"so is this your first event?"
"no, it's my third."
"third?! WOW. so do you actually like this stuff or do you just go with your boyfriend?"
"actually, i'm the one that got my husband into it. i've been watching UFC for over 10 years."
"really?! that's so rare!"
this was the actual conversation i had with the young buck next to me at UFC 129. everything i said was true. i grew up in a fighting family: my grandfather was a wrestler, my father did judo and boxing,and my brother is a TKD champ with experience in other arts as well. i started watching UFC around the time Zuffa took it over (2000 - 2001). tito ortiz was a brash, young up-and-comer and events took place every 4 - 6 months. acronyms like MMA, UFC and BJJ meant little to the 18 - 45 year old male population, let alone to the rest of the world.
i introduced the sport to friends, ex-boyfriends, and my then-boyfriend turned husband. and like my young seatmate said, this is not a common occurrence. because i grew up educated in fighting, i enjoyed the sport for its analysis as well as its entertainment. certainly being immersed in fighting paved the way towards my degree in kinesiology and my interest in athletic injuries. i was surrounded by competitive martial arts all my life and will continue to be always. i love MMA.
i'm glad that the sport has become so mainstream and that fighters are beginning to get the recognition and respect they deserve. but with an increase in popularity comes an increase in posers and wannabes. fight gear has become a status symbol - a sign of coolness and machismo. i was wary of donning certain brands because i knew i wasn't a fighter. my participation in recreational, non-competitive kickboxing did not count in my eyes. but i had no problem wearing the other more popular brands such as TapouT and Bad Boy because i knew i was a genuine fan, and one from the old generation at that.
there are few girls at live UFC events. the SkyDome held 55 000 people at UFC 129, and still i never had to wait in line at the ladies' room. i'm glad females are starting to get into it, not just as fans but as competitors as well. but i have one pet peeve that must be laid bare...
i am a girl and yes, i appreciate the athletic bodies and chiseled features of some of these fighters. but i'm first and foremost a fan of the skill, the attitude, and the personality - in that order. i was a fan of GSP since his inception into the UFC. he is the best all-around athlete in the sport right now. he evolves his game more efficiently than anyone else and is well-rounded to the point of being a cyborg. that is why i like him. even if he looked like Shrek or Marcus Davis, he would continue to be at the top of my favourites list because his physical appearance does not factor in for me. the fact that he's canadian holds more clout than his blue eyes and washboard abs.
it's totally okay that other gals are ga-ga over him. i understand and appreciate his ridiculous hotness too, don't get me wrong. but his looks are just an added bonus.
i am a fan of the fighter as i am a fan of the fight.
a beautiful smile and a six pack are just icing on the cake.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Trash Culture: a global epidemic
my morning routine is always accompanied by the live news program on channel 11. many tragedies, few triumphs, weather, sports, traffic, and entertainment. i don't mind the quick tour through entertainment news - i enjoy music and films, and will admit to a few sinful peeks through the celebrity gossip doorway. i do have growing concerns over our obsession with the people who entertain us...not only because it's extravagant and wasteful for us but also because it can have awful effects on the celebrities themselves (e.g. britney spears' rapid decline, the singular life of the late michael jackson, and the fatal drug addictions of a dozen american comedians). but this concern is overshadowed by my mounting hatred of Trash Culture - those disgusting, violent, pointless and utterly stupid exploits of barely-stars who have contributed little to the world of arts and entertainment, let alone to the world as a whole.
we fixate on the ridiculuous acts of has-been celebrities, providing them with far more TV and internet time than they deserve - and they feed and feed and feed on it like insatiable parasitic worms. 'celebrity' apprentice, 'celebrity' rehab and other significant TV programs showcase E, D, and F-list entertainers who barely qualify as asterisks let alone stars.
perhaps you're thinking that mr. charlie sheen's crazy ass is the inspiration for this rant. but no. it is one ms. lindsay lohan who is the root of all this rage. perhaps i should care more about the actress who provided us with such classics as Herbie Fully Loaded and Mean Girls? maybe my heart should soften for the co-star of Freaky Friday? (was that oscar-winning or just oscar-nominated...?)
DUIs, multiple motor vehicle accidents, failed stints at rehab, accusations of shoplifting, all at the tender age of 24. why do i know so much about ms. lohan's demise? because it's on the local news program i watch every morning, and maddeningly, it is accorded the same amount of time that actual news stories are given. i know just as much about robberies and murders down the street as i do about ms. lohan's poor life choices.
as i stated earlier, i don't mind hearing entertainment news. but this woman has contributed so little to the actual world of entertainment that it boggles my mind as to why so much time is allotted to her now. let the girl while away her penal time in private while allowing news channels stick to more worthy arts and culture stories.
our society is consumed by celebrity enough as it is; we might as well stick to genuine celebrities and leave the trash outside where it belongs.
we fixate on the ridiculuous acts of has-been celebrities, providing them with far more TV and internet time than they deserve - and they feed and feed and feed on it like insatiable parasitic worms. 'celebrity' apprentice, 'celebrity' rehab and other significant TV programs showcase E, D, and F-list entertainers who barely qualify as asterisks let alone stars.
perhaps you're thinking that mr. charlie sheen's crazy ass is the inspiration for this rant. but no. it is one ms. lindsay lohan who is the root of all this rage. perhaps i should care more about the actress who provided us with such classics as Herbie Fully Loaded and Mean Girls? maybe my heart should soften for the co-star of Freaky Friday? (was that oscar-winning or just oscar-nominated...?)
DUIs, multiple motor vehicle accidents, failed stints at rehab, accusations of shoplifting, all at the tender age of 24. why do i know so much about ms. lohan's demise? because it's on the local news program i watch every morning, and maddeningly, it is accorded the same amount of time that actual news stories are given. i know just as much about robberies and murders down the street as i do about ms. lohan's poor life choices.
as i stated earlier, i don't mind hearing entertainment news. but this woman has contributed so little to the actual world of entertainment that it boggles my mind as to why so much time is allotted to her now. let the girl while away her penal time in private while allowing news channels stick to more worthy arts and culture stories.
our society is consumed by celebrity enough as it is; we might as well stick to genuine celebrities and leave the trash outside where it belongs.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Rango - a movie review
an enjoyable film that was just shy of extraordinary.
the expressiveness and emotion of the hardened desert critters was superb, which is likely thanks to the use of a new form of motion capture animation. it was like watching live actors in masks or makeup instead of PC-borne animated characters.
along with a mature vocabulary, there were a number of nightmare-inducing scenes that seemed to push this film from its rating of PG into a 14A: the hillbilly rodents climbing zombie-like out of the sand; the sinewy, unpredictable movements of Rattlesnake Jake; and certainly the violence and explosions of the obligatory chase scene. but even more adult than these grown-up frights was the pacing of the movie and truly, its overall message.
among the theatre-goers of that late show were a couple and their 4 or 5-year-old little lady. the visuals may have been captivating for her and the drawling creatures charming, but Rango was paced for an adult audience. foreshadowing and character-building abounded the film, and the storyline refused the frenetic speed of today's films for the ADD audience. two delightful cameos were absolutely intended for viewers that can vote or even viewers who have children that can vote (but i will not spoil those here).
the social commentary was not earth-shattering but it was shared in a contemplative manner that invoked equal amounts of discomfort and admiration. thus Rango joins the ranks of other eco-related calls to action...but it sidles into that line quietly, clicking its dusty spurs over an era that may be out of reach.
may be.
the expressiveness and emotion of the hardened desert critters was superb, which is likely thanks to the use of a new form of motion capture animation. it was like watching live actors in masks or makeup instead of PC-borne animated characters.
along with a mature vocabulary, there were a number of nightmare-inducing scenes that seemed to push this film from its rating of PG into a 14A: the hillbilly rodents climbing zombie-like out of the sand; the sinewy, unpredictable movements of Rattlesnake Jake; and certainly the violence and explosions of the obligatory chase scene. but even more adult than these grown-up frights was the pacing of the movie and truly, its overall message.
among the theatre-goers of that late show were a couple and their 4 or 5-year-old little lady. the visuals may have been captivating for her and the drawling creatures charming, but Rango was paced for an adult audience. foreshadowing and character-building abounded the film, and the storyline refused the frenetic speed of today's films for the ADD audience. two delightful cameos were absolutely intended for viewers that can vote or even viewers who have children that can vote (but i will not spoil those here).
the social commentary was not earth-shattering but it was shared in a contemplative manner that invoked equal amounts of discomfort and admiration. thus Rango joins the ranks of other eco-related calls to action...but it sidles into that line quietly, clicking its dusty spurs over an era that may be out of reach.
may be.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The King's Speech - a movie review
there's little i can add to the buzz about this Oscar-nominated film. the title itself may be twofold, referring to both the written words of King George VI as well as the manner in which he spoke them...or didn't speak them.
as with many theatre-goers, i was utterly charmed by the superb acting of Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. with such a gaping power differential between the two characters, their friendship should not have blossomed. but through thin insults, dry wit, and a lovely symbiotic dependence, their relationship deepened. Firth's portrayal of one with a speech-related disability was spot on and his vulnerability veiled beneath a quick temper brought me to tears.
i love period pieces: the opulent homes, the rich vocabulary, the gorgeous costumes. The King's Speech captured this formal yet luxurious life of the royals while maintaining the dark, fearful caution of a country on the edge of war. the film demonstrated the need for and power of unity in times of fear. it provided hope for people who feel their disability may never be overcome. it showed, in equal measure, the strength of words and the power of friendship.
as with many theatre-goers, i was utterly charmed by the superb acting of Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. with such a gaping power differential between the two characters, their friendship should not have blossomed. but through thin insults, dry wit, and a lovely symbiotic dependence, their relationship deepened. Firth's portrayal of one with a speech-related disability was spot on and his vulnerability veiled beneath a quick temper brought me to tears.
i love period pieces: the opulent homes, the rich vocabulary, the gorgeous costumes. The King's Speech captured this formal yet luxurious life of the royals while maintaining the dark, fearful caution of a country on the edge of war. the film demonstrated the need for and power of unity in times of fear. it provided hope for people who feel their disability may never be overcome. it showed, in equal measure, the strength of words and the power of friendship.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Jordan John and the Blues Angels - a band review
"never trust a woman who loves the blues," sang one Mr. Ben Harper. although it implies something negative about myself, i do love that lyric. and i also love a skinny young man named Jordan John who captivated me during a live performance at the Groove Kitchen in Cambridge. he has a voice like Stevie Wonder and guitar-soloing abilities that would make any veteran blues player green with envy. there is wonderful chemistry between this leading man and the two other members of the Angels - partly due, i'm sure, to the fact that his bassist is also his father: the renowned and timeless, Prakash John. what a thrill it must be for a father to watch his son control this finicky genre with confidence and creativity.
Jordan's youth belies his incredible talent. both his vocal ornamentation and his ad libbing across the fret board are effortless and beautiful. it's clear that he was born to be on that stage. some people naturally have musical talent. they come into the world with golden voices and a penchant for coaxing melodies from a variety of instruments. Jordan is one of those who leaves the musically-minded in the dust. he is a virtuoso. and in the words of UFC commentator Joe Rogan, "this guy is FOR REAL."
as someone who was born and raised with music, i am not easily impressed by live musicians. sure i appreciate the effort they put in and i know i couldn't write a good song to save my life. but an open mic-er strumming out Wonderwall will not get a standing O from me. Jordan John and the Blues Angels on the other hand... if they don't have me on the edge of my seat, they have me standing, enthralled, in front of it.
trust me.
Jordan's youth belies his incredible talent. both his vocal ornamentation and his ad libbing across the fret board are effortless and beautiful. it's clear that he was born to be on that stage. some people naturally have musical talent. they come into the world with golden voices and a penchant for coaxing melodies from a variety of instruments. Jordan is one of those who leaves the musically-minded in the dust. he is a virtuoso. and in the words of UFC commentator Joe Rogan, "this guy is FOR REAL."
as someone who was born and raised with music, i am not easily impressed by live musicians. sure i appreciate the effort they put in and i know i couldn't write a good song to save my life. but an open mic-er strumming out Wonderwall will not get a standing O from me. Jordan John and the Blues Angels on the other hand... if they don't have me on the edge of my seat, they have me standing, enthralled, in front of it.
trust me.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Black Swan - a movie review
one of my favourite things to observe in a film or novel is a character's descent into madness. i find it fascinating. it is not simply macabre entertainment for me; i am truly interested in the topic of mental illness and would love a position working with people who suffer from such disabilities.
Black Swan was a descent into madness that was simultaneously intense, horrifying and beautiful. at times, it was difficult to watch. the film itself was immersed in contrast after contrast: Black Swan/White Swan; pink bedroom/dark metropolis; childishness/lust. the line between reality and madness was not so much blurred as completely obliterated. many of the gorgeous visuals i originally interpreted to be symbolic: black feathers growing from Nina's slim arms, joints breaking to resemble the legs of a bird, painted icons that taunted and yelled. but after some thought, i believe these images were not symbolic at all. Nina's psychosis was indeed her reality. in the same way that a healthy mind works, the character's senses received information - as false it was - and her brain interpreted it. one may wonder if this or that scene actually happened, but truly, to the person with a severe and persistent mental illness, they are genuine experiences.
it was not the Black swan role that caused Nina's psychosis. prior to the audition, we are shown glimpses of her illness (although it did indeed come on full bore with the increased stress of her lead role). but unlike the majority of those with such mental difficulties, Nina achieved perfection and genius, the likes of which she may never have accomplished had she not descended into the Black.
i had a clinical placement in forensic psychiatry, providing therapy for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses who had committed crimes. one client's psychosis was successfully treated with medication but she told us she missed the voices - that they kept her company. if you asked the ghost of Nina: if you could choose to do it again, would you? knowing what would ultimately happen? i believe she would say yes. every time.
Black Swan was a descent into madness that was simultaneously intense, horrifying and beautiful. at times, it was difficult to watch. the film itself was immersed in contrast after contrast: Black Swan/White Swan; pink bedroom/dark metropolis; childishness/lust. the line between reality and madness was not so much blurred as completely obliterated. many of the gorgeous visuals i originally interpreted to be symbolic: black feathers growing from Nina's slim arms, joints breaking to resemble the legs of a bird, painted icons that taunted and yelled. but after some thought, i believe these images were not symbolic at all. Nina's psychosis was indeed her reality. in the same way that a healthy mind works, the character's senses received information - as false it was - and her brain interpreted it. one may wonder if this or that scene actually happened, but truly, to the person with a severe and persistent mental illness, they are genuine experiences.
it was not the Black swan role that caused Nina's psychosis. prior to the audition, we are shown glimpses of her illness (although it did indeed come on full bore with the increased stress of her lead role). but unlike the majority of those with such mental difficulties, Nina achieved perfection and genius, the likes of which she may never have accomplished had she not descended into the Black.
i had a clinical placement in forensic psychiatry, providing therapy for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses who had committed crimes. one client's psychosis was successfully treated with medication but she told us she missed the voices - that they kept her company. if you asked the ghost of Nina: if you could choose to do it again, would you? knowing what would ultimately happen? i believe she would say yes. every time.
Monday, December 13, 2010
A Fresh New Take on Zombies: The Walking Dead
vampires are the trendy pop phenomenon that have sunk their teeth into mainstream culture. but nerdy counter-culture has elected to follow a different movie monster: the zombie. movie remakes, graphic novels and survival guides have nerd boners tenting sweat pants and skinny jeans worldwide.
The Walking Dead mini-series premiered on the AMC network this Fall. as a fan of horror - both in printed and movie form - i was pleased with the unique and thoughtful take on the old zombie tale. the basic story remained the same: a mysterious patient zero comes down with a sickness. a few bites later, and whole cities are infected. gory feasting ensues. healthy survivors then track each other down, put together some semblance of society, and try to figure out how to save themselves and the world - in that order.
i am a fan of 28 Days/Weeks Later. the premise was adjusted slightly in that the virus was simply rage - one of the seven deadly sins. how appropriate. i enjoyed that neat little change in the zombie story, as well as the speed with which it devoured its human hosts. not to mention the fact that these zombies did not shamble - they RAN, full-out, Donovan Bailey styles. fabulously scary.
what i enjoyed so much about The Walking Dead was its focus on the humanity of the situation, not just that of the survivors but also that of the monster antagonists. in the event of a global cataclysm, i believe it is that - remembering the humanity - that will set apart the greedy, rioting masses from the true human survivors. despite its share of gory scenes, The Walking Dead was not about torture porn - that cheap and disgusting new genre that tries to pass itself off as horror. no, this show was a realistic view of our world if everything had been erased by an uncontrollable plague and we, as a people, were forced to reconstruct our priorities. which of us would lead with human survival in mind? who from our group would become bloated and unstable from opportunities of power?
the hero of The Walking Dead was a sherriff looking for his family. *spoiler alert* in one scene, the group tried to assimilate with the 'Walkers' in order to make an escape. before covering themselves in the ichor and dead flesh of a finished Walker, the sherriff removed a wallet from the body and read out the person's name. he described the loving inscription on the back of a girl's picture holding a place of honour in this leather fold. and with the group humbled into silence, the axe fell. and fell. dead parts scattered but humanity remained.
The Walking Dead mini-series premiered on the AMC network this Fall. as a fan of horror - both in printed and movie form - i was pleased with the unique and thoughtful take on the old zombie tale. the basic story remained the same: a mysterious patient zero comes down with a sickness. a few bites later, and whole cities are infected. gory feasting ensues. healthy survivors then track each other down, put together some semblance of society, and try to figure out how to save themselves and the world - in that order.
i am a fan of 28 Days/Weeks Later. the premise was adjusted slightly in that the virus was simply rage - one of the seven deadly sins. how appropriate. i enjoyed that neat little change in the zombie story, as well as the speed with which it devoured its human hosts. not to mention the fact that these zombies did not shamble - they RAN, full-out, Donovan Bailey styles. fabulously scary.
what i enjoyed so much about The Walking Dead was its focus on the humanity of the situation, not just that of the survivors but also that of the monster antagonists. in the event of a global cataclysm, i believe it is that - remembering the humanity - that will set apart the greedy, rioting masses from the true human survivors. despite its share of gory scenes, The Walking Dead was not about torture porn - that cheap and disgusting new genre that tries to pass itself off as horror. no, this show was a realistic view of our world if everything had been erased by an uncontrollable plague and we, as a people, were forced to reconstruct our priorities. which of us would lead with human survival in mind? who from our group would become bloated and unstable from opportunities of power?
the hero of The Walking Dead was a sherriff looking for his family. *spoiler alert* in one scene, the group tried to assimilate with the 'Walkers' in order to make an escape. before covering themselves in the ichor and dead flesh of a finished Walker, the sherriff removed a wallet from the body and read out the person's name. he described the loving inscription on the back of a girl's picture holding a place of honour in this leather fold. and with the group humbled into silence, the axe fell. and fell. dead parts scattered but humanity remained.
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