Tuesday, October 16, 2012

ARGO

I was very excited to check this film out.  Everything I read, saw, and heard made me want to see Argo.  It's about the US hostage situation in Iran in the late 1970's and early 1980's and is based on true events. 

Argo was directed by and stars Ben Affleck, who I personally think is an awful actor but tremendous writer and director.  Affleck wrote Good Will Hunting which is phenomenal He also wrote and directed both The Town and Gone Baby Gone which are both very good films and his directing did not disappoint at all in Argo.

A lot of great research went into the film.  Affleck and the writers needed to make sure they told this true story accurately.  They talked to many former CIA members, historians, and even some of the hostages who were in Iran.  Not only was the script and plot accurate, but Affleck did a great job capturing the moment of the late 70's and early 80's. The casting, costumes, and cinematography made me feel like I was there.  The small details, things as simple as the men’s mustaches and people smoking really put it over the top. He also did a great job mixing in some actual news clips and audio from President Carter.

The acting was also great, except for Affleck.  All of the hostages, the Iranians, and the US government officials were beyond believable.  Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman all delivered a great performance.  However, the story mainly revolves around Ben Affleck's character.  Like many of his other films I felt he was dry, emotionless, and at times forcing it.  Maybe that's how his character is supposed to be but since that's how I feel about all of Ben Affleck's performances, it's one of the few negatives from the film.

Argo does start a little slow but I think it's mostly to set the scene for people who aren’t familiar with the Iranian hostage crisis. After it fills you in on the Iranian US history it really picks ups up speed, especially for the last 20 minutes or so.

I don't think it was Affleck's intention but one thing that really hit me from Argo was the risk American's take working at our consulates over seas.  Maybe it's because of the recent attacks in Libya but these men and women do not receive enough credit or praise for putting their life’s at risk in hostile locations for a thankless job.

I would highly recommend seeing Argo.  I would also highly recommending thanking those who serve over seas, whether they are working at consulates, embassies, military bases or on the front line.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Evolution: Not A Pretty Sight

Humans have changed a lot.  We used to be hairier.  We are taller.  We are fatter, we have bigger parts, the list goes on.  We don't live in caves so we don't need to be hairy.  We eat better so we're taller.  Then we stopped eating better and now were fat.  Change happens slowly but it does happen.  Experts predict some changes over the next 1,000 years of our evolution, and it's not pretty.

They think we'll be taller.  Since the 1960's the average height has grown an inch so we can expect the average height to be in the 6-7 foot range.  We'll also have shorter intestines.  This way we'll absorb less sugar and fat, a natural way of avoiding obesity.  So far it sounds ok.  A bunch of non-diabetic basketball players.

Humans are also going to evolve because of technology.  Our brains will be smaller because we use computers to do pretty much everything.  Our fingers will also have more nerve endings making it easier to use our smart phones and other devises.  However, a paper cut might feel like losing a finger.

They are expecting a few changes over the next 1,000 years that will dramatically change how we look.  Our limbs will be much longer.  People will all have the same nose and similar, darker tone skin.  Experts expect our eyes to grow because of how much we stare at computer or TV screens all day.  They'll also grow because human’s communication will be more non-verbal.  Worst of all they expect us to have a turkey neck.  It'll basically be a triple chin because of how inactive we've become.

This is a picture of what we could look like.  All I can say is I'm glad I'm not going to be around to have to see that in the mirror every morning.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

WARNINGS!

Everything these days needs a warning on it.  If you don't have a warning, you're at risk of getting sued.  What should be common sense needs to be spelled out.  People should know that coffee is hot and hot things can burn!!!  But no, we need a label and if it's not labeled and some klutz burns themselves, big money for that guy!  Here's a list of ridiculous warnings which should be common sense but are labeled anyway. 

 10: Thermometers
"Once used rectally, the thermometer should not be used orally."
9: Pepper Spray
"May irritate eyes."
8: Dishwashers
"Do not allow children to play in the dishwasher."
7: Irons
"Never iron clothes while they are being worn."
6: Fireplaces
"Caution - Risk of Fire."
5: Food Processors
"Never remove food or other items from the blades while the product is operating."
4: Sunshields
"Do not drive with sunshield in place."
3: Scooters
"This product moves when used."
2: Power Tools
"This product not intended for use as a dental drill." "Do not hold the wrong end of the chainsaw" and "Do not attempt to stop chain with hands."
1: Baby Strollers
"Remove child before folding."


My favorite warning label might actually be necessary.  It's for risk of child suffocation.  I just think the picture is funny looking.  It's for plastic tubs and 5 gallon pails.  I don't know if this makes me bad person but come on, that's a funny image.