The Sublime Roundabout

So my daughter asked me the other day - what was my favorite movie? Then, she had to qualify that with the following - what is my favorite RECENT movie? I asked - how recent is recent? To which she did not have a good response. But I took that to mean within her lifetime. Which really kind of narrows the field a bit. Because, truthfully, I couldn't think of a movie in the past 12 years that would qualify as a favorite. Even top ten. I've been entertained and have really enjoyed some movies. But, in the main, meh. There are some, though, now that I think of it, that would qualify - Saving Private Ryan, Valkyrie, Adjustment Bureau, Inception, and others for example. I just couldn't think of any right at the time. So here's a short list of some of my faves in no particular order: 1. Ben Hur. A classic, makes me cry every time. Every. Time. 2. It's A Wonderful Life. Ibid. 3. 12 Angry Men. 4. 10 Commandments. 5. Lawrence of Arabia. 6. Amadeus. 7. The ...

When President Obama was making his run at being president, much was made of his message regarding hope and change. They became buzz words used to belittle him and to mock his campaign. But the truth is, these words resonated with folks because we wanted something different, and we hoped he would be able to bring it about. To a certain extent, he has. He hasn't been as successful as maybe he'd have liked. But it's been pretty good so far. Change is inevitable. Though the phrase is problematic, the only real constant is change. In Korea, they say that even the mountains and the rivers change in ten years' time. As I watch the sun rise on a new day, March 12th, 2014, I reflect on the changes that have occurred in my life - both recently and over a long time frame, both subtle and dramatic, both great and small. I am surely not the same person I was just a few months ago, and I am not yet who I will ultimately become. I know that in the course of my life I have done ...

Cupid only misses sometimes. - jack johnson Jack Johnson's music is lovely. I find it calming and peaceful. I enjoy catching his subtle and not-so-subtle jabs and comments on modern life. In general I find his stuff very affirming and positive. And I'm glad that there's someone who cares enough to make statements with his art. I have been thinking about the effect of art on people, and the media that different artists use to make their statements. My son wrote an amazing poem the other day and shared it with me. It brought me to tears - which, if I'm honest, is not a terribly difficult thing. But there was so much wrapped up in what he wrote. So much passion and desire and feeling. It was awesome. I am intensely proud of him. He consistently impresses me. I let him play music occasionally when we ride together. I usually like what he chooses - even of it's not what I would choose. He and I often have deep conversations about why the musician makes the choice...