Graffiti 178

"Even if a snake is not poisonous, it should pretend to be venomous." -Chanakya

"Every great story seems to begin with a snake." -Nicolas Cage

"The snake will always bite back." -Jake Roberts

'The Martian' A Review

The Martian is a scifi film about a Mars expedition that leaves an astronaut, Mark Watney(Matt Damon), presumed dead on Mars. Through MacGyver-like scientific ingenuity Watney grows food, establishes contact with NASA, and settles in for an extended stay awaiting rescue. The film cuts between Watney on Mars, his ship returning to Earth, and NASA unfolding in series of mishaps combated by hard work and good old problem-solving.

The performances are almost unilaterally flat with Michael Peña being the sole exception. Damon holds much of the burden and aside from one vulnerable moment it seems he is completely unaffected by his extreme experience. His cavalier attitude and "wise-cracking" dialogue contribute to this sense of unreality. We get no sense of isolation or struggle beyond the inconvenient. The other actors recite their lines with minimal if not non-existent emotion, many of them seem to serve no purpose. The film focuses on science, diagnostics, and logistics but without even a slight sense of human stakes the whole thing feels a bit hollow.

Visually the film is striking, no surprise with director Ridley Scott, but because of the lack of emotional weight the imagery has little impact.

Intriguing scientific inventiveness, appealing spacescapes, an apathetic narrative.

Rent It.

Reflections

We're back in Chicago and have had some time to decompress. The trip was a real success. We visited some family, saw a lot of interesting and weird roadside attractions, emersed ourselves in nature, and rode a sometimes majestic sometimes demanding 1,500 miles on the motorcycle. 

The main challenge that Nicole and I faced on the trip was the physically demanding nature of some of the stuff we were doing. Riding for long stretches of time, wind, cold, and varied hiking terrain. This, of course, effected our moods from time to time. What we did to head off any issues was just checking in with each other frequently. Stopping when we needed a snack or a hot drink, relaxing or napping if we needed it, staying connected and on the same page. We did some real relationship work and made some substantial progress. There were moments that really tested us and I think we came out of the whole experience a lot stronger as a couple, as partners. The two keys were communication and patience.

On the motorcycle the world is different. Time has less meaning. Your perception is heightened and you see a lot more. There are no distractions. You are simply there in that moment, wherever you happen to be. The weather and temperature are of utmost importance. You are in touch with your body and the landscape in a much more direct and meaningful way. The experience is unique and inspiring. But can be draining.

Coming back we weren't exactly relaxed or well rested. It took us a couple days to bounce back and now after some reflection I think both of us can say the trip was amazing. Something we won't ever forget, but something we might plan out more rigorously next time.

Badlands 2

Surrounded
by monoliths
of a prehistoric ocean
and volcanic ash aged millennia,
the silence spreads for miles.

It is easy to remember
when man was sparse
and feeble.

All is grass
and scarred butte
forever.

Proof, if such exists, of the Divine.

Badlands 1

All nerves scream
"I am alive!"
and the gods smile
on their creations
in mutual
appreciation.

The Calvary

Yesterday was an incredibly difficult ride. Nicole and I were on the road for ten hours, eight of which was riding, and we made about seven hours of progress. It was cold, incredibly windy, and due to South Dakota's scarcity of premium gasoline our gas mileage was terrible. We made it to Austin, MN and both Nicole and I were depleted. Looking at the forecast for today it was even colder with heavy winds in the afternoon. In the hotel room thinking about the day ahead I came to a couple conclusions- we wouldn't be able to safely get on the road until 10 or 11 because of the temperature, given the forecast the day would be as difficult if not more so than the day we had just had, and we would most likely get sick. Given all this it appeared the situation was untenable and I needed help.

For a long time it was difficult for me to ask for and receive help. I didn't want to be weak or appear weak, didn't want to be wrong or admit fault, and if I ever did or was there was a certain amount of shame that went along with it. I called my dad last night and asked for help. He drove up and met us close to the Wisconsin boarder and we switched vehicles for the remaining leg of the trip.

Over the past couple years I've been better about recognizing my own limitations, honestly assessing situations, and asking for help if I need it. Most of the time now I don't get ashamed or embarrassed about it, it is just a part of life. No one is so capable, confident, and independent that they don't need other people to lean on from time to time. In this situation, with the gift of hindsight, I realized and fully admit that I was underprepared and myopic in my single-minded desire to take the motorcycle(instead of a car) regardless of the imminent change in seasons. And that's ok. We all make mistakes. I'm grateful I had someone to call.

My dad has gotten me out of a lot of trouble over the years, significantly less so since I got sober. The trouble I get in now is usually due to laziness or poor planning, more clerical than legal, but still it happens occasionally. It's nice to know I have someone I can count on, someone to talk through problems with, someone whose always in my corner. Thanks Pops.

Badlands Haiku

Alien crags jut

skyward- remote, desolate,

and strange. Outside time.