The Spy Factory, 2009 (Grade D)

Producer Scott Willis & James Bamford
Topic: NSA / National Security Agency

this program  claims to exposes the NSA, an "ultra-secret intelligence agency" and its role in the failure to stop the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent eavesdropping program that listens in without warrant on millions of American citizens.  The program is alarmist, wanting you to hold your breath to hear what you already know --- that is, you know it if you pay attention to the news.  Yes the NSA operates in the shadows, and it may well be doing things that are 'unconstitutional' and we ought to be aware that it exists. So if you didn't know any of this, well then, this docu-drama will tell you these things.  But what it doesn't talk about is do we need this organization..and if so, how do we have an organization that can do what it does and also not have it cross lines pertaining to civil liberties.  This documentary both criticizes the agency for not being invasive enough (stop 9/11) and for being too invasive. So which is it you want?  We could use a serious discussion about this topic--but it is not available in this documentary.

Martin Scorsese Presents: The Blues: A Musical Journey Vol 7, Piano Blues Grade B

Director Clint Eastwood
Producer Martin Scorsese
Topic Piano Blues

Disc 7 -- the last in the series

Clint Eastwood takes an in-depth look at piano-blues music through rare video footage, interviews and performances by greats such as Ray Charles, Jay McShann, Pinetop Perkins, Dave Brubeck and many more -- He tends to take us into jazz and classical works--but keeps trying to tie them back to the blues. It is clear that Eastwood love the piano -- and I enjoyed this a lot.. but I really wold have preferred it if he would have stayed a little closer to the music I do so love-- the blues.