It's just past midnight on what was Thursday Night. After a shortened cab driving shift I decided to see a movie that I had been very curious about for some time now, Mel Gibson's 'Apocalypto'. Since I arrived a bit early (at the cineplex) I got to take in a few minutes of another movie 'Happy Feet, this animation seemed utterly charming and quite visually magnificent. I'll try to see the whole flick while it is still on the big screen. This picture is just about my speed. 5th grade was the class where I had the most fun, 5th grade humor works really well with me.    I had some reservations about Mel's latest flick as I don't really care for the buckets of blood approach.  Years ago an anthropology student friend leant me the book (I don't know why I still have it on my shelf. So sorry Steve.) 'The Hummingbird and the Hawk: Conquest and Sovereignty in the Valley of Mexico 1503- 1541' This book blew me away. Unbelievable drama, to my mind it seemed to be one of the greatest stories of history ever written. I knew that 'Buckets of Blood' would likely be unavoidable with any film about this culture.   Mel's film is a rousing adventure, bloody indeed and gives a very real taste of an indigenous people's civilization you would have wanted to stay very, very far away from. I give it an 'A' for great adventure, very well filmed. I did expect more grandeur and majesty with the help of computer animation for the scenes of the temples. Apparently, the home of these bad boys in the film was not meant to be Tenochtitlan (the ancient city where now stands Mexico City) . The more blood that was spilt on behalf of this demented King the greater favor you would appear to gain with the Gods. When things were really going bad, then he would want more 'Sacrifice'.   I don't know why I turned the TV on when I got home, CSPAN was playing some replays of the House of Representative hearing held Thursday. Secretary of Defense Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Pace were questioned by some Congressman. I was impressed by the well thought questions of both Republicans and Democrats. I was impressed by Secretary Gates and General Pace, I think they are bright men who are doing there best serving our country. There argument for increasing the troop levels seems to make sense, they appear to have thought it out and know just about the right number needed.  I could see how many Americans could almost accept their logic.      I think we know something deeper. I don't think it matters that it seemed that all the American Generals in Iraq disagreed with the White House. That the two in charge in Iraq, General Abizaid and someone else were dismissed because of their disagreement. It doesn't matter that most of the Arab world and that the newly elected President of Iraq doesn't believe that an increase of American troops will improve the situation. It doesn't matter that the American People voted the Republican party out of their Rule of the Senate and House because of our revulsion with this foul war. None of that matters in influencing yours and my reactions. Is it an emotional reaction of our Hearts? Is it our Common Sense? Somehow, somewhere this scenario has been played out before. We don't even need any other experts to tell us. More American Men in Iraq will bring more American deaths in Iraq. There will be no surprise as the situation worsens for the people of Iraq and the USA. We know, the world knows and once again our President, our Ruler will push us deeper into Harm's Way against wisdom, against good counsel, against the will of his people.   The Hummingbird and the Hawk: Conquest and Sovereignty in the Valley of Mexico: 1503--1541, by R.C. Padden. A must-read for anyone interested in Aztec (AKA Mexica) civilization, this book sheds new light on the civilization that conquered most of Mesoamerica. Tells about the Aztec’s humble origins, rise to power, rituals, ruthless political agenda, and eventual fall from power.  quote from mexicoguru.com      Guy W. Meyer, Jr.                   January 12, 2007         San Anselmo, California               guy@lifesignsphoto.com