Brexit Is Over. Long Live Brexit!

For a maximized image, click on the picture.

by Laura Lai/Comment

Brexit is over. The partnership between the several-century old United Kingdom and the few- decade old European Union lasted forty-seven years. The last three years were the political ‘divorce’ process. The word ‘Brexit’ is the acronym given to the exit process of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) – a three-year long rolling saga that heated the debates on both the ‘Leave’ and the ‘Remain’ sides. Until today: the 31^st of January 2020.

What’s next? In the very short run, a transition period follows and it lasts until December 2020. It is a period that reminds of the UK – US history: ‘the taxation without representation’. It means that the EU law will still apply in the UK until the end of 2020, without the UK being represented at EU level and, consequently, without the UK having a say at EU level on the legislation that applies on its territory until the end of this year.

In the long run, the independent United Kingdom will have the freedom to take its political, economical and commercial decisions like a self-governing country. Furthermore, the Queen Elizabeth II will not anymore be some sort of a ‘governor’ of the British provinces of the European Union (above her there will not be any President of the European Council and any President of the European Commission, or decisions that have primacy over those of her own government), because the British citizen, Elizabeth II, got her country back. The Queen will be again the sovereign of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in every sense of the word. Brexit means that the UK will be free to explore the endless future possibilities that lay ahead.

Long Live Brexit! The 31^st of January 2020 is the Brexit Day. And Brexit is the UK Independence Day. Or it is the Liberation Day of the United Kingdom from the European Union political project. Regardless of the side each of us took during this ‘divorce process’, I do think that it is a historical moment in British modern history. Therefore, I agree with those who argued that the Big Ben should mark the turning of a new page in UK’s modern history.

Listening the live discussion ‘Should the Big Ben Bong for Brexit?’ broadcasted by the LBC on Nigel Farage Show, I heard the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, saying that the Big Ben, which is under renovation, still lacks a clapper, in order to make the bong. I thought to make a drawing and improvise a ‘singing clapper’, in order to congratulate the UK for its tenacity to get to this point and deliver on the Brexit democratic and legitimate referendum, and in order to wish it:

Happy Independence Day!!!

Genocide Is A Crime. God Forbids that History Repeats Itself!

Happy Birthday ‘Writing Break’ Blog!!!

Laura Lai, coffee break at the National Gallery in London

by Laura Lai/ Uncategorized

Last year today, in a small but comfortable single dorm room in Oxford, I was more determined than ever to do this ‘Writing Break’ blog. I was three days before my drama writing course began – and when I start a course I’m extremely committed to do all my best, in order to complete it the best I can – and I was also applying to jobs that was taking me lots of time. For me, the job hunting has been the greatest time waste especially that I didn’t find any. So, I watched a tutorial on YouTube about the way one makes a free blog and here I was, determined to have it done. In comparison to the job hunting, the blog, as well as the completion of the course, depended fully on me. And I could commit myself to accomplish them. When the blog was online, the satisfaction of having done it entirely by myself was great.

The idea of making the ‘Writing Break’ blog was in my mind for quite some time. I guess that ‘Oxford, January 20^th, 2019’ was this blog’s birth place and time. The point was to keep on practicing three writing styles: essays, comments and reviews. I’m also a sketch writing lover and I thought an ‘uncategorized’ section for all other writing styles would be good. The practice material was supposed to come from three fields: politics, culture and sports. Another point was to practice computer drawing. I had this idea of accompanying each of my writings with a computer drawing, because I like drawing and because here I find it relevant: A drawing is the shortest summary of whatever I’m writing about. It’s also quite challenging to draw on computer, but MS-Paint is a good option start.

Writing for a personal writing blog is a great experience. Writing, in general, is a great experience, but the blog allows what I, informally call, a ‘personal note’, some sort of a freedom I have as a writer that I think I can’t enjoy anywhere else.

            For example, I happily connected a speech of Donald Trump at the U.S. Air Force Academy to the movie ‘Top Gun’ or I celebrated 50 years since the first step on the Moon reviewing also the movie ‘Armageddon’. I can’t imagine any teacher or professional allowing me to this in class or in the pages of a magazine without being ‘sanctioned’ for this ‘original association’. Or maybe I’m the outcome of an educational system that generates a general mentality based on ‘you can’t do this!’ It’s crazy, I know. But it can get crazier: The reason why ‘you can’t do this!’ is not a great philosophical and enlightening explanation, but simply the fact that somebody else decides so and you must obey, in order to avoid being punished by diminishing your grades, or whatever system they have (There is a grade for behavior. At least here, I’ve always scored the maximum.). However, ‘because I say so’ or ‘because I want so’ is the cheapest argument I’ve ever heard. I’ve never been interested in learning from people who can’t formulate an argument, but impose their will. Besides, this kind of mentality is not at all democratic. Furthermore, the templates that one must learn and is asked to use almost everywhere I’ve been is meant to help, when a student can’t write, but no rule forbids ‘original association’ of ideas or things, as long as it doesn’t harm anybody. Some people do forbid, instead of encouraging the freedom and the liberty of creativity. No wonder that when I studied Political Sciences in English with some American professors I felt like the happy fish in the water. Furthermore, ‘Old Ties’ drama review allowed me to remind about a good friend and colleague I had in university, while ‘Fair Game’ drama review invited me to a written reflection on this blog. I gave myself the freedom to compare ‘Ben-Hur’ the silent movie (1925) to ‘Ben-Hur’ the animation movie (2003) to the ‘Ben-Hur’ production from 2016, or to write a ‘Football recipe’, or to answer challenges and write a 39-word story on Serena Williams, etc. You bet I love this freedom that this blog gives, without harming anybody, but always trying to add a cheer up spice to our daily life!

            The essays and the comments are usually more documented. And for some, I remember having researched the whole month, such as those on the ‘Who’s the Man in the Southern Border HuMANitarian Crisis?’ or ‘The U.S. Border Crisis: The Deal with Mexico Works, but Can it be Sustainable?’ Other essays started from appalling statistics: I was outraged that 1 in 20 Europeans has never heard of the Holocaust genocide that happened in Europe. But if ‘the Holocaust were a Rock Star’ many people would have known plenty of insignificant details about him or her that are also irrelevant for one’s life security, in comparison to the topic of genocide that is highly relevant for everybody’s life security.

            These last days I have been reading again some of the writings on this blog that I’ve posted during the whole year 2019. Many of the entries are around Brexit and about American internal politics. The reason why it looks so is because I was writing a play on Brexit and I’m planning one on the American internal politics. I basically use the same reading material to write my plays as drama genre and to practice different writing styles on this writing blog. The former I have just finished, but the latter is not yet unfolding in my head, as I’m having now a long trip in mind. I have other priorities – and the full time job remains a top priority in 2020, too – then there are some old manuscripts that require some retouch and a children’s book that needs a follow up.

A writer even when is looking through the window is working. I also like to give a lot of thought to whatever I’m writing before I actually start writing it. And a political play – like the one on Brexit or the one on the American internal politics – requires both reflection time and research. Many details of the research will be left out, but it’s part of a long and enjoyable writing journey.

            In 2020 I will keep on enjoying practicing writing styles on this ‘Writing Break’ blog. I will continue reviewing (old) films and dramas – that I enjoy so much, that I thought to focus only on reviews, but not this year. I will keep on writing comments, essays and reviews based on materials from politics, culture and sports. I’ll try to explore even more the opportunities that an online blog offers. I tried to experience that in December 2019 with the essay ‘From Vaping to Smoking and …’. What I did in terms of format was to write an essay and to add footnotes. Nothing special so far! But when I was a student electronic references were rare, as we were mainly using books and articles (sometimes CDs) as references. The footnotes were written as academic references of online resources should be. However, I didn’t want to disconsider a specificity of the blog in terms of references, meaning the links. Of course, it’s odd to combine in an essay academic footnotes with links! Unless… and that’s what I’ve done in terms of format: all references to data were footnotes, as it should be, but the text was also mentioning one or two international organizations (WHO, for example). I found appropriate to put a link to WHO main page for any further explorations of previous projects, statistics, programmes, etc. I thought to be perfect while taking advantage of an online writing blog resource. It is also in the general framework of freedom of making ‘original associations’ that a personal writing blog can offer that is good for the writing practice and experience, and that it doesn’t harm anybody.

            To sum up, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ‘WRITING BREAK’ BLOG!!! You are 1 year old. And we are growing together!

Film Review: ‘Eight Below’ (2005)

by Laura Lai/Review

There are some movies that I watched several times and every time with the same pleasure. I guess the reason why I want to see a movie again is the joy that a story on screen offers its viewers, and to me.

‘Eight Below’ (2005) is one of those movies, because I am an animal lover (although I don’t own any pets), particularly dogs and particularly husky. Then I love snow, but only on cinema screen, on TV, on postcards and in cartoons. It’s when I find snow sparkling and truly beautiful! In reality, I find it cold and wet. Last, but not least, it’s the actor in the main role, Paul Walker. Whoever brought him from modeling into the movie world was, from my point of view, an inspired person, because modeling relies on makeup – brought to an art level – but not Paul Walker.

            ‘Eight Below’ is inspired by a true story – another reason why I watch this movie. This Walt Disney movie tells the story of Max, Maya, Old Jack, Shadow, Buck, Truman, Dewey, Shorty, eight dogs who were left at the National Research Center in Antarctica and who fought to survive more than 150 days. In all this time, their master, Jerry Shepard (Paul Walker), was trying to find the resources to return to Antarctica, in order to recuperate the dogs or, at least, to know what happened to them. But a trip from California to the South Pole is not cheap. Then not everybody can understand the bound between a human being and his dogs. This aspect is clearly emphasized in this movie by the scene in which Jerry does not find support at Dr. Andy Harrison (Gerard Plunkett) – once saved by these particular dogs.

I cannot imagine a better choice for the main actor role than Paul Walker, with whose look in the eyes to suggest the internal human sufferance, while thinking of his dogs and refused financial aid to return to Antarctica for his dogs. His heart breaking torment, his dogs’ long fight for survival and the great end make this winter adventure movie such a joy to watch again. Enjoy!

A Christmas (American) Political Miracle

by Laura Lai/ Comment

On the 25^th of November 2019 I posted a comment type of entry on this Writing Blog with some ‘Reflections on the USMCA Regional Free Trade Agreement’s Deadlock’ (to read the entire blog article click here).

            In short, I was arguing that regional free trade agreements date back to the 1920s (a free trade agreement between Australia and New Zealand). Some other such agreements followed on each continent: in South America (MERCOSUR) and North America (NAFTA), in Europe (EU), in Asia (ASEAN) and in Africa (AFCFTA). They are all alike and in the same time they are all different from the EU. They differ from the latter in some regards, such as the degree of institutionalization and the diminished national sovereignty because the EU passed from an economical project to a political project of becoming some sort of a super state, whatever its theoretical name.

The point I was making was that the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which came into effect in January 1994 is outdated and its shortcomings are evident particularly in areas such as biotechnology and intellectual property protection. It is no surprise since this agreement is more than a quarter of a century old. Therefore, it required to be updated and improved with elements pertaining to the evolution of the humankind in the last quarter of a century. For example, the updated North America Free Trade Agreement (USMCA) will require that a car to be manufactured on the North American continent to an extend of 75 percent and by workers paid at least $16 an hour, in order for the car to be commercialized on the North American market free of commercial duties.

            Trump Administration’s efforts to improve this deal and to work on a trade agreement with China made perfectly sense for a presidential candidate, who won the elections with the motto ‘Make America Great Again’ and almost half of America’s trade depend on three countries: Canada, Mexico and China. But President Trump held talks with the Japanese, too. And stroke a trade deal with them that is beneficial for the American agricultural products.

            Mexico was the first country to have ratified the USMCA and Canada followed. But in the United States despite arguments coming from states (ex. Indiana, Minnesota, Colorado, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Alaska, etc.) and despite 12 million jobs depending on the USMCA deal, the Democrats were putting more energy, time and public funds in the impeachment procedure.

            I was arguing that it is the Democrats’ free choice to rank their political priorities and that it is according to their political will to rank first the impeachment and then the ratification of the USMCA. Just that according to public opinions polls, Americans were less and less interested in impeachment and the Americans regardless of their leftist or rightist political preferences gave a mandate to both Democrats and Republicans to work first in their interest.

The Republicans hoped for a ratification before the Thanksgiving one week recess time, but that was not possible. And chances to have the USMCA ratified by Christmas were even less probable. On December 2^nd, 2019 – eight legislative days to go to the Congress Christmas recess – the Washington Examiner hosted the opinion of (Rep) Vicky Hartzler:

It is unfortunate that Speaker Nancy Pelosi has led us to believe in the last weeks that the USMCA would be brought to the House for a vote, adding that House Democrats were on a “path to yes” and that action on the USMCA was “imminent.” […] This agreement will bring 176,000 new jobs to the U.S. and will spur over $60 billion in new economic activity. Additionally, it opens access to critical markets, such as the Canadian dairy market, for U.S. producers. […] It is my hope that Congress will work together with Trump to make sure this deal is passed. I look forward to working expeditiously to secure this new deal for Missouri and all of the country.

Speaker Pelosi, let’s get this done. No more excuses. (to read the whole article, click here)

       Furthermore, on the 11th of December 2019, Donald Trump’s trade advisor, Peter Navarro, had a TV intervention on Fox Business underlining the benefits of the USMCA particularly for the North American car industry’s struggle against the ‘unfair trade practices’ of the Asians and of the Europeans, framing all his point of view in the campaign motto of Donald Trump and his commitment to keep the promises made to the electorate (click here). But still no sign of the USMCA ratification.

Who said that miracles have no place in politics was terribly wrong. And those who do not believe in miracles at all may reconsider their position. Just before Christmas holidays, on December 16^th, the Washington Times was announcing the Americans that the USMCA Christmas gift is ready to vote. But it was also warning that following negations between the Democrats and the Republicans – as it is in a democracy – may be the ‘occasional ugly sweater that you really didn’t want for Christmas’ (to read the article, click here). On December 17^th, 2019 – one day before the holidays – the Christmas political miracle happened! The House of Representatives revisited the old NAFTA. The USMCA passed with a bipartisan vote of 385 to 41 votes (to view the CBS News on this, click here).

Who would have believed it? Not many! However, I still can name a few who would: Blake Hurst (farmer), Sydnee Mason (Boots), Matt Moreland (Milkman), Barb Wilson (Bucket Lady), Drew Lock (Macho Man) and the entire farmer crew that made the USMCA song parody to YMCA (that you can listen here):

‘Trump Man,

We have crops on our land.

Trump Man,

Trade would give us a hand.

I said

Nancy,

We know you’re the woman’

who can get this deal

through Congress…’

And It’s Christmas Eve Again! Radio Drama Review

by Laura Lai/Review

It’s hard to believe. I know! But it’s Christmas Eve again. It’s no joke. The holy Christmas is the holiday when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In general, Christianity splits into two geographic groups: the West Christians and the Eastern ones. The Eastern Christians split into two groups, too, depending on the Julian or the Gregorian calendar they use, in order to celebrate Christmas. Therefore, a minority of East Christians celebrates Christmas on December 25^th and a majority of them celebrate Christmas on January 7^th.

            The fact that my Writing Break blog doesn’t have audience among the Byelorussians, Russians, Serbians, (a part of) Ukraine it’s no reason to ignore these people. On the contrary, it’s a good reason and the best time of the year to wish them

a happy, peaceful, joyful and full of hope Christmas holidays!

Some of the old tradition Christian Orthodox might have taken the time to organize themselves in such a way to best avoid the last minute Christmas shopping’s hunting. It would not be a surprise. Some people do take time in organizing Christmas.

            For example, Radio New Zealand organized since August 2019 a song contest, in order to choose the best Christmas song. I’m a great fan of borrowing from other genres or of the mixing of genres in all mediums. Quentin Tarantino is the film director who fascinates me with his genre mix in movies. And I try to rise to this fascinating challenge in my writings, too. This broadcast of Radio New Zealand for the best Christmas song contest is in this fascinating multi-genre mix. No wonder that the choice was very difficult. The plays were sensational and you can hear the broadcast and the winner here. 

Some other old tradition Christian Orthodox may still be in the fever of the Christmas shopping, as Francis, 34 (Sarah Jane Holm) and James, 35 (Toby Jones) were in the BBC radio play ‘Christmas Shopping’ by Max Hillman.

            This play broadcasted by the BBC on the 23^rd of December 1997 (and very recently uploaded on You Tube) is a journey backwards from what Christmas became to mean to most of us: a shopping list and a struggle for gifts’ ideas, which cause people pressure, nausea and even a dislike for … Christmas. The paths of Francis and James cross several times in this Christmas shopping hunting. It is through these people getting together for Christmas that the author, Max Hillman, takes us back to the spiritual meaning of Christmas: from the shopping list to the ‘unimprovable’ spiritual list of kindness and of the ‘never ever’ hurting again.

Isn’t that ‘unimprovable list’ lovely? Does this wonder last three days until the third day of Christmas? Would it be too much to ask from the human kind to make it last until New Year or longer? And if it’s really too much to ask, what’s wrong with the human kind, in order to take the time and fix it until the next Julian or Gregorian calendar Christmas?

Hallmark’s Top 10 Best 2019 Movie: ‘Royal New Year’s Eve’

by Laura Lai/ Review

If the British Royalties do not know it by now, they will soon find it out from… Pfui!... They will find out from the press… from Hallmark TV channel … about Prince Jeffrey (Sam Page). Or Jeff, as he likes to be called.  His marriage proposal to Lady Isabelle Collins supposed to take place on New Year’s Eve became Hallmark’s Top 10 best movies for 2019 (directed by Monika Mitchell).

The ‘Royal New Year’s Eve’ is a romantic comedy around the marriage proposal and its complications. The action of the movie takes place 48 hours before the New Year and it regards a trip that Prince Jeffrey and Lady Isabelle made in the United States, in order for the Lady to find a unique dress for the New Year’s Eve, when she will be proposed – as this was already publicly announced.

            Prince Jeffrey takes advantage of the fact that he is not so popular in the US, in order to be … just Jeff – a regular young man, who learns the pleasure of a coffee in the coffee shop and who discovers the pleasant taste of the hot dogs. Jeff’s romance with Lady Isabelle gets complicated, when he starts having feelings for a lovely and simply former art teacher, currently assistant at a fashion magazine, Caitlyn (Jessy Schram). She also happens to be the amateur designer whose dress impresses the most Lady Isabelle. Caitlyn likes the respectful and polite prince, in which she loves the kindness and support.

And she needed the moral support of the prince. This movie has some ‘Cinderella’ echoes, if one thinks of Caitlyn’s boss, Abigail (who has a daughter), trying to overwhelm her with lots of work, in order to ruin her romance with the prince and especially her career, whose great push up was the fact that a royalty chose to dress her amateur dress design.

The movie ‘Royal New Year’s Eve’, is a beautiful story about what makes each of us happy as people, about deciding for what makes us happy and about going for what makes us happy. It is also about the way some people around accept or do not accept the decision of the two (and about what they are capable of doing when one happens to think that Caitlyn’s luck is too big): Jeff is having less problems with the others for loving a simple girl, while Caitlyn has several obstacles to overcome, because her fashion design career would be pushed up totally serendipitously and because a prince happens to like and to love her.

Enjoy it!

Happy New Year 2020!!!