For my film oriented outside reading, i chose to read a film reviw by ReelViews of The Strangers. The article itself, written by James Berardinelli says that he thought the film "doesn't break any new ground on a plot level, but its interesting cinematography suffuses the production with an overpowering combination of paranoia and claustrophobia. This is one of those rare horror movies that concentrates on suspense and terror rather than on gore and a high body count. By keeping the premise simple and making the small group of characters seem like genuine human beings, Bertino sets the audience up for a tense and uneasy 85 minutes." James also noted that because the producer used every shot to keep the intensity level up and used noises to his advantage, it was one of those movies where if you see it, and you go home and the power is out, you will look for every excuse not to go inside. Its interesting how he brings about the topic of how choosing the right actors make all the difference. "They take the material seriously, and that's enough." James closes the review by saying who would enjoy the movie plot and twists and turns by adding that "It's intense but not necessarily fun and may disappoint less sophisticated horror fans. However, for die-hard supporters of unsettling peeks into the dark side of human nature, this is a welcome excursion."

Week 2- Answer to Froehlich's Question

1. Should Homer be considered an early feminist or an old-fashioned sexist? On one hand, Athena is a powerful, resourceful and respected character. On the other hand, Penelope is the stereotypical wife, sitting at home working on household chores while Odysseus sails the globe and has a lady in every port.


After reading the Odyssey, there is no doubt in my mind that Homer was a old fashioned sexist. Yes, Pallas Athena plays a large role in being full of wisdom and protector of Athens but she is the one female held in high regard within the epic pages of Homer's work. The other women that Odysseus comes across are seen as typical house wives who stay at home and do the cooking and the cleaning and take care of their children while their husbands are away conquering the world and receiving all the glory. They are also plundered by foreign warriors, forced into slavery and seem to be weak housewives without a spark of fight in them, when nowadays, women are seen as independent working individuals who can work and still take care of their "house duties." When Odysseus stumbles across these elaborately beautiful women, they are also made out to be these desperate women who only want male companionship. Homer documents these women as trying to seduce Odysseus and his men to give them their own temporary pleasures which they seem to want frequently. They are given no authority-no credit for the children they raise that could potentially the next great warrior. So is Homer a early feminist or a old fashioned sexist? I believe that Homer is a old fashioned sexist for providing a false image of women in The Odyssey.

Carbon monoxide kills 3 in Minneapolis

The residents of a North Minneapolis home were taken by surprise when a gas generator began to give off carbon monoxide fumes. Apparently, the 2 adults men and one of the men's 14 year old sons were living there illegally... the land lord had been trying to evict them for some time.

The owner of the house discovered the two men dead and the boy near death when he was doing a routine check on plumbing and electricity, and immediately rushed him to the hospital, where he died.

This time of year is the peak of carbon monoxide related deaths because everyone is turning on furnaces and heaters that should be checked before use.

Carbon monoxide is a clear odorless gas making it very hard to detect. There is a risk of carbon monoxide leaking when using any appliances incorrectly. Especially gas ran appliances.

This poisoning can take place in a matter of minutes and the victim normally feels flu like symptoms when in carbon monoxide's presence. It can lead to permanent neurological problems and when too much is taken into the body, death.

Thankfully, a law was passed in January 2007 making it mandatory for all houses to have a carbon monoxide detector, and in August 2009, apartment buildings and multifamily dwellings will have the same requirement.

Pabst, Lora. "Carbon Monoxide Kills 3 in Minneapolis." The Star Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/local/30219539.html?page=1&c=y. October 2, 2008.

Sun Country warns of layoffs or shutdown as early as Dec. 1

Because of a financial crisis, Sun Country is warning its 850 employees to prepare for a layoff or whole company shut down until help is given from its creditors.

Sun Country is however determined to fix this problem, but tells people to bear in mind that there is a fear that no solution will be found.

They lost $45 million in a $125 million revenue in the 12 months that ended in June, and have tried getting a short term loan but to no avail.

Credit Card companies are told to not give consumer payments to Sun Country Airlines until the solution is found.

Fedor, Liz. "Sun Country Warns Of Layoffs or Shutdown as Early as Dec. 1." The Star Tribune. http://www.startribune.com/business/30189369.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUnciaec8O7EyUsX
October 2, 2008.