Blood Diamond (2006)

Edward Zwick loves the redemption of the seemingly unredemptive. The director of Glory and The Last Samurai continues stories of courageous acts of redemption by seriously flawed men during war time with the powerful and disturbing Blood Diamond. The story takes place in 1999 Sierra Leone during a brutal civil war and focuses around three main characters, a diamond smuggler, Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a simple fisherman who's family gets torn apart in the civil war and Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly) who's a reporter looking for an inside source into diamond smuggling and its ties to the increasing arm sales in the region and the violence associated with the civil war.

When Solomon is forced into slave work looking for diamonds he finds a very rare large pink diamond. He sees it as leverage to getting his family back, Archer sees it as his way out of Africa and his failed life and Maddy sees it as the key to her story. They all see it as an opportunity for their own success and are willing to use each other as much as is required to get what they want. Through this journey the layers of the society and the effect of the civil war on the population is shown in unflinching frankness. Blood Diamond is often violent, but it uses that violence with great power. It shows children being taught to kill. It shows those children later slaughtering entire villages, then celebrating with drugs and alcohol, lead in this evil orgy by their captive leaders who effectively brainwash them into a life of extreme violence.

There are currently over 200,000 child soldiers in Africa and such tribal and internal genocide continues today. Blood Diamond, which focuses on the abuse of conflict diamonds, western greed and societal power struggles, shows to tremendous effect the complete disregard for human life in some areas of the world and how hopeless it all seems. Yet, like in Glory and The Last Samurai, Zwick offers light and hope in the form of individual heroism and sacrifice. If one person in a world of hate can understand selfessness, then maybe we can all be saved from our own greed.

Blood Diamond, like The Last Samurai, was hailed by critics yet under viewed by the mass audience. They are two very powerful, very important films about the power of redemption in our lives. Zwick has found his niche and with every subsequent film is becoming a master at presenting the eternal effect of salvation.

The Godfather (1972)

As a movie maniac there are certain films every one of my friends believes I've seen that I have not actually watched. The Godfather trilogy are three such films. It took me until late in college to "discover" Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock, until five years ago to see Casablanca and until 2007 to see The Godfather.

Part of the problem is that great films such as The Godfather have been commented on, parodied and quoted so often that there is not much of a surprise when watching it. I grew up watching Second City Television (SCTV) and their comedic version of it, I've seen the scene where Marlon Brando sticks an orange wedge in his mouth and scares a little kid before passing away on numerous documentaries about his life or the scene where James Caan gets gunned down or the guy finds the horse head in his bed and hec, I've even quoted "Perhaps one day you can do me a service" in my own Brando-esque way many times.

I guess that's the price I pay for waiting so long.

So, I sat down and watched the film for the first time and enjoyed myself, but was not overly moved because of the aforementioned exposure to the film. The most surprising aspect of the film, to me, is the lack of foul language. If the film was made today, I'm certain every third word would be of the four letter variety.

The film was satisfying and obviously accomplished on every level. The cinematography was tremendous and the performances excellent. I look forward to seeing The Godfather, Part II... maybe I'll find it a little less exposed and a little more refreshing than its landmark original.

Guaranteed Failure

You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

--Wayne Gretzky

Safety Harbor Little League All-Stars Runner-Up Picture

UPDATE: I've added some pics from that website to this entry. Thanks to Bob Krayer for the pics.

If you visit the Safety Harbor Little League website, you can see the picture of the team holding the runner up plaque.

The teams line up for the National Anthem.

Gabe in the dugout before the game.

Gabe up to bat.

What's funny is if you look at Gabe
in the picture, he's completely dissatisfied.

Safety Harbor Falls 6-5 to Countryside in the District 12 Championship

Well, it wasn't meant to be, I guess. After building a 4-0 lead in the first inning, Safety Harbor allowed Countryside to climb back into a 4-4 tie with errors and giving up a two run home run. In the fourth inning, Safety Harbor climbed back into the lead 5-4, in the top of the fifth allowed 2 runs to score on a costly error and that's the way it ended, 6-5.

The team was very disappointed, as you could imagine. And, not to sound like a homer, but our team was far more talented, but we did not make the hits when we needed it most. Playing that Countryside team nine times out of ten and we probably would win all of them. For the first time in the tournament we failed at hitting the ball effectively and allowed timely errors to decide the game against us.

Gabe had an okay game, going 1-3 with a single and two ground outs. He made multiple near-catch dives in the infield, but the balls continued past his glove into the outfield.

His effort was there, the talent was there, but the score was not. A wasted opportunity, to be sure.

So ends spring baseball. I was very proud of Gabe this playoffs. He started spring ball in the regular season at second base and made four errors in his first game and got called looking on third strikes numerous times.

Boy, how he's grown. He ended the tournament season with no errors and no strike outs, getting on base one way or another 14 out of 17 at bats.

Thanks to all of the coaches, especially Bob Bates for all of his work. And a special thank you to Robbie and Kristi for coming down from Georgia, for Betty, Chaz and Elizabeth coming to the game, and for Tim O. for supporting Gabe at the game today.

I'll be thinking about the "What ifs..." for the next few weeks, I'm certain.

Safety Harbor Survives Scare, Beats West Pasco 10-8 to play for District Title!

Safety Harbor All-Stars went into the sixth inning with a 10-3 lead. Our starting pitcher, John Paul, ran out of gas after an impressive game and was replaced by Gabe. Unfortunately for us, West Pasco's bats came alive, hitting Gabe's accurate pitches through the infield and dropping some in front of the outfielders, scoring a few runs.

Gabe pitching.

Coach Bob Bates brought in Tommy Daily to try and close out the game. Tommy struck out one and Gabe, now playing right field, caught a high fly ball to get the team to two outs. With bases loaded and Tommy reaching his limit of 20 pitches (any more and he couldn't pitch tomorrow and he's our starter), Coach Bates turned to Steve Javaruski to close out the game. With bases loaded, two outs and Safety Harbor leading 10-8, Javaruski threw a strike which was lined high and deep into right center field, where it was caught by Andrew Llewellyn to bring the exciting game to a dramatic climax.

Gabe hitting leftie.

All of the parents and coaches were spent. This is the farthest any Safety Harbor team has gone in tournament play for almost 10 years and they have never won a District Title.

Tomorrow we get our chance at making history. We face our arch rivals, the Countryside All Stars, at 3:00 p.m.

Gabe had a good game, going 2 for 2 and walking twice. At second base he made two ground outs, a tag out and a pop fly out. And, as stated before, he made that important catch in right field.

The game was a real nail biter and major cudos go to West Pasco for making such an impressive comeback.

So, tomorrow we will do our best to continue this wonderful streak. As Steven J likes to say, "we have two options... winning or winning big." That's become our motto. Let's see if we can make our dreams a reality.

Stay tuned...

Click on pic below to see one of Gabe's hits, this time from the right side.

Click for video.

Safety Harbor All Stars Win Again 9-2

Last night the Safety Harbor All Stars beat Largo All Stars 9-2. Gabe went 2-3, both were hustle singles where he beat out the throws. He also came in at the end of the game with the bases loaded.

The first batter got a hit up the middle but a great throw from center fielder John Paul to catcher Tommy Daily to get a runner at home put the end of the game just one out away. Gabe then struck out the last batter looking to end the game. Other great plays came from pitchers Robert, Andrew and Trevor, as well as the hot bats of Steven and Logan.

Gabe playing 2nd Base, JP playing Center

So, they finish the pool play the only team 3-0 and face either Countryside or West Pasco Saturday (today) at 1:00 p.m. in the semi-finals. There are no weak teams moving forward, so we have to play our best every pitch, every hit, every out.

DC and I cheer Gabe on from the
only shaded location available.

We were honored to have Robbie, Kristi, Tyler and Lauren at the game from Georgia. And Charles, Betty, Andrew, Elizabeth, Lisette, Theres, John Paul, Stephen and Chaz, still recovering from his appendectomy all came out as well! Thanks Bauers.

You just gotta love family!
Lauren hangs out with some of the Bauer kids.

Chaz even made this great sign (see below). How awesome!

A recovering Chaz takes the time
to show Gabe his support!
What a trooper!

The support from the family was great

We are very grateful for the effort and success of this young team. Now on to the next round! Go Safety Harbor!

All Stars Continue Tonight

The All Star games continue tonight. We are honored to have Kristi and Robbie from GA along with Tyler and Lauren on hand to watch tonight's game.

I'll have an update later tonight.

Ratatouille (2007)

Pixar has set the bar so incredibly high that average films seem like a huge disappointment. Ratatouille is one such disappointment. The technically marvelous, yet overly dull story revolves around a rat who can cook joining forces with a chef who can't in order to save a family restaurant.

It all sounds good on paper, but the first half of this film moved very slowly to the point that I wanted to go get some nachos just so I could have something to do. Sure, I could have been effected by recently going cold turkey on caffeine, but all of the kids around me were even more restless than I was.

Granted, there were funny moments and the last half of the film is very good, but I left the film putting it as the least effective Pixar film yet, just below A Bug's Life.

In the end, the film is about rats... animated or not, they're still rats. When you see them swarm, you instinctively squirm.

A good rental, but that's about it.

Safety Harbor All Stars Win Again, 11-0

The Safety Harbor 10-11 All Stars won again, beating Palm Harbor 11-0 in four innings. Tommy Daily pitched three innings and Gabe closed out the fourth for a combined no-hitter. There were some great hits by the team and wonderful defense plays by Logan Bates, Robert Robicheau and Andrew Llewellyn.

You can see one of Gabe's hits (DC wasn't there and Dea and I were involved in the game) and Gabe closing out the game pitching by clicking picture below. The file is a little bigger, so may take a little longer to load into your computer.

We play again next Friday. If we make the playoffs, we'll play Saturday and if we win that game we'd play for the District 12 title on Sunday.

But, lets just focus on one game at a time.

By the way, Gabe's 2 for 2 game yesterday got him mentioned in the paper this morning (see below) even though they didn't get that he hit two doubles, instead of one.


Its nice to see the team's efforts finally paying off on the field.

Safety Harbor All Stars Win 11-7

The Safety Harbor All Stars came back from an early 4-0 deficit to win their first game this tournament 11-7 over Tarpon Springs. We could not have asked for a better game to start out the tournament. Gabe batted second and also played second base. He went 2-2 with two doubles and was walked twice. On defense he caught two pop flies and had three throws to first for outs. No errors.

You can see his two hits by clicking HERE or on Pic below...

It's best viewed on Internet Explorer and, depending on your internet speed, it may take a short time to download completely. The file is a flash file, so you'll need a Flash plug-in installed. Most browsers already have this plug-in, but if not you can download one free www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer.

Thanks to DC for taking the video!

Tomorrow we play a strong Palm Harbor team, a make-up for last night's rain out.

Great game Gabe!

Charade (1963)

Charade, starring Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn, is an odd, quirky, funny and strange film about a woman (Hepburn) who's husband is murdered over a missing $250,000. She comes home to find her apartment emptied and a man (Grant) offering to assist her. She has no idea where the money is located and is hounded and threatened by a CIA official (Walter Matthau) and ex-US military buddies (James Coburn, George Kennedy) who served with Hepburn's husband.

The film has an odd sense of pacing and very light-hearted and often uncommon sense of humor. The film's logic is light and weak at best, but the weight of Grant and Hepburn's charm carry the film.

The film was not critically acclaimed, but was widely popular when it was released over 40 years ago and I can see why. The plot holes are big enough to drive through and the reactions to people being threatened with murder are far from realistic, but it's all in good fun.

It certainly will never be one of the greatest films of all time, but it is a treat to see Hepburn and Grant working together.

All-Stars Rained Out

As expected, our game was rained out last night. It will be made up on Sunday. However, we hope to play our scheduled game today at 2:00 p.m.

All-Stars Begin Tonight

Weather permitting Gabe's 10-11 All Star team begins play tonight. They have three games and the top teams move onto a playoff.

We've had two intensive weeks of practice. When Paul and Jonathan were down, we went down to the field so Jonathan (a catcher) could catch Gabe (a pitcher). During the practice, Jonathan notices a very small chink in Gabe's mechanics. When fixed, it added another five mph to Gabe's pitches. I was so relieved. I had been trying to figure out what the issue was that was causing the reduction in speed, but could never figure it out. Thanks Jonathan!

The chance of rain down here is very high, so there's a good chance the game will be postponed, but you never know.

We'll see what happens...

Killing the Family

I was watching one of my favorite shows on EWTN called Faith & Culture hosted by the charming Colleen Carroll Campbell. The show covers Catholicism in today's culture.

Last night she interviewed Helen Alvare, a Catholic expert on family law. During the interview Alvare said something very interesting. She said that, prior to the 1960s, family law in the country primarily focused on the welfare of the family. That's why divorce was much harder to get because it was often times not in the best interest of the family.

Now, however, family law has moved from the best interest of the family to the best interest of the individual. So, now, if one person in a marriage wants a divorce, they can get it easily, no matter the overall effect on the family.

But the most disturbing outcome of this migration in family law from focusing on the family to focusing on the individual is abortion and euthanasia. As Alvare explains, the concept of family has been distorted so strongly that the only people you can legally kill are members of your own family. You can kill your own child through abortion and people are pushing for us to allow the killing of our own family members through euthanasia.

Think about that for a minute. If you kill someone else's child or someone else's family member, you are a murderer. But if you murder someone in your own family through abortion and euthanasia, you are not.

Stunning.

To me, it just goes to show how resilient, clever and powerful Satan has become in destroying the primary location where faith and morals are defined and taught... the family.

Psycho (1960)

My daughter and I sat down last night to watch Psycho... the first time for her. Afterwards we re-watched certain scenes and discussed Hitchcock's use of audience expectations to build suspense and misdirect the audience. Hitchcock's genius lied in his ability to effortlessly read and anticipate what the average audience viewer wanted to see and then use that to his advantage. He does this to great effect on Psycho.

Hitchcock had seen the advent of low-budget horror movies and they were all making money, so he thought, "What would happen if I made a horror film?" So, he limited his budget to $1 million and shot the film, loosely based on the book Psycho by Robert Bloch. Hitchcock used books as inspiration, but he never felt compelled to stay true to the source material. After all, as he once said, film and literature are two different mediums. When making a film, staying true to the book is as invalid as staying true to a painting that may inspire you. Would you setup a camera and shoot a painting for two hours? No.

He and screenwriter Joseph Stefano concocted the opening of the film to revolve around Janet Leigh's character, Marion Crane, and her embezzlement of $40,000 instead of about the Bates Motel and the psychos that live there. Hitchcock was a great believer in what he dubbed the MacGuffin, which is basically a plot device that the audience felt was important, but in reality was only a tool to propel the story forward. In Psycho, its following the money.

So, when Janet Leigh shockingly meets her demise in the shower and Norman Bates, played brilliantly as Anthony Perkins, cleans up the crime scene, Hitchcock keeps the folded newspaper holding the stolen money on the end table continuously in the foreground. Why? Because the audience thinks that's what the movies about. At first, the audience thinks the story is about Marion Crane, but she dies, so then the movie MUST be about the money. The audience expects that Norman will stumble across the money and use it to escape his domineering mother. So, Hitchcock lets the audience think that, until Norman picks up the paper and throws it into the back of the trunk with the dead body, unaware the money is even there.

So now we're thrown into a tailspin.

For some reason, I've begun to feel sorry for poor, awkward Norman. I'm actually empathizing with his predicament and appreciate, on some level, his dedication to protecting his ailing mother from the murder.

And, if the main character played by an A list star just got killed off and the story isn't about the money, then now we have NO idea what is going to happen next. And, that's when Hitchcock has got you right where he wanted you all along.

That's why he's a genius and the rest of us are not.

Shot in black and white and with other strong performances by John Garland and Vera Miles, Psycho is a great film not because of the violence or necessarily the editing, but it, along with The Birds, Rear Window and North by Northwest, show how Hitchcock was so adept and using our own emotions and expectations against us.

We go into the movie theater, sit down and let Hitch steer the roller coaster knowing it's going to be an exciting ride. And he rarely disappointed.

Luck

"I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it."

--Thomas Jefferson

Oceans 13 (2007)

The only of the third-in-a-trilogies I've seen this summer, Oceans 13, is a light comedy caper that's fun to watch and quickly forgettable. Honestly, I can't remember a single line from the film, but I left the theater feeling happy. So, I guess that's something.

The film revolves Danny Ocean (Clooney) who gathers his con artist cohorts together to help their financier Ruben overcome health issues caused by a scheming, fellow casino owner (Pacino). Previous women love interests, Roberts and Zeta-Jones, do not appear in the film as this is "not their fight" or something like that. Ocean and his charming team of misfits face the daunting, conceive the improbable and achieve the impossible with a consistent Robin Hood rich-giving-to-the-poor mentality.

Oceans 13 is a lot like ice-milk. It's satisfying while you're eating it, but once you're done you can't even remember the taste.

More "Unwanted" Babies Since Roe v. Wade

From the Wall Street Journal, it appears that since the ruling on Roe v. Wade, illegitimacy has risen dramatically.

Here's a section from the article titled "It's Not Enough to be 'Wanted'" by John R. Lott, Jr.:

...One often misunderstood fact: Legal abortions just didn't start with Roe, or even with the five states that liberalized abortion laws in 1969 and 1970. Prior to Roe, women could have abortions when their lives or health were endangered. Doctors in some states, such as Kansas, had very liberal interpretations of what constituted danger to health. Nevertheless, Roe did substantially increase abortions, more than doubling the rate per live birth in the five years from 1972 to 1977. But many other changes occurred at the same time:

• A sharp increase in pre-marital sex.

• A sharp rise in out-of-wedlock births.

• A drop in the number of children placed for adoption.

• A decline in marriages that occur after the woman is pregnant.

You can read the rest of the article HERE...

Award-Winning Ass

My brother Paul reminded me last night of a funny college story I had long forgotten.

In theater, there are serious performance competitions called the Irene Ryan Competition. At the end of the school year, our theater department would hold a spoof award ceremony called the Eileen Lyons, where the entire department would attend and share in the fun festivities.

My senior year in college I was in a performance of The Tempest. One of the set pieces was this very large chess set, so for the statues at the Eileen Lyon awards, they used the chess pieces from the show.

Well, one of the categories was "The most common phrase heard in the Theater Department." The nominees were various phrases our acting teachers would often state, such as "Act better, be loud" etc. The winning phrase was not one of the nominees. The winning phrase most heard in the Theater Department in 1988 was:

"Pete, you're an ass!"

I went onto the stage to find the entire theater department offering me a standing ovation for being an ass. I believe it was the only standing ovation given that night. It was so funny that I immediately went backstage and called my mother.

"Mom!" I said on the phone, "I just won an award in the theater department!"

"Really?" Mom said excitedly.

"Yeah," I responded, "I'm the 1988 Fine Arts Assh_le of the year!"

The phone went silent for about 10 seconds.

"No," I continued, "it's a good thing!"

"Oh... okay," my Mom finally muttered.

What a funny night. So, whenever people would call me an ass, I would tell them "Not only am I an ass, but I'm an award-winning ass! That doesn't come without serious dedication and practice!"

And I still have that over-sized chess piece in my box of collectibles. After all, an award is an award!

House Rejects Security Fence at the Border

Why?

Just who are the politicians representing?

I have not met a single U.S. citizen who does not want our border secured. Polls show over 85% want it. But, somehow, the politicians can't figure out a way to fund it?

According to the The Business Journal of Phoenix, the House rejected a plan for an 854 mile double-bordered fence between Mexico and the U.S. The fence plan failed by 272 to 149 votes. Most Democrats (including Arizona congressional members Harry Mitchell, Gabrielle Giffords , Ed Pastor and Raul Grijalva) voted against the border fence plan. Most Republicans (including Franks and fellow Arizona Reps. Rick Renzi and John Shadegg) voted for the comprehensive fence plan.

What the hell is going on?

The East Germans perfected a way to build a wall that is almost impossible to scale or cross. It is within our ability to build such a wall.

The citizens of the U.S. want it.

But the politicians, who are supposed to be our voice, do not.

Why?

When you answer that question, you'll come to realize just how little of a voice we actually have.

Sad. Very sad.

And extremely dangerous.

Netflix Movies On-Demand

The future of television is on our doorstep. The merging of the internet and downloadable content to your television is fast approaching. You'll hear often about ITunes and ITV from Apple, but I think one of the major players in all of this will be Netflix. They changed the movie rental paradigm by offering no late fees and access to blockbusters to independents and just about everything in between.

Now, as a FREE part of my subscription I can watch over 2000 movies online in full screen for free.

I just go to the website where I normally determine which DVD will be mailed to me next and now all I have to do is hit the Watch Now button, select a movie and hit play and wallah, the movie starts showing on my computer. Amazing.

Eventually, such a service will be viewed on my television as opposed to my computer screen, but the fact that I can watch movies in great quality whenever I want is pretty amazing stuff.

If I want to see Casablanca RIGHT NOW, I can. Or North by Northwest. Or Chinatown. Or A Streetcar Named Desire. All available immediately.

Sometimes, technology rocks.

The Prestige (2006)

There are three steps to a magic trick... the setup, the turn (in which an ordinary object does something extraordinary, such as disappear) and the prestige (when the ordinary object is restored through extraordinary means).

The prestige is the payoff, the secret that makes the illusion work.

The film, The Prestige, helmed by Memento and Batman Begins director Christopher Nolan, is an interesting, dark and ultimately disturbing film about magic, competition, obsession and its impact on life. Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale play competing magicians who end up going to some extraordinary means to remain at the top of the game.

The film also stars Michael Caine, Piper Perabo and Scarlett Johansson as co-horts and love interests who feel the full weight of Jackman and Bale's destructive competition.

And, like the magic trick, the film is an illusion of sorts in and of itself, with Act One as the setup, Act Two as the turn and Act Three as the prestige.

You'll be thinking about this film for some time afterwards.

Sex Machine (2006)

The microcinema effort Sex Machine, written by John Oak Dalton and Christopher Sharpe and directed by Sharpe, is an interesting cross between film noir, horror and pulp comics. The story opens with the protagonist, a heavily bandaged man, awakening to find himself standing over three corpses while holding a smoking gun at another man kneeling on the ground, pleading for his life. The protagonist finds that his right arm is from a black man, his left from a white man, the arm heavily tatooed with the phrase Sex Machine. His head covered in gauze much like the invisible man and an electrode located under his skin in his neck shorting out, sending painful electrical charges through this body.

That's the opening of the film. Pretty cool.

The protagonist Frank (ala Frankenstein) escapes and hides in a hotel room while he deals with the pain of recovering from the surgery that pieced him together while, at the same time, struggling to understand the flashes of random memories that penetrate his mind. Once he's able to put his past into some coherent mess, he heads back home to his best friend and old girlfriend, struggling how to pursue a normal life while being hunted by the people that created him.

The film itself is very impressive conceptually, cinematically and directorially. I've rarely seen a microcinema effort look this good or directed with such inventive and interesting visual ways. Major kudos to Sharpe and cinematographer Shogo Nakagawa from such a great look.

The acting is hit and miss, which often occurs in films at this level and the pacing is uneven, but lead actor John Howell is wonderful as Frank and manages the complex role very well.

Because microcinema is filmmaking with minimal budgets, it allows the filmmaker to take chances and Sex Machine does just that.

Funny Slogan

On my way to work today I was behind a plumbing company truck with a funny and memorable slogan for their company...

"We're #1 in the #2 Business."

I don't remember the plumbing company, so even thought it was memorable, I guess it wasn't totally effective. Still, made me chuckle while being stuck in traffic.

Sex Over Violence

I've always wondered why people are more concerned about shielding their children from Sex than from Violence. I find it funny that people will refrain from talking about the scientific and social aspects of sexuality with their teens and pre-teens, but don't have a problem with those same children seeing a movie with a high body count, watching a movie with witchcraft, or hacking apart aliens, gargoyles or zombies in some video game.

Is not God offended by violence? Is not one of the Commandments Thou Shalt Not Kill? If I had to guess, I'd think God would be more offended by violence than sex. Either perverted can pull you away from God and His graces, but sex is a natural act and morality is about controlling those impulses as to keep them pure to God's intent. I understand that. However, murder is not a natural act, but we expose our kids to violent images everyday in film, television and video games without a concern for their psychology nor their moral health. But, show cleavage and suddenly the world is ending.

Again, I'm not saying protecting your children from immoral behavior of any kind is bad, but I do think we're often hypocritical in our approach of deciding which one of God's offenses are more valid than the next. And in our world now, Sex wins over Violence every time.

Adrenaline Resurfaces

About ten years ago or so a friend of mine, Jenni Gold, asked me to write the first draft of a thriller she had in mind called Adrenaline. The story is about an international banker/embezzler who ends up on the wrong end of a con game that leads him avoiding the police, the mafia and the feds and a killer, all while being wanted for murder.

Well, Jenni and her husband Jeff have been pounding the pavement for 10 years out in L.A. and have moved up the show biz food chain slowly but surely. Over the past decade the film has been in various stages of pre-production/development... it felt like being in a long queue at Disney World. Every once and a while you get near the entrance to the ride of your life, but then the queue winds around and you find yourself a mile away again. However, recently Jenni saw an opportunity to pull Adrenaline out of the closet, dust it off and see if she could attach some real actors to the film.

So far she's doing great. I can't name any names now because the deals like this are all basically "tentative" until the film actually starts shooting, but its exciting to me, as a writer, to think that a rock and roll singer, some high quality actors and a Hollywood legend are all reading my script and liking it a lot.

That's very weird.

As my friend Kyme said, it's a validation that maybe I have some talent after all. Maybe.

This may just be another turn in the queue line, but it sure has been a very interesting journey so far. Hopefully, this time the film will finally get made and we'll get to hop on and enjoy the ride of our life.

NASA Official's Take on Global Warming

NASA administrator, Michael Griffin, had a very interesting take on the Global Warming theory... one which I never ever thought of before.

Per ABC News website:

Griffin is asked whether he is concerned about global warming.

"I have no doubt that a trend of global warming exists," Griffin told Inskeep. "I am not sure that it is fair to say that it is a problem we must wrestle with."

"To assume that it is a problem is to assume that the state of Earth's climate today is the optimal climate, the best climate that we could have or ever have had and that we need to take steps to make sure that it doesn't change," Griffin said. "I guess I would ask which human beings — where and when — are to be accorded the privilege of deciding that this particular climate that we have right here today, right now is the best climate for all other human beings. I think that's a rather arrogant position for people to take."

That's a really good observation. How do we know this is the Earth's optimal climate? It may be ours, but it may not be the best for the planet. And isn't that what the Global Warming theorists are telling us, that its for the planet's health?

In the end, how do we really know what is optimal for our planet? Just how arrogant are we to think we know that when we don't even know all of the plant life and marine life that even exists here? And how egocentric have we become to think that we're the greatest influence on the earth's climate?

Anyway, as I've said before, I think we do impact the planet. We live here, after all. But this Global Warming agenda seems much more political in nature than truly scientific.

I think we'll look back on this phase the same way that we look back on doctors who thought leeches cured diseases. We'll be like "well, nice try, but what the hell were you thinking?"

Are Gays Allowed to be Christian in America Anymore?

Let me start this by making some things very clear... I am not a theologian or a social expert or overly wise nor overly educated. I speak for no one but myself. I do not intend to offend anyone. I'm simply looking for answers to very complex questions.

Consider this an open internal discussion with myself, so this may take a while. Be patient with me.

Now, to start I'm speaking socially, not religiously... as the social landscape of our country continues to polarize, I've seen a growing separation of a segment of society from Christianity. That segment? Gay Americans.

I'm not sure if it's the gay rights movement distancing themselves from Christianity because of the Bible's take on homosexual behavior or the Christians distancing themselves from homosexuals because of the current political climate and issues such as gay marriage, hate crime legislation, etc. Either way it seems as if American Gays can't be Christian anymore.

And as a Christian, that bothers me.

Christianity, by definition and faith, must accept homosexuals as fellow members of the body of Christ. We are called, as with everyone else on the planet and no matter what their sexual orientation, to embrace the sinner without embracing the sin.

My concern is that if we, socially, are partially responsible for gay Americans feeling as if Christianity has no place for them, then we may also be responsible, morally before God, for the ripple effect on their souls as well.

Equally, Christianity is not a buffet where you can pick and choose what you will and will not follow. You either believe the Bible or you don't. It is either the Word of God or it is not. You either believe Jesus was the Messiah or you don't.

So, then, what are the options for gays who were raised and want to continue to be Christian in today's America?

That's a tough question. I'm not gay, so I cannot speak from personal experience, but I have many friends who are gay and we've talked about homosexuality, faith and personal choices over the years.

But, if I were gay, what would I do with Leviticus 18:22 saying "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination."

All of my gay friends express the belief that they were "born gay." Some people would argue the validity to that, but lets say, for the sake of discussion, that people are "born gay."

So, the question I would be asking myself if I were gay is why would God create someone predisposed to abomination? Since I have some very dear friends of mine that are gay, that question has bothered me for a very long time and after a lot of thought and prayer, this is what I've come up with so far...

First, let me say that being born with any predisposition does not remove one from moral consequence.

Not to equate, but merely for an example, my oldest brother, who has since passed on, was born with an inability to feel guilt. He did what he wanted and could not grasp the effect of his actions on others, so he would use people. Psychologist were clear with my parents that he didn't have anything in his makeup that would teach him empathy. He was "born unempathetic." But, just because he was born without empathy does not relinquish him from his moral responsibility and the sins he committed when he was just "being himself."

If people are truly born gay and Leviticus is also in accordance with God, then God must have an option, a plan, a goal for homosexuals that is in keeping with His Word. There must be a path for them to salvation. Could it be a gift in some way?

Could it be the greatest of opportunities to sacrifice one's very being to God? Of course, sexuality is not the totality of one's identity, but it is a very important aspect of who we are. Is God offering homosexuals the same opportunity for grace as would someone who joins the religious life and who similarly offers up their sexuality?

I don't know. But, it's the only thing that makes sense to me, if people are truly born gay. Perhaps God is offering them a great, albeit difficult, opportunity for greatness in faith by sacrificing an important part of their life for Him. We are all called, as participants in the Body of Christ, to take up our own crosses and follow Him. Is this the cross being offered homosexuals?

For example, cannot someone born predisposed to cancer praise God by offering up their cancer to Him and, through their sacrifice, show the rest of us an example of true, strong faith? Cannot someone born with a chronic illness, such as Crohns disease, praise God through how they handle the sacrifices required for the rest of their life due to the disease? Does not a nun or priest publicly display their faith by their chastity?

The other option is that no one is born gay and some other series of circumstances are somehow responsible. From what I can gather, science is not clear on this issue one way or another. The nature vs. nurture argument has been going on for a very long time, sexual orientation included.

As for my faith, Catholicism, it is very clear on sexuality. It does not subscribe to the "born gay" theory, but it is also very clear that homosexuals should be welcomed into the faith.

Homosexuals must "be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God's will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord's Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition" or orientation.

According to my faith, homosexuals are "called to chastity" and through friendship, prayer and sacramental grace can "gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection."

Those are pretty powerful words and they apply to all of us in one way or another. We are called to be Christ-like, to reach for Christian perfection. Our "chastity" may not be sexual, it could be material or physical or mental or spiritual, but the calling is the same.

So, where does that leave me? Well, concerned for the souls of our country.

I don't like our country right now. Thoughtful, considerate discussion about important moral subjects has reverted to knee-jerk extremist banter with an immediate condemnation and intolerance of anyone not tolerant of their own beliefs. People are immediately put into offensively narrow buckets, such as "extreme liberal secularists" or "far right-wing Christians", and such labeling only solidifies our opposition and division, instead of finding common ground with which to discuss the subject further.

We, as a country, are better than that. We, as Christians, are called to be better than that.

Whether you are Catholic or Protestant or Jewish, your faith is a combination of beliefs to which you either wholly subscribe or you don't. You can't be 80% Catholic or 92% Protestant. We should all be well versed in our faith and decide whether we can live up to all of it's belief elements and expectations. So, I can't change nor do I want my faith to change and I can't change the Bible. Christianity and its foundation is what it is. But that doesn't mean we can't discuss homosexuality intelligently, compassionately and civilly. And it certainly doesn't mean that anyone, including homosexuals, are excluded from Christ's salvation.

The end result of it is that if any Christian chooses not to lead a fully Christian life, including sexually, than that is on each of our own individual souls.

However, we as Christians have to do a better job of being Christ-like when it comes to homosexuality in America today. And homosexuals should be equally open to the discussion of Christ's salvation in their lives.

As stated before, we should embrace the sinner without embracing the sins. That's the essence of being a Christian.

Don't we all expect the same from our Savior when it comes to our own sins?

Those are my thoughts at the moment. As you can see, I don't have answers. I am not speaking for anyone else but me. I'm just trying to figure this subject out in my own head. I will continue to read and pray and work to understand more about this complex and sensitive issue. I hope God will enlighten me further.

THANK YOU!

On this, Memorial Day, I want to thank all of you who have offered their service, their sacrifice and possibly your life in the defense of this country. Without brave men and women willing to defend out freedom with their lives, we would not be here today.

No amount of words can fully express my thanks, especially to my father, Charles Bauer, Sr., my brother, Stephen Bauer, my father-in-law, Donald Koehler, my brother-in-law, Patrick Freshour and his father, Arnold Freshour, who all served in the armed forces.


In a country that has turned heroic military bravery and sacrifice into a campaign slogan, let me say from a vastly more sincere heart... thank you, thank you, thank you!

California Kills All Moms and Dads

The nation's leading mental vacuum also known as the California Senate passed a bill redefining parents by gender, not by sex. So, Mom and Dad will be replaced by Partner 1 and Partner 2.

Who wrote this bill, Dr. Seuss?

Where's the Hallmark Lobby when you need them. I mean, think of how much their sales will decrease with Partner 1 Day and Partner 2 Day and...

Whatever. Political excrement like this makes me want to move to... oh, crap, I'm already in the best country! Oh well.

My disgust with such a bill has nothing to do with homosexuals. As most of you know, many of my oldest and dearest friends are gay. No, it is entirely due to my feelings toward politicians. They're all special interest lap dogs, on both sides of the party lines.

The outcome of this bill, according to reports, is a re-writing of all text books to exclude such devastatingly bigoted phrases as "Mother" and "Father." Yes, we all know how such divisive language has brought all previous generations to their knees with oppression. Nothing has ever burned at my colon more than having to say "Happy 'Mothers' Day" or "Well, 'Dad', I love you." It's so confusing saying Mom and Dad, don't ya think??? Labeling them a Partner with a # afterwards will be SO much easier!

Please, I can barely remember my parents... or is it Partner Units... birthdays, now I'd have to remember their birthday and which Partner # it belongs to? Are you kidding?

This, of course, could impact other states as California is the biggest consumer of text books. Really? Has anyone in the California Senate actually ever read one?

I guess the Bible could then officially be banned too, as Jesus states that a man will leave his mother and father to join his wife and become one flesh.

Included in the bill is required non-gender specific facilities for those not sure what sex, I mean, gender they are, including in all of the schools.

Did the citizens of California, full of Moms and Dads, actually VOTE for this? No.

Maybe they should. If they want to call themselves Partner 1 and Partner 2 by a democratic vote, then I'll just write the whole state off as idiots.

Somehow I think a vote from the people would differ than a vote from their Senate. But, then again, we are talking about California.

You can read more HERE at World Net Daily.

The Hypocrisy of the Current Global Warming Movement

I'm not saying that humans are not effecting the environment. I just don't believe the science is completely sold on the idea. The mainstream media is likely to bring scientists or politicians on the air that support the idea of human catastrophic global warming theories and are reluctant to bring on scientists who oppose that opinion.

For example... the head of the NOAA who predicts all of the hurricanes... well, the media LOVES talking to him about hurricanes, but the cameras are surprisingly quiet when it comes to the fact that he thinks humanity's impact on the environment is minimal. So, the guy is a valid voice when it comes to annual tropical destruction, but not when it comes to global man-made destruction?

Pick and choose, I guess.

More and more scientists are speaking up saying global warming theory is not so iron clad. What would the media do if only 70% of the scientists believed they cured cancer. Wouldn't they wait until the other 25-30% agreed? Not so with global warming, I guess. After all, now that the world has been destroyed by acid rain, over population, loss of the rain forest, global cooling and now global warming... why even live anymore?

And how come every weather pattern is due to global warming? The winter was especially long. That's because of global warming. The winter was especially short. That's because of global warming. We've had an excessive amount of rain. That's because of global warming. We're in a drought. That's because of global warming. The polar ice cap is melting. That's because of global warming. Antarctica's ice has actually grown by eight feet in the last few years.... oh, wait a minute.

The real hypocrisy to me right now is that the leaders of this movement don't live what they preach. Al Gore lives in a mansion and takes private jets and says he'll remain compliant with carbon usage by buying it from cleaner burning companies. Well, that's all fine and dandy Al, but what about the average folk who can't afford to buy their way out of it?

It's like taxes. Politicians and Hollywood elites talk all about the need to raise taxes of the rich, yet these people, who are rich, know how to take advantage of every loophole to pay the least amount of taxes possible. So who pays? We do. The average shmoes who don't have the law firm or accounting firm at our beck and call. If these guys REALLY believed that the rich should foot the bill then they shouldn't take ANY tax exemptions what-so-ever! Lead by example, fellas.

Another hypocrisy I've seen is every person I've met that believes in global warming, every single one, has not changed anything in their life to fix it. The first question I ask, when I hear someone is a proponent of global warming is "Well, then you're carpooling right?" "Ah... no" is the common response.

What? You believe we're responsible for the end of the world as you know it, but you aren't going to change any of your behavior to fix it? Huh???

Granted, there probably are some who've changed their life because of the impending death and destruction caused by our own, self-loathing industrialized environmental damage, but I haven't actually met any of them. I'm not kidding.

Ed Begley, Jr. leaning against a Phoenix SUT.

The only Hollywood actor I know who lives what he preaches, Ed Begley, Jr., is considered a "nut" by most people, including those in Hollywood, because he drives those freakishly small electric cars and says we should carpool and use solar power and save the planet. Shouldn't Al Gore or Leonardo DiCaprio or Rosie O'Donnell be doing that? Ed Begley, Jr. should be a hero to these people. He lives what he preaches, walks the walk and talks the talk. He's someone the movement should embrace.

Personally, I want an electric car... bad. My daily commute is probably about 50 miles a day. If I could find an electric car that would get me to and from work, one that is not a paper weight, one in which I feel safe and one that I can afford, I'd get one tomorrow.

I've been following companies like Tesla Motors, Phoenix Motorcars, Miles Automotive and Universal Electric Vehicle. I check Auto Blog Green everyday to see where the latest technology is going. It appears we're at a crescendo of sorts with a combination of demand, technological advances and the automotive industry's inability to react quickly that in 2008-2010, there could be a lot of electric car options available to the average consumer.

Tesla Roadster

Phoenix SUT

Miles Javlon

My goal is that, by the time I hand my Saturn over to my daughter in two and a half years, that my next purchase will be an electric car that I drive to work and plug in when I get home. Why electric and not hydrogen? Well, I think hydrogen is great, but that's another 20 years away from being feasible and the electric infrastructure already exists. Do you know one of the ways to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water? Using electricity. Really.

I want an electric car for three reasons, I want to help out the planet, I think that funding people who want to kill us by buying their oil is insanely insane, and finally, because I think electric cars are cool.

When I see the carpool lane filled with Global Warming disciples, then and only then will I believe that they believe what they preach.

Until then, I'll see all of you at the gas pump, grumpy along with me at the money evaporating out of our wallets as quickly as the gas is evaporating out of our tanks.

Who's on First...

My daughter finished her theater training this year at Ruth Eckerd Hall with a performance of the Abbott and Costello skit Who's on First. The teachers put together a very nice program of events. Inclusive in the evening was a section on Comedy, which had the young theater actors recreate comedy skits The Honeymooners, Lucille Ball and the aforementioned Abbott and Costello.

It was a lot of fun. The Who's on First skit is a very difficult memorization task, as so many of the lines are similar, but DC did a great job trying to figure out who was playing first base. The end of the skit resulted in loud and raucous hooting and hollering from parents and fellow students alike. We were very proud.

Great work, DC!

My only question is the player's name in right field?

A Trip Down Memory Lane

When I attended the retirement celebration of Doc Shelton, it also turned into a college reunion of sorts. Most of our friends from the theater department in the mid to late 80s returned, as well as some staff.

Graduation Class of '88
Dave, Pete, Chris, Stephanie, Jay and Becky

Some of the returnees
Dave, Sunday, Leslie, Pete and Jay

What was perhaps the strangest part of it all is that none of us had been together as a group for 19 years. And most of us had never been back to the theater department in all of that time. So, when we found ourselves back in our old haunts as a group, it felt as if no time had passed. It was truly a weird experience.

I also had a wonderful time reminiscing with some old teachers. Gwen West, who was our costume and makeup teacher told me she got in trouble for commenting on my butt in class. That's funny! And Lisa Martin, who designed a great outfit for me in The Tempest told me that she still has the pattern for the jacket and it's officially called The Pete Bauer Jacket.

The "Pete Bauer" Jacket.

I also got to share memories with one of my teachers and eventual acting partner, Jim Wren, with whom we performed Broadway Bound at the Hippodrome directed by Carlos Assissi.

Dawn, Pete and Jim Wren.

Carlos gave me one of the best directions in history. When commenting on one of my many monologues he said "Pete, you know that monologue... well, it sucked." And that was it. No further info. I had to figure out what sucked about it and move on.

Mike McLane and Carlos.

There were also actors who worked with me on my short film Homesick, including Jay, Leslie, Sunday, Mike McLane and Ellen Lau. I also acted with Ellen in A Loss of Roses at the Gainesville Community Playhouse.

Pete and Ellen Lau.

I was also fortunate enough to work with Malcolm Gets in the play Tribute. Malcolm went on to win Tonys on Broadway and landed the role of Richard in Carolyn in the City. Malcolm also performed a song for Doc Shelton during his retirement party.

Pete, Missy and Malcolm.

Malcolm performing for Doc.

And there were many other friends, like Missy Weinstein and Jennifer Ray Miles, Joelle and Kirsten, Glenn Krasny, Matthew Marco, Carl McNulty, Stu Horowitz and Cady West. Mark Sexton, with whom I performed in The Dining Room was there and Kevin Rainsberger, who worked at the Hippodrome during my time there. There were old Winnjammer friends, like Mike Gioia and Manny Suarez.

Jen, Pete and Joelle

Kristen, Pete and Mark

Pete and Kevin.

Mike Gioia and Pete

Pete and Cady.

Also in attendance was Pete Bailoff, who was the screenwriter and producer I met in L.A. during my trip to California. He was excited to see me and we caught up on where things have gone since then.

Pete B, the writer/producer I met in LA
in Goin' Out to Cally.

Overall it was a tremendous time. I could not have asked for a more wonderful trip down memory lane. I'm still having flashbacks.

Doc Shelton

David "Doc" Shelton is one of those once in a lifetime teachers. His honesty is brutal, but accurate. His praise rare and therefore cherished. His expectations are high, yet achievable if you're willing to put in the work. He is unrelenting and wise and talented and funny.

This past week Doc officially retired as an acting teacher at the University of Florida after 30 years and many of us who were changed by this man came back to honor his influence in the theater and in our lives.

For me, Shelton provided an honest and encouraging influence. He was one of those really tough guys to please and, for whatever reason, you wanted to work hard enough to please him. To hear him say "Good job" was like winning an Oscar. Shelton was especially important to me because I was the first in my family to pursue acting so no one knew or understood the craft well enough to help me along, to push me. Shelton became that figure for me.

David "Doc" Shelton and Pete

Over my years at UF we spent hundreds and hundreds of hours at the Winnjammer bar where I learned more about life and theater than any class I ever took at UF. Even though he was my teacher and I was his student, I also felt as if he was my friend, my mentor and my greatest supporter. I was very fortunate to have been cast in two of his plays (Scenes and Revelation at UF and Brighton Beach Memoirs at the Hippodrome). And I was lucky enough to see him put his words into practice in a wonderful performance at UF in Curse of the Starving Class.

One of the enduring elements of a great teacher, of a powerful influence in your life is that their words have resonance, that they carry even more weight as time goes by. I cannot tell you how many times his words, his explanations, his expectations carried me over the past two decades. Now that my daughter is pursuing acting I find myself teaching her with the same words he taught me... and through teaching I have found myself finally understanding what Shelton was trying to teach me 20 years ago. I imagine how much better I would have been back then if I would have grasped the depth of his teachings as I do now. His words have resonated in me and now they resonate in my daughter.

Doc Sharing His Memories

After graduation, I was unsure of how much my friendship with Doc meant to him. After all, every four years he'd get a new bunch of students and I would just be someone in that class of '88. But, during his speech I knew I had at least a small piece in his heart as he quoted something I had said to him almost 20 years earlier. It meant a lot to me.

As was stated during his roast/awards ceremony, Doc Shelton was selfless. He gave his time, his concern, his influence and his friendship with no regard for what he got in return. And he did it for 30 years.

The University of Florida lost a rare jewel when "Doc" decided to retire. I am fortunate and blessed to have called him teacher, mentor and friend. His influence on me and my family will outlive both us.

And that's the sign of someone truly special.

Blessed at this Moment

This past Saturday I returned to my college to share in the retirement of a wonderful acting teacher. While there I got to see so many of my old college friends, most of whom I had not seen since college (I'll have more on that in a later post). I felt so lucky to have retained these friendships over the last two decades.

Then this Sunday I went to mass and, as I scanned the pews of the church, realized just how blessed we were. My wife and I started getting more involved in our church a few years ago and, because of this, we now have a large group of truly wonderful people that we can call friends... a faith community.

I looked from my pew to see my wife, singing in the Lifeteen band among her generous band mates, including the band leader, Cathy with her daughter Tiffany. Cathy's husband Greg in the pew in front of me, running the sound board. Their son Matt on the altar as one of the altar servers. My wife also sings in the band with Alexa and Terry who, along with the rest of their family, prayed for vocations with the Elijah Cup for a month straight.

I continued my watch, past my mother and father-in-laws sitting next to me and across the church where I could see most of the families involved in our Renew bible group that meets once a month... Nick and his family, Sara and Ted and their sons and Hugh's family. Nick I also see at the little league field with his family and I recently went to a DRays game with Sara and Ted.

I continue my gaze to spot all of the fellow homeschooling families and teens (over forty people in all) who have become a special part of our lives and who offer us genuine affectionate hugs after every mass. And then there are the Millers and Kelleys with whom we spend every Sunday night in an additional bible study and with whom we spend Tuesday mornings at mass with a priest, Father Mike, who has become very dear to us.

And I realized just how blessed we are... just how special this time in our lives really is... and how I shouldn't take it for granted. Things will change. People will move. Bible studies will end. Children will grow and bonds will dissipate. But right now, this moment, I looked across that church and felt like an integral part of this faith community. I felt blessed beyond my worth.

For however brief this lasts, I will cherish it and recognize it for what it is... something very rare and very special.