Shine (1996) Starring Geoffrey Rush, Noah Taylor, John Gielgud, and Lynn Redgrave Written by Jan Sardi, from a story by Scott Hicks Directed by Scott Hicks If this movie doesn't make you respect Rachmaninoff, I don't know what will. Shine tells the (supposedly) true story of pianist David Helfgott, who overcame a severe upbringing and … Continue reading 3 Movies: Shine / Ambulance / Beetlejuice
Author: Jakebe
True Blue in Red States
I'm back from a trip to Arkansas, where the last of my husband's four brothers got married! He's the oldest in a large family of seven children, all of whom have strong personalities and deeply-held beliefs. One brother loves hunting; one sister is super-athletic; another sibling voted for Trump; yet another is a staunch Christian … Continue reading True Blue in Red States
New Tattoo! (CW: Suicide)
I'm traveling home today from a week-long visit with the in-laws, but it's also been two whole weeks since I've checked in here. I don't feel pressure to keep the Content Monster fed, but it's also important to me that I try to keep a regular practice of writing and posting. So -- my apologies … Continue reading New Tattoo! (CW: Suicide)
The Vow
We've reviewed the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, two core principles of Buddhism. From these two ideas there's a whole universe of interpretations, additions, and expansions. Every time Buddhism is introduced to a new culture, it tends to adapt towards the specific pressures that exist at that time. Tibetan Buddhism is different … Continue reading The Vow
The Path
I find it's a good idea whenever you're setting out on a new endeavor to take stock of where you're going, why you're going there and what you want to do on the way. The new year is a new endeavor of sorts, so before diving into any major goals I want to pause for … Continue reading The Path
The Truths
Happy New Year to all of you! It is a time of fresh starts and renewal for me. I love viewing the new year as a fresh piece of paper, a time to construct the next 12 months with focused intentionality. As part of that, I've found it's useful to revisit the foundations of my … Continue reading The Truths
Constant Change
In the relative chaos of the past two years, my job has been mercifully stable. I work for a Silicon Valley tech company, and I honestly feel lucky to be here. The company was founded with a mission I care about. The people I work with are smart and diverse and awesome, and I can … Continue reading Constant Change
Christopher Columbus Ain’t Shit
Today is Indigenous Peoples' Day here in the United States (and possibly other countries), though in a lot of places the holiday is still known as Christopher Columbus Day. As you might suspect, it's a controversial time. Columbus Day was originally meant to commemorate the "discovery" of America way back when, even though there were … Continue reading Christopher Columbus Ain’t Shit
Bagel? Googly Eye?
Kurt Vonnegut was the first writer to make me really feel nihilism where I lived. Cat's Cradle is an early novel of his most famous for the form of its world's destroyer -- ice-nine, a form of water that freezes at room temperature. But what makes it linger in my mind after reading it 20 … Continue reading Bagel? Googly Eye?
The Balancing Dance
I've always wanted to be a more conscientious person -- the kind of rabbit who sends "thank you" cards when someone's done him a good turn; or surprises his friends, neighbors, and regular acquaintances with a thoughtful gift on a birthday or holiday; someone who remembers the names of coworkers' children or pets, and asks … Continue reading The Balancing Dance