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Assiduous

Tag: Entertainment

  • A Song, A Society, and A Search for Common Ground

    Assiduous

    How are you feeling right now?

    “It should be the artist challenging the status quo and not the other way around”

    Christopher Anthony

    As I sit here, I find myself enveloped in a state of complex emotions. On one hand, I am filled with hope for what the future holds, and yet, I am equally filled with concern. It’s as if our society is adrift on a seemingly endless ocean, devoid of a guiding compass. It’s hard not to feel disheartened.

    We are constantly inundated with an overwhelming flood of information and opinions, each clamoring for our attention, each purporting to be the beacon of truth. It’s become a cacophony that drowns out our own thoughts, our own voices. It feels as if we’ve been lulled into a state of complacency, seeing the need for change but seemingly unable to find a clear path forward.

    In this maelstrom, we often find ourselves following the words of those we’ve chosen to deliver our news, our information. We do so, often without taking the time to question if they’ve earned this trust, this influence over our worldview. It’s disconcerting how we’ve allowed these strangers, who don’t know us, will never know us, and perhaps don’t even care about us, to drive wedges between us and our loved ones. Ideological differences have come to overshadow the ties of friendship and family, and one can’t help but ask, “Why?”

    Recently, I was reminded of the power of human connection and commonality in the most unlikely of places: a song. “Rich Men North of Richmond” by Oliver Anthony isn’t just a melody to me; it’s a poignant commentary on our current societal state. Anthony’s lyrics speak of a universal desire for freedom from the constant intrusion of those in power, a sentiment that resonates deeply with me and many others.

    Yet, as is often the case, this song has been co-opted by various political camps, each claiming it as their anthem, each attempting to dictate how we should feel about it. It’s as if we’re unable to let a person simply express their thoughts without trying to politicize them. We champion the idea of living one’s “truth,” yet when that truth challenges what the so-called “mouthpieces of the world” advocate, it’s dismissed.

    Listening to Anthony discuss his song, his identity, and his beliefs on the Joe Rogan podcast was an illuminating experience. His words, stripped of political spin and media interpretations, provided a deeper insight into the motivation behind his music.

    So here is my advice: listen to Anthony’s song. Pay attention to his lyrics. Understand his perspective. And remember, it should be the artist challenging the status quo, not the status quo questioning the artist.

    We are more alike than we are different. Let’s not let the loud and divisive voices of a few drown out the shared dreams and hopes of many. Let’s strive to listen more, to understand better, and to find our common ground. For it’s only together that we can chart a hopeful, meaningful path forward.

    Stay Assiduous…

  • My Top Ten Favorite Movies

    Assiduous

    What are your top ten favorite movies?

    Hello film lovers! I’d like to share with you today a list of my top ten favorite movies. These aren’t your typical box office blockbusters, but every one of them is special in its own way. My wife refers to them as “Man Movies”, but I believe they’re much more than that. They’re an eclectic blend of genres and themes, each standing tall in its own respect. So let’s dive in, listing them in the order they were released. I’ve also included some of the more popular quotes from each movie to give a little flavor of what to expect. (Amazon affiliate links included)

    1. Rear Window (1954) – Alfred Hitchcock’s masterful suspense thriller is a timeless study in voyeurism, relationships, and murder. With its confined setting and intimate character examination, Rear Window keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish, making it a classic for all times.
      • “We’ve become a race of peeping toms.” – L.B. Jefferies
      • “A murderer would never parade his crime in front of an open window.” – Lisa Fremont
    2. Night Of The Living Dead (1968) – George A. Romero’s seminal horror film birthed the modern zombie genre. It’s both the original and the remake that deliver a potent mix of scares, social commentary, and a revolutionary depiction of a Black lead character during a time of racial tension. The zombies are not just a menace, but a metaphor for societal fears and concerns.
      • “They’re coming to get you, Barbara!” – Johnny
      • “They’re us. We’re them and they’re us.” – Ben
    3. Jaws (1975) – This Steven Spielberg classic is more than just a shark movie. Its brilliance lies in the masterful suspense building, compelling characters, and a solid narrative. Jaws continues to be a testament to Spielberg’s genius and the power of cinema to induce raw, primal fear.
      • “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” – Martin Brody
      • “Here’s to swimmin’ with bow-legged women.” – Quint
    4. Striking Distance (1993) – Set against the backdrop of Pittsburgh, this action thriller showcases the city and its surrounding area whilst weaving a tale of a disgraced homicide detective, played by Bruce Willis. As someone from Pittsburgh, this movie feels like a homecoming, making it a special addition to my list.
      • “You’re gonna have to do better than that, pal. I’ve been drinking from the moment I woke up.” – Tom Hardy
      • “You’re a dead man, Hardy! You hear me? Dead man!” – Jimmy Detillo
    5. Cop Land (1997) – This crime drama offers a different side of Sylvester Stallone. Playing a small-town sheriff caught between duty and corrupt cops he admires, Stallone delivers a compelling performance that makes Cop Land a real hidden gem.
      • “I’m the Sheriff of Cop Land. And in Cop Land, we do things my way.” – Freddy Heflin
      • “You don’t know how bad I wanna kill somebody.” – Ray Donlan
    6. The Big Lebowski (1998) – This Coen Brothers’ cult classic takes us on a hilarious journey through the life of “The Dude,” masterfully portrayed by Jeff Bridges. With a star-studded cast, memorable characters, and a tapestry of quotable lines, The Big Lebowski is a comedic delight that never fails to entertain.
      • “The Dude abides.” – The Dude
      • “This aggression will not stand, man!” – Walter Sobchak
    7. Fight Club (1999) – Based on Chuck Palahniuk’s novel, this film is a dark, gritty exploration of consumer culture, masculinity, and identity. It resonates with the Gen X crowd, challenging societal norms and our place within them, beyond its rebelliously quotable lines.
      • “The first rule of Fight Club is: You do not talk about Fight Club.” – Tyler Durden
      • “I am Jack’s complete lack of surprise.” – The Narrator
    8. Dogma (1999) – Director Kevin Smith’s Dogma uses comedy to tackle faith and organized religion. It’s thought-provoking, potentially offensive to some, but never fails to keep audiences thoroughly entertained.
      • “I think it’s better to have ideas. You can change an idea. Changing a belief is trickier.” – Bethany Sloane
      • “I’m a fucking demon. When’s the last time you met a nice demon?” – Azrael
    9. Death to Smoochy (2002) – This overlooked dark comedy dives into the sinister side of children’s programming. Edward Norton excels as Smoochy, a Barney-like character caught in a world of corruption and scandal, making this film a laugh-out-loud romp with a great cast and unforgettable lines.
      • “Friends come in all sizes.” – Sheldon Mopes/Smoochy
      • “I’m Rainbow fucking Randolph! I get paid to dance with purple, green, and yellow elephants!” – Rainbow Randolph
    10. The Wrestler (2008) – This poignant drama showcases Mickey Rourke as a broken-down professional wrestler trying to piece his life back together.
      • “I’m an old broken-down piece of meat, and I deserve to be all alone.” – Randy “The Ram” Robinson
      • “The only place I get hurt is out there. The world don’t give a shit about me.” – Randy “The Ram” Robinson

    So, there you have it, my ten favorite movies. Each of them unique, each of them exceptional in their own way. Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or revisiting them with a fresh perspective, I hope they bring you the same joy, thoughtfulness, and entertainment they’ve brought me.

    Do keep in mind that these films, while they may initially seem like what my wife lovingly refers to as “Man Movies”, are truly so much more. They’re an exploration of our society, of our values, of our fears, and of our triumphs. They challenge us, entertain us, and most importantly, remind us of the power of storytelling. Happy viewing!