Observations

I sadly witnessed a racial fight yesterday in the area where I work. I did not intend on front row seats, it just so happened that I bumped into an old friend and we stopped to chat right where the action took place five minutes later. It stemmed from something that wasn't even worth fighting about. It involved a pedestrian of one race and two boys in a car of another race. The boys in the car made a fight out of it. They were clearly up for making trouble and that's what they eventually caused. It took strangers to come running and break up the fight instead of peers who had come along to join in. Me and my friend decided to part our ways once the group was dispersed. I walked off thinking how sad it was that something that could have been resolved with simple self control or an apology, blew up into such drama. So many people in our world who we walk alongside on the street as strangers need something more in their lives, more than causing a fight for something to do.

(Only minuscule comedy moment was one of the boys attempting to kick one of the others, missing and falling on the floor!!)

Film Review

I shall keep this short and sweet, I like this film. A bit of sex and mild violence is the only warning I have.

The story starts off very simple and becomes very complex, but with interesting links. The costumes, props and locations are all excellent for the time period (with the exception of Jason Statham's shaved head and designer stubble!)

There are quite a few famous British faces starring in this film, and I did spend some of my time playing who's who!

It is based on a true story, and if this is the case then it is quite un-nerving as to how much corruption there can be within our senior authorities.

Through A Childs Eyes

Amanda uses so many examples from her little boy Daniel. Things she sees through him, examples of how he views things etc. More recently (I think) he has started to recognise me, (as his favourite special Aunty of course.) On occasions he has run towards me, seen me from far away and sat pointing, trusted me to be with him over others, etc.

As normal I have linked this into a relationship with God. To most people God is something far away and untouchable. To those who have a relationship with Jesus, it is something that builds up over time. We get to know this person gradually, learning each day along the way. We recognise new things that we know is God. He must experience joy when we acknowledge Him, just as I do with Daniel. Its only a small thing, but through stuff like this I can appreciate how much God loves us.

Cheese Fest!

Easter Sunday allowed me to eat cheese again. However three different people mentioned this break to me this year, why have I NEVER heard of this!?

The photos below show my starter and dessert choices at lunchtime! It also shows a good old home cooked favourite that I couldn't wait to have again.

Film Review

As always, if you have not yet seen the film and plan to, then it is probably not best to read this first!

The film had great potential. A whole host of top names and good publicity. It started well, viewpoints from each character unravelled to tell the story. The film literally rolled back each time a new person's story was told. A couple of good twists along the way made it interesting at times. (Matthew Fox's character being a baddie saddened me!)

My knowledge of the politics surrounding this scenario is very limited, which didn't help. The planning and accuracy of the terrorist group was frightening. It all seemed very calculated, but yet easy to do. Far too many people were on the inside. It made me wonder how much of it was artistic licence, and how much of it with a stretch of the imagination and right tools, could happen.

It was all going well until very near the end....all of the stories have tied together and we are watching the plot unfold. It suddenly becomes very cheesy. Lots of impossible moments. For example the agent turned bad, in a high speed car chase, eye-balling the partner he betrayed via the rear-view-mirror, chasing him in the car behind!! The real president (not the fake one who was shot, good twist) is in the ambulance with the (very attractive -its Hollywood) kidnappers. Dennis Quaid then becomes everything that America should be. Out fly the cheesy lines. All that was missing was a shot of the confederate flag and the words God bless America!! The president fights off the bad guys dressed as paramedics with a pole, the ambulance swerves to miss a child, the ambulance tips, along comes Dennis leaping over cars, opens the doors, shoots the bad guy who is pretending to be dead, and utters the words - you're safe now Mr president. Followed by many more classics. (much to the amusement of my friends and others in the cinema!!)

Along with a mushy phone call for the last King of Scotland, its a typical Hollywood ending, no-one messes with the US! -apparently.

Film Review

I am totally a fan of mushy chick flicks, but this one left me with an odd feeling. I don't really know where to begin with my mix reactions. Obviously I know it is Hollywood and there is a rule about things not being believable, but how someone can apparently legally 'marry' someone else with a small form on the internet with a copy of a birth certificate is worrying. My main concern was the total disregard for fidelity. In my opinion it is sending out a very bad message on relationships. The main character was able to chop and change between these two men, without any real hassle. The conclusion being the original partner just stepping aside ever so easily and letting this woman he had committed to take up with a man she had known for a few weeks.

Beneath the surface was a message about making your relationship all about the wedding, or all about the marriage. In one situation she is making sure the cake, the rings, the catering is all ok, all linked to the wedding and with this man she is always found to be looking immaculate without a hair out of place. In the other situation she is found to be much more herself, going with her feelings and not worrying about what she looks like.

It is an interesting jumble of emotions. As a spectator to these events I wanted her character to be happy, but not by this negative example of how to handle relationships and the feelings of each man involved. I do ask myself what this message says to young people.

(Other notes include my desire for Colin Firth to break out of his typecast role and more shower scenes featuring the torso of Jeffrey Dean Morgan!)