Children of Man

On Tuesday, February 27, 2007, I went to see the movie Children of Man. After having been out for eight weeks, it has finally arrived at AMC Theatres in Montreal, and I was able to catch it on cheap night.

The basis of this story is that the world has gone infertile. In 18 years, there has been no new births. And at the beginning of the story, the world's youngest person, baby Diego was stabbed to death, because he refused to sign an autograph for a fan.

In England, what the government has done (and this eerily mirrors Nazi Germany) is send immigrants (or illegal immigrants) to refugee camps (or deportation). Because of this type of regime, the world is in utter chaos (as if the lack of ability to reproduce isn't enough), and the world is in a constant state of warfare, turmoil and anger.

Clive Owen's character, Theo Faron has sort of given up hope in the world, since as he saw it, "it'll all be over in 30 years". However, Julienne Moore's character, Julian Taylor enlists his help to try and get papers to get someone to the border... Julian Taylor is deemed the head of the "terrorist" organization, because they want equal rights for all immigrants, as opposed to just deporting them to wastelands. And it turns out that one of her refugees, Kee, is pregnant with a baby.

Things change instantaneously when Theo discovers that Kee is pregnant, and he makes it his quest to take her to The Human Project, which is a bunch of scientists who are working on the problem of why the human race has become infertile.

Of course, along the way, there is a lot of bloodshed, since most of the people in this distopia only care about themselves, and almost everyone wanted to use the baby as leverage to get what he or she wanted. It was only Theo that wanted to bring the baby to The Human Project, so that the human race perhaps gets a second chance to live.

The amazing thing I found about this film was actually a moment in the film where Theo is protecting Kee to exit a building where the soldiers were trying to take down the immigrants. (And part of them are the "terrorists". However, for a brief moment in the movie, everyone ceases to fire when they see the baby). I thought that this was an incredible moment... However, of course, the bad side always wins over as someone takes the moment of ceasefire (unintended ceasefire) and fires a missile at government tanks. Sort of pulling a Margaret Thatcher, but without a ceasefire being declared...

This movie should have been nominated for best picture, and if not for best director, it should have won. I agree that Scorcese has been screwed out of an Oscar for far too many times, and therefore, deserved one (but not necessarily for The Departed), but I think this movie was much better than The Departed.

Oh, and Chiwetel Ejiofor played a good leader/semi-villain in this movie... Granted of course, he was very good in Kinky Boots. This time, he's not in drag.

What has Canada now become?

So, I read an article online here, which has the following statistics:

33% of Canadians identify with Harper, and only 18% of Canadians identify with Dion.

How can Canadians identify with Harper? Our Conservative government is no longer the Progressive Conservative party that it used to be. It is the Canadian Alliance (formerly Reform) in disguise. This is a Neo-Conservative/Far right (much more so than Progressive Conservative) party... The policies that it wants to establish mirror those by Bush and his Republicans.

Now, granted of course that Dion has only been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party of Canada about a month ago, and the Conservatives have targetted him with their campaign of negative messages. This I agree, doesn't help. But I wonder why people have difficulty relating to Dion?

What's wrong with you, Canada? And voting Canadians? Why do we want to vote in a party that wants to turn so many things back? Why do we want a government that will revisit issues (like gay marriage, wasting tax payers money to attempt to reopen it) Most of the support to reopen this debate was from people who wanted to protect the traditional definition of marriage, most of these people either with personal biases, or religious beliefs (or both).

It appears that the Canada I believe in, an open Canada that grants equal rights to every Canadian, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation is dead and gone, and has been replaced with a party that appears to be centre (or even progressive), but once a majority hits, will swing right back to the right again. We've now become a smaller, do I even daresay U.S. Lite?

And as a mathematician, I know that sometimes polls can be misleading, but unless I see otherwise, I'm worried about Canada, and its position as leader in the world.

But hey, look at our young Canadians who vote in organizations or institutions. Enough said. Has the concept of Sandbox politics now carried over to actual voting?

Dream interpretations, anyone?

Last night, I had three dreams. I'll describe them here now... I talked to my brother, and I'll post his interpretation.

In the first dream, I was in my old elementary school, and we had to evacuate because of a fire. Before leaving, I went back to get my possessions, and I discovered that they were minorly damaged by the fire. The fire started in the Art Room of my school, and then spread to the Music room.

In the second dream, I was at the dentist, having my teeth cleaned. When I finished, I didn't get a toothbrush or floss. When I inquired as to why I didn't get one, I was told that I had to ask right away or else I didn't qualify for one. The person who cleaned my teeth was a man, and the person who answered my question was a woman.

In the third dream, I was observing my mother working in a bank. The dream might have been longer, but then a calendar I hung on the wall fell, causing a big crash, and I woke up.

My brother after consulting an interpretation of a dreams book, came up with the following interpretation:

I think you are currently torn between asking that guy out (I don't think you told me his name). This decision is moving your development forward and you wonder what will happen to your relationship with mom and what will happen to your resources. You are also wondering how you can use those resources to better construct the situation.

(This is his interpretation after looking at what the symbols mean, and then linking the three dreams together)

I myself had a different take, but his seems to flow better. Here's my interpretation:

Right now, I'm learning about new relationships, and about passion and desire. Through this, I'm developing sexual maturity. I'm also worried about monetary issues, as I am a student, but my mother is always a trooper about helping me out (if needed).

I know my "interpretation" doesn't really flow nicely, but oh well.

Gay and Single... Forever? 10 Things ... By Steven Bereznai

This I believe is going to be my first book review... I read the book: Gay and Single... Forever? 10 Things Every Gay Guy Looking for Love (and Not Finding It) Needs to Know, by Steven Bereznai over reading week, and I'm going to give my impressions of the book.

I would categorize this book as a self-help book, and a book with helpful life experiences. It is definitely a light read, since the information is presented in a humourous fashion. The main objective of the book is to let the reader feel empowered, to let him know that there's nothing wrong with him. However, this book doesn't sugar coat the truth either, even though the author does a great job with the humour... He lays out all the options and possibilities for the reader, and even though one of the possible truths is that one may be single forever, it is definitely one reality that could happen.

The author also laid out different types of relationships, and the reality of the myth of a relationship, i.e. just because you have someone in your life, it doesn't necessarily mean that you're happy.

After reading this book, I feel better about myself, not that I didn't feel good about myself before, but I don't think I'm a weirdo for having no one. :)

Though this book is for a select audience it is a fun read just to laugh for a bit... On a scale of 5 stars, I would say 3.5.

The Partition

On Tuesday, February 13, 2007, I went to see the movie The Partition.

This movie was about an Indian soldier, who also happens to be Sikh, upon his return from the second world War... The setting is 1947, in India.

The movie starts off with the soldier feeling that he did not do all that he could to protect Margaret (Neve Campbell)'s brother, who also took part in the war. He returns to his village to live a peaceful life, and to do his share of helping his village grow food.

The protagonist, however, when he returns to his village, discovers that there is a war between Muslims and Sikhs... And that each is trying to kill the other. Our protagonist, however, doesn't believe this killing, since his experience as a soldier has had him kill many people, and seen many people killed. So, he doesn't partake in the killings.

One day, while he's gathering fire wood in the forest, he comes across a young Muslim girl who was a refugee that didn't get slaughtered. The rest of the story is the struggle that he and the Muslim girl faces, because people from his village and otherwise did not have a positive reaction. The two end up having a child together, and part of the movie is their struggle to be with each other. The movie really keeps you at the edge of the seat, and keeps you guessing whether or not they will end up as a happy family or not. There were times where it felt like that they were going to end up as a happy family, while other times, they weren't. The result hits you so quickly that you don't expect it!

This was a powerful film about how love is blind, and how people from different cultures do not understand the power of love, and how they only concentrate on the hate, and pain that was inflicted upon them from people of another faith or culture.

Hmm... I can't believe these ads, but oh well...

A friend sent me the link to this blog. Did you know about the ads on Superbowl?

Notes on a Scandal

On Tuesday, February 6, 2007, I went to see the film Notes on a Scandal, featuring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.

The story is about a manipulative teacher (Dench), who is rumoured to be lesbian (you don't really find out, there are hints about it though), who basically has a hold on the art teacher (Blanchett), because Dench's character found out about an affair that Blanchett's character was having with a fifteen year old boy.

Under the guise of a friendship, Dench's character forms a friendship with Blanchett's character, and under the guise of this friendship, we actually see her calculate and scheme to try to win over Balnchett. However, things get out of hand, and the whole town ends up being in turmoil, since the big secret gets blown up.

This movie strikes a chord with me. First of all, it's a teacher movie, and I am a teacher (to be). And I know that I'm not supposed to have sex with students, but my question is, why do some people fall into temptation?

Secondly, Judi Dench's character writes in her diaries... It's things that she keeps to herself. If other people find out about what she writes, it's their own bloody fault, because you're not supposed to read other peoples' diaries... She didn't say, "Oh, please come and read my diaries, where I pour out my thoughts and negative energy..." Sort of like stumbling across someone's blog, and then taking action against him/her for saying things against you... It's your fault for stumbling across it, the person didn't say, "Oh, please come see my blog and see what I really think about certain things."

The only thing disturbing about this film is that I saw Judi Dench semi-naked in the tub. Don't get me wrong, I love her as an actress, but I really don't want to see her naked.

I've always loved this song

I've always loved the song by Anastacia - Paid My Dues. The lyrics are below:

Spoken:
You can say what you want about me
Wanna do what you want to me
But you can not stop me

I've been knocked down
It's a crazy town
Even got punched in the face in LA
Ain't nothing in the world that you keep me from doing what I wanna do

'Cause I'm too proud, I'm too strong
Live by the quote that you gotta move on
Feeling sorry for yourself
ain't got nobody nowhere

so I...
(Held my head high)
Knew I (Knew I'd survive)
Well I made it (I made it)
I don't hate it (Don't hate it)
That's just the way it goes
Yeah
I done made it through
Stand on my own two
I paid my dues, yeah
Tried to hold me down
You can't stop me now
I paid my dues

Spoken:
So like i told you
You cannot stop me
I paid my dues

Now I'm still tested every day
people try to mess with Anastacia
got another thing comin'
cause I have a mind
and I thought I better let you know

I'm no punk I can get down
I don't give a damn about who's around
that was just fine till now

So I...
(Held my head high)
Knew I (Knew I'd survive)
Well I made it (I made it)
Oahh (Don't hate it)
That's just the way it goes
Yeah
I done made it through
Stand on my own two
I paid my dues
Yeah yeah
Tried to hold me down
you can't stop me now
I paid my dues, yeah

yeah yeah yeah

Took so long to get me here
But I won't live in fear
You try to steal my shine
But first they wanna build you up
Then they tear you down
It's a struggle, you try to bubble

so I...
(Held my head high)
Knew I (Knew I'd survive)
Oahh (I made it)
(Don't hate it)
Said that's just the wayyyyy

(I done made it through)
(Stand on my own two)
I said I paid my, I paid my dues
Yeahhhhh
(Tried to hold me down)
But you can't stop me now (you can't stop me now)
(I paid my dues) I paid my, paid my dues
(I done made it through) oahhh
(Stand on my own two) oh
(I paid my dues) I paid my, I paid my dues
yeahh
(Tried to hold me down)
But you can't stop me now (you can't stop me now)
(I paid my dues) I paid my dues

Ooh, very much worth the wait

Today, the 2 disc edition of Brokeback Mountain (the collector's edition) finally came out. I am very excited, as I have just opened it, and it contains 8 postcards. This was definitely worth the wait. I can't wait to watch this movie again.

I've had a not-so-hot start to my day today... I needed to get downtown and drop off assignments that I've marked. So, I decided to take the bus at 11:34 a.m., which would do just that. I got to the bus station at 11:30 a.m., and the bus has already zoomed past. But I had a quick change of plan, and decided that I would go downtown by metro.

Next, I was at McGill metro, and I was in a rush to get to my step class on time... Luckily, this was one that I was doing, and not one I was teaching. The bright worker at the station decided to shut off all the turn stiles. After having tried multiple ones, and getting the red X, I got so frustrated that I walked to the turnstile where you just pass right by the worker. And that was also shut off... I shoved my card in the guy's fast, and let me tell you, it was lucky that he was behind glass, because if not, he would have felt my pass...

And then, on my way to the step class, I decided to stop by an Archambault to buy the collector's edition of Brokeback Mountain. There were these two people who entered the store, and then just stood there as they made up their mind about something. Now, when I enter stores, I do not expect people to randomly stop in the middle of the entrance. So, when I saw that, I muttered, "(something in Chinese). Would you make up your mind please?" as I walked around them. And the girl had the nerve to say, "OK, Relax..."

But now that I'm back, I feel better. Hopefully the rest of the day will be better.

I am not surprised at all...

About a week ago, I made a post about Jeunesse Lambda. If you are interested in what I said, you may go to the post on January 27, 2007.

On Wednesday, January 31, 2007, I received the following e-mail from a member of the Executive Council:

Due to some comments you post on your blog lately about Lambda, but most important about his members, I am forced to tell you : You are not allowed to Lambda until the administrative council decides what to do about this matter. If you would like to take an appointment with us to explain yourself, feel free, we will take the information in account. Please respect our decision, or we will take this as a provocation.

Thanx.

On Sunday, Feburary 4, 2007, I received the following letter (in computer format) from the organization. It's in French, so I will translate it into English.

Objet : Suspension de membership

Monsieur,

Le conseil d’administration de Jeunesse Lambda a été informé que vous avez tenu récemment,

sur votre blogue, des propos incompatibles avec votre statut de membre. En effet, en devenant

membre de l’organisme, vendredi le premier septembre 2006, vous vous êtes engagé à « ne

pas sciemment défavoriser Jeunesse Lambda face à un individu, un autre groupe ou un autre

organisme ». Nous estimons que les propos publiés par vous le 27 janvier 2007 contreviennent

à cet engagement. Par conséquent, le conseil d’administration a adoptée à l’unanimité la

proposition suivante lors de sa séance de dimanche le 4 février 2007 :

« [M. X] propose que le membership de Pak-Kei Wong soit suspendu jusqu’à la

prochaine rencontre du conseil d’administration, suite aux propos qu’il a tenu sur son

blogue le 27 janvier 2007. La proposition est appuyée par [M. Y] et adoptée

à l’unanimité. »

Si vous souhaitez contester cette décision, vous pouvez vous présenter à la prochaine séance

du conseil d’administration de Jeunesse Lambda, qui aura lieu au Centre Communautaire des

Gais et Lesbiennes de Montréal (CCGLM, 2075 Plessis à Montréal), le 4 mars 2007 à 13h00.

Cette suspension implique que vous ne pouvez pas vous présenter aux activités ou discussions

tenues par Jeunesse Lambda, ces rencontres étant réservées aux membres et aux participants

de l’organisme.

Nous espérons que vous comprendrez notre décision,

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Re: Suspension of Membership

Dear Sir,

The Executive Council of Jeunesse Lambda has been informed that you have recently published comments that are incompatible with your membership conditions on your blog. In fact, by being a member of this organization, since September 1, 2006, you are not to "willingly and knowingly talk negatively about Jeunesse Lambda to any individual, group or another organization." We believe that your comments published on the 27th of January contravenes this condition. Consequently, the Executive Council unanimously adopted the following motion, after the meeting on Sunday, February 4, 2007:

" Mr. X proposes that the membership of Pak-Kei Wong be suspended until the next Executive meeting, provided that he has removed his comments on his blog. The motion was seconded by Mr. Y, and adopted unanimously."

If you want to contest this decision, you may do so in person at the next Executive meeting of Jeunesse Lambda, which will be happening at Centre des Gais et Lesbiens of Montreal (CCGLM, 2075 Plessis Rd. in Montreal), March 4, 2007 at 1:00 p.m..

This suspension means that you cannot attend any discussions or activities held by Jeunesse Lambda, these meetings are reserved for members and participants of the organization.

We hope that you will understand our decision.

Sincerely,

Yaddi-yaddi-yadda.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I will no longer comment on this issue. Enough said.

I suppose those were good memories

I was doing some surfing around on the internet today, and most importantly Wikipedia, and I discovered that two bands that I liked: Blue and A*Teens, have both split. Also, they have split for a while now... This is the disadvantage of liking groups that are not North American based, you get half their stuff, and half the time, this stuff is not good. And then when they split, you don't find out about it.

For more information about A*Teens, click here.

For more information about Blue, click here.

Thanks for the memories, Blue and A*Teens. For some odd reason, I'm really not interested in their solo careers.

And for another odd reason, I've started liking more solo artists... On another note, Maroon 5 and Dido (both of whom I like) are scheduled to release albums in March 2007.

Brokeback Mountain - Collector's Edition

All I can say is "Ooh Aah". The 2 DVD Collector's Edition for Brokeback Mountain is supposed to have come out on the 22nd of January, but that never happened. There was a delay at the Regie du cinéma in getting it out, so many places have it on order, but not actually any copies of it... I heard from different sources different dates that it'll be out by, but the latest is like next week.

I am looking forward to this 2 DVD set of Brokeback Mountain.