Archive for July, 2006

Magic Dragon: A Needles Trip Report

Monday, July 17th, 2006

Clare Hiking to Magic Dragon
Clare Hiking to Magic Dragon

Walter Hiking to Magic Dragon
Walter excited to climb

The Wizard Formation, End of Pitch 3 on Magic Dragon
Wizard Formation from Magic Dragon

I worked my day off last Friday in order to climb on Monday. I wanted to have a little Eastern Sierra adventure. The plan was to drive up to the Needles on Sunday night, in order to get an early start Monday morning.

Most Needles climbs start off with a refreshing hike. In the case of Magic Dragon, the hike is 2.5 miles and then an extra 30 minutes of light bushwacking from the main trail! (more…)

Good Night and Good Luck

Monday, July 10th, 2006

When we watched the extra footage after the film, it became clear why George Clooney would take on this project. George’s father was an anchorman, who like many other of his time, admired Edward R. Murrows journalism ethics and accomplishments. I did not previously know just how vital a role in broadcast journalism Mr. Murrows played in a time of fear and division during the McCarthy years.

I really enjoyed the screenplay of the film. No fancy production techniques, stick to the basic mentality. It helped to keep the viewer focused on the facts as they unfolded, instead of getting muttled up on an emotional level. At one point, I had a chill down my spine, when Mr.Murrows was talking about how dissent must not be confused with disloyalty. I really love this statement. I feel it is an essential part of what makes us, as Americans, unique.