Middle East in Turmoil, ISIS

Kurdish fighter surveys ruins of Kobani after liberation from ISIS. 

      We've all read the stories coming out of the Middle East lately. I suppose if it doesn't happen in our own backyard we don't much about it, but that doesn't mean we should accept the Middle East for what it is today, struggling to maintain law and order. Just yesterday a car bomb exploded Egypt's Sinai District killing over 30 people. Rumors are swirling that it was ISIS, others point blame to Hamas. Who knows for sure yet? Then the day before, gunmen allegedly apart of a newly formed branch of the Islamic State attacked a hotel after killing 5. In Saudi Arabia, a blogger pleads for his life as he is sentenced to 1000 lashes for insulting the Islamic faith. His wife says she won't stop fighting until her husband, Raif Badawi (the blogger) is freed. Turkish President Erdogan states, "Muslims never guilty of terrorist massacres". In the Phillipines, 44 police commandos are brutally killed in a clash with fighters from the Islamic Liberation Front. We can all learn a vital lesson from this bloodshed being carried out by religious fanatics and the fight for power in the most religiously diverse region on the planet. The world must take responsibility for its actions. No longer can we live in a world where politicians begin wars based merely on personal vendettas or religious intent. If we are going to survive and thrive, somebody must be held to account. Blaming others has never once worked in the past. Not taking responsibility for a genocide committed during World War I is just as low as allowing an Islamic Caliphate to screech its way across the Middle East, utilizing a policy based on oppression and persecution. In Europe, Islamic homophobia is already taking roots after the mass murder of Charlie Hebo's newspaper columnists in France. I understand it's difficult to accept somebody not of your faith or racial background but believe me, it can be done and has been done before. 

       The Middle East has engulfed itself into one huge paradigm and we are the witnesses to that change. The refusal of the U.N. to step in and take any action against ISIS is yet another brutal reminder for humanity that war knows no boundaries. It can strike at any time without warrant or forehand knowledge for those on the receiving end. Even journalists are taking big hits in war zones such as the Middle East and Ukraine to an extent. Innocent civilians only get caught in the crossfire and it lets us know that we are failing as a civilization to stop these atrocities. We cannot allow ourselves to turn our heads away from the news anymore because when you see stories such as the beheading of people like James Foley and even more recently, the two hostages from Japan by ISIS; it wakes you up to the reality that we don't live in a perfect world. 

Boardwalk Empire Auction

   

      HBO's Boardwalk Empire follows the story of one of the most elusive politicians in United States History, Enoch Johnson. Formerly known as Nucky Thompson on the show played by the ever so cunning Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire dives into the depths of organized crime during 1920s Prohibition, earning Buscemi his one and only Golden Globe for the potrayal of one of the saddest characters in modern television history. The story focuses mainly on Thompson's control of Atlantic City set in 1919 on the eve of Prohibition with the pilot episode and criminals that spawned from the illegal trade of alcohol. Other gangsters appear in the show as well, such as Charles "Lucky" Luciano (played by Vincent Piazza), Meyer Lansky (played by Anatol Yusef), and last but not least Al Capone (played brilliantly by Stephen Graham). The thing that makes this show so interesting is the fact that it always stood in the shadow of perhaps TV's greatest show to ever air, Breaking Bad; so even though it didn't get as much recognition as it should have it's still a great show to watch. Stephen Graham put on one of the most realest performances an actor can ever hope to accomplish as rough and tough Al Capone, during the midst of the Roaring Twenties. Boardwalk Empire brought real emotion, real characters, and real events to the forefront and it worked. A memory I'm sure no one will ever forget is that hilarious last scene with Nelson Van Alden (played by Michael Shannon) punching Capone in the face and teaching him a religious lesson.
       We also can't forget Shea Whigham or Buscemi who as brothers, showed what would have happened *SPOILER ALERT* had Michael not killed Fredo in The Godfather Part II. Boardwalk Empire literally centers on what was once a busy, wild, and illustrious gangster filled city. When you really think about it too, Atlantic City was considered the Las Vegas before there even was a Las Vegas. These days it's not so filled, due to Hurricane Sandy and the 2008 financial crisis which brought down many casino moguls. By the time you're reading this article you're probably wondering when I would mention Ben Siegel who's known for building the first casino in Vegas, the Flamingo Hotel. The final season of Boardwalk Empire has plenty of Siegel in it too don't worry! Even though many fans of the show would not consider Kelly MacDonald a great piece of the puzzle (who plays Buscemi's counterweight and fiery Irish wife Margaret) she really brought it home in the final season. The kiss her and Buscemi shared together is something I have always wanted in a relationship, real happiness. Written with particular detail and historical meaning, Terrence Winter did a great job of offering us a glimpse into what the 1920s and even early 1930s during The Great Depression was like for many Americans. While over 30% of America's workforce was out of the job, gangsters took it upon themselves to fill that income gap.
       Now you're probably wondering why I decided to mention this spectacular series and it's because HBO is having an auction which started today. Everything from Nucky's pinstripe suit in the opening credits to Richard Harrow's mask will be available for purchase so bid farewell gangster fans.

US-Cuban Relations Thaw

      

       

          In a sign that Washington is finally willing to work together a nation it once considered an enemy during the Cold War, relations between the two countries are just beginning to thaw and I predict a day when the United States and Cuba are able to break bread together again. I for one couldn't be happier that more Visa restrictions are being lifted for tourism to return back to Havana, because I have wanted to go there for as long as I can remember. So much history I can't even begin to go into detail: Che Guevara, the Cuban Missile Crisis, La Cosa Nostra (see The Godfather if you don't know what that is), and last but not least the retro looking 1950s automobiles cruising the beautiful beaches of Havana! 

          Dan Roberts from The Guardian reports, "Slew of changes - from reversing the ban on foreign ships entering US waters to allowing travelers to return with 100$ worth of cigars will take effect on Friday". That was yesterday and there are still some politicians in Congress who say Cuba is a threat. My response to that: NUTS. The Cuban government has been under total economic sanctions for well over 50 years so to say the Cuban people are a threat to the United States is just plain ignorant. They have no real military capability and we need to reevaluate our options. There is so much hidden potential on the island of Cuba. The benefits surely outweigh the negatives. Roberts later goes on to say, "The steps include raising the limit of remittances from Cubans living abroad to up to 10,000$, allowing internet and mobile phone companies to export equipment and relaxing almost all banking restrictions between the two countries". Also as of yesterday, Cuba has released all 53 political prisoners in a swap brokered between United States and Cuban officials. This country deserves better cooperation from our side of the aisle. After all is said and done, it takes a village to raise a child. 

  

World War I Culture: The Night Painting by Max Beckmann

        World War I was once considered one of the bloodiest wars of the 20th century, that is until World War II began in 1939 with the invasion of Poland by Adolf Hitler's forces. Nobody can really know what war is until they see it for themselves, the same goes for art. You don't really know what you have until you see it for yourself. The Night stands as one of the most defining paintings of the 20th century. This particular painting was done by a German artist by the name of Max Beckmann in 1918. An oil painting on canvas, it truly captures the intensity of the war which devastated Europe and its inhabitants. It also happens to be my favorite painting. The idea behind the artistry was just utterly brilliant and nobody can deny that. True art catches the eye of the everyday person and makes them feel a certain way, good or bad the effect it has on one's emotions cannot be more overstated.

          Second comes the interpretation of the painting. Three men are seen in the painting terrorizing what's supposed to be a cramped room and chaotic scene beautifully drawn by Beckmann. To the left, another man can be seen in the background hanging from the ceiling thanks to the three stooges. A woman, who is most likely the man's wife is tied to the room's supports having just been raped and to the right we can see a child who is about to be kidnapped by one of the criminals (the one wearing the Lenin type hat). Author Stephen Lackner writes: "But Beckmann sees no purpose in the suffering he shows; there is no glory for anybody, no compensation. Beckmann blames human nature as such, and there to be no physical escape from this overwhelming self-accusation. Victims and aggressors alike are cornered. There is no exit." What's even more interesting is the fact that Beckmann never sought recognition for his works as an artist. He just did it without a care in the world. I find that admirable and courageous. I mean look at what he had to go through in life. World War I, and then in 1933 his paintings were confiscated and most likely burned by the Nazis once they came to power. Thankfully this one made it out so we can truly admire it for what it is, the truth spoken with just a brush and paint. 

Crisis in Ukraine: Conflict News

For more updates on the Ukrainian conflict and other news, look no further than here:

http://www.conflict-news.com/live-feeds/ukraine/

This day in 1957

   Humphrey Bogart Passes Away from Throat Cancer 

                   Bogart (pictured in middle), Audrey Hepburn (left), Lauren Bacall (right)

                  Not many people can say they are as revered as the legendary actor Humphrey Bogart, known for his roles as Rick Blaine in Casablanca (1942), The Big Sleep (1946). Today we remember him for what he truly stood for, a great actor who need no introduction. There are almost too many films to name which probably would have collapsed without the help of Bogie's acting chops. Listed as the best actor of all time on the American Film Institute's list of classic actors, it should shock nobody that he is number one. Quotes like "Here's to you, kid" have become so mainstream that many people don't even realize who first spoke those words. Born on Christmas Day 1899, Bogie grew up to be an iconic persona which still lives on today and it's probably a safe bet that Hollywood will never see another actor like him ever again. 

          Lauren Bacall remembers him as "a truly gentle soul" and misunderstood human being. Taking the part first given to George Raft as Rick Blaine in Casablanca (1942), it's a good thing Raft dropped out of the picture because we probably wouldn't be speaking about Bogie's legendary career right now. His last marriage to Lauren Bacall is something only fairy tales are made of and it endured during the 1950s when the "Red Scare" gripped American television screens across the country. Their marriage even endured when Bogart was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 1956, not being able to see his own children grow up. His children are still here today though and one of them even has his own film career to tend with on most days, Stephen Bogart. The other one, Leslie (named after Bogart's good friend and screen actor Leslie Howard, whom was killed during World War II) was married in 1990. With the saddened passing of Lauren Bacall earlier last year I thought it would be nice to celebrate not only the life but the sheer legendary status associated with Mr. Bogart. Their personal charisma is what made Hollywood shine to begin with. 

Cold War Renewed

The United States and Russia’s Failures

          With a ceasefire deal falling on deaf ears in Europe following the deaths of 11 civilians in a bus attack near the Ukrainian airport today, Europe stands on the verge of making a tough decision: Either leave Ukraine to die out on the battlefield or resume Cold War like policies towards Putin’s Russia. As to what those policies look like: integrate Ukraine into NATO’s fold or get tougher on Putin by slapping sanctions on his economic and banking system. We have already seen what sanctions do though, absolutely nothing. Russia has continued its blatant support of separatist forces. The United States is propping up a Ukrainian government which is close to defaulting on its debts to Russia, and a war which has so far claimed almost 5,000 lives. NATO’s Supreme Commander earlier today stated that fighting in Eastern Ukraine has once again resumed to no one’s surprise. I’ll tell you what’s surprising though and that is the inability of both global powers to come to a solid understanding.                   

          All that hard work over the past 20 years undone trying to integrate Russia into the global economy is both a failure of the United States and Russia. Old grudges die hard I guess. We can’t forget President Obama out of this one either, whom has discreetly issued Executive Orders targeting Russia’s banking system without asking the American people first if they really want to live in a world filled with fear not seen since the Cuban Missile Crisis. He did it without thinking, basically rewinding the clock on corporation between our two nations. Both he and Putin are to blame for this, not the Ukrainian people. Mistakes have already been made on both sides of the table. We can no longer ignore the issues of this post-Cold War era we live in today and that is the unwillingness of good men to do anything about it. The Middle East has been ravaged by the Arab Spring, ISIS, religious extremists, and the downfall of countries which were supposed to turn to democracy so the last thing this world needs is a return to the Cold War. Thanks for reading! More to come.