Slumdog Millionaire Wins Big With Me (A Review)

Until one week ago, I hadn’t really paid attention to the chatter about Slumdog Millionaire.  I remember seeing the title around the internet, but it just didn’t stand out to me. That all changed during the Golden Globes ceremony last Sunday night.  Slumdog Millionaire seemed to sweep all of the categories for which it was nominated, including best picture. It was only then, that the film finally got my attention.

I did a little research first, namely checking out reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and blogs. I also utilized Twitter Search. It was apparent that Slumdog Millionaire had become wildly popular, and had received a tremendous amount of positive word-of-mouth. I suddenly decided that I just HAD to see this movie! Admittedly, my expectations were so high, that I was almost certain I would be disappointed. Alas, this was not the case.

The only theater showing Slumdog Millionaire in Springfield is the Moxie Cinema. The Moxie is the only theater in town that exclusively plays independent films. To my surprise, the movie was nearly sold out when I visited on a Sunday afternoon. Most of the prior viewings of Slumdog had been sell-outs, and new shows had to be added to the schedule.

Slumdog Millionaire centers around the character of Jamal, a streetwise, but tender-hearted orphan who grows up in the slums of Mumbai, India. Together with his older brother, Salim, Jamal faces considerable hardships, violence, disappointments, betrayals, and loss at a very young age. However, he also develops a strong capacity to love, as is shown in his relationship with Latika. Like Jamal and Salim, Latika is orphaned, and faces similar circumstances.

Amazingly, as a young adult, Jamal ends up on India’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, where he basically sweeps the questions.  Prior to the final, million-dollar question, Jamal is arrested on suspicion of cheating.  To the police inspector, and others, it seems highly unlikely that an orphaned, uneducated, street-kid could answer all of the questions. As Jamal is cruelly interrogated, he begins to recount his life in the streets. For each question on the show, Jamal tells of a past experience which had prepared him for that particular question.  One question remains, however. How and why did Jamal end up on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, if money isn’t important to him?

Finally, Jamal is able to convince the police inspector of his innocence. He is then free to attempt the final, million-dollar question. Will he get it right? Does he really even care about the one million dollars? Or is there an entirely different motivation?

I loved Slumdog Millionaire on so many levels. The cinematography is breathtaking and visually stunning, and complimented by a fantastic soundtrack.  Though the character of Jamal is at the center of the story, the acting is really more of an ensemble effort.  Each character contributes equally to the story, and each actor rises to the occasion, without overshadowing the others.

Based on the best-selling novel, Q&A, by Vikas Swarup,  Slumdog Millionaire has something for everyone: action, drama, romance, suspense, some violence. Jamal, Salim, and Latika endure more than their fair share of heartbreak, disappointment, and betrayal. Yet, you can expect a tremendously satisfying ending.  Slumdog Millionaire is most definitely Oscar-worthy!

Check out this Wikipedia article for a list of the awards and nominations that Slumdog Millionaire has garnered so far.

Slumdog Millionaire Wins Big With Me (A Review)

Until one week ago, I hadn’t really paid attention to the chatter about Slumdog Millionaire.  I remember seeing the title around the internet, but it just didn’t stand out to me. That all changed during the Golden Globes ceremony last Sunday night.  Slumdog Millionaire seemed to sweep all of the categories for which it was nominated, including best picture. It was only then, that the film finally got my attention.

I did a little research first, namely checking out reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and blogs. I also utilized Twitter Search. It was apparent that Slumdog Millionaire had become wildly popular, and had received a tremendous amount of positive word-of-mouth. I suddenly decided that I just HAD to see this movie! Admittedly, my expectations were so high, that I was almost certain I would be disappointed. Alas, this was not the case.

The only theater showing Slumdog Millionaire in Springfield is the Moxie Cinema. The Moxie is the only theater in town that exclusively plays independent films. To my surprise, the movie was nearly sold out when I visited on a Sunday afternoon. Most of the prior viewings of Slumdog had been sell-outs, and new shows had to be added to the schedule.

Slumdog Millionaire centers around the character of Jamal, a streetwise, but tender-hearted orphan who grows up in the slums of Mumbai, India. Together with his older brother, Salim, Jamal faces considerable hardships, violence, disappointments, betrayals, and loss at a very young age. However, he also develops a strong capacity to love, as is shown in his relationship with Latika. Like Jamal and Salim, Latika is orphaned, and faces similar circumstances.

Amazingly, as a young adult, Jamal ends up on India’s version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, where he basically sweeps the questions.  Prior to the final, million-dollar question, Jamal is arrested on suspicion of cheating.  To the police inspector, and others, it seems highly unlikely that an orphaned, uneducated, street-kid could answer all of the questions. As Jamal is cruelly interrogated, he begins to recount his life in the streets. For each question on the show, Jamal tells of a past experience which had prepared him for that particular question.  One question remains, however. How and why did Jamal end up on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, if money isn’t important to him?

Finally, Jamal is able to convince the police inspector of his innocence. He is then free to attempt the final, million-dollar question. Will he get it right? Does he really even care about the one million dollars? Or is there an entirely different motivation?

I loved Slumdog Millionaire on so many levels. The cinematography is breathtaking and visually stunning, and complimented by a fantastic soundtrack.  Though the character of Jamal is at the center of the story, the acting is really more of an ensemble effort.  Each character contributes equally to the story, and each actor rises to the occasion, without overshadowing the others.

Based on the best-selling novel, Q&A, by Vikas Swarup,  Slumdog Millionaire has something for everyone: action, drama, romance, suspense, some violence. Jamal, Salim, and Latika endure more than their fair share of heartbreak, disappointment, and betrayal. Yet, you can expect a tremendously satisfying ending.  Slumdog Millionaire is most definitely Oscar-worthy!

Check out this Wikipedia article for a list of the awards and nominations that Slumdog Millionaire has garnered so far.

Happy New Year!

May 2009 bring you prosperity, peace, health, & many blessings. I pray that all of your wishes for the next year come true, and that your New Year’s resolutions become stunning successes. God Bless!

How Tourette Syndrome Has Changed My Life….And Made it Even BETTER!

As a child growing up with Tourette Syndrome, I never thought it possible, that one day, I would look at the disorder as anything other than a curse. I mean what child would ever look at ticking, grunting, head-jerking, and constant teasing and ridiculing as something positive, let alone a gift?

I can remember the tics starting as far back as second or third grade. At first they were slight, and the other kids actually thought they were kind of cool. That changed when I was in about 5th or 6th grade. At that age, the ticks increased in frequency and intensity. The other kids began to look at me in a much more ridiculing light. I was kind of an outcast, though I did have at least a handful loyal friends.

I wasn’t diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome until I was 19, even thought the symptoms began years earlier. This was a disorder that was not very prevalent. I was an oddity of sorts.  Tourette Syndrome first started really gaining attention in the mainstream media in the ‘80s. Unfortunately, much of that was sensationalized and somewhat inaccurate. However, there was at least one piece that was responsible for changing my life! As I was watching television one night, shortly after graduation, an ad came on that was hosted by William Shatner. That ad would forever change me. It was a public service announcement that detailed symptoms of a disorder of which I had never heard. Of course, he was talking about Tourette Syndrome, and they showed clips of other children with the disorder. These symptoms fit me to a T. It was almost like an instant diagnosis, and it offered me a renewed hope for a normal life. I made an appointment with a neurologist shortly after, and within a couple of days of starting on medication, years of tics, twitches, and grunts were almost completely gone!

That was the beginning of a journey that has allowed me to re-invent myself over a period of two decades. It is a journey that continues today. I have learned so many life lessons and so much about myself over the last 20 years. More than that, I have realized that all of those years spent twitching, ticking, grunting, and shaking my head were not wasted. In fact, they helped mold me into the person I am today. I have come to see Tourette Syndrome as a part of who I am, and even something to be (gasp!) embraced.

It is far too difficult to condense all of the lessons learned through my Tourette’s into one single post, so I am going to write about my journey over a period of time. Check back often, to learn how something that is unfortunate, embarrassing, and ultimately humbling, can change your life for the better. Ok,  I’ll get off my Tony Robbins & Joel Osteen soapbox….at least, for now.

A clip from I Have Tourette’s, But Tourette’s Doesn’t Have Me.

Go to the original Youtube link.

Visit the Tourette Syndrome Association website.

Middle Age? Heck, No! My Life is Just Beginning at 40

I am just a few short days away from a milestone birthday. Years ago, at the age of 20, and even at 30, I thought that 40 was considered middle age. Now, I am actually approaching that age where over-the-hill surprise parties are cliche. You know the ones. They are decked out in black balloons and roses, graveyard-style cakes, and an overabundance of impractical gag gifts.

What I find so surprising is the fact that I am actually excited turning 40! My friends attribute this to the fact that I have a party to look forward to. This will be a celebration that is all about me. It will be my day to shine in the spotlight! Personally, I think it is more than that. Here some of the reasons that I have chosen not to merely accept the fact that I am becoming a woman of 40 years. It is for these reasons that I have chosen to embrace my 40th year with gratitude and a rejuvenation and zeal for life.

First, I am blessed to have made it this far. In my mind, if I dread turning another year older, I am taking for granted the gift of life. If I don’t want to move from 39 to 40, what would the alternative be? Hello! I am thankful and grateful for each year of my life.

Second, I still have so much in life and about life to learn. Life is about being on a journey, not about having all of the answers. In the last 40 years, I have made my share of mistakes, bad decisions, and poor choices. Alternatively, during that same time, I have made at least a few choices that proved to be wise. I have been blessed, and in turn, have had a part in blessing others. I have learned so much, yet have much to learn. I am taking on my 40th year with a renewed determination to learn and grow more than I ever have before. I sincerely hope that I never find all the answers to life, at least not in this temporal, earthly life. If I were to have all the answers, or even think that I have all the answers, I would never again have the opportunity to learn and grow.

Third, I can use this time to become a woman of purpose, power, and conviction! If I choose, I can help lead and guide women younger than myself, while at the same time, be molded by women older and more mature than myself. Nobody will ever be too old (or too young, for that matter) to help shape and pour into the lives of others. I CAN use this season of my life to impact those around me, and make a difference in this world!

It is for these reasons, that I am totally stoked at turning 40. Bring it on!

Motivation on the Internet

Recently I have discovered some great motivational websites. I would love to share a few of these sites with you. The information on these websites have been a blessing to me in the last month.

The first is the text for Steve Jobs’ commencement address at Stanford University in 2005. In case you don’t know who Steve Jobs is, he is the CEO of Apple Computers. I found his speech to be very uplifting and it gave me a renewed sense of hope even though I wasn’t there to hear it first-hand.

Og Mandino Qoutes

Change You Thoughts: 22 of the Best Motivational Videos on the Internet

Things Other People Accomplished When They Were Your Age.

But They Did Not Give Up Here is just one example from this website. This site has become one of my favorites!

As a young man, Abraham Lincoln went to war a captain and returned a private. Afterwards, he was a failure as a businessman. As a lawyer in Springfield, he was too impractical and temperamental to be a success. He turned to politics and was defeated in his first try for the legislature, again defeated in his first attempt to be nominated for congress, defeated in his application to be commissioner of the General Land Office, defeated in the senatorial election of 1854, defeated in his efforts for the vice-presidency in 1856, and defeated in the senatorial election of 1858. At about that time, he wrote in a letter to a friend, “I am now the most miserable man living. If what I feel were equally distributed to the whole human family, there would not be one cheerful face on the earth.”

Be sure to check out the site for many more examples of people who overcame the odds in history, politics, sports, entertainment, business, and more.

Proof Postive That You Are Never Too Old To Go for Your Dreams!

Just as I began thinking that I am too old to pursue my dreams or do something extraordinary, I read about Bobbie Nelson. Bobbie is older sister to country legend, Willie Nelson. After decades of playing the piano as an accompaniment to her famous brother, Bobbie Nelson has recorded and released her very first solo album. The amazing thing is that she is 76 years old! I listened to parts of the album on itunes and her myspace page, and she is indeed very gifted and talented.

Now, I realize that my age of almost 40, is far too young to give up on accomplishing my own dreams. Ms Nelson’s feat has given me a renewed determination to go for what I really want and to try new things. Add a little more zest in my life! Life is too short to give up and accept that you are too old or not capable of carrying out your dreams and desires. I have once again been truly inspired thanks to Bobbie Nelson and every other person who accomplishes great things despite their age or circumstances. Thanks Bobbie!

Life Lessons and a Legacy

This weekend I was sifting through some old photographs of my family and our ancestors. I have always had an interest in family history and genealogy that was cultivated by my grandmother. With the help of her cousin, the resident genealogist in our extended family, my grandma did extensive research into our family’s heritage. Grandma Avis had one of the keenest, sharpest memories of anyone I have ever met. Even in her upper 90′s, she could recall specific things from her childhood. She could recite poems she learned at the age of five. She remembered the name of the salesman who sold her a dresser over 40 years ago. She almost never forgot a birthday or anniversary even if she hadn’t seen that person in 30 years.

As I delved in my family history, my grandma’s memories and writings gave me an extra-edge that many family researchers are not blessed with. Additionally, she saved many important and interesting documents, photos, and scrapbooks which enhanced my own research. She left her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren a legacy that will forever be treasured. I have learned so much from her, even if I have not put the principles into practice. My grandma was the kind of person that everyone gravitated towards. She was kind and had a big heart. Lately, I have been pondering the question of what kind of legacy I would be leaving behind. I have come to the realization that is never too late to change. It is never too late to change the kind of person you are and the kind of legacy you will impart on those who know you.

If I want to emulate her, I need to follow the general principles that guided her through her long life. I also need to be someone of virtue and strong character. At the same time, we all need to be our own person. How boring would it be if we all tried to be alike? I love to see differences in people. People of different backgrounds, cultures, religions, interests, education, and careers are what make the world a more rich tapestry. That being said, it is good to emulate and learn from someone who has a characteristic or strength that you are trying to build in yourself. As I look back at my life and the life of my beloved grandmother, I want to share a few of the lessons I learned from her.

1. Be thankful for what you have been given. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t squander what you have been blessed with, no matter how big or how little you think it is. Rather, you should share what you have. My grandma had a big heart and was generous in sharing of time and money. I can’t even begin to make a list of all of the charities to which she donated. I can’t begin to fathom all the time and money she had given me in her life. In a way, she has never stopped.

2. Don’t buy anything on credit. This is a tough one in this day and age. With the cost of homes and cars, it is very difficult to have enough resources to pay either one in full. My grandparents never bought anything on credit. Honestly, if they tried to take out a loan today, they would probably be denied because they never had any credit history. They always had significant resources in the bank, but yet no credit history. Their philosophy was “if you don’t have the money, you don’t buy it.” It has taken me a few years to adopt this doctrines as my own, but I think I am finally on the right track.

3. Don’t hold grudges and never go to bed angry. I never knew of even one enemy in my grandmother’s life.She may have had disagreements with certain people at certain times, but that is all they ever become. She would never let a disagreement become a grudge. As a result, she left a legacy of love, compassion, lasting friendships, and optimism.

4. Remember as much as you can about the people you come across each and everyday. My grandmother’s ability to recall details from as far back has 4 years old never ceased to amaze me. The lesson here is that people feel loved and appreciated when YOU care enough to remember the details, both important and not so important, about what is going on in their lives. It also helps you to appreciate the details for your own life and those around you more.

5. It is a good thing to cultivate relationships with people of all ages, not just who are close to your own age. My grandmother was one my best friends. The older I got, and the wiser I grew, the more I realized and appreciated the things we had in common. We can always learn life lessons from those people who are decades older than us, as well as those who are decades younger than us, even a child!

6. Never take anything that isn’t yours, not even a pin! That was something that she passed on to me when I was a very young girl. This was something that her great-grandmother always told her. This doesn’t just apply to stealing, but gave me a mindset of living an honest, honorable life of good character and virtue.

7. Learn to love and appreciate your family history. My grandmother wrote extensively about her parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and extended family. She loved to learn more about her ancestors and cultivated in me, an interest and a passion for genealogy. As I delve deeper into this hobby of mine, it is not merely to comprise a list of names, but rather to carry on her legacy and appreciation for family, past, present, and future. Part of her legacy to us includes 60 plus years of diaries. I am a bit of a procrastinator, but I want so badly, to develop this habit of keeping a daily diary.

8. Respect your elders, especially those in uniform. As I was growing up, the thought of protesting and burning the American flag, or any other flag for that matter, never even occurred to me. It surely would sadden my Grandmother to see all that is going on in our country right now. I have always had a respect for soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and other people who risk their lives each and everyday to ensure the safety of others. You should always respect those older and wiser than you!

9. Work hard! But also take time to stop and smell the roses and live a life of simplicity. That is another one that is difficult to follow in the age of technology and ever-growing and the ever-growing and evolving cyberculture.

1o. Don’t follow the crowd! My grandma was a woman before her times. She went to college, which was not the norm for a woman in the 1920′s. She taught school in a one-room schoolhouse. She used her earnings to help save her family’s farm during the Great Depression. She married later in life, (about 35 years old) which was also not typical during that time. She had 2 children later in life as well, one after the age of 40. She always taught me to do what is right, but not necessarily what is popular or what society or others dictate. She always encouraged me to be my own person, both unique and individual.

11. Have a positive attitude!!! My Grandma was the Queen Bee of Positivity! Even in the last days of her life, she felt blessed. I will always remember one of her favorite quotes., “Sunshine, Sunshine. Everyday the sunshines.” I believe that one of the things that helped her in this area, was having confidence in herself and encouraging those around her. She never spoke harshly to anyone or about anyone. Her words were uplifting, encouraging, and kind.

This is the kind of legacy that she has left behind. I have to ask myself, what do I need to do or change in my own life in order to be a constant encourager, a woman of virtue and simplicity? How can I balance simplicity with becoming a woman ahead of her time? What kind of impression am I leaving on those around me at this time in my life? Finally, what can I do now or change now to leave that kind of legacy behind? I can only pray that my life will have the same wonderful influence on those people around me, that my grandma’s life had on me.

Go Ahead, Make My Day (or Better Yet, Somebody Else’s)

Today, I was invited to partake in a showing of The Bourne Ultimatum with a small group of close friends. While, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, it was what happened afterwards that will forever stay with me.

I have always believed that the words people say to you can stay with you forever. Whether they be uplifting and encouraging, or critical and destructive, the things people speak to one another can, and most likely, will have an impact on that person long after they are spoken. I have been the recipient of both types, and both have left lasting, life-long impressions on me.

Today, however, was one of the most unexpected, yet encouraging moments I have encountered with a complete stranger, more specifically, a child. After the movie, I stopped by the ladies room to “powder my nose.” Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a girl, probably 10 or 11 years old, and her mother. I didn’t think any thing of it, as they walked out of the ladies’ room. However, when I emerged a few minutes, later, I saw the duo standing just outside the door. Then the girl looked back at her mother, as if asking for permission. This young girl proceeded to walk over to me and told me that she absolutely loved the long pink the jacket I was wearing. She said that she actually loved my whole outfit. I looked at her with a huge, glowing smile and offered a sincere thank you. While complimenting someone’s outfit might not seem like a very important thing to do, this girl, quite simply, “made my day.” The fact that she waited for me to come out of the ladies room just to compliment me, made me feel like a celebrity, a la, J.Lo or Jennifer Aniston. It also gave me encouragement and confidence in my ability to put together an outfit and be somewhat stylish. That was huge to me! I will carry that brief, but powerful moment with me for the rest of my life.

This reminded me of another time, years earlier, when a brief encounter gave me encouragement and confidence. I attended a day-long motivational seminar with several keynote speakers, including Zig Ziglar. In addition to attending the seminar, I was fortunate enough to be able to obtain one of the limited spots at a breakfast with Mr. Ziglar.

As I walked into the small banquet room, my eyes scanned the room to see if I recognized anybody and also to spot Zig Ziglar. It was at that moment, that Zig Ziglar, himself approached me. He held out his hand and introduced himself. Then, came the words that would stay with me. He told me that he noticed me when I first walked into the room. He went on to say, how much I reminded him of his wife. Coming from Zig Ziglar himself, that was HUGE compliment! I don’t recall the entire conversation, but I do recall and revel in that moment as one of the most powerful compliments I have received.

You never know how much your words can impact someone else. Your words can either build-up and empower, or they can cut-down and destroy someone’s confidence. Look for moments when you can offer a sincere compliment or word of encouragement to someone…..

Go Ahead…Make Their Day!!!