The Way of the Dragon
I used to scoff at the idea that Bruce Lee was a philosopher. That view changed two days ago when I came across a clip of this great interview: http://www.maniacworld.com/bruce_lee_8.htm. Independently, I came to realize some of the philosophies Lee delineates in this clip. For example:
1) Balancing one’s instincts and control. It applies to the use of any skill set, not just in martial arts. In politics, for instance, it certainly was a mistake for Howard Dean to express his unbridled enthusiasm by screaming aloud at his rally. Conversely, if Al Gore had used less control and championed environmental issues as his instinctive passion would’ve led him, he would’ve showcased the personality that he sorely lacked during his presidential bid.
2) The importance of expressing oneself freely and honestly. Bruce Lee did it through the movements of his body, and once he learned to do that, he considered himself a success. I’m trying to achieve the same, but through employing appropriate skills that I need in various situations of my own life.
Additionally, the last part of the interview touches upon the advantages and dilemmas created by Lee living simultaneously in two vastly different cultures. I certainly have much personal experience attesting to such challenges. This clip shows Lee was much more than a martial arts master. It is a shame that his death at such a young age deprived us from the many accomplishments that he no doubt would’ve made had he lived longer.
The Haunting
Speaking of dead Asian guys, the story how James Kim died from hyperthermia while hiking to save his snowbound family really gave me the chills. I’m sure part it was that I didn’t want to see a successful Asian American die so needlessly and tragically. More specifically though, I remember having this same feeling of dread as I was reading about the demises of George Mallory’s mountaineer partner and Robert Scott the Antarctic explorer. The despair and hopelessness all them must have felt! Lesson: don’t put yourself in a position where you can get stranded and freeze to death.
A Case of IIED
It seems CNN's Nancy Grace is in a bit of hot waters for browbeating Melinda Duckett, a mother of a missing child who committed suicide after appearing on her show. Grace, a former prosecutor, ran the tape of Duckett getting grilled on her show even after the latter had committed suicide. The family of the deceased is now suing Grace and CNN for wrongful death and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A summary of the case is provided by Joe Scarborough, whom I view as one of most fair and balanced TV personalities:
From the first semester torts class, was there a power differential between Grace and Duckett when the mother appeared on the show? Did or should Grace have specific knowledge that her questioning would be harmful to the interviewee, given emotional state of a distraught mother? Did Grace act recklessly? What was Grace’s duty as the host of a TV show? Given that Duckett committed suicide before her interview ever aired, was there causation? This is definitely an interesting case to keep an eye on. There is also an update on the case:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2Sa3QcR-6c
The Saints are Going All the Way
What a fantastic season my Saints are having. The Saints and the Superbowl in the same sentence? Who could've fathom that a year ago?
1 comment:
i have to disagree w/ the saints going all the way statement, but that's just bc i'm a cowboys' fan, hopefully they'll match up sometime during the playoffs and the saints loose by ...3 haha
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