A question of value

What a great day today. I went to the Sydney Royal Easter Show with the family in Homebush or the former Olympic Park. It was great weather, Sun was very warm, but in the shade, the slight breeze was welcome and lovely. I enjoy the carnival like atmosphere, at least in short bursts. I was horrified at the cost of snacks or food there. I say that not because I am cheap, but because it's about the value for me, and there was little value on offer at the places I saw. There was little or no nutritional value on things that could loosely pass as food, and the cost for a lamb kebab, a small bucket of chips or fries and two drinks 1x coke and 1x water was $21! Like a chump, I paid it! I kept on thinking that could mean 3x T-Bone steaks from my butcher! Maybe I am getting old. I thought I would share a couple of pictures here that I took today.

The contents and cost of one of the showbags. They are nothing like I remember when I was younger. There is little or no value. Or is it that perhaps my parents thought the same thing back then also?

Rides at the show

I also wanted to share two of the best films EVER made, in my humble opinion anyway. It just so happens that they are Italian foreign language films and were so beautiful. I think the first one, Cinema Paradiso is my ALL Time favourite film. I watch it every 18 months - 2 years and still get misty as I watch it. I cannot recommend this film more highly. I know that those of my friends who have bothered to see it don't like it, excepting a few. You know something? that is fine by me! We all love things that not everyone else will like or "get" but if you ever want to see a film that I believe most sums up how I feel about simplicity, beauty, love and life, this film has it all for me. One of the great strengths of this film is the musical score. It evokes many feelings to me. Written by famed composer Ennio Morricone, it is exquisite! I hope you enjoy the second clip as well.
5 out of 5


The Second film I just love is another film you either love or hate. It is a juxtaposition in the title Life is Beautiful, when in a situation that is anything but beautiful. Roberto Begnini has managed to create a character and a story that is worth telling. Roberto's speech when he received the Academy award was nothing short of inspiring. I loved his comment to his Mother and Father when he noted the best gift he ever received of them was the gift of poverty. Another contradiction in terms, yet a comment saturated with appreciation and love for life, it's lessons and a love of everyone. He says it best, when he says, "it's always a question of love".
4.5 out of 5

watch the 3 minutes, it is truly one of the most magic acceptance speeches I have ever seen.