[scifinoir2] Darkest of Star Wars dark lords get his day in the sun
http://www.jsonline.com/onwisconsin/movies/may05/327099.asp Darkest of 'Star Wars' dark lords gets his day in the sun By BOB LONGINO Atlanta Journal-Constitution Posted: May 19, 2005 Skywalker Ranch, Calif. - More than 20 years after Scottish actor Ian McDiarmid first donned the dark threads of Emperor Palpatine as ruler of Star Wars' evil Empire, the robe's back on. 53727'Star Wars' And in Revenge of the Sith, the final installment in George Lucas' Star Wars saga that opened worldwide this week, the dark lord is finally having his day in the sun. Palpatine gets to wield a lightsaber, slicing his way through a mélange of Jedi knights. He uses that hellish lightning-from-the-fingertips moxie he's got in a blistering, senate chamber-smashing duel with Yoda. And he gets to order around Anakin Skywalker, compelling him to do evil deeds with simple commands, like Kill him. If Darth Vader is the baddest guy in the universe, what does that make him? It makes me beyond that, said McDiarmid, a veteran stage and TV actor with limited big-screen appearances. Blackest of the black. Darkest of the dark. But, unfortunately, still recognizably human. McDiarmid was 38 when fans first saw him as the creepy, disfigured emperor when The Return of the Jedi was released in 1983. Now he's 60 and actually much closer in age to the character he's played in four Star Wars films. From Shakespeare to Sith McDiarmid has progressed from senator to supreme chancellor to, now, the man who would be emperor. For a dozen years, McDiarmid was joint artistic director of the Almeida Theatre in north London. He's performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Court. He's played Edward II, Henry IV and Prospero in The Tempest. He's had small parts on the big screen in Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow, Gorky Park and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. His left profile, emphasizing a weak chin, slightly pointed nose and a splash of swept-back gray hair, is the spitting image of the notorious Mr. Burns of The Simpsons. The whole of 'The Simpsons' (seems to be) obsessed with 'Star Wars,' McDiarmid said. He doesn't know if Palpatine was in Matt Groening's mind, the actor added, but I wouldn't be surprised. Lucas hadn't seen McDiarmid's work on stage, but a casting director did, in the small, upstairs theater at the Royal Court at the dawn of the '80s. It was Sam Shepard's play, 'Seduced,' in which I played the aging - well, his version of the aging - Howard Hughes with the long hair and the fingernails, motionless in bed, McDiarmid recalled. His performance struck the right notes: paranoia, confidence, arrogance, obsessiveness. Later, McDiarmid was called to lunch with Lucas. Even when I got back (home), I didn't know why we had been speaking, though I imagined it had something to do with 'Star Wars,' he said. His agent phoned. Obviously it went well because you got the part, the agent said. I said, 'What part?' The agent leafed through his papers, searching for the role, and then uttered four words - emperor of the universe. 'We'll be doing that then,' I said. And that's how it started. Creating a villain Once McDiarmid saw the ghastly prosthetics planned for the emperor's face - the reason behind his metamorphosis from the normal-looking supreme chancellor to the hideous emperor is illustrated in Sith - he conjured up the character's distinctive, cackling voice. Oh, he's like a toad, McDiarmid said. He's a terrible reptile. I thought his voice should come from the dark depths. From the bowels of the Earth or the bowels of his being. . . . And the voice just sort of arrived. Sith provides McDiarmid with the most screen time he's had yet. High praise His co-star, Hayden Christensen, who plays Anakin/Darth Vader, said McDiarmid took advantage of the moment. He steals the show, Christensen said. I think so much of why this film works is from his performance. He makes choices I don't know that I could really muster the courage to make. And he pulls it off, Christensen added. You can see the process in his eyes. And between scenes, you see him doing that same sort of obsessive, constant analysis of things. He doesn't go anywhere. He just sort of stays on set, pacing back and forth. McDiarmid reluctantly admits that, despite all his years on the stage, he'll be best remembered for his work in Star Wars. If you make movies, your face and your performance is there forever more, and if you are involved in a big movie - the biggest movie of all time - then it's obviously going to be there, McDiarmid said. And it does give me pause. But it's not all that I do. And I haven't, I hope, got it out of proportion. That would be the only problem. Besides, he's not at all impressed with having his face on a Star Wars action figure. I think it's a bigger thing for Hayden than it's been for me. Those little figures or whatever it is. The T-shirts. It's been a very, very strange thing indeed.
[scifinoir2] Austin Marquee Today
I spotted this on a building down town: Sith Happens I thought it was hilarious. My girlfriend didnt get it. When worlds collide all over again. Bosco I got friends who are in prison and Friends who are dead. I'm gonna tell ya something that I've often said. You know these things that happen, That's just the way it's supposed to be. And I can't help but wonder, Don't ya know it coulda been me. Discover Yahoo! Find restaurants, movies, travel and more fun for the weekend. Check it out! http://discover.yahoo.com/weekend.html Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease? Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts! http://us.click.yahoo.com/rkgkPB/UOnJAA/Zx0JAA/LRMolB/TM ~- Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[scifinoir2] 'Star Wars' Grosses $16.5M in Midnight Run
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FILM_STAR_WARS_BOX_OFFICE?SITE=WIMILSECTION=HOME May 20, 10:04 AM EDT 'Star Wars' Grosses $16.5M in Midnight Run LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Moviegoers flocked to the dark side in droves, giving the final installment of George Lucas' Star Wars tale a record-breaking midnight run. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith raked in an estimated $16.5 million from 2,900 midnight screenings Thursday, according to box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. That's double what the Oscar-winning film The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King took in during its midnight showings in 2003. The third film from director Peter Jackson's trilogy rang up about $8 million domestically from 2,100 midnight shows. This is extremely impressive, said Paul Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations. It just says so much about how excited people are to see this film that they lined up at midnight and just got on board and went along for the ride. After the midnight debut, Revenge of the Sith widened to 3,661 theaters for daytime and evening screenings. The studio, 20th Century Fox, said box-office results for the first full day would be available Friday. Tickets for the film went on sale last month. Soon after, legions of fans began lining up at theaters across the country, many dressed in full Star Wars regalia and sporting Jedi light sabers. The final chapter in Lucas' six-film saga chronicles Anakin Skywalker's transformation from hero to villain Darth Vader. The film may be the darkest chapter in the Star Wars story, featuring more violence and a story line showing how a democratic government turns into a despotic regime. Revenge of the Sith is the first Star Wars film to earn a PG-13 rating. The first five films were rated PG. Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- What would our lives be like without music, dance, and theater? Donate or volunteer in the arts today at Network for Good! http://us.click.yahoo.com/pkgkPB/SOnJAA/Zx0JAA/LRMolB/TM ~- Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[scifinoir2] Get to know your friends and neighbors
http://www.mugshots.com/Criminal/Killers/Kelly+Wright.htm Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- In low income neighborhoods, 84% do not own computers. At Network for Good, help bridge the Digital Divide! http://us.click.yahoo.com/S.QlOD/3MnJAA/Zx0JAA/LRMolB/TM ~- Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[scifinoir2] Grey's Anatomy
I have not watched this show as much as I may have wanted to. I did connect with it immediately-relating to the star's plight instantly or at least the aspect of having to live up to her mother's reputation. I was disappointed that the Black woman was one of the typical stereotypes. The Mutt and Jeff thing that happens with Her and Isiah Washington's character and the interns gets old. As for ER, they have had people of color in the cast on the show for 11 years. With the departure of Noah Wyle, they will be the senior members of the cast in terms of longevity unless they get the chop. However, ER has never done any episodes that focused on the nurses unless they were the love interest of one of the doctors and that means that said nurse is usually white. Even Donal Logue, who was a walk on, managed to garner a recurring role as a flight nurse by being romantically involved with Dr. Lewis gets more screen time and story arc than Haleh, Chuny, Malik and the gang. Sure they had Peter Benton, Deb (Ching Mei) Chen, Jean Boulet, CCH Pounder's character, Michael Michele's character, Dr. Gallant, Dr. Pratt and Neela. So what. Some of them had their moments. Others were a footnote. All were in when they needed to cave to diversity pressure. I inadvertantly taped the episode when Pratt and Gallant were picked up by the picked for driving while Black. I dubbed that the Black History Month episode since if came along for February sweeps. I honestly hate Dr. Pratt. He is another stereotype. I liked Gallant better and felt that he got short schriff when Pratt came on. Apparently, Michael Michelle's character was the only Black woman doctor they could find in Chicago. Lynne Adams' nurse (the one that rubbed Carol the wrong way at her clinic and who ended up with the clinic after Carol again did something stupid because of Doug) just faded away. Back to Grey's Anatomy. It is good that they are doing more but just like with Star Trek and Star Wars, I will really get excited when they have a Black woman main character (in this case it would be doctor) who is interesting and not in crisis or a drill sergeant (although I don't mind that so much as that usually is all there is) and who gets interesting storylines and who is not Halle Berry or Thandie Newton (as much as I do like her.) I'm not going there to die. I just need to know if I was ever really alive. - Spike (Cowboy Bebop) Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Has someone you know been affected by illness or disease? Network for Good is THE place to support health awareness efforts! http://us.click.yahoo.com/rkgkPB/UOnJAA/Zx0JAA/LRMolB/TM ~- Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[scifinoir2] Fw: Network Viewers Still in the Dark on Smoking Gun Memo
[EMAIL PROTECTED] Please take action and pass this on. Word about this critical story must get out there! FAIR-L Fairness Accuracy In Reporting Media analysis, critiques and activism http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=2520 ACTION ALERT: Network Viewers Still in the Dark on Smoking Gun Memo Print media continue to downplay story May 20, 2005 Following FAIR's call for more mainstream coverage of the smoking gun memo--the secret British document containing new evidence that the Bush administration manipulated intelligence to justify its plan to invade Iraq--a steady trickle of news reports have appeared. But that coverage has been downplayed in general and is still completely absent from the nightly news. The Los Angeles Times published a page 3 story on the memo on May 12, and the Washington Post ran a page 18 story the following day. More than two weeks after the story broke in the Sunday Times of London (5/1/05), it finally made the front page of a major U.S. newspaper, the Chicago Tribune (5/17/05). After referring to the memo (5/2/05) in a story on the British electoral campaign, the New York Times failed to report on the document's implications about the Bush administration until today (5/20/05); the one-column story didn't mention the manipulation of intelligence until the eighth paragraph. (Times columnist Paul Krugman also discussed the memo on the paper's opinion page on May 16.) The Washington Post's ombudsman, Michael Getler, who the previous week (5/8/05) had mentioned reader complaints about the Post's lack of memo coverage without evaluating their substance, revisited the issue with a much more critical eye in his most recent column (5/15/05). (The ombud gave back-handed credit to FAIR and the group Media Matters for America--both self-described media watchdog organizations--for prompting him to delve into the story.) Getler wrote that Post editors initially told him they didn't pursue the story because they were tied up with election coverage--this despite the fact that the leaked memo became a major election story in Britain and likely contributed to Tony Blair's weak returns. When he questioned them again after the email campaign, Getler wrote, editors agreed that this story should be covered and said they were going to go back and do that; the Post's May 13 story followed. Getler called investigation of the memo's conclusions journalistically mandatory and suggested that the Post story should have been placed on the front page. While the memo has begun to get wider coverage in print, broadcasters have maintained a near silence on the issue. The story has turned up in a few short CNN segments (Crossfire, 5/13/05; Live Sunday, 5/15/05; Wolf Blitzer Reports, 5/16/05), but the only mention of the memo FAIR found on the major broadcast networks came on ABC's Sunday morning show This Week (5/15/05), in which host George Stephanopoulos questioned Sen. John McCain about its contents. When McCain declared that he didn't agree with it and defended the Bush administration's decision to go to war, Stephanopoulos didn't question him further. A look at the nightly news reveals not a single story aired about the memo and its implications. When finally questioned by CNN (5/16/05), White House press secretary Scott McClellan claimed he hadn't seen the memo, but that the reports about it were flat-out wrong. British government officials, however, did not dispute the contents of the memo--which can be read in full online at http://downingstreetmemo.com/ --and a former senior American official called it an absolutely accurate description of what transpired (Knight Ridder, 5/6/05). The Chicago Tribune (5/17/05) named several factors that had caused a less than robust discussion of the smoking gun memo: Aside from the White House's denials, and the media's slow reaction, the paper asserted that the public generally seems indifferent to the issue or unwilling to rehash the bitter prewar debate over the reasons for the war. Of course, it's hard to judge the public's interest in a story the media have largely shielded them from. ACTION: Please contact the nightly news programs and ask them to investigate and report on the new evidence that the Bush administration manipulated intelligence to support its plan to invade Iraq. CONTACT: ABC World News Tonight Phone: 212-456-4040 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] CBS Evening News Phone: 212-975-3691 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] NBC Nightly News Phone: 212-664-4971 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer Phone: 703-739-5000 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] As always, please remember that your comments have more impact if you maintain a polite tone. -- Your donation to FAIR makes a difference: http://www.fair.org/index.php?page=103 SUBSCRIBE TO EXTRA! AND GET FAIR'S NEW BOOK FOR FREE: The Oh Really? Factor
[scifinoir2] Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith mirrors reality
Most contemporary American policitians and journalists have grown up in a sanitised 'PC era' where such forcefulness is usually mistakenly interpreted as a personal attack. Yet in my view Galloway's testimony contains not a single truly aggressive phrase or ugly clause. http://webdiary.smh.com.au/archives/jack_robertson/001038.html Indeed, we've reached a point where most find the truth an insult. They can't distinguish the two. Such an atmosphere fosters lies, and weak character. Galloway's proper scolding of Coleman, Hitchens, et al had nothing to do with PC. It had everything to do with testicular fortitude and speaking truth to power and not giving a phuque about the consequences. (cause there won't be any) The quoted interpretation of PC is kind of sloppy, actually as label shorthand, profoundly sloppy, because the language of political correctness has not been an impediment to speaking truth to power, merely an impediment used by those minorities seeking social justice and civil rights to keep from having their interests and points of view from being unconsciously trampled at every occasion. None of the folks who have asserted their existence in this regard have any real power that is an impediment to freedoms. The association of lesbigay chicanas at Berkley has never been, nor will it ever be a threat to civil liberties, unless you have an overpowering urge to run around barking about wetback dykes and otherwise imposing yourself on their sensibilities. OTOH, true civil libertarians who don't get their principles inadvertently bunged up with southern strategy bigotry, are also beginning to see the nature of the predicament. In fact, on a well run private libertarian list I frequent with edumicated folks, the surprise du jour from yonder where PC is understood as distinct from speaking truth to power was the alex jones article that just came up about Revenge of the Sith. Having seen the movie y'day morning in a megaauditorium packed to the rafters with multigenerational nerdage, I'd say that Lucas has pulled his own image based and liminal version of a Galloway and has the power and the wealth to not have to give phuque and be certain that there will be no personal consequences for having done so. XM Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith mirrors reality I wanted to forward this fresh post taken from a private libertarian list, but I also wanted to copy it to an existing AF thread..., so copied in whole - replete with characteristic gun zealotry at the end by its author N. Liebold. XM www.Infowars.comhttp://www.infowars.com/ | May 18, 2005 Alex Jones The Star Wars story has had, without a question, the greatest impact on popular culture of any movie in world history. We will now explore why it has resonated so strongly with so many people across generations. At last, the mainstream media is picking up on something we've been talking about for years. The plot lines of George Lucas' six Star Wars films mirror, in many respects, the activities of western governments. George Lucas, the creator of the Star Wars saga, has said over and over again that he simply plays on subconscious archetypal symbols that evoke primeval fears and passions. Lucas has also stated on many occasions that he draws from historical examples of imperial leaders' lust for war and total power. Lucas has said that that is why his films have such a powerful effect of people. Deep down, everyone knows that the greatest threat to life and liberty isn't the average criminal on the street, but the monolithic, all-powerful state. The human desire to resist tyranny is one of the strongest drives we have and Lucas plays upon that instinct masterfully. While premiering his film, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, at the Cannes Film Festival George Lucas was asked if his new film was a social commentary on George Bush and the Iraq invasion (which even our own government admits is part of America's new kindly, helpful and loving imperialism). How can they not ask this when Darth Vader says to his former teacher Obi-Wan Kenobi, if you're not with me, then you're my enemy. Remember that Lord Bush, after the 9/11 attacks said, either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists. He continued by saying, The issue was, how does a democracy turn itself into a dictatorship...When I wrote it, Iraq (the U.S.-led war) didn't exist.. but the parallels of what we did in Vietnam and Iraq are un believable ...I didn't think it was going to get this close. Speaking about present day America he said, I hope this doesn't come true in our country. There are thousands of examples of classical despotism being practiced in the US and worldwide today. Here are just a couple: - Our new Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales, in published memos told the President and military leaders that US forces could interrogate detainees to death. If the detainees died while being tortured, the military's actions would be legal as long as they
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: What happened to Grey's Anatomy?
Good point. That's why I was asking for an opinion, because I'd quit watching. Still think Homicide had the most realized Blacks on TV in a coon's age... -Original Message- From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Tracey de Morsella (formerly Tracey L. Minor) Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 09:20 To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: What happened to Grey's Anatomy? I Like Washington, and see this role as an opportunity for him. But... that could be lust talking. :) Stealth diversity.. I like that term. I do not necessarily have a problem with stealth diversity.. For many artists of color, it might be the only way to get high profile, break out roles. the same for many producers, writers and directors of color. I've seen the shows with true diversity last only 6 six and bottom of the list ratings. In the long run it does not do much good. If Grey Anatomy becomes an ER, (which seems extremely likely) Washington, that Black actress, and the Asian actress might find themselves with stable employment with a high profile role that actually requires them to act, allows them to take some of the offers of movies that they now will get, enough money to produce their own stuff if they want, and also will present them with opportunities for other juicy parts. If you look at the career paths of Omar Epps, Eriq La Salle , Ming-Na and maybe a few other ER alumni of color, ER may have contributed to some milestones in their careers. I think being on a top 10 show, in a part where you are not playing some stereotype could definitely do some positive things for an actor's career. So, while I have a few criticisms and reservations about Grey's Anatomy, I am glad in is thriving. Tracey -Original Message- From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 12:10 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: What happened to Grey's Anatomy? From your response and Tracey's, I guess ABC's pullling stealth diversity, using white-oriented marketing to pull in the mainstream. Like I said ,all the commercials focus on the whites. And I'm still troubled by magazine and other media coverage like TV Guide, which completely ignores the Blacks. Isaiah Washington's a good actor, but something about him often seemed to get him villain roles. He was a villain in Romeo Must Die, and a couple other films I saw. I saw him in an interesting movie a few years back with Mirando Otto (Eowen from Lord of the Rings), where he falls in love with a white South African played by Otto. He was a villain in Exit Wounds too. But Washington's done a lot of work, almost 40 films! Could we be looking at another Sam Jackson? check out his filmography: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0913460/ Also, I have to give him my props, as he's a fellow Texan! -Original Message- From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kelly Wright Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2005 22:07 To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: What happened to Grey's Anatomy? I like Grey's Anatomy, it is a perfect companion to Desparate Housewives but if I miss either, it is not a tragedy. When the show first came on I mentioned the 'bizarro world' aspect of it --where the blacks were ostensibly in charge and were, in essence, oppressing the downtrodden white characters. I am sure the show's creators had to make many compromises. For instance, one of the four interns was supposed to be a black man but I guess that was too much diversity for the suits that run ABC. Television is a cruel master and an incredibly difficult place for a person of color to get a foothold. There has been much to do about Everybody loves Raymond coming to a conclusion after nine seasons. One of the hubbubs when the show was getting off the ground was that they didn't want Italian Ray Barone's wife to be too ethnic. By that Les Moonves (who is married to an Asian woman as is Rupert Murdock)didn't want Ray's wife to be Italian or Jewish. They originally wanted someone like Meredith Baxter Birney. If Ray Romano can't get an Italian wife in a show based on his life on a show he co-created and co-executive produces, what chance does a black show producer have? That said, let me say I thoroughly enjoyed the episode of Grey's Anatomy where Anna Maria Horsford played an old scrub nurse who was dying and even though her illness was terminal and the hospital could do nothing to save her the administration was letting her stay until she died. This episode showed the humanity of all the black totems and taught the callow young white interns something about caring and community. As an aside, I have never been an Isaiah Washington fan. I loathe almost every character I have seen him play including his debut in Spike Lee's Girl 6 where despite substantial screen time he is credited simply as the Shoplifter. But I saw him
[scifinoir2] Fw: Democracy, this is it.
[EMAIL PROTECTED] We need your help organizing round-the-clock, 24-hour Citizen Filibusters to Stop the Right-Wing Power Grab. Help send a message that senators should do the right thing and stand up to Republican Leader Bill Frist's abuse of power. We're kicking off the citizen filibusters on Tuesday, May 24 at 12 Noon. You can schedule one in your community with other MoveOn members and help send a message about the abuse of power by Republican leaders in Washington. I know we've sent you lots of emails asking you to act in the last few weeks, as we've geared up to prevent the impending Republican judicial takeover. Now we're pretty much down to the wire, with the vote on the "nuclear option" to pack the courts with radical judges coming in the next few days, and thought to be too close call. So we really are pulling out all the stops, and I have one big request: as a final attempt to sound the alarm about Republicans' plans, we're organizing 24-hour "Citizen Filibusters" in front of courthouses from coast to coast. Will you post a location, and call the media, so other MoveOn members in your area can join you for this critical action? http://www.moveonpac.org/event/citizenfilibusters/?id=5547-1346069-Yt8vudy0lD.Y6ZwRisXx7gt=3 If Republicans succeed, they'll have complete power to reshape the Supreme Court, appointing justices who oppose worker protections, women's rights, and environmental laws. This could be the most important decision the Senate makes this decade, because the impact of these lifetime appointments will be felt for a generation. The round-the-clock citizen filibusters begin nationwide on Tuesday, May 24 starting at 12 Noon. Will you help? Please click below to get started. If you can't sign up as a host look for an event in your community that you could attend. All we really need is for you to select a location if there isn't one setup in your community. http://www.moveonpac.org/event/citizenfilibusters/?id=5547-1346069-Yt8vudy0lD.Y6ZwRisXx7gt=4 We'll provide a detailed guide to help you organize and invite other MoveOn members to participate as citizen filibusterers. The citizen filibusters will simulate the Senate filibuster that has been a critical part of our democratic system of checks and balances for more than 200 years. We're following an inspiring example. At 11:00 a.m. on April 26, a group of students at Princeton University in New Jersey started a round-the-clock mock filibuster outside a campus building named for the family of Senator Frist. Through rain, exams and the dead of night their speeches continued for more than two weeks non-stop with visits by distinguished professors including a Nobel Prize-winning physicist, congressmen, senators and lots of students Democrats, Republicans and Independents. The citizen filibusters are an important way to demonstrate broad opposition to the Republican drive for absolute power. Organizing a citizen filibuster might sound like a lot of work but we've got all the information you need. All you really need to do is post a location. We'll invite other MoveOn members in your area to join in. Then, if possible, you alert the media or ask one of your attendees to do it. We know you might have to take off work, school or find child care but this is one of those moments when we really need your help. Please make a commitment to organize a 24-hour citizen filibuster now. http://www.moveonpac.org/event/citizenfilibusters/?id=5547-1346069-Yt8vudy0lD.Y6ZwRisXx7gt=5 The Senate is currently debating the nominations of two judges Janice Rogers Brown and Priscilla Owen. Here is a summary of how bad they are and why it is important that they don't become judges. Janice Rogers Brown, a Justice on the California Supreme Court, would threaten the most basic protections for workers and the environment that have kept our country strong since the Great Depression. She follows a radical judicial philosophy, (often called "Constitution in Exile") that says courts have a duty to block Congress from interfering with a corporation's "right" to profitably pollute, or an employer's "right" to demand unlimited hours at any wage from their employees. On the state Supreme Court she has attacked California's anti-discrimination statute, affordable housing laws, fees levied against major urban polluters, and laws that protects whistleblowers from retaliation by their employers and consumers from corporate fraud. Pricilla Owen, a Justice on the Texas Supreme Court, has been repeatedly admonished by her own conservative colleagues for what Attorney General Alberto Gonzales described as her "unconscionable judicial activism." As a candidate for the Supreme Court job Owen defied ethics standards by accepting substantial campaign contributions from giant corporations including Enron and Halliburton and then later issuing rulings in their favor. In
RE: [scifinoir2] Darkest of Star Wars dark lords get his day in the sun
Title: Message After seeing "Sith" today, I just *knew* it had to be the same actor. how awesome it is the same guy playing the Emperor in all the movies! What a strange two-edged sword it must be for actors, to get recognized most for what may be your least challenging or complex work. Or to be typecast by a role you loved, but want to put behind you. George Reeves, Leonard Nimoy and others have had that struggle.But hey, if it pays the bills--more than pays them, I imagine--it can allow you the freedom to do all those plays and stuff. At least McDiarmid seems to have a good attitude. I know the late Alec Guiness came to despise the fact that he'd be most rememebered as Obi Wan. I remember reading an interview where he was faintly contemptuous of his fans, whom he felt were odd and needed to get real lives. That was sad. -Original Message-From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kelly WrightSent: Friday, May 20, 2005 10:07To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.comSubject: [scifinoir2] Darkest of "Star Wars" dark lords get his day in the sunhttp://www.jsonline.com/onwisconsin/movies/may05/327099.aspDarkest of 'Star Wars' dark lords gets his day in the sunBy BOB LONGINOAtlanta Journal-ConstitutionPosted: May 19, 2005Skywalker Ranch, Calif. - More than 20 years after Scottish actor IanMcDiarmid first donned the dark threads of Emperor Palpatine as rulerof "Star Wars' " evil Empire, the robe's back on.53727'Star Wars'And in "Revenge of the Sith," the final installment in George Lucas'"Star Wars" saga that opened worldwide this week, the dark lord isfinally having his day in the sun.Palpatine gets to wield a lightsaber, slicing his way through amélange of Jedi knights.He uses that hellish lightning-from-the-fingertips moxie he's got in ablistering, senate chamber-smashing duel with Yoda. And he gets toorder around Anakin Skywalker, compelling him to do evil deeds withsimple commands, like "Kill him."If Darth Vader is the baddest guy in the universe, what does that makehim?"It makes me beyond that," said McDiarmid, a veteran stage and TVactor with limited big-screen appearances. "Blackest of the black.Darkest of the dark. But, unfortunately, still recognizably human."McDiarmid was 38 when fans first saw him as the creepy, disfiguredemperor when "The Return of the Jedi" was released in 1983.Now he's 60 and actually much closer in age to the character he'splayed in four "Star Wars" films.From Shakespeare to SithMcDiarmid has progressed from senator to supreme chancellor to, now,the man who would be emperor.For a dozen years, McDiarmid was joint artistic director of theAlmeida Theatre in north London. He's performed with the RoyalShakespeare Company, the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Court.He's played Edward II, Henry IV and Prospero in "The Tempest." He'shad small parts on the big screen in Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow,""Gorky Park" and "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."His left profile, emphasizing a weak chin, slightly pointed nose and asplash of swept-back gray hair, is the spitting image of the notoriousMr. Burns of "The Simpsons.""The whole of 'The Simpsons' (seems to be) obsessed with 'Star Wars,'" McDiarmid said.He doesn't know if Palpatine was in Matt Groening's mind, the actoradded, "but I wouldn't be surprised."Lucas hadn't seen McDiarmid's work on stage, but a casting directordid, in the small, upstairs theater at the Royal Court at the dawn ofthe '80s."It was Sam Shepard's play, 'Seduced,' in which I played the aging -well, his version of the aging - Howard Hughes with the long hair andthe fingernails, motionless in bed," McDiarmid recalled.His performance struck the right notes: paranoia, confidence,arrogance, obsessiveness.Later, McDiarmid was called to lunch with Lucas."Even when I got back (home), I didn't know why we had been speaking,though I imagined it had something to do with 'Star Wars,' " he said.His agent phoned.Obviously it went well because you got the part, the agent said."I said, 'What part?' "The agent leafed through his papers, searching for the role, and thenuttered four words - emperor of the universe." 'We'll be doing that then,' I said. And that's how it started."Creating a villainOnce McDiarmid saw the ghastly prosthetics planned for the emperor'sface - the reason behind his metamorphosis from the normal-lookingsupreme chancellor to the hideous emperor is illustrated in "Sith" -he conjured up the character's distinctive, cackling voice."Oh, he's like a toad," McDiarmid said. "He's a terrible reptile. Ithought his voice should come from the dark depths. From the bowels ofthe Earth or the bowels of his being. . . ."And the voice just sort of arrived.""Sith" provides McDiarmid with the most screen time he's had yet.High praiseHis co-star, Hayden Christensen,
[scifinoir2] Scorpius is in Sith!
Title: Message Kelly, from your post about the blue-faced dude in "Sith": A Peter Cushing look-alike. At the end of the film, there's an actor who bears a strong resemblance to the late actor who played Grand Moff Tarkin, one of the villains in the first "Star Wars" movie. Guess what, that actor is played by Wayne Pygram, "Scorpius" from Farscape! Also in the movie is Keisha Castle-Hughes of "Whale Rider" fame. I guess the movie was shot in Australia in part, as both actors are natives. Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
RE: [scifinoir2] Kelsey Grammer to play Beast in X-Men 3
Title: Message Huh?? Grammer as Hank Mccoy? Why? Didn't they already have a quick shot of another actor playing McCoy in "X2"? Also, isn't Grammer a little old and frankly out-of-shape to play the superstrong, super-athletic Beast? He may have the intelligent bearing and diction, but I just can't see Frasier Crane literally bouncing off the walls! On another note, I'm surprised they're thinking of Maggie Grace to play Kitty Pryde. Pryde is Jewish, Grace doesn't appear to be. -Original Message-From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kelly WrightSent: Friday, May 20, 2005 10:48To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.comSubject: [scifinoir2] Kelsey Grammer to play Beast in X-Men 3http://news.yahoo.com/s/eo/20050520/en_movies_eo/16596Kelsey Grammer has been tapped to play Beast--the super-intelligentblue behemoth, in the forthcoming X-Men 3, according to Variety.He'll be joined by two other new X-Men recruits, Kitty Pryde, akaShadowcat, who can pass through walls (Lost's Maggie Grace is reportedto be the top candidate), and the winged Angel.They'll square off against another evil mutant, the metal-clad giantJuggernaut, to be played by Vinnie Jones (Snatch, Lock, Stock and TwoSmoking Barrels).British director Matthew Vaughn is taking over behind the camera fromBryan Singer (who is helming the new Superman). X-Men 3 is slated tohit theaters over Memorial Day 2006. __The Black Prince. The Black Church. A State of Mind.http://www.theworldebon.com Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
RE: [scifinoir2] What happened to Grey's Anatomy?
Title: Message I said I didn't watch it anymore, because the Blacks weren't getting good treatment. That's why I posted, to see if I was missing something worth coming back to. And from what y'all say maybe so. As for the "nurse", yeah, she's an intern. Typo on my part. I mentioned that scene not to criticize it, but because it was a powerful moment that I happened to catch, but I haven't "happened" to catch equally powerful moments with the Black actors. (though truth be told, there's not a Sister on there with a body like that.Whoo-hoo!!!) In other words, in the three or four episodes I watched fully, and in the few pieces of episodes I've caught, and in the trailers, the Blacks haven't been front-and-center. So I assumed my random sampling reflected the overall tone of the show. Maybe I'll give it a chance again... -Original Message-From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Leslee FreemanSent: Friday, May 20, 2005 12:23To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.comSubject: Re: [scifinoir2] What happened to "Grey's Anatomy"? You cannot even be watching this show :)The buxom nurse isn't a nurse, she is an intern with all the rest. She stripped because she got sick of everyone flipping out because she used to be a Victoria's Secret-type model, so she did it to shut them up. Sort of like, ok, now I'm naked, you'veall seen it first hand, so shut up about it. On the previews it lookedcheesy, but it made sense in the context of the episode.The Asian nurse is having an affair with the younger of the black doctors, and their story is one of the main sublines, second only to the star's romance. We see how he relates to how she used to be, and that is what drew him to her, Of course, the fact that she IS like he used to be is giving them major problems. We are starting to see layers of the evil black nurse. She is a typical mentor type, but not just stereotypical black woman evil anymore. It is not perfect, and may not be your cup of tea, but it is far, FAR better than most shows portraying minorities on TV. But then, my expectation is much lower. I have accepted that until we create shows on TV1 and BET, we will not have the type of roles we can truly relate to. This is our own damn fault, you know, so I enjoy shows based on whether or not I like the story now. - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, May 19, 2005 12:08 PM Subject: [scifinoir2] What happened to "Grey's Anatomy"? I tuned into this show because I'd heard a Sister was the creator and main writer. She spoke at length with Tavis Smiley aboutthe diverse cast (three Blacks and an Asian) and how the stories often center around guests of color. That may be true, but I haven't seen anything that really differentiates this from other shows I've seen that focus on the whites. The star's in a love affair with the doc played by Patrick Dempsey, the buxom nurse (who used to be on Roswell) has gotten some storylines, including one that had her stripping to her underwear in front of her co-workers. The Asian nurse is apparently pregnant. Frankly I quit watching after two episodes because nothing convinced me the Blacks would get major treatment. From what I can tell they're more like window dressing to the white characters. I notice that among the Blacks we have what are becoming familiar caricatures: the older doctor who ostensibly runs the place. But like Fancy on NYPD Blue, it remindsme of the device where you create a leader who's Black, then push him to the background...a mean doc who's shepherding the newbies. She comes onscreen, barks at the youngsters, then stalks off...and Isiah Washington's arrogant, self-centered genius, who reminds me ofEric LaSalle's character on "ER". He gets a few lines where he helps himself by being a real human to his charges, then off he goes. They all seem to do little more than provide plot points for the scared doctors to be, yet have little in the way of fully fleshed out roles themselves. Maybe I'm wrong, but I just feel the hoped-for strong usage of the people of color isn't materializing. This seems to be borne out by all the coverage I've seen: not one commercial on TV shows the Black actors, instead focusing almost exclusively on the star and her lover, with a little bit of coverage given to the other non-Blacks. TV Guide recently did an article on the show that included a two-page spread of photos of the "stars that make it hot". Not *one* of the Blacks was pictured! Am I off base? Are the Blacks used effectively? Do the guest stars consist of people of color with strong roles? Anyone watching this? Yahoo!
Re: [scifinoir2] Samurai Champloo -- hip hop anime?
I caught it last Saturday at the first airing, and I'm almost as hooked on it as I was on "Bebop". My only reservation IS the hip-hop flavor of it, which I suppose I'm just too old to fully appreciate. I will watch it, though.Nora [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Saw the first episode of this anime last night on Adult Swim, and I wonderedif anyone else had checked it out. It's by the same people who did CowboyBebop, but with a rap (specifically old school "scratch" stuff) instead of ajazz influence this time. It has bolder lines than you see in most anime,and a more stylized look that reminds me of graffiti art I've seen in NewYork. One of the characters uses a fighting style that looks like a crossbetween break dancing and capoeira (although it's also clearly designed forthe sword). Even the bits of writing that you see here and there has ahip-hop feel; the Japanese is written in 80s graffiti style. Here's anolder article about it which touches on the hip-hop bits of the anime:http://www.fpsmagazine.com/review/041209champloo.shtmlNora"Excuse me while I whip this out."Cleavon Little , "Blazing Saddles" Yahoo! Mail Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[scifinoir2] NYTimes.com: America's Nurse
Title: E-Mail This This page was sent to you by: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I rather like this idea! OPINION | May 20, 2005 Op-Ed Contributor: Americas Nurse By TERI MILLS Its time to dethrone the surgeon general and appoint a National Nurse. 1. Op-Ed Columnist: The Chinese Connection 2. In U.S. Report, Brutal Details of 2 Afghan Inmates Deaths 3. Op-Ed Contributor: Americas Nurse 4. Op-Ed Columnist: The Best P.R.: Straight Talk 5. A Critic Takes On the Logic of Female Orgasm Go to Complete List Copyright 2005 The New York Times Company | Privacy Policy Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[scifinoir2] NYTimes.com: The Best P.R.: Straight Talk
Title: E-Mail This This page was sent to you by: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Wise words. OPINION | May 20, 2005 Op-Ed Columnist: The Best P.R.: Straight Talk By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN The greatest respect we can show to Arabs and Muslims is to take them seriously and stop gazing at our own navels. 1. Op-Ed Columnist: The Chinese Connection 2. In U.S. Report, Brutal Details of 2 Afghan Inmates Deaths 3. Op-Ed Contributor: Americas Nurse 4. Op-Ed Columnist: The Best P.R.: Straight Talk 5. A Critic Takes On the Logic of Female Orgasm Go to Complete List Copyright 2005 The New York Times Company | Privacy Policy Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
RE: [scifinoir2] Scientists Warn Against Weaponizing Space
Title: Message Hell, I guess we need Gary Seven to drop an orbital nuclear weapon on China, blowing it up at the last moment! Think we'll get the message then? -Original Message-From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brent WodehouseSent: Friday, May 20, 2005 19:29To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.comSubject: [scifinoir2] Scientists Warn Against Weaponizing Spacehttp://www.space.com/news/ap_050520_space_weapons.htmlScientists Warn Against Weaponizing SpaceBy Nick WadhamsAssociated Pressposted: 20 May 2005UNITED NATIONS (AP) - A scientists' group on Thursday warned the UnitedStates against weaponizing space, saying the move would be prohibitivelyexpensive and could set off a new arms race.The Union of Concerned Scientists, a watchdog group that opposes weaponsin space, said the United Nations should consider drafting a treaty thatwould prohibit interfering with unarmed satellites, taking away anyjustification for putting weapons in space to protect them."The United States has a huge lead in the space field - it can afford totry out the multilateral approach,'' said Jonathan Dean, a former U.S.ambassador and an adviser on global security issues.The Union's demand comes as the administration of President Bush isreviewing the U.S. space policy doctrine. Some scientists worry that thereview will set out a more aggressive policy that could lead to thegreater militarization of space.On Wednesday, White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters thatthe policy review was not considering the weaponization of space. But hesaid new threats to U.S. satellites have emerged in the years since theU.S. space doctrine was last reviewed in 1996, and those satellites mustbe protected."There are changes that have occurred over the last eight or nine years,and there are countries that have taken an interest in space, McClellansaid. "And they have looked at things that could - or technologies thatcould - threaten our space systems. And so you obviously need to take thatinto account when you're updating the policy.''The Bush administration has also included some money in the budget forspace-based weapons programs to defend satellites, strike ground targetsand defend against missile attacks, said Laura Grego, a scientist with theunion.Any complete weapons system in space would be very expensive, running intothe many billions of dollars. Developing a shield to defend against asingle missile attack would require deploying 1,000 space-basedinterceptors and cost anywhere between $20 billion and $100 billion, saidDavid Wright, a union scientists and co-author of a recent report on thefeasibility of space weapons.And such a system would require a huge expansion of U.S. launchingcapability. The United States currently launches between 10-12 largerockets a year, while with space interceptors, it would need to launchmany times more that each year.Wright argued that space-based ground attack systems were not yetpractical either. One, dubbed "Rods from God'' - which would fire rods oftungsten from space - would cost 50-100 times as much as a similar attackfrom the ground."The fact that it's still being considered I think suggests that there'ssome sort of emotional attachment to it for putting weapons in spacerather than a hard-nosed analysis,'' Wright said.Any such move would also likely draw swift international condemnation. In2002, after the United States withdrew from the 1972 Anti-BallisticMissile Treaty, China and Russia submitted a proposal for a newinternational treaty to ban weapons in outer space.But the United States has said it sees no need for any new space armscontrol agreements. It is party to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, whichprohibits stationing weapons of mass destruction in space. Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
[scifinoir2] Revenge of the Sith lives up to its promise--NO spoilers
Title: Message This one is spoiler-free, really just a stream-of-consciusness jotting down of my emotional reaction. Overall it wasn't surprising but was very enjoyable. Perhaps not as satisfying in terms of writing and acting quality as "The Empire Strikes Back", but very good. I'll drop a spoiler-filled review in a few days, once more of you have had a chance to see it. No spoilers... With "Revenge of the Sith", George Lucas goes out with a bang, not the whimper I'd feared. "Sith" is vastly superior to the boring and mostly unnecessary Episodes 1 and 2. The overall tone is darker, more mature, and the story flows better than anything since "The Empire Strikes Back". Though I knew what to expect--Anakin turns bad, almost everybody dies--the execution was what counted.Like "Titanic", where we knew the ending but enjoyed the ride, "Sith" executes with a high level of excitement, action, and compelling drama. I can't remember how much time I spent on the edge of my seat as light sabre's sliced the air (and flesh) orhundreds of battling ships filled the screen. I "oohed" and "aahed" and yelled as the embattled Jedi fought an ultimately hopeless battle against the return of evil and the fall of the Republic. Perhaps most notably, the acting is much improved from the stilted and wooden-sounding lines from the previous films. Gone are stretches of cringe-inducing love scenes, or akward moments as the actors stare blankly into space as if unsure of what to say next. Actors which Eps 1 and 2 incredibly made appear incompetent come off as more polished here, their performances more convincing. Vader-to-be Hayden Christensen is perhaps the most improved, finally conveying a sense of real menace instead of the whiney teen we saw in "Attack of the Clones". There are still a few moments of clunky dialogue and spots where the actors don't emote enough for my tastes, but overall the writing and acting is sharp and fits the pacing of the movie perfectly. Even the music is surprisingly mature and sets appropriate moods for the action onscreen. I've often felt some of Lucas' efforts have fallen a little short in terms of making me believe his world is "real". I've often been distracted by special effects, costumes, and sets that seem too manufactured, too obviously make-believe contrivances, rather than views into an alternate reality. But I didn't have that problem here. "Sith" sucked me in, allowing me to suspend my disbelief enough to really get into this film. I felt real sadness and anger as Anakin fell to the Dark Side, I thrilled as Obi-Wan and Yoda fought desperate battles to save their Order and way of life. I all but hissed as the Emperor's masterful manipulations came to fruition. And at the end, with all hope lost but that of the few surviving Jedi and the tiny babes who would be charged with setting things aright in the future, a lump actually came in my throat as the familar music played. Like the characters themselves I was full of despair, but clinging to a faint hope for the future. George Lucashas redemed his past missteps with a movie that, while not surprising, still manages to move us. It was everything I'd hoped it be. Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.
