Obstacles

"I'm never getting out of this, am I?"
-actor, Jeremy Northam
in a 2002 Sci-Fi film called
"CYPHER" that I thoroughly enjoyed.

DISTANT LIGHTS (Lichter)
(Germany, 2002)
Screened: May 9, 2003, Tribeca Film Festival
Director: Hans Christian Schmid

The Oder River between German and Poland is the end of the world for some, the gateway to a new life for others. For refugees from the Ukraine, it's not unlike what New York was to immigrants a century ago: their dreamed-of gateway to "The Golden West". A skilled ensemble cast weaves in and out of one another's lives in this elaborate tapestry of tales. Winner of the prize of International Film critics at the 2003 BERLIN Film Festival.

My Comments: 4 STARS

It doesn't matter what side of the border one is on...LIFE has its obstacles. This was a fascinating story about people from the Ukraine, Poland and Germany. There were a number of characters, so it would be worthwhile to have a second screening. It clearly showed the existing problem of refugees fleeing their countries in hopes of a better life. The sad part is that it's not always greener on the other side. I was impressed that the young director, Hans Christian Schmid, put it all together in such a unique way. It was a well thought out glimpse of how Europe has evolved and how discrimination continues to reflect from it all.


Twenty-five years ago today:

January 10, 1985
Thursday

When I arrived at the Business Office I had a pink WHILE YOU WERE OUT handwritten message on my desk from Bob Umland. I actually had another message from him but didn't realize it was from him. I returned his call.
"Hi Michael, I called you on January 2nd but I've just seemed to get so busy."
"It happens. I might be able to drop by at Wilkes for lunch today."
"That's great."
And so, that's where we left it.

Barbara Reynolds is out-of-the-office. She's sick and I didn't even know about it. I gave her a call this morning (after waking Bob). Her line was busy though. The workplace was slow, so I decided to give Jim Koran a ring. We had a brief, nice chat, too. I bid him 'good day' and he seemed pleased to hear from me.
"I did get your card and I will write soon," Jim said pleasingly.

I popped over at Wilkes-Bashford during lunchtime. I walked in with my French Vanilla Yogurt, choosing to eat it there. The store was quiet and Bob was happy to see me.
"You look like you've gained some weight, but you still look good," said Bob.
"Yeah sure," I thought silently with an evil grin as I'm very sensitive to weight gain.
I said, "You know, you always have such a booked calendar!"
"I know, I feel so bad."
We confirmed our tentative lunch date on January 17, 1985. Bob followed that with, "We'll talk way before that though. I have this undesirable visitor named Michael who happens to be visiting from LA. He is leaving next week sometime."
I asked him about Frank Jimenez because that name is listed on his telephone bill (I am such a sneaky detective.)
"Oh, Frank is actually my ex-roommate," Bob explained with an innocent, straight face.

Oh yeah, my other call for the day was to Mrs. Cordellos on this morning.
"Chris was here on the third of January but he went skiing to vacate for the week. I will give him the message that you called."
And so, this revelation told me that he was here and he chose NOT to contact me. Or maybe he did call and I was simply not at home. Who knows?

I was paid today and went to mom's house to borrow some of her postage stamps. Sherri dropped by to pick-up Ashley and I joined them at Lung-Kong for Chinese Food here on Bay Farm Island. I treated and continued home where I wrote checks to pay off other debts. I drooled over new Springtime clothes in the new International Male catalog, too.

I forgot the last chapter of THE THORN BIRDS was on TV tonight. I missed the beginning because of my fidgeting over my mail and filling out a ridiculous Home Direct Marketing Survey. I also spent some time talking to Paloma and looking at the International Male catalog.

Stephanie Bautista, my supervisor, commended my $8000 sales results for the month of December. I was awarded a $20 gift certificate.

Everyone (especially Sue and the other chick in the Data Marketing Group) are really 'into' my TAROT Cards. They all want a reading and look at me as though I'm the expert. Give me a break! I need to take the time to seriously do my own reading.

I received my brand new American Express Card today.

"It has to be a secret."
"Is that lying?"
"How could it be lying if we're not saying it?"
-as heard while watching
KYLE-XY, Season I