The Masked Blogger returns in all his glory

Is He the Messiah?

The term ‘Messiah’ is associated with kingship and deliverance from oppression. The idea is based upon the Old Testament. Most identify this in connection with Jesus Christ. Jesus came at a time of war, poverty, moral decay, and a general distrust for government. Does this sound familiar?

Barack Obama is now the President of the United States. Like Jesus, he emerges on to the scene during less the favorable circumstances. In fact, you have to question why he would want the job at this point in time.

A few weeks ago, Rush Limbaugh stated that he wants to see this administration fail. No, I don’t think that Limbaugh is a terrorist, but I do believe this was a poor choice of words. As American citizens, we are compelled to want the President to be successful. There are many who share the responsibility for the current problems in the United States. However, the troubling issues in America did not happen overnight and so they will not be fixed rapidly either and certainly not by the effort of one.

In the end, Barack Obama may end up being a great President. But the idea that he is some kind of a Messiah that will individually save America from its pitfalls is laughable at best.

McDonalds - What a joke.

Nigel Haskett, 22, of Little Rock worked at a local McDonald's on Rodney Parham Road. Months back, the minimum wage employee noticed that Perry Kennon was beating a woman inside the restaurant. Mr. Haskett stepped in to help the lady and the assailant fled. Mr. Haskett noticed that the assailant was going to his car only to return with a fire arm. Mr. Haskett then blocked the door to protect the woman and the rest of the public inside. Mr. Kennon then shot Mr. Haskett multiple times. Nigel has now undergone 3 abdonminal surgeries and his medical bills exceed $300,000.

And guess what...McDonalds doesn't want to give him a dime...yep. No work comp, nothing. You should be ashamed.


http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=bc6732a3-93b2-41e3-a106-076ceda31298

The Masked Blogger's Top Ten Movies of All Time

The Top Ten Movies of All Time

If you are a movie buff as am I, you might find the American Film Institute's 10 Top 10 of all time interesting. The lists can be found at http://www.afi.com/10top10/. Not to be outdone, I have compiled my own Top 10 movies of all time. My criteria is based on the following: 1) The list must cover a wide range of genres, 2) I must be willing to watch the movie numerous times, 3) The movie must forever stick in my brain.

10. Grease (Musical)- If you are male and grew up in the 80's, you loved Olivia Newton-John.

9. Hoosiers (Sports)- Redemption, second chances, and basketball.

8. Rounders (Drama)- Was popular before hold'em.

7. The Silence of the Lambs (Horror)- Who's better than Hannibal?

6. The Usual Suspects (Drama/Suspense)- Made Keyser Soze a household name.

5. As Good As It Gets (Comedy/Drama)- 1997's best film, actor, and actress.

4. Caddyshack (Comedy)- "Gunga galunga"

3. Star Wars (Science Fiction)- Made me stop saying, "I hate Sci-Fi"!

2. Godfather (Crime Drama)- Changed the way we view family.

1. The Shawshank Redemption (Drama)- I could listen to Morgan Freeman narrate anything.

Book Sequel?

If you didn't know, I wrote a book. GM reported today if business didn't get any better OR if the Saturn brand was not bought by another entity, they will end the Saturn brand by January 2011. That's the best news I've heard today. Saab and Hummer will also be joining the fold.

Have you heard today that GM is asking for MORE bailout money! What a bunch of jerks.

Point/Counterpoint with The Masked Blogger

The Masked Blogger Point: Sympathy For A-Rod

In 1968, the Rolling Stones recorded Sympathy For the Devil. The Devil has fame, fortune, power, influence, and a host of followers. On the other hand, so does Alex Rodriguez, except for the followers.

This week, A-Rod did the unthinkable. He admitted to taking steroids without being under oath. Rodriguez is one of many baseball players that have been suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs. The Yankees will pay A-Rod 300 million dollars over the next ten years. He is good-looking, articulate, rich, and one of the best baseball players the game has ever seen. Yet, I find myself having sympathy for him. He seems to have everything except people’s respect. Fans, teammates, the Media, and everyone else love to pile on him. Even in New York, where baseball is king, people are Jeter and Rivera fans, but not A-Rod.

A-Rod is one pro athlete that just can’t catch a break in the court of public opinion. No matter what he does, people do not receive it well. Even when admitting to doing the wrong thing, he receives no grace. Look, I know he has his faults and some have been well publicized. For example, when he was still married it was widely known that his stripper girlfriend accompanied him on the Yankees road trips. Do we really think that he is the only married athlete to make this choice? Say what you want about him, but at least he’s smart enough not to end up in jail for perjury.

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I could be wrong...
Counterpoint: How can anyone be a baseball fan these days?

I have always liked the game of baseball. I have enjoyed playing the game and have somewhat enjoyed watching the game. And in the same breath, I'll admit the game can get slow and boring at times. However, there is nothing better and more relaxing than taking in a minor league game in early spring. I will continue to support my local minor league team and support my health.

However, I will not watch a Major League Baseball game from this point forward. I'm sick of these guys. The reasons to "NOT" watch/support these guys now out weigh the reasons why we should and that is sad for the game of baseball - i.e., sky rocketing ticket prices, no team loyalty, steroids, lack of integrity, league lacks proper leadership, out of control egos, etc.

I have no sympathy for anyone that takes steroids to disgrace the game of baseball or any sport for that matter. These exact athletes have made a mockery of the game and for that I have no respect. These athletes need to realize this sport is bigger than the Yankees or even MLB. This is America's game. I guess it's only fitting that America's pastime is now a little more corrupt. I understand that A-Rod took the high road and apologized, however, that does not exempt him from paying the consequences for his actions. Unfortunately in this situation, the only consequences that he will endure will be a few boos. Boo hoo for A-Rod. Just wipe your nose with your money, A-Rod, while I explain to my daughter what "steroids" mean.

Should we send him a "Thinking of You" card...Masked Blogger? He did say he was sorry...?!!? Oh by the way, the guy that robbed the bank last week said he was sorry too. Get off his back!!

A-Rod, you do not have my sympathy.

The Grammys Lowdown: Highs and Lows

I generally try to catch the Grammys. They tend to still have some credible people on there from time to time. However, you are always going to have that collaboration song with X-Bixcuit and Twinkle Tows with Elton John that's just really terrible. Yeah, what's with all the collaborations? Yeah, Coldplay's frontman, Chris Martin, started playing a pretty tune on a pretty piano and then suddenly Jay-Z jumped up started rappin' about "sumpin'"...? Ruined it for me. Well, at least it wasn't the racially charged "my president is black" crap.

But anyway, getting back to my general thesis statement, the Grammys tend to be credible.

Highs:
Al Green/Justin Timberlake/Keith Urban
Paul McCartney/Dave Grohl
Robert Plant/Alison Krauss winning Album of the Year

Lows:
Everything else

RIP Tom Brumley 1936-2009

Tom Brumley played pedal steel guitar for one of the coolest bands of all-time.

The Masked Blogger - Critic's Corner

Movie Review: Frost/Nixon

A few weeks ago I went to the movies to see Frost/Nixon. The movie is a true story based upon a series of interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon. Frost is an energetic Englishman who hosts an Australian talk show and lives the life of a playboy. Nixon had just recently resigned his position as President due to the Watergate scandal. He agrees to be interviewed by Frost in an effort to get paid and the opportunity to return to the limelight. Along with this big picture there are additional interesting subplots.

This movie is nothing short of outstanding. It is extremely intriguing and flows as well as any movie from recent memory. For those that are not history buffs, this movie is still compelling due to its easy to follow presentation of Watergate. In addition, the movie is extremely well acted. Frank Langella’s portrayal of the President is Oscar worthy and Ron Howard is truly one of the great Directors of our time.

Frost/Nixon has been nominated for best picture. I have serious doubt that it will win due to its lack of weirdness. However, this is a movie that you can feel good about spending your hard earned money to see even in an economic crisis.

Overall: A-