Micro movie review

Far from the Madding Crowd--Thomas Hardy's novel about a young woman in rural Victorian England, and the three men who wanted her. I read the book and saw the Julie Christie/Alan Bates film version back in the 60's. This one is a decent telling of the original story, though the heroine is far more feminist than I remember. Its biggest problem is that the film is very rushed--this version is 50 minutes shorter than the earlier one. The acting is fine, the scenery is very good, and if you like costume dramas you'll enjoy this one.

Recent news round-up

Good News

• Federal judge rules again that gay couples have right to wed in Alabama
• NY can ban 'Choose Life' license plates as DMV program upheld
• Chad extends offensive against Boko Haram
• U.S., allies conduct 20 air strikes against Islamic State militants: military
• Iraqi forces clear path to key refinery
• Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval signs anti-bullying legislation

Bad News

• IS tightens grip on Iraq-Syria border in jihadist surge
• Moscow bans Gay Pride march, again
• IS executes 17 people in Syria's Palmyra: monitor
• How Taking a Photograph of Old Faithful This Summer Could Land You in Jail

Recent news round-up, Part 2

Good News

• Oregon outlaws gay conversion therapy, joining two other states
• Federal court rejects Notre Dame birth control challenge

Bad News

• Utah high school excludes students in special needs program from yearbook

Recent news round-up, Part 1

Good News

• 31-state deal should make credit report errors easier to fix
• Cannes apologises over high-heel furore
• Los Angeles gives preliminary approval to $15 minimum wage
• Belfast bakery discriminated by refusing gay cake order, court rules

Bad News

• Gay-Marriage Opponents Get Legal Protection From Louisiana Governor
• Islamic State seizes ancient town of Palmyra in Syria
• Game over looms for Budapest pinball museum
• Tennessee governor signs law setting 48-hour abortion wait period

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Shi'ite forces move in on Iraqi city taken by Islamic State
• Obama sets new limits on police use of military equipment
• YouTube may show 'Innocence of Muslims' film: U.S. court
• U.S. top court declines to take up Walker campaign finance dispute

Bad News

• Facing $1 billion deficit, Arizona sharply limits welfare
• Nearly 25,000 fled IS attack on Ramadi in Iraq: U.N.
• Turkey TV talent show: Woman contestant shot in head

Living with bears XLVII

Scared bear spends week in central Louisiana neighborhood

Today's news round-up

Good News

• Restored 'The Third Man' emerges again from the shadows
• Nigerian military says it destroyed 10 Boko Haram camps
• French Protestant church allows gay marriage blessing
• Thousands in Chile's 'March for Equality' to support gay rights
• U.S., allies conduct 18 air strikes in Iraq, eight in Syria

Bad News

• Contested Iraqi city of Ramadi falls to Islamic State group
• Russian police detain activists at gay flashmob in Moscow

Animal headline of the day

Mozart-loving chickens may answer quest for healthier nugget