Rating:
(5 stars out of 5) Audience Rating:PG-13 Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis (Abraham Lincoln),
Sally Field (Mary Todd Lincoln), Tommy Lee Jones (Thaddeus Stevens) Director: Steven Spielberg Writer: Tony Kushner, Doris Kearns Goodwin Awards: The Oscars, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role: Daniel Day-Lewis, BAFTA Film Award Best Leading Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis Genre: drama, biography, history, Civil War Run Time: 2h 30m Premiere Date: 2012 Country: USA
Pad Thai Conversation Who would have thought of Lincoln in the midst of Covid 19? But as fate would have it, at a Pad Thai dinner conversation with a lovely couple, Bill and Pam, the talk veered into Lincoln and the many layered facets of his personality - so, he has more dimension to him other than the great emancipator. I got curious and thought about finding more about Lincoln.
What are the odds that 2 days later, while I was sorting a list of the top 100 movies in the 21st century, the 2012 Lincoln movie was on the list? Not only that, it starred one of my favorite actors, Daniel Day Lewis(he won me over in Gangs of New York). It was also directed by none other than Steven Spielberg(after Jaws, movie-making was never the same)! Not only that, I have recently discovered the bflix.ru site where you can stream full-length movies.
At that point, I knew my benevolent universe intervened. There is something about Lincoln I have to learn.
Lincoln and his Letter Aside from being made to memorize Lincoln's Gettysburg speech in school (while we remained practically ignorant of our own presidents in the Philippines), I also made a practice of what Lincoln did when his general refused to cross a river to pursue the attack on the retreating Confederate army. That would have shortened the war. Infuriated, he wrote a scathing letter to his general, chastising him for his inaction. He didn't hold back and chewed the general with his barbed words.
Now, here's the magical part. Lincoln never sent that letter. He just kept it. I emulate that practice. When I need to send a caustic letter at the spur of the moment, I pour it out on the letter without holding back - expletives and all. But I also don't send it - not yet. I wait the following day and read the letter again. Not surprisingly, I would edit parts that were not appropriate or parts that spoke more of my clouded judgment and imbalanced emotions. It might take a few more revisions before I finally send it. But in its final form, the letter is sound, balanced, fair and no longer antagonistic. This approach saved many precious relationships that could have fallen on the side by a fit of anger.
Synopsis This documentary took a snippet from the ongoing bloody Civil War and framed Lincoln's efforts to abolish slavery permanently by passing into law, the 13th Amendment to the constitution. Lincoln was depicted as a man of moral fortitude, a cunning political player, a man of resolve, a clever strategist, a tolerant husband and a caring father.
Lincoln was fighting a war on many levels - of course, there was the Civil War that needed to be won, then there's the passing of the 13th Amendment, his son enlisting in the army when he recently lost a son, a feisty wife who would not forgive him for letting his son enlist. And all through this gauntlet, Lincoln was centered, never losing the balance of this mind.
Daniel Day-Lewis This guy is such a character actor, it's hard to imagine what his real personality is like when he's not doing a film. He was brilliant bringing Lincoln back to life as a real human being, humble (a sharp contrast to Trump's flamboyance), home down, in touch with reality, intelligent without being intellectual, reasonable, persuasive, cunning and principled. It takes a lot to bring all those qualities together in a character you play.
Steven Spielberg You were not watching a movie on this one. It felt like you were there at the closed room where horse-trading was taking place, or being at the hall where brilliant elocutionists display their passion with their gift of gab. I give credit to Spielberg for that - that seems to be his signature. He puts you inside the movie. I felt this in his movie Saving Private Ryan, especially when the Allied forces were storming the beaches of Normandy.
Ending Thoughts I'm still thinking about what I am coming away with, after seeing this movie. Nothing really exceptional stands out (considering I still have to think this through), but Lincoln's integrity and unwavering commitment to his ideals - namely, the permanent abolition of slavery in the United States. He saw it through by any means possible. He stayed true despite the insurmountable obstacles. Others would have compromised, buckled down, been bought, wavered or capitulated. This reminds me that there was a time, presidents were strong competent leaders and viewed history not in the past but in the future.
(Mar 5, 2022) My neighbor cares for her plants - she waters them regularly, and now they are tall and flowering. BUT, the plants chose to reach over to my side of the fence to bloom their flowers. The seeds will fall and germinate on my side of the fence. Their genetic immortality is assured, but perhaps in a more nurturing environment...more »»
(Aug 27, 2022)Vice is a frightening true story about Dick Cheney's rise to power from a blue-collar high-tension wire worker to the vice presidency of the most powerful country on the planet. Cheney exploited the loopholes in the law that would enable the vice-president with powers unheard of and unused by anyone who preceded him. Hundreds and thousands of lives were collateral damage to his cold-blooded political maneuverings.....more »»
Chiang Mai INFORMATION
Chiang Mai Map
Chiang Mai, Thailand
IMPORTANT PLACES
Bus Station Train Station Chiang Mai International Airport Nong Buak Hard Park - free yoga classes daily
HOTEL
Arun Dara Villa - 7 exclusive rooms, 1 swimming pool for every room, grand opening
Nawa Sheeva Hotel - big rooms, high ceiling, salt-water pool, restaurant, cafe
Nawa Saraan Hotel - low density (4 spacious rooms), stone garden setting, Koi fish pond, Old City location
Arun Suite - 3 bedrooms in a 3-storie guesthouse within Old City, ideal for families
MOTORBIKE RENTAL
Tawan Bike - motorcycle rental | +66 91 635 2863 | Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Chiang Mai FYI / Tips
crop-burning season in Chiang Mai is between late Feb to early April. But laws change everytime. This year, 2019, there is a 61-day ban on burning so the farmers started burning early. When my plane was approaching Chiang Mai on Jan 24, 2019, there was already a thick blanket of smog covering the entire city (and beyond). But within the city itself, you won't feel it (but that doesn't mean the air is healthy). To monitor air conditions in real time, refer to site: Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Real-time Air Quality Index (AQI)
hot season begins March and lasts until June
wet season begins July and lasts until September
best time to visit Chiang Mai is mid-September to mid-February - after the monsoon and before the burning
you have to try Khao Soi, this is north Thailand's culinary staple
the tourist area where most of the hotels, restaurants, ticket offices, tour operators are, is located in the Old City
to exchange your dollars to Thai Baht, the Super Rich Money Exchange give the best rates. There are many branches scattered around Chiang Mai
get a red cab (songthao) outside the train station for Baht 50 (instead of paying B100 if inside the train station) to Old City - if you haggle nicely enough...I did!
shared red taxi (songthao) - B30 standard fare plying all over Old City
for only B50/day, best to rent a bike to go around the Old City - it's a 2.5km2 with lots to discover
FREE daily yoga classes from 9:00am to 10:15am at Nong Buak Hard Park (southwest corner of Old City). Resident and passing-through teachers take turns conducting yoga classes.
Blues/Jazz Bars in Chiang Mai
North Gate Jazz Coop - at Chang Phueg Gate, great Tuesday jam session, Blues on Sundays at 11pm by the Chiang Mai Blues band
Boy Blues Bar - at the Night Bazaar. Mondays at 9:30pm is open mic
My Secret Cafe - near Wat Phra Singh. Tuesdays at 7:30pm for the changing front-act and 9:00pm for the Panic Band
Taphae East - 88 Thapae Rd. (just north of Night Bazaar). Fridays at 9:30pm by Chiang Mai Blues Band
Chiang Mai Cost Index
B60 Chiang beer
B250 1 hour drop-in yoga session
B200 one hour Thai body massage at WAYA Massage(highly recommended)
B50 noodle soup with meat
B50 coffee
B40 pad thai
B30/kilo wash-only laundry
B50/kilo wash+iron laundry
B100-150 dorm bed/night
B250 fan room/night
B30 internet cafe/hour
B170-190 Movies Sat-Sun and public holidays
B130-150 Movies weekdays
B100 Movies Wednesdays (movie discount day)
B750 1/2 day Thai cooking lessons
B900-1000 1 full day Thai cooking lessons
B400 Muay Thai boxing ticket
B2500 starting room rate at the luxury hotel, Nawa Sheeva(highly recommended)
Transportation
B450 bus, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
B160-180 bus, Chiang Mai to Pai
B1250 bus, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B1650 slow boat, Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang
B210 bus, Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, 3-4 hours
B360 Green VIP bus, Chiang Mai to Mae Sai (Thai border town for visa run to Tachileik, Myanmar)
B50 bicycle rental, 24 hours
B200 motorbike rental, 24 hours
B273 #51 sleeping train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Book Online - direct booking with State Railway of Thailand. Best to register first. If going to BKK from CNX, click "Northern Line".
note -- big difference between booking direct with the State Railway and booking with an online 3rd party agent. 12GO was charging B1330 for the same trip that only cost me B941 with the State Railway.
note -- Oct 2022, I took the #10 Train from CNX to BKK, upper berth, 2nd class, a/c, sleeper, B941. The train was clean, fast, comfortable and modern. If you have heavy luggage that will cost more money in flight checkin, I would suggest this train. Otherwise, the flight now is so much cheaper it doesn't even make sense to take the bus or train.
Bangkok to Chiang Mai by Train from Bang Sue Train Station
10:22pm - #51 Train, arrive Chiang Mai 12:10pm, sleeper, 3rd class B270 (non sleeper), 2nd class B438, B728 upper deck, B798 lower deck
Loei to Chiang Mai by Bus
From Loei town center, take a tuk-tuk ride to the bus station, B30. There is only one bus station.
As of June 28, 2020 (still on Covid schedule), there are only 3 night trips: 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 12 midnight. 9 hours, B470.
The bus makes the following stops at the following times from a 9pm Loei departure: Phu Ruea (9:50pm), Phitsanulok (12:40am), Uttradit (2:20am), Lampang (4:35am)
Final bus stop is at the Red Bus Arcade, Chiang Mai, 9 hour-trip, arriving 6am (from 9pm Loei departure).
Take a red songthaew to Old City, B50. They'll try to charge you B100, but they'll take B50 (just assure the driver you won't tell the other passengers).
How to Get a 60-Day Thai Tourist Visa and then Extend by another 30 Days
This process is BEFORE Covid 19. Not sure what it is now.
60-Day Thai Tourist Visa
NOTE: There is no need to go back to your country to get the Thai tourist visa. Any major city with a Thai Embassy will do. Apparently there is also no need to have an invitation from a Thai establishment to justify the visa.
Bring the following to the Thai embassy:
a) proof of money (bank statement will suffice)
b) flight booking to Thailand
c) onward flight back to your country from Thailand
d) filled-in tourist visa form
e) 2 passport pictures
f) hotel booking in Thailand (they didn't ask me for this but better be safe)
g) passport with at least 6 months validity
After handing over all the documents, they will ask you to come pick your passport with the visa the following day from 4 to 5pm. That's it!
NOTE: after 2 successful attempts, I was already questioned the 3rd time.
30-Day Extension
NOTE: When your 60-day visa is close to expiry and you want to extend your stay. No need to leave Thailand.
bring the following to the Immigration Office:
a) passport (make sure your Tourist Visa hasn't expired yet)
b) Baht 1900
c) photocopy of your passport + visa duration date stamp + TM6 card (white immigration card) and sign all the copies
d) completed TM7 visa extension form (available at the Immigration Office)
e) one 4cmx6cm passport picture
submit the above to the Front Desk. They will give you a stub with your number on it. Take a seat and wait for your number to be called
when your number is called, your picture will be taken. Then go back to your seat. They will call you again.
when they call you again, they'll give you your passport with your extended visa. That's it!
when there are no lines, the whole process can take only 10 minutes
arrive early - in case there is a snag (visa snag, documentation snag, transport ticket snag, etc.), you will have ample time to troubleshoot the problem if you arrive early (to the airport, to the bus terminal, etc.)
put detailed itinerary on the Calendar apps of your smart-phone according to timelines - this is where you do all your thinking and planning. Once written down, you don't have to think anymore while you are on the journey...you just follow the steps. This frees your mind for something else that might happen while you are already en route
avoiding scams - as a general rule, I ignore the touts or anyone I don't know who call out to me. The calling comes in many forms - "Hi! Where are you from?", "Excuse me! Excuse me!", "Where are you going?". I don't look them in the eye and I remain non-verbal with them. If you reply to them, you just gave them an 'in' to hound you. In order not to look rude, I smile and wave the 'not interested' hand to them, without looking at them.
power bank - hand-carry your power bank. Do not check it in. You can be called in when you are already inside the plane to go all the way to the loading dock so you can personally remove the power bank...and chances are, you'll have to surrender it to them. And you might delay the plane departure!