Rediscovering Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

The TV series NCIS Los Angeles has been driving me nuts. I have been a fan of NCIS with Mark Harmon, and NCIS Los Angeles followed it. As much as I like the actress Linda Hunt, the acting and scriptwriting in NCIS Los Angeles is more than I can take.

If we are going to watch bad shows, let's rediscover "Movie Macabre" with Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Here is a link to an old science fiction film, "They Came From Beyond Space", hosted by Elvira, who makes fun of the film.
http://www.imdb.com/video/hulu/vi1782513689/
(I had to press the "reload" button repeatedly to get the show to play, so be patient, it will work eventually, but you have to listen to short commercials occasionally.)

If you can enjoy cheesy science fiction, you might enjoy "They Came from Beyond Space." At 1:25 into the film you get to see the Master of the Moon in a truly cheesy costume.

The acting and scriptwriting in "They Came From Beyond Space" is superior to what you will see on NCIS Los Angeles. Elvira's commentary is humorous. I did not see Elvira when she was on TV, but in my youth I did see Morgus the Magnificant when I was a kid in New Orleans.
http://www.morgus.com/main_index.html

I remember laughing at the skits Morgus presented during his show. Unfortunately, Morgus has no presence on IMBD.com nor on Hulu. "Mystery Science Fiction Theater 3000" had a format like Elriva: cheesy shows with humorous commentary. I don't see anything on TV today like these shows.

The shows on TV are so bad today it might be time to rediscover the bad shows of the past.

Robert

PS: Elvira's feature length film entitled "Elvira, Mistress of the Dark" (PG-13) is not appropriate for young children.

Great Folk Music: Pentangle

Pentangle was an excellent folk band.
If you have not heard them, you should check them out.

Here is "Once I Had a Sweetheart"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QoWdrY7zQg
This song is found on the "Basket of Light" album.

Sally Go Round the Roses. This is also on the Basket of Light album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgrXmEbgFzo

Light Flight. This too is on the Basket of Light album.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9gCN9-Jnfg

Sweet Child. Found on the album, "Sweet Child."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csMyO24xIFE

Robert

House Lights on Quincy in Plano

Since the Gordon family has a website for their light show, I thought I'd share it with you.
They are on Quincy, near Ohio, on the north side of the street. As you approach their home, tune to 97.5 FM and you will hear the music that coordinates with their light show.

Here are their website: http://www.gordonlights.com/

You do want to hear the accompanying music.
And you will want to honor their request to not park directly in front of the home to avoid obstructing the show.

Robert

Movie: Love Happens

Love Happens was surprisingly nice movie. It stars Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart. The supporting cast includes Martin Sheen (West Wing) and Judy Greer (13 Going on 30). The movie was thoughtful, funny, and enjoyable.

I skipped it at the theater and saw it on DVD. I recommend it.

Robert

Economic Interpretation of the News

I have been studying economics and I find myself interpreting the news differently. On May 17, 2010 the Wall Street Journal ran an article, "Manufacturing Capacity Going" by Justin Lahart. When I read that the U.S. manufacturing capacity has dropped almost 3 times a much as in the last recession, I now understand that means the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) will probably drop. That means the ratio of U.S. debt to GDP will increase, making the U.S. debt worse.

The June 22, 2010 WSJ article, "Onshore Energy Attracts Asian Funds" by Dinny McMahon and Se Young Lee pointed out that many foreign investors are poring money into U.S. energy companies like Chesapeake Energy and Atlas Energy.

Since I now have a better understanding of trade imbalances, I know that foreign countries with U.S. dollars are looking for investments in America. I noticed that the investments in energy companies will not lead to the creation of jobs like investments in factories would.

Lack of investment in factories and jobs will worsen the GDP because production will continue to decline. This is why the recovery will be a job-less recovery.

If we cannot understand the problems facing America, we cannot fix those problems. We all need a better understanding of economics.

Robert Canright

A Hayek vs. Keynes Rap Anthem

You have got to see this video on You Tube. It's about economics, Keynes versus Hayek:

"Fear the Boom and Bust" a Hayek vs. Keynes Rap Anthem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d0nERTFo-Sk

It's humorous but intelligent.

Robert

Congresswoman Says Wall Street Runs Congress

Marcy Kaptur's quote is so good I have to mention it. She was asked,

"Do you think it's too harsh to call what has happened here a coup d'etat?"

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Ohio, said, "The people here aren't really in charge. Wall Street is in Charge." (New York Times, Friday September 25, 2009, p. W3)

I dug a little bit and found these videos on You Tube:

Addressing Congress, January 7, 2009: "Wall street just robbed the biggest bank of them all - the PUBLIC TREASURY"

Marcy Kaptur calls the bailout criminal.

Marcy Kaptur asks Congress to pray for our republic.

Marcy Kaptur on Bill Moyers spilling the beans on J.P. Morgan.

On Bill Moyers, Simon Johnson warns that if the banks are not reigned in, they'll crash the economy again and it will be far worse, Marcy Kaptur says we need a 1,000 agents to pursue mortgage fraud and securities fraud.

She is pretty impressive!

Robert