update to date
I know, I know… I’m absolutely the worst updater in the world. But, nothing cheesy this time like ketchup. I promise.
A few things to mention as of late…
1. Thanksgiving: to properly admit what I am thankful for, you must realize what I have missed in the past few semesters of school… film. I am thankful for Thanksgiving in itself because it usually holds good theatre at some part. So, without further adieu, I give you 3 movies you should see:
Good Night, and Good Luck. (documentary of the on-air battle between Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy regarding ‘Communist infiltration’ in the mid-1950’s)
Walk the Line (an absolutely fabulous portrayal of the life of J.R. ‘Johnny’ Cash)
Rent (if you loved it on stage, you’ll love it on screen… ‘La Vie Boheme!’)
‘We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. We must remember always that accusation is not proof and that conviction depends upon evidence and due process of law. We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason if we dig deep in our history and our doctrine. And remember that we are not descended from fearful men, not from men who feared to write, to associate, to speak, and to defend the causes that were for the moment unpopular… Good night, and good luck.’
-from Good Night, and Good Luck.
Murrow’s thoughts in real life:
‘If we confuse dissent with disloyalty — if we deny the right of the individual to be wrong, unpopular, eccentric or unorthodox — if we deny the essence of racial equality then hundreds of millions in Asia and Africa who are shopping about for a new allegiance will conclude that we are concerned to defend a myth and our present privileged status. Every act that denies or limits the freedom of the individual in this country costs us the . . . confidence of men and women who aspire to that freedom and independence of which we speak and for which our ancestors fought.’
–Ford Fiftieth Anniversary Show, CBS and NBC, June 1953
I can’t help but wonder how much I would like Murrow in today’s times.
I’m a history nerd… how could I not go this route. If you want another interesting Murrow read, check out his ‘This I Believe’ narrative on NPR in 1951.
OK, back to my few things…
2. Sleep: If I have lost much of it since this semester started, I could have possibly gained it all back (even thought it’s not medically possible) this weekend for Thanksgiving. I have slept so much it’s not funny. And, I’ve loved it. I’d be asleep right now if I didn’t feel the obsessive need to update while I have time, or if the Advent service didn’t start in an hour. Sheesh… don’t ever let anyone tell you that the life of a Type A personality is an easy one. It’s not.
3. Glasses: I finally got a new pair. I’m not sure why you needed to know, but I’m telling you anyway. So, you’ll just have to bear with me.
4. Advent: this is the time of year when I begin to hate the claws of commericalism and capitalism. Christmas was pushed long before Thanksgiving even started. I think I saw some beginnings of red and green just after Thanksgiving. Let me tell you why this is wrong… Advent. Advent is a time for preparation for Christmas. At least get through half of it before you spoil the story… seriously.
So, that’s all I have. No politics today, because I just feel like I’d be saying the same thing over and over. By the way, anyone see any strange similarities between Nixon and Dubya these days? Just wondering…
ketchup
If you didn’t know, I really can’t stand ketchup. I don’t know when it happened, but it did. So, when I ask for a burger without ketchup, don’t look at me like I’m crazy. I’m sure that there are many people who don’t want it. I should also offer my apologies for the past when I have criticized those who like tomatoes and not ketchup or vice versa. I’m not sure why I agree with you now, but the thought of it is repulsive now.
On to other things, this is a catch-up. I have to stop doing this… Only 40 days until my life will resume to normal. For that, I am beyond excitement. I say that it will return to normal, but there is no guarantee for that. I’m sure I’ll find something to fill my time. Maybe I’ll take in some more politics.
Speaking of politics… What the crap is wrong with our country? Is it me or do I feel like we’re just sinking further and further into danger of the government collapsing or trying to reinstate “honor” by invading someone else. I won’t say I didn’t say so. Last semester in my Comparative Politics class, we discussed Iraq and the implications. Here is what they can’t understand: Democracy cannot work when the participants want a theocracy. Democracy is based on people’s rule… Good gracious, if we let America be based solely on religion, it’d be a bigger mess than it is now (although, don’t get me started on the separation of church and state). Bush, you’re just gonna have to buck up, admit mistake and pull out. Don’t do like LBJ and constantly tell yourself that you’re doing the right thing or that the people support it. It’s the same thing both with Iraq as it was in Vietnam: We went in under false pretenses, and you played the human emotions from a horrible tragedy and warped it.
You’re only hurting your party more if you choose to continue to ignore it. Don’t believe me? Read the papers…
I’m just hoping some Dems will stand up and show themselves worthy. We’ll see.
Here’s hoping to get back to normal.
…with the blog, I mean. Life in general is another story.
