Dear Readers: Before I provide another round of Egypt-based updates, I would like to apologize to you all. It seems I may be indirectly responsible for another California Teacher Union money/power grab. This news, via Instapundit and Hot Air:
In Culver City, Calif., a local union wants to force unionization of — get this — parent volunteers at the local public schools. At several schools in the city, parents have banded together to form non-profit booster clubs to fundraise for and hire part-time teacher’s helpers, who also mostly come from the ranks of the parents themselves.
The local union — the Culver City Association of Classified Employees — is not OK with that kind of initiative. The union wants the parents to continue to fundraise, but to send the funds directly to the school district so the district can then hire union employees to fill the part-time positions.
Yes, money is the heart-and-soul of the bureau-strocracy of the California public employee unions. However, I personally know many conservative and independent-minded citizen activists who have become much more involved in school activities (e.g., setting up US Constitution Day Activities). Certainly, we can’t have our children learning anything other than union-approved statist template material!!!
I feel responsible, at lease indirectly. Last month, as part of Valentine’s Day week, I wanted to feature the romance tales of King Arthur. So, I arranged to have King Arthur, via Chivalry Today, to come down and give a lesson on the Western Martial Arts, valor, and history. Now, this doesn’t correspond progressive desire to feminize of our schools — but we have an awesome teacher who loves the legends of Camelot and is cool enough to allow me to set up this special program.
King Arthur with the Young Prince
The kids are still talking about how awesome this program was, a full month later. Be sure to check out the series on the Age of Arthur being written by the Shrine’s Hero on the Deadliest Blogger site.
The, as if that indiscretion weren’t bad enough, last week I gave a lesson on the art of political cartooning. Now, I did make it politically “neutral”, had it reviewed by the teacher for acceptability, and entertained the kids with tales of how Egyptian pharaohs were insulted by the commoners in ancient versions of this art form. However, elites can’t be none too happy about some of the results:
Just when I thought I could not be even more disgusted with the California Teachers Unions, they go that extra mile to generate even more outrage.
Now, onto Egypt. This gem via Weasel Zippers – Egyptian Presidential Candidate Calls For The Implementation of Islamic Punishments: Execution, Crucifixion And Amputation of Opposite Hands And Feet…
Egypt: Thousands of Muslims attacked a Coptic church, and demanded the death of its pastor, who, along with “nearly 100 terrorized Copts sought refuge inside the church, while Muslim rioters were pelting the church with stones in an effort to break into the church, assault the Copts and torch the building.” They did this because a Christian girl who, according to Islamic law, automatically became a Muslim when her father converted to Islam, fled from her father and was rumored to be hiding in the church.
Finally, to end on a slightly more upbeat note: It looks like the “Cleopatra” starring Angelina Jolie is slated for 2013.
A bit more background. David Fincher (who recently directed “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”) will direct and states: My ‘Cleopatra’ Film With Angelina Jolie Won’t Be ‘Sword-and-Sandal Epic
He continued, “I’m not interested in a giant sword-and-sandal epic. We’ve seen scope; everyone knows we can fake that. That stuff doesn’t impress in the way that it did even 10 years ago. We expect that from Starz [now]. So that’s not the reason to do that. What is it about this character that has purchased this place in our history and imagination that is relatable today?”
“Cleopatra” will present the fabled Egyptian queen as a firm ruler and military tactician who embarks on a ruthless rise to power. She twice married her brothers, killing each of them as well as a sister. Romantic alliances with the much-older Roman honchos Julius Caesar and Marc Antony help her solidify power, but her dalliance with Antony undid both of them.
Good to know, though I do like sword-and-sandal epics. 
From the video: “… crucial and financial flop…” referring to the 1963 release of “Cleopatra” must mean “critical and financial flop.” Otherwise, what, pray tell, is a “crucial flop?” That video girl is not going to give Ø a run for his money, is she?
There is SOoooo much great history that Hollywood hasn’t yet tapped. And great female characters.
If one didn’t know better, the only strong female political figures are Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Elizabeth I, and Catherine the Great!
How about a NEW film about, say, Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the richest and most beautiful woman of her age; wife of two kings and mother of three? Or about Zenobia of Palymyra, who aquired an empire 3 time larger than Cleopatra’s, and led her Arab armies against Rome? Or Lakshmi Bai, the Rani of Jhansi, who fought against the British empire?
No, instead we get yet another Cleopatra movie.
Barry: Normally, I would agree with your assessment of “Women in Hollywood” and the lack of diversity in historical characters. However, each generation of movie-goers have had their version of Cleopatra. How Cleopatra is portrayed says something about the times in which that portrayal was created, so I am excited.
“The Lion in Winter” is a MUT top-10 film, as Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of the few people outside of Egyptology about whom I have read extensively. Great movie. And, yes, Hollywood would greatly benefit from some historical diversity. I am tired of retreads of old TV shows and movie sequels.