Author: wanli6

As summer graces Edmonton with its fleeting warmth, the absence of vast lakes, a contrast to regions like the Great Lake areas or Vancouver, seems to be a driving force behind a unique morning ritual during the Folk Festival. 

Each day, a dedicated crowd gathers at the crack of dawn, queuing up as early as 6 am for the Tarp Lottery. As the sun’s gentle rays kiss the grass, some festivalgoers even don swimsuit-like attire, basking in the music, all while gazing upon the captivating skyline of Edmonton.

Having attended numerous music festivals across China, I find myself inevitably drawing comparisons between those experiences and the one before me:

Firstly, a notable distinction is the festival’s liberal policy towards beverages. A harmonious atmosphere envelops the grounds, as an endless stream of beer flows, accompanied by patient and courteous crowds. This contrastingly stands apart from most Chinese music festivals, where the consumption of beer is often prohibited. The presence of stringent security measures in some Chinese festivals serves as a clear demarcation from the Folk Festival’s tranquil setting.

Secondly, an enchanting scene unfolds across Gallagher Park’s slope, adorned with an intricate patchwork of tarps that resemble a sprawling quilt. Undoubtedly, the festival boasts a family-centric ambiance. Yet, a catch lies in the elaborate dance for space—one must rise at dawn to secure a spot beneath these colorful canopies. This practice, while promoting a sense of belonging, challenges the notion of unfettered access, requiring arduous participation in the morning lottery.

Lastly, a predominant portion of the festival’s lineup showcases homegrown talent hailing from Canada and the United States. While these performances resonate deeply, one can’t help but harbor a desire for an enriched global tapestry of artists in the years to come.

In summation, my day at the Folk Festival was punctuated by captivating performances that delighted the senses and kindled an appreciation for the artists’ craft. Despite the enchantment, a lingering question remains: Will I return next year? I will say probably, because I would love to support a local brand and let the legacy continues and grows.

Since I have been working on video storytelling for many years, I always pay attention to the impressive ones, including movies and commercials. Like the questions drew in Beyond the 5W’s, how can we express ourselves, be fair to the people and ideas, and engage and impress our audiences all at once?

Here are what I think in the following infographic:

Experience the Wait Room in Real Time at U of A Emergency Room

The one thing everyone wants to avoid is the one thing I now have to do. It starts with a small complaint, an itch, a painful stomachache. Now we're off to the U of A ER to see what can be done. Bets are on – how many hours will we wait? #EXSM3989

— Mark Ma (@voiceimage) July 16, 2023

My wife and I went out to grab some breakfast before doing a bit of Edmonton thrifting. But after taking one bite of the bagel she had ordered, she told me there wasn’t something right. Her stomach was overwhelmed with nausea, cramping, and acid reflux, so badly that she couldn’t eat anything. We decided to go to the University of Alberta Emergency Room to seek out help she wasn’t getting from her primary care doctor – which led us down a completely unexpected adventure I decided to live tweet about for our class.

The Adventure

My wife was registered in the hospital at 1:34 pm, with nurses at the front station saying it would be a 3-4 hour wait. Within the first half hour of being in the room, I realized a few things:

1. Why can’t they have couches in the waiting room? Anything has to be more comfortable than metal chairs.
2. Why can’t they have a TV in the waiting room? It would help to distract my wife and all of the other ailing people there when patients start to scream, major accidents come rolling in, or just general hospital issues crop up that don’t make anyone feel any better.

Despite being in the emergency room, and having a sick wife, we both felt that we were receiving the best care possible. Watching these men and women run back and forth through the halls, sorting through all of the emergencies and medications and knowledge, was truly a feat to observe. As the day unfolded, I could see the story unfold simultaneously. From an unhappy to start to a positive end, where she got the care she needed and I understood how important good medical care is, it was a story I felt needed to be shared.

My Writing Style

Going to the hospital can be a scary thing. My wife can attest to that, given she put all her symptoms away into a pocket, hoping that she could just make them go away instead of having to go to the hospital. It was important for me, then, in writing this story, to emphasize over and over again how kind – truly kind – the ER doctors at the U of A hospital were to us. Humor was something I felt I had to integrate as well, because without it the ER is clouded in a shade of grief and horror – something noone wants to read about.

And yes – our doctor was the McDreamy of Edmonton. Thanks Dr. Kyle.

One of my favorite movies is Paris, Texas, directed by Wim Wenders. Displaying the most painful past in the most beautiful way, it is like a sugar-coated painkiller for the adult. 

Both the sound and vision of this film are fantastic. From the moment the opening scenes grace the screen, the story of Paris, Texas takes hold of your emotions and refuses to let go. Ry Cooder’s evocative and hauntingly beautiful score adds an additional layer of emotion, enhancing the storytelling and capturing the essence of the characters and landscapes.

What makes this film truly unforgettable is its remarkable ability to resonate with viewers on a personal level. Through its raw and honest portrayal of its characters, Paris, Texas creates an intimate connection, making their joys and sorrows feel palpable and relatable. It is a tale that explores the complexities of human relationships, the haunting weight of past mistakes, and the enduring power of love and redemption.

The film also follows the story spine structure. 

Once upon a time, There is a man named Travis, who wanders the desolate Texan landscape, haunted by a profound sense of loss and disconnection. 

But one day, Travis resurfaces, disheveled and silent, in the scorching heat of a small town. The enigma surrounding his disappearance begins to unravel, revealing a heart-wrenching tale of love, fractured relationships, and a desperate yearning to reconnect.

Because of that, Travis embarks on a transformative odyssey, driven by an ardent desire to reunite with his estranged wife, Jane, and their young son. 

Because of that, Travis must confront his own demons, find the strength to communicate, and bridge the emotional gaps that have plagued his life. 

Until finally, in a poignant climax, Travis faces the bittersweet truth, leaving their son to his wife, and leading to a glimmer of hope. The film’s ending leaves a lasting imprint, resonating with its audience long after the credits roll.

What’s interesting about the structure is that, through remembering the past and retelling their love story, Travis provided another story spine structure, the consequences of which lead to the present one. It feels like opening a box and only find us standing inside it. 

The performances in Paris, Texas are nothing short of exceptional. Harry Dean Stanton‘s portrayal of Travis is hauntingly authentic, capturing the inner turmoil and vulnerability of a man yearning for redemption. And Nastassja Kinski, who played Jane, Travis’ wife, combines both astonishing beauty and fragility that echo so strong with Travis’ regrets. The chemistry between the characters, the tender moments shared, and the unspoken emotions conveyed through nuanced gestures all contribute to the film’s captivating power.

Beyond its technical brilliance, Paris, Texas leaves an enduring impact through its exploration of universal themes. It speaks to the power of forgiveness, the significance of human connection, and the potential for redemption even in the face of our deepest regrets. It reminds us that, ultimately, love has the ability to heal wounds and bridge the gaps that time and distance create.

There are films that entertain and films that profoundly move us. Paris, Texas belongs to the latter category. Its ability to touch the soul, its portrayal of the complexities of human nature, and its exploration of love, redemption, and connection make it an enduring masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences, myself included.