The Power Of Fear

Don’t give up what you love

To remake, or to definitely not remake

Films that just remake the original (Red Dawn 2012), I don’t see the point of, why wouldn’t I just watch the original? Yes, sometimes we get confused because we’re stuck in our modern world (when first seeing a Walk to Remember—it never made sense why the doctors gave up so easily but I figured it was just what’s “in the script”, until I learned that the original story was set in the 1950s).  Remakes that take the older film (Dial M for Murder, Rear Window) and bring it into a new time with technological or societal, or political changes (A Perfect Murder, Disturbia) are not ripping off the ideas of the original but re-creating it.

I did not see Dial M for Murder and A Perfect Murder on the same night as usual with remakes but over the same weekend, giving time to reset my mind and put the movies as their own. In Dial M for murder, the husband’s plans are set in motion because he discovers his wife’s affair and doesn’t want to lose his lifestyle as he has just retired and feels betrayed. The resolution mostly happens because the husband messes up, not because of the watch or even that the wife lives, that he clears up pretty quickly—and even confuses leads the wife into giving confusing information so she looks guilty (whether intentional or not). But with ample opportunity, he doesn’t clean up the messes he could have changed, that would have let him get away. This is the same with A Perfect Murder, where with a little more patience, the husband would have gotten away with it.

In A Perfect Murder while the affair is still an issue, the main reason for the murder for the husband is his money issues at work, not really caring about his wife’s betrayal but as a way to come off clean about the murder. An added level that I didn’t care for (thou mostly out of pity for the wife—thou I guess she doesn’t deserve it) is in A Perfect Murder, her boyfriend gets involved while in Dial M for Murder he fights and fights to clear her name. What I do like, is that while in Dial M for Murder the police mainly figure out what happened, in A Perfect Murder the wife figures it out—saving herself twice.

Neither movie would be the same without the aspect of the key as the switcheroo, as both were simple and, I believe, brilliant stories. In the remake, there were the updates and changes of cellphones, characters’ intention and how the crime was solved—but the main thrill and suspense was kept, but this doesn’t always happen. I’ve seen both Red Dawns, 1984 and 2012 and I didn’t really understand the point of a remake. It’s not updated to a modern time and while the characters have more camaraderie, there is also less story, somehow. It’s just not worthy of a remake, and many agree.

PS-- I love how we know everything, but don’t know how it will all piece together or turn out

Bibliotheque

Canada is another nation at the top of lists that look at math and science, income, education and other levels of success. Noted as more progressive, neither their progressive stature nor education balance can be seen when looking at their libraries. As stated in an article from 1948 (1) and seen when going through the, easily accessible, list of Canadian libraries, there is a discrepancy and a distinction between more populated and less populated areas (2).

This is even more concerning considering that Canada does libraries right. Three of their libraries came in the top 10 (3) because Canada has expanded their library to be a true communal spot including movie nights, helping with job seekers, being a place for new residents, public spaces for meetings and places where local business people can expand (4).

When it comes to their libraries Canada is doing very well, but as with most movements forward it’s had a bit of difficulty makings sure they are not leaving anyone behind.

http://faculty.marianopolis.edu/c.belanger/quebechistory/encyclopedia/LibrariesinCanada-CanadianLibraries-Canadianhistory.htm

https://www.lib-web.org/canada/

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jun/15/risotto-robotics-and-virtual-reality-how-canada-created-the-worlds-best-libraries

https://www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/reports/canadastackup/214109cef_how_libraries_stack_up.pdf

Meishu, Leider, Ledare

Today, many in the US celebrate a world of chocolate, candies and fantasy. While books tells us the stories of ourselves, our community, those we don’t know and those we will never meet the public spaces we can enjoy these stories, explore and grow. But while many of these stories are true and these public spaces not all in libraries, many of the libraries would be empty if existing at all if not for...authors. 

November 1st is National Author Day, Gracia!

Questions Left Unanswered

1. Season Five, Episode Eight: Business Trip

Where does Darryl go after Kelly breaks up with him via text. There is a lot of support for the idea that he is walking away happy and is thrilled that he didn’t have to break up with Kelly (further evidenced by how he has Val break up with him), but WHERE DOES HE GO!! This is the middle of the work day, why was this part and only this part included. Did I miss something, I continue to remain so confused.

2. Season Nine, Episode Twenty: Paper Airplane

They never gave an explanation for how Angela got so poor overnight. Yes, she was separated from the Senator, but she wasn’t poor before and she continued to work while married to the. So even if he really was that big of an asshole it doesn’t explain how or why she ended up so poor.

3. Season Five, Episode Seven: Customer Survey

What is the evidence that Dunder Mifflin is a front for the Mob

4. Season Seven, Episode Twenty-Two: Goodbye Michael

Okay Phyllis, to clean the mittens you told us 1) we can’t get them wet, 2) they can’t be dry cleaned but they have to be “hand washed without water” à how am I supposed to do that!?!?

And is it the same for your oven mitt

5. Season Six, Episode Twenty: New Leads

How did the rest of the staff (Meredith, Angela, Kevin, Oscar, Creed) react when they realized the Sales staff was going to offer them 2% of their quarter sales and not just an apology

6. Multiple Episodes: How many Chad Flenderson novels did Toby write?

7.  Season Five, Episode Five: Crime Aid

Who got David Wallace’s timeshare during the fundraiser?

8. Season Nine, Episode Twenty-Two: A.A.R.M.

What are the time limits on the other summoning bags?

9: Season Five, Episode Twelve: The Duel

We only know about Rule 17 (Don’t turn your back on bears, men you have wronged, or the dominant turkey during mating season) but what about the other Shrute Rules. There are 39 more and while also being interesting, I also do not wish to be eaten in my sleep. Though my guess that only matters if I am a Shrute.

10. Season Two, Episode Seventeen: Dwight’s Speech

What does Creed say in Chinese? There is some speculation that it translates simply to " My China friends hello” but, I don’t know. It’s Creed, and the finger pointing at the camera at the end makes me question if there is more.

Bibliothek

Switzerland isn’t as neutral as portrayed, ranking high in various records related to education, intelligence, happiness and diversity. While not definitive, the online access and draw of its libraries may symbolize how these institutions wish to encourage development in various education and entertainment avenues. Bibliothek Chur is extremely automated and while having strict rules and either monthly or yearly patronage costs is overall reasonable, especially considering the service and information provided. Similarly, Konzier bibliotheken has fewer hours but boasts an online presence and has events focused on individual community issues and larger intersectional issues.

The prime example of course is The Swiss National Library. With a newsletter release every four to six weeks, you may also take guided tours and speak with workers online or in person if you need help understanding or accessing the archives you are trying to work towards. Within the past ten years, they have even had a focus on both the “digital future” of libraries and books, while holding onto the history of printed bookts

Focused on more than just literary documentation, the Swiss National Library also promotes the importance images and sound documents as important artifacts of their shared history in addition to the smaller archives of each canton (individual states) and different exhibits that occur at the libraries.

I still read

but I definitely read for different reasons now as there is less companionship that I need to fill in books or stories from far away

Relatable

That’s what i’m talking about

Best Pranks

1. Season Six, Episode Twenty-Four: The Cover-Up

When Pam and Jim learn Morse Code to not only speak about Dwight infront of him, but with the stapler and pens also can make up crazy stories and conspiracies that Dwight’s brain is “forced” to listen to.

2. Season Three, Episode Seventeen: Cocktails

When Karen spends the evening at the Corporate party apologizing to Jim for ALL the coworkers she dated before him

3. Season Six, Episode Twenty-Four: The Cover-Up

When Darryl pranks himself trying to get Andy back for blaming the warehouse for a late shipment he forgot to process, he ends up getting involved in the fire-printer expose with Andy.

4. Season Three, Episode Seven: Branch Closing

When Jim uses set of Dwight’s stationery that he uses

“From time to time, I send Dwight Faxes. From himself. From the future

PS—Also mentioned in Season Nine, Episode Twenty-Two: AARM when he references that as part of their no nonsense streak that if anyone is expecting a fax they shouldn’t yell out “Michael J Fax, from Fax to the Future!”

5. Season Nine, Episode Three: Andy’s Ancestry

Asian Jim

6. Season Seven, Episode Twelve: Classy Christmas Part 2

Jim coming out into the parking lot with Pam after the ‘Classy Christmas Party’ with Pam and it’s covered in snowmen and he doesn’t know which one has Dwight or anyone else to attack him with snowballs. It’s awful, but it’s brilliant

7. Season Six, Episode Seven: The Lover

The Mallard

How Jim discovers the Mallard (possibly purposefully by Dwight)

How Jim blasts Opera and talks with Andy to mess with Dwight

How Jim gives the Mallard to Kelly

How Jim talks to Dwight directly through the Mallard to ‘catch’ Dwight (also probably purposefully done by Dwight)

But in the end, the Mallard was a decoy

8. Season Three, Episode One: Gay Witch Hunt

When Jim sends Dwight “Gaydar” machine (metal detector) and it lights up when Dwight scans Oscar because of his belt. But Dwight is also wearing a belt so “Gaydar” tells him he’s gay too.

9. Season Seven, Episode Eight: Viewing Party

When Michael runs around the office pretending to be too busy to even speak to Erin, let alone attend her party.

10. Season Seven, Episode Eighteen: Todd Packer

After Dwight blows off Jim’s idea of cramming Todd Packer’s desk so he can only open it two inches and Dwight makes fun of it, Dwight gets very frustrated when Jim, unknowingly at the time, does it to him.

Bonus: The Best Prank we didn’t see:

Dwight knocking himself in the head with his phone, after Jim slowly fills his headset with more and more nickels. 

A Little Princess

I first saw A Little Princess (1995 version) probably with my parents around the time of its release. With no film background, I will say, did a great job at ageing the film as I always am surprised to discover that it’s not as old I thought it was (something that has happened repeatedly). While somewhat a romantic, fairy-tale type story the core parts that stick with me are the beauty within the story, particularly when Sarah and Becky are imagining a great feast and the colors of India in the very beginning of the film.

The images created in this film are stunning and completely breathtaking on their own and an amazing job is done using the colors in the fil to show the contrast between what we want our world to be like and what we don’t, the stories are even more real. Yes, the fairy-tale elements of her father remembering her just before she’s about to be arrested (she’s a child but ok), and dramatics of him ending up next door to where she lives, and how regardless of everything she insists on being a kind princess are all good and honorable it is the story of the neighbor that hits the most. Both the bleakest, most realistic, connecting, accurate and somewhat breaking is the father next door who tries to be kind during a war and is grateful for closure when he loses his son and his surrogate son (and in a way granddaughter). I think this is why I saw it with my parents, and so frequently. While there are many stories that accurately portray war, this is one that focuses on being kind in the homefront and probably portrays what they experienced living separated, but closely connected to war and genocide. 

There was no good photo to symbolize the story of the neighbour, but part of the theme of kindness is quoted below

Another unrelated shout-out that connects to a Little Princess to me, shout out to Shirley Temple who will never be bested even by those who manage to get their pets Instagram famous