James Scott Flannery
I am a filmmaker who creates independent films and am currently working on a book about it. I also play guitar and sing. I create my own work, and our trilogy of films will be available in 2012. I love film! $10,000 winner - Tommy Hilfiger video commercial contest. I also attended Dov Simens 2-Day Film School in NYC, and have completed 2 feature films.
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Displaying Results 1 - 108 (of 108) for All Content
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Sports: Cliff LeeIn an era of greed and bad behavior, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cliff Lee separates himself from the pack. -
Comedy: Louis CKLouis CK's brand of irreverent comedy goes back decades, and there is no one out there right now doing it better. With a great TV show and side-splitting stand-up specials, you're sure to see more of this talented comic in the years to come. -
Voters Push Back Against the FringeA few developments show the electorate pushing back against Republican ideas, and it may not bode well for Republicans in 2012.
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Republicans Have a Short Memory in Debt Ceiling TalksRepublicans want nothing but spending cuts while protecting corporate welfare and tax breaks for the wealthy. But when they were at the helm and driving the debt up to bring us here, it was a different story.
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Conservative 'Christians' Reminder Weiner Isn't Only Political OffenderThe Anthony Weiner scandal brings to light a bigger point: How conservatives cover for their own and protect their own sexual offenders. It's the Christian thing to do, right? -
Bush Administration Defends Use of TortureOver the weekend, several Bush administration officials were on the news shows defending so-called 'enhanced' interrogation techniques and pointing to them as the key to finding Osama bin Laden. -
Making the Right Call: Not Releasing the Bin Laden PhotosPresident Obama continues to show the leadership reflecting the values of America. The lesson lost on some of the far right is that greatness contains a certain amount of humility.
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Giving Obama His Due in Bin Laden KillingOn direct orders of President Barack Obama, US Special Operations Forces killed Osama Bin Laden in a firefight in Pakistan. -
Birthers Proven Wrong, but Standing by Their StoryDespite the release of President Barack Obama's long-form birth certificate, the 'birther' crowd has their story and their sticking to it. -
ArthurReview of the film "Arthur", a remake of the 1981 comedy that featured Dudley Moore and garnered 4 Oscar nominations. I don't think that will happen for this one. -
Bonnie and ClydeWarren Beatty didn't just make a film, he ushered in a new era of filmmaking with this American classic that led to a great period of film as New Hollywood changed the rules. It all started here. -
Film Review: The FighterThe Fighter combines all the right elements to tell a worthy story, and the great cast deserves credit for making it a real winner. -
Oscar Gets it RightI've read other columns recently about why "The Social Network" was robbed of the major Oscars, but "The Kings Speech" took home 4 major wins, and rightly so. Here's why. -
The Problem with Modern Horror"The Roommate", the latest installment in bad horror films, follows a long line of mediocre horror films coming out of Hollywood. Will they ever get any better? Let's hope so.
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American Actors: Jeff BridgesJeff Bridges has been a consummate actor for 4 decades, but it was only recently that he's been recognized for the great work he does. -
American Actors: Gene HackmanSince the 1960's Gene Hackman brought a new definition to leading men, and reinforced the everyman characters throughout his stellar career. -
American Directors: Walter HillMost people probably don't know who Walter Hill is, but three films he made over 3 years have earned him a place in American film history. Today's writers and directors could learn something from him. -
Holiday Classic: 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles'"Planes, Trains and Automobiles", the hit 1987 film by John Hughes, features Steve Martin and the late John Candy in a wonderful Thanksgiving film as unwilling travel partners trying to get home for the holidays. -
Daniel Day-Lewis To Play Abraham LincolnSteven Spielberg announced his choice for the long-awaited Lincoln project, the great Daniel Day-Lewis. I predict one of the best historical performances in American film history. -
Nancy Pelosi: We Didn't Lose the Election Because of MeAs Nancy Pelosi fights to hold on to her leadership position, Democrats need to decide if they're willing to risk greater losses by keeping her as House Minority Leader. Losses like...the White House.
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Whats Up Docs: 'Ghosts of Abu Ghraib'"Ghosts Of Abu Ghraib", the Emmy-winning 2007 documentary by HBO Films, shined a new light on the prisoner abuse at Abu Ghraib, and reveals startling truths most casual followers aren't aware of.
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American Classics: 'The French Connection'The French Connection has all the elements of a great film, with a lead actor not out of central casting. Today's crime dramas don't look near so good.
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'Halloween': Scariest Movie Ever MadeIn my opinion, Halloween (1978) is the scariest movie ever made, but for reasons that may not resonate with today's audiences.
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Scott Pilgrim Vs. The WorldThe movie "Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World" is a fun, entertaining and totally unrealistic film that shows what can be done with a little effort.
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Winners: Erin BrockovichThe 2000 film Erin Brockovich is a great film because of the sum of its parts, and it IS a true story.
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The Problem with HollywoodBack in the 70's, Hollywood unleashed so many groundbreaking directors, writers and actors it's hard to believe it's the same town.
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Under the Radar: Red Rock WestRed Rock West is a little-known film noir directed by John Dahl with the late Dennis Hopper and a surprising Nicolas Cage worth revisiting.
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Best Actor: Daniel Day-LewisHollywood actors are usually short on talent and long on marketing. But Daniel Day-Lewis has always brought realism and dedication to all his roles.
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The Vintage Theater in Scranton, PAScranton's local independent theater doesn't just show movies, but it is the only theater not run by a conglomerate. It's also not generic, and that's good.
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Paul Newman : American IconIn this second part of my reflections of Paul Newman, we cover 1980 until his death in 2008. In this era, Paul Newman won the elusive Oscar and finished on top of his game.
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Sestak vs. Toomey: Pennsylvania Mid-Term Will Choose a New SenatorRep. Joe Sestak will face former Congressman Pat Toomey for the right to occupy the Senate seat held by Arlen Specter for three decades.
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Donald Glover : the Next Spiderman?The internet campaign to make Donald Glover the next Spiderman raises some interesting questions. But this isn't like pushing for Betty White to host SNL.
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American Actors: Dennis HopperDennis Hopper's death from cancer this past week make this an appropriate time to celebrate one of Hollywood's pioneers, who helped usher in the greatest crop of directors during the 70's.
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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coming Soon...Again!The upcoming remake of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a good vehicle for Michael Bay, considering his penchant for style over substance.
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Specter vs. Sestak: Showdown in PennsylvaniaArlen Specter is in a tight race to be decided today in Pennsylvania. The former Republican Senator is hoping that Democrats will pull the lever for him for the first time in his long career.
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American Icon: Paul NewmanPaul Newman left a legacy of acting that may never be surpassed. The body of work speaks volumes about the man and his impact. This article covers the first 3 decades of Paul Newman's work from 1950-1980.
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Review: The Hurt LockerI was happy to see "Avatar" lose at the Oscars to "The Hurt Locker", a small-budget war film. But when I saw it, I wasn't impressed.
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Review: "Iron Man 2" Opens BigIron Man 2 is still a good movie, but not a great one. Especially when compared with the original.
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Cutter's Way: Under the RadarThe underrated 1981 film noir Cutter's Way has a young Jeff Bridges and a surprising John Heard fighting the establishment in an unusual manner.
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American Classics: The GodfatherThe Godfather, winner of the Best Picture Oscar of 1972, still stands up over time as a great achievement in film. But it also contained some foresight most people haven't commented on.
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American Actors: Nick NolteA review of the career of Nick Nolte, one of the great American actors of the last 30 years.
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The Catholic Church and the Failure to LeadOp-ed on the Vatican's denial of responsibility and protection of pedophile priests.
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The Top Ten Songs of Stevie Ray VaughanAs a guitar player, my favorite SRV songs aren't the ones you usually here. Check out these great tracks, mostly instrumental
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Health Care Votes from Northeast PennsylvaniaThe House of Representatives passed historic health care legislation on Sunday, 219-212. In my district, Pennsylvania's 11th, Congressman Paul Kanjorski voted yes on the measure. So did Democratic Representatives Chris Carney and Patrick Murphy.
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Lunatic Fringe - I Know You're Out ThereOp-ed on the growing hatred for our president and the potential for violence.
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The Lion Sleeps TonightThe death of Senator Ted Kennedy has drawn a wide range of comments from a broad spectrum in the world of politics. My feelings aren't so partisan.
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President Obama's First 100 Days: So Much for WeaknessSo much for the campaign rhetoric about Obama being too soft. But don't expect credit from the right.
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President Obama's First 100 Days: The Dow Cracks 8,000The Dow surges over 8,000 and Limbaugh credits Obama being abroad.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Stock Market Has Best Monthly Gain Since Oct 2002How should the President be treated considering this news?
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Abortion: Time for a Real DiscussionHere is an op-ed on the abortion debate, hoping for a new conversation.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Chris Dodd Should ResignAnalysis of the recent revelation that Dodd took out the language that may have prevented bonuses coming out of TARP funds.
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80's Classic Film: PlatoonOliver Stone's experience becomes a Best Picture winner.
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Obama's First 100 Days: The Beginning of the End of the Iraq WarThe President addresses the military and outlines his plan for withdrawal from Iraq.
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President Obama Addresses Congress and the WorldPresident Obama addresses a joint session of Congress in his first major address.
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The 2nd Largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the Country (pop. Over 50,000)An overview of the Scranton St. Patrick's Day parade, an annual parade/party for one hell of a celebration.
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Go Home Dick Cheney, You're DoneAfter listening to the fear-mongering advice I just have to say something.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Deal Reached on StimulusThe House and Senate reach a deal for the stimulus package, at $790 billion.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Taking it to the StreetsThe President held a town hall meeting in Fort Myers, Florida, home of one of the largest foreclosure rates in the country.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Addressing the NationThe President holds a live press conference and the stimulus passes a test vote in the Senate.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Reassuring the Families of 9/11 and USS Cole AttacksReport on Obama's meeting with the victims' families on his plans to close Gitmo and halt military commission trials until revisions are made.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Tentative Deal Reached on StimulusThe Senate has reached a tentative deal on the stimulus package. The final bill will come in at about $780 billion, less than was originally requested and will focus on three major areas.
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Obama's First 100 Days: No More Mr. Nice GuyOp-ed on the President's comments regarding resistance to the stimulus.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Did I Hear Right?Op-ed about the difference between this administration and the Bush years.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Pay Your Taxes, PeopleA tough day for Obama nominees, while the First Lady has to get out of the house.
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Obama's First 100 Days: The Middle-Class Task ForceAn op-ed piece on the task force created by the President, to be headed up by Vice President Biden.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Going After CEO BSAnalysis of the President's comments about executive bonuses and the reality of the situation.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Stimulus Passes in the HouseIn spite of 33% of the bill reserved for tax cuts, and dropping some unpopular plans, Republicans bail out.
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Obama's First 100 Days: Trying Bipartisanship for a ChangeAnalysis of the new President's attempts to bring all parties to the table. It wasn't just a hollow campaign promise.
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Obama's First 100 Days: The Closing of GuantanamoAn analysis of the Presidential order to close the detainee camp in Cuba.
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Stimulus on the Way in First 100 Days of Barack Obama PresidencyThe most important issue comes quickly to the front for the new administration.
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A New President Addresses the WorldAn analysis of the Inaugural speech of President Barack Obama.
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Stick to Your Guns, Mr. President-ElectPresident-elect Barack Obama is taking a lot of heat from the left. Unfortunately, the center pushed him over the finish line.
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Tax Forms in the Scranton, Pennsylvania AreaThe best bets for tax forms in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
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Drama for ObamaThe scandal involving Gov. Blagojevich ends the honeymoon.
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Energy Independence in the Obama AdministrationAn analysis of the challenges facing American energy policy.
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The Economic Priorities of the Obama AdministrationThe top three priorities for economic recovery in America.
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Bush Policies that Need to Go, and Two that Can Be KeptI must admit I really had a hard time coming up with two Bush policies I think should be allowed to continue.
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Obama's Success in PennsylvaniaBarack Obama's win in Pennsylvania started the dismantling of McCain's electoral map, where the Arizona senator had hoped to steal a Democratic state.
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An Election LimerickA little poem about the 2008 election
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Live from Scranton, Penn., Joe Biden and the ClintonsI was kidding with my girlfriend Kelly on the way to this event. "Maybe we'll be there for a live Biden gaffe!" Don't get me wrong, I love Biden, going back to the presidential debates.
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In Biden-Palin VP Debate, Taxes and Spending Could HeadlineThree topics sure to come up at Thursday night's vice presidential debate.
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9/11 - Seven Years LaterSeven years after the worst terrorist attack on American soil, Osama Bin Laden is still at large and we're in Iraq. I don't think he's there.
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In Defense of Bill O'ReillyAnalysis and comparison of the host of The O'Reilly Factor on Fox as compared to other more conservative commentators.
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Obama the Elitist? You Gotta Be Kidding MeThe claims of Barack Obama's 'elitism' aren't new but are still just as believable as ever.
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'W' Trailer Hits the InternetThe recent trailer for the new Oliver Stone film is already drawing outrage from Bush fans.
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The Most Engaging General Election - Ever?A look at the historic Presidential election of 2008
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Obama Fundraising Rolls on in JuneBarack Obama has another stellar month of contributions, besting McCain by $30 million. $5 million came from Pennsylvania, a key battleground state.
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The Main Liabilities in the Obama Vs. McCain RaceAn analysis about relationships to the Presidential candidates, and the two main liabilities for each.
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Going HomeA meditation on thoughts about death and the afterlife.
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Barack Obama to Revolutionize Politics in 2009A grassroots campaign, bolstered by voter dissatisfaction, is going to have a huge impact on the political future of America in the coming years. And it all started with the unlikely candidacy of a man on the public scene for a mere four years: Sen. Barack Obama.
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The 2nd Amendment Carries ResponsibilityLet me begin by saying that both my girlfriend and I believe strongly in the 2nd Amendment. We feel responsible gun ownership to be a right, and considering the level of violence in our society, a necessary one.
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Proposition 22 Unconstitutional: California Overturns Gay Marriage BanCalifornia issues a ruling that domestic partnerships aren't a sufficient substitute for marriage.
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John Edwards Endorses Barack ObamaThe long-sought endorsement of the former Senator from North Carolina should help to bring closure to the Democratic primary.
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Tiffany Shepherd Learning a LessonTiffany Shepherd was recently let go from her teaching position after photos surfaced of her in a bikini. The pictures of her were taken while she worked her second job on a fishing tour boat, and they didn't help her keep her job.
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5 Reasons Hillary Clinton Should QuitThere are probably more than 5 reasons why Hillary should give up the ghost. Five is easy. So here we go.
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Iron Man: The 1st Summer BlockbusterA review of the new Iron Man movie starring Robert Downey, Jr. No spoilers, just the overview.
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Who Can Beat John McCain? Barack Obama, Hands DownBarack Obama is the only true change candidate in this race.
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Jordan Vs DrexlerMichael Jordan shows the dominance early in his career that would make him the greatest basketball player of his era, and maybe history.
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Will the Stimulus Actually Stimulate?With much fanfare, the government is releasing checks from the stimulus package next week, and the big question is what impact will be felt in the flagging economy.
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Why Hillary Clinton Should Drop OutAn article analyzing the current Democratic race.
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The State of Scranton: Pennsylvania Primary in Clinton CountryThe day started with my girlfriend Kelly being told at the voting precinct she couldn't wear her "Obama" button. She was wearing her "Got Obama" t-shirt as well, and told them plainly she would not be removing that.
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Meeting Barack Obama in Scranton, PennsylvaniaWhen I stood eye-to-eye with Barack Obama, he shook my hand and I said, "Mr. President." I figured, why wait? He better get used to it now.
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The 12 Steps of Filmmaking - Article 2After winning $10,000 in a Tommy Hilfiger commercial contest, I made a decision to go for it.
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America the Beautiful - September 7 2001A commercial I created in 2001 for a Hilfiger contest. We submitted on September 7, 2001. Looking back, it's very strange, but I felt proud to tell people about my feelings as an American. Government is one thing, this country is another.
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Where Did We Go Wrong in Iraq?An article for those who don't feel they know enough about our situation in the Iraq war.
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The 12 Steps of FilmmakingA preview of my upcoming novel on making independent films. Each of the 12 chapters will contain information on a separate aspect of filmmaking (script, editing, photography, etc.) I learned the lessons while making a trilogy of films from 2005-2008.
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The Greatest Era of FilmA discussion of the filmmaking period from 1967-1977
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Film Review: No Country for Old MenA review of the latest Coen brothers film, no spoilers in the text, just an overview.