Writings of Ryu

A very cool exposition on "Inception." I thought this film was another great Nolan film that didn't get enough credit (check out “Memento”). When I was watching it I didn't fully understand it. But I knew such a great story was hinting at something more than just a thriller that takes place in dreams. I'm glad such a film was finally made. Watch this whole lecture through.

Spoiler: The whole movie is a dream. Once you see behind the red herring of whether the top actually fell or not, the movie becomes straight-forward, it also becomes a better movie. Short answer, Cobb's totem is backward and he's an extremely unreliable narrator. The whole film takes place in Cobb's head.

Hence all the "real world" characters being one-dimensional (they’re simply figments of his imagination or expressions of his personality, like the Freudian superego, id, and ego). The physically impossible feats that sometimes occur in Cobb's "real world" (i.e. the maze like world of Mombasa with the “mobs” (shorthand for “mobiles" in Minecraft and other games) or dream projections that seem to “spawn” from nowhere, just like in a videogame) are indications that there is no real world in Cobb's world.

Similar to "Shutter Island," Leonardo DiCaprio once again plays a psychologically compromised protagonist with an even more psychologically compromised wife. In both movies, DiCaprio's protagonist places both wives on a pedestal until both husband and wive's psychological traumas are revealed to be too much to ignore. As far as mythological references go, in "Shutter Island," the wife functions as a sympathetic Medea, to the protagonist's flawed Jason.

In "Inception," Cobb's wife Mia functions as Orpheus's wife, leading her husband into the underworld of the many levels of dreams. The imagery of Mia residing in the basement of the structure of the dream, at the last layer the "elevator" can reach, is telling. Eventually, like Orpheus, Cobb must flee her embraces in the "basement" of his dream and never look back.

Better yet, the tension between whether Cobb, a fictional character, is in a dream raises metaphorical and metaphysical questions that we in the real world may be uncomfortable to answer or even consider. The "real world" implications are immense and fun to ponder.

How much of the real world is actually real? Are reality and dreams more connected and more similar than we think? If the "real world" is just a level in a multi-layered dream, a "dream within a dream" so to speak, when we die, do we, like the characters in the film, just go "one level up?" Are we reincarnating our way through each level of the dream, much like reincarnating as a different being in Buddhist and Hindu religious frameworks?

Are we living in what Buddhists call "samsara," an endless cycle of reincarnation, constantly moving through the levels of our "dream" of reality? Maybe there is no final layer, no "real world" and there is no way to wake up from this "dream."

Do we take a “leap of faith” when we believe this world is real and not a dream? If the world is a dream, who dreams it? Are we in God's dream or even another mortal's? When we sleep and dream are we literally dreaming a dream within a dream within the dream of reality - i.e. "inception?

If the whole world is a dream did God dream us into being as opposed to just speaking us into being (like gods in pagan myths of old)? Are we his dream? Do we too dream worlds into being?

Can we somehow break out of God’s dream and dream our own world, our own particular reality and dream our own reality, thereby becoming gods according to this definition? Or is his dream our reality and impossible to break out of - through enlightenment or otherwise? A mortal reality or an immortal's dream?

How do we prove we’re not dreaming, if we can never know if we are dreaming? One could simply decide to not care whether one is dreaming or not and accept the dream as reality, much like the cave-dwellers in Plato’s “Republic”. Or one could be distracted from the fact that they are living in a dream or living a lie and simply continue to believe their reality is truly authentic.

One could also take a “leap of faith” either way and decide regardless of evidence, to believe that one is dreaming or not dreaming. Or one could embark on a quest to find proof and determine whether or not one is or isn’t in a dream. Except that even if there is a way to find proof that the world was a dream it would be difficult to bring this proof (some object or token from the reality outside reality) back.

Obtaining proof would entail leaving the dream i.e. leaving reality and somehow returning. In addition obtaining proof would entail knowing some for part of another reality could even be brought back to our, precluding the rationale behind any such journey because if we knew an artifact of another reality could be brought back or even if that such an artifact existed we would know another reality existed outside our own.

From this one could conclude from natural phenomenon that if you leave the dream (of life) you cannot return and/or are lost. Therefore you would be considered dead by those living in the dream world, hence proving to those still living in the dream world that the dream world – your reality – is reality and the only one at that.

To prove this world is a dream would entail someone being resurrected, coming back from the dead - i.e. returning from outside reality - and informing us that there is another reality outside of our existence. To date this has only happened in religious or supernatural accounts or fiction.

Hence it once again comes down to what you believe – “a leap of faith.” If you do believe it is possible to return from the dead or from outside our reality – the mortal plane – than it is possible to believe there are many other realities besides this one or that this reality is a fake one – i.e. “but a dream.” If you do not, then this life is reality, the only reality.

"Inception" raises as many as or perhaps even more philosophical interesting questions than "The Matrix." The film is a goldmine of abstract postulation; even if it is all theoretical, it makes for a good speculation.

- Ryu

My movie reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Shutter Island review.

A Vision for the Internet - Memes, Irony, Disembodiment, Religion and Authenticity

Minecraft - On the Frontier of Today's Gaming Experience
Tumblr article on the same subject.

Other articles from this lecturer on “Inception”

Inception and Philosophy - Life is but a dream

"One cannot be certain that one is not dreaming; in fact, it seems that one cannot even know. But I think the more interesting problem is this: how should we deal with this uncertainty? The fact that you can't know that you are not dreaming-that the world around you may not be real-creates a certain kind of angst. Perhaps you feel it right now. How should you deal with that angst?"

Inception and Philosophy - It was all just a dream

Inception and Philosophy - Taking a Leap of Faith

"What's my point? I don't think people actually believe that faith is a virtue. Belief in the teapot would require faith-belief without evidence-but no one would think it is virtuous. The virtue of faith is often touted in religious circles, but usually people don't think that it's virtuous to believe the tenets of other religions by faith-only one's own. What's virtuous is "believing the right thing."

So, when people say that faith is a virtue, they really don't think that it's the "belief without evidence" part that is virtuous. They just think that believing the right thing is virtuous. I would agree. Of course, the trouble is figuring out what the right thing is."

Inception and Philosophy - Did the spinning top fall?

Inception wins Plato's Academy Award

In Response to "Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus"

What do you think? Post Comments Below!

"Religion" comes from the Latin word "religere" which means "to bind back." Jesus on the other hand said he came to set men free. As Girard wrote, Jesus exposed the scandal, the sausage factory of organized religion. He pointed out that religion, although often equated with righteousness, is not the way to God. This is the key Truth, Jesus sought to bring, the precious Gift he tried to give.

But his generation did not want to accept that message. The religious people of his time put him to death for it. And after his death, the religious people who followed him built up a whole new religion around him, to bind, chain and enslave the minds of many more in the years to come.

I understood this a long time ago - Jesus is revolutionary, he is the way, the truth and the life. But the structure of religion we have built around him has blinded us from seeing him, held us back from reaching him and hidden him away from us. I just never found a better way to articulate those thoughts than the way I've seen them articulated in this video. Girard came close, but his explanation was too wrapped up in academic terms. Finally here is a message any layperson can understand.

I'm so glad other people out there finally get it. We need to throw off these chains and rub the scales from our eyes because for all the self-righteousness of religion, it is keeping us from true righteousness. Jesus said "the blind follow the blind and they both fall into the ditch" (Luke 6:39). Those who claim to be the followers of Christ have been promoting the religion of Christianity for centuries. But the true followers of Christ have only followed the teachings of Christ and let what Jesus did guide their lives. Let us not be the generation that turned away Jesus. Let us finally truly break free and be as free as Jesus intended us to be.

I came from a religious family and I've always felt very spiritual. I've always believed in God. But I never felt comfortable with the institution of church, not because it felt inherently bad but because theoretically it felt like a sham, a sort of hypocrisy, a man-made creation posing as a divine one. The inherent falseness of the idea was abhorrent to me. This wasn't true faith. This wasn't being a true follower of Jesus. This was all an act, a show put on for other men, for the sake of people's reputations, not God.

I struggled for years to understand how I could call myself faithful, pray, and read the Bible several times through and yet still not be considered a "true Christian" unless I went to church. The battle to understand myself and have my beliefs understood by others who were close to me was a spiritual struggle that defined my teen years.

Did I really not believe in God? Was I an atheist? Was I no longer a Christian? Did God not exist? I took it on myself to learn and understand all the permutations of doubt and faith as I could. I wondered for a while if I was an atheist. But I knew I could not be one - I still prayed, I still believed in God, felt a spiritual connection to something higher than the mortal plane. What then was holding me back? What did I not understand?

Now I finally understand. Not going to church and believing in Christ are not inherently contradictory. Going to church does not make one a Christian and there are true Christians outside the church. I am a true follower of Christ. I can now embrace that fully with no reservation. I am not somehow any less a Christian because I refuse to fit myself into a flawed man-made institution which has hurt and held back so many people over the centuries.

In fact, setting people free from the man-made institutions that kept people from God, truth and true righteousness was the true message, the true Gospel Jesus set out to spread. His followers botched that mission and created another monolithic religion, tarnishing his memory and soiling his reputation with the very institution he fought against. Yet the mission of Christ still stands and the true followers of Christ will heed his call.

-Ryu

2012 Richards Family New Year's Mix

What do you think? Post Comments Below!

Another New Year's mix featuring Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, Brittney Spears, Skrillex, Duck Sauce, Dev, Swedish House Mafia, Tinie Tempah, Avicii, Steve Aoki and more. Photo and Mix © 2011 Sora Ryu.

- Ryu

Income Inequality - The Death Knell of World Powers?

What do you think? Post Comments Below!

"Is income inequality becoming the new global warming?" Inconvenient Income Inequality - NYTimes.com

"If denial is a river, it runs through doomed societies."

*Cough* Egypt *Cough* Rome. Greater income inequality is the death knell of advanced civilizations. The rich become more decadent and complacent believing everything should just come to them (tax breaks etc.) instead of continuing to champion hard work while the poor remain oppressed and uneducated, easily entertained and placated by problematic "bread and circuses" (Glee, football, the Kardashians).

The United States inherited the empire of the Britons and the Romans before them (English, the language itself speaks to its great linguistic debt to Latin). But will American citizens suffer the same plight as the Romans?

A long time ago, to be a citizen of Rome meant something - just ask St. Paul. Once the sun never set on the British empire. To be an American citizen means something today. However, we cannot let the sun go down on America. We must reverse this trend of decline so that we can insure our children enjoy the American Century our parents once did.

Read more: Writings of Ryu: Dalio's "Typical Cycle" and the Rise and Fall of Nations:

Last Night's Final GOP Debate Before the Iowa Caucus

What do you think? Post Comments Below!

The candidates at the Fox Debate in Iowa last night.

Everyone except Bachmann refused to attack Newt so as not to leave a bad taste in Iowan voters' mouths.

But Bachmann wasn't buying the kumbaya/attack Obama theme last night. She bravely and successfully took on Newt on abortion and $1.6 M influence peddling at Freddie Mac despite Newt trying desperately to attack her credibility.

She succeeded. According to the polls Newt is no longer the heir apparent. The field remains the same, with no clear frontrunner and talk of third party candidates.

Debate Summary

Grades for the #IowaDebate: #Bachmann A+ #RonPaul A #Newt B- #Romney B #Perry C- #Huntsman F #Santorum B-

Recent Political Tweets

Pres. #Obama shouldn't blink on the payroll tax / #KeystoneXLPipeline debacle. Without a lifeline the Republicans will have to raise taxes

The #KeystoneXLPipeline won't create as many jobs as expected; just more BP-like disasters and Koch Brothers-like cover-ups / exploitation

The #KeystoneXLPipeline is a complete red herring in the payroll tax debate. Republicans were caught between a rock & a hard place

It's insanely paradoxical / ironic that the Republicans are using the #KeystoneXLPipeline as a bargaining chip in order to RAISE taxes

There are legitimate security concerns (#Iran) but the U.S. is war weary. We shouldn't have been in #Iraq. Let's focus on domestic issues

The place #RonPaul comes in in the #IowaCaucus will indicate how war weary the U.S. is. Paul is tapping into a legitimate isolationism

It's important to note that we shouldn't have been in Iraq in the first place. They didn't attack us; there were no WMDs #WarinIraq

Ending the #WarinIraq was a promise kept

Tweets During the Debate

#Bachmann was strong tonight she was the only one to effectively attack #Newt. #Romney pulled his punches. #IowaDebate

#Romney took the harshest beating tonight. #Newt got off easy #IowaDebate

ABC's #IowaDebate was much better. The Fox moderators were spoon-feeding and hand-holding the candidates.

#Obama killed off the Keystone XL pipeline for the San Francisco environmental extremists. #IowaDebate

This is a waste of time. No one is going after #Newt. The race remains unsettled. #IowaDebate

#Bachmann is the only one to go after #Newt. Freddie & Fannie aren't credit unions. He influenced keeping the scam going. #IowaDebate

#Newt was on Freddie Mac's payroll. It was influence peddling. He was Speaker of the House not a private citizen. #IowaDebate

#Newt claims the conservative revolution against him was due to working with Clinton. Lies. He shut down Congress many times #IowaDebate

The candidates are falling into Fox News' trap. They're attacking #Obama instead of #Newt. Newt will remain in the lead #IowaDebate

#IowaDebate starting now

AshleyRParker Ashley Parker
#IowaDebate starts by going through each candidate's perceived flaws — not conservative (Newt), unelectable (Paul), not on fire (Santorum)
16 hours ago Favorite Undo Retweet Reply
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt Assures He Could Beat Obama #IowaDebate nyti.ms/vaX4YX via @thecaucus I highly doubt it. He's not Reagan
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Voters' View Who Can Beat Obama #IowaDebate nyti.ms/rK4xvt @thecaucus Not #Santorum NOR #Newt. I don't understand the support for Newt
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Fact Check:The Budget Under Speaker Gingrich #IowaDebate nyti.ms/vgqhY2 @thecaucus So much for #Newt's conservative credentials
1 hour ago

dickstevenson Dick Stevenson
Neither Romney nor Gingrich takes the opportunity at #iowadebate to repeat attacks on each other.
15 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Neither #Romney Nor #Newt Eager to Engage #IowaDebate nyti.ms/vLBoJT @thecaucus Holding back may quell bad blood but it's bad strategy
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Voters' View: No Candidate Winning Yet #IowaDebate nyti.ms/vcA6rP @thecaucus This is still the case. The #IowaCaucus will be a toss up
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Voters' View: Rick #Perry Fading #IowaDebate nyti.ms/rCdz8e @thecaucus He did the worst last night. Didn't say anything relevant
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
When in doubt, bash the courts. nyti.ms/sOb2ol @thecaucus #IowaDebate None of #Newt's arguments held any water here
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
A Calmer #Romney #IowaDebate nyti.ms/uRNbXB @thecaucus He finally knows that his eyes bug out & his face turns red when he gets angry
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Voters' View: Lack of Conflict #IowaDebate nyti.ms/vJUnze @thecaucus All throughout they were playing nice. No one was attack #Newt
1 hour ago

BCAppelbaum Binyamin Appelbaum
It's amazing to me every time one of these debates swings through foreign policy without touching EUROPE. #iowadebate
15 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Huntsman Makes the Most of It #IowaDebate nyti.ms/so7pCH via @thecaucus He's done
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney Hands-Off on #Newt #IowaDebate nyti.ms/ryOIaQ @thecaucus Romney was trying to avoid criticism; he should have attacked Newt
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Voters' View: Weakness on Immigration Action #IowaDebate nyti.ms/uHxBbm via @thecaucus
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt Toughens Stance on Immigration nyti.ms/rNrh2q via @thecaucus Why didn't the others attack him more on this #IowaDebate
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Voters' View: A 'Safe' Debate nyti.ms/vtNWX4 via @thecaucus ultimately all the candidates accomplished little. #IowaDebate
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Glee Christmas Special Review - Yet another absurd Glee episode, created to showcase iTunes ballads instead... tmblr.co/ZTxcaxDKK1Gr
12 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
What Is College For?: nyti.ms/tr0uKK
12 hours ago

nytimes The New York Times
Gingrich Parries With Challengers at Iowa Debate nyti.ms/s9sJe5
13 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Voters' View: Little Support for #Huntsman nyti.ms/vWjUjO via @thecaucus He needs to go #IowaDebate
12 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Voters' View: No Candidate Winning Yet nyti.ms/vcA6rP via @thecaucus No candidate took on #Newt. No clear winner #IowaDebate
12 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Perry's Call for a Part-Time Congress nyti.ms/rwzXfK via @thecaucus Absolutely ridiculous #IowaDebate
12 hours ago

dickstevenson Dick Stevenson
Perry runs against Congress, Gingrich against the judicial system. #iowadebate
15 hours ago
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JohnJHarwood John Harwood
Romney says Obama's "pretty-please" request for Iran to return drone "absolutely" invites war
15 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney Hands-Off on #Newt Gingrich # nyti.ms/ryOIaQ via @thecaucus A timid and weak approach
13 hours ago

JohnJHarwood John Harwood
Romney invokes immigration stance of Giuliani, who mercilessly trashed him as principle-free flip-flopper this morning
14 hours ago
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AshleyRParker Ashley Parker
Newt tougher on immigration: "I would propose cutting off all fed aid to any sanctuary city that deliberately violated fed law." #IowaDebate
14 hours ago
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JohnJHarwood John Harwood
Santorum: Gov Romney went along with court rather than using his power to stop gay marriages. "He personally issued gay marriage licenses."
14 hours ago
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fivethirtyeight Nate Silver
Gingrich recovered pretty well in the second half but I wonder how that last exchange with Bachmann will play in IA living rooms.
14 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
As always #Glee is absolutely absurd autostraddle.com/glee-psychotic… drshebloggo.com/2011/12/rbi-re…
13 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#RonPaul and #Bachmann should go for the upset in Iowa. #IowaDebate
14 hours ago

michellemalkin Michelle Malkin
Q: If GOP candidates all agree that taking down Obama is key, why are their answers on #fastandfurious & Obama cronyism so superficial?
14 hours ago
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briefingroom Briefing Room
Gingrich: I don't want to appear 'to be zany’ bit.ly/voLFAK
14 hours ago
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JohnJHarwood John Harwood
Romney enjoyed dream scenario tonight: Bachmann and Paul went after top rival Gingrich, letting Mitt profit by focusing on Obama
14 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
After the #IowaDebate the field remains unsettled. Except for #Bachmann, #Perry, #RonPaul and #Huntsman all failed to make a dent in #Newt
14 hours ago

pemalevy Pema Levy
Tonight in sexist: Frank Luntz says Michele Bachmann defined herself as the "female conservative."
14 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Tonight, the biggest question is who is lying? #Newt or #Bachmann et al? #IowaDebate
14 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Meanwhile #Romney was under attack for flip-flopping for social issues. He was weak and didn't go after #Newt #IowaDebate
14 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt is inconsistent on the definition of life and he's a lobbyist. I'm glad #Bachmann called him out on both of those issue #IowaDebate
14 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann fought back against #Newt unfairly belittling her. She was the only on to attack Newt all night #IowaDebate
14 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt kept calling #Bachmann a liar but she's a serious candidate and she kept on fighting. #IowaDebate
14 hours ago

- Ryu

Last Saturday's GOP Iowa Debate

What do you think? Post Comments Below!

Newt comes out and attacks Romney on Saturday while Romney holds back.

What to Expect in Tonight's Iowa Debate

With Trump's joke of a debate cancelled, tonight marks the last debate before the Iowa Caucus. The knives will come out as each of the candidates fight to carve a lasting impression in the voters minds.

For example, Romney will probably stress his cross-over appeal and his heightened ability to be elected in the general election against President Obama. He's also been getting tough on front-runner Newt during his television interviews. Still it remains to be seen whether Romney will go after Newt when he's standing right next to him on the stage.

Saturday's Iowa Debate Summary

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
My grades for the #IowaDebate: #RonPaul A+, #Newt A-, #Santorum A-, #Romney C #Bachmann B
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
In G.O.P. Iowa Debate, Rivals Target #Newt Gingrich: nyti.ms/tWIt4T

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Someone should make a #Youtube mash-up with #Romney offering a $10,000 bet and then #Perry scratching his head and saying "Ooops" :)
1 minute ago Favorite Reply Delete

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
After $10,000 Offer, Some Bet Against Romney: nyti.ms/tppdU9 #Romney falls on Intrade but not as much as #Perry after "Ooops"

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney never used to make "unforced errors." He's panicking. He must come to grips w. the fact that #Newt is a serious threat
3 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney's campaign will begin to crack under pressure even if he survives this latest gaffe. Remember #Newt is more suited to win the South
4 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Also note that it was the hurting middle class watching on TV that called #Romney out on his bet not his well-heeled fellow candidates
12 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
"#Romney became the Rich Guy who uses money as a threat...unforced errors are what help kill candidacies." ex: #Perry nypost.com/p/news/nationa…
14 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Will $10,000 bet be #Romney's #jumpedtheshark moment much like #Bachmann saying HPV vaccines cause mental retardation? 2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/09/rush-l…
16 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Someone should make a #Youtube mash-up with #Romney offering a $10,000 bet and then #Perry scratching his head and saying "Ooops" :)

Still #Newt isn't in the clear w. his infidelity issues. #Bachmann missed a chance to link a confirmed adulterer and #Cain, an accused one
2 minutes ago Favorite Reply Delete

Real-Time Debate Tweets

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney: 'I'm Also Unemployed': nyti.ms/nJNhfP Blast-from-the-Past in light of Romney's $10,000 bet #IowaDebate
5 hours ago Favorite Reply Delete

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney's $10,000 bet reminds me of when he said to a group of unemployed people "I'm unemployed too" He's out of touch. #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
D.N.C. Attacks Romney Bet # nyti.ms/v6FQ7O via @thecaucus "What will everyone remember from the debate tonight?" #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Fact Check: Newt Inc. Not Exactly 'Mom and Pop' Shop # nyti.ms/v0Csp6 via @thecaucus
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
People will only remember #Romney's $10,000 bet. You're through #Romney
5 hours ago

kseelye Kit Seelye
Matt Dowd predicts on ABC that Newt is the inevitable nominee.
5 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt's weakness is that he says these things that are over-the-top. But otherwise he is now the front-runner. #Romney is out.
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt is always over-the-top. He has this grandiosity. You can't say a people are "invented". It's like saying blacks are less than human
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney could have hit #Newt hard on Palestine but he was a shrinking violet. W. that $10,000 bet, #Romney is on his way out #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney couldn't deliver the knock out punch to #Newt, while Newt was more offensive than defensive. #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann blatantly fishing for #Cain voters. Subtle she is not #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Bachmann like a political vulture, circling Cain carcass, trying to pick off his supporters...
5 hours ago
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Daniel_A_Flow Daniel A-O
That awkward moment when no-one said Bachmann is their inspiration on stage and everyone says Ron Paul #iowadebate
5 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney bets $10,000, a worker's 3-month income without a bat of eye #IowaDebate If you want someone poor, he's not our guy. #Arrogance
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt shows himself to be the same thing - a guy who shoots himself in the foot. That Palestine-is-an-invented-people is a no-no #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
My grades for the #IowaDebate: #RonPaul A+, #Newt A-, #Santorum A-, #Romney C #Bachmann B
5 hours ago

Daniel_A_Flow Daniel A-O
I love Ron Paul
5 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann compliments #Cain's 999 plan. Smart move or not? #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
If we all take the same oath someone is messing up somewhere says #RonPaul. #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

fivethirtyeight Nate Silver
Not much change on Intrade over the course of the debate. Bachmann and Gingrich up 0.2% since debate started, Romney down 0.4%.
5 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt praises Iowa governor. Also compliments #Santorum and #Perry #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#RonPaul supporters are always out there says #Romney #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

dickstevenson Dick Stevenson
For a deep look at Romney, wealth and values, check out terrific piece from @ashleyrparker and @mikiebarb: nyti.ms/vq3ap1
6 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Only #Santorum came out as a conservative. Even #Perry started out as Democrat #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

shearm Michael D. Shear
Rick Perry repeated his idea about cutting congressional pay in half. Didn't say how he might pass that idea through Congress. #iowadebate
5 hours ago
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CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Romney: I didn't grow up poor...but I grew up with a dad who had been poor. And, if you don't believe me, I'll bet you $10,000 #pocketlint
5 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Journalists are giving these candidates a pass. Tell us how exactly how you're going to repeal #Obamacare #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Paul: We're forced to pay taxes. Why should we be forced to pay for insurance #IowaDebate
5 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney: "I didn't grow up poor." "if voters are looking for someone poor to be president, they should look elsewhere." #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#RonPaul: You cant have a government that protects you from yourself. Be responsible. Applause. Go Paul #IowaDebate.
6 hours ago

TheDemocrats The Democrats
FACT: In 2007, Romney said that MA health reform "will be a model for the nation." j.mp/tj0xJa #IowaDebate
6 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt- #Romney grilled on mandates once more, this time by the American people on Yahoo. #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

sfpelosi sfpelosi
Romney says he knew some people who struggled. Doesn't mention the folks he fired when he ran Bain. #iowadebate
6 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney: "States can do whatever they want to do" lol. gets applause #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann comes the closest to being poor. Actually answers the question. Clipped coupons #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt: Key word, I WAS poor. I have poor RELATIVES. Not me. #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann refuses to put a name on the president who put us in this mess: Bush! #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

susanthe susanthe
Ron Paul: I was born during the Depression. I'm OLD. #iowadebate
6 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
I just love it when millionaire talk about their past poverty. All bootstraps and heart strings. *Wipes fake tears.*
6 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
No one's answering the question. None of them can relate to the middle class. #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney has never been poor in his entire life. #Arrogance. Rich and wants to get richer. He's not our guy #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Perry on his upbringing and hardship: "Growing up where I grew up..." And, where was that? Oh, near Nigger Rock. That's right.
6 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
These candidates will be hard-pressed to find a time in the NOW when they've given up a luxury or necessity. They can't relate #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Gingrich Stands Firm on Palestinian Comments # nyti.ms/vKMikj via @thecaucus
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Perry tries to be the kumbaya cheerleader at the end of the Palestine argument #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Perry calls the whole Palestinian arguments an issue the media is blowing up #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann in other words agrees w. #Newt. #Santorum casts himself as a foil to Bachmann: Truth with prudence. Agrees w. #Romney #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Reagan didn't tell the truth on IranContra #Newt. But still #Romney is timid. #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Gingrich still calling himself a historian. Just because you're old and blather on doesn't make you a historian dude.
6 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Stop while you're ahead #Romney. Newt won this exchange #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt: "This is a propaganda war" Stands for the truth on Palestine #IowaDebate #Romney says he can't speak for Israel. Newt jabs back
6 hours ago

RichLowry Rich Lowry
newt knows this stuff much better than mitt
6 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney fails to attack #Newt effectively on his Palestinian comment. #Newt shakes his head, says he's not apologizing #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt defends his Palestinian comment. Cites Hamas violence. "Enough lying about the Middle East" #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt: Palestinians are an invented people? #IowaDebate. #RonPaul says that's messy and unnecessary
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Perry: secure the border and enforce the laws on the book. Leave Arizona alone #IowaDebate No catch and release program
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Voter's View: Romney and Gingrich Clear Frontrunners # nyti.ms/uaA5gI via @thecaucus
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Bachmann Goes on Offense # nyti.ms/tOPERW via @thecaucus
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney lays down the law: no magnets, no amnesty. #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt is floundering on this immigration question. He should let this stance on this issue go #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt is still defending keeping illegals who have been here 25 years. Absolutely not Newt #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt offers remorse to attacks of infidelity #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

benpolitico Ben Smith
Plety of time for Newt to figure out that answer.
6 hours ago
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CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
They are beating Newt over this infidelity thing like a runaway slave...
6 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney keeps attacking Perry like he's still relevant; he won't go after #Newt. But #Newt isn't afraid to go after him #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Santorum is strong tonight #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Echoes From 1996 # nyti.ms/sHtgxG via @thecaucus #Newt -#Romney is like #Dole -#Gingrich #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

politico POLITICO
Newt Gingrich under a pile-on: politi.co/s80RTF
6 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt- #Romney both answer yes like clones to #Bachmann's question that will they repeal mandates in the future #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Romney offers to bet Perry $10,000 about whether he right about what's in his book. $10,000?! #richmanschallenge
6 hours ago
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HowardKurtz HowardKurtz
Romney offers Perry a $10,000 bet on Mitt's record on mandate? (Which was declined.) Never seen that at a debate.
6 hours ago
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rickklein Rick Klein
Perry: "you're for individual mandates, my friend." Romney offers a hand for a $10,000 bet (!) Perry leaves him hanging! #iowadebate
6 hours ago
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daveweigel daveweigel
$10,000. One hand. No tears.
6 hours ago
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benpolitico Ben Smith
That was kind of a rich guy move.
6 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney is so arrogant. Ask for a $10,000 bet. So Wall Street. He's totally out of touch w. the working people #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt: in 1993 we all (conservatives) saw the mandate as an alternative to Hillarycare #IowaDebate
6 hours ago

AshleyRParker Ashley Parker
Bachmann coins "Newt-Romney" for all things anti-conservative and bad, as Newt and Romney share a (fleeting) laugh. #iowadebate
7 hours ago
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dickstevenson Dick Stevenson
Bachmann distills argument to who is clearest contrast with Obama, and that health care disqualifies Romney and Gingrich.
7 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney differentiates himself. Says he's for a state not federal mandate like #Newt #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Perry: #Newt-#Romney have both been for the individual mandate. #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney: Obama has been the only President to cut Medicare? #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

benpolitico Ben Smith
The learning curve in these debates has been amazing. They're all pretty formidable.
7 hours ago
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IngrahamAngle Laura Ingraham
Bachmann's "win/win/win" playing off Cain "9/9/9"...weak.
7 hours ago
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dickstevenson Dick Stevenson
Bachmann goes after "Newt Romney" on health care. What happened to Obamneycare? #iowadebate
7 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann: #Newt spread #Romneycare. Says Obama know's her. #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Gingrich calling Bachmann a liar... *slap*
7 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt claims to have done no lobbying at all #IowaDebate Really?
7 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann creates the #Newt-Romney axis of evil #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

benpolitico Ben Smith
Ron Paul is just a one-man wrecking crew this cycle. Send 'em up and he knocks 'em down.
7 hours ago
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CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Paul going after Newt now. This is getting good...
7 hours ago
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CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Newt: I wasn't a lobbyist, I offered "strategic advice" Ha!...
7 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann weighs in on #Newt as a K-street insider. #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

fivethirtyeight Nate Silver
Romney's "career politician" attacks have always been dubious and Newt exposed exactly why
7 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney is afraid of attacking #Newt, but #RonPaul isn't afraid to call Newt a flip-flopper. #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

AshleyRParker Ashley Parker
Romney: "Losing to Teddy Kennedy was prob the best thing I could have done for preparing me for the job I’m seeking." #iowadebate
7 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#RonPaul: #Newt guilty of "serial hypocrisy" #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
"You'd have been a 17-year career politician if you didn't lose to Ted Kennedy" - #Newt, #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney held back but #Newt just blew Romney out of the water. That was a smackdown #IowaDebate
7 hours ago

CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Romney going after Gingrich on child labor laws ... ok, gloves off...
7 hours ago
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Earlier Political Tweets

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
GOP Candidates Get Their Shot At Frontrunner #Newt In Iowa Debate 2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/gop-ca… via @TPM
1 hour ago Favorite Reply Delete

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Big Debate Tonight talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2011/… via @TPM #Newt should never do close-ups
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Hindsight is 20/20 on #Glee and Leave Brittany Alone - DR SHE BLOGGO: On Brittana: “The genius of their... tmblr.co/ZTxcaxD46wDa
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#RonPaul is the one to watch in tonight's debate. He will be the only who won't be afraid to attack #Newt when he attacks #Obama
1 hour ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Newt's strategy will be to focus on attacking Obama so that no one will attack him. If he's attacking Obama no one will disagree w. him
2 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#RonPaul will win Iowa?

...

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Sadly, biases about faith will continue to dog #Romney when it comes to winning the South fr. #Newt. Romney should be upfront about this.
8 Dec Favorite Reply Delete

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney should take on the issue of his faith as #Obama took on the issue of his race. Then the elephant in the room will lose it's power.
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney is afraid of being victimized for his faith. But if he doesn't address the elephant in the room silent biases will hurt him
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
No one will say it outright. They will attack #Romney through "values." He must speak about his faith but he's afraid of becoming a martyr
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Sadly, the real answer to #Romney's why don't they like me? is the elephant in the room. Romney mustn't be afraid to talk about his faith
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Romney: "Why Don't They Like Me?" on Time magazine politico.com/news/stories/1…
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
The #WhiteHouse is subtly targeting #Romney bc they want him to be the nominee; he's really the easiest to knock down. Reverse psychology
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Not even #Newt's past baggage will hurt him. Newt is the shoo-in unless there's a terrible gaffe or another strong contender fr. the South
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
But the real reason #Perry is irrelevant is because conservatives no longer need him to carry the South. #Newt on the other hand is from GA
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Perry gets voting age wrong in N.H. washingtonpost.com/blogs/election… No wonder I haven't been hearing from him anymore. 2 mistakes in one sentence.

...
SoraRyu Sora Ryu
The #UnionLeader is cutting #Romney's legs out from under him in #NH and that's the only place where he has a chance. SC and FL are out
8 Dec Favorite Reply Delete

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
If #Romney doesn't win NH he's toast. He won't win Florida and S.C. He might win Iowa. Out of the first four no state is assured to him.
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Why has the White House singled out #Romney before the primary instead of targeting the whole field? Romney's not a shoo-in
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Bret Baier: Mitt Romney called questions politico.com/news/stories/1…
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Cain underestimated how difficult it is to run for President. He was focused on goal not the journey.
8 Dec

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#Bachmann is finished if she doesn't win at least fourth place in Iowa

"Toy Story 3" - The End of Another Story I Grew Up With

What do you think? Post Comments Below!

On Rotten Tomatoes I gave this film a "100% Fresh."

I absolutely loved this film. When Andy lovingly passed down his toys to their new owner I cried so hard. It represents my generation finally growing up and handing off our adventures to the new generation coming up after us.

I grew up with Toy Story. Pixar's first big hit came out when I was five in 1996. It articulated what a younger me with a vivid imagination had always secretly believed - my toys magically came to life when I wasn't looking. When the movie came out I then had Woody, Buzz, Mr. Potato Head and other toys from the movie - just like Andy.

When I reached Andy's current age, I almost didn't want to see "Toy Story 3" when it came out. I felt "Toy Story 2," although OK, hadn't lived up to "Toy Story." I thought "Toy Story 3" was going to be a safe gimmick to make a quick buck. I thought I would be too old for a "kids movie." Yet, I finally saw it and I was blown away. My low expectations were completely unfounded. Fortunate for me, it seems in trilogies, the second movie usually ends up the weakest link.

I didn't cry in the scene when Woody and his friends were almost destroyed in the landfill's incinerator. I was on pins and needles! I knew the series was ending; I honestly thought they were all going to "die." Like the characters, I almost resigned myself to their fate. In the film and the "Toy Story" films before it, the toys had simply escaped too many close scrapes. They simply weren't going to making it out of this one this time; they'd reached the end of the line. Watching an epic scene fueled by a powerful score, I almost accepted this was the last I'd see of those beloved plastic characters.

But it's a good thing the toys themselves accepted their fate - if they hadn't been holding hands, "the claw" that reached down to save them wouldn't have been able to pick up all of them at the same time, just in the nick of time. Also if they had still been trying to fight their way back up to the top, the claw might have missed them and they would have all gone back down into the flames. When they were saved I was so happy. "Toy Story 3" employed a powerful plot device that I have definitely seen before, to favorable effect.

The fiery incinerator reminded me of the pits of hell or rather the depths of Mount Doom in "Lord of the Rings: Return of the King." After Frodo destroys the One Ring, a similar acceptance of fate occurs when Sam and Frodo sit outside an exploding Mount Doom as lava flows down all around them. And just when they'd given up, Gandalf and the eagles come to save them. I call this the Abraham effect - where being willing to sacrifice the very thing you love most or even your life makes you worthy enough to keep the very thing you were about to give up.

A similar moving scene also occurred at the climax of Pixar's "Finding Nemo." Although this is not the case of the Abraham effect - the characters in question did not give up or accept their fate - Nemo, Dory and the other tuna decide to all stick together and "just keep swimming" in order to cause the fishing boat's net that has just captured them to snap, setting them all free.

"Toy Story 3" is a generational classic. It is a fitting addition to Pixar's legacy of amazing films. While watching "Toy Story 3," I was reminded favorably of not just "Toy Story" and "Finding Nemo," but other greats of my time like "A Bug's Life," "Monster's Inc." and "Up." Pixar's animation seems to be just getting better and better. The caliber of all of Pixar's films is unmatched (I think the only exceptions are "Cars" and "Cars 2").

"Toy Story 3" also makes a shout-out to another great animation tradition - the films of Miyazaki. Woody's new owner has a Totoro doll but the adventure and gorgeous beauty of "Toy Story 3" reminds me more of Miyazaki's opus "Spirited Away." I feel Pixar took some cues from that breakthrough film which in turn helped make "Toy Story 3" all the more amazing - especially the final scene with Andy handing off his toys to the next generation.

And of course "Toy Story 3" did this all while being it's usual funny self. There were great jokes as always involving the new Ken and Barbie and old timers like Mr. Potato Head. The new characters were all fleshed out and our old stalwarts still had their staple voices - for example, Tim Allen was back as Buzz and Tom Hanks was back as Woody. I also liked The Gypsy Kings' rendition of "You Got a Friend in Me."

So all-in-all a perfect movie, the best Western animation film I've ever seen. I'd wish for more but I know the series has ended at least for my generation. The ending of the "Toy Story" trilogy is so much like the ending of another powerful film phenomenon of my generation, the Harry Potter series. Perhaps they will reprise the story for future generations? I hope they will because these are the kind of stories that last a lifetime.

- Ryu

Last Night's GOP Foreign Policy Debate on CNN

What do you think? Post Comments Below!

People were looking for Newt to distinguish himself last night. He didn't.

kherman kherman
I favor same-sex marriage only for Wolf Blitzer and Paul Wolfowitz so we can have Wolf Wolfowitz.
11 hours ago Favorite Undo Retweet Reply
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Reuters Reuters Top News
Analysis: Gingrich's stumble on immigration? reut.rs/rZG12q
10 minutes ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

....

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Fact Check: Abortions in China #cnndebate nyti.ms/vCKwCT via @thecaucus more reason to place them on the ashheap of history
7 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Fact Check: Syria, Oil and No-Fly Zones #cnndebate nyti.ms/tfw6r7 via @thecaucus A no-fly zone is an act of war Perry #derp
8 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
#cnndebate nyti.ms/suTlEQ via @thecaucus Everyone's talking about debt Huntsman #derp I say China and cyber attacks.
9 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Fact Check: Fact Check: No Apology #cnndebate nyti.ms/tgnKs3 via @thecaucus Obama never apologized for the U.S.
11 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
A Temporary Peace Between Romney and Perry? #cnndebate nyti.ms/vnT7AW via @thecaucus Romney no longer sees Perry as a threat
12 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
More Camera Time for Ron Paul #cnndebate nyti.ms/tOc8OW via @thecaucus his libertarian views will lose him conservative votes
12 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Gingrich Offers Risky Position on Immigration #cnndebate nyti.ms/sqJHlT via @thecaucus Newt is toast
13 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
A Simple Fix for Immigration From Cain #cnndebate nyti.ms/suCF9U via @thecaucus
14 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Fact Check: Fact Check: Romney on Obama and Israel #cnndebate nyti.ms/u2zsRl via @thecaucus Obama is strong on Israel
15 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Perry Calls for Panetta's Resignation in Face of Cuts #cnndebate nyti.ms/v2fZix via @thecaucus don't thinks so Perry. he got Osama
16 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Fact Check: Fact Check: Perry on Aid to Pakistan #cnndebate nyti.ms/sNhDCI via @thecaucus we've actually been cutting aid
17 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
A Chilean Model for Social Security Reform #cnndebate nyti.ms/sonacP via @thecaucus sounds odd Newt. stick w. the domestic model
18 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Reining In Gas Prices #cnndebate nyti.ms/vFj0Td via @thecaucus find those oil fields and open them
19 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Iran Sanctions #cnndebate nyti.ms/s5A5lu via @thecaucus once again our dependency on E. Asia compromises our security in the M. East
20 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Continuing Humanitarian Aid to Africa #cnndebate nyti.ms/rTGOB6 via @thecaucus
22 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Fact Check: lol I didn't know Mitt Romney's first name was Willard! #cnndebate nyti.ms/urmW8f via @thecaucus
30 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Paul Breaks From Candidates and Dismisses Israel, thinks they can take care of themselves #cnndebate nyti.ms/vUqyoj via @thecaucus
33 minutes ago

BumillerNYT Elisabeth Bumiller
Huntsman sounds like Biden once did on Afghanistan - all we need is 10,000 to 15,000 US troops in Afghanistan #cnndebate
12 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Bachmann Calls Pakistan 'Too Nuclear to Fail' and Perry "highly naive" #cnndebate nyti.ms/rMmRpK via @thecaucus
35 minutes ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Perry Accuses Obama of Intelligence Failures ignoring Obama's success against terrorism.#cnndebate nyti.ms/rsW3yb via @thecaucus
36 minutes ago

dickstevenson Dick Stevenson
Patriot Act question rare chance to hear candidates on security and civil liberties balance: Gingrich, Paul show breadth of gap. #cnndebate
13 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

jeffzeleny Jeff Zeleny
How does CNN stretch a 90-minute debate into a two-hour television show? Like this. #cnndebate
13 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
A Flashy Opening From CNN #cnndebate nyti.ms/sGQqhm via @thecaucus
1 hour ago

kesgardner Ken Gardner
Ron Paul is no conservative. He is a Libertarian (big L). The difference is HUGE. #tcot
12 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
My bet is that although Newt Gingrich did wll in tonight's debate, his numbers will hit the skids because of his immigration answers. #tcot
11 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

Flap Gregory Flap Cole
Newt sounds too much like McCain on immigration and we had that last time and lost to Obama #tcot
11 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

joshrogin Josh Rogin
RT @daveweigel: In spin room, Team Romney tried very very hard to continue scorching Newt on immigration.
9 hours ago
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NationalStella Adam Pottle
Michelle Bachmann to be played in eventual biopic by Frances McDormand. #tcot
9 hours ago
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SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Security and Foreign Policies Dominate Republican Debate: nyti.ms/vreuwZ
10 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Gingrich Seizes the High Ground on Immigration in CNN Presidential Debate thedailybeast.com/articles/2011/… being soft on immigration will cost him
10 hours ago

NationalStella Adam Pottle
Huntsman hears applause; is legitimately surprised #cnndebate #gopdebate
13 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

NationalStella Adam Pottle
newt is smart on the pashtun situation.
12 hours ago
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NationalStella Adam Pottle
SANTORUM: AFRICA IS NOT A COUNTRY #cnndebate
12 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

Heminator Mark Hemingway
Newt's immigration answer suggests he's looking toward the general. Wrapping it around family and church is also smart, if disingenuous.
11 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

jstrevino Joshua Treviño
Mitt has a faint smile as he watches Newt pour gasoline all over himself by espousing rationalism and decency on immigration.
11 hours ago
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NationalStella Adam Pottle
so with ten minutes to go, #RonPaul cheerfully reveals his insanity: golden rule applies to war, not foreign aid. #wtf #cnndebate
11 hours ago
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NationalStella Adam Pottle
well, that wasn't too bad. Bachmann, Newt win/ Romney, Cain, Perry good/ Huntsman, Santorum not terrible/ Paul LOLOLOL
11 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

RichLowry Rich Lowry
if perry can work energy into this answer, too, ill be really impressed
13 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

RichLowry Rich Lowry
"lincoln ran right over civil rights" is putting it a little strongly
13 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

RichLowry Rich Lowry
amazing how almost every single one of ron paul's foriegn policy answers has gotten some applause in every debate. big contrast from 08
13 hours ago
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RichLowry Rich Lowry
"im sorry blitz i meant wolf"-hilarious
13 hours ago
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RichLowry Rich Lowry
hunstman so unaccustomed to getting even mild applause
13 hours ago
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RichLowry Rich Lowry
bachmann kinda schools perry on pakistan
13 hours ago
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RichLowry Rich Lowry
a no fly zone is not a sanction its an act of war
11 hours ago
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RichLowry Rich Lowry
a no fly zone makes no sense unless youre going to bomb and ultimately destroy the syrian military--see libya
11 hours ago
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RichLowry Rich Lowry
perry appears desperate not to disagree w/ romney tonight
11 hours ago
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RichLowry Rich Lowry
has there ever been a more annoying presidential candidate than jon hunstman?
11 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Is going after Muslims racial profiling? Last time I checked Islam is a religion. People of all races can become Muslim & radical #cnndebate
10 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Cain must target Romney and Newt on how they have failed Iowa. Romney is a part of the 1% and Newt supported Dodd Frank #cnndebate
10 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Oddly enough the candidates are not addressing problems important to Iowa #cnndebate
11 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Ron Paul's base is fired up #cnndebate
11 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
I don't get the excitement about Newt. He isn't doing anything different. #cnndebate
11 hours ago

BlackCanseco Black Canseco
Rick Santorum just called Africa a "country"... And the Audience applauded. *facepalms* #CNNDebate #GOPDebate
12 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
China and cyber-attacks are definitely a future problem. Perry said it first. Place communist China on the ash heap of history #cnndebate
11 hours ago

fivethirtyeight Nate Silver
Anyway, final grades: Gingrich A-, Huntsman A-, Romney B+, Paul B+, Bachmann B+, Santorum B, Perry B, Cain C
11 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Wolf Blitzer was an awful moderator #cnndebate. I'd say Ron Paul won; didn't let anyone cow him. Cain came in second. Flew under the radar.
11 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
No magnets for illegal immigration #cnndebate
11 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
They need to get to Egypt. Is the U.S. going to threaten to cut aid to Egypt's military again? #cnndebate
11 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
If you came here illegally then 25 years ago you should be deported. No amnesty. Protect legal immigration - Romney #cnndebate
11 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
@
@fivethirtyeight Leave Cain alone. It doesn't matter how he does in the debates but whether he wins Iowa #cnndebate
12 hours ago

CharlesMBlow Charles M. Blow
Debate overlooks is that most Americans are happy with Obama on foreign policy. If anything, Progs r unhappy because he's been SO aggressive
12 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Are we going to go to war with Iran and Pakistan #cnndebate
12 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
when will they talk about Egypt and the renewed protests there? #cnndebate
12 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Romney seems to believe he's a great friend of Israel #cnndebate
12 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Blitzer is a soft moderator #cnndebate. He should have pressed Romney on attacking Iran
12 hours ago

DartmouthReview The Dartmouth Review
RT @richlowry: usually romney has seemed most commanding of candidates; tonight its newt
12 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

DartmouthReview The Dartmouth Review
RT @richlowry: one of bachmann's best debates in a while
12 hours ago
Retweeted by SoraRyu

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Supercommittee proves we're not going to cut anything or balance the budget #cnndebate
12 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Ron Paul offers the libertarian views while Newt says we should be "furious" at Pakistan #cnndebate
12 hours ago

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
watching the #cnndebate at home w. the fam
12 hours ago

...

SoraRyu Sora Ryu
Republican Debates Put Moderators in Hot Seat: nyti.ms/syU63S debate tonight - yes!

"J. Edgar" - A Story that Needed to be Told

What do you think? Post Comments Below!

I really loved "J. Edgar." It was everything I expected it to be and more. DiCaprio was absolutely perfect as J. Edgar Hoover. Older Edgar reminded me favorably of Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance in "Capote," and Collin Firth in "A Single Man," while younger Edgar reminded me of Heath Ledger in "Brokeback Mountain."

The screenplay by Dustin Lance Black ("Milk") was superb and Clint Eastwood's directing ("Gran Turino," "Letters from Iwo Jima," "Mystic River," "Changeling") shone as usual. Arnie Hammer was also a surprise star as Tolson. As young Tolson, the scene where Tolson and Edgar fight displays Hammer's amazing range as the normally calm Tolson flies into a rage when Edgar does something unacceptable. Hammer is also flawless as older Tolson, capturing his frailness and evoking beautiful later life scenes between Edgar and himself.

"J. Edgar" was first and foremost a love story. I enjoyed how the film switched between past and present, drawing historical parallels, weaving a comprehensive story. Young Edgar and Tolson from the era of despicable Communist bombers reminiscent of today's terrorists, charismatic mobsters and the Lindbergh baby kidnapping that transfixed the nation was beautifully juxtaposed with elderly Edgar and Tolson still at the organization they helped create, yet going after false positives like MLK. I found the imagery of both eras arresting and breathtaking. Eastwood achieved his purpose of transporting me back to a different world.

What made the film powerful was what it made me feel. We remember films like "Fargo" and others for what they make us feel. Although Edgar the man was far from perfect, I'm so glad Black decided to take on the story of this controversial character and tell his story to the world. The film took a man who had been forgotten as a villain and made him human again. I could empathize with Edgar when his mother dissuaded him from coming out. DiCaprio captured the pain of this inner struggle perfectly.

I'm also glad the film didn't demonize Edgar's mother (Judi Dench). Besides that one scene, I didn't find her like Lady Macbeth at all. I think she genuinely loved her son - and still loved him in spite of knowing he was gay. I'm sure she knew Edgar was gay but she would have done her son no good by letting him come out. She only had horror stories like what happened to Pinkus to go by and she didn't want that to happen to her son.

Edgar's story really shows that in spite of being in the closet, gay children can and do still love their parents very much and want to please them. I find this depiction both realistic and accurate. I admire the filmmakers bravery to depict such a complex relationship honestly, despite the pain gay people in the closet continue to feel.

There were a lot of rumors and hype following this film. People questioning whether it had been de-gayed or over-gayed. I feel "J. Edgar" did the rumors surrounding Edgar's homosexuality justice. Black and Eastwood did not blow Tolson and Edgar's relationship out of proportion. People who watched the film for the shock value of seeing a gay romance did not get the point of the film. I'm sure such people were disappointed.

The beauty of the film was that it wasn't a PFLAG advertisement. The beauty of the film lay in the details. "J.Edgar" effectively carved out a space for gay people's lives in an era where being gay didn't exist.

For example, Edgar asking Tolson to be his second-in-command was as close a marriage proposal for gays in that day. You can really see Hammer's acting here, as Tolson's eyes light up and his face is full of bliss. Their life together is closest thing to a gay marriage in those days.

Edgar and Gandy's (Naomi Watts) scene in the library was as close as close as anyone coming out to each other in those days. Edgar tries to seal the deal as having Gandy as his beard, but Gandy says she never wishes to be married (in those days as good as a woman saying she was gay) but will stand by Edgar as his secretary for life. In the end, they both keep each other's secrets. Also worth noting is Gandy's tight-lipped response to Edgar informing her that the FBI would be going after Eleanor Roosevelt and her lesbian activities at the time. Gandy is obviously incensed that Edgar would go after one of their own.

People who weren't watching carefully wouldn't have picked up on these subtleties that helped make the film even more poignant. I don't understand the critics antipathy to the film. As I said before, I think a lot of people went in with the wrong expectations. People either over-inflated or oversimplified the movie in their heads before watching.

"J. Edgar" is a groundbreaking film that accomplishes so much and achieves so many "firsts." It's the first to story to depict a powerful, conservative but conflicted gay man. It's the first film to my knowledge (besides "Milk") which features not one but three gay people - Edgar, Tolson and Gandy - in positions of power and responsibility in the founding of one of America's most venerable institutions. I think this story is important for many young gay people today to see, especially as they strive to be successful in a world that can still be very he very homophobic.

Finally, it's the first film to show a largely positive lifelong loving relationship between two gay characters. The story of Edgar and Tolson's love is powerful enough to carry their story, regardless of whether the two had sex or not (I personally think they did have sex but that is neither here nor there). Their love is apparent on its own, it carries weight and importance on its own - especially for a community that is still stereotyped as promiscuous.

This story needed to be told. It is sure to be a boon to gay communities everywhere, especially to young gay people everywhere, hoping to get married. It is also a boon to society, deconstructing simplified, negative perceptions of gay people in the media and otherwise. As the gay rights movement comes to maturity we need more historical gay bio-pics like this one, films which "reclaim" our historical figures for the love they expressed in life. Films like these show that gay people and their love matters.

"J. Edgar" is a grand but humble film. We need more films like it. DiCaprio deserves an Oscar for his performance. I would gladly re-watch this film several times over.

- Ryu