I disagree with your characterization of the opening night of the DNC as "lackluster." I don't know what in the pluperfect hell would give it some luster for you in the next few nights, but if that happens, I'll probably be blinded by all that luster. Also, Biden's accomplishments, assuming we get a follow-through with a Harris administration, are a many splendored thing(s).
Tim Walz, chosen because he called Republicans weird? Oh, sure. And Harris married Emhoff because he's Jewish.
And sliming? Undignified? Referring to a man as a "[p]redator[] who abused women, fraudster[] who ripped off consumers, cheater[], who broke the rules for [his] own gain" when, in fact, Trump abused women, ripped off consumers, and cheated by breaking the rules for his own gain? Gee, that all sounds like good, honest journalism, of a type no longer employed by the mainstream media. Are you angling for your old job back?
You are a great writer and can organize your thoughts well. However, when you write: "A: AOC was terrible. Clinton was terrible. These were wooden speeches, written by wooden speechwriters. The emotion seemed forced. Sorry." I have to wonder if you were just having a down night or if I missed something. Harris and Biden seemed actually close as people and the Trump claim that she was part of a coup was put to rest. I have never seen Clinton better. She might have won in 2016 if she had unleashed this face. AOC seemed on point. I am charged up. But I keep thinking: "What do I know?" And not much of what I know is "inside information." So, share your information with us.
I have read several comments that wondered why we still have political conventions before elections. They have said: "we already know who will run, and why bother to convene?" And I say that this hope for the future and enthusiasm generated in Chicago will fire up all who are there so they can return to their homes and spread the energy with their neighbors for the election. If they work and motivate others to vote for the woman with a future, we will get away from the older man with a sad past. He still needs to answer for his foreign policy blunders and for January 6. Many of those who attacked our Capitol have been convicted. We do need to put the leaders on trial.
I watched some of the convention last night, and agree with your comment about AOC's and Hillary's speeches, long and boring, but absolutely was inspired by Steve Kerr's speech, and loved Jasmine Crockett's speech and the way she stuck it to Donald while being funny at the same time, and also thought Jamie Raskin's speech was on the mark. And I loved the enthusiasm of the crowd. There is hope.
Must be a Bronx thing. Trading insults isn't cool. Necessary, under present circumstances, as a foreshortened campaign tactic against an asshole with a thin skin, but "cool" is in deed or (in)difference as the man whose image graces your intro demonstrated. Btw, using Walz's "weird" to presumably and facetiously (I would hope...) make your point, does of course ignore the man's actual credentials. And, out of curiosity, what does "unforced" emotion look like? Never been moved by a theatrical or musical performance?
Encouraging emotion, which good theater does, is different than forcing emotion. It’s the difference between the love story in, say, Doctor Zhivago, versus the love story in a porn flick.
It's performance however you choose to look at it. Does the "emotion" fit the moment or not? That's the point. Is the actor skilled enough in their emotion to elicit the desired one in you or not? Classic love story or porn flick. Both the same. One may be more believable than the other but that's the province of the performers (and, of course, the writing and direction) as well as the context in which the emotion is expressed, not the emotion itself.
I think that was the point; it didn’t feel natural to Gene. That it’s a performance is a given, but a really good one would transcend that. I didn’t watch myself, I have no opinion on the performances in question.
Sorry, generalities don't cut it. They were speeches at a political convention. They were not in the context of the "Gettysburg Address" or "I Have A Dream." Gene is obviously entitled to his opinion (and for which I am pleased to pay him...), but you attempting to explain that opinion, not having watched yourself, doesn't do him any favors, however gracious the attempt was. That a great many others felt moved by them raises questions both about expectations and personal bias --- in the nicest possible way, of course.
And what exactly are you talking about? Do explain. Some abstraction about performance without context? Something subjectively called "natural" vs. something likewise designated as "forced?" The message is the thing and it is much more than the words it contains.
Nothing to do with "faking" anything in any performance. How is that different than an actor in Hamlet expressing an emotion written/directed for him? Is it an honest emotion/reaction (i.e. does it fit the moment) and moreover, is it believable in the performance. Or in the case of the porn flick, does it matter?
I had the honor of being serving as a grand juror in my county (Arlington, VA) twice. It was quite the learning experience about our judicial system. Frankly for me, I learned a lot about illegal drugs (who knows what a "dipper" is??). To my surprise, and I am a kinda math person, when one is caught with a large amount of marijuana laced brownies which is obviously way beyond what could be considered "personal use", one is charged for possession based on the total weight of the brownies, not for the amount of MJ used as an ingredient. My take away for potential drug dealers is to focus on the cake type recipes and skip the more tasty fudgey recipes.
THe cool thing about Arlington is even though crimes(allegedly) committed in the county and the City of Falls Church are tried in Arlington County Court system, there are multiple law enforcement agencies that may have jurisdiction. Steal luggage at DCA? Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is in the lead. Shop lift something at Pentagon City Mall but make it past the Metro turnstile before being apprehended? Hello Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority police. Cash checks snail mail sent to you in Arlington from the DC government under fraudulent circumstances? The USPS Postal Inspector does not mess around. Scam a bunch of people while impersonating a Federal Officer? Yowsa! Enter the FBI. Many other stories, but I absolutely would serve again.
To be fair, there were also a couple murder and sexual assault cases that made me nauseous and I'm glad I wasn't on the trail jury for those.
I like your focus on these details, I think of as well. I took a law seminar on cannabis and learned that since Bush II, the federal government hasn’t wanted to process cannabis crimes, this was supported by a Treasury memo. Too many conflicting jurisdictions. They probably do want to keep tax-avoiding dealers in check. Laws still exist. So it’s a slack chance of getting prosecuted, unless a prosecutor is being selective. And states are states.
I disagree that the first night of the DNC was “lackluster.” The young woman with her story of being raped at 12 by her stepfather was riveting. Hillary’s speech was exceptional. And Biden’s farewell was historic. It was unlike any other convention I’ve seen.
Have you seen the comparison clips of the roll calls at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions that they've showed on MSNBC? It's hysterical! One's a wedding reception, one's a funeral service.
For Federal Court service, I would rather be seated in a trial than do what I did. I had to call in once a week for a month and listen for my group number. Every week it was simple, ALL the groups had to report. Four days of waiting and never being put on a jury. It would have been better to go in on day one of service, stay for a trial for that week and be done with it.
On my first jury, I was disappointed in that many others strayed from the purpose. They considered their own knowledge of the location (drug dealers), they considered non-aligning stories as doubt rather than lies, etc. so they hung the jury on a pair of dealers who were guilty. On my second, I played it cool in the beginning, noting only after being asked, just one of the best incriminating facts that I believed. This jury processed the case to conviction. I don’t wish to serve again.
I disagree with your characterization of the opening night of the DNC as "lackluster." I don't know what in the pluperfect hell would give it some luster for you in the next few nights, but if that happens, I'll probably be blinded by all that luster. Also, Biden's accomplishments, assuming we get a follow-through with a Harris administration, are a many splendored thing(s).
Tim Walz, chosen because he called Republicans weird? Oh, sure. And Harris married Emhoff because he's Jewish.
And sliming? Undignified? Referring to a man as a "[p]redator[] who abused women, fraudster[] who ripped off consumers, cheater[], who broke the rules for [his] own gain" when, in fact, Trump abused women, ripped off consumers, and cheated by breaking the rules for his own gain? Gee, that all sounds like good, honest journalism, of a type no longer employed by the mainstream media. Are you angling for your old job back?
You are a great writer and can organize your thoughts well. However, when you write: "A: AOC was terrible. Clinton was terrible. These were wooden speeches, written by wooden speechwriters. The emotion seemed forced. Sorry." I have to wonder if you were just having a down night or if I missed something. Harris and Biden seemed actually close as people and the Trump claim that she was part of a coup was put to rest. I have never seen Clinton better. She might have won in 2016 if she had unleashed this face. AOC seemed on point. I am charged up. But I keep thinking: "What do I know?" And not much of what I know is "inside information." So, share your information with us.
I have read several comments that wondered why we still have political conventions before elections. They have said: "we already know who will run, and why bother to convene?" And I say that this hope for the future and enthusiasm generated in Chicago will fire up all who are there so they can return to their homes and spread the energy with their neighbors for the election. If they work and motivate others to vote for the woman with a future, we will get away from the older man with a sad past. He still needs to answer for his foreign policy blunders and for January 6. Many of those who attacked our Capitol have been convicted. We do need to put the leaders on trial.
I watched some of the convention last night, and agree with your comment about AOC's and Hillary's speeches, long and boring, but absolutely was inspired by Steve Kerr's speech, and loved Jasmine Crockett's speech and the way she stuck it to Donald while being funny at the same time, and also thought Jamie Raskin's speech was on the mark. And I loved the enthusiasm of the crowd. There is hope.
Must be a Bronx thing. Trading insults isn't cool. Necessary, under present circumstances, as a foreshortened campaign tactic against an asshole with a thin skin, but "cool" is in deed or (in)difference as the man whose image graces your intro demonstrated. Btw, using Walz's "weird" to presumably and facetiously (I would hope...) make your point, does of course ignore the man's actual credentials. And, out of curiosity, what does "unforced" emotion look like? Never been moved by a theatrical or musical performance?
Encouraging emotion, which good theater does, is different than forcing emotion. It’s the difference between the love story in, say, Doctor Zhivago, versus the love story in a porn flick.
It's performance however you choose to look at it. Does the "emotion" fit the moment or not? That's the point. Is the actor skilled enough in their emotion to elicit the desired one in you or not? Classic love story or porn flick. Both the same. One may be more believable than the other but that's the province of the performers (and, of course, the writing and direction) as well as the context in which the emotion is expressed, not the emotion itself.
Ever seen “That Extreme Object of Desire.”
Obscure?
Had to look that one up. Ouch, not the way I’d choose to judge somebody’s authenticity.
Your point being?
I think that was the point; it didn’t feel natural to Gene. That it’s a performance is a given, but a really good one would transcend that. I didn’t watch myself, I have no opinion on the performances in question.
Sorry, generalities don't cut it. They were speeches at a political convention. They were not in the context of the "Gettysburg Address" or "I Have A Dream." Gene is obviously entitled to his opinion (and for which I am pleased to pay him...), but you attempting to explain that opinion, not having watched yourself, doesn't do him any favors, however gracious the attempt was. That a great many others felt moved by them raises questions both about expectations and personal bias --- in the nicest possible way, of course.
We’re clearly talking about different things.
And what exactly are you talking about? Do explain. Some abstraction about performance without context? Something subjectively called "natural" vs. something likewise designated as "forced?" The message is the thing and it is much more than the words it contains.
Well, in the case of the porn flick, it depends on whether the woman was faking an orgasm. Hmmm...might also be the case in real life (IRL)....
Nothing to do with "faking" anything in any performance. How is that different than an actor in Hamlet expressing an emotion written/directed for him? Is it an honest emotion/reaction (i.e. does it fit the moment) and moreover, is it believable in the performance. Or in the case of the porn flick, does it matter?
Well, I doubt that Act 5 would end with Horatio asking, "Was it good for you, dear Hamlet?"
Not the point, of course.
The Danny Jansen baseball story could have been written by James Thurber. Maybe someday they’ll say, you could look it up.
I had the honor of being serving as a grand juror in my county (Arlington, VA) twice. It was quite the learning experience about our judicial system. Frankly for me, I learned a lot about illegal drugs (who knows what a "dipper" is??). To my surprise, and I am a kinda math person, when one is caught with a large amount of marijuana laced brownies which is obviously way beyond what could be considered "personal use", one is charged for possession based on the total weight of the brownies, not for the amount of MJ used as an ingredient. My take away for potential drug dealers is to focus on the cake type recipes and skip the more tasty fudgey recipes.
THe cool thing about Arlington is even though crimes(allegedly) committed in the county and the City of Falls Church are tried in Arlington County Court system, there are multiple law enforcement agencies that may have jurisdiction. Steal luggage at DCA? Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is in the lead. Shop lift something at Pentagon City Mall but make it past the Metro turnstile before being apprehended? Hello Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority police. Cash checks snail mail sent to you in Arlington from the DC government under fraudulent circumstances? The USPS Postal Inspector does not mess around. Scam a bunch of people while impersonating a Federal Officer? Yowsa! Enter the FBI. Many other stories, but I absolutely would serve again.
To be fair, there were also a couple murder and sexual assault cases that made me nauseous and I'm glad I wasn't on the trail jury for those.
I like your focus on these details, I think of as well. I took a law seminar on cannabis and learned that since Bush II, the federal government hasn’t wanted to process cannabis crimes, this was supported by a Treasury memo. Too many conflicting jurisdictions. They probably do want to keep tax-avoiding dealers in check. Laws still exist. So it’s a slack chance of getting prosecuted, unless a prosecutor is being selective. And states are states.
I disagree that the first night of the DNC was “lackluster.” The young woman with her story of being raped at 12 by her stepfather was riveting. Hillary’s speech was exceptional. And Biden’s farewell was historic. It was unlike any other convention I’ve seen.
Have you seen the comparison clips of the roll calls at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions that they've showed on MSNBC? It's hysterical! One's a wedding reception, one's a funeral service.
Gene, was this a Freudian slip?
Just a weak ago, newly ensconced as Veep2B, Walz
No. I fixed it and now your comment will look silly. Heh.
I expected nothing less. Well done.
Your poll didn't say 'nekkid', but I knew that's what you meant.
For Federal Court service, I would rather be seated in a trial than do what I did. I had to call in once a week for a month and listen for my group number. Every week it was simple, ALL the groups had to report. Four days of waiting and never being put on a jury. It would have been better to go in on day one of service, stay for a trial for that week and be done with it.
On my first jury, I was disappointed in that many others strayed from the purpose. They considered their own knowledge of the location (drug dealers), they considered non-aligning stories as doubt rather than lies, etc. so they hung the jury on a pair of dealers who were guilty. On my second, I played it cool in the beginning, noting only after being asked, just one of the best incriminating facts that I believed. This jury processed the case to conviction. I don’t wish to serve again.
Every time since I first heard The Beastie Boys sing, "Living at home is such a drag!" I've said to myself, "Well, where else are you going to live?"
Your discussion of cool in presidential candidates reminded me of the old cliche that voters prefer the candidate they want to have a beer with.