Jonathan's blog

With all the recent discussion of race in American politics (e.g. Obama taking heat for the high racial content of his church's message; Bill and Hillary Clinton taking heat for playing racial politics, etc.), it was great timing for me to hear the "Babies Buying Babies" segment of the 18 January 2008, installment of the This American Life radio show.

I won't go into any more detail so that I don't spoil it, but let me simply say that it was fantastic!!! Here is the teaser from TAL's site:

Elna Baker reads her story about the time she worked at the giant toy store, FAO Schwartz. Her job was to sell these lifelike “newborns” which were displayed in a “nursery” inside the store. When the toys become the hot new present, they begin to fly off the shelves. When the white babies sell out, white parents are faced with a choice: will they go for an Asian, Latino, or African-American baby instead? What happens is so disturbing that Elna has a hard time even telling it. (16 minutes)

Have a listen online.  Here is a link to the web page where you can listen to it in your web browser: link

Another good listen that is somewhat-related (deals with race in America) was the 23 January 2008 installment of the "Democracy in America" segment of The Economist's podcast.  It features a conversation with Michael Dawson of the University of Chicago who discusses...

...what's at stake for African Americans in this election, and whether Barack Obama has a chance

Here is a link to the mp3: link

Back in December we watched Meet the Robinsons (2007,G) (ScreenIt! Review) for movie night.  From ScreenIt!:

A 12-year-old orphan and failed inventor finds his world turned upside down when a 13-year-old takes him into the future in hopes of fixing a time-space continuum problem caused by some villains' nefarious plans.

It was enjoyable but nothing special.  I give it 3 out of 5.

Back in December I watched For Your Consideration (2006,PG-13) (ScreenIt! Review).  From ScreenIt!:

People involved in the making of and reporting on a holiday movie react to news that some of the performers in it might receive award nominations, all while dealing with studio changes to the film to make it more commercial.

I enjoy the mockumentaries from these guys, and this was no exception.  I give it 4 out 5.

Back in December the kids watched Balto (1995,G) for movie night.  From Reel.com:

When Nome, Alaska runs out of the antitoxin needed to fight off a diphtheria epidemic, dog teams are the only way to obtain the crucial medicine. Balto the wolf-dog proves his loyalty by leading a dangerous mission through the Alaskan wilderness.

It's interesting that this was based "loosely" on a true story...but it must have been quite a disappointment in its day that this was turned out by Spielberg.  It was OK but unremarkable.

I give it 3 out of 5.

Back in December we watched The Departed (2006,R) (ScreenIt! Review).  From ScreenIt!:

Members of the Massachusetts State Police plant an insider within a mob boss' inner circle in hopes of bringing him down, unaware that he has a mole within their organization.

With a cast including DiCaprio, Wahlberg, Nicholson, Baldwin, Sheen, and Damon and Scorsese in the director's chair, this one had a lot going for it (plus the 237 f-bombs that ScreenIt! counted. though I'd hesitate to categorize those as assets or liabilities).  It didn't disappoint.  It was excellent.  I give it 5 out of 5.