The Chinatown Firecracker Run

I just got back from completing the 30th Annual Firecracker Run in Chinatown Los Angeles. The event is a celebration of Chinese New Year and is composed of a 5K, 10K, and 1 mile kiddie run. I participated in the 5k, and let me tell you, if any uninformed observers thinks L.A. is flat, just have them do this course.

The run started in Chinatown where we received a spectacular send off with dragon dancers, and a long line of firecrackers crackling from where they hung on the start banner all the way to the ground. I knew about the initial hill up Broadway, but was unprepared for the series of steep climbs that followed. 10K runners continued those hills bravely through Elysian Park until they reached Dodgers Stadium. The 10K version is considered one of the most difficult 10K courses.

The royal court of Chinatown princesses was in tow giving winners their medals.

So although I added to my last 5K time, now I know to pump up my hill training. And believe me, there are plenty of hills in the southland to go around - for any doubters out there.

Happy year of the rat!

http://www.firecracker10k.org/

Best films of 2007

I saw the film "The Lookout" last night since it is nominated for a Spirit Award for best first feature and I am voting this year. The film itself has a few exciting moments - but it's Joseph Gordon-Levitt who really carries the picture as the male lead, with Jeff Daniels who also shines as supporting male. Gordon-Levitt, whom many of us remember as the kid from "Third Rock From the Sun", impresses with a vulnerability rare amongst actors his age. I'm sure we will continue to see him shine as his career further develops.

After I saw this film, I started to consider my list for best films of 2007. I came up with a list of five - mostly foreign language and all with deeply satisfying scripts that relate on an acutely human level. I have written blog posts about 3 of them and highly recommend them all. Check them out!

- The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (blog entry)

- Blame it on Fidel (La Faute a Fidel) (blog entry) I'm shocked that this film was not nominated in the best foreign language category for the Oscars or the Spirit Awards.

- Two Days in Paris

- Caramel (which I just found out, will be playing at the Laemmle on Sunset and Crescent Heights) (blog entry) I don't know if this film came out in the US last year, since I saw it in Paris. It is by a Lebanese film maker and the movie is set in Beirut. Really lovely.

- The Kite Runner