The Seeker: The Stench is Rising

By David W. Shelton | October 14, 2007 |

If there are any lessons to be learned from The Seeker: The Dark is Rising, then it’s how NOT to make a fantasy film.

I would have thought that by now, that fimmakers would have realized that it’s not just fantasy that moviegoers are interested in watching. It’s good fantasy.

After all, we’ve seen just how stellar The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter series have been. Whether we spent the time following the quests of Frodo or Harry, the world has seen its fair share of diminutive heroes. Indeed, we weren’t limited to the small or the young to have that kind of quality storytelling. Other recent triumphs include the stellar Stardust and the sublime Pan’s Labyrinth.

Unfortunately, though, something got lost in the mix when Christopher Paolini’s brilliant Eragon got adapted for the big screen into little more than a celluloid cesspool. I suppose the fact that I’ve never read any of the Seeker novels by Susan Cooper is a blessing in that I’m not going into the film with any sense of expectation. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Arts and Leisure | No Comments

A Look Back: A community teetering on the edge

By Turner McCullough Jr. | October 14, 2007 |

As the city faces ongoing questions related to its Title VI compliance status, it’s worth reflecting on observations noted in a Leaf Chronicle editorial (5/17/06) in the aftermath of the city’s ADA lawsuit settlement. Is it still just ‘the Clarksville Way’ to needlessly waste taxpayer dollars?

Kudo’s to the Leaf Chronicle editorial staff for their editorial acknowledging the need to bring the City into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A second round of Kudo’s to the three members of the ‘Wheel Me On’ group who brought the lawsuit in the first place.

This excerpt from the Leaf Chronicle seems to acknowledge, for the first time, that we have a community problem:

“All of this is eerily similar to the City’s approach to the minority rights [issues] in the police department where ongoing claims of racial discrimination by black officers have led to millions of dollars lost in judgments against the City in Federal Courts.”

“ It’s time to change this mindset about oversight of civil rights. For when the Federal Court has it’s say, you do it right, or pay. And too frequently, that [the latter] is the Clarksville way.”

But does it have to be? «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Issues, Opinion, Politics | No Comments

Strategy for success and a golf lesson: “Keep your eye on the ball”

By Rev. Charles Moreland | October 14, 2007 |

This is the season to enjoy myriad sports from high school to professional games. Football is with us, and is given extensive coverage on the weekends. And of course, the Titans are our favorite team.

Another sport receiving publicity and occasionally headlines the local papers is golf. Montgomery County has several golf courses spread across Clarksville and its neighboring communities that afford golfers the opportunity to leave behind the stress and anxiety of work for the elation that comes with this game. Although I am no longer a golfer myself, I appreciate the sport.

At Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, I first learned the fundamentals of the game as well as taking advantage of the opportunity to improve my health by walking the gold course and chasing wayward golf balls.

There is excitement in this primarily quiet game. A local golfer in a recent tournament shouted “Boom” as he scored a birdie (under par) and victory in his match. It’s a cause for jubilation when an individual set an achievable goal and reaches it in golf. «Read the rest of this article»

Sections: Opinion, Spirituality, Sports | 1 Comment »