In today's society, violence is an everyday occurence in lives all over the world. It is an essential part of almost any action movie, and, no matter how much we may oppose it, when the "right" person is on the receiving end of it, it is somewhat satisfactory to watch. Violence is also a difficult thing to avoid. Every day, no matter what news channel, or what newspaper, the stories that make headlines usually involve a violent event or its aftermath. In recent months, Vancouver has been plagued by all-too-frequent gang-related shootings. Overseas, two wars are being fought in the Middle East, and there are third world countries that are still forcing children to become soldiers. Violence is something that has always been around, of course, but nowadays, violent acts can be reported from all over the globe, just in case the violence occurring in your own backyard isn't enough. There is no doubt that the media has contributed to violence in our society. However, the debate is how significant an impact the media has actually had on our society. The Entertainment Industry has also thrived on society's demand for violence in entertainment. Violence is often used as a means to get things done, or to get one's way. No one can deny that threats of bodily harm by another, physically intimidating person, can be an incentive to make sure that person gets their way. Also, the effectiveness of bullying probably provides some satisfaction and a sense of power to the bully, encouraging them to use this tactic more often, and resorting to ever more violent means, which usually requires weapons, to get their point across. Violence is often used out of desperation, as a last resort. The prevalence and high profit of the drug industry in today's society also has contributed to violence. The gang killings in Vancouver are believed to be drug-related, as well as infinite other murders over the decades. When money is involved, some people will go farther than you could have ever expected to get their payoff. Money and power are probably the most destructive possessions mankind could pursue, and violence is almost always a factor.

Where's the Mice?

If you enjoy heartbreaking tales coupled with crass language and a dash of overacting thrown in, then Of Mice and Men is a film for you. While it may be a heartlifting tale of hope in hard times and the power of friendship, the portrayal of several of the characters, never mind the abrupt ending, leaves something to be desired.

George, played by Gary Sinise, and his travelling buddy, Lennie, played by John Malkovich, are transient laborers during the Depression, and they are constantly moving around the country because Lennie keeps getting the two of them into trouble. Lennie is a giant of a man with the mind of a child, and the dangerous mixture of his strength and stupidity adds to the film's suspense, although John Malkovich, while larger than the other characters in height, did not look strong or bumbling enough to be convincing in the role.

The heartlifting, if it can be called that, portion of the movie comes from George and Lennie's shared dream of one day owning a piece of land they can call their own. But you must know that someone's going to mess it up, and the obvious choice would be the oaf, Lennie.

The ending, which could have been drawn out to milk it for all it's emotional worth, was too quick to be satisfying, although it leaves you in shock and awe. Not something I would watch again, but a somewhat worthwhile movie nonetheless.

Who Needs Superpowers?

If I was given the opportunity to inherit any superpower I chose, some questions I would ask myself before deciding are: what would I want to accomplish with this power? And what would be the ramifications of using this power? After all, as Spider-Man's Uncle Ben said "with great power comes great responsibility." Sure it might be fun to fly or turn invisible, but what would happen once it was discovered that I had those powers, and people started to expect things from me? And would I try to keep my powers or my identity a secret? Fortunately for me I will never have to come up with an answer to any of these questions. However, if I could choose a superpower, what would it be? I didn't even enjoy riding the tilt-a-whirl, so I think flying would be out of the question. Being super stretchy would just be awkward, and although being able to scare people by appearing seemingly out of nowhere would be fun, I don't think I would choose invisibility either. I think if anything, I would like to be able to teleport. It seems like one of the easier powers to keep secret, and with it, I would save so much time not having to commute anywhere. I would also never have to wait for a plane to see the world, and I would be able to get myself out of almost any dangerous or deadly situation by teleporting out of it. Plus, hide and seek would be so much more fun wouldn't it?

Now you see me, now you don't.