Entertainment – The Laughing Wolf

Olympics and IOC

These days, they are one in the same and I am done with both. Two of many reasons are below.

First up was the mockery of the Last Supper in the opening show. No, it was not a depiction of some Dionysian event as revisionist history claims. Got the receipts on that in screen caps of several posts clearly stating that it was a take on the Last Supper. Posts that stayed up until the backlash started and the usual liars and gullible started with the revisions and attacks on ‘stupid and uncultured’ Christians.

Now, at the risk of attracting a lawsuit of some type from the morbidly obese centerpiece of that show (who is now threatening legal actions of various sorts against those who criticize it and the show), maybe it shouldn’t have posted so proudly about what they were doing. Got to agree with someone I read who pointed out that the real pagans of the early games would be outraged over the depiction. It was vapid, uninspired, unimaginative, and derivative. It was so far from original as to be unworthy of even a yawn if not for placement. The placement made it a slap in the face of all Christians, and that was quite deliberate by the producers and the IOC.

You might want to take a long look at the IOC and their participation in the real war on women, as they are also good with biological males beating up on biological females. In fact, they seem to get off on it and are doing all they can to promote it. You might also look at the culture of corruption that goes with the IOC and it’s members, among many other things. Understand, they are the Davos crowd, they are woke, and they hate you and all you stand for peasant — including your religious beliefs. If you think what they are doing is chance, I have a bridge for sale…

Which is why I have not deliberately watched any of the current Olympics and will not knowingly support a sponsor of same. Can’t avoid the news completely (and must admit I have been amused by and enjoyed the photos of the gymnast with the wheels of cheese), but even so I switch stories, channels, or whatever if I do see coverage of any type. I’m also done with any other support, including that to any person or group participating in any event under the IOC. As for the sadly few companies that dropped advertising and sponsorships after this, glad to support them as I can.

Biggest thing I, and you, can do is walk away. Don’t tune in, don’t watch, don’t listen. If viewership and related continue to crater (and that is a trend over the last few games that seems to be growing), neither they nor the advertisers will matter. Boycotting individually or organized, and letting them know why the business is no longer getting my/your business, will only speed things up. Oh, and if your city/state/etc. wants to spend millions to host? Fight it, tooth and nail. Pull up the real financials for past hosts, as they can be most interesting.

Now, if you like men beating up women and otherwise erasing them from sports and public life (heck, even prison life) and ‘putting women in their place’ like that, feel free to support the current secular religion, the olympics, and the IOC. If not, join me and walk away. Trust me, your life will not diminish for it, and in fact is quite likely to be far richer. There are outlets still out there for women’s sports and more, and that value women for being women — and they deserve your support. Entertainment, and that is exactly what the games are, should not mock your religion. The IOC and such have become institutions of disrespect and degradation for women, religion, and even spirituality. Show some respect, and walk away. Your life and your Soul will be better for it.

UPDATE I: Yes, I am aware the boxer in question has a medical condition and is not trans. It really doesn’t matter, and all the screaming about testosterone is a best a smoke screen. What matters is that he tests genetically as a male; he has the physical development of a male; and, he has been barred as a male from other competitions. It is truly sad and even horrible. However, allowing him to compete against women makes it horrible for them, and is unfair to them and potentially to thousands of other female competitors. To argue otherwise is intellectually bankrupt and morally and ethically depraved.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Tales From MOC Con

Really, there is a redundancy in that title, but if you don’t know what MOC stands for, or accept that it became a proper name unto itself, the extra Con is needed. Today, a quick (?) tale from my time on the science fiction convention circuit and an interesting (if ultimately slightly horrific) interaction with one of the actors from Dr. Who.

For today’s post, I blame Amy and Aymar as it was a discussion with them that led to my thinking about/remembering this episode. We were discussing Dr. Who as the result of some rather loathsome comments by an actor, and got to thinking about the Doctor who brought us into the series. Given my memory, the first episodes I ever watched (most likely on PBS) may have been Jon Pertwee, but it was really Tom Baker who was “my Doctor” and got me to enjoy the series.

Over the years, I actually met a number of actors from the show, including Mr. Pertwee (still, I hope, have an autographed and personalized copy of his autobiography somewhere). When I met Louise Jameson she was on a tear trying to scandalize those attending a convention, I suspect in part because of the location where it was held. A story for a different day. Can’t remember some others (stupid lightning), but I did very briefly meet Patrick Troughton.

For several years, I was a guest at MOC con, which started as “Macon Opus Con” and then became “Magnum Opus Con” before just getting called MOC con by most. It started in Macon, Georgia, and was too big (and just too much for sleepy Macon) even in the first year. As a result, it moved to Columbus, Georgia, for its second year. And, yes, I did look up a number of things for this (stupid lightning).

Since I was not a television star, but a science (and minor writing) guest, I was not in the main convention hotel at the start of that second year. Disappointing, as being able to go back to your room, store stuff there, and be close to your room between panels was handy. Got through the first day okay, but was on a list to get moved to the main hotel if a room came open.

One thing I do remember from that first day was opening ceremonies. I seem to recall that one of the guests had played “The Master” on Doctor Who, and when he was introduced to the crowd a bunch of booing and cries to do bad things to him broke out, such that the poor man looked rather scared for a moment. Then he realized that the “crowd” doing the booing and making comments was one person: Patrick Troughton. Who, as the other actor clutched his chest and shook his finger at him, was doubled over in laughter at having gotten his colleague. Everyone cracked up, relaxed, and a fun time began.

I was surprised to get a phone call early the next morning, telling me a room had become available at the main hotel, and asking if I would like to move over? Of course, I said yes and move I did. Made it much more convenient in regards my panels, and things were going along well until around lunch time I think. It was then someone mentioned a thing not being discussed in public (I don’t even remember any rumors that morning), that Mr. Troughton had died of a heart attack at breakfast (just after ordering apparently). Thankfully, the room I had moved into was not his, but had belonged to friends traveling with him. I have to admit I was relieved.

Yes, it did cast a pall over the convention. Mr. Troughton was friendly, had a good sense of humor, and was very much enjoying himself. I seem to recall some DJs put out on air that the “star” of the con had died so don’t bother going, which did hurt attendance. Jerks never did apologize for that one if memory serves.

I was a guest at a couple of other MOCs over the years I think, and I met some interesting people as part of it. Got to meet some literary figures I enjoyed, and was surprised a bit at some of the media people truly being interested in what NASA, DoD, and others were doing. Got to visit with Mr. Doohan on a couple of occasions at MOC, which was always a pleasure and not a surprise that he was interested in current projects.

Over the years, I was a guest at some other conventions, including one or two of the early DragonCons. I remember one at least, as that was the one where I spent a bit of time with Larry Bond, Tom Clancy, and some other interesting people. I also got Timmyed (a word I just made up) into helping with the start of LibertyCon, working with Klon on programming. If you never worked with Uncle Timmy, especially when he had a project (crusade), by the time you heard the whistle, the locomotive had already run over you. The Timmy Train was quite the thing. Again, a story for another day.

I think I’m making getting back to LibertyCon a bucket list item. It would be good to see how it’s grown and to meet up with some old friends in the process. Maybe even make some new ones. Heck, with what the lightning did, some of the old I don’t remember might become new again.

That was the interesting thing about the cons: you did meet some very good and interesting people, and sadly I’ve realized writing this how many of them have passed. Which means it’s time to try to meet some new good and interesting people.

Onwards.

The Attack

Thanks to Dr. Alice, I got to read Kurt Schlichter’s The Attack (no, I don’t get anything for the link other than the joy of promoting a good book). It is a mix of horror, humor, and insightful analysis combined with very good writing that is hard to put down.

The style of treating it as first person interviews and recordings for historical purposes was indeed a great choice. It allows it to keep a good pace, cover a lot of territory, and build a believable world in a way that would indeed require a massive novel to do otherwise. It also allows glimpses into mindsets and characters that would be difficult to pull off in a novel.

The result is a fast-paced read that builds and fills a complex world in a realistic manner. While it is a fictional treatment of current events, it still deals with them in a mostly realistic way.

Indeed, my only disagreement with the good Colonel is that I think he understated some things, even though I suspect I know why he did so. For most of the public, what is presented in the book is going to be eye-opening and hard to believe. I suspect reality is much worse.

Personally, I suspect that we may be facing more than two divisions of Islamicists (and supporters, a concept well and convincingly explored in the book) given what has poured across the border in the last three years. That does not include the Chinese (again, well covered in the book) and others who are, again, known to have come across in very large numbers. Take a look at who is buying up land around military and strategic sites (hint, it’s not just the Chinese), and, well, I think that in this book we are looking at a best-case scenario.

As for the attacks on the schools, again I think it understated. Years back, several of us took a look at schools, security, and more as a result of Beslan. If you don’t know what it is, look it up. In short, a “hostage” situation (as often is seen in this book) that was really a front for rape, torture, and murder. This is one of the few times you will hear me say I don’t think the Russian’s went far enough in dealing with those behind this. (sorry, still working on being more New Testament instead of Old Testament). Back to subject, I know that at least one of the people Kurt thanks at the start of the book is one who took a look at this and what could happen here.

I don’t know about him, but the thought of such here doesn’t scare me: it terrifies me. It terrifies me that every effort to harden and protect our schools against this and other threats has been fought for domestic political reasons that willingly sacrifice our children. Beslan proved that not only were schools great targets, but that faking it being a hostage situation was a great way to draw things out for propaganda purposes while allowing maximum time for rape, torture, and murder. It’s a concept tested again to some extent on Oct. 7, and one that features prominently in the book.

Which leads me to the one overly optimistic thing in the book, and the thing that came closest to throwing me out of any suspension of disbelief: the response. The response(s) shown in the book only work in the presence of strong leadership and a tangible form(s) of collective justice. In the absence of such, you are going to get mobs, vigilantes, and worse as civilization is a veneer even today. While there are some who want to see such, so as to justify yet more radical restructuring, they are fools. They do not understand that what we witnessed on Oct. 7 is the way most of the world works and has worked for an age or three.

There is a reason in the past that people fled when it looked like towns were to be sacked. It is not limited to the distant past: Look at the sack of Berlin and what happened to females 8 to 80. Look at the looting (though I do tend to think the Soviets did the Germans a favor by taking all those stool-shelf commodes, look it up), and outright murder that went with it. If you really want to, you can find examples even more recent.

The concepts of just war, limited war, rule of law, and even the peaceful transfer of power are recent and quite possibly fleeting. When one actively circumvents safeguards, such as opening a border, guess what goes away?

Now, imagine a world where The Attack happens and strong leadership not only does not emerge, but you see the multi-tier “justice” of the last few years applied to those who took part in this. What do you think will happen?

Especially given that the schools and our children will be targets just like Oct. 7. In fact, here’s an equation for you: (Beslan + Euvalde) * Oct. 7 = X² That is the horror that will happen in our schools. The response to it by the public, however is likely to be: (Beslan + Euvalde) * Oct. 7 = X⁴ Now, imagine that released in an uncontrolled and uncoordinated manner not just in the U.S., but around the world. That is what will happen without strong leadership and a good grasp of history and social dynamics.

Enough on that. Back to topic, this is a good book that I highly recommend not just as a good (and enjoyable, though not necessarily fun) read, but also as a warning and full of things to factor into your planning for life. Get it. Read it. Just remember, it can be enjoyed on many levels.

As always, be prepared. Keep your friends close and your things where you can find them in the dark.

St. Nicholas Press

The other day, I mentioned knowing a Sister behind a publishing company, and promised a bit more information. The publishing company is St. Nicholas Press and they publish books for adults and for children.

Now, it is an Orthodox Christian press so if you are looking for Joel O or the Hour of Glower, you won’t find it there. What you will find are some interesting works of which the new translation of St. Patrick’s work(s) is but one of several I plan to read. And, yes, I’ve even sorta looked at one of the kid’s books.

Just wanted to share as several of the works look very interesting no matter your “flavor” of Christianity. I have to admit, if I were up to travel right now, the tour guide of Greece that takes you to the sites of every Greek saint (and a bit more) would be a different way go.

TV Show Idea

Over on X, someone posted a joke meme about doing a show where today’s teenagers are forced to use 90’s technology with all it’s limitations, and film the meltdown. Yes, it probably would be an epic meltdown. However, it gave me the idea for an even better show that could help today’s youth learn and grow on several levels.

I see this show as a companion to Naked and Afraid though without the nudity. For those not familiar with the show, a male and female are dropped into a remote location without clothes and with only one item to help them survive for three or so weeks. They are usually people who have lots of outdoor experience and extreme survival skills. Before the lightning strike, I had half considered applying though I am a lightweight and piker on outdoor skills in comparison to their regular contestants. Nor am I nearly as good looking.

In my show, you take a group of yutes, er, youths and drop them someplace not even necessarily all that remote, fully clothed. In fact, you drop them there with all the tools they need to survive, and even survive in comfort (relatively speaking). I’m thinking an axe, hatchet, a couple of knives, and a couple of pots. Even throw in a tent or three, though I would make each one of those wonderful old-fashioned heavy canvas tents with all the interesting wooden poles that some of us have had the fun joy of helping put up before. Heck, even throw in a flooring system for it, seem to recall they were fun too though I don’t think I ever really worked with them. Finally, maybe throw in some misc. bits of hardware that don’t seem to make any sense to the kids, some twine, and some rope.

Not too close, but nearby, drop in a group of us more-seasoned people with the same supplies. Be willing to bet that more than one of us might smuggle in some cigars and such. Compare and contrast the two groups, as I would bet that the ~~older~~ more-seasoned group would have a well-laid out camp, tents up, latrine dug, and foraging parties out pretty quick. Heck, if there were some copper tubing in that miscellaneous hardware, one or more of us could improvise a still for water purification purposes (cough). The foraging parties would have instructions not to make contact with the youth but to observe. At least at first.

Initially, it’s about compare and contrast between the two camps. If the youth don’t discover the old farts, make contact after a set period and see if they are smart enough to ask for help. Rule is, the old farts can’t actually do the work for them, but can coach them. See how many of them will go for that, and if any of them smarten up and run with it. Would any of them ask what to do with that odd mix of hardware? Learn how to improvise a bow or make a spear? Snare? Field shower?

Lots of lessons could be taught, and not just survival. Good chances for positive personal growth on many levels. Meantime, fun and entertaining for the audience. Thoughts?

UPDATE: Rules.

OF can advise, suggest, or provide other non-physical assistance to the youth. They may not, however, perform any task unless it is to demonstrate something they are doing for their camp/use, and the task or product in question can not be given to or used by the youth group.

No quitting. Unless medically evacuated everyone has to stay for at least two full weeks. Failure to do so results in forfeiture of all pay, residuals, or other compensation, and studio retains rights to use audio, video, or other recordings in any media of the person who quits for five years.

Any participant who is injured and not evacuated, and unable to work, will receive a full share of food and water each day as they recover.

Any participant refusing to work or otherwise take part in the common survival forfeits all food and water. Any participant who demands that the non-working participant receive food and water automatically forfeits half their rations to the non-working person that day. If this results in more than a single share of food or water, it is up to the non-working person if they share the excess with others. Participants in each camp will be polled each day if there is a non-working person in that camp.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Favorite Porn Video

Stirring the pot a little with the tale of my favorite porn video of all time, which turned out not to be porn. Despite the clear intentions of the couple involved.

If I still have the link or a download of the video, I can’t find it. Which is a shame because, believe it or not, it was hilarious. I laughed so hard at that video, and not because of the efforts of the couple involved.

The couple had decided to do what others were doing and record themselves having sex. They were going to post the video afterwards, since that was apparently the in thing to do back in the day. Instead, well, be best laid plans of mice and men can come a cropper thanks to a cat.

The video they ended up posting had me laughing before the main event. The wife said what they had planned to do, but that their cat, Max (may not be the right name, stupid lightning), had decided it was time for the world to meet him.

The camera then starts and before you can see the couple, you see Max. As in Max has his face right up in the camera lens. As it does the autofocus thing, you see him react in a variety of different ways. Fear. Curiosity. Determination. And more. He even bats at the camera a few different times. In the background, you can tell there’s movement and something going on, but the only thing you can see is Max’s face. For like ten minutes.

Not sure if the couple finished or realized Max was taking the spotlight. Seem to recall some laughter from them. Max got his fame. The couple became somewhat famous briefly as the owners of Max, rather than being just another couple lost in the flesh. God works in mysterious ways, sometimes perhaps even through Max.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Musical Interlude

Sorry for the odd posting schedule, but the body and I have been having a disagreement about eating that has been playing hob with me for a week now. Rather than gripe about that, I thought I would share a little bit of music. Three very different artists, all of whom I would love to see in concert. Which says a lot given my thoughts on crowds and loud these days.

First up, Lindsey Stirling. Beyond cute, with both inner and outer beauty shining through. If I were younger and Mormon…, as who wouldn’t be charmed by a true class act. I’ve been fascinated by violins since an early age and it was what I wanted to play in band, but economics (could borrow versus buy) said trumpet. Was given one very briefly for a play, and had it taken away as I was actually practicing with it and getting good while the character was supposed to play horribly. Right now, my looking at getting a guitar as opposed to a violin to see if I can learn to play after the lightning strike is mostly economics. Would love to see her in concert as you can tell she puts her all into each performance.

If you haven’t listened to her, start with Shadows and then explore. As for the class act designation, this is just one of the good things she’s done for others. Think it’s a separate clip, but note that when she plays with the young lady she clearly takes second fiddle (pun intended) so the girl can shine. That is true class.

Next up, and very different, is The Hu. Metal meets Mongolia in a way that takes tradition and turns it into something new and very enjoyable. Love their videos. Start with Yuve Yuve Yu and explore. Be sure to catch the mix of Black Thunder featuring two members of Bad Wolves. I keep seeing their music pop up in interesting places, and seem to recall that two members of the band invented a language for one of the Star Trek vehicles and may have even had a cameo. Oh, and if you just want audio and no video, check out their YT Channel as it has just audio of most of their work as well as videos. Would love to see them in concert, though I can’t afford the cheap seats much less the VIP package.

Finally, there is Loreena McKennitt. There’s a lot in her work to unpack, and I had the hair stand up on my arms listening to her sing a true and potent curse (May God reward you well for your treatment of me). Most of the world knows her for her rendition of Bonny Portmore (I think it the best), and if you get the chance to listen to All Soul’s Night on Halloween night sitting in front of a fire, do so. I used to have all her CDs, wish I still did. She ranges from truly ancient tunes to more modern pieces with ease, and my inner Celt is always happy with her takes on Celtic music. Explore and enjoy. She’s coming here to Indy in a couple of months and I’m looking at going if budget and surgery allows. Seriously will check the date of the show before setting the date for the new shoulder.

Something different for the morning, and we will see what the afternoon holds.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

New Old Country

Growing up, I was indeed a child of rock and roll, though I tried to keep how much so hidden from my mother. Much I could say, and I do ask for prayers for her soul, but let’s just say she was not a fan of rock and roll for all she did seem to enjoy the Beatles and others on the Ed Sullivan show. That said, she much more enjoyed other acts and encouraged me to do so as well.

Her preference, and to some extend Dad’s, was much more into classical/baroque music, musicals, and bluegrass/old-school country. By old-school country, I mean what you would hear at the Grand Old Opry back when it was in the Ryman auditorium. If you don’t know who Stringbean and Bill Monroe are, much less Flatt and Scruggs, you are missing something. Have to admit, glad I got to go there before the Opry left Ryman. Yes, Porter Wagoner was a regular watch in our house. When Hee Haw started, it was a regular watch as well, and they brought in a lot of the old school to share with modern audiences. Sort of interesting to think back and realize that Roy Clark and Buck Owens were considered in some ways as ‘the new kids’ (Stringbean and Grandpa Jones being old school) despite having been around a while. Also, have to confess to having quite a crush on Cathy Baker…

Bit of an aside, mom tried hard to get me into musicals and I did sort of enjoy them. Think she finally gave up when she found out my favorite line from a musical was “I knew I loved her when I saw the moonlight gleaming off, the barrels of her father’s shotgun.” Also, she may have caught some of the alternative lyrics I devised for some songs, which became a bit, er, risque, as I hit puberty.

The reason for the discussion is that two bits of music have caused quite a stir in certain circles. I’ve listened to both, and have a couple of thoughts to share.

First up, Jason Aldean has a slick piece up that shook up what I consider to be the right people. High production values, fancy video, and a message to go with it. For me, not racist (if you hear the dog whistle, you are the dog; and, if you hear dog whistles in everything, get help) or any of the other wrong-think attributed to it. A solid commercial country hit.

Second, we now have Oliver Anthony coming out of left field with an anthem that is taking the world by storm. Not as slick, not as polished, but from the heart. The sound, to me, is a mix of old-school country/bluegrass and just a bit of the new. I hear a lot of influence in both music and lyrics from the bluegrass world.

Of the two, I have to admit I’m going through everything I can find by Mr. Anthony on the web. I’m not going to get into analyzing all the lyrics, but the music is something I think has been missing. A synthesis of some of the best of the new country and bluegrass, with a heapin helping (sorry, couldn’t resist) of old-school sounds and even techniques. Also, if you go back, even messaging.

I will say this about his lyrics: they resonate. I think they are going to resonate with more people, and in a deeper way, than Mr. Aldean’s good song. The word choices, the inflections, the feelings are in many ways raw and compelling. He’s singing the way average people, working people, outside the bubbles talk and think. That’s why it hitting home for so many people across a range of demographics. It’s why so many in the authoritarian/totalitarian camp hate him, and will try any way they can to cancel him. Which is also why I expect a lot of corporate Nashville (which is Big Music these days) will ignore him. Which also just makes this both more funny and more likely to be another Babylon Bee prophecy.

For me, in many ways, I just want to sit back and enjoy the music. The lyrics are okay and hit home, but it’s the sound that makes it all work. Check out some of his other work, think it is worth the time. If you are into such things, tell me you don’t hear a bit of old-school Stringbean coming out in that. In fact, good odds I will not just listen to what he has out, but go back and listen to some of the old-school classics as well. Time well spent on both I think.

So, tell me. What do you think of the message, and who all do you hear reflected in his somewhat unique sound?

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, which include moving once we have medical issues cleared up, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Tucker Carlson And Changing Media

I do wish there was some way to get all the progressives on social media to place a cash bet on Tucker’s future. Right now, they are gleefully doing something far too similar to the pee-pee dance of small children for my taste as they salivate over his alleged demise. I would be glad to put down $100 if they will match, that Tucker is back bigger and better within two years.

To be honest, I expect to see it a lot sooner than that. The media landscape has changed over the last few decades in significant ways, which a lot of people are missing. Newspapers are a relic still trying to find ways to compete in the age of electronics. The paper versions are largely money losers putting out news that is days or, in some cases, weeks old for those who dig around online. The classifieds used to carry a number of papers, yet today the classifieds mainly are there for areas where local laws demand notices be published in the classifieds… It is the online versions of the papers that carry something more timely and drive the revenue for the papers.

The Big 3 networks are now owned by other companies, in some cases entertainment companies. The news operations are largely footnotes to them, given some lip veneration to mollify some of the critics. Despite the strong efforts by some of those corporate parents to deplatform the competition that is arising from new, independent, news companies, said companies are filling niche and general markets. Streaming services and podcasts are drawing far larger audiences with critical demographics away from the old school that is corporate media.

These changes are accelerating. Tucker, I suspect, may be one of the people who have the potential to put that change into overdrive.

Keep in mind, he’s already co-founded one such new media operation, the Daily Caller. Also, if Rogan is offered $50 million by a streaming company, what do you think might be offered to Tucker? Fact is, he’s guaranteed an even larger audience and has some very interesting demographics (including Dems that the progressives have left behind – seriously, look at his info).

Personal opinion: I think the smart thing for him to do is set up a new company of his own; work out a nice deal with a streaming company; maybe do some work or ventures with the DC, OAN, Newsmax and others to build up him and them; and, tell the networks and corporate media to bugger off. In fact, if some of the Jan. 6 video is still available to him, I’d say do a special in conjunction with some else from the list above to show what Fox would not let him show.

Also personal opinion: I said bigger and better. His comments over the weekend suggest to me that he’s doing a lot of reflection and self-examination. It’s always a good thing, and I hope he is doing it, does a lot of it, and comes back from this not just a better news person, but a better person. He seems like a great guy as it is, but who knows what he could become? Think that tendency of his to support the up and comers might hit new heights?

To make a bad literary reference, corporate media are like those elves and others in Middle Earth who refused to head West, and diminish daily before our eyes. Tucker is hitting the market at a good time for an individual or even a new company to set up and come out to far better pay and even larger audiences. He will be fine. Corporate media, on the other hand…

John Wick 4, A Longer Take

Yesterday, I did a short and sweet review that basically said go see it. Today, I want to do a more detailed review and get into at least one area of memetics central to the series and particularly this chapter.

Let’s start with no real spoilers. The acting is superb.

Clancy Brown as the Harbinger is amazing, and while not in the film quite as much as I may have liked, his appearances are critical on several levels. So much so I would be tempted to say that this, not his role in Highlander, is the role he was born to play.

The nuanced and deep performance by Lance Reddick as Charon is fitting for his final role, and a reminder of the amazing talent lost with his death. He will be missed.

Bill Skarsgård plays the psychotic, arrogant, and slightly foppish Marquis almost too well for comfort. There is a fine line in playing such a character that keeps it from becoming either farce or failure, and it was walked with the grace of a tightrope artist. To stay away from spoilers for now, I will simply note that while there were only five or six of us in the early show, there was a distinct hissing heard when he came on screen.

Donnie Yen as Caine was outstanding casting. To combine absolute menace and deadly skill with comedic elements takes a deft touch. Yen appeared to do it with ease. His role, from action to some rather deep philosophical moments, is critical to the film. Without risking spoilers, the introduction of the blind swordsman/assassin meme to the movie was a brilliant stroke. I did, for a moment, flash to Usagi Yojimbo and am glad Yen did not have to utter the line ‘Why does everything smell of pine?’

Hiroyuki Sanada is not as well known to U.S. audiences as he should be, in my opinion. Again, another very good performance that combined excellent acting with amazing action.

The movie also introduces Shamier Anderson to a much wider audience. His character, Tracker, is both ally and enemy to John Wick at different times, and is very well played. The scene where Wick has to decide between shooting him or shooting the evil minion about to kill the dog is classic. I hope to see a lot more of Mr. Anderson in the future as he deserves a larger audience.

Also, I want to commend the performance of Rina Sawayama as Akira. While she is no stranger to the camera from her work as a singer and entertainer, this is not just her first major movie role, it appears to be her first movie role period, and she did it beautifully. Her chemistry with Reeves, Yen, and Sanada in particular is a delight. Maybe a bit more later.

Finally, we have Keanu Reeves. So as to not get into spoilers yet, I will simply say that he plays the weary, world-weary, and determined character to perfection, showcasing the many sides of the character with an excellent, even understated in parts, performance.

And while I should note the performances of Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, and others, I will simply say that if I took the time to go into all the actors/actresses who gave a good performance we’d be here quite a while. If there was a bad performance, it was lost somewhere in the hundreds of evil minions of the movie. The cinematography was it’s usual fantastic success.

Given what happened with Rust, I will note one final element I loved before moving on. The times I looked for it, I was pleased to see both trigger discipline in use (particularly by Mr. Reeves) and that the actors were indeed “cheating” their weapons. By that, I mean that while from the camera angle it looked as though they were pointing directly at another actor, they were not truly doing so. One of the many reasons I’ve enjoyed this series is the realism with weapons and tactics, and the commitment to safety.

Oh, do not leave the theatre until ALL the credits have rolled. Otherwise, you will miss out.

Spoilers Ahead

You Were Warned

Yes, John Wick is a live action comic/manga in many respects. Great action and escapism! Larger than life action and adventure.

Yet, it is also a series that takes on a number of tropes and memes cultural, literary, and even religious. It is one of the things that gives it depth for those who see and understand those memes. Some of the religious seem to be based on Orthodox theology, though traditional Catholics can hum the tune.

One element to those is crucial to the series and especially to this movie: the tale of the good man. The good man who must decide where he stands, what he stands for, and what he lives or dies for. Throughout the film, we see John Wick strive to be the good man. He left the life he had known for love, only to lose it. He is drawn back into his former life by the loss of love and hope, symbolized by the death of his wife for the first and the death of the puppy she sent him for the latter.

Throughout the films, he has been told that the killer is who he truly is, and is all he will ever be. In this film, this is almost brutally driven home in a not terribly subtle way. Both bad guy and even some “good” guys delight in telling him that this is all he is, and he should accept that. It becomes the true struggle for the character in the movie, as he sees and learns the consequences not just of his presence on those he counts as friends, but even what his mere existence can mean for those in his life. In the former, it is what happens to Shimazu and Akira because of his presence. In the latter, it is the death of family member Uncle Pyotr, who was executed for his actions earlier in the movie. The look on his face when he learns of this is telling of more than shock, but a growing realization of where he is headed.

Throughout the movie, we see John Wick grow more and more tired spiritually, even as physical damage takes its toll. We are also treated to a great deal of foreshadowing about both him and what his actions can accomplish. The Harbinger warns the Marquis of the ultimate consequences, more than once, though the second time is very explicit. If the Marquis triumphs, the current order stays. If the Marquis fails, it means the end of the High Table as John Wick will, in terms of this universe, become a saint-like figure to those under the table. As such, the High Table’s power will be broken.

In addition to that, we see some of the theological struggles at play. Wick prays for and talks to his dead wife in a Church. When asked by Caine if he thinks she hears him, he replies no; but, he could be wrong so does it anyway. This is playing out part of that meme, of the good man who has lost his way, who thinks he deserves hell but prays for his wife in heaven/to be in heaven. Who is right, him or Caine who believes there is nothing after this life?

We see this continue in the attempt to climb the stairs and the fights along the way. Allegory doesn’t begin to describe this, and the fact that non-believer Caine joins him and helps him reach the top and duel that decides all is a masterstroke. BTW, if those are the steps I think they are, I’ve been up them and they are a bear even without all the evil minions trying to kill you.

At the top of the stairs awaits the duel in front of the Basilica Sacre-Coeur of Montmartre. As an aside, it is a beautiful place and I would really like to go back and attend the full mass, as what I did get to see prior to joining the Church was a thing of beauty.

The Harbinger not only officiates the duel, he takes on the role of priest within the world of the Table. Wick must face Caine, who has been chosen to shoot for the Marquis. I don’t want to give away too much, but will say that when the Marquis gets his just desserts, the people in the theatre cheered and clapped even more loudly than they did for the death of his main minion.

Wounded and staggering, John Wick simply turns to Winston and asks him to take him home. Then, following up on previous symbolism with the sunrise, he turns into the sunrise and down the steps. As he goes, he makes his choice and discards weapons and all that go with the life of being the Baba Yaga. Sinking down, he turns and stares into the dawn, and at his wife, and simply says “Heaven” as he apparently dies.

They do keep a bit of mystery going, for all that the King and Winston are seen at his grave, where he lies next to his wife. They tease a bit with the interplay, but I hope they don’t play games with this. John Wick made a choice for the lives of others (Caine and his daughter, his family, etc.) and for his own soul. That sacrifice is key to the movies and to this particular meme within those movies. To toss that away for a cheap stunt later would be a betrayal of the story and to the audience.

There are many memes and tropes in play in the movies, and they give them a richness and depth that far surpass what one expects from a live action comic. I suspect there could be any number of academic papers, posts, and books about them. For me, this weekend particularly, the meme of the good man who has done bad if not evil, who works to make it right, and chooses to sacrifice his life to make right what he has done, who puts his faith into Grace and redemption, is particularly apt. John Wick is not the saint proclaimed, but the penitent who chose Faith.

It is a good ending for the character, and a good point of reflection for us the audience. As for the series, there are a number of opportunities. The true end scene pits Akira against Caine in his moment of true happiness as he goes to his daughter, and what the Tracker chooses to do is an open question. I look forward to that, but hope they leave John Wick to his reward.