Food, Inc. Review

The documentary Food Inc. was one of the best made and effective documentaries I’ve ever seen. I felt the way that they set up their points with clear categories and titles helped viewers to better understand the direction in which they were about to be taken. I felt that the directors and producers touched upon all topics that they could’ve… even some which I didn’t even expect (that corn is in practically everything).

I was shocked to learn that the food industry has so much control over what we eat. As they said in the documentary, I felt that by walking into the supermarket, I had lots of choices and variety in the food that I was buying. Surprisingly that is not the case. I had no clue that only a small handful of major companies play a role in the food business, and that they’re mainly parent companies to the others. By watching the film I felt almost stupid, and duped by the government into having us think that we’re getting high quality food at the stereotypical farms that we see in pictures.

I love food. When I saw Supersize Me I immediately craved chicken Mc Nuggets. But this film had me appalled. There were certain scenes where I felt like I had to put the film on pause, immediately stop watching, or fast forward to happier parts. We’ve all seen the film clips of workers treating animals badly at slaughterhouses and farms. But the news stations censor and cut off the parts which they deem too violent for the masses. Not Food Inc. I had no clue that chickens were stuffed into large coops and never see the sun. I didn’t know that farmers have formulated chickens to be twice as large and to be killed half as fast. I didn’t like seeing cows being kicked around and pushed as if they were soccer balls. I found it absolutely inhumane for them to be standing knee-high in their own feces. I mean, these are animals that we eat. It made me want to almost become a vegetarian… so that I wouldn’t be supporting these farms.

After watching the film, I feel like we the consumers actually do have more power over these companies than we think. If we sit here and think about it, if we started buying local and organic… then these companies would need to switch up their business motto and adjust. After all, companies who adjust, survive. Without the consumers, these companies would not have a job. The only problem is, getting the word out there so that we force these companies to make changes to their logic.

I don’t think that this documentary can scare people into immediately changing their eating habits. But I think that this documentary helps us to make little changes in the things that we buy at the supermarket. Maybe the next time I want to eat chicken, I won’t reach out and grab something from Tyson… I’ll elect to go to Wholefoods and buy from there. With the economy being as down as it is, it’ll be even harder for people to dig deeper into their pockets and pull out more money for organic and local goods.

One thing that resonates in my mind (beside the brutal treatment of the animals) was when the documentary focused on the eating habits of one family. They said that it was cheaper to go out and buy a hamburger than a head of broccoli. I’ve never put things into perspective in that way… and it’s true. It’s sad that we can buy more for unhealthy calories which are essentially salt and sugar than we can for the good ones- fruits and vegetables.

I would recommend this film to everyone I know. As people… and consumers of food, we’re all affected by these major corporations. It is truly sad that our own government is deliberately hiding these issues from us. I guess we’re considered to be the land of the free… only up to a certain point.

HIFF movie reviews

This April marks Hawaii International Festival's 2010 Spring Showcase. HIFF has 2 showcases annually, one in the fall (which is the larger one) and one in spring.

For this showcase, HIFF did an excellent job of bringing down a wide range of films down from countries such as Iran to Australia. This year I was lucky enough to go to 2 films- "Cafe Seoul" and "A Good Rain Knows".

"Cafe Seoul" is a Korean-Japanese film directed by Masaharu Take and features actors Kim Jung Hoon, Saito Takumi, Choi Sung Min, and Kim Dong Wook. Its about a Japanese journalist who travels to Korea in search of a restaurant to write an article for a publication. Upon traveling to Korea he becomes attached to the story of 3 brothers who are involved with their family sweets shop.

"A Good Rain Knows" is a Chinese-Korean film directed by Hur Jin Ho and features actors Jung Woo Sung and Gao Yuanyuan. Its a story which revolves around the relationship between the 2 lead characters once they're reunited after not seeing one another for years.

Of the 2 films, I enjoyed "Cafe Seoul" over "A Good Rain Knows". Though both were good films and opposites in terms of storyline wise... "A Good Rain Knows" was a little too slow moving for me. Though the storyline speeds up in the middle to ending part of the film, it wasn't as heartwarming as I had thought it would be.

"Cafe Seoul" was a lighthearted film with its fair share of drama. Just when the film gets too depressing, the mood gets lighter with witty one liners from the cast. It featured glimpses of several characters pasts, which made them seem more human and likeable.

Going to these 2 films was a good way to break up the monotony of our Hollywood blockbuster films. Since the Spring Showcase is the smaller o the 2 festivals, I can't wait to see what HIFF has in store for us in several months.

TXTiNG in the Car

There's one law which no one pays much attention to. No, not the jaywalking one. The ban of cell phones while driving. That one.

Though the intentions of the state implementing the law is admirable... it's just a bit ridiculous already. Unfortunately the actions of few dictate the actions of the whole. Because of the amount of accidents that take place while someone is driving, the state felt that they needed to put this law in place in order to make Hawai'i's roads safer.

But the real question is... does anyone even care?

According to honoluluadvertiser.com archives, 38 Honolulu drivers were ticked on the first day of the cell phone ban.

Most people don't take the law seriously. Maybe the majority of people who take it seriously are our typical mom & pops... but certainly not the younger generation, where we're used to having our phone on us at all times.

While driving, you can still see many drivers talking, texting, and fiddling on their phones while in the drivers seat. Though the law certainly may have scared some into abiding by the law, many seem to not care.

The law is enforced once an officer sees an electronic device in the possession of the driver. If it is the driver's first offense, they are issued $67 ticket.

According to an interview done for starbulletin.com, the ban on electronic devices includes- "cell phones, text-messaging devices, pagers, personal digital assistants, MP3 players, laptops, video games and digital photographic devices. Hands-free devices are allowed. Navigation devices such as GPS are allowed."

No phone calls of texting are allowed while the car engine is on. The only exceptions to the law are calls being made to 911.

Many feel that the government is creating too many laws which restrict them from their freedom. Now the government is starting to control the tiny decisions which we think nothing of, every single day.

Other people feel that the law is rediculous because it only pertains to the island of Oahu. The law could have more legitimacy if it held true to all the islands of Oahu. But sadly (or happily) it does not.

But let's wait and see if the law has served its initial purpose- less accidents on the road & saving lives. Then maybe we'll see who's laughing then.

Sit-in's to End School Furloughs

Lately there have been lots of press regarding the school furloughs that have taken place since October 2009. For the past six days, protesters have taken seat either in Gov. Linda Lingle's office or protest outside of Washington Place in order to bring awareness to finalizing a solution.

But there is none.

The furloughs have been a controversial topic amongst Hawai'i residents. Though some individuals may support the govenor's decision in putting the furloughs in place, an overwhelmingly majority of the population do not agree.

The honoluluadvertiser.com has a countdown which keeps track of the amount of days since the very first furlough. As of today, the countdown is at 171 days.

The last I checked, out of all the states in the U.S. Hawai'i had the greatest number of furlough days... leaving our students to be in schools the least.

The instillment of furlough days will certainly hurt Hawai'i's high schoolers in the future- when they apply to colleges. Having our high school students not be in school is not the answer. But if it isn't... then what is?

I understand the reasoning behind the furloughs (though I may not agree with it, I understand the reasoning). I think that our economic state is in such a comprimise that however way we decide to cut costs, it'll come at the expense at a lot of individuals. Schools, just so happened to be at the losing end of the battle.

I understand that the schools don't have enough money to operate like they did before... or else we wouldn't be in this mess. I get that teachers can't take anymore pay cuts because they need to make a living too. I get it, that's great. People now want to tap into the state's Hurricane Fund for money... but remember that saying about saving money for a rainy day? When that day comes, then what?

In times like these, we can't be picky. Some people need... while some need to give. And with the public unhappy with the students "giving" up their school days... there needs to be a different solution. So who's going to "give" now? The answer: no one. No one wants to give up their jobs, their money, etc in these tough economic times. But someone does. If we want the students back in school, someone's got to give up something.

I may not be educated enough to come up with my own solution to end furloughs, but I do believe that we need to make the students a priority. THEY are the future generation... and if the future generation isn't getting the education they need... then we as a state will fail.

Video Project HIFF synopsis

My video project is going to be focused on audience expectations and reactions to the movie that they're seeing. I'm going to interview the audience asking them what their expectations are and then do a follow up with them asking them their reactions and whether or not the film met their expectations.

The 2 films that I'm going to see are called "Cafe Seoul" and "A Good Rain Knows" both star big name actors in Korea. Because of the big names that are attached to these movies, it'll be interesting to know if these films end up meeting people's expectations.

GD, Flo Rida Collaboration

From late 2009 to early 2010, there’s been controversy in Korea regarding whether or not popular recording artist G-Dragon has plagiarized one of Flo Rida’s songs. Fans and anti-fans alike have noted similarities between GD’s Heartbreaker and Flo Rida’s Right Round.

There have been many talks and fingers pointing between both artists’ recording companies and much public speculation on whether or not the plagiarism actually took place. GD is signed under the Korean entertainment label: YG Entertainment while Flo Rida is signed under two entertainment labels: Atlantic and Poe Boy.

Most Korean fans have noticed similarities between GD’s Heartbreaker and Flo Rida’s Right Round but have come to the Korean artist’s defense. Their opinions only added fuel to the fire and ignited talks to lawsuits filed by both companies.

For weeks and weeks the pubic waited to see how the events would unfold. Many people figured that YGE would end up having to go to court and pay large sums of legal fees. The word that the public got was that Flo Rida’s record label was reviewing the case and would deem fit what the outcome would be.

Around March 2010, Flo Rida’s record label deemed everything to be false… relieving GD and YGE of any wrongdoings. Not too long after word got out, rumors circulated that the two artists in question would be collaborating.

In late March, YGE released the official collaboration- a remix of Heartbreaker on GD’s live concert album. The song contains new lyrics from the original and an introduction and English rap by Flo Rida.

The collaboration ended up being a surprisingly happy twist that no one saw coming.


Flo Rida's Right Round: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcCw1ggftuQ
GD's Heartbreaker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOXEVd-Z7NE
GD & Flo Rida's Heartbreaker collaboration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-j_U9KBObg

2NE1 Brings the "Fire"

Before reading, please watch :) the hyperlink wasn't working earlier so you'll have to do this old school: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-oQTpffOnY

When I first saw this video, I thought that I was going to fall out of my chair from excitement. One of my favorite Korean artists were featured on Discovery Channel.

2NE1 is a popular rookie (they had their debut in 2009) girl group in Korea under YG Entertainment. They recieved high success and praise throughout their debut year in Korea.

The Korean industry has been dominated by a surge of groups debuting in recent years, almost to the point where I have a hard time keeping track of them all. But what sets 2NE1 apart from other groups (in my opinion) is that all four members collectively are very talented. In Korea, many entertainment acts are widely based on looks, with talent coming second. However, when 2NE1 emerged people commented that they were a group not based on looks, but on talent.

It's refreshing to see that the group is not only getting recognition for their efforts in Korea, but all over the world as well. Lately there has been an increase of Korean influence on American pop culture- Rain & Lee Joon starred in Ninja Assassin, BoA with her American debut album, Se7en had a collaboration with Lil Kim, and The Wonder Girls opened up for the Jonas Brothers.

Hopefully there will be more prominance of Asians in our pop culture. But for now, I'm happy with my little 2NE1 clip.

McKenna to Buy Star Bulletin?

According to an article on honoluluadvertiser.com, Hawai'i car dealer, Mike McKenna is currently interested in buying the Honolulu Star Bulletin. If he actually goes through with this, it could mean big news not only for the journalism community, but the entire state as well.

On Feb. 25, the owner of the Honolulu Star Bulletin, David Black bought out the Honolulu Advertiser. Because it is illegal to own two newspapers, the Star Bulletin has been put up for sale. If there are no buyers, there ultimately will only be one newspaper.

"McKenna, owner of Mike McKenna's Windward Ford in Kailua, said he plans to make inquiries with the Star-Bulletin's owner, Oahu Publications Inc., which will officially put the state's No. 2 daily newspaper on the market next week," said the website.

Hawaii prides itself on not having a newspaper monopoly, and the current buyout would ruin that. Not only is pride the only issue, the people of Hawai'i would no longer have a choice in their newspaper.

For the original story: http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100312/NEWS01/3120355/Hawaii+car+dealer+McKenna+interested+in+buying+Star-Bulletin

But as an aspiring journalism student, the thought of having only one newspaper in Hawai'i is a scary thought. The journalism field is already competitive as is, but now it's even more competitive. We not only are competing against fellow interns for opportunities, we're competing against the people who have lost their jobs.

I hope that someone will buy the Star Bulletin because not only would it be better for the job market, it'll be great to uphold a tradition of having two newspapers. The only thing that we can do now is wait and see what unfolds.

3 Days of Epic Fail

Wednesday:
Radio Braodcasting midterm. Didn't start studying until Tuesday night. Midterm is worth 1/4 of my grade. I don't take the midterm all too seriousy, but once I'm done... I feel like I passed... but who knows.

Thursday:
Walked in the rain to get to the bus stop. Waited in the rain at the bus stop. Got soaking wet. Drunk man on the bus decides to "sing" *cough*SCREAM*cough* for the whole ride on the bus WHILE PLAYING HIS GUITAR... badly. Drunk guitar playing man gets off bus.... & his "lady-friend" decides to "sing" *cough*YELL*cough* for a few minutes. I go to my religion class where I watch a movie about a Jewish kid and his non-Jewish friend. I get confused. Class goes over-time.

Friday:
Walked in the rain to get to the bus stop. This time the weather isn't too bad. Bus comes. Bus is crowded. I manage to find a seat... the worst seat on the bus. Bus is leaking... whole ride in: CHINESE WATER TORTURE... drip... drip. Go to Radio Broadcasting... go over midterm. Find out I MADE UP MY OWN QUESTION AND ANSWERED MY MADE UP QUESTION. I get -15 points... from 1 question. Apparently "pick 5 of the 7 terms"... means to pick from the words available. Does not mean "pick any 5 words off the top of your head and define them". But I still manage to pass my midterm. A pass, but still an EPIC FAIL.

Moral of the week: DON'T WALK IN THE RAIN TO GET TO SCHOOL. JUST STAY HOME

Dear Mr. Woods,

This scenario needs no introduction. It’s pretty much safe to say that everyone knows about this particular situation at hand… or at least know of. So let’s open up a can of worms. A can that’s been opened way too many times.

The whole Tiger Woods situation is getting to be way too overrated. At first what started off being a private matter for him and his family… turned out to be the year’s most infamous event. The vast forms of media have completely eaten Woods alive. Perhaps it’s because he was a relatively scandal-free public figure. Or maybe it’s because of the excessive amount of mistresses that he’s had relations with. Who knows? Either way, it’s become an event that we can’t ignore… even if we wanted to.

After having relations with what seems like zillions of women, Woods recently issued a public apology via a “press conference.” This is the ironic part… apparently (or should I say allegedly) only a limited amount of the media were actually let into the hearing. If so, can we even really call it a press conference then? Considering the magnitude of his situation, many people were expecting an emotional apology (saying that he learned from his mistakes and blah blah blah)… which didn’t live to these expectations. I think most people were expecting something grand, with flowing tears and heartfelt speech. We didn’t get that. His apology appeared to be so calculated and emotionless, which made it seem not genuine. But hey… it’s not my apology, it’s his. So whatever floats his boat right?

So hmmmm… I can maybe understand 1 affair… maybe 2… 3 is “just peachy” but the ever-ready list of women in his repertoire is a little excessive. Obviously someone was feeling a tad greedy weren’t they?

And now a few of his mistresses are trying to prolong their 15 minutes of fame by participating in some pageant/contest… competing for the title of “Tiger’s hottest mistress”… or whatever. But really… does anyone care anymore? Maybe the general public will have a warm welcoming to these ladies. Most likely probably not. But maybe this pageant could be a good thing for these ladies. Because really, in a couple of months, no one will remember their names. These ladies should just do themselves a favor and stay at home.

It’s hard to have a great deal of sympathy for the man. On one hand, people do make mistakes and he did after all make a mistake (or two, or three…). But on the other hand, he IS a public figure… and it’s part of the job to be judged. And let’s face it… the man likes himself a LOT of ladies.

Considering the ever growing list of mistresses and the severity of the situation I only have one thing to say:

Dear Mr. Woods,
You’re not sorry for the situation… you’re sorry you got caught.

And now a few of his mistresses are trying to prolong their 15 minutes of fame by participating in some pagent/contest... comepeting for the title of "Tiger's hottest mistress"... does anyone care anymore? These ladies should do themselves a favor and stay at home.

Considering the ever growing list of mistresses and the severity of the situation I only have one thing to say:

Dear Mr. Woods,
You're not sorry for the situation... you're sorry you got caught.

Joey Zager Interview Questions

Here are my questions for my interview with Joey Zager

1. Where are you from?
2. What's the biggest difference between back home versus here?
3. What is your major?
4. Could you explain to those out there what Visual Communications is?
5. Where do you see yourself in 10 years within your major?
6. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Super Bowl XLIV

The Super Bowl XLIV was this past Sunday. Though the teams need no introduction, it was the Indianapolis Colts vs. the New Orleans Saints. Though the Colts were favored to win, the Saints won 31-17.

Super Bowl XLIV was proclaimed THE most watched show ever- OF ALL TIME! Though many may have speculation as to why it was the most watched program ever... I have my own theory. Many tuned in to see if the Saints were going to pull an upset over the Colts, especially being that it was the first time that New Orleans had been in the Super Bowl. My thought is that people wanted to see something happen for the city of New Orleans. Not too long ago Hurricane Katrina rendered the city helpless. I think that viewers wanted to see something good happen to the city... aside from the city's partying reputation. Hurricane Katrina is still fresh in peoples' minds and is one of the first thoughts that pop into our heads when we hear New Orleans. Now with this win, we'll think Super Bowl Champs!

In a sense the Super Bowl XLIV was not only a way to bring viewers together over a football game, it was like a Cinderella tale at that. The underdog overcame all to come out number 1. I think that though fans were excited for New Orleans to come out 1 for 1 in Super Bowl wins, people wanted to see the underdog (in more ways than 1) win.

...plus... Saints win + Betty White commercial = pure gold.

Act of War Review

The film Act of War which depicted the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy was an interesting film shown through the eyes of Hawaiians themselves. The film, made in 1993 marked the 100 year anniversary of the overthrow. It was accurately depicted with actual pictures and reinactments of the famous (or infamous) event.

Though an estimated 1 million people live in Hawaii, a majority of the population is not Hawaiian. It is because of this that not many people know the exact details of the Hawaiian overthrow. Act of War effectively opens the eyes of viewers and explains why statehood is not a widely celebrated event. The overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy was not done in the most civilized manner- with the imprisionment of Queen Liliuokalani and the fear of signing a new constitution.

Though I agree that the way that the Hawaiians were harshly thrown out of office was done in an inappropriate way, I feel conflicted at the same time. I think that there were more humane ways of westerners imposing their beliefs and thoughts upon the Hawaiians, however I live in a different time... it's 2010, not 1893. I also feel that if the even did not occur, much of us would not be living in Hawaii to this day. I've been born and raised here and am not of Hawaiian descent. I completely agree that the Hawaiians need some form of justice and were wrongly mistreated... however I have to wonder if I would be sitting here, blogging at this computer if the overthrow had not happened.

One thing is for certain though, statehood is a touchy subject for Hawaiians and Hawaii residents alike and will continue to be for many years to come. Act of War only briefly touches upon the true feelings of Hawaii, which is still prevalent in the year 2010. Though much bad has occured because of the overthrow, much good as happened as well. Though Act of War concentrates on the predominantly negative views, we have to wonder if it didn't occur... would I be blogging to you and would you be reading this?