John Masters, Author at Deep Something

Fury – A Movie Review

February 21, 2015February 20, 2015 B. John 274 Views 0 Comments Action, Brad Pitt, David Ayer, Drama, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena, Shia LaBeouf, War

April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy commands a Sherman tank and his five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Out-numbered, out-gunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. It was worth watching, and much of the action was realistic, but in some cases logic has to be stretched a little.

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Craziness Roundup for the Week of Feb. 20, 2015

February 20, 2015February 20, 2015 B. John 601 Views 0 Comments Alabama, Gene Alday, Glenn Murdock, James Van Huss, Micah, Michael Paulsen, Mississippi, Nom, republican, Robert George, Roy Moore, Roy More, school funding, Tennessee, Welfare, Witherspoon Institute

This week’s crazy has been especially over the top, especially with Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore trying to stand in the courthouse doorway, and more Christians believing that only they can defend God (shhh, apparently he can’t take care of himself).

Featured Politics War

American Sniper – War and Politics

February 16, 2015February 16, 2015 B. John 424 Views 0 Comments American Sniper, Chris Kyle, cowards, Heroes, Iraq, Michael Moore

The recent movie, American Sniper, based on the autobiography of Chris Kyle, has sparked quite a bit of heated discussion. I’ve previously reviewed the movie, but in this post, I’d like to take on some of the politics, praise, and condemnation that’s been the result of the movie.

Culture Movies Politics War

American Sniper-A Movie Review

February 16, 2015 B. John 298 Views 2 Comments Action, Ben Reed, Biography, Bradley Cooper, Clint Eastwood, Cole Konis, Drama, Kyle Gallner

Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle’s pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can’t leave behind. We watched this one in the theater a couple of weekends ago. I’m sorry to just now be getting around to writing my review. Me and Lay both thought this movie was OK. I suspect he liked it a bit more. I had some trouble separating the politics, the biography, and the movie.

Culture Movies

Best Exotic Marigold Hotel-A Movie Review

January 19, 2015 B. John 276 Views 0 Comments Bill Nighy, Celia Imrie, Comedy, Drama, Hugh Dickson, India, Jaipur, James Rawlings, Judi Dench, Liza Tarbuck, Lucy Robinson, Maggie Smith, Patrick Pearson, Paul Bhattacharjee, Penelope Wilton, Ronald Pickup, Tom Wilkinson

Seven elderly Britons, for a variety of reasons, respond to an online ad and travel to Jaipur, India, where they find run-down hotel with a young, exuberant, and optimistic host. Evelyn, newly widowed, wants low-cost experience, Graham seeks a long-ago love, Douglas and Jean have lost their pension in a family investment, Muriel needs cheap hip surgery, Madge seeks a rich husband, and Norman is chasing women. Lay was off Saturday, and I watched this. It was an enjoyable movie.

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As Usual Methodist Episcopacy Missing in Action

January 18, 2015September 29, 2018 B. John 367 Views 0 Comments Benjamin Michael Watson, College of Bishops, Episcopacy, Georgia, James R. King, methodist, Religious Freedoms Bill, UMC

It will come no surprise that members of the Georgia legislature have introduced model legislation similar to that introduced in other legislature where marriage equality has either passed or been instituted by judicial action. This one of those “Religious Freedoms” bills designed to allow “christians” to discriminate against anyone they don’t like…because, you know…who would Jesus hate. In this instance, a group of religious leaders in Georgia have banded together and issued a letter denouncing the bill, and explaining that no one, besides certain Republican members of the legislature has actually asked for the bill. I was heartened to see that a number of United Methodist pastors from Georgia had signed the letter. But as usual, the Methodist Episcopacy was missing in action.

Featured Gay Issues Politics Religion Right Wingnuts Society

Atlanta Fire Chief and Free Speech

January 17, 2015September 29, 2018 B. John 336 Views 2 Comments Anti-Gay, Atlanta, Brian Brown, Fire Chief, FRC, free speech, Josh Duggar, Kelvin Cochran, Nom, Religious Freedom, Tony Perkins

The story is based on a recent action by the City of Atlanta in which they fired Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran for the publication of a religiously themed book, and how it was distributed within the department. The book included some pretty strong anti-gay comments, so of course the main characters in anti-gay, inc. are all grifting on Cochran’s martyrdom. I’d like to offer some reminders to these staunch defenders of “free speech.”

Culture Movies

The Imitation Game – A Movie Review

January 11, 2015January 10, 2015 B. John 301 Views 0 Comments Benedict Cumberbatch, Biography, Drama, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Morten Tyldum, Rory Kinnear, Thriller

During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians. We saw this last weekend, and while there’s a long way to go in 2015, I won’t be surprised if this remains at or near the top of my 2015 list of favorites. Turing opens saying, “…But if you choose to stay, remember that you chose to be here. What happens from this moment forward is not my responsibility. It’s yours. Pay attention.” Do that. Stay in the room, and pay attention.

Culture Movies

Skeleton Twins – A Movie Review

January 10, 2015January 10, 2015 B. John 187 Views 0 Comments Bill Hader, Craig Johnson, Kristen Wiig, Luke Wilson, Ty Burrell

Another movie we watched a few weeks ago from Redbox. I’m catching up. This one we both liked a lot. It was a well told tale. Having both coincidentally cheated death on the same day, estranged twins reunite with the possibility of mending their relationship.

Culture Movies

Birdman – A Movie Review

January 10, 2015January 10, 2015 B. John 227 Views 0 Comments Alejandro González Iñárritu, Comedy, Drama, Emma Stone, Jamahl Garrison-Lowe, Kenny Chin, Michael Keaton

We watched this nearly a month ago, and I’m just getting to writing the review. A washed-up actor who once played an iconic superhero must overcome his ego and family trouble as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim his past glory. It was an interesting movie, but frankly got a bit tiring. The setting, a theater, must have been the largest theater backstage ever.

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Update to Marriage Issue in Pasco County

January 9, 2015September 29, 2018 B. John 521 Views 5 Comments Clerk of Court, florida, Marriage, Pasco, Paula O'Neil

Boy oh boy, did I get a surprise phone call Monday. I live in Tampa, just south of Pasco County, and Monday morning I faxed a letter to Paula O’Neil, Pasco Clerk of Court concerning their discontinuing performing marriage ceremonies in deference to the bigotry of some of her assistant clerks. You can read the letter here.