Finneran: Random Thoughts on Life's Merry-Go-Round
Tom Finneran, GoLocalProv MINDSETTER™
Finneran: Random Thoughts on Life's Merry-Go-Round
WATCH OUT WORCESTER:
I’m a capitalist to the core, reverential to the concepts of private property, private enterprise, hard work, superior service, superior products, free markets, and personal profit. And it is as a capitalist that I ask the simple question—what does Worcester get in return for any “investment” that it might be asked to make? Would Worcester’s “investment” give it a substantial equity stake in the team? If not, why not? And is not the precedent of going down this path of the public subsidy of private assets fraught with peril? What would Worcester officials then say to a bank or an insurance company or any other enterprise which employs hundreds of people on a year-round basis who, on the basis of such precedent, seek similar subsidy of their private assets?
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe article mentions a figure of 60-70 million dollars as the established cost of building a minor league stadium. That’s not pocket change. And it’s not in the petty cash account. As I said, watch out Worcester…………..
CAMPUS LUNACY:
I have to believe that serious college presidents know that the gig is just about up. Rational students and parents cannot endure ever-escalating tuition expenses. Now topping $ 60,000 a year, and heading in rapid fashion toward the six figure a year mark, such sums raise many questions and stimulate consideration of many options. Ordinary American families are stunned by the challenge. Even successful, financially comfortable families are hard-pressed to meet those costs. Such costs cannot be justified. E-learning or on-line learning will make serious inroads into the college and university cabal. Trade schools will flourish as more and more sensible students choose not to bear six figure debts for ten or more years. I see more future electricians and plumbers enjoying high earnings while indulging their interests in history or literature at their mortgage-free second homes on the Cape or their ski cabins up North.
Combine the lunatic tuition with a lunatic faculty, toss in some speech code nonsense, and an offering of courses that are beyond caricature and any sensible high school student would flee the premises. Let’s hope that today’s ridiculous campus realities might be reversed. Trustees? Alumnae? Alumni?
LOUSY WEATHER/ GOOD MOVIES:
We’re at that time of year where cabin fever settles in. It’s been cold and dark for a few months now and most folks are yearning for some sunshine. This year’s weather has brought such cabin fever to a heightened pitch, with massive snowdrifts proving a daunting challenge even to a simple walk around the block. My most recent remedy to the malady has been to take in a movie at a local theater. It’s important to actually get out of the house rather than relying on a home rental or some on-demand offering. And choosing a good movie helps. I have three for your consideration— all worthy of the price of admission and navigating the mountains of snow in the theater parking lot. Check out WHIPLASH about an aspiring musician and a demonic and manipulative instructor. It’s surprisingly intense and a very good movie. I liked it a lot. Or see THE IMITATION GAME about the obsessed and successful effort made by the Brits to break the German codes used in World War II. It combines great acting and musical scoring with several emotional plot lines. It’s so well done that I thought that it might have won an Oscar for Best Picture. Or check out AMERICAN SNIPER which is smashing box office records all across the country. This is a war film well told. That grim, cold, cruel, nasty business known as war exacts its toll both in foreign lands and in family kitchens. I pay zero attention to the likes of Michael Moore and other Hollywood frauds when they offer their critiques of such films. Rather, I watch and listen to the audience reaction at the end of the film, as the credits begin to roll. My audience had some limited but spirited clapping for the bravery and the skill shown by our soldiers. There was also very audible sobbing from several patrons. But the overwhelming reaction from a fully packed theater was a stunned and thoughtful silence with many patrons still sitting in their seats for ten minutes or more. There’s breadth and depth and nuance and heartbreak in this film. Go see it.
Rhode Island’s Academy Award Connections
Viola Davis (2017)
Central Falls native Viola Davis is nominated for "Best Actress in a Supporting Role" for the movie "Fences" where she starred alongside Denzel Washington.
The movie details the life of a working-class African-American father who tries to raise his family in the 1950s, while coming to terms with the events of his life.
Davis is already having an award winning year, having won a Golden Globe for "Fences" back in January.
Prior to the Golden Globes, Davis was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Silence (2017)
The movie "Silence" was executive produced by Rhode Island's Chad Verdi along side legendary movie director Martin Scorsese.
"Silence" is nominated for best Cinematography.
The film stars Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver as Jesuit priests who travel from Portugal to Japan to locate their missing mentor — who is played by Liam Neeson — and spread Catholicism even though the religion has been banned.
Hacksaw Ridge (2017)
'Hacksaw Ridge" starring Andrew Garfield was produced by David Permut.
Permut also produced the movie "The Polka King" in Rhode Island. According to Rhode Island Film and TV's Steve Feinberg, Permut's parents got engage at Roger Williams Park.
"Hacksaw Ridge" is nominated for best picture.
The film is based on the true story of WWII American Army Medic Desmond Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refused to bear arms, saved the lives of more than 75 men and became the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a single shot.
PHOTO: Hacksawridgemovie.com
La La Land (2017)
La La Land director Damien Chazelle was born in Providence.
La La Land is nominated for 14 awards, the most of any other movie.
The movie stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone and details the story of a jazz pianist who falls for an aspiring actress in Los Angeles.
Spotlight (2016)
The nominated movie "Spotlight" features local Rhode Island dentist Anthony Paolucci plaing the role of Kevin in the film.
Five other Rhode Island residents worked as part of the crew. They are: Brenda McNally, Shayna Passeretti, Ollie Amerigian, Mike Buonanno, Brinton McFarland.
The movie is based on the Boston Globe's massive uncovering of a child molestation and cover up in the local catholic archdiocese.
The film stars Michael Keaton and Mark Ruffalo
Photo courtesy of IMDB
Emma Watson (2015)
This Brown University graduate received her bachelor’s degree in English literature, and played the role of Hermoine Granger in the 8-part Harry Potter series saga. The Harry Potter series has been nominated for a total of 12 Academy Awards, including for Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects, and Best Original Score.
Seth MacFarlane (2013)
This RISD grad and Family Guy creator hosted the 85th Annual Academy Awards in 2013.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Moonrise Kingdom was filmed around southern Rhode Island, and Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola were nominated for Best Writing in 2012.
Richard Jenkins (2008)
Richard Jenkins was nominated as Best Actor in 2008 for his role in "The Visitor." The Cumberland resident is a veteran of Trinity Rep in Providence, as well.
Ben Affleck (1997)
Ben Affleck won the Best Original Screenplay award in 1997 for cowriting "Good Will Hunting" with Matt Damon. He received an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from Brown University in 2013.
Nicholas Cage (1995)
This former Newport resident won Best Actor for his role in "Leaving Las Vegas" in 1995.
James Woods (1987)
Woods grew up in Warwick and attended Pilgrim High School. He was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Actor in 1987 for “Salvador” and Best Supporting Actor in 1997 for “Ghosts of Mississippi.”
The Great Gatsby (1974)
This Paul Newman vehicle was filmed in part in Newport at Rosecliff Mansion and Marble House, and won Best Costume Design, and Best Music.
High Society (1958)
High Society was nominated for Best Score and Best Music in 1958. The movie stars Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra and was based in and partially filmed in Newport.
Anthony Quinn (1952)
This Bristol resident who died in 2001 won Best Supporting Actor for Viva Zapata! in 1952 and Lust For Life in 1956. He was nominated in 1957 for Best Actor for Wild Is The Wind and in 1964 for Zorba The Greek.
John Huston (1948)
This actor/director won Oscars for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay in 1948 for The Treasure of Sierra Madre. He was nominated for Best Director for African Queen in 1951 and, Prizzi’s Honor in 1985. Huston died in his home in Middletown in 1987.
