SEAL TEAM STEEL-YOUR NEWS IQ AND IT TAKES A VILLAGE

SEAL COOL

    REEL NOTES CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

    A couple of extraordinary things struck me in an otherwise excellent film, directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Tom Hanks, who seems incapable of anything but masterful. Hank's acting when he portrays Captain Phillips in shock, and the extraordinary low key cool of the real navy personnel who play acted their real life roles, are more than worth the ticket.

     Hanks emotional volume and visceral acting in this act were stunning. 

      As the operation drama reaches a peak, the screen fills with military and medical staff who are the real deal, apparently getting a pass to portray a role. They evince an élan. It is all about mission-efficient and in control.

     You see technology and intel being brought to conduct in the planning and execution of the operation. These touches are an additional layer of film making skill.

      The film is an enthralling adventure.  There are present issues with the real Captain Phillips' navigating and some of the Phillips' behavior was directorial interpretation. Though not unimportant, they do not affect the storytelling or power of engagement in Greengrass' film. For his part, Hanks has such a facile way of digging into a character and making them live he trades on credibility and you believe.   

 LOW DOWN ON LOW INFORMATION 

     How do you define a low information voter?

     If the recent work of Pew Research is indicative "low information" might be giving too much credit. Is stupid more appropriate?   How do you measure up?

     Link here to take a quick News IQ Quiz.  You may have your own editorial comment after you've seen your results and those of fellow voters.

LOCAL COLOR

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

    We treasure village life.  

    The simple pleasures are magnified, as when the grounds of the Cambria Historical Society became the gathering center for a Harvest Market-a kind of tag sale, ice cream social and music venue.  For those who do not know our village nestled in Monterey Pines between the Pacific and the Santa Lucia mountains, here are homespun autumn snapshots. 

a desert that is an appetizer

    See you down the trail.

SPRING TIME IN AMERICA? & THANKS SEALS

HOW WE LOOK AT THINGS
There's been a little uptick in the general
vibe. A few economic indicators
are showing signs of improvement. 
The Republican Party continues to
demonstrate it knows how to
stage an entertaining and spirited
chase for a nomination.
America's reputation in the world
continues to improve.
And those amazing Navy Seals
once again demonstrate efficiency and 
capability.  The hostage rescue
in Somalia, following the 
the taking down of Osama Bin Laden,
should be a source of great pride.
American military expertise and knowhow
used in proper proportion.
In a world where it is legitimate to ask
do you see a glass half full or half empty
there's one more vote for half full.
DAY BOOK

HINTS OF SPRING
As a now five year California resident, I continue
to be amazed that spring can arrive in January.
To all my friends and family in those 
regions where January means the grip of
winter, we send these images of 
the season of rebirth.  It just
happens here first.

The magnificent California poppy is back-

so are the bees.

This the first Lupine of the season

Pussy willows are opening

Spring is on the way-
or here!
See you down the trail.