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September 05, 2006
Stephen King's "Cell" Out
It used to be years ago I could pick up a new Stephen King novel and look forward to a thrilling escape for a week. King tended to write tomes at least 500 pages long, filled with complex back stories, parallel plots, flawed and likeable characters and wry social commentary. Not so with his latest release, Cell - as disappointing as a 45-second roller coaster you wait in line two hours to ride.
Throughout the narrative, mostly told from the point of view of a comic-strip artist Clay Riddell, seeps an underlying cynicism and indifference unlike most of King’s better works. Gratuitous violence and gore clutter up the already abbreviated storyline, as though King had surrendered to sound-bites and podcasts for the short attention span of the audience he cautiously parodies.
The premise had potential: a “pulse” that reprograms people’s brains, compared to erasing the disk on a computer, is generated simultaneously to every person’s cell phone, creating a subhuman culture of cortex-driven animals who display various behavior, at one time of birds, at another of beasts. The reader is never certain of the origin of the pulse, who developed it, what its purpose was, or how many people were affected. These are just a few of the gaping holes in the storyline that beg explanation.
Departing from all good fiction, including his own, King completely omits a villain in this book. The reader has no idea who the bad guys are, what their agenda is, or whether they suffer any backlash or consequences because of the unpredictable behavior of mind-wiped humans. The “flock” (what the characters call the living dead) become the enemy: a sort of nameless, faceless horde of wraiths who were once friends, spouses, neighbors or children. It just doesn’t work well at all.
There is only a small ensemble of main characters whom the reader follows from the beginning to the end of the story, none of them well developed save maybe Riddell, and even then we are given but snapshots of his life before “the pulse”. If you ever read The Stand, you know that King goes into great detail about the background and personality of all the characters, especially the most important participants. Where was that eye for detail in Cell? Where’s the flesh? There was already far too much blood.
I would not have been so disappointed in the ending had King given us more to care about, imagine and hope for prior to cutting us off like a sudden break in wireless service. Cell left me with the sense of incompletion and disconnection and not a little frustration imagining what he could have done with this story if he had wanted to.
Rating: 2-1/2 stars, and that half star is only because the dialogue is, as usual, pretty good.
Comments
Hubby read it and just shook his head when it ended.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 5, 2006 05:26 PM
Thanks for the "heads-up."
Posted by: vero | September 5, 2006 05:53 PM
I actually haven't read any Stephen King for a while. I kept bogging down in the long ones.
Posted by: vero | September 5, 2006 06:24 PM
At least with the long stories, the characters are memorable. I doubt I'll remember Clay Riddell after a few months, but I'll always remember certain characters in The Stand.
Posted by: loretta | September 5, 2006 06:47 PM
So, from what you are telling, if I am going to read my first one (I've never read Stephen King), it would be The Stand, right?
Posted by: Anne | September 5, 2006 07:35 PM
heh - Can you tell that's my favorite? I read it twice - once in the first version and then again in the unedited version.
It's a long book, but the best one of all. IMNSHO
Posted by: loretta | September 5, 2006 07:43 PM
I'd start with something shorter, like "Christine," or "It."
Even his short stories. I can't remember the names of all the collections, but the one with the hand with eyes all over it on the cover was good.
Posted by: vero | September 5, 2006 07:49 PM
IT is pretty long, too.
The best shorter books are "The Dead Zone" and "Firestarter."
Actually, all the early ones are good.
Posted by: loretta | September 5, 2006 07:51 PM
I got put off with his later books because he didn't end well. The Green Mile was my favorite.
Posted by: Barbara | September 5, 2006 08:35 PM
The Shining was one of the scariest books I have read. I stayed up all night and didn't put it down until I finished it.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 5, 2006 09:49 PM
I've been really disappointed with the few more recent King books I've read, so I will skip Cell, thankyouverymuch.
The Stand is my favorite and one of my all-time favorite books.
Salem's Lot scared me half to death, too, so I greatly enjoyed that.
Posted by: Lisa | September 5, 2006 10:24 PM
"The Shining" is superb.
Posted by: vero | September 5, 2006 11:11 PM
I can't read scary books. I prefer mysteries and low-key thrillers.
Posted by: Astrologer | September 5, 2006 11:12 PM
One of my all-time favourites is "The Haunting of Hill House," by Shirley Jackson. Neither movie does the story justice, but the 1963 one does the better job.
Posted by: vero | September 5, 2006 11:54 PM
Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption - from Different Seasons (collection of short stories). Good story, good movie.
Posted by: GoogleID | September 6, 2006 12:42 AM
Yes. I keep up with Stephen King and Dean Koontz and many more, as all I do is read these daze.
John is bach safe and sound at home with his terribly surgered right foot to remove all those plantar fibromas that had gotten into his nerves and tendons. This is a challenge for hymn who was rushing around all morning durrin the stuff that my bach won't let me do. I had to drive into SLO for his 11 am appointment at the pick and shovel dentist to have my teef cleaned in his place. I felt sorry for him having to mow the yard, fill the butane grill tank and salt in the softener and then have to go this afternoon for the rotorooting of his foot.
Liddle did ah know, but shoulda that we left here at 2:30 to sign paperwerx at the doc's oriface and then report to the horsepiddle that oui did knot arrrive at our sweet home until 8:effin:30 PDT and his purr large foot was throbbin. It weren't yon bandages, it was just the normal swelling of the sturgeon's zig-zag incision. Sew, he is on crutches without weight bearin for 10 daze and can get it wet after 5 daze and ire next appt is on the 15th. He has a gig on Sat nite and I will chauffeur and the band will haul in the stuff like good little groupies or bandies or whatever you call the ones hoo haul the stuff around. Needles to say, I am just glad that the day is finitched and that he is elevated in the baid and asleep a cette pointe. I am on the night duty to make sure that he has no bleeding or angst and have my sail foam set on vibrate down my cleavoid to be able to tail if he kneads anything in the nacht. This is way easier than a colicky baby, as I don't think he has had this much attention in his hole life. I predick by the 5th day of wrapped up throbbin foot that he will want to lob a hangrenade through the winn-der. He is getting used to the crutches and the sitting to pee. This gives hymn a new perspective on my 5 years and 8 sturgeons on the laig. I will keep ya'll abreast as usual.
Posted by: moimaid/servant/slabe | September 6, 2006 03:59 AM
Good morning!
I have read so many Stephen King books, that I have forgotten most of them.
Pet Sematary, Dark Tower Trilogy and The Stand, which my brother gave me and said "You have to read this book". When I saw the thickness of the thing, I thought "never", but I was wrong. It was a stonker! I loved it.
I haven't read many, if any of his more recent work. Children of the Corn, Cujo, The Dark Half are some that I remember.
Posted by: Mgt | September 6, 2006 04:36 AM
Hope all goes well, Moi!
Posted by: vero | September 6, 2006 06:44 AM
I feel weird not having read anyone. I've watched all the movies, though.
After your advices and doing some research at the local book stores, I am probably going to buy The Stand or IT. I've found IT in both versions (English and Portuguese), but The Stand was available only in English. I still haven't decided in which Language I wanna read a thousand pages book.
Posted by: Anne | September 6, 2006 06:46 AM
I guess how it goes in Portugese would depend on the translator.
Posted by: vero | September 6, 2006 06:57 AM
Moi, hope all goes well with the healing process.
You are so funny!
Posted by: Mgt | September 6, 2006 08:27 AM
Good morning, Mgt and all.
This made me laugh right out loud:
Posted by: loretta | September 6, 2006 09:16 AM
Good morning!
It's good to see you Moi. I hope all goes well.
That comic strip is pretty darn funny!
Posted by: Doe Eyes | September 6, 2006 09:49 AM
So soon?! It doesn't take them long, does it? LHAT
Posted by: Mgt | September 6, 2006 10:21 AM
G'morning all.
That comic is funny!
Posted by: Deege | September 6, 2006 11:46 AM
Morning, Fits! Who was it who said "Never give a man money"?
I think it was Alice, from the honeymooners. Case in point: It was Hubs' turn to go shopping this week. Came home with an HP desktop media center for me, same in laptop form for himself, a radio controlled helicopter, a huuuuge computerized telescope and a 42" plasma TV. If not for the kickazz comp he bought me, I'd be planning his demise as we speak, LHAT...a fact of which he is fully aware, I'm sure. gggrrrrrrr
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 6, 2006 11:50 AM
You lucky fish, Wench!
Posted by: Mgt | September 6, 2006 11:55 AM
Ciao everybody!
Nadine, thanks for the recipe, I'm dying to try it out!
Posted by: Mgt | September 6, 2006 12:02 PM
Morning Mgt. I'll have to admit to a certain degree of tech fetish, but this guy's got it baaad. I'll bet Vid has it, too. Hmmmm?
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 6, 2006 12:09 PM
Wow Wench! Toys, really fun toys! No one can have too much electronic stuff.
So, did ya win the lottery? LHAT
Posted by: Deege | September 6, 2006 12:21 PM
Waving to GoogleID!
Good morning from the left coast.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 6, 2006 01:16 PM
Moimaid, hope John is out of pain soon. Poor guy! I can't do crutches at all. When I broke my leg I had to use them the first day until the cast was hardened. Launched myself right over my desk in the office. My sister was in hysterics.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 6, 2006 01:17 PM
Equity, Deege. It's allllll equity. No cap gains tax, hehehe.
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 6, 2006 01:56 PM
Last time I checked, THIS was considered a war crime:
Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Posted by: loretta | September 6, 2006 02:46 PM
Morning CG!
I've never figured whether my location is the right coast or the left coast.
I mean, are we left as you face the nation, or right as you face towards space?
Ahhhh, life's dilemmas ;-)
Posted by: GoogleID | September 6, 2006 03:30 PM
Whoops...I just realized it's afternoon on both coasts.
Let me rephrase my greeting, Afternoon CG! (and everyone else!)
Paper delivery person (how PC of me) threw our morning edition into the front door about 4 AM, woke the dog, dog woke husband, husband woke me.
Am too tired to know what time it is. :-)
Posted by: GoogleID | September 6, 2006 03:33 PM
OK, I want to sell the house and get toys!
Oh wait, what would I do with the zoo if I did that. Nebbermind. LHAT
I started to watch the "breaking news" on the defense of whatever, but just couldn't deal with The Shrub today.
Yep, war crimes, but then he's already proven he's above the law.
Posted by: Deege | September 6, 2006 03:34 PM
Oh, Gawd, Loretta, that comic was hysterical. I bet he would confess, too. Maybe he knows where Jimmy Hoffa is!
I haven't read Cell. Maybe you've saved me from a fate worse than death by reading it and reviewing it for me. The Standwas the first Stephen King I'd ever read, followed by Christine, among others. I thought Gerald's Game and Misery were very good.
I was disappointed by most of the movies, though. I prefer my own interpretation, it's much scarier!
Posted by: Nadine | September 6, 2006 05:36 PM
So Wench, was he sent for groceries? (That's one way to get out of that chore!)
Posted by: Barbara | September 6, 2006 06:20 PM
What, we can't defend ourselves and follow our Constitution? We want to 'spread democracy' and he doesn't trust our laws?
Posted by: CountryGal | September 6, 2006 06:30 PM
TDSS has a new tour up of Old Sacramento - part I of II:
Thanks to Nadine for the great pictures and commentary!
Posted by: loretta | September 6, 2006 08:56 PM
I had a great time hosting TDSS! I can't wait to see all the rest of the tour!
It's going to have more miles on it than all of us put together. Talk about giving a new meaning to the phrase, "earning your stripes"!
Posted by: Nadine | September 6, 2006 09:17 PM
You did a great job, Nadine!
TDSS needs to get some type of mileage credit.
Posted by: Doe Eyes | September 6, 2006 09:25 PM
Like frequent flyer stripes?
Posted by: Nadine | September 6, 2006 09:26 PM
Exactly, Nadine!
Posted by: Doe Eyes | September 6, 2006 10:42 PM
Good show!
Posted by: vero | September 6, 2006 11:16 PM
What a fun time TDSS had, Nadine. Good job!
Posted by: Deege | September 7, 2006 12:59 AM
Hey, TDSS has seen more of Sacto than I have!
Just on the 11:00 NBC news: An aide to LA-Rep Rodney Alexander was fired b/c of her penpal relationship w/Snott Peterson. "It embarrassed his office." He learned about the pair's connection from The National Enquirer. Didn't catch her name.
Posted by: Astrologer | September 7, 2006 02:43 AM
Good morning, everybody!
Bush and Blair are both experiencing embarrassment, for different reasons. I blame it on their arrogance.
Blair keeps threatening/promising to throw in the towel, but, is holding on to spite Gordon Brown, who would automatically become Party Leader (they really don't like each other).
Whatever happened to being "above reproach"?!
It is all collapsing around our ears!
Posted by: Mgt | September 7, 2006 04:58 AM
Here's more detail on the Dibble writing to Peterson:
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 08:01 AM
What a wacko! Your tax dollars at work, folks!
Posted by: vero | September 7, 2006 08:12 AM
Wacko indeed!
At first I was thinking she could be using the letters to make money, until I saw how many letters she wrote. Plus the fact that they were love letters. WTF?
Posted by: Mgt | September 7, 2006 08:21 AM
What's scary is that there are Dibbles in government. I know, "They're Everywhere!"
But still.
Posted by: vero | September 7, 2006 08:27 AM
Not that you need any more, but here's another reason to "Throw the Bums Out!" in November:
I'm mortified for all of them, but particularly the GOP.
You need to find another word besides "Grand" to describe that party. Like "Gross" or "Gawd-awful" or "Greedy" or "Garbage."
It sure ain't "grand."
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 09:30 AM
Oh, this will make your day:
Seriously. You just have to shake your heads.
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 09:54 AM
What were the chances that Bush and Blair would be in Office at the same time?
Surely, President Bush would never have invaded Iraq unilaterally!
Posted by: Mgt | September 7, 2006 10:08 AM
Another excerpt that is too darn funny:
In another chilling passage in his speech, Bush laid out a scenario for labeling criticism of him in the U.S. news media as part of al-Qaeda’s terrorist strategy. Bush claimed that bin Laden wrote to Taliban leader Mullah Omar about launching “a media campaign … to create a wedge between the American people and their government.”
Bush said this media campaign would send the American people messages, including “that their government [will] bring them more losses, in finances and casualties.” Bush continued that bin Laden’s media plan “aims at creating pressure from the American people on the American government to stop their campaign against Afghanistan.”
Alright, does anyone really believe that? ROFL
I thought it was the LIBERAL media brainwashing us! Now I find out it's really al Qaeda!
OMG. That's hilarious. Who writes this stuff? Did Dubya say that with a straight face?
Nebber mind.
Honestly, it just gets crazier and crazier.
Remember in November: THROW THE BUMS OUT!
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 10:19 AM
Unfortunately, there are people who believe this garbage.
My jaw hit the floor when Bush was re-elected. Maybe, there wasn't much of an alternative. Heck, grab someone off the street...!
Posted by: Mgt | September 7, 2006 10:25 AM
Umm, That was a joke, BTW! Britain would have been better off, electing Alan Sugar (from The Apprentice)!
Posted by: Mgt | September 7, 2006 11:07 AM
I think Blair will be pressured to resign yet this year. He has been a disgrace.
Between his authoritarian (fascist) policies and obsequiousness to Bush & Co., he's taken Great Britain back 50 years.
Liars, pirates, cons, sewer rats, all of them.
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 11:15 AM
James Frey & Random House are settling a lawsuit for $2.5MM -- but this is just the tip of the iceberg:
Frey's "career" as a writer is now formally toast.
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 11:19 AM
Dubya says everything with a straight face, but he blinks at rate of 100/minute when he does.
Four speeches in just days trying to rally the country. Ha! He comes on TV and I switch to the Cartoon Channel. Oh wait, he is the Cartoon Channel!
Posted by: Deege | September 7, 2006 11:33 AM
You are so right, Loretta. The arrogance...!
Unfortunately, it is the man on the street who pays for their mistakes, not them.
They have allowed company directors to pilfer pension funds from hardworking men and women, with no consequences.
Quess what? Blair and his cronies have a secure pension.
Posted by: Mgt | September 7, 2006 11:43 AM
Ciao, everybody. Have a good evening.
Posted by: Mgt | September 7, 2006 11:59 AM
Vero - sweater and cap are in the mail to you and your baby.
Posted by: Justin | September 7, 2006 12:01 PM
Morning all. I have to say that I find the GOP rhetoric particularly insulting. They just assume that by their having stated it, it will be believed. Unfortunately, especially along the "bible belt", there are those who do.
Our collective gullibility is sending us to the pits.
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 7, 2006 12:30 PM
This entire country is being subjected to the "good cop-bad cop" routine. Scare the hell out of us then pretend to be the solution. Protocols of Zion, anyone?
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 7, 2006 12:33 PM
Posted by: CountryGal | September 7, 2006 01:22 PM
Hello everyone! I'm still trying to catch up here.
How long has it been since you've seen a movie on broadcast with no interruptions? That's the plan for The Path to 911, the two-part miniseries coming up this weekend.
I will NOT be watching it. Talk about another propaganda machine.
I was also disappointed in Oliver Stone's movie, World Trade Center. There's no question that the heroes of that day should be thanked and remembered, but the reasons it happened needs to be approached truthfully. To do otherwise is an insult to the victims and their families, and to us as a nation.
It's like the usually outspoken, 'rip off the shiny veneer' Oliver Stone has finally sold out.
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 01:37 PM
It's one thing to dramatize something and take some poetic license but it's wrong to present it as factual. And you know people are going to watch it and think it's what really happened.
Posted by: Lisa | September 7, 2006 01:48 PM
Loretta, here's another good article re: your 9:30 AM post.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The 10 Most Brazen War Profiteers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/41083/
From criminal mismanagement of Iraq's oil revenues to armed private security contractors operating with virtual impunity, this war has created opportunities for an appalling amount of corruption. What follows is a list of some of the worst Iraq war profiteers who have bilked American taxpayers and undermined the military's mission.
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 01:50 PM
I hate to say it, Lisa, but people in general are really gullible. I think the reason is that it's easier to let others make those kinds of decisions for them.
The majority of us are so busy trying to keep a job, pay the bills, raise our kids, and just get from day to day. A lot of the negative things here are created by our government.
It helps to keep the people worried, you know, so worried and busy, in fact, that many of us are just too exhausted to think about anything else. It's a great distraction.
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 01:56 PM
That's it! I'm getting a T-shirt made that says, THROW THE BUMS OUT!
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 02:00 PM
It's more of the dumbing down of America.
Posted by: Lisa | September 7, 2006 02:05 PM
Sorry, I'm all political conversationed out, today. My boss and I had a lenghthy discussion this morning and he is of the opionion that we should just give the state of California to the Israelis saying they should just be a part of the US anyway. LOL. Of course we talked about a myriad of other political issues as well. And NO, we didn't solved one blasted thing, but rather got behind in our daily work load. Hahaha.
But, I did want to mention to Lisa, that my 80 y/o neighbor lady is making Mia a pair of pink and purple crocheted flip flops as promised. I'll put them in the mail upon completion.
Posted by: Monica | September 7, 2006 02:11 PM
Monica, was there a particular reason he chose the state of California?
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 02:13 PM
Not sure, Nadine. He's Jewish and he thinks FL is overun with his people. I guess he just wanted them to have some place nice and warm to call home. Heh.
He also thinks we should give Cuba to Mexico. So I would put too much emphasis on his ramblings this morning. The good thing is, he is always good for an early morning chuckle.
Posted by: Monica | September 7, 2006 02:18 PM
I rest my case.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Undeclared War on America's Middle Class
http://www.alternet.org/workplace/41192/
Under the guise of free market capitalism, conservative policies have made 80-hour work weeks the norm. Working harder for less money means middle class families are getting screwed.
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 02:18 PM
Those are some interesting views he has, Monica!
You're right about the morning chuckle, it should be mandatory.
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 02:20 PM
Thanks Monica. She'll love them.
Posted by: Lisa | September 7, 2006 02:22 PM
Monica, those are going to be so cute on Mia! What a sweet neighbor lady.
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 02:55 PM
Thanks for the great links, I had already read a couple of those articles. It tends to make one a bit froggy.
I just came back from getting my hair cut - and I got about 5-6" cut. YOWZA!
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 04:24 PM
Do post piccys, dear. Been waiting to see that cute mug under a "bob".
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 7, 2006 04:30 PM
Pics in the kitchen.
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 04:44 PM
Good job on TDSS!
Am I the last "Port of Call"? I can't wait for my turn.
Nice pics of the hair cut, Loretta. Beautiful. You know I like it short and the color is just perfect.
Posted by: Anne | September 7, 2006 05:55 PM
Thanks, Anne. It's going to be really easy to take care of.
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 07:14 PM
So ABC is 'toning down' their docu-drama, "The Path to 9/11" and editing one of the ficticious scenes a bit:
After much discussion, ABC executives and the producers toned down, but did not eliminate entirely, a scene that involved Clinton's national security advisor, Samuel R. "Sandy" Berger, declining to give the order to kill Bin Laden, according to a person involved with the film who declined to be identified because of the sensitivities involved.
Sensitivities? Berger said it never happened!
And, they are now saying that the credits would say the film is based "in part" on the 9/11 commission report, rather than simply "based on" the bestselling report, as the producers originally intended.
ABC, meanwhile, is tip-toeing away from the film's version of events. In a statement, the network said the miniseries "is a dramatization, not a documentary, drawn from a variety of sources, including the 9/11 commission report, other published materials and from personal interviews."
I won't be watching it anyway. I have already read the actual events leading up to 9/11, linked with backup and it isn't pretty for any administration.
I think instead I will buy the dvd of this.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 7, 2006 07:22 PM
I won't be watching ABC either. I'd rather watch paint dry.
Posted by: Doe Eyes | September 7, 2006 07:35 PM
Well, I think it's great that so many people are giving them a hard time about it and that it was called for what it was: a cheap piece of propaganda fiction designed to distract, disinform and disgust viewers.
It will still manage to do all that, but maybe to only half of the illiterate mouth-breathers who don't GET IT anyway.
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 07:45 PM
I read somewhere that the only resemblance the Made-for-Fiction propa-drama has to the 9/11 commission report is that it shares the numbers 9/11 in the title.
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 07:53 PM
Will Ferrell - Bush on Global Warming on Transbuddha
Here's a laugh if you haven't seen it. LOL!
Posted by: CountryGal | September 7, 2006 08:07 PM
LOL. I needed that laugh.
Posted by: Anne | September 7, 2006 08:56 PM
CountryGal, that was hysterical. Loved it!
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 09:00 PM
CG - thanks for the laugh!
If you don't look at him, Will sounds just like Bush.
He's good and very funny.
Posted by: Jo Ann | September 7, 2006 09:08 PM
Interesting (but stupid) spouse murrrrder theater featuring one of the scum of N'Awlins.
A disguise? What a maroon!
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 09:32 PM
NEOCON Armitage takes the fall on the Plame debacle:
Now you have to wonder a few things:
1. Why didn't he "fess up" last year?
2. Was he really the source?
3. Why is he taking the fall?
4. What is his future in the State Dept? Will he resign?
5. What's REALLY going on?!
Posted by: loretta | September 7, 2006 09:37 PM
So, will this let "Scooter" off the hook? Probably not, he lied to authorities about talking to reporters.
So how many others talked to reporters about this?
What IS really going on?
Posted by: Deege | September 7, 2006 11:14 PM
Another funny guy who does Bush's voice and mannerisms is Frank Caliendo of Mad TV.
Now back to the article above.
Posted by: Nadine | September 7, 2006 11:39 PM
And why do I get a "Not Found" page?
Posted by: vero | September 7, 2006 11:50 PM
Happy Friday to Mgt! I'm wilting fast, so I wanted to do that before I went to bed.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Nadine | September 8, 2006 04:56 AM
Good morning!
Thanks for the early morning greeting, Vero. It always surprises me when someone takes the time to remember me.
Moving my department (in the office) sometime next week. I haven't been told exactly which day it will be, yet (sizzle). It could be Monday, it could be Friday.
Then, on to training for my new duties (just love training - NOT!)
If I am AWOL you will know why.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend, just in case I disappear, suddenly.
Posted by: Mgt | September 8, 2006 05:30 AM
BTW, it was bitterly cold here, this morning.
Looking a bit better at the present time (11:26 AM), but temperatures will on reach 18 Celsius (64 F) but I don't see it happening.
At least the sun is shining.
Posted by: Mgt | September 8, 2006 06:27 AM
Okay! My mistake. The greeting was from Nadine.
Apologies to you, Nadine. I am so used to getting some early morning convo with Vero, that I assumed...!
You know what happens to us when we Ass-u-me, don't you?!
Begging you pardon, dear lady. I really appreciate the thought. Thank you.
Posted by: Mgt | September 8, 2006 08:38 AM
~yawn~
Are we having fun, yet?
Posted by: vero | September 8, 2006 08:43 AM
Good morning.
Well, it's about time.
Someone somewhere finally gave MSM (main stream media) the green light to run stories on the alternative theories on 9/11. I guess when they saw that over 30% of polled Americans (and probably more) think it was an INSIDE JOB, they realized they had better at least acknowledge the existence of that.
It's only a matter of time before the dam breaks. The flimsy rebuttals and ridiculous propoganda and obvious bogus "terrorist" alerts, coupled with the complete lack of credibility of the Bush administration, and you have a lot of suspicious people.
Never mind the most ridiculous "conspiracy theory" of all - that 19 liquor-guzzling religious extremists hijacked huge airliners they were not capable of piloting, avoided the most sophisticated air defense system on the planet, and magically steered them into skyscrapers, hitting them so perfectly that they burned with such intensity that they melted steel and caused universal collapse of 1,200 foot buildings in less than 2 hours total.
Alrighty, then!
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 09:17 AM
Liquor-guzzling?
How did I manage to forget such an egregious breach of Islam?
Posted by: vero | September 8, 2006 09:27 AM
Oh, don't forget lap-dance recipient, cocaine-snorting, and abandoning their precious Korans.
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 09:29 AM
So much for reaching Paradise and those waiting Virgins...!
Posted by: Mgt | September 8, 2006 09:30 AM
Another former spook defects to the 9/11 Truth camp:
Very interesting article. I agree that the lost billions that Rummy was supposed to account for in September 2001 had something to do with the timing of the event.
Timing is everything.
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 09:33 AM
Doesn't quite fit with my concept of a suicidal religious terrorist, but what the hey. I learned my martyr stories from Catholics.
Most of them sang hymns or prayed as the axe fell, keeping to their faith in extremis.
Of course, Catholics don't have the same attitude. They may aspire to sit at the right hand of God, but that 17 virgins thing wouldn't fly as well with them.
Posted by: vero | September 8, 2006 09:33 AM
See, Mgt, the Islamic belief is that, if they die defending the faith, all other sins are forgiven.
I'm pretty sure the Catholics held that belief, also, but they didn't go out to find extra sins at the last minute.
Posted by: vero | September 8, 2006 09:36 AM
Ah, I see! So, those virgins would still have been waiting, in your opinion, huh!
Posted by: Mgt | September 8, 2006 09:40 AM
I think it reflects a cynical attitude toward their faith, and I'm not sure that cynicism fits with the mindset necessary for martyrdom.
Posted by: vero | September 8, 2006 09:42 AM
Morning everyone. I am so glad today is Friday. It has been a long week, even though it was a shorter one due to the holiday.
I do need a vacation!
Posted by: Justin | September 8, 2006 09:53 AM
I particularly like this suggestion:
At the second level, the short term, the task should be to immediately set to work as hard as is humanly possible to defeat in this year’s congressional election any candidate who refuses to support a no-holds-barred investigation of 9/11 by the Congress or a high-level international court. No more evidence than is now available is needed in order to begin this process.
Throw the bums out. If your candidate does not support a reinvestigation of 9/11, he/she should be sent home. That's it.
In any event, throw the bums out, get rid of any and all current members of congress and for gawd's sake support a real candidate in 2008. (As in, not Hillary or McCain.)
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 09:56 AM
Good morning!
I'm on my second cup of coffee so I'm awake enough to read the links.
A vacation is a great idea Justin.
Posted by: Doe Eyes | September 8, 2006 10:01 AM
I like Nadine's idea of having "GET THE BUMS OUT" T-shirts made.
Make sure it is written under a picture of Blair as well as Bush!
Posted by: Mgt | September 8, 2006 10:01 AM
Nice to see Justin here! Don't mind me, I'm on a mission.
A good article in the Village Voic about Rudy Guiliani's bogus heroism.
He was definitely in on it.
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 10:28 AM
IIRC, Guiliani came over to Britain after our bomb attacks, to give organisation advice. Heh!
Posted by: Mgt | September 8, 2006 10:43 AM
Home time, ladies and gents.
I would like to bid you all, farewell and hope you have a bright and sunny weekend.
Ciao!
Posted by: Mgt | September 8, 2006 10:50 AM
Have a nice weekend Mgt!
Posted by: Doe Eyes | September 8, 2006 10:51 AM
Mornin' ladies n gent. A must-see movie for any fan of Helen Mirren: Elizabeth I. Magnificent film, stellar actress. She is also playing the current Elizabeth in a new movie titled, The Queen. Ms. Mirren bears a striking resemblance to the Queen, IMO.
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 8, 2006 02:06 PM
I shall have to see that. How are the costumes?
Posted by: vero | September 8, 2006 02:07 PM
Breathtaking! In the opener, she is being undressed for bed by her ladies-in-waiting. Piece by piece, very period correct and many layers, removable sleeves, etc.
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 8, 2006 02:23 PM
The standup Halo/Aura collars were very ornate.
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 8, 2006 02:24 PM
Going to have to see it.
Posted by: vero | September 8, 2006 02:30 PM
MoveOn has a petition to send to ABC - I signed it.
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 02:33 PM
As did I. Preface to msg. body was: "Have you no decency, Sir?"
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 8, 2006 02:39 PM
For Verio-Deario.
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Crete/1581/
Posted by: Wench~Mad Hatter Extraordinaire | September 8, 2006 02:39 PM
And, again, as if we didn't already know (like we already knew about the "secret prisons") - our Johnny-Come-Lately Congress just issued a report (4 years late) that shows no ties between al Qaeda and Iraq. Gee. Really?
Kind of makes the timing of the 9/11-propaganda movie all that more relevant.
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 02:58 PM
Thanks for that link, Loretta. It's making the rounds from here.
I can't believe Disney has sunk so low. Walt must be spinning in his grave over this one.
Posted by: Nadine | September 8, 2006 03:50 PM
Those costumes are something else, Wench.
I can't imagine wearing that many items of clothing all at once.
Beautiful as they are, the high necklines would drive me insane.
Posted by: Nadine | September 8, 2006 04:32 PM
TDSS went out stamped "PRIORITY" before noon today after a rousing rendition of "San Francisco".
Posted by: Nadine | September 8, 2006 04:38 PM
You go, Nadine! ROFL!
I hope it takes warm weather up to The City so Robin can have fun.
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 04:44 PM
I will be gone again for the evening. It's getting to be that time to go back to school for the football game tonight. I really don't want to go because I'm so tired but I know I'll be glad that I went once I get there. (Rah, rah.)
Posted by: Barbara | September 8, 2006 06:13 PM
Can't wait for TDSS2.
Oh Loretta, DH read your commentary of Cell and agreed totally.
Posted by: CountryGal | September 8, 2006 06:24 PM
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/09/08/nurse.intruder.ap/index.html
GO SUSAN!
That made me chuckle a bit when you read the disparate sizes.
Posted by: Lisa | September 8, 2006 07:33 PM
CNN is also doing a pipe feed of 9/11 coverage. I know I'll get sucked in watching it while working but I don't even know how I'm going to react knowing what I know now.
Posted by: Lisa | September 8, 2006 07:43 PM
Our tax dollars at work:
This will go down as the most corrupt era in modern, perhaps even ALL history. It makes the Roman Empire look like saints.
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 07:46 PM
AT least the Romans had the first sort of engineered septic systems.
What are this era going to claim? Liposuction and breast implants?
Posted by: Lisa | September 8, 2006 07:54 PM
Well, if the modern Caligula and his cohorts (and horses) have anything to do with it, it won't be stem cell research.
Posted by: loretta | September 8, 2006 08:18 PM
Wail it is passee the bedtime and ahm steel tryin to catch up, knot only with the regular emales and the blobs but with muh-ohm-seff, and that would be moi-meme.
I have been durrin double dooty takin care of ODH and his foot and he has been a buddah and also a guru durrin this process with a few little times that he wants to be in charge of his leg. Too dear. Tomorrow I will drive hymn to the SLO Express gig at the Wine Attic in PR and home again.
Nytall and lobben keesters to all! moire
Posted by: moimaid/servant/slabe | September 9, 2006 01:12 AM
Oh, deer, I think I know who that DBA is and wherefrom she comes. Go back to bed Deborah and effrock dornt wurry, you will have another life some other place.
Posted by: moimaid/servant/slabe | September 9, 2006 03:37 AM
This may be the reason for the perp. This is the day of my dad's birthday. RIP and the also party with Evelyn as she was almost on the day. My parents had a lot of parties, only one for my mother at the 17th Street address with mariachis and a hole lot of police who came to the party. I think the dink who is durrin this is a friend of the aforementioened and her birthday is not untillllll the 14 of this month. pathetique. And many apologies to you Loretta as you know what this is all about. It is truly a shame and a half to all of you who read and know all. I simply don't know from where the farts come... it is a constant source of methane and a constant source of blah-blah and blah. Methane to the ones you knoe hoo you are, and bach atcha methane plethoras. Excuse moi Loretta for that dang gasp of gas to the ones behind me. desollee et je suis desollee as it is also franchement, totally a load of shiite in a blanket of voe. I have lost my patienceeeeeeecssseees. So solly Loretta, butt this is my vichysoissessssesssssssssssssssssssssss and some more. cccvvvvv, oops, xxoomoi
Posted by: moimaid/servant/slabe | September 9, 2006 04:00 AM
Well, girls and buoys, here we go again. I will still give you the vicheysoiseses and hope that you will knot drown in that vegetarian soup. exxes as usual and also feeling more testosterone than usual as to the hormones of my bod. poop on a loop and soap on a roap as U know. moi
Posted by: moimaid/servant/slabe | September 9, 2006 04:48 AM
Charles McCarry all of them. Get to the library or the amazon.com.
Posted by: reader | September 9, 2006 05:52 AM
I had never heard of Charles McCarry. I have read just about every Tom Clancy novel. The story lines are similar but Tom puts in a great deal of technological detail. I might have to check into McCarry.
Posted by: Barbara | September 9, 2006 08:13 AM
In case you forgot, tonight is the big game! (Buckeyes vs. Longhorns)
Posted by: Barbara | September 9, 2006 01:03 PM
Good afternoon everyone.
I've got jury duty Monday.
I'm not too crazy about being inside the Courthouse on 9/11.
Posted by: Nadine | September 9, 2006 01:56 PM
It's been such a nice day here. Much cooler than last week. Finally!
Posted by: Nadine | September 9, 2006 09:08 PM
Wail, foax, this night was John's first outing since surgery. I felt as if I were taking hymn to a play-date, as moire chauffered in the truck to cart hymn and all his stuff the the wine attic in paso and then came home to make soup and swim and then to go bach and pick hymn up. It was fine avec moi as ah found darling wedding gifts pour Sophie et Quentin who were married in Paris on 2 septembre and malheureusement oui could knot go to the fashionable marriage. Dang and diddley twice, but ah found some parfait cadeaux des noces. le 2 septembre 2006 a 16 h 30 l'Orangerie du quai de Seine 1570 quai de Seine, 77350, Boissise-la-Bertrand
John just tolt moi a funny thing. This is about the Suri of the Vanity Fair. I sed to hymn that Bill Maher had sed that if you believe in the silent birth, then there must have been a silent conception, oops we both forgot it, the next punchline, that is. Oh, well, tomorry is another day. xomoire
Posted by: moirelaissezlesbontempsroullez | September 10, 2006 04:05 AM
What kind of soup?
Posted by: vero | September 10, 2006 08:56 AM