Al Khadra on tenterhooks

No, the title (translation: the Green) isn't an abbreviation of my surname, but the nickname given to Tunisia. Hope that settles country moniker trivia for you. On that note, Happy Bastille Day to earthlings that did their utmost to ruin North Africa and of course shower once a week (shout-out to atrocious stereotypes that still fester online), joking aside, it's a great day for the nation of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity. 

A pivotal moment in Tunisian democracy, the upcoming referendum on a draft constitution will say a lot about how far it has come since the 2014 uprising. Foremost, can we just applaud this beacon of hope in the Arab world for becoming the first Arab nation to have a female leader, Najla Bouden (appointed PM October 11, 2021 - who said a geologist could not rise to power? This momentous occasion can only be topped if a female is elected at the ballot box, but for now this is progress. Still, the Arab world is more advanced than the US when it comes to female empowerment. Psst! Dear Arab earthlings, mention this to US Customs officials when they question you for being a terrorist.

Hat's off to Tunisia for including church and state separation in this draft, funny how an Arab nation is all about religion being excluded when you have the US Supreme Court allowing religious nut jobs from 13 states (led by the small government bastion of Texas, that loves to use tax dollars to suppress women's liberty) to meddle in a woman's personal choice. Tickle me pink, feminism thrives in Tunisia and dies in 26% of the US. 

Where this referendum gets icky is the back to the future moment, it's being proposed to go away from a semi-Presidential parliamentary system to one where the President will once again wield too much authority. They can run for two 5-year terms, and potentially continue on if they find the state to be in danger. Reading between the lines: another way of spelling out autocracy. Then it gets into a gray area, some will argue introducing new council chambers is a positive step and only two-thirds are needed to pass a no-confidence motion in the government as opposed to the current absolute majority. Some might say this smells of a power-stacking exercise for a future autocratic leader.

However, it still keeps important measures that protect liberties, including the right for peaceful gatherings, unions to organize (army, customs, judges, police are barred from striking), and free speech. This draft still needs tinkering, but this is a sign that the country is a democratic experiment and one that hopefully can keep on its open society trajectory. Tunisia is on the precipice, a nearly year-long protest is till taking place, the issue at core is democracy, basically are you for the secular variety or one that allows Islam to play a key role. It looks like most supporting the draft constitution are from the latter. Tunisia will quickly lose its credentials if they give in to more Presidential power. A free Tunisia will be a beacon for North Africa and will have flow on effect all over the Middle East, the world cannot allow Saudi values to infiltrate this great nation.

The Constitutional Referendum is on July 25. On that day, I will, you will, we will all be Tunisian. Happy voting to the earthlings that chant for the Eagles of Carthage (Tunisia national football team).

Chi-town on the big screen

Happy Canada Day to the world's 7th freest country. Your neighbors, who bang on about freedom, are 15th. Talking Canucks, America's favorite pastime (no, it's not baseball) is making films in Canada and passing it off as American. Chicago's example, Mean Girls was set in the suburb of Evanston (birthplace of Bill Murray), but was shot in Toronto. The viewing experience is more rewarding when the city matches the story, which brings me to a classic segue.

I grew up watching John Hughes films (showing my age), and to now be living in the city where he based many of his films is a dream come true. This brings me to another list-making exercise (to think my all-time film/TV lists were published half a decade ago, refer below). These films bring out the best of Chicago. Even if you're not a Chicagoan, the chances are you're familiar with something connected to America's greatest city.

Here's a list of ten films (in order of date released) I put together, this is not so much about the quality of the films, but ones that show the city in every light, both shiny and gritty. I suggest you re-watch these (if you haven't seen any of them, shame on you), then use the locales as a reference point for your visit to Chicago. 

The Blues Brothers (1980, John Landis)

The dynamic duo of Akroyd and Belushi, together with a soundtrack to die for, how can you not put on some Aretha after she performs 'Think' in the deli. So many classic parts of the city on display here, The 6-minute car chase scene (red car dropping from the skyline can't be topped) through downtown is worth an induction into the cinematic hall of fame.

Sixteen Candles (1984, John Hughes)

Having an older sister made me appreciate this even more, Molly Ringwald still speaks for teens everywhere, that's the impact of this film. Many suburbs are used in filming. The famous dance scene (you know with that classic tune playing, True by Spandau Ballet) was shot at Niles East High School in the suburb of Skokie.

The Breakfast Club (1985, John Hughes)

I will go to my grave defending this piece of American history. I will never tire of watching arguably the best teen angst film. Chicago's suburbs are the focus here, from the school exterior scenes (Maine North High School, Des Plaines), interior scenes (Glenbrook North High School, Northbrook) to the powerful ending (fist-pump scene) shot in Park Ridge.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986, John Hughes)

You don't even have to think about it, as soon as I mention this one to anyone over the age of 40 they start singing 'Twist and Shout' straight away. How good is the parade scene? Shot on Michigan Ave, one of the world's great avenues in downtown Chicago. So many iconic scenes covering the city and suburbs from Wrigley Field to the classic Ferrari scene (Ben Rose Auto Museum).

The Untouchables (1987, Brian De Palma)

Wouldn't be an ode to Chicago without Al Capone making an appearance. The Blackstone Hotel is part of film folklore for the baseball bat that Robert De Niro so artistically used for some bloodletting.

The Fugitive (1993, Andrew Davis)

Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford at their height of acting powers. One of the great jumps in cinematic history is featured at Fontana Dam at Lake Cheooh. Plenty of classic scenes all around town, this film has dated badly, referring to the payphone scene at Wacker Drive and Wells St.

While You Were Sleeping (1995, John Turtletaub)

Can be a corny romantic comedy at times, but when Chicago's sensational train system is on display, you have a winner! From now on, every time I catch a train from Randolph/Wabash El station, I will forever be reminded of one of the great (if not, greatest) actors of all-time (if you haven't seen him in Lost highway, you need to exit planet earth immediately).

High Fidelity (2000, Stephen Frears)

A cultural ode to the city by John Cusack (also an Evanston native). Vintage venues, like Double Door, Music Box Theatre all make cameo's. The highlight of the film (1:19:52 - 1:21:16 mark) takes place on the Kinzie St Bridge with a classic Chicago backdrop. This one even features scenes from my neighborhood, Rogers Park. If you are holding onto dear life avoiding music streaming services (nearly as evil as Netflix), then keep watching this flick to remind you of a time just before the world ended (you know, social media).

The Dark Knight (2008, Christopher Nolan)

The only negative about this film (tower under construction in the final scene) and of the city itself is, the presence of a building named after a delusional maniac that for some reason received the nuclear codes for 4 years. So much of Chicago on display, the Old Post Office was used for the infamous bank heist scene. To think Heath Ledger (the best thing to come out of Perth, Australia), a fellow 1979 earthling, passed away two months after production finished.

Southside with You (2016, Richard Tanne)

Wouldn't be a Chicago list without its most famous love story, Barack and Michelle. Historic Quin Chapel (home of the city's first African-American congregation) is used for the community meeting scenes. Chicago and the world needs more reminding of the fact that the true cultural heartbeat of the city remains in the south, even though everyone wants to live in the affluent Northside. Taking of the Southside, be sure to check out 'The Chi' (season 3 is currently airing on Showtime)

https://globaleditorial.blogspot.com/2017/07/30-of-greatest-tv-shows-in-my-humble.html

https://globaleditorial.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-best-films-according-to-yours-truly.html

Sweet Home, Chicago!

You're probably asking why I'm referencing this song from the classic Blues Brothers film, well, it's simple: Chicago is the new home of Global Editorial. There's also another little announcement included in the following vlog, from the shores of one of the great lakes, Lake Michigan.

One of the great (if not greatest) skylines in the world

All Hail Phoenicia!

Lebanon keeps getting gut-punched from sectarian strife to economic collapse. If it was a human it would be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but even with this dire diagnosis, it keeps hanging on for dear life. Many Lebanese around the world cite jealousy as a reason for this, after all, for a country that is only in size, it has a cultural richness and natural beauty that many countries ten times larger lack. Look at the nations in the Emirates, they build fake resorts with oil money to attract tourists and yet lack the authenticity of Lebanon. They also lack the democracy of Lebanon, not one religion can dominate. In Lebanon, the President must be Christian, Prime Minister Sunni, and the Parliamentary Speaker Shia. Perfect segway into the recent election...

Note: I've been advised by my 82-year-old aunt (who raised 3 sons during the 1975-1990 civil war and her ceiling caved in during the massive explosion on Aug 4, 2020) in Beirut to ignore any election that takes place. As my Armenian aunt puts it: we can survive anything, it'd those folk who live in western countries that are weak with their so-called wealth. Talking Armenians, they have always been protected in Lebanon. From being assigned representation in Parliament to their Christmas being nationally recognized. If you're not familiar with Antelias and Anjar, look it up. I digress...

Two big takeaways from the vote on May 15, 2022: Hezbollah and its allies lost its parliamentary majority (now down to 62 out of 128 seats) and Lebanese Forces (a Christian bloc led by a feared warlord from the civil war, Samir Geagea) won the largest number of deputies. Only in Lebanon: Christians are now in talks for a power-sharing agreement with Saudi-backed parties. If you thought the economic collapse (deemed to be one of the three worst in the world since the 19th century) was out of control, just wait for Iran to get antsy over this aforementioned deal.

The chances of anything substantial arising from the new parliament are minuscule at best, but at least democracy is alive in a nation that has faced more adversity than all nations put together. Call it the Phoenician heritage, but nothing will deter this nation and its 14 million-strong diaspora. Saudi Arabia and Iran will always use and abuse the land of cedars while the rest of the world yawns.

For those playing country nickname trivia: Lebanon’s is known as the Switzerland of the Middle East, which brings me to another referendum that took place in the wealthiest landlocked nation on earth. Swiss voters voted in favor (58.42%) to tax Netflix and Disney to fund local productions. Furthermore, requiring 30% of content available in Switzerland be produced in Europe. People power is how you put bloated entertainment conglomerates in their place, not with stupid orders by taxpayer-funded American politicians, refer to Florida where the Republican Governor (shall remain nameless due to being a complete and utter bumpkin of the child of immigrants variety who is racist - the worst kind of earthling) went after Disney World. The party of business meddling in the free market, so much for small government!

P.S. Stay tuned for a big announcement next month. Clue: GE's new home will be in a city with an annual average snowfall of 37 inches (94 cm).

Rocky Mountain High

As the world ends, it's an opportune time to head high up the mountains (9200 feet to be exact) and take stock that planet earth still delivers natural beauty.

Now, sit back and enjoy Colorado brought to you by: Amtrak. There's a special guest star, if you see this cheeky character, please engage with her curious eyes.

PS. France went back to the future with everyone's favorite insurance salesman, Macron. My piece in the wake of his win five years ago (another example of time going way too fast) need not be updated, except for the little fact that Le Pen got a few more bigots on her bandwagon with 41.6% of the vote.https://globaleditorial.blogspot.com/2017/05/liberte-egalite-fraternite-wins.html

FYI: Bring on May 15, Lebanon votes and the Swiss are back at it with some crazy referendums.