Monday, May 18, 2009

Avant-Garde filmmaker David Lynch on Transformation: For Better or Worse?

Yesterday, I emphasized the need to implement a humanistic philosophy in our public schools. There is one university in Fairfield, Iowa who seems to grasp this need. Filmmaker David Lynch is a visionary who explores the dark, mysterious unknown. His films (Lost Highway and Mulholland Drive) intertwine reality with a dream world or afterlife. He addressed a question by a journalist at this university, asking him if he is able to eradicate anxiety and hatred while working on a film project.

Films intrigue us with snapshots. In a sense, they're like our dreams. Typically, I idly stand by watching events transpire before my eyes. A creative writing instructor said he attempted to jot down everything he remembered about his dreams when he woke up each morning. Admittedly, I applied this same routine for a mere few days and stopped.

President Barack Obama persistently used one word throughout his campaign, "Change." For political speak, Republicans said this was code for the government to interfere in their lives. Some numb Democrats believed and perhaps still do, government can and will soon be the answer to all their woes. Lynch quite succinctly tells this journalist how change has to come from within. Enjoy this brief video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1TCvzLDzKg&feature=channel

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Today's America: 'We're strangers to each other'

I'm at a crossroads in my life and know I'm not alone. These past two weeks have been extraordinarily devastating. My BFF, who works as a car salesman, has struggled to sell a car and works off commission only. A woman he met on Match.com was from Nebraska (my state or should I say where my parents grew up and relatives live -- i.e. grandparents immigrated from New York City). After talking to her via the Match.com website, she invited him to her house. He was only there for thirty minutes and yes, believe it or not, she initiated the next step for sex. They met again and it was the same routine. Then, the confusion came.

She works in upper management, finishing her M.B.A., and wants to leave Augusta. So, she basically brushed him off through text messages. His lack of sales has driven him to drinking a few beers on his lunch hour and several more after work. I've gotten onto him about that. When he does make a sale, guess who profits the most? Yes, it's the good ole' boys who are predominantly in upper management because they're friends of the family who owns the business or family itself. Finally, he has his sights set on leaving this city he has known for his whole life.

I'm also great friends with twin brothers. One works as a chemical operator and is approaching a six figure annual income. He has recently come under fire from his borish, obnoxious boss who yells at him. This has really dampened his spirits and I've told him it's natural for those with low self-esteem to take out their frustrations on others. Unfortunately, his brother tops the list for overcoming a shattered state of mind.

I learned he was admitted into a mental institution earlier this week. He has a beautiful wife, two children (one who has autism), and beautiful home. His wife works as a registered nurse and is the bread winner. He works for a company delivering propane to businesses and residents and feels his life has been a failure. The warning signs weren't there. We spoke on the phone about the overwhelming greed that takes place at his wife's hospital and his company. Yes, you're learning, I responded. I wish I had known he was suffering and would've changed the direction of our conversation to a more positive, upbeat one.

This past Friday, I was laid off from my job -- AGAIN. This time, it appears to be permanent and is probably the best thing that could've happened. I began to be more and more unhappy working at an overly simplistic job. Our major account began to pick up its production again in April, only to see it flatline in May. My boss kept reiterating, "You're overqualified to be here. This is about as far as these guys (colleagues) can go." He's right. I took refuge in this place, because it was comfortable and family-like every day. I made good money, received a health care and dental plan that was top notch, and great benefits. However, there's a much broader issue to the problems my friends and I currently confront.

Today's America isn't going to change for the better anytime soon. When I bowed out of my Middle Grades Education degree with one semester left, I was appauled by how teachers treated their students. They ignored those who struggled and paid more attention to the high achievers. Isn't this a microcosm of our society? "The wealthy elite are always first in line for public services," Noam Chomsky once said. We need true reform in our public schools to shape future generations to simply treat each other better than we treat ourselves right now.

I've said for several years how we need to implement humanistic teachings in our schools. One of my newspaper columns touched on this and was referred to as The Breakfast Club model. I promise you this column received ample praise from educators and a few elected officials after it was published. What did you have in that 80s blockbuster film? You had troubled students who came from different backgrounds who eventually gained respect and appreciation for each other. Once a week, no matter the school size, students should get together and truly learn from each other. What's troubling them? Where do they see commonalities with each other? It is then and only then will we one day finally see the downfall of greed.

There's a huge difference between myself and best friends -- I don't care how society views me. After my friend is released from the hospital, I will wait a week or so and give him the greatest gift I've received, Paulo Coehlo's The Alchemist. This was hailed as the best book ever read by the likes of Madonna, Will Smith, and renowned entrepreneur and salesman, Spencer Johnson. This book is based on a spiritual journey and is a simple read where you don't run into obtuse language. There are two critical themes that apply to all our lives: There are many obstacles we confront, but we ultimately control our own destinies. Do what you want in life. Second, you might feel guilty during your journey that you're abandoning those you love. Those who truly love you will still be there with that same love after you've completed your journey. I recommend this book to any of you reading this post.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Reviews of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Trek, and Blood Games?

The first three X-Men films were well directed and presented all-star casts. Its latest installment has Liev Schreiber taking the spotlight. Schreiber (Sabertooth) is a highly talented actor with a vernacular for quick wit, cool disposition, and an imposing physical presence. Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) was often seen through the film making these grunt noises, trying to allow the beast from within come out. I thought this was a mistake. Second, some of the special effects weren't necessary in some action sequences. Overall, this wasn't a bad film, but it was lost without its original director.

Star Trek

There are certain cults who scare the hell out of me: Trekkies, Dungeons and Dragons players, and those who spend way too much time playing World of Warcraft. When I was in college, I wanted to use the power of telepathy to let those Dungeons & Dragons players in the game room realize I was just there to play a few games of Galagga. I didn't want to be cast with some evil spell or heaven forbid, they think of me as The Grim Reaper. These alternate realities I truly believe are their realities. Anyway, I'll give you my take on Star Trek.

Director J.J. Abrams and his team pulled off some amazing special effects, set designs, and brilliant cinematography. I will say some of the lighting in certain settings was too glossy and unnecessary. Trekkies, I'm sure are pissed after watching this film. Although I was a casual fan of the original series by Gene Roddenberry, I knew certain events didn't take place and Abrams revised some of the original script. For example, Spock is much older than his counterparts but not in this film. I also questioned some of the interpersonal relationships and family history. This also might've strayed from the original storylines. Otherwise, this was a great film and thus far, leads the way for early summer film releases.

Blood Games

This was probably the most overly stereotypical film I've ever seen. It's hard for me to fathom the writers wanted the viewers to take this one seriously. Intentionally or not, this film intertwined The Bad News Bears, Deliverance, and Missing in Action. An athletic set of tomboys square off against a rowdy redneck baseball team. The rednecks, albeit their uncordination, are already reveling in their drunken debauchery. Its town folk are missing teeth, yelling and squealing like pigs, and appear to be ready to stage a mob attack on the gals. The girls easily win the game and the lead redneck for the other team, Ray who coincidentally is celebrating his birthday, receives some harsh advice from his Vietnam Vet dad.

The girls' coach has some unfinished business to attend with Ray's father. This is when all hell breaks loose. The rednecks continue their squarely actions like hitting each other upside the head with beer cans. Reaching the film's climax, there are actually some graphic violent moments that surprised me. I was torn at certain points on who to root for: The tomboys who are conflicted on whether they should continue focusing on their bawlin' baseball skills or find good men in their lives or the comical rednecks who can win at something. This was a corny movie that helped me gain more appreciation for so many other films.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The Dumb leads the Dumber

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is a disaster. Recently, he made national headlines for refusing to accept federal stimulus money. His argument is his state already has too much debt on its hands and doesn't need any more. Today, he went on Conservative talk radio host, Austin Rhodes' show, to say well, absolutely nothing. Typical. If you want to torture me, send me to a townhall filled with Conservative speakers who spend more than an hour talking.

Sanford predictably received softball questions from Rhodes. Now, he claims he only rejects 10 percent of the stimulus money. You know, he doesn't want any more scrutiny or embarassment by those who are keeping an eye on him. He echoed at least four times how his state's top priority is paying off its debt. Funny though how he didn't provide one example of outrageous spending or where he wants cuts to take place. Anyone want to take a guess where his cuts might be directed? Since the state heavily relies on tourism and big tax breaks for businesses who decide to set up their sweatshops there, you don't need to be a policy geek or follow every detail about his opposition to his state's budget to know where he stands.

You heard President Obama talk about the road to nowhere in South Carolina during the Presidential campaign, most notably a school that still operates and was built back in the mid 1800s. Each time a train passes nearby, teachers have to stop while their rooms shake from the vibrations. This is just one of many examples of infrastructure and road construction that needs to take place.

Try driving in the state's largest city, Columbia. On some roads, you're having to dodge potholes that look like large meteors landed on these roads. The biggest revelation is how reckless Sanford is with spending.

The National Tax Foundation reported for every federal dollar South Carolina receives, it spends $1.30. Fiscal responsibility? It's no wonder Sanford didn't provide any specifics on his state spending problem.