Blackfish...

I've been doing a little more searching - and here's an excerpt from Blackfish's response to Seaworld.

An Apt Metaphor – SeaWorld is still not addressing the elephant in the room. Is captivity suitable for orcas?

In the wild, orcas live in appropriate climates for their species and are subject to the boundless environmental stimuli that only the ocean can provide. Each group speaks in a unique dialect, swims up to 100 miles a day, and stays with family members for life.

In the wild, there is not a single report of a person being killed by a killer whale.

In confinement, orcas are often prescribed daily medications to treat chronic symptoms brought on by captivity. Every year, they die at almost three times the rate they die in the wild, leading to shorter life spans, and are airlifted around the world as commodities. They have damaged teeth, collapsed dorsal fins, they show frustration, grief, and exhibit unnatural aggression toward one another and toward people. More orcas have died under SeaWorld’s care than are currently in its collection today.

We ask, is this the business model of the future or is there a better way?

We challenge SeaWorld to debate these issues with our teams in a public forum, which we will be happy to arrange. Throughout the production and theatrical release of Blackfish, SeaWorld has refused to directly engage with the film or its points in any public way, despite repeated invitations. Instead of releasing more PR spin, written statements and online critiques (which often allow no comments), we encourage SeaWorld’s leaders to step forward and address these issues openly and honestly in public debate. Let the public hear both sides of the argument (as we have always desired) and draw their own conclusions.

Will be keeping an eye on the court's ruling. There is something wrong about these amazing & beautiful animals being held in captivity.

Blackfish - Review

The only encounters I have had with Orcas (Killer Whales) have been through popular culture. I recall a few stunning scenes from David Attenborough documentaries, Free Willy (just the first one), and Happy Feet. From just these clips it is clear they are amazing, intelligent animals.

I recently watched the documentary Blackfish which looks at Orcas in captivity (centered on Tilikum, and the circumstances surrounding the death of trainer Dawn Brancheau at Sea World in 2010, and other incidents with him). The article which prompted Gabrielle Cowperthwaite to make the film is here. 

The letter Sea World penned in response to the film makes interesting (if not unsurprising) reading suggesting the film was sliced together to emotionally manipulate the audience to share its conclusion; and using footage which does not actually depict the events as they transpired. Sea World has also claimed that their training programs and their care of the whales is misrepresented. So far as I can tell the only public response to Sea World is this letter by Open Society). The film sadly mentions that Sea World declined requests to be interviewed during the making of the film. 

There are issues with animals in captivity. No enclosure, especially a tank, can replicate the habitat of the animal in the wild. It seems to be clear that some Orcas are not appropriately cared for in Aquariums (see this site for some examples). Highlighted in the book Death at Sea World. It is clear that while a bond of sorts is created with their trainers, at the core of it they are wild animals

One Californian Senator, Richard Bloom, is proposing to end animal captivity for the purposes of entertainment (read more). Some would like to see the older-captive animals released to fenced sea pens, which perhaps is the least-bad option, while trying to return the younger whales back to the Ocean.

I have a love-hate relationship with animal parks. They are great places to see animals I would not otherwise, and both Taronga Zoo and Sea World (US) play a role in animal conservation, rehabilitation, public education and research. Sea Wolrd (US) have published a range of papers about the animal). But you do wonder about the impact of captivity on the animals health and behaviour. Blackfish paints a concerning picture.

The Sea World letter finishes with a quote from naturalist Baba Dioum “In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we have been taught.” An encounter with any animal remains with us, perhaps prompting us to love and fight for the preservation of these animals. Even the footage I've seen in nature documentaries about Orcas and Great White Sharks have caused me to feel the need to fight for their preservation. I'd rather encounter one of these animals in the wild than an ocean park.

The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey

One of the books I loved growing up was Tolkein's The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. I really enjoyed seeing LOTR come to life and was delighted when the disputes were settled and it was clear that Peter Jackson was going to direct The Hobbit.

I initially had reservations about the Hobbit being done as three movies, but after seeing Part 1, those doubts have been put to bed.  As I watched the story unfold, it was just so rich, and brought beautifully across to the big screen (I am sure people will discover The Hobbit because of this film).

Jackson for me has got the characters spot-on.  Watching Gandalf appear and respond to Biblo wishing him a good morning was perfect. I am really looking forward to seeing the story be built and developed through the next two films.

Complimenting the film perfectly is Howard Shore's score; and NZ is exactly how you imagined Middle Earth to be.

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As an aside, I'm pretty excited for Before Midnight, which concludes the story begun by  Before Sunrise and continued by Before Sunset. Definitely worth making an effort to see.

Review of Les Miserables (Spoilers)

Last night I went and saw the film adaption of the musical Les Miserables. I thought that I'd take the time now to write down some of my reflections.

Les Miserables is the first musical that I loved. During driving trips with our family, it wouldn't matter which one of family had the choice, 'Les Miz' would almost always be chosen. I'd often hear my brother sing Stars, or Javert's part in The Confrontation. We'd often talk about the characters, the songs, and the stories, which had grabbed all of us.  I loved it when we saw some brilliant amateur productions in Wollongong, (some of which outshone the production I saw in London). When I finally read the book I grew to love the characters more (and I think it is almost time to read it again).

So I was delighted to hear that the musical would be adapted for the 'big' screen.  The advantage of the film format in translating the story is that the director is not limited by a stage, and enabling the audience to have both close-ups of the actors, and wide shots. Sure, the film does remove certain things from your imagination, but enriches the experience in doing so. The best examples were seeing Fantine sing I Dreamed a Dream, after watching her life fall apart, and Eponine On My Own  which have always been highlights for me.

Onto to the film. My overall impression was how true the film was to the spirit of Hugo's book, and Boubil and Schonberg's musical.  It was great to see the continuing evolution of the story.  The film adds a song, Suddenly. Valjean sings as he takes Cosette away from Thenardier, and adds detail to the story by showing how Valjean is approaching fatherhood. The words of the song are taken from Hugo's book. I also quite liked Sacha Baron Cohen and Helen Boneham Carter as the Thenardier's

It was also intriguing to see how the order of songs were changed, and lines which seemed to have been added (or moved around).  Most of these changes worked to strengthen the impact of the film. Though I was sad to see Grantaire's part (below) of Drink with Me cut:

Drink with me to days gone by,
Can it be you fear to die?
Will the world remember you when you fall?
Could it be your death means nothing at all?
Is your life just one more lie?

As it added a depth to the revolutionaries which wasn't really present in the film. I would find it interesting to listen to the director talk about his approach to making the film.


The biggest let downs for me were Russell Crowe (Javert) and Eddie Redmayne (Marius), who in terms of both their acting and singing just didn't quite carry their roles.  On the flip side, the standouts were Anne Hathaway and Samantha Banks (as Fantine & Eponine).  I was also impressed with how authentic  Hugh Jackman was as Valjean. It was a nice touch for Colm Wilkinson (who was Valjean in the Original London & Broadway casts) to play the Bishop.

In sum, the film did a beaut job of bringing the story of grace, mercy and redemption to the big screen, and hopefully a large number of people will come to appreciate the story for the first time.  I definitely would like to see it again, as I'm sure I'd be struck by different things the second time around.

Black Swan...

So last week, I went and saw Black Swan. Its one of those films which stay with you as the credits roll up at the end. The highlight of the film along with the soundtrack and cinematography was the acting of Natalie Portman, Natalie's portrayal of the up-and-coming dancer Nina was very believable. The film reminded me of Enduring Love (the adaption of Ian McEwan's novel). There was also something unsettling in watching Natalie's character unravel as she became wrapped up in the demands of her role. Its also impressive that Natalie Portman actually did the dancing herself. Its one of the films which left you with questions about the characters, and events in the film, yet it was so real, I'm not sure I want to see it again.

Yesterday, we had a look at the First Emperor exhibition at the NSW Art Gallery, which was amazing, they had 10 types of the Terracotta Warriors. I found them to be so impressive, given their size, and their unique and detailed faces. Its well worth the visit.

The Black Ballon

A few weeks ago we went and saw the new Australian film The Black Balloon. It often saddens me when I see films like this - made locally and perhaps revealing more about us and the world we live in than the typical box-office fare, struggle for attention.

The Black Balloon reveals to us how many families live; how they live with their son, how they live with their brother, who has autism and the stresses and strains it puts on the family, and how the wider community engages with them. The strength of the film is its humanity, you can relate to the experience, because we've all heard the jokes made at their expense. The film puts faces on experiences not many of us have; and it is confronting for this reason.

There's no neat, tidy ending, because there are no neat and tidy endings in life.

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To answer a question I had about the title initially, the writer/director Elissa Down said that 'The Black Balloon is a metaphor for a different childhood filled with moments of chaos, joy and sadness for what could have been'.

Enchanted Afternoon

We went and saw Enchanted yesterday. As I mentioned earlier, we thought that it might be the best of the bunch released (and to hazard a guess I think The Golden Compass will have the highest opening ticket sales).

Without giving too much away, it was a somewhat fun spin on a fairy tale. I really liked the opening (and closing) sequences using a pop-up book. The film is quite sweet, and really picked up once the action had moved from the fairy-tale world to “our world" and I guess shows how 'story-book love' lasts in the real world.

Though it was a Disney film, I did not expect the musical numbers which turned up. Some of the sequences were classical ('Happy working song': including the animals of New York cleaning an apartment; and 'That's How You Know').

While Enchanted was certainly aimed at a younger audience, there was more than enough to entertain and humour us. So, I reckon give it a shot.

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See this article from The Australian, to find which films the Boxing Day audience went to.

As it is in Heaven

On Saturday night we went and saw the Swedish film As it is in heaven at Cremorne. It surely does say something about a film, when it has been running for 30 plus weeks, and the theatre was close to capacity (with many people in the theatre seeing it for the second or third time).

The film is about Daniel Daréus, a successful conductor, who suffers a breakdown; and then returns to the village in which he grew up in, and he becomes responsible for the choir, and the impact this has on the village, and on him.

The characters in the film are so rich, real, and easy to relate too. During the film I laughed, and I cried, (I experienced the full range of emotions).

The film touches on many themes, hypocrisy, violence and bullying, and in someways the power of music, to transform, and heal. Pollak summerised the theme as the idea that absolute, complete love doesn't condemn.

It is an incredibly moving film; and has been lingering in my mind since I saw it. I was deeply moved by the film; (I haven’t cried in many films, but this is one of them). One I wouldn’t have minded seeing again, straight after it finished. And one I heartily recommend.

A comment one the film from the SMH

While the film was a story of a choir on one level, the only song, sung in the film is the song included below; sung in the film, by a women in an abusive relationship.

Gabriella’s Song

It's now that life is mine
I have gotten a time here on Earth
And my longing has led me here
What I missed and what I got

This is still the road I've chosen
My confidence far beyond words
That has shown a little piece
Of the sky I've never reached

till I want to feel that I live
All the time I have
I shall live what I want
I want to feel that I live
To know that I'm good enough

I have never forgotten who I was
I've just left it sleep
Maybe I have had no choice
Only the will to exist

I want to live happily, for it's me who I am
To be able to be strong and free
See how night turns into day
I am here and my life is only mine
And the sky that I thought that existed
I shall find it there somewhere

I want to feel that I've lived my life

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Flicks...

Shrek the Third **
A few good laughs, but seemed to drag a little in places, and recycled some of the earlier jokes. (No. 2 is still my favourite).

Pirates of the Carribaen: At Worlds End **
Disappointing, it just seemed done.

Avenue Montaigne (Fauteuils d'orchestre) [Orchestra Seats] ****
A warm and very human film. In some ways, it reminded me of Amelie.

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Reel Life

Pursuit of Happyness: Quite enjoyed it. Though I do wonder if enjoy is the right word. It was quite a moving film. It was inspiring seeing the way Chris dealt with the cards he was given. The most moving scene for me was when Chris and his son end up sleeping in a locked toilet cubicle at a subway station and the camera focuses on a tear which runs down his face. I was left thinking it should not come to this.

As mentioned in the movie; perhaps there’s a little something in the fact that the US founding fathers wrote the ‘pursuit’ of happiness, rather than happiness (Aside: my mind recalls the poem (by Lewis Caroll) and musical of The Hunting of the Snark, also being about the quest for happiness.

Pan’s Labyrinth – I quite liked it. Well worth a look, a little violent, but at the same time it is a rich, and beautifully crafted story.

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On my list to see at present: The Queen, Music and Lyrics, The Last King of Scotland, Stranger than Fiction and Miss Potter.

Spinning Round

Added to my music player recently: Leigh Nash (she was lead singer of the band Sixpence None the Richer) Blue on Blue and Emmylou Harris Wrecking Ball (an older gem, that features songs written by Daniel Lanois, Neil Young and Bob Dylan).

I’m looking forward to new CDs from The Arcade Fire, Wilco, and maybe Interpol.

Quite enjoyed Don’t Dream Its Over at the Zoo last weekend. It was a tribute to the music from the Finn’s; they played classics from both Split Enz and Crowded House). It was quite enjoyable; with a great location, and atmosphere.

Wordplay

Last night we went to see Wordplay. It is a movie about the creation, character, and some of the characters completing the New York Times crossword, and concludes with a look at the characters competing in the Stamford Crossword competition. It is a good length film (about 90mins), and well constructed. I enjoyed the recollections of Bill Clinton, and Bob Dole who both recalled the 1996 election crossword, which was built around a clue 'Tomorrow's headline', which could read "Clinton [or] Bob Dole Elected". Not your typical film, but definitely worth a look.

Another week gone…

* Updated to include link to article on Sydney Anglicans website.

Busy, but lovely weekend – Friday night Fi and I went to King Street, and found a fantastic Vietnamese Resturant, then Saturday, I found a suit, went to the airport and said farewell to Fi’s parents (they are off to Malaysia for a holiday) and had dinner with my parents (celebrating Mum's Birthday and Father's Day), on Sunday, I got my wedding ring. :-)

Last night, I went to the CASE Seminar - Religion, terror; film: reflections on 9/11. It was a fascinating look at the place and role images have taken. Greg Clarke began by looking at the place of images in Christian thought. One of the things I was thinking about, was when Greg asked us what came to mind when he said ‘justice’ all the responses where pictures. I got thinking as Jesus often taught with images, parables. (my mind was drawn to a number of images and the "I am statements" from John’s Gospel (I am the Bread of Life, I am the Light of the World, I am the Good Shepard). Perhaps we do think in pictures?

Justine then gave a fascinating overview of how 9-11 has been seen in popular culture, and spoke particularly about United 93, World Trade Centre, The Falling Man, and the fictional War of the Worlds. Lara has posted her comments here.

Staying on 9-11 for another moment; in terms of cultural responses, I really liked the West Wing episode Isaac and Ishmael (Season 3), and how it attempted to deal with the questions and issues.

Though, I think its the French film 11-09-01 which reasonated the most with me. The film give 11 directors (from 11 nations), 11 minutes and 9 seconds and 1 frame to respond. The highlights for me were the films from France, India, US, UK

UK – centres around a Chilean man based in London penning an open letter (and parts are sung) of ‘solidarity and sympathy’ with Americans in the wake of 11-9. Telling them that September 11 is a date that they both share, as 11-9-02, would be the 30th Anniversary since the overthrow of Allende’s Government in Chile – 11-9-72, and the first since the US’s bloody Tuesday.

France – a relationship breakdown plays out in New York, with the collapse of the towers in the background. The women in the scenes is deaf, so while the TV news show footage of the planes, the women is writing a letter about how she is going to leave her partner, before he leaves here, and in the climax of the scene her partner [who acts as a tour guide for the deaf, and was working near the twin towers] comes in, covered with the dust of the towers.

US – a man, talking with his deceased wife, shows the simple things of life, then at the climax of the piece we the light comes through the window, and the flowers on the mantelpiece are seen to come alive, (at the moment, I assume the tower falls), but he also remembers or realises that his wife is dead

India – The films is centered the true story of a Middle Eastern man, living in New York, and is family. Through the course of the short film the man moves from terrorists to hero. The film highlights the fears that those of Arab descent would be living with in the time immediately after 11-9. By virtue of his appearance neighbours move from feeling sympathetic to suspicious to scared, but in the film the man runs to the scene, to help survivors. And it is with this the film concludes, beautifully spoken in a eulogy. It also highlights a negative aspect of the US.

Of the others, not many of them really stood out to this degree, as I can’t really remember the details as vividly as for the four I’ve mentioned above.

And the final of the eleven pieces is one which I found hard to watch, but it seems to be making the point that War is perhaps to man, what killing is to the snake, it is natural, and instinctive, or in another way – war will always be with us. The film showed us a man who essentially thought he was a snake. I found the film quite difficult to engage with. I really like the idea of the project, its interesting seeing how people respond to the film within the context of their cultures, and it is kind of interesting watching the different ideas used in the creation of these short films.

Cinema …

My bible study group went and saw The Da Vinci Code recently. I want my money back. I have not seen any benefit coming from having gone to see it. Indeed I recall very little of both the book and movie. Not suprisingly my workmates do not seem too interested in the film; and have not read the book.

I still wonder if the churches response to the book is not a touch misguided. Has anyone been convinced to be a Christian simply through our ability to win the argument about DVC.

Am I better prepared for conversations I might have with my friends? Well, I still have to explain the fact I went and saw the film.

Equipping Men

Karen wondered if I had any reflections from being at Equip, or general comments about Men’s conventions I had been too. I found it slighty strange that a men’s day would be held the same day as Equip. But that’s another story.

The singing at men’s convention is often focused on, and I think there is something special about a large group of men singing (with or without musical accompaniment). Men don’t often sing (the obvious exception is at the football). In terms of musicians on stage, I think we are about the same, three singers; a couple of guitars; a drummer and a keyboard player. (I do like how at KCC the singers are off to the side, and the lectern is in the middle).

I think I have a must also have a unique (or perhaps novel or sensitive) sense of humour, because I don’t understand a number of jokes made by one of the speakers at Men’s Convention last year, jokes which often get a good reception.

I prefer the structure of EQUIP above that of the men’s conferences I’ve been too, but I guess that is partly because the Men’s conferences that I have been to are of sizes that make electives impractical. I can’t speak for the material obviously, but I will say that I like the idea of having electives. The topics seemed interesting and relevant.

Though the biggest thing I’d like to see change with Men’s conference, is thinking through ways we can have smaller interactive groups, and time for prayer, perhaps with the guys you came up with, or perhaps run something similar to EQUIP run in the City, once or twice a year.

I wonder if a series of between 4 and 6 talks held over Friday / Saturday is possibly the best way to reach, or disciple men for Christ. I’m not really sure I have a solution, but I know it is hard to focus and concentrate for that long. I know that I’m often finding it hard going by early afternoon Sunday.

News in brief

I had a great Easter weekend, I spent most of it in Wollongong. It was quite lazy, the highlights were a day on the road to Berry, and Berrima. Getting out in the fresh air was really lovely. I spent Saturday with my brother and a couple of our friends playing War Craft. Monday visited the new Sea Cliff Bridge (pictured) on the road to Wollongong, which was great. Matt, Mel and I went and saw V for Vendetta, which I kind of liked.

Last weekend Fi and I went up to Newcastle for A's (Fi’s sister) graduation. We had a great time. It was interesting seeing how the University ran its graduation. The occasional address became a slight rant about the attention (or lack of it) the current Federal Government is paying to higher education (while I agreed with the sentiment, I do not think that a graduation should be made a political event).

The response on the other hand was quite fun and passionate, focusing our attention on how we approach our future. (I like the idea of having a response by one of the graduates, something that didn’t happen at my graduation). It was fantastic to spend some time with Fi’s family as well, getting to know them better. We spent Saturday out and about driving through the Hunter Valley visiting the vineyards, quite a beautiful drive too.

Monday night, we had a coffee and desert night for R. who was in our bible study group last year, and is returning to Scotland next month. It was great to get to know her(and her fiancé), while they were in our neck of the woods.

We're off to Wollongong tomorrow afternoon to celebrate my brother’s birthday.

Sport in Brief

My entries are rarely complete without some sport news... So here goes two quick pieces of news:

J. Gillespie 201 not out; and

Arsenal defeated Villireal to reach the Final of the Champions League, and will play Barcelona (who beat AC Milan) in one of the more promising finals for some time.

Photo: Dad.

March of the Penguins

One of the more interesting films I have seen. March of the penguins shows the viewers a breathtaking part of God’s creation (that we may not be blessed to see).

The Emperor Penguins are beautiful birds, and their breeding ritual would be one of the more treacherous on earth, featuring a role-reversal where the male nurses and protects the egg//chick, while the mother goes and finds food). The film is wonderfully narrated by Morgan Freeman.

I really enjoyed the film, while I marveled at the bird’s ability to survive in these extreme conditions year in and year out. I pondered the fact that people also were there to shot this footage (who you see through the end credits).

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I read a really interesting book review in the ALD last week. Apparently the least visited memorial in Washington is a waterfront statue commemorating the men who died on the Titanic. Seventy-four per cent of the women passengers survived while 80 per cent of the men perished in the disaster; I’m not so sure the numbers would be the same today. It is interesting thinking thought about the place of gallantry and trying to understand what it means to be a man.

Ole Ole Ole

We went and saw Goal! last night.

The film charts the journey of a soccer prodigy Santiago Munez who is seen playing football in a park in Los Angeles, and ends up trialing for Newcastle United.

The film lifts you, as you ride with Santiago through the fortune and misfortune of his life. Beginning with an unsupportive father, to an aggressive Centre back, through to the highs of playing for the reserves, to being brought on as a substitute and finally starting for the Newcastle club, in the clichéd must win game, in which he scores the match-winner. There is a romance about football, and it transfered beautifully to the screen. (maybe this is just a guy-type-thing).

It is worth a look, if you are looking for a feel good movie.

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I was quite pleasantly surprised by the Oscars last week – I was particularly delighted to see that Crash won the award for Best Picture. I thought it was quite a fascinating, original and confronting film. I thought it deserved to be recognised.

… I Walk the Line …

Friday night, we saw the new biopic Walk the Line, about Johnny Cash. I have to admit to start that I actually knew very little about Johnny Cash, and what I did know was that Bono, and the boys of U2 were big fans, Cash providing lead vocals for a track on U2’s 1993 Zooropa album (The Wanderer). After seeing the preview for the film a little earlier in the year, I decided that it would be a good picture to have a look at. I wasn’t disappointed. After seeing the film, I bought the soundtrack which featured the songs, sung by the cast, which sounded great.

The film begins at the concert in Folsom Prison, with Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) about to go onstage, then flashes back to the days on his parent’s farm, through to his second marriage, to June Carter (Reese Witherspoon). It is a sad and honest story, filled with heartache; the death of his brother in a saw mill accident, his estrangement from his father, his failed marriage to his first wife, Vivian and drug-addiction, but containing some memorable highs of Cash’s life too (the concert in Folsom Prison).

The subtle references to Cash’s songs in the film were beautifully done, from Cash writing Folsom Prison Blues while in the airforce, and walking pass a boy shinning shoes (Get Rhythm) and Carter beginning to write Ring of Fire. The stage chemistry between Carter and Cash was fantastic especially when they covered Dylan’s It Ain’t Me, Babe. Cash proposed to Carter on stage, and it did make me wonder what their marriage would be like – yet history tells us they remained married until Carter’s death in 2003.

Does the film downplay the fact that Cash was a Christian? Perhaps, but I’m not sure I mind. Glimpses of his faith are seen in the film; including comments he makes before the concert at Folsom Prison about Christians turned off by him singing in the prison were not really Christians and (a scene which lasted longer in F’s memory than in mine); after a tractor accident on his property, where he falls into the lake, Cash says he needs to visit his Father, and we see him walk into church.

I wonder if there is something to be said for leaving it subtle so viewers can explore the story on their own.

Two Seasons a Year – Off and On

I went out to the Open Air Cinema at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for the first time, F and I saw The Perfect Catch (for those familiar with the story – its not about me). I do wonder why they changed the title for Australia.

The film is about a love triangle, where the third party is sport. Though it is not a sports film, it is a film about relationships. While Ben is the sports tragic, Lindsey is career driven making for a very interesting relationship.

The film is inspired by Fever Pitch [Nick Hornby, who also wrote High Fidelity and About a Boy]. The book details Nick’s relationship with Arsenal FC, and is worth a read. Though, the film only draws from an episode from the book. Both the book and the film give an interesting and realistic take on why men become fascinated with sport.

One of the classical conversations is when Lindsey and her girlfriends wonder where he has been; why he was single. Ben’s secret of course that he is a Red-Sox fan (one of God’s more pitiful creations). I don’t really have much doubt that there are people out there as ‘into’ their team as Ben.

I guess it is worth noting the film did not originally end with the Red-Sox winning the World Series, (which makes for a little too perfect ending). Though having said that, the Red Sox did actually win the World Series in 2005 (breaking an 80 year hoodoo)

I think the film is worth having a look at. Leaving the film aside I definitely liked the setting, and would quite happily go to the movies at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair again.

In Brief

• F and I had a great weekend down in Canberra, visiting her family and friends, catching up with Deb. It has been way to long since I’ve been to Canberra, and it was such a relaxing weekend.

• Friday night F and I went to see Turtles Can Fly. A depressing and uncomfortably real film set in a refugee camp on the Kurdish / Iraqi border. It’s a must see.

• Tuesday Gaz a few friends and I are going to hear Gareth Evans speak at UNSW (What price he gets asked an off topic question about Latham and the Labor Party). Updated link to transcript of lecture.
  

• In just over four weeks I am heading overseas to visit my sister in Dublin and then visit London, Washington, Miami, and New York. While in London I will see Sigur Ros, and the stops in Miami and New York include U2 concerts.

Easy like Sunday morning …

It has been a good weekend. Work hasn’t been too bad, the work flow is more constant, rather than seeming like a dam just burst.

Friday night, F, K, Gary and I went to the Sydney’s home final against Geelong. The atmosphere was electric. It was one of those nights that I will remember for a long while. Sydney were behind for most of the game, and played well below par. But the final quarter the game swung on the boot of Nick Davis, who kicked four last quarter goals (Which was simply stunning as Sydney had until that point kicked three goals in three full quarters). With no more than a few seconds to go, Davis dropped the ball onto this left foot and kicked more from hope than anything else. We paused in hope waiting for the goal umpire to single goal and then for the siren to go. Sydney stole the game 56-53, and now play Saint Kilda in Melbourne on Friday night. I still can't quite believe the Swans won.

Saturday was fun too, my parents came up, and with F, we and saw the new Australian film Little Fish. One thing is for sure, if this is the future of Australian film industry, then the industry has got a bright future. I quite liked the film, found it strikingly sad. I found the construction of the film to be beautiful. Images and words were beautifully melded together to create a story. While it was slow in parts, it is well worth a look. It showed the tragedy of Heroin addiction. The acting the film is excellent, the performances from Cate, and Noni especially. For those interested, this is an excerpt from the Heralds review; Well, Little Fish is about a couple of people still in the gutter, others trying to get in, some who make a living off those who are in, and one trying to keep herself from falling back in.

Little Fish is well worth a look.

Also spent last night at Joe’s 21st, it was a great chance to catch up with people I hadn’t seen in a while, and really enjoyable to celebrate his birthday.