The Injustice System

Today's Topic: Canada's Judicial System

Part 11 d) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms indicates that every Canadian citizen "has the right upon arrest or detention to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to law in a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal" I get that. And this week's sitdown is not an argument to discuss our fundamental rights and freedoms as Canadians. Since we are entitled to such a thing, it becomes a democratic system; a country built on the idea of equality and fairness for every walk of life, no matter colour, creed or religious belief. I also get that. However, in a cold blooded murder, it's the possibility that a maximum sentence could be a 25 year imprisonment and in some circumstances, WITH, the possibility of parole. This is what I don't get.

I believe in justice and rightfully so, taking media studies in school along with law and the media classes really opened my eyes to this so called justice system we live under. I've always found it interesting to watch as lawyers do their fancy footwork in severe cases and murder trials, when the accused really have their back up against the wall and really have no other option but to throw on the zebra coloured jumpsuits. So they do their best to plead their case "Your Honour my client has been declared clinically insane," "Your Honour, this man comes from a broken home and broken life and his crime was not his fault because of his mental capacity" "Your Honour, this crime was in self defense," and the list goes on and on. Plead guilty and you can lessen the sentence, admit you made a mistake and better yourself in the process. Now I can't speak from experience or from the side of a "born-again-inmate" but something is clearly wrong with this justice system when the death penalty is not the ONE AND ONLY option if you are proven guilty of taking someones last breath of air, in a court of law by an independent and impartial tribunal. This system really gets under my skin. Remember the days when people were hung from the highest tower in the centre of the town? When the barbaric humans would have a public stoning to the death? When the death penalty WAS still instituted across the globe? Even lethal injection?

Not to be stereotypical, but it seems to me that this is the current day scenario for the bloodiest crimes and horrifying acts: "25 years in prison with the possibility of parole in lets saaaaayyyyy 15 years. Until then, we will use the taxpayers dollars to put you up in a facility where you can slum it with the other inmates, and correct yourself through the ways of the Lord, or heck even get a certified education or degree, on the house. We will provide the books and the meals, just as long as you try to make up for what you did. Just don't screw this up." I want to say that I'm over exaggerating. I want to say that some part of that scenario is a far fetched crazy and clearly ridiculous situation. I want to say that, but I can't.

We are taught from a very early age the dangers of doing bad things. Don't touch guns, don't pick up knives and don't run with scissors cover the essentials. It's ingrained in us to not have a killer instinct, to not have the desire to take another person's life. The thing that I find injustice about our justice system is this. Put yourself in a situation where god forbid, someone you love with all your heart is murdered and the killer is never brought to trial for what he or she did, the evidence is inconclusive or whatever the case may be. Fast forward a year later, and let's say you're 25. You have found the killer. You have a gun to the temple of the person you know killed your loved one. You pull the trigger and you find your own justice. Coming before the court, you get slapped with a maximum sentence and the ability for parole in 15 years. So you've decided, well might as well educate myself while I'm in here. You get your degree, FREE OF CHARGE, and re-enter society 15 years later at the age of 40, educated, relieved and ready to start the next 40 years of your life. So many people struggle day to day with their finances, how am I going to pay for school, how am I going to educate myself, how am I going to make it and be a provider one day for myself and maybe a family? But wait, you're telling me that if I have beef with someone, I could just kill them, and not have to constantly struggle with University or College finances, the eternal struggle that people face everyday just to "make it", and the appealing possibility that I might even get parole if I prove that I have "changed" while getting justice and a peace of mind for doing the "right thing?"  Give yourself those two options and honestly answer this: which one would you choose? Going into jail knowing that you could get out or struggle from the start only to maybe find your true happiness? Please, don't get me wrong here, this is not an advertisement for a murder campaign, to me that is not the answer. But just think about it, put yourself in that worst case scenario and really think about "what is my option at this point?"

For now, the Canadian justice system is seriously flawed in my opinion, even in the most petty of crimes. I get a speeding ticket where I am clearly guilty, but I might not have to pay the fine? The so called "SET" fine? Where does the line of justice begin and the line of injustice end? Where do we go with our mistakes and what do we learn from them? If you are a creature of habit, you just do what feels natural anyway, unless you put yourself in a dark and destitute place of immoral wrong doings to which you get some sort of sick thrill from it all. Then, does being bad become good? What if you were like the TV character Dexter and took your hate out on all the villains of society that are never brought to justice...is what he does by murdering these "low life's" of society constitute as justice? 

For once in your life, put yourself on the top bench, and you be the judge. Ask yourself, how would you fight injustice? Do you sit back and watch, or does resistance become your duty? Think about it...just this once, because...you never know.     

Incredible Ink

Today's Topic: Tattoos

You've seen them in public, those colourful pieces of artistic magic that tell a story. On a long bus ride to work in the summer, you might catch a glimpse of the girl in front of you, her tattoo on her back playing peak-a-boo and you can only see maybe 45% of it, the rest leaving it up to your imagination. Or you might have seen him: the classic tight fitted shirt revealing only 75% of his "sleeve." When a person sees a tattoo, in this day and age, they do one of two things. Turn away in disgust, wondering how anyone can do that to their body, or, wonder in their head, I wonder what the story is behind that. I do the latter because it truly is an incredible art form.  

I've always been a fan of ink and I think I find the whole tattoo concept fascinating for a few reasons. I think the main reason is the story telling aspect, and because I love to tell and share stories and write and blog about random ideas and passions that I have, tattoos encompass all of that. That little logo, that little symbol, or that massive design that crawls down a person's arm or back makes for very honest and sometimes deep conversation. The second reason is out of pure interest: We are given this pound of flesh to play with through our entire life. Some people tone it, others let it get fat, and of course staying on today's topic, some people decorate it. It really frustrates me when mothers or elders (not trying to stereotype) start a smear campaign against "those damn kids" with their tattoos. Look at it merely as body decorations, and when you die this corpse of yours is going to rot anyway...so what is the issue? I also love the people who use the "It's crazy" line. Oh really? So it's not crazy to plaster your lawn at Christmas time with hundreds of dollars worth of decorations? Or go over the top to impress the passer-by's because your decorations in your house look so "awesome"? Good one, hypocrites. It's human nature to want to seek attention, and to grab someones eye with an image. And if the only way you can express that is through interpretive body design...fill your boots!

I was at a party this weekend and was talking to a guy who was in the army. I'd met him once before, but never really got a chance to talk to him. I noticed he had several interesting and fairly random tattoos that never really fit into a theme, but some of which looked really awesome. So I just simply asked him "What's the story behind your tattoos?" He told me he gets them from every place he does a tour of duty in. So Kuwait, Afghanistan and so many other countries tell his story through his ink. Awesome! My best friend has a family crest tattoo so he doesn't forget where he comes from. He is also a boxer so he also has a scripture on his arm that translates to "A brave man may fall but cannot yield." Awesome! It got me thinking that tattoos can really be a source of inspiration. Other people I know put them on for love, for remembrance and one girl I know put one on where her IntraVenous went in because she defeated cancer. SO AWESOME! It got me realizing that people go through hell and back in their life, and to honour it, to remember it, to get them up in the morning, they share that piece of their life story with the colour wheel. Who was it that said tattoos are trashy? Only trashy people get them. They couldn't have been for real. People, THIS IS POWERFUL STUFF.  

Years ago, I think the whole tattoo genre got a bad name simply because teenagers were doing it out of rebellion. Disobeying your parents meant doing the complete opposite of what they told you to do. Nowadays, people like Kat Von D make it an art form. Television networks are doing shows on it. Rockstars and role models are getting inked to tell and remember their story. It's this whole entire massive culture phenomenon of brush strokes and laser pens. For a lot of people, ink on your body tells a story of your life. I remember watching an episode of LA Ink when the country sensation band Emerson Drive were on. In 2007, their hit song "Moments" was the number one most played country song in Canada, which is an enormity. To honour the success of the song, the band got a tattoo to always remember this huge success and this huge "Moment" in their lives, to have a song reach number one and to change lives. It's safe to say that even though they are country, that was a rock and roll move by them. Another story brought to you by the tattoo shop. A huge success in their life and they honoured it with permanent ink.
     
The question I ask you is this, what IS actually wrong with tattoos? Again, take it from a guy who isn't even privileged enough to say I have permanent ink on me. And if you want to be ignorant against people with tattoos, it's almost like wake up and welcome yourself to the planet. Human beings are alive with culture and we are alive with art. And if it's true what they say when they say "art is truth," and if tattoos are seen as an art form, do I really have to fill in the blanks on this one? In it's truest form, in it's most purest form, tattoos (or as I like to call it, decorative art) should not be frowned on and should not be told to cover up. Would you tell an artist who paints pictures to cover it up because you don't like the subject? Would you march up to someone and tell them their haircut looks ridiculous? So the next time you see a tattoo, even if it's a complete stranger, just ask them what their story is. And to be perfectly honest, it is a great conversation starter. You are instantly learning about someones life and the bigger part of them. You may be surprised or even enlightened by the story you get.       

Don't judge it. Don't hide it. Don't hate it.

Embrace it. 

A New Year and New Beginnings

Today's Topic: New Years Resolutions

I'm a firm believer that obstacles are placed in front of us so that we can overcome some of life's greatest challenges. I also believe that a person will only ever know their own limitations by challenging themselves and stepping outside of their comfort zone. And with a new year upon us, society tells us that it's time to start a new chapter. It's time for Chapter 2012.

I started to ponder the question: "Is it really possible to have a New Years resolution?" So let's take a look at that today. For some, resolutions come easy; people making bigger steps to take their life to the next level.  It all starts with an idea or a choice that we make. "I want to start eating better." "I want to be a better parent." "I want to try something new." "I want to lose weight." "I want to fall in love." I always felt Christmas and New Years went hand in hand. What you didn't get on the 25th, you can strive for it at the strike of midnight six days later. Or, what you did get on the 25th, makes you realize what you "need" to help you be better and to help you take a leap forward, moving in what you hope to be your right direction six days later. 

Keeping the resolution is the problem. In general, and I'm stereotyping here, but most people give up way too easy on their resolution. It always left me pondering why people do it. And then I realized that it's a lot easier to make an excuse than it is to make results. Money holds back resolutions, so does Time, so does Our Own Thought Process, so does Embarrassment, and the list goes on. I capitalize these words to make a statement: identify the barrier and what you call a problem or excuse. Make it the goal to fix it and make it the result.       

Now I know by this point if you're still reading, you're all probably just DYING to know what my resolution is (this is my attempt at humoring my reader). I really want to finish my book, finish the idea, finish the product and take my next leap forward. That is my goal I have set out, and my resolution if you will (although it may never get read because the Mayans tell us we are all going to die next December anyway...right?) I believe in the idea of a resolution. Some may even call it a REVolution. But, I also think that January 1st is this complete ridiculous fabrication of "starting over." That is b.s. I can start over anytime I want. How about June 28th? I can change who I am or who I want to be on August 9th. Sorry Dick Clark, but it doesn't take a ball dropping in Times Square for me to be happy and who I want to be in my life. Just pick a date. However, I do like the idea of a resolution because it makes you a better person for a lot of reasons. You are contributing to a bigger set of rules and a bigger picture that makes you walk out the door every morning.

I'm not an expert and I don't pretend to be one. If you know my writing, you know it's straight from the hip. So I'm going to give you the lowdown on the resolution: As I get older, I realize that I have an old soul. But I also realize that there really is no limit. There is no resolution too big, too small or not big enough. Like anything else, you take the first step. You create your own story to tell people that it all began on January 1st, it was my new years resolution. And for a lot of people, it's an ego booster. It feels good to have someone say good for you or I'm proud of you. But you have to own the resolution, and not let it own you. And by that I mean really push yourself. I watched Into The Wild recently, which reminded me of the brilliance that we have within ourselves and I was reminded that there is still hope for mankind. All we have to do is try. There are several quotes in the movie but one that pertains to this topic of a resolution really sticks with me. To paraphrase: It's important in life to not necessarily be strong, but to feel strong. To find yourself in the most ancient of human conditions with only your hands and your head.  And that to me is entirely what a resolution should be: common sense.

So yes, it is possible to have a resolution. You can always improve who you are, which improves who someone else is, which improves a group of people, and you know how the rest of this goes. In bare bones, there are two things certain in life. You live and you die. Make the resolution count. Let it stand for something, for who you want to be. 

I know I'm not going to change the world with a blog or a book, but I'm going to try.


Start tomorrow. Start today. Just Start your engine. Explore, seek, find and do not yield.  


 

Showgirls

Today's Topic: Showing Jersey Cows

It might seem crazy to get dressed up in all white clothes and parade around a ring. It might seem crazy to become "cattle hair dressers", teasing it, combing it, spraying it and giving them an essential royal treatment. It might also seem crazy to drive thousands of miles for cattle shows, truck the girls 14 hours across the states to Kentucky, or 13 hours to Wisconsin or stay for a week at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto at the Royal Winter Fair. Yes, it's all part of the game. The job. And the business.

Ever since I was old enough to walk, I was helping my parents show dairy cattle; with a white shirt and pants, a hatband or a harness and a lead strap in my hand. Growing up, I was involved in this culture, completing 4-H projects year after year, and doing my best with the jersey(s) I was showing. Well, 11 brown haired girls, countless local shows and 5 National Shows visits later, I still fine myself completely immersed in this culture several weekends (and sometimes weeks) of the year; along with thousands of other people. 

There is...so much to showing dairy cattle. I couldn't possibly think of every show moment or every single detail from the shows I have been too and sit down to write it all in a single blog. Countless hours of preparation, feeding, bedding, and clipping of hair. At the shows, you don't run on a good nights rest or a healthy meal. Sleep comes in small doses, food comes with "whatever is quick and easy" and your body hates you for several hours up until showtime. But then the day comes. Showday arrives and all of a sudden all the hours you have deprived your body of sleep, food and just plain common sense don't seem to matter anymore. You're instead running on adrenaline and the thrill of being able to show off your prize winning cows to friends, family, the general public and interested breeders and buyers. Ribbons, trophies, jackets, prize money and a picture in the winner's circle; and it's over just as fast as it began. And then comes more work; loading up, packing up, tearing down, etc etc. It's both physically and mentally exhausting. But in between the work, I can still manage to sneak in a pop...or two. Our farm has had our share of success in the showring at some of the biggest cattle shows in the world. This has lead to great business partnerships and a sense of belonging to a community; a community of like minded people who all love the same thing; showing cows. Just like how people show horses, chickens, pigs, dogs, or whatever the animal...it's a unique thing we do. 

I think in my second life, I'm going to be a show cow. A typical fair for one of our jersey cows is like a day (or sometimes week) at the spa; that's how I like to describe it to people when asked what exactly is involved in showing these beauties. A hot bath with soap, getting all your hair clipped, the best bedding and all the food you can eat. Then on showday, more manicure procedures take place; styling that hair with cow hair products, a black show shine added to the hoofs, a flower type spray to make them sparkle, shine and smell pretty and then, a walk around to the people looking on. Oh, and did I mention getting your ass wiped as well? Because that happens too. So to all of that, SIGN ME UP.

And yes you heard me right, cow hair products. A whole line of them. From hair dying colours, to soap and brushes, to clipping equipment, to hair dryers for blowing up and teasing hair...I would need a whole separate blog session to detail the players involved in selling this stuff to we, the "showgirls" consumers. It's a niche market, and they make a fortune.   

Even though I'm not quite as involved in my family farm operation as what I used to be, I love people that still say to me "You're just a farmer." Yep, just a farmer. The business that we are in, is a business just like any other. High pedigreed show cattle can go for big dollars. I have seen people spend up to $100,000 on a single female cow at public auction; only to turn around and DOUBLE their investment. If you have the genetics, the right market and the right sales pitch, you can make a dollar in this show industry that people regard as "just farming." Brazil, China, Guatemala, Denmark, India, Australia, Europe, Uruguay and so on...they all want Canadian genetics. And we can't produce them fast enough. Embryos (or "cow eggs" if you will) are being shipped daily, and literally across the globe. Every farm that is involved in this business, this business of marketing cows, strives to keep up with these markets and to find the next "great one." It's a whole new way of thinking. At the end of the day, the cow still produces it;s product and simple business strategy will tell you that the product is what creates the business. Only showing dairy cattle takes it to the next level. To have one of these prized possessions to call your own; it's honestly an experience like not other. It's so hard to write about it, you simply have to live it. 

So the next time you are out and about or you happen to drive by the local fair, take the time to appreciate the days of preparation that go into those shows. The hours of washing, bedding, feeding, training and grooming that go into those bovine beauties. It's a culture like no other. Call us crazy, but that's the business. And when you hit the business at full stride, you discover how insane we really are. The miles we travel, the hotels we stay in, the drinks we down and the friends we make; all thanks to the girls at the barn. Not bad for a group of big, hairy animals. Not bad for a group of showgirls.              

Views of some of the competition walking around the colored shavings in Kentucky in 2008. Our showgirls attended and our farm was their with a full lineup...it was an incredible journey!

People helping People

Today's Topic: The People We Meet

I have been fortunate this year to have met people from all over the world...literally. My travels this year have taken me to Texas, Las Vegas, all across Eastern and Western Ontario and the upcoming East Coast Canada trip. The family business has allowed me to meet people from Uruguay, Malaysia, Italy and Brazil...just to name a few. There is something that I just find completely awesome about meeting people from around the world, learning about different ways of life and why people do what they do.

I sit back as another year is coming to a close and I am starting to reflect on just the different outlooks of life people have. It's a proven fact that this can affect choices and decisions we make in our own lives and whether we just take it for what it is on the surface or embrace it and try to find a hidden meaning or understanding. Of course, I seem to take the latter of the two and look for a discovery or why I feel so happy talking about these people and sharing my stories with friends, family and even random people who happen to stumble across the Sunday Sitdowns.

When I was playing poker in Las Vegas earlier this year, the locals seemed to start to respect me when they realized I wasn't just a typical tourist who didn't understand the fundamentals of a game that TO THEM, is a way of life. It was because of this that the locals started to share some real Las Vegas stories, to which I was more than eager to listen to. When you start to hear about people throwing away $6,000 thousand dollars only to show up the next day with a smile on their face, you don't feel as bad for losing $20. Only guy told me for ten years, it was his profession to be a poker player, and thanks tourists for allowing him to make a living. I thought isn't it funny how the world works? Vegas and the people made me realize how insignificant money can be. Especially when you take out $200 at the debit machine, only to get two $100 dollar bills and not the usual mitt-full of twenties. In staying within America, the people in Texas were something else. Southern drawl, friendly going, kick up your boots and have a drink sort of folks. Eat until you are busting a gut and living the truth slogan of everything is bigger in Texas. To me, America is almost culturally separated by states, and every state has people that are completely different from the last state you resided in. No two are really alike.

I sat at the table in my parents house today and realized just how many international guests we have entertained over the years. The laughs, the good times, the huge meals...everything just gives you a feeling of pride for the country you live in and what is means to have a country to call home. There hasn't been one negative business deal that we have dealt with (knock on wood) where people from different parts of the world couldn't find an equilibrium or a universal understanding. I feel fortunate that I can educate myself from people who drive down our driveway, to educate myself on the inner working of the world. It's impossible to see this entire planet. Its impossible to meet every face. But when we do, we are connected through our common knowledge of what life is about: Happiness, Success, Laughter and Grasping Knowledge...the list could go on. What I'm starting to realize is that we are all in this thing together, a true people helping people scenario. What we learn, what we do, what we share all becomes a collection of what we stand for and what we understand. Ignorance is no longer an excuse to me, because it really is that easy to say Hello to a stranger, a person from another country, and share a laugh, a smile, a drink or a meal together. Enjoying the people that make up the moments, that seems to be the answer.

It's a powerful thing to learn about a different culture and people that live in it. It's even more powerful to share common interests. After all, isn't that a part of life?

To strive, to seek, to find, and not, to yield.

When Duty Calls...

Today's Topic: Superheroes

I have always been really jealous of Batman, even though I know he's not real. When I first saw the new "Batman Begins" series several years ago, I became even more intrigued and wondered, "What would it be like to be a superhero?" The thought of being an unsung hero has always interested me for some reason. Maybe because it is one of the only noble things a person can do anymore, and not have to ask for anything in return, get paid for it or get recognition for doing it. To become Batman would be a thing of sheer beauty; to roam the streets and protect the innocent or ones who can't protect themselves.

There was a time when the comic book was considered to be a stereotypical "nerd" thing to hold in your hands. It wasn't a cool or flashy hobby to be into men flying around in capes, super human beings with their laser eyes or lighting fast speed and even scientists that were the result of a science experiment gone wrong. I was watching a show on HBO called "Superheroes" and the show dealt with real life people who have taken on the hobby of making the streets safer in their communities. And they are everywhere! One man has formed the XJL...Xtreme Justice League. Another married couple spend their down time together and make it their duty roaming the streets as Zetaman and Apocalypse Meow. The Dark Guardian, a man who calls himself Life...the list goes on and on. Even individuals who have had extensive jujitsu or martial arts training make it their citizen duty to be a silent (or sometimes very vocal) protector. I think Marvel and DC Comics have done an incredible job making the superhero "cool" again by pushing out successful summer blockbuster movies and really getting people back into the newly discovered comic genre. Mix incredible graphics and a director's passion for a project and you can really see the magic on screen when you watch films like The Dark Knight, X-Men, Watchmen, Transformers and Ironman...just to name a few. You don't have to be a comic lover to appreciate a brilliant on screen performance.

I think the thing about superheroes that really impresses me is their alter ego. We all do have an alter ego or quirky thing about us, and that's completely normal. Just not all of us dress up in a costume or wear a mask to show it. In fact, there were times when I seriously questioned myself and wondered what it would be like to become a superhero like Batman. So I picked up a book called "Becoming Batman" which was a neuroscience professors look at the possibility of a superhero. In his opinion, to become a superhero like Batman could actually be possible. If you think about it, Batman does not have any superhuman qualities or strengths. He just has a cape, really good equipment, years of training in martial arts, a really sweet vehicle and busloads of money; all things that would be required to become a man of his stature. You also have to keep in mind the extreme dedication to the process it would take someone...the food you would be required to eat, how to improve your reaction time, the dangerous situations you would be throwing yourself into and the hours of training it would take to become a masked vigilante. We are looking at a least 20 years for all of these to fall into place. And then once you're in the position, realistically, how much physical abuse could you put your body through and still function a day to day basis?

I think at one point growing up, we may have all dreamed (or maybe it was just the guys) of being a hero, sweeping the pretty girl off her feet and saving people from crime, one day at a time. Many argue saying, "that's what cops are for." But superheros generally don't have rules to follow; they are just more interested in preventing mass chaos (which is why they signed up to be a superhero in the first place). If I had all of those things required to do the job (including thousands of dollars), I think I would seriously consider becoming a superhero. It would be the ultimate way to give back selflessly, and not need to have anything come back in return for the service you provide. Even thrilling television shows like Dexter have taken the possibility of a noble man into consideration. Only for Dexter, a question of morals comes into play, even though he is killing criminals and evil doers who pray on the innocent. It is something that I find truly fascinating, which some would say doesn't sound normal. But others would stand up and applaud, because the world will always look for a hero.

5 Must See Movies

Today's Topic: Movies

I've decided to do something a little different on the Sunday Sitdowns this week. Instead of a over-analytical column on a life topic about crazy situations that probably only I ever think about, I've decided to come up with a list of 5 movies that you may not have seen before. They are movies that had an impact on me. While it's easy to come up with a list of classic movies and everyone's "favourite" flick on all time, I have chosen 5 movies that "relatively" flew under the radar when they were released and movies that may/may not have found their way into your movie collection. They are movies that get you thinking. So here it is: my top 5 movies that are hidden gems in the video store and amongst people's collection


5. Man on the Moon (1999)- When I first saw man on the moon, I was in awe. Jim Carrey showed why he can be taken seriously as an actor in this movie portraying the life of the long time comedic wonder, Andy Kaufman. The movie has an underlying comedy theme but at the same time, really makes you think about a life where nothing could seem real and you should never trust what you see or hear. Carrey does an incredible job in this movie of convincing us that he is a different person all together. I think what really sets this movie aside is the acting, inside the acting. Carrey is playing a character, who was full of characters and different personalities. As you watch this movie, you start to question everything and realize what it would be like to be a person who questioned everything, everyday. A brilliant film that will leave you wanting more, man on the moon has to be one of my all time favourites.



4. The Prestige (2006)- This is a movie that keeps you guessing until the very end. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman star in this film directed by mastermind Christopher Nolan (yes, the same man who brought you the Batman Begins and Dark Knight instant cult classics) What makes this movie so captivating is the ongoing rivalry between Jackman's and Bale's characters. Two magicians try to out perform one another in this movie and while the momentum switches back and forth between the characters, the movie takes you on twists and turns that makes you continuously wonder "who will get the last laugh?" Of all the movies I;m putting in this list, this one many people may have seen only because it was released after the Batman Begins movie, and people were hungry to see Bale in anything because of the quote/unquote instant star power you receive for portraying the "caped crusader." If you're looking for a mind bending trip, pick this movie up. You will not be disappointed.

3. One Week (2008)- This is a movie made right in our own backyard. Shot across the breathtaking landscapes in this glorious country, Joshua Jackson plays a terminally ill patient who begins to understand what life is all about. He is diagnosed with a rare type of cancer, with his odds of survival being slim, and his doctors urging him to start treatments immediately. But before he becomes a patient, Jackson takes life by the horns, purchases a motorcycle, and tours across Canada in the hopes of having his own adventure. Sometimes it takes a movie like One Week to bring us back to reality and make us realize how fragile life really is. Although I've never been a fan of Jackson, he pulls of a very convincing character who seems to start playing the cards he is dealt instead of folding every hand for fear of failing. The "narrator"in this movie also charms in with some very interesting asides and "stories from the road", making this Canadian inspired film a top shelf pick in my eyes. It asks the age old question, what would you do if you had one week to live, and the film helps put into perspective what one person tried to accomplish.

2. Barney's Version (2010)- Every once in awhile, a movie comes along where you just happen to be in the perfect mood to watch it. This happened when I watched this movie. I wanted to watch a movie that was unpredictable and one that lead me down a path only to quickly guide me down a side road that I never knew existed. Paul Giamatti turns out a brilliant performance in this movie, and I understand better why he won the golden globe for best actor last year with his portrayal of Barney Panofsky; a man who's life story covers his three marriages and the many ups, downs and curve balls life throws at us. This is the most recent movie on this list, and one of the more intelligent scripts I have seen in awhile. The movie dominates your mental capacity, keeping you awake, attentive and interested from beginning to end. The greatest gift this movie gives is the things in life we cannot control and on the reverse, those that we can. A brilliant comedy/drama (or dramedy as I like to coin them) that you need to see. And then own.

1. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)- A genius movie. In all aspects. A family that couldn't be more different travels across the country to get their youngest to a beauty pageant final that she has dreamed of winning. What the girl lacks in looks, she makes up for in winning charm. Along with Olive, we have a brother who aspires to be in the military, an award winning-on-suicide-watch homosexual uncle, a desperately over-bearing and over-the-top father, a drug addicted grandfather and a mother who seems to be lost in the shuffle on her life. It's a recipe for both comedic genius and a family unit that shows even the most odd ball and outcast family members can still pull together as one and embrace the obstacles placed in front of them. There are so many memorable lines and scenes in this movie that I can almost guarantee you'll want to watch it a second time the very moment it ends. Greg Kinnear and Steve Carell round out this low budget production built on high energy and an entire family who become the most unlikely of heroes. Personally, this movie taught me to not take life so seriously and that in the end, nothing lasts forever. What seems to be a big deal actually isn't and what matters at the time, won't matter anyway. You may not get that deep message out of it, but what you will get out of it is the urge to go out and purchase this piece of cinematic brilliance.

I hope you enjoyed the list and maybe even consider that some of these films are in fact worth a peek. Each of these films has a special way of captivating you while you watch it and I hope for you that these movies make you say, "I love that movie." After all, that was the whole point!