A few other unusual items are cropping up today as attention is focused on the conflict in the Middle East and the attempted attack on airlines in England and US airlines. One thing that is of interest happened in Thailand; a nation known for many things, not the least of which is sex. They are also known for 500,000 of its population being infected with HIV/AIDS. So in a nation with such a conflict, the introduction of a new condom would seem to be of no interest. That would be true except the brand name is Tom Dundee, which translates into something akin to Tom Good Penetration. While somewhat appropriate for a condom, the name offended the Culture Ministry and has been banned. It seems that the name is felt to be enticing to the youth and could cause early sexual activity. Of the many things mentioned about Bangkok a common item is the young prostitutes. For decades it has been something spoken about in hushed breathes or in television specials. Somehow I find it difficult to connect the Cultural Ministry’s fears with the reputed sex trade industry that may exist. If anything a humorous condom that incites use if far better than no protection that spreads HIV/AIDS further. But that is me placing my sensibilities on Thailand, which can be unfair. Still if it saves a few lives, stops a few unwanted pregnancies does a provocative name really matter?
On a less explicit level, yet still quite adult, is news that the Muppets are not just for kids anymore. Mr. Brian Henson, son of the Muppets creator Jim Henson, has performances at Edinburgh’s Fringe art festival that are just for the adults. A bit blue and lewd, inspired by improve and the audience it’s a different take than the ones some may have grown up with. I can’t imagine what might occur but I’m sure it would spin the memories of The Muppet’s Show - Fozzy, Gonzo, Ms. Piggy, Kermit et al – on their head. And I can’t say that it isn’t tempting to watch. It’s a new experience, a continuation perhaps of an experience in my youth. Like many things, a new look or perspective from an adult on a situation can be a good experience. Perhaps part of the joke is you wouldn’t expect a blue take on this venue, so a bit of shock is part of the fun. I doubt it could be worse than some comedians, or movies (Little Man comes to mind) that take an innocent subject and turn it on its ear for a laugh. If anyone has seen the performance when it was in Aspen or Hollywood, please let us know what you thought of it.
Moving from the sublime to the sub-human, there is news that Mr. Forest Whitaker will star as the infamous African leader Idi Amin in the movie The Last King of Scotland. Mr. Amin was the President of Uganda through the 70’s. He was also a light heavyweight boxing champion, persecutor of various groups including Christians and possibly a cannibal. He was brutal in his reign and died in exile at the age of 79.
Mr. Whitaker is an exceptional actor and director. He has played support and leading roles in many films (The Crying Game, The Color of Money, Battlefield Earth, Ghost Dog, and his recent performance on the Shield all come to mind at once). This movie will open in London, and I hope to see it here in the U.S. as I don’t recall a bad film or role than Mr. Whitaker has done. Considering the nature of his character, and the fact that it was a real person, I find it intriguing to see how he would play the man.
The film also has a solid cast in Ms. Gillian Anderson (of the X-Files fame) and Mr. James McAvoy, and directed by Mr. Kevin Macdonald. There may be a limited release here but I imagine it will be worth finding.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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