Government VIII

 

The blood of slain justice flows into oblivion as media misinformation feeds too many minds.

The politics of world power are a kaleidoscope of catastrophe and if women ruled the world, there wouldn't be bombs that kill, just ones that make you feel real bad, Robin Williams said.    

Mark Izzy Schurr

A Schurr Shot picture of a Trinidad beach in 2020 or 2021. 

Modern Moron Reviews

 

The critique of commercial Christianity was derailed in Hollywood as early as the 1920's and 30's, and December's movie "Babylon" weaves fantasy and reality into a crazed cocktail of movie magic, and sordid sexuality away from the cameras eye.   

For many, including myself, movies are an opiate to the senses, venturing into the frontiers of free expression and the kaleidoscope of imagination lures us into darkened movie venues laden throughout the lands.  

As advertised, Nellie LaRoy (Margot Robbie) was loosely based on the iconic 20s actress, Clara Bow. Like Bow, LaRoy sheds tears on cue for the camera, and claims it's easy to cry instantly simply by thinking of her home life. Having read 1988s, "Clara Bow: Running Wild" by  David Stenn, Bow indeed was able to shed tears instantly on camera if the scene dictated so. 

"Crying is easy, I just think of home," Clara Bow said. 

Between 1906-1910, before she was old enough for kindergarten, Bow's mom hooked herself to abusive men while under her supervision, and that's just the tip of the ice berg on Bow's torrid childhood. I have an extensive and geekish knowledge on the gossip of this Roaring 20s flapper. Eight of the 13 movies I've seen of Bow's are worthy of multiple views.

"Babylon" (s) LaRoy indulged in sex, cocaine and life itself as did Bow during her peak years as a star. Once Upon a time, Clara Bow was the number one box office draw in America, if not the world. 

LaRoy mounts an ice sculpture at a ritzy premiere party, and a studio executive says to another higher up, 

"Yep, that's our new star, fucking the ice sculpture."            

I honestly don't remember Bow fucking an ice sculpture in front of strangers, but it's certainly unsurprising if she had. "Running Wild" is a fitting title for Clara Bow's biography. 

Other similarities to Bow occur, then "Babylon" becomes its own story.  

Insane sexual references to Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle, are suggested in "Babylon," I perceive. 

Fans of twisty, yet comprehensible dialogue should like "Babylon." A solid three star rating from myself. 

Mark Izzy Schurr  

Another Modern Moron Movie Review

Greed and violence awaken the warrior within the legendary Santa Clause; thus, a new tale of the jolly soul is birthed. 

Spawned to the masses on December 2, "Violent Night" weaves brutality and comedy with bizarre originality.

A very wealthy and dysfunctional family in Connecticut has their Christmas eve party disrupted by a large number of heavily armed and skilled thieves who have no qualms when it comes to murder, even if it's a young girl who still believes in Saint Nicholas.

Pat Casey and Josh Miller co-wrote this future classic and many questions are resolved on the many mysteries of Santa, especially how he's able to get through a chimney. 

Santa simple wants to deliver his presents on December 24, but when he encounters nefarious men eager to kill an entire family for $300.0 million in cash, Saint Nick cannot abandon the young girl. 

David Harbour did a great job playing the part of a hard boozing Clause, and Leah Brady, as Trudy, set the tone for combating evil when she booby trapped the attic, resulting in comedic violence. 

John Leguizamo as a baleful Scrooge engages in a bombastic fight with Santa, and the end result of their combat ends with extreme uniqueness. 

Four stars for "Violent Night." 

Mark Izzy Schurr     
 

Mariah Carey, Another Modern Moron Review

Sensationalized swagger from Mariah Carey on Tuesday night was a CBS special I'll watch every year during the holidaze, simply because I liked it.

Yes, there are songs from this concert I'll never listen to again, but for a musical genre I've abandoned, I'll never get tired of hearing seven tunes from "Mariah Carey Merry Christmas to All." 

The tunes were all Christmas sounds, including some Mariah Carey originals. Her musical presentation is a peripheral of variety, Carey said, and I agree. 

Carey doing the finale "All I Want for Christmas is You."

She's beautiful and rich, and despised for it by some. As if it's her fault 1994s, "All I Want for Christmas is You," she co-wrote with Walter Afanasieff has topped every chart list.

Carey surrounded by the Rockettes

The duet Carey sang with her young daughter Monroe, "Away in a Manger" blew me away. Monroe, like her mother has a fantastic singing voice. 

Carey and her daughter Monroe singing "Away in a Manger."

The songs "Christmas Wrapping" and "Oh Santa" were played back to back and it was a great combo featuring Monroe and other children including Carey's son, Moroccan.  

Pictured above is Monroe (center) with two other children during the song "Christmas Wrapping." 

The two tap dancers, Chole Arnold and Maud Arnold showcased their skills on the song "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," and Drew Barrymore did a great job introducing the shows final song, her 1994 gem, "All I Want for Christmas is You." 

A video clip of Carey from "Christmas Wrapping" and her live preforming "Miss you Most (At Christmas Time") 

Carey is a star for a reason, and this live show, "Mariah Carey Merry Christmas to All!" will rock my socks off every year during the holidays. Four and a half stars easy for this musical extravaganza. 

Mark Izzy Schurr 

Peace of Mind

Child abuse, wars, famine, poverty, the Proud Boys, QAnon, Trumpism and light beer are all schemes and dreams spawned from the Devil himself.

At long last, I no longer want to belong in this world of insanity. I prefer love over hate, smiles over stone-cold glares. Reciprocated smiles are as rare truth in politics. Shout out to the select few who consistently display friendliness and shame on myself for getting caught up in the emotionless and uninviting attitude most others emit. 

Hail Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning and harbinger of art, language and science. Without Sarswati, the written word would always be dull, hence, no Silver Surfer comics and all other books and movies to seize our imaginations.

I cannot draw or paint, but my penchant for photography and the written word are my links to creativity and serenity. The time for self-pity officially ends now. It's literally been years since I've thought of suicide, and four years of sobriety is awesome. 

Thanks haters, because of you fools, I'll never kill myself. I refuse to personally bring you happiness.

Mark Izzy Schurr  

 

Demensional Veils

To pierce and navigate through the ripples of reality while riding the waves of tranquility and serenity. (Bodega Bay, April 2019 via Schurr Shot) 

The spherical sensation of the cosmos has lured me into the edge of the unknown. The stabbing sensation of imagination has seized my senses. A colossal kiss from the cosmos has reduced the devil to a mere mischief maker seeping into many minds. Meteor showers from ancient worlds have purged inner demons. 

An awesome acceptance of clarity has infused a sense of purpose. Unknown and unseen forces weave into human perception. 

Mark Izzy Schurr 

 

 

Modern Moron Movie Reviews

Hurling into the void without the slightest inclination of who or what is out there, only to find Emperor Ming the Merciless with the power and desire to pulverize the entire Earth. 

Pictured is Dale Arden, Melody Anderson and Flash Gordon, Sam J. Jones leaving the planet Earth on Dr. Hans Zarkov rocket ship. Zarkov, also aboard the rocket, arrives at the kingdom of Ming. Minutes upon their arrival, Ming chose's Dale Arden to be his next concubine, the public execution of Flash Gordon and literally reprogramming the mind of Dr. Zarkov.

Encased in glass for all to see, the death dust of Ming kills Flash Gordon, and the tomb of Flash is completed. Lucky for Flash, Princess Auru, Ming's daughter wants a ravenous rendezvous with Flash on Sithera, her secret pleasure moon.      

Immediately upon resurrection, Flash Gordon awakens to Princess Auru, Ming's daughter, fantastically portrayed by Ornella Muti. Her voice always puts me in a coherent daze. Amazing casting!  

Princess Auru persuaded the executioner to bring Flash back to life with a special injection. Auru tells Flash she brought him back to life with a magic kiss because she likes him.  

"Flash Gordon" is funny and romantic without being sappy. Lust without lunacy.   

Princess Auru and Prince Barron from the planet Mongo have a bizarre lasting love affair. The tale of Flash Gordon began in the early 1930s, if not sooner. This 1980s version follows the basic story-line from the originals with its modern twists.   

Princess Auru trying to convince her father, Emperor Ming, Max Von Sydow, to allow Flash Gordon to live. 

The special effects were nothing near its predecessors, "Star Wars" and "The Empire Strikes Back," and didn't need to be, it's a comedy with pleasant punches of drama now and again.  

Screen play writer, Lorenzo Semple jr. weaved the timeless tales of love and lust and good versus evil with clever dialog and a believable story amidst sheer fantasy. 

The people of Mongo must team up with their enemies, the flying warriors from the planet Ardentia in order to combat the mighty Ming. Flash Gordon, aka quarter back, New York Jets uses his pro football skills to unite enemies to combat Ming.  

Released more than four decades ago, "Flash Gordon" remains as fresh and funny as it did in 1980. Four stars easy for this flick.  

Mark Izzy Schurr