Six Months

Yes, time flies, but people often forget how much change can happen as time is flying by. Take a six month snippet of your life (think back to February), and I bet some event, some decision, or some experience in this short timeframe of your overall existence to this point has transformed the way you think or act today.

The past six months have been interesting for me, but I stumbled upon a website that one person has had a much more impacting life snippet. Go to www.mynameisbill.com. Bill Bowles traveled around the world for six months documenting his experiences. Sounds quite trite at first glance, but a handful of his approximately three minute videos are something to think about. I recommend watching The Coffee Shop, Just Another Brick, Suvdaa's House, and Believe in Dreams. I think he offers a great perspective that so many overlook and an eloquent way of communicating it. I am impressed with his ability to befriend so many people in different cultures and different ages.

I originally saw a video sample of mynameisbill on CNN. All this stir from just one man who decided to do what so many others say they wish they would do.

So, the next time you hear someone say "time flies" or you catch yourself saying it, don't follow it with a deep sigh admitting your defeat against time, but think of all you have gained in the past six months. Be glad someone reminded you that time does fly and take this moment to reflect on how you have invested your time in the six months.

Stuck in Reverse

I'm not a fan of posting song lyrics left and right, but here I go... posting lyrics. I don't feel like challenging people who write for a living, so I'll copy and paste and call it a night.

Artist: Coldplay

Title: Fix You

Footnote: It's one of my favorite songs.

When you try your best but you don't succeed

When you get what you want but not what you need

When you feel so tired but you can't sleep

Stuck in reverse

And the tears come streaming down your face

When you lose something you cannot replace

When you love someone but it goes to waste

COULD IT BE WORSE?

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below

When you're too in love to let it go

But if you never try you'll never know

Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face

When you lose something you cannot replace

Tears stream down your face

And I

Tears stream down your face

I promise you I will learn from my mistakes

Tears stream down your face

And I

Lights will guide you home

And ignite your bones

And I will try to fix you.

Sicko

Sicko, written and directed by Michael Moore, asks the question, "how does America treat a dying health care system?" Certainly, not the way the American health care system has been treating its people. This system is so overwhelming and complex, I would consider solving this issue similar to solving homelessness or global warming. It's possible in reality, but impossible with today's politics.

As the movie unfolds, Moore exposes other health care systems in France, Canada, Cuba, and the United Kingdom. He shows that this is not an issue the U.S. citizens need to solve because it has already been solved for us; in these other countries. It makes me think of themes from the Ishmael books. The answer is right in front of everyone, yet we don't see it. We think we need to invent something new, but we just need to look to the past or abroad for the answers.

For my first Michael Moore movie, I absolutely enjoyed it. His movie is convincing, well-researched, informative, and entertaining. Moore gets people thinking, whether people agree with his views or not. Some people hate his work, but I still consider that a success. His movies and books are influential enough to even drum up debates among groups.

I like his movie style. Moore presents a U.S. social issue, shows how other countries handle the same issue, and lightly proposes ideas on how to change a falling U.S. system. He does all this while mixing in humor and connecting with the audience. I am impressed how he criticizes the U.S. health care system and still shows his strong patriotism. Of course, he is probably criticizing and advocating for change because of his patriotism.

Moore talks about change. I agree that the U.S. health care system needs to change. Moore works to discover how other countries have transformed. It will probably take the same for the U.S., an event that effects the majority of Americans and a great leader with a vision.

Sicko (among many other media) has made me realize how ignorant I am about global culture. For having a French Pen Pal since high school, I have no idea how France operates. It would be odd to strike a conversation about health care in a letter after talking about my favorite bands and television shows, but I could be so close to all this information that I learned from an American movie. I could learn first-hand if I chose to.

I would definitely recommend this movie.