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filmista · 3 years

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Shadow of a Doubt (1943)

“Money? How can you talk about money when I'm talking about souls? We eat and sleep and that's about all. We don't even have any real conversations. We just talk.”

Hitchcock was already on his sixth project in the US when he made Shadow of a Doubt in 1943 (six films in three years!), but reportedly he nevertheless regarded the film as his first real "American movie”. Which was true, in the sense that it was his first story in which the country as a setting was an irreplaceable part of the plot as well.

Where his war thrillers were still set in different countries and films like Rebecca and Suspicion simply took place back in England, Shadow of a Doubt is an American story par excellence, about sudden danger in a safe, all-American suburb and about traditional American values that cease to mean anything in the face of danger.

The story takes place in Santa Rosa, California, it’s the kind of town that looks eerily like Main Street in Disneyland - houses with white fences around them, with nice, of course white nuclear families in them. The Newton family might be the whitest most representative family of all: father Joseph (Henry Travers) works in a bank, mother Emma (Patricia Collinge) stays at home, daughter Charlie (Teresa Wright) has hit puberty and regularly grumbles about the banality of her life, while the two younger children, Ann and Roger, are just kind of there.

That boringness comes to an end when Emma's brother, Uncle Charlie (Joseph Cotton), comes to visit. He remains vague about his activities and the reason for his sudden visit. He often makes cynical remarks that they don't often hear at the Newton's and when a local newspaper wants to take a picture of him he must make a visible effort to keep from hitting the photographer in the face. Young Charlie initially finds it all very exciting that her uncle is coming to mess up the status quo in the house, but comes to suspect that uncle Charlie might be a murderer on the run.

The contrast between the innocence of small-town America (that’s probably laid on a bit too thick here with a few very naive ones opening scenes) and the corruption lurking in the form of Uncle Charlie, is the main theme of Shadow of a Doubt The Newtons live in a bright, innocent world, guided by blind faith in authority (“God bless the President of the United States ”, youngest daughter Ann prays at one point) and believe in the values of a simple life. Uncle Charlie on the other hand, makes uncomfortable comments about fraud at his brother in law’s bank (“We don’t joke about that here,” Joseph weakly protests), Goes on monologues about “greedy, fat women ”who live on their husbands' money and in general wants nothing to do with that normal, banal life.

The interesting thing lies in the mentality Hitchcock assumes against this contradiction between innocence and nihilism. The Newtons are, of course, the nominal heroes of the story in the end, Hitchcock neatly extends a happy ending to his film and pays lip service to the conventions (the bad guys must of course be punished in the end). But in the meantime, Uncle Charlie is by far the most interesting character in the whole movie, that’s initially welcomed by his niece as a welcome change from the normally boring life in Santa Rosa, and he is also the only one in the film that appears to be completely living and willing and to live in reality.

Everyone else shields themselves from reality: father Joseph fantasises about murder scenarios, mother Emma stares blindly at the past and seems to live more in her youth then in the here and now, and even youngest daughter Ann is constantly buried with her nose between the books. Everyone in Newton family actually seems to prefer to be somewhere else, somewhere in a less annoying version of reality, with the exception of daughter Charlie, who rebels, and youngest son Roger, who is hardly elaborated as a character. Uncle Charlie, on the other hand, is a smooth, charming guy who seems to know perfectly how the world works and doesn’t need fantasies to make his life bearable.

He might be a murderer but damn it, he’s not boring. Hitchcock could - certainly not in 1943 - let the final victory be for anyone but the Newtons, but it’s clear that he finds Uncle Charlie endlessly more fascinating and amusing. The fact that the Uncle Charlie's nihilism manifests itself during a key monologue as misogyny (with “useless women proud of their money but nothing else ”), gave rise once again to the usual allegations of misogyny against the director, but that doesn't really seem to fit with the nuanced, ambiguous way in which Teresa Wright plays Charlie.

After all, the two Charlies are played out during the whole movie as two contrasting, aspects of the same character. Uncle Charlie is the darkness, young Charlie is the light, but they form a part of the same whole. Hitchcock is constantly playing with a twin theme in Shadow of a Doubt emphasising the similarities between them.

Beyond the fact that they have the same name, they are also both introduced in the same way in the story (we see them lying in bed in similar poses) an allusion to a psychic connection between them (“you believe in telepathy? ”) and Hitchcock constantly insists on their similar character (“I know you don't like people much says Uncle Charlie, but I sense somewhere deep inside you have a secret - just like me ”).

The tension between them is almost sexual - the connection they feel at the beginning of the movie often looks like flirtation - and when Charlie finds out what her uncle really does for a living, she decides to keep quiet. With that decision to choose her uncle instead of law and order, she becomes an ambiguous character, whom we sense could maybe (just maybe) be able to transition to what you would call in Star Wars terms the dark side just like her uncle. Charlie is one of Hitchcock's most interesting female characters, and one that you would probably never find in the film of a true misogynist.

The film by today's standards, takes too much time to really get going and also suffers from an inconclusive romance between Charlie and the horribly boring cop Jack Graham (McDonald Carey) - It's vaguely interesting to imagine what kind of married life the two would have, probably one filled with long, boring evenings in separate twin beds. On the other hand is Hitchcock's distinctive visual style (note how Uncle Charlie is constantly associated with smoke) and excellent acting. Teresa Wright is one of Hitch's most captivating heroines, and Joseph Cotton plays against his sympathetic image with apparent gusto.

As is often the case, the villain in Shadow of a Doubt is much more interesting than the good guys - this is a thriller about a disturbance in the tedious life of awfully normal people which doesn’t dare to openly say it, but does dare to suggest, that such interference isn’t necessarily a bad thing. To commit murder is perhaps not a nice thing, but it does wake one up.

@purecinema @mad-prophet-of-the-airwaves @idasessions @missdubois @film-peaks @siobhanlovesfilm

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extasiswings · 4 years

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Hi! I'm just here to praise you and your brain (and the anon's cause they're asking the important questions) for your explanation about how Eddie's racial background shaped a lot of his decisions cuz I'm going to be honest, I was feeling bad for Shannon after 3x15 but what she did was fucked up and selfish in the end and from what we've seen Eddie is really influenced by this idea that is way too common in latinx culture that the men needs to provide and keep the family together and 1/3

and that he needs to keep his shit together for better or for worse and yeah, neither of them were ready to have a family but Eddie was doing what he was taught to do, what his father did (work to provide and not be there enough, physically or emotionally) so thanks for taking the time to explain all of that and for helping me see it from another perspective cuz I'm latinx but I'm from like, the whitest country in South America and also we're so different from the u.s. so your explanation 2/3

about unemployment and military in texas helped a lot too. Sorry, this ended up being longer than expected but thank you! 3/3

Thank YOU and you’re more than welcome! Character analysis is a big thing for me and I’m always happy to provide perspective and some extra nuance where it seems to be lacking. Eddie is very important to me and wonderfully complex (just like Buck is) and it bothers me whenever characters of color are held to impossible standards and aren’t given the same allowances from fandoms to be complicated/to have flaws/to have very human reactions to things. And it doubly bothers me with Eddie because I see so much acknowledgment of his background in very superficial and stereotypical ways (see: all my frustration with casual Spanish in fic), but no real understanding of how that background plays a role in his development/perspective/etc, and certainly nothing to the extent of analysis that Buck is afforded (and I love Buck, I do, but the differences in fandom reactions are...noticeable).

#chapel talks #ask #chimbuckleys

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pdx-flaneuse · 4 years

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Alberta Neighborhood Analysis

The Alberta neighborhood seems to one of affluence and many renovations. Its part of town wasn’t always like this though. It took a lot of transformation to get Alberta to what is today. Streetcars began service along Alberta Street in the early 1900s. That is also around the time where businesses began operating along the busy street. The increasing number of pedestrians along with the trolley service provided economic liveliness to the street. Transportation played a large role in sustaining the life of Alberta neighborhood (Rizaari).

Seeing many of the “Black Lives Matter” signs signifies a movement that campaigns against the systemic racism and violence towards black people. Historically, Portland has had quite a racist past as well as being the Whitest City in America. Oregon itself has never been welcoming to its minorities, which is why its population results in 72.2 percent white and only 6.3 percent African American. Not only do people of color face violence, but they fall behind white families in employment, health outcomes, and high-school graduation rates. (Semuels).

Middle to upper class folks were were the primary makeup of the neighborhood. It’s also a very family friendly neighborhood; I saw children out and about playing on the sidewalks and riding their bikes. I saw many people walking their dogs, which suggests that pet ownership is very common here.

Affluent, thriving with a variety of businesses, upscale boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bars, and a gym. The layout of the neighborhood resembles ones from the past where everything is in walking distance from each other.

There appears to be a mix of both modern and older architectural style buildings. Many of the buildings incorporated second floor apartments that allowed business owners and their families to live above their establishments. Neighborhoods that lie near the commercial corridor along Alberta Street began to thrive as well, with decently sized homes being constructed during housing booms from 1905 to 1913. The housing provided homes for many of the German and Russian immigrants who arrived (Rizarri).

There were a balanced mix of businesses as well as residential homes along with newly built condos and apartments amongst single family homes that consisted of conditions from old to new. There is a correlation between foot traffic and housing density here; the street of businesses brings in visitors and affluence which increases population over time.

The neighborhood is geared towards all kinds of transportation styles, whether it be driving, busing, biking, scootering, or walking. There were plenty of people out and about on the streets having a good time and enjoying themselves; it felt like a cozy, comfortable environment. As a pedestrian out and about, I felt happy and safe. Considering it was around evening when the sun was setting, I still felt at ease being here.

There were plenty of greenery around me, from large trees in front of businesses to beautiful garden fronts in front of businesses or neighborhood homes. It makes the area feel livelier, inviting and more colorful. There was a plethora of public art, I could not turn a corner and not see a large mural. The large artworks really gives this part of Portland personality and a sense of individuality; it reflects how local artists express themselves giving viewers like myself new insights regarding Portland.

This diversity of elements is what drives the success of this neighborhood, the variety of shops, restaurants, homes. According to Jacobs, a neighborhood cannot thrive without these various factors fueling it (Jacobs).

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orlandotruth7-blog · 6 years

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Florida Vacations | Buzzle.com

We usually do the best that we are able to in order to find the best content that you can read on the internet. I do know you will enjoy this informative article. Things to Do in Destin, Florida Home to the best beaches in the world, Destin, located in northwest Florida, has become a premier vacation destination. Featuring countless attractions like water parks, marine parks, and cruises, it is a place of indulgence and... Best Vacation Spots in Florida The 'Sunshine State' of Florida, with one of the largest coastlines in the US, is home to some of the most exotic vacation destinations of the world. Owing to its long coastline and pleasant warm climate, it's an ideal holiday... Places to Visit in Orlando Orlando, Florida is one of the best vacation hot spots across the globe. This article provides information about the various places, which can be visited in this region. Family Vacations in Florida This article has some useful suggestions about affordable family vacations in Florida. So, keep reading to know where you can go and make the most of your family vacation. Places to Visit in Florida So, you are planning for a vacation in Florida but you are confused, where exactly to go in this beautiful state? So here's some information about some of the best places that can be visited in this state. Best Beaches in Florida Located between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Florida has an enviable 1100 miles of beaches. Come and explore its best beaches. History of Pensacola Although the city of Pensacola has had an impressive history, it is known commonly for its countless tourist attractions. Located in Florida, it was the first European settlement in continental United States, and was a cause of... History of Daytona Beach The Sun, the sand, and the sea with bikes, car racing and a friendly society is awaiting your arrival! Welcome to Daytona- world's most famous beach. It is the perfect holiday destination for every age and a popular choice for... Orlando Travel Guide Of magical kingdoms and dancing dolphins, Orlando is a city of joy, pleasure, and indulgence. In this Buzzle article, we tell you a few things that you should not miss when visiting this beautiful city. Best Places to Live in Florida Living in Florida, specially near the waters, does seem like a dream for many. The state offers some of the most picturesque locations in the country. However, reality is far from a dream. Relocating to Florida requires a lot of... Secluded Beaches in Florida Florida is one of the most amazing holiday destinations in the world. The long stretches of beaches, the soothing weather, and the natural beauty prevalent throughout the state ensure tourists flock to it year after year. While... Interesting Facts About Florida A warm climate, tourism, and production of oranges are just a few of the several things that Florida is famous for. It is also known for being a large peninsula and for having a long coastline. Read this Buzzle article for some... Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Yes, we're all aware how Florida is every beach lover's favorite destination. But we aren't talking about just any beach here. Buzzle lists the best white sand beaches in the Sunshine State. Palm Beach Vacation Ideas on a Budget For many, Florida does not exist outside of Orlando and Miami. But in fact, there exists a part of Florida which is an economical and yet highly enjoyable vacationing destination. In this Buzzle post on Palm Beach vacation ideas,... Interesting Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida The oldest-known continuous European settlement in America, the city of St. Augustine offers numerous mesmerizing experiences to her visitors. From museums and galleries to historic hotels to forts to beaches, and even tales of... Top 10 Things to Do in Kissimmee Are you planning a trip to Kissimmee, Florida? Great! If you are wondering about the top 10 things to do in Kissimmee, you have hit the right page, just scroll down. Best Places to Live in Florida for Retirees Florida has always been one of the best places for retirees and old citizens to live in. If you wish to find out which are the best places to live in Florida for retirees, here's all you need to know. Things to do in Miami Miami is a place full of great activities, and once you set foot there, it won't be long before your face is glowing with joy and enthusiasm. The energy and excitement of the place is simply contagious! How to Find Cheap Disney World Holiday Resorts Disney World is one of the most popular recreational and amusement parks in the world. It is a famous holiday spot for not only the kids but also their parents. For the budget traveler, this article provides some cheap resort... Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Known for its beautiful beaches and notable historical and cultural attractions, the city of Fort Lauderdale is ideally termed the 'Venice of America'. Take a look at some of the key attractions of this stunning tourist destination. Beachfront Hotels in Destin, Florida A popular holiday destination in the state of Florida, Destin is famous for its world-class white beaches and fishing resorts. You can find information on the beachfront hotels situated there in this article. Pensacola Attractions: Things to do in Pensacola Pensacola is a city in the US State of Florida and is famous as a seaport. It is popularly known for the world's whitest beaches and is well known for outdoor adventure sports, beaches and museums. Miami Beach Hotels and Resorts Want to experience a warm, balmy breeze, calm blue waters, and cool sandy shores? If yes, then Miami Beach is the place to be. Here's more. Best South Beach Hotels, Miami South Beach, Miami is a frenetic place filled with sun-worshipers and nightlife pilgrims. Check out some of the hotels that dot this coastal region oozing with fun and frolic. https://www.buzzle.com/articles/florida-vacations/

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myorlandonow23-blog · 6 years

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Florida Vacations | Buzzle.com

We usually do the best that we are able to to find the most effective posts you might want to read on-line. I know that you are going to like this post. Things to Do in Destin, Florida Home to the best beaches in the world, Destin, located in northwest Florida, has become a premier vacation destination. Featuring countless attractions like water parks, marine parks, and cruises, it is a place of indulgence and... Best Vacation Spots in Florida The 'Sunshine State' of Florida, with one of the largest coastlines in the US, is home to some of the most exotic vacation destinations of the world. Owing to its long coastline and pleasant warm climate, it's an ideal holiday... Places to Visit in Orlando Orlando, Florida is one of the best vacation hot spots across the globe. This article provides information about the various places, which can be visited in this region. Family Vacations in Florida This article has some useful suggestions about affordable family vacations in Florida. So, keep reading to know where you can go and make the most of your family vacation. Places to Visit in Florida So, you are planning for a vacation in Florida but you are confused, where exactly to go in this beautiful state? So here's some information about some of the best places that can be visited in this state. Best Beaches in Florida Located between the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Florida has an enviable 1100 miles of beaches. Come and explore its best beaches. History of Pensacola Although the city of Pensacola has had an impressive history, it is known commonly for its countless tourist attractions. Located in Florida, it was the first European settlement in continental United States, and was a cause of... History of Daytona Beach The Sun, the sand, and the sea with bikes, car racing and a friendly society is awaiting your arrival! Welcome to Daytona- world's most famous beach. It is the perfect holiday destination for every age and a popular choice for... Orlando Travel Guide Of magical kingdoms and dancing dolphins, Orlando is a city of joy, pleasure, and indulgence. In this Buzzle article, we tell you a few things that you should not miss when visiting this beautiful city. Best Places to Live in Florida Living in Florida, specially near the waters, does seem like a dream for many. The state offers some of the most picturesque locations in the country. However, reality is far from a dream. Relocating to Florida requires a lot of... Secluded Beaches in Florida Florida is one of the most amazing holiday destinations in the world. The long stretches of beaches, the soothing weather, and the natural beauty prevalent throughout the state ensure tourists flock to it year after year. While... Interesting Facts About Florida A warm climate, tourism, and production of oranges are just a few of the several things that Florida is famous for. It is also known for being a large peninsula and for having a long coastline. Read this Buzzle article for some... Best White Sand Beaches in Florida Yes, we're all aware how Florida is every beach lover's favorite destination. But we aren't talking about just any beach here. Buzzle lists the best white sand beaches in the Sunshine State. Palm Beach Vacation Ideas on a Budget For many, Florida does not exist outside of Orlando and Miami. But in fact, there exists a part of Florida which is an economical and yet highly enjoyable vacationing destination. In this Buzzle post on Palm Beach vacation ideas,... Interesting Things to Do in St. Augustine, Florida The oldest-known continuous European settlement in America, the city of St. Augustine offers numerous mesmerizing experiences to her visitors. From museums and galleries to historic hotels to forts to beaches, and even tales of... Top 10 Things to Do in Kissimmee Are you planning a trip to Kissimmee, Florida? Great! If you are wondering about the top 10 things to do in Kissimmee, you have hit the right page, just scroll down. Best Places to Live in Florida for Retirees Florida has always been one of the best places for retirees and old citizens to live in. If you wish to find out which are the best places to live in Florida for retirees, here's all you need to know. Things to do in Miami Miami is a place full of great activities, and once you set foot there, it won't be long before your face is glowing with joy and enthusiasm. The energy and excitement of the place is simply contagious! How to Find Cheap Disney World Holiday Resorts Disney World is one of the most popular recreational and amusement parks in the world. It is a famous holiday spot for not only the kids but also their parents. For the budget traveler, this article provides some cheap resort... Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Known for its beautiful beaches and notable historical and cultural attractions, the city of Fort Lauderdale is ideally termed the 'Venice of America'. Take a look at some of the key attractions of this stunning tourist destination. Beachfront Hotels in Destin, Florida A popular holiday destination in the state of Florida, Destin is famous for its world-class white beaches and fishing resorts. You can find information on the beachfront hotels situated there in this article. Pensacola Attractions: Things to do in Pensacola Pensacola is a city in the US State of Florida and is famous as a seaport. It is popularly known for the world's whitest beaches and is well known for outdoor adventure sports, beaches and museums. Miami Beach Hotels and Resorts Want to experience a warm, balmy breeze, calm blue waters, and cool sandy shores? If yes, then Miami Beach is the place to be. Here's more. Best South Beach Hotels, Miami South Beach, Miami is a frenetic place filled with sun-worshipers and nightlife pilgrims. Check out some of the hotels that dot this coastal region oozing with fun and frolic. https://www.buzzle.com/articles/florida-vacations/

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curatedglobaltravel · 6 years

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Last Minute Holiday Getaway Ideas You'll Love For A Fabulous Winter

Do you need to end your year with something spectacular? Or find that guaranteed fabulous start to your new year? Scouring every corner of the globe, our experts have hand picked amazing destinations to escape to this winter! The perfect cure for those January blues! You’ll add a few more pages to your bucket list after reading our top destinations around the world, starting with...

South America - Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Columbia

Feel the rhythms shake through your bones at the carnivals in Brazil. Explore the depths of the jungles of Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia. Experience and learn about the world’s biggest rain-forest, the Amazon. Really get people’s eyebrows raising when you tell them you’re going to spend the holidays in South America! Have a completely new winter holiday experience by basking in the sun on soft white sands and mesmerizing blue seas. Not a snowflake in sight! You’ll swap out your thick coats and big boots for light short-sleeve tops and sandals, whilst lapping up the luxuries of this unspoiled nature retreat on the water. Your family will love these adventure-packed destinations!

Quebec City, Canada

Still love wrapping up warm and heading out into the crisp winter days? Quebec City is full of Christmas delights that will fulfill your holiday spirits. Get lost in the popular German Christmas markets and villages, blanketed by the warm scents of honey roasted chestnuts and sweet treats. Learn to ice skate at Place D’Youville for that perfect winter photo. Explore one-of-a-kind UNESCO World Heritage treasures on an exciting carriage tour. To top it all off, stay in the most talked about hotel in the city, Hotel De Glace, an ice hotel that oozes frosty fantasies. Unique to North America (the only one of its kind), choose from 44 themed rooms and suites that have been injected with colorful lights. After a day of sightseeing and Christmas shopping, relax in the hotel’s many hot tubs and saunas. You’ll be totally whisked away into another world this Christmas.

Sedona, Arizona

Stunning Sedona scenery awaits your itchy traveller feet! Escape the hectic Christmas scenes from home to a land where peace, healing, and wellness are set centre stage. Lose yourself gazing at the vast canyons and mesa’s. Find contentment at the healing spas. Be enlightened in the vibrant arts scene. Once you have found calm, energize yourself with horseback riding, rafting, biking, and other activities! You’ll be surprised how much you can do over this Christmas!

London, England

London is electric at Christmas! Home to the most flamboyant shopping displays that provide passers by a theatrical show, you’ll be mesmerized by the energized department stores that Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridge’s, and Liberty’s all create. Marvel at the sheer amount of Christmas lights on every street you turn, juxtaposed upon the quintessential old buildings of traditional London. Really take all this energy in by ice skating at Somerset House, joining in by candlelight with the carollers at the Royal Albert Hall, and sinking into a comfy seat watching The Nutcracker at The Royal Opera House. Families will love the many museums with great kids activities too! The V&A Museum is forever a popular choice, with The Science Museum right next door. Love Christmas? Love London!

Tuscany, Italy

Get the best of Italy this Christmas without all the crowds. Experience a more peaceful Italy this December at the Toscana Resort Castelfalfi. Located in the heart of Tuscany, you’re never far from Italian culinary delights and fine wines, which can be grouped together with tours and tastings. You’ll also have the luxury to choose from unlimited golf and spa packages, to Christmas and New Year’s Eve specials that include live music and exquisite, romantic accommodations.

Central America - Costa Rica, and Panama & Mexico

Jump on over to a culture rich destination paired with the some of the world’s most beautiful beaches! See the fascinating Chichen Itza in Yucatan, then venture down to Ek Balam for the well-preserved sculptures and carvings on the walls and temples. All that exploring needs the perfect sun, sand and sea treatment, so stretch out along the stunning beaches of Celestun and Progreso. Your family albums will be full of great memories from this trip!

South Africa

Escape to The Cape! Often overlooked but never to disappoint, South Africa has sunshine, beaches, culture, food, and the world’s best safaris! See enormous elephants, lounging leopards, rumbling rhinos, and lions yawning ferociously in their natural habitats!

The Caribbean

There are still many stunning islands open to visitors! Turks & Cacaos, the Dominican Republic, Grenada and more have announced that they are welcoming many back to vacation, with lots of spaces left! Dip your toes into the bright, turquoise seas lined with the whitest sands you’ll ever see! Did you know you can volunteer your vacation time and help the many thousands in need? Just let us know and we can arrange one of the most rewarding excursions of your life!

Northern and Eastern Europe

Finland and Sweden, Estonia and Croatia, and many more! These countries are gear up to what they really do best; Christmas markets! Unmatched by their twinkle, shine, hot chocolates and sweet treats, these destinations are sure to dazzle your family! Pick up exclusive, traditional and local gifts for a surprising holiday season.

India

Fancy escaping more than the country this season? Try flying into a totally different world! India is sure to give you those fascinating stories to tell your close friends and family, as well as incredible photos to stick to your refrigerator door or frame on your desk at work. Begin in the fast-paced, hilariously chaotic, and bustling cities in the north such as Mumbai and New Delhi. Connecting New Delhi is Jaipur and Agra forming the Golden Triangle, creating a stunning and energetic tour of some of India’s best known sights. Take a trip down south where the vibe is a lot more chilled out. Reflect on your vacation by laying down on one of the many picturesque beaches along the coast.

Israel and Jordan

Spirituality is a powerful and euphoric feeling, matching it with the joyful communities and bustling market streets of Israel and Jordan and you’ll have a vacation you’ll never forget!

Morocco

The deep and colorful scents of magical Morocco will move you down into the narrow market streets, overflowing with vibrant, locally made goods. When the sun dips below the horizon, Morocco shimmers as night lights illuminate plazas, cafes, and restaurants with a warm golden glow. You’ll be speechless at Morocco’s incredible beauty.

South East Asia and The South Pacific

Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Tahiti, and The Islands of French Polynesia! Big, bustling cities to quiet, calming, towns. South East Asia has a wide variety of destinations catering to both sides of the spectrum. Your family will love trying the vast variety of foods and spices available throughout this region. Scorpion on a stick anyone??

USA - Southern California, Hawaii, Florida

Fly like a bird this December and migrate south to avoid those harsh winter temperatures. Warm up those feathers on the sunny shores of Florida. Get an island vibe without leaving the USA by heading over to Hawaii. Take back breath-taking photos with you from a tropical paradise Christmas. There’s almost limitless choices for you to enjoy, from snorkeling to taking a cruise around Kealakekua Bay and other scenic wonders , to touring the rain forests of Hana and the eye-opening sea cliffs of Maui via Maverick Helicopters. Outdoor enthusiasts can opt for a whale-watching kayak tour while those seeking a restful spa vacation can find the perfect retreat. Getting a golden tan this season is totally possible! Explore your backyard parts of the USA for a straightforward but relaxing vacation! Leave your heavy coats in the wardrobe this December!

BONUS - UNESCO sites?!?!

We’ve Got ‘em! Are you are eager to get your world heritage tour started?. Contact us now for a free travel planning consultation and we can begin to map out your bucket list!

Click here now to book your adventure with Curated Global Travel!

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thedeadshotnetwork · 6 years

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What I Learned from Mexican Women in Prison This article was published in collaboration with the Marshall Project . I always knew high school Spanish would come in handy one day. I just didn't think that day would come in a federal prison. Fact: I am a white woman in my 20s. Three years of Spanish, one semester in college, and one protracted journey into drug addiction led me to this particular juncture. (I am serving a 60-month sentence for conspiracy to distribute heroin.) Before arriving here at F.C.I. (Federal Correctional Institution) Dublin in Northern California, I already knew its racial composition would be very different from what I was used to in my hometown of Portland—which sees itself as a racially and culturally diverse bastion of tolerance but is actually the whitest major city in America. I was prepared to be in the minority for the first time in my life. But I never could have predicted how few Americans I would find in an American prison. Almost as soon as I set foot inside the razor wire, I realized I’d be sharing this controlled space with hundreds of women who have ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) “holds,” meaning ICE can move to deport them upon completion of their sentence. Almost all the women I know are here for the same crime: attempting to cross the border, through a checkpoint and using a U.S.-issued visa, but with drugs concealed in their vehicle. A lot of these Mexican women routinely crossed the border just to go shopping, they’ve told me. But, precisely because they had a visa, they were eventually targeted by criminal organizations and enticed to smuggle drugs. (Disclaimer: When I say Mexicans, I mean Mexican citizens. In all my time here, I’ve known exactly one Colombian and one Guatemalan.) These women have never lived in the U.S. and many speak no English at all. But when you share roughly 100 square feet of floor space and a toilet with three other humans, communication is imperative. I hadn’t used my Spanish in years, but on my first night here, I began retrieving it from the depths of my mind. “Me llamo Morgan,” I said, stumbling to introduce myself to my new cellmate. “Tengo veintiséis años. Cómo te llamas?” She found this toddler-level Spanish to be rather endearing, though she couldn’t stop laughing at me. Before arriving here, I’d had a deep fear that prison would make me stupid, with its lack of intellectual stimulation. Now I looked at all the non-English speakers and saw an opportunity to learn. And since it was a financial impossibility to finish my bachelor's degree while incarcerated, I decided becoming fluent in Spanish was in fact the most beneficial thing I could do with my time. Soon, I had ordered a Spanish-English dictionary and a verb conjugation book, and began to study every day. I would ask to join a group of Mexican women at their table and, although I could barely communicate with them at first, was always welcomed. (Because I am at a women’s prison and not a men’s, with their racially exclusive gangs, the inmates tend not to segregate themselves by skin color or language.) There was no flowing conversation, just halting speech and long pauses while I feverishly searched for words in my books. Every interaction taught me something new: whether it was taking a shower or microwaving a meal or placing a phone call, it required communication. Prison is a lesson in scarcity, which means long lines for everything. To get one of the shower stalls, I must ask, “Who’s next in the shower?” But shouting that over the curtain could very well get me no response, since the odds are about 50/50 the person inside doesn’t speak English. So the first new phrase I learned in prison was, “Quién sigue?” which means, “Who’s next?” That line also got me access to the phone, the microwave, the computer kiosk, the hair straightener and iron. It’s a crucial one around here. As my Spanish improved, I could suddenly tell who was witty, who was raunchy, who was rude and who was sweet. Finally, I knew who was from Tijuana, Baja, Sinaloa, Guadalajara, and Nayarit. My new friends introduced me to real Mexican food (or at least the prison version of it, including chili and salt on my fruit and lemon juice in my Top Ramen), Spanish-language music, and telenovelas. I downloaded dozens of reggaeton songs onto my mp3 player. I also concluded that Spanish-language news coverage is far superior to what’s provided by the mainstream American media. It’s more global, with less repetition and fear-mongering. When Donald Trump got elected, the fear in here was palpable, and Spanish-language media responded. One of the local Mexican radio stations has a regular Q. and A. segment with an immigration attorney in which people desperately ask how to remain in the U.S. There are public service announcements on Spanish-language TV about how to deal with ICE and improve your chances if you’re facing deportation. Simply put , I’ve learned that we care less about things we have no emotional connection to—that’s just human nature. So learning Spanish has fundamentally changed my worldview: I no longer see the same dichotomy between Americans and Mexicans. People facing deportation are not mere abstractions; they’re the friends and family of my friends. The earthquakes in Mexico, the socioeconomic crisis in Venezuela, the hurricane-induced destruction in Puerto Rico—suddenly these things matter to me. I don’t need a translator to hear their pain. Prison hasn’t provided me with any worthwhile vocational training or an opportunity to earn a single college credit. But it did teach me Spanish, because I willed it to be so. And as a result, I’m now living a richer and more humane existence. Millions of people, personalities, pieces of music, poems and literary works are now within my grasp. I've even acquired a taste for banda—which I’d always thought was just polka music with naughty Spanish lyrics. I just finished my first novel in another language. All thanks to federal prison in 2017. Morgan Godvin, 28, is incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California, where she is serving 60 months for conspiracy to distribute heroin. December 15, 2017 at 03:31PM

#Blogger

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newstfionline · 7 years

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In cities that vote blue, no immunity from racism

Patrik Jonsson, CS Monitor, August 18, 2017

PORTLAND, ORE.--As she has watched white leftists engage in street battles with white nationalists on Portland’s waterfront, Debi Smith has been struck with a sense of gratitude for those willing to fight, in a sense, for her.

But for the life-long Pacific Northwest resident, who is African-American, her thankfulness comes with a caveat grounded in personal experience and history.

After all, Ms. Smith has also watched black people, by both choice and force of circumstances, leaving the City of Roses, their numbers declining since 2010. Progressive to its core, Portland is also America’s whitest big city--in part the troubling legacy of Oregon’s founding goal in the 19th century of creating a white utopia through exclusionary laws.

Here in a city of hops and hipsters, where Republicans have been all but banished, Ms. Smith’s properties have been vandalized with racist graffiti--a particularly sore point since they are one of the only black families left in what was once the core of black Portland, around the corner from where Duke Ellington used to hang out.

“Portland is, in fact, a white utopia, so, for black people, that means race is always there,” says Smith, a Human Resources manager for Multnomah County, where the percentage of registered Republicans dropped from 24 percent in 2001 to 14 percent in 2014. “Trump unleashed a lot of racial hatred, but there are a lot of old-school folks even here in Portland who are still very uncomfortable with black people.”

The growing tensions nationally are punctuating a complicated truth in Portland and other so-called liberal “whitopias”--that structural racism may be harder to see, but can be just as insidious as the “blood and soil” chants heard in Charlottesville, Va., last weekend.

From Minneapolis to Portland, the moral equivocation of President Trump on the deadly violence in Charlottesville is, thus, highlighting “the hypocrisy of white people around our activism,” says Jessie Daniels, author of “White Lies” and a sociologist at the City University of New York.

Indeed, she says, cities where every coffee shop is plastered with “All Are Welcome” posters tend to be the very ones where many white residents display “a kind of ignorance, an inability to see and understand the world that we have created. It is where we get this shock, this amazement, at overt white supremacy.”

In that way, as Portland focuses new economic development efforts on the black community and rethinks its housing policy, the city offers a glimpse of a work in progress--a journey to not just absolve past racial sins, but to stop committing them.

In recent days, clashes over Confederate monuments and free speech rights for hard-right rallies are spilling into American streets and dominating the news. Portlanders have clashed over similar issues, repeatedly since last fall, with fists, sticks, and silly string.

Three people were killed during last weekend’s clashes in Charlottesville, including a female counter-protester who was run over by a Nazi sympathizer in an act being investigated as domestic terrorism.

So far, city officials have pointed to outside agitators as the culprits. But in Charlottesville, the organizer of the “Unite the Right” rally is a local. And Richard Spencer, a self-described alt-right white nationalist who greeted Trump’s inauguration with a “Hail Trump!” salute, attended the University of Virginia.

“Signs declaring allegiance to the principles of diversity and inclusion dot the landscape here ... performative progressivism,” writes University of Virginia Prof. Nicole Hemmer in Vox. “But Charlottesville is not as comprehensively liberal as the visuals suggest.”

Indeed, in Portland and elsewhere, simply confronting phalanxes of white nationalists on the streets may fail to address the hypocrisy Ms. Daniels refers to and, she adds, “betrays only a surface understanding of white supremacy.”

Earlier this year, a black farmer in Charlottesville, Chris Newman, noted on Facebook, “It isn’t Richard Spencer calling the cops on me for farming while Black. It’s nervous White women in yoga pants with ‘I’m with Her’ and ‘Coexist’ stickers on their German SUVs.”

“When we think about the history of race and racism, we have a kind of collective sensibility that these are things that happened in the South,” says Portland native Neda Maghbouleh, author of “The Limits of Whiteness,” and a sociologist at the University of Toronto. “But there’s a pattern of really big immigration cases that started in Portland, one which centers on a naturalization examiner in the 1920s, who would habitually reject applications of naturalization from the Middle East, claiming that they don’t meet the requirements as free white people. Understanding that was a full-circle moment for me--a smoking gun.”

Similar to other progressive West Coast enclaves--from Seattle to San Francisco--African-Americans are exiting long-held Portland neighborhoods in droves. Census numbers show 10,000 African-Americans moved from areas near the city’s center to its edge suburbs between 2000 and 2010, and the Manhattan Institute found that trend continuing into this decade, with 11.5 percent of the remaining population leaving between 2010 and 2014. Black Americans make up only 3.1 percent of Oregon’s population; the national average is 13 percent. Blacks seem to be finding more and better opportunities in areas with more diversity: the South, the Midwest and the Northeast, in that order.

Walidah Imarisha, a local poet and author of “Angels with Dirty Faces,” says, “Portlanders still frame this idea of where people live as a choice, and that if black people aren’t there it’s a choice they are making.”

People often relocate for positive as well as negative reasons, of course. But she says that if the changes in Portland were largely positive, black household wealth would be increasing along with that of white households, instead of black neighborhoods being steamrolled by development and gentrification.

The few US counties where black wealth exceeds white wealth are largely in the South and Midwest, around diverse cities such as Chicago and Atlanta. Boston, Minneapolis, and Portland, on the other hand, are failing to generate black wealth. In Minnesota, minority households have median incomes about 50 percent of their white counterparts, down from 74 percent in 1960.

Last year, the Boston Federal Reserve Bank found that for every $1 of white wealth in Massachusetts’ liberal bastion of Boston, African-Americans claim 2 cents. Charlottesville is among the top 3 percent of US cities when it comes to racial wealth inequality.

And as white Portlanders have grown richer, the median black income has fallen--to less than $30,000 per year. The city’s criminal justice system sends black kids to juvenile detention at four to five times the rate of white kids, for the same misdeeds, according to a Portland State University report. Oregon and Portland have “been slow to dismantle overtly racist policies,” with the effect of “limiting the ways our community has been able to advance and thrive,” the report concludes.

Settled largely by New Englanders, Oregon enshrined white supremacy in its original Constitution, punishing blacks with six lashes for overstaying a two-year welcome. Exclusionary policies didn’t end until the 1990s, when redlining--an illegal process of keeping black homeowners out of certain neighborhoods--ended.

In its wake, the hipster haven of “Portlandia” emerged. Many of that popular comedy show’s skits have been filmed in the city’s former black neighborhoods--with nary a black person in sight.

Mr. Leary, the Portland resident, calls the plight of black Americans in Portland “a great social crime” perpetrated not by overt white supremacists, but well-meaning liberal whites.

On a sunny Portland afternoon, Brian Drew, a software engineer, is watching a fundraising basketball tournament in a town that clearly relishes black culture. Blues and jazz abound, and basketball is the city’s unofficial sport. “Portland is the best of all worlds, rolled into one,” he says. “People care about each other. It’s a collective.”

But according to Ms. Maghbouleh, a 2008 Associated Press photograph of candidate Barack Obama visiting the city sums up the paradox. In the stunning picture, President Obama gazes out--on a sea of white faces.

“Portland is a utopian city--if you are white and wealthy,” adds Ms. Imarisha, the poet, adding that it was designed that way.

Now that legacy is proving stubborn to dislodge, in sometimes tragic ways.

Police say that in late May, Jeremy Christian, a one-time Bernie Sanders supporter who had marched at a white nationalist rally, began harassing two minority women on the city’s light rail MAX line. Three men tried to intercede when Mr. Christian, according to police, produced a knife and stabbed two of them to death.

The deaths fueled more violent clashes by political extremists and have left the city raw.

But it also broke open the “bubble” of Portland’s white history, says Portland State University sociologist Randy Blazak.

“Portland is libertine and a little bit libertarian,” he says. “We are free from the traditional halls of power because we are way out here in the corner of the country. But it creates this strange mix of perception of being very progressive … within this privileged position of racial history in Portland, which is removed from reality. That’s why the MAX murders were shocking to so many white people, but not shocking to so many people of color.”

#Portland Oregon #racism #racism in liberal cities

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mymoviesnob · 7 years

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A Movie Snob Predicts the Oscars - 2017 Edition

Hello again! Welcome to the 2017 edition of A Movie Snob Predicts the Oscars.

As I have been preparing to write this, I’ve been going back over the list of nominees and I noticed a few themes in the films across categories… from overcoming adversity in Hidden Figures and Hacksaw Ridge. to complicated families in Fences. Moonlight and Manchester by the Sea. But the theme I found the most compelling is that of refugees fleeing war torn countries to find a better life for their children in several documentaries, 4.1 Miles, The White Helmets, Fire at Sea and to some extent, Ennemis Interieurs. The Academy was certainly trying to shine a bright light on this global issue and I hope the nominations brought more viewers to hear these stories.

While many of the films were heavy in subject matter, there were a few bright spots as well with small movies like Captain Fantastic, A Man Called Ove, La Femme et la TGV and the not so small and much beloved La La Land.

I typically wrestle with the films I personally enjoyed the most vs those which I believe will actually win. … because, let’s face it, I like being right. This year, I feel like the Academy and I will be pretty well lined up in that regard.

And as the whitest white girl ever, I can’t claim that the diversity issue from past years has been resolved, but this year feels like a step in the right direction.

So, without further ado, here are my picks for the 89th Annual Academy Awards.

Best Picture

Arrival – A film about aliens who land on earth and the linguists who attempt to communicate with them. I found the concept to be interesting, but I could have done without the whole “special powers” thing that Amy Adams’ character experienced. Not a favorite.

Fences – Adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, it was one of this year’s best. Solid performances all around and full of flawed characters and quick dialog.

Hacksaw Ridge – A lot of people who saw this one before I did raved about it. Maybe my expectations going in were too high but I personally did not love it. I agree that this man’s story is miraculous and he’s a true hero. I’m glad his story has been told, but this is not my choice for Best Picture. And who casts Vince Vaughn as a drill sergeant?? Seriously?

Hell or High Water – The Dude, Chris Pine, Ben Foster… some bank robberies and lots of dirt. Good flick, but not the best in this bunch. See it though. I liked it.

Hidden Figures – this is another story I’m glad was told. I had no idea that these women had a hand in getting our space program off the ground. I thoroughly enjoyed it but I don’t think it’s the best.

La La Land – Hands down my favorite movie I’ve seen in years. I’m not typically one for glossy romances, let alone musicals, but this movie is pure magic. It was shot in Cinemascope and from the opening sequence, it had me. This is a throwback to the old Hollywood that made me fall in love with movies. And yes, I actually loved the singing and dancing and even the mushy stuff. This year I will not agonize about my favorite vs. the critical darling because they are one in the same! With all the darkness out there, it was refreshing to have a little light. Anyway.. much more gushing over this one later.

Lion – The amazing true story of a little boy who gets separated from his family in India and adopted by an Australian family. I found this to be more interesting than I expected but it was probably my least favorite of this bunch.

Manchester by the Sea – This is a heartbreaking story of a man who is forced to confront a dark past to care for his nephew after his brother passes away unexpectedly. This is slow and sad and looks at how people deal with loss and grief. This is one I had to reflect upon a bit. Initially, I was not a fan, but it’s not meant to be the “feel good movie of the year” and it accomplishes what it sets out to do.

Moonlight – this is one I saw almost as soon as it came out, not knowing anything at all about it. I went in with no expectations and left pleasantly surprised. Again, not a “feel good” movie, but one that tells the story of a boy, growing up in a drug infested community with a mother who is an addict and a drug dealer as his role model. and father figure. It follows him through three stages in his life and the internal conflict he experiences as he learns who he is. See it.

Actress:

Isabelle Huppert – Elle – I wasn’t able to see this movie… it’s not available anywhere yet in the States, but she did win the Golden Globe so I think she has a shot.

Ruth Negga – Loving – Good movie… I’m surprised it didn’t get more nominations.

Natalie Portman – Jackie – I think she was good in this, but I found the character to be super annoying. I realize she was playing a real person… so maybe that means I would have found Jackie Kennedy to be super annoying? Anyway, not my favorite.

Emma Stone – La La Land – She’s my pick. Singing and dancing and being vulnerable in that way made me love her.

Meryl Streep – Florence Foster Jenkins – She can do no wrong… we all know this.

Supporting Actress:

Viola Davis – Fences – Hands down, no brainer, this is her night. She was AMAZING. She put Denzel in his place like her life depended on it. She will win and if she doesn’t it will be a travesty!

Naomi Harris – Moonlight – She was great as the crack addicted mother in this film. I also saw an interview with her later and realized she’s not American… accent was spot on. I would never had guessed!

Nicole Kidman – Lion – I’m not sure why she’s in this bunch. I like her, but I don’t get it this year.

Octavia Spenser – Hidden Figures – Another great performance from her, but Viola kicked her butt this go round.

Michelle Williams – Manchester by the Sea – I don’t think she got enough screen time to warrant a nomination. Sure, she was good when we saw her, but she didn’t make a huge impression for me.

Actor:

Casey Affleck – Manchester by the Sea – He gave a heart wrenching performance of an incredibly complicated character. It was more nuanced, less in your face than the other front runner and that is my reason for going with him. He gets my vote but I’ve read that there have been some recent harassment suits brought against him that may cause him to lose votes.

Andrew Garfield – Hacksaw Ridge – nope.

Ryan Gosling – La La Land – I don’t think he will win, but I need to say that he proved to be more than a pretty face (and perfect abs, etc, etc). He sang. He danced. And as I was leaving the theater, I immediately looked up whether or not he played his own piano to find that HE DID! I find that to be incredibly impressive. And can we talk about his speech at the Golden Globes where he thanked his lady for being home raising their daughters while he was making this movie? Love him.

Viggo Mortensen – Captain Fantastic – I had no idea what this movie was until it was nominated and I really, really liked it. He plays a single father, living off the grid with his six children. I know that sounds riveting, but it was surprisingly sweet and funny and entertaining. I recommend it.

Denzel Washington – Fences – If Affleck doesn’t take it, it’s got to go to Denzel. He’s Denzel. And delivering those lines had to have been one hell of a challenge. Someone i feel it must be “easier” to be bold and boastful as he was in this performance vs quiet and subdued as Affleck was.

Supporting Actor:

Mahershala Ali – Moonlight – He’s my favorite to win. He’s that character you’re not supposed to like by the nature of what he does, but you find out that he’s a compassionate guy doing what he had to in order to survive.

Jeff Bridges – Hell of High Water – He’s THE DUDE! No other explanation necessary … you know that means he is, and always will be, awesome.

Lucas Hedges – Manchester by the Sea – He’s the teenager dealing with the loss of his father and an uncertain future.

Dev Patel – Lion – He’s the lost Indian boy, all grown up and trying to find his family. I’m not sure who he was “supporting” though... he was the main guy in this movie...

Michael Shannon – Nocturnal Animals – He’s a cop with nothing to lose… (you know you want to read that in the “movie announcer voice”). Anyway, he is a great actor. Does great with creepy and/or crazy characters. This is not his year though. I wish this nomination had gone to his counterpart in this film, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, instead. He played a really good psychopath.

Animated Feature:

Kubo and the Two Strings

Moana – I loved this, and I think it would win if not for Zootopia

My Life as a Zucchini

The Red Turtle

Zootopia – this is our winner

Cinematography:

Arrival

La La Land

Lion

Moonlight

Silence

Costume Design:

Allied

Fantastic Beasts and where to Find Them

Florence Foster Jenkins

Jackie

La La Land

Director:

Damien Chazelle – La La Land – yes, yes, yes a thousand times, yes, he should win. He also directed Whiplash (which was amazing… you should see it) and is likely becoming my new favorite director! He’s brave and only 32 years old. I’m looking forward to his long, beautiful, brilliant career!

Mel Gibson – Hacksaw Ridge – I’m just glad he wasn’t IN this movie. And I hold him responsible for the whole “Vince Vaughn as a drill sergeant” thing.

Barry Jenkins – Moonlight

Kenneth Lonergan – Manchester by the Sea

Denis Villeneuve – Arrival

Documentary Feature:

Fire at Sea – about refugees fleeing the African coast for a small Italian island, and the people who rescue them

I am not your Negro

Life, Animated – this is about an autistic boy who grew up relating life to what he learned watching Disney movies. I liked it.

O.J:. Made in America – I think this will win due to its pure scope and scale. It literally goes on for days… (ok… 7 hours and 47 min but that felt like days..) and I did walk away having learned things I didn’t know about him and the murder trial.

The 13th – This is the one I secretly hope will win.

Documentary Short Film:

Extremis – about doctor’s helping terminally ill patients and their families make difficult end of life decisions

4.1 Miles – about Syrian refugee’s fleeing for a small Greek island

Joe’s Violin – about a 92 year old holocaust survivor’s violin which has been passed on to a young music student at a school for immigrant girls in the Bronx. As the one not about the refugee crisis, it stands out, which is why I think it will win.

Watani: My Homeland

The White Helmets - about a group of men, former builders, tailors, blacksmiths, etc, who risk their lives volunteering to save civilians (from either side of the fight) in Aleppo as bombs fall around them. Everyone who believes that we should not allow refugees in to our country should see this movie. I realize that things are more complicated than that, but there is nothing complicated about parents not wanting to have to teach their toddlers the difference between the sound of a regular plane and the sound of one carrying bombs or not wanting to have to dig them out of a pile of concrete that used to be their home or school. I’ve heard the “if it’s so bad, they should leave” argument… but they need a place to go.

Film Editing:

Arrival

Hacksaw Ridge

Hell or High Water

La La Land – let’s keep this lovefest going…

Moonlight

Foreign Language Film:

Land of Mine

A Man Called Ove - really, really enjoyed this one.

The Salesman – for political reasons, I think this will win

Tanna

Toni Erdmann

Makeup and Hairstyling:

A Man Called Ove

Star Trek Beyond – because of the Spock ears and stuff. (BTW… I hate these movies)

Suicide Squad – I can’t believe I sat through this garbage.

Original Score:

Jackie

La La Land – YES! The music is as much a part of this movie as Stone and Gosling.

Lion

Moonlight

Passengers

Original Song:

Audition (The Fools Who Dream) – La La Land – I love this! And I had a really hard time between this and City of Stars…

Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Trolls – as much as I would like to see JT win an Oscar, I don’t think this will win, even if it is the only song in this bunch that most of you know.

City of Stars – La La Land – this is the one I’ve had stuck in my head since I saw the movie. I love it!

The Empty Chair – Jim: The James Foley Story

How Far I’ll Go – Moana – I want Lin-Manuel Miranda to win, but not this year

Production Design:

Arrival

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Hail, Caesar!

La La Land - the sets are amazing!

Passengers

Animated Short Film:

Blind Vaysha

Borrowed Time

Pear Cider and Cigarettes

Pearl – this one is made to be viewed in virtual reality so its ground breaking and cool… I think it could win. But Piper is Pixar so...

Piper – will win… and it’s cute.

Live Action Short Film:

Ennemis Interieurs – this is about the interrogation of an Algerian man who has lived in France for years but is trying to gain official citizenship. I hope this doesn’t happen in real life but something tells me it is likely not far off from reality…

La Femme et la TGV-about a woman who lives alongside the tracks of a high speed train and strikes up a friendship with the train operator she’s never met.

Silent Nights – didn’t love it.

Sing – about a girl who wants to join her school choir and a teacher who is hell bent on them winning a competition. I really liked this one too.

Timecode - silly and weirdly sweet

Sound Editing:

Arrival

Deepwater Horizon – I sat through this garbage too. Marky Mark needs to go away

Hacksaw Ridge – this is where I throw this one a bone…

La La Land – if Hacksaw doesn’t take it

Sully

Sound Mixing:

Arrival

Hacksaw Ridge

La La Land – because it’s a musical

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

Visual Effects:

Deepwater Horizon

Doctor Strange

The Jungle Book

Kubo and the Two Strings

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Adapted Screenplay:

Arrival

Fences – I’m torn…

Hidden Figures

Lion

Moonlight – I’m going with this, but Fences may take it.

Original Screenplay:

Hell or High Water

La La Land – again, torn, but…

The Lobster – quite possibly the weirdest movie I’ve ever enjoyed. Very, very strange.

Manchester by the Sea- I’m going with my gut and saying this is the winner

20th Century Women

Well, there you have it!

This year I’ve been fortunate enough to have brought a few more friends into the “watch all the movies” challenge and it’s been so much fun! Can’t wait to see what next year brings!

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