Yeah right. This is one entertainment arena where an actor, wether its an A lister or a Z lister, has zero power. If the video games power that be have any brains, they will give a collective finger to the Screen Actors Guild and tell them to shove their strike (re: greed) where the sun don't shine.
I am just getting sick and tired of the already rich attempting to use their power to get even more money without having to earn it. They signed a contract for X amount to do Y work. If they didn't like the pay, they should have agreed to do the work. Its that fucking simple. I know I don't like what I get paid and I have the option to quit for that reason (of course unlike the rich, that would be disasterous). Just because after the fact they decided maybe they didn't get such a good deal doesn't mean they should be able to force it on others. Again, I am sure there are many many workers who wished they negotiated a higher pay scale but again thats life. Quit and move on, or in this case, don't sign the damn contract.
This strikes smells of the same stink that swirls around the Baseball and Hockey strikes. Its all about the greed for the already stinky rich. "To deny working-class performers their fair share of the tremendous profits their labor helps to generate is illogical, unreasonable and unjust," John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. We all know damn well this has nothing to do with the working class. Its about the A listers who get a pile of dough for a few hours of work and decided they wanted more. Hell, just like baseball, even those poor "working class" slobs are getting an obscene amount of money, $278 an HOUR, in fact. I would love to get that much money in an hour. Hell for me to make that much, I have to work about 20 hours. My 20 hours of dealing with asshats on the phone for one hour of them speaking into a mike from a script. Give me a break.
Yeah, yeah some sympathetic fool will say "but they have no insurance and don't have regualer 40 hour a week jobs." My response is "so?" They made that choice. They went to explore a dream or whatever and if they can't make enough to live off of it, tough shit. Just like businessman who are forced to end their dreams and close up shop, may these actors need to do the same if can't make enough to live off of. Its their choice that put them in that situation, its not up to others to bail them out for no damn good reason. Again, they don't like the pay, don't sign the contract. Its all about choice people.
Fortunatly, video game companies have a choice. Which is truly give them the finger. After all about the ONLY reason voice acting matters is in games based off of movies. That the studio's choice to do that in attempt to get more tickets and DVDs sold. Video gamers will not miss them if not made, video game producers probably don't need to add those dogs to their repuation. I am sure most would agree that if, because of the strike, a game based on a movie, never had voices in it again, we all wouldn't care one damn bit.
"They have no leverage," Yankee Group analyst Mike Goodman said of the voice actors.
"In 99 percent of all games, the voice actors are irrelevant. You replace one voice actor with another nonunion actor and no one will know the difference." Really, if need more voices to continue the give crappy performances, bad line readings, etc, I am sure its easy to find any shmoe on the street that is just happy for the privilage. There are a legion of gamers out there who would probably "act" not only better, but do it for free, just to have their name in the end credits. Maybe explore that option rather then give into these greedy fools.
John Connolly, president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists said recently. "It is simply shortsighted to believe that consumers don't care about the artistic quality of the characters." Quality is good, we want it, but really how often is there any quality in the voice "acting"? Most of the time its leaden readings that a 6 year old could do better, or worse, its crap taken right out of the movie without even needing the actor to "work" that day. No what that guild needs to understand, and video companies need to hammer home, is that they need video games far far far more then video games need them. At the very least if video game companies going to give in (as I am sure they will), at least make them work for it, force them to give a performance, to "work" for that obscene amount of money, rather then the crap gamers have been getting for over a decade.
Finally, what about the creators, designers, coders, producers, managers, etc of all the people that helped create the game. What about them? Apparently to the Screen Actors Guild they are nothing. Not only not relevant, but having nothing to do with the success of a game. Apparently in their world, a game's success is 99% voice acting and 1% design. That too is a reason to not give in. If they yield to a bunch of greedy actors, then suddenly everyone else that had a stake in the game will also want their share of the pie. That alone should make the companies give the finger to em.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Filibuster Fiasco
Well the Filibuster fight with its overly dramatic named "nuclear option" is at an end. Am I the only one that found the whole battle not only stupid but the height of hyprocrasy. Here is a tool that has been around for over a century, that both parties have enjoyed using, yet suddenly its "tyranncial" according to Frist? Where was that thinking even a few years ago when Republicans filibustered Clinton nominations? Where was that thinking when it was used to try to stop equal right and other needed social changes? Why is it that when republicans do ANYTHING, its wonderful and perfect and right, yet when the Democrats use the EXACT same tactics, its "tyrannical"? Why can't Americans see the hypcrasy of that line of thinking? Why don't people for both parties look at this fight and point out how horrible the behavior is and condemn it properly. I know I would if Democratics pulled this same stunt. Even worse, why would Republicans want to close a loop hole that they used to such great effect for decades? Are they so arrogant that they don't think they will ever become the minority party again? If so, what gives them that supreme confidence? Should that level of untouchable thinking scare the bejeezus out of the electorate? I know it scares me.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
I have just returned from the 12:01 showing of Star Wars and to sum up, the movie was incredibily entertaining and worth seeing. There are several ways to attempt to review this movie. On its own merits or within the context of all the Star Wars movies. In this post will just talk about it on its own merits.
This movie is about the end of the Clone Wars, birth of an Empire, Vader, Twins, and the death of the Jedi and the Republic. Thats a lot of story to get into one movie. On top of all that, have to make sure it segways into Episode 4 nicely. In achieving those goals Lucas has succeeded. He does hit all those elements, in some cases incredibly well and in others to utter disappointment. The plot is excellent and enttertaining.
Starting with the obvious, CGI and fighting, fantastic. If like things blowing up real good and don't care about story, plot holes, etc, this movie is great. From beginning to end, the action does not disappoint.
What does disappoint, among other things, is the acting and the lines. The acting was better then last two movies but Christianson (Anakin) and Portman (Padme) still come across wooden and emotionless. However, McGregar (Obi-Wan) and McDiarmid (Palpatine) did an outstanding job further highlighting how the other two failed to overcome the writing.
Sadly the writing, especially the scenes of love where sadly mostly corny. Most of the non-action scenes where actually pretty good except many timese Lucas took it about three lines to long so it tipped over into the realm of corny. If showed a little more restrait those scenes would have played much better.
The disappointment that really arises from this movie is the conversion of Anakin to the Dark Side of the Force. Even after thet movie is over, you still don't really understand why he becomes such absolute evil (trust me, its made clear hes evil). ITs just handled so aruptly and so poorly you are left scraching your head. The finaly nail in the head is the end when Anakin finishes the transformation to Vader. It was a scene where words could have been without or at least some subletly. However, there wasn't and as a result a line that will become infamous is spoken that totaled the scene and thus a pivatol moment in Star Wars history.
The end result is its a movie worth seeing. I recommend it with a large crowd. Its truly very entertaining. It redeems what came before, but still leaves an undercurrent of disappointment due to what we knows follows.
This movie is about the end of the Clone Wars, birth of an Empire, Vader, Twins, and the death of the Jedi and the Republic. Thats a lot of story to get into one movie. On top of all that, have to make sure it segways into Episode 4 nicely. In achieving those goals Lucas has succeeded. He does hit all those elements, in some cases incredibly well and in others to utter disappointment. The plot is excellent and enttertaining.
Starting with the obvious, CGI and fighting, fantastic. If like things blowing up real good and don't care about story, plot holes, etc, this movie is great. From beginning to end, the action does not disappoint.
What does disappoint, among other things, is the acting and the lines. The acting was better then last two movies but Christianson (Anakin) and Portman (Padme) still come across wooden and emotionless. However, McGregar (Obi-Wan) and McDiarmid (Palpatine) did an outstanding job further highlighting how the other two failed to overcome the writing.
Sadly the writing, especially the scenes of love where sadly mostly corny. Most of the non-action scenes where actually pretty good except many timese Lucas took it about three lines to long so it tipped over into the realm of corny. If showed a little more restrait those scenes would have played much better.
The disappointment that really arises from this movie is the conversion of Anakin to the Dark Side of the Force. Even after thet movie is over, you still don't really understand why he becomes such absolute evil (trust me, its made clear hes evil). ITs just handled so aruptly and so poorly you are left scraching your head. The finaly nail in the head is the end when Anakin finishes the transformation to Vader. It was a scene where words could have been without or at least some subletly. However, there wasn't and as a result a line that will become infamous is spoken that totaled the scene and thus a pivatol moment in Star Wars history.
The end result is its a movie worth seeing. I recommend it with a large crowd. Its truly very entertaining. It redeems what came before, but still leaves an undercurrent of disappointment due to what we knows follows.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Monster-In-Law
Clearly Jane Fonda owns this movie. Jennifer Lopez is so out of her depth compared to her it actually makes you feel sorry for her. In many scenes, its clear Fonda is holding back so the scenes with Lopez have the intended balance but she didn't always succeed. Jane on screen is when movie rocks and is funny. Jennifer on screen is when movie slows down and gets tedious. End results is a so-so funny movies with bursts of life. Hopefully this will finally make people see the light that Lopez has a beautiful face and body, but lacks in any talent.
see it as a matinee.
see it as a matinee.
Mindhunters
This is a horror flick about a group of FBI profilers stuck on an island in a training exercise that turns real when one of their own turns on them but they don't know who. Straight up horror flick with the usual gore, screams and nasty deaths. The story has wholes the size of a truck (a DNA machine in military training grounds) but don't really care because it moves at a good clip and stays interesting the entire time. Wish more movies followed that wisdom instead of the poor attempts to make a statement.
See it as a matinee.
See it as a matinee.
XXX: State of the Union
Its a shame that this movie didn't do to well. Its actually a pretty good movies. Nothing to deep of course, just the hero has to stop the Secretary of State from killing the president and others so he can take over. Lots of action, one liners and stuff blowing up real good ensures. Its another great popcorn movie of the summer. See it, enjoy it, forget it. Which to me is what a great popcorn movie is all about.
See it now, with a crowd.
See it now, with a crowd.
Sahara
Treasure hunt that turns into guy having to save a country from greedy dictator and industrialist. Silly movie but well executed with good lines, acting, and action scenes. Basically a fantastic popcorn movie to spend two hours with.
See now, with a full crowd.
See now, with a full crowd.
Kingdom of Heaven
Oh man where to start with all the problems of this movie. Its too long, poorly written, poorly edited, the characters are asses. The lead character sucks and doesn't fit the hero they are trying to make him. They want him flawed but in the end he is beyond redemption because clearly he has learned nothing by movie's end. And the main women, Eva Green, or as I call her "the skeleton." That girl needs to eat more. She is frankly just ugly in ever scene she is in. Not only an ugly women, but crappy actress. If she ever appears in another anything, it will be too soon.
Kingdom of Heaven is about a blacksmith seeking redemption and forgiveness from God after killing a priest taunting him about the death of his wife and mom. And of course nothing is best for forgiveness then going to Jerulesuem and killing a bunch of heathens! So away he goes, after indirectly causing the death of his father, therefore inhereting his lands and responsibilty, to protect the citizens of his land. This is important cause they beat it to death by having him invent stuff apparently his father was too stupid to do, giving his people a properous land. Hurray for the blacksmith. He loves the people. Now how long all this took, who the hell knows. The director couldnt' be bothered to create some kind of hint on time progression. Without that, this movie could have been the progress of days, weeks, months or years. Not a clue. If have an idea let me know. Sadly, after doing the king's sister, the call comes in to defend christiandom. He does this by gallantently charging the masses so the citizentry can get behind the city walls. At least your told this, since the visials do a piss poor job of backing this up. Crap happens, he gets a chance to become king, but turns it down even though its pretty clear that killing one man will save thousands. Of course our man of the citizens says no, cause his little desire for nobility is apparently more imoportant then the lives he claims to want to protect. So here we go big ass fight scene ala lord of the rings. Only not as well done with many pregnant pauses for whatever reason no one understands. Somehow along the way, our blacksmith has become a master war general, coming up with plans, inventions and lots of others things to really stick it to the invaders. Must be nice to be an expert at everything. Now the war he could have avoided he ends, for the people of course. By then, your upset the asshat lived, but glad this overwrought, poorly written movie is over.
Skip this movie, but if determined, wait till its free on TV
Kingdom of Heaven is about a blacksmith seeking redemption and forgiveness from God after killing a priest taunting him about the death of his wife and mom. And of course nothing is best for forgiveness then going to Jerulesuem and killing a bunch of heathens! So away he goes, after indirectly causing the death of his father, therefore inhereting his lands and responsibilty, to protect the citizens of his land. This is important cause they beat it to death by having him invent stuff apparently his father was too stupid to do, giving his people a properous land. Hurray for the blacksmith. He loves the people. Now how long all this took, who the hell knows. The director couldnt' be bothered to create some kind of hint on time progression. Without that, this movie could have been the progress of days, weeks, months or years. Not a clue. If have an idea let me know. Sadly, after doing the king's sister, the call comes in to defend christiandom. He does this by gallantently charging the masses so the citizentry can get behind the city walls. At least your told this, since the visials do a piss poor job of backing this up. Crap happens, he gets a chance to become king, but turns it down even though its pretty clear that killing one man will save thousands. Of course our man of the citizens says no, cause his little desire for nobility is apparently more imoportant then the lives he claims to want to protect. So here we go big ass fight scene ala lord of the rings. Only not as well done with many pregnant pauses for whatever reason no one understands. Somehow along the way, our blacksmith has become a master war general, coming up with plans, inventions and lots of others things to really stick it to the invaders. Must be nice to be an expert at everything. Now the war he could have avoided he ends, for the people of course. By then, your upset the asshat lived, but glad this overwrought, poorly written movie is over.
Skip this movie, but if determined, wait till its free on TV
The Interpreter
This movie is about a interpreter who overhears a plot to kill a despot of a foriegn country and the efforts to investigate who is behind the plan. The story is actually pretty good, Interesting if about 20 minutes too long. Don't really like Sean Penn a whole lot so could have done without him but he did a ok job here. Was his usual to serious self so his acting wasn't a stretch. A tense scene on a bus was interesting, if it did make the FBI look like incompetent fools. The silly little "love" cliche could have taken a pass on, but of course its practically studio rule 101 so not suprised its there nor handled well. It was clearly shoehorned in to apease a higher up.
see this as a matinee.
see this as a matinee.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
I have never read the book, so the movie was going to be my only exposure. The main problem with this is movie is its simply to British. I just don't get that sense of humor, its too dry for me. The movie itself had some interesting ideas, great FX but really the story as a whole was boring. I just couldn't get into it. The lead characters where fine (the girl not so much) but it just wasn't that interesting to me. It had a plot, run from the bad guys, find out what the question is so can find out the answer, but it was just ho hum execution.
This movie is a renter.
This movie is a renter.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
End of Star Trek Enterprise
I have to admit it, I am a trekkie. Seen all the series (DS9 the best of bunch), watched the movies (II best), read the books religiously, and basically just enjoy the depth of "history" and creativity employed in its long life. So when I heard that season 4 of Enterprise would be its last, I just shrugged and though maybe its time. After all Enterprise for the first three seasons frankly sucked. It never came even close to its potential of exploring Star Trek's "prehistory". I was not only hoping for good stories and good acting, but little things that trekkies would get and enjoy but new audiences could use as launchpads to discover the rest of the universe. Instead, as all know, we got crap. It was season 1-6 of Voyager all over again. They tried for season long stories like the Dominion War of Deep Space Nine but instead they deliviered un-inspiring and pointless story telling. No exploring of the universe. No real attempt to explain how "Star Trek" became Star Trek. Just more of the same. It was a massive massive disappointment. Even worse, it was boring.
The came season 4. It was like an amazing breath of fresh air. Couple changes behind the scenese using "gasp!" real FANS of the universe! Not just businessman wanting next paycheck but FANS who have enjoyed the universe long before they made a living from it. The result is finally, FINALLY, Enterprise lived up to its potential. The Gorn, hints of the Federation Charter, the Dark Universe, and so much more have made this one of the best season of Star Trek in since last season of DS9. I think alot of the credit goes to the writers of some of the best Star Trek books in the entire universe, Gar and Judy Reeves-Stevens. If even a casual fan of Star Trek, I highly recommend picking up really any book on Star Trek they have written. First up, try a little book written about 15 years ago called "Federation."
Alas however, the combination of three lackluster seasons and UPN's fractured personality disorder has done the deed of killing Star Trek from the TV airwaves for years to come. Hopefully this will result in re-newed vigor for the series ala the wonderful Peter David's Star Trek New Frontier series. Not a re-imagining (shudder at that thought as disaster always follows) but simply...a renewal of insight and exploration and humanity that is the series hallmark, over the safe and predicable that has been guiding it for the last 10 years. New blood is necessary and even hoped for, but it must be tempered by their understanding and enjoyment of the universe. New blood who doesn't know Star Trek from Star Wars would be a costly and deadly mistake so lets us hope future masters of Star Trek's destiny are guided more by Gene Roddenberry's spirt and less by greed. Well there is still hope in Star Trek's future...and that really more then anything is what Star Trek is all about.
The came season 4. It was like an amazing breath of fresh air. Couple changes behind the scenese using "gasp!" real FANS of the universe! Not just businessman wanting next paycheck but FANS who have enjoyed the universe long before they made a living from it. The result is finally, FINALLY, Enterprise lived up to its potential. The Gorn, hints of the Federation Charter, the Dark Universe, and so much more have made this one of the best season of Star Trek in since last season of DS9. I think alot of the credit goes to the writers of some of the best Star Trek books in the entire universe, Gar and Judy Reeves-Stevens. If even a casual fan of Star Trek, I highly recommend picking up really any book on Star Trek they have written. First up, try a little book written about 15 years ago called "Federation."
Alas however, the combination of three lackluster seasons and UPN's fractured personality disorder has done the deed of killing Star Trek from the TV airwaves for years to come. Hopefully this will result in re-newed vigor for the series ala the wonderful Peter David's Star Trek New Frontier series. Not a re-imagining (shudder at that thought as disaster always follows) but simply...a renewal of insight and exploration and humanity that is the series hallmark, over the safe and predicable that has been guiding it for the last 10 years. New blood is necessary and even hoped for, but it must be tempered by their understanding and enjoyment of the universe. New blood who doesn't know Star Trek from Star Wars would be a costly and deadly mistake so lets us hope future masters of Star Trek's destiny are guided more by Gene Roddenberry's spirt and less by greed. Well there is still hope in Star Trek's future...and that really more then anything is what Star Trek is all about.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Where in the US is info on the British Election?
What do you know, tomorrow is the last day in United Kingdom to vote for their representatives in Parliment. What does this mean for the US?
Well it means the majority party, currently Tony Blair's Labour Party, would decide who the next prime minister. In theory, that means Tony Blair gets tossed on his keister, a new UK prime minister is selected, one who is not so happy to kiss Bush's ass. The end result would be our last large ally pulling out of Iraq. The one real friend in the world US has left may be gone after these elections end.
You would think the American media would feel a need to mention this at some point in the last week or so. Sounds like news to me, doesn't it you? But nope, the only reason I heard about this was from the 5/4/05 Daily Show. They informed me of this remarkable news. They also had a scathing difference of what a true town hall meeting is supposed to be instead of the rally that Bush's people kept labeling "town hall." So once again, the "Story of the Day" approach to the news fails to inform us of somethign we may need to know, that a new prime minister may be elected.
Well it means the majority party, currently Tony Blair's Labour Party, would decide who the next prime minister. In theory, that means Tony Blair gets tossed on his keister, a new UK prime minister is selected, one who is not so happy to kiss Bush's ass. The end result would be our last large ally pulling out of Iraq. The one real friend in the world US has left may be gone after these elections end.
You would think the American media would feel a need to mention this at some point in the last week or so. Sounds like news to me, doesn't it you? But nope, the only reason I heard about this was from the 5/4/05 Daily Show. They informed me of this remarkable news. They also had a scathing difference of what a true town hall meeting is supposed to be instead of the rally that Bush's people kept labeling "town hall." So once again, the "Story of the Day" approach to the news fails to inform us of somethign we may need to know, that a new prime minister may be elected.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Home stretch for Runaway Bride story
Drive through downtown Duluth today. While the media hasn't quite abandoned this story, its clear the residents have. The news fans are still around the nearby park, but they seem to just be local news fans plus CNN and Fox News. The parking lot that had been the Media Headquarters has once again been returned to its nearly abandoned state. The house where all had congreated to show support now just shows a badly damaged lawn. The ribbons that remain up, which are few now, are showing signs of wear and tear. Yep, this sleepy town is ready to move on, slowly realizing that they are the butthole of many butt jokes. Now if only the Jennifer W would release her freaking statement so the media will skip town.
Of course her statement could be written by anyone, with apolgies to the town, family, volunteers. A quick sentence how she was overwhelmed and just had to leave. Her horror over learning of the attention and belief that only way to get out of it was a lie she now regrets. Etc, etc, etc. What she will fail to address is why a week long game plan, why she didn't tell anyone, yet did bother to make sure her mom had list of wedding vendors that. Of course it could be argued that she should not have to apoligize publically. Afterall, its not her fault that a local news story that should have remained local became national. The media should apoligize for that. If it hadn't gone national, doubt have the volunteers or a lie to the police. It would have remained where it belonged, between local police and the family. The family does deserve something, but thats not really our business.
So in the end, she is apolgizing to us for being busy bodies, butting our heads in matters where it didn't belong. So note to all future runaway brides, make sure you are not young white women from an affulent family or you too could have to issue a national apolgy.
Of course her statement could be written by anyone, with apolgies to the town, family, volunteers. A quick sentence how she was overwhelmed and just had to leave. Her horror over learning of the attention and belief that only way to get out of it was a lie she now regrets. Etc, etc, etc. What she will fail to address is why a week long game plan, why she didn't tell anyone, yet did bother to make sure her mom had list of wedding vendors that. Of course it could be argued that she should not have to apoligize publically. Afterall, its not her fault that a local news story that should have remained local became national. The media should apoligize for that. If it hadn't gone national, doubt have the volunteers or a lie to the police. It would have remained where it belonged, between local police and the family. The family does deserve something, but thats not really our business.
So in the end, she is apolgizing to us for being busy bodies, butting our heads in matters where it didn't belong. So note to all future runaway brides, make sure you are not young white women from an affulent family or you too could have to issue a national apolgy.
More Runaway Bride thoughts
Just got my first blog think from Jeff Jarvis at his blog Buzzmachine. Do believe thats the first time I have ever been linked. Also makes me wish had better writing skills but maybe with practice. One thing I appreciate, he gives this runaway bride story the attention it deserves - a quickie paragragh and then moves on to real information of note and interest. I however, just don't have that kind of self control.
Try to check out the Daily Show from 5/2/05. It should be repeating again on Tuesday. About 12 minutes in Jon Stewart gives his opinion about the media's behavior to this story in way only he can...by using their own footage to hang em with. Basically he agrees with me, that clearly the media was hoping for some visious murder. Favorite line "When Hannity is the voice of reason we are all on the bus to CaCa land" Uh may have to watch ep again to get that exactly right. The media reaction to me is the real story, not the bride herself but I think I am a minority in that opinion.
As for local reaction, based on people talking and the radio, its probably what everyone else thinks. What I find amusing is that many feel some need to say something along the lines "thank god she's okay, but..." The opinions range from her needing serious medical attention to being a devious bitch. Some defend the fact that she did many things wrong but none that are illegal since she technically has the right to runaway. However, pretty much everyone agrees that she was selfish and seriously violated some moral lines. Also, that the husband should jettison her ass ASAP. I have a feeling he will but with the press attention on the family its best to just wait rather then do a public drop kicking. If so, I tip my hat to him. I doubt I would have that level of self control.
I, like most here, do believe some form of punishment needs to be dealt with. Most say just pay for the cost, I think forgetting that doesn't really punish the individual in this case since the family as a whole could cover any costs (estimated to be 40k to 80k here). One person suggested she pay in community service equal to the time all volunteers total went looking for her. I thought that was an excellent idea. Its not only an unselfish act (even if forced on her) but its truly a long term lesson that she has to cuss about every hour she works it. Also an excellent example to others who attempt such callous behavior and thens attempts to use lies to dodge responsibilty. If simply pay back the cost, her family writes a check and calls it a day, no lesson learned, consequences dodged.
A telling quote from Gwinnett county DA Danny Porter "Sometimes, I'm not sure she has the capability for remorse." Personally that sounds like political exaggeration but interesting nonetheless.
Try to check out the Daily Show from 5/2/05. It should be repeating again on Tuesday. About 12 minutes in Jon Stewart gives his opinion about the media's behavior to this story in way only he can...by using their own footage to hang em with. Basically he agrees with me, that clearly the media was hoping for some visious murder. Favorite line "When Hannity is the voice of reason we are all on the bus to CaCa land" Uh may have to watch ep again to get that exactly right. The media reaction to me is the real story, not the bride herself but I think I am a minority in that opinion.
As for local reaction, based on people talking and the radio, its probably what everyone else thinks. What I find amusing is that many feel some need to say something along the lines "thank god she's okay, but..." The opinions range from her needing serious medical attention to being a devious bitch. Some defend the fact that she did many things wrong but none that are illegal since she technically has the right to runaway. However, pretty much everyone agrees that she was selfish and seriously violated some moral lines. Also, that the husband should jettison her ass ASAP. I have a feeling he will but with the press attention on the family its best to just wait rather then do a public drop kicking. If so, I tip my hat to him. I doubt I would have that level of self control.
I, like most here, do believe some form of punishment needs to be dealt with. Most say just pay for the cost, I think forgetting that doesn't really punish the individual in this case since the family as a whole could cover any costs (estimated to be 40k to 80k here). One person suggested she pay in community service equal to the time all volunteers total went looking for her. I thought that was an excellent idea. Its not only an unselfish act (even if forced on her) but its truly a long term lesson that she has to cuss about every hour she works it. Also an excellent example to others who attempt such callous behavior and thens attempts to use lies to dodge responsibilty. If simply pay back the cost, her family writes a check and calls it a day, no lesson learned, consequences dodged.
A telling quote from Gwinnett county DA Danny Porter "Sometimes, I'm not sure she has the capability for remorse." Personally that sounds like political exaggeration but interesting nonetheless.
Monday, May 02, 2005
The Duluth Runaway Bride
Well I am sure everyone has heard about the Duluth Georgia Runaway Bride Jennifer Wilbanks. Lots of thoughts on this one. One, where the hell was I on this. Another is the press reaction to this, third is Duluth in general, and fourth what a nutter Jennifer has to be. So in no particular coherent order.
Funny thing about this, I live very near where all this went down. Totally oblvious to it. Didn't even find out about it till Thursday afternoon when heading to the library and kept passing all these news vans near the park. Then I pass this house with crap load of cars and people. At the time I thought "what an odd time for a party", then I saw a large missing poster. So the next thought was "wft?!?!" Then passed a parking lot that has no business so 99% of the time it has like 10 cars. That day, it was filled to the gills and then some. So slightly alarmed, I asked around, got the info and immediatly thought "hmph sounds like she ran away, what a doofus."
Now, Jennifer is not really a nutter. After all she planned this a week in advance (neat timeline here). She withdrew the money from the bank and bought the tickets with a plan in mind. That not nutty. What her behavior is selfish. A spoiled brat really. Obviously she was overwhelmed, having doubts, whatever so her response was a week old plan that gave zero consideration to friends and family. That is selfish brought to a new level. It really appalling. However, once you consider her background, you also can't really be suprised.
About Duluth and where she comes from. Duluth is the classis small town made up of the haves and the have nots. The haves generally have hard working parents, and incredibily lazy and spoiled children. You know the type. Cars, homes, bills, pretty much everything is payed for and taken care of. Have a problem, throw enough money at it, simply goes away. So these children have no concept of hardship and hard work. Can't really blame the parents for this, after all what parent doesn't want to protect their children from the big bad world. The problem with line of thinking is the children develop zero coping skills but lots of me-centric thinking. Which brings us back to the runaway bride. Clearly she has no coping mechanism. Clearly she is incredibily me-centric.
Also side note. Duluth cops...they are basically traffic cops. Except for this incident, they have about 50+ cops, a fleet of cars they replace about every 3 years whose only purpose is to issue tickets. The fleet by the way includes such necessities as SUVs, sports cars with no backseat, Harley's and other "necessities" that one may need to cover what is about a 10 miles square area if one is feeling generous. Usually the tough stuff, like the malls, arena, etc they leave to Gwinnett cops. This is probably the first time in years that Duluth earned to high piles of cash the spend and collect in something other then ways to get more tickets issued.
Anyways, if this story is proof of anything, its that press likes to create stories out of nothing. Lets face it, the only reason this became national news is the press was hoping it would be another Peterson case or just as good a dead bride before her wedding. In anycase for them it was a win win in ratings. Did the local news need to cover it throughly, yes it was local news. It just didn't rise to national news. So again further proof how national media CREATES news. Makes mountains out of molehills and so on. Whats really bad is the media is clueless on how this behavior erodes the trust of the public in them. Every time they make something out of nothing, the public isn't greatful, they just get annoyed and more pissed off. They will never stop though. Those brief spikes in ratings is all they care about.
As for the fiance, whathisname, if he is smart he will dump this women off at the nearest bus stop forever. If this is how she handles a one day even of a wedding imagine what she could do for life's other problems including the biggest stressor of all time - parenthood. Not only is that a neverending stress, it requires one to them-centric, not me-centric. Parenthood would probably knock her completly off her rocker and possibly make her dangerous. So for him, he needs to feel relief that he has dodged one massive and possibly deadly bullet. Mourn the loss and move on is my advice for him.
Funny thing about this, I live very near where all this went down. Totally oblvious to it. Didn't even find out about it till Thursday afternoon when heading to the library and kept passing all these news vans near the park. Then I pass this house with crap load of cars and people. At the time I thought "what an odd time for a party", then I saw a large missing poster. So the next thought was "wft?!?!" Then passed a parking lot that has no business so 99% of the time it has like 10 cars. That day, it was filled to the gills and then some. So slightly alarmed, I asked around, got the info and immediatly thought "hmph sounds like she ran away, what a doofus."
Now, Jennifer is not really a nutter. After all she planned this a week in advance (neat timeline here). She withdrew the money from the bank and bought the tickets with a plan in mind. That not nutty. What her behavior is selfish. A spoiled brat really. Obviously she was overwhelmed, having doubts, whatever so her response was a week old plan that gave zero consideration to friends and family. That is selfish brought to a new level. It really appalling. However, once you consider her background, you also can't really be suprised.
About Duluth and where she comes from. Duluth is the classis small town made up of the haves and the have nots. The haves generally have hard working parents, and incredibily lazy and spoiled children. You know the type. Cars, homes, bills, pretty much everything is payed for and taken care of. Have a problem, throw enough money at it, simply goes away. So these children have no concept of hardship and hard work. Can't really blame the parents for this, after all what parent doesn't want to protect their children from the big bad world. The problem with line of thinking is the children develop zero coping skills but lots of me-centric thinking. Which brings us back to the runaway bride. Clearly she has no coping mechanism. Clearly she is incredibily me-centric.
Also side note. Duluth cops...they are basically traffic cops. Except for this incident, they have about 50+ cops, a fleet of cars they replace about every 3 years whose only purpose is to issue tickets. The fleet by the way includes such necessities as SUVs, sports cars with no backseat, Harley's and other "necessities" that one may need to cover what is about a 10 miles square area if one is feeling generous. Usually the tough stuff, like the malls, arena, etc they leave to Gwinnett cops. This is probably the first time in years that Duluth earned to high piles of cash the spend and collect in something other then ways to get more tickets issued.
Anyways, if this story is proof of anything, its that press likes to create stories out of nothing. Lets face it, the only reason this became national news is the press was hoping it would be another Peterson case or just as good a dead bride before her wedding. In anycase for them it was a win win in ratings. Did the local news need to cover it throughly, yes it was local news. It just didn't rise to national news. So again further proof how national media CREATES news. Makes mountains out of molehills and so on. Whats really bad is the media is clueless on how this behavior erodes the trust of the public in them. Every time they make something out of nothing, the public isn't greatful, they just get annoyed and more pissed off. They will never stop though. Those brief spikes in ratings is all they care about.
As for the fiance, whathisname, if he is smart he will dump this women off at the nearest bus stop forever. If this is how she handles a one day even of a wedding imagine what she could do for life's other problems including the biggest stressor of all time - parenthood. Not only is that a neverending stress, it requires one to them-centric, not me-centric. Parenthood would probably knock her completly off her rocker and possibly make her dangerous. So for him, he needs to feel relief that he has dodged one massive and possibly deadly bullet. Mourn the loss and move on is my advice for him.
Catching Up
Man do I have alot of blogging need to do today and rest of the week.
The Runaway Bride near me comes quickly to mind.
Thoughts about Duluth which to me isn't quite like the picture presented by the press
Movies I have seen.
Whatever else comes to mind.
The Runaway Bride near me comes quickly to mind.
Thoughts about Duluth which to me isn't quite like the picture presented by the press
Movies I have seen.
Whatever else comes to mind.
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