but has shown little inkling to actually lead. The slogan however does hold some weight, "Let the Wookie Win." You might want to consider this.

5. Han Solo
A better scruffy-looking nerf herder there is not. He talks a mighty game about doing the best for himself, but he always comes around to the best interest of others. With Chewie on the ticket, you get one of the best duos in the universe. Sadly, I'm afraid this maverick wouldn't work with others as well as you might think. Politically scary slogan would be, "I Shot First".

4. Admiral Ackbar
A darkhorse in the election. He came from relative obscurity, but has proven to be an exceptional leader. He certainly has the cajohnes for the job. I doubt any other candidate would recommend engaging a Super-Star Destroyer at close range. Might make a better Secretary of State, but still worth consideration. "It's Not a Trap"

3. Obi-Wan Kenobi
"He's Our Only Hope"...what a great slogan. Youthful (as portrayed), but wise beyond his years. A good heart and would certainly surround himself with wise counsel (Yoda and Mace Windu certainly in the running for cabinet positions). Has a bit of a rebellious streak, but always sees the big picture and doesn't make rash decisions. Negotiates first, but not afraid to fight when required.

2. Yoda
If Obi-Wan would be good, Yoda would be great. Despite a lack of size, his wisdom alone could carry the galaxy to years of peace and prosperity. "Do or Do Not. There is No Try." However, he lacks a certain charisma and doesn't really inspire. Age is a factor...how long could he serve before slipping into senility?

So, my vote goes to...

1. Darth Vader
He has the coolest campaign poster and the coolest slogan. "Together We Can Rule the Galaxy" See he wants you to help. He's not in it for himself, but wants you to come along for the ride. Plus, rumor has it, "There's Still Good in Him." And he'll force choke you if you don't vote for him. Vader '08!!!

Ok, seriously, I have spent some time thinking about the upcoming election and will likely drop some of those thoughts on you. I am looking forward to the debates between Obama and McCain. Hopefuly we can actually here issues and plans, not just rhetoric and name calling. Until then, I'm sticking with my man, Vader. Rumor has it, he has one more promise....cookies.

Entertainment Guide: Summer Reading Reviews

While my intent was not to seem like a copycat (click here to see what I mean), it will come across that way. However, it fits with my recent theme of posts. Over the past year, I have rarely not had a new novel to read. Whenever I finish one I either go and pick one up at Barnes and Noble from their bargain rack, or get one that my dad has recently finished. The gist is that I have really enjoyed reading. This isn't something new, as I have constantly tried to read a chapter or two daily for many years (all through college and even some high school). I can't ever quite seem to want to read a scientific research paper (can't imagine why), but I commonly find time to read fiction novels. Anyway, here's the list including: title, author, and a brief review. Please enjoy.

The Devil You Know by Mike Carey
The story of an exorcist who gets caught up with a mobster during what should be a routine exorcism. An odd start, but the main character grew quickly on me to make for a good read. If you have difficulty buying into (or at least suspending belief on) ghosts and ghouls, then this isn't really the novel for you. A second novel with the main character has just been released.

Imperium by Robert Harris
A fictionalized account of the rise of Marcus Cicero as told by his aide, personal secretary, and slave Tiro. A very interesting tale about the politics of ancient Rome. There are certainly some parallels to modern politics which begs the question, how accurate a vision is this novel. Good for any historical fiction fans.

Crusade by Robyn Young
The second novel in a trilogy (first, Brethern and recently released Requiem). Note, you must read Brethren first, or you will be completely lost. An excellent period novel continuing the story of Will Campbell, a Templar Knight. No Da Vinci Code claims to get all upset over (not that I ever did), but solid characters and good development of the situations. Really looking forward to how the story ends in the final novel.

Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell
Very similar to the other Bernard Cornwell novels that I've read (the Saxon series). An interesting take on the society that built Stonehenge. Nothing groundbreaking, but a fun read nonetheless.

The Zero Game by Brad Meltzer
Best to describe this novel as a thriller. The death of a close friend sends our protagonist and a unwilling senate page on a life and death adventure. An easy read, but entertaining and a bit of a page turner.

Creepers by David Morrell
The author of Rambo brings us an adventure story about urban explorers. A group that takes a yearly trip to break into abandoned buildings enters the Paragon hotel, and it doesn't go as planned. I was expecting more supernatural type of book, but got a straightforward adventure novel. Not bad, but a very quick read.

The Curse of Cain by J. Mark Powell and L.D. Meagher
A historical fiction account of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. I really like the concept, but the execution left a little to be desired. The characters were relatively bland, and there weren't any real twists to the plot. If you like historical fiction, it is an ok read, but there are better novels out there.

Blasphemy by Douglas Preston
A solid book by one of my favorite authors. Blends science, philosophy, and religious fanaticism into a gripping novel. This novel can leave you thinking a little bit about what life, science, and religion should really be about. Also portrays the stupidity that apocalyptic Christianity can lead to.

The Black Sun by James Twining
A world-hopping, follow the clues type of adventure novel that predominates my reading. Good characters that set out to stop a re-imagined Nazi party. A good page-turner that tries to stay one step ahead of the reader.

The Treasure of Khan by Clive (and Dirk) Cussler
I'm cheating just a little bit. I'm only about 2/3 of the way through this novel at the time of this post. However, since I've read almost all of the Dirk Pitt novels I'm pretty sure I know how it's going to end. Thus far, it has been a by the numbers Dirk Pitt adventure, which means an enjoyable ride. The interplay between Pitt and Al Giordino really makes me wish they would make more Dirk Pitt movies (remember Sahara with Matthew McConaughey).

There you have it. The novels I've read since May. I'm still looking to pick up Sword Song (the next Saxon novel) by Bernard Cornwell and The Wheel of Darkness by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child (their latest Pendergast novel). I would imagine they are going to make a bargain bin appearance soon.

Until next time...keep reading

Entertainment Guide: Fall Movie Previews

Continuing with my entertainment guide theme, I now turn my eyes toward the future theatrical releases. I was tempted to go all the way through December, but opted to only do the Fall season (Sept and Oct). Mostly because between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, movie studios generally try to throw some heavy hitters in there...and that means a post all it's own. That's right stay tuned for the Holiday Movie Preview (likely to come sometime at the start of November). Here are the movies to be released in the near future that I think warrant a closer look, and maybe even a theater viewing. In chronological order...

September 12th - Righteous Kill
DeNiro and Pacino are partner detectives closing in on retirement. When a series vigilante murders begin, eerily similar to a case they worked years ago, they must find out if a copycat is out there, or if they were wrong the first time. Sounds interesting and could be an excellent cat-and-mouse type of cop movie.

September 26th - Eagle Eye
Shia LeBeouf and Michelle Monaghan star in this thriller. A mysterious person/group frames and then controls Shia LeBeouf's character. The trailer doesn't give too much away aside from that. Could be a solid, edge of your seat thrill ride.

October 3rd - Appaloosa
A Western starring Viggo Mortensen and Ed Harris as law for hire partners. When the town of Appaloosa looses all sense of order, Mortensen and Harris are brought in to restore it. The trailer had some great lines, and definitely pushed this movie up the list. My reservation was a line about a love interest in Zelleweger causing Mortensen and Harris to distrust each other...boo to stupid love triangles. Hopefully it's not enough to make the movie suck.

October 10th - The Express
Dennis Quaid stars in this feel-good sports movie about the first African American to win the Heisman in college football. I imagine this will feel a lot like Remember the Titans and Glory Road, but that's not a bad thing.

October 10th - Body of Lies
Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio star in this thriller. DiCaprio is a field agent for a US intelligence group (likely the CIA) and Crowe a higher ranking desk agent (plans the missions). Crowe appears to be the bad guy, and it becomes a cat-and-mouse game with Dicaprio. Potential to be very gripping and suspenseful.

October 10th - Quarantine
A Cloverfield style (ie handheld camera) film about a building that gets quarantined after an infectious outbreak of some kind. A reporter doing a night with the Fire Dept. piece goes along on the call. Then all hell breaks loose. Has a bit of a zombie movie look to it. Could be great...or could really suck. The biggest problem is knowing how it ends.

October 24th - Pride and Glory
Another cop movie, but this time more similar in appearance to We Own the Night. Two brothers (Norton and Farrell) are both cops, but when an investigation turns one of them up as being a dirty cop, it puts the family at odds. Norton typically gives strong performances and the set-up is intriguing enough.

October 24th - Saw V
The now perennial horror franchise returns. I'm guessing there are evil traps, dead bodies, and an attempt at a surprise ending. Saw I and II were good, III and IV struggled...here's hoping V gets back to where they started. Plus, this is a disturbing movie poster of somebody else wearing Jigsaw's face.

October 31 - RocknRolla
A Guy Ritchie film that promises to return to his cool movies (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch). Here's a review of the film, as it has been released in the UK already. From the review, it sounds like this will be a really enjoyable movie. Gerard Butler and Tom Wilkinson star.

There you have it. A series of movies to keep you eyes open for in the coming months. I might make it to the theaters to see a couple of these, but most will probably wait for DVD for my viewing.

Until next time...stay frosty