Half Marathon Training Update

 A Runner Forgets

Yesterday I ran 5 miles for the first time in a few months. Since I was at the historic Rose Bowl, I decided on a little video at the end detailing my run. Nothing so chipper happened. The day was a bit hotter than I'd planned and by mile three, my mind was glutted with thoughts of walking, or better yet, quitting entirely. Left to its own devices on a run, that's where my brain defaults.

I ran it in, but was overheated and uninterested in anything other than basking in my car's air conditioning. Clearly, I'd been neglecting my mental training. The mind can only hold one thought at a time. Why not an upbeat, positive thought? That—and water—are what I require most on hot day running a course with very little shade.

As a general note, I am considerably slower than last year. If that's the way it rolls, so be it, but I'd hoped to ace January's Rose Bowl Half Marathon in under 2.5 hours and LA Maraton in March in under 5 hours. But time and serious training will tell.

And a little focus on the metal effort.

Coyotes 1: Cats 0

 

Coyotes roam the streets, seeking tasty pets. The Web is full of woeful tales. Here is one.

John P. McCann Channel

Men, Meme and Rome: I Don't Get It

 

Rome on the Range

A few thoughts on the recent Internet meme stating men think constantly of Rome. After a little research, I determined that the Imperial City and its customs were nothing to pine for. 

John P. McCann Channel

A Walk Among Ghosts: Dublin's Great Famine Memorial

On the banks of the River Liffey in Dublin there's a grim memorial to the victims of the Irish Great Famine. Millions died of hunger or horrid conditions aboard "coffin ships," supposedly taking them away from slow death. The video is from our recent visit to Ireland. 

John P. McCann Channel

Advertising Adores Big Brother

 Can boatloads of government cash sway the media to promote certain agendas? Does it always work? Such questions are explored in this video under ten seconds.

Jest Videos

Top Ten Disney Sassy Animal Companions

 ChatGPT compiled the list and added the voice artists. I'm growing fond of that crazy AI.

1. Mushu - from "Mulan" (voiced by Eddie Murphy)

2. Timon - from "The Lion King" (voiced by Nathan Lane)

3. Puss in Boots - from "Shrek" (voiced by Antonio Banderas)

4. Donkey - from "Shrek" (voiced by Eddie Murphy)

5. Iago - from "Aladdin" (voiced by Gilbert Gottfried)

6. Sebastian - from "The Little Mermaid" (voiced by Samuel E. Wright)

7. Abu - from "Aladdin" (various vocalizations)

8. Heihei - from "Moana" (vocalizations by Alan Tudyk)

9. Pascal - from "Tangled" (vocalizations by Frank Welker)

10. Meeko - from "Pocahontas" (vocalizations by John Kassir)

Al Stewart Catting It Onstage 2023

Joy and I visited the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano for an evening of Al Stewart. If ever a musician aged gracefully, it was Al. He realized long ago that most people would only know him for his biggest hit, "Year of the Cat." But he embraced that reality, continued writing the songs he wanted, and performs onstage dressed as a clerk in a Target store. A very enjoyable evening. 

John P. McCann Channel

A Nostalgic CNN Meme

When I saw this, only one name came to mind. I won't say. . . oh, hell, Jeffrey Toobin. And the beat goes on.

How Far Would You Go to Be Diverse?

 More HR mirth from comic Ryan Long.

Ryan Long

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with All-Transgendered Cast

 Once again, I asked ChatGPT to write me a YouTube script. This time the subject was a Disney + remake of the above-mentioned Jules Verne classic. And once again, AI did not disappoint. It even invented a fake review channel.

Title: "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: A Transcendent Adventure | Disney+ Remake"

[Introduction]

Host (H): Welcome back, movie enthusiasts, to another exciting episode of "CineMagic," your source for all things film and entertainment! Today, we have something truly groundbreaking to discuss. Disney+ is taking us on an underwater journey like never before with their remake of the 1954 classic, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." What sets this adaptation apart? Well, the entire cast features transgender actors, making it a significant milestone in Hollywood's pursuit of inclusivity and representation. Let's dive right in!

[Scene-by-Scene Analysis]

[Scene 1: The Nautilus]

H: Our story begins aboard the remarkable submarine, the Nautilus, commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo, played by the talented transgender actress, Alexis Williams. Williams brings depth and complexity to the character, making Nemo's inner turmoil and quest for justice even more compelling.

[Scene 2: Professor Aronnax]

H: Joining Nemo on his voyage is Professor Pierre Aronnax, portrayed by the charismatic transgender actor, Jordan Rodriguez. Rodriguez's portrayal adds a unique perspective to Aronnax's scientific curiosity and moral dilemmas as they explore the mysteries of the deep.

[Scene 3: Ned Land]

H: We can't forget the fearless Ned Land, portrayed by transgender actor Sam Patel. Patel's Ned Land is not only a master harpooner but also a symbol of resilience, highlighting the diversity within the transgender community.

[Scene 4: The Underwater World]

H: The breathtaking underwater scenes, brought to life through cutting-edge CGI, immerse viewers in a visually stunning and immersive world. The representation of aquatic life and coral reefs is not only visually impressive but also ecologically relevant, emphasizing Disney's commitment to environmental awareness.

[Scene 5: Exploration and Ethics]

H: As our heroes explore the depths of the ocean, the film delves into profound ethical questions surrounding humanity's impact on the environment and the consequences of unchecked technology. The transgender cast brings a unique perspective to these discussions, making them even more thought-provoking.

[Scene 6: Inclusivity and Representation]

H: "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" is not just a remake; it's a celebration of diversity and representation in film. Disney+ has taken a bold step towards inclusivity, not only in front of the camera but also behind it, with transgender individuals involved in various aspects of production.

[Scene 7: A Modern Classic]

H: This remake pays homage to the 1954 classic while reimagining it for a new generation. The powerful performances of the transgender cast breathe new life into this timeless story of adventure, morality, and the mysteries of the deep.

[Conclusion]

H: "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: A Transcendent Adventure" on Disney+ promises to be a groundbreaking cinematic experience that combines classic storytelling with contemporary inclusivity. By featuring an all-transgender cast, Disney+ is taking a significant step towards a more diverse and representative future for the film industry. We can't wait to see how this underwater adventure unfolds. Don't forget to subscribe, like, and share to stay updated on all things CineMagic! Thanks for watching, and remember, magic happens when we all come together!

Disney + equals Disney films plus trans/gay stuff plus Disney films containing trans/gay stuff.

Even AI knows this.

Vox

Machete Film Review from Back-in-the-Day

 A Reprint From a More Innocent Time

A 13-year-old post from the days when I reviewed films I'd never seen.

 

A breathtaking film, Machete is director Robert Rodriguez homage to beloved children’s tale Charlotte’s Web. Set in the southwest, the film employs the subtle storytelling and layered characterizations that have built Rodriguez’s reputation as the David Lean of Texas. Teen heartthrob Danny Trejo portrays Machete, a blade-packing, Wilbur-like character. Forced to move about like a runt pig in order to remain alive, Machete lives on the allegorical chopping block. In a deft choice, Rodriguez crafts a web of racism and corruption that only Machete can slice. Rotten Senator McLaughlin (Robert DeNiro) is the anti-Charlotte. He is assisted by Michael Booth (Jeff Fahey), a hate-filled businessman who kills illegal immigrants and grinds their bones into bone powder. But Machete has his own Templeton the Rat—Shé (Rebecca Rodriguez). Shé is a taco-truck driving revolutionary who hopes to reclaim Texas for Mexico. Once back in the right hands, Texas will be transformed into a paradise, modeled after the Swiss-like order and civic honesty of Tijuana. Rich with themes of loyalty and undying friendship, Machete, not surprisingly, includes a scene at the Texas State Fair. There, Machete wins a blue ribbon for throwing knives at a spinning target on which is tied a pretty girl in tights (Lindsay Lohan). I believe E.B. White would heartily approve.

Reposted: Sept. 09, 2010