Official Great Works Draft (1 Viewer)

[TidesofWar]

14.08........ Acting Performance - Atticus Finch in "To Kill A Mockingbird"

GREGORY PECK

Gregory Peck's performance became synonymous with the role and character of Atticus Finch. Alan J. Pakula remembered hearing from Peck when he was first approached with the role: "He called back immediately. No maybes. The fit was among the most natural things about a most natural film. I must say the man and the character he played were not unalike."[2] Peck later said in an interview that he was drawn to the role because the book reminded him of growing up in La Jolla, California.[3] "Hardly a day passes that I don't think how lucky I was to be cast in that film," Peck said in a 1997 interview. "I recently sat at a dinner next to a woman who saw it when she was 14 years old, and she said it changed her life. I hear things like that all the time."[4]

The 1962 softcover edition of the novel opens with the following: "The Southern town of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD reminds me of the California town I grew up in. The characters of the novel are like people I knew as a boy. I think perhaps the great appeal of the novel is that it reminds readers everywhere of a person or a town they have known. It is to me a universal story -- moving, passionate and told with great humor and tenderness. Gregory Peck"

Upon Peck's death in 2003, Brock Peters, who played Tom Robinson in the film version, quoted Harper Lee at Peck's eulogy, saying, "Atticus Finch gave him an opportunity to play himself". Peters concluded his eulogy stating, "To my friend Gregory Peck, to my friend Atticus Finch, vaya con Dios."[5] Peters remembered the role of Tom Robinson when he recalled, "It certainly is one of my proudest achievements in life, one of the happiest participations in film or theater I have experienced."[6] Peters remained friends not only with Peck but with Mary Badham throughout his life.

Very worthy pick there ... I can't imagine anybody else in that role.I really hope I'm able to get the other three choices I have in mind for this cat

Peck's character dealt with many issues - Right vs Wrong, Racism vs Tolerance and Free-Thought, persevering for a just cause even though you know the end game will result in failure, teaching your children to be fair and compassionate with the hopes they will build a better world in their time.I always wanted to be the Man Atticus Finch was.

Because of the character or because of Peck's portrayal?

Both - I think Peck nailed it. He and The Character became one and the same."Upon Peck's death in 2003, Brock Peters, who played Tom Robinson in the film version, quoted Harper Lee at Peck's eulogy, saying, "Atticus Finch gave him an opportunity to play himself".

 

[Abrantes]

14.15 T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land (Poem)

April is the cruellest month...

I pushed this one aside for so long that I was sure it wouldn't make its way back to me. I love the hell out of Eliot, and for my own personal taste, The Waste Land is even more satisfying than The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Although it can be rather dense, the cadence of the lines is nonetheless fascinating.

 

[timschochet]

Is Doug B on autoskip? I can never remember.

 

[El Floppo]

14.15 T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land (Poem)

April is the cruellest month...

I pushed this one aside for so long that I was sure it wouldn't make its way back to me. I love the hell out of Eliot, and for my own personal taste, The Waste Land is even more satisfying than The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. Although it can be rather dense, the cadence of the lines is nonetheless fascinating.

oh gadgnammit.I've been putting off that pick for 5 rounds now....

And I hear you about the cadence... I almost audibly squint when I read/listen to that one- I just love how it sounds, especially when I'm too dense myself to figure out wtf it means.

 

[krista4]

From earlier, reposted by request:

mad sweeney, I don't envy your task. Acting performance is going to be by far the hardest category to judge, IMO. More than any other category, it seems impossible to avoid subjectivity and, as a result, criticism.

FWIW, and I hope my partner won't mind, I anticipate going a little off-the-beaten-path for any selections I get to make. Everything that has been chosen is worthy, but I'd like to acknowledge some performances that aren't as "big" and well-known, but are just as worthy as well.

 

[Abrantes]

FWIW, and I hope my partner won't mind, I anticipate going a little off-the-beaten-path for any selections I get to make. Everything that has been chosen is worthy, but I'd like to acknowledge some performances that aren't as "big" and well-known, but are just as worthy as well.

 

[TidesofWar]

FWIW, and I hope my partner won't mind, I anticipate going a little off-the-beaten-path for any selections I get to make. Everything that has been chosen is worthy, but I'd like to acknowledge some performances that aren't as "big" and well-known, but are just as worthy as well.

The Banjo Player in Deliverance???

 

[wikkidpissah]

FWIW, and I hope my partner won't mind, I anticipate going a little off-the-beaten-path for any selections I get to make. Everything that has been chosen is worthy, but I'd like to acknowledge some performances that aren't as "big" and well-known, but are just as worthy as well.

The Banjo Player in Deliverance???

June Cleaver in "Airplane"?

 

[El Floppo]

FWIW, and I hope my partner won't mind, I anticipate going a little off-the-beaten-path for any selections I get to make. Everything that has been chosen is worthy, but I'd like to acknowledge some performances that aren't as "big" and well-known, but are just as worthy as well.

The Banjo Player in Deliverance???

June Cleaver in "Airplane"?

anybody dancing for their lives Satan's Alley

 

[timschochet]

FWIW, and I hope my partner won't mind, I anticipate going a little off-the-beaten-path for any selections I get to make. Everything that has been chosen is worthy, but I'd like to acknowledge some performances that aren't as "big" and well-known, but are just as worthy as well.

The Banjo Player in Deliverance???

Maybe it's that guy from Police Academy that made the weird noises with his mouth.

 

[wikkidpissah]

FWIW, and I hope my partner won't mind, I anticipate going a little off-the-beaten-path for any selections I get to make. Everything that has been chosen is worthy, but I'd like to acknowledge some performances that aren't as "big" and well-known, but are just as worthy as well.

The Banjo Player in Deliverance???

June Cleaver in "Airplane"?

anybody dancing for their lives Satan's Alley

Keith Richards in POTC3?

 

[Doug B]

14.16 - The Stirrup, Invention [5]

The stirrup is a ring with a flat bottom fixed on a leather strap, usually hung from each side of a saddle by an adjustable strap to create a footrest for a person using a riding animal (usually a horse or other equine, such as a mule), used as a support for the foot of a rider when seated in the saddle and as an aid in mounting. It greatly increases the rider's ability to stay in the saddle and control the mount, increasing the animal's usefulness in communication, transportation and warfare. It is considered one of the basic tools used to create and spread modern civilization. Some argue it is as important as the wheel or printing press.

The stirrup, which gave greater stability to a rider, has been described as one of the most significant inventions in the history of warfare, prior to gunpowder. As a tool allowing expanded use of horses in warfare, the stirrup is often [considered a] revolutionary step in equipment, ... The basic tactics of mounted warfare were significantly altered by the stirrup. A rider supported by stirrups was less likely to fall off while fighting, and could deliver a blow with a weapon that more fully employed the weight and momentum of horse and rider.

The introduction of the stirrup not only made the mounted warrior supreme in medieval warfare, but may have initiated complex and far-reaching social and cultural changes in Europe. Some scholars credit this use of the stirrup to the birth of feudalism and its subsequent spread into Northern Italy, Spain, Germany and into the Slavic territories. One theory suggested that the rising feudal class structure of the European Middle Ages derived ultimately from the use of stirrups: "Few inventions have been so simple as the stirrup, but few have had so catalytic an influence on history. The requirements of the new mode of warfare which it made possible found expression in a new form of western European society dominated by an aristocracy of warriors endowed with land so that they might fight in a new and highly specialized way."

 

[timschochet]

I'm going to allow the stirrup because (1) it's a specific invention, and (2) the wiki article traces it to a relatively specific date. I have to say, though, this is a borderline decision, and I'm not at all sure I'm doing the right thing here... would like to hear input from Krista, since Doug made the pick.

 

[timschochet]

Earlier I wrote that Robert De Niro in Raging Bull was my personal choice for top acting performance ever. Since my #2 has not been chosen, much to my surprise, and since I really regard it as #1A, I've decided to grab it now.

What's really surprising about this performance is that he's only on screen for just over 16 minutes. But in those 16 minutes, one of the most iconic characters in the history of film is created. Another astonishing (and quite disturbing) fact is that during this performance, the actor never blinks. Not once do we hear a trace of his normal English accent, which is present in almost every one of his other roles. And with only a few words at a time, the actor manages to convey high intelligence, wit, insanity, a sense of criminal menace, and humor. It is a true tour de force, and he deserves all the accolades he has received.

14. 17 Sir Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lector in The Silence Of The Lambs

 

[mad sweeney]

From earlier, reposted by request:mad sweeney, I don't envy your task. Acting performance is going to be by far the hardest category to judge, IMO. More than any other category, it seems impossible to avoid subjectivity and, as a result, criticism.

If I understand the judging correctly, I'm to give three 20s, three 19s and so on... So far there's only 1 performance taken that isn't going to be agonizing to drop below 20, and I expect there to be another twenty or so in the same boat. Figure with SAG, Oscar, Tony, Independent Spirit, Emmy, Golden Globes, and whatever else kind of awards there are there're about 40 or more nominated performances every year (lead and supporting combined). Plus, most of the awards are top heavy with dramatic performances over comedy performances and the draft has been so far as well. I could reckon a few comedy performances that didn't win or even get nominated for anything that could very easily lay claim to a top tier. As it is, pretty much everyone in the 13 or higher tier is going to have some legitimate claim to a 20. I have no idea now how to differentiate them yet. Should I knock Brando down below Sellers because he threw in one too many overdramatic flops across the hood of the car when Don Vito was gunned down? Just remember that this isn't a ranking of Oscar winning leads in a dramatic role, nor am I a thespian purist like that stuffy jerk on Inside the Acotr's Studio. Also remember when the judging comes down that there is absolutley no formula I can apply to separate the top 30 or so picks, most of whom are deserving of a 20. I certainly won't be arbitrary or contrarian just to be a cool guy (those from the WGD know how much I was against several of those types of judges), but there are going to be some disappointed drafters and there is no way out of it.I'm wondering if people liked the way some judges did it with posting a prelim and allowing for debate on it before the final rankings. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it, although I think it would be much better in it's own thread to keep track of debates better (which might not be a bad idea for all the judges' individual rankings). I'm not talking about posting something ridiculous like MFB did, but a legit prelim to debate a few possible movers and droppers.

 

[krista4]

FWIW, and I hope my partner won't mind, I anticipate going a little off-the-beaten-path for any selections I get to make. Everything that has been chosen is worthy, but I'd like to acknowledge some performances that aren't as "big" and well-known, but are just as worthy as well.

The Banjo Player in Deliverance???

June Cleaver in "Airplane"?

She did have to learn jive for the role.

 

[mad sweeney]

Earlier I wrote that Robert De Niro in Raging Bull was my personal choice for top acting performance ever. Since my #2 has not been chosen, much to my surprise, and since I really regard it as #1A, I've decided to grab it now.

What's really surprising about this performance is that he's only on screen for just over 16 minutes. But in those 16 minutes, one of the most iconic characters in the history of film is created. Another astonishing (and quite disturbing) fact is that during this performance, the actor never blinks. Not once do we hear a trace of his normal English accent, which is present in almost every one of his other roles. And with only a few words at a time, the actor manages to convey high intelligence, wit, insanity, a sense of criminal menace, and humor. It is a true tour de force, and he deserves all the accolades he has received.

14. 17 Sir Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lector in The Silence Of The Lambs

THis kind of goes back to CIA's question about supporting actors. I would say that most of the Oscar winning ones had more screen time than the good doctor (although realize that the scenes he was in total more than 16 minutes when you add in the screentime of the others in the scenes). So screen time really doesn't matter, it's what they do with it that counts. I don't think anyone has done more with less than Hopkins. I also watched it specifically to see if he blinks and I believe he does, twice. Once when he looks down to see some papers Clarisse sends him, though it is a slow, intentional, langorious blink rahter than an involuntary eye moisturizing blink. I could be wrong, but I believe I counted that and one more that i don't remember where. Still, it's an unnerving aspect to the second greatest movie villain of all time especially when you consider the screentime aspect.

 

[krista4]

I'm going to allow the stirrup because (1) it's a specific invention, and (2) the wiki article traces it to a relatively specific date. I have to say, though, this is a borderline decision, and I'm not at all sure I'm doing the right thing here... would like to hear input from Krista, since Doug made the pick.

Wasn't there another pick disallowed because it was listed as having been invented "by" whatever date? This looks like a similar case. Maybe someone else can remember what it was.

 

[Postradamus]

14.18 Discovery of the First Dinosaur Fossils - Scientific Discovery

Hadrosaurus in Jersey

Growing up, I always had an addiction to all things dino. This pick marks the beginning of my infatuation and am glad to make it.

per Science Channel

First Dinosaur Fossils Identified (1820s – 1840s)

In 1822, geologist William Buckland uncovers some really big teeth in England. At the time, there is no word to describe his finds. Twenty years later, in 1842, Sir Richard Owen comes up with the word "dinosaur" to describe several spectacular creatures whose fossils are discovered across England. Megalosaurus is the first dinosaur ever named.

Imagine being the first dude to see a ####### dinosaur skull. That would have freaked me out yo.

 

[mad sweeney]

I'm going to allow the stirrup because (1) it's a specific invention, and (2) the wiki article traces it to a relatively specific date. I have to say, though, this is a borderline decision, and I'm not at all sure I'm doing the right thing here... would like to hear input from Krista, since Doug made the pick.

Wasn't there another pick disallowed because it was listed as having been invented "by" whatever date? This looks like a similar case. Maybe someone else can remember what it was.

I believe it was either agriculture or farming.

 

[krista4]

From earlier, reposted by request:mad sweeney, I don't envy your task. Acting performance is going to be by far the hardest category to judge, IMO. More than any other category, it seems impossible to avoid subjectivity and, as a result, criticism.

If I understand the judging correctly, I'm to give three 20s, three 19s and so on... So far there's only 1 performance taken that isn't going to be agonizing to drop below 20, and I expect there to be another twenty or so in the same boat. Figure with SAG, Oscar, Tony, Independent Spirit, Emmy, Golden Globes, and whatever else kind of awards there are there're about 40 or more nominated performances every year (lead and supporting combined). Plus, most of the awards are top heavy with dramatic performances over comedy performances and the draft has been so far as well. I could reckon a few comedy performances that didn't win or even get nominated for anything that could very easily lay claim to a top tier. As it is, pretty much everyone in the 13 or higher tier is going to have some legitimate claim to a 20. I have no idea now how to differentiate them yet. Should I knock Brando down below Sellers because he threw in one too many overdramatic flops across the hood of the car when Don Vito was gunned down? Just remember that this isn't a ranking of Oscar winning leads in a dramatic role, nor am I a thespian purist like that stuffy jerk on Inside the Acotr's Studio. Also remember when the judging comes down that there is absolutley no formula I can apply to separate the top 30 or so picks, most of whom are deserving of a 20. I certainly won't be arbitrary or contrarian just to be a cool guy (those from the WGD know how much I was against several of those types of judges), but there are going to be some disappointed drafters and there is no way out of it.I'm wondering if people liked the way some judges did it with posting a prelim and allowing for debate on it before the final rankings. I certainly wouldn't be opposed to it, although I think it would be much better in it's own thread to keep track of debates better (which might not be a bad idea for all the judges' individual rankings). I'm not talking about posting something ridiculous like MFB did, but a legit prelim to debate a few possible movers and droppers.

Agree completely that just about everything taken is deserving of a 20, and I don't see that changing much. I think I'll have the same problem with the film category, but in your case there are just so many more great performances that I don't see how you are reasonably going to distinguish them. Personal preference has to play a part, and I hope you won't be criticized for that.

 

[Uncle Humuna]

Have been thinking about possible voting options.

Might be cool to do a basterdized version of what the NFL does for the Pro Bowl:

For each category, total score is determined by:

1/3 Judge Rankings

1/3 Owner Rankings (each owner ranks the other choices and the ave. is used to determine final ranking for owners)

1/3 FFA Rankings (any FFAer who wants to, can submit their rankings via PM, and the ave. is used to determine final ranking for FFA)

So, a max of 60 points is possible for each pick in each category.

Adding up all the categories, whoever has the highest total (3600 possible) is deemed the big weiner.

 

[timschochet]

I'm going to allow the stirrup because (1) it's a specific invention, and (2) the wiki article traces it to a relatively specific date. I have to say, though, this is a borderline decision, and I'm not at all sure I'm doing the right thing here... would like to hear input from Krista, since Doug made the pick.

Wasn't there another pick disallowed because it was listed as having been invented "by" whatever date? This looks like a similar case. Maybe someone else can remember what it was.

We didn't allow "farming" or "agriculture". This was a more specific invention.

 

[krista4]

Earlier I wrote that Robert De Niro in Raging Bull was my personal choice for top acting performance ever. Since my #2 has not been chosen, much to my surprise, and since I really regard it as #1A, I've decided to grab it now.

What's really surprising about this performance is that he's only on screen for just over 16 minutes. But in those 16 minutes, one of the most iconic characters in the history of film is created. Another astonishing (and quite disturbing) fact is that during this performance, the actor never blinks. Not once do we hear a trace of his normal English accent, which is present in almost every one of his other roles. And with only a few words at a time, the actor manages to convey high intelligence, wit, insanity, a sense of criminal menace, and humor. It is a true tour de force, and he deserves all the accolades he has received.

14. 17 Sir Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lector in The Silence Of The Lambs

I rewatched this before going to bed a few nights ago. What a bad idea.As I watched it, I did think that I might end up taking this one if available in a couple of rounds. Astonishing performance, though in my opinion the second-best Hopkins performance in a movie.

 

[mad sweeney]

14.8 Discovery of the First Dinosaur Fossils - Scientific Discovery

Hadrosaurus in Jersey

Growing up, I always had an addiction to all things dino. This pick marks the beginning of my infatuation and am glad to make it.

per Science Channel

First Dinosaur Fossils Identified (1820s – 1840s)

In 1822, geologist William Buckland uncovers some really big teeth in England. At the time, there is no word to describe his finds. Twenty years later, in 1842, Sir Richard Owen comes up with the word "dinosaur" to describe several spectacular creatures whose fossils are discovered across England. Megalosaurus is the first dinosaur ever named.

I think almost all boys do, along with Greek Myths, cowboys, swords and sorcery and spaceships. Basically everything from Toy Story. All of these though gradually fall to the wayside after the discovery of the greatest uncredited invention ever, boobs.This dino pick is starting to make me miss LarryBoy a little...

 

[timschochet]

14.8 Discovery of the First Dinosaur Fossils - Scientific Discovery

Hadrosaurus in Jersey

Growing up, I always had an addiction to all things dino. This pick marks the beginning of my infatuation and am glad to make it.

per Science Channel

First Dinosaur Fossils Identified (1820s – 1840s)

In 1822, geologist William Buckland uncovers some really big teeth in England. At the time, there is no word to describe his finds. Twenty years later, in 1842, Sir Richard Owen comes up with the word "dinosaur" to describe several spectacular creatures whose fossils are discovered across England. Megalosaurus is the first dinosaur ever named.

Will this pick disallow me from later selecting the Answers In Genesis discovery that human bones and dinosaur bones were discovered together, signifying that they lived together?

 

[krista4]

I'm going to allow the stirrup because (1) it's a specific invention, and (2) the wiki article traces it to a relatively specific date. I have to say, though, this is a borderline decision, and I'm not at all sure I'm doing the right thing here... would like to hear input from Krista, since Doug made the pick.

Wasn't there another pick disallowed because it was listed as having been invented "by" whatever date? This looks like a similar case. Maybe someone else can remember what it was.

We didn't allow "farming" or "agriculture". This was a more specific invention.

Gotcha. But can you distinguish between this and the wheel? I can only in that Wiki gives a more specific date for the wheel. I hate to allow Doug to repick, because he might take something I want, but I don't see how you can disallow the wheel but allow this one.

 

[timschochet]

I'm going to allow the stirrup because (1) it's a specific invention, and (2) the wiki article traces it to a relatively specific date. I have to say, though, this is a borderline decision, and I'm not at all sure I'm doing the right thing here... would like to hear input from Krista, since Doug made the pick.

Wasn't there another pick disallowed because it was listed as having been invented "by" whatever date? This looks like a similar case. Maybe someone else can remember what it was.

We didn't allow "farming" or "agriculture". This was a more specific invention.

Gotcha. But can you distinguish between this and the wheel? I can only in that Wiki gives a more specific date for the wheel. I hate to allow Doug to repick, because he might take something I want, but I don't see how you can disallow the wheel but allow this one.

Good question. I dunno. Somehow the wheel seems more generic. Let's not forget Doug also selected gunpowder earlier, which also has a somewhat vague creation. I will defer to your judgment. If you think we should veto, then we will.

 

[wikkidpissah]

next to watching a relative's directing debut. i've never had a more riveting experience in a movie theater (that didnt involve Darlene Ludnicki, anyway) than watching Hopkins's Lecter. i dont believe in evil as an entity, but am fascinated by one who would live to be so purely that way. it takes an enormous amount of talent to be an artist of evil such as Lecter - as a flood against a failing door, oozing through the cracks & seems - and almost as much talent to convey it. Harris's conception, Demme's direction & Hopkins's performance creates one of the purest moments i've ever had in the dark.

 

[rodg12]

Really going back and forth on three different picks here. Really hoping I can get them all, we'll have to see. Anyways, onto my pick.....

14.19 - Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata) - Ludwig van Beethoven

Simply the most moving classical work I've ever listened to. Really glad I was able to add this to my team.

**All movements performed by Jeno Jando in an outstanding performance

Wiki

 

[krista4]

I'm going to allow the stirrup because (1) it's a specific invention, and (2) the wiki article traces it to a relatively specific date. I have to say, though, this is a borderline decision, and I'm not at all sure I'm doing the right thing here... would like to hear input from Krista, since Doug made the pick.

Wasn't there another pick disallowed because it was listed as having been invented "by" whatever date? This looks like a similar case. Maybe someone else can remember what it was.

We didn't allow "farming" or "agriculture". This was a more specific invention.

Gotcha. But can you distinguish between this and the wheel? I can only in that Wiki gives a more specific date for the wheel. I hate to allow Doug to repick, because he might take something I want, but I don't see how you can disallow the wheel but allow this one.

Good question. I dunno. Somehow the wheel seems more generic. Let's not forget Doug also selected gunpowder earlier, which also has a somewhat vague creation. I will defer to your judgment. If you think we should veto, then we will.

Good point about gunpowder. Ah, what the hell. I think unless someone else objects we can allow it.

 

[Doug B]

I thought the wheel, fire, and farming were disallowed because their inventions pre-dated recorded history? The stirrup's invention does not ... Classical Rome was founded before the stirrup was invented.

 

[krista4]

Really going back and forth on three different picks here. Really hoping I can get them all, we'll have to see. Anyways, onto my pick.....

14.19 - Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata) - Ludwig van Beethoven

Simply the most moving classical work I've ever listened to. Really glad I was able to add this to my team.

Sooooooo good.My pick coming in a few. I was afraid to start a write-up and jinx myself.

 

[wikkidpissah]

Really going back and forth on three different picks here. Really hoping I can get them all, we'll have to see. Anyways, onto my pick.....

14.19 - Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata) - Ludwig van Beethoven

**All movements performed by Jeno Jando in an outstanding performance

Wiki

the MVP of recorded classical piano music. his work for Naxos (Schumann, Chopin, Scarlatti, Schubert & this among others) has offered interpretations of masters equal to that of great soloists to consumers.

 

[Fennis]

I'm here and will make my pick after Krista does hers.

 

[Fennis]

Have been thinking about possible voting options.Might be cool to do a basterdized version of what the NFL does for the Pro Bowl:For each category, total score is determined by:1/3 Judge Rankings1/3 Owner Rankings (each owner ranks the other choices and the ave. is used to determine final ranking for owners)1/3 FFA Rankings (any FFAer who wants to, can submit their rankings via PM, and the ave. is used to determine final ranking for FFA)So, a max of 60 points is possible for each pick in each category.Adding up all the categories, whoever has the highest total (3600 possible) is deemed the big weiner.

I like this a lot. In fact, I may draft this post in the non-fiction category.

 

[krista4]

Kicking off the Team Fennis invention category (finally) with one near to my heart:

14.20 Oral Contraceptives (Invention)

I was going to do a write-up but happened upon the opinions of a bunch of people much smarter than me instead. Smart People

The pill did indeed fertilize the sexual liberation of the sixties, did stimulate feminism and the consequent erosion of conventional family structure in Western society — perhaps the most significant modification in human behaviour since the invention of shamanism. It did help to change our concept of the division of labour, to foster the beginnings of an utterly different attitude to the social role of women. But, arguably the important sequel of the pill is the growing conception that our bodies are servants of our minds, rather than vice versa. This relatively low-tech invention has triggered a cultural and cognitive revolution in our self-perception. It has contributed to our ability to accept organ transplantation, the notion of machine intelligence, gene therapy and even, eventually, germ-line genetic manipulation. It has shifted the quest of human beings from controlling their physical environment to controlling themselves — their own bodies and hence their physical destinies.

The greatest invention...is the one that is most likely to help avert the collapse of civilization... Electricity as a means of information and energy transport is a candidate. Modern medicine is a candidate. But what drives or exacerbates every major global problem is, ultimately, population growth. So whatever most effectively limits population growth is the greatest invention-and that's the pill, or contraception more generally.

It is revolutionary for two reasons. First, it makes a quantum leap in the effectiveness of technologies for the control of human fertility — which are found in every known culture and likely date back more than a hundred millennia. The pill and subsequent devices have the potential for a revolutionary impact on the lives of women from puberty to menopause everywhere in the world, allowing women to control their own fertility and thus enabling members of half the human species to control their own adult lives.

...these devices have the potential to save the planet Earth from the ongoing disaster of human overpopulation, with its present and future dire consequences globally of mass poverty, pandemics, warfare and violent confrontations over scarce resources, environmental degradation, and wholesale species extinctions.

This mixture of two hormones that suppress ovulation unleashed a sexual and social revolution. Overnight, women gained effective control over their fertility, smashing constraints on women's sexual freedom and the right to work, eventually giving them unprecedented political and economic clout.

 

[krista4]

Have been thinking about possible voting options.Might be cool to do a basterdized version of what the NFL does for the Pro Bowl:For each category, total score is determined by:1/3 Judge Rankings1/3 Owner Rankings (each owner ranks the other choices and the ave. is used to determine final ranking for owners)1/3 FFA Rankings (any FFAer who wants to, can submit their rankings via PM, and the ave. is used to determine final ranking for FFA)So, a max of 60 points is possible for each pick in each category.Adding up all the categories, whoever has the highest total (3600 possible) is deemed the big weiner.

I like this a lot. In fact, I may draft this post in the non-fiction category.

Sounds good to me.I mean the approach, not the part about drafting it as non-fiction.

 

[El Floppo]

Kicking off the Team Fennis invention category (finally) with one near to my heart:14.20 Oral Contraceptives (Invention)

I should've known... I had planned on taking this one later- massively importnat on a number of levels (illustrated above), but mostly onna count of teh secks.

 

[Fennis]

Kicking off the Team Fennis invention category (finally) with one near to my heart:14.20 Oral Contraceptives (Invention)

Great pick. Yea Team Fennis!

 

[El Floppo]

Really going back and forth on three different picks here. Really hoping I can get them all, we'll have to see. Anyways, onto my pick.....

14.19 - Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight Sonata) - Ludwig van Beethoven

**All movements performed by Jeno Jando in an outstanding performance

Wiki

the MVP of recorded classical piano music. his work for Naxos (Schumann, Chopin, Scarlatti, Schubert & this among others) has offered interpretations of masters equal to that of great soloists to consumers.

Yeah- wow... that one is such a no-brainer, I think it highlights my no-brain... eta: tha I didn't think to draft it

 

[Doug B]

Kicking off the Team Fennis invention category (finally) with one near to my heart:14.20 Oral Contraceptives (Invention)

Oral contraception has been known since the times of the australopithecines.

 

[krista4]

Kicking off the Team Fennis invention category (finally) with one near to my heart:14.20 Oral Contraceptives (Invention)

I should've known... I had planned on taking this one later- massively importnat on a number of levels (illustrated above), but mostly onna count of teh secks.

Would also like to point out that this pick was posted on page 69.

 

[rodg12]

Kicking off the Team Fennis invention category (finally) with one near to my heart:14.20 Oral Contraceptives (Invention)

I should've known... I had planned on taking this one later- massively importnat on a number of levels (illustrated above), but mostly onna count of teh secks.

Would also like to point out that this pick was posted on page 69.

 

[DCThunder]

Kicking off the Team Fennis invention category (finally) with one near to my heart:

14.20 Oral Contraceptives (Invention)

Great pick. Yea Team Fennis Feminist!

Fixed.

 

[Fennis]

I swapped through several picks, but decided to go this direction

15.01 Charlie Chaplin's performance in the The Great Dictator

Chaplin's great speech at the end, where he is talking directly to the audience. In his first real talkie:

 

[krista4]

I swapped through several picks, but decided to go this direction

15.01 Charlie Chaplin's preformance in the The Great Dictator

Chaplin's great speach at the end, where he is talking directly to the audience. In his first real talkie:

YES!Didn't click the links but assume the second is the globe scene. That and the speech at the end are just incredible.

this pick; my partner.

 

[Fennis]

I swapped through several picks, but decided to go this direction

15.01 Charlie Chaplin's preformance in the The Great Dictator

Chaplin's great speach at the end, where he is talking directly to the audience. In his first real talkie:

Birth control and Charlie Chaplin for all!!

 

[Genedoc]

Earlier I wrote that Robert De Niro in Raging Bull was my personal choice for top acting performance ever. Since my #2 has not been chosen, much to my surprise, and since I really regard it as #1A, I've decided to grab it now.

What's really surprising about this performance is that he's only on screen for just over 16 minutes. But in those 16 minutes, one of the most iconic characters in the history of film is created. Another astonishing (and quite disturbing) fact is that during this performance, the actor never blinks. Not once do we hear a trace of his normal English accent, which is present in almost every one of his other roles. And with only a few words at a time, the actor manages to convey high intelligence, wit, insanity, a sense of criminal menace, and humor. It is a true tour de force, and he deserves all the accolades he has received.

14. 17 Sir Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lector in The Silence Of The Lambs

We had 3 performances as 1a, 1b, and 1c, and then everything else. Those three were Brando/Waterfront, DeNiro/Raging Bull, and Hopkins/Silence of the Lambs. You did not take it too soon. It wouldn't have made it by us again. Great snag.

 

[Genedoc]

Kicking off the Team Fennis invention category (finally) with one near to my heart:14.20 Oral Contraceptives (Invention)

I should've known... I had planned on taking this one later- massively importnat on a number of levels (illustrated above), but mostly onna count of teh secks.

Damn......you!!!!!! I thought for sure this one would slip several more rounds and we get it as a steal. Too many smart people in this draft........should've known better.