Social Media Power

After we saw "The Social Network" I wrote that I was amazed by the genius of Mark Zuckerberg but wished he'd invented something important.


But, of course, I was wrong about that.


As I write this we're in the midst of unrest in Cairo. A while back, during the elections, Iranian young people let their voices be heard around the world.


George Clooney and others have made the world aware of the conditions in the Sudan.


None of this could happen without the social media. We're seeing - and more importantly - experiencing -worldwide events in real time.


By contrast, the folks in North Korea put up with their miserable lifestyle because they're a closed society. They don't know what's out here.





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RED

I have a reputation for not being spontaneous. But yesterday afternoon, when Dave said "Let's jump in the car right now and go to the movies," I said "OK."

We saw RED. This is an acronym for Retired - but Extremely Dangerous.

The film is totally and completely silly. The cast is glorious.

What fun to see some of our favorite elderly movie stars as cold blooded C.I.A. assassins.

Bruce Willis, age 56, stars. He could do this movie in his sleep. His love interest: Mary Louise Parker, age 46.

John Malkovich, age 58 is hysterically funny. Morgan Freeman, age 73, plays a man 80 years old. He gets to wear a great turquoise and gold outfit. I'm guessing that's why he took the part.

Richard Dryfus, age 64, is evil. But he's never looked better. (My son used to call him "the Rat Man.")

Helen Mirrin, age 66 is a cold blooded killer and loves her work. Her lover, whom she shot three times (but he forgave her because it was all in the line of duty) is played by Brian Cox, age 65.

Ernest Borgnine, age 94, is the record keeper.

We didn't go on 75 cent Tuesday so had to pay the big money: $1.25. But it was worth it.

I wonder if people ever think of me as Retired - but Extremely Dangerous.


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One Picture Says It All

I've shared with you before my admiration for political cartoons in general and, specifically, the creations of Dana Summers.

Today is the actual 25th anniversary of the Challenger tragedy.

I remember well, the day after the event, this drawing appearing in the paper. It said everything we were feeling at the time.

It reappeared in this morning's paper along with the explanation from Dana Summers as to how he came up with it.

I think it was inspired.

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Academy Awards

The Academy Award nominations came out today. I applaud their choices.

Here are the top ten movies:

The King's Speech - a wonderful movie. But for those of you who love car chases - you're out of luck. It's slow and sweet. And a real life story of someone overcoming circumstances in order to make a difference in the world. The only reason this movie has an R rating is because the future king adopts a potty mouth as part of his therapy. I love Colin Firth.

True Grit - A wonderful, gritty, classic western. Far more realistic than the cartoony John Wayne version. This one is true to the book. I love Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon.

The Black Swan - Scary, tense, suspenseful with periods of beautiful dancing. If you see this movie you'll never want to be a ballerina. This movie deserves its R rating. It's not called a physio/sexual thriller for nothing. I love Natalie Portman.

The Kids Are All Right - If you're offended by homosexuality don't see it. Otherwise, it's a funny, romantic movie about family members trying to resolve issues. I love Annette Bening.

The Social Network - I reviewed on October 9th.

Inception - I reviewed on August 10th.

Toy Story 3 - It's cute, sweet and beautifully filmed - but I'm just not a fan of animation.

127 Hours - I don't want to see it because it's about that guy who's hiking and has to chop off his arm. But I'm sure it's about the triumph of the human spirit.

The Fighter - This is the next film on our list. I've heard nothing but good things about it - even from those like me who don't like fighting.

Winter's Bone - Haven't seen it and it's gone now. But maybe it will come back since it made the list.

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Challenger Anniversary

Hard to believe we're coming up on the 25th anniversary of the space shuttle Challenger tragedy.

Seven astronauts died, including teacher Christa McAuliffe, when the space shuttle blew up 73 seconds after takeoff.

I was living on the space coast at the time so the events were sered into my brain. But most everybody in Florida and in the country over the age of 40 remembers where they were and what they were doing when it happened.

I was on my way to the Chamber of Commerce in Melbourne when I heard it on the radio. I pulled into a parking lot, got out of the car and looked at the sky.

It was a mess.

I got back in the car. The announcer wasn't sure about if or when the astronauts died but, after looking at the sky, I knew. I sat in the car and prayed that they died instantly - with no suffering.

A few months later I was invited to do some consulting at a sub contracting company at the space center. It was a privilege but also stressful and hard. Because those left behind were still suffering in all kinds of ways from space shuttle Challenger tragedy.

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The Painted Houses

Several times a week I drive by a house I really like. It's very architectural. Sharp lines. It's painted a deep mustard color. The trim is dark green. Oh yeah, it also has red doors. Sounds strange but it works. It's especially striking at Christmas time when they put poinsettias everywhere.

Then the traditional house right next door was painted a baby blue with white trim. It, too, is attractive. But, of course, they clash. It's like eating pickles and ice cream. They're both good, but come on.

Now the art deco house directly across the street has been painted a bright Easter egg yellow. With white trim. I'd be ashamed to tell you how I described it to Dave but it involved a description of food poisoning.

Don't these neighbors know each other? Don't they look at each other's houses? Don't they care about us?

I wonder what's next.


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Angels in Disguise

We know that tragedy brings out the best in many people. In fact, it brings out the heroic in people. But the truth is that most folks are doing random acts of kindness every day.

We're still reading and hearing about those who've gone above and beyond since the Arizona tragedy.

The parents of little Christina-Taylor Green contacted a group of Trappist Monks in Iowa who hand-make caskets. But the monks didn't want to send an adult coffin. They wanted something special, something just for nine year old Christina-Taylor. They crafted a casket from red oak especially for her. The lid of the casket is inscribed with her name, date of birth and death - and a cross. They also sent five small keepsake crosses hewn from the same wood. They gave the coffin to the Green family free of charge after giving it a special blessing.

But the thing is, when any child dies it hits the monks especially hard. So they always give the child's casket to the family free of charge.


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