Care to Tango?

The World is a book, and those that do not travel only read one page.

Sho 'nuff. The next chapter I will be reading is Buenos Aires, Argentina, departing on March 19th. (I might throw in a side trip to Santiago, Chile or Montevideo, Uruguay).

Hope you will be along for the ride.

A quick word

As a quick side note to my "Mechanic" review, I know all readers are waiting in great anticipation for my announcement of my next travel destination. Well, I have tweaked my plans a little bit, I will now go somewhere after going to Indiana to see Jiayi during her Spring-break, which is the week of March 14. This change opened up some more options for me, so I am trying to make a decision. I can tell you this, the top two destinations in the running are Buenos Aires, Argentina and Cape Town, South Africa. Its neck and neck!

I will post up when plans have been solidified.

Until then, don't start any revolutions.

Movie Review-The Mechanic: This one could use a tune-up

The Mechanic is a bad film. Let's just get that out there right now. Its a bad movie. The acting is bad, the action is over the top, the dialogue (if you want to call it that) can be pretty shocking, Jason Statham is in it. Yep, it fulfills the requirements of a bad film. But you know what, its kind of fun.

Now, as far as I am concerned, Jason Statham has only had two solid performances: "Snatch" and "The Bank Job". Everything else has just been garbage. I think it all pretty much started with "Crank". I think when Statham made that movie, God himself said "That boy is going straight to hell, no forgiveness for that one". Well, you might say: Adam, what about the Transporter, the movie that put all others to shame? The Transporter may have been a fun action flick, I will admit, but it didn't really require much from the acting department. The Mechanic is much like that. Its a pretty stupid film, and the storyline is pretty lame to boot, but it is still pretty fun to watch. If you are a more cerebral film, the film-maker's film, the Roger Ebert special, then I would stay away from this one. You will probably be pretty disgusted. I know I would. But last night I was in the mood for some mindless action, and "The Mechanic" was up to the task. As an action-flick, there is nothing really special about this movie, other than it is new and (thankfully) doesn't have Steven Seagal or Sly Stallone in it. This really is just one of Jason Statham's "cookie cutter" action flicks. If you are coming for the storyline and the acting, don't even bother.  Ben Foster was in this movie as well, and I like him. He was really good in "3:10 to Yuma" and he didn't really need to try very hard in his role in this movie as Statham's apprentice, but he was still pretty good. The role he was given was not a very good one, but he did OK in it.

I will just say in summary here that if you are looking for some mindless fun, "The Mechanic" would be an OK option to help pass the time. If you are looking for a potential Oscar nominee, then I would avoid this one at all costs. Depends on what you are looking for I suppose. I wouldn't waste the cash to see it in the theaters though, it is not worth it.

Verdict: If you want to see shit blow up and people die in violent ways, then this one might be for you. Grade: C-

If you liked this movie you might also like:  Can you think of a Jason Statham movie? Yeah? well, see that will do.

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

Well, actually it will. Just turn on your television. Tunisia. Egypt. Bahrain. Libya. They are all there. Given the current state of the Middle East, I was glad I went and saw Israel when I did. I don't want to do anything to damage Israel's tourism industry here, but things seem to be imploding around it.

Which is good. I am glad to see the mini-revolutions (or full-blown if you are Egyptian or Tunisian) taking place in these Mid-Eastern states. This part of the world has for a long time been known as the playground of strongmen and non-democratic states with miserable human rights records and low human-development. It is great to be alive to bear witness to this transition. I wish I could be back at school for my upper-level Political Science courses just to hear the discussion of this topic in the classroom. What I think is best is that these movements are coming from within (unless you subscribe to the whole "Jewish subversion" theory, in which case I suggest you become acquainted with the term "batshit"). They didn't need George Bush and the American Army to tell them what is good for them.  Citizens of nations stretching from Algeria to Iran it seems can decide for themselves if living in a police-state is something they really want. Apparently the answer is no.

Inevitably with this geographic location comes the ominous specter of terrorism and religious extremism. I know the fear for many is that, with the fall of dictators like Ben Ali in Tunisia and Mubarak in Egypt, religious parties are going to step in and fill the void, that voters in free elections will go for the Islamic parties. Now, hang on a sec there Glenn Beck. I understand the concern, I am sure a lot of people can only think of Iran after the Shah and what that became. The thinking is to go with the devil we know (Mubarak) then the one that we don't. But what is it with this anyway? Why is the belief that, if people in the Muslim world are not to be ruled by autocrats, then the only alternative is to be ruled by mullahs? Who are we to say that all this turmoil in the Middle East won't result in secular democracy? Maybe if guys like Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity actually got up from behind their desks and explored things a little more, they might think differently. 

I have been to Egypt (you can read all about it at this fine blog....)  and can attest from experience that Egyptians seem to be quite secular. They enjoy their coffee and cigarettes and soap operas, women can be seen behind the wheel in cars, many of them lacking traditional Muslim clothing for women. The afternoon calls the prayer don't stop many from continuing their shopping. So are we going to insult Egyptians' intelligence by assuming they won't know the consequences of ushering in theocratic government. I think the exploits of the party's of God in countries like Iran, Afghanistan, and Somalia have been duly noted, not only here in the U.S. but across the world. It may be that large numbers chanted "God is great" during protests, but can't people hold religious beliefs and want democratic, secular government at the same time, just like we have in the United States? Perhaps the point was, despite all of his posters and propaganda, Mubarak wasn't the God-like figure he thought he was, at least not to the people he ruled. I have never been to Tunisia or Bahrain, but I have seen photos and have read about them. Tunisia is the closest thing to Europe on the African continent. Bahrain is also a modern, secular society.  I think it would be a wee bit insulting to assume the citizens of these countries want to trade in their dictators for mullahs. Lets come back to Iran. Large-scale anti-government protests that have led to violence have now occurred in Tehran twice over two years. I think Iran's Arab neighbors can just look at that situation and see that perhaps a theocracy is not what they crave. Al-Shabaab in Somalia banned cigarettes, television and football (soccer for the Americans). Glenn and Sean, you really think Egyptians want to revert to that kind of lifestyle?

Again, one can understand the concerns, but we are seeing progress here: anti-government, pro-democracy movements across the Middle East. This is a big development in history. Let those partaking have their moment. 

On another note, I will soon be announcing my next travel destination, to take place in March. I will leave you with that cliff-hanger.   

Movie Review- The King's Speech: Did I stutter?!

From the sound of it, I may have been the last person in the civilized world to see "The King's Speech". If that were true, there would be no point in me writing this review, but I will go through with it anyway. Hell, there really isn't much else to do here in Whitesboro, except maybe shovel and complain and the snow.

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding this movie, with a few Oscar nominations, including Best Film, to boot. Well, I am not going to be the one to break rank here. "The King's Speech" most definitely is a good film. The story, a true one at that, revolves around England's King George VI (the current Queen's father) and the speech therapist he uses to overcome his lifelong speech impediment. The acting all around is solid, but the best performances definitely come from the two main characters, played by Colin Firth and Geoffry Rush. Firth is very convincing as the King, not only in his capturing of the speech-impediment, but also as the reluctant man with a fiery temper. Rush of course is also very good in his role as the quirky and humorous speech therapist. Well done boys. Interesting storyline and stellar acting aside, I think what I liked most about this film was the view that it gave into the lives and inter-workings of the English Royal Family, particularly at such a tumultuous time as the onset of the Second World War. I did not know much about English royalty before seeing this film. Indeed, my knowledge didn't extend beyond this conversation I had with a Scottish friend when I was much younger: Me: "What purpose does the Royal Family really serve"? Friend "They are basically just there to make arses of themselves". So there you have it. Upon seeing "The King's Speech", however, I have taken something of an interest in this bit of history.

Not much to complain about with this film, only that is just wasn't as interesting, to me at least, as some of the other films I have seen as of late. "The Animal Kingdom" and "The Social Network" I found to be slightly more fascinating. Oh, and yeah, can we please get somebody that actually looks like Winston Churchill? I mean, come on.

Verdict: See it, if you haven't already. Grade: A

 If you liked this movie you might like:  I don't know, what other movies are out there about a leader with some sort of impediment? Oh, right: W. Well, a mental impediment anyway.

Movie Review: The Social Network: Wanna be my friend?

If you are an avid Facebook user, after seeing this movie you will probably find using the popular social networking site a little strange. "The Social Network" is the story of the founding of Facebook and the man (boy? he was like 23 when it happened) behind it all, Mark Zuckerberg, most recent recipient of Time's Person of the Year Award (no, I didn't get paid to throw that plug in there, would have been nice though).

The story behind the founding of Facebook was anything but a hunky-dory affair, much, I assume, like many big business ventures. Indeed, the movie uses the two separate lawsuits that Zuckerberg faced as a backdrop for the film, you will know what I mean when you see it. That being said, it is most-definitely one worthy of a movie. For the full two-hours of this movie my attention was firmly held by the storyline. This movie would have been good if the story were complete fiction, so the added element of being true as well as involving something that would go on to become a household term around the globe, definitely made "The Social Network" an engrossing film. The only actors I knew before watching the movie were Jesse Eisenberg, who plays Zuckerberg and Justin Timberlake. I am not sure how Zuckerberg is in real-life, but the intention in the movie was to portray him as a pretentious asshole with horrible social skills, and Eisenberg nailed it. Actually, if you were to ask me who I thought could play that kind of role, I would say Eisenberg. Definitely the poor social skills bit (have you seen "The Hunting Party"?) I actually really liked Timberlake in his role as Sean Parker, founder of Napster, as well. Again, I don't know what Parker acts like in actuality, but I liked his portrayal in the film, and I liked the way Timberlake did it.

I have been on a roll lately. All the movies I have seen as of recent have all been good, and "The Social Network" is no exception. I was surprised to see it get an Oscar nomination for Best Film, but I could see where it would earn the merit. I doubt it will win the award, but for a film on a contemporary phenomenon, "The Social Network" does a very good job.

Verdict: See it. Grade: A
If you liked this movie you might also like: leaving statuses, commenting on statuses, "liking" statuses. and writing "HAPPY B-DAY BRO!" on your buddy's wall.  

Movie Review- Animal Kingdom: Its Australian, but no Crocodile Hunter

Well, I am grounded for a little while at least, so what better way to past the time spent not traveling than with some cinema. I am going to try and keep this from becoming solely a movie review space while I wait for my next adventure, but when the occasion calls for it......

"Animal Kingdom" was actually a film that had slipped my radar. Unfortunately foreign flicks, in this case an Australian production, don't really get much press here in the United States, we instead have to hear about upcoming movies with Miley Cirus. Luckily Four-Corners Official Shout-Out Recipient Uncle Paul had me covered, and mentioned that a colleague of his had recommended it. I am glad he did.

Definitely not for the feint-hearted, Animal Kingdom is a pretty dark film. It is the story of a very socially awkward, and more than likely slightly mentally handicapped, seventeen-year old boy who, after the sudden death of his mother, is taken in by his grandmother. His grandmother, played by the actress Jackie Weaver (who actually got an Oscar nod for this role) is the matriarch of a criminal family comprised of her three sons. Simply put,  I was very impressed. The actors, all Australian and none that I had heard of outside of Guy Pearce, were all spot on. The story is both unique and very engrossing and the characters all interesting on there own way, particularly the boys three uncles.

I know that this is a pretty simple review, I normally decline to go too in depth anyway, but "Animal Kingdom" really feels like one of those movies that you just need to see and judge for yourself. I think that with the storyline and solid acting, most movie enthusiasts should give this one a thumbs up.

Verdict: See it. Grade: A-

If you liked this movie you might like: Hard to find a comparison, but "The Proposition" is another dark Australian movie, albeit a cowboy one. Guy Pearce is in that one too. 

Photos posted

All photos uploaded. Three Albums: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Ein Gedi. In order to view the photos, you first need to go to Kodak Gallery: http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/welcome.jsp
Sign into my account using my email address:
Email address: ahkwiat@gmail.com
password: Jas0nB0urn3

All three albums should then be displayed.

If you have any questions regarding the photos, leave a comment! I will get back to ya.

Israel Photos

Ok, they are uploading right now on Kodak Gallery. Well, Jerusalem at least. Apparently it takes a lot longer than  I originally thought, close to three hours. No bother, that gives us plenty of time for......

Official Four Corners Shout-Out!! The winner of only the second award is.....

My lovely sister Hayley Kwiat! For Christmas Hayley put her not-inconsiderable pharmacist salary to good use and gave me a Canon Rebel Xs camera. The camera proved to be a worthy partner on its maiden voyage in Israel, taking fantastic photos, even in the dark, all while being fairly user-friendly. A definite upgrade over my previous point-and-click digital camera. That one hasn't been retired just yet, but Hayley's gift has relegated to a back up role.

Hayley, like Uncle Paul before you, for your enhancement of the travel experience (what we really care about at the Four Corners) you too now have the right to claim mention on this blog! Tell you friends, relatives, colleagues, customers. Hell, even that creepy guy who always wants a free Oxycontin prescription. Pretty soon that quiet CVS pharmacy of yours will become the most popular CVS in the greater Bradenton area! Wow! (Side note: A donation of a portion of any additional cash in-take that is a result of your newly-found fame to the Four Corners would definitely not be met with resistance. Remember, only cash amounts that have at least three zeros on the end!) Imagine the scenario: Hayley: "Here is your prescription. Have a lovely day" Customer: "Wait...are you....the Four Corners"? (awed silence).

Don't spend it all in one place Hayley!

Back later.

Photo Lens: Israel

Ok, its just going to be a couple photos for the meantime. I am going to try and upload all my photos to a Flickr/Photobucket style website, then just post the link. I will get on that in due time.

In summation: Great Trip. Really very good, absolutely no complaints. Jerusalem offers the history and intersection of different cultures and religions, Tel Aviv provides the modern architecture, relaxed atmosphere and seaside climate. Who is going to argue with that. Concerns over safety I think are pretty overdone. Israel has in the past received some pretty bad press, but the key word in that being the past. Security measures are pretty tight, but to good effect. I felt very safe there. Street crime is virtually non-existent and the locals I found were quite friendly and willing to help. Knowledge of English is also widespread, which helps quite a bit for the non-Hebrew speaker like myself. Shalom baby. Oh, and toda, that is thank you. Thats all I got.

Here at the Four Corners I am not going to do Frommers' or Lonely  Planet's job for them. I am just here to provide the anecdotes, and let the reader decide for themselves. That being said, I think I should just put it out there that, for the travel enthusiast, Israel is a pin you would want in your map.

7 Bermuda Road is definitely not in Tel Aviv

I'm back where it all began. It took me a while, but I got here in one piece. I slept most of the way on the flight from Tel Aviv, but things got kind of hairy after I got into Newark. I was told my flight to Syracuse was canceled due to weather, and that the next flight available for me to Syracuse was.......Thursday. Ok. Great. I love Newark, New Jersey. I like it even more in the dead of winter and with no proper winter clothing. I had an out though. The Continental agent was good enough to book me on the next flight to Rochester. Not as close as Syracuse, but I would take that over the alternative.

And here I am, in frozen hell. We are supposed to get over a foot of snow tonight. I am really looking forward to that. Hey mom, where is that promenade along the sea? Oh, right, I forgot, this is Whitesboro. The Bauhaus architecture? Sorry, forgot about that too. Sigh.......

Cheer up Four Corners fans! We all know that the end of one adventure just signals to beginning of another. I am already scheming. How does Australia in November sound? Sounds like music to my hears.....

Ok, the Arsenal game is going to be starting soon. I still got home in time for that at least. As promised, I will have some photos up in the next post later tonight.