Document This- K2 Climbers, Babies, and Keeping it Real

I've started watching more documentaries while walking on the treadmill this week (on an incline, for the record- just because my stomach will look like a deflated fleshy balloon post-partum doesn't mean my ass has to), so here's a quick rundown:

The Summit

2012 

102 minutes

This documentary tries to piece together went wrong during the K2 (the second highest mountain in the world, located on the border of Pakistan and China) disaster in 2008 when 11 climbers died (not all at one time; it seems that there were various issues that led to this tragic episode). There are reenactments, interviews, footage, and various accounts by those there and not there. 

Verdict: I don't think this is necessarily the best documentary, but given the fact they were 8,000 feet above sea level and so many people died it was probably the best documentary on this subject. Personally, I enjoy climbing stories and nature documentaries, so I did appreciate this. The scenery itself is amazing.

Life in a Day

2011

95 minutes

I've had this documentary in my queue for forever and decided that I'd finally

give it a try. Basically, filmmakers asked people all over the world to record their daily activities on Saturday, July 24, 2010 and send them in. They then turned thousands and thousands of hours off footage into this documentary that records everything from mundane activities like brushing teeth, eating, and going to work to more life-changing events like birth, cancer, or shaving for the first time. We see people from all over the world, every age group, and from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.

Verdict: I loved this film; I enjoyed seeing how they put it together in terms of editing and organization, noting the differences in cultural practices, and the message that each day is both the same and unique. It also made me appreciate what I have and what I've worked for. 

More Business of Being Born

Episode 2- Special Deliveries: Celebrity Mothers Talk About Giving Birth 

74 minutes

I watched the first Business of Being Born a long time ago, when we were trying to get pregnant, so thought I'd give the second installment a go. This was the

only episode that seemed appealing to me, since the others are about doulas and VBACs and whatnot. This one interviews women like Giselle Bundchen, Cindy Crawford (has she had work? She's still so beautiful), Melissa Joan Hart, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Alyson Hannigan, and Alanis Morisette, who all started off wanting natural childbirths. Each describes their stories from start to finish.

Verdict: On one hand all of the women wanted natural childbirth, so I felt, just like the Ina May Gaskin book I read, that there was sort of an "agenda." But as their stories unfolded I felt that the eventual message was that you just have to do what's right for you and your baby at the end, which I appreciated. I was also glad that this wasn't as graphic as the first one; in fact, there were very few pictures at all.

Document This- Wine and Elephants

Ever since watching Blackfish a few weeks ago, my interest in documentaries has flared once again. Here are two that I've watched since then: 

 

Somm 

99 minutes

What made me want to watch a documentary about wine when I've been sober for over five months is beyond me (I think I heard it mentioned on Facebook). Anyway, this story follow four men as they buckle down to study for the master sommelier test, which is only offered once a year. In order to prepare they have to to study for the theory, tasting, and service portions, which basically means they have to know everything, about every wine, everywhere. They spend countless hours studying from flashcards, sampling, and worrying. The documentary interviews their wives/girlfriends to examine how it changes their personal lives (they stop having ones) and watch the dynamics of the friends change as the big day approaches. The documentary ends with the testing process, showing who joins a very elite groups of Americans and who does not.

Verdict: I think anyone, whether they're into wine of not (I actually much prefer other types of drinks, but do enjoy a glass every once in awhile... when I'm not pregnant), will enjoy this documentary. It's not about the wine- it's about struggle, determination, and passion.

One Lucky Elephant

82 minutes

This documentary centers around Flora, a circus elephant whose owner decides that he made a mistake purchasing her nearly twenties years prior. Flora starts

acting a bit more obstinate and is obviously bored of performing. Her owner, who sincerely does love her, starts searching for a new home for her, first hoping that a safari group in Africa would be a good match. That falls through, so he ends up putting her in a zoo, where she unfortunately attacks a worker. He then must keep pursuing other avenues to find her the right home.

Verdict: I appreciated the sentiment behind this documentary- a man trying to do his animal right. It was a little anti-climactic, though, and I think it could have worked a little harder to raise awareness to the issues with circuses and other situations where animals are held in captivity. 

 

Document This- Blackfish: Why I'll Never go to Sea World Again

I usually try to save up a few documentaries to write on at once, but I just watched Blackfish the other night and was seriously affected by the film (streaming on Netflix now!). I know most people have seen it, since it aired on CNN awhile ago, but for those who have not a quick rundown. Basically, it tracks the issues Sea World has had with their orcas since they began their program of capturing them from the wild in the seventies. They interview four ex-trainers that discuss the positives and negatives, ranging from the almost ease of becoming a trainer (you don't need any sort of marine biology or veterinarian background) to the living conditions of the whales to the loving bonds they developed with the animals they worked with. The documentary also follows the OSHA case against Sea World that claimed the lives of trainers are endangered when working with these whales.

Personally, I've had issues with all places that keep wild animals in captivity for some time- circuses, zoos, aquariums, and marine parks. I support reserves or places that focus on rehabilitation or protection, as opposed to parks that are relying on animals to jump around to generate income. These large animals needs more space and need to interact with more of their kind. Biologically, they need to be kept in habitats that compare with their environments- polar bears in San Diego? Come on!

Anyway, Blackfish served to reinforce my feelings of hesitancy and even disgust. First of all, these huge orcas are kept in the small tanks, granted anything is tiny when you compare it to the ocean. Tilikum, the largest and oldest whale in captivity, who has also been associated with more than one death, resides in a lonely pool all day, only let out occasionally for the occasional show finales. Secondly, whales are incredibly smart and they are being reduced to jumping, waving, and diving for fish. Sure, I do this with my dogs too- the  difference? Whales are exceptionally intelligent. And they do this for the profit of Sea World.

But the real issue at hand is the safety of the orca trainers. I knew that there had been deaths and injuries in the industry before, but I really had no idea that the number was dozens and dozens. Interestingly, there are very few reported in the wild, and no deaths. Of course interactions are much rarer, but if you look at shark attack numbers you can see that aggression is the real issue. Orcas are not naturally aggressive towards humans. Recently, and a large focus of the documentary was the death of Dawn Brancheau's, an experienced trainer who was killed by Tilikum. Many of the incidents seem to be a result of whale frustration- they think they should have deserved a treat but didn't get one, are tired of doing the same trick, think they're playing, etc... But who can really know why they do what they do- they're as complex as you and I.  Most memorable for me was the clip of Kenneth Peters, who was dragged down to the bottom of the tank several times by the foot- he miraculously remained calm, stroking the whale each time they surfaced, only to be taken down again. After nine minutes Peters was able to get his foot loose and frantically swim past a net other trainers had put in place for him. Incidents like this are not isolated. I've included the video below, but be warned- it's scary as hell. But also incredible enlightening. 



This is of course a documentary with not only a message, but an agenda- it is primarily one sided. Sea World has since issued an open letter after facing a PR nightmare, including falling stock prices and attendance. I sincerely think that there are many, many people at Sea World that care a great deal about the animals, preservation, and protection. But bottom line- it's a for-profit company that keeps highly intelligent animals in small tanks and makes them perform tricks so that they can make money. I'm not comfortable with that.

But what about your kids? Don't you want them to see these amazing animals in person? 

I do, yes, but I also believe that sometimes you have to do what's right and not what's cool. Not contributing to corporations who house wild animals is what's right for me. I'll show my kids Planet Earth and explain to them the difference between animals in the wild and captivity. And when they're much older (and can pay their own way and drive themselves) they can make the decision for themselves. I just won't support something I don't believe in.

Like anything controversial, this is something that you have to decide for yourself. Living in Southern California where there are a plethora of zoos and the now infamous Sea World this is definitely something relevant. I strongly urge people to watch the documentary before visiting a wild animal park. It's not a feel-good movie, but it's not gory either. Do some research, talk to your family, and decide if the pros outweigh the cons for you.

Document This- Skid Row, Cycling, and Shakespeare

Despite my supposed love for documentaries, I haven't watched nearly as many as I thought I would this summer. The three that I have seen have been all really interesting (all available to stream on Netflix):

Lost Angels: Skid Row is My Home

2010

75 minutes

While at lunch with some friends last week this was brought up and I was instantly intrigued, since a few of my past driving mistakes have led me accidentally through this area of Los Angeles. I went to add it to my queue and realized it was already there- oops! Anyway, Skid Row is an area of 50 blocks

near downtown Los Angeles comprised of thousands of people in both homeless encampments and low-income housing. Many of the inhabitants are those with mental health issues, addictions, or are hiding from demons that haunt them back home. The documentary highlights several long-time residents, including a previous Olympic athlete (has since left), a woman who is obsessed with cats and collects trash, and a transgendered father who has been diagnosed with a multitude of mental illnesses. The documentary also interviews local missions and shelters, which often operate without help from the city. Without getting into the politics, downtown LA is the ultimate example of gentrification- people with higher incomes are coming into poorer areas and buying up the real estate and kicking out those that previously lived there. Interestingly, it costs taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars less to help people of low socioeconomic status find housing than it does to support them as prisoners (which so many homeless and poor people become, given the fact that it's basically impossible to survive on the street without breaking laws).

Should You Watch It? So many of us are content to live in a bubble- myself included. We feel badly for those who are struggling but we don't do much to educate ourselves or do anything about it. Out of sight, out of mind, I suppose. If anything, I think watching this will help increase compassion- as the documentary points out, no one sits in their third-grade classroom and declares they want to be a homeless addict when they grow up. This isn't to say people shouldn't take responsibility for themselves, they should; some people need a little (or big) push in the right direction. Digression over.

Ride the Divide

2010

80 minutes

I've recently started riding my bike more and was interested to see how endurance riders handle races. Ride the Divide is an underground race that starts in Canada and ends at the US/Mexico border in New Mexico. Riders must endure snowy passes, grueling climbs, camping wherever they can, and fueling properly. This isn't The Tour- these cyclists don't have crews in vans next to them handing them Cliff Bars or directing them to good places to sleep. These riders are on their own, occasionally riding with their fellow competitors for company. The documentary focuses on a few riders in particular, recording their moments of triumph, pain (the swollen legs are no joke), and defeat when some are forced to back out. The scenery is beautiful and I found myself becoming more and more invested in each of the riders.

Should You Watch It? If you are interested in endurance sports, absolutely. Cycling enthusiasts and those that appreciate stories of struggle (in nature) will also probably enjoy it.

Shakespeare High 

2011

81 minutes

I watched this movie several months ago and actually ended up buying a copy to have on hand at school, since my yearbook students were watching documentaries and my incoming seniors will be reading a play. This film goes behind the scenes of several Southern California schools preparing for a Shakespeare Festival that many celebrities, including Kevin Spacey, performed at while teenagers. Students must take scenes from plays and reinterpret them, without costumes. It's fascinating to see the spin put on classic scenes from

Macbeth and Midsummer's Night Dream- some groups are purists, focusing just on traditional acting, while some go over-the-top with raps and comedy sketches. The rivalry between school is intense, and the groups focused on are from a variety of different areas. There's one that is semi-local to where I live, from the high-desert town of Hesperia. These kids are lower middle class, many of them choosing to do drama because they're either bored or hope to use it as a vehicle to escape their town. There's an inner-city LA charter school that prides itself in helping kids from gangs and the street turn their lives around. There's also a few private schools that have kids who maybe feel a bit entitled but are still very talented. The documentary follows them from their planning and practicing until the end of the competition.

Should You Watch It? I thought it was very well-done and love that these kids are so invested in Shakespeare. The plays aren't the main focus, so even if you're not a fan of The Bard, you'll still appreciate the effort these teens put in.

Seen these? Any other good ones for me to add to my queue? 

 

Document This- Gangs, Videogames, and Rock

I have to preface this by saying that all three of these documentaries are my husband's, and I'm not sure if I would have picked out the first and second on my own to watch. But, of course, if a documentary is well-done it should be able to make anything (even pocket lint) interesting. 

The Interrupters

2011 

125 minutes 

This movie tells the story of a group from Chicago called The Interrupters who aim to work with gang members to stop violence. They work tirelessly to help with both young and old at-risk members of the community, despite the danger

it puts them in. Many of the mediators are ex-gang members themselves, giving them an advantage in understanding the psychology of the street. Despite the frustration and resistance they absolutely make a difference.

Should You Watch It? I found it really fascinating, especially as a teacher in a challenging area (nowhere near Chicago and other more violent areas, though).

King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters

2007

79 minutes 

This movie is about two men, Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell, who desperately want to be the all-time points leader for Donkey Kong. I'm not kidding. The

movie shows how each men are extremely different, and unless you don't have a heart, you'll root for Steve Wiebe from the beginning. Mitchell is cocky and arrogant, while Wiebe is a little disheartened but still desperate to succeed at something in life. I won't tell you who wins. 

Should You Watch It? I thought it was a well-done movie that captured the drama of the competition scene while still poking a little bit of fun at it. My students watched it this week and their opinions fluctuated, liking it in the beginning and then finally at the end (they're just mad they don't get to talk all period).

Sound City

2013

108 minutes

I have to preface this one with a warning: don't have a few cocktails and then watch this with easy access to iTunes. I know I downloaded some Tom Petty,

Fleetwood Mac, and Alanis Morisette, but who knows what else (the email receipts are still coming in). Anyway, this documentary is done by Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters and tells the story of a legendary studio in the San Fernando Valley called Sound City. It interviews countless rock musicians about their time there, as well as the people that ran it. The music was great, the people were interesting, and Dave Grohl is great.

Should You Watch It? If you're a fan of classic rock especially then yes. 

The Trifecta Achieved

I don't usually dedicate full posts to reviews unless the book is nonfiction, an ARC I feel obligated to discuss, or is just really, really good. Today I'm writing under the premise of option three- I just finished Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann, and it was definitely one of the best books I've read in awhile. And so it gets a full post.

When I judge a book I hold it against the great Trifecta of Literary Merit- characters, story, and writing (by the way, don't look up the word "trifecta" in the Urban Dictionary). So many books have one, or even two, but fail to successfully accomplish quality in all three areas. McCann does it, though- his characters all have depth, the story is deceptively onward-moving, and the writing is this complicatedly simple (I know, I know). 

So what is it about? People, life, desperation, choice, belief, fear, death, and tightrope walking. 

Let me try again. 

The story is set in 1974 when Phillipe Petit (who is not actually named in the story) sets up a tightrope between the Twin Towers and walks across. The story isn't about him, though, it's about the people who see the spectacle, and those that are connected to them. The tightrope walking is a distraction, a metaphor for taking risks and moving forward- not the main event. The novel actually begins in Ireland, with two brothers who end up losing their mother to cancer. Corrigan, the younger, religious, monk-ish, brother, leaves for America, and his older brother, Ciaran, soon follows. He finds Corrigan living in the projects, opening his apartment up to the neighborhood hookers so that they have a place to use the bathroom (including Tillie and her daughter Jazlyn). Their section ends in an accident that kills both Jazlyn and Corrigan (not a spoiler, don't panic).

As soon as you are sufficiently attached to the brothers, McCann changes to the next character- a mother who has lost her only son in Vietnam. She lives on Park Avenue with her husband, Solomon, a judge. Claire is preparing her apartment for a support group full of other women who have lost their sons, including Gloria, an African American lady who Claire is especially fond of. 

Again, ripped away! Then the story moves to Lara, the wife of the man who hits Corrigan's car. They're artists who are also recovering drug addicts- supposedly. Lara can't shake the guilt she feels as being part of a hit and run, so she returns to the projects and ends up meeting up with Ciaran, and Tillie (who is now in jail).

Then the novel shifts again. And again. And again. Each time McCann takes a smaller character from a prior chapter (Gloria, Solomon, Tillie, the tightrope walker) and brings him or her into the forefront. I'm always the type of reader, and watcher, who wonders about the back story of the minor characters, so finding a book that does it so expertly pleases me to no end. In the end the characters are all linked to one another, some in major ways, some in minor. It's how the world works- we form connections and break connections, and all the while the world keeps spinning, not stopping when we humans screw up. 

After finishing the book I watched Man on Wire, the documentary about Petit. I have to admit, the idea of walking between the Twin Towers seemed like a silly, dangerous stunt when I first heard about it. And it still does, a little bit, but I when push comes to shove it's important to remember that we all do different things to make us happy. Some people read excessively. Some people collect cat figurines. Some of people like to dress up Civil War costumes and pretend to shoot each other. And some people walk on wires thousands and thousands of feet in the air without a safety net or harness. Petit loved the beauty of balance and air. He loved the challenge of a new height and was willing to do whatever it took to make the walk. I watched it while on my treadmill- Petit would probably not have approved. 

  

Document This- Inter-City Kids, Superheroes, and Nutrition

Pressure Cooker

2008 

99 Minutes

This documentary told the story of a group of inter-city high school students from Philadelphia hoping to win scholarships in a culinary competition. I really, really enjoyed this movie, since the kids and their struggles reminded me of many of my own students. The teacher, Mrs. Stephenson, was my favorite part of the movie- she was part teacher, part parent, and part friend to these kids. She was definitely not a softy- the woman is a hardass when need be. She bought a few of them prom dresses, drove them around when they needed it, and defended them against those that chastised them (and you could tell it wasn’t just in this movie). The documentary really isn’t about the cooking competition; it’s about a group of teenagers fighting for opportunities and the person that really believes in them. At the end, when they graduate, I found myself getting teary… until they kids started singing “Feel the Rain on Your Skin.” It would have been corny if the kids took it seriously, but they were screwing around so much I was cracking up.

Should You Watch It? Definitely! Don’t expect an intense Top Chef cooking competition, though.

Confessions of a Superhero

2007

93 minutes

This documentary chronicled the lives of the men and women who play Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and The Hulk outside of Mann’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood. It was interesting to see what their lives are like in reality; I hadn’t really thought much about it and wrongly assumed that they were a bunch of winos trying to make some cash (much like the hilarious drunken Disney characters in Vegas). The four were aspiring actors with some really interesting personal lives (anger problems, failing marriages, extreme celebrity worship, and occasional homelessness). While I’m definitely not an expert and don’t have the vocabulary to really discuss this, I have to say the look of the film was interesting- the shots and all that camera stuff.

Should You Watch It? It was a little slow occasionally (or maybe it was the fact I was sick of running/biking), but it definitely offered a different perspective.

Food Matters

2008 

77 minutes

I have really mixed feelings about this film- it pushes things like vitamins, raw foods, and nutritional therapy for illnesses, which are all really great things, but not necessarily the only way to go. By the end I felt a little frustrated because nothing ever seems good enough when it comes to eating in terms of nutrition and environment- I’ve stopped eating meat, which is apparently not good enough because my produce is probably covered in pesticides (even the "organic" ones). I’m trying to eat more vegetables, but that’s not good enough because I probably cook more than the recommended 49%. Their discussion on the diet's impact on illness made up the last half hour or so. I'm a little skeptical that you can treat serious diseases like cancer with just food, although I am seriously intrigued. I do agree with the idea that we truly are what we eat, and that a lot of illnesses could be prevented with better diets and more education. I think all the food documentaries and  books are getting to me- after I watched this I went online and started researching nutrition courses at the local university extension courses (anyone have an extra $1000 they’d like to give me?). I seriously wish I could go back to school and get a degree in diet and nutrition- even if it was just for fun.

Should You Watch It? I think it has some really great information and did inspire me to continue being mindful of my diet, but just be cautious of believing everything they say. 

Document This: Doctors, Photography, and Coal Mining

While I've been doing more reading (of essays, mostly) lately, I have watched a few good documentaries in the past few weeks:

Doctor Diaries
2009
104 minutes

Source

I, of course, loved this film- it followed several doctors from their time in medical school at Harvard in the eighties to their residencies and then through their professional careers. Becoming a doctor isn't as glamorous as Grey's Anatomy makes it seem (believe me, no one was as hot as McSteamy on this film); the doctors are exhausted, take poor care of themselves, and many experience failed marriages. In the end all except one are still practicing and have some very insightful things to say about their profession.

Should You Watch It? If you like medical dramas or have a soft spot for the field, definitely. It's not sugar coated, or gory (except during a few dissection scenes).

Bill Cunningham New York

2010 

84 minutes

This documentary focuses on Bill Cunningham, the famous 80-year-old fashion photographer for The New York Times. His focus on fashion, rather that celebrity or even physical beauty, is refreshing as his unadulterated love for his job. He rides a bike (wearing reflector vest) around the city and stops to photograph outfits that inspire him. The film also discusses how he, and many other elderly artists, were forced out of their studios in Carnegie Hall- Cunningham ended up with a pretty sweet pad overlooking Central Park, but it was still a bit insensitive of the management. 

Should You Watch It? At times it was a little slow, so if you're looking for something fast or provocative probably not. I did definitely appreciate the spirit of the movie.

Source

The Last Mountain

2011

95 minutes

I seriously debated on whether or not to write an entire post on this documentary, but then I decided that perhaps not everyone is as interested in how coal mining is destroying the Appalachian Mountains as it turns out I am... I felt a bit naive going into the movie; yes, I know coal mining is bad and that coal power is extremely dirty. I quickly learned that the common technique used, including on the mountain featured in this movie, Coal River Mountain, is to basically chop off the mountain top, take out the coal, chop of some more, take the coal- you get the picture. Then, when they're finished raping the mountain they pile the dirt back up and pretend that somehow grass and forests will grow back over completely contaminated topsoil. The environmental effects carry over, though, polluting the air and the water. People in turn end up sick as a result from breathing in the heavy metals (interesting studies were cited in regards to the IQ levels of children, autism rates, and cancer). And, of course this ecological nightmare is allowed to continue because coal mining is a multi-billion dollar industry with lobbyists that basically bribe politicians through campaign donations (for example, George W. Bush). Bobby Kennedy works with the environmentalists and has made some headway with the Obama administration, but not enough. It's a really serious situation: coal mining and coal power are presumed to be the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn is leading to global warning. Apparently I feel very passionately about coal mining and the Appalachian Mountains (were are pretty effing beautiful, by the way). 

Should You Watch It? Yes! It's our duty to be aware. I think the biggest thing we can do is to lobby for clean air initiatives and for green power- like wind turbines!

Document This- "American Teacher"

"There's almost nothing harder"- Brad Jupp, Department of Education

Today I watched American Teacher, a documentary about public school teachers, narrated by Matt Damon. And, give the fact that this directly related to my profession, I have a few things to say about it.

1. First of all, it was nice to see public school teachers protrayed in a new light. In recent years we've been accused of being overpaid, mediocre (at best), and the reason why the United States is behind so many other developed nations in the core subjects. The film instead shows teachers as being hard working, devoted, educated, and underpaid. 

2. The documentary tried to capture different types of teachers from around the nation- a pregnant woman, one just starting out her career, an African-American that had left the field, and a Texan who worked two jobs to provide for his family. It also interviews many different experts from universities and the Department of Education.

3. The many different shortages teachers experience was discussed in detail. First of all, we are short time. We are expected to do so much in our contractual day that it ends up spilling over into our personal time (please note I use the collective "we" because I am too a teacher, not because I completely agree with everything being said). We also experience a shortage of supplies, many teachers reaching into their own pocket to buy basic supplies like paper and pencils. The film also mentions the shortage of pay over and over again.

4. The film doesn't really offer any true solutions. Yes, we need to pay teachers more so that retention and recruitment can increase. Yes, we need to make sure teachers have the resources they need to be successful. Yes, we need to make teaching a more respectable career in this country. But how? Where is the money going to come from? In a day and age where I see my friends get RIFed year after year how can we justify asking for a raise? Please, tell me, Matt Damon, where will the funding come from?

5. I did appreciate that the film did focus on a pregnant teacher, highlighting the difficulties related to maternity leave and post-partum work. As with many fields of work, teachers get six weeks of leave from the day they give birth (this is paid as long as they have the sick leave to cover it; if not they must pay for a substitute out of their salary). After that it's back to work unless you have a doctor's note. The teacher in the film was exhausted and was overwhelmed with trying to manage her first-grade class and get breaks to pump. Something lovely to look forward to in the eventual future...

6. One negative aspect of the film, in my opinion, was that it painted teachers as martyrs, or victims. I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed up for the gig- I had studied salary schedules, I had done observation hours, and I accepted the shortcomings of the job. Yes, teachers are busy. But a lot of teachers waste a horrendous amount of time during the day, whether it be over-planning, grading every tiny assignment with a fine-tooth comb, or gossiping with coworkers. I'm not perfect, but I utilize almost every second I have between about 7 and 3 or 3:30 so that I can take home less work (by the way, that's an 8 to 8.5 hour day... just different hours). Also, we do not have to spend money out of our own pockets. I quit my third year of elementary and survived on what we had. Kids seriously just need paper and pencils- they don't need pencil boxes, stickers, fancy posters, etc... If teachers are okay making the choices to buy extra things and spend extra time than great. If not, figure out other ways to cope and stop complaining. Oh, and another plus- we also have great schedules, decent benefits, and retirement (well, at least right now).

7.  There were a lot of statistics that I found really interesting regarding teacher turn-over- again, crazy to me since teachers in California are clamoring to remain employed. 

8. American Teacher does focus on the compassion, energy, and love that goes into the profession. Good teachers are teachers that not only know the curriculum and content, but sincerely care about their students. I definitely agree; the years (like this one) that I've felt most connected to my students are the years that I've felt I've been most effective. When you care about your students you want to be the best teacher for them.

Yes, there are bad teachers, but there are also bad doctors, lawyers, and police officers. While not perfect, I appreciated that American Teacher tried to give credit to those of us who really try. I'm not sure if teaching was necessarily the field I was "supposed" to go into, but as long as I'm here I'll do my best to kick ass for those foul-mouthed, hormone-ridden, dirty-look giving kids I hang out with all day every day.

Should you watch it? If you're a teacher or parent, absolutely. 

Document This- Food, Yoga and Old People

I promise, this isn't turning into a blog on documentaries- it's just that I watch them for a few minutes before I go to bed, while I workout, as I fold laundry and sometimes while I grade papers. I read that often too, it just takes longer to finish books... I just don't want anyone to think I'm cheating on books. I solemnly swear the things with the pages and words will always be number one in my heart. These week there were three:

Forks Over Knives
2011
96 minutes
This is an interesting film that pushes a plant based diet, meaning that we should basically become vegans and eat clean and whole foods. They provide a lot of evidence in the form of studies, expert advice, and case studies that support this cause. It makes perfect sense to me- we do not need to eat meat, preservatives, or chemicals. Unfortunately, just because it's the right thing to do doesn't mean it's easy, nor does it mean that I'm going to do a complete overhaul of my diet. The main things that I will take away from it is that we are prevent and treat many cardiovascular problems through improving our diets, that protein does not have to come from meat (as I am learning through my meat-free Lent diet right now), and that moderation really should be the focus for us all.

Should You Watch It? I think it would be a really great eye-opener for all Americans, although, like my husband is constantly reminding me, it does "have an agenda." Sometimes it can be helpful to visually see the information through a movie that just hear or read it.

Enlighten Up!
2008
81 minutes
This movie is about a filmmaker/yoga addict who decides she wants to basically convert a normal person into a yoga-enthusiast and see if they can find a meaning to the practice. She chooses Nick, a writer from NYC, as her subject. He explores many different types of yoga and even travels to India. He really tries to learn more about himself, his spirituality, and how to overcome the whole "I do yoga for the physical aspect" in order to focus on enlightenment. I think as a whole it may not have been as inspirational or thought-provoking as I had hoped, but it was really neat for me to see the different practices yoga has to offer.

Should You Watch It: If you practice yoga and have 81 minutes to spare, I'd say sure. Everyone else may be bored or intimidated by the crazy-ass positions the yogis practice. I did appreciate seeing him struggle with his journey to define his spirituality, since that's something I can semi-relate to.

Young@Heart
2007
108 minutes
I love this movie. Love, love, love, love. It tells the story of a group of senior-citizen that sing together in a chorus that tours North America and Europe, singing contemporary music. Their voices aren't necessarily great, but these elderly people have so much determination and heart it'll make you cry (like me... over and over again). They're wise, funny, and there's a 92-year old-lady that's a little horny. During the course of the documentary they prepare for an upcoming show and must overcome obstacles such as difficult lyrics, illness, and death (more crying... I'm a definite movie crier). My favorite scene is where they perform at a jail- there's nothing better than watching convicts with tats and missing teeth sway and grin at old people singing Sonic Youth's Schizophrenia.

Should You Watch It? Yes! It's really fantastic. If you only have streaming on Netflix it ends on 4/1, so hurry.


I created a tab at the top for the documentaries I write about. I know, it's awesome and will probably enhance your lives in a million ways. You're welcome.

Document This- Art, Elmo, and Parking Lots

In the past few days I've finished three documentaries that are definitely worth sharing. I must say, as much as I disagree with some of the business decisions that Netflix has made, the six or seven bucks a month for streaming is worth it in the documentaries section alone. I habitually add more and more on the my queue- I get excited at the idea of unlimited things.

Herb and Dorothy
2008
87 minutes
I have to confess that it took me a few weeks to finish this, although this is definitely not a testament to its quality. Herb and Dorothy are an adorable elderly couple from New York City that started collecting art as soon as they got married. They discovered little-known artists and bought their art extremely cheap, only to eventually see the prices skyrocket when their finds become popular (like Chuck Close). These people are truly passionate about art- not money (they never sell their pieces). They've started their 50 Works for 50 States endowment program and have most of their art housed in various major institutions. One of my favorite parts was when the National Gallery set up an endowment for them (they lived in a small apartment, he a retired Postal Service worker, and she a retired librarian) so they could actually live a little more affluently but they spent the money on more art. The documentary ends with couple going to the Apple store so they could buy their first computer.

Should You Watch It? It may not be for everyone, since it isn't really based on a singular big event, but I thought it was an interesting look at the art scene. And Herb is super hot.

Being Elmo
2011
76 Minutes
A few good friends have recommended this for my husband and me (he's the hugest Muppet fan I know), so we finally watched it this weekend. I absolutely loved it- it seriously made me feel warm and mushy inside, which is no easy task. The story behind Kevin Clash, the man behind Elmo, is inspiring and just plain good old-fashioned heart warming. He's a genuinely talented man that cares about Muppetry, Sesame Street, and making kids all over the world happy. I love the idea of childhood being about wonder and imagination, rather than "stuff" and total sensory overload. Oh Sesame Street... you remind me of a better time. This will definitely be something we show our future kids.

Should You Watch It? Do you have a soul?

The Parking Lot Movie
2010
70 Minutes
I always say a good documentary can make a film about pocket lint interesting if it's done right- a parking lot is basically the same thing. Set in Charlottesville, Va, the parking lot attendants that run this lot offer their take on the class structure, the trouble with entitlement, and how judging someone on their employment is wrong. Most of the men in this movie are truly intellectuals, just working as attendants while in school (tons of anthro majors) or while trying to get projects on the side going. A truly unique perspective on society.

Should You Watch It? I think it offers a good lesson on curbing judgement and is pretty entertaining, but I think some people that lack my awesome sense of humor and appreciation for randomness might not appreciate it as much as I do.

Document This

I understand that I've made it very clear I'm not a movie person- they're long, I pee often, I get sleepy, blablabla. Documentaries are a whole other ballgame, though, and for some reason I feel like they're related to books, since I usually learn from them. And therefore (drumrolllll) I have now decided to add a new running little segment to the blog called "Document This," just like "Books on Your Back" and "Nonfiction Nagging." As always, I make no promises about how often this will be happening, but since I've started watching Netflix on my phone while working out it may actually be frequent (this is the ONLY reason why I'm open to an iPad- not for the eBooks, but so I can watch documentaries and TV shows while I work out and can stop bringing my laptop in the kitchen when I need to follow recipes).

In the future I'll probably do one or two at a time, but today I'm going for broke- 5 documentaries that I've watched lately. Nerd alert.

The Business of Being Born
Run Time: 84 minutes
Again, I'm not pregnant (I just went skydiving and twisted the hell out of my core in yoga this morning- there's nothing in there), but I've heard some interesting things about this documentary from an economical perspective. It wasn't quite what I expected, let's just say. I saw a baby come out of a vajayjay. Like seriously, full on, "there's its head... there's it's shoulders... oh my god... oh my god... augh... ew, what's all that other stuff?" viewing. Traumatized. Anyway, that aside, it was still interesting. The USA has of course commercialized one of the most natural things there is (honestly, though, sometimes I wonder- is it really that natural to shove something the size of a football out through something the size of a golf ball?), and the push for drugs and C-Sections has become insane. The documentary did spend quite a bit of time on home and water births as well. While I can confidently say I'll be giving birth in a hospital, I am now armed with knowledge about Pitocin slowing contractions and what the hell a Douala actually does.

Should You Watch It? Only if you someday want to have a baby, or maybe if you have. Most men may not appreciate it...

Running the Sahara
Run Time: 103 minutes
I effing loved this movie. Three runners decide to run all the way across the Sahara and must learn to manage their bodies, minds, and personalities. It takes them well over a hundred days and there are so many obstacles in the meantime (like the threat of landmines and governments not wanting to open their borders). It was interesting watching how the men changed as they continued their journey, as well as how their relationships with each other and the rest of the crew were altered by various events. It's amazing what some people will put their bodies through just to prove to themselves that they can. I also loved seeing the scenery- I'm not very familiar with Northern Africa, so it was nice to see a different part of the world.

Should You Watch It? Definitely! It's a great adventure story and it's very inspiring. Not sure if you have the energy to get off the couch and do an hour of cardio? These guys ran a marathon a day! Shut your mouth and move your ass.

Page One: Inside the New York Times
Run Time: 91 minutes
This documentary is a really interesting view at the New York Times and their struggle to stay financially afloat, remain current, and maintain vitality in a constantly changing industry. Part of the film focuses on Wikileaks, which has really changed news and how it's made available. At times it was a little dry, but as a whole I think the newspaper industry is really interesting and it's fascinating to see what the ones that are surviving are doing to stay relevant.

Should You Watch It? If you need to be constantly stimulated probably not; there isn't really a climax or even an end. But if you have a soft spot for news or newspapers give it a try.

Dog Decoded: Nova
Run Time: 54 minutes
I'm obviously a dog person, and I'm of course convinced they're both smart and perceptive. Turns out I may actually be right- evolution, natural selection, and adaptation have actually allowed dogs to become more similar to humans that we ever thought. Canine research is finally progressing on both the behavioral and biological level, since humans share a lot of similar medical issues with our furry friends (diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, etc...). The documentary also focused on comparing them to their ancestors, wolves- work is being done in Europe that has attempted to isolate certain behaviors to bread for. I really appreciated the segment on the benefits to humans- petting a dog can release oxytocin, the chemical that bonds a mother and infant.

Should You Watch It? If you're a dog owner definitely. It's not going to teach you how to train your pet, but it does provide a lot of insight on their origins and potential.

Blood Into Wine
Run Time: 99 minutes
I watched this documentary awhile ago with my husband, and consider it one of the reasons why I want to like wine so badly. The film is set at Maynard James Keenan's (yes, the guy from Tool, a band I happen to hate) vineyard in Arizona and documents the work, passion, and struggles behind starting off a vineyard. The man may have a ton of money, but that doesn't guarantee the wine will be successful! Being a total wine-rookie, I'd be interested to hear from people who actually know something about whether Keenan, and his wine, are legit.

Should You Watch It: My husband, who isn't a drinker, even liked this movie- you don't have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy it. It's darkly humorous and truly educational.

Any great documentaries to recommend?