Planetarium - politics/music/culture/smarts

Today's creepy Pentagon news come courtesy of Atrios:

In Iraq and Afghanistan, important buildings in the capitals bristle with gun-toting Americans in sunglasses. They favor khaki photographers' vests and a few military accoutrements, but lack the name tags and identifying patches of a soldier.

Ask who they work for and one often hears "no comment" or "I can't tell you that."

Contractors' deaths aren't counted among the tally of more than 350 U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq. No one is sure how many private workers have been killed, or, indeed, even how many are toiling in Iraq for the U.S. government. Estimates range from under 10,000 to more than 20,000 - which could make private contractors the largest U.S. coalition partner ahead of Britain's 11,000 troops.

Global Risks Strategies, a security firm with about 1,100 workers on the ground - mainly armed former Nepalese and Fijian soldiers - is among security companies that have more personnel in Iraq than some other countries taking part in the occupation, Singer said.

To the consternation of U.S. lawmakers, there is little or no Congressional oversight of contractors hired by the executive branch of government - whether through the State Department, Pentagon or the CIA.

Posted by alex at 08:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, I have had an epiphany. For my birthday, I received a copy of The best of Elvis Costello. A 2-disc collection spanning pretty much everything the man has done since he started, right up to 2001. And, I have to admit, it opened my eyes. I had never been much of an Elvis Costello fan, not even after hearing the great stories of how Saturday Night Live had prohibited him from performing "Radio, Radio" on the show, and he went and did it anyway.

But I have to admit, I am now a changed person. Costello writes these songs that, at this point, sound like they were pretty much the definition of the eighties ballad tune, and they're AMAZING. No joke. So give Elvis a chance, check out this collection, and you won't be sorry. How can you hate a collection that opens with one of the best songs ever written: "What's So Funny ('Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding)"? You can't.

Posted by alex at 09:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Much like any other member of his administration, every now and then George Bush steps out from behind the smile-and-wave pulpit he usually inhabits to remind everyone that he can be just as evil as Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, and the rest of the Axis of Evil.

As this latest New York Times piece proves, Bush can be equally, if not more, adept at thwarting democracy and public justice than his lackeys. Apparently, denying the public the documents detailing what Bush knew in the days before 9/11 would compromise our ability to be lied to effectively.

Posted by alex at 12:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

October.

Halloween.

Scariness. And not just the Dick Cheney kind.

That's right, I'm talking about horror films. Now, I know some of you probably aren't fans of the genre, and when it comes time to choose a film, you steer away from the aisles in Hollywood video that contain box after box of half-dead ghouls peering out at you. And frankly, you're justified. Most horror films SUCK, truly and royally, the kind of sucking that makes you embarrassed you just lost an hour and a half of your life. BUT- when one comes along with charm, or pizazz, or real gravitas, something that elevates the film off the screen- well, it's somehow better than any other kind of movie. Because not only does it grab you, make you care, make you believe, or even make you laugh, something about the craft just makes it linger. Oh, and did I mention making you afraid to turn off the light afterwards?

So here's my plea for the elusive art of that most illustrious beast, the good horror film. I used to hate the genre- and hear me out if this sounds familiar: "Oh, I like The Shining a lot, and I liked Silence of the Lambs a whole bunch, but I just don't like horror films." That used to be me. Until I realized that, just like most of us, the only things I saw on the shelves with a quick glance were crap. For every Exorcist, there's twenty Boogeyman II. But isn't the case with most genre films? It's just that we find ignoring horror more convenient, because, unlike most films, when a horror movie gets to you, it REALLY gets to you.

So , in the spirit of the Halloween season, I figured this was the perfect time for those of you dragging your feet on the scary movies tip to get with the program, by offering a couple gems, some well known, some not-so-well known, as a kind of primer. Happy hauntings.

1) Cabin Fever. Now, I've been really pushing this one lately, because it's new, and you want this guy to make more movies, so support this one. But mainly because it's awesome. Admittedly, this one is very gory, so if you have a problem with that, maybe start with another. But I find this movie seems to appeal to newbies and fans alike, with its wicked sense of humor combined with loads of inside jokes about the genre. Probably the best horror film of the past few years.

2) Rosemary's Baby. One of the more well-known, but also lesser-seen, for some odd reason. This film completely deserves to be up there, in my mind, alongside Exorcist, the Omen, and all the other classic horrors of the seventies, but gets oddly overlooked, despite the name recognition. So do yourself a favor, and check out Mia Farrow in the best thing she's ever done.

3) May. Here's a good introductory one for those of you who like the arty films. May is a rollicking good horror film with a wickedly black sense of humor, but it's also a strangely moving and graceful film, and fairly sad. The story of a desperately lonely outcast of a girl, May is the kind of debut film (from auteur-to-be Lucky McKee) that really makes an impression, and I would recommend to those of you shy about diving into the genre. Not too gory, either.

4) Friday the 13th and Halloween. Despite how wildly craptacular many of the later films in each series have proved to be, the original Jason and Michael Myers still pack a pretty mean punch in their respective coming-out parties. Or, failing that, you get to see Kevin Bacon take it in the jugular.

I'm going to start posting additions to this list as people suggest them, and as I think of them. So, have a fave? Send it in!

Posted by alex at 07:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dear Planetarium, you haven't seen an update in several days. The red planet will likely return from orbit soon. In the mean time, I (Kate) am going to tell you about a record that you should hear.

Imagine a young Bob Dylan, having been shoved into the closet of some New York flat where he's chosen to crash, reaching for a guitar and singing himself demented lullabies. Singer-songwriter Ed Askew originally recorded Little Eyes in New York around 1971. It was his second record, recorded live-to-tape in a studio. It still feels pretty intimate, like he's camped out in your living room. The record was recently issued on the amazing local private-press De Stijl (responsible, in part for the recent festival and the revival of Michael Yonkers, whose Microminiature Love -- out last year on De Stijl vinyl -- was just released on CD by Sub Pop. The liner sheet even includes notes by Askew in lieu of lyrics: "The Face of Fire": Constructing a lyrical and passionate scenario; a love song to song." Fans of outsider/psych/folk/whathaveyou should investigate further into this record and label.

Read more about De Stijl here

Posted by alex at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Planetarium here, coming to you from Savannah, Georgia: home of the only city Sherman didn't burn to the ground during the civil war, because he found it so beautiful. Also apparently home to the only plus-sized cockroaches not burned to the ground during the civil war, possibly because Sherman was scared they'd retaliate.

Anyways, Kate is still scheduled for at least one or two more postings here, but it seemed necessary to insert a small memorial tribute to American democracy, what with it being dead and all now, thanks to the successful drive to recall a democratically elected candidate. Let the destruction of ALL democratic officeholders by right-wing recall efforts begin, while we gently play "Taps" in the background. In the words of the great Russian political commentator Yakov Smirnov: "America- What a country!"

Posted by alex at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Another satellite feed while the red planet orbits New England, or Tennessee, or wherever the hell he's going. We (Kate et al) are anxious to get our hands on the new Jonathan Lethem novel, The Fortress of Solitude, especially after hearing the author read excerpts at Ruminator in St. Paul on Friday evening. The 30-ish Lethem is a Brooklyn native, often using the city as a backdrop in his texts (Motherless Brooklyn, et al). Fortress is a coming-of-age tale set in the late 70's and early 80's in New York, hitting upon themes of classism and gentrification. Lethem's chat provided a dizzying pop-laden interlude covering: comics, soul & disco music, graffiti, and Farrah Fawcett. Buy the book here. Read further about it in Slate and City Pages. Culture-vultures rejoice!

Posted by alex at 08:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Before Planetarium runs to a computer in order to comment on the California recall election, I (Kate) thought I would interrupt with the breaking news that Siegfried & Roy, the popular Las Vegas attraction, has finished a lengthy run following the near-fatal mauling of magician Roy Horn by a white Bengal tiger late last week.

Now I know what you're thinking. Why can't you tell me more about Arnold's assault charges? Its been two days! I can't wait any longer! In that case, you should probably keep reading.

The tiger, Montecore (last name witheld for security purposes) appeared on Meet the Press this past Sunday, responding to questions about the attack via an interpreter (the tiger is fluent in German). Montecore is currently being held in quarantine at the Mirage Hotel, where the popular attraction has been staged since 1990. According to an Associated Press report, tickets currently sell for $110.00 apiece.

Asked by commentator Tim Russert what led to the attack, the famously coy tiger responded that the incident involved a few unfulfilled requests. First, a share in the earnings following a successful round of low-stakes blackjack were never "Forked over". A lodged complaint over the "Mediocre" Mirage buffet was never resolved. The tiger also expressed "Disatisfaction" with co-star Siegfried's hair stylist. "My own bouffant was never as vivacious as his," the tiger said. He also recalled a discussion with Horn concerning the lack of showgirls in the famous Siegfried & Roy show. "Come on," he snorted (via interpreter) "You expect me to look at tigers all day?"

Russert concluded by asking for the tiger's predictions concerning the forthcoming California recall election. "Arnold," responded Montecore (again via interpreter). "It's a territorial thing. I innately follow the one with the thickest accent." And of his own accord, the tiger followed up his statement with the admission: "The Cubs, the blonde from Survivor...and Gephardt."

Posted by alex at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Planetarium's bosses at work have decided to evilly block access to our mighty blog, which means the times I used to be inform to keep you dear readers informed of the up-to-the-minute good stuff are now past us, and updates will have to come either in the mornings (like this) or at night (see soon).

Now the exciting news: Planetarium will be having a couple guest posters! That's right: since Planetarium is leaving to tour with his band for the next three weeks, a couple of people will be taking over posting duties. Who? You'll have to ait and see. But have no fear, there will still be updates from the road as well. So keep Planetarium bookmarked in your "Favorites"column, and check back periodically for all the best in news, politics, movies, and th rest of it.

Oh, and go buy the new David Foster Wallace book.

Posted by alex at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)