2007 starts with Oprah, Indiana Jones and Edward James Olmos - 1.4.2007.1

Well the new year has started with a bunch of new announcements. Things are off with a bang now with the news that there will be at least one more Indiana Jones movie. Still untitled at this point, the script is being finalized at this time. Not to worry, filming will start this year as well, with the film coming out sometime in 2008. While this is yet another sequel, the good news is that this series has been quite good. The second movie notwithstanding, I expect this will be a solid film. Both Mr. George Lucas and Mr. Steven Spielberg have been working on the final script. Mr. Harrison Ford has been quite consistent in his choice of films, and his ability to give a quality performance. So here is something to look forward to, I’m sure there will be more news as information about the film as script and location shooting begins or is leaked.

In more political news Mr. Edward James Olmos continues his fight with the government over the Vieques Island contamination and bombings. For those not familiar, this is an island 6 miles from Puerto Rico. For a long time the U.S. Navy used the island to test bombs, preventing habitation, ruining the environment and potentially endangering lives. I too disagree with the past bombings, or the renewed bombings there again. Like Mr. Olmos I feel that this is far too close to people to be allowed.

If the Navy were doing this bomb testing 6 miles of the coast of Long Island, or San Francisco, or Seattle there would be an outcry that would be deafening. The fact that Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth does not give the right to ignore the reasonable protests or the lives that this directly affects. I’m glad a public figure like Mr. Olmos and others are continuing to remind the government that this is not right and that we will not stop fighting for it to stop.

On another somewhat political note is Ms. Oprah Winfrey. Her school for South African girls has opened, with a price tag of $40 million dollars. This is a great positive for those young women and I’m glad that it has been created. I understand that it was a meeting with Mr. Nelson Mandela that inspired the drive to create this school and place it in South Africa – a region of the world where elitism and classism continue to exist in an extreme disparity rarely seen. Still I do wish that such a school, co-ed, had been created in America (of course it probably would have been 3x as expensive). But there will be another school created, co-ed and in South Africa again, in the near future. I understand and respect Ms. Winfrey’s desire to give back to the land of her ancestors. It’s commendable. Still I think there are many young African Americans that need this kind of help as well.

One thing I haven’t seen commented on that I would like to know more about involves the guests at the opening ceremonies. Mr. Mandela was among a group including, Mr. Spike Lee, Ms. Tina Turner, Ms. Mary J. Blige, Ms. Mariah Carey, Mr. Chris Tucker, and Mr. Sidney Poitier. Each of the celebrity guests were asked to bring a book that they had autographed personally. My interest is not what these entertainers wrote, but the choice of book they decided top contribute. I feel it is a defining statement of a person and their character. If anyone can let me know which book was giving by which person I’d love to know.

There of course is more to this new year, but for now…

This is what I think, what do you think?

Sadness and joy - 12.25.2006.1

On this Christmas day I hope that all is well dear readers. I want to speak about a couple of thoughts, but first I must share some sad news. Mr. James Brown has passed away at the age of 73. The hardest working man in show business will now get a chance to rest and we will all miss him.

There is no question that the music world has taken a great loss. Whether it’s soul, rap, hip hop, disco or rock Mr. Brown touched them all. Like few entertainers before or since Mr. Brown inspired decades of music. Dance moves, singing style, music and lyrics have all endured the test of time, gaining new fans in each generation. It’s been said that the music of Mr. James Brown is the most sampled and therefore most heard music in the last quarter century at least. And there is no secret that many of the top performers has copied his dance moves as much as his music and lyrical style. Truly we will miss him, and I take solace in that he will never know the pressures and pain that he endured in life.

In happier news it’s been announced that Bono will become a Knight. While there is no equivalent in America, I’d compare it to marrying into the Rockerfeller or Kennedy families. In becoming a knight Bono becomes royalty, even if the title is only honorary. As a Irishman Bono, who’s birth name is Mr. Paul Hewson, cannot use the title Sir as only British citizens can. In addition this rare honor is given to few, and fewer non-Britons, but due to the politics of the Irish-British relations it is quite rare. I’m only aware of Mr. Bob Geldof as the other recipient of such an honor that was Irish and accepted.

Bono joins an exclusive group though, which includes Mr. Geldof, Mr. Bill Gates, Mr. Steven Spielberg, and Mr. Rudy Guliani. That’s a group worth joining I think. And as part of such a group the activities that Bono supports, namely aid to African nations among others, are given more political clout and power. I’m always glad to mention when an entertainer strives to help others in the world, and Bono has done a great deal for Africa. With this knighthood I can only expect him to continue his work and hope for even greater success.

On a more personal note I want to wish all of my readers, and their families and friends, the very best of holidays. I hope you all enjoy this time and find it filled with peace, joy and success. I hope that these gifts follow you all into the new year, 2007.

This is what I think, what do you think?