"Problema" - Asking The Questions To Spark Global Dialogue

I saw a documentary at the Chicago Film Festival on Saturday that has inspired today's post. It was a class project because the Director was to be at my class on Monday to talk to us about his movie but, I got a lot more than knowing the movie to know a little bit about the movie-maker.

There are global issues for which everyone has questions but, no one dares ask in public. Many reasons can be given in answer to why people do not ask these questions: fear that no one will listen, no idea who to ask, what will happen if the question is asked, and so on.
Ralf Schmerberg found himself asking some of those universal questions eight years ago ("What is my voice? What is free speech? What is free media?") and feeling "discriminated against by the world power." He also wondered if "the government can make the right decisions" for him.

Seeing the futility in his own efforts to make sense of the world events that gave rise to these questions, and catapulted by his feeling of immense "anger and powerlessness," he decided to use his talents as a filmmaker to create a medium where ordinary people can pose their questions. Thus, Dropping Knowledge was born. Unprecedentedly, people from all over the world and all works of life posted thousands of questions from which 100 were chosen to be answered on September 9, 2006, by individuals from different countries of the world in what was called, The Table Of Free Voices.

Ironically, the event was held at Bebelplatz in Berlin, the same place where an attempt was made to stiffle knowledge and thought by the burning of books. The ensuing documentary of the event was titled, "Problema" with 17 of the questions posed to the panel. It was very profound and got me to listen to my own questions because like many people on this planet, I took the "oh, what's the use" route and silenced them. With questions like, "are you scared?" and "does everyone have the same definition of freedom?", the global dialogue has begun.

Now, some may say that this movie is one-sided. Remember that the auteur is a filmmaker and was inspired by his own questions to himself about world issues. And may be, part of the problem is that we do not voice our questions when they arise. Schmerberg said he made the documentary to get people to start talking, and one can see why after watching it. Then may be one day, the world leaders will see our questions and try to answer many, if not all of them. It will be interesting to see how they will react and if these questions will affect some of the decisions they make.

This planet is ours and we are all created with the spirit of perception, independent of other people's. Let's come together as one and use them, let's start with talking with one another, not at each other, then somehow, and somewhere in there, will the answers we seek emerge.

So, let the dialogue begin. You can go here to register and post your questions or you can gather your peers and make it a party. Schmerberg also said the documentary will be available for free download on Dropping Knowledge website on December 6, 2010.

Peace to all HUMANITY!!!

Update: The Tablet Game

Ok, here's the latest on the tablet game. According to a post by Mashable, Apple will be offering the iPad through Verizon wireless starting October 28th. So, the game is definitely on and I await patiently to see the move Blackberry will make. Liking this game to a game of chess, Apple has made the first move, it's Blackberry's turn to reciprocate to stay in the game.

Bearing in mind that this is only just beginning, my advise to each player is "expansion." Widen the territory as best you can (not a smart move in an actual game of chess), but in this case, it will ensure each players chance of winning. Remember, you're not only playing for your companies, you're also playing for your customers or would-be customers.

I admit I am beginning to have a lot of fun with this. So, play on guys and play fair! I'll see you all at checkmate!

Review: Blackhawks Season Opener

Blackhawks kicked off their NHL season opener last night in Colorado against the Avalanche. It was an intense game, fast, and sometimes chaotic. Brian Bickell scored the first goal for Blackhawks within the first four minutes of the game, putting Hawks up one to nothing.

However, it all went down hill as Colorado came back to tie the game and go up by 2 goals. The Blackhawks rallied back to tie the game at 3 all which led to overtime, and ended with Colorado scoring the sudden death goal that gave them the victory.

Notable in this game is the fact that the Blackhawks did not give up the victory that easily. I love the fact that it was driven to overtime and don't be surprised when I say this, I also love the fact that the Avalanche defended their turf for their home opener.

I would also commend my Blackhawks for staying classy above all else and not committing numerous penalties in the game (Avalanche had many of those.) And, if you were like me who panicked when most of the "Stanley Cup" team were cut for new ones, fear no more!

The present class possess the same skills we've grown to love and are hungry to take us through another city-wide parade. I'd only add that they need to get a lot more comfortable with each other. I'll grade them at B+ for coordination.

So, the season has begun and with Marty Tuck The Puck Away Turco at the goal post, I think we're in for a fun and exciting ride this season. So, are you ready, Chicago?! I am.

One city, one team, ONE GOAL!!! Go Blackhawks!!!