Long before Chinese director Zhang Yimou gained international fame for his eye-catching, impressive opening ceremony to the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, he had a reputation for making epic movies full of soul, grit, dramatic storytelling.
I raise this now because To Live, which was made in 1994, has moments to keep in mind.
As in: What you have might not always be yours. Winners can become losers. Losers can become winners.
Overall, though, appreciation – in my mind – is tops.
The above clip highlights that clearly – with the adult son of a wealthy mansion owner losing everything while gambling. That launched an epic look at China’s history through his eyes and experience.
The idea of receiving something for free has been around for centuries. Certainly, I like the idea – and I’m not just talking about the free hug movement.
I mean: Who doesn’t like receiving something – say a new car or clothing -Â for free?
But the notion seems more fitting for an autonomous collective (especially one depicted by the British comedy group, Monty Python), where a group of people has agreed to provide labor and services for everyone’s well being with the exchange of money lower on the priority list.
This is a file photo of tofu from last year. Remember: Fresh tofu is always the best.
There is much news to digest these days – if you’re in the market for this type of information.
The U.S. Senate approved legislation to create jobs, Toyota has its automobile safety woes and Federal Reserve Chief Ben Bernanke predicted the economic recovery will, um, be slow.
That Hummer deal - in which a Chinese company would buy the U.S. brand associated with military-like vehicles – has hit an obstacle has fallen through.
And consumer confidence in the United States has dropped after it did relatively better in the past months.
At TofuWatch, confidence is up (in terms relating to soybean cake) because, well, circular logic, albeit it with ventures into new territory, really can never disappoint.
I typically don’t focus on crime issues - I prefer edible items such as tofu skin (also called yuba). I also covered enough criminal justice issues at my previous job.
But ShotSpotter, a Silicon Valley-based company which uses sensor technology to alert police to gunshots, gave me reason to pause.
As in: Huh?
The reason the sensors apparently are needed – at least in Richmond, Calif. – is that residents reportedly hear gunfire on such a regular basis that they no longer feel it’s imperative to call for help.
As in (for rational thinkers):Â No need to dial. The computer will get it.
This Chinese lion dance team performs during the Lunar New Year celebration in Seattle's Chinatown in 1921. The group also helped raise money for famine relief in China. Photo source: PEMCO Webster & Stevens Collection (courtesy of the Museum of History and Industry and spotted in an outdoor, public display by The Wing Luke Asian Museum)
As you’ve noticed, I’ve been on a run with Chinese dragons and lions lately – what with the Year of the Tiger that started Sunday.
I know it’s a day after the Lunar New Year began – and people still are celebrating. I thought I’d continue with one more post about lion heads used during Lunar New Year festivities.
Why?
Well, to quote singer (and pop philosopher) Kenny Rogers: “You’ve got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them.”
I’m holding on to this idea for just a bit longer.
I’m also doing this because I recall a person telling me years ago that the past is prologue.
So after my son and I watched the opening performance of the Lunar New Year festival in Seattle, we met up with my wife.
The three of us headed over to Hing Loon, a Cantonese Chinese restaurant which is one of our favorites in Seattle.
During last year’s Lunar New Year celebration, my parents were visiting us – and the five of us made our way to the scrumptious restaurant where the waitresses remember you and are friendly.
On Saturday, we ducked inside because our bellies were giving us signs that it was time to fill up – and our choice for the day were noodles.
Then, moments after we sat down – just as what happened when my parents joined us last year – we spotted Seattle martial arts master Mak Fai and his crew of lion dancers make their way to the popular restaurant.
With my son at my side, I turned on my digital camera, switched to video mode and captured Saturday’s Lunar New Year celebration in Seattle’s Chinatown International District.
It was terrific – bringing back memories and giving my son a chance to see what I saw in San Francisco and Oakland Chinatowns when I was a kid.
My grandparents lived in those Chinatowns and my parents would take my sister and me to celebrate and watch the colorful, loud street performances.
So what should all of us say when the foundation run by one of the world’s wealthiest people decides to give $10 billion over the next decade to develop vaccines for people worldwide?
How about, “That’s pretty thoughtful.”
Bill and Melinda Gates, co-chairs of the foundation that bears their name, made their announcement on Friday at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
I’ve grown accustom to some people – not all – bellyaching or griping about whatever they have: “It’s not enough. Is this all you have? You should do it this way.”
In the hubbub of huffing and puffing, I think we overlook appreciating what we do have.
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