May 29, 2005

Wisdom Beckons

I just want to thank everyone for their help in my recent situation. I now know exactly what I'm going to do about it.

The truth I've been resting on these last few days is that God is my Defender and the ultimate protector of me and my privacy. I will do what He's told me to do and I'll let Him do the rest.

Thank you again. I really do love my readers and posters. You all are awesome.

~Me

Update: I've deleted the last two posts simply because I don't need personal, dramatic situations on my blog. My blog isn't about my personal life, it's about interesting things that happen in the world, and my take on them. I'm just tired of seeing that post--I'm past it now. Thank you all for your help in the situation. I cannot tell you invaluable some of your advice has been.

Posted by Portia at 09:54 AM | Comments (0)

May 24, 2005

Cross My Heart

I will be back soon, I promise. I have had so much to do lately that I haven't had much time to read anything other than a story about Tom Cruise making an idiot of himself on Oprah (re: his "beyond cool" love for Katie Holmes). Not one to rain on anyone's parade, but doesn't that seem a little too May-December? Katie, my advise to you is to simply enjoy it while it lasts. Seems like you two are having a great time. Given the track record, I'd just say, savor the moment. :)

So, that's the extent of my "news" reading.

I_am_david
On another note, you must see I Am David.  It is a spectacular film starring Jim Caviezel (though he doesn't appear all that often) and a darling young British actor, Ben Tibber, who deserves tremendous accolades for his portrayal of a little boy who grew up in a Bulgarian labor camp. His parents are taken from him and killed, and little David is left to himself in a cruel and disgusting place. Caviezel's character befriends him and eventually helps him escape with clear direction to make it to Denmark at all cost. The plot simply is of his escape and excursion through Europe to Denmark. It is brilliantly written, beautifully shot and tells a tale that will make you check yourself the next time you say your life is hard. The special features give great insight into the history of these camps in Bulgaria, that evidently remained in that country though the 70's. I had no idea.  I cannot recommend this movie enough. It also has a wonderful soundtrack.

Thought I haven't written anything substantive for some time, I have to say, I enjoy checking my site and seeing Ewen McGregor front and center. :) I'll have to settle for Jim Caviezel now...shucks. :)

Posted by Portia at 03:06 PM | Comments (2)

May 20, 2005

Disturbing

Little Green Footballs has just written about a protest outside the U.S. Embassy in London. This is disturbing. The crowd at some points was heard screaming, "Bomb New York!" and other chants about the death of President Bush. And this is in England!! LGF has some truly frightening pictures of the event, but Getty Images has the really heinous ones. Our world, these situations, these people need a lot of prayer. I say that because I'm quite certain that nothing short of a tremendous act of God, Himself, could change the twisted, perverted, homicidal thinking of these people. Of course, mass mentality is always exponentially less (is that mathematically possible?) than it is if you had members alone, but the fact that it's an option to scream such vile threats is what makes me think that nothing other than God could change their minds, show them the truth. So, we need to pray.

Posted by Portia at 10:15 AM | Comments (0)

Chancellor Bush? I Think Not

Ewen
I do try to always be an intellectual, but can this man be any hotter or more amazing?!? Good night!

I have just returned from seeing Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. I have to say, I enjoyed it rather immensely. I loved the original trilogy, couldn't stomach Episode I and didn't even bother with Episode II. Suffice it to say, I was a bit lost at the beginning of this film as far as characters went, but the principles were obviously the same, so I caught up quickly.

The CGI aspects of this film were unprecendented. The folks working on that part of the film out did themselves, many times over. The battle scenes and duels were incredible, the acting was much better (than in Ep. I...gag me, it was so bad, except for Ewen, of course:), and the character development was great. Hayden Christensen did a fine job. He was very convincing as a character torn between good and evil, greed and control and surrender. However, Ewen McGregor really stole the show. I don't think there are too many actors as young as he is that can convey such epic emotions. You truly felt everything he felt, but not in any contrived, manipulative sort of way. If you can call acting (pretending) genuine, he models it entirely. Oh, and one must mention the other principles. As expected, the Chancellor (Ian McDiarmid) was delightfully despicable and disgusting. Not as expected, Yoda became quite the scene stealer. He was hilarious and received many bouts of spontaneous, boisterous applause. How amazing to have been a part of such a film series.

Politically, I must also have a word on the subject. I read many an article about those at the Cannes Film Festival and others who had been to pre-screenings making comments associating the behavior of Chancellor Palpatine with the decisions and policies of George W. Bush and his administration. I entered the movie theater anxious to see any parallels between the two. I however found none. Those who drew them were either doing their darndest to get a GW jab in or they belong to the lowest class of thinkers, possessing the brain power of a kindergartener. There are no parallels whatsoever between the fictional, evil tyrannt and President Bush. And if one were to assert that, they would then have to assent to the Jedis being the equivalent of Kim Jong Il, Saddam Hussein, and Osama bin Laden. Hopefully, when confronted with this reductio ad absurdum, one would have to admit his logic was really not logical at all. But, that's my job...to point out the absurdity of those belonging to the radical left factions of this world.

So, conservatives, rest assured: your values and choice in leadership will not be assaulted. Go see the film. It was good entertainment--something that has been all but completely lacking lately.

One last thought, does it strike anyone else, other than me, odd that Hayden Christensen and Natalie Portman, two very beautiful people had a son that is...well...really not beautiful? I'm not sure how that happened.

Posted by Portia at 12:18 AM | Comments (15)

May 18, 2005

Newsweek Shmewsweek

I have so much to say about the reckless behavior of our media, specifically Newsweek, but alas I have to make a buck, so I'm off to work. I will hopefully be back on late tonight to discuss my thoughts and hopefully hear yours. If you're not aware of what's going on, please look into it. We have a massive problem on our hands that is the mainstream media. Hopefully things will change now that CBS has had it's day in the sun, and now it's Newsweek's turn. But I'm sure I'm being a little too optimistic.

See you soon!

Posted by Portia at 04:56 PM | Comments (12)

<---He Said It!

If you ever doubted that I was right about Muslim ideology and imperialism (I have no idea why anyone would doubt such a thing;-), here, straight from the horse's mouth: Muslim Imperialism and Tyranny at its best, folks. Can't say I never warned you this was true. :)

Unfortunately, those Muslims aren't aware that the South is just as heavily armed as downtown Baghdad, and ain't no way Southana's are becoming Allah worshipers any time soon. Hey, good luck guys!! I'd like to see you try to conquer our country. Praise God for the Second Amendment.

Posted by Portia at 09:10 AM | Comments (2)

May 17, 2005

Unspeakable Pain, Unanswerable Questions

Beautiful_baby_boyLittle Green Footballs has shown their colors as a wonderful site and community. I  love the readers of that site. Recently, it was discovered that one of their readers and faithful commentators was dealing with potentially losing his newborn baby boy to several unforeseen complications due to immunization. LGF immediately began spreading word asking for prayer for the Johnson family. Thousands upon thousands learned of their situation because of LGF and have been changed because of it. My whole family cried when visiting Chip (the father's site) and reading of the last few moments they shared with their little boy. Painfully and with deepest condolences, I write that Chip and Jennifer Johnson lost their beautiful baby boy, Alexander Locke Johnson on May 11, 2005 at the tender age of 12 weeks old. Alexander's parents have created a site in honor and memory of his precious life. Please extend your sympathy to them in their darkest hours. {And have an entire tissue box in hand as you read their story and view pictures of their son. }

May the God of all comfort and peace be with you. Chip and Jennifer, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this unspeakably painful time.

Posted by Portia at 09:31 PM | Comments (1)

Book Reviews

I have begun posting icons that double as links for the books that I will be reviewing shortly. I am currently awaiting my copy of Jesus: An Intimate Portrait of the Man, His Land, and His People by Leith Anderson. That should be arriving in the mail any day now. You can click on the book's image to read more about it.

I am also signed up for three economic books from the Acton Institute: For the Study of Religion & Liberty, which I've only just discovered and is a phenomenal organization. I'd encourage you to visit their site. They have truly incredible programs and publications.  I will post the icons of their books as soon as I get their codes.

I am very excited about reviewing books. Books are wonderful. They're especially wonderful when one gets the time to read them. And they're even more wonderful if they're given to you for free so that you can read them.

I will blog details of how you too can become an elitist book reviewer. :) For now, if you click on the Mind & Media icon on the right panel, you can read about the organization and genius of Stacy L. Harp and how she would just love to let you in the circle of reviewers she has already created. If you love to read and enjoy writing about what you read, by all means, sign up! But please do tell her that I sent you. Grazie!

More later.

Posted by Portia at 09:06 PM | Comments (0)

I Miss Ari

The latest absurdity coming from the Mainstream Media. I think most reporters are egomaniacs, but the ones working in the White House hail from an entirely different crop of arrogance. My favorite poster child for this syndrome: Helen Thomas. Hell hath no fury like Helen toward a Republican administration.

These reporters ask the most ridiculous questions. It's as though they went to journalism elementary school and stopped there. Just read the full story of the White House Press Briefing to see what I mean. It's amazing that these people are elevated to such positions while brilliant authors and professors  I know live quite humbly. That's mostly because nobody understands those really big words they use.

Favorite highlight coming from a reporter to Mr. McClellan: "And do you think somebody can investigate if it really happened at the base, and who told Newsweek? Because somebody wrote a story."

Brilliant.

Posted by Portia at 03:23 PM | Comments (1)

Sad Day in Blogdom

{Written to the tune of "Taps."}

SpearShaker is taking a hiatus. :( This is a sad day for the blog world. I'd encourage those of you who became readers of his to post wishing him the best. We look forward to your return Mr. Shaker.

Posted by Portia at 02:15 PM | Comments (0)

May 15, 2005

Rathergate, Part Deux

Whoever said the media isn't biased is...well, liberal. Here's another disgusting story about the slanted media, known as Newsweek,  reporting anti-American, anti-troops garbage. Only this time, it caused riots and the death of 17 people. But they're "weally sowwy," so I guess we should just rub their heads, roll our eyes and say (sympathetically), "Awww, you crazy media men...just don't let it happen again okay? Wittle soldiers in the Middle East don't like being shot at by weally bad and very misinformed men. Okay? Alright...better luck next time."

Basically, for those of you who I know won't read the article :), Newsweek reported that U.S. interrogators desecrated the Koran in Guantanamo Bay. But the big problem is that it never happened. Yeah, oops! There should be criminal charges brought against the writers, editors, copy editors and researchers. They are responsible for the riots and death of those who would otherwise be alive if it weren't for flagrantly irresponsible and plain foolish "reporting."

Blogizdat posts the Cox & Forkum comic on the subject. Right Thinking Girl posts about it with the "clarification." Not retraction; that would be to...umm...honest.  See also Drudge's homepage for some classy, time honored American flag burning.

Posted by Portia at 10:14 PM | Comments (6)

May 11, 2005

Surprised by Joy

Narnia1
Now for something I am entirely too excited about. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is coming out this December 9, and by the looks of it, I think it's going to be a smashing success, as I would hope it would be. I viewed the teaser trailer after a very long day (A grateful Hat Tip to Daddypundit.), and I became quite choked up. It looks wonderfully magical. I've already made two of my students read the first book in one of the best children's series ever--The Chronicles of Narnia--and I will be making at least three others read it over the summer. I am so excited! And I know if you are familiar with the story and equally captivated by it, you'll soon be counting the days as well. If this one does well, I've heard they're going to begin the rest of the series. Harry Potter, be on the look out! :) Aslan's coming.

Here is the official website for the movie. It's amazing. You can take a virtual tour through Narnia! It's an incredible site.

Posted by Portia at 09:23 PM | Comments (5)

Are You Kidding Me?

First question of the day: Was it a hate crime when Muslims attacked the United States of America on September 11, 2001? I've never heard it referred to as such. However, AP giddily reports that Hate Crimes Against Muslims in US tops 52%. Nevermind that the number isn't even at 200, nor are any details of said crimes disclosed. To top it all off, they're blaming radio and the internet for the rise in "hate," citing that when a beheading is reported or when readers hear of another soldier dying, the discrimination begins. Aside from the fact that that might be false information from the get-go, the blame is laid squarely at the feet of folks like me and you who actually expose truth. It's not the fault of murderous, blood thirsty terrorists who behead civilian contractors trying to contribute to a growing economy. It's the bloggers fault!! The evil Pajamahadeen...At it again!!  (Read the article; it's flippin hilarious, and maddening at the same time.)

I'm sure Little Green Footballs is wearing it as "a badge of honor," as Apu from the Simpsons would say.

Posted by Portia at 09:06 PM | Comments (2)

May 10, 2005

Late Night TV

If you aren't on the East Coast or in the Mid West (sorry I didn't get to you in time guys), watch the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I just came back from a taping of the show. The guests are Matt LeBlanc ("Joey") and Ann Coulter.

My friend Nick (see archives: Feb 2004-May 2004 for more info) and his girlfriend Shawna were nice enough to invite me to the taping knowing that I love Ann and that I sacrificed my Ann Coulter Action Figure for Nick and his battalion (again, see archives). We went hoping that we could give Ann some pictures we had of her doll in Iraq, but alas, that opportunity never came. However, it was a fun show to be at. They apparently thought we were so incredibly good looking they had to put us dead center in the front row. So, I'm the blonde directly in front of Jay during his monologue and interviews. I had so much fun. I made eye contact with him and the guests several times. It was weird that they were not more than 8 feet in front of me.  Enough of the shallow details.

All that to say, watch the Tonight Show and look for the blonde in the khaki jacket in the front row if you can see her. I turned to my good friend Autumn and told her we should cherish these moments because in 20 years, ain't no way they'll be stickin us in the front row. :)

Posted by Portia at 10:54 PM | Comments (2)

May 09, 2005

Mum's Day

Just took Mom to see Millions with the rest of the fam. (See previous post about said movie for more details.) It was a lovely film, spare one awkward moment when we catch a glimpse into little boys discovering the internet. It was delightful, however. Very unique in it's concept and delivery. And once again, further cements my belief that, yes, British children are not only superior to Yankees, but I must have at least one later in life. I could adopt. :) lol.

Posted by Portia at 12:21 AM | Comments (1)

May 07, 2005

Something the Lord Made

Something_the_lord_made
If you enjoy good, inspirational films, you absolutely must rush out and get Something the Lord Made. This is one of the best films I've seen, probably since Finding Neverland. Only this one isn't so dang tragic. If you liked Rudy, Dead Poets Society, The Emperor's Club, Finding Forrester, Seabiscuit, and other movies of the like, you will love this movie. I'm only sorry I didn't know about it earlier. I was so incredibly impressed with Mos Def's performance and the maturity he has achieved in his acting career. He is truly a gifted individual. I hope all the other rappers take a lesson.  You must rent this. There is some swearing, so I'm not sure I'd recommend it for little ones, but certainly for teens and up. Trust me, it won't be a waste of your time. I should know, I just saw Kingdom of Heaven. :)

Posted by Portia at 10:50 PM | Comments (0)

What Not To See

I don't have much time to blog anything about Kingdom of Heaven, but I will say this: Don't waste your money. Much like the Alamo, the most that Kingdom of Heaven accomplishes is completely confusing you about the history and context of the story. Nobody knew what was going on, who was good or who was bad (though they dropped more than a few hints the bad guys were the ones wearing the cross) or who was who, really.

There were many elements completely stolen from Troy, blatantly stolen. Orlando Bloom's recent characters have a serious penchant for sleeping with important men's wives, as in Troy. The Muslims are presented as gracious people who are forced into war by the Christians (I was actually laughing at some of the parts because they were so ridiculous), and in the end, the world is saved (kind of) by an agnostic!! Yea!! A Crusader who doesn't believe in God because he's above religion!! Yea!!

If you have to see it, pay to see something else as I suggested before. I would have been really frustrated if I'd given them my money. But my conscience is clear. :)

I'll go into the movie more sometime this weekend, hopefully.

Posted by Portia at 08:53 AM | Comments (5)

May 06, 2005

Combating Ignorance

The good people at The American Thinker, namely author Andrew G. Bostom, have provided an amazing resource on the real history behind the Crusades, the one Ridley Scott won't tell you, that Jihad Begot the Crusades.

Mr. Bostom goes into great detail with a great amount of foot notes as proof that it was indeed the teachings of Islam, beginning with Muhammad, but mostly after his death, that prompted what is refered to as Jihad. I just thought I would share some of the citations and his writing for those who want to see Kingdom of Heaven but with open eyes.

It is a lengthy article, so I would recommend printing it and reading it as you can, but please, please, please read it. It is so important to know history. It is more important to know it when it is under attack.

Disclaimer: if you are severely allergic or do not respond well to either historical accuracy or hard facts, I would encourage you to discontinue reading immediately. This will only help to cure ignorance, but as they say, sometimes the cure is worse than the disease. Please be advised.

From (primarily) the Hanafi school (as given in the Hidayah of Shaikh Burhanuddin Ali of Marghinan, d. 1196):
It is not lawful to make war upon any people who have never before been called to the faith, without previously requiring them to embrace it, because the Prophet so instructed his commanders, directing them to call the infidels to the faith, and also because the people will hence perceive that they are attacked for the sake of religion, and not for the sake of taking their property, or making slaves of their children, and on this consideration it is possible that they may be induced to agree to the call, in order to save themselves from the troubles of war… If the infidels, upon receiving the call, neither consent to it nor agree to pay capitation tax, it is then incumbent on the Muslims to call upon God for assistance, and to make war upon them, because God is the assistant of those who serve Him, and the destroyer of His enemies, the infidels, and it is necessary to implore His aid upon every occasion; the Prophet, moreover, commands us so to do.

bn Khaldun (d. 1406), jurist (Maliki), renowned philosopher, historian, and sociologist, summarized these consensus opinions from five centuries of prior Sunni Muslim jurisprudence with regard to the uniquely Islamic institution of jihad:

In the Muslim community, the holy war is a religious duty, because of the universalism of the [Muslim] mission and [the obligation to] convert everybody to Islam either by persuasion or by force... The other religious groups did not have a universal mission, and the holy war was not a religious duty for them, save only for purposes of defense... Islam is under obligation to gain power over other nations.

Mr. Bostom writes:
By the time of the classical Muslim historian al-Tabari’s death in 923, jihad wars had expanded the Muslim empire from Portugal to the Indian subcontinent. Subsequent Muslim conquests continued in Asia, as well as on Christian eastern European lands. The Christian kingdoms of Armenia, Byzantium, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Croatia, and Albania, in addition to parts of Poland and Hungary, were also conquered and Islamized. When the Muslim armies were stopped at the gates of Vienna in 1683, over a millennium of jihad had transpired. [16] These tremendous military successes spawned a triumphalist jihad literature. Muslim historians recorded in detail the number of infidels slain or enslaved, the cities and villages which were pillaged, and the lands, treasure, and movable goods seized. Christian (Coptic, Armenian, Jacobite, Greek, Slav, etc.), as well as Hebrew sources, and even the scant Hindu and Buddhist writings which survived the ravages of the Muslim conquests, independently validate this narrative, and complement the Muslim perspective by providing testimonies of the suffering of the non-Muslim victims of jihad wars. [17]

The Crusades as an historical phenomenon were a reaction to events resulting from over 450 years of previous jihad campaigns. At the close of the 11th century, particularly after the crushing Byzantine defeat by the Seljuk Turks at Manzikert in 1071, Christendom, including Europe, was under existential threat by a confluence of Muslim advances. To the West, the Almoravid Berber Muslim tribes drove into Spain and pushed northward, pillaging and massacring the Christian populations they encountered. In the East, following their victory at Manzikert, the Seljuks put Armenia to fire and sword, and within a decade they had conquered three-fourths of Asia Minor. By 1090 C.E., Grousset has observed,

…Turkish Islam having almost entirely driven the Byzantines out of Asia [Minor], was preparing to pass over into Europe. [i.e., from the East]

Mr. Bostom goes into far more detail. The accounts are horrifying and very eye opening. What he describes that used to occur in Jerusalem is no different than what goes on today, only at the hands of the Arab Palestinians this time.

Posted by Portia at 02:56 PM | Comments (1)

Movies to See

Two movies I am really looking forward to seeing. They're both British films that do not have wide distribution in this, the film capital of the world. I have to drive about 20 some miles and pay $14.00 to see them, but I think they'll be worth it. Now, onto the movies.

Millionsdesktop5_800_600
I've been looking forward to seeing this movie since I saw a lengthy preview for it before seeing The Chorus (Les Choristes), another fabulous foreign film.  It's called Millions and is about two little boys who have lost their mother and have a chance encounter when over 200,000 Pounds (British currency) lands in their lap from a nearby train. The two boys have very different ideas on how to spend the money: one wants to buy lavish gifts, the other wants to save the world and feed the poor. It looks absolutely delightful. Click on the movie title to go to the website to view trailers and get more information.

Ladies_in_lavender
I've only found out about this movie because I get an email update from a theater that plays independent films. It's a movie by Icon Productions (so of course I'm going to see it with that knowledge) and it's called Ladies in Lavender. It stars Judy Dench and Maggie Smith, and that's about all I need to know to see a movie; those women are two of the most tremendous actresses around. It's about two sisters who find a shipwrecked young man and begin to take care of him. Quickly they realize that he doesn't speak a word of English, rather, he speaks German. It turns out he is a Jew from Krakow bound for America but ends up in Cornwall, England.  They begin to teach him English, find out he plays a mean violin and introduce him to the town. The only problem is the movie is set in what seems to be the WWII era, which presents problems for the two women and their new house guest. I'm anxious to see it.

The only problem is that I only budget so much money for entertainment because I've found that for the most part it is an enormous waste of resource (at least with movies because there are so few good ones), and my friends are actually making me see Kingdom of Heaven this weekend. As you know from a few posts ago, I really don't want to give a dime to this movie, BUT I have found a solution thanks to tips from posters on Little Green Footballs.

Here's what you do if you really must see this pro-Muslim, revisionist history telling movie. Go to the theater, pay to see another movie (any other will probably do) then go into the Kingdom movie theater. That's what I'm doing. I'm giving my money to Hitchhiker and will sit in Kingdom of Heaven with no guilt for having supported an attempt to appease Christian/American hating groups. So, there you have it. Two movie previews and a suggestion for dodging the bullet in paying for a third. :)

Have a lovely weekend, and make sure you spoil mom rotten on Sunday!!

Posted by Portia at 09:28 AM | Comments (0)

May 05, 2005

National Day of Prayer

Washington_valley_forge
Today is the National Day of Prayer. This is a day seeped in history, as its inception is really in 1775 when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation.  Then, in 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed a day of "humiliation, fasting and prayer." Fast forward to 1952, a joint resolution made by Congress was signed by President Truman declaring an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, that law was amended by President Reagan, declaring that the first Thursday each May be the National Day of Prayer.

There is much to be covered in prayer as far as our nation is concerned. To begin with, pray for wisdom for all of our nation's leaders, beginning with the president and his cabinet all the way to our state assemblymen. Pray for each branch of government: our representatives in Congress and the justices in the Supreme Court and its inferiors.

If you want to know more about this day, I would encourage you to visit the official website for the National Day of Prayer. I've just found out that Shirley Dobson is the chairman, which is a wonderful discovery as she is a phenomenal woman.

If you are at a loss for things to pray for, the website has a list to help you. It also gives an extensive break down of the history and significance of today. And remember, it doesn't have to be just today. You can do the same tomorrow. (I'm reminding myself too. :)

Posted by Portia at 08:54 PM | Comments (0)

Quick Music Review

There are a few artists that I thought I might tip my hat to in this post. I am not reviewing any bad cds, so rest assured, you can spend your hard earned money on all of these and receive great satisfaction from a great purchase.

Peter_cincottiPeter Cincotti (pronounced Sin-Kawtee). I'm sure the comparison has been made before, but I'm fairly certain we have another Harry Connick, Jr. on our hands. This young man (he's only 21) is truly incredible. His vocal stylings aren't sultry and scratchy like a Michael Buble. They're more light hearted like, say, well, Harry. He writes much of his own music, plays piano like most 30 somethings only can and apparently puts on a great show. Keep your eye on this one. Like I said, he's seeming to mirror Harry in more ways than one. (Harry also sky rocketed to fame in his early twenties.)  I would get his cds as soon as possible. They are On the Moon (2004) and Peter Cincotti (2003).


Copeland_cd_1Copeland. I first heard them when they opened for Switchfoot last spring. They're a great band with good melody lines and air tight harmony. If you like bands like Keene, Coldplay and other emotional rock bands, you'll like them. They're easy to listen to and their songs will get stuck in your head for quite some time, but you won't mind because they're good.



And now to recommend you to a band you  might never have heard of.

The band: Goldspot. The CD: Tally of the Yes Men. My good friend Derek Horst is their lead guitarist. This band is good, and I'm not saying that out of some vested interest. The lead singer/song writer, Sid, is extremely talented. He writes very catchy tunes, good hooks, good melody lines, and they put on a good show.  The music is similar to songs by The Killers, The Beatles, and other slightly laid back rock bands. It's not a "make your ears bleed" album by any means. Like I said, it's more Beatles-esque if anything.  The songs "Rewind" and "Friday" are destined to be their first hit singles. You'll enjoy them. Their album is available on iTunes.  I'm working on getting a picture of their cd. They're on myspace.com if you want to check them out there.  Tell them Emily sent you. :)

Posted by Portia at 11:59 AM | Comments (0)

May 04, 2005

Get Real

Hispanic Group Wants Apology From Bride.

Are you kidding me? Are people really this sad and pathetic that they need an apology for non-events? This is an outrage. Where are the white women demanding apologies? Wouldn't this also "endanger" white women and categorize them as criminals? I'm telling you, this entitlement, victicrat mentality has gotten so far out of hand. This group and all its members who feel the same just plain old need to get a life.

There, I'm done...for now.

Posted by Portia at 10:53 AM | Comments (2)

May 03, 2005

Premier Plumber

Here is a great article in the NY Times (gasp, I know) Op-Ed section that begins to "plumb the depths of the Christian Right." I enjoyed it and agreed with almost all of it wholeheartedly.

Okay, the dumb computer at school won't let me link it. Here's the entire link.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/03/opinion/03tierney.html?ex=1272772800&en=4477f6678fc81db6&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

Hope that works. I'll fix it later when I get home. Enjoy.

Posted by Portia at 01:33 PM | Comments (0)

Liberal Plumbers

Of all the articles I've read lately, this has to be my favorite. Finally, there's a movement trying to understand me!! :) There are some hilarious quotes in here. Leave a comment if you really enjoy the piece.
(Hat tip: Lucianne)

Posted by Portia at 08:21 AM | Comments (2)

May 02, 2005

Things Ya Never Really Think About

For those who don't know, I LOVE Dave Matthews and his band. There are so few musicians who are actually worthy of the fame and fortune they've acheived. He is an exception.

However, even the best have their crappy moments. Oh, the puns one could come up with for this situation. I love Dave, but this is really gross, though he had nothing to do with it. I'm sure most of his fans love reading about intimate details of his life, but this isn't one that most would want to know about. Ah, the glamour of the road.

Posted by Portia at 09:43 PM | Comments (1)

Dumb Blonde Question

I need a hero, and if anyone who is more experienced in blogging could help me, I would be so grateful.

I cannot figure out how to put other people's blogrolls on my site. I want to put the Mind & Media reviewers on my site, but cannot figure out how. I know, I've been blogging for over a year and should know this, but I don't. Could someone help me?

Thank you so much.
Dumb damsel in distress. :)

Posted by Portia at 09:31 PM | Comments (3)

Just Great

Kingdomofheaven_bigearly_1
I had a feeling things would turn out this way. Apparently, the upcoming movie Kingdom of Heaven has been rewritten to appease Muslim groups. CAIR, which is a disgusting organization, now feels the movie is "balanced." Well, you can count my money out. There's no way I'm spending a dime on a movie that CAIR thinks is a positive portrayal of Muslims. What about making a movie that features...I don't know....the TRUTH!! Muslims started the Crusades, Christians retaliated (wrongly, of course), but the movie is supposedly pro-Muslim, making them to be a gracious people, and it's anti-religion for the 50-some-odd-million who voted for Kerry.

Critics have speculated that if this movie tanks, it will be the end of the epic era for some time. I would agree. I think the American people are getting tired of these pompous, self-absorbed, self-eggrandizing rewrites of history. Troy, King Arthur, The Alamo, and Alexander all flopped because arrogant writers and directors somehow thought they could improve on the original story. As if anyone in our era could ever write anything close to Homer's Illiad! LOL. But they think they can. Directors don't get it. We're not shelling out the money because we have "bad taste" and don't like their movies. On the contrary, we have good taste and prefer you leave stories as they are.

All that to say, Epic Movies, RIP. We'll see you again someday when people care more for the truth than appeasing American hating groups. It may be a while.

Posted by Portia at 10:57 AM | Comments (1)