Flight

In a time when most blockbusters focus on action, adventure, and special effects, Flight bravely took off from the pack and charted a different course. This movie expertly explored an issue that is very difficult to deal with for persons in the situation, and even harder for people who've never had an addiction to begin to understand. It told a very compelling story, and showed how addictions can destroy a person's personal and professional lives, and continue to do so unless faced squarely.

In defending his drinking problem the main character, consistently argued that he flew an aircraft that fell apart. He saved the lives of so many people by doing something while drunk and high, that no one else could do even while sober. The investigation fully supported his argument. Alas, it wasn't his abilities that were on trial. Truth is, he would likely have performed in the same manner if he hadn't been drinking. More importantly, it is unlikely that he could have orchestrated a better outcome had he been sober.

The story clearly showed that addictions are a problem regardless of what you've accomplished. He may have saved dozens of lives in an impossible situation, but he was still a wreck who destroyed his family and drove away everyone that cared for him. By juxtaposing this genius pilot with an uncontrolled drunk, the writers made his heroism and skill irrelevant and deftly placed the focus squarely on the real issue: alcoholism.

The conclusion was equally compelling. Unlike most flicks, it didn't tie up everything neatly and allow the character to get off scot free. Instead, it showed that there are always consequences. It drove home the point that change does not come without facing the problem, accepting it, taking responsibility and learning to live with the consequences of addiction.

Annoyed With My Fast-food Office

It's better not to promise, than to promise and fail to deliver. While that statement may sound profound, it was inspired by an experience at my favourite fast-food joint. Let me tell you a story.

My favourite fast food restaurant is Wendy's. I love their food, but what really got me visiting regularly was the combination of good food, WiFi, and a comfortable restaurant environment. It quickly became my favourite spot for working away from the home or the office - my fast-food office. Initially, they had a regular WiFi hotspot, protected by a never changing password. This probably attracted more freeloaders than they cared to accommodate. 

Wendy's replaced that network with a service called Flow Unplugged, from my favourite Internet Service Provider. Hey, what do you know, two of my favourite companies coming together. You'd think it was a match made in heaven. Sadly, this second incarnation of the WiFi service has not worked since it's inception. It frustrates me each time I visit the restaurant, where I used to be a regular. In the past, I've spent entire days there, having breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. The staff knew me, and would inquire about my whereabouts if I ever missed a week. They'd be surprised on the rare occasion that I ordered my food to go. I even continued to visit after I moved out of the area. That all changed when the WiFi stopped working.

They've promised many times that they would fix the service, and I returned on a few occasions hoping that they kept their promise. Alas, my hopes were dashed each time. Now I'm peeved each time I think of visiting, as it's not quite the same. I have found a new hang out spot: Rituals Coffee House. But their sandwiches aren't as filling. 

I really wish Wendy's and Flow would sort this issue out. I would have been disappointed had they discontinued the service; I would also have gotten over it. However, to dangle a promise of service in front of me is just plain annoying. I hope someone from either company is reading this - especially since I emailed this article to both of them.

Now that I've finished my rant, it's time for the moral of the story: don't get between a hungry guy and a his WiFi.