32 posts tagged “thoughts”
I am just thinking right now...this is for discussion, if you want to get nasty go somewhere else.
I watched the video of the shooting of Oscar Grant by that BART police officer and I was horrified!
My first reaction was that the office just shot him and it was no mistake. I have read articles. I have seen photos of the riots in Oakland. I do not want to make assumptions about this officer or his motives. I want an investigation. I want there to be justice for this man and his family and his community.
Then, today, I was driving with my BFF/carpool, Tall Guy and we were talking about it. His reaction "I think the gun went off accidentally."
In my head, "Excuse me? WHAT?"
But then I started thinking, "Well, he is a white guy from New York. Upper middle class New York."
Even though, he said, no other officer had a gun. Even though officers who had guns were using taser guns. He still thought "accidental."
I tried to control myself. I had to ask, "Well, why wasn't his safety on?" "How can you mistake a taser from a regular gun?"
Then we pulled into the parking lot. I am not sure we will continue this discussion...i hope we do, but again, perceptions.
I thought they were both strong in the forum. However, I did think that McCain was just repeating what Obama was saying. I will have to rewatch it...though, I might poke out my eyeballs if I have to hear McCain call the crowd "my friends." Obviously, I would not be your friend because your wife wouldn't even want to shake my hand or probably look at me if I was in that crowd.
See, I can see myself have a conversation with Barack and Michelle Obama. They would not turn away or stand far away like I had cooties.
Anyway, they have not really said anything new but are pretty much validating what I believe and know from what I've read and discussed. You might disagree and that's ok. My brother disagrees with me...
I cannot believe it's a month away! I am pretty disappointed in McCain's "disdain"...seriously, be a little professional...you are not entitled to the job just because you are old.
Today, I watched Darren Aronofsky's The Fountain (2006). Have you watched this movie? I never heard of it but I really like Rachel Weisz and Hugh Jackman so I thought I would give a go. It was really weird but really beautifully shot. I have not watched such a visually spectacular movie in a while, probably not since I watched "Lust Caution." Hugh Jackman's character, Tommy, is a scientist trying to find a cure for dying. The film jumps from the past to the present to the future and also replays scenes and overlaps scenes which added to the film's emotional impact. It definitely makes you think about death, aging, science, history and of course, love. When do you let go? How do you let go? It was strange but definitely left an impression.
Yesterday, I went to see "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" with Ambookgeek. Ambookgeek went in with no expectations, I unfortunately had some after enjoying the first movie. It was so boring! I mean, the first one had jokes at the right moment, made you uncomfortable when you needed to feel umcomfortable, and actually made me care about the characters. The sequel did nothing for me and I like all the actresses. I feel like they were not even trying at all because America Ferrera and Blake Lively seem to be doing so well on television. Amber Tamblin is still my favorite but I feel like the under-utilized all the characters. Maybe because a lot was going on in their lives but it was just "meh." Luckily we went to a matinee & it was only $5 and we ate amazing sandwiches afterwards.
I also watched "Funny Face" the 50th anniversary disc. The "How To Be Lovely" song is one of my favorites in the film. I have not watched this in years so it was nice revisiting it. I love Audrey Hepburn. I know, what a cliche but she's classic and lovely. I also love Kay Thompson - is that who Meryl Streep was trying to channel in "Devil Wears Prada"? Kind of? Of course, "Maggie Prescott" was much more subdued though I could see her being "Miranda Priestly" if it was a different decade. Anyway, always lovely to watch a fun musical filled with lovely art (fashion, sets, photographs) and lovely actors. I need to borrow "Sabrina."
The Bucket List was pretty enjoyable. It was actually kind of inspirational and not as emotionally wrenching as I thought it would be. I do love Morgan Freeman and enjoy Jack Nicholson, though I would not want to run into him because he kind of scares me. Anyway, they visit some amazing places. The cities and sites they visit are definitely characters in the film. Also, it made me want to drive a Mustang Shelby on a track, which I will add to my list. Actually, I'd love to drive any car on a race track. Now that would be incredible! I remember my friend took his motorcycle (crotch rocket :)) on a track once and he said "just ride the way you ride, Anna. And don't worry about any body else." I had asked him if racing was scary. I think that applies to a lot of other things as well. (Stop your dirty thinking! sheesh people!)
Any movie suggestions? Obviously, I watch EVERYTHING. I'll add it to my list :)
Then, of course, today, I read this interesting, thought-provoking article in Psychology Today called Dare to be Yourself. First of all, why do I always forget that I read the most engaging and interesting articles in that magazine. Probably because I'm not a psychologist but you know, it's fascinating and helpful. I had to copy down a number of quotes from it because it was validating and I kept nodding my head in agreement as I read parts of it. Basically, it is about being authentic and how that is one of the most difficult things we can be. Or in other words "Keeping It Real" and not like Dave Chappelle's skits, which I LOVE!
But I began to wonder, what else am I supposed to take from this? Aside from the validation of being as authentic to myself, which will therefore pass on to those around me, but what else? A bit more empathy? (thank you Daniel Pink) However, what is that balance? Do you struggle with having too much empathy? I do not. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest), I would give myself a 3-4. Not too balanced but I'm working on it.
Because now I need a laugh, I'm gonna watch Dave Chappelle Season 2.
This isn't from Season 2 but you know, whatever. I'm keeping it real! LOL
It's Sunday and I'm back in Santa Cruz. I left super early so I could have time to relax before the start of the teaching conference I have for the next 3 days.
It's been nice walking around. I brought one of the school cameras so I think I got some decent pictures of surfers off of West Cliff Dr. I saw one guy and he made my heart flutter. Hubba hubba. hee hee
Anyway, I thought about going to the movies or something but I think I will chill tonight. Felicious will be joining me tomorrow and then I still have a couple of days to take in my favorite Santa Cruz spots. I already hit Taqueria Vallarta so tomorrow I'll try to get in Walnut Street Cafe and a morning run on West Cliff Drive. I really miss living here. It's so lovely and today was the perfect Santa Cruz weather.
I spent a better part of my day today watching the surfers and trying to time the waves. Some of those surfers surf right next to the cliff! I swear, I'd probably slam my head onto the cliff. I'm definitely, not that brave. One guy I saw had on a helmet - now, that's what I'm talking about. I'm investing for sure.
The drive up was pretty uneventful. Except for when I got to S.C. and saw the firefighters from the highway still dealing with hot spots. The fire was right up to the freeway. You can see burned homes and trees right along the road.
Augh. I think I planned this trip wrong. I should have left on the 26th because the conference goes up til 4pm on the 25th and then I have to drive to L.A. :(
Ok, I do have to say that I am SOOOO happy I'm not in L.A. right now. When I left it was already 80 degrees. I left at 7:00 am!
Happy Friday! Today is just going to be one of those days if you know what I mean. I woke up early and felt good. I had time to not rush (or so I thought) and then I had to figure out what to wear. Have you ever had one of those mornings where your clothes just feel all wrong? I literally spend 30 minutes trying on, what felt like, 30 different outfits. I was trying to explain this to Tall Guy but he did not get it. I do not think guys understand this at all. Things were too big, too tight, wrong color, wrong material - eventually I had to pick something but now I feel smelly. That's T.M.I. I know but what can you do?
So, I'm just going to write about the movies I have watched over the past month.
I did love Cate Blanchett's continuing protrayal of the "Virgin Queen" and Samantha Morton was great as "Mary Stuart Queen of Scots." I love Clive Owen but I really did not see the point of "Bess" and "Sir Walter Raleigh's" relationship except to show what Queen Elizabeth was missing. I know that is important but I just did not care about it when I was watching this movie.
The cinematography was incredible though and watching the extras, I learned a lot about the production designer, Guy Dyas. Did you know that the main ship represented 3 to 4 different ships? One side was the Spanish armada's main ship and the other was Sir Walter Raleigh's ship. Then the interior represented other boats. I thought that was pretty great. Though, I did think it was strange that the bulk of the extras were mainly about how fabulous Guy Dyas is. I'm sure he is but it was still kind of weird to me.
Wow, I honestly felt like I watched more than these over the past month but I guess not. Oh well. Happy Friday!
Michael Pollan goes into depth about the food industry and nutritionism in this book. Just like he does with The Omnivore's Dilemna and The Botany of Desire, he explores the food chain and how the changes that have occurred for profit and for increasing output has greatly affected what we put into our bodies. For example, he goes into depth about how the feeding of grains to cows and other ruminants has increased the amount of Omega-6s in their bodies. When they used to be raised in the fields, eating what they are supposed to eat (grass and other plants) the Omega-3s, which the industry is now supplementing in everything from eggs to cereals, was high. How has this change in content affected the animals and the people who eat the animals? I will just say let's look at the animals that were abused and the major meat recall in in the packing plant in California.
Pollan calls for an "escape" of the Western diet. He writes, "...the challenge we face today is figuring out how to escape the worst elements of the Western diet and lifestyle without going back to the bush." But how do we do that? Well, when he says this is a manifesto, it is! It is difficult but what I took from it is that I just need to do the best that I can do because it is impossible to maneuver through the supermarket when every thing has claims about being good for you or containing this kind of antioxidant or more Omega-3s. Here are a list of rules, but I hope you still go and read this book, even thought I am listing them.
- DON'T EAT ANYTHING YOUR GREAT GRANDMOTHER WOULDN'T RECOGNIZE AS FOOD
- DON'T EAT ANYTHING INCAPABLE OF ROTTING (sorry Ambookgeek - no Twinkies :P)
- AVOID FOOD PRODUCTS CONTAINING INGREDIENTS THAT ARE (A) UNFAMILIAR, (B) UNPRONOUNCEABLE, (C) MORE THAN FIVE IN NUMBER, OR THAT INCLUDE (D) HIGH-FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP (my friend once embarked on a week long personal food challenge - do not eat anything with HFCS - it was nearly impossible. Corn is subsidized which means it's in practically everything we eat even if we don't know it and it's under other names and other derivatives. If you think about it, it truly blows the mind)
- AVOID FOOD PRODUCTS THAT MAKE HEALTH CLAIMS. If you read about it the FDA and the food industry, they make it easier and easier for food producers to slap claims on their products. This for me is difficult because as an ignorant eater, I would read the packaging and think, "great! I need to buy this. It's good for me" and I think that is how a lot of people shop and look at food.
- SHOP THE PERIPHERIES OF THE SUPERMARKET AND STAY OUT OF THE MIDDLE. I love cereal. I doubt I am going to not buy my Special K with chocolate or fruit and yogurt bits, but maybe I'll eat less of it.
- GET OUT OF THE SUPERMARKET WHENEVER POSSIBLE. I am a big fan of the Farmer's Markets. It's actually a pretty fun outing when you do go, you buy good food and you get some exercise by checking out all the food stalls.
- "SHAKE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU" - I loved this quote. Get to know your farmers at the farmer's market.
- EAT MOSTLY PLANTS, ESPECIALLY LEAVES
- YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT EATS TOO
- IF YOU HAVE THE SPACE [THE MEANS], BUY A FREEZER
- EAT LIKE AN OMNIVORE
- EAT WELL-GROWN FOOD FROM HEALTHY SOIL
- EAT WILD FOODS WHEN YOU CAN
- BE THE KIND OF PERSON WHO TAKES SUPPLEMENTS - This is interesting - people who take supplements tend to have healthier lifestyles. So just be more active and watch what you eat (at least that's what I took from this)
- EAT MORE LIKE THE FRENCH, OR THE ITALIANS, OR THE JAPANESE, OR THE INDIANS, OR THE GREEKS - a return to food culture and tradition
- REGARD NONTRADITIONAL FOODS WITH SKEPTICISM
- DON'T LOOK FOR THE MAGIC BULLET IN THE TRADITIONAL DIET
- HAVE A GLASS OF WINE WITH DINNER
- PAY MORE, EAT LESS - quality over quantity, which could be easier for some people. I came from a huge family and feeding a lot people factors into things
- EAT MEALS
- DO ALL YOUR EATING AT A TABLE
- DON'T GET YOUR FUEL FROM THE SAME PLACE YOUR CAR DOES
- TRY NOT TO EAT ALONE
- CONSULT YOUR GUT
- EAT SLOWLY
- COOK, AND IF YOU CAN, PLANT A GARDEN
Some of the benefits I see aside from eating better and diversifying what I eat is a return to enjoying time with my family and my friends. Exploring my city by checking out various farmer's markets. Learning about what vegetables and fruits really are in season. Meeting interesting people who love food and eat! Because, let me say, living in L.A., it's one of the worse places to eat because people don't really do it. That's a stereotype and I'm sure I can find a place where people enjoy food.
What I want is to have moments like I had when I went to Absinthe with Mister JT, Felicious & Daku. We sat for hours talking, eating and enjoying our cocktails and we were not the only ones doing that. Everyone there was! Everyone was accompanied by someone or a group and they all just enjoyed their food.
Let's return to enjoying eating and being informed about what is happening to food before it hits our tongues.
See you at the Farmer's Market!
The other night I borrowed "Red Dawn" (1984) from the library (that's right people you can borrow movies from the public library - but I also work here so maybe I should just be quiet). What I remember from the movie was basically one line, "Wolverines!" Then I forgot every thing else about it. I remembered that I did like this movie, probably because it was at during the "second Cold War." Also, I grew up as a Navy brat and at that time was pretty obsessed with the military.
I put the dvd in and in the first 10 minutes a high school was attacked, the lone black teacher was dead and so was a fellow student. I did not remember this at all. Then there is a mix of very slowly spoken Spanish and Russian and bad American dialogue. Then the violence continues. In one scene, there is a line up of Americans and they start singing the Star Spangled Banner over the Russian national anthem or something and then they are gunned down, while one of the Wolverines watches in horror. In another scene, they kill one of their friends because he is a traitor.
I know, media reflects the times but it still frightens me when these images and films are still relevant and even reflect the current state of country (well, at least for some people). We just change the names and countries. In "Red Dawn," it was the Cubans and Russians, now it's the Iraqis and possibly Iranians.
I wonder if this movie inspired some teenagers to go and enlist to help beat the war against communism. Is there anything coming out now that would instill the same kind of patriotism and fervor to join in and fight this war? I am not sure, maybe that movie "The Kingdom" which I have not watched.
I read Redzilla's post about denial and I hope what he wrote is true, that people have reached the point where they are sick and tired of the declining state of this country. I hope we get out of these wars. I hope the economy improves. I hope.
Watching the movie, I started wondering how closely it mirrored the novel. Did the lines come from the novel and if so, who said them? What parts were cut-out? Was any thing added?
It was nice to have read the book finally. There were events that they altered and they gave certain dialogue to other characters but it did not take away from the story. It was a wonderful read. I enjoy Jane Austen's characters and appreciate the fact that her female characters are so opinionated and strong. I wish I had read the book before watching the 2005 movie version because I kept picturing the actors from the film. For example, in the novel, Jane, the oldest Bennet daughter, seems a little chubby and not as active as Elizabeth, but in the movie, she is not. Also, I was shocked at the relationship between Mr. Bennet and Mrs. Bennet was not as cordial or affectionate as it seems in the movie. There is a moment where Austen alludes to the fact that Mr. Bennet may have other women and barely tolerates his wife.
The relationships between all the characters are a bit confusing but Austen captures the complications between friends and acquaintances with all the drama and jealousies and affection that occurs between people in the "real" world. For example, the annoyance, love, bickering and concern between the 4 Bennet sisters occurs between my self and my siblings.
I can now see why this novel is so popular. It does live up to its positive reviews. It is definitely worth reading or at least revisiting if you have not read it in awhile.
