If you have already read the first two books in the The Hunger Games trilogy, The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, you will still want to read Mockingjay to get answers to all of your questions. But don’t expect to love the book. Mockingjay is no The Hunger Games.
[Spoilers Below]
In short, I get the impression that the author, Suzanne Collins, decided to pull a little bait and switch on us. She set us up with a rewarding, happy ending to The Hunger Games. Collins set us up further with the massive cliffhanger at the end of Catching Fire. We then expect Mockingjay to reward us with a redemptive ending on an even bigger scale. But it doesn’t. Rather Collins lays some heavy handed anti-war message on us… or something. So in the end all of the heroes in the book lose.
If it is not a bait and switch then maybe Collins just ran out of ideas. The final section of the book is where everything falls apart for Mockingjay. The entire section is garbled and confusing and seems rushed. Was Collins on deadline? Was she just feeling angry and depressed when she wrote it? Who knows. But rather than delivering on a tremendous set up it fizzles in a big way. It is too bad too. As I was reading I held out hope until the bitter end that this book would really deliver for me. But then the book was over. Readers are left with a bunch of dead protagonists and a perma-victim of a hero who apparently remains severely damaged and tormented for the remainder of her days.
Oh well. I guess it makes me appreciate the skills of someone like J.K. Rowling all the more. Taking a series all the way to the finish line without petering out is apparently very difficult to pull off.
Look to the ant, thou sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,
which, having no guide, overseer or ruler,
provideth her meat in the summer and gathereth her food in the harvest.
-Proverbs 6
Well, if things weren’t weird between Will and Maggie before, they are now. What a nightmare for her.
And what is the deal with Ingram? There may be few things creepier than that guy’s offer of “help.” I’m pretty sure Will shouldn’t trust him, but there’s a limit to what Willcan do about it when Ingram ishis boss. I’m not inclined to believe Ingram’s tip that Will should focus on Roy rather than Bloom, but Ingram may be tossing Will a real piece of info in order to gain his trust.I can’t decide if I think Ingram is offering to help Will at the direction of Spangler, or if he’s playing his own game, but something’s not right.
I’m guessing that the guy that was tailing Will was working for Spangler, but I don’t think Will’s idea of taking a photo of him is going to make a big difference. They’ll just put a different guy on him. Will may be able to find out who the guy is, but if he’s freelancing, so what? All he did was tip off the bad guys that he’s now packing heat.
The scene between Miles and the interpreter was fascinating. Not only because their interaction was interesting, but because George’sspeech she translated fromthe surveillance of his son’s wedding was incredibly touching, and seemed to be directed right at Miles.What an amazingly well-written scene. Just beautiful.
Meanwhile Katherine is making as much progress in her investigation as Will is makinginhis. In fact, they arrive at the info on Atlas McDowell practically simultanneously. That’s ironic when you consider the resources that Will has at his disposal, but perhaps Katherine has an advantage because she has noother time commitments and practically unlimited money. They should really team up, and I bet they do in the next episode. Look for them to find out what Atlas McDowell does. My prediction? It’s nothing good.
AMC appears to have scored another hit with its new series Rubicon. If you haven’t been watching, it might be a good idea to start now and avoid having too far to catch up. This show is similar to Mad Men in one way: it moves at a languid pace.Some have complained that the pace is too slow and is making the show dull. But for those who like puzzling out the intricate webs of thisstory as it spins its twisty way throughintrigue and murder in theintelligence community, nothing could be more engrossing.The pacing of this show is deceptive because it can lull you into thinking that not much is happening, butthe beauty of the show is in the details and the small clues, which are actually revealed in quite rapid fire fashion.
The characters are as complex and compelling as any on television and the acting is top notch, as AMC has staffed the show with recognizable talent from stage and screen. James Badge Dale (previously seen on The Pacific) stars as Will Travers, a guy who just happened to lose his entire family on 9/11. Coping with that tragedy is made no easier when his father-in-law and boss is killed in an apparent accident. Will is tapped to replace him butbegins todiscover evidence that the accident was not so accidental.
Is anyone watching this show? If so, what are your theories on where the conspiracy is headed?
Arcade Fire is one of those bands that you have to see live to trulyappreciate. There is an enormous number of people on stage during their performances and those people are doing things that are often not immediately recognizable as music. They play instruments like the Hurdy Gurdy. They bang on random stuff. They make long wandering trips into the audience. Fortunately, you have a decent shot at getting to see all of this because they tour a lot and recently performed atMadison Square Garden in a concert that wasbroadcastover the web. The webcast was directed by none other than Terry Gilliam, of Monty Python fame, who is a pretty well-known director, having helmed major filmslike Time Bandits and Brazil.
Their last album, Neon Bible, was a major breakthrough for this band and the follow-up has been long anticipated. The Suburbs is, as the name suggests, a fun, sprawling, unfocused album that brings to minda place you want to live, rather than just visit. It’s 16 tracks are less dark and generally more lively than those of the previous album, but if you liked Neon bible, you will find this album to be living, if not precisely in the same location, then in a more casual place just outside of town. Let me know what you think.
I recently emailed a group of various friends and asked them to send me a song from a movie soundtrack. I was surpised that no one sent me this song.
It’s only one of the most recognizable pop songs connected to a movie. It was Simple Mind’s biggest hit in the U.S. In fact I bet a lot of people would be hard-pressed to name any other songs they did. I wouldn’t be surprised if the band hates it, though. They didn’t write it.
It was written by Keith Forsey and Steve Schiff.
You’ve probably never heard of either of them–but Forsey has collaborated with a lot of folks, including co-writing “Flashdance…What A Feeling” (another soundtrack song no one sent me–I was so disappointed), producing albums by Billy Idol and the Psychedelic Furs, and he got his start playing drums for Georgio Moroder.
Steve Schiff is another story. He was the guitarist and songwriter in Nina Hagen’s band. If you don’t know who Nina Hagen is, you’re not alone. But you’re missing out. She was an opera singer from East Germany who was so weird, they kicked her out of the country. OK, I made that up. But she was a child prodigy opera singer in East Germany. The rest of the story you can read here. And she IS weird.
If you’re ever bored, try watching some interviews with her on youtube. She’s a trip.
“Don’t You Forget About Me” was initially offered to the singer from the Fixx, Bryan Ferry and Billy Idol before Simple Minds were given a chance at it. They initially passed on it too. Did you know that the version of it everyone knows is an edited version? The uncut version is over 6 minutes long and was only released as a 12″.
Here it is–more lyrics than the radio version:
And in case you’re one of those people who can only recall this song by Simple Minds, check these out. (I know you guys will know most of these.)
Ok, so who’s going to win? A lot of great dances happened last night and some interesting revelations along with some interminable and sappy blather from the judges. Here’s my rundown, followed by my prediction:
Kent started things off with a great Bollywood routine with All-star Lauren Gottlieb. I’m not a huge fan of Bollywood, but this one was fun and Kent really danced it well. I’ve always been a fan of Lauren G. and I’m glad she was an all-star this season, along with Neil. Some of my favorite routines are from the two of them, and it was so cool that they recreated “Night of the Dancing Flame” last week. Now if they will just do “The Way I Are.”I don’t think Bollywood routines get you many votes that you weren’t going to get anyway, but it was a very fun routine.
Lauren and Twitch were up next with a Hip Hop routine from Tabitha and Napoleon. Maybe we should just end the discussion right there, because whenyou get Twitch and Nappy Tabs, the dance gods are really looking out for you and you know it’s your night. Lauren took the ball and scored. Butts were kicked. The judges gushed. Game over.
Kinda like this one from last season:
Next, Robert and all-star Mark danced a (purportedly) Jazz routine by Tyce. I couldn’t get past the song choice. Devos Whip It is such a cliche at this point that I really wondered why anyone would bother doing a dance to that tune, but I have to say that it won me over. The costumes were cool, the moves were awesome and Mark and Robert looked like they were built in the same laboratory. It turned out very cool. Still, if you’re going to do Devo, please choose another song.
Next round: Robert and Lauren were first with a contemporary piece by Dee Caspary which utilized a pillow as a prop. I’m not a fan of props, usually, and this one looked like it was going to be awkward, but it really worked. the whole dance just flowed like they were dancing while dreaming on the pillow. Loved it. So did the judges. Again, Lauren showed some fantastic stuff and Robert was right there with her. They both looked like winners in this piece.
Lauren then had to change fast because she was up next with Kent in a Jazz routine by Mandy Moore. It was fun but kinda silly, especially coming right after the cool contemporary routine. Mandy got dissed by the judges but the dancers stood up for her. Bottom line, it didn’t impress anybody. Again, awkward 80s song choice. Huey Lewis, really?
Kent then bounced back from goofyville in a dance with Allison which was a contemporary routine by Stacey Tookey. I have mixed feelings about this one because I thought it was well acted by the dancers and Kent especially, but I thought his movements seemed jerky and rushed compared to Allison’s. The judges lost their minds over it, with Adam going completely overboard and proclaiming that Kent somehow “became an artist” during the dance. I like Kent a lot but the dialogue between the two of them took a left turn into ludicrous at that point. Whatever. It was a good routine, but mostly because of Allison, in my opinion.
The lastroundstarted off with Robert and Kathryn dancing aBroadway routine by Spencer Liff. If you haven’t seen this yet, make sure you watch it. If you have seen it, go back and watch it again. These two have been together a lot and they have crazy chemistry. Couple that with off the charts choreography that just nailed the piece of music dead on and you have a perfect example of two red hotdancers hitting their stride. Unfortunately, the routine was partly overshadowed by the nerdy catfight between Adam and Nigel over whether the songwas included in the stage version of West Side Story, or if it was only in the movie. Adam won the fight but by then we had forgotten about the dance. I still think there’s something going on between Robert and Kathryn, but they were just both dead solid perfect here.
Lauren was up next with the designated hitter on all things ballroom:Pasha. They performed aCha Cha by Tony andMelanie that still has the place smokin’. If there is any justice, Lauren took the brass ring with this dance. It was that good. And coming on top of her hip hop routineand the pillow dance it should make her victory a lead pipe cinch. The judges did everything except crawl onto the stage and kiss her feet. Adam almost began reciting poetry: If music were turned into a person, it would be you.
But anticlimactically, there was another dance left to go. Kent and Robert were up for one of those dance fights that the showkeeps doing, but which hasnever really been done as well aswhen Michael Jackson did it in the 80s. Apparently, this one was called aMalevos Fight, and was choreographed by Miriamand Leonardo. That hardly matters, though, because it didn’t do much for eitherKent or Robert, though to me Robert seemed to dance it a little better. It just didn’t seem very much like a fierce, aggressive dance, which was I think what it was supposed to be.
Game. Set. Match. Lauren.
Any of the three could justifiably win this thing because they’re all great, andKent could easilysneak in for the win with the 16 yr old girl vote, but Lauren deserves it more and even Robert danced better than Kent last night. I’m predictinga Lauren win.
I also thought it was interesting that Lauren said herfavorite dance was the prom dance (“Collide”) with Kent. I think that’s probably mine too. The Judges appeared to have completelyrun out of superlatives for this group some time ago and have now resorted to just proclaiming their love, even to the point of saying this is the best group ever on the show. I don’t know if that’s true and it seems a little thoughtlesswith the all-stars standing right there, but the judges haven’t really been very nice to the all-stars all season. I hope they’re paying them well.
Your thoughts? Any more guesses on who will be dancing with Twitch tonight? My guess is it’s Russell, or perhaps the puffmeister himself, P. Diddy.
OK, we’ve not done an “other shows” for a while. I have to admit that USA has been pushing out the shows of late. They’re all of about the same quality. Good, but not necessarily great. Still, they are often better than what’s on the main networks.
Royal Pains started last year and I gave up on it after a few episodes. Covert Affairs I have been watching. It’s a “bit” more realistic than the typical spy show (i.e. Burn Notice) but still hasn’t quite found it’s vibe. (The way that say FX’s Justified found it quickly) I’m still watching but I’m not committed. Most of these shows really depend upon good guest actors who manage good chemistry with the leads. When it works, it really works. When it doesn’t you start really noticing all the imperfections in the show.
Most of USA’s shows follow a similar formula. It’s not that surprising since most network shows until recently followed a pretty similar formula. All that’s changed on network shows now is that the shows are based upon the Law and Order procedural or the silly CIS pseudo-science procedural. USA has the Monk-like semi-comedic procedural or the Burn Notice version of Highway to Heaven + an ongoing plot that lasts through each half season. Somehow it typically works though. Both Burn Notice and say White Collar are fun but as I said this formula demands a lot from actors. And it doesn’t always work.
Beyond that there’s FX which has quite a variety of shows – much more edgy and indie whereas USA definitely has more of a traditional network feel to it. That said, outside of Justified, there’s nothing on FX I like.
Other than that the only show I like is Dexter on Showtime. That doesn’t start up until fall though.
As federal agents prepare a grand jury case against Lance Armstrong (a dubious undertaking, from a legal standpoint, on many levels) several questions must be asked. The outcome of the investigation may lead to the downfall of one of the greatest sports stories (and athletes) in the history of the world, or it could lead to the complete exoneration of a legend who will then deserve an enormous apology from his many doubters. More likely, it will lead to some sort of messy place in between those two things. Wherever it leads, it will cost an enormous amount of money and time and will be unlikely to change much about sports, cycling or improve the public perception of either. With all that in mind, Andrew Corsello may be on the right track when he pleads with Lance to just stick to his story, regardless of the actual facts.
Lance Armstrong is either the greatest cyclist (potentially greatest athlete) in history or he is one of the worst (but most successful) cheats in history. He is, without question, the most most successful cancer survivor in history, one of the most successful cancer fund-raisers in history and the most tested athlete in history. In all those hundreds upon hundreds of tests in both the off season and during all his races, he has tested positive exactly zero times. To date the number of people, including even the absurdly bitter Floyd Landis and the perennially accusatory Greg LeMond, that have ever even alleged that they have actually seen Lance use performance enhancing drugs or blood doping procedures is also exactly zero. This while seemingly all around him in the peloton, other cyclists were falling to positive drug tests and substantiated allegations. Lance rode above it all, and even in the wake of persistent rumors and repeated investigations, no proof of wrongdoing has ever been found against him.
Despite that fact, the cynical among you (and you know who you are, your fingers are already itching to type the jaded comments that will inevitably appear below) have already concluded that Lance is guilty of doping and has been for years. You can be excused for those feelings, of course, after practically every rumour of athletic drug cheating (and most other rumors as well) ever uttered has already been substantiated in numerous recent investigations that seemed designed specifically to destroy any confidence anyone ever had in the integrity of sports. Are we always going to be disappointed by the sports heroes we most admire, or is it possible that some of the most heroic are actually worthy of our admiration? We may never really know the answer to those questions, but whether we do or not, it’s perhaps understandable that after all we’ve been through before, when the hard questioning in the Armstrong case starts, we will mostly just wince and turn away.
If you have already read the first two books in the 
