I really like this song from Lady Antebellum “I Run to You”.
"I Run To You" I run from hate I run from prejudice I run from pessimists But I run too late I run my life Or is it running me Run from my past I run too fast Or too slow it seems When lies become the truth That’s when I run to you [Chorus] This world keeps spinning faster Into a new disaster so I run to you I run to you baby And when it all starts coming undone Baby you’re the only one I run to I run to you We run on fumes Your life and mine Like the sands of time Slippin’ right on through And our love’s the only truth That’s why I run to you [Repeat Chorus]
I just saw INCEPTION and I have to say that I was blown away. It was even better than I expected. Director Christoher Nolan and Leonardio DiCaprio should both win Oscars for this work. Nolan should also win for his intricate, thought-provoking mind-bending screenplay that took 10 years to craft (and it shows by the levels of detail throughout!). I also loved the entire cast which was extremely strong: DiCaprio, Ellen Page (Juno), Joseph Gorden-Hewitt (500 days of Summer), Marion Cotillard as the wife and Tom Hardy who was a revelation as Eames the forger.
The music by the legendary Hans Zimmer is also powerful and deserving of Oscar recognition. His music adds so much to the movie that it becomes like another major character in the story. Each piece is so perfect for setting the mood and enhancing the experience. That’s everything you could ever want for a motion picture soundtrack. I find myself listening to the music all the time now, including the track called TIME.
A good sign of a great film isn’t the box office numbers (look at the insane totals for the braindead Pirates of the Carribean series and many others) but by the intense debates and reactions by movie goers after they’ve seen the film. That’s what’s happening right now with Inception as countless people are discussing every tiny detail of the story, trying to figure things out and possibly find the true meaning of the ending.
The best place to see this entertaining and enlightening debate in action is over at ScreenRant in their piece about the Inception Ending Explained. Tons of fans are sharing their thoughts and theories about the meaning of not only the ending of the movie and the movie itself but about life itself. It’s very fascinating stuff and all generated by the marvelous mind of one Mr. Nolan.
One of the interesting theories was by someone who focused on the name of the lead character, Dom Cobb.
Anyone explored metaphor of Dom Cobb (dom – domicile, kingdom, home) (Cobb – nickname for Jacob) aka Jacob’s home or ladder parallelism? In Genesis, Jacob dreams and in it God makes an inception into Jacob by telling him:
“I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father … the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your descendants; and your descendants shall be like the dust of the earth… will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done that of which I have spoken to you.”
… then Jacob awakes up and :””Surely the Lord is in this place; and I did not know it…This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”
Note: I don’t know if this is related at all but there is a scene when Dom explains how he and his wife were like GODS creating their own world in their dream.
Here’s another theory that’s very interesting as well: Never Wake up the meaning and Secret of Inception. This one builds the case around a comment from DiCaprio who compares Nolan’s Inception to Fellini’s 8 1/2 and lists all the ways that this movie was really about the process of making movies. Cobb is the director, the architect is the screenwriter and so on. It’s all very fascinating.
I could go on and on about how fantastic this movie is but you just need to see it and feel it for yourself. Most people are feeling and thinking the same about about this masterpiece. Of course there will be those that won’t like this type of cerebral entertainment but that’s fine, we all have our own tastes. All I know is that this is a special experience that will need a few viewings to fully appreciate and understand. It’s something that will stay with you forever.
Here’s the exit song from “So You Think You Can Dance” called “SHINE” by Black Gold.
SHINE
she knows it’s time to say goodbye to all that she wanted for all that she loves. devotes her mind to thoughts divine for all that she needed and all that she loves recites the lines repeats the rites to all that she needed and wanted most won’t you shine tonight, in the face of the light? with you on my mind, i can make it through, make it through the night she bides her time with quiet pride for all that she wanted and all that she loves she begs and pleads he’s all she needs and ever wanted she calls out again won’t you shine tonight, in the face of the light? with you on my mind, i can make it through, make it through the night she takes him in on calloused knees (but he’s not there) the emptiness is all she sees so she begs and she pleads won’t you shine tonight? In the face of the light? with you (with you on my mind, I can make it through; with you on my mind I can make it) won’t you shine tonight, in the face of the light? with you on my mind, i can make it through, make it through the night won’t you shine and shine tonight? won’t you shine in the face of the light? with you on my mind, i can make it though, make it through the night, though this night.
The discussion begins at the end of every World Cup about who is the best team in soccer history. While Spain was a good team (and incredibly lucky), they are not the best of all time. This has to be proven over a longer period of time than their two year run winning the Euro Cup (barely beating Italy on penalty kicks) and the 2010 World Cup (barely beating Netherlands with offsides goal in extra time). No, they will need to win some more in the next two years to be compared to the greats.
Right off the top of my head, I have to contend that there are several Brazilian teams from different decades that were better than this mostly passing team from Spain. I would even place a few great teams from Germany, Argentina and Italy above Spain.
Here are some interesting stats and facts that you might find interesting.
Undefeated World Cup Champions
The only team to ever win all World cup qualifying matches and finals tournament matches is the great Brazil side in 1970 who won all 13 games. Spain did win all 10 of their qualifying matches but they fell on their faces in the first game of this World Cup by losing to Switzerland.
World Cup Winners that Lost a match
As for the talk of Spain being the first team to win the World Cup after losing a game in the first round, that is not correct. Argentina lost to Italy in the group stage in 1978 and went on to win it all vs Netherlands (yup, the same Dutch that lost in 2010). Argentina almost repeated this feat in 1990 when they lost in round one but made it all the way to the finals only to lose to Germany.
Longest Winning Streaks
Spain won 15 games in a row from June 26, 2008 (defeated Russia, 3-0) to June 24, 2009 (ended by United States, 0-2)
Longest Unbeaten Streaks
Brazil went 45 games without a defeat from 1993 to 1997 including the 1994 World Cup over Italy. Spain went 35 games unbeaten until the USA beat them 2-0 in 2009.
Most Wins by Club Teams
In Europe the longest record of consecutive wins on record belongs to Benfica in Portugal, including the legend that is Eusebio, who between 1971-72 and 1972-73 recorded 29 successful results in a row!
Eusebio
Other notable runs have been achieved by:
- 28 games – Dinamo Zagreb – 2007-08 - 25 games – Celtic – 2003-04 - 22 games – PSV Eindhoven – 1987-88 - 17 games – Inter – 2006-07 - 15 games – Real Madrid – 1960-61 - 15 games – Bayern Munich – 2005-06
I’m a big fan of Buble so it’s no surprise that I loved this song and the wonderful music video. It’s a sweet and simple song about keeping your hope alive about meeting your one and only. Whether you believe in soulmates or not, this is an upbeat fun and joyful song and music video. Michael has built his reputation doing the classics and standards so it’s great to see him creating his own new songs for a change.
I’m not surprised, not everything lasts I’ve broken my heart so many times, I stopped keeping track Talk myself in, I talk myself out I get all worked up, then I let myself down I tried so very hard not to lose it I came up with a million excuses I thought, I thought of every possibility And I know someday that it’ll all turn out You’ll make me work, so we can work to work it out And I promise you, kid, that I give so much more than I get I just haven’t met you yet I might have to wait, I’ll never give up I guess it’s half timing, and the other half’s luck Wherever you are, whenever it’s right You’ll come out of nowhere and into my life And I know that we can be so amazing And, baby, your love is gonna change me And now I can see every possibility And somehow I know that it’ll all turn out You’ll make me work, so we can work to work it out And I promise you, kid, I give so much more than I get I just haven’t met you yet They say all’s fair In love and war But I won’t need to fight it We’ll get it right and we’ll be united And I know that we can be so amazing And being in your life is gonna change me And now I can see every single possibility And someday I know it’ll all turn out And I’ll work to work it out Promise you, kid, I’ll give more than I get Than I get, than I get, than I get Oh, you know it’ll all turn out And you’ll make me work so we can work to work it out And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get Yeah, I just haven’t met you yet I just haven’t met you yet Oh, promise you, kid To give so much more than I get I said love, love, love, love Love, love, love, love (I just haven’t met you yet) Love, love, love, love Love, love I just haven’t met you yet
I love the show “Mad Men” so this documentary called “Art & Copy” was right up my alley! It’s all about the power and beauty that can be marketing and advertising when done right. It covers a lot of the glory from Madison Avenue from the 50s and 60s and beyond.
It’s full of wonderful little behind the scene stories for some of the most successful ad campaigns. I really enjoyed the honest and hilarious comments from some of the giants of the industry. This was a total delight. If you are a creative type then you will also enjoy this. The slogan is “Creativity can solve anything”
Here’s the trailer. It’s streaming in its entirety right now on Netflix.
Here’s a quick interview of the director and the creator of the I want my MTV campaign
I was profoundly moved by a documentary called “FOR NEDA” which was a tribute to the woman that was killed during the Iranian protests in 2009. She immediately became a symbol for the incredible uprising in Iran. I remember when it happened and being captivated by all of the amazing news coming from that region of the world as young Iranians rose up and revolted against their dictatorship and rigged election. We witnessed it unfold online on twitter and YouTube as citizen journalism was born.
Still, it was heartbreaking watching this touching film because the more you learned about Neda and her wonderful family, the more painful her loss became. She was a vibrant, young woman whose life would be cut short for no good reason. I was also angered as I learned just how bad women have it in that part of OUR world. How can this be? In this day and age! How do we allow it to happen? Not just there but in many regions of the planet. I think we need to see these kinds of films and learn as much as we can so we can know the truth and possibly help change things in the world.
Here’s the entire documentary, “FOR NEDA”. You really should watch it. I am positive it will change you forever, as it did for me.
What a difference 4 years make! I’m still in a state of shock that my beloved Azzurri did not make it out of the first round of the World Cup. That has not happened since 1974! We won the 2006 World Cup and we are the defending champions! How could this happen? Well, doesn’t matter what excuses or reasons are given, it happened and Italy is out of the World Cup 2010.
While I am heartbroken over this result and surprised they didn’t make it out of the first round, I can’t say that I am totally surprised either. I did have concerns after Italy barely tied New Zealand in their second game! That was the omen of things to come. Tying Paraguay in game one wasn’t that bad a result as they were a much stronger opponent than the Kiwis! Still, we looked weak in both games scoring 2 lucky goals that were gifts (goalie mistake and questionable penalty kick).
Losing so badly to Slovakia 3-2 is the lowest of lows for Italian soccer fans. Italy was ranked 5th in the world by FIFA and Slovakia was 34th and this was the first time they ever made the World Cup! We looked totally clueless out there with no talent or skills. Most disturbing of all, we looked like a team without heart or soul and no passion! Those are cardinal sins for any Italian never mind our Azzurri! Where was the fight? Sure, they should some spirit in the final 10 minutes scoring 2 goals but it was all too late.
I think the two images of our captain Cannavarro that I combined above says it all. From the ecstasy of 2006 to the agony of 2010… It took 24 long painful years for Italy to win another World Cup championship after their glorious reign in Spain in 1982. Let’s hope it doesn’t take that long to win another one.
In the mean time, I will watch this over and over again until I wash away this nightmare of 2010.
Oh and this too.. from 1982 finals
Here’s the classic Italy-Brazil match that many consider the best ever (Italy winning 3-2!)
The 2010 World Cup has arrived! It’s a bittersweet time for me because I am thrilled to watch the best in the world compete in soccer but at the same time it also means the end of Italy’s 4 years as World Champs! I cannot begin to tell you how much I loved the 2006 World Cup. Not only because my home country won it all but also because of how they won and whom they beat! They defeated France which had not happened in almost 30 years! To top it off, they did so in a penalty kick shootout which they never win! They were eliminated from the World Cup on penalty kicks in 1990 (Semi-finals), 1994 finals, 1998 Quarter-finals (France!) and they lost in over time in 2002 to Korea.
Anyway, I don’t think they have any chance to win this time around because there are several teams that look much stronger such as Mexico, Brazil and Spain (who beat Italy in the 2008 Europe Cup on, yup, you guessed it, penalty kicks).
Here’s the theme song for the 2010 World Cup by Shakira, one of my favorites! It’s such a joyous song and I love the beginning of the music video because they use the end of the 2006 World Cup as Italy beats France!
You’re a good soldier Choosing your battles Pick yourself up And dust yourself off And back in the saddle You’re on the frontline Everyone’s watching You know it’s serious We’re getting closer This isnt over The pressure is on You feel it But you’ve got it all Believe it When you fall get up Oh oh… And if you fall get up Oh oh… Tsamina mina Zangalewa Cuz this is Africa Tsamina mina eh eh Waka Waka eh eh Tsamina mina zangalewa Anawa aa This time for Africa Listen to your god
This is our motto Your time to shine Dont wait in line Y vamos por Todo People are raising Their Expectations Go on and feed them This is your moment No hesitations Today’s your day I feel it You paved the way Believe it If you get down Get up Oh oh… When you get down Get up eh eh… Tsamina mina zangalewa Anawa aa This time for Africa Tsamina mina eh eh Waka Waka eh eh Tsamina mina zangalewa Anawa aa Tsamina mina eh eh Waka Waka eh eh Tsamina mina zangalewa This time for Africa
I’ve always loved Styx. Yes, even when they’ve done sticky sweet ballads like Babe, The First Time and Don’t Let It End. Over all, I love their music. I will stack their best work up against anyone. My favorite songs being Come Sail Away, Lady, Renegade, Lights and The Grand Illusion (Angry Young Man).
Here’s a Behind the Music special about the Styx Story. Even though the band continues to tour without Dennis DeYoung, I will always like Styx better when he was in the band.
Here’s Styx at their best…performing Come Sail Away Live.
