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January 17, 2009

Award Bond

"Just when I thought I was out... they pull me back in."

Here we are in awards season, when my thoughts concerning Kate Winslet's Golden Globes are interrupted with the news that I have been awarded a Dardos. I was named a winner by Marilyn Ferdinand, the last woman in the Chicago metro area to hold me in anything resembling esteem since Carla Haimowitz dumped me almost thirty eight years ago.

Not to be confused with Zardoz. with Sean Connery fighting the future in a fur loin cloth, or Garbo's, a Denver restaurant named after a reclusive actress, the Dardos are suppose to be some kind of darts. Tuff Darts!, sez me.

According to the rules: "The Dardos Award is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web."

Dardos winners must do the following:

1) Accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person who has granted the award and a link to his/her blog.
2) Pass the award to another five blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgement, remembering to contact each of them to let them know they have been selected for this award.

I'm the type of guy who maybe to be detriment shares the (Groucho) Marxian philosophy that I wouldn't join a club that would have me for a member. There are five other people I would argue are at least, if not more deserving, of the Dardos Award.

1. Emma Rowley of All about My Movies. Did you know that Janet Maslin, longtime film critic for the New York Times, has her degree in Math? It may be less than coincidental that Ms. Rowley is also a Math (or as the British say, Maths) major. Emma is smart and funny, and as my favorite young blogger is deserving of encouragement.

2. Noel Vera of Critic after Dark is to Filipino cinema what Andrew Sarris is to English language film. His writings are valuable reminders that there is worthwhile stuff that is often overlooked while too many people writing about film trod the familiar paths. I recommend seeing at least one film from Noel's 100 Best Filipino Films, especially those who have sworn to see more foreign films this year.

3. Michael Guillen of The Evening Class might be the Larry King of film bloggers. Only smarter, and without a dozen or so ex-wives. That is to say, Michael likes talking to people and they like talking to Michael. It's not unusual for a filmmaker to declare that a new insight into their work has resulted from one of Michael's interviews. Mr. Guillen other great contribution is, of course, the cultural rescue of Speedy Gonzales.

4. Nathaniel R. of Film Experience is generously listing links of others constantly. I'm not planning to watch the Academy Awards this year either, but I'm not going to miss Nathaniel's coverage which will undoubtedly be more fun. Speaking of awards, if you haven't read the article, a link here discusses the Indian co-director of Slumdog Millionaire and her contributions to the making of that film.

5. CelineJulie of Limitless Cinema writes about an amazing variety of films from his home in Bangkok, Thailand. Additionally, his blog takes a more personal turn in discussing the shifting political landscape in Thailand, as well as responses to world events. His choices of films and questions posed in his polls reflect a individual view of the world. Not only is film covered, but also Thai theater and art.

I have deliberately chosen to name some bloggers based outside the U.S. in order to send the concept of fraternity among bloggers around the world as much as possible. There is no point to this if there are limits based language, geography, gender, or flesh tones.

I better watch myself before I get too preachy. As a joker once said, "Why so serious?"

Posted by Peter Nellhaus at January 17, 2009 12:18 AM

Comments

Posted by: Noel Vera at January 17, 2009 06:05 AM

Posted by: Marilyn at January 17, 2009 10:30 AM

Posted by: Celinejulie at January 17, 2009 11:00 AM

Posted by: Videoclub Misterio at January 19, 2009 11:42 AM

Posted by: Emma at January 23, 2009 04:31 PM