Congress quotes, Alicia Keys and HIV/AIDS, and 9/11

Score one for Stephen Colbert. I’ve mentioned the Stephen Colbert Report before, and it still is quite the funny show. The truthiness of the program must be seen to be appreciated. But one of the common features of the show, interviews with Congressmen and women throughout the nation (yes he intends to interview each one) recently got extra attention. If you haven’t seen the Comedy Central cable network program, the interviews are more improv than actual questions. Questions can be virtually on any subject, only remotely touching on the Congressman/woman. Often the representatives are taken at a loss, some who have seen the program go along with the less than serious nature of the questions. Democratic Rep. Robert Wexler got the joke but perhaps his constituents don’t. I think more of them need to see the program because it is obvious that his reply about cocaine, “I enjoy cocaine because it’s a fun thing to do”, was only as serious as the interviewer. At least we would hope. I think more people need to pay attention to the source of the soundbite and not just the words. Context is everything. And sometimes fun is fun.

On a more serious note is the opening ceremonies for the International Aids Conference in Toronto coming up in August. Tickets are available to the public, with performers that include Ms. Alicia Keys, Barenaked Ladies, and Ms. Amanda Marshall. Other participants include Mr. and Mrs. Bill Gates, and former President Bill Clinton. Funds from these ceremonies will be donated to further research for HIV/AIDS. Now this sounds like something to see. You have to love a program that provides quality entertainment and dignitaries while benefitting individuals in need. If you can make it there, get me an autograph or photo please.

Another event that is benefitting individuals in need is the upcoming movie World Trade Center. This movie details 9/11, and has Mr. Nicholas Cage and Mr. Michael Pena in the roles of true life police officers rescued from the rubble. I’ve seen a few of the television commercial promotions for the movie and it moves me. I think this will be quite an emotional movie, especially for New Yorkers that were in the city or in the area of the Twin Towers. It was a crazy day, filled with fear, and worry for loved ones, and loss. Of the thousands that I passed on the streets that day, I think we were all in shock. If the movie conveys one-tenth that intensity and feeling I think it will be awe-inspiring. I want to see it, though I don’t know if I can handle it. But as I started mentioning, 10% of the proceeds of the first 5 days (historically the days it will make the most money) will be donated to various September 11 charities. What other reason do you need to see this movie?

This is what I think, what do you think?