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
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
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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