Loose Change
Since its debut on the web, the digital 9/11 documentary Loose Change has created quite a stir
Anthony Augustine
Loose Change — tinyurl.com/bs2w4
— With over 60 million copies of Dan Brown’s The Da
Vinci Code novel already sold, it’s obvious people like
complex conspiracy theories. Since its debut on the web, the digital
9/11 documentary Loose Change has created quite a stir. Although
it’s not getting the type of exposure a prime-time TV slot
would offer, Loose Change’s success demonstrates that it’s
possible to reach a large audience using non-traditional distribution
methods. Assembled from a wealth of footage and information, the
low-budget documentary heads into territory the mainstream media
(except for maybe the BBC) has largely ignored. Most of the arguments
advanced in the hour-long film may have been part of public record,
but that doesn’t mean they’ve gotten any significant
exposure from the media. While a number of the doc’s theories
provide an interesting backdrop to exploring the issues surrounding
9/11, it’s difficult to believe some of the premises advanced
in the film. Nevertheless, Loose Change raises some interesting
questions about the hijackers themselves, and some of its more
plausible arguments centre around the fiscal gains that came as
a result of the terrorists’ actions. Why was there abnormally
heavy trading in airline stock options in the days leading up
to the attack? Why were the lease holders of the Twin Towers able
to take out massive insurance policies with specific terrorism
clauses when there had already been a significant attack on the
building? Why has all the evidence that has been collected by
the government not been made available to the public? Why has
none of this been thoroughly investigated? As the recent release
of still images of the plane crash at the Pentagon suggest, there
are still a number of significant unanswered questions surrounding
the events of 9/11. So don’t watch Loose Change expecting
answers. If anything, the documentary will force you to examine
some details you may have not have paid much attention to prior
to viewing.
John K. Samson live— tinyurl.com/zxkks
— Back before The Weakerthans were indie rock darlings opening
for The Tragically Hip and dining on Epitaph’s dime, John
K. Samson released a lo-fi split CD with Painted Thin. Although
Little Pictures was recorded immediately after Samson left political
thrashers Propagandhi, it includes some of his most thoughtful
and fragile work to date. While you won’t hear any of the
songs from Little Pictures in this live 2002 performance from
the Gas Station Theatre, this show is proof that Samson is sometimes
at his best when he’s alone with a guitar. Check out solo
versions of Weakerthans’ staples Utilities, Benediction,
Time’s Arrows and Psalm for the Elk’s Lodge Last Call.
Other performances available from this fledgling label from the
Twin Cities include sets by Minneapolis buzz band Tapes n’
Tapes, Broken Social Scene member Jason Collett, and Winnipegger
Christine Fellows. Along with streaming the clips, you can also
download everything in an iPod-friendly video format.
Anthony Augustine is a freelance music and pop culture writer
who spends way too much time in front of the computer. He also
hosts a weekly two-hour electronic music program on CKUW 95.9
FM Got a site you think he should see? E-mail him at anthony.alloneword@gmail.com. |
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