My Feelings on the Latest Round of Negative Press Surrounding President Obama (and Angelina Jolie)

Well, folks, the Right's at it again. This time, they've launched a smear campaign against the prez in which they're trying to expose the seven dirty little secrets Obama doesn't want told to the public. If this was an Enquirer headline, I'd be able to blow it off, but alas, this was a Politico one. Now, I hear that Angelina Jolie is an Obama hater as well. Y'know what?: Screw the press-- and screw Angelina Jolie! Our president is doing the best he can to resolve a mess he inherited (key word, people). The main criticism among the Right is that the idealism that propelled the Obama camp to victory last year has given way to cynical realism. (Perish the thought!) Heaven forbid that our leaders should revise their policies upon realizing that the situation is much different than they previously expected. What would the naysayers rather have-- a president who continues disastrous policies long after even members of his own party have told him that his strategy isn't working? Oh, wait a minute-- we had such a leader for eight years, and we all see how well that worked. Okay, it's time to return to the Ashleyverse to teach English and write research papers. Methinks that, from now on, I'll rely on alternative (read: reality-based, unbiased) news sources.

Overview of M*A*S*H, Season 7 (Disc 2)

A few days ago, I discussed the episodes on Disc 1 of M*A*S*H, Season 7, Collector's Edition. Today, I'll do the same for Disc 2. Episode list and commentary are as follows:

Ep. #7.10: "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (11/13/78)-- It's a bitterly cold (13 degrees Fahrenheit, to be exact) winter day, and the 4077th struggles to keep itself and its patients warm and comfortable. Charles makes himself very unpopular by flaunting his brand-new winterized polar suit in front of his peers and patients. Meanwhile, Radar devises an unusual and effective treatment method, and there is some rather comical bickering between Charles and Margaret.

Ep. #7.11: "Point of View" (11/20/78)-- This is a brilliant episode. (During this season, the writers and stars, especially Alan Alda, strived successfully to make the show more visually and thematically interesting.) The storyline is told straight from the point of view of wounded soldiers, a concept that allows viewers to see never-before-explored sides of the main characters. For example, we really get to witness the extent of the competition and rivalry between Hawkeye and Charles. Nothing less than creative genius.

Ep. #7.12: "Dear Comrade" (11/27/78)-- Hawkeye and B.J. become suspicious of the motives of Charles' extremely attentive Korean servant. Another interesting character sketch of Charles.

Ep. #7.13: "Out of Gas" (12/4/78)-- The unit has run out of sodium pentothal, so Father Mulcahy arranges to buy some off black market racketeers. Major problems arise when the camp priest takes Winchester with him to pick up the shipment of anesthetic.

Ep. #7.14: "An Eye for a Tooth" (12/11/78)-- Another Father Mulcahy-centered episode. This time, Mulcahy shows an uncharacteristically angry side of himself after being once again passed over for a promotion. The results of his actions are nearly disastrous, and he learns some valuable lessons.

Ep. #7.15: "Dear Sis" (12/18/78)-- Once again, Mulcahy is the featured player. In this episode, he shows his vulnerable side when writing a letter home to his sister, who is a nun. In the letter, Mulcahy says that he feels useless and wants to do more to help the troops. Very apropo for this time of year.

Ep. #7.16: "B.J. Papa San" (1/1/79)-- Here, B.J. wears himself out taking care of a struggling Korean family, and Hawkeye becomes very worried about him. An interesting character/psychological study. It must be noted that the seventh season marks a turning point for Hunnicutt's overall personality (as well as physical appearance). We begin to see glimpses of "Angry B.J." at this point.

Ep. #7.17: "Inga" (1/8/79)-- I like this Emmy Award-winning episode, because it tackles gender issues. The macho male docs take a massive ego hit when a beautiful Swedish doctor-- who just happens to be female-- observes in the 4077th's OR. Inga first criticizes their surgical techniques and then upstages the guys. The coolest part is when Margaret gives Hawkeye a much-deserved talkin' to about being a male chauvinist pig. Houlihan's point of view becomes increasingly feministic from this moment on. This is another reason I prefer the middle-to-later years of the series' 11-year run.

More Crazy, Weird News-- Plus How I'm Getting Ready for Christmas

Well, folks, it's Thansgiving weekend, and lots of us are preparing for the yuletide onslaught in a variety of ways. I've been listening to Christmas carols and getting a few laughs in this morning, courtesy of Alec Baldwin's schwetty balls. (Seriously, who else could've pulled off that skit?) I'm also going to put my tree up. As always, I'd like to know how the rest of y'all are prepping for the holidays.

In addition to all the holiday hoopla, there's lots of crazy, weird news happening atm. And, yes, y'all will be treated to my totally uncensored opinions on all of it right here. First up, there's the White House party crashers story. Michaele and Tariq Salahi actually got past the Secret Service and got their picture taken with President Obama. Unshockingly, this opportunistic (in a negative way) couple is trying to land a reality show. I swear, we've become such a sycophantic society. Egads! I want to meet President Obama someday (I've actually been in the same room with him)-- but for the right reasons. Anyway, there's a Washington Post article (washingtonpost.com) about these losers-- and, surprise! surprise!-- their lives are filled with lawsuits and debt and an ugly family feud. I guess things ain't always what they appear to be, huh?

The other item I want to discuss is the Adam Lambert/American Music Awards brouhaha. Y'know what, people? If you don't like what you're watching, turn the dang channel. As far as I'm concerned, FOX News is the most offensive thing on TV. Of course, the neocons who rail against the likes of Mr. Lambert fail to realize this. Instead, FOX (ironically, the network that broadcasts American Idol) affiliates broadcast war coverage like it's the Superbowl. (Then again, I just turn the channel if I don't like what I see. Furthermore, I'm usually too busy living an actual life to even really care what's on TV.) I think that for every time they show images of people making war on each other, there should be an equal number of images of people making love shown on TV to balance things out. As for Mr. Lambert, I loved his response to the controversy and feel that he had no need to apologize for anything whatsoever.

Alright, back to my discussion of nice, happy, Christmas-y things. I wish y'all the most peaceful, love-filled, and happy holiday season ever. (FYI, I'm still wishing for peace on earth; Johnny Depp would be nice, too. I know the former will take a lot of doing, and the latter is a virtual impossibility. A gal can dream, though!)

Top-5 Ashleyverse Alternative Fitness Activities

In order to offset the negative side effects of holiday indulgences-- as well as the stress of preparing for my very grad-level research proposal presentation-- I'm indulging my passion for alternative fitness this lovely Thanksgiving weekend. Below is a list of my Top-5 fave alternative fitness activities and my feelings on them. I'll even recommend a few DVDs.
1.) Yoga-- I can't say enough positive things about this activity. As I've mentioned several times previously, I'm really into advanced power yoga at present. For beginners to intermediates, I recommend Kathy Smith's Yoga Sculpt. For those wanting to take their practice to the next level, Mark Blanchard's Progressive Power Yoga Series DVDs are the way to go. (See my Nov. 8, 2009, post for more details.)
2.) Pilates-- This exercise method is fab for those who want to sculpt non-bulky, dancer-like muscles. Mari Winsor's workouts are a great intro, while Rael Isacowitz's System 17 and System 27 DVDs transport your Pilates experience to a whole new dimension. (Again, check out my Nov. 8 post.)
3.) Kickboxing-- An awesome alternative to traditional aerobics. Kathy Smith's Cardio Knockout compilation disc rocks. Of course, you can't go wrong with Billy Blanks' Original Tae-Bo set, which consists of a 40-min. instructional workout, a 30-min. basic workout, a 55-min. advanced workout, and a turbo-charged 8-min. workout for when you're short on time but still want to get your Tae-Bo fix for the day. I've been doing Tae-Bo for 10 years, and it's the best. Finally, for a unique variation on this Ashleyverse fave fitness routine, try CIA [Creative Instructors' Aerobics] 2904: Cardio Combat Surge with Kimberly Spreen in which you use a body bar to simulate Asian martial-arts-style stickfighting for a simultaneously centering and invigorating East-meets-West exercise experience.
4.) Fusion Workouts-- When it comes to this category of fitness routine, there is only one name you need to know: Jennifer Kries. In her New Pilates Method videos, Ms. Kries combines Pilates, yoga, light-weight strength training, and classical ballet for an absolutely amazing workout experience. (For more info, search my blog archives for my Feb. 27, 2009, post.)
5.) Powerwalking-- My old standby. This is the form of exercise that started it all for me way, way back in my high school days. In fact, I just powerwalked this afternoon in the crisp autumn air. It was glorious! LOL! Anyway, in order to make a walk a powerwalk, you've got to move fast and really pump those arms and legs. No special equipment is required, and the technique is pretty easy to master. In order to maximize this truly effective (and economical!) workout, try to walk in an area with hilly terrain. The biggest benefit of powerwalking, however, is of the mental/spiritual variety. Being one with nature clears your mind and rejuvenates you. So, lace up those walkin' shoes and get movin'!

What are y'all doin' for Thanksgiving?

At the end of class on Tuesday, I asked my students what they were doing for Thanksgiving. I got a mixture of answers, ranging from "Not much" to "I'm getting together with friends and/or family for a big dinner and/or party." So, I thought I'd ask my faithful readers the same question: What are y'all doin' for Thanksgiving?
As for my plans for Turkey Day '09, they more closely resemble the latter student response. Atm, I'm watching The 83rd Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on CBS. (Maybe it's kinda dorky, but it just ain't Thanksgiving without the parade.) I'm spending this afternoon with my dad's side of the family and this evening with my mom's. If anything particularly interesting happens today (and it inevitably will), I'll talk about it here.
Of course, there are folks who've been hit hard by the recession or are serving our country overseas. Let's keep those individuals in our thoughts and prayers as we give thanks for what we have. Speaking of which, I'm thankful for the people I have around me and the opportunities that have been afforded to me. For these things, I owe an immense debt of gratitude.
Well, I hope y'all have a lovely Thanksgiving, and feel free to let me know what y'all are up to.

Overview of M*A*S*H, Season 7 (Disc 1)

Season 7 (1978-79) of M*A*S*H is loaded with excellent episodes. Perhaps the most obvious change is Hunnicutt's mustache. Since this season has so many highlights, I'm going to review it in its entirety in three separate posts, beginning with today's discussion of Disc 1 of this collection.

Ep. #7.1-- "Commander Pierce" (9/18/78)-- When Col. Potter has to go away for a few days, he decides to appoint Dr. Winchester as temporary C.O. After Charles turns down the offer, Potter then asks Hawkeye to take the position. Commander Pierce quickly learns that it's lonely at the top, and his "subordinates" take full advantage of Hawk's flippant attitude toward authority. For example, B.J. goes AWOL in order to help a soldier's wounded buddy, and Klinger devises his craziest schemes for getting a Section 8 ever. To complicate matters, Winchester is ailing and is being an even bigger big, spoiled baby than he already is. Overall, this is an excellent season premier.

Ep. #7.2-- "Peace on Us"(9/25/78)-- This ranks right up there as one my all-time fave M*A*S*H eps. Hawkeye crashes the peace talks, which have been going on for way too long, and speaks his mind to negotiators. At B.J.'s request, the 4077th throws that "moronic fruitcake (Winchester's words)" a big party for Hawkeye's bravery and willingness to stand up for what is right. (Honestly, I would do the same thing if I were in Hawk's shoes.) A wonderful subplot is Margaret's announcement of her impending divorce, which she refers to as the "best thing that ever happened to me."

Ep. #7.3-- "Lil" (10/2/78)-- A dignitary named Col. Lillian Rayburn, who is around Col. Potter's age, visits the 4077th, and Radar suspects that there is something going on between the two. In one scene, Lil and Margaret have a very interesting discussion about being female in a male-dominated world.

Ep. #7.4 & #7.5-- "Our Finest Hour, Parts 1 & 2" (10/9/78)-- (Note: This is actually a two-part episode, and the installments can be viewed either together or separately. Personally, I feel it's much more meaningful and impactful when viewed as one episode.) War correspodent Clete Roberts returns for a second interview with 4077th personnel. (Roberts' first visit occurred in the Season 4 finale, "The Interview.") This time, we get to hear Margaret's point of view, as well as the opinions of Maj. Winchester. And Charles certainly has strong opinions of his bunkmates! This is essentially a "clip show," with snippets from previous seasons, including 1-3 (which I really don't care for) with Trapper John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers) and the now-deceased Lt. Col. Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson). As is the original interview, this episode is filmed partially in black-and-white.

Ep. #7.6-- "The Billfold Syndrome" (10/16/78)-- Dr. Sidney Freedman returns to the 4077th once again to help a young medic with a case of memory loss. Allan Arbus' Freedman is probably my favorite non-regular M*A*S*H character.

Ep. #7.7-- "None Like It Hot" (10/23/78)-- In order to combat the sweltering 100+-degree Korean summer heat, Hawkeye and B.J. purchase a mail-order rubber bathtub from Abercrombie & Fitch. Soon, everyone wants to use the tub, which causes a lot of problems. It's pretty dang funny to see grown men-- Army officers, no less-- behaving like immature little boys over a bathtub. This episode provides viewers with a little comic relief amid a lot of seriousness.

Ep. #7.8-- "They Call the Wind Korea" (10/30/78)-- Charles decides that he can't take it anymore when strong winds interrupt the transfer of incoming wounded. Thus, he decides to abscond to Seoul for a little R&R. This plan sounds fine and dandy in theory, but things go awry when Charles' self-appointed chauffeur for this excursion turns out to be none other than Klinger. As you can imagine, this is one wacky half-hour.

Ep. #7.9-- "Major Ego" (11/6/78)-- Charles saves a patient's life with open-heart massage during surgery, and the positive attention not surprisingly goes to his head. Maj. Windbag promptly calls Stars & Stripes so that the newspaper can run an article about his heroic exploits. Charles' newfound fame rankles Hawkeye-- whom, interestingly enough, "Front-Page Charlie" considers arrogant and boastful-- and the two doctors get into a rather funny battle of egos.

M*A*S*H, Season 6, Highlights

In the sixth season (1977-78) of what many consider to be one of, if not the greatest, TV show ever, there are many changes in the lives of 4077th personnel as well the make-up of the staff itself. For instance, Maj. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan (Loretta Swit) is now an unhappily married woman, and her ex-lover, Maj. Frank Burns (Larry Linville), has been shipped stateside and replaced by the larger-than-life-- both in terms of personality and stature-- Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III (David Ogden Stiers). As a result of these changes, M*A*S*H, Season 6, has many highlights and great episodes. Here are just a few:


Disc 1:


"Fade Out, Fade In (9/20/77)"-- In this very funny season premier, Frank Burns has finally lost it and is shipped stateside after reportedly harassing every woman he comes into contact with and calling her "Margaret." Ferret Face's replacement, wealthy Boston Brahmin Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III (la-di-da!), currently employed at Tokyo General Hospital, is a totally different character, to say the least.


"Fallen Idol (9/27/77)"-- In this episode, Corp. Walter "Radar" O'Reilly (Gary Burghoff) is wounded by mortar fire en route to Seoul in order to "y'know" at the Pink Pagoda after Capt. Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda) urges him to do so. Overcome with massive guilt, Hawkeye gets wasted and has to leave the OR to throw up during a surgery. This upsets Radar, who idolizes Hawk. In the recovery room, Hawkeye ridicules Radar's "Iowa naivete" and, according to Col. Sherman Potter (Harry Morgan), utters his 'most bellicose barrelfull of bull durham ever' to Radar. As for humor, Winchester tosses some of his zingiest remarks ever Hawk's way. (The dialogue in this episode is particularly stellar.) One of the best, most memorable M*A*S*H eps.


"Last Laugh (10/4/77)"-- An old friend and fellow service member of Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt's (Mike Farrell)-- who happens to be a notorious practical joker-- visits the 4077th. He also reports B.J. as an imposter to the Provost Marshall's office. When B.J. is arrested by MPs on charges of willful disorderly conduct while allegedly staying at the same hotel as a general, Hawkeye and the gang stand up for B.J. Viewers see just how deep Hawkeye and B.J.'s friendship really is. Of course, the charges are ultimately proven false.


"The Winchester Tapes (10/18/77)"-- Charles tries to get his influential family back home in Massachusetts to pull strings to get him out of the Army. He does so through a series of tape-recorded letters. Winchester, who, IMHO, had some of the best lines in the entire series, delivers a classic here: "Mother and Father, I will try to put this as eloquently and succinctly as possible: Get me the Hell out of here!"


"The Light That Light Failed (10/25/77)"-- The 4077th has run out of lightbulbs, so B.J. passes around copies of his most recent murder mystery to his comrades to read by candlelight in order to pass the time. In a related subplot, Charles makes a pretty serious surgical mistake in a dimly lit OR.

"In Love and War (11/1/77)"-- A wealthy Korean woman interrupts a surgery Hawkeye is performing and asks Col. Potter to send Dr. Pierce to help her dying mother. Hawk is initially resentful of the woman, but he later finds out that she is selflessly helping war widows and orphans. The two eventually become friends and begin to actually fall in love with one another. Unfortunately, Hawk's would-be girlfriend decides to move after her mother passes away. This is one of the sweetest episodes of any show I have ever seen.


Disc 2:


"The MASH Olympics (11/22/77)"-- Taking a cue from the 1952 Olympic Games being held in Helsinki, Finland, Col. Potter decides to teach his troops some discipline vis-a-vis their own "olympics." Here, we get to see newlyweds Margaret Houlihan and Lt. Col. Donald Penobscot together as a married couple for the first time since the Season 5 finale ("Margaret's Marriage"). The cracks in the couple's relationship are clearly beginning to show.


"The Grim Reaper (11/29/77)"-- Hawkeye deals with bloodthirsty Col. Victor Bloodworth-- who views casualties of war as simply numbers-- as only Hawkeye can. It is around this point that the series began to morph from slapstick comedy into anti-war dramedy. Many fans don't like later seasons for this reason, but this is exactly why I prefer them.


"Comrades in Arms, Part 1 (12/6/77)"-- In the first half of this two-parter, Hawkeye and Margaret travel to the 8063rd MASH unit during a bug out. They quickly find themselves behind enemy lines and in serious danger.


"Comrades in Arms, Part 2 (12/13/77)"-- After taking refuge in an abandoned hut, Hawk and Hot Lips begin to share the intimate details of their lives with each other, particularly Margaret's increasingly troubled marriage. They also share a few rather passionate kisses. As I was watching this, I was rooting for the two to finally admit their feelings for one another and possibly even get together. This is not to be, for by the end of Part 2, Pierce and Houlihan (who are eventually rescued by B.J. and a helicopter pilot) are at each other's throats. I suppose the writers felt it necessary to maintain viewer interest by way of palpable but ultimately unrequited sexual tension between doctor and nurse.


Disc 3:

"Tea and Empathy (1/17/78)"-- Father Mulcahy (William Christopher) faces a spiritual dilemma after recalling the confession of a corporal who has been smuggling stolen-- albeit desperately needed-- medical supplies into the 4077th. A decent and important episode for Mulcahy, up until this point a relatively minor character.

"Mail Call Three (2/6/78)"-- After weeks of no mail delivery, 4077th personnel finally receive five bags of mostly good news (save for a letter from Hot Lips' mother-in-law, one from Iowa about Radar's mother's boyfriend, a letter B.J. receives from wife Peg, and one from Cpl. Maxwell Q. Klinger's (Jamie Farr) wife, Laverne, in Toledo, Ohio, requesting a divorce), including love letters addressed to one Benjamin Pierce, but not the Benjamin Pierce. Hawkeye characteristically reads the letters anyway.

"Dr. Winchester and Mr. Hyde (2/27/78)"-- Charles' personality begins changing suddenly, and his fellow surgeons are baffled as to what is going on with him. Then they discover that Winchester's mania is the result of amphetamine usage. This is the very first ep to showcase Charles' pompousness, elitism, and perfectionism.

"Major Topper (3/27/78)"-- Following Col. Potter's homespun anecdote about how his aunt was cured of an ailment by a placebo, or "sugar pill," the doctors decide to try to convince patients that they are taking morphine after they've actually been given sugar pills. A negative side effect of this plan is that one Cpl. Boots Miller starts trying to shoot down imaginary enemy airplanes. Along with the season premier, this is one of two fan-favorite eps in this collection.

How Not to Intertwine Religion with Politics

A big story in the news right now is the proliferation of these "Pray for Obama" bumper stickers. The stickers invoke Psalm 109:8 and appear on the surface to be a positive sentiment-- that is, until one actually reads said verse. Psalm 109:8 is essentially a call for the end of bad leadership. It goes on to wish ill of a leader's family and loved ones. Here's the deal, folks: During the Tribulation (excuse me, the Bush administration), lefties, myself included, sported some admittedly zing-y bumper stickers. I had two on my car, which bore the slogans "Iraq Arabic for Vietnam" and "Jesus would vote Democrat after the last four years (sticker was purchased following the 2004 election)." Still, most of us never used Biblical scripture to insinuate that Bush should be murdered or that terrible things should happen to his family-- although there was that Backgrounds in Western Literature paper about Dante's Inferno in which I argued that Bush, Cheney, & Co. belonged in the hottest layer of Hell for being treacherous and leading their country into war. I did not, however, advocate violence against the U.S. government. I think the right-wing fringe's fear- and anger-based campaign strategy against President Obama will backfire and that this faction will be unpleasantly surprised come election time in 2010 and 2012.

Some More Kennedy-Themed Stuff

Today is the anniversary of the JFK assassination, which occurred in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. I've come to the conclusion that there was a conspiracy and that Lee Harvey Oswald didn't act alone. As for the slain 35th president's legacy, I think he deserves praise for the work he started on behalf of civil rights and the war on poverty. Had he not been assassinated, Kennedy could have done so much more for this country. I also think that history would've turned out very differently had Kennedy lived to serve at least one term. For example, I think that Vietnam would've ended a lot sooner.

Of course, the Kennedys have been in the news a lot in recent months. First, Eunice Kennedy Shriver died. Then, Ted Kennedy, a pioneer in the currently raging health-care debate, passed away. Now, there's a news story, written by associated press reporter Brett Zongker, circulating about how a Rhode Island bishop denied Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) holy communion in 2007 due to Kennedy's pro-choice stance on the abortion issue. The bottom line is this: They may not be perfect, but many members of America's most famous Catholic family have done so much good for this nation. Furthermore, we're facing way too many serious issues to get hung up on each other's petty ideological differences. We have to work together in order to solve the real issues at hand.

Some More Thoughts on the State of Religion and Spirituality in America

I read this article today about a new Iowa State University Atheist and Agnostic Society that has formed on the school's Ames campus. The article focused mainly on the differences between students who practice militant, reactionary forms of atheism and agnosticism and those who try to co-exist peacefully with their peers. In the conclusion, author Eric Gorski writes that the majority of American college students classify themselves as spiritual seekers.
Anyway, this story really got me thinking about my own beliefs. I consider myself a spiritual seeker, and I definitely believe in peaceful co-existence with all my fellow human beings. I was brought up in a fairly devout Christian (Disciples of Christ, to be exact) home and still maintain a number of the values I was raised with. However, certain current events, especially the wars, have forced me to question traditional Christianity. I suppose that if I had to categorize myself (I don't believe in labels), I would say that I was a 'questioning Christian pacifist who is open to learning about and assimilating alternative belief systems.'

In the News on 11/20/09

There's lots going on in that wacky, rotating sphere we call Planet Earth today. Accordingly, I will attempt to talk about it all right here.
For starters, Sarah Palin appeared on Oprah Monday. I didn't get to watch it, because I had to work. However, I've watched clips of the episode, and Sarah just seems angry. Y'know, that's not a very good foundation on which to base a presidential campaign.
Speaking of the "Queen of Talk," she's cancelling her show after 25 years. (Dang, now I won't get to be on Oprah! LOL! Oh, well, there's always Countdown, Maddow, Hardball, and AC360.) Anyway, Miss O's had a pretty good run and feels that it's time to move on. More power to her.
Secondly, moderate Dems may help President Obama reach an impasse in regards to the health-care debacle. Right now, though, the White House and Congress are dealing with a stand-off with Catholic bishops concerning the abortion issue. I trust that a compromise will eventually be reached in order to resolve this matter.
In addition, I'm sad to report that the Middle East peace talks have reached a bit of a stalemate. The Israeli government has purchased a large tract of Palestinian land in order to expand Israeli settlements there. More information pertaining to this situation will be posted here as I research and learn more about it. So, stay tuned.
Finally, in Ashleyverse news, tomorrow is my mom's birthday. I'm trying to decide what type of present to buy her. She's been going through some personal changes lately, so I'm probably going to purchase a gift that reflects those changes. Incidentally, today is Vice President Joe Biden's b-day. So, happy birthday, Mom and Joe!
Well, that was a basically brief synopsis of current world and Ashleyverse events. Until next time, peace, love, & happiness.

My Reading List for 11/19/09

Hello! For those interested, I'm reading another fabulous Restoration-era British play for my class tonight. This one's called The Belle's Stratagem, which was written by Hannah Cowley and originally published in 1782. An answer to George Farquhar's The Beaux' Stratagem (1707)-- a play I read earlier this semester-- this play tackles some very contemporary subject matter, including education for women and the concept of marrying purely for love and companionship. I'm thrilled to finally be reading something written from a lady's point of view for a change of pace, and I'm loving this play. Next to Thomas Otway's tragedy Venice Preserved (which I'm going to re-read in order to write my research proposal), Cowley's The Belle's Stratagem is the best work of literature I've read this fall.

Pathways to True Success

Earlier this week, I found an interesting little article on Yahoo! HotJobs. In "Build Your Own Brand: A New Approach to Job Hunting," author Elizabeth O'Neill from eLearners.com discusses three unconventional methods for achieving true success and says that the key is building your own brand. More importantly, job seekers should pay close attention to how they dress, how they speak, and how they present their online profiles-- because all these things represent your personal brand and can ultimately determine whether a job seeker lands a fulfilling job.
The three brand-building, success-ensuring strategies are:
1.) Create an ideal vision.
2.) Harness clarity and passion.
3.) Follow through.
For more detailed descriptions of how these unconventional winning strategies work, log onto: http://www.hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-build_your_own_brand-956.

The Monstrous Regiment of Women, Revisited

Several months ago, I wrote about a documentary called The Monstrous Regiment of Women. This film consists of commentary by women who are members of the American fundamentalist Christian movement. I realized that I had so much to say about the DVD that it would take a number of posts spread out over a period of time to fit it all in. In this installment, I'm going to outline and discuss some of the sentiments expressed by a few of Monstrous Regiment's anti-feminist commentators.

For starters, one of the commentators is Dana Feliciano, a woman who rails against higher education for girls. Her rationale? While studying to become a doctor, Feliciano was supposedly coerced into having an abortion by feministically minded classmates. After watching a film about human fetal development in a med school class, she realized that she had made the wrong decision, and her conscience told to quit school in order to be a Godly woman. To be perfectly honest, I respect Ms. Feliciano's position; in fact, I agree with her in that I could never have an abortion. If I create anything, including a child, I feel that I must complete the project. However, I also believe that it is extreme to be totally against college educations for young women. Feliciano claims that college is unecessary for girls. I beg to differ-- college is absolutely essential in this day and age. (Then again, I'm probably a bit biased here, given my occupation.)

Secondly, anti-feminist "heroine" Phyllis Schlafly and cohort F. Carolyn Graglia argue that feminists are woefully unhappy beings. This is absolutely not true! On the contrary, I wake up joyous every morning, do not have a chip on my shoulder, and try to put a positive spin on all of life's lovely little curveballs. More importantly (drumroll, please...), I actually like men and am searching for the right one for me.

Another bone I have to pick with this documentary is that it features a former military cadet, "Jane Doe," who discusses the horrors of being female in the U.S. Army. The message here is that it is ungodly for women to serve in the military. The fact of the matter is that if we were really following God's ways, we wouldn't need armed forces at all, because there would be no war. (The Bible is quite explicit about this. See Isaiah 2:4 and Matthew 5:9 for references.) Unfortunately, this is not the case, and women are currently serving in the military alongside their male counterparts. These women in uniform are just as deserving of our honor and respect as men in uniform are. Also in this segment, narrator Emily Gunn, wife of filmmaker Colin, tells viewers that women in the military cost lives. Uh, no, honey, greedy, power-hungry, and predominately male leaders who start pre-emptive wars for personal gain cost lives.

In addition, many of the commentators, especially Jennie Chancey, Stacy McDonald (two of the most irritating people imaginable, only they're for real), Carmon Friedrich, and Kathleen Smith rhapsodize housework and claim that women should forego jobs and educations in favor of the joys of household tasks. Okay, let me make it official in writing: This will never, ever happen in the Ashleyverse! There is no way in Hades that I would betray my academic bent in exchange for life as a servant in my own home. I mean, I scrubbed my toilet and have done several loads of laundry this week, but that doesn't change the fact that we are in the midst of two wars and an economic recession. In other words, my moral conscience is beckoning me out into the world in order to try to solve its problems-- with heavy-duty emphasis on the "try" part. In one segment, Friedrich-- who not surprisingly homeschools her ten children-- even goes so far as to say that young ladies should submit to their earthly fathers' protection. I'm sorry, but I feel that I owe it to my daddy to go out into the "real world" and make my mark on it. The most irksome aspect of this whole philosophy is that it is basically a list of "don'ts" for girls and women. It's my view, to borrow a great slogan I heard someplace, that well-behaved women rarely make history. Call me crazy, but that's how my Christian parents raised me.

My final gripe about TMROW concerns the quality, or rather, lack thereof, of its editing. The main issue here is that the movie is simply edited very poorly in places. For example, one of the commentators is University of Edinburgh (Scotland) English professor and historian Sharon Adams. During the main feature, Dr. Adams talks about John Knox, author of the essay from whose title the film's title is derived, in a way that seems to suggest that she supports Knox's view that women should be subservient to men, not hold political office, and are basically walking baby receptacles. (Note: Feminists are the so-called "monstrous regiment." Hmm...) In the bonus features section, however, there is another interview with Dr. Adams in which she clearly states that in 16th-century Europe, bearing many children was a survivalist, utilitarian practice. Thus, the filmmakers, the Gunn Brothers, wind up contradicting themselves and presenting a rather badly researched documentary. This ultimately destroys the movement's already questionable credibility.

So, there you have it, folks, my uncensored opinion of yet another documentary. Believe it or not, I have even more to say about Monstrous Regiment and will do so sometime in the coming weeks. Right now, I must return to thinking happy thoughts.

Just Reminiscin'

Last night, my brother, Austin, and I decided to try out the new Mexican restaurant in town. When we sat down to enjoy our fajitas, refried beans, rice, and chips and salsa, we started talking about our childhoods and our holiday memories. We discussed our Tex-Mex-infused celebrations at home, church, and school as well as what aspects of the season we're looking forward to this year. Then, it dawned on me: We're growing up! Even though we're very different from each other in so many ways and often drive each other crazy (e.g., my alleged incessant rambling; Austin's, uh, unbridled redneckiness)-- we're brother and sister and we love one another to death. Our family's been through some difficulties lately, and Austin's been there for me in a number of ways. I couldn't imagine life without that guy.
Okay, the purpose of this little anecdote is to illustrate the importance of family unity, especially during tough times. Your fam might drive you insane on a frequent basis, but at the end of the day, you just laugh and realize that you wouldn't trade 'em for anything.

Virtual Magical Mystery Tour

As I've mentioned several times already, I'm preparing for a trip to Grantham, England, to study abroad at Harlaxton College (the British campus of the University of Evansville (Indiana)-- which EIU has a partnership with), stay at Harlaxton Manor, and tour Europe for five weeks next summer. Well, I found a link, courtesy of UE's Web site, that provides a virtual tour of the Harlaxton Experience. I wish I was there this very minute!
Link to virtual tour video: http://www.evansville.edu/globalue/harlaxton.cfm. Doesn't it look like a blast?

Live from New York.. It's the Holidays-- SNL Style!

We are on the verge of yet another holiday season, so I thought it would be fun to discuss a few of my fave holiday-themed skits from my Saturday Night Live Collection DVDs.

DVDs, Skits, & Commentary:

The Best of Molly Shannon-- There are actually several Christmas-y sketches on this DVD. First, Shannon appears as the irrepressible Catholic school outcast Mary Katherine Gallagher. In this installment, Mary is trying out for St. Monica's annual holiday talent show. Next, Shannon portrays another beloved character, the young-at-heart Sally O'Malley, who proudly shows a bunch of young gals that a 50-year-old dame can ace a Music City Radio Hall Rockettes Holiday Spectacular audition. Finally-- and most hilariously-- Shannon and 90s castmate Ana Gasteyer entertain viewers/listeners as the NPR ladies during a visit from special guest Pete Schwetty (Alec Baldwin), owner of a seasonal bakery known for a product with a name that begs for double entendres and inuendo. I cackle insanely when Baldwin delivers the sketch's punchline: "No one can resist my Schwetty balls!"

The Best of Cheri Oteri-- There's a couple fairly funny Christmas skits on this disc. In one of them, Oteri makes a hilarious turn as property-rights proponent Rita Delvecchio, opposite eccentric neighbor Vick, played by none other than Christopher Walken. Rita and Vick argue over the rightful ownership of a snowblower and the Vatican's official policy regarding how long Catholics can leave Christmas decorations up, and Rita expresses her very strong feelings about winter and her three sons' lack of ambition. The second yuletide snippet is a "Cheerleaders" sketch in which Craig (Will Ferrell) is rejected by a sexy majorette (Christina Ricci), whom he has a crush on, and Oteri's Arianna is seriously dissed by the "hot new guy in school-- Johnny Pinto (Jimmy Fallon)" at a local Christmas parade.

The Best of Adam Sandler-- This compilation is chock-full of multi-cultural holiday fun. The most notable seasonal contribution here is Mr. Sandler's quasi-classic "Hanukkah Song"-- which is basically a roster of Jewish celebrities. ('Goldie Hawn's half Jewish / Paul Newman's half, too / Put them together / That's one fine-lookin' Jew!') Sandler's opening monologue on this DVD is a bit of his signature musical comedy in the form of "Santa Don't Like Bad Boys." In this song, Sandler lists all his naughty deeds, including writing a death threat to then-Vice President Al Gore (yikes!). There is also a holiday installment of "Opera Man on Weekend Update with Kevin Nealon," featuring former SNL cast member Jon Lovitz and that episode's host, Glenne Close. Finally, Sandler and the gone-but-not-forgotten Chris Farley collaborate for "The Herlihy Boy." This skit is essentially a faux-advertisement for a house-sitting service through which the Herlihy Boy (Sandler) offers to watch over holiday travelers' homes while they're away. Farley plays the father, who sticks up for his weird, nerdy son through the big guy's signature screaming routine (e.g. "He's a hard-workin' boy, for the love of God!!!"). As is usually the case, Farley outshines his co-star in this skit.

More 2012 Predictions

I heard this morning that President Obama's approval rating is now 46%. (Is this some lame attempt on the part of FAUX News political analysts to actually, well, analyze the current political situation?) At one point, the media vultures were harping on the fact that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton had a higher approval rating than the president. I don't buy into all the negative spin, folks. All this boils down to is that the Repub/Neo-con haters who are perpetuating it are just trying to drum up public support for the 2012 GOP agenda. This feeble attempt will ultimately backfire. I predict that an unparalleled scandal will rock the Republican Party sometime between now and the 2012 election. Speaking of which, excerpts of Sarah Palin's so-called autobiography, Going Rogue, have been leaked over the Web. Critics are slamming the book-- which Palin probably didn't even write herself-- as "whiny." I swear, y'all, I think I need to go into politics. I think I could do more good than most of those yahoos put together. Alright, I'm just going to put this out there to the universe: I have been seriously considering embarking upon a political career. How's that for spreading good vibes on this Friday the 13th?

Just the Usual Thursday Stuff

Yep, it's a Thursday, which means a number of things in the Ashleyverse. For one thing, I taught communications this morning. I talked to my students about press releases, something I rather enjoy talking about, so that was a big plus. For another, I've been reading Henry Fielding's The Tragedy of Tragedies; or, The Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great (1730/1731) for tonight's EIU class. This play is a unique take on Arthurian legends, complete with Merlin. Last but certainly not least, I'm going do some intense research for my proposal project this afternoon. I'm semi-excited and basically optimistic about the outcome of this assignment. Overall, I think the whole semester has been a resounding success.

That Veterans' Day-Themed Post

's) we proceeded in search of a little water for personal use. B. speedily finished his abolutions. I was strolling carelessly and solo from the cook-wagon toward one of the two tents-- which protestingly broused some forty huddling Americans by night-- holding in my hand an historic marceau de chocolat, when a spick, not to say span, gentleman in a suspiciously quiet French uniform allowed himself to driven up to the bureau, by two neat soldiers with tin derbies, in a Renault whose painful cleanliness shamed my recent efforts. This must be a general at least, I thought, regretting the extremely undress character of my uniform, which uniform consisted of overalls and a cigarette.

Having furtively watched the gentleman slight and receive a ceremonious welcome from the chief and the aforesaid French lieutenant who accompanied the section for translatory reasons, I hastily betook myself to one of the tents, where I found B. engaged in dragging all his belongings into a central pile of frig'

Right about now, you're probably asking, "Huh? What is all this nonsensical gobbledygook I just read?" Well, actually, it's an excerpt from American existentialist poet e(dward).e(stlin). cummings' (1894-1962) autobiographical novel, The Enormous Room (1921). In this book, the Cambridge, Massachusetts, native and WWI veteran details his experience of having served in the army, being suspected of espionage, getting arrested, and being taken prisoner in a military detention camp-- Depot de Triage in La Ferte-Mace, Orne, Normandy, during the war. Cummings was also an ardent, outspoken pacifist-- a byproduct of his Unitarian upbringing. Upon The Enormous Room's publication, F. Scott Fitzgerald, author of The Great Gatsby (1925), said: "Of all the work by young men who have sprung up since 1920 one book survives-- The Enormous Room by e.e. cummings....Those few who cause books to live have not been able to endure the thought of its mortality." Fitzgerald was right on the money, and cummings is one of my all-time favorite writers.

And, yes, this brief discussion of cummings' life and work is a segway into the main point of this post-- today is Veterans' Day, an occasion on which we should honor those who have served or are serving in our armed forces. Of course, our president is currently in the process of deciding whether or not to send our brave young men and women in uniform to Afghanistan. Like Mr. Cummings, I have strong anti-war beliefs. I feel that the fact that President Obama is taking his time in making a decision is a good sign. I support our troops, and that is why I think it's time for them to leave the Middle East. My greatest, sincerest hope is that next year at this time we will be honoring our past and present service members in peacetime.

Daily Amusements

Alright, I've got some news for y'all: I found out yesterday that there are not any GA positions available for spring 2010. That's okay with me, though. I already have teaching jobs lined up here in Olney, plus EIU holds GA apps for an entire academic year. I've also registered for two EIU classes for next semester-- 19th-Century American Literature (yay!) and a topics-and-issues-in-English-studies (or something like that) class. Most importantly, I've got the England trip to look forward to next summer. In the meantime, I'm following that oft-quoted (at least in the Ashleyverse) bit of cowboy logic: "If you only want one thing in life, that one thing is liable to be a disappointment." Also, to once again quote the immortal words of Gus McCrae, I'm trying to "learn to enjoy the lil' everyday things in life."
Speaking of daily amusements, I was home between classes earlier today and caught the View "interview" with former Miss California USA Carrie Prejean. Folks, it was absolutely comically disastrous. The decrowned beauty queen is back in the news following the release of a sex tape that Ms. Prejean made when she was 17. Of course, she now claims to be a born-again Christian and that her religious beliefs cost her the big crown. In terms of the religion part of that, that's between Carrie and God. As for losing the Miss USA pageant, gimme a break. Also, I heard through the info grapevine that is Yahoo! News a while back that Prejean was going to embark on a career as a conservative political activist. If that's the case, she better educate herself on the subject pretty dang fast. I mean, the girl didn't understand Proposition 8. (For those in the same predicament, Prop 8 repealed the legality of same-sex marriage in California. Oh, the irony!) Finally, Prejean couldn't even answer the questions posed to her properly and refused to accept responsibility for her actions. For example, Elisabeth Hasselbeck brought up the fact that if Carrie indeed made said sex tape at the the tender age of 17, then that was illegal. I never thought I'd say this, but I actually agree with Hasselbeck here.
Okay, back to talking about creative, positive, wonderful things. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and President Obama in order to begin peace talks. That's the one really big thing I'm extremely happy about today. And, yes, I will have much more to say about this item in the very near future.
Well, I must re-enter the "real world (which poet e.e. cummings referred to as the "unworld")" to teach my remedial reading and English class now. Namaste!
P.S. The cummings reference was a preview of coming attractions for tomorrow's Veteran's Day-themed post.

Berlin: 20 Years Later

On Nov. 9, 1989, something very historic happened in our world: The Berlin Wall fell, thus symbolically ending an era of division between East and West Germany and literally ending the Cold War. Today, Germany is a unified nation that has seemed to culturally and politically transcend its history of oppression. Former Russian president Mikhail Gorbachev met with current German chancellor Angela Merkel in order to commemorate this anniversary. Of course, Gorbachev became instrumental in the wall's fall as a result of then-U.S. president Ronald Reagan's now-famous gaffe-- "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down that wall!" President Barack Obama has drawn criticism from the right (surprise!) for sitting out the occasion. Once again, this is a bunch of negative spin. Besides, the current U.S. commander-in-chief did acknowledge the upcoming anniversary in a speech he delivered in Copenhagen, Denmark, a short time ago.
I remember watching breaking news coverage of this huge story on TV as a nine-year-old child in Texas. I think I've always been subconsciously political. At the time, my uncle was serving in the U.S. Army and was actually stationed in Germany, so this was a really big deal in my family. Needless to say, it'll be interesting to look back 20 years from now and reflect on everything that's going on now.

How to Get in Shape for the Holidays

Yes, folks, 'tis the season once again. The season for pigging out, that is. In order to combat any possible negative side effects of holiday gluttony this year, I've started doing these awesome (and tough!) yoga and Pilates DVDs. I will discuss them below.
Yoga:
Progressive Power Yoga with Mark Blanchard: Foundation-- According to the cover, this 85-min. workout can burn up to 700 calories. It consists of real power yoga moves, like strenuous upward-/downward-facing dog vinyasas (flowing series of poses) and extreme balance poses. Surprisingly, you will feel calm, centered, and relaxed afterward.
Progressive Power Yoga with Mark Blanchard: Culmination-- Believe it or not, this approx. 95-min. DVD is even tougher than "Foundation." But, if you stick with it, it can be done. Like its predecessor in the Progressive Power Yoga series, "Culmination" is filmed outdoors at the base of a "vortex of energy" at Red Rocks in uber-spiritual Sedona, Arizona. Speaking of spirituality, Mark is a tad more heavy-handed with it in this workout and at times borders on being a bit, well, weird. As for the routine itself, it'll test you and tap into parts of yourself that you never knew existed. For example, in one section, you'll attempt to stand upside down, sans props (i.e. walls, chairs, straps, etc.). (I have yet to master this section.) Overall, Progressive Power Yoga has provided me with my first "real" yogic experience.
Pilates:
Rael Pilates: System 17-- Led by world-renowned instructor Rael Isacowitz, this routine consists of 17 intermediate-level Pilates exercises. (Pilates was invented by German WWI nurse and fitness enthusiast Joseph Pilates, who invented a series of rehabilitation exercises for wounded soldiers that could be done lying in a hospital bed. Indeed, many of the machines found in Pilates studios today, like the "Universal Reformer" and the "Cadillac," resemble a WWI hospital bed. LOL!) On this disc, you'll use a mat and your own body resistance to reform and sculpt your physique. I've done Winsor Pilates for several years and was expecting more of the same when I purchased Rael's system. Boy, was I in for a surprise! Rael's routines are much slower and more cerebral than Mari Winsor's. You'll also do more reps of each exercise than with other Pilates routines. Consider this the "thinking woman's Pilates DVD."
Rael Pilates: System 27-- This advanced-level routine consists of 27 unique exercises, many of which have an almost yogic bent. For instance, "System 27" includes a stretchy lunge series and a lot of moves that require tons of balance, concentration, and core stability. (Folks, your abs will be a-burnin' after this workout!) I highly recommend Rael's DVDs to those who've tried and mastered Winsor Pilates and want to take their practice to the next level.

Bonus Lonesome Dove Quotes

As I promised y'all last weekend, I'm gonna post some bonus Lonesome Dove quotes on here today. Enjoy!
Best Bonus Quotes from Pt. I: Leaving:
1.) "If you wanna think somethin', why don't ya think that roof back on the barn, instead of sittin' in the shade all the time?"-- Capt. Call, dissing Capt. McCrae's chronic laziness
2.) "Well, she ain't lookin' at ya 'cause she loves ya."-- Gus, teasing Woodrow about trying to break a wild mare dubbed the "Hell Bitch."
3.) "I'll tell ya what: You ride up there, clear out the Indians, build a lil' cabin, get a nice lil' fire goin' in the fireplace, and then me and Jake'll gather a herd and come on up."-- Gus, basically telling Woodrow that he isn't that enthusiastic about the prospect of going on a cattledrive to Montana
4.) "I'd like to see the herd you and Jake could gather. A herd of whores-- maybe."-- Woodrow's response to the line posted above
5.) A twofer: "I swear, Gus, you'd argue with a possum."-- Woodrow during the "Mexico" scene; "It'd be easier than arguin' with you, Woodrow."-- Gus' very Gus-like rebuttal
Best Bonus Quotes from Pt. II: On the Trail:
1.) "I do not ride animals. It is not civilized. Are we not animals also? How would you like it if someone rode you?"-- camp cook Po Campo, discussing his philosophical reason for walking instead of riding horses or burros
2.) "Now, the only healthy way to live life as I see it is to learn to enjoy all the lil' everyday things-- like a sip of good whiskey, a nice glass of buttermilk, or, say, a feisty gentleman like myself!"-- an awesome Gus-ism from one the film's best scenes, the one in which he tries to cheer Lorie up after she realizes that Jake won't take her to San Francisco
3.) "You're not gonna get halfway down the road and start missin' your wife like our last cook, are ya?"-- Woodrow, hiring Po Campo in San Antonio, and referencing the fact that former cook Bolivar left to return to his wife in Mexico
4.) Another twofer: "What I like about the man is that he's a philosopher."-- Gus' first impression of Po Campo; "Oh, yeah, I hired him to give you someone to talk to. That'll free the rest of us up. Maybe we'll get a little work done."-- Woodrow's rebuttal. This says it all about the differences between Gus and Woodrow's personalities.
5.) "They don't know it yet, but the wrath of the Lord is about descend upon 'em come nightfall."-- Gus says this after he finds out that Blue Duck and his cohorts have captured his "Lorie Darlin'" in North Texas. Also, this is the point at which the main plot and subplot merge, for Gus meets up with July Johnson, who is looking for Jake Spoon.
Best Quotes from Pt. III: The Plains:
1.) "A man who'll go along with three murders is takin' leavin' a little slow."-- Gus, telling Jake (who claims that he was planning to exticate himself from his new "friends") that he's crossed the line by going along with the crimes of the Suggs Gang, whom Jake fell in with while gambling, drinking, and carousing in the Oklahoma Territory
2.) "If there's one thing I'll say for ya, son, it's that yer the kinda man who's a pleasure to hang. If all you can talk is guff, then go talk it to the Devil!"-- A Gus line from the emotionally powerful hanging scene in which the Suggs brothers and Jake are hung in Kansas. Gus says this to gang leader Dan Suggs.
3.) "Yeah, I know Woodrow-- and I detest him!"-- Clara, telling Gus point blank how she feels about Capt. Call during the Nebraska picnic scene
4.) "Aye God, yer sassy!"-- Gus, bantering with Clara after she "tomahawks" him.
5.) "Me and Woodrow always like to get where we're goin', even if it don't make a damn bit of sense."-- This is what Gus tells Clara and Lorie as he's saddling up to head off to the supposed "Cattlemen's Paradise" that is Montana.
Best Bonus Quotes from Pt. IV: Return:
1.) "What the Hell's wrong with you boys? Don't you know Call hired y'all for life?"-- Here, Gus overhears the young cowpokes whining and complaining and is clearly irked by their attitudes.
2.) "Yer a travelin' son of a bitch, ain't ya?"-- Hugh Auld, a frontier doctor who tries to offer medical assistance to Gus (in the form of a leg amputation) after Gus is shot by Indians with a poisonous arrow. A semi-conscious Gus is telling Hugh his life story.
3.) "I suppose you're gonna want a fancy funeral, too. Are you sure you don't want me to haul ya down to the South Pole and bury ya there?"-- This is what Woodrow says after a dying Gus requests to be buried in "Clara's Orchard" in Texas.
4.) "I ain't kin to nobody in this world, Pea!"-- This is Newt's declaration of being his own man, which he makes after Pea Eye tells Newt that Capt. Call "acted like you [Newt] was his kin" after Woodrow puts Newt in charge of the newly established ranch in Montana.
5.) "I'll never forget you, darlin'."-- This is a tear-jerker Lorie line. Lorie is staying up all night and keeping vigil over Gus' corpse after Woodrow has stopped off at Clara's ranch with Gus' remains in tow so that Clara and Lorie can "see" their beloved crazy old Texas Ranger one more time.

Miscellaneous Items

Well, folks, I (along with my two group members) gave my presentation in class last night. Now, I've gotta get goin' on that danged research paper proposal. Also, I went to a Premier Jewelry party at my friend Jenn's place afterward. (For those of y'all who've never heard of Premier, it's a Dallas-based company whose beautiful, economically priced merchandise would please any gal.) Jenn thinks I should host a party. I told her I'd have to think about it. Anyway, that's a very brief synopsis of what's going on in the Ashleyverse atm.

My Favorite M*A*S*H, Season 5, Episodes

A while back, I discussed some of my favorite M*A*S*H, Season 4, episodes. Today, I'd like to talk about Season 5 (1976-77). Just as the previous season brought changes to the 4077th, so too does this season. For instance, Maj. Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan (Loretta Swit) gets engaged to and subsequently weds fiance Lt. Col. Donald Penobscot. As a result, former lover Maj. Frank Burns (Larry Linville) goes AWOL and ultimately returns to his wife and "cozy little malpractice" in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. That said, I will now list and explain what I feel to be the show's Season 5 highlights.

Disc 1:

"Out of Sight, Out of Mind (#5.3)" (Original Air Date: 10/5/76)-- Hawkeye (Alan Alda) is temporarily blinded while repairing a "temperamental kerosene stove." During this time, he must rely on his other senses, mainly hearing. Very poignant episode.

"Dear Sigmund (#5.7)" (Original Air Date: 11/9/76)-- In this Emmy Award-winning episode, camp shrink Dr. Sidney Freedman (Allan Arbus) makes often humorous observations about 4077th personnel-- like "Anger turned sideways is Hawkeye." and "Capt. B.J. Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell) is an enigma in size-13 shoes."-- and reports his findings and observations in a letter to Sigmund Freud. I like when Dr. Freedman studies "Ferret Face" Burns, who is upset that his wife is becoming "liberated" through campaigning on behalf of local political candidates with the Ft. Wayne Republican Club. LOL! He also finds Father Mulcahy (William Christopher) and Hot Lips to be highly fascinating.

Disc 2:

"Hawk's Nightmare (#5.13)" (Original Air Date: 12/21/76)-- Dr. Freedman makes an urgent house call to the 4077th after Hawkeye begins having nightmares and sleepwalking as a result of being overworked amid the backdrop of war. I love what Freedman says to Hawk about his situation: "If you were really crazy, you'd sleep like a baby."

"The Most Unforgettable Characters (#5.14)" (Original Air Date: 1/4/77)-- It's Ole Ferret Face's b'day, and Hawkeye and B.J. decide to give him a "present" in the form of a fake fight between the two best buds. Also, Radar (Gary Burghoff) enrolls in a writing school with questionable credentials.

Disc 3:

"Hanky Panky (#5.18)" (Original Air Date: 2/1/77)-- B.J. comforts an attractive nurse who's just received a "Dear Jane" letter from her husband. Afterward, the devoted family man is plagued with massive guilt over his perceived infidelity. The dialogue between Farrell and co-star Alda is lively and entertaining and provides further insight into B.J.'s character and personality.

"Margaret's Marriage (#5.24)" (Original Air Date: 3/15/77)-- In this fifth-season finale, Hot Lips ties the knot with her handsome lieutenant colonel. Of course, the requisite hilarity ensues. This time, Hawk and Beege get Donald plastered (literally!) prior to the ill-fated nuptials. (Larry Linville officially signed off as Maj. Burns at the conclusion of Season 5 and was replaced in Season 6 by snooty Massachusetts General Hospital Chief of Thoracic Surgery Maj. Charles Emerson Winchester III (David Ogden Stiers).)

News and Views on Election Day '09

It was one year ago today that we, the American people, elected Barack Obama to be our 44th president. Today the naysayers are claiming that all the excitement surrounding last fall's big election, which propelled Obama to the White House, is now no more than "lukewarm support." The main reason they're saying this is that the GOP scored major victories over Dem oponents in the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races. (Yes, folks, I called 'em wrong! Oops!) Critics are also saying that these Repub wins put Obama's 2012 (as well as House and Senate Dems' 2010 mid-term election) re-election possibilities in serious jeopardy.

Analysis and Rebuttal: This is hogwash! These GOP wins have nothing to do with President Obama. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs even said so this morning. The elections of Chris Christie in New Jersey and Bob McDonnell in Virginia were largely the result of the anger and outright fanaticism of the GOP's far-right, teabaggin' lunatic fringe. The majority of the American people realize this, and the Repubs' reactionary campaign strategy will most certainly backfire in 2010 and 2012.

Return to the Ashleyverse

For the past several days, I've been posting various lists and other fun stuff on here. Well, I've decided to update y'all on various Ashleyverse happenings this afternoon. First off, I taught all day and am sort of tired right now. Secondly, I'm getting ready to watch A Thief in the Night again in order to finalize the details of my part of that Libertine adaptation presentation that will take place in class Thursday night. (I'll be so glad when that's over!) In additon, I'm beginning my preliminary research for my big project that's due at the end of the semester. I'm going to write about the failed political conspiracy plot/coup in Venice Preserved. Again, I'll be happy to get that thing taken care of. Finally, I'm waiting to hear whether I got the grad assistantship or not. (Dang, I'm on pins and needles atm.) As always, I'll let y'all know as soon as I get word. Alright, I've gotta start studying. Namaste, ya'll!

Best Lonesome Dove Quotes from Parts III & IV of Miniseries

Howdy, y'all! Yesterday I discussed my fave quotes from the first half of the Lonesome Dove miniseries. Accordingly, I will talk about the best ones from the second half today. (Warning: Some of these quotes and/or accompanying analyses may contain spoilers.)
Best Quotes from Pt. III: The Plains:
1.) "Men are not supposed to leave their own country and go travelin' elsewhere."-- Joshua Deets (Danny Glover), the most spiritual member of the outfit, basically saying that he has a bad vibe about the trip. Yes, this quote is a foreshadowing of bad things to come.
2.) "Well, she's a lady who can slash your jugular quicker than a Comanche. Clara's got a sharp tongue. She's tomahawked me many a time in the past. You'll like her."-- Gus' description of his (married) onetime sweetheart-- Clara Allen (nee Forsythe)-- who lives with her husband and two daughters on a ranch outside Ogalalla, Nebraska; Gus is consoling a concerned Lorie after he confesses to her that Clara is the "only reason he come on this trip [cattledrive to Montana]." (According to my family, this is a pretty dang accurate description of my personality. LOL!)
3.) "Oh, I never noticed you havin' accidents with ugly girls!"-- Clara's (Anjelica Huston) best line. Clara is upset that Gus has brought young, pretty Lorie with him to see Clara, given the fact that Clara and Gus haven't seen each other in sixteen years; Gus had previously told Clara that it was an accident Lorie was even on the trip in the first place.
4.) "No, I won't marry again. As time goes on, I've got less and less use for grown men, and I've met very few who were honest. You ain't one of 'em, Gus."-- Soon-to-be-widowed Clara breaking Gus' heart for good by telling him that they don't have a future together
5.) "Sure, I'll be back. A lady's man like me can't be expected to resist such a passle of beauties!"-- Gus telling Clara, Lorie, and Clara's gals that he'll come back from Montana to spend the rest of his life with these beautiful women he loves (a very sweet scene)
Best Quotes from Pt. IV: Return:
1.) "It's a dangerous business-- writin' to two women at the same time."-- Another classic Gus-ism. Here, he's on his deathbed and writing letters to Clara and Lorie as Woodrow keeps vigil.
2.) "Back to Texas? You me want to haul you back to Texas?"-- Woodrow's very Woodrow response to Gus' burial request, which is to be buried in "Clara's Orchard," which is located down by that lil' creek in San Antonio; Gus and Clara used to picnic (and quarrel!) there.
3.) "Aye God, Woodrow, it's been quite a party, ain't it?"-- Gus' last words, which say it all
4.) "I guess that old woman didn't teach you to fly after all."-- Woodrow's reaction to the death of half-breed outlaw Blue Duck (Frederic Forrest), whom Gus and Woodrow had pursued unsuccessfully throughout their careers as Texas Rangers
5.) "A man of vision, you say? Yeah, helluva vision!"-- The last lines in the film, spoken by Woodrow, who has just returned to Lonesome Dove after hauling Gus from Montana to Texas and burying him as requested. Woodrow utters these lines after a newspaper reporter from San Antonio, wanting to interview Woodrow, tells Capt. Call that lots of people are calling him this. The scene is accompanied by powerful flashbacks of characters and scenes from the whole miniseries. I swear, if y'all don't tear up, something is seriously wrong. LOL!
(Stay tuned, folks. There are so many great quotes in this movie that I've decided to include a "bonus list," which I reckon I'll post on Saturday.)

Best Lonesome Dove Quotes from Parts I & II of Miniseries

This past summer, I analyzed and discussed my all-time favorite miniseries-- Lonesome Dove (1989). Well, folks, there's another marathon of it on today, and I've selected some of the best quotes from Parts I & II to talk about.
Best Quotes from Pt. I: Leaving:
1.) "The older the violin, the sweeter the music."-- Capt. Gus McCrae (Robert Duvall) in regards to his perspective on the aging process
2.) "Well, you're one to talk. When's the last time you changed?"-- Gus to Capt. Woodrow F. Call (Tommy Lee Jones) after Call has remarked that old rangerin' buddy Jake Spoon (Robert Urich) is still the same ne'er-do-good he always was
3.) "The only shot the boy's got at an education is listenin' to me talk."-- Gus telling Woodrow that young Newt Dobbs (Ricky Schroeder) will learn more about life if Gus can teach him about the finer things in life as opposed to being worked to death by Woodrow
4.) "Can we eat yet, or do we have to wait until the argument's over?"-- Cpl. Pea Eye Parker (Timothy Scott) humorously commenting on the captains' constant bickering
5.) "I doubt they'd shoot a boy, even in Texas."-- Ft. Smith, Arkansas, sheriff July Johnson's (Chris Cooper) wife, Elmira (Glenne Headly), convincing her husband to take son Joe with him to Texas (ostensibly to capture Jake Spoon, who murdered July's brother, Benny) so that Ellie can go to Nebraska to find her old flame, the imprisoned D. Boot
Best Quotes from Pt. II: On the Trail:
1.) "The best way to deal with death is to ride away from it."-- Capt. Call, telling the young cowboys, including Newt, Dish Boggett (D.B. Sweeney), and Jasper Fant (Barry Tubb), to not succumb to death (or the dark, negative aspects of life) during the funeral of Sean O'Brien, a young Irishman bitten to death by water moccasins while crossing the Rio Grande River on horseback
2.) "I don't know about friends. I'm sure you was a good customer."-- Call retorting to Gus after Gus says that Maggie (Call's now-deceased lover, a whore and Newt's mother) was a good friend of his-- from the San Antonio/creek scene-- one of the best in the entire movie
3.) "My wife is in Hell, where I sent her. She could make good biscuits, but her behavior was terrible."-- Po Campo, who is recruited by the captains to be camp cook after their original cook, Bolivar, quits
4.) "Listen to me, pretty lil' thing: Life in San Francisco is still just life. If you want only one thing in life, that one thing is liable to be a disappointment."-- Gus to Lorena "Lorie Darlin'" Wood (Diane Lane), who's all upset that Jake won't take her to San Francisco and free her from her menial existence in Lonesome Dove
5.) "Aye God, Woodrow, you don't never seem to get the point. It ain't dyin' I'm talkin' about-- it's livin'!"-- Gus basically summing up his whole philosophy, which is that life is meant to be lived