Off Topic: Help Ricky Gervais End Bullfighting
>> Monday, June 7, 2010
Greetings fellow inebriates,
I usually stay away from off topic posts. However, I once attended a bullfight in Madrid (I didn't have a choice in the matter), and it was the most disgusting thing I ever experienced. Consequently, when I heard that Ricky Gervais had teamed with the World Society for the Protection of Animals to call for a end of this barbaric tradition, I felt obligated to pass along the news.
The people of Catalonia, one of the largest regions in Spain, have gather 180,000 signatures to force their Parliament to vote on a proposal to end the practice of bullfighting. While this is a Catalonian issue, and outsiders opinions are not officially recognized, it is important for their Parliament to know that the world at large supports the Catalonian people in their efforts to end the unnecessary suffering of animals. You can sign a petition to show your support at the following link: Time to say "Enough is enough"
I also read today that Ricky Gervais' new film, Cemetery Junction, will not be receiving a U.S. theatrical release. Bummer. This well-reviewed, coming-of-age dramedy, written and directed by Gervais and Stephen Merchant, was one of the films I was most looking forward to seeing this year. American audiences will have to be content with a DVD
While I have your ear, let me apologize for the dearth of reviews lately. Preparing for my presentation at Tales of the Cocktail has been eating up the time I normally devote to the site. I'll try to post a new review next weekend.
Cheers,
garv
4 comments:
Wow, you actually sat through a bullfight? You have more intestinal fortitude than me, Garv. I can't even watch them on TV -- so bloody and barbaric. It's a totally unfair fight! Put the matador in there with just the flag and maybe ONE spear and I'd call it even.
I was with a group, and I was a high school junior at the time, so I had no choice in the matter. I found myself quickly rooting for the bulls and wishing that one of the matadors would get gored. My wishes were answered.
Sure, I agree that bull fighting is at best cruel and barbaric, but I have to ask myself "What would Hemingway do?"
I hope you are asking yourself, "What would Hemingway do," in order to do the opposite, because Hemingway was a giant d-bag. I like some of his writing (For Whom the Bell Tolls and the short stories), but I wouldn't want to spend a minute in the same room with the man.
By the way, Catalonia did end up outlawing bullfighting.
Cheers,
garv
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