Job hunting season began a few weeks ago. Those of you that know me well know that I would rather pull my toenails out with pliers than participate in the What-is-your-greatest-weakness Dog and Pony Show. Neverzeeless, went to London last week for lightspeed sightseeing and some interviews. Fish and chips, Westminster, and the Tower of London...I saw more of London before dawn than...
Interviews went swell. One was a Tokyo teaching job. Won´t have availability until January tho. Can you riv 6 monfs wif no emproyment? Yeah, no problem, let me just withdraw about $12,000 from my imaginary account from the Neverland Bank and Trust and I´m good ta go.
Other Japan shigoto was with ye ole Nova! They are keen to have The Law back in Nihon, but making me jump through the hoops of redtape corporate crappola. "Hi Gene, hooow´s it going? Yeeeeah. It's just that we're putting new coversheets on all the TPS reports *before* they go out now? So if you could just remember to do that from now on, that'd be greeeeeat..."
3rd interview recently (on da phone) was for Dubai. Probably going to get an offer. Great pay, but the only negative is I´ll...BE LIVING IN DUBAI. 53 degree celsius weather is awesome, and I mean, women dressed in 40 square feet of curtains are super segzy, but somehow not sure if it would be as enjoyable as Japanarama. We´ll see.
Running out of locutorio time. Back to job search woes. Peace.
"Looking for to have the fun with English time." --- Random Madrid graffiti
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
LAWRENCE OF ARABIA
I´ve had waaaaaay too many people bugging me to write about my favorite movie...ok, so it was more like two people, but humor me as I try to do justice to this one. I first saw Lawrence of Arabia back in college. Contrary to popular belief I did NOT watch the premiere in 1962. But I did manage to catch it on Lafayette, Indiana´s midnight cultural bonanza called "Late Night Movies". My first impression could be summed up in a shrug. Good, but not great. But two years later I was dragged to a re-release of it on the big screen. From the opening desert shots I knew I was hooked...I mean a full on light-of-heaven-angels-singing kind of cinematic revelation. It became then, and still is me favorite flick of all time.
Unlike the visually pretty dung heaps that war movies can usually turn into (*cough* Pearl Harbor *cough*) Lawrence of Arabia uses the battles and military struggles as a backdrop for awesome character development. Peter O'Toole gives his career-making performance as the legendary T.E Lawrence, and displays the good and evil war can bring out in average men's psyches with scary perfection. Following the exploits of Lawrence during his World War I adventures in the Middle East, the director David Lean gives us not only one of the best war stories of all time but also the best looking (non-CG) scenery ever to hit da big screen.
Go. Rent it. But be warned, it's not the same. Gotta see this one while shushing bored teenagers and trying peel your sneakers off the soda-enameled floors of the cinema. Most directors argue that's the only way to watch EVERY movie, but for this one it holds true.
(As a sidenote to my friend who looked at this and emailed me asking me for my High-Fidelity-esque Top 5 War Movies list....)
Top 5 War Movies that Don't Suck:
1 Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
2 Patton (1970)
3 The Bridge on the River Kwai (1956)
4 Saving Private Ryan (1998)
5 Platoon (1986)
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
FIDO NEEDS ATKINS
Funny/scary/sad facts of the day:
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates the annual cost (in addition to current spending) of wiping out world hunger to be $6 billion.
Americans spent approximately $14.7 BILLION on pet food in 2005.
I like animals. I liked that the only cheering in Independence Day happened after the dog was saved. I would have a golden retriever right now if I could take her with me to my company classes.
But good gravy, I think we could definitely cut back a weeeeeeeeeeeeee bit on the excess spending don't you think? A little 180 directional flip for funding would be prudent here en mi opinion.
Some other spending thoughts to mull if yer dull:
US women spent $8 billion on cosmetics (2001)
American Valentine's Day spending exceeded $13 billion in 2005
Pet rock sales skyrocketed to $18 billion in 2004.
Ok so one of those stats wasn't researched as well as the others. Just a made-ya-think train o' thought I had today.
Back in Madrid and feelin' fine. Getting that thar emailing itch again so watch for it! Gene out.
"Truth isn't always beauty, but the hunger for it is." --- Nadine Gordimer
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
OSCARS SHMOSCARS
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Top 5 Oscar travesties of all time:
1) 1976: Rocky beats out Network, All the Presidents Men, Bound for Glory, AND Taxi Driver. Well I guess Sly wouldn't have become the greatest actor in the history of movies without it.
2) 1993: Forrest Gump and his chocolates take away Pulp Fiction's trophy. You know what they call this kind of decision in France? Le crap.
3) 1941: How Green was My Valley tops the list over Citizen Kane. This is like comparing apples to orangutans.
4) 2001: Denzel wins best actor for Training Day rather than getting it for [insert anything else he has done here]
5) 1992: Marisa Tomei...nuff said.
Crash wins, Brokeback Mountain doesnt. In my opinion these two movies were about on the same level to begin with. They both were the least deserving of the five to win. One is a portrayal of the "Who can be more racist?" game, the other is exploring homophobia in John Wayne Land. Both solid flicks, but neither had a 4 star plot or cast. (Gyllenhaal was a gazillion times better in Jarhead)
Brokeback fans are steamed that Crash won, Crash fans are ticked that Brokeback fans are trashing their movie. Racism vs. Homophobia? The issues arent enough in themselves that supporters have to start competing against OTHER issues? Simmah down peoples.
Seems to be representative of a bigger issue to me. Why is it that these topics suck out so much of the energy and debate from USAers, while topics which should be of equal or more concern (take the foreign relation themes of Munich and Good Night and Good Luck for example) get left out of pop culture approval. There's something to this...maybe more later. Time to teach The English!
(Credit to James Berardinelli for his thoughts on the 2006 Oscars. I agreed with him totally: http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/ )
"Dont take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side." --- Baltazar Gracian
Top 5 Oscar travesties of all time:
1) 1976: Rocky beats out Network, All the Presidents Men, Bound for Glory, AND Taxi Driver. Well I guess Sly wouldn't have become the greatest actor in the history of movies without it.
2) 1993: Forrest Gump and his chocolates take away Pulp Fiction's trophy. You know what they call this kind of decision in France? Le crap.
3) 1941: How Green was My Valley tops the list over Citizen Kane. This is like comparing apples to orangutans.
4) 2001: Denzel wins best actor for Training Day rather than getting it for [insert anything else he has done here]
5) 1992: Marisa Tomei...nuff said.
Crash wins, Brokeback Mountain doesnt. In my opinion these two movies were about on the same level to begin with. They both were the least deserving of the five to win. One is a portrayal of the "Who can be more racist?" game, the other is exploring homophobia in John Wayne Land. Both solid flicks, but neither had a 4 star plot or cast. (Gyllenhaal was a gazillion times better in Jarhead)
Brokeback fans are steamed that Crash won, Crash fans are ticked that Brokeback fans are trashing their movie. Racism vs. Homophobia? The issues arent enough in themselves that supporters have to start competing against OTHER issues? Simmah down peoples.
Seems to be representative of a bigger issue to me. Why is it that these topics suck out so much of the energy and debate from USAers, while topics which should be of equal or more concern (take the foreign relation themes of Munich and Good Night and Good Luck for example) get left out of pop culture approval. There's something to this...maybe more later. Time to teach The English!
(Credit to James Berardinelli for his thoughts on the 2006 Oscars. I agreed with him totally: http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/ )
"Dont take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side." --- Baltazar Gracian
ALMOST HAPPY
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Not much new on the Spain front! Getting plans ready for Nicole's mom to visit in the next couple of weeks. Have to see how the 4th-floor-no-elevator apartment holds up. All worth it for the homecooking…
Found this awesome quote the other day when reading about the history of Islam in Spain:
"I have now reigned about 50 years in victory or peace, beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity. In this situation, I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot. They amount to fourteen". --- Abd ar-Rahman III of Spain (960 A.D.)
Abd ar-Rahman consolidated power over nearly all of Spain, rejected the authority of the entire Muslim power structure, and made Cordoba the greatest city in all of Europe…nothing had existed like it since Rome. And he did it before the age of 27. If this dude wasn't happy with his accomplishments or possessions in life, what hope does a freelancing, English-teaching coffee addict of the 21st century have?!?! Well, maybe ADSL would help…
Not really sure why we feel happiness is something to strive for. Why is it we always believe that it's something we will eventually "reach"? I personally blame Disney. Cinderella II: The Honeymoon's Over never really hit it off with test audiences. It's tough to believe that money, fame, and career success don't guarantee happily-ever-after euphoria, but there's sense of truth to it.
Not to say I don't fall into the same trap! You can play the Fill in the Blank game with me…"My life would be soooooo much happier if only _______!" Can't count how many times I've said it. Can't count how many times it's come true and good feelings about getting it didn't stay. Every day though I seem to realize this fact a little bit more: Happiness is a choice. Wishing and worrying only lead to disappointment. Learn to love what's happening in and around your life, and maybe you'll find life a little more perfect. At least I for one am gonna try!
But I would still love that ADSL.
(Finishing with me fave quote of all time…from the only President who could say "Honesty is my first name.")
"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." --- Abraham Lincoln
Not much new on the Spain front! Getting plans ready for Nicole's mom to visit in the next couple of weeks. Have to see how the 4th-floor-no-elevator apartment holds up. All worth it for the homecooking…
Found this awesome quote the other day when reading about the history of Islam in Spain:
"I have now reigned about 50 years in victory or peace, beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honors, power and pleasure, have waited on my call, nor does any earthly blessing appear to have been wanting to my felicity. In this situation, I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot. They amount to fourteen". --- Abd ar-Rahman III of Spain (960 A.D.)
Abd ar-Rahman consolidated power over nearly all of Spain, rejected the authority of the entire Muslim power structure, and made Cordoba the greatest city in all of Europe…nothing had existed like it since Rome. And he did it before the age of 27. If this dude wasn't happy with his accomplishments or possessions in life, what hope does a freelancing, English-teaching coffee addict of the 21st century have?!?! Well, maybe ADSL would help…
Not really sure why we feel happiness is something to strive for. Why is it we always believe that it's something we will eventually "reach"? I personally blame Disney. Cinderella II: The Honeymoon's Over never really hit it off with test audiences. It's tough to believe that money, fame, and career success don't guarantee happily-ever-after euphoria, but there's sense of truth to it.
Not to say I don't fall into the same trap! You can play the Fill in the Blank game with me…"My life would be soooooo much happier if only _______!" Can't count how many times I've said it. Can't count how many times it's come true and good feelings about getting it didn't stay. Every day though I seem to realize this fact a little bit more: Happiness is a choice. Wishing and worrying only lead to disappointment. Learn to love what's happening in and around your life, and maybe you'll find life a little more perfect. At least I for one am gonna try!
But I would still love that ADSL.
(Finishing with me fave quote of all time…from the only President who could say "Honesty is my first name.")
"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." --- Abraham Lincoln
EGGS
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
It was great seeing Annie again and I realized what a terrific person she was and how much fun it was just knowing her and I thought of that old joke, you know, this guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, 'Doc, uh, my brother's crazy, he thinks he's a chicken,' and the doctor says, 'well why don't you turn him in?' And the guy says, 'I would...but I need the eggs.' Well, I guess that's pretty much now how I feel about relationships. You know, they're totally irrational and crazy and absurd, but I guess we keep going through it...because...most of us need the eggs.
Now if you want an insightful exploration of the value of stealing every precious moment and chance encounters, watch Before Sunrise. If you'd like a verification of true love's eternal power, rent Doctor Zhivago. But if you're looking for a flick that details the insanity, senselessness, and little pleasures in couplehood, it's a gem.
Speaking from the viewpoint of a guy in a 1 year relationship (like wow, Scoob!), I can't explain it. Will I ever get married...I dunno (my friends have created a Vegas odds calculator for it) but I do know that I am addicted to all the craziness that having a girlfriend entails. Note to all blog-reading, shotgun-toting exes: The noun craziness refers to good times, not mental states.
Spend $2 and this movie won't disappoint. It's Woody's best. And it's got Diane Keaton wearing really cool ties.
"Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering - and it's all over much too soon." --- Woody Allen
It was great seeing Annie again and I realized what a terrific person she was and how much fun it was just knowing her and I thought of that old joke, you know, this guy goes to a psychiatrist and says, 'Doc, uh, my brother's crazy, he thinks he's a chicken,' and the doctor says, 'well why don't you turn him in?' And the guy says, 'I would...but I need the eggs.' Well, I guess that's pretty much now how I feel about relationships. You know, they're totally irrational and crazy and absurd, but I guess we keep going through it...because...most of us need the eggs.
Now if you want an insightful exploration of the value of stealing every precious moment and chance encounters, watch Before Sunrise. If you'd like a verification of true love's eternal power, rent Doctor Zhivago. But if you're looking for a flick that details the insanity, senselessness, and little pleasures in couplehood, it's a gem.
Speaking from the viewpoint of a guy in a 1 year relationship (like wow, Scoob!), I can't explain it. Will I ever get married...I dunno (my friends have created a Vegas odds calculator for it) but I do know that I am addicted to all the craziness that having a girlfriend entails. Note to all blog-reading, shotgun-toting exes: The noun craziness refers to good times, not mental states.
Spend $2 and this movie won't disappoint. It's Woody's best. And it's got Diane Keaton wearing really cool ties.
"Life is full of misery, loneliness, and suffering - and it's all over much too soon." --- Woody Allen
INNOCENCE
Friday, February 17, 2006
A new blog! Giving some others a try (thanks to Candace for the hookup on Myspace) over my one at Xanga. If anyone wants to look at my old and horrendously updated stuff it´s here:
http://www.xanga.com/genelaw9
And this is my Myspace spot:
http://www.myspace.com/genelaw9
Not much new other than my new pad in Madrid. A bit cold, and the hot water does not flow in torrents, but it has a salon (living room), a freezer for ice cream, and most importantly, only one roommate! Not that the people in the old apartment were bad folks, but having six roommates can be a wee bit straining on the nerves.
I've recently decided to try a bit of writing! Just some views on the world, my experiences, and my thoughts on what's happening. Seems everyone is catching the "Blog Bug" these days, so if you can't beat em…
I watched Munich (fantastic flick) last week and today was thinking someone's blog entry the on the topic of innocence and guilt. (Disclaimer: I'm going to pick on my fellow Yankees because I am one and know little of what motivates Mr. Doe in Uzbekistan.) We Americans love to play The Blame Game. It's so easy! Right vs. Wrong. Good vs. Evil. Me vs. The other person to blame. Why is it we literally jump like jackrabbits to place 100% guilt on perpetrators of heinous crimes? How is it that the person to blame is nearly always "Not me."? Why is it so insanely difficult to accept, however tiny, the small part we played in bringing about a tragedy or transgression?
Now, I've never been any sort of devoted existentialist (there's even doubt I know how to pronounce it!) but I've always loved Jean Paul Sartre's ideas on choice and responsibility. Did you steal that candy bar from Little Timmy Thompson in the third grade? No, of course not, it was Bubba Bartfink, the class bully. How could you possibly bear any responsibility for that? Silence and acquiescence have their own share of guilt. You could have stood up to Bubba, you could have told a teacher…both of which might have earned you humiliation or a beating with a half eaten Kit Kat. The choice of non-action is usually the most comfortable, and probably no one would give you detention for it. But are you innocent?
Sartre's famous example used the French Nazi collaborators of World War II and their plea of "It wasn't our fault!" It was his belief that their choice of non-action, even if action had meant death, made them responsible for the Nazi war crimes in France. It's an extreme case, but I think this ignored share of responsibility is a huge everyday problem in today's "Looking out for Number 1" world. Bob got fired. Not my fault. Or did I fail to let the boss know exactly how important Bob was to the company? My fear for my job prevented me, and thus, I have a share in what happened. Muslims crashed planes into New York. Not my fault. Or did my actions and/or silence (through taxes, failure to vote, failure to get involved, etc.) help foster this intense hatred of my country?
Listen, I understand how difficult it is to determine how much of a random tragedy is my fault (I personally feel that OJ was only 89.54% guilty). For me, the concepts of absolute responsibility and innocence are useful, but as tools. They're necessary devices to keep society in one piece, and to prevent axe-wielding urban Vikings from barging into my place with demands for mead and Playstations. But it can be really empowering to recognize that one of the biggest influences on world events is your acceptance of your part in them.
Next time a seemingly senseless act occurs, resist the impulse to point a finger and swing the gavel of judgment. Instead, ask yourself, "What did I do/not do to help bring this about?" Seems backwards, but it's really helped me make more sense of this "us vs. them" planet we live on.
A new blog! Giving some others a try (thanks to Candace for the hookup on Myspace) over my one at Xanga. If anyone wants to look at my old and horrendously updated stuff it´s here:
http://www.xanga.com/genelaw9
And this is my Myspace spot:
http://www.myspace.com/genelaw9
Not much new other than my new pad in Madrid. A bit cold, and the hot water does not flow in torrents, but it has a salon (living room), a freezer for ice cream, and most importantly, only one roommate! Not that the people in the old apartment were bad folks, but having six roommates can be a wee bit straining on the nerves.
I've recently decided to try a bit of writing! Just some views on the world, my experiences, and my thoughts on what's happening. Seems everyone is catching the "Blog Bug" these days, so if you can't beat em…
I watched Munich (fantastic flick) last week and today was thinking someone's blog entry the on the topic of innocence and guilt. (Disclaimer: I'm going to pick on my fellow Yankees because I am one and know little of what motivates Mr. Doe in Uzbekistan.) We Americans love to play The Blame Game. It's so easy! Right vs. Wrong. Good vs. Evil. Me vs. The other person to blame. Why is it we literally jump like jackrabbits to place 100% guilt on perpetrators of heinous crimes? How is it that the person to blame is nearly always "Not me."? Why is it so insanely difficult to accept, however tiny, the small part we played in bringing about a tragedy or transgression?
Now, I've never been any sort of devoted existentialist (there's even doubt I know how to pronounce it!) but I've always loved Jean Paul Sartre's ideas on choice and responsibility. Did you steal that candy bar from Little Timmy Thompson in the third grade? No, of course not, it was Bubba Bartfink, the class bully. How could you possibly bear any responsibility for that? Silence and acquiescence have their own share of guilt. You could have stood up to Bubba, you could have told a teacher…both of which might have earned you humiliation or a beating with a half eaten Kit Kat. The choice of non-action is usually the most comfortable, and probably no one would give you detention for it. But are you innocent?
Sartre's famous example used the French Nazi collaborators of World War II and their plea of "It wasn't our fault!" It was his belief that their choice of non-action, even if action had meant death, made them responsible for the Nazi war crimes in France. It's an extreme case, but I think this ignored share of responsibility is a huge everyday problem in today's "Looking out for Number 1" world. Bob got fired. Not my fault. Or did I fail to let the boss know exactly how important Bob was to the company? My fear for my job prevented me, and thus, I have a share in what happened. Muslims crashed planes into New York. Not my fault. Or did my actions and/or silence (through taxes, failure to vote, failure to get involved, etc.) help foster this intense hatred of my country?
Listen, I understand how difficult it is to determine how much of a random tragedy is my fault (I personally feel that OJ was only 89.54% guilty). For me, the concepts of absolute responsibility and innocence are useful, but as tools. They're necessary devices to keep society in one piece, and to prevent axe-wielding urban Vikings from barging into my place with demands for mead and Playstations. But it can be really empowering to recognize that one of the biggest influences on world events is your acceptance of your part in them.
Next time a seemingly senseless act occurs, resist the impulse to point a finger and swing the gavel of judgment. Instead, ask yourself, "What did I do/not do to help bring this about?" Seems backwards, but it's really helped me make more sense of this "us vs. them" planet we live on.
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