David > Recent Status Updates

I get the feeling that Minnelli wasn't responsible for his great successes -- such as Meet Me in St. Louis -- and didn't do much to save his flops -- such as A Matter of Time -- but perhaps that's the nature of Hollywood filmmaking, where so many people are involved in every aspect. But I'm sure we have him to thank for the stunning look of the ballet in An American in Paris -- and isn't that enough?

Brilliant director Vicente Minnelli, husband of Judy Garland, father of Liza Minnelli, was definitely gay -- but I wonder whether he ever actually slept with a guy.

I wonder whether nuances matter when it comes to imperialism -- or perhaps the differences among imperialists are much more than nuances, given that imperialist practices can range from mild indoctrination via state-supported education to outright genocide, from paternalism to enslavement. Doubtless we will find many internal contradictions in Mr Churchill.

Very enjoyable book. Perhaps too technical for some readers but generally should give readers an appreciation of how words can _be_ music when used by a talented lyricist like Lorenz Hart and company.

Furia is great at highlighting intricate rhymes and revealing the interplay between words and music.

Cyber War got to be too serious, so I turned to Tin Pan Alley for some cheering up.

We're doomed. Politicians won't impose regulations on industry because industry is against regulation -- period -- and politicians are beholden to lobbyists.

Oh, my! Clarke presents a frightening scenario of what mayhem could ensue within just 15 minutes of all-out cyber war attack on the U.S.

Among the ironies, the British oil company that held the original concession -- that at first refused even a 50-50 split with Iran -- the company that would one day become good ol' BP of Gulf of Mexico fame -- ended up with just 40% of the concession, as Americans had done all the dirty work of the coup. Yet even under the terms of the post-coup arrangement Iran was not allowed to look at the bookkeeping!

The coup was a smashing success: democratically elected Mossadegh is under arrest, a military strongman is prime minister, England once again has its plunderous oil concession -- and no one is the wiser that the CIA pulled it off. And they all lived happily ever after? At least no one had any illusions that they were _creating_ a democracy!

No wonder why Iran hates England and the U.S.!