Tuesday, March 23, 2010
How the healthcare bill affects you
Found this great link (click on this post to view) on the major ways the new healthcare reform act will affect us as the middle class. One big thing that has occurred over the last 15 years is the slow elimination of the middle class to a point where the gap between the rich and the poor is at a record distance and has no signs of slowing. Eventhough some don't agree with all the parts of the healthcare reform bill it does give the middle class a win for once and is hopefully a sign of things to come. It wasn't long ago that a family of seven could survive on one middle class income and I'd like to see things get back to that. Privatizing some things and bringing back some government supervision, especially over private banks, is a good start.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Not just because of my Irish heritage but because it really does mark the coming of Spring. The weather has been amazing this week for the first time this year and almost hit 70 degrees today. Also, St. Patrick's Day remains a great reason to get together with friends and family and celebrate our heritage and stop for just a day and enjoy being alive. That combined with the change in weather makes for a great celebration. This past Sunday we hosted the annual celebration and had about 15 people at the house celebrating from about noon til 9pm. It was so much fun and a lot of great food and drink.
And yes, that's me wearing a dress. It's part of my reinvention tour where I'm getting back to enjoying the simple things and living one day at a time. So much fun with great people. Additionally, I have some good news to speak of. Got an interview tomorrow morning for a job so keep your fingers crossed!
And yes, that's me wearing a dress. It's part of my reinvention tour where I'm getting back to enjoying the simple things and living one day at a time. So much fun with great people. Additionally, I have some good news to speak of. Got an interview tomorrow morning for a job so keep your fingers crossed!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
2010 Best Movie
So what started out as just wanting to see one of the best picture nominees for this years academy awards has turned into a personal mission to see all 10 because what I've realized is a couple of things. First is that many of the best picture nominees were chosen because they represent what this country is currently going through with the two biggest things being the Iraq War and the other being the current economic environment and unemployment. The second is that they got it all wrong with the winner. Eventhough the Hurt Locker is very good I don't think it most represented the current sentiment in this country. So I've decided to rate them all on my own and without further ado here are my rankings. Now I do have to say that I still have not seen two of the nominees, "A Serious Man" and "An Education" so I will for this post rank the other 8 in order. I will update you later after watching those 2 if it changes my ranking.
8. Distrit 9: Honestly, I don't understand why this was up for best picture. I thought of it more as a good (not great) science fiction movie and though I did understand the underlying theme of aparthied it didn't come close to be this amazing unforgetable movie. It felt like Men In Black meets Scarface and was more of an action packed way to fill two hours of my life. It was directed by Peter Jackson, who also directed the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which is another reason why I felt like it was a let down because he can do so much better. Definitely worth watching but I'm very glad I didn't pay $12 to see it in the theater.
7. Precious: Way over hyped and predictable from the beginning. I don't want to spend an hour and a half of my life feeling bad and depressed and that is exactly what this picture did. Don't get me wrong, the lead actress did amazing and deserved to be nominated for best actress but the movie itself just left me questioning how it bettered my life and or made me think of things differently. I guess I just have high expectations for best picture nominees and want to be wowed and this just didn't do it.
6. Up: Great movie especially for kids but has tons of underlying themes for adults to consider and ponder and take comfort in. I genuinely loved this movie but felt it failed to run it's entire course and was to short. Amazing digital animation though and great humor.
5. The Hurt Locker: I know this may surprise many of you but eventhough this was a great movie and according to all my military friends very realistic the four movies that are left were better. This is a great story of what our military goes through on a daily basis over in Iraq and Afghanistan and is something that hasn't been as much of an issue in past wars but is the biggest reason for soldier casualties over there, IEDs which are basically bombs planted in the ground under streets where soldiers drive there Hummers and HumVees on a daily basis. This film chronicles this in the daily lives of a handful of soldiers and helps explains why so many soldiers are so tightly wound not only over there but when they come home. I think it is important for civilians to see and understand this because we truly have no idea just how stressful and overwhelming it is. Definitely a must watch.
4. Inglorious Basterds: Definitely Quentin Tarantino's best work ever period. This film was advertised as a funny farce of World War 2 with the Germans but as soon as you start watching the open scene you realize it is much more than that. The humor is funny but smart, the acting is amazing, and plot complicated and full of awe. Tarantino definitely pushes the envelope with this picture and takes you on a ride of intrigue from the edge of your seat. A must watch film that at the end makes you ask the question, "Is it over already?"
3. Up In The Air: This film surprised me in how well made it was. It is the only film I've scene thus far that really brings to the forefront our current economic environment and concurrent unemployment. This definitely hit home with me, being currently unemployed, and it was great to see how George Clooney's character Ryan really puts in perspective that being laid off isn't the end but the beginning which in this depressed no hope environment I think needs to be seen and repeated to the masses. It isn't the end and we need to look at it as a second chance to do something we love. Not only that but I thought the interactions between the three main characters was amazing and realistic and George Clooney's young sidekick, Anna Kendrick in her first movie role, really shows the shock of coming into the corporate environment out of college and really how unprepared you are for what's out there. Definitely another must see.
2. The Blind Side: This was a hard one because I felt like this one and the number one film were neck and neck but I'll explain why I went this way in a minute. First off, this movie was just plain amazing. Well directed and acted, I really felt like I was there with Michael Orr the entire time. You felt what he went through, the struggles he endured, and the satisfaction of him succeeding in the face of so much adversity. Definitely the, "feel good" movie of the year I left this movie not only feeling optimistic but feeling better about life in general. Another reminder, which I think is important to have on a regular basis, to take joy in life's simple pleasures and to take everything one day at a time because we only have so many days left in our life. I could watch this movie over and over again just a great movie.
1. Drum roll please.....I'm sure you can tell by now I've chosen Avatar as the #1 movie of 2010. For one the story line and atmosphere created in this film is just awe inspiring and really makes you stop and think about how everything in nature works together and we are a part of that system which is just beautiful. Before seeing it you might think, like I did, how can you associate with these blue alien like characters but you quickly realize from the beginning just how easy it is. James Cameron is creative genius and the fact that he can create such an intricate and detailed world with so many underlying meanings and lessons is just awesome! But that isn't the only reason why this is the number one reason. The other is that this is the type of film that changes the future of film. Already there are more movies than ever that are not only in 3D but IMAX 3D. Mark my words, just like HD TV is big now 3D TV in our own homes will be a normalcy some day as well. Just like when CGI first came out with the last three Star Wars and other similar films changed the way pictures were made, you will see an explosion of films with this new viewing experience. There is already reports that ESPN will be releasing the first 3D television station this summer for the World Cup which of course your going to need a 3D TV for. And before you say, "No way...not possible" just think about when HDTVs came out. They were expensive and people didn't think it was here to stay but slowly that all changed. 10 years from now I'm telling you that 3D TV will be like HD TV is today and we can credit Avatar for that. That's a big deal. It has changed the way we will watch movies in the theater, and eventually at home, for good and that is why it is the #1 movie. It's game changing.
One last thing that I want to add is that they royally messed up by not including the picture, "The Messenger" in best movie nominees. Easily better than half of the 2010 nominees this movie was both moving and ground-breaking in that is shows a side and perspective of something that we really don't get a chance to see, the day to day lives of the soldiers marked with the job of informing the families who have lost loved ones in the war. I have to say it was Woody Harleson's best acting job ever and just left me with a whole new perspective of the war and definitely brought much more humanity and emotion to the thing.
Hope you enjoyed and let me know what you think!
8. Distrit 9: Honestly, I don't understand why this was up for best picture. I thought of it more as a good (not great) science fiction movie and though I did understand the underlying theme of aparthied it didn't come close to be this amazing unforgetable movie. It felt like Men In Black meets Scarface and was more of an action packed way to fill two hours of my life. It was directed by Peter Jackson, who also directed the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which is another reason why I felt like it was a let down because he can do so much better. Definitely worth watching but I'm very glad I didn't pay $12 to see it in the theater.
7. Precious: Way over hyped and predictable from the beginning. I don't want to spend an hour and a half of my life feeling bad and depressed and that is exactly what this picture did. Don't get me wrong, the lead actress did amazing and deserved to be nominated for best actress but the movie itself just left me questioning how it bettered my life and or made me think of things differently. I guess I just have high expectations for best picture nominees and want to be wowed and this just didn't do it.
6. Up: Great movie especially for kids but has tons of underlying themes for adults to consider and ponder and take comfort in. I genuinely loved this movie but felt it failed to run it's entire course and was to short. Amazing digital animation though and great humor.
5. The Hurt Locker: I know this may surprise many of you but eventhough this was a great movie and according to all my military friends very realistic the four movies that are left were better. This is a great story of what our military goes through on a daily basis over in Iraq and Afghanistan and is something that hasn't been as much of an issue in past wars but is the biggest reason for soldier casualties over there, IEDs which are basically bombs planted in the ground under streets where soldiers drive there Hummers and HumVees on a daily basis. This film chronicles this in the daily lives of a handful of soldiers and helps explains why so many soldiers are so tightly wound not only over there but when they come home. I think it is important for civilians to see and understand this because we truly have no idea just how stressful and overwhelming it is. Definitely a must watch.
4. Inglorious Basterds: Definitely Quentin Tarantino's best work ever period. This film was advertised as a funny farce of World War 2 with the Germans but as soon as you start watching the open scene you realize it is much more than that. The humor is funny but smart, the acting is amazing, and plot complicated and full of awe. Tarantino definitely pushes the envelope with this picture and takes you on a ride of intrigue from the edge of your seat. A must watch film that at the end makes you ask the question, "Is it over already?"
3. Up In The Air: This film surprised me in how well made it was. It is the only film I've scene thus far that really brings to the forefront our current economic environment and concurrent unemployment. This definitely hit home with me, being currently unemployed, and it was great to see how George Clooney's character Ryan really puts in perspective that being laid off isn't the end but the beginning which in this depressed no hope environment I think needs to be seen and repeated to the masses. It isn't the end and we need to look at it as a second chance to do something we love. Not only that but I thought the interactions between the three main characters was amazing and realistic and George Clooney's young sidekick, Anna Kendrick in her first movie role, really shows the shock of coming into the corporate environment out of college and really how unprepared you are for what's out there. Definitely another must see.
2. The Blind Side: This was a hard one because I felt like this one and the number one film were neck and neck but I'll explain why I went this way in a minute. First off, this movie was just plain amazing. Well directed and acted, I really felt like I was there with Michael Orr the entire time. You felt what he went through, the struggles he endured, and the satisfaction of him succeeding in the face of so much adversity. Definitely the, "feel good" movie of the year I left this movie not only feeling optimistic but feeling better about life in general. Another reminder, which I think is important to have on a regular basis, to take joy in life's simple pleasures and to take everything one day at a time because we only have so many days left in our life. I could watch this movie over and over again just a great movie.
1. Drum roll please.....I'm sure you can tell by now I've chosen Avatar as the #1 movie of 2010. For one the story line and atmosphere created in this film is just awe inspiring and really makes you stop and think about how everything in nature works together and we are a part of that system which is just beautiful. Before seeing it you might think, like I did, how can you associate with these blue alien like characters but you quickly realize from the beginning just how easy it is. James Cameron is creative genius and the fact that he can create such an intricate and detailed world with so many underlying meanings and lessons is just awesome! But that isn't the only reason why this is the number one reason. The other is that this is the type of film that changes the future of film. Already there are more movies than ever that are not only in 3D but IMAX 3D. Mark my words, just like HD TV is big now 3D TV in our own homes will be a normalcy some day as well. Just like when CGI first came out with the last three Star Wars and other similar films changed the way pictures were made, you will see an explosion of films with this new viewing experience. There is already reports that ESPN will be releasing the first 3D television station this summer for the World Cup which of course your going to need a 3D TV for. And before you say, "No way...not possible" just think about when HDTVs came out. They were expensive and people didn't think it was here to stay but slowly that all changed. 10 years from now I'm telling you that 3D TV will be like HD TV is today and we can credit Avatar for that. That's a big deal. It has changed the way we will watch movies in the theater, and eventually at home, for good and that is why it is the #1 movie. It's game changing.
One last thing that I want to add is that they royally messed up by not including the picture, "The Messenger" in best movie nominees. Easily better than half of the 2010 nominees this movie was both moving and ground-breaking in that is shows a side and perspective of something that we really don't get a chance to see, the day to day lives of the soldiers marked with the job of informing the families who have lost loved ones in the war. I have to say it was Woody Harleson's best acting job ever and just left me with a whole new perspective of the war and definitely brought much more humanity and emotion to the thing.
Hope you enjoyed and let me know what you think!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Time for a Change
I know it's been awhile since my last post. A lot has changed and in the end it will be for the better. Three weeks ago to the day I was forced to sell my financial planning franchise and move on to a different career. Long story why but it had been something I had been thinking about for a long time anyway. This just kind of forced the issue a little faster. You see, as I grew up, I always thought it was the most important thing to have a plan and stick to it and if I didn't I wouldn't be the happiest I could be. Thank God over the last few years that through meeting and talking with other people and just listening to me, myself, and I, I realized that eventhough I had spent the last 10 years doing the same thing didn't mean that I was giving up or failing by changing careers. Things change, people change, jobs change. That's just how it is. I'm saying all this because I'm just surprised how well I have accepted my current fate when I see everyday how others react to losing their jobs. It's really brought up the true meaning of the cup half full vs. cup half empty debate. I think if you were a pessimist and then lost your job it's going to be much worse to deal with and move on from then if you are an optimist. I do truly believe this is going to be a great change in my life. And I've learned to mix in a little surprise and go with the flow with all my planning in the process which is going to make it even easier. So this blog, like life, will continue to evolve and change and now I'm really out to show how 2010 will be a better year even in spite of what's happened so none of this changes my plan to make 2010 the best year ever!!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Canadians
Canada Pics!!
3 days in the mountains of Sutton, Quebec equals 3 days of no email or phone equals no blog update which kind of sucked with me trying to get in the habit of doing this thing but don't worry, I do have a couple observations from my weekend.
I know it's not every Canadian but most of the Canadians we ran into in Sutton & Montreal had no manners whatsoever. I know Americans can be rude but this was different. People on their skis would run into my board while waiting in line not once or twice or even three times but seven or eight or nine times and not say a word. Not an, "I'm sorry" or woops or anything like they had done nothing wrong nor did they know they had. And it didn't just stop there. People would run into us in lines. I even held the door for Amanda at one point and two guys snuck through in front of her and cut her off. Everywhere we went this continued. A group of four people were in the way of a door that we were trying to go through and would not move. I even said excuse me and they acted like they hadn't heard anything. And I know what you're going to say...it's because we were Americans. But they did it to each other as well. It was nuts and it was everywhere we went. Which got me thinking. No one was confrontational either which can be good usually but I think there is a tipping point in the other direction as well as because no one ever says anything no one feels like they are doing anything wrong or has to be sorry for anything. This had me wishing I would have tested this theory before it was to late. If I would have said something to the skier or the guys at the lodge or in the Cathedrale de Notre Dame and called them out for their rudeness would that have put them back on the right path or would it have started a fight. All I know is I was ready for either just to find out because there is a serious problem with non action in that area.
My other observation for the weekend was the beauty inherent in the region of Sutton. The snowed seemed to fall constantly but slowly to a point where I felt like I was in a snow globe. It was amazing. The snow fell and covered things but never made it hard to walk on the streets or drive on the roads. Instead it muted the noises and chaos of the world and made you feel like you were in this, "globe" cut off from the rest of the world. It was so relaxing and new. You could have literally put the town of Sutton in a snow globe and it would have looked like it was at home. On top of that the people were friendly in all the establishments, the coffee and espresso was like nothing I had ever had, and the food was divine. I really felt like I was transported back to another world. Not only that, but all the menus were in French and the people spoke in French but once they knew you were American they were very happy to speak to you in English and explain things in English. The fact that they all knew two languages brings up a whole other topic for another blog but outside of that the degree of energy to which the lodges, B&Bs, restaurants, and cafes were run was just amazing. I don't think there was a single chain in the entire town, just a bunch of small business owners working together to create this home away from home for all of us looking for it to which I am very grateful and will definitely be coming back...
3 days in the mountains of Sutton, Quebec equals 3 days of no email or phone equals no blog update which kind of sucked with me trying to get in the habit of doing this thing but don't worry, I do have a couple observations from my weekend.
I know it's not every Canadian but most of the Canadians we ran into in Sutton & Montreal had no manners whatsoever. I know Americans can be rude but this was different. People on their skis would run into my board while waiting in line not once or twice or even three times but seven or eight or nine times and not say a word. Not an, "I'm sorry" or woops or anything like they had done nothing wrong nor did they know they had. And it didn't just stop there. People would run into us in lines. I even held the door for Amanda at one point and two guys snuck through in front of her and cut her off. Everywhere we went this continued. A group of four people were in the way of a door that we were trying to go through and would not move. I even said excuse me and they acted like they hadn't heard anything. And I know what you're going to say...it's because we were Americans. But they did it to each other as well. It was nuts and it was everywhere we went. Which got me thinking. No one was confrontational either which can be good usually but I think there is a tipping point in the other direction as well as because no one ever says anything no one feels like they are doing anything wrong or has to be sorry for anything. This had me wishing I would have tested this theory before it was to late. If I would have said something to the skier or the guys at the lodge or in the Cathedrale de Notre Dame and called them out for their rudeness would that have put them back on the right path or would it have started a fight. All I know is I was ready for either just to find out because there is a serious problem with non action in that area.
My other observation for the weekend was the beauty inherent in the region of Sutton. The snowed seemed to fall constantly but slowly to a point where I felt like I was in a snow globe. It was amazing. The snow fell and covered things but never made it hard to walk on the streets or drive on the roads. Instead it muted the noises and chaos of the world and made you feel like you were in this, "globe" cut off from the rest of the world. It was so relaxing and new. You could have literally put the town of Sutton in a snow globe and it would have looked like it was at home. On top of that the people were friendly in all the establishments, the coffee and espresso was like nothing I had ever had, and the food was divine. I really felt like I was transported back to another world. Not only that, but all the menus were in French and the people spoke in French but once they knew you were American they were very happy to speak to you in English and explain things in English. The fact that they all knew two languages brings up a whole other topic for another blog but outside of that the degree of energy to which the lodges, B&Bs, restaurants, and cafes were run was just amazing. I don't think there was a single chain in the entire town, just a bunch of small business owners working together to create this home away from home for all of us looking for it to which I am very grateful and will definitely be coming back...
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Dieing & Hope
So I went to a friend's father's funeral tonight and it got me thinking...about a lot. First off, my friend's father died suddenly only in his late 60s which really makes you realize your and your families mortality. I don't know what I'd do if I lost my father. He's the man I look up to and model my whole life after and live my life and all it's current and future successes as a tribute to him. I don't know what I'd do if I lost my father. It reminds you that life is incredibly short and anyone can be taken from us at any time so as cliche as it is tonight reminded me to make the most out of not only my own life but spend as much of it as possible with those I love and hold dear in my life. I think it's to easy to forget the own priorities in our lives, especially in the US. It is so easy to get caught in the trap of living to work instead of working to live...life. And as sad as it was to be at this man's funeral to watch his daughter and family grieve for him having to face what we all fear good did come out of it. All of the people that we used to spend all this time creating memories that will last a lifetime with but because of life's (and adulthood's for that matter) many complications, and miracles, we grew apart over the past year or so. But in this sad gathering of all these people all of these friends showed up again in the same place and talked and laughed and made plans just like we had seen each other yesterday. You could feel it in the air. It was amazing. I hope their daughter and son-in-law know how much joy and good came out of this sad event. And though it's so sad to think that it took this to bring all of us together again, it reminded us all to stop and breath in the moment again. I hope this acts as a catalyst though to remind everyone that we need to stop regularly with our daily lives and remember the important things. Spend time with our family, our friends, and take those moments to revel in the awes of life and the moment.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
January in a Nutshell
After an awful 2009, probably the worst year in my life, I've decided to make 2010 a tribute to what an optimist can do to turn things around. Starting out with winning my fantasy football league the first year being in it and a hefty prize to show for it was definitely a great sign of things to come. Soon after I had a great four weeks with work giving me the best January of my career. This allowed me to get almost all the way out of the whole of past due debt and get back on track financially. I continued to drive to start off the year well with a couple of ski days to help break up the cold New England weather as I realized it's easy to forget how important it is to take a break from the ins and outs of your everyday life. I also decided to get rid of friends that weren't helping me grow as a person and strengthen relationships with those that due. We've also found two great couples that live near us and share our same active lifestyle to do things with. It's been a great start to the year and I hope to post to this blog each day and allow all of you to follow my journey to have the best year ever!!
Book of Shawn Insight #1: The biggest thing that seperates those who are successful in life from those that aren't are the risks that people take. The risks you take in your life will define it and when you look back those moments that you took risks will be what you remember. Risks are life changing and alter everything and that is why most people don't take them because they are scared. A natural response is fear and for most fear is too overwhelming to ever do anything and they never make that jump. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
Book of Shawn Insight #1: The biggest thing that seperates those who are successful in life from those that aren't are the risks that people take. The risks you take in your life will define it and when you look back those moments that you took risks will be what you remember. Risks are life changing and alter everything and that is why most people don't take them because they are scared. A natural response is fear and for most fear is too overwhelming to ever do anything and they never make that jump. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
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