Well, dear readers, at what point did the school system systematically begin to rob children of their childhoods? Yes, rant ahead, dear readers, rant ahead. When I went to grammar school, junior high, and high school we got the entire summer off. We did not return to school until after Labor Day, sometimes days after Labor Day. In grammar school we rarely had homework. We were given small amounts of it in junior high, although I simply refused to do it – I told my teachers this. And in high school, obviously there was more homework, but nothing like today, and I didn’t do homework then either. Why? As I said to my high school English teacher once, if we can’t be taught everything we need to be taught during school hours then something is seriously wrong, and I will not do school work on my own time. My English teacher agreed with me wholeheartedly, but they were mandated to do it.
Now, school occasionally lets out the second week of June and kids go back earlier and earlier – many of the kids I know are back to school tomorrow, which is ridiculous. I believe some are already back. And today, especially in middle and high school, kids are given ridiculous amounts of homework, outrageous amounts of homework. They go home and do it for hours and hours, breaking for dinner, but having to finish it. Well, sorry schools, you are reprehensible. After school time is the time kids get to be kids. That’s it. Teach your damn stuff during school hours and then shut up. Again, this is dictated from on high, and parents just accept it. How can it be good for kids to have these sickening never-ending days? At what point do they get to play, to explore, to have some damn fun? This stuff frosts me, dear readers, and you know what – if a million parents stopped being sheep, stood up, and just said no you know what? Things would change. Parents of these here United States of America stand up, speak up, revolt. Give your children their childhoods. Too much homework does no one any good, period, the end. I has spoken. End of rant.
What a curious night I had – I fell asleep at one-thirty and woke up at 3:45 and could not get back to sleep until eight. I slept right through alarms and telephonic ringing until eleven, at which point I got up. So, really only about five hours of sleep. Once up, I answered e-mails, did some work on the computer, and made myself two tuna sandwiches and ate them all up. After that, I had a long telephonic call that was fun. Then I did a little futzing and finessing of the commentary, then decided to sit on my couch like so much fish.
Yesterday, I watched a new UK Blu and Ray entitled Beat Girl. I’d never seen it – kind of an odd little film whose main interest is its early John Barry score, which sounds exactly like – John Barry. The actors are all fine, but it doesn’t really amount to much. There’s some rather frank stripping scenes that are surprising for their time. After that, I had a lovelier than lovely long visit with our very own Mr. Nick Redman. That took up most of the afternoon and was a very welcome respite from the past few days. Then I did a two-and-a-half mile jog, then sat on my couch like so much fish again.
Last night, I watched the new Twilight Time Blu-ray of the Paul Schrader film Hardcore, a film I saw back when it came out and one I’ve seen a few times since. It’s hard-hitting but a very good film – it never quite achieves the greatness of Taxi Driver, but Schrader as a director is not Scorsese. George C. Scott, although being problematic to work with, turns in a great performance as an anguished father searching for his missing daughter, who’s ended up in the world of porn. This was filmed the year after Nudie Musical was released, and interestingly it features one of Nudie’s co-stars in a brief role – Leslie Ackerman. There are some nice shots of late 1970s LA but most of the “red light” footage, even though supposedly taking place in LA, was filmed in San Diego and it’s blatantly obvious to anyone who knows LA. There was plenty of sex shops and theaters and massage parlors right here in LA proper. There is an audio commentary with Mr. Schrader, who has one of the most annoying voices ever, can’t seem to connect thoughts, and who really alienated me because he thinks the casting of Season Hubley was a mistake – his original choice was Diana Scarwid. But for me, Season Hubley is terrific. Peter Boyle is excellent, Ed Begley, Jr. is there in a small role, and while some scenes are a little wacky, it’s all done quite well. The good news is the transfer is fantastic – looks exactly like films of that era looked. Looking forward to the other Twilight Time new releases.
After that, I relaxed and listened to some music. Every time I take out a CD I try to insert in the side of the computer, forgetting this new computer doesn’t have a CD drive. Then I remember I have the new nifty separate CD drive, which works excellently and much better than the old internal one.
Today, I’m not sure what the HELL is going on, but I have things to do and do them I shall. I’ll jog, I’ll eat, I’ll hopefully pick up packages, hopefully you’ll send some excellent vibes and xylophones for miracles, which we need, and stuff like that.
Tomorrow I believe we’re having our post mortem meeting/dinner, and then Thursday we have the same with the charity. Thursday is also a work session day for the Kritzerland show. Friday I’m attending an opening night, and not sure what the weekend has in store.
Let’s all put on our pointy party hats and our colored tights and pantaloons, let’s all break out the cheese slices and the ham chunks, let’s all dance the Hora and the Twist, for today is the birthday of our beloved dear reader TCB. So, let’s give a big haineshisway.com birthday cheer to our beloved dear reader TCB. On the count of three: One, two, three – A BIG HAINESHISWAY.COM BIRTHDAY CHEER TO OUR BELOVED DEAR READER TCB!!!
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, do a jog, eat, hopefully pick up packages, pray for miracles, and whatever else needs doing. Today’s topic of discussion: What are your favorite films set in the City of Angels? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, happy to have ranted about the current state of school daze.