Serving Life

Serving Life
Directed by: Lisa R. Cohen
Narrated by: Forest Whitaker




If there is ever a movie that will restore your faith in humanity - Serving Life is it.

The OWN documentary tells the story of a Louisiana State Prison where the men doing life sentences have the opportunity to volunteer for their prison Hospice service.

The movie follows four new hospice volunteers as they train. They learn how to clean, bathe, feed, and how to genuinely care for another human being.

The movie was truly humbling and amazing.

If you are one of those people who believe that hardened criminals won't ever amount to anything or cannot possibly change...then you need to watch this movie.

These men volunteer to help the terminally ill and old prisoners "die with dignity".

The men who volunteer (some have volunteered since the programs inception in 1992) have a completely new outlook on life.

Unlike the death they saw in the streets or their neighborhoods, they see a new side to it; a slow, sad, painful death and the frailty and mortality that we must all go through.

They learn to care and empathize for another human being, to care for someone more than just themselves.

Seeing these men die and helping them as much as they can, resonates for the volunteers because they know that they too will end up dying in prison and that one day they may be the one with swollen legs, bed sores, gasping for breath.


The movie is proof that people can change. Even though these people did bad things, these actions do not always and forever define them. They are not soulless, uncaring shells of people. They have the capacity to love and care for others.


Serving Life is available on Netflix.

I give it 5 out of 5 popcorn.

Bitchin' About: TVs in Restaurants

Ok. So I know that some of you are going to completely disagree with me on this one but I really hate TVs in restaurants.

And no, I'm not talking about McDonalds or sports bars.

I'm actually talking about fancier restaurants.


John and I went to eat somewhere and while we ate I started talking to him and I started to notice that he wasn't listening.

It's not the fact that I talk too much that he just tunes me out. (At least I hope not.) He was too busy watching the TV over my shoulder. But really, who do you know can just completely ignore a turned on TV?

Exactly. No one.

It bugs me because it's just as rude as being on your phone when someone is talking to you, but unlike your phone that you're able to turn off, the restaurant TV is on all the time.

And it's usually on some stupid sports game. Ugh. Gross.

Are we a society that can no longer go out for the fun of eating something tasty, with friends and family, and I don't know...enjoying their company?

John isn't even a sports guy! But he was facing the TV and I guess it's just more interesting that I am (probably).

I think it's complete overkill. I hate that it's there to appease the people who want to watch whatever game is on at the moment. If you care that much about the game (and I'm talking about smaller, not as important games because I know that when the Spurs play here they are on EVERYWHERE) stay home.

Or go to a place that will specifically air that.

I don't expect BJ's to air the Bachelor so I don't understand why they air ESPN 24/7. It's a restaurant! You're there to eat food and enjoy the company of whomever you're with. The constant flashes of the TV just take away from the ambience.


It's really annoying. I hate that so many places are doing it now. I wish that they would just do what they do - serve food. It's up to the people to make their experience worthwhile and if they can't have fun talking to whoever they came with, or eat in peace by themselves then maybe they need to learn.

Finished Dining Room

So, as promised I have some pictures to show you of our new house.

Since, we've been busy with work and cleaning I only have one room to show you but hopefully it will keep your busy for a minute or two.

This is what the dining room looked like before.

This is the process of my brother and John painting it. 

And this is how it turned out. 

We bought a dining room table because we never had one (read never had the space for one).

I'm happy with how it turned out. We had put the shelves up before we decided on getting an actual table so we might have to take them off. I'm scared someone is going to push out their chair and whack their head on one of our nerd shelves.

Next up, I'll show how we did the kitchen.

Fringe Series

Fringe
2008-2013
Created by: J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci


Fringe which is considered a sci-fi show was in actuality so much more. Fringe explored science, technology, family, love, humanity, acceptance, and mortality. If that sounds like a tall order to push into a sci-fi show, it is. But Fringe does it so well, taking care to cover each aspect in a natural, progressive way. I think any other TV show would have a hard time putting all this into any show that would be both interesting and thought-provoking; with Fringe you have the added complication of science fiction.

And Fringe, doesn't disappoint.

What first attracted me to the TV show was the supernatural events, similar to the X-Files. But unlike the X-Files the show doesn't center around the events that occur but rather, the people who investigate them. This show is completely about Olivia, Peter, and Walter and in later seasons a few others whose lives become mixed with the former.

The characters are so well-developed, so well thought-out and funny that it would take a robot to not fall in love with them.

My favorite was Walter Bishop, played by John Noble. He is an incredible actor. His range of emotions, the faces he can make and his voice control are simply astounding.

There are times when Fringe may seem to be going in the wrong direction. For example there is a whole new, alternative timeline in one of the seasons but it still never strays from the key qualities of the show. It always finds its way back, and in doing so you have a greater understanding of their situation at large.

One of the great and rare things about Fringe was the way they didn't play for more viewers. Fringe is a show that you have to watch from the beginning and god forbid you should miss a week, because it is a continually evolving show. Fringe has a cult following and they know it. If you were one, you were rewarded with extra special treats for your viewership.

For example, before each commercial break a glyph was shown. They're weird, they're interesting but apparently they represented a lot more than just a visual cue to go to the bathroom.

Via

Over the course of the series (five seasons in all) you grow to love these people. You see what makes them tick and where their loyalties lie. No matter what happens to these people they are always there for each other.

By the time you reach the end of the show, and you finally understand the plan, you cry right along with the characters.

What completely surprised me is how completely perfect and happy I was with the ending. The ending is not only perfectly fitted to the central themes of the show but to the science as well. There is not another show I can think of that ended completely in control and as correctly as Fringe.

Fringe, in its entirety is one of the best, most consistently good TV shows I've ever seen.

I give it 5 out of 5 popcorn.

Feminism

In continuing with my Awareness posts I decided to start with feminism.

The word feminism (like so many other misunderstood things) has been demonized in our society.

Feminism, contrary to some people's belief, is not the idea that women are better than men; or that women should rule the world.

All feminists want is for women to be equal to men. To be equal in their choices and rights.

Including:

• Equal pay for equal work.
• For our opinions to carry equal weight as men's opinions.
• To be seen as valuable in society, not solely for our body parts or their abilities to sell men: cars, beer, or deodorant.

Yes, that is a pair of boobs on legs because men can't help being "visual creatures".

 





 

The term feminism began to take on a negative connotation back in the 70s during the Women's Liberation Movement.

 

When Women's Lib happened many conservatives - and people who didn't understand the reason behind it - claimed that the movement was destroying the typical family and its values.

 



 

 

Unfortunately, this is still a very real fear for many people who don't understand what feminism really is. 

 

 

Diane Abbott believes that feminism is killing families. Jan 2013.

 

 

 

Women have come a long way thanks to the outspoken feminists of the 1970s and for every outspoken women who has come after.

 

We work, we get paid for working, we hold high positions, we can have the same positions as men, raise kids...but we still have a long way to go.

 

 

 

 

There are still many areas where men and women are not equal. These areas include:

• the sexualization of females
• the objectification of the female body
• the double standards for women in regards to sex
• the gender pay gap
• the idea that women's bodies and what they chose to do with them are up for debate
• 
  the idea that housework is "women's work" and that child rearing is for mothers only
• the lack of women in media - both behind and in front of the camera
• the victimization of women in sexual assault cases

 

 

 

 

So, why is this important?

 

Women are half of the population. Women outnumber men in college. Women have jobs.

 

Women have thoughts, ideas, creativity that has been stifled for too long.

 

We need to be able to have our ideas heard and know that they are respected. We deserve that because we are humans. We are not things. We are not property. We are not objects for visual amusement.

 

 

 

We are feeling, thinking people.

 

As half of the population, as mothers, daughters, sisters, girlfriends, wives - we should not have to fight so hard to convince society that we contribute greatly to the world we live in.

 

 

 

 

Famous Feminists
 

Susan B Anthony

 

 

 

Kate Chopin

 

 

 

 

Ruth Ginsburg

 

 

 

Gloria Steinem

 

 

 

Sojourner Truth

 

 

 

Billie Jean King

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our New Abode

I have been busy, busy, busy.

This past weekend John and I moved into the house. Well, mostly John and my dad moved stuff in but I was there to uh...make sure things went ok.

We've unpacked a few things but there are still a ton of things that don't have a place yet.

It's kind of weird being in a house. Yesterday John and I went to HEB and when we came back to the empty, dark house I felt as if I had to whisper. But then he turned on some music and we laughed and it became more homey.

Before we moved in we painted the living/dining room (they're connected) and the kitchen. It looks better even though we didn't end up liking the color of the trim we picked. There are still other things to clean and spruce but for now we're just focused on unpacking, finding places for things, and giving away anything and everything we have no use for.

The best part of where we live is that it takes me only five minutes to get to work. You have no idea how awesome that is! (Unless you work from home and have a zero minute commute). This gives me enough extra time to watch a half hour show on Netflix.

Yes I measure time by TV/Movie lengths.

I don't have pictures to show you yet because quite frankly I'm too embarrassed of how much crap I've accumulated over the years. But don't fret, once all the crap has a place to call home (or a new home) I'll take pictures.

Because this post was lacking in photos and lame in updates I'll make it up to you by leaving the cutest music video ever.

American Authors - Best Day of My Life (Dog Version)

New Label: Awareness

It seems that right now there is so much hate, hostility, and tension in the United States.

I could say because of the government shut down.



 

 

Or I could say because of Obama Care.

Or the inequality of LGBT persons.

But the truth is that it is all these things and more. There is always something that someone isn't going to like. And hey, that's fine.

But when it comes to understanding, sympathizing, or helping with the problem posting things on Facebook will not change the world.

Watching The Kardashians (is that show still on?) instead of watching or reading the news will not help change the world.

Every generation is different than the one before it. And in our generation we have to deal with the college tuition rates, the housing crash, global warming, and lower incomes (when accounted for inflation).

The thing is, not enough young people are interested. They are not concerned. They are not knowledgeable about the issues.


When some people see a picture on Facebook with 10,000 likes they think that it's true. That it's real. That everyone else must feel that way. But guys, you can make a picture with words on it too. It's not that hard.

Via

Posting it to Facebook doesn't make it true. It doesn't make it real.

I know the source isn't a reputable journalist but Jimmy Kimmel sent a cameraman out to ask random people on Hollywood Blvd which they liked better Obama Care or the Affordable Care Act.

Many answered how much they loathe Obama Care and yet how the ACA will help them get... more affordable medical care.

Guys? It's the same thing.

And though it's by no means a sampling of all of the United States, the fact that they had enough footage for a segment should frighten you. Because these people who are so ignorant are more than likely people who are going to vote in the next election.


There are so many things American's are fighting about. And yet, so many aren't taking the time to actually learn and understand WHY they're on their position.

We live in the internet age. If you don't have internet I'm sure your school or library does. It takes virtually NO effort to check something: a fact, a date.

But the sad thing is that people aren't doing it. People are just Twittering, Facebooking, G+ing whatever else they see. And yeah, I admit that I do it sometimes too. But you have to be more invested in your future than that. You have to understand that the things people are fighting about aren't easy things to solve. If they were, we wouldn't be fighting about them.

So that brings me to the fact that I will be posting more news-like pieces. They'll be my opinion and if you don't like my opinions that's fine. But hopefully it'll make you look at WHY you don't. Or WHY you do.

Hopefully it will get you more involved, invested with whatever's going on in the world.

I'm a human interest person so they'll be a lot more of those I think. With any luck you'll be able to see things form a different point of view.

Because the number one reason people hate or are scared of something is because they don't understand it. And with all the information we have at our fingertips today, ignorance is not an excuse.

Bomb Girls: A TV Show

Bomb Girls
2012 - 2013
Created by: Michael MacLennan & Adrienne Mitchell



Netflix recently suggested that I start watching a show called Bomb Girls. Though I'd never heard of it, the description was enough to pique my interest.

The Canadian show takes place in the 1940s, right in the middle of WWII. The men are off at war so the women start working in the factories (in this show a bomb factory) to support their families and the war effort.

Besides the fact that I've never seen a Canadian-made show before, I was interested in seeing all the cute clothes and hair the actresses would undoubtedly wear.

They have that, in spades, but the show also brings up some interesting viewpoints.

The topic of sexism and double standards come up in just about every episode. The women get blamed for busted bombs, they are expected to support the war but are also expected to be ready, willing, and happy to go back home once the men come back. The men have no problems sleeping around before they're shipped off and some of the women will give it, but if they get caught their good names are dead.

The show highlights the men issues as well. One of the main character's husband was injured in a previous war and has a hard time coming to terms with that fact. Then there is a character who though was born in Italy, has lived in Canada since he was 2 and is yet unable to enlist, because he is seen as an enemy alien.

It's weird to think that back then so many people, men and women alike, were so patriotic and supportive of the war effort. Even though the women are working all day long in dangerous conditions they still find time to visit and volunteer at the hospitals, raise funds for the Red Cross, and do a little spy action.

In the latter part of Season 2 the women are starting to realize that they aren't seen as equal to men and they start to question why. Due to a reporter's story, the women are aware that they make only $1100 for every $2000 the men make. One of the women is denied a loan for a house because the bank doesn't think she'll be able to make her payments once the boys return home. But the banker does flash her ring at her and tell her to be patient, because one day her dream might just come true.

Gross.

It's interesting, as a woman, to see a TV show that shows women becoming empowered, especially in such a drastic way. They are starting to realize that they are valuable - more than just baby and sandwich makers. They are starting to see that they are valuable not only to the war but to daily life. They are slowly realizing that they deserve to be happy, that they can buy their own house, that they can have their own money.


Doesn't this show sound awesome?

Well, apparently Canadian TV doesn't think so. The show has been cancelled despite it's strong following.


You can watch the only two seasons on Netflix.

I give it 4 out of 5 popcorn.