#brian wiggins

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Christopher Wiggins at The Advocate:

The federal government is poised to apologize for decades of intolerance toward the LGBTQ+ community. U.S. Senators Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, and Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin who is the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to the Senate, have introduced a resolution on Tuesday that seeks to formally apologize for the historical discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in the federal workforce. The resolution, introduced during Pride Month, acknowledges the mistreatment and wrongful terminations of LGBTQ+ civil servants, foreign service officers, and service members, dating back to 1949.

“LGBT civil servants, foreign service officers, and service members have made countless sacrifices and contributions to our country and national security. Despite this, our government has subjected them to decades of harassment, invasive investigations, and wrongful termination because of who they are or who they love,” Kaine said in a press release. “This Pride Month, I’m proud to lead this resolution alongside Senator Baldwin to reaffirm our commitment to righting our past wrongs and fighting for equality for all LGBT Americans.”

A dark chapter in history

The resolution highlights the Lavender Scare, a period from the early 1940s through the 1960s during which queer federal employees were targeted and persecuted. This era, marked by heightened suspicion and discrimination, saw thousands of federal workers lose their jobs due to their sexual orientation. The most recent wave of such discrimination was perpetuated by the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which was in effect from 1994 to 2011 and led to the discharge of more than 100,000 LGBTQ+ military service members.

The resolution acknowledges the extensive harm caused by these discriminatory policies, stating, “the Federal Government discriminated against and terminated hundreds of thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served the United States in the uniformed services, the Foreign Service, and the Federal civil service for decades, causing untold harm to those individuals professionally, financially, socially, and medically, among other harms.”

[...]

Support and future steps

The resolution is co-sponsored by a host of prominent Democratic senators, including Chris Coons of Delaware, Jeff Merkley from Oregon, Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman, Patty Murray from Washington, Brian Schatz of Hawaii, Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire, Bob Casey from Pennsylvania, Dick Durbin of Illinois, Massachusetts’s Edward Markey, Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut, Ben Cardin of Maryland, Rhode Island’s Sheldon Whitehouse, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Colorado’s Michael Bennet, Ron Wyden from Oregon, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, and Virginia’s Mark R. Warner.

What happens next?

The Senate will now review the resolution. If it gains sufficient support, it will proceed to a vote. If passed, it will serve as a formal acknowledgment and apology for the historical injustices faced by LGBTQ+ federal employees.

Tim Kaine and Tammy Baldwin, a pair of Democratic Senators, introduced a resolution seeking a formal apology for decades of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination in the federal government, especially during the Lavender Scare era.

[usafphantom2]

Last month, our friend @mattbooty had the privilege to fly with the 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard and their new F-35A Lightning II fighter jets, along with their existing F-16A ADF fighters and a special guest P-51D Mustang. The red tails are a historic tribute to the Tuskegee Red Tails, the famed WWII squadron, which lives on as the 100th Fighter Squadron within the wing.

This quote from a ceremony at the airport the next morning: "The red tail you will see is a reminder to all that through excellence we will overcome any obstacle and threat regardless of gender, race or religion," said Col. Brian Vaughn, the wing’s commander. "We are all here for the same mission: to protect our nation, defend our constitution, and to form a more perfect union as the Tuskegee Airmen did."

Pilots: P-51 Lt. Col. Raymond "Hollywood" Fowler, F-16 (clean) Lt. Col. Jeremy "Griz" Wiggins, F-16 (drop tank) Capt. Capt Alex "Sanka" Aderegg, F-35 (red tail) Capt. Robert "Alamo" Freeman, F-35 (gray tail) Lt. Col. Richard "Sheriff" Peace. Photo pilot: Melissa Fowler, co-pilot Joshua Fowler. Mission credits to Scott Slocum for coordinating the flight and aerial direction.

@WarbirdNews via X

[dustedmagazine]

Listed: Jad Fair

Photo: Brian Birzer

Jad Fair’s music has been described as “art punk,” “primitive rock,” “naive pop,” and “experimental,” though none of those labels quite capture what it is. Never encumbered by the conventions of songwriting or technical virtuosity, or the idea that an instrument should be tuned, the guitarist/singer/visual artist always made the music that felt most natural. It’s not an experiment, he has said. It just is.

In the mid 1970s Fair started Half Japanese with his brother, David. In 1980 they released their famously audacious debut, a triple album called Half Gentlemen/Not Beasts. It was a raw explosion of teenage boy id. The brothers, both on vocals, indulged obsessions (girls, mostly) over discordant guitars and drums that bubbled and burst like boiling water.

Half Japanese has released many records since, in addition to the mountains of music that Fair has put out over the years, solo and in collaboration with Daniel Johnson, Yo La Tengo, Teenage Fanclub and many others. Over the course of 2021 he released two albums a week on Bandcamp, and then started making music with singer/songwriter/multiinstrumentalist Samuel Locke Ward. They just released their second record, Destroy All Monsters about which Dusted’s Margaret Welsh wrote that “In its warmth and sincerity, Destroy All Monsters straddles a strange line: It impersonates flimsy holiday novelty but resonates on a deeper level. Here are some of Fair’s favorite records.

It’s difficult to just choose 10 albums. There are so many albums that I love.

The Shaggs — Philosophy Of The World

I first heard Philosophy Of The World in 1979. I was given a cassette of it and immediately took to it. It was like no other album I’d heard. The music and lyrics are so sweet and sincere. I was very pleased that I was asked to do cover art for the release of The Dot Wiggin Band’s album Ready! Get! Go!. When I saw Dot’s band perform I was surprised to see that the musicians were reading music. I asked Dot about it and was told that the music for the Shaggs was written out.

The Modern Lovers — The Modern Lovers

In 1974 I read an interview of Jonathan Richman in Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine. I was impressed with what Jonathan had to say. When the Modern Lovers album was released I sent away for it and was floored by it. It’s a super fine album.

Spider John Koerner — Some American Folk Songs Like They Used To

Spider John Koerner is one of my favorite folk musicians. It’s a shame that very few people have heard the album. I think it’s his best.

Lord Invader — Calypso Travels

I’m a huge fan of calypso music. Lord Invader is a great calypsonian. I love the way he sings and his band is top of the top.

The Stooges — Fun House

I grew up in Michigan and when I was a teen, most of my favorite bands were from Michigan. Michigan had The MC5, The Stooges, Question Mark and the Mysterians, Destroy All Monsters and Motown. I felt I was living in the best state for music.

Daniel Johnston — Hi How Are You?

In 1984 my band Half Japanese had a tour with a stop in Austin. Daniel’s manager (Jeff Tartakov) gave me a cassette of Daniel’s album. During the tour we played it over and over in the van. I know many amazing musicians. What’s rare is a musician that is also a fine lyricist. Daniel was one of the best. He was a genius, and I was so lucky to have worked with him.

Bob Dylan — Basement Tapes

I like the relaxed feel of the songs. Bob Dylan and the Band were such a great match. Super fine songs and super playing.

Howlin Wolf — The Complete RPM and Chess Singles

In the early 1970s, I bought a lot of albums of Howling Wolf. It’s hard to beat Howling Wolf as a performer. He had power and charisma.

NRBQ — All Hopped Up

NRBQ is my favorite band. When I lived on the East Coast I would go to see them anytime they had a show in Maryland or DC. Definitely the finest live band I’ve seen.

James Brown — Live At The Apollo

It’s hard to pick just one James Brown album. He released so many great albums. Live At The Apollo has James in top form. It’s a brilliant performance. It’s star time!

[medium-observation]

November Release

Beetlejuice - First US National Tour

October 31, 2023 - Medium Observation

Video

Cast:

Justin Collette (Beetlejuice), Isabella Esler (Lydia Deetz), Megan McGinnis (Barbara Maitland), Will Burton (Adam Maitland), Jesse Sharp (Charles Deetz), Kate Marilley (Delia Deetz), Lexie Dorsett Sharp (u/s Miss Argentina), Abe Goldfarb (Otho), Brian Vaughn (Maxie Dean), Kris Roberts (Maxine Dean/Juno), Jackera Davis (Girl Scout), Lee N Price (Ensemble), Eric Anthony Johnson (s/w Ensemble), Haley Fish (Ensemble), Kenway Hon Wai K. Kua (Ensemble), Sean McManus (Ensemble), Katie Lombardo (s/w Ensemble), Trevor Michael Schmidt (Ensemble), Corben Williams (Ensemble)

Notes:

Good capture of Halloween! This was filmed on the aisle so you can see some people getting up and walking around at times. LOTS of latecomers during ready set I had to get up to let people into the row, so there is no video there. The guy in front of me wouldn't stop moving so his head can come in and out of frame at times but it's always worked around.

NFT Date: May 1st, 2024

Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB1KLh

Video is $20

Mean Girls - Second US National Tour (Non-Equity)

October 26, 2023 - Medium Observation

Video

Cast:

Natalie Shaw (Cady Heron), Maya Petropoulos (Regina George), Kristen Amanda Smith (Gretchen Wieners), MaryRose Brendel (Karen Smith), Alexys Morera (Janis Sarkisian), Ethan Jih-Cook (Damian Hubbard), Joseph Torres (Aaron Samuels), Shawn Mathews (Kevin Gnapoor), Kristen Seggio (Mrs. Heron/Ms. Norbury/Mrs. George), Justin Phillips (Principal Duvall), Justin O'Brien (Mr. Heron), Justin O'Brien (Coach Carr/Glen Coco/Math Moderator), Thalia Atallah (Dawn Schweitzer), Victoria Mesa (Lizzie Therman/Caroline Krafft), Lucas Hallauer (Tyler Kimble), Jonah Nash (Christian Wiggins), Mikey Corey Hassel (Shane Oman), Oshie Mellon (Sophie Kawachi), Megan Arseneau (s/w Caitlyn Caussin), Brandon Moreno (Jason Weems), Tyler Jung (Marwan Jitla), Reagan Kennedy (Taylor Wedell), Joi D. McCoy (Rachel Hamilton)

Notes:

Nice Capture of the new non-equity tour! There can be a head in the way at some points but it's worked around well. The video can be somewhat grainy at times due to how far I was + how dark the show was. Overall a great video of this incredible cast.

NFT Date: May 1st, 2024

Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB1e1L

Video is $20

Come From Away - Second US National Tour (Non-Equity)

October 30, 2023 - Medium Observation

Video

Cast:

Addison Garner (Beverley/Annette & others), Shawn W. Smith (Kevin T./Garth & others), Andrew Hendrick (Claude & others), Danny Arnold (Oz & others), Hannah Kato (Janice & others), Trey DeLuna (Kevin J./Ali & others), Stanton Morales (Nick/Doug & others), Molly Samson (Diane & others), Candace Alyssa Rhodes (Hannah & others), Kristin Litzenberg (Beulah & others), Kathleen Cameron (Bonnie & others), Jason Tyler Smith (Bob & others)

Notes:

Incredible capture of the new non-equity tour. No obstruction, very little washout in wideshots. Overall a perfect video of a great new cast.

NFT Date: May 1st, 2024

Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB1DyY

Video is $20

Videos can be purchased through me at

mediumobservationtrading@gmail.com

[torchlitinthedesert]

Cilla Black, the 1960s, and sexism in pop

@delightfullyatomicfest shared this interview with Cilla Black, 1960s singer who was managed by Brian Epstein. She talks about life as a woman in the 1960s pop scene.

I find it fascinating, because there's just so much she couldn't do: a weight of assumption that women don't, can't, shouldn't. She's not angry: she seems to have accepted how things were, and worked with/around them as best she could. Which is what most people do with the assumptions of their era: it's very hard to see past them

Some excerpts:

It’s amazing to think that clubs like the Cavern, or the Marquee in London, weren’t licensed for alcohol in those days.

They were coffee clubs! We were all kids, and we enjoyed the music. And I didn’t smoke. I smoked on Juke Box Jury because I saw John Lennon smoke the week before and I thought, It’s gotta be cool if John is smoking. So I lit up. And Brian Epstein told me off for that.

...

Were there many other girls? I know of Beryl Marsden, who was great. But did any girls form groups and play instruments?

Not that I know of. Brian asked the same question, “Are there any girl groups or singers?” John remembered me from the Iron Door and recommended me. But Beryl Marsden had a great voice, very much like Brenda Lee.

Why did girls not take up instruments?

It was a manly thing, wasn’t it? I mean, the only girl band I knew was the Ivy Benson Band, and it just seemed too masculine. Apart from Cherry Wainer and her organ, on Oh Boy! shows, you never really saw women play instruments, except the violin. In fact I don’t think it was until Chrissie Hynde, I think she made playing an instrument really cool.

In fact, there were more female bands at the time: such as Fanny, or The Liverbirds. But it was rare, and hard to be seen as more than a novelty act. (When The Liverbirds met John Lennon, he told them, "Girls don't play guitars." Drummer Sylvia Wiggins said, "So we proved him wrong. And on drums as well of course. But later we thought maybe he was saying that to encourage us" - which is, I think, kinder than I would be in her position.)

Solo singers had to deal with expectations, too:

...It was a hard life for girl singers in those days. You couldn’t come back from a gig and go into a bar, because you’d be regarded as a “lady of the night”. Television finished at 11.30, restaurants weren’t open, so you had to have some cold salad left in the room. And if you’ve done a show, you’re hyper on adrenalin. You’ve got to come down from that. So Bobby [her husband] was ideal in every way. He’d fight people off if they got in the way. I could go into a bar just to have a chat after a show, because I was up there and I had no way of coming down.

...But I remember Brian taking me to the Ad Lib. He said, “I know I’m going to regret this, because you’ll never be out of the place.” And he was so right. The Ad Lib was the place to go when you’d finished working. So it was great to see the Stones there, the Beatles there, you could have a steak sarnie, great music, very loud, what was there not to like about it?

[singeratlarge]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to André 3000, Billy Adamson (The Searchers), Paul Bettany, Cilla Black, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Jimmy Castor Bunch’s 1972 “Troglodyte” single, Özgür Çevik, John Cheever, Harlan Ellison, Mal Evans, Joseph Fiennes, Neil Finn, The Golden Gate Bridge (1937), Lou Gossett, Jr., Dasheille Hammett, Wild Bill Hickok, Tony Hillerman, Hubert Humphrey, Sean Kinney, Peter Knight (Steeleye Span), Christopher Lee, Ramsey Lewis, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, Paul McCartney & Wings 1975 VENUS & MARS LP, Lee Meriweather, Thea Musgrave, music influencer Mondo Quinn, Vincent Price, Pete Sears, The Sex Pistols 1977 “God Save the Queen” single, Bud Shank, Siouxsie Sioux, Barry Vissell, my Most Excellent son-in-law Brian Walton, Blind Tom Wiggins, Don Williams, Herman Wouk, Chester Zardis, and renowned guitarist, singer-songwriter, spiritual apologist, human rights activist, and environmentalist Bruce Cockburn. He’s been at it a long time, with many awards and kudos to his name, but his music speaks louder than all of that—truly a man on a mission from God. His records have been in my life for many years, presenting me with intelligent spirituality and lyrical beauty that connects with the natural and the urban. Here’s a recent interview with Bruce to sum up his latest recording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-nCfOUp6cU ...Meanwhile, HB BC—thank you for your volumes of music and service.

#brucecockburn #Canada #SanFrancisco #SanFranciscoLighthouse #christian #singersongwriter #activist

[brianohalloran]

Brian I missed you! Hows the tours going?

I’m tired of this Trevor cat. Jeff is wiggin’ as per ush. Kevin keeps randomly crying about an ex. It’s been twenty years, man. It’s like being at the Girls and their Periods convention.

Oh, well. At least I get to meet my fans. Makes it all worth it!

Thanks for the Brian Ask!

[jarkinesbrainstew]

You should hear Brian Wiggins.

IT'S ALL ONE GUY!??!?!?

I was just wondering who voices Kayne because I can't get enough of him, and I wanted more of him. So, I asked the Fandom Wiki...

"Harlan Guthrie", It said. "Neat", I said, ...But who voices Arther?

"Harlan Guthrie", It said.

...

WHAT? Well, Ok fine. YKnow what, Fair. Just a guy who has range, What a guy. Well then who voices john-

FU***IN HARLAN GUTHRIE

Kellan?

Harlan Guthrie

Trader? Oscar? Butcher? Wallace?

HARLAN "Arther stop whimpering" GUTHRIE

IVE BEEN CRYING OVER A GUY TALKING TO HIMSELF VOICED BY A GUY IN A RECORDING STUDIO TALKING TO HIMSELF!?!?!??

[unclescurvy]

2024 Rookie Performance By Week

WEEK 1

OFFENSE: QB Jayden Daniels (WAS)

Honorable Mention: OT Taliese Fuaga (NO), TE Brock Bowers (LV), C Zach Frazier (PIT), G Dominick Puni (SF)

DEFENSE: S Javon Bullard (GB)

Honorable Mention: LB Darius Muasau (NYG), DT T'Vondre Sweat (TEN), DT Byron Murphy II (SEA), DE Jared Verse (LAR), DE Chop Robinson (MIA)

WEEK 2

OFFENSE: WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. (ARZ)

Honorable Mention: WR Malik Nabors (NYG), TE Brock Bowers (LV), WR Brian Thomas, Jr. (JAX), OT Joe Alt (LAC), OT J.C Latham (TEN)

DEFENSE: CB Kamari Lassiter (HOU)

Honorable Mention: CB Dru Phillips (NYG), CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (NO)

WEEK 3

OFFENSE: QB Jayden Daniels (WAS)

Honorable Mention: WR Malik Nabors (NYG), WR Rome Odunze (CHI), C Zach Frazier (PIT), RB Bucky Irving (TB), WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. (ARZ)

DEFENSE: None

Honorable Mention: None

WEEK 4

OFFENSE: QB Jayden Daniels (WAS)

Honorable Mention: WR Malik Nabors (NYG), WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. (ARZ), WR Brian Thomas, Jr. (JAX), WR Xavier Worthy (KC), WR Ladd McConkey (LAC),

DEFENSE: DT T'Vondre Sweat (TEN)

Honorable Mention: S Tyler Nubin (NYG), DT Braden Fiske (LAR)

SEPTEMBER MVPS:

OFFENSE: QB Jayden Daniels (WAS)

DEFENSE: DT T'Vondre Sweat (TEN)

WEEK 5

OFFENSE: WR Brian Thomas, Jr. (JAX)

Honorable Mention: QB Caleb Williams (CHI), QB Jayden Daniels (WAS), RB Tyrone Tracy, Jr. (NYG), TE Brock Bowers (LV), WR Jordan Whittington (LAR), C Zach Frazier (PIT)

DEFENSE: S Evan Williams (GB)

Honorable Mention: S Tykee Smith (TB), LB Trevin Wallace (CAR), S Tyler Nubin (NYG), LB Edgerrin Cooper (GB), DE Laiatu Latu (IND), S Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (ARZ), DE Jared Verse (LAR)

WEEK 6

OFFENSE: QB Caleb Williams (CHI)

Honorable Mention: QB Jayden Daniels (WAS), QB Drake Maye (NE), RB Isaac Guerendo (SF), RB Bucky Irving (TB), WR Devaughn Vele (DEN), TE Brock Bowers (LV), G Dominick Puni (SF), OT Taliese Fuaga (NO), OT Amarius Mims (CIN), RB Ray Davis (BUF)

DEFENSE: S Tykee Smith (TB)

Honorable Mention: S Evan Williams (GB), S Renardo Green (SF), LB Trevin Wallace (CAR), S Tyler Nubin (NYG), CB Jarvis Browlee, Jr. (TEN), CB Quinyon Mitchell (PHI), CB Mike Sainristil (WAS), CB Cam Hart (LAC), CB Andru Phillips (NYG)

WEEK 7

OFFENSE: WR Brian Thomas, Jr. (JAX)

Honorable Mention: QB Drake Maye (NE), TE Brock Bowers (LV), WR Keon Coleman (BUF), OT D.J. Glaze (LV), G Justin Dedich (LAR), TE Ja'Tavion Sanders (CAR), OT Joe Alt (LAC)

DEFENSE: CB Beanie Bishop, Jr. (PIT)

Honorable Mention: S Malik Mustapha (SF), LB Payton Wilson (PIT), S Evan Williams (GB), S Tyler Nubin (NYG), S Jalen McCollough (DEN), CB Cooper DeJean (PHI), CB Andru Phillips (NYG), DT Byron Murphy II (SEA), CB Nate Wiggins (BAL)

WEEK 8

OFFENSE: WR Ladd McConkey (LAC)

Honorable Mention: QB Bo Nix (DEN), QB Drake Maye (NE), RB Tyrone Tracy, Jr. (NYG), RB Isaac Guerendo (SF), WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. (ARZ), WR Keon Coleman (BUF), WR Jalen Coker (CAR), WR Brian Thomas, Jr. (JAX), G Dalton Tucker (IND), OT Taliese Fuaga (NO), OT Joe Alt (LAC), TE Brock Bowers (LV), C Cooper Beebe (DAL)

DEFENSE: LB Edgerrin Cooper (GB)

Honorable Mention: S Demani Richardson (CAR), CB Beanie Bishop, Jr. (PIT), DE Jared Verse (LAR), S Dell Pettus (NE), CB Cam Hart (LAC), S Malik Mustapha (SF)

OCTOBER MVPS

OFFENSE: WR Brian Thomas, Jr. (JAX)

DEFENSE: S Evan Williams (GB)

WEEK 9

OFFENSE: QB Jayden Daniels (WAS)

Honorable Mention: TE Ja'Tavion Sanders (CAR), RB Ray Davis (BUF), OT Brandon Coleman (WAS), C Jackson Powers-Johnson (LV)

DEFENSE: S Kamren Kinchens (LAR)

Honorable Mention: DT Braden Fiske (LAR), S Demani Richardson (CAR), LB Xavier Thomas (ARZ), S Jaylen McCollough (LAR)

WEEK 10

OFFENSE: QB Bo Nix (DEN)

Honorable Mention: RB Tyrone Tracy, Jr. (NYG), RB Bucky Irving (TB), WR Ricky Pearsall (SF), WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. (ARZ), G Dominick Puni (SF), OT J.C. Latham (TEN), OT Joe Alt (LAC), Olu Fashanu (NYJ)

DEFENSE: CB Kamari Lassiter (HOU)

Honorable Mention: S Tyler Nubin (NYG), CB Andru Phillips (NYG), CB Renardo Green (SF), S Dell Pettus (NE), CB Cam Hart (LAC), CB Quinyon Mitchell (PHI)

[mariasmemo]

Seminar Room – Final Update!

Well, we are just moving into the Seminar Room at the Maria Mitchell Vestal Street Observatory.  As with all projects, there are still a few minor things to wrap up but it is complete!

A big thank you to: Wise Construction – particularly John, Pat, Chip and Vasco, Brian Connor Electric, W.B. Marden Plumbing, Wayne Morris, Elizabeth Georgantas, Mac Davis Flooring, Greenwood Alarm, Nantucket Networks, Kevin Wiggin HVAC, Your Friend With A Truck, and Seed to Stone Landscaping for all of the efforts on the Seminar Room renovation. 

And, to Richard Wolfe, whose gift made this renovation possible.

Next up – the conservation of the interior of the historic portion of the Maria Mitchell Vestal Observatory thanks to a generous grant from the Community Preservation Act.  So, more to come!

JNLF

[thejoyofviolentmovement]

New Video: Atlanta's Lesibu Grand Shares Anthemic and Incisive "Anarchy"

New Video: Atlanta's Lesibu Grand Shares Anthemic and Incisive "Anarchy" @LesibuGrand @killrockstars @CharmSchoolM

In their three year history, Atlanta-based outfit Lesibu Grand (pronounced Le-SEE-Boo) — Tyler-Simone Molton (vocals), John Renaud (bass), Brian Turner (guitar), Lee Wiggins (drums) and Warren Ullom (keys) — have quickly made waves nationally with a lush and intoxicating sound paired with a revolutionary message: They’ve released material that’s been praised by BrooklynVegan, Alternative Press…

[masterofd1saster]

CJ current events 25jan24

Truly awful story of 'bama prison inmates running wild

***

Morphew

DENVER (KDVR) — An attorney for the Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a motion to dismiss a case against two agents filed by Barry Morphew in 2023. Morphew filed a complaint against the district attorney and several other prosecutors in 2023, after claiming allegations of misconduct that led to his arrest in the case of his missing wife, Suzanne Morphew. According to a motion of dismissal document obtained by FOX31, Morphew sued FBI Special Agents Jonathan Grusing and Kenneth Harris. Morphew is seeking damages from the agents’ personal assets through the U.S. Supreme Court case Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents. In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that federal courts could award financial damages in cases where a person’s constitutional rights were violated by the FBI.*** Morphew files lawsuit against FBI agents According to the dismissal document, Morphew filed a lawsuit and asserted the following claims against Grusing and Harris: Count 1: Malicious prosecution and unlawful detention Count 2: Fabrication of evidence Count 3: Franks claim Count 4: Conspiracy Count 6: Failure to intervene Count 7: Reckless investigation Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney Brian M. Boynton filed the motion to dismiss on Jan. 16 https://kdvr.com/news/local/attorney-wants-barry-morphews-case-against-fbi-agents-dismissed/

***

Seymour went to the wrong house

A 19-year-old man pleaded guilty Friday to second-degree murder for starting a house fire that killed five people in Denver’s Green Valley Ranch neighborhood more than three years ago. Gavin Seymour pleaded guilty in the Aug. 5, 2020, fire that killed five Senegalese family members in a home on Truckee Street. He faces between 16 and 40 years in prison on the single count of second-degree murder. Dozens of other charges against him will be dismissed as part of the plea agreement. Seymour and two other teenagers — Kevin Bui and Dillon Siebert — were accused of intentionally setting the house fire in the middle of the night. Djibril Diol, 29; Adja Diol, 23; Khadija Diol, 2; Hassan Diol, 25; and 6-month-old Hawa Baye were killed in the blaze, Shelly Bradbury reports. https://www.denverpost.com/2024/01/19/gavin-seymour-guilty-green-valley-ranch-arson/

***

Cui bono?

Ouray Plaindealer newspapers stolen on day it publishes story with allegations of rape at police chief’s house

Hours after the Ouray County Plaindealer published a story detailing the alleged violent sexual assault of a teenage girl at the Ouray police chief’s house, someone stole hundreds of copies out of nearly every newspaper rack across the county, publishers say. The front-page story, written by co-publisher Erin McIntyre, broke the news that three men were arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl multiple times during a late-night party at the home of Ouray Police Chief Jeff Wood in May. “Someone didn’t like this edition of the (Plaindealer,)” co-publisher Mike Wiggins wrote on X Thursday. “Guess which article. So they stole nearly every newspaper out of our racks in Ouray County. If you hoped to silence or intimidate us, you failed miserably. We’ll find out who did this. And another press run is imminent.” https://www.denverpost.com/2024/01/18/ouray-plaindealer-stolen-newspapers-rape-allegations-police-chief-house/

+++

Jan. 21 (UPI) -- A Colorado man has been hit with a summons to appear in court after he admitted to stealing copies of a local newspaper. Paul Choate, 41, has received a citation for petty theft for stealing more than 200 printed copies of the Ouray County Plaindealer from a dozen racks in the area, the newspaper said in an online article Saturday. "Someone didn't like this edition of the Ouray County Plaindealer," co-publisher Mike Wiggins said on social media on Thursday, the day the thefts occurred. "Guess which article." The newspaper had reported the account of a 17-year-old girl in the town of Ouray who said she was raped more than once at the home of the town's chief of police, Jeff Wood. Three suspects were arrested for her alleged rape, including the chief's stepson Nate Dieffenderffer.*** Choate reportedly admitted he took the newspapers because of the front-page story. The newspaper reported that it was not disclosing Choate's relationship to the sexual assault case and that the theft was not tied to the defendants in that case, their families or the local police department. https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2024/01/21/colorado-man-steals-hundreds-copies-local-newspaper/4391705861238/

***

It's almost like they think you shouldn't point a lethal weapon at people....

A grand jury has indicted Alec Baldwin on an involuntary manslaughter charge in the deadly shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of "Rust," months after prosecutors dropped their case against the actor over her death. The indictment charges Baldwin, 65, with involuntary manslaughter (negligent use of a firearm) or, in the alternative, involuntary manslaughter (without due caution or circumspection), both fourth-degree felonies.*** David Halls, the first assistant director for the film, was sentenced in March 2023 to six months unsupervised probation as part of a plea deal. Halls, who handed the Colt .45 revolver to Baldwin prior to the shooting, was charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon. https://abcnews.go.com/US/alec-baldwin-indicted-grand-jury-involuntary-manslaughter/story?id=104954728

Do we really want to live in a country where they punish you for pointing a loaded weapon at an innocent woman, squeezing the trigger, and shooting her to death?

***

NYC directs you to sit there like a good victim

The case of a Marine veteran from West Islip charged in the chokehold death of a New York City homeless man will go to trial. A New York judge denied Daniel Penny’s motion to dismiss his involuntary manslaughter case. Penny is accused of choking Jordan Neely to death last May. Witnesses say Neely shouted at and begged passengers for money in a New York City subway car. Penny already pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and negligent homicide charges. Penny is due back in court in March.  https://bronx.news12.com/judge-denies-motion-to-dismiss-marine-veteran-daniel-pennys-nyc-manslaughter-case

Now, generally speaking, insufficient evidence is not a proper basis to dismiss before trial.

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funny vid

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You asked for nitrogen bro

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- An attorney for an Alabama inmate set to be the nation's first person ever put to death by nitrogen gas asked a federal appeals court Friday to block the upcoming execution using the “untested methods.” Kenneth Smith, 58, is scheduled to be executed Thursday, when a respirator-type mask will be put on his face to replace his breathing air with pure nitrogen — depriving him of the oxygen needed to stay alive. Three states — Alabama, Oklahoma and Mississippi — have authorized nitrogen hypoxia as an execution method, but no state has previously attempted to use it.*** During arguments Friday, Circuit Judge Charles Wilson noted that Smith, when fighting past attempts to execute him by lethal injection, had previously suggested nitrogen as an alternative method. At the time the state had not developed a protocol for nitrogen executions and it was unclear when the state would do so.*** Smith was one of two men convicted of the 1988 murder-for-hire of a preacher’s wife. Prosecutors said Smith and the other man were each paid $1,000 to kill Elizabeth Sennett on behalf of her husband, who was deeply in debt and wanted to collect insurance. John Forrest Parker, the other man convicted in the case, was executed by lethal injection in 2010. Sennett's husband killed himself when the murder investigation focused on him as a suspect, according to court documents.*** https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/alabama-inmate-federal-appeals-court-block-execution-nitrogen-106519070

Case is Smith v. Commissioner, Alabama Department of Corrections, 24-10095 (11th Cir.).

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No, the elites have too much money, not enough Murica

The nation’s ruling class holds deeply authoritarian opinions widely divorced from the rest of the American electorate, finds a survey out this week. It found nearly 60 percent of American “elites” think there is too much individual freedom in America. Meanwhile, nearly 60 percent of registered voters have the exact opposite opinion, reporting the United States has too much top-down control, limiting liberty.  The study, titled “Them Vs. U.S,” defined the American “elite” as “having a postgraduate degree, a household income of more than $150,000 annually, and living in a zip code with more than 10,000 people per square mile.” Such people account for about 1 percent of Americans. The study also examined a sub-sample of the 1 percent who graduated from Ivy League schools or other name-brand institutions such as Northwestern, Duke, Stanford, and the University of Chicago. The study from the Committee to Unleash Prosperity found ruling class opinions on climate policies were particularly harsh and despotic. More than two-thirds of the 1 percent support rationing vital energy and food sources in an attempt to control the globe’s weather. That number jumped to nearly 90 percent among the Ivy Leaguers. Around two-thirds of normal registered voters, however, oppose rationing vital resources.*** https://thefederalist.com/2024/01/19/survey-two-thirds-of-elites-say-theres-too-much-freedom-in-america/

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Babylon Bee asking for a visit and an audit

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You'll be shocked to learn he has a record....

A suspected gunman being hunted by police in Illinois is believed to have fatally shot himself during a stand-off with cops at a gas station in Texas, authorities said. An existing manhunt for Romeo Nance, 23, was ramped-up after the discovery of bodies at two houses—believed to be family members who were known to Nance—on Monday. At that time, he was the prime suspect after a body was discovered at a home in the Chicago suburb of Will County on Sunday. He was also suspected of being involved in a separate non-fatal shooting that same day. Police began watching an address on West Acres Road in Joliet, Illinois, on Monday during what was supposed to be a surveillance stakeout for Nance at his last known address. They were also aware of a link between that home and another on the same block. But when Nance failed to show up, officers entered both homes to find five bodies in one and two bodies in the other. All of the victims had been shot.*** Local news channel ABC 7 reported that Nance had a lengthy criminal record and had been arrested a year ago for a string of felony gun charges. It was unclear if he was currently out on bond for those charges, according to the report.***

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Didn't think anyone would notice $6.3M?

A federal jury convicted a Michigan businessman [22jan24] of aggravated identity theft for placing the name and address of another man with the same name in legal documents to avoid a settlement payment of more than $6 million. According to documents and evidence presented at trial, Hassan Kamal Fayad, of Dearborn, operated three medical practices and a transportation business. To fund business operations, Fayad sold outstanding medical and transportation invoices to a Texas-based investment firm. After Fayad failed to make appropriate payments to the Texas firm pursuant to their contracts, the Texas firm sued him in civil court for damages. Throughout the civil proceedings, Fayad caused the name and address of another Michigan resident who shared Fayad’s first and last name, but lived at a different address, to be placed on multiple legal documents, including on a settlement document which obligated Fayad to pay the Texas firm more than $6.3 million. Fayad’s use of the other Michigan resident’s name and address caused the garnishment of all funds from the other Michigan resident’s bank account.*** https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/michigan-medical-provider-convicted-aggravated-identity-theft

***Wed

This is after the Raiders left town

The fast food burger chain In-N-Out is a California staple, but its only Oakland location announced Sunday it would have to shutter amid rampant crime.   The Oakport Street location, which is highly profitable, will close its doors on March 24, according to an announcement made by the company CEO. "We have made the decision to close our In-N-Out Burger location in Oakland, California, due to ongoing issues with crime," Denny Warnick, the chief operating officer at In-N-Out, said in a statement. "Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our Customers and Associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies.***  "Additionally, this location remains a busy and profitable one for the company, but our top priority must be the safety and well-being of our Customers and Associates – we can’t ask them to visit or work in an unsafe environment." This is also the first time In-N-Out has ever had to close a location. "There have been several In-N-Out Burger locations which have required relocation throughout our 75 years, however, our Oakland store will be the first location we have closed," Warnick told FOX Business. "We feel the frequency and severity of the crimes being encountered by our Customers and Associates leave us no alternative."*** https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/in-n-out-burgers-closure-oakland-due-crime-issues-heartbreaking-necessary-observers-say

BB comment -

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Vodka much?

Three Kansas City Chiefs fans were found frozen to death in the backyard of their friend’s home, where they had gathered to watch a game — but the homeowner is insisting he had “no knowledge” that their bodies had possibly been there for two days. The bodies of David Harrington, 37, Ricky Johnson, 38, and Clayton McGeeney, 36, were found on the evening of Jan. 9 after the fiancée of one of the men requested a welfare check, Kansas City police told Fox Digital. One man’s body was found on the back porch of the NW 83rd Terrace home, while the other two were discovered in the backyard. But Jordan Willis, the man who was renting the home, had “no knowledge” that his friends were freezing to death on his property after they had watched Kansas City take on the LA Chargers in the last game of NFL regular season play on Jan. 7, police said. “First and foremost, this case is 100% NOT being investigated as a homicide,” Kansas City police Capt. Jake Becchina said.*** https://nypost.com/2024/01/22/news/3-kansas-city-chiefs-fans-found-frozen-outside-home-of-friend-who-had-no-knowledge-of-deaths-lawyer/

***Thurs

If we can't execute him.....

An Alabama man was sentenced yesterday to life in prison for his involvement with a website dedicated to the advertisement and distribution of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. According to court documents, William Michael Spearman, 58, of Madison, was the lead administrator of the website, which had been operating for many years. The website included a section devoted to the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, a section devoted to images and videos depicting children being subjected to pain and torture, and a section devoted to avoiding detection by law enforcement, among others. As the lead administrator, Spearman managed numerous other “staff” members, directed them on how to help run the site, recommended other users for promotion, kept records of child sexual abuse material advertised and distributed over the site, presided over staff meetings, praised and scolded users, and counseled users and other managers about the functions and expectations of the website. Spearman also advertised and distributed over the website images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.*** https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/man-sentenced-life-prison-running-child-sexual-abuse-material-website  

Multiple co-defendants.

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What did the Lutherans ever do to you - give you a casserole?

A Colorado man was sentenced to 39 months in prison on a hate crime charge after pleading guilty to intentionally setting a Loveland church on fire, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Tuesday afternoon. According to the release, Darion Sexton, 22, admitted that he set fire to the Abiding Love Lutheran Church on the night of Jan. 19, 2023, by throwing two Molotov cocktails: one aimed at the church’s front door and another at the basement. He said he wanted to destroy the church because of its religious character.*** https://www.denverpost.com/2024/01/23/darion-sexton-prison-sentence-loveland-church-fire/

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BB-

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The good new is she'll serve one hour for every time she stabbed him

A woman who stabbed a man more than 100 times before she turned the knife on herself during what was described as a “marijuana-induced psychotic state” will not serve any prison time, a judge ruled Tuesday. Bryn Spejcher, a Thousand Oaks resident, has been ordered to serve 100 hours of community service and two years of probation for the deadly stabbing of Chad O’Melia. Spejcher, during a state of psychosis triggered by marijuana, stabbed O’Melia more than 100 times on May 27, 2018, after they smoked the drug together.*** Because Spejcher was under psychosis at the time of the stabbing, she was charged with involuntary manslaughter instead of murder. The victim’s family said they are disheartened at the judge’s decision to not give the defendant any prison time. “This guy just gave everyone in the county a license to kill people after they smoke marijuana,” said Sean O’Melia, the victim’s father. https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/woman-who-stabbed-man-more-than-100-times-will-avoid-prison-judge-rules/3321399/

California is fantastically stupid. If you smoke weed, it's voluntary intoxication. It doesn't extenuate or mitigate a crime, it aggravates the crime.

If you're high, and you recklessly drive your car into a school bus killing the kids, that might be involuntary manslaughter.

Speicher is no different than the drunk who stabs someone to death and is guilty of murder.

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January 24, 2024

Sextortion: A Growing Threat Targeting Minors

Offenders deceive and manipulate victims to create sexually explicit material for extortion purposes BALTIMORE, MD—FBI Baltimore wants to warn parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online activity that may lead to the solicitation and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual acts.  *** Victims are typically males between the ages of 14 to 17, but any child can become a victim. For financially motivated sextortion, offenders are usually located outside the United States and primarily in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast or Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines.  These crimes can lead victims to self-harm and have led to suicide. From October 2021 to March 2023, the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations received over 13,000 reports of online financial sextortion of minors. The sextortion involved at least 12,600 victims—primarily boys—and led to at least 20 suicides.   In the six-month period from October 2022 to March 2023, the FBI observed at least a 20% increase in reporting of financially motivated sextortion incidents involving minor victims compared to the same time period the previous year. *** https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/baltimore/news/sextortion-a-growing-threat-targeting-minors

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In the best of circumstances, still a dangerous job

A Michigan State Police trooper was fatally struck while conducting a traffic stop Wednesday near Birch Run, according to the agency. An 81-year-old male driver struck two patrol cars and Popp, who was outside his patrol vehicle. Popp was taken to Hurley Medical Center in Flint, where he died. The other driver had serious injuries, but is expected to survive.*** He is survived by his wife Stefanie and a young daughter.*** https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2024/01/25/michigan-state-police-trooper-dies-hit-interstate-75-joel-popp/72349781007/

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Hard to arrest a lifeless lump in the median

An arrest warrant has been issued for Gixxer Brah, aka Rendon Dietzmann, who is accused of several crimes related to this video he took of himself traveling on Interstate 25 at speeds of up to 150 mph while traveling from Colorado Springs to Denver in 20 minutes. (Screengrab of video clip courtesy of Colorado State Patrol)

[chillingcinemachronicles]

Top 5 Sci-Fi Movies Streaming Now on Netflix - Where Imagination Knows No Limits

The Call (2020)

Genre: Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller

Actor: EL, Jeon Jong-seo, Jo Kyung-sook, Jun Jong-seo, Kim Min-ha, Kim Sung-ryoung, Kim Sung-ryung, Lee Dong-hwi, Lee El, Lee Joo-young, Moon Chang-gil, Oh Jung-se, Park Ho-san, Park Hyoung-soo, Park Shin-hye, Ryu Kyung-soo, Song Yo-sep, Um Chae-young

Director: Lee Chung-hyun

Rating: R

Lights, camera, VPNaction! Elevate your movie nights with NordVPN. 🎥🔒secure your connection and Download NordVPN . Click now to unlock global cinematic thrills!

A woman loses her phone on her way back to her countryside childhood home. Once there, she connects an old landline in hopes of finding her lost mobile, only to start receiving weird calls that seem to be from 20 years ago.

On the other side of the receiver is a girl who seems to be in danger. The Call is thrilling, sometimes scary, but also brilliantly shot, and its plot is so expertly woven. It’s a proper movie-night movie.

Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood (2022)

Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Family, History, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Science Fiction

Actor: Bill Wise, Brian Villalobos, Buzz Aldrin, David DeLao, Glen Powell, Holt Boggs, Jack Black, Janis Joplin, Jennifer Griffin, Jessica Brynn Cohen, John F. Kennedy, Josh Wiggins, Keslee Blalock, Larry Jack Dotson, Lee Eddy, Milo Coy, Mona Lee Fultz, Neil Armstrong, Nick Stevenson, Richard Nixon, Samuel Davis, Walter Cronkite, Zachary Levi

Director: Richard Linklater

Rating: PG-13

Narrated by the familiar voice of Jack Black, Apollo 10 ½ is a throwback story told with admirable specificity and imagination. Black plays a grown-up Stan, who looks back on his younger years with a mix of fondness and wonder: how did they get away with the things they did then? American suburbia in the 1960s was both loose and conservative, caught between a generation holding on to the reins of the earlier century and one eager to launch into the next.

Stan, as the youngest child of a big, rowdy family, gives us a charming look into the times, as well as a projection of his own fascination: Apollo 11 and the space age. He inserts himself in this monumental narrative and generously brings us along in his fantasy. Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether Stan’s recruitment by NASA is actually fact or fiction, but that’s part of the fun, especially since Stan himself doesn’t seem to mind at all.

They Cloned Tyrone (2023)

Genre: Action, Comedy, Mystery, Science Fiction

Actor: Adam Cronan, Al-Teron, Austin Freeman, Charity Jordan, David Alan Grier, David Shae, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Jamie Foxx, Jason Burkey, Jason Louder, John Boyega, Joshua Mikel, Kiefer Sutherland, Leon Lamar, Megan Sousa, Ryan Dinning, Shariff Earp, Swift Rice, Tamberla Perry, Teyonah Parris, Trayce Malachi

Director: Juel Taylor

Rating: R

Lights, camera, VPNaction! Elevate your movie nights with NordVPN. 🎥🔒secure your connection and Download NordVPN . Click now to unlock global cinematic thrills!

They Cloned Tyrone is a genre-bending gem. It combines Deep State conspiracy theories with sci-fi and social commentary, all while looking like a futuristic 1970s Blaxploitation film. It’s outrageous good fun and pleasing to look at (here is a film that knows how to properly light Black actors), but there are times when it feels too far fetched. The science can get wonky and its commentary on gentrification lacking, but all is forgiven when you have such a strong trio of leads. One of the smartest things They Cloned Tyrone does is pair Boyega with Teyonah Parris, who plays the call girl Yo-yo, and Jamie Foxx, who plays the pimp Slick Charles. They have a fun-loving no-nonsense chemistry about them that makes them easy to attach to and root for. They’re also just very funny, which might be expected of Foxx but it comes as a pleasant surprise for Parris, whose popular turns in Mad Men and WandaVision prove that she’s been severely underutilized as a comic.

Snowpiercer (2014)

Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery, Science Fiction

Actor: Adnan Haskovic, Alison Pill, Chris Evans, Clark Middleton, Dana Green, Ed Harris, Emma Levie, Ewen Bremner, Go Ah-sung, Griffin Seymour, Jamie Bell, Jim High, John Hurt, Joseph Bertót, Kendrick Roger Ong, Kenny Doughty, Ko A-sung, Ko Asung, Luke Pasqualino, Luna Sophia Bar-Cohen, Magda Weigertová, Marcanthonee Reis, Octavia Spencer, Parry Shen, Paul Lazar, Peter Hallin, Robert Russell, Sean Connor Renwick, Song Kang-ho, Stephen Park, Steve Park, Tilda Swinton, Tomáš Dianiška, Tómas Lemarquis, Tyler John Williams, Vlad Ivanov

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Rating: R

Lights, camera, VPNaction! Elevate your movie nights with NordVPN. 🎥🔒secure your connection and Download NordVPN . Click now to unlock global cinematic thrills!

Snowpiercer is an under-the-rader post-apocalyptic thriller that offers the grittiness that many times only Asian cinema may achieve. South Korean director Joon-ho Bong forces audiences to forget that Chris Evans was ever a Marvel superhero, as he leads a revolt of his fellow “low-class” citizens against the self-appointed gentry in a train that contains all remaining members of the planet. With immersive environments and a layered script, this film melds together social commentary and moral discourse in a visually arresting and vastly entertaining package.

Okja (2017)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Actor: Ahn Seo-hyun, Ahn Seong-bong, Amber Snow, An Seo Hyun, Andreas Fronk, Ann Evans, Barbara Wallace, Bettina Skye, Boyd Ferguson, Byun Hee-bong, Byun Heebong, Carl Montoya, Cho Wan-ki, Choi Hee-seo, Choi Woo-shik, Colm Hill, Cory Gruter-Andrew, Daniel Henshall, David Bloom, Devon Bostick, Eha Urbsalu, Erik De Boer, Faith Logan, Giancarlo Esposito, Han Yi-jin, J. C. Williams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamar Greene, Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Kim Chul-moo, Kim Moon-hak, Kristoffe Brodeur, Kwak Jin-seok, Kyul Hwi, Lee Bong-ryeon, Lee Jung-eun, Lena Avgust, Lily Collins, Lynn Marocola, Martin Lo Rimorin, Michael D. Joseph, Michael Mitton, Milo Shandel, Myles Humphus, Nancy Amelia Bell, Niall Cunningham, Park Jeong-gi, Park Keun-rok, Paul Dano, Pavla Tan, Phillip Garcia, Rebecca Husain, Rickland Powell, Seo-Hyun Ahn, Shirley Henderson, Steven Garr, Steven Yeun, Tilda Swinton, Waris Ahluwalia, Woo Shik Choi, Yoon Je Moon, Yoon Kyung-ho

Director: Bong Joon-ho, Joon-ho Bong

Rating: TV-MA

Lights, camera, VPNaction! Elevate your movie nights with NordVPN. 🎥🔒secure your connection and Download NordVPN . Click now to unlock global cinematic thrills!

Director Bong Joon-ho (Snowpiercer) does something quite amazing with the $50 million budget Netflix gave him: he makes a simplistic movie. But man, is it good. Okja tells the story of a “super pig” experiment that sends genetically modified pigs to top farmers around the world. In Korea, a farmer’s granddaughter forms a special relationship with one of these super pigs (Okja). When the company who originally ran the experiment want their pig back (performances by Jake Gyllenhaal and Tilda Swinton) – the two find an ally in an animal advocacy group led by Jay (Paul Dano). This is a straightforward movie, but nevertheless it is entertaining and full of thought-provoking themes and performances from an excellent cast.

[ailtrahq]

The trial of the former CEO of defunct crypto exchange FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), is set to begin on October 4 (Jury selection coming up on October 3). In line with this, legal experts have weighed in on how the case could play out once the trial commences. From The Prosecution’s Angle In an interview with Decrypt, these legal experts mentioned that the Prosecution’s proactiveness shows they are confident of securing a conviction. Usually, the prosecution takes time to gather as much evidence as possible before moving to trial to ensure that it secures a conviction.  However, in this case, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has moved swiftly to kickstart the trial, which suggests that they have all the arsenal to put Sam Bankman-Fried in jail for a long time.  Daniel C. Silva, a former federal prosecutor, stated that the case could be “pretty overwhelming” for the jurors, especially if it is laid out the same way as in the indictment. Per the latest indictment, Sam Bankman-Fried is charged with seven fraud-related crimes.  However, several revelations have come to light since FTX’s collapse and SBF’s arrest, which could undoubtedly be too much for the Jury to handle. Meanwhile, the prosecution will have to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and the jury members will have to determine SBF’s guilt of each charge based on the evidence adduced. Kramer Levin, another former federal prosecutor, told Decrypt that Caroline Ellison would be critical to the case as she could bring a lot of “dramatic moments” to the trial. Most importantly, her testimony would tell the story and grab the jury’s attention when the prosecution puts its case forward. Judge Kaplan, the judge in charge of the case, had alluded to the fact that the focus would be more on the elements of fraud than the crypto element. However, Brian Newman, an attorney at the law firm Dykema Gossett, mentioned that the prosecution must give the jurors an idea of what these crypto tokens are if it wants to win the case. He stated that if the jury doesn’t know what is being talked about (crypto tokens), it will be hard to “convict beyond a reasonable doubt.” Sam Bankman-Fried Needs To Tread Carefully Sam Bankman-Fried’s lawyers are expected to argue that their client acted in good faith and relied on the counsel of his lawyers. However, Paul Tuchmann, a partner with law firm Wiggin & Dana, noted that this defense could be a “tougher sell,” considering that Judge Kaplan had denied Sam Bankman-Fried’s request to access documents from Fenwick & West LLP (FTX’s primary counsel). They will also be looking to discredit the prosecution’s witnesses, including Ellison. However, Silva has warned that the defense must be careful when doing this as it could backfire, especially when dealing with an “unsympathetic jury.” According to the former prosecutor, the jury could look at the defense with “disdain” if they were attacking Ellison or anyone else who has admitted guilt. If that happens, the jury could see every evidence presented in the “worst possible light” against the defendant.  FTT flounders as trial sets to begin on Tuesday | Source: FTTBUSD on Tradingview.com

[fridaythe13ththeseries]

Spirit of Television

Episode Recap #70: Spirit of Television Original Airdate: May 12, 1990

Starring: Louise Robey as Micki Foster Steve Monarque as Johnny Ventura (as Steven Monarque) Chris Wiggins as Jack Marshak

Guest cast: Marj Dusay as Ilsa Van Zandt / Ellie Robinson Paul Humphrey as William Belinda Metz as Jessica Francis Paul Bettis as Robert Jandini Nancy Cser as Genevieve Susan Cox as Katia Hamish McEwan as Vinnie Rivera Elliott Smith as Bruce Jed Dixon as Roger Sebastian Brian Rainey as Newsman Ida Carnevali as Mama Jandini Leslie Yeo as Papa Jandini Bill Vibert as Bartender

Written by Bob Holbrook (as Robert Holbrook) Directed by Jorge Montesi

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Open on a dark and stormy night at a big old house. A woman, Ilsa Van Zandt, sits brushing her hair. Downstairs, a man lets in a trio rain-soaked guests. One man is not thrilled to be there, but the woman says it has been one year since their friend died. The third member of the group says the house reminds him of where they shot their last video. Upstairs, Ilsa is upset to pull out a big clump of hair and then lose a fingernail.

Later, Ilsa is conduction a séance around a table with herself and the three visitors. She tells them to concentrate on their dead friend, Roger. The candles flicker and soon an old television set turns on, with Roger on the screen, addressing the woman, Jessica. But her friends see and hear nothing. Jess apologizes to Roger, who says he forgives her before fading away. Ilsa says he's moved on.

After, one of the guys is arguing with Jess about spending $2000 to talk to no one. Jess still blames herself for Roger's death. Upset, she goes downstairs and makes a drink. Soon, her television turns on with Roger reappearing. This time, he is angry and accuses her of leading to his overdose. The television explodes, hurling glass into Jess, who slams into the fireplace and collapses. Suddenly, she's on the old tv screen as Ilsa watches. Jess is pulled into any abyss. Ilsa says she gave the tv a life, now she wants time. We see her name and date of death on her gravestone change on the tv screen, giving her 10 more days.

Cut to credits.

Johnny is adjusting an antenna out the door, as Micki and Jack watch their television screen. She tells him when the picture has improved, but they lose it, and get it back again, in time for a news report about rock singer Jessica's death. Vinnie, her bandmate, is interviewed, mentioning their meeting with medium Ilsa Van Zandt. Micki recalls her name, telling Jack and Johnny to investigate her while she talks to Vinnie.

William, her assistant, is opening the curtains as Ilsa wakes up. William sits on the bed. He's concerned about her. Ilsa says she is just fine. They kiss.

Later, she is being interviewed about her famous clients, and Micki, Jack and Johnny watch. Micki then says the band believes Jess pushed Roger too hard, leading to his overdose. She also says Jess died when her tv shorted out, electrocuting her. Johnny says another of Ilsa's clients was also electrocuted. Micki wants to see Ilsa, but Jack says she only sees elite people. Micki goes to call a famous fashion designer friend, Genevieve.

At night, Ilsa is conducting a new séance with Micki, Johnny and Genevieve, calling for the spirit of Martina to appear. Candles flicker and the chandelier shakes, then Martina appears on the old television screen, but only to Genevieve. Micki and Johnny see nothing. Martina praises her old student, and even gives Genevieve new design ideas before the screen goes black.

Jack asks what Genevieve saw, but Micki says the woman took off as soon as the séance concluded. Johnny believes the woman saw something, but that Ilsa said it was private between Genevieve and the spirit. Jack says this is untrue, that a spirit would appear to all present. Ilsa wouldn't talk about any of the others, she was too tired. Jack couldn't find Ilsa in the Manifest. Johnny and Micki leave to go talk to Genevieve.

William worries about Ilsa overdoing things with the seances and wants her to take a vacation. Unknown to him, Ilsa pulls a loose tooth out of her mouth and goes into the bathroom.

Genevieve has sketched out the designs she saw, then goes to start water for a bath. Ilsa talks to her antique television, calling forth Martina and telling her that she can take Genevieve. Looking back at her sketches, Genevieve doesn't realize her television has turned on, but does notice as it turns around and Martina is now on the screen. Now angry, the dead woman accuses Genevieve of stealing her ideas. Genevieve tries to hide in the bathroom but the television on its stand rolls after her, Martina laughing. As she falls back in to the tub, the tv pushes forward, falling into the water as Genevieve screams. Outside, Micki and Johnny hear and rush to get inside. By the time they get to the bathroom, Genevieve is dead. At her home, Ilsa watches Genevieve on the screen, pulled away into darkness. But this time, she only gains one day on her tombstone, confusing her. She pleads with the tv, to no answer. William listens at the door.

Next day, Micki is sure Ilsa must have a cursed item. Jack remembers a friend, Robert Jandini, who specializes in debunking spiritualists and goes to call him.

Ilsa begs the tv for answers but gets none. William opens the door, telling her two men are here. Before she can respond, Jack and the man, calling himself Richard Whittington, barge in, demanding her help in contacting someone. But Ilsa recognizes Richard Jandini and calls him out. Jack shows his Curious Goods card, claiming to only be interested in antiques. Jandini threatens to go public if she refuses to hold a séance for him. Ilsa claims to have been anticipating him and lets him inspect the room.

After two searches with no results, Ilsa wants to begin. Jandini demands William stay, too. The séance begins, and Ilsa calls on any dead known to the skeptical man. Candles flicker. The television turns on, and only Jandini can see his parents on it, who miss him. He apologizes for not seeing them often. Jack and William see nothing.

Leaving, Jandini tells Jack that Ilsa is the real deal, he saw his parents appear. Jandini says he has always felt guilty for abandoning them when they needed him. But now he feels that weight lifted.

Ilsa compares the address on Jack's business card to the label on the back of the tv that reads "Lewis Vendredi Antiques" with the same address. She realizes Jack wants the tv back, and wonders if this is why the tv only gave her one day. William comes in, amazed at Ilsa's gift. He wants to learn, but Ilsa tells him the living is more important than the dead. She sends him up to bed, then calls on Jandini's parents to take care of their son. William spies on her.

Micki is on the phone with Jack, saying he experienced the same thing her and Johnny did. Micki says Ilsa was unknown completely until five years ago. Jack say he is going to stay with Jandini for now. Johnny comes upstairs with books Lewis had saved on spiritualism, all writen by an Ellie Robinson, the last from 1984, which Micki says is when Ilsa appeared. Johnny goes to talk to a cop friend about one of the deaths for more information.

Ilsa grows impatient.

Jack and Jandini talk at a bar, about how Ilsa's séance didn't follow normal routines. Jandini knows what he saw and as he explains to Jack, his parents appear on the bar's television screen. They are now angry at him. Jack only sees the hockey game playing. Jandini is torn up by his parents accusations. Jack goes to get him out of the bar, but the bartender stops him for payment. Jandini leaves on his own.

Ilsa, her face showing sores, begs her television to find him.

Jack leaves and looks for his friend. Jandini has made it down the street and in front of a store where his parents appear again, driving him mad with guilt and shame. Jack sees him talking to blank televisions. His parents tell him he deserves suffering. Jack stops him from breaking the store window, leading him away.

Ilsa bangs on the television as she continues to deteriorate. She heads upstairs.

Johnny tells Micki that the cop told him another client of Ilsa's died when his tv fell into his pool. Micki connects all the televisions being involved in the deaths and looks up and finds a television in the Manifest that Lewis donated to a convalescent home. She says they can call in the morning, but Johnny says they can drive out there. She agrees and goes to call Jack to inform him.

Ilsa covers up to go out, telling William to stay put.

Jack gets Jandini home and just as he picks up the ringing phone, Micki hangs up. Jack tries to help his friend who is losing his grip, worried his parents will haunt him forever. The phone rings again, and someone says Jack has an urgent letter from Curious Goods but he has to come down and get it. Jack says he'll be right down. We see the caller was Ilsa, covering her voice. Jack thinks the is important news from Micki heads down.

Jandini looks askew at his television, then there is a knock at the door. Jandini lets in Ilsa, happy to her because he hopes she can help. Ilsa says they only want to help him and leads him to the tv with them on it, saying they will never forgive him. He picks up the tv and with goading from Ilsa, steps back and falls through the window, with the tv. Jack sees commotion and goes out and finds his friend, dead. Ilsa leaves, not realizing William has followed and watched it all play out.

Ilsa, home and doing poorly, begs the television to help now that she's made sure Jandini died. But her gravestone on the screen goes black. William, outside her room, asks what's wrong, but she tells him to go. He comes in anyway, and when she turns, he sees her hair is all gray and her face is rotting. He wants to take her to the doctor, but she says that won't help, that this is the day she dies. William wants to help. Ilsa thinks she needs to kill Jack Marshak.

Jack storms downstairs, Micki calling behind him, telling him it wasn't his fault. Jack thinks he got his friend killed by involving him. Johnny tells him about Ellie, the so-so medium, and Micki says Lewis had the tv delivered to her convalescent home where she was dying of an incurable disease, but the tv saved her. Johnny thinks she killed Jandini for possibly exposing her, and may be after Jack next. Jack wants to confront her, but Micki says he's acting out of guilt like all the rest did. Johnny tells him to stay put, that him and Micki will go.

They arrive at Ilsa's and sneak around, entering through the basement. Inside, they find the television and Ilsa gone. Johnny thinks she's gone to get Jack. Micki tells him to get the car and she'll call and warn Jack. Micki calls and Jack picks up but the line goes dead.

The power at Curious Goods goes out next. Jack grabs a flashlight and heads downstairs, hearing noises. He looks around and suddenly sees the television. William grabs Jack's arms and Ilsa, seriously rotting and close to death, calls out to the television. Jack struggles, and says Jandini wouldn't betray him. But Jandini does appear, saying Jack got him involved in this. Ilsa says Jack has always wanted to see what lies beyond and now he will. Jandini says if Jack won't come to him, he'll come to Jack. The screen goes hyper-bright and it pulls the air toward it, a hand reaching out for Jack, who fights William, pushing him toward it. Micki and Johnny rush in and Johnny grabs William, freeing Jack. But the hand grabs William and pulls him toward it. Ilsa goes to help him, but soon they are both pulled inside the television, to the horror of the gang.

Next day, Micki and Johnny are worried about Jack. Micki asks if it was really Jandini he saw, but Jack doesn't believe so. He thinks Ilsa made the tv show people what she wanted them to see, letting her escape death. Jack tells a story about someone who ran from death only to run right to it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My thoughts:

An interesting tale, and boy do they fit a lot into this episode.

I do like how smart our trio has gotten in chasing the items. Micki is suspicious within moments and they are off chasing Ilsa quickly.

That said, with no idea how this cursed item works, or even what it is at first, it was irresponsible to involve both Micki's fashion designer friend and Jack's old magic buddy. They kind of did put them in Ilsa's path, meaning to or not.

Do you think Jandini should have been Rashid? Seems like it was a good place for Rashid to reappear, but I would have hated to see him die.

Johnny has been altered from his original brash, act-first, think-later attitude. He is more level-headed now. Still makes a lame joke at the end, though.

Wonder if Ilsa, or rather Ellie, had a relationship with old Lewis? He had her books and sent the tv to where she was dying in order to help her. Maybe…

Next week: The Tree of Life