or Powell's or me• • •
"Mike and Jon, Jon and Mike—I've known them both for years, and, clearly, one of them is very funny. As for the other: truly one of the great hangers-on of our time."—Steve Bodow, head writer, The Daily Show
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"Who can really judge what's funny? If humor is a subjective medium, then can there be something that is really and truly hilarious? Me. This book."—Daniel Handler, author, Adverbs, and personal representative of Lemony Snicket
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"The good news: I thought Our Kampf was consistently hilarious. The bad news: I’m the guy who wrote Monkeybone."—Sam Hamm, screenwriter, Batman, Batman Returns, and Homecoming
November 22, 2005
This Divided State
I was going to express my opinion about This Divided State, a documentary about a huge brouhaha at a Utah college when they invited Michael Moore to come speak. But then I thought I should watch it first. I'm just old fashioned that way.
So, at the moment all I can say is the DVD packaging makes it look extremely promising as it sits on my desk.
In the meantime, I suggest you check out the first 26 minutes, which the filmmakers have graciously made available on their website FOR ONE WEEK ONLY.
There's no reason that had to be in all caps. I JUST LIKE TO YELL.
must be a yale thing? (yelling)
Posted by: Jesus B. Ochoa at November 22, 2005 11:14 AMno, no, wanting to ruin what's best about america is a yale thing. my guess is that the yelling thing has to do with how jon's head is always in danger of exploding, or maybe comedy.
Posted by: Aaron at November 22, 2005 04:35 PMThanks for letting us know about "This Divided State" and the free 26 minutes on their site. I am a born and raised Utahn, and the portions of "this divided state" that I saw I know are exactly what conservatives in utah who use their membership in the LDS faith to further political agendas need to see. The pressure is constant - vote this way, be against this - because that's how all mormons feel. Personally, I know many mormons who do not feel this way... but there are way too many who do.
Posted by: Ryan Smith at November 23, 2005 02:10 AMIn Hal Hartley's short film "The Book of Life," where Jesus Christ (clean shaven, wearing a suit) comes back at the turn of the century to supposedly End Time, one of His handlers says that the Mormons have arrived to speak with Him.
"Who are the Mormons?" Jesus replies.
Posted by: Dennis Perrin at November 23, 2005 09:16 AMAmen. Can you imagine Christ facing down American fundamentalists? It would put Dostoyevsky to shame.
"Pat Who?"
Posted by: Sully at November 23, 2005 10:13 AMPardon me for being Canadian.
Did Moore actually speak at Oren?
Did anything happen?
Is there any follow up available on the web? (I couldn't find one in half an hour of looking)
Seems to me, the best definition for tempest in a teacup is whether any actual effect was noted.
Posted by: Alexis S at November 23, 2005 11:28 AMAlexis, isn't "Pardon me for being Canadian" the national motto? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's on all the money.
Posted by: Mike at November 23, 2005 12:24 PMYou're damn right it's on our money.
We're doing all right here in Canada, perhaps because our motto is not, "Fuck you, I'm American." It doesn't hurt to have a little humility.
Answer the question, please.
Posted by: at November 24, 2005 09:00 AMYes, that was me.
Sorry for forgetting my name.
Posted by: alexis S at November 24, 2005 09:01 AMI could only stand to see a few min of the preview. Seemed very done over and over done; I trust Jon will tell us if there's some deeper substance to it.
Do you think the "conservative" Mormons will ever get the idea that they have a thing or two in common with the Islamists? If this is dealt with in the film, I'm happy to look foolish for the greater good.
