http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ the forum @ jlmunn.com: Recent Posts en Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:44:52 +0000 http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=12#post-46 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:01:38 +0000 jlmunn 46@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>This week's 10 is</p> <p> - I can make my life better by -</p> <p>1. ...exercising everyday.<br /> 2. ...never missing an opportunity to tell someone that I love them.<br /> 3. ...learning a foreign language.<br /> 4. ...not shopping to make myself happy.<br /> 5. ...volunteering for a cause that I believe in.<br /> 6. ...turning off the TV sometimes.<br /> 7. ...walking in nature on a regular basis.<br /> 8. ...letting myself play like a kid.<br /> 9. ...forgiving someone I think is unforgivable.<br /> 10. ...creating something to share.</p> <p>"The Tens" is a list of 10 items updated weekly, then offered for discussion on this forum. Post your own list and/or comment on mine. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=11#post-45 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:44:18 +0000 jlmunn 45@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I haven't read a lot of her either. The Color Purple is probably your best bet though. </p> <p>For me I had mixed emotions about By the Light of My Father's Smile. When she wasn't getting lost in the gratuitous sex scenes the raw emotion she wrote made me want to learn more about her characters. Unfortunately, in the end, the sex got in the way. It felt like she was forcing 2 unrelated stories into one plot. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=11#post-44 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:05:34 +0000 u.go.go.girl 44@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I just finished reading "By the Light of My Father's Smile" and I HATED it! I am sad to say that this is the first book that I have read by her (I know, I know... what about "The Color Purple"). I am completely uninspired to give her another shot, but people seem to think she's an important writer. Any suggestions on the better ones to look into? </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=10#post-43 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:02:08 +0000 u.go.go.girl 43@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>Cool!</p> <p>I believe that</p> <p>1. the internet makes it easier to say things you normally wouldn't (good and bad).<br /> 2. dogs really are better than cats.<br /> 3. I don't exercise enough.<br /> 4. people worry too much about the superficial parts of life.<br /> 5. you can never out-run your past so you should just embrace it.</p> <p>(wow...harder than I thought to come up with 10)</p> <p>6. you can fall in love at first sight, but most people won't let themselves.<br /> 7. pizza for breakfast and pancakes for supper is totally acceptable.<br /> 8. 3 hours of homework a night is too much for an eight-year old.<br /> 9. society loses something by only worshiping youth and forgetting the elderly.<br /> 10. seeing commercials for drugs that treat rare diseases causes hypochondria. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=10#post-42 Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:49:50 +0000 jlmunn 42@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>This is one of "The Tens" lists originally posted on jlmunn.com's Facebook page. (posted August 13th). </p> <p> - I believe -</p> <p>1. ... that humanity is basically good, but that sometimes that goodness gets lost in the details of living.<br /> 2. ...that there is no excuse for failing to at least try to live up to our innate good nature.<br /> 3. ... an artist lives inside each one of us.<br /> 4. ... art alone cannot save the world, but it can inspire us to make the world a better place.<br /> 5. ... that an education is the single best thing we can give our children.<br /> 6. ... that having gone to college does not mean that you have received an education.<br /> 7. ...that civil disobedience is sometimes necessary, but so is the punishment for being disobedient.<br /> 8. ...that freedom of speech is paramount, but there are some things I don't care to hear.<br /> 9. ...that calling it global warming prevents us from seeing the full picture.<br /> 10. ...that it has been a good day if I have read something, written something, done some physical activity and considered something from a different perspective.</p> <p>"The Tens" is a list of 10 items updated weekly, then offered for discussion on this forum. Post your own list and/or comment on mine. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=9#post-41 Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:50:53 +0000 jlmunn 41@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>This morning I was considering a demonstration that had turned dangerously violent last night and wanted to imagine a better world. This list is not all inclusive of my grand wishes nor is it in any particular order.</p> <p>1. I would like to see society move in a positive direction, leaving behind the anger and selfishness that seems to be growing right now.<br /> 2. I would like to see all types of art matter again.<br /> 3. I would like public figures to stop making kids and adults feel bad about their bodies.<br /> 4. I would like to see companies look beyond the next quarter for a more viable economy and earth.<br /> 5. I would like to see a home and food for everyone that needs one.<br /> 6. I would like to see 2 trees planted for each one cut.<br /> 7. I would like to taste clean water again.<br /> 8. I would like for religion and intellect to co-exist peacefully.<br /> 9. I would like for children to matter in practice instead of in theory.<br /> 10. I wish greed were not such a driving force in the world.</p> <p>What are your wishes? </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-40 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:33:29 +0000 jlmunn 40@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>@ u.go.go.girl &#38; adlai = I've set up a new area on jlmunn.com where you can post your choices. You can also use it to promote your own writing. <a href="http://www.jlmunn.com/community/billboard">my Billboard @ jlmunn.com</a> is primarily an area I set up for other artists to use for self promotion, but I have decided it will be easier to use (for me) to house cultural challenge lists for people without websites.</p> <p>To use it, just register (for free) for an account, then log in and create a post. I hope you find it easy and useful!</p> <p>@ u.go.go.girl = I know what you mean about Run Lola Run. I enjoy it but don't understand why it was a required viewing in college. I can't wait to see you the rest turn out for you. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-39 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:05:31 +0000 u.go.go.girl 39@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I'm almost always in the mood for a little reality check. I'm inspired now to check it out. Thanks for reminding me.</p> <p>I made it through Run Lola Run this weekend. It was fun to watch, but I don't get what all the fuss was about. It was good, but not great. I hope this doesn't set the stage for 5 crappy movies. Keep your fingers crossed for me. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-38 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:09:16 +0000 jlmunn 38@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>u.go.go.girl - Le Scaphandre et le papillon was fantastic. I recommend it, but make sure you are in the mood to deal with a little bit of the harsher side of life when you get ready to watch it. It is inspirational, but tough.</p> <p>I loved the Triplettes too, but I love music so it was hard to go wrong with that. You'll love Bon Cop Bad Cop. It's hilarious!</p> <p>Don't forget to let me know when you finish your list so you can get your gold star! </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-37 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:59:39 +0000 jlmunn 37@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I'm posting this for André Caron. The following are his titles for the challenge:</p> <p>1. Japon (Japan), Sword of Doom (1966)<br /> 2. Chine (China), Drunken Master 2<br /> 3. Thailand, Ong-Bak<br /> 4. Etats-Unis (US), Fight Club<br /> 5. Etats-Unis (US), Kill Bill V1 &#38; 2<br /> 6. Corée (Korea), Arahan (2004)<br /> 7. Coréé du Sud (South Korea), Fighter in the Wind </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-36 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:36:39 +0000 jlmunn 36@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>Welcome to the challenge and I am glad you like the idea of it! You've both made some great choices. You'll have to tell me what you think of them...and don't forget to let me know when you finish the challenge so I can give you your gold star and certificates!</p> <p>Happy viewing!</p> <p>J.L. Munn </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-35 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:09:08 +0000 u.go.go.girl 35@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>How was La Scaphandre et Le Papillon? I wanted to see it, but it passed through so quickly I missed it.</p> <p>I LOVED Les Triplettes de Belleville! How great making a film that has no need to translate!</p> <p>Here's my list (and I have no idea why it is that I haven't seen these so far):</p> <p>1. Germany - Lola Rennt (run lola run) : I'm finally going to understand the red wig drifting across the bridge reference!</p> <p>2. Mexico - Y tu mamá también (2001) : Come on...for the title alone I gotta see it!</p> <p>3. Japan - Tampopo : Even if I hate the film, I will have to talk about it. The title is just too fun to say!</p> <p>4. Canada - Bon Cop Bad Cop : Think Die Hard half French half English! I can't wait to see how they handle it!</p> <p>5. UK - Brazil : In truth I have seen parts of this movie already and seriously thought I needed therapy after, but I think I am up for the challenge of watching it all the way through now. I'll just have to put my therapist on speed-dial...just in case.</p> <p>This is a cool challenge. When looking through the new releases at the video store and finding myself disappointed, I always forget to just turn around and check out the foreign film sections. Thanks for the reminder! </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-34 Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:36:12 +0000 adlai 34@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>Great Challenge! Here are my choices.</p> <p>1. La mala educacion = Spain<br /> 2. El Mariachi = Mexico<br /> 3. Vita è bella, La (Life is Beautiful) - Italy<br /> 4. Les Triplettes de Belleville = Canada<br /> 5. Akira = Japan </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=8#post-33 Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:49:46 +0000 jlmunn 33@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>My first <a href="http://www.jlmunn.com/main/?p=152">cultural challenge</a> is off to a good start. I am making progress more quickly than I expected, so I might be able to add more than 5 titles to my own list. The thing I have found most surprising in this challenge (so far) is the relative difficulty of determining a film's country of origin. It takes a lot more research than I originally thought.</p> <p>I hope those of you who are participating are enjoying it so far and will share your lists with the rest of us. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=7#post-32 Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:51:05 +0000 jlmunn 32@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>*LOL* I love the avatar!</p> <p>I'd totally forgotten that... and the web templates thing.</p> <p>I'm still game for the book, but you'll have to refresh my memory! </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=7#post-31 Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:40:11 +0000 mwlang88 31@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>Hey, we need to finish that book we started back at the Vet school. You're the illustrator, aren't you? :-) </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=7#post-30 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:20:29 +0000 jlmunn 30@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>*lol* An aside, the noun not the adverb, is a speech given by a character that reveals something about the character. It can be related but is not necessarily related in any other fashion to the story at hand. (Perhaps I should write a real essay on this topic ;-P) In a play...it is the moment where the character breaks scene and says something that cannot be heard by the other players (Ferris Bueller moments, but Shakespeare was fond of them as well), often they are intended to catch the audience up on something that moves the story or helps define one or more of the characters. </p> <p>It is true that to call an area "asides" would indicate both meanings. Things that are unwanted and things that are wanted but unrelated. You are always good at pointing out something I wasn't talking about *lol* but should have seen. </p> <p>I am not sure, but I think I am liking asides more and more now.</p> <p>AND... *laughing* It's only jealousy when it entices you to watch. It is something else entirely when it is something you don't want to see and can't help seeing because it is right in front of you! </p> <p>AND... *lol* I know for certain that I have heard "step aside please", but "coming through" is always more effective to get me out of your way! Aside y'all just feels like you want to have a small moment with the people to whom you say it ...*lol* Perhaps you have been very enticed by what you've seen?</p> <p>Finally...I have no idea what the topic is, but am thoroughly enjoying the aside! </p> <p>OH...and sorry the voting distracted you. I am checking out a voting plug-in. I hear voting is all the rage this year! </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=7#post-29 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:00:21 +0000 mwlang88 29@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>Asides. Hmmm, aside from the fact that "aside" is a usually tangentally related in some form or fashion to the topic at hand...whereas "off topic" isn't necessarily an aside. </p> <p>Besides, doesn't "aside" mean to shove out of the main view. You know, like "get a room" is uttered to a young couple petting in public. I guess there's a reason we don't yell, "Aside, y'all!" "Get a room," just seems to have bigger element of, uhm, disgust, I suppose? Maybe jealousy? Yeah, that's it. I think we're just reacting intolerably because it ain't us at the time!</p> <p>But what do I know? I like to think I got off topic while staying entirely on topic, but I got distracted and started voting.</p> <p>What was the topic, again? </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=7#post-28 Tue, 27 May 2008 15:44:26 +0000 jlmunn 28@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>and now...there are posts off topic! woohoo! and you are right...it is drivel and it did make me think...not just think, but rethink my notions of what it means to be "on topic". Finally, though, I have decided that it is possible to be off topic, and I usually am, just not on here yet! </p> <p>I had considered naming the section "asides" but isn't that a tad too literary? *LOL* </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=7#post-27 Fri, 23 May 2008 19:19:37 +0000 mwlang88 27@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>Come on! Time to get off topic. However do you remain so focused that you've never even gotten off topic? I mean seriously, can you really be *that* focused?</p> <p>Heck, the way this section's titled, one might think its never a good idea to stray off the beaten path.</p> <p>But seriously, is it truly possible to be "off topic?" After all, if you start talking about a thing, doesn't the topic simply change and you're naturally on topic no matter what the hell you happen to be talking about?</p> <p>Think about it. No matter what topic I pick, I'm on topic even when I don't pick no topic!</p> <p>Ok, I'm rambling. I admit it. But rambing's good. Even this drivel makes you stop and think for a moment.</p> <p>Right? </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-26 Fri, 16 May 2008 19:04:21 +0000 u.go.go.girl 26@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I'm not sure how much I am discovering new from authors I already loved, but I am finding some interesting authors that I would NEVER have encountered were it not for Gutenberg. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=6#post-25 Fri, 16 May 2008 10:54:51 +0000 adlai 25@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>The reader is very important. It will be a difficult thing to entice the majority from the sensations of holding the paper editions in their hands while they read. So the right reader could do for digital books what the iPod did for digital music. </p> <p>But I do agree. The publishing world seems to be using any excuse to keep from moving forward. How does it really hurt the industry as a whole to offer digital? </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=6#post-24 Thu, 15 May 2008 23:14:29 +0000 jlmunn 24@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>It amazes me how much of the debate on the switch to digital focuses on the best reader for the job. I am with you both on this, if the prices don't drop, publishers will have a hard time getting people to see the value in going digital. It seems that greed and stupidity may get the upper hand in the battle for digital. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-23 Thu, 15 May 2008 23:11:14 +0000 jlmunn 23@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>*laughing* Yes, most of what is available on Project Gutenberg is public domain, but that doesn't negate what it is. Many of these titles, even those by well known writers, are being discovered/rediscovered because they are readily available. I know that I, myself, have discovered a few titles by authors I already knew. [...And as corny as it may sound, I do still believe that there is an importance to seeing what scientists/philosophers/writers/thinkers/readers... considered relevant before we "learned more". Just because we make progress it does not mean that we don't need to continue considering what those who came before us knew as well.]</p> <p>I have also noticed a small, but hopefully growing trend, of modern translations being offered up without copyright, and have even heard rumors of authors/copyright holders releasing at least of portion of the copyright so that they may be made available. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=3#post-22 Thu, 15 May 2008 22:56:12 +0000 jlmunn 22@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I am pleasantly surprised to see such activity here. Welcome to you all.</p> <p>u.go.go.girl - I agree and don't about censorship. As I said before, the slope is slippery, but if Rwanda teaches us nothing else it at least teaches us the detrimental effects of ignoring talk that goes fundamentally against the good of the population. The inherent problem is determining the where it goes from constructive criticism to corrosive. As you can see, I am not sure I could even help decide where that line is. I do know where my own is though and I know when the line has been crossed when I hear/read/see it. </p> <p>and... I am glad you like the site.</p> <p>adlai - That is an interesting point that you/he raise. What does it mean for a nation to be rebuilt by adolescents...even more, traumatized adolescents? Rusesabagina, at least as I read it, gave a sense of hope because of this. I felt he implied that the strength that lay within these young Rwandans could heal, at least for now, what the outside world refused to see.</p> <p>He also makes me wonder if Rwandans believe their "Never Again" banners.</p> <p>ze reader - Welcome and I am glad that you are eager to read the book. I look forward to finding out what you think. It is an easy read in the sense that it is well written, but it is also difficult, for reasons I am sure I don't need to explain. </p> <p>Enjoy!</p> <p>J.L. Munn </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=3#post-21 Thu, 15 May 2008 21:13:02 +0000 ze reader 21@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I have seen the movie "Hotel Rwanda" but I haven't read the book. I came onto this forum while looking for information on the book. Now, I am even more eager to read "An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography"!!!</p> <p>I will come back in a few days and comment about my reading and your questions and also how the movie stands from it.</p> <p>Excellent forum bye the way :-) </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=6#post-20 Thu, 15 May 2008 15:03:58 +0000 u.go.go.girl 20@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>Of course I have trouble finding good books digitized, but I also have a moral issue with the cost publishers attach to e-books. There is no way I will ever be convinced that a digital book has the same cost associated to it as its print counter-part.</p> <p>Formats are a problem too, but this is less of an issue to me. I am not particularly fond of the pdf trend, more because of their readability on smaller devices (treo, iPhone, iPod touch...) than anything else, but that would not stop me from using them. PDF technology does have its good points too. I think in the long run, whichever format wins out will change to suit the needs of the greater audience, as will the devices that we read them on. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=3#post-19 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:57:30 +0000 adlai 19@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I have not seen Hotel Rwanda, but am intrigued now. I can, however, speak to how the book changed my perceptions. </p> <p>Before reading this book I had a generalized memory of what had happened, sadly, similar to the images I have of Darfur. In reading "An Orindary Man" I came to have a greater historical grasp of what had happened there. It is for that reason that I think this book is such an important work.</p> <p>He also brings up a very important point near the end of the book. The remaining post genocide population is very young. I had not considered what that would mean to the rebuilding efforts (both physical and emotional). </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=6#post-18 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:48:48 +0000 adlai 18@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>You're welcome u.go.go.girl! May I ask what it is that keeps you from being "more digital"? I know my reasons are mostly cost and format related. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=6#post-17 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:44:34 +0000 u.go.go.girl 17@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>You are most certainly not the only one! The more digital I could go, the happier I would be! </p> <p>*lol* I just realized why Project Gutenberg was called that! Thanks adlai! </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-16 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:41:56 +0000 u.go.go.girl 16@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>*lol* I hadn't thought of it that way, but it is true. Most of what is on Gutenberg seems to be there because it fell out of copyright protection.</p> <p>Now I am curious about 12th century science. The surgery book is calling my name. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=6#post-15 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:36:28 +0000 adlai 15@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>(I was inspired by the What do you think of Project Gutenberg? topic.)</p> <p>How is it that Project Gutenberg hasn't at least begun to open the eyes of publishers to the possibilities that lie in digital formats? I know the arguments about security and reader issues and inabilities to find a uniformed format, but what I want to know is why that is holding them back? If Johannes Gutenberg had been cursed with the same mentality of the current publishing world, we would certainly be living in an even more illiterate world than we are now.</p> <p>Am I the only one that is frustrated?</p> <p>adlai </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-14 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:23:18 +0000 adlai 14@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>If nothing else, Project Gutenberg is an excellent way to discover what has fallen out of copyright protection - in the US. However, I do enjoy visiting to find random books that I might otherwise have missed all together. They do have a unique collection. If not for them I am not sure I would have ever discovered how many people actually enjoy reading about 12 century science. </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=5#post-13 Thu, 15 May 2008 13:15:39 +0000 u.go.go.girl 13@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I love Project Gutenberg too, but I didn't realize they had added audio books and video. I should check it out again!</p> <p>Thanks for the heads-up.</p> <p>U GoGo Girl </p> http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/topic.php?id=3#post-12 Thu, 15 May 2008 13:14:05 +0000 u.go.go.girl 12@http://jlmunn.com/community/forum/ <p>I'll say the halls are empty... can you hear the echo? *lol* hello...hello...hello...</p> <p>to #3 - Yeah, but once you open the door for censorship, how do you close it again? I am just not sure I trust my government to draw a definitive line that doesn't make me uncomfortable. Then that leaves private industry... We don't have to look further than the environment to see how that goes.</p> <p>To answer #1 &#38; 6 together- This book (and movie) completely changed the way I saw the Rwandan genocides. First because I did not have much information on the subject other than generalized "how the world failed" reports before reading/seeing them, but also because they changed my view of Rwanda from a blip on a map to a collection of sentient beings suffering unspeakable horrors. I guess it's true that putting a face on the victim changes things.</p> <p>The film to movie - they complement each other well, but I felt like they were going for different objectives. Paul expresses a tremendous love for Rwanda throughout the entire story. It feels like he wants you to see the glory of Rwanda. Where in the film, the story is the genocide. They could have set it in any location.</p> <p>(love the site btw - I hope more people find you)</p> <p>U GoGo Girl </p>