I know I'm late to watching it, but 'Flags of our Fathers' is the most emotional film I've seen in a long while. I teared up at the end. Not so much on the story line, but on the emotions of the characters/veterans.
I think this film, helped me to understand my father. He spoke little of his time in Vietnam, but when he did it was disturbing. I can understand why veterans don't speak of their past, and why they do not organize reunions - as no one who's been in wartime environment wants to remember their past. Oddly my father did start to talk with other veterans later in life, not so much on the deeds, but on the bureaucracy and culture they were forced to live in. As well as B.S. about how pilots(him) were a tougher job then helicopter pilots, more a banter then anything.
One of the great references at the end, was to what they were/are fighting for. Not for the the USA, anti-communism, or what not; they were/are fighting for the person to their left/right. Which is a fact, that I don't think the mindset in Washington get understand - at least none of the current leadership.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sunday, December 16, 2007
A Belgian Weekend in NYC
Was in NYC this past weekend for a brief interlude from my working life; work comes first right now.
Went up stayed with friends, I've not seen a while, went for a walk and such in the part of the city I enjoy - anything south of 14th street. Went for my preferred Saturday luncheon, more similar to continental European lunch - dinner, drinks, more drinks and talk(est. 2-4 hours). Went to what's becoming one of my regular places, Spotted Pig in the West Village; hope some day to be invited to the 3rd floor. It's got a great spicy Bloody Mary, rather good bitter(properly served with a hand pump), and great pomme frites.
After several hours there, we headed off to a new speakeasy which I had learned about '124 Old Rabbit Club,' which is in rather dank part of NYC; but the place was exactly what I wanted - mellow, good beer, and quiet enough that conversations could intermix with the eclectic background music. There's an old root or coal cellar next door, which should be opened up if possible for storage or some such. Be sure to bring cash, as they've not yet gotten a card machine.
Then after 2+ hours there, we were off uptown again(where most people I know seem to live); dinner at B Belgian Cafe on 75th between 2nd & 3rd. Had some moules another beer, light one hoeegarden, and was ready for bed - mind you it was only midnight; but we had been drinking heavily since 15.30.
Went up stayed with friends, I've not seen a while, went for a walk and such in the part of the city I enjoy - anything south of 14th street. Went for my preferred Saturday luncheon, more similar to continental European lunch - dinner, drinks, more drinks and talk(est. 2-4 hours). Went to what's becoming one of my regular places, Spotted Pig in the West Village; hope some day to be invited to the 3rd floor. It's got a great spicy Bloody Mary, rather good bitter(properly served with a hand pump), and great pomme frites.
After several hours there, we headed off to a new speakeasy which I had learned about '124 Old Rabbit Club,' which is in rather dank part of NYC; but the place was exactly what I wanted - mellow, good beer, and quiet enough that conversations could intermix with the eclectic background music. There's an old root or coal cellar next door, which should be opened up if possible for storage or some such. Be sure to bring cash, as they've not yet gotten a card machine.
Then after 2+ hours there, we were off uptown again(where most people I know seem to live); dinner at B Belgian Cafe on 75th between 2nd & 3rd. Had some moules another beer, light one hoeegarden, and was ready for bed - mind you it was only midnight; but we had been drinking heavily since 15.30.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)