Present Project

Reliable Sources

2009-05-25T16:47:00.002-04:00

Reliable Sources is really one of the most whiny, pointless shows.
The general script goes something like:

Howie shows clips of the week's most "serious" debates on MTP, etc.
Howie offers his insight on how there are evidently different people saying different things and that for people who share his lack of critical reasoning handicap, it's hard to know if the right wing is systematically dishonest.
Guests appear, to repeat conventional wisdom and disagree on the substance of the issue offering balance and a narrow spectrum of views.
Howie wonders if the discussion on the cable shows "crossed the line."
Everyone joins in blaming blogs for raising the vitriol in public debate.
All agree that the news media in a vague, abstract sense needs to "do better" but that the networks' shows are still the benchmark.
Things left to ponder for next week? Do press secretaries try to spin the news? Are newspapers having financial problems? Is the internet changing the way people get their news? Do opinions pages leak over into the news coverages sometimes?

Simply loading the MediaMatters site is more informative on the week's news coverage.

Albanian Film School Repression

2009-02-25T11:36:00.008-05:00

The Albanian film school, MARUBI, has suffered an attack by the State Police. Film Professor Iris Eleziis quoted in Variety, "our students had to face a brutal display of power by the state police, all so that our sculpture garden can be turned into a parking lot for the biggest TV channel in Albania.” Ironically, students had been preparing the area for an upcoming International Human Rights Film Festival, you can see the completely unnecessary thugishness, and yes the Minister of anti-Culture seems to get his fashion advice from Dr. Strangelove, quickly sign a petition protesting this repression.

I checked the Ambassador's site, since it appears the school recieves funding from the US government, but found this instead.

"Ambassador Withers Donates Training System to Albanian State Police
Ambassador John L. Withers II attended a donation ceremony on February 23 handing over a total of over 111,000 USD to the Albanian State Police. The donation, made capable through the ICITAP-Albania program, consists of a state of the art interactive Fire Arms Training System. The system provides the state police with the capability of training officers on the use of firearms, measuring their basic and advanced shooting skills, and the ability to simulate real world conditions and situations where officers must decide when and how much force to use under stressful conditions."

The Ambassador was not quoted as saying "Welcome to NATO, I don't think I need to tell you how to using that police training, see you soon in Afghanistan"

Reds Are Everywhere!

2009-02-10T12:20:00.004-05:00

I was out again today shooting a curriculum being used in a classroom for a textbook company. Been doing that a bit lately and have always found something on the camera to tinker with during the painful pledge of allegiance time. Today another freelancer who is also shooting, came up afterward and jokingly said, "what are you some kind of commie sympathizer?" I laughed and said "yeah, I am."

We had to roll right then, but he was definitely confused as to whether or not I was joking too. We had talked about unionization a bit before, he had paid his $1,500 to get into the one that operates in WGBH so I wish I had a chance to explain what I meant and have a good discussion, probably see him around sometime though.

British Construction Workers

2009-02-08T19:14:00.002-05:00

This was encouraging to read. British construction workers force concessions from their employers through solidarity and a correct political strategy. Compare that to what the UAW leadership has done, concession after concession, almost anxiously trying to prove that they can force their workers to subsist on minimum wages if that is what the executives require. It also shows how an international, socialist understanding of struggle can counter the populist, nativist tendencies that the likes of Lou Dobbs could spark during an economic downturn.

"The deal between the Lindsey oil refinery strike committee and the Total oil company, the refinery owners, has set the benchmark for dozens of other sites throughout Britain and, in fact, throughout Europe. This heroic struggle by 1,000 plus construction engineers in the refinery (supported by walk-outs in 20 plus other sites. as well), who were working on different contracts throughout the site in north Lincolnshire, has resulted in a victory for the workers." More

Z1U dream

2009-02-05T10:43:00.004-05:00

I had weird dream last night, for some reason I had bought a Sony Z1U. I was coming home and was immediately hit by the remorse that I had just bought a camera that shoots HDV. I've been shooting with one lately for a job, which explains why it was in my head, it's still weird that I would buy something in a dream that I would of course never buy and then dream regret immediately afterward.

Angela Ricci Lucchi and Yervant Gianikian, Retrospective

2009-01-26T16:11:00.002-05:00

Something I wish I was going to at the Museum of Modern Art next month:

The Italian filmmaking team of Angela Ricci Lucchi and Yervant Gianikian burst onto the film scene in 1986 with their landmark experimental work From the Pole to the Equator. This startling work placed them at the forefront of the documentary film movement and introduced what would become recurrent themes in their work: peace and war, imperialism, and the exploitation of the underprivileged. The pair's signature style often involves the manipulation of rare footage through re-photographing, selectively hand-tinting, and altering film speed to produce a final work of a distinctly otherworldly quality.

full schedule looks amazing

Oscar Doc Nominations; Feature & Short

2009-01-26T14:51:00.003-05:00

Features:
The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)
Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath

Encounters at the End of the World
Werner Herzog

The Garden
Scott Hamilton Kennedy

Man on Wire
James Marsh

Trouble the Water
Tia Lessin and Carl Deal

Shorts:
THE CONSCIENCE OF NHEM EN
Steven Okazaki

THE FINAL INCH
Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant

SMILE PINKI
Megan Mylan

THE WITNESS - FROM THE BALCONY OF ROOM 306
Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde

Pirjo Honkasalo

2009-01-08T02:23:00.004-05:00

Pirjo Honkasalo is a Finnish filmmaker that has a great description in her bio that I'm quoting here and wouldn't mind having tattooed on me. She did a film, 3 Rooms of Melancholia, that I've read about and seen clips of and really want to see (below is a clip with Swedish subtitles, ganska fint!). Sadly Icarus Films is the only distributor that seems to have US rights. And they want $440 for it. Intriguing film cannot be seen by interested person. Yeah, the old distribution model needs to crumble and blow away like dessicated dog shit.

"I don't care for truths, for I see all thought as roiling foam that adheres to nothing nor holds fast; but in the time when I am not asleep or dreaming, I wish to know how the human tribe leads its life, shapes its history and expresses its will, which always seeks to improve the human condition and yet wallows, bewildered, in its blood like some elk gone astray in the city and impaled on the spikes of a cemetery fence. It should not happen this way." PH

2008-12-12T15:00:00.002-05:00

I bet you thought that Bush was a Bible believing fundamentalist, huh?

Turns out he can't give a straight answer about his faith beyond, he stopped drinking soon after he hung out with Billy Graham. The same Billy Graham who in taped conversation with Nixon complained about Jews "stranglehold" on the media and "all the pornography."

from the BBC, "Even when Nixon replies that he agrees but 'can't say that' in public, Graham presses the point: Yes, right, but if you get elected to a second term, then we could do something about the problem."

Also from Graham, "A lot of Jews are great friends of mine. They swarm around me and are friendly to me, because they know that I am friendly to Israel and so forth, but they don't know how I really feel about what they're doing to this country, and I have no power and no way to handle them."

But, hey if Graham performed a miracle and convinced Bush to get on the wagon, great. Oh, turns a little more mundane and understandable to hear Laura told him he was a boozer and he needed to grow up. The point isn't the obvious one that Graham is a duchebag, but that during this time with Nixon, Graham was leading his "Crusades for Christ" and beginning the calculated transition of Christians voters to the Republican camp that has culminated in what are going to be called the "Bush Years."

These are plainly political operators, they manipulate and deceive for political ends and use religion to dupe people. Bush built on the myth of GOP Christianity and manipulated the same crowd, (certainly the only people in the entire country who vote their values) the fundamentalist Christians. The story comes full circle when we consider how much Bush looks up to Graham, but doesn't really believe the nonsense that the Bible is literally true, that God called him to be President or that the creation story is true and evolution is false. When are the fundies gonna learn? The GOP is sure hoping for one more election cycle before the neo-cons, fiscal conservatives and Bible believers part ways.

The Hugo Chavez Show

2008-11-28T13:17:00.001-05:00

These are some thoughts I had and sent to Frontline after watching the latest show, The Hugo Chavez Show.

Whenever I hear the alarmist rhetoric, sadly also present in this film, stating that “Chavez is using oil money to pay for social services” I kind of snicker, it’s like saying “property taxes are being used to pay for public schools!” oh my, the scandal!

The Alberto Barrera statement that Chavez’s overblown rhetoric is a result of his need to compensate for not having an epic story is pretty odd considering that Chavez came from a rural family, attempted a coup, became a popular leader, was elected, survived US supported economic sabotage and a coup attempt, a recall vote and was reelected by the highest margin ever.

The attempted military coup was supported by the US. Sadly this film only says that some say there may have been involvement, quite disingenuous.

Closing RCTV was a bad move, lacking is an explanation of why he did it. It was because they had advocated for the overthrow of the democratically elected government. So how would that go down in the US? What would Bush and Chaney have done to a media organization that had actively supported a coup attempt? I agree it was the wrong decision, but it‘s not an outlandish one for a political leader. In that same vein, Rory gets a ridiculous answer from Chavez, this is not unique for a politician, more helpful and interesting would be an explanation of this systematic effect of government in silencing the press, ie. This is a universal problem, see how the Venezuelan government does it too . . . .

The only proposals of the referendum discussed were allowing reelection and executive powers. This is just following the hyped story that was echoing in all the US news coverage of the referendum. Whether or not one agrees with it, there is a tradition in Venezuela of granting exceptional executive powers to allow a president to transform institutions, so not too unusual there. Permanent reelection? Yep I think it’s a bad idea, so did the Venezuelans. Too bad the substantive economic and political proposals of the referendum were ignored. Considering the likes of Pat Robertson who advocated for his assassination and the nonsense that Chavez is a dictator, (dictators don’t lose votes), why no critique of the misinformation that has been fed to us by our media?

In Bikel’s interview she states, “And since the U.S. never showed any respect for Latin America, there has always been resentment towards the U.S.” Too bad this helpful context was lacking from the film. Also, no coverage of the PSUV? Hmmm, somewhat significant don’t ya think? Especially since the acronym is visible many times, including all over the clothing of interview subjects. 10 years later problems remain? That’s certainly an odd measure of failure, no statistics of the decrease in poverty, illiteracy or increase in the access to healthcare?

The idea floating around that Chavez is a socialist is patently not true, one might say that his economic goals tend in the direction of socialism, or that he embraces the transition to socialism, but simply put, are the means of production in the hands of workers? As Feeney wrote in the Boston Globe review, the documentary avoided typical depths of mischaracterization, but also seems to have avoided Chavez’s politics. Overall I feel this film very clearly highlighted the oddities and blowhard moments of Chavez, but almost completely avoided the political questions that have undoubtedly been brought to the fore and are of greatest consequence to the Venezuelan people.

Public Television II

2008-11-26T12:46:00.000-05:00

In 2005 the chairman of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which receives money from the Federal Government and issues grants to PBS stations, decided to investigate/smear major programs and claim that they had a liberal bias. He hired a rightwing consultant who wrote such a biased and bizarre report that the CPB wouldn't release it, also its not good policy to secretly investigate people for their political views. NPR got ahold of it, reported here. The real story is not so much how ideological and unethical these people are, but how much they are driven by the desire to stifle what they percieve to be a broadcast outlet for people critical of Republican ideology. That same June the Republicans in the relevant House Appropriations panel voted to again cut funding for the CPB. The latest appempt to cut funding will certainly be reversed by Obama and the new Congress, but the real question is why the rightwing is so determined and effective in its attempts to cut funding. Is it as thwy state, that the diversity of programming available on so many channels today, negates the efforts of PBS to present differing points of view, or because despite all its failings, it's not a corporately controllable platform and thus should be eliminated.

Bill Moyers on The Daily Show explains the CPB issue pretty well.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Bill Moyers

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Public Television

2008-11-19T20:46:00.000-05:00

This information tell you all you need to know about the current administration's opinion about journalism and information that is damaging to them. Even if you are a Republican and are ideologically opposed to the idea of publicly financed broadcasting, (which is an absurd concept) consider how this was callously used as a weapon. Attempting to eliminate PBS completely because of their criticism of an administration that has less that 15% support by the public is pretty astounding.

Collage FIlm

2008-11-16T10:11:00.000-05:00

I'm working on a collage project right now, mixing some old footage from commercial and instructional films from the 40-60s. I'm sending it to a friend to make a soundtrack, and it should be up by the end of the month.

In that vein, I've come across a great Hungarian filmmaker, Péter Forgács who has made films from amateur and private film collections. There are clips on his website that you can view, this is one I like.

Bourgeois Dictionary - Private Hungary 7 - Film by Peter Forgacs from Peter Forgacs on Vimeo.

Socialism Slanders

2008-10-29T21:59:00.000-04:00

I came across this quote by Chomsky that really applies to the current absurd slanders by the Republicans of socialism,

"A principle familiar to propagandists is that the doctrine to be instilled in the target audience should not be articulated: that would only expose them to reflection, inquiry, and, very likely, ridicule. The proper procedure is to drill them home by constantly presupposing them, so that they become the very condition for discourse."

Obama is no socialist, if he was I'd be voting for him. Can the Republicans please calm the fuck down already? Be afraid of me if that is so necessary to the party of elitist exploiters. I have no problem redistributing the wealth you've stolen from working people, and there is no chance in hell I'd give you ass-wipes a bailout either, damn.

did you have

2008-10-25T11:40:00.000-04:00

This whole phenomenon of going to Palin rallies and making viral videos for the Halloween season(perhaps unintentionally)is really fascinating, I'm really wishing I'd gone to NH and gotten in the game. I look at the people in the crowd, besides the crazy person talking and wonder what are they thinking. I wonder, how this being recorded is going to contribute to the fractures in the right. Where is all of this hatred and fear going to go if Obama wins? Are these people who have been convinced by Limbaugh/Ingrahm/Malkin etc, going to be affected by information and change their minds ever?

There has been some distancing from the nonsense at McCain and especially Palin rallies, but compare that to how much Democrats have always been required and willing to denounce their left, (for example the MoveOn ad being voted on in Congress) it's typical Democrat/Liberal roll-over for them to spend so much time trying to convince the Buchanan-type kooks about Bill Ayers, et all, thus contributing to the generally rightward and McCarthyite political drift. Defending themselves from claims of anti-americanism while being civil and rational in their political discourse (ever heard of Obama rallies where people scream that McCain is a terrorist and wants to destroy America?) earns them points from the 19 rational, informed voters who haven't already chosen Democrats based on policy preferences.

Rick Sanchez

2008-10-05T17:05:00.000-04:00

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

Rick Sanchez is that one guy talking to you at a party you don't want to be at, stupid as a brick but at least he doesn't have a popped collar and is mildly amusing conversation.

2008-10-03T15:23:00.000-04:00

Too bad they didn't add a talent component to the debate.

Bailout Redux

2008-09-30T12:37:00.000-04:00

So the bailout package didn't pass, but not thanks to the Dem. leadership. Pelosi got to complain about obviously bad things and then not be responsible for anything, including presenting the bill to the house. Classic Democratic Leadership.

Since the American people are hostage to the banking/speculative system the only solution is to help the banks. Sounds like Stockholm Syndrome.

Comments from people on TV -

Capital gains tax breaks are needed = make it more profitable for the rich to take bigger risks with the economy.

It's the fault of regulation = investment banks didn't choose to purchase risky mortgage loans hoping to make huge profits, um . . . government forced them to.

It's the fault of the poor people = they applied for the sub-prime loans with hidden predatory resetting rates that the local banks targeted them with.

The American people should be forced to buy all these junk securities that no one in their right mind is purchasing so banks will see our economy is worth investing in and issue credit = rich investors shouldn't lose their money, if it wasn't for them using your money to make more money for themselves, there would be no home ownership. It's the way the system works, it's just their turn to get rich.

Don't let the government take ownership of the defaulting mortgages = we have to preserve the capitalist system, you can make that $700,000,000,000 check out to The Free Market.

Bankruptcy Blues

2008-09-29T12:23:00.000-04:00

Bailout on the way - no power for bankruptcy judges to renegotiate mortgages. Wow, but really no surprise.

Boston Psychedelic Cinema

2008-09-26T15:01:00.000-04:00

I watched a great composite selection of short films by Ken Brown at the Coolidge Corner Theatre last night, Psychedelic Cinema: Light Show Films. Shot on 8mm from 1967-69 and originally played behind live performances of the Velvet Underground, Hendrix, Zepplin, etc, in connection with the Boston Tea Party and now anthologized by Anthology Film Archives. The whole compilation was 54 min. long (accompanied by a live band) and combined films originally made as discrete pieces, which I would have preferred to have seen sepmented, as there were clear themes thatI think might have been better to have them viewed that way, but not a big deal. This is a quick, silent segment that exhibits some of the in-camera craftsmanship that was amazing and also features a quick shot of Trotsky in connection with an "evolution" theme, so gets my stamp of approval. There was a fair bit of "z" axis manipulation which is pretty standard for phychedelica, but it was nice to see the genuine article and not a trope. Ken Brown was there, a totally down to earth guy who hoped we had all brought our bongs. Damn.

2008-09-24T14:09:00.000-04:00

I'm restarting this blog with (what I consider) a sadly hilarious episode. I've just finished a music video and the artist wants to send it to be included in the Comcast Music Choice selection. They ask for Beta or Digi Beta, kind of a pain for me, as I have to go downtown to lay it down on someone else's deck, so I called to ask if they would take miniDV. "What? mini TV D? TV VD?" Uh, she's going to have to ask someone and get back to me.

One would think that even music video programmers, at this point in modern history, would have familiarized themselves with the format. Maybe she and McCain could google it.