Yes, I admit it, I'm a sap when it comes to romantic comedies. We saw Love Actually over the weekend, and I didn't even have to be forced into seeing it. Granted, we intended to see Elf (I'm a sap for stupid comedies too), but since it was soldout, we took the next showing of this Hugh Grant vehicle.
I must say that I was pleasently surprised, however. The comedy was very witty (a la much British comedy). Moreover, Hugh Grant's sputtering indecisive facial expressions were kept to a minimum. While his expressions were fine in Four Weddings and a Funeral, I grew tired of them in oh so many of his other movies. So that said, I liked the way multiple story lines were presented. I think we've all become accustomed to multiple story lines since Pulp Fiction, but I dare say that many movies just don't do it well. In Love Actually, the stories aren't really weaved together with plot (some have faint ties), they're connected through music. While Quentin Tarantino does a great job with music choice in his films, the music in his films tends to be much more in your face...meaning you can't miss it. Love Actually is an example where the music (not the score) fills in the movie and makes sure there aren't gaps. Of course, there are many films where the music does this so I won't say that Love Actually is a one-of-a-kind.
Since I'm notoriously bad at remembering names connected with music (be it artist, album, or song title) I had to look up the music I heard while watching the movie. The selection is quite ecletic and jazzy in parts. Ranging from Dido, Norah Jones, and Joni Mitchell to Wyclef Jean, The Beach Boys, and Sugababes.
Since I like British comedies, this movie was bound to please at least a little. The music definitely gave it a bump of another 1/2 star. If you're into Brits and their laughs, check out Love Actually. If you detest Hugh Grant and everything European, definitely avoid this one.
Cheers!
Monday, November 24, 2003
Monday, November 17, 2003
Hail to the Cyborg!
So I'm sure everyone and their robot has been keeping track of California leadership. Arnold finally took office today and immediately repealed the much reviled car tax which Gray Davis had signed into law earlier this summer.
In and of itself, it's hard to be for or against the car registration tax without bring in your biases. I mean, you'll be for it if you think the state needs enough money to keep running. You'll be against it if you think the government already takes too much of citizens' paycheck or already spends too much of the taxes it levies.
All of the political shenanigans here in the state, including the car tax, have really put a focus on the way which politics works here. The Judgement? We're one fucked up state!
But while I've derided Arnold in the past and even put a lame title in this post, I really do hope that his term will be one characterized by a change in the political climate. So here's my logic to why we're so jacked up, why a change in the climate could fundamentally change the nature of politicking here, but also why things could get even worse (but let's hope we don't have to worry about things getting worse)
So here goes the novice's logic...
The tendancy of people to be skeptical of their politicans lead to direct democracy here in the state through the use of initiatives. Over time, these initiatives have become a pressure release (or last resort) when the legislators in Sacramento can't work out deals. If they couldn't get it done in the Capital, then heck, just take it to a direct vote. The allegiances of voters could be swayed more easily (hopefully). This method, I think has lead to Dems & Repubs not seeking to truly work things out. Afterall, why negotiate when, if you really think you have the best solution, you can just "take it to the people" and advertise your way to success!
I see this as a vicious cycle which lead politicians to be less willing to cross the aisles and with people becoming more and more cynical of the men and women they've voted into the office. So combine this climate with a bad economy, an unprecedented electricity problem, and a politician who seems to care about politicking but not a whit about democracy.
A small number of people who wanted to take advantage of the situation were able to snowball their disgust into a majority of the state feeling that it truly was time for radical change.
So here we are with Gov. Schwarzenegger. I'm sure a lot of people are still disgusted with the fact that he's in office. But I'd bet that a large portion of the people who hoped to never see him in office have finally come to grips with the reality. Moreover, I'd like to think that they are hopeful that since we're at this point, we may as well make the best of it. I'm definitely in that boat.
I really think the next few months will give everyone a chance to step back, take a breath, and really think about what they want from their state government. This will hopefully lead to a climate where negotiation and rational legislation is possible. I really do think that the radical change Californians voted for is not so much an about-face in policies, but a change in the political climate. With that hope, I think it'll give our leaders alreay in office a mandate to try to make things work.
We'll surely find out soon. There's always a chance that after these few months people will be just as disgusted with Sacramento as they were this past summer. If that happens, I really don't know what I'll say. But I'm an optimist, especially when it comes to the concept of democracy. So let's take this day as the first in a series of days where there is hope amongst the majority of Californians.
Our new governor has a mandate for changing the way things work. That's what he campaigned on (well, every politican campaigns for change when things aren't going great, but let's leave that aside). From the beginning, I've believed that Arnold truly wants to change things...I've ranged from being wary about the type of change he might want to bring (and who he wants to bring along a la Pete Wilson) to being in support of some of his ideas, but the whole time, I've believed he's sincere (or it could just be a great act). In any case, this is a chance to force the issue of change and I hope everyone involved, not just Arnold, is a part of that change.
Here's to democracy working for the better. And here's to all Californians participating in that process.
In and of itself, it's hard to be for or against the car registration tax without bring in your biases. I mean, you'll be for it if you think the state needs enough money to keep running. You'll be against it if you think the government already takes too much of citizens' paycheck or already spends too much of the taxes it levies.
All of the political shenanigans here in the state, including the car tax, have really put a focus on the way which politics works here. The Judgement? We're one fucked up state!
But while I've derided Arnold in the past and even put a lame title in this post, I really do hope that his term will be one characterized by a change in the political climate. So here's my logic to why we're so jacked up, why a change in the climate could fundamentally change the nature of politicking here, but also why things could get even worse (but let's hope we don't have to worry about things getting worse)
So here goes the novice's logic...
The tendancy of people to be skeptical of their politicans lead to direct democracy here in the state through the use of initiatives. Over time, these initiatives have become a pressure release (or last resort) when the legislators in Sacramento can't work out deals. If they couldn't get it done in the Capital, then heck, just take it to a direct vote. The allegiances of voters could be swayed more easily (hopefully). This method, I think has lead to Dems & Repubs not seeking to truly work things out. Afterall, why negotiate when, if you really think you have the best solution, you can just "take it to the people" and advertise your way to success!
I see this as a vicious cycle which lead politicians to be less willing to cross the aisles and with people becoming more and more cynical of the men and women they've voted into the office. So combine this climate with a bad economy, an unprecedented electricity problem, and a politician who seems to care about politicking but not a whit about democracy.
A small number of people who wanted to take advantage of the situation were able to snowball their disgust into a majority of the state feeling that it truly was time for radical change.
So here we are with Gov. Schwarzenegger. I'm sure a lot of people are still disgusted with the fact that he's in office. But I'd bet that a large portion of the people who hoped to never see him in office have finally come to grips with the reality. Moreover, I'd like to think that they are hopeful that since we're at this point, we may as well make the best of it. I'm definitely in that boat.
I really think the next few months will give everyone a chance to step back, take a breath, and really think about what they want from their state government. This will hopefully lead to a climate where negotiation and rational legislation is possible. I really do think that the radical change Californians voted for is not so much an about-face in policies, but a change in the political climate. With that hope, I think it'll give our leaders alreay in office a mandate to try to make things work.
We'll surely find out soon. There's always a chance that after these few months people will be just as disgusted with Sacramento as they were this past summer. If that happens, I really don't know what I'll say. But I'm an optimist, especially when it comes to the concept of democracy. So let's take this day as the first in a series of days where there is hope amongst the majority of Californians.
Our new governor has a mandate for changing the way things work. That's what he campaigned on (well, every politican campaigns for change when things aren't going great, but let's leave that aside). From the beginning, I've believed that Arnold truly wants to change things...I've ranged from being wary about the type of change he might want to bring (and who he wants to bring along a la Pete Wilson) to being in support of some of his ideas, but the whole time, I've believed he's sincere (or it could just be a great act). In any case, this is a chance to force the issue of change and I hope everyone involved, not just Arnold, is a part of that change.
Here's to democracy working for the better. And here's to all Californians participating in that process.
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
Another perspective
Over the past few months I've returned to reading an online magazine which I used to read a few years ago. I turned back to Slate to get another perspective on current events. I'd been used to reading Salon, but was getting tired of the same viewpoints expressed on every issue - How bad is Bush? and Why should he be voted out?
Now, I'm the last to say that President Bush should remain in office, but Salon's articles just seemed to go on and on. Worst of all, I knew they were preaching to the choir. They were simply writing for people who wanted to hear about how horrible Bush is. Granted, Salon has some other sections which are interesting, but the main thrust of the magazine is obviously anti-conservative. I recently let my subscription lapse and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.
So why Slate? A few reasons:
Good coverage on what's in national & international papers. This is actually quite a good resources since it gives you an idea of how different national papers cover the same story, but in different ways. Here's today's take on the papers. They do the same with international papers which is great for getting an idea of what's important to the rest of the world.
"Are you sure?" research on topics of the moment. Far from in-depth coverage, Slate offers something which is pretty cool...they confirm or refute various studies and popular opinion by doing some research into the numbers or other relevant facts. As an example, a recent Center for Public Integrity (CPI) report tried to show the connection between campaign donations & Iraq reconstruction contracts (eg, Halliburton & Bechtel, etc). While CPI said there was a direct connection, Slate showed that by the numbers, that's not the case. Of course, that's not to say that having friends in high places hasn't helped these companies, but Slate pointed out that the facts don't support CPI's assertions about donations directly leading to better contracts.
Generally, I like Slate because it has a light feel to skeptical, curious reporting. It doesn't take itself too seriously in the tone of writing, but at the same time, they have a clear stance on news..."Hey, wait a second..." I think this approach is much more useful than searching for exposes on neo-con baddies like Salon loves to do. I may not agree with everything that Slate has to say, but that's the point...I want to hear a good argument whether I agree with it or not.
Along the same lines, I don't stop my reading with the NY Times. I read the Economist, the Wall St Journal (when I get a chance) and various other publications that address issues which I think are important. While Salon addresses many of these issues, there's too much singing to the choir going on and too little skepticism about liberal thinking. Of course the NY Times is quite liberal, but I like to think that my reading of other pubs gives me a broader perspective than I would otherwise have.
Now, I'm the last to say that President Bush should remain in office, but Salon's articles just seemed to go on and on. Worst of all, I knew they were preaching to the choir. They were simply writing for people who wanted to hear about how horrible Bush is. Granted, Salon has some other sections which are interesting, but the main thrust of the magazine is obviously anti-conservative. I recently let my subscription lapse and I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything.
So why Slate? A few reasons:
Good coverage on what's in national & international papers. This is actually quite a good resources since it gives you an idea of how different national papers cover the same story, but in different ways. Here's today's take on the papers. They do the same with international papers which is great for getting an idea of what's important to the rest of the world.
"Are you sure?" research on topics of the moment. Far from in-depth coverage, Slate offers something which is pretty cool...they confirm or refute various studies and popular opinion by doing some research into the numbers or other relevant facts. As an example, a recent Center for Public Integrity (CPI) report tried to show the connection between campaign donations & Iraq reconstruction contracts (eg, Halliburton & Bechtel, etc). While CPI said there was a direct connection, Slate showed that by the numbers, that's not the case. Of course, that's not to say that having friends in high places hasn't helped these companies, but Slate pointed out that the facts don't support CPI's assertions about donations directly leading to better contracts.
Generally, I like Slate because it has a light feel to skeptical, curious reporting. It doesn't take itself too seriously in the tone of writing, but at the same time, they have a clear stance on news..."Hey, wait a second..." I think this approach is much more useful than searching for exposes on neo-con baddies like Salon loves to do. I may not agree with everything that Slate has to say, but that's the point...I want to hear a good argument whether I agree with it or not.
Along the same lines, I don't stop my reading with the NY Times. I read the Economist, the Wall St Journal (when I get a chance) and various other publications that address issues which I think are important. While Salon addresses many of these issues, there's too much singing to the choir going on and too little skepticism about liberal thinking. Of course the NY Times is quite liberal, but I like to think that my reading of other pubs gives me a broader perspective than I would otherwise have.
Sunday, November 09, 2003
Lock your doors!
Just what we need...two pedophiles in the studio together. Michael Jackson & R Kelly have made a song together.
Behind the Times
So I've been going on about my 80's nostalgia, and I know I'm not the only one who loves the 80's. There have been many 80's websites and quite a few shows about that decade. Of course, I've missed the latest of the nostalgia bits until this evening. We just caught "I Love the 80's Strikes Back". So the memories are great, a great show to watch with friends over since you can all reminisce and joke around. Something I find odd about the show is some of the people commenting about the 80's. Some people are obvious 80's celebs like Boy George and Deborah "Debbie" Gibson, but there are also people talking that you wonder about. Like Mandy Moore. Wait a second, wasn't she like 5 years old when all this happened? How the heck would she have anything to say about the 80's?
I thought maybe she was older than suspected, but after checking, I found out she was born in 1984. So, at the most, she was 5! Mandy's got no business talking about this stuff. If she wants to talk about Britney, N'Sync, and the like, that's fine, but please, stay out of my nostalgia. :)
Speaking of oddball commentators on these types of shows...we were watching this show called Rank on E! (yes, I know, my TV viewing habits are horrible). So the idea of the show is to rank celebs on specific topics, like the hottest Hollywood bachelorette, etc. So of all people, AC Slater, shows up as an expert on the hottest single women in Hollywood. Let's leave aside the fact that I haven't seen Mario Lopez since Circus of the Stars, Beach Bicycle Cops, or some nonsense like that. Of course, there are other semi-celebs on this show commenting about hot actresses, but Mario stands out because he's got the crudest comments out of the bunch. While the other guys comment about how beautiful some actress is because of her skills, talent, yada yada, Mario gets right to the point. He just says "She's hot" with a stupid grin on his face. And you wonder why chicks dig Zack so much. Mario needs to learn from the Preppie.
Anyways, all I can say is that I'm hooked on this VH1 show. I haven't watched VH1 since the Pop-Up Video days but I think I may have to tune in more often. Tuning into the VH1 is the definite sign you're getting old. Woe is me.
Worry not, however, I'll report back with any stupidity I find while watching.
And worry even less, you'll find out even more about my horrible viewing habits over time. While I'd like to say I watch quality television, most of it is rather meaningless. Tune in for more soon!
I thought maybe she was older than suspected, but after checking, I found out she was born in 1984. So, at the most, she was 5! Mandy's got no business talking about this stuff. If she wants to talk about Britney, N'Sync, and the like, that's fine, but please, stay out of my nostalgia. :)
Speaking of oddball commentators on these types of shows...we were watching this show called Rank on E! (yes, I know, my TV viewing habits are horrible). So the idea of the show is to rank celebs on specific topics, like the hottest Hollywood bachelorette, etc. So of all people, AC Slater, shows up as an expert on the hottest single women in Hollywood. Let's leave aside the fact that I haven't seen Mario Lopez since Circus of the Stars, Beach Bicycle Cops, or some nonsense like that. Of course, there are other semi-celebs on this show commenting about hot actresses, but Mario stands out because he's got the crudest comments out of the bunch. While the other guys comment about how beautiful some actress is because of her skills, talent, yada yada, Mario gets right to the point. He just says "She's hot" with a stupid grin on his face. And you wonder why chicks dig Zack so much. Mario needs to learn from the Preppie.
Anyways, all I can say is that I'm hooked on this VH1 show. I haven't watched VH1 since the Pop-Up Video days but I think I may have to tune in more often. Tuning into the VH1 is the definite sign you're getting old. Woe is me.
Worry not, however, I'll report back with any stupidity I find while watching.
And worry even less, you'll find out even more about my horrible viewing habits over time. While I'd like to say I watch quality television, most of it is rather meaningless. Tune in for more soon!
Wednesday, November 05, 2003
A Place Everything...
And everything in its place...
A friend and I have started another blog which aims to be much more serious than the nonsense I post here. You'll find a perma-link on the side toolbar, but here's another link as well: Sangam. In Hindi, Sangam, means intersection. Our blog aims to look at the intersection of politics, economics, and soceity. It's something we've taken interest in with respect to bettering democracy. I think that with anything, you have to look at how things interact and where a happy medium can (or can't) be found.
This new blog is sort of an experiment for us since we're trying to go back and forth and toss ideas around (rather then just posting our latest opinions). Hopefully we'll come up with some gems while talking about all sorts of things.
Let me know what you think about it.
A friend and I have started another blog which aims to be much more serious than the nonsense I post here. You'll find a perma-link on the side toolbar, but here's another link as well: Sangam. In Hindi, Sangam, means intersection. Our blog aims to look at the intersection of politics, economics, and soceity. It's something we've taken interest in with respect to bettering democracy. I think that with anything, you have to look at how things interact and where a happy medium can (or can't) be found.
This new blog is sort of an experiment for us since we're trying to go back and forth and toss ideas around (rather then just posting our latest opinions). Hopefully we'll come up with some gems while talking about all sorts of things.
Let me know what you think about it.
Get outta here!
Voyager 1 has finally left the solar system and no longer feels the effects of the Sun's gravity (at least according to some). Ok, since my blog isn't a place I normally use to report on the latest news, why is this here? Well, growing up, I was utterly obsessed with all things Space. I could name major moons of every planet and also tell them apart by picture; I could tell you where various spacecraft had been. Basically, I was a space geek.
This all came from a fascination with the pictures relayed to us from so far away. I remember staying up very late one night just so I could see the latest pics from Voyager 2 as it neared Neptune. Every time I saw pics of far away planets or moons I would imagine what it would be like to fly with the spacecraft. How dark would it be? How big would the planets seem? Would you feel a sense of moving past the planet?
This wondering obviously lead me to aspire to become an astronaut. In fact, the Challenger disaster devastated me like none of my classmates. Of course, I didn't pursue the astronaut career...I chose something much more bland, but my fascination still remained.
So anyways, reading about the recent "death" of Galileo brought back thoughts of Jupiter, etc. But hearing news about the old-school Voyagers really takes me back to my childhood since I grew up fascinated with how such simple machines (especially by today's standards) could send back such amazing images. Here's to the ingenuity in NASA & JPL. I don't know if kids these days are fascinated by spacecraft like I was, but I don't know if such moments in history will every be repeated.
This all came from a fascination with the pictures relayed to us from so far away. I remember staying up very late one night just so I could see the latest pics from Voyager 2 as it neared Neptune. Every time I saw pics of far away planets or moons I would imagine what it would be like to fly with the spacecraft. How dark would it be? How big would the planets seem? Would you feel a sense of moving past the planet?
This wondering obviously lead me to aspire to become an astronaut. In fact, the Challenger disaster devastated me like none of my classmates. Of course, I didn't pursue the astronaut career...I chose something much more bland, but my fascination still remained.
So anyways, reading about the recent "death" of Galileo brought back thoughts of Jupiter, etc. But hearing news about the old-school Voyagers really takes me back to my childhood since I grew up fascinated with how such simple machines (especially by today's standards) could send back such amazing images. Here's to the ingenuity in NASA & JPL. I don't know if kids these days are fascinated by spacecraft like I was, but I don't know if such moments in history will every be repeated.
Monday, November 03, 2003
Diddy runs the City
So I admit to hating on Sean P.Diddy Combs every chance I get. It all started about a year after Biggie's death when Puff just wouldn't quit on his memorial tributes to B.I.G. It really became a chance for him to take a spotlight every chance he got. My hating became worse over the years with his no talent rapping, constant MTV jockage, and J.Lo nonsense. Anyways, I take anything he does with a grain of salt because I figure he's just trying to grab the spotlight.
I have to give it to him though because this time he's utilized his fame for something worthwhile. He raised $2 million for various children's causes. Of course, his run came with an MTV special, but that's ok...he dun good and I'll stop the hating for a bit.
I have to give it to him though because this time he's utilized his fame for something worthwhile. He raised $2 million for various children's causes. Of course, his run came with an MTV special, but that's ok...he dun good and I'll stop the hating for a bit.
Sunday, November 02, 2003
It's going down...
BIG DAWG style!
Ok, so if you're not familiar with that saying, you're missing out on what Spike TV has been showing for a bit now (or you don't listen to Hot97 in NYC). Funkmaster Flex is a long-time DJ on Hot97 in New York and he's known to break the newest hip-hop (although there are contenders to the throne). Whether you like him or not, hip hop artists (and athletes) certainly give him play and his new show on SpikeTV is pretty interesting just because of that.
Basically, the show has Funk Flex going to different stars and either checking out their souped up rides, or, as with 50 Cent, taking it and restoring it. Now, I'm not really into such things, but it's still pretty cool what they do with these cars. Obviously a lot of money is put into these cars and it's truly amazing how these stars reflect their personalities with their cars. That's not to say all of these people philosophize over their car restoration, but some of them certainly do.
Anyways, the best thing about all this? The way the stars clown Funk Flex! The first episode I saw had Lil Kim & Eminem clowning Funk Flex's saying (It's going down BIG DAWG style!). It great to see such nonsense from people who usually act serious or are not very open. The hip hop world is such a production sometimes with rappers having to act all "hard" or tough, so these types of shows are a good change of pace. Funk definitely has fun with it.
I'm not much of a celebrity watcher, but seeing hip hop stars or athletes have fun like that is always a laugher, especially early on a Saturday morning. Talk about laugh out loud! Check it out if you get some time on Saturday morning. If you're not into cars you'll still enjoy it for the laughs.
BTW...went to the Heiroglyphics show at the Fillmore . I could go on about the show, but suffice it to say that watching a group perform to a hometown crowd is always fun. It's even better when you can watch them in a great venue like the Fillmore.
One of these days, I promise to post some more serious, analytical thoughts on pol, econ, desis, etc. Until I get some time, you'll have to bear with these random posts :)
Ok, so if you're not familiar with that saying, you're missing out on what Spike TV has been showing for a bit now (or you don't listen to Hot97 in NYC). Funkmaster Flex is a long-time DJ on Hot97 in New York and he's known to break the newest hip-hop (although there are contenders to the throne). Whether you like him or not, hip hop artists (and athletes) certainly give him play and his new show on SpikeTV is pretty interesting just because of that.
Basically, the show has Funk Flex going to different stars and either checking out their souped up rides, or, as with 50 Cent, taking it and restoring it. Now, I'm not really into such things, but it's still pretty cool what they do with these cars. Obviously a lot of money is put into these cars and it's truly amazing how these stars reflect their personalities with their cars. That's not to say all of these people philosophize over their car restoration, but some of them certainly do.
Anyways, the best thing about all this? The way the stars clown Funk Flex! The first episode I saw had Lil Kim & Eminem clowning Funk Flex's saying (It's going down BIG DAWG style!). It great to see such nonsense from people who usually act serious or are not very open. The hip hop world is such a production sometimes with rappers having to act all "hard" or tough, so these types of shows are a good change of pace. Funk definitely has fun with it.
I'm not much of a celebrity watcher, but seeing hip hop stars or athletes have fun like that is always a laugher, especially early on a Saturday morning. Talk about laugh out loud! Check it out if you get some time on Saturday morning. If you're not into cars you'll still enjoy it for the laughs.
BTW...went to the Heiroglyphics show at the Fillmore . I could go on about the show, but suffice it to say that watching a group perform to a hometown crowd is always fun. It's even better when you can watch them in a great venue like the Fillmore.
One of these days, I promise to post some more serious, analytical thoughts on pol, econ, desis, etc. Until I get some time, you'll have to bear with these random posts :)
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