Wednesday, July 31, 2013

We just finished watching this documentary.

Filmed by Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi.

Emad films the non-violent resistance put up by the villagers of his home of Bil'in, a West Bank village being threatened by encroaching Israeli settlements.  Emad bought his first camera in 2005 to record the birth of his youngest son, Gibrill. 

Through the eyes of Emad we watch as the Israelis destroy the olive trees of the villagers, to build the settlement, and destroying the countryside as well.  One by one the cameras are "destroyed" during the five years of filming.

We watched in utmost horror as the Palestinians would march, without weapons of any kind, only to be shot at by the Israeli forces, or had stun grenades thrown at them.  Children, women, old men, joined the protestors and still would be shot at.

In horror, we watched the death of one of the village's most beloved men. 

Emad is injured during the shooting of one segment, and is wounded once again at the end.

If you watch this, be prepared to have your emotions torn apart by what you see. 


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads




The world is a story we tell ourselves about the world.
Vikram Chandra
July 23, 1961: Happy birthday, Vikram Chandra! Born in New Delhi but educated in America, the novelist writes about being suspended between cultures. He turns 52 today.


Started reading "Children of the Jacaranda Tree"   very brutal, writing is excellent, set in Iran after the revolution, had to put it down for a bit, so switched to one of my favorites "Inkheart" .

Friday, July 19, 2013

Quote of the Day----Goodreads




Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, but only saps today of its strength.
A.J. Cronin
July 19, 1896: Scottish writer A.J. Cronin was a practicing doctor when he published his first novel, Hatter's Castle. His later work, The Stars Look Down, was an inspiration for the film Billy Elliot. He was born 117 years ago today.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Quote of the Day------Goodreads

 
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.
Phyllis Diller
July 17, 1917: Comedian Phyllis Diller's iconic onstage persona of a nutty housewife with a long cigarette holder took her everywhere from USO tours in Vietnam to Broadway. She was born 96 years ago today.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Quote of the Day-----Goodreads



Learn what is to be taken seriously and laugh at the rest.
Hermann Hesse
July 2, 1877: Nobel Prize-winning German novelist Hermann Hesse's books—particularly Siddhartha and Steppenwolf—helped popularize Eastern philosophy with Western audiences. He was born to missionary parents, 136 years ago today