look out below... ...and above too!

Update from latest crane incident:
The lead inspector of cranes and derricks at the NYC Department of Building was accused yesterday, under suspicion of taking bribes from a crane company, and selling crane operation licensing exam responses from the same company.
Hm. That's very surprising. I never would have thought the inner workings of any public entity in a huge and bureaucracy-rich city such as New York would be subject to such lobbying/bribery. My oh my.

Well, I guess it's time to react to it when people start dying in public.

more films, latin american style

Here are a couple more synopses on films I've seen recently, which both happen to be from Latin America:

Manda Bala, by Jason Kohn (2007)
Compelling, I think is the best description for this documentary. It attempts to make sense of the chaos that is brasilian society, based on its may incarnations and reactions to crime. The two main forms of crime that are juxtaposed are money laundering by politicians, and kidnapping of these and other rich by the poor. Along for the ride are frog farmers, reconstructive plastic surgeons, bombastic anti-kidnapping division policemen, and paranoid "mauricinhos" (stuck up rich boys, in brasilian slang). Metaphors are thrown around, and even though they may be direct they are not overemphasized, instead taking shape through the scenes, cuts, and cinematography. Which, by the way, is quite stunning at times, even though none of these filmmakers had ever directed or produced anything (so kudos to the camerawoman, you rock!).
I think the most surprising emotion I came away with from this movie is not so much anger at conditions i already knew existed (the poor being abused by the rich, especially in the north of the country; the extremely poor trying to take something for themselves through any means, and leaving their morals in the backburner; or the rich ignoring the actual conditions of the poor and resorting to stereotypical portrayals of the poors as ignorants for justification), but more at a current thread through all of these characters: the brasilian ability to adapt, to innovate in order to succeed, the jeitinho that apparently permeates through most brasileiros. I wonder if I see too much into this theme in anything brasilian i experience, but it seems to make sense too often. Maybe it's a good thing I'm an architect. Time to put the jeitinho to work...

El Crimen Del Padre Amaro, by Carlos Carrera (2002)
1. Based on a seemingly anti-catholic novel written before 1800 about scandals involving priests, and loves forbidden by already outdated canonical laws.
2. Hot, good actors and actresses. ok, actor and actress... ...and she's really not that good, but Gael Garcia Bernal is. Though I think they went a bit too telenovela with the love story aspect. But maybe I'm just not wired for these things.
3. Peasants turning against heretics while priests fund hospitals through laundered drug lord money. That just about brings the story up to the late 20th and early 21st century.
4. leprosy, catholic witch doctors, abortion, blackmailing, and coronaries. And a lot of talk about Mexican food.
So the film wasn't necessarily great, but it had its highlights. Though I still can't figure out the general point of view of the writers/producers/directors, especially regarding religion and organized religion. B ut I will say, one of my favorite moments was the recitation of dirty Holy Book passages during sex. HOT! And definitely better overall as a movie than most American romances nowadays.

look out below...

Another crane incident...
Incompetence is the name of the game in the NYC construction industry. Well, that and money.
I guess this is a good time to introduce Curbed, a website about NYC real estate, community, and planning.

South African xenophobia

And I thought Americans and Europeans were anti-immigration...
Seems people everywhere have a general distrust of immigrants. Frankly, If I were in a situation where I could not find a job but other people people got them mostly because of their willingness to work for less, I would be pissed too. However, I certainly wouldn't blame the people trying to find a job themselves, or even necessarily the employers trying to create an efficient business (though grossly underpaying whoever will take any amount of money and be afraid of doing anything that may cost him his job is not the soundest of policies, from a humanitarian or business standpoint). The government of that country needs to enploy some of these people in stadium construction efforts for the World Cup, and maybe to begin to train them for some service jobs that will emerge during the sporting event. That is a small gesture, I guess, but in my opinion may actually give some validity to the notion that a major sporting event actually does help the hosting community. Of course, there needs to be a plan of job replacement, period, if not a plan to empower people with their own business opportunities. Maybe a small loans program, or just more education opportunities. In fact, even some free meal programs for children, or better health care, can lead to great improvement in the general economic condition over time. If children are better educated and fed, they may be more helpful in the home/field, and will most definitely live through their childhood. This will most likely result in lower birth rates, less expenses for the parents, and a better household. Everything else follows.
But job creation is important as an immediate measure. However, I don't know much about the economy of South Africa, which is why I blurted out World Cup at the first chance.
I just hope people begin to understand that their misfortune is not necessarily the fault of someone else's fortune. Though resources of wealth and happiness may sometimes seem inadequate for all, that is not necessarily true. If those involved in these situations want to, they can share these resources to everyone's benefit. That, however is the problem.

piece keepers

It seems some U.N. peacekeepers have been abusing children all over the world. Another strike against the United Nations, who should be seen by all people of the world as protectors. So much for that. I know these are isolated cases, but for an organization that consistently sets its economic and political goals to oblige by the will of the Most Developed Countries, an appearance of failure at any other level, especially concerning trust, is seriously damaging. Count some of these other incidents along with this, and how can this organization be trusted, especially on the ground, where it is actually more likely to make a difference?

well, I don't know what else to say right now...

Favorite albums, rough draft

A list, not exhaustive, not refined, and not in order...

Clube da Esquina - Milton Nascimento, Lô Borges
Os Afro Sambas - Baden Powell, Vinícius de Moraes, Quarteto em Cy
Estrangeiro - Caetano Veloso
Noites do Norte - Caetano Veloso
Acabou Chorare - Os Novos Baianos
Abbey Road - Beatles
Downtown Science - Blockhead
Classics - Ratatat
Ratatat - Ratatat
Deadringer - RJD2
Since we Last Spoke - RJD2
Like Water for Chocolate - Common
The Listening - Little Brother
Tributo - Suba
Buena Vista Social Club - Ibrahim Ferrer
Blackstar - Mos Def & Talib Kweli
Bambas e Biritas - Bid
Median's Relief - Median
Murray's Revenge - Murs
Midnight Marauders - A Tribe Called Quest
Panis et Circencis - Tropicália artists
Simple Things - Zero 7
Mezzanine - Massive Attack
Homework - Daft Punk
Discovery - Daft Punk
Sem Lenço, Sem Documento - Caetano Veloso
Minha História - Gilberto Gil
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - Lauryn Hill
Pause - Four Tet
Rounds - Four Tet
Vocal Studies/Uprock Narratives - Prefuse 73
One Word Extinguisher - Prefuse 73
DJ Kicks - DJ Cam
Power in Numbers - Jurassic 5
EndTroducing - DJ Shadow
Aparelhagem - DJ Dolores
10 Seconds - Jel
Soft Money - Jel
Greenball - Jel
Brazilian Girls - Brazilian Girls
Confusão Urbana, Suburbana e Rural - Paulo Moura
Da Lama ao Caos - Chico Science e Nação Zumbi
Gold - Edu Lobo
Epistemology - Diplo
In a Space Outta Sound - Nightmares on Wax
A Procura da Batida Perfeita - Marcelo D2
Lost Subject - Deceptikon
Madvillainy - Madvillain
The Mirror Conspiracy - Thievery Corporation
Red Hot & Riot - Various Artists
Remedies - The Herbaliser
Very Mercenary - The Herbaliser
Tales of High Fever - Zuco 103
The Shining - J-Dilla
Saul Williams - Saul Williams
Music by Cavelight, vol. 1 - Blockhead
Stankonia - Outkast
The Thesis - MC Coffee Mug
Kakuesi - DJ Krush
Mylight - DJ Krush
Cold Krush Cuts - DJ Krush & Coldcut
Talkie Walkie - Air
Come With Us - Chemical Brothers
Figure 8 - Elliot Smith
Travelling Without Moving - Jamiroquai
3rd Eye Vision - Hieroglyphics
Hotter Than July - Stevie Wonder
Bebel Gilberto Remixed - Bebel Gilberto
The Three EP's - Beta Band
A Arte de Tom Jobim - Tom Jobim
Vespertine - Björk
Blazing Arrow - Blackalicious
Livro - Caetano Veloso
Cansei de Ser Sexy - Cansei de Ser Sexy
Stereotype A - Cibo Matto
Contraditório - DJ Dolores & Orchestra Santa Massa
The Underground Spiritual Game - Fela Kuti
Paparazzi Lightning - Ghostland Observatory
Narradores de Javé Remix - Instituto vs. DJ Dolores
FabricLive 09 - Jacques Lu Cont
Hail to the Thief - Radiohead
Louden Up Now - !!!

recently (relatively) viewed films

Slam, dir. by Mark Levin
Typical tale of a hard luck African American stuck in a life of petty crimes and gang mentality, which he eventually overcomes through his lyrical talent and some luck. Except in this case the protagonist, played by slam poet/rapper Saul Williams, gets himself out of trouble while in prison via his craft, not having to turn to physical violence at any point in time, and eventually straddling between different demographics of African American society. This is a poor, short description of the film, but it's not the plot or the cinematography that make this film. It's Sal Williams. This man is an engaging personality no matter what medium he participates in. First I ever heard of him (besides hearing his name) was when I saw him open for Aesop Rock at South by Southwest music festival in Austin, TX a few years back. His performance made me an immediate fan; he was by far the best that night. In this film, his poems are incredible, from the way in which they are delivered, to the lyrics themselves, to how they become catalysts for the story. The plot always takes a turn when a poem is recited, and Williams' acting catapults off of the enthusiasm of the poems. Worth seeing.


Harold and Maude, dir. by Hal Ashby
This film has been on my to-see list for a while, seeing that it's one of my best friend's favorite movie. The characters portrayed in this film are excellent. Harold's morbid pranks around his mother, and general infatuation with death, give the film a great early comedic slant. Maude's general disregard for societal conventions at the same time connect and disconnect the audience from reality, a real-life version of Harold's absurd stagings. Harold's mother's obsession with marrying Harold off and assimilating him into high society give the film its closest semblance to a prototypical antagonist, but it is really society that is the antagonist in this movie; Harold and Maude represent the personal freedoms that had become so publicly battled for in the previous decade (60's)... ...albeit extended into the realm of absurdity. I really enjoyed this film, and the soundtrack by Cat Steven kicks ass.

El Crimen Perfecto (The Perfect Crime) dir. by Alex de la Iglesia
Alex de la Iglesia is definitely an Almódovar protegé. There is no way around it; controlling and borderlne insane female characters, chauvinistic male leads, and twisted plots usually including violent crimes, murders, and exposing the protagonists to their most ingenuous instincts. This specific film details the story of Rafael, a salesman at the women's section of a department store, who is obsessed with his profession, and the beautiful women that come along with it. After some disappointing work-related news, he accidentally commits a crime, only to have someone at work help him cover up his tracks... ..ok, this is very difficult to describe without giving the story away (as is the next film on this list). Trust me, this is an incredible film about desperation, skewed values, and obsession. Watch it!

La Comunidad (Common Wealth) dir. by Alex de la Iglesia
Another tale of crime and trickery, but this one involves an entire building full of tenants, a disenchanted real estate agent, and a whole lot of money! Unexpected twists start from the early stages of the movie, and the cast of characters, and how little they evolve through the film, is astounding. I think one of the main points that de la Iglesia gets across (and I in no way know if this is his intent) is that people don't necessarily change much as a result of extreme circumnstances. More likey, they adapt to the conditions at hand to get themselves out of trouble, and that adaptation oftentimes is mistaken as learning, or evolution. This may be just an extreme criticism of most movies that involve lessons, in which characters learn life lessons just because of love for one character (cheesy American romantic comedies come to mind) or financial troubles that render them equal to those he once looked down upon (a lot of classic dramas). De la Iglesia's characters are more realistic than that, and it makes them much more interesting and engaging to the viewer. Oh, and by the way, Carmen Maura is in this flick. She is a demi-goddess of cinema.

Bande à Part (Band of Outsiders), dir. by Jean-Luc Godard
You know, I was much more of a fan of Truffaut than Godard, but I'm starting to think it was more a result of me not being so moved (more likely confused) by Alphaville, and being so enamored with 400 Coups. The more I watch Godard, the more I begin to understand his genius. This storyline is not that different than most other crime stories, but the cinematography, characters, abrupt scenes juggled into the plot, and general high level of innovation and playfulness made this one of my favorite films in a long time. No script, innovative camera work, use of no extraneous lighting, disregard for cinematic conventions, and fast-flowing, irreverent action make this a must-see, a true masterpiece. And Anna Karina is exquisite.

The Weather Underground, dir. by Bill Siegel and Sam Green
An insightful documentary, if only because of present times' intersecting history with the 60's. This film portrays the story of The Weather Underground, a radical leftist group that emerged from the student liberal movements of the early 1960's. This particular group eschewed peaceful means of protest, choosing instead to literally fight the establishment. This violent attitude led the group to move underground in the late 60's and 70's, from where they were still effective in bombing politically relevant establishments and pursuing equality and peace through their own means. This film includes interviews with some of the leaders of the movement, as well as some of the experts that tried in vain to capture them. This film rose a lot of issues for me when I watched it. One is how the leftist movement evolved during that decade, and how conditions then differed from now, especially having to do with disadvantaged people, and level of comfort in life for those protesting. Today's youth (catchphrase, yes, but I'm definitely including myself in this) is too comfortable, it has nothing personal to fight for. Even back then, many people were in some kind of peril: African Americans were fighting for their civil rights, young Americans were fighting for peace and against the possibility of being thrust into war, families were fighting to bring their loved ones home. And economically, none of those groups were nearly as well provided as we are now in first-world countries. Make no mistake about it, those people had good intentions, but they were fighting for issues that affected them personally, and had very little to lose. Could we possibly be too comfortable to fight for justice and peace? Do we just not care, and did we ever? What happens now, when those that have very few means to fight for their rights and opportunities (in poor countries or restrictive situations) need to do so on their own? And what means of protest can even be effective in this day and age, when it seems that marches and civil disobedience do not affect people with the same strength, even when practiced?

Tropa de Elite (Elite Squad), dir. by José Padilha
Yes, yet another Brazilian film about organized crime, drug trafficking and the favelas. So why did this win many awards, and is showing up at film festivals around the world? Well, people like repetition, and realistic stories in which they can rally behind the disadvantaged of the world from behind a screen (kind of the way I do on this blog), but this story is different. First off, it is a story from the point of view of the police, specifically the BOP, or "elite squad" that intervenes in the favelas when the military police loses control of situations (which is often). Secondly, because of its specific point of view, it tries to debunk a different set of myths about crime in Brasil; it attacks the notion (sometimes too aggressively) that all police in Brasil are corrupt. At the same time, it shows throughout the story that most police are in fact corrupt. But, it pinpoints a few honest man that actually care about the law (what that means in Brasil, I don't know), and that try to fight through the mediocrity and corruption of the police force. It's insightful, but at times blood-curdling and excessively violent. Excessively violent, that is, if this level of violence wasn't actually present in Rio.