LYFE PURSUITE

As first I thought the studios and Will Smith had done us dirty by releasing “The Pursuit of Happyness” the week before Christmas. I mean, come on—a film about a homeless man (Chris Gardner) and his son (Christopher Gardner)? “Feel good movie,” is not the term that comes to mind you read the summary or see the trailers. Still, I went anyway…

Damn is this a good flick!

Ever get tired of banging your head against the wall? Ever feel like if you do not step away and make a change, you are going to explode? But at the same time, do you think that if you change courses you will fail miserably? Well Chris Gardner’s story is, in part, about when there is no other alternative but to change courses, even though chances are, that you will fail miserably.

Another part of the movie that almost got lost because of the film's pace is the relationship between a father and his son; more so, the commitment of a man to be a father to his son. It sometimes means having to say no, or break a promise or two. The scene where they run for the bus and Christopher loses his favorite toy ripped my heart out; missing this bus might mean sleeping on the street. As a parent, these are the things that happen; tough choices have to be made, even if it means you lose something in the process.

It is really out of sight that Mr. Smith is doing some different things. Oh, can’t wait for him to do another shoot ‘em up movie. But between “Hitch” and “The Pursuit of Happyness,” he is doing out-freaking-standing work. We can almost forgive him for “The Legend of Bagger Vance” and “Wild, Wild West.” But I digress…

Would love to meet Mr. Gardner. Not just because he is a homelessman-turned-multi-millionaire. But to thank him for sharing his story. His Pursuit of Happyness has given me an infinite amount of encouragement.

Axe.

Currently Listening To: I Almost Let Go by Kurt Carr, Hold On To Your Faith by Detrick Haddon

SURE THING

Freedom of religion means all religions
(seen on a bumper sticker in upper Alabama)

Lost a neighbor back home over the holidays; heart attack. Known this person for over 20 years; surprised but not terribly shocked by the news. Saddened almost beyond words; they will be missed.

A relative, who also knew this neighbor well, and I, discussed the tragedies that seemed to plague this neighbor's life. It is my hope that they find peace, rest and joy in the after life. However, my relative could not help buy note that this person did not regularly attend church and that perhaps that was the cause of the turmoil in their life.

I totally disagree, especially since my neighbor, besides the occasionally gossip, was a person one would dig to have as a friend and they were not putting ill vibes out into the universe. Yes, everyone should have a spiritual walk and give respect to a God or the Higher Power of their choice. But that does not mean your life will be trouble free. Bad things happen to good people--that is a fact.

My neighbor's woes were not caused by her decision not to have a church home, or because she did not "praise Jesus" every time she greeted people. For all we know, behind closed doors, she could have been "praying Heaven down." Her misfortunes, although great in number, were just facts of life. But that's just my opinion...

Axe.

Currently Listening To: God Bless The Child by David Peaston, Just To Get By by Talib Kweli

THE VIAGRA MONOLOUGES





Having a little girl talk with some friends from work last night; we were discussing world peace, the affects of pollution on global warming and when the US might actually pull out of Iraq, and then the subject of sex came up, quite figuratively. The debate in a nutshell (no pun intended), was if Viagra, which is medicine, is a false display of affection and, in theory, a lie. “He is not showing me he loves or cares about me,” Diane argues. “If he can’t get it up by looking at or thinking about me, I don’t want it (an erection, and ultimately, intercourse) to happen because he takes some drug. That is not natural.”

I had never thought of taking medicine as “unnatural.” So, does the same rule apply to cough syrup? Vitamins? Herbs?

Admittedly, I am not the type of person who goes to the doctor like she should. I find seeking medical attention, even routine visits, to be a sign of weakness. Hence, when I am really sick and must take a prescribed remedy, I somehow feel less outstanding and more handicapped. But that is just me…

For a few minutes, the Viagra conversation drifts into the “playing God” zone, but eventually winds up back to the original topic. Are the affections of a man tainted when he makes love to a woman, but he needs help in order to do so? Is it the same as getting the promotion even if someone else did all the work? Or do the ends justify the means—“sexual satisfaction, ‘by any means necessary?’”