I'm not sure why but I seem to have an addiction to the songs from the movie Sweeney Todd. I liked the movie but I guess when Mich uploaded to Multiply some songs from the movie. I can't seem to help but get hooked as if I had a last song syndrome to it even if I think I don't.
Anyway, I got some videos I got from YouTube. :p hehehe... Makes it easier for me to find them again.
Got this from EJ -> http://www.dragon-gate.com/resources/fengshuitools/chineseAstrology/horoscope.asp?id=1
Not really much of a believer in astrology and fortune telling but it is always interesting to note. Unfortunately though, the stars tell me to concentrate on work and stay away from anything related to the matters of the heart and health.
Grab travel opportunities... hmmm... might be a sign. =D
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Here is a review on movie I watched a few months back that got me questioning and thinking and rethinking a lot. The review says much of how the story goes although it does not say much of how good the movie was - well, I found the dialogue very compelling that I did not notice other aspects of the movie. Anyway, here is a review from Canadian Cinephile’s Reviews. I tried creating a personal review but didn't get to finish it.
Lions for Lambs is a film destined to polarize audiences. Directed by Robert Redford, Lions for Lambs is an indictment more than a film and contains a slew of political discussion that will either enthrall or bore viewers. Seeing this film is really a question of whether or not one is prepared for the material and not a question of whether one wants a fun evening at the cinema. Lions for Lambs is a film that is intended to provoke thought, opinion, debate, and action. Redford’s film is not a film that is designed to divert attention from global affairs, but rather is a film that is designed to shine a light on the reactions and lack of actions on the part of the general public. It is a scathing critique, overall, but its uneven delivery undercuts its overall effectiveness.
Lions for Lambs takes the form of three interrelated stories and follows the characters through very basic scenes. Most of the scenes in the film, save the war scenes, are single-room dialogue-driven scenes that work through the ideologies that bring the war scenes about. Contrary to what a lot of the reviews say, Lions for Lambs does indeed have a structure. It is purposeful in its pacing and in its discussion of the ideologies, without question. The scenes cut back and forth frequently, highlighting various points and factors by providing a running commentary on the actions currently displayed by the United States on a global scale.
The first story involves two university students that follow the inspiration of their idealistic teacher, Dr. Stephen Malley (Redford). Arian (Derek Luke) and Ernest (Michael Pena) enlist in the military, much to the chagrin of Malley, and become involved in the war in Afghanistan. The sequences involving Arian and Ernest are the weakest in the film, as they are shot in an “action movie” sort of way and are often rather intrusive in terms of the overall scope of the film. The dialogue scenes between the other characters are much more intense, exciting, and enthralling in terms of pacing and action in the context of the overall film.
The second story involves Dr. Malley and a disaffected student, Todd Hayes (Andrew Garfield). This story takes place in Malley’s office as he meets with Hayes over coffee to discuss Todd’s attendance and dedication to his classes. Todd reveals that he has become disillusioned with political science and simply wants to be an “average Joe” to enjoy his personal happiness. Malley sets out to scold/inspire Todd in a set of scenes that reflect the overall intentions of Redford with Lions for Lambs. The idea here is to help Todd (the audience) overcome their cultural and political apathy by inspiring and coercing action in any and all terms. The “action” in terms of the characters of Arian and Ernest was to join the war - an “action” which Malley deplores and admires. The action in terms of Todd and the audience of Lions for Lambs is up for grabs as the credits roll.
The third story in Lions for Lambs is the strongest. A Republican presidential hopeful, Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise) invites a reporter, Janine Roth (Meryl Streep), into his office for a one hour meeting. In the meeting, Irving announces a new war strategy in Afghanistan that proposes small troop units (like the ones Ernest and Arian wind up in) occupying small mountain regions before the Taliban can do so. As Irving reveals his strategy, a discussion erupts between he and Roth that highlights the role of media, the passive nature of mass media, and the role of government policies in shaping lives. It is an intriguing discussion that is well acted by both Cruise and Streep, as the script pulls no punches in creating an affective character in Cruise’s Irving and a sympathetic character in Streep’s Roth.
Lions for Lambs takes risks in its execution and, for that reason, is worth watching. It is a bold film that produces bold ideas and challenges key policies. Redford aims to provoke and challenge the viewer here, using a fictional narrative to innervate and energize his audience into potential action. The goal of Lions for Lambs is admirable and moving. The execution is, however, uneven at times. The strongest scenes are really strong and the weakest scenes are, sadly, really weak. This produces a feeling of misplaced apathy towards certain characters. I found myself losing interest during the scenes involving Ernest and Arian and found myself getting excited to see the next scene to feature Roth and Irving. As a whole, Lions for Lambs is heavily flawed.
The dialogue here is often strong, but often mediocre. The scenes with Malley and Todd are great examples of script failure. Redford is really good, while Garfield is wooden and uninteresting overall. Redford’s lines in the scenes are strong and poignant, packed with punchy resolve and a will for the future. Meanwhile, Garfield’s lines, while intentionally riddled with apathy, are so cookie-cutter and normative that one feels apathy about Garfield’s character’s apathy. Instead of willing Garfield’s character over the hump and on to something greater, the dialogue and performance by Garfield simply bores while Redford works his ass off to carry the scenes. Only during the sequences involving Cruise and Streep is true acting equality shown.
Lions for Lambs is a dialogue heavy indictment of American policy and a strong film in terms of its risk-taking and its effective viewpoints. The execution of the film overall lacks key components, however. With a stronger script and better performances, Lions for Lambs would be a significant film in the annals of cinema history. As it is, however, Lions for Lambs is an above-average polemic and simply an average film. It’s still good enough to recommend it, though, as I feel its importance trumps its overall execution.
Trailer:
I realized just this moment how important my blog really is. It's not just an outlet for the freedom of frustration expressed but also a "permanent" (unless you edit or delete previous blogs) record of the past you.
I have once again reviewed some of my past entries, partly due to a challenge posed my the boss of my boss and I came across the entry I was looking for. It was a post 6 months after graduating from college and starting work. It was about the mission and vision I had for myself as well as the Top 10 dreams I needed to fulfill my mission.
Mission-Vision Statement
To guide, inspire and empower myself and my circle of infuence in order to create a relationship of growth, understanding, excitement & fun.
I created this during team building session / leadership seminar we organized for the student council back in January of 2005 and comparing that declaration with my "Who I am?" in the last eLT meeting seems to be as far off as I thought I already was.
Who I am?
I am Fun-loving & Excellence. Around me, people achieve excellence while having fun. This is who I am and that is what you can count on.
I guess the difference with the me before with the me now is that I know that I have to start creating my dreams myself today rather than wait for other people with similar dreams to create it with. Besides, the chances of finding someone almost the same as me are close to impossible, considering the individuality of humanity. :) Also, they are my dreams not theirs.
Realizing that you are growing up does not really change the you in you. Your core will always be the same whether you are 13 or 53. That's my opinion anyway.
Below is my Top 10 Dreams again and I hope that those who get to read it would hold me accountable to each for the year 2008.
1. Fix my biological time clock.
2. Graduate on time. [check]
3. Build a house for my family in a nice village.
4. Thank people that have influenced & helped me in my life. [in the process]
5. Be a smiling face & a listening ear. [umm... is this a check? :) ]
6. Solidify CS department and students. [i'm losing on this one... :( ]
7. Pursue higher studies on something that would have impact on Philippine society.
8. Build a forest; be part of an environment advocacy
9. Become a teacher or professor.
10. Build that scholarship program.
I'm back at 1 out of 10 from 2 last 2005. More work needs to be done!
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I browsed through the rest of my entries and found one that I also found interesting. Makes you think, am I being one? Well, it is a continuous learning process. You do great things and you learn from the messed up ones.
Anyway, anyway... I'm living on a new theme for this year. Live life! Have a great 2008! :)
Back when I was younger, whenever it was Christmas, I don't usually think of Santa Claus or Noche Buena. What gets me excited is the number of presents Tita Beth will be giving me that year. It was usually 3 gifts and we usually get to open them close to New Year since the package arrives late. Seriously though, Tita Beth is like a 2nd mother to me, although she tops my mom when it comes to nagging me to wake up early or move faster or eat breakfast. That is why, I was glad that when I began to work, I did not have to wake up to eat breakfast early. That was when the early morning "Get up Get up!" calls ended.
Tita Beth taught me a lot of firsts too. She gave me my first "serious" books. Those were the 2 Hardy Boys. I remember her message in one of the books saying that she was proud that I started getting into reading and I should continue to do so. Of course, that was after the 4 Disney story books she sent which were really more of pictures rather than for reading. She taught me how to ride a jeep in Manila as well as taught me how to take the MRT when it first opened. She drove 5 hours++ from Los Banos to Mandaluyong for me when I moved to UPD from UPLB for a overrun bedding and a plastic pail that looked like it was at the end of its life. I really appreciated the help.
There are a lot of things I will definitely miss about Tita Beth. Her generosity and eagerness to help. Her kindness and helpfulness. Her discipline and being very hardworking. I mean, I realize that she did not get to where she is now in here life from just natural smarts and intelligence. She worked hard every day and was very disciplined. She taught me a lot of that when I stayed over her place during my internship in high school and during my first months of work.
Truth be told, Tita Beth has affected us all in more ways than one. I could have written a 12 page essay on each and every little thing that Tita Beth taught and inspired me but I guess an email that long would probably be hard to read.
Tita, I know that it’s hard not to feel resentful at times when being pushed a lot but know that we understand and realize that it’s not just that you are naturally bossy (hehehe…) but rather that you do see the whole picture; that you think of other people more than your self. That makes you special and that’s what would make me miss you most of all. A lot of my personal decisions in life was inspired and somehow affected by you and I believe that being able to do what I do now has been because of the way you live your life.
Tita, thank you for just being who you are. In so many ways, it makes all of us want to be more like you. I’ll miss you and I’ll see you when I see you. J God bless!
