IN PRAISE OF WOODY HARRELSON, AVAAZ and CHOCOLATE MOMENTS

WOODY HARRELSON


I have just seen a movie called the Messenger which stars Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster and Samantha Morton. In my humble view, Harrelson is building up a decidedly impressive ouevre. His sheer physicality and screen presence is immense, certainly Brando or James Gandolfini (Tony Soprano)’esque. He inhabits his characters at a deep level, in keeping with the best traditions of method acting. And his versatility is also commendable. Just think of the range of characters he plays in the movies Indecent Proposal, Natural Born Killers, The People vs.Larry Flint and No Country For Old Men. A legend in the making I say. Hyperbole? Moi?


AVAAZ

Avaaz is a simply magnificent campaigning organization and one which has reached an unprecedented size. They proudly refer to themselves as: ‘The largest global, on-line, citizens movement in history,’ which has nearly 4 million members and has taken 15 million actions. It has donated millions of dollars to campaigns, democracy movements and humanitarian relief. It organizes high profile protests and days of action, such as the March 31st 2008 events at Chinese Embassies and Consulates around the world, which called on the Chinese government to respect human rights with regard to Tibet. I know that I certainly feel good to be a part of it and always feel empowered when contributing a few dollars, signing a letter or petition and inviting friends to do likewise.


CHOCOLATE MOMENT

I have just enjoyed a very nice chocolate moment. The one when you think you are out of chocolate late in the evening and you are in no fit state to drive to the shops. You suddenly find a bar in the fridge (where I prefer to keep my chocolate) which you had forgotten about. Oh, the ecstasy, the unrefined joy!! Fellow chocoholics will know exactly what I am talking about.