In the meantime, you can find the occassional bit of work here.  More photos to come, hopefully.  Leave a comment, or buy a print even, and help this vile capitalist thrive!

Before we go though, I need to make a couple of parting shots here and there, and a few things to leave you with as this new year unfolds.  Pidge nailed the reasons for shutting down the Diary in his last post, so I am not going to rehash his reasoning, save to say that yes, I am tired of constantly being behind on schoolwork (half-way done though), and second, with all the writing I need to generate just for work right now, I don't have the time for much in the way of pro bono, unless it's simply me appearing in the comments sections of other blogs (which BTW, I do NOT plan on stopping, you ain't gettin' rid of me THAT easily!)

Some thoughts on blogging as a whole though.

I don't think that Glenn Reynold's Army of Davids has really come to pass yet, and I'm not entirely convinced it ever truly will.  As many great things the blogosphere has done in forcing the media to actually live up to SOME level of fact checking and responsibility, in this day and age when I, as well as many other people think that journalism has done everything possible to return to a late-19th century level of contempt and disdain (and deserves every bit of it too), I also see far too many people just as eager to simply bump the "MSM" off its perch, IOW, "Meet the new boss, same as the old boss."

I'm not interested in bumping off the mainstream media - it's too much like picking on a handicapped kid these days ;) - it ain't worth it.

Neither Pidge, Antitool, nor I ever claimed to be journalists.  Not my bag.  I don't to insult people's intelligence by pretending to be objective or non-biased, when it's perfectly clear that I am NOT, and have no interest in doing so.  Reporting?  Not doing that...not for free anyway.  Opinion is opinion, period, and pretty much everything that passes for the "news" today, is opinion - poorly formed and weakly-based usually at that.

By the same token, all three of us write, a LOT.  We've all been published, and in the course of our ongoing academic and professional lives, are likely to have even more published in the next couple years.  On top of that, Pidge and I harbor some dreams of doing some writing for ourselves, maybe even getting paid for it eventually!  That being said, the second the blog became another job, we all kind of lost our drive for it.  There's a big difference between doing something for fun, and doing something because you're earning a living from it.  A big difference.

In the end though, I'm very proud of what we've done here (though Lord knows, I need a friggin' copy editor, especially as this post by Right Wing Prof incidentally highlights - heehee).  Some posts were definitely much more sucessful than others. 

I'm hoping we'll be back on one project or another - we'll let you know ;)

See you around...wherever I may roam.

It's not an easy decision, nor one made in a rash fit of madness.  It's taken me several months to come to my conclusion, and figure it only fair to share with you why I've decided to close shop:

1.  The primary reason is I simply do not have the time to maintain the Diary anymore.  Air Command and Staff College takes up most of my weeknights (and will for at least another year), and it won't get any better when I start my PhD next fall.  Frankly, I think my writing quality has dropped significantly these past few months as I've juggled work, school and family responsibilities.

2.  I've made no secret in the past I wanted to vastly increase my readership; but I've realized that, if I can barely keep up now how in the world can I deal with a bigger site?  I mean, I barely respond to comments as it is, as I never even have the time to maintain correspondence with readers.  So I'm in the Catch-22 of wanting more but not being able to deliver.

3. Furthermore, there are certain goals in life I want to achieve and to define who I am.  That said, my personality's definitely in the blog but I've slowly and grudgingly realized the Diary is not one of my goals:  it's a time-intensive hobby that's siphoning away the means to reach my goals.  I just can't continue to poor myself into the blog while neglecting other dreams that far predate the Diary (indeed, MOGS knows in great detail what one of those dreams is). 

4. The blog has become too much like work, especially since I draw off of employment experiences to write it.  Thus it's become increasingly difficult to separate work and home life, something my family's also noticed.

5. The final decision came Sunday, after I painted my first picture in almost 20 years ( a pastel, to be exact).  As discussed in my "Wizard" series of posts (Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V), I desperately want--need--artistic pursuits back in my life.  It felt good to find that part of me again, even though my lines were crooked and mixtures were poor. 

I've written for Diary of the Mad Pigeon for almost four years, and I know some of you have been with me that long.  That is what hurts the most: turning relationships I've developed over 3+ years into just another "Page Not Found" error.  I'm also closing the door on two fantastic fellow authors--MOGS and Antitool--which makes this decision even tougher.  

It's been a heckuva run and I have no regrets, and I'll miss all of you, but I must move on. 

So it ends.  But if I could leave you with one last bit of wisdom: 

Don't just get mad--get pigeoned!

Respectfully,

Captain Mad Pigeon, US Air Force
Specialist - Sergeant, US Army 1994-1999

Analysis: Bush's personality shapes his legacy

-

I am a cadet and a good friend of two of your students.  I also had you as a sub in Geopolitics back in the day and remembered you mentioning that you had a blog, either that or a student told me about it.  Either way I read it from time to time when I'm not wanting to stab myself in the eye from all the homework I have.

Anywho,  I was wondering what your take is on the extra-Constitutional maneuvering that is going on to get Sen. Clinton to be SecState.  I came across this today and just see this as another nail in the coffin of the Constitution: http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/12/19/bush-signs-off-on-clinton-pay-cut/ I think you would offer a good perspective on this and thought it might be something to put on your blog. 

I just love how they're subverting the Constitution to get her into that office.  Art I, section 6 clearly states that she is not eligible to become SecState and nowhere in that section does it say to make someone eligible that you can go back and change the pay.  Since the Constitution does not give the government that power I believe she's screwed and that what they've all done is illegal.  Hopefully someone takes this to the Supreme Court and they do something to protect the integrity of our founding document. 

I may be a conservative, but I also believe in respecting the Constitution so I would be condemning these actions even if a Republican administration was doing the same thing.  Just wondering what your take on all this is.

Respectfully,

A Pidge reader

Entitled "a late note" since I received the above email on 19 Dec.  Been a lazy holiday...

But I digress... here's an excerpt from the article: "Congress voted in 2007 to raise the secretary of state’s salary by $4700. That move meant Clinton’s nomination was in conflict with Article I, section 6 of the Constitution, which prohibits members of Congress from raising the salary for a government job, then leaving the Capitol to fill the position themselves."

I also recommend reading a sample of the comments.

My take?  This is both an issue and a non-issue.

First, I can understand the ire. The Constitution protects the citizens against public officials aggrandizing themselves from public coffers (although we could argue how effective the protection really is).  In addition to Art I, Sec 6 there's also the 27th Amendment:

"No law, varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an election of representatives shall have intervened."

In other words, if Senators or Congressmen gives themselves a huge pay raise, we can through 'em out before they reap the benefits.  This Amendment was originally proposed in 1789, but not actually ratified until 1992!

But ultimately the problem worked out:  Clinton took the position with a pay cut, which renders the whole conflict a moot point.  Indeed, I think the situation was handled correctly to protect the integrity of the document.  Sure, the Constitution doesn't mention pay cuts, but it's sublime beauty is in how little it actually mentions.

Democracy is safe for another day.  So spaketh the Pigeon.

Will be back on Thursday!

Someone pass me the rum and birdseed...

Subject: Operation Order 12-14-08

REF: Official Visit of LTG Claus.

1. An official staff visit by LTG Claus is expected at your house on 25 Dec. The following directives govern activities of all young soldiers, during the visit.

a. Not a creature will stir without permission. This includes Warrant Officers. Soldiers may obtain special stirring permits for necessary administrative action through the Battalion S-1.  Officer stirring permits must be obtained through the Deputy Post Plans and Policy Office.

b. All personnel will settle their brains for a long winter nap NLT 2200 hours 24 December.   Uniform for the nap will be: Pajamas, Cotton, Light Weight, General Purpose, OG, and Cap, Utility woodland pattern, with ear flaps in the extended position. Equipment will be drawn from the supply room prior to 2130. While at supply, all personnel will review their personal hand receipts and sign a Cash Collection Voucher, DD Form 1131, for all missing items. Remember, this is the "season of giving."

c. Personnel will utilize standard "MRE" ration sugar plums for visions to dance through their heads. Sugar plums are available in "MRE" ration sundry packs and should be eaten with egg loaf, chopped ham, and spice cake to ensure maximum visions are experienced.

d. Stockings, Wool, Cushion Sole, will be hung by the chimneys with care. Necessary safety precautions will be taken to avoid fires caused by carelessly hung stockings. 1SGs will submit stocking handling plans to S-3/Training prior to 0800, 24 Dec. All squad leaders will ensure their subordinate personnel are briefed on the safety aspects of stocking hanging.

e. At first sign of clatter, all personnel will spring from their beds to investigate and evaluate the cause. Immediate action will be taken to tear open the shutters and throw up window sashes.  On order OPLAN 7-98 (North Pole), para 6-8 (c)(3), dated 4 March, this office, takes effect to facilitate shutter tearing and sash throwing. NCOs will be familiar with procedures and are responsible for seeing that no shutters are torn or sashes thrown prior to official commencement of clatter.

f. Prior to 0001, date of visit, all personnel possessing Standard Target Acquisition and Night Observation (STANO) equipment will be assigned "wandering eyeball" stations. The Company Master Gunner will ensure that these stations are adequately manned even after shutters are torn and sashes are thrown.

g. The Battalion S-4, in coordination with the National Security Agency and the Motor Pool will assign one each Sleigh, Miniature, M-24, with eight reindeer, tiny, flying, for use by LTG Claus. The assigned driver must have a current sleigh operator's license with roof top permit and evidence of attendance at the winter driving class stamped on a current DA Form 348. Driver must also be able to clearly shout "On Donner, On Dancer, etc...."

2. LTG Claus will initially enter your quarters through the chimney. All houses without chimneys will draw Chimney Simulator, M6A2 for use during the visit. Chimney simulators must be requested on DA Form 2765-1 which must be submitted in four copies to the S-4 prior to 23 Dec. Personnel will ensure that chimneys simulators are properly cleaned before turn-in at the conclusion of visit.

3. All NCOs will be rehearsed in the shouting of "Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" or "Merry Christmas To All and To All a Good Night." This shout will be given upon termination of the visit. Uniformity of shouting is the responsibility of each 1SG.

Acknowledge

Classification:
UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE
Classification:  UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats:

Merry Christmas to all from Diary of the Mad Pigeon!

Maj (sel) Mad Pigeon, USAF
Spc-Sgt, USA 1994-1999

-------------------------------------------------------

F*cker even looks a bit like Tatooine now doesn't it?  I always knew Albuquerque was a "wretched hive of scum and villainy" ;)

"How about a remake of Ghostbusters that isn't comedy at all, but full-blown horror or at least seriously done suspense?"

That's not Ghostbusters. That's another movie. Now, if you want to make a sequel that more serious, maybe set it in the same "universe" as Ghostbusters, or have the original crew be somewhat tangental to the story, I could see doing that, but Ghostbuster had its moments, but turning it into one of today's cheesy horror flicks would ruin it. More suspense, and little more serious? Sure, why not... But if you're going to change it so radically, why not just do your own thing then, why tie it to Ghostbusters at all, marketing advantage aside?

For those of you missing the context - look here please.

Yes, I am taking a fanboyish approach to this one I guess, no offense intended Winter, but when it comes to beloved '80s flicks, I say make all the sequels you want, good or bad, but be smart and leave the classics alone! :p

Charles Krauthammer on Town Hall:  Don't get me wrong. I have nothing against Caroline Kennedy. She seems a fine person. She certainly has led the life of a worthy socialite helping all the right causes. But when the mayor of New York endorses her candidacy by offering, among other reasons, that "her uncle has been one of the best senators that we have had in an awful long time," we've reached the point of embarrassment. CONTINUED

-

But one UK retailer is providing a wrapping service so shoddy the recipient will be left in no doubt her partner did it.  Firebox.com is paying 20 of its male forklift truck drivers and warehouse assistants to wrap presents as quickly as possible, using ugly brown duct tape and very little care.  CONTINUED

Hah!  A business after my own heart...

You see, I hate wrapping gifts.  From an economic standpoint all you're doing is buying paper for someone else to savagely rip apart; and... well, I simply can't wrap.  I end up turning myself into a pile of tape, glue and ribbon, and the gift ends up looking like a bad Christo and Jeanne-Claude exhibit (and I think everything they do is bad, so we're talking double-dog bad here). 

It's almost a moot point, though, given I do all my holiday shopping online and gift wrapping is usually an option  (serious practitioners of the roosting arts such as myself don't do "Black Friday").  But paying $4 to $5 for wrapping per item on Amazon is even less cost effective than doing my own shoddy work.

Thus I see two takeaways here:

1.  I should start my own bad wrapping business, or...
2.  I should revel in the sublimeness of my poor wrapping skillz (yes, with a "z"; like Napoleon Dynamite with a bo staff).

What can I say?  Ho ho ho!

In all fairness, I haven't seen The Day the Earth Stood Still yet - I remember watching the original with my dad when I was a kid, so I really don't feel any driving need to.  Old-school Gort creeped me out as it is, in what was actually a pretty understated and ambiguous sci-fi morality play.  The aliens show up on our doorstep and tell us to cool it with the whole nuclear weapons thing, or they'll take matters into their own hands ("I for one welcome our new intergalactic overlords")  The end.  If you wanted to, you could spend days talking about the right and wrong surrounding it, but there was ample evidence of man's fallibility throughout the film.  Like most remakes in this day and age, the new one, with ever-ready stone faced messiah Keanu Reeves in tow, seems content to beat us over the head with just how awful we humans really are.  I, for one, am kinda sick of it to tell you the truth.  I don't think I need another bad sci-fi film to remind me of that - it's gotten old.

That being said, when is it okay to film a remake?  Like Ace, I think bad movies are always fair game, or great ideas with poor execution, or adaptations of books or other media that just quite weren't done right or could stand another go-around.  Actually, books, plays, TV shows, whatever are always fair game I think, because that's not really a remake as another adaptation.  Remaking great films though is usually a loser's game, unless it's one of those rare re-imagining things that takes one different aspect of the original and run with it.  Obscure it always fair game too, and if enough time has past - I would say 40 years is fair - anything less than that...well too many people are going to still be familiar with the original.

Of course, if you're going to do that, why just not write and film something original in the first place then? (No fanfiction arguments, please for the love of god let's just NOT go there right now).

That being said, looking at the LA Times article, well Day the Earth Stood Still is fair game because it's old, but the original one hardly needed updating - I think it still works today.

Robocop - oh come on, the damn thing is barely 20 years old.  And, like anyone who's ever seen the unrated version knows, what the hell else could you POSSIBLY show that wasn't exploited the first time around without making this an entirely different movie?  Even then, the scary thing about this movie today is how close Detroit seems to match the urban decay depicted here.  You want to remake a not-too-old oddly satirical sci-fi?  How about Demolition Man?  What's REALLY sad in my book is how much that movie seems to be coming true - of all the movies to be prescient about the future...blonde afro Wesley Snipes and Judge Rocky...just great.  Denis Leary speech aside.  Oh sorry, Robocop - yeah, leave it alone.  That or maybe do that awesome Robocop Versus Terminator miniseries Frank Miller wrote back in the day instead...(note: outside of that story, Frank Miller's track record with Robocop is not exactly inspiring).

Terminator - I hope they're refering to the upcoming sequel with Bat-Bale, not an actual remake.  FAIL.

When Worlds Collide - umm, could be a great big disaster movie I guess, screams Michael Bay.  Remember when I said that remaking crappy old movies was okay?  Well, yeah, but not when it seems like the only outcome is a crappy new version of a crappy old movie.

Another Ghostbusters?  I don't know - Star Wars and Indiana Jones have kind of showed what happens when too much time passes in between installments.  Go animated with this one.  If you were a kid in the '80s, then you know we already got our sequels.

Logan's Run - Umm, I think anything would be an improvement, come to think of it.  Except you kind of can't improve on Jenny Augutter  :)

Flash (ah-ah) Gordon - ... I got nothin'.

Creature from the Black Lagoon - again, why?

Westworld - this could work actually...curious to see what they do...

Frankenstein - doable again, if only because of the many films featuring this Shelley-based tale, well most of them have been pretty bad.

Fahrenheit 451 - do it.  I didn't think the original film version was all that hot, all things considered.

Forbidden Planet - I don't know.  I wouldn't be in a rush to redo this one, that's for sure.  I don't think they can do much good with this, Robby the Robot aside, this proto-Star Trek was pretty flawless...

The Illustrated Man - I didn't know there was an earlier movie version, and I've never read the book, nor can I recall anyone who actually has...  IOW, perfect :)

Dune - third time's the charm I guess.  I propose an alternate title: "No, We Couldn't Finish the Book Either"

--------

In some other views though:  it's funny actually, how many times Night of the Living Dead has been remade (5 that I can think of, including indie film remakes, six if you count the stage version.  No, I am not kidding, stage version!) I can get remaking this one  - NOTLD pretty much WAS an indie movie to start with, and all things considered would make a great film class project.  It's not terribly complicated, the speaking parts are pretty basic ("ugghhhh, mooannnnn," etc) the extras really don't have to do much in the way of acting, and everybody important dies.  Like a Russian play.  With, you know, zombies.

The Dawn of the Dead remake - they were smart enough to make it different enough from the original, in that everyone had 28 Days Later on their mind, as opposed to the original film - which given that it was also pretty indie and low budget, gets a bye with the "obscure" caveat.  Not _that_ many people have seen the original, though you wouldn't know it from the internet...

Movies I would remake though come to think of it - John Carpenter's version of The Thing - actually, I wouldn't remake it, but I sure as hell would do a sequel.  I like the idea of a miniseries as a sequel.  This one had to be the most paranoid film I have ever seen.  Still freaks me the hell out all these years later.

The Last Starfighter and Goonies - hell, I've always thought these two practically screamed for a sequel.

Night of the Comet too...

Oh yeah, and how about Star Wars Episodes I-III, what's up with them? ;)