Visions

Finally, the New York Times takes on a truly important matter, namely why people see (or imagine they see) the face of (a stylistically rendered and not historically likely image of) Jesus in a grilled cheese sandwich. [This one's for you, Virginia.]

Taste

Not that you asked, but...
It's official. Earl Grey has deposed Darjeeling (at least temporarily) as my favorite tea.

I think I need a change, and a change in tea is as good a start as any. I was in a funk all last week. Even my sure-thing entertainment (The Office) was disappointing. Current popular music seems unlistenable. I can't stand whiny music and I appreciate melodies or harmonies, ones that sound like they actually took some genuine work or talent to create. The list of top ten downloads on iTunes left me in pain. I read Something Borrowed on a whim recently and loved it. I am nervous now to pick up another lighthearted bedtime read as it will not be as fun and well written. I'd rather go without than plod through a disappointing, pretentious or ridiculous novel after finishing something satisfying.

As with fools, I do not suffer mediocrity gladly.

Lineage

This story on Whoopi Goldberg and Guinea-Bissau is fascinating. Whoopi participated in a genetic genealogy test to uncover some of her roots, which turn out to be in the West African nation. (Such efforts have become increasingly popular among descendants of diaspora-affected populations, such as those of African descent outside of Africa.) Apart from describing the small nation's response to its sudden Hollywood association, I liked how the article hints at the opportunities (sometimes a lineage is clear and visible) and the barriers that exist in tracing--genetically, at least--your lineage (there are often difficulties traveling to some of our ancestral places, more less comfortably belonging to them or finding meaningful familial ties).

I'd love to do genealogical genetic testing, but I believe it would only tell me so much (and likely not much more than I knew before). DNA only goes so far. I've long wanted to learn more about the town in Italy whence my great grandfather came. But if/when I go there, what will I really find out? I can read history and see sites, even spot our rather unusual family name on a nameplate near the main square (which I've done); but what more does such knowledge offer? When it comes down to it, I will not be happier or more secure as a result of knowing more about my ancestors. It will keep me occupied and provide conversation topics for family gatherings, but substantively it will not change who I am now. I'm not sure that studying my genealogy will do near as much for me as, say, intensive therapy.

On the other hand, I love the idea of creating a more connected, community minded society. All of us doing genetic genealogy might be a nice way to catalog just how connected we are.

Intrigued? Check out these projects:
DNA Ancestry Project
DNA Tribes
FamilyTree DNA
DNA Heritage
There's even a Journal of Genetic Genealogy
Finally, help on what to do with the info you would get

Movies!

I've got some light and dark cinema to recommend, four films actually. There's The Holiday--that would be the extreme end of light on our light-to-dark spectrum today--, We Are Marshall, Children of Men, and The Good Shepherd--this last one being the darkest of the set. With so many movies (and all fading or gone from theaters) I'll keep my comments short...

The Holiday - classic romance formula: gorgeous people (oh Jude, oh Kate) in gorgeous or adorably quaint places experiencing unpainful problems, but we the audience are compelled to root for them to get together. Need I tell you how it ends? Perfect for those seeking an uncomplicated, stereotypical romance. Likely painful for all others.

We Are Marshall - admittedly a movie with highly local (Huntington, WV) appeal, this story of a college football team and town decimated by a plane crash in 1970 and the community's efforts to go on with life has the classic rise from the ashes feel, with both hopeless and hopeful strugglers among those portrayed. Heartfelt story telling about unprecedented real life events; recommended to sports fans and those in need of some catharsis.

Children of Men - based on a PD James novel of same name, this is a bleak view of a sterile world. A civil servant in London renews old activist contacts as he gets embroiled in an escape plan for an illegal immigrant (a "fugee") pregnant with the first child to be born on Earth in 18 years. Imagine the desolation that might go with no pregnancy, children, or hope of a sustained future and you will be in right frame of mind for this movie. Intriguing premise, events not so implausible, sympathetic characters (Michael Caine is a highlight); recommended to thoughtful adults with tolerance for darkness and violence.

The Good Shepherd - my view of the movie is colored by knowledge that story is a fictionalized account of a man (Angleton) whose life may have made for an even more interesting movie. Still Matt Damon is good as a quiet Yale grad who dedicates his entire adult life to intrigue and the nascent CIA. Told in flashbacks and during aftermath of Bay of Pigs (1961), the movie succeeds when it focuses on spy stories and suspense. Personal plot is sad but underdeveloped (I didn't care enough that wife and son were home alone). Felt slow in many parts, but an interesting story; recommended for spy story fans.

Farewell

Yesterday saw the passing of fabulously truth stirring Texas liberal columnist Molly Ivins. If you're not familiar with Ms. Ivins, then you owe it to yourself to read some of her work; even if you disagree with her, it'll get you thinking in a way that will hurt no one. The Nation has posted some lovely farewell pieces, and of course there are old columns of hers for you to read on the web (including a 2006 piece where she criticized the Democratic Party). Or you could read her last column about the troop surge decision. Possibly the best way to get to know Molly Ivins quickly is to read some of her quotes (and more quotes). Here's a sampling--Enjoy.

What stuns me most about contemporary politics is not even that the system has been so badly corrupted by money. It is that so few people get the connection between their lives and what the bozos do in Washington and our state capitols. Politics is not a picture on a wall or a television sitcom that you can decide you don't much care for.

Good thing we've still got politics in Texas - finest form of free entertainment ever invented.

I am not anti-gun. I'm pro-knife. Consider the merits of the knife. In the first place, you have to catch up with someone in order to stab him. A general substitution of knives for guns would promote physical fitness. We'd turn into a whole nation of great runners. Plus, knives don't ricochet. And people are seldom killed while cleaning their knives.

Amen to that.

Vacating

First I would like to thank all those who gifted me with new music during my CA stint. I am thoroughly (and appropriately, I hope) enraptured at the moment (aka, today) by the sounds of Brandi Carlile (purchased way cheap at the Tower closing sale--Tower Records RIP) and the fabulous stellastarr*. The latter has been located on MySpace and added to my favorites there (I'm so happy to finally find a band of interest in the MySpace sphere. It makes me forget temporarily that I am beyond being of interest to most media marketeers. Actually it's the second band I like with MySpace presence, the other being Gnarls Barkley). ANYWAY...I am musically replenished and fulfilled. Many thanks.

Where have I been, my gentle readers enquire. Some of you have seen me, heard my boring tales. For those who have not, here goes: I spent half my vacation sick with the flu and the other half entertaining myself in the burbs of California or visiting with family and friends in the area. I enjoyed an eventful Sharks hockey game with my brother. I watched on TV as the Cal Bears and SF 49ers (in the last case, implausibly) won and the UH Cougars and Ohio State Buckeyes (in the last case, unbelievably/tragically/oh-my-goodness-did-that-just-happen?!?!) lost. I babysat the world's cutest nephew (mine), with whom I read and ate oatmeal and watched fish. I spent a glorious afternoon in San Francisco, visited Crissy Field and drove to the top of the Presidio and Twin Peaks. I made some very tasty oatmeal cookies late in the night. I watched first Josh then David kill locusts and berserkers in Gears of War. I even tried my hand at Sonic the Hedgehog, XBox 360 style (I did not get far). I fared a touch better with Guitar Hero on New Year's Eve at Tara's. That "game" could be seriously addictive. I got some work done when I was not bleary eyed from lack of night-time rest (argh, the coughing) and I revived my mom's computer (and to some extent my own). And last but not least while on "vacation" I contemplated my future: residence, employment, graduation date, move date, house selling.... Not that there is any pressure from our loving friends and family. It's nice to be wanted. :)

So, how was your end of year break? Was it more or less exciting than mine?

Spotted

Spotted: 1 bicyclist on the UH campus. I repeat, it was a bicyclist, rider and bicycle and all. While this is pretty unusual (I don't recall any bike riders in middle of campus though doubtless they have existed before now), what makes it all the more unusual is that she was spotted riding on what has been the coldest day in Houston since my arrival (temps hover in 30's all day). Maybe she was lessening her time outside by moving more quickly.

Similarity

It would appear to be a hair match.
Um, who is Lalaine?

Carols

Thanks to Jay for sharing the following seasonal funny (and providing further proof that ADD and ME share some commonalities). Enjoy!

Mental Health Christmas Carols

• Schizophrenia - Do You Hear What I Hear?
• Multiple Personality Disorder - We Three Kings Disoriented Are
• Dementia - I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
• Narcissistic - Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
• Manic - Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
• Paranoid - Santa Claus is Coming to Get Me
• Borderline Personality Disorder - Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
• Personality Disorder - You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
• Attention Deficit Disorder - Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells...

Seeing

There's a movie review coming. First, an aside: Channel flipping this weekend I came across the movie Timeline, based on the formulaic but entertaining Michael Crichton novel. I had wanted to see how they turned book into movie but heard outcome was rather poor, so it seemed a good Sunday afternoon freetime flick. Yup, book got lost in the transfer (which if you know the story has double meaning). But that wasn't the point I planned to make. One of the characters was played by Tony Blair, or rather the actor who had quite ably portrayed Tony Blair in The Queen. He's rather distinctive looking and I commented to David how strange it was that I had no recollection of having seen him in anything and then he appears in two movies in a row I'd watched. Well, he is also in Blood Diamond. How weird is that? Three movies in a row. Michael Sheen--keep an eye out for him.

MOVIE REVIEW
Blood Diamond stars Leonardo DiCaprio in yet another action adventure message movie about good and bad coexisting and there being no easy answers. Well, apart from the apparently easy choices of protecting innocent lives and not coveting falsely rare diamonds. David commented that the backstory introduction about unrest in Sierra Leone was simplistic. At the end I asked him for his view on the accuracy and he conceded the movie was pretty good. So I can with an informed spirit tell you I recommend this movie. It's got violence and guns and lots of dead people (some bad/corrupted men and boys, and lots of innocent people). There is not one sex scene (David guessed it wouldn't be fitting the style of the movie and he was right). DiCaprio and Djimon Honsou are good; the secondary characters are thoroughly predictable types.

Oh, what's it all about? It's just your everyday quest for life, peace, wealth, justice--in shifting order. The journey focuses on two men. Denny Archer is a diamond smuggler in the diamonds-for-weapons trade of Africa (movie serves as passionate introduction to conflict diamonds). Archer lives by a fatalist philosophy of TIA--"This is Africa". He encounters an idealistic, adventure-seeking, comely female American reporter (played by Jennifer Connelly) who wants Denny's story; she's frustrated that nothing meaningful about this horrid business can be fact checked for publication (Her part is I suppose necessary to story but frustratingly simplistic). She sees the good in Denny, though he's not so ready to be good. Then there's Solomon, a nice African villager whose world falls apart one day when the Revolutionary United Front come and take him away, destroy his village, then take his promising young son into their arms (a nice play on words I did there). Solomon is forced to pan for diamonds in Kono, where he finds and hides a massive pink diamond. Denny learns of this diamond and convinces Solomon to take him to it so they both can get what they want.

As the Rolling Stones pointed out, "You can't always get what you want. But if you try sometime, well you just might find, you get what you need." Blood Diamond is a bit preachy in spots, and the violence is brutal, but it rings true, and the pace and story keep you interested. I liked the complexity of the two main characters and the focus on important world events that don't get even the "one minute on CNN" that Connelly's reporter character predicts for them.

Queenie

MOVIE REVIEW
The following movie came out two months ago, but it's still in theaters here and thus still eligible in my world for a posted review. Catch it before the Oscars because I have a feeling star Helen Mirren (always fabulous) will be nominated.

The Queen feels every bit the docudrama that it is. Director Stephen Frears weaves news footage of Princess Diana (her royal and post-royal life and the public grief over her death) with dramatized showings of the response by HRH Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Tony Blair (along with their capable assistants). What is most surprising about the story is not that the familiar events lend themselves so well to a movie but that the characters turn out to be so compelling. Tony Blair appears the most sympathetic with Prince Charles a distant second (surprised?). But as the story unfolds clarity falters, sympathies become less clear cut, and her Majesty's part--positively villainous from the start--deepens in emotion and human complexity. Don't despair, though; there remain one or two clear villains (I'll let you guess and see).

I asked David for his comment on the movie, and it was: "She was very stiff." Uh, okay, I'm guessing we can all figure out who "she" is.

The lowdown: The Queen is a solid docudrama both in style and substance. These are clearly actors playing real people (they look unapologetically more like themselves than their "characters", so they are open to doubtful interpretation), but well done and nuanced performances allow you to overlook what seem to be truly inconsequential bits of reality. Good pace, clear point to be made in the end without being at all preachy, and thought provoking for range of topics from mundane to philosophical. Highly recommended.

In an odd, related but unrelated note, I found that the British monarchy has an official website. Is that not a trifle strange?

Gangs

As I finish up my papers this semester I am reviewing some earlier writing. My professor praised a paper I wrote about gangs (I won't break my arm patting self on back). I thought I'd share a bit (which may sound familiar to you long-term readers)....

I smoke, I snort…I been begging on the street since I was just a baby. I’ve cleaned windshields at stoplights. I’ve polished shoes, I’ve robbed, I’ve killed. I ain’t no kid….I’m a real man. –City of God, 2002

To be there for young people, we adults need to get our own acts together. The negative world that gangs inhabit is no anomaly. When I contemplate who is responsible for seeing to it that young people are nurtured and entrusted and made to feel secure, I might say adults. However, how might adults provide this when so many—maybe even most or all—are themselves living lonely, insecure, medicated, or downright destructive existences? What does it mean to be an adult anymore? The above quote by a child running wild on the streets of the City of God hints at the confused notion of adulthood that some young people, and probably some adults, hold true. There is no clear and healthy delineation in our society between childhood and adulthood. Traditional rites of passage have been supplanted by sex, violence, and extreme limit testing. Assuming it ever was, childhood is no longer a safe haven, and adulthood seems to be more about emotional hardening than maturity. Adults can be powerful influences in the lives of children; in order to be positive influences, we need to attend to our own needs. It’s like the rules when you travel on a plane: in the event of an emergency, put on your own oxygen mask before assisting someone traveling with you. It is impossible to take care of others when you are incapable of taking care of yourself.

Seasons

Congrats to the UH Cougar football team. Last night they came from behind (and a paltry first half by many measures) to soundly defeat Southern Miss, 34-20, for the Conference USA championship. I'm thinking I bring football success to graduate schools. Maybe I should go out on the road with my skills, shop it when I seek a post doc. While I was attending BU they had their best football season ever, finishing (I think) #2 in Division I-A. Of course, shortly thereafter the program was disbanded for lack of interest/funds. I won't mention that part when I market my skills.

Criticism

As ever, not that you asked, but...
I highly recommend a reading of Alexander Pope's An Essay On Criticism. In it Pope pokes at contemporary critics and writers (18th c.). The style is intriguing--it is in fact a verse-essay, with criticisms delivered in couplet (two-line rhyme) form. Does it not ring a bell? The Essay is full of thoughtful nuggets and what have since become common statements. A few of the following quotes (presented in no particular order) might be familiar...

'Tis with our Judgments as our Watches, none
Go just alike, yet each believes his own.

Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread

But where's the Man, who Counsel can bestow,
Still pleas'd to teach, and not proud to know?

Hope springs eternal in the human breast

But you who seek to give and merit Fame,
And justly bear a Critick's noble Name,
Be sure your self and your own Reach to know.
How far your Genius, Taste, and Learning go;
Launch not beyond your Depth, but be discreet,
And mark that Point where Sense and Dulness meet.

A little learning is a dangerous thing;
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring:
There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again.

Pretty good stuff, huh? For cheaters in the crowd, here's a study guide.

Drama

Looking over our high school yearbook for senior year I noticed that many classmates commented on my sunshine-y personality in their oft-odd signings. Funny that I don't look back on high school as a bubbly time. Maybe the love connection, the play photos, and the big picture on academics page in yearbook all went to my head at end of year, just as signers formed their parting thoughts. Or maybe I put on a better act offstage than on. Anyway, I am here to recommend a perusal of your yearbook. Recall the rampant silliness, the naive certainty of seemingly everything, and the anticipation of weekends and friends. What is there not to miss about being young? Ah, yes, the drama.

On a somewhat related note, I long ago posted my info on classmates.com and similar sites. I dutifully report my whereabouts, likes/dislikes, lack of dog/offspring/drinking problem (am I truthful? Will anyone ever know? Read on...). I've never paid for access to actually see any of this meaningful info about my classmates. I find names of people I'd enjoy getting in touch with but a click on their name gets me to the Pay Now screen. Of course I refuse. I wonder how many people actually pay for the access. (I'm too cheap; others would be too.) Thus a survey--has anyone of you actually paid for one of these sites? More curiously, what name would have to show up in the listings to provoke you to pay the fee?

Bond

MOVIE REVIEW
Casino Royale The latest James Bond returns to the beginning with an updated remake of the first of Ian Fleming's Bond stories. Incorporating post-Cold War realities and poker trendiness the story feels current. There are the usual outlandish events (the fuel truck racing around untouched on tarmac had me rolling my eyes repeatedly), two heavily made up and voluptuously clad women, a bad guy or two or three or four(?), and of course several heart pumping action sequences (including one guy whose strength and agility had me quite breathless). David felt the movie was long, but I was entertained throughout. The few ridiculous plot devices were overshadowed for me by the gorgeous scenery (leaning to David, "I want to go there for my next vacation"), a bit of backstory on Bond (played handsomely and convincingly if not quite so oozing-with-charm by Daniel Craig), and the overall sense that Bond is back. I have missed him.

History

At what point do past hurts need to be made public in order to heal them? And to what extent does the public adoration of victim or abuser get to play a part in the need and usefulness of deeply painful revelations? Does the sharing of a hurt make it go away? Alas, I fear not. I might sum up all of my answers with this: once a hurt is done, it's done. At the same time, the sharing of a hurt can be a wonderfully soothing, even necessary, relief, particularly when shared with the trusting knowledge and confidence that the listener cares for you.

Today's advice: Live your life as happily as you can. Live consciously so that others may be less subject to your wrongs, and finally, make peace with what you do wrong (and we all do wrong).

Bettina Aptheker, about whose women's studies class at UCSC I have made reference previously, wrote a memoir that includes the revelation that she was molested by her father, the famous historian/Communist Herbert Aptheker. I post this note as a way to track the various write ups I come across on the subject. Here's a tidbit written by Bettina. The allegation has of course made it onto Herbert's bio on Wikipedia. The Chronicle of Higher Education has printed a slew of letters that form a conversation of sorts in defense of either or both parties; the letters are in response to an article written by Chris Phelps, entitled "Herbert Aptheker: The Contradictions of History" (both father and daughter are well known academics). George Mason U.'s History News Network has an interesting response to the situation, focusing on the father's Communist ties. Because of the politics of both individuals, the discussion often pits left against left. Here's one such conversation which urges the father's defense as he cannot defend himself from grave. Finally, I found a very thorough review of Bettina's memoir and its various revelations, one with copious quotes and some very good points about writing about a political past from a personal perspective. Go in peace daughter; rest in peace father.

The following might seem inappropriate given the sensitive nature of above discussion, but it goes back to my "once it's done, it's done" thought. Come on, laugh a little.

Harry: What do you want me to do about it? I take it back, OK? I take it back.
Sally: You can't take it back.
Harry: Why not?
Sally: Because it's already out there.
Harry: Oh jeez. What are we supposed to do? Call the cops? It's already out there!
Sally: Just let it lie, OK?
Harry: Great! Let it lie. That's my policy. (They get into the car) That's what I always say: let it lie. Want to spend the night in a motel? (She glares at him) You see what I did? I didn't let it lie.

Evil

Check out this series of comics called Hello Cthulhu, in which the most evil of all evils (Cthulhu and friends) meets the nicest of nice (Hello Kitty and friends). Hysterical.

Intoxicating...

• out walking, lapping up fresh air, as a day spent in full fall loveliness at the Renaissance Festival surrounded by happy people
• Tom Petty on a Monday morning, amplified and connected straight to my nerve centers through headphones (undoubtedly not good for my hearing, but excellent for my soul)
• a weekend of victories for favored teams, the Buckeyes, the Cougars, the Warriors, even the hapless Niners
• a hot dog fresh baked in a crescent roll--oh my goodness why have I not had more of these in my life?
• no travel on Thanksgiving, no feast to organize, a wide open schedule for the entire week--oh my, that's nice
  

Not so intoxicating to me...

• the man seen drinking a bagged tall can from his new car whilst driving downtown pre-noon last Friday
• the smell of dog poo that presents itself with regularity on the lawn in front of apartment
• the deteriorating state of my television

Yet further proof that my life is not so bad. :)

Review

MOVIE REVIEW
Stranger than Fiction is about a single IRS agent, Harold Crick, whose life takes a very strange turn one Wednesday when he suddenly develops a narrator. I liked the literary element to the movie (lots of allusions to literary devices). I liked the quiet thoughtfulness that pervades the entire story. I liked the bit of suspense about what would happen to Harold (his narrator is trying to find a way to kill him, the threat of which suddenly brings Harold more life than he's had in a while). I liked Emma Thompson and Will Ferrell and Dustin Hoffman (who plays a literature professor trying to help Harold discover the narrator). I especially liked the romantic angle to the story (Harold is nudged into action by his narrator, the same one who's trying to off him). I also really liked the modern visuals and sets, and the changing graphic overlays. Okay, yes, I have a few lingering questions about Harold's watch. I was hoping for a different ending (once you've seen the movie we can talk about my ideas and you can share yours). But when I add it all up I come to this conclusion: I enjoyed Stranger than Fiction much more than I expected to. :)

Counting

I love election day. I love the community feel of voting, the tension of ballot returns, the magnanimity of graceful losers and hopefulness of ebullient winners. I won't rub it in any face, as we all have different preferences when it comes to politicians, but I may slip up with a quiet little "Yea!" today (not that I have particular or undying love for the Democratic party). I was ecstatic to hear about the high voter turnout around the country. There were a few races I'd have liked to have seen go another way. Kinky lost in Texas (near Republican sweep), Ford lost in Tennessee, and there's not a Green in sight (Camejo got about 1% in California which by the numbers would be enough to get him a representative slot in many districts around the country). In general, the election was nice but not earth-shattering. For example, I don't see the results making a substantive difference in education policy (Eduwonk has a good posting on this subject).

I am certainly not gleeful about the Democratic shift; power comes and goes. More to the point, there's a definite dark side to politics and politicians. Reminder: with power comes responsibility. I don't particularly care who is in power. I care about what they do while in office--is it a win-lose proposition, a win-win one or lose-lose one that gets the most attention in our capital cities? I'd like to see politicians get campaign finance and the national debt under control, deal with health care, and cut out huge swaths of pork barrel spending and ridiculous program expenditures (yes, yes, define ridiculous; I am reminded of the movie Dave--is that not fair?). Is it just me or do these issues all seem related?

It's time to invest in a sustainable future for all our residents. I want to focus on that which unites us and makes us all better off (hello win-win), not divisions and the qualities about us that nurture suspicion and hatred (goodbye win-lose). And I'd like to do that in a fiscally responsible, socially tolerant way. Alas, I haven't heard much to make me think these positions will be at or even near the top of our government's true agenda. Maybe that's because we the people have a little problem with our personal and business finances and community bridging and bonding connections ourselves. sigh

I asked the man by the ballot box (people had the choice of using paper ballots) if he had any "I voted" type stickers. Certainly not, his look told me. He pointed behind me, "I tell you what, there's a pot of ink over there. You can stick your finger in and put a little sticker on wherever you want." Ha ha, no thanks. Just checking if you had actual stickers like the little oval shaped VoteTexas stickers I had seen on a series of ads. He said he'd never heard of such a thing and besides, "That'd be illegal." Uh, okay, whatever. Sure that he was wrong and still disappointed by my stickerless experience (not my first stickerless experience voting in Texas, mind you), I went on with my day. WELL, I saw President Bush on the news outside his polling place in Crawford; he and Laura were both wearing VoteTexas stickers. I felt vindicated and denied at the same time.

In other political news, a Washington Post column about a proposed Council of Elders has piqued my interest. Naturally the group of experienced senior politicians is comprised primarily of white guys, but I am otherwise glad of the diverse political spectrum thus far tapped to serve on the informal advisory body. I applaud genuine demonstrations of leadership and collaboration in public service.

Double Trouble

MOVIE REVIEW 1
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan: Two things you would not figure out from this movie: Sacha Baron Cohen is British and Jewish. You will become familiar with his physical anatomy, his apparent ability to endure unbelievable social awkwardness, and something of his sense of humor. Borat the character is bigoted, sexist, innocent, and perseverent (consider that combo). Borat the movie is a satire. David said it's hard to like a movie that he felt compelled to hide through three-quarters of, but I rather did like it (and so did David in truth). The jokes are not what you'll be quoting verbatim at cocktail parties, the physical mannerisms of the characters (real people most of them) won't inspire much mimicry, but you will find yourself seeking out fellow movie viewers and dropping a reference, "the naked fight", "etiquette lessons", calling scenes to mind that make you both laugh uproariously (it's already happened to me). There are also scenes to make you cringe, including a variety of natural-born bigots and sexists that make you wish these were actors like Cohen, putting us on. Cohen as Borat puts himself into situations that bring out the worst in people, and we find ourselves alternately laughing hysterically and cringing in silence. Borat is not a comfortable movie, and I don't feel the need to see it again (the film is more outrageous stunt than compelling narrative, though there is a story), but I am glad to have seen it once.

MOVIE REVIEW 2
The Departed: It's been a while since I saw a Martin Scorcese film and I'm glad to have waited for this one to return to his genre of gritty drama. Leonardo DiCaprio was very good (and surprisingly good looking, may I add) as Will, a boy from a mixed upbringing (money and the streets) who takes on Boston bad guys by going deep undercover with the state police. He's lonely, confused, and angry, deep down a good guy who just wants a regular life. Out in the open as a cop, Matt Damon's character hides his loyalty to the exact bad guy he's charged with catching, Frank Costello. The bad guy is played by Jack Nicholson, who is decent in his cool control, tacky wardrobe, and intermittent accent. I liked the movie's details, introduced and then reinforced in words and deeds, as well as the overall feel of the movie. It's not clear early on who will win out, it's not obvious in the middle who will win or lose most. You may predict the ending but it doesn't make it feel contrived; things work out as logically as life. The Departed isn't an extraordinary movie but it is solid. Good acting, fair pace, interesting story, some tense moments, several compelling characters, nice scenery. Again, I probably won't see it a second time, but was satisfied with the one viewing I did partake.

Showdown

After decades of playing silly product placement games and receiving swooning contestant kisses, The Price is Right's Bob Barker is going to retire. This is very sad news as it will change irrevocably my lifelong dream of attending a taping. I'm sure that without Bob things will change. The network will try to jazz it up, modernize it, do something new to attract new viewers. [Does anyone else remember Wheel of Fortune in the Chuck Woolery days, where contestants bought items as they circled by?) I have never harbored delusions of success on game shows, but on this one every person in the audience stands a chance. I know, I know, only a small portion of the Price is Right audience ultimately is called to the front. Then you have to make clever use of the $1 bid or not go with the lemmings and overbid before you get to play a game with Bob, then spin the big wheel (I admit, that's my favorite part) and then if all goes really well you get to make wildly unrealistic bids on the Showcase Showdown. Still, I'd like to have a shot. Have you ever seen an episode where the winner took home both showcases only to be followed by a reminder to spay or neuter your pets? I have. And I am here to tell you there will never be anything like it again on television. Pure cheesy joy paired with responsible pet guardianship. Love it.

PS Happy Halloween

Students

We had a reception at school last night to honor Hersh Waxman, who left us this year to go to A&M. It was a lovely event, and very nice to get so many of the doctoral students together, all looking quite spiffy, I might add.


Joining me in this picture with Dr. Waxman are Donna, Jay, Becky, David, Brenda, Gregg, Allegra, Blanca, Kevin, Jeff, Liz, David, Deb, Peter, Khalilah, Carlos, Gloria, Robin, Lynette, Seth, Brent, Dai, and Karen. A few others from the 03, 04, and 05 cohorts missed the photo or couldn't join us that night but were with us in spirit as we thanked Dr. Waxman for all he has done for us. As our gift said, we will miss him.

Fantasy

Do you remember Schoolhouse Rock's sad little wannabe law, Bill?

I'm just a bill
Yes, I'm only a bill
And if they vote for me on Capitol Hill
Well, then I'm off to the White House
Where I'll wait in a line
With a lot of other bills
For the president to sign
And if he signs me, then I'll be a law.
How I hope and pray that he will,
But today I am still just a bill.

Well, it's your chance to make Bill's dream a reality. It's time for Fantasy Congress! Join a league now and draft a team of hot shot legislators as they try to push their bills through committee, gain favor with the power players, and avoid veto.

I haven't been this excited about the goings on in Congress in a long time. Maybe next we can play Fantasy Presidential Cabinet or better yet Fantasy President. Oh wait, that game goes under a different name: Election 2008. (Sadly, unlike Fantasy Congress, there is little chance for interim participation in Election 2008, apart from polls.)

It's just a fantasy
It's not the real thing
But sometimes a fantasy
Is all you need
--Sometimes a Fantasy, by Billie Joel

Creeping

From the New York Times comes this innocuous yet thought provoking news: Entrees Reach $40, and, Sorry, the Sides Are Extra (see story). Have you been to a restaurant with a menu featuring a $40 entree? I will be on the lookout, though my haunts are not likely to indulge this whim. I want to know what single entree in the real world is worth paying that much for. Are we just being swindled? How much are these places paying their wait staff? My optimist's brain tells me such restaurants actually pay all employees a living wage (dish washers included). That is probably a delusion.

[W]hat makes the rise of the $40 entree so significant is not just the price creep, it’s the sophisticated calculation behind it. A new breed of menu “engineers” have proved that highly priced entrees increase revenue even if no one orders them. A $43 entree makes a $36 one look like a deal.

At that, I am rendered mute.

Cookie

I'm a big fan of Thich Nhat Hanh and of the wonders of mindfulness. Here's a lovely introduction to the two, from one of his books:

When I was four years old, my mother used to bring me a cookie every time she came home from the market. I always went to the front yard and took my time eating it, sometimes half an hour or forty-five minutes for one cookie. I would take a small bite and look up at the sky. Then I would touch the dog with my feet and take another small bite. I just enjoyed being there, with the sky, the earth, the bamboo thickets, the cat, the dog, the flowers. I was able to do that because I did not have much to worry about. I did not think of the future, I did not regret the past. I was entirely in the present moment, with my cookie, the dog, the bamboo thickets, the cat, and everything. It is possible to eat our meals as slowly and joyfully as I ate the cookie of my childhood. Maybe you have the impression that you have lost the cookie of your childhood, but I am sure it is still there, somewhere in your heart. Everything is still there, and if you really want it, you can find it.

Variety

Rain and wind lull my California brain into thinking it is winter and there is need for a cup of hot tea and a blankie on the sofa. Alas, these needs were not to be associated with today's tropical deluge in Houston. The rain did mean that my break time would be indoors though, and I sought out appropriate leisure activities (laundry would have been a useful break from work, but the rainy weather would have rendered my efforts moot). Of today's amusements, I would heartily recommend a bit of loud music (of the classical and metal varieties), some new television (brought to me by my newly reunited friend Timminy Tivo), and a healthy dose of new math reading. If you check out only one of the above links, make it the new math. Utterly delightful.

Stuffed

My head is full. Mutti sternly corrected us at dinner one time that we were not "full" but "sated." My thoughts this weekend have wandered from deadlines to fantasy fiction, hunger to indulgence, nostalgia to hurt. Amid the stacks of coursework and visions of laundromats that confront me there are pangs of anxieties and hormones (dear god, I have those?). As of this morning there are even golf balls in my head. I'm stuffed, and that is not a feeling of being sated. Thoughts are consumed by action. Today's lesson: think less, do more.

News

Have I ever been happier by a headline related to President Bush? Breaking news on the New York Times this morning:

Bush Condemns North Korea, but Says Diplomacy Is Focus

It's gray outside and I sense the potential for cool fall weather soon. I lingered over my breakfast this morning knowing I had no appointment to hurry me out the door. Even the incessant thumping rhythm of a hydraulic pump across the street has ended its weeks-long torture on my ears (and heartbeat). This Monday is looking better than many in a long while.

Fiction

It's sharing time. During sharing time we sit and listen and don't pass judgment and may or may not care about the contents, but we listen on anyway, because it's polite. This is all a long way of saying I have no point today, no rant deserving of the soapbox, and am divulging something of a guilty pleasure for which I would rather not get any grief about. :)

It's been a long semester already. Work and life have taken my mind off fun at various moments, and so when I have time for fun I actually want it to be, well, fun. Descriptive enough for ya? I've had more coherent days, it's true. The new television season has held little if any allure, and I've not seen a movie in ages. So the time I might otherwise have spent in one of those amusements has been focused on reading. As if reading articles and books and data sets is not enough to fatigue my eyes I have recently devoured an 850 page novel. And what is quite sad (or sadly tempting) is the fact that it is the first in a series, each of which is as long or longer than the first. I am referring to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander and its (thus far) five sequels. Apparently there are lots of devoted readers of these Scottish time-travel/romance/historical adventure books (women especially), so I don't feel alone at least. (It's nice to engage in solitary activities but not feel alone. Does that make me more social?) Today I found an alt.books.outlander discussion group and a site that sorts out the increasingly crazy timelines. And there is a fabulous page of Outlander humor, including toungue-in-cheek poetry and t-shirt sayings for characters. I feel so positively normal and mainstream.

In investigating this series I have learned a few things. There is a genre of literature known as bodice rippers (I do not know if Outlander applies, as it does not seem to be mysoginistic or extremely tawdry). Secondly, Scottish Highlander men and English women are a cliched romatic pairing (this definitely fits the Outlander series). See, my endeavors have not been without meaningful lessons.

Sharing complete.

UPDATE: What a difference a day makes. The first sequel is turning out to be a disappointment. Story's good but there are too many repetitions from first book, too many leaps, and (uh oh) too much bodice ripping. I might jump ahead to a later book that looked good upon perusal and let it catch me up. *sigh* I was having fun for a moment there....
UPDATE 2: The next book in series is good, very good. Though there are sizable passages which can be skimmed, there's enough to read that it makes for a satisfying escape.
UPDATE 3: Ditto the fourth book. I think what I like about the stories is that the characters are idealized yet events are realistic enough (read: good things don't always come to good people) to be compelling. Not that you asked. :)
UPDATE 4: Now David's read the first book and is plodding through book 2. Tee hee.