Stay In It: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

I bought a Canon EOS500D in February of 2010. Since then I ventured into photography. I went inside a different world. My fingers slowly learned to play with manual mode. My eyes began to see things in a different perspective, and wished they could take pictures.

Two years ago, I stopped. I wrapped my gear with a cloth bag and kept it inside my cabinet. It has been there ever since. For some reason, unknown to me then, I stopped. I traveled to so many places without it. I settled with a mobile phone that could take pictures. I have experienced so many things, tried so many adventures, tasted so many foods, and ventured so many roads without my camera.

I felt bad. I felt like I have let so many good photo opportunities pass by, like I failed to capture them. Until I saw this movie I have been waiting for. A scene from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty made me understood myself.

I won't give much details about the movie and I will go straight to that favorite conversation.

Start

Walter Mitty found Sean O'Connell in the Himalayas trying to photograph a rare snow animal. Sean is a photojournalist for LIFE magazine both work for. When the animal suddenly appeared before Sean's camera and their very eyes, Walter asked,

Walter Mitty: When are you going to take it?

Sean O'Connell: Sometimes I don't. If I like a moment, for me, personally, I don't like to have the distraction of the camera. I just want to stay in it.

Walter Mitty: Stay in it?

Sean O'Connell: Yeah. Right there. Right here.

End.

Now I understood why I stopped taking photos for a while. For a moment, maybe it was because I didn't want to be all consumed more by how beautiful my photo will turn than actually seeing the real beauty of that picture perfect moment. Maybe, I didn't want to miss it. For some moments, I'd get frustrated that the camera could not depict the real beauty I was seeing. That's why I just let my eyes take the photo and my mind to keep it. Like what's mentioned in the movie, "beautiful things don't ask for attention."

Am sure I'll use my gear again. Maybe, I won't. For now, let me stay in it. Right there, right here.

You Still Have the Candy

Am out of town with friends this weekend. Yesterday, while we were waiting for the rest of the group to get ready for dinner, some of us decided to turn on the tv and catch whatever we can.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is on! I've seen this twice and it never ceases to capture me. Today, another line hit me.

SPOILER ALERT

Willy Wonka, the owner of the reopened chocolate factory, has released an invitation to five lucky kids who will find the Golden Ticket from five of his many chocolate bars released to the public, to visit the factory.

Charlie, a kid from a very poor yet loving family, dreams of getting one of the tickets but knows that his chance is slim, almost none. His loving parents (and bedridden grandparents) wanted to support his dream. On his birthday, they bought a chocolate bar hoping he would find a ticket. His dad just lost his job so buying the chocolate also means they have given up the money they would have used for food.

When Charlie's father handed over their gift to him, the whole family was happy to see a Willy Wonka's chocolate bar. His father said, "Whatever happens, you still have the candy."

End.

When we don't get what we want, the tendency is to ignore what was given instead. Whatever happens, you still have the candy. You always have a candy.

Photo: Hot chocolate from Gloria Jean's

May I have the cheque?

Today, just before going home, my friends and I stayed just a little bit longer at the office to chat some more. It is a post-Monday habit we do to make up for a busy day. 

One of us is planning on buying a refrigerator and a television. We were looking at what's available on the net. We were adding up the amount needed and realized how tight our budgets are at this time. To compensate for the frustration, we laughed and laughed and felt good, until one of us jokingly said, 

"Ok. May I have the cheque?"

Laughter was louder after.

It was in this moment that I remembered an episode of Oprah featuring Jim Carrey. In the interview, he shared how he visualized himself getting ten million dollars for an acting stint. He said,

"I wrote myself a check for ten million dollars for acting services rendered and I gave myself five years. or three years maybe, and I dated it Thanksgiving 1995. I put it in my wallet. I kept it there and it deteriorated and deteriorated . But then, just before Thanksgiving 1995, I found out I was going to make ten million dollars on... Dumb & Dumber... I put that check in the casket with my father because it was our dream together."

                                                   -   Jim Carrey, Oprah Winfrey Show, 1997

I shared the story to the group and encouraged we do the same, so we wrote a check that's more than what's needed made out to one of us, complete with a routing number, account number, signature and a check number. We asked that she (to whom the check was made out) keep it in her wallet.

Now, we may not have the same fate as Jim Carrey did. The "cheque" might just deteriorate and we won't even notice. But one thing remained today - hope. And, I guess, hope is exactly what we need for now, not the money.

Exception

Entry # 409 from the Eavesdropper

Now Playing: I Need an Energy

I Need an Energy
Greg Holden

There's not a thing that you could say that could talk me down,
From all the things that I eat, sleep and dream about.
I've got a feeling that the whole world is watching now, oh
But I'm alone for the final minute of this hour.

I need a lift, I need a shake,
I need to find another chance that I can take,
I need a fight, I need an energy,
I need something that will take me quickly.
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh

In my dreams there was a whole lot more than this
Now I wander for the journeys that I chose to miss
For a feeling I have chased almost all my life
It sure feels that it's burning for the final time, oh

I need a lift, I need a shake,
I need to find another chance that I can take,
I need a fight, I need an energy,
I need something that will take me quickly.
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh

It's all that I know, it's all that I see,
It's all that's been here controlling me
It's all that I know, it's all that I see...

I need a lift, I need a shake,
I need to find another chance that I can take,
I need a fight, I need an energy,
I need something that will take me quickly.
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh
I gotta just let go-whoa-oh

Spin Fast

Photo source here.

Entry # 65 of The Eavesdropper

Spin and spin and spin really fast... That's what love is like, makes your heart raise and turns the world upside down, but if you're not careful, if you don't keep your eye on something still, you could lose your balance. You can't see what's happening to people around you. You can't see that you're about to fall...

Nicole Kidman as Gillian Owens in Practical Magic

Now Playing: Heaven

Photo source here.

"Heaven (Little By Little)"
Theory of a Deadman


Now don't you be afraid
We can always talk about it
No need to medicate
Cause I know you're strong without it
You got me through the days
When I thought I couldn't face it
Let me count the ways
The love we have you can't replace it

Just hold on, I'm not that strong

There's a little piece of heaven
Right here where you are
The fact that you keep trying
Is what sets you apart.
Help me find the reason
And I'll help you find the way
To get rid of all your pain
Little by little, day by day

Now, you're far away
And I'm alone to cry about it
It's not a better place,
When you die and leave me here to say

Hold on, I was never that strong

There's a little piece of heaven
Right here where you are
The fact that you keep trying
Is what sets you apart.
Help me find the reason
And I'll help you find the way
To get rid of all your pain
Little by little, day by day

You'll get stronger
If you need me, I'm not far away
So, just hold on
I'll help you find a way
I'll help you find the way

There's a little piece of heaven
Right here where you are
The fact that you keep trying
Is what sets you apart.
Help me find the reason
And I'll help you find the way
To get rid of all your pain
Little by little, day by day

This is my answer to this song.

Now Playing: Lady

Photo source here.

LADY
Little River Band

Look around you, look up here
Take time to make time
Make time to be there
Look around, be a part
Feel for the winter
But don't have a cold heart

And I love you best
You're not like the rest
You're there when I need you
You're there when I need
I'm gonna need you

A long time ago
I had a lady to love
She made me think of things
I never thought of
Now she's gone and I'm on my own
A love song has come into my mind
A love song
It was there all the time

So lady
Let me take a look at you now
You're there on the dance floor
Making me want you somehow
Oh lady
I think it's only fair
I should say to you
Don't be thinkin' that I don't want you
'Cause maybe I do

[Instrumental Interlude]

Look around, come to me
I have no answers
But know where I wanna be
I look around, play a part
I was born in the winter
And cooled by a warm heart

And I love you best
You're not like the rest
You're there when I need you
You're there when I need
I'm gonna need you

So lady
Let me take a look at you now
You're there on the dance floor
Making me want you somehow
Oh lady
I think it's only fair I should say to you
Don't be thinkin' that I don't want you
'Cause maybe I do
Don't be thinkin' that I don't want you
Lady I do

- A dear friend gave me this song and I promised I won't forget. -

Figure the Streets Out

(You already figured the streets out?)

You gotta control your smiles and cries because that's all you have and nobody can take that away from you.  - Ethan Hawke as Jake Hoyt in TRAINING DAY

Now Playing: In My Veins

Photo source here.

"In My Veins"

Nothing goes as planned
Everything will break
People say goodbye
In their own special way
All that you rely on
And all that you can fake
Will leave you in the morning
But find you in the day

Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
Oh, you're all I taste
At night inside of my mouth
Oh, you run away
'Cause I am not what you found
Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out

Everything will change
Nothing stays the same
Nobody here's perfect
Oh, but everyone's to blame
Oh, all that you rely on
And all that you can save
Will leave you in the morning
And find you in the day

Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
Oh, you're all I taste
At night inside of my mouth
Oh, you run away
'Cause I am not what you found
Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out

(No, I cannot get you out)
(No, I cannot get you)
(Oh no, I cannot get you out)
(No, I cannot get you)

Everything is dark
It's more than you can take
But you catch a glimpse of sun light
Shining, shining down on your face
On your face
(On your face)

Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
Oh, you're all I taste
At night inside of my mouth
Oh, you run away
'Cause I am not what you found
Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
(No)

No, I cannot get you out
(Oh, you're in my veins)
No, I cannot get you out
Oh no, I cannot get you

What we Deserve?

Photo source here.

Charlie: Why do nice people choose the wrong people to date?
Mr. Anderson: We accept the love we think we deserve.

- The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Riding Waves

Photo source here.

Riding waves... it's a state of mind. It's a place where you lose yourself and you find yourself...

...Look at it! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, man! Let me go out there and let me get one wave, just one wave before you take me in.

 - Patrick Swayze as Bodhi in POINT BREAK

Honoring all the surfers in the world, famous or not!

Hibernation Station

Photo source here.

I made plans before the weekend - spend movie night with friends, swing by a store to buy a book, and savor a favorite Filipino pizza for Sunday. None of it happened.

Instead, I drowned myself with good movies over a cup of caramel chocolate and food, no bath for two days (all of us should do this at least once in our lives), a journey down the lane with the Beatles collection, a delight from other equally brilliant yet not-so-famous musical geniuses, a second trip to a book I've gone through in the past, and a taste of poetry.

My brother and I decided to clean up the files in my computer to give way to new ones. As I was reviewing each, I found hidden treasures of movies, songs, audio books, ebooks and poems that I have not paid attention in a long time.

First one I delved deep into was the Beatles collection. I like listening to the Beatles. Aside from their brilliance, it reminds me of my childhood days. It reminds me of that time when my father listens to it to remind him of his younger years. Music is timeless. It was nice to go back old school, sing and dance and shake-yer-head the Beatles way, when no one is looking.

Another gem I found was my collection of Manchester Orchestra songs. In this collection, I found Andy Hull's (lead vox) side solo project Right Away, Great Captain. RAGC is a concept album in trilogy. It talks about the experiences and emotional journey of a sailor in the old times whose wife cheated on him with his brother. The songs are extremely painful and are deep in a sense that it allows you to see its darkness. I do not glorify the negative feelings of the character but I like its honesty and rawness which gives me a good grasp of people going through the same. Other than the dark side, it gives you a glimpse of hope and the inherent goodness in people, thus gives you the war within human.

Aside from music, I also got to see about three movies, one of which instantly made it to the top of my favorite movies - INTO THE WILD by Sean Penn. The movie was based on the real life account of Christopher McCandless a.k.a. Alexander Supertramp who hiked the Alaskan mountains after graduating from college,leaving his family with no trace and donating his $24,000 savings in order to find himself into the wild. The movie is a self-discovery journey at its utmost resignation from the materials things of the world and a giant leap of faith. It was about something I wish I could do but will probably never find the reason and the courage to do so. It wasn't a perfect journey as it also covered human errors and failures. You could feel the pain in some parts of it and joy in most. The scenes brought me freedom, nature, beauty, art, humanity reason, faith, relationships (and the joys and pains of the lack of it) and God's presence everywhere.

*SPOILER ALERT

The movie blends reasons with a balance. It gave us the realization of two facts -

Happiness is only real when shared. 

One thing Chris realized after living on his own for a long time and limiting his interaction with the people that he meets along the way especially when he feels the connection is getting stronger. He believes that people do not need human relationships to be happy because God is all around us. He wrote the above line before he died.

What if I were smiling and running into your arms? Would you see then what I see now?

This was the last line of the movie which balances all. It validates how the journey gave him what others might not have and what he may never have had he not stayed. The scene closes with a great view of the sky and a note: 

I HAVE HAD A HAPPY LIFE AND THANK THE LORD. GOODBYE AND MAY GOD BLESS ALL. 

It is a LIBERATING story for me. 

What made it more beautiful was the soundtrack featuring the works of a master, Eddie Vedder. Guaranteed, a beautifully written song sends chills up my spine. It is one song I want to hear while traveling. 
 
After seeing this movie twice, it inspired me to search and learn again. It was this eagerness and inspiration that brought my eyes upon a book I have already read twice in the past. I read TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE for the third time and it still felt like it was the first. I still shed a tear on two particular scenes in the story.

The story was written by Mitch Albom about his Tuesdays with a former professor dying of ALS. Both were working on their last thesis together learning how to live life by learning how to accept that we will all die eventually therefore we should do things differently. They talked about the world, about feeling sorry for oneself, regrets, death, family, emotions, the fear of aging, money, love, marriage, culture, forgiveness, perfect days, and goodbyes.

I can talk more about those two days but I'm sleepy now and have not had a good rest in the last two days so I'll stop. But I won't let this end without saying that it was one of the best weekends of my life and we all need a hibernation station once in a while.

Now Playing: Guaranteed

GUARANTEED

Eddie Vedder

OST - Into the Wild

On bended knee is no way to be free
Lifting up an empty cup, I ask silently
All my destinations will accept the one that's me
So I can breathe...

Circles they grow and they swallow people whole
Half their lives they say goodnight to wives they'll never know
A mind full of questions, and a teacher in my soul
And so it goes...

Don't come closer or I'll have to go
Holding me like gravity are places that pull
If ever there was someone to keep me at home
It would be you...

Everyone I come across, in cages they bought
They think of me and my wandering, but I'm never what they thought
I've got my indignation, but I'm pure in all my thoughts
I'm alive...

Wind in my hair, I feel part of everywhere
Underneath my being is a road that disappeared
Late at night I hear the trees, they're singing with the dead
Overhead...

Leave it to me as I find a way to be
Consider me a satellite, forever orbiting
I knew all the rules, but the rules did not know me
Guaranteed 

On Richard Parker

Photo source here.

More than a week ago,my friends and I went to see The Life of Pi. Although I am not in total agreement with the final message of the movie (at least how I interpreted it), I can say bravely say that it was brilliantly made and definitely not a waste of money.

This is not a film review so please do not take it as such. I found all the scenes in the movie very endearing especially those where a human shares the screen with an animal. Richard Parker is such a sweetheart to me. He reminded me of my own little tiger at home - Champ. 

Among all the scenes, there was one I can't forget. It hit home. Here it is-

*SPOILER ALERT*

Pi was the only one in his family who survived a sea disaster. As he was trying to figure out how to stay alive in a lifeboat he managed to keep despite the strong current, he finds a zebra, a hyena, a monkey and a Bengal tiger. The first three didn't make it. The Bengal did.

It took time for him and the tiger to get used to and to even be near each other. I actually think that it is one of the best parts of the movie - how Pi managed to stay alive while keeping Richard Parker (watch the movie to know the story behind the name) alive too. He was able to find ways on how to feed Richard Parker and himself. His survival instincts, prayers and hope (the last was repeatedly mentioned in the movie not to be given up) kept them alive.

What struck me was these words from the movie -

I never thought a small piece of shade could bring me so much happiness; that a pile of tools, a bucket, a knife, a pencil, might become my greatest treasures; or that knowing Richard Parker was even what might ever bring me peace.

Without Richard Parker I would've died by now. My fear of him keeps me alert, tending to his needs gives my life purpose.

We all go frenzy over finding our purpose in life. We think that having lots of money will give us more chances to help others, or maybe build a foundation or a charitable institution. Some of us wish we are more popular and think that it will give us a better chance at finding our purpose. Some of us wish to look better because we think that being accepted by everyone is what will give us purpose.

We want so many things and so many people in our lives and forget to pay attention on the things and the people we already have. Our purpose starts at our own circle - our family at home and at work. Imagine a pastor, or a priest, or a church leader, who is hated by his own family. Who would ever believe what he says? Imagine a teacher whose own child cannot go to school. Where's the real value of education?

Our first ministry should be our own. If we are able to fulfill God's purpose in our lives in our own circles, I can guarantee that it takes almost no effort to make it outside that circle. We should make the most of what we have and the things that God graciously gives us and be ready for, maybe, something bigger in time.

Who can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.
Luke 16: 10a

So where is your piece of shade? What's your pile of tools? your knife? your bucket? and your pencil? Who are your Richard Parkers? Who and what give purpose to your life? I tell you, don't look too far for answers.

Ultimately, we should never falter in the basic truth - our purpose should be after God's.

The Right Question

Photo source here.

The Right Question

Eavesdropping in the Film American History X (1998)

Dr. Bob Sweeney: I need to know the truth about how you feel.

Derek Vinyard: ..I don't know. I don't know what I feel... I all... I feel a little inside out. I... I don't know. There's some things that ... that don't fit.

Dr. Bob Sweeney: Well, that happens... but Derek, you are too damn smart to be floating around here pretending you don't see all these holes in this bulls**t! 

Derek Vinyard: Listen, you see I said I was confused. I didn't say I didn't believe in it.

Dr. Bob Sweeney: .. Right now your anger is consuming you.You anguish is shutting down the brain God gave you.

Derek Vinyard: You know man, you've been talking about what's going on with me since I was in high school. How the f***  do you know so much about what's going on inside me?

Dr. Bob Sweeney: No. I know about me. I know about this place. I know about the place you are in.

Derek Vinyard: What do you know about the place am in?

Dr. Bob Sweeney: There was a moment, when I used to blame everything and everyone for all the pain and suffering and vile things that happened to me; that I saw happen to my people. Used to blame everybody. Blamed white people, blamed society, blamed God. I didn't get no answers coz I was asking the wrong questions. You have to ask the right questions.

Derek Vinyard: Like what?

Dr. Bob Sweeney: Has anything you've done made your life better?

(Derek shakes his head and asks for help.)

At the End of the Day

Photo source here.

After watching WITH HONORS and A FEW GOOD MEN when I was younger, I instantly became a fan of courtroom drama. I finished all seasons of  The Practice and tries to always watch it again every time I can. SUITS was a tease so I bought its dvd even though I am not sure if I will actually have the time to watch it. 

Let me share with you one scene from SUITS that I found interesting. Before I do that, let me give you a quick look at the characters involved in this conversation. 

*Spoiler Alert*

Jessica Pearson is the Founding and Managing Partner of the law firm called Pearson-Hardman. She has a very strong working relationship with one of his corporate lawyers, Harvey Specter. It eventually led them to also develop a sturdy friendship. She even helped Harvey finish his Law in Harvard. Harvey is a brilliant lawyer who hired Mike Ross, a college dropout. They faked his Harvard degree to get in to the firm because of Mike's excellent memory and intellect. 

The firm panicked over the return of co-founder, Daniel Hardman, who isn't exactly everyone's favorite because of his ugly reputation and history. This has also created rumors that he aims to get the Managing Partner position that will put Jessica's leadership at a vulnerable situation. Harvey and Jessica both agree that Hardman has other plans and that this has put the firm under attack. 

Jessica sought Harvey's help in ensuring to protect the firm from this attack, one of which, is by giving him clear instructions of what to do in one of the cases. Harvey did not follow her instructions. 

This was the heated conversation between the two friends and work partners.

Jessica Pearson: I have been irritated by you, exasperated with you and angry at you but I never thought I'd feel betrayed by you.

Harvey Specter: I put together a good deal. It's a safe deal.

Jessica Pearson: I don't care. You just ensured that a voting partner would never back me. If his mother were dying of cancer and I saved her I still wouldn't get his vote.

Harvey Specter: I know you're angry but I took the restructure deal to real estate that puts them in your pocket.

Jessica Pearson: Real estate has always been in my pocket. It's only you they hated and I'm beginning to understand why.

Harvey Specter: This isn't me against you.

Jessica Pearson: Hardman is back. You are the one person I could trust.

Harvey Specter: Jessica...

Jessica Pearson: I've always known what you are Harvey. I thought that was my greatest asset. Now am wondering if you're not my biggest liability.

Harvey Specter: This isn't about bankruptcy. You're still pissed off about Mike Ross.

Jessica Pearson: Damn right, I am!

Harvey Specter: I offered to walk away.

Jessica Pearson: That offer was bullshit and you know it. You hired that kid to amuse yourself and now am vulnerable. And after everything that has happened, you still couldn't put me ahead of you.

Harvey Specter: The client asked me to save his dream. I did.

Jessica Pearson: You're actually starting to believe your own bullshit.

Harvey Specter: Jessica, common on!

Jessica Pearson: Just go. I will get past this. I will move on and I will accept that at the end of the day, that am alone in this.

SUITS, Season 2

I stopped at this scene to eat its meat. I realized three things: 

1. When you are put in a situation where you have to separate work and personal relationship and you have the higher position, you are always expected to do the right thing. Set aside subjectivity and do your job. At some point, one or two sacrifices had to be made. All you hope for is for personal side not to be affected by the ugly sounding work decisions you had to make.

2. On the other hand, in this same relationship, you are subjecting yourself into possible disappointment if the other person turns against you to also favor what he thinks is a good work action. When this person does this, it can also come across as a betrayal of friendship which puts your objectivity in question.

Before I give you the third, let me share with you the early and the last scenes of this episode. 

Upon Hardman's return, he immediately secured an office of his own. During the construction, Jessica's favorite tea cart was removed from where it was (it appears to me that it will be placed in Hardman's office and is symbolical of who's in lead) and she was a little disappointed. On a different scene, Harvey checks in on Mike who followed an instruction he gave him despite how it will break the latter's heart. Mike said,

"Why is it that I have to do everything that you tell me to and you get to ignore whatever Jessica tells you to do?"

This made Harvey reevaluate what he did to Jessica and that he should lead by example. When the episode ended, Jessica was alone in her office reading, Harvey comes in with the tea cart and says: 

"You are not alone in this." 

Jessica smiled and instructed Harvey to place it where it should be.

3. Wherever life takes good friends, whether it creates a space between your work titles and one has to report to the other, friends are friends. It will surface no matter what. If your friendship is strong and you both understand your roles at work and in your personal relationship, no difference in title will matter. At the end of the day, we all need friends. As hard as it is to keep it while doing our jobs right, it always becomes a decision we have to make in the end. I think this decision that we make, every end of the day, reflects how we handle both our work and personal lives and clearly defines who we are. Harvey's action in the closing scene was not just very gentleman of him but also a humble declaration of his submission to his boss by deciding to put her ahead of him this time; it was also peace offering and a reassurance to his very good friend. Now, that's something! 

PS 

My hunch is, in a future episode, Harvey's decision not to follow Jessica's instructions will put one of them, if not all of them, inside a frying pan. Whether my hunch is right or wrong, I can't wait to find out!

A Thin Blue Line

Photo source from this link.

Eavesdropping on the Film
End of Watch

(2012)

I'm the police and I'm here to arrest you. You've broken the law. I did not write the law. I may even disagree with the law but I will enforce it and no matter how you plead, cajole, beg, or attempt to stir my sympathies, nothing you do will stop me from placing you in steel cage with grey bars. If you run away, I will chase you. If you fight me, I will fight back. If you shoot at me, I will shoot back. By law, I am unable to walk away. I am a consequence. I am the unpaid bill. I am fate with a badge and a gun. Behind my badge is a heart like yours. I bleed, I think, I love, and yes, I can be killed. And although I am but one man, I have thousands of brothers and sisters who are the same as me. They will lay down their lives for me, and I, them. We stand watch together, a thin blue line, protecting the prey from the predators, the good from the bad. We are the police.

- Officer Brian Taylor (Jake Gyllenhaal)


My grandma... when me and Gabby got engaged she asked me one thing... "can you live without her? And if the answer is YES, man up and forget her. Don't string her along".

- Officer Mike Zavala (Michael Peña)

Who really wins in a war?

Photo source here. 

ABU NAZIR: You can't  even imagine it. Can you? Believing in something bigger than you. More important than you. We're at war. Am a soldier.

CARRIE: You're a terrorist!

ABU NAZIR: Imagine you are sitting down to dinner, with your wife and children. Out of sky, as if thrown by an angry god, a drone strike hits and destroys all of them. Who is the terrorist?

CARRIE: It’s the last day of Ramadan. A young man enters a Shia village, pushing a cart full of candy and toys. He waits in the school playground for all the children to gather. Then he reaches back and flips a switch.

ABU NAZIR: We fight with what we have.

CARRIE: You pervert the teachings of the Prophet and call it "cause". You turn teenagers into suicide bombers.

ABU NAZIR: Generation after generation must suffer and die. We are prepared for that, are you?

CARRIE: Whatever it takes.

ABU NAZIR: Really? With your pension plans and organic foods? Your beach houses and sports clubs? Do you have the perseverance, the tenacity, the faith? Because we do. You can bomb us, starve us, occupy our holy places, but we will never lose our faith. We carry God in our hearts, our souls. To die is to join him. It may take a century, two centuries, three centuries, but we will exterminate you.

CARRIE: Like I said, you're a terrorist. 

- HOMELAND, Season 2

Now Playing: Fade Into You

Fade Into You 

Mazzy Star

I wanna hold the hand inside you
I wanna take the breath that's true
I look to you and I see nothing
I look to you to see the truth

You live your life, you go in shadow
You'll come upon and you'll go black
Some kind of night into your darkness
Close your eyes with what's not there

Fade into you
Strange you never knew
Fade into you
I think it's strange you never knew

The strange light comes on slowly
A stranger's heart is out of home
You put your hands into your head
And your smiles cover your heart 

Video from here.