New Design and Break in Service

Hey guys! I hope you all enjoy this beautiful new design. If not feel free to drop me a comment on this post.

From tomorrow I'm heading over to Scotland for a week and probably won't be near a computer for the whole trip so unfortunately I won't be able to update the blog. However, if something major does crop up I'll be sure to jump into the hearest internet cafe and get you guys updated.

Until then, enjoy life and take it easy.

Gay Cinema

So, as today is a Bank Holiday here in Ireland I decided to once again take some time out from the serious and post about something close to my heart. Both of the films I am going to write about are sterling examples of film making. And if you get the chance I strongly suggest you check them out on a lazy day like today.

Shortbus
This 2006 film directed by John Cameron Mitchell could almost be mistaken for a porn film at fist look. However, I believe that is the point. It seems he wanted to show that depictions of hardcore sex can be complimented by a brilliant, well acted and movingly insightful storyline. This film explores many aspects of human sexuality in an unflinching way but more so than that it delves deep into the psyche to show the many ways in which sexuality changes us.

The main characters all have their own struggles to deal with and share a common meeting place, the Shortbus club in New York City. Indeed the film draws on its setting and many native New yorkers will recognize some political satire in the film. The Shortbus club is described as a refuge "for the gifted and challenged" and in this fascinating and intense setting the characters manage to strive to achieve everything they have been hoping for. (Trailer contains spoilers)

South Africa: Wealth and Woe

When you think of South Africa, what comes to mind? Do you think of fantastic rugby, Nelson Mandela, breathtaking safari's or the apartheid policy? Maybe now you have begun to associate the country with the World Cup, set to begin on Friday.

As with all major international events it always causes the media to take a closer look at the country in question. We all remember the unprecedented coverage of China in the run up to the 2008 Olympics. However, I've yet to anything approaching the same amount of coverage on this interesting African nation.

Cumbrian Tragedy

One of the more shocking events of recent weeks was the slaughter which began in the Cumbrian town of Whitehaven and extended throughout the countryside.

The gunman, a local 52 year old taxi man killed 12 of his neignbours including his twin brother and the family's solicitor after what is suspected to have been a dispute over the contents of a family will.

Me and Movies

So having given you a little introduction to some of the fantastic movies that may have gone unnoticed to some of you but that have had an extreme and profound effect on me, movies that show a great and unparalleled capacity to investigate the human psyche or dazzle with astonishing beauty, heart or just plain story telling. In this post I'm going to look at a few of those such films which are not in the English language.

Y Tu Mamá También

One of the very first films I've ever seen not in English, it takes place in Mexico. Two friends Julio and Tenoch (played by real life pals Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna) embark on a road trip with Luisa (Maribel Verdú) heading to a beach they have fabricated in their minds in order to impress the older woman. the film deals with the sexual journey the group experience together in a beautiful, often funny and unashamed way. When I watched this film I was in my last years of an all boys high school. Watching the two average teenage boys extolling their sexual prowess but also seeing them as immature and flawed showed me how perfectly this film deals with this period in the lives of many young men. Coupled with snapshots of Mexican culture along their travels Y tu Mama Tambien is a fantastic piece of film making that shows us simply that life is a journey and along the way the things we experience make us who we are. (More after the break)

How do you Solve a Problem Like Korea?

I have watched the increasing tensions in Korea with great interest. It combines two of my great interests Asian cultures and dictatorships. IN the South Seoul stands bright as a bustling prosperous modern metropolis of over 10 million, backed by the US and basking in the benefits of the Tiger economy of the last couple years (obviously hurting in the face of the world's economic meltdown).

In stark contrast the Northern Dictatorship under the leadership of Kim Jong-Il (but the eternal presidency of his dead father Kim Il-Sung) has been suffering greatly under its policy of Juche or self reliance developed by the deceased eternal President. The country has the fifth largest army in the world despite a population of 23 million and remains in receipt of large amounts of food aid, mainly from the South and its strongest ally China.

Israel V Palestine Round ?

No conflict is more saddening or has lasted for a longer time than the dreadful tensions between Israel and Palestine.

After the countless atrocities committed over a period spanning over 100 years we find ourselves remaining entrenched in a never ending struggle between two deeply divided groups. The roots of the conflict are complex to say the least and more so than with many of the world's current conflicts it is difficult to point out a clear villain.