Not sure who's still reading these, but since this has always been more like a journal for me, I'll pretend not to care too much. But just in case there's still one or two of you, I'll clean up my language and try to keep the poop references to a minimum. All that aside, I've had a lot of thoughts on reading within the past couple of days, and many of them pertain to two books in particular. So, enjoy the ramblings of one trying to make sense of things, unless of course you're not reading this. In that case, as you were.
I read the Shack a couple of weeks ago, having heard good and bad about it, depending on whom I talked to. A lot of the bad was warranted (the author couldn't find an editor so it had a shaky start), and if you take this novel as doctrine, that criticism would be as well. But I enjoyed the storytelling with a dead-on perspective on forgiveness, and a God whom we'll never have all figured out. I didn't see universalism in it, as some claim, but I saw a human being challenged to step out of the judgement seat and forgive. This is powerful stuff.
The biggest problem with the depiction of God according to critics, if I understand it, is that He is shown in a form that's too human. That's funny, I thought, because that's what kept me from finishing Wild at Heart. The author of WAH was talking about men's insecurities while (gently, I guess) blaming them on women, and interjected at some point that God is always showing us that He has what it takes. Wait a minute, I said to myself(in my head because I'm crazy, but not THAT crazy) is he saying God is insecure and needs to prove himself? Does God gloat at the mighty oak and hope we don't notice asparagus? Or, if we do notice,does he mutter something to the effect of "size doesn't matter?" I guess what I'm asking is, do we think God is a man, insecurities and all?
This (perceived) limitation of God to human form (and half that, since humanity is made up of two genders)led me to do what I do best: criticize. So if others found good in it, and insisted it helped them to be better husbands, fathers, or men of God in general, I turned a deaf ear. As Jerry Springer would say, I had baggage.* In the meantime, God spoke through whatever means He chose and encouraged me to shut up and let Him talk.
I don't think I'll finish reading Wild at Heart, but if you do, and it encouraged you, God bless. But whatever we read, whether it be by Eldridge or Young, we should be challenged and encouraged by the good, while realizing the limitations of human authors trying to catch a glimpse of the divine. And whatever it is, we need to remember the only safe reading, regardless of the author, is done with discernment.
What do you think? As always, all opinions are welcome.
Where do you draw the line with reading selections? Are some books safer than others?
*If you don't get this game show reference, you are fortunate indeed.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Friday, October 1, 2010
Media and Marriage: Round 2
In the last post I talked about marriage and how tough a subject it is to capture successfully on film. Many are comforted by the redemption in Fireproof, and I agreed that it has helped people regardless of whether I like it as art, especially since most attempts at brutal honesty put too much emphasis on the brutal part. Which movies are honest, yet show hope?
I'm expanding the list to include TV shows, as this question I can handle. I'll share a few of my favorite TV marriage counseling sessions as it were, and feel free to share yours as well. Here they are, in no particular order.
1. Breaking Bad. This is darker fare about a scientist who starts a meth lab to pay medical bills. He keeps it from his wife who naturally at first thinks he might be having an affair. Through the course of three seasons they have fought for power in their relationship, both come out fairly empty, and separated. At one point Walt (the main character) refused to move out or sign divorce papers and I began to question. Is...this...a...love...story?* Time will tell on that one, but the struggle for control is a real one and (so far) handled fairly effectively. I look forward to seeing how it turns out. Of course, it is a darker show, so maybe I don't.
2. Modern Family. I've heard many complaints that men in sitcoms are idiots. Well, sometimes we (men) are, and comedy is exaggeration. However, the old fashioned "guy screws up the world and apologizes" plot does get tired fast. That's what I like about Modern Family. Everyone screws up. The Dumpheys are one of my favorite couples to watch, because a lot of their mishaps(such as the husband saying the opposite of what his wife said about needing to lie to their children and proudly admitting it's because he wasn't listening) are relatable. Yet you have the sappy group hug moments in the end and somehow they work. Maybe it's because Phil says "Don't apologize (for crying). I love it when you're human." Played for laughs, but it works.
3. The Simpsons. Yes, the Simpsons. Again, it's comedy, and add to that satire and a cartoon. All flaws will be exaggerated, Homer's included. His just tend to get the most attention because he's the funniest. Marge is the characterization of the boring uptight nag, so I wonder why that hasn't got more complaints. Still, no matter how many screw-ups all these characters endure, these two stay together and actually seem to enjoy the ride, at least as much as two drawings can.
I'm out, but I'm sure there are more. What do you think? Did you like Fireproof? What did you enjoy about it? What TV show, movie or book has your favorite married couple?
* The "..." represent insecure pauses. Some of us hate being wrong, even when asking questions.
I'm expanding the list to include TV shows, as this question I can handle. I'll share a few of my favorite TV marriage counseling sessions as it were, and feel free to share yours as well. Here they are, in no particular order.
1. Breaking Bad. This is darker fare about a scientist who starts a meth lab to pay medical bills. He keeps it from his wife who naturally at first thinks he might be having an affair. Through the course of three seasons they have fought for power in their relationship, both come out fairly empty, and separated. At one point Walt (the main character) refused to move out or sign divorce papers and I began to question. Is...this...a...love...story?* Time will tell on that one, but the struggle for control is a real one and (so far) handled fairly effectively. I look forward to seeing how it turns out. Of course, it is a darker show, so maybe I don't.
2. Modern Family. I've heard many complaints that men in sitcoms are idiots. Well, sometimes we (men) are, and comedy is exaggeration. However, the old fashioned "guy screws up the world and apologizes" plot does get tired fast. That's what I like about Modern Family. Everyone screws up. The Dumpheys are one of my favorite couples to watch, because a lot of their mishaps(such as the husband saying the opposite of what his wife said about needing to lie to their children and proudly admitting it's because he wasn't listening) are relatable. Yet you have the sappy group hug moments in the end and somehow they work. Maybe it's because Phil says "Don't apologize (for crying). I love it when you're human." Played for laughs, but it works.
3. The Simpsons. Yes, the Simpsons. Again, it's comedy, and add to that satire and a cartoon. All flaws will be exaggerated, Homer's included. His just tend to get the most attention because he's the funniest. Marge is the characterization of the boring uptight nag, so I wonder why that hasn't got more complaints. Still, no matter how many screw-ups all these characters endure, these two stay together and actually seem to enjoy the ride, at least as much as two drawings can.
I'm out, but I'm sure there are more. What do you think? Did you like Fireproof? What did you enjoy about it? What TV show, movie or book has your favorite married couple?
* The "..." represent insecure pauses. Some of us hate being wrong, even when asking questions.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Movies and Marriage: Either Way, a Lot of Work
It's no secret to most how I feel about Fireproof and other movies labeled Christian. In evangelical circles it's kind of hard to dislike something with that label, as I'm also not a fan of feeling guilty(about potentially quenching the Holy Spirit, among other sins), so I usually respond to positive reviews with a smile and some other non verbal(possibly muttered) response. That being said, the article below has a lot of good to say about it.
http://burnsidewriters.com/2010/09/20/fireproof/
I guess if I say you can find redemption in Dinner for Schmucks,I should agree you can find it in Fireproof. I stated my thoughts in a comment to the article acknowledging that I'm not the audience and movies like this can help those who are. Before I said that, I mentioned how few movies, secular included, successfully explore marriage. Revolutionary Road got close, but it became too brutal for me to call it honest. Honestly, there's hope.
Another commenter said Marley and Me and Up were two of the best movies about marriage, even though they weren't marketed as such. I haven't seen the former, but the latter proves my point.(Warning: the following may contain spoilers if you haven't seen Up.) Up is an excellent movie, and I hope I have opportunities to watch it at least a dozen more times. However, as anyone who sees the beginning can tell, it sort of takes the "easy way out" with the theme of marriage early on in the film. Call me cynical, but it's easier to love a memory of a person than love the actual person. That being said, it's realistic for the main character to remember what he does, focused as he is on sharing adventures. It's a fine film and captures what it does of marriage well. But what about the day-to-day fights over eyes that may or may not have rolled or whose job it is to clean the toilet? That film I've yet to see.
So I end with a question: what is the best movie you've seen that explores the theme of marriage? What makes it good/what do you like about it?
http://burnsidewriters.com/2010/09/20/fireproof/
I guess if I say you can find redemption in Dinner for Schmucks,I should agree you can find it in Fireproof. I stated my thoughts in a comment to the article acknowledging that I'm not the audience and movies like this can help those who are. Before I said that, I mentioned how few movies, secular included, successfully explore marriage. Revolutionary Road got close, but it became too brutal for me to call it honest. Honestly, there's hope.
Another commenter said Marley and Me and Up were two of the best movies about marriage, even though they weren't marketed as such. I haven't seen the former, but the latter proves my point.(Warning: the following may contain spoilers if you haven't seen Up.) Up is an excellent movie, and I hope I have opportunities to watch it at least a dozen more times. However, as anyone who sees the beginning can tell, it sort of takes the "easy way out" with the theme of marriage early on in the film. Call me cynical, but it's easier to love a memory of a person than love the actual person. That being said, it's realistic for the main character to remember what he does, focused as he is on sharing adventures. It's a fine film and captures what it does of marriage well. But what about the day-to-day fights over eyes that may or may not have rolled or whose job it is to clean the toilet? That film I've yet to see.
So I end with a question: what is the best movie you've seen that explores the theme of marriage? What makes it good/what do you like about it?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Those Funny Conservatives
I should preface this by saying this isn't about politics. Well, it's in there, but more like a supporting character if anything. So before that vein pops out in your head, tell it to relax until it hears me out. Then it can do whatever it wants.
I've been thinking about politics a lot lately, since we came back to the US after living overseas a few years. Many older, conservative leaning friends are concerned we need to care more about politics, and if we don't, we must be liberal. I'm not quite sure how that works, but there it is. This being the case, I've been surfing cnn's (biased?) website and comparing to fox news'. One complaint from my friends was that the liberal media never covers the tea party. This being the case, stories like the one below caught my eye and steered my thoughts toward the real topic of this piece.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/08/04/tea.party.express.conference/index.html?hpt=T2
I'll say this first: I'm getting tired of hearing some one throw the "r" word around like a velcro nerf ball. Fox News got the label, and it seemed a bit of a stretch. Call them biased, since all media is. But you're stretching pretty far to call that bias hateful.
That being said, the "satire" mentioned in the article is hateful. It reminds me of a joke conservatives told me with the gist of the punchline including everyone with an accent or non Western last name being a terrorist. This was punctuated with "We're not racist." Maybe not, but the joke is. And this leads me to believe (WARNING,watch for the vein now)conservatives just aren't that funny.
Mind you, I have conservative friends who have great senses of humor and crack me up daily. I am also aware that Kelsey Grammer either is a conservative or just played one in a movie, and he's funny in that full-of-himself-Sideshow-Bob kind of way. However, when the humor turns political and tries to make a point, the gloves come off revealing some ugly, ugly fingers. Generalities are common in humor, but jokes like the ones I mentioned reveal a complete lack of common sense.
Friends will mention the Jon Stewarts out there who generalize the right. That's true, and as I realize it breaks the "don't make fun of a group you're not a part of" rule, I'm finding those jokes less funny than I used to. But this is still a far cry from attacking a group based on names or skin color. Many of these people have to put up with far too much crap as it is, regardless of their beliefs or actions, and B.S. like this doesn't help.
I'm not saying the Tea Partiers need to go to Comedy College. On the contrary, I hope members who make jokes like this continue to do so and as a consequence get disassociated from the rest of the group. Jokes like this reveal a soul I had previously thought only existed in cartoon villains. Only I believe real people can learn if their issues aren't ignored and they suffer the consequences of their actions. Kick them out of the group, because there are a few things I can't stand, and a bad sense of humor is two of them.
I've been thinking about politics a lot lately, since we came back to the US after living overseas a few years. Many older, conservative leaning friends are concerned we need to care more about politics, and if we don't, we must be liberal. I'm not quite sure how that works, but there it is. This being the case, I've been surfing cnn's (biased?) website and comparing to fox news'. One complaint from my friends was that the liberal media never covers the tea party. This being the case, stories like the one below caught my eye and steered my thoughts toward the real topic of this piece.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/08/04/tea.party.express.conference/index.html?hpt=T2
I'll say this first: I'm getting tired of hearing some one throw the "r" word around like a velcro nerf ball. Fox News got the label, and it seemed a bit of a stretch. Call them biased, since all media is. But you're stretching pretty far to call that bias hateful.
That being said, the "satire" mentioned in the article is hateful. It reminds me of a joke conservatives told me with the gist of the punchline including everyone with an accent or non Western last name being a terrorist. This was punctuated with "We're not racist." Maybe not, but the joke is. And this leads me to believe (WARNING,watch for the vein now)conservatives just aren't that funny.
Mind you, I have conservative friends who have great senses of humor and crack me up daily. I am also aware that Kelsey Grammer either is a conservative or just played one in a movie, and he's funny in that full-of-himself-Sideshow-Bob kind of way. However, when the humor turns political and tries to make a point, the gloves come off revealing some ugly, ugly fingers. Generalities are common in humor, but jokes like the ones I mentioned reveal a complete lack of common sense.
Friends will mention the Jon Stewarts out there who generalize the right. That's true, and as I realize it breaks the "don't make fun of a group you're not a part of" rule, I'm finding those jokes less funny than I used to. But this is still a far cry from attacking a group based on names or skin color. Many of these people have to put up with far too much crap as it is, regardless of their beliefs or actions, and B.S. like this doesn't help.
I'm not saying the Tea Partiers need to go to Comedy College. On the contrary, I hope members who make jokes like this continue to do so and as a consequence get disassociated from the rest of the group. Jokes like this reveal a soul I had previously thought only existed in cartoon villains. Only I believe real people can learn if their issues aren't ignored and they suffer the consequences of their actions. Kick them out of the group, because there are a few things I can't stand, and a bad sense of humor is two of them.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Taking a Break
While I enjoy the irony of using a blog to say it, this seems the best way to communicate the following: I'm taking a hiatus from blogging. I'm doing this for several reasons and here's two of them.
1. I have nothing to say. It's a harsh self-judgment, but lately listening has worked much better for me. I'm leaving up the blog and the list of blogs I'm following. Check them out for some good reads. I especially enjoy Britt's blog (Drunken Mystic), Stuff Christians Like and the Church of No People. They have a great way of communicating ideas better than I ever could.
2. I care too much. I don't worry too much about comments on Facebook or Twitter, but blogs for some reason feed a concern for validation that is unnecessary. I'll be in touch using Facebook or Twitter (reeseseater), so check it out if you wish. Either way, I wish you all the best. God bless.
1. I have nothing to say. It's a harsh self-judgment, but lately listening has worked much better for me. I'm leaving up the blog and the list of blogs I'm following. Check them out for some good reads. I especially enjoy Britt's blog (Drunken Mystic), Stuff Christians Like and the Church of No People. They have a great way of communicating ideas better than I ever could.
2. I care too much. I don't worry too much about comments on Facebook or Twitter, but blogs for some reason feed a concern for validation that is unnecessary. I'll be in touch using Facebook or Twitter (reeseseater), so check it out if you wish. Either way, I wish you all the best. God bless.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Pulling Punches
A while back an AV club fan asked the writers which Onion headline sums up their respective lives. After a thorough search, I may have found mine.
http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-common-man,17221/#3
Maybe I should subtitle this "why I'm a pacifist".
http://www.theonion.com/articles/the-common-man,17221/#3
Maybe I should subtitle this "why I'm a pacifist".
Monday, April 12, 2010
The Problem with Trust
BBC recently began exploring education in other parts of the world, prefacing it with pointing out how those countries' programs are kicking the crap out of ours. They might have said "dookie," or something of that nature, but don't quote me on that last part since I most likely made it up. However you put it, something works better in these countries.
Today I read about South Korea, which isn't surprising because many of the youth are in school more than anywhere else. I don't think they mentioned shipping children abroad to study or high suicide rates, because that might harsh the buzz a bit. I may be biased from having lived here a while, but it seems the cost of that much schooling is too high.
Earlier we saw a story on TV about the education system in Finland. A news story asked why Finnish students get better results. They interviewed teachers and administrators then summed it up in one word-trust. The government doesn't get in the way, and pretty much lets the educators do their jobs. In return, the administrators trust their teachers to, well, teach. It's a novel idea, and for some reason it works. Trust. What a concept.
The libertarians are probably cheering right now, and I wish I could join you guys, but the problem is trust is only as good as the people you put it in. I know it's ridiculous, but I picture American educators given freedom and using it to give themselves lavish raises so they can rent limos. It sounds ridiculous, but how many administrators, given knowledge of bullying, actually put an end to it? There may be many, but I don't hear about that. There are enough who don't act to make it a problem, so my internal tug-of-war continues. I want to trust, but sometimes there are reasons not to.
On the one hand, we have a great system somewhere else that works. On the other hand, we have Wall Street greed and butt-covering educators in leadership positions who are allergic to the truth. Trusting them would be foolish. In the end, I'm glad I don't have to, no matter where these questions lead. In the end, my trust is in the Greater. And as Steve Martin said in the Jerk, "That's all I need." And an end to cat juggling. And a new limo.
Today I read about South Korea, which isn't surprising because many of the youth are in school more than anywhere else. I don't think they mentioned shipping children abroad to study or high suicide rates, because that might harsh the buzz a bit. I may be biased from having lived here a while, but it seems the cost of that much schooling is too high.
Earlier we saw a story on TV about the education system in Finland. A news story asked why Finnish students get better results. They interviewed teachers and administrators then summed it up in one word-trust. The government doesn't get in the way, and pretty much lets the educators do their jobs. In return, the administrators trust their teachers to, well, teach. It's a novel idea, and for some reason it works. Trust. What a concept.
The libertarians are probably cheering right now, and I wish I could join you guys, but the problem is trust is only as good as the people you put it in. I know it's ridiculous, but I picture American educators given freedom and using it to give themselves lavish raises so they can rent limos. It sounds ridiculous, but how many administrators, given knowledge of bullying, actually put an end to it? There may be many, but I don't hear about that. There are enough who don't act to make it a problem, so my internal tug-of-war continues. I want to trust, but sometimes there are reasons not to.
On the one hand, we have a great system somewhere else that works. On the other hand, we have Wall Street greed and butt-covering educators in leadership positions who are allergic to the truth. Trusting them would be foolish. In the end, I'm glad I don't have to, no matter where these questions lead. In the end, my trust is in the Greater. And as Steve Martin said in the Jerk, "That's all I need." And an end to cat juggling. And a new limo.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Spring Break's Least Memorable Moments
Being that it was spring break and our first of three wedding anniversaries my wife and I decided to go to Seoul for a few days.Since we live in Korea,it's hardly worth mentioning, much less writing a travelblog about, so I won't. Instead, I'm listing the least memorable moments from a very enjoyable but mostly unremarkable vacation. Drink some coffee/Red Bull/(insert name of other caffeignated beverage here) and enjo...endure.
1. Day 1, we took a subway to our hotel, checked into our room and met a friend for dinner after settling on Middle Eastern food. Sure, you've had hummus, but not authentic Seoul hummus. Mmmm.
2. On day 2, we went to the Coex Mall and saw a movie. We picked from a variety of posters we knew little about, and settled on one called When in Rome. The ticket seller took a while to identify with that title and decided to call it Rome Whatever. We later found out this was an apt review from someone who probably didn't see it. He didn't need to.
3. We searched every Starbucks in Seoul for certain mugs in vain. Hey, the journey was fun, but without a picture we can't share yet because we didn't get the chance to upload it we've got nothing.
4. We took some time to enjoy good coffee and better reads. Again, fun for us, but not woth blogging about. Heck, I'm struggling to keep my eyes open as I
1. Day 1, we took a subway to our hotel, checked into our room and met a friend for dinner after settling on Middle Eastern food. Sure, you've had hummus, but not authentic Seoul hummus. Mmmm.
2. On day 2, we went to the Coex Mall and saw a movie. We picked from a variety of posters we knew little about, and settled on one called When in Rome. The ticket seller took a while to identify with that title and decided to call it Rome Whatever. We later found out this was an apt review from someone who probably didn't see it. He didn't need to.
3. We searched every Starbucks in Seoul for certain mugs in vain. Hey, the journey was fun, but without a picture we can't share yet because we didn't get the chance to upload it we've got nothing.
4. We took some time to enjoy good coffee and better reads. Again, fun for us, but not woth blogging about. Heck, I'm struggling to keep my eyes open as I
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Humor: An Alien Concept
I searched the headlines tirelessly for this year's April Fool's joke gone bad. And, better late than never, here it is. Enjoy the irony.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8604122.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8604122.stm
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
I Usually Don't Care Much for Politics, but...
Well, can we get it some floaties or something?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsFsn8ekyhw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsFsn8ekyhw
Friday, March 26, 2010
Taxicab Conversations
I've had a lot of unusual conversations since I moved to Korea and many of them have been in taxis. The fact that the stand-out conversation was with a guy who spoke flawless English because he came from the US should be telling. If that conversation was the weird one, what's normal?
One stand out "normal" conversation occurred when I returned from my Christmas break a few years ago, before I met my wife. It was December 31, and I arrived at the airport after the last bus had left. I took a taxi, and the driver listened intently to the radio which counted down to midnight. "In one minute," he explained, "Happy New Year." We counted down as he drove,and soon he turned to me and said "Happy New Year." I said it back, and hoped he didn't know about the tradition of kissing after the countdown. Thankfully, he either didn't know or pretended not to.
I thought of these conversations as I recently had another to add to the list. I was up early on a Saturday which either is a sin listed in the Bible or should be. I took a taxi, named my location, and we were on our way. The driver had a television which showed the news. As I tried to piece together what little Korean I knew to make sense, he helped with "Did you hear the breaking news?"
"No," I replied.
He nodded and continued to drive.
I continued to watch, but I read and hear Korean too slow and only saw boats in the ocean. The news switched to the weather, and curiosity got the better of me.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Last night, Korea, big problem."
I waited, but that was it. He watched the weather and continued on.
I waited as the news anchor came back, then the boats again. I ventured a guess.
"North Korea?"
"No," he shook his head. "Maybe."
Maybe?
I smiled and called it a day as far as my interview was concerned. I'd find out later.
Thanks to BBC news I later found out an explosion caused a South Korean boat to sink. Who or what caused the explosion remains to be seen. Hence the "No, maybe."
All this to say, when we get to the US, I have got to find a Korea town.
One stand out "normal" conversation occurred when I returned from my Christmas break a few years ago, before I met my wife. It was December 31, and I arrived at the airport after the last bus had left. I took a taxi, and the driver listened intently to the radio which counted down to midnight. "In one minute," he explained, "Happy New Year." We counted down as he drove,and soon he turned to me and said "Happy New Year." I said it back, and hoped he didn't know about the tradition of kissing after the countdown. Thankfully, he either didn't know or pretended not to.
I thought of these conversations as I recently had another to add to the list. I was up early on a Saturday which either is a sin listed in the Bible or should be. I took a taxi, named my location, and we were on our way. The driver had a television which showed the news. As I tried to piece together what little Korean I knew to make sense, he helped with "Did you hear the breaking news?"
"No," I replied.
He nodded and continued to drive.
I continued to watch, but I read and hear Korean too slow and only saw boats in the ocean. The news switched to the weather, and curiosity got the better of me.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Last night, Korea, big problem."
I waited, but that was it. He watched the weather and continued on.
I waited as the news anchor came back, then the boats again. I ventured a guess.
"North Korea?"
"No," he shook his head. "Maybe."
Maybe?
I smiled and called it a day as far as my interview was concerned. I'd find out later.
Thanks to BBC news I later found out an explosion caused a South Korean boat to sink. Who or what caused the explosion remains to be seen. Hence the "No, maybe."
All this to say, when we get to the US, I have got to find a Korea town.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Revenge What?
The use of the word porn as a pejorative is understandable, due to its nature,which leads into the recent and gradual trend of giving the label to pretty much anything. Romantic comedies and vampire movies are emotional porn (not that I disagree, but others have spoken better on this subject). Closeups of food related carnage earned the label as well. Who knows? Maybe the first, wordy sentence of this post will earn the label of "redundant sentence porn". If so, I'm denying all credibility of such nasty and unfounded falsehoods in advance. Well I never.
All this to say, I've avoided revenge porn like the plague. It's popular, and usually involves watching horrible people get what they deserve. It's just what feeds a person with anger issues and therefore needs to be avoided by such a person like the plague. Somewhere between Punisher and Man on Fire I got the point. Redemption was scarce or absent, leaving me with no hope but to forget about it. Punisher? No problem. Denzel's movie? Not so easy. He's just that good.
Recently I rewatched Memento and remembered what makes it so good, beyond the suspense and subtle dark humor. It's a story (SPOILER! DANGER!) about making a case for revenge, even when the only person left to blame may be yourself. It's good for people like me to ponder.
I also watched Tarentino's latest flick which can only be described as the ultimate revenge porn. On a human level, who doesn't want to watch Nazis get what they deserve? This is exactly why I tried to avoid it until I heard a fun fact--the director notes the irony. The title would be a hint, but beyond that the setting of the final battle is a bloody propoganda film. Not my observation, by the way. I read it in a review. I wish I was that smart, but no.
Several times the director causes the viewer to laugh at the pain of cruel men and then say "Shame on you." And I laugh harder, because it reminds me that this is just a movie. And real life people like me, we don't thrive on revenge, because that's not how it works. Maybe for fictional heroes and villains, but not for us. We've got better things to do. After the movie, of course.
All this to say, I've avoided revenge porn like the plague. It's popular, and usually involves watching horrible people get what they deserve. It's just what feeds a person with anger issues and therefore needs to be avoided by such a person like the plague. Somewhere between Punisher and Man on Fire I got the point. Redemption was scarce or absent, leaving me with no hope but to forget about it. Punisher? No problem. Denzel's movie? Not so easy. He's just that good.
Recently I rewatched Memento and remembered what makes it so good, beyond the suspense and subtle dark humor. It's a story (SPOILER! DANGER!) about making a case for revenge, even when the only person left to blame may be yourself. It's good for people like me to ponder.
I also watched Tarentino's latest flick which can only be described as the ultimate revenge porn. On a human level, who doesn't want to watch Nazis get what they deserve? This is exactly why I tried to avoid it until I heard a fun fact--the director notes the irony. The title would be a hint, but beyond that the setting of the final battle is a bloody propoganda film. Not my observation, by the way. I read it in a review. I wish I was that smart, but no.
Several times the director causes the viewer to laugh at the pain of cruel men and then say "Shame on you." And I laugh harder, because it reminds me that this is just a movie. And real life people like me, we don't thrive on revenge, because that's not how it works. Maybe for fictional heroes and villains, but not for us. We've got better things to do. After the movie, of course.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Reality Check and Music Review
Haven't written about much non-fictional lately, (unless you count reality TV, which I don't) so I'm writing a list of stuff I actually did lately to make me feel better. Cause that's what matters, me feeling better.
1. I started reading a lot of books about education, and recently a book and material about ESL. I still give others/myself a hard time when they say I'm going to study ESL ("Study 'teaching ESL!'" I speak English good), but the truth is I love it, and God's used some good books to reinforce its value. I might have to work on my bar tending skills while I save up some cash for my classes, but whatever it takes, it's nice to know it's toward something worthwhile. Unless I start to like bar tending, which is possible. Or Barnes and Noble. Or whatever.
2. I had a student get so loud he set off his own hearing aid. He hollered, it rang, then he said "Oh" and adjusted it accordingly. He settled down a bit after that.
3. I bought fair trade coffee again. It's expensive even for fair trade, but isn't showing everyone at the cashier counter you're a good person worth it? I think so.
4. I realized I'm a bad, bad man. Those of you who know me well may think I'm being sarcastic, but behind this calm exterior lies a boiling pot of rage. I made it a goal to never yell, which I usually do quite well with. But the result is like that movie character who congratulates himself for walking into a bar, fighting, and not drinking anything. Sure, he didn't get drunk, but that wasn't the problem. That's me and cynicism. Or verbal knives in any shape and form. But I don't yell.
However it reveals itself, my default emotion is anger. I admitted it's a problem and made apologies where necessary. That may be skipping a few steps here and there, but oh well. I'm not sure I'll ever know what that verse about calling someone fool and being in danger of hellfire really means, but I know angry words have hurt a hell of a lot of people and that at least is motivation enough. It'll stop.
5. I had a great weekend going on a series of dates with my wife. We need to do this more often. Married couples out there, do this more often. If you don't, bad things will happen. Or you'll get bored, which is actually one of those bad things. Enjoy (your beverage of choice) together.
6. I also met up with good, like minded friends around that time. I feel clique-ish saying words like like-minded, but in the midst of diverse friendships I do enjoy having friends who understand what I'm talking about. Thanks, friends.
7. We're packing up boxes and thinking about reverse culture shock. US, please be kind.
8. I made something delicious using mushrooms, rice, cut up garlic and butter. Yes, I'm bragging. It was good.
9. I got a couple of CDs after I thought of how much I enjoyed select songs from them. Marvin Gaye's What's Going On was definitely worth more than just the title song. A few of the songs in places blended together like one long song, which made for a good effect in driving home his themes. It sounds good without being shallow or gimmicky. This is pop I can listen to.
I also got a greatest hits CD of David Bowie from the late 70s, or pre-Labyrinth era. I could still hear the Goblin King in some of the songs growing up in the 80s, but the original version of "Heroes" was worth it. I've talked about how that defines a lot of my feelings this year in a previous post, so I won't blabber about it now. But it's still reminding me of a lot of good things, and that's needed as ever.
Are Bowie's other songs worth it? "Golden Years" is still fun, as are a few others, like "Fame" (if you listen to it every once and a while) but dated numbers like 1984 (Disco? Worse. Wannabe disco. Yikes) make one cringe if one isn't a disco-loving cartoon character. Or maybe especially if one is. One of those.
Whatever the case, my wife and I are following Him towards a gradual goal and the rest is just soundtrack.
1. I started reading a lot of books about education, and recently a book and material about ESL. I still give others/myself a hard time when they say I'm going to study ESL ("Study 'teaching ESL!'" I speak English good), but the truth is I love it, and God's used some good books to reinforce its value. I might have to work on my bar tending skills while I save up some cash for my classes, but whatever it takes, it's nice to know it's toward something worthwhile. Unless I start to like bar tending, which is possible. Or Barnes and Noble. Or whatever.
2. I had a student get so loud he set off his own hearing aid. He hollered, it rang, then he said "Oh" and adjusted it accordingly. He settled down a bit after that.
3. I bought fair trade coffee again. It's expensive even for fair trade, but isn't showing everyone at the cashier counter you're a good person worth it? I think so.
4. I realized I'm a bad, bad man. Those of you who know me well may think I'm being sarcastic, but behind this calm exterior lies a boiling pot of rage. I made it a goal to never yell, which I usually do quite well with. But the result is like that movie character who congratulates himself for walking into a bar, fighting, and not drinking anything. Sure, he didn't get drunk, but that wasn't the problem. That's me and cynicism. Or verbal knives in any shape and form. But I don't yell.
However it reveals itself, my default emotion is anger. I admitted it's a problem and made apologies where necessary. That may be skipping a few steps here and there, but oh well. I'm not sure I'll ever know what that verse about calling someone fool and being in danger of hellfire really means, but I know angry words have hurt a hell of a lot of people and that at least is motivation enough. It'll stop.
5. I had a great weekend going on a series of dates with my wife. We need to do this more often. Married couples out there, do this more often. If you don't, bad things will happen. Or you'll get bored, which is actually one of those bad things. Enjoy (your beverage of choice) together.
6. I also met up with good, like minded friends around that time. I feel clique-ish saying words like like-minded, but in the midst of diverse friendships I do enjoy having friends who understand what I'm talking about. Thanks, friends.
7. We're packing up boxes and thinking about reverse culture shock. US, please be kind.
8. I made something delicious using mushrooms, rice, cut up garlic and butter. Yes, I'm bragging. It was good.
9. I got a couple of CDs after I thought of how much I enjoyed select songs from them. Marvin Gaye's What's Going On was definitely worth more than just the title song. A few of the songs in places blended together like one long song, which made for a good effect in driving home his themes. It sounds good without being shallow or gimmicky. This is pop I can listen to.
I also got a greatest hits CD of David Bowie from the late 70s, or pre-Labyrinth era. I could still hear the Goblin King in some of the songs growing up in the 80s, but the original version of "Heroes" was worth it. I've talked about how that defines a lot of my feelings this year in a previous post, so I won't blabber about it now. But it's still reminding me of a lot of good things, and that's needed as ever.
Are Bowie's other songs worth it? "Golden Years" is still fun, as are a few others, like "Fame" (if you listen to it every once and a while) but dated numbers like 1984 (Disco? Worse. Wannabe disco. Yikes) make one cringe if one isn't a disco-loving cartoon character. Or maybe especially if one is. One of those.
Whatever the case, my wife and I are following Him towards a gradual goal and the rest is just soundtrack.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Oscar Grouch
The Academy Awards usually make me cranky or at least disappointed, but this time while some of their nominations seemed insanely weak, the winners make sense. I haven't seen the Hurt Locker, but I know it has its reputation for a reason and look forward to seeing it. I think Up should have won because Pixar movies (with one or two exceptions) are that good, but the US hasn't reached that level of security yet. Yes, in the age of Simpsons people still see cartoons as kids stuff. Still, a nomination says a lot; this is a great victory for animated rights. Maybe in a decade or so we'll see Buzz Lightyear stepping up to recieve a big kids award. Or even get invited. Baby steps, though. (poignant pause) Baby steps.
Actually, I want to see most of the movies on the list,The Blind Side included. Stupid work. Why do you have to be so important?
Actually, I want to see most of the movies on the list,The Blind Side included. Stupid work. Why do you have to be so important?
Monday, March 1, 2010
Fun with Plagerism
Shame on you, James Cameron. So, does Disney's Pocahontas win a retro Oscar? Is there no justice?
http://failblog.org/2010/01/10/avatar-plot-fail/
http://failblog.org/2010/01/10/avatar-plot-fail/
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Fiction Rocks (When the Songs Aren't Crappy)
I may be biased, not being the biggest fan of reality television or CD deals produced by them, but I think I have good reason to say the following--Glee is better than American Idol. Glee is funny most of the time, and consistently so, and actually tries to develop its characters as it goes. AI has a snarky British guy and people chanting near gibberish not unlike crazy people I've heard on the subway. Sure, Glee picked some crappy pop music almost half the time, but they do a great job with the classics and incite a laugh or two. Which brings me to the tie breaker.
Glee had a rendition of "Gold Digger", a song I never would have sought out on my own, that turned out to be entertaining. Dang it, I have it stuck in my head now. And it still makes me smile and almost think I can rap. Of course I can't, but let me dream.
American Idol forced people to watch as a young man butchered "American Woman" by making it sound even less like rock and or roll (as Rev Lovejoy from the Simpons would say) than Lenny Kravitz did. And that takes a lot of butchering.
Humming and trying to rap vs. ruined classic. Point: Glee. Victory: Glee.
Note: This may sound pretty shallow, talking about TV shows. But I've given the concept of music and singing a lot of thought lately, and there's an element of honesty and/or fun to a well-done song that either makes one love or hate it. I just haven't sensed that element in any reality show I've seen. Maybe it's the cynic in me, but the contestants seem more concerned with winning than enjoying themselves. Not to say acting is any different, but at least then there's a story to enjoy.
Of course this is 100% opinion. What makes music enjoyable?
Glee had a rendition of "Gold Digger", a song I never would have sought out on my own, that turned out to be entertaining. Dang it, I have it stuck in my head now. And it still makes me smile and almost think I can rap. Of course I can't, but let me dream.
American Idol forced people to watch as a young man butchered "American Woman" by making it sound even less like rock and or roll (as Rev Lovejoy from the Simpons would say) than Lenny Kravitz did. And that takes a lot of butchering.
Humming and trying to rap vs. ruined classic. Point: Glee. Victory: Glee.
Note: This may sound pretty shallow, talking about TV shows. But I've given the concept of music and singing a lot of thought lately, and there's an element of honesty and/or fun to a well-done song that either makes one love or hate it. I just haven't sensed that element in any reality show I've seen. Maybe it's the cynic in me, but the contestants seem more concerned with winning than enjoying themselves. Not to say acting is any different, but at least then there's a story to enjoy.
Of course this is 100% opinion. What makes music enjoyable?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Darwin's Manners
It's the end of the school day and I'm watching my assigned bus to make sure no one kills each other or eats on the bus. One student, to avoid doing the latter,eats oranges outside the bus. I remind her that the peels would have to come home with her before being thrown out, since once you're on the bus bla bla bla. She grins and looks around the playground with upraised arm, stops at my urging and then looks around for good hiding places on the bus.I encourage with a "Don't even think about it". The student responds by silently returning to her seat and placing the peels in an older student's hand. I see this, and the following exchange occurs.
Me: You're too nice.
Older student: Is that a bad thing?
(Crickets)
Me: I don't think I want to answer that.
Part of me says yes, it can be. Yet another part tells the former part to shut up because it doesn't know what it's talking about. Yes, both parts are mean,or at least one is open to meanness and I realize that may not be a good thing. In my defense, I'm from New York.
However it's said, I think people like the older student may be stronger than we give them credit for. Some may see kindness as weakness, but I'm not so sure. And if you disagree,you can shut up. Sorry. New York.
Me: You're too nice.
Older student: Is that a bad thing?
(Crickets)
Me: I don't think I want to answer that.
Part of me says yes, it can be. Yet another part tells the former part to shut up because it doesn't know what it's talking about. Yes, both parts are mean,or at least one is open to meanness and I realize that may not be a good thing. In my defense, I'm from New York.
However it's said, I think people like the older student may be stronger than we give them credit for. Some may see kindness as weakness, but I'm not so sure. And if you disagree,you can shut up. Sorry. New York.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Music Theory
So, I posted a musical-type theory on my twitter account. My theory is that bands with food names correlate somehow with their namesakes. I use Cranberries (acquired taste) and Meatloaf (comfort food but easy to get sick of)as examples. Any comments or (constructive) criticisms are welcome.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Just a Haircut
So I missed this story when it was recent, but I feel it's still quite relevant and worth sharing.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8221933.stm
I love how it says she fell short of her goal but still considered it a success. I could see the conversation now.
Random observer (RO): You missed it by a couple of inches.
Kung fu lady(KL):I pulled a vehicle with my hair.
RO: Good point.
Also worth noting: she credits the strength of her hair. But I could have sworn it was the braids.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/8221933.stm
I love how it says she fell short of her goal but still considered it a success. I could see the conversation now.
Random observer (RO): You missed it by a couple of inches.
Kung fu lady(KL):I pulled a vehicle with my hair.
RO: Good point.
Also worth noting: she credits the strength of her hair. But I could have sworn it was the braids.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Random Reads
I've been reading a lot lately, and while I can't fully recommend all of them, I enjoyed them and wanted to share some of the highlights. So here goes:
1. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoffer. Okay, I can fully recommend this one. One of my favorite parts involves people trying to ask Jesus theological questions and Him in response taking them back to obedience. Good stuff.
2. The Dante Club. A murder mystery based on Longfellow's translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, it was a mixture of grisly murder, mystery, and tons of literary factoids. For example, Dante's poem was only called a comedy because the ending is in Paradise, so it's therefore not a tragedy. As one who loses sight of the ending, this fact resonated with me.
3. Angry Conversations with God. I can recommend this entire book as well. It's funny, but it also has some great points to it. The author is dissatisfied with her marriage to God (being part of the bride of Christ) so she takes Him to marriage counseling. But whose fault are the problems in question? And is that really God she's representing? And doesn't the word "Abba" remind everyone of Dancing Queen?
4. The Amazing Adventures of Kavelier and Klay. This novel explores a world in which comic book writers live messed-up lives. It's funny in places, but there's a lot of sadness to a story about people who invent characters to do what they cannot. It's a reminder of the limits of heroism on human terms, and for that honesty I enjoyed it.
5. Welcome to the Monkeyhouse. Kurt Vonnegut may not be known especially for his short stories, but many of the ones in this collection are excellent. I enjoyed all of his sci-fi stories, especially "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow", a story about an overcrowded world in which no one dies from old age. In this world, prison becomes a matter of perspective. Another memorable story is "All the King's Horses", in which a prisoner of war must play a real life game of chess and learn to truly sacrifice.
More is on its way I'm sure, but it may slow down as the holidays are over and I'm actually doing stuff. Time will tell.
1. The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoffer. Okay, I can fully recommend this one. One of my favorite parts involves people trying to ask Jesus theological questions and Him in response taking them back to obedience. Good stuff.
2. The Dante Club. A murder mystery based on Longfellow's translation of Dante's Divine Comedy, it was a mixture of grisly murder, mystery, and tons of literary factoids. For example, Dante's poem was only called a comedy because the ending is in Paradise, so it's therefore not a tragedy. As one who loses sight of the ending, this fact resonated with me.
3. Angry Conversations with God. I can recommend this entire book as well. It's funny, but it also has some great points to it. The author is dissatisfied with her marriage to God (being part of the bride of Christ) so she takes Him to marriage counseling. But whose fault are the problems in question? And is that really God she's representing? And doesn't the word "Abba" remind everyone of Dancing Queen?
4. The Amazing Adventures of Kavelier and Klay. This novel explores a world in which comic book writers live messed-up lives. It's funny in places, but there's a lot of sadness to a story about people who invent characters to do what they cannot. It's a reminder of the limits of heroism on human terms, and for that honesty I enjoyed it.
5. Welcome to the Monkeyhouse. Kurt Vonnegut may not be known especially for his short stories, but many of the ones in this collection are excellent. I enjoyed all of his sci-fi stories, especially "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow", a story about an overcrowded world in which no one dies from old age. In this world, prison becomes a matter of perspective. Another memorable story is "All the King's Horses", in which a prisoner of war must play a real life game of chess and learn to truly sacrifice.
More is on its way I'm sure, but it may slow down as the holidays are over and I'm actually doing stuff. Time will tell.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Fun with Crappy Equipment
I wonder if the same is true of my old washer (may it, you know).
http://www.theonion.com/content/from_print/old_dryer_abandoned_by_train?utm_source=onion_rss_daily
http://www.theonion.com/content/from_print/old_dryer_abandoned_by_train?utm_source=onion_rss_daily
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Book Review: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
I read a lot of books over the break, but none affected me the way this one did. As I read a story about what makes a story/life interesting, I imagined a book about me sitting around in a heated room during winter reading a Donald Miller book. Thanks very much, Mr. Miller, I'm officially depressed.
As a reader and writer, this book spoke my language. If you never wondered what would happen if you broke your everyday routine one day, or you don't frequently ask "what if" and wonder about how tollbooth operators go to the bathroom, or you don't ask "what if I broke my everyday routine to find out how tollbooth operators go to the bathroom" this might not be the book for you. Or simply put, it compares people to characters in a story and gives this idea merit. If you don't think of life in terms of narrative, something like The Cost of Discipleship might be more up your alley. Also a good book, and similar points overall, but a very different approach.
Steve Taylor (yes, it's spelled correctly and therefore a different guy than the lead singer from Aerosmith with the cavernous mouth)and some former stoner (also not Steve Tyler) approached Mr. Miller about making Blue Like Jazz into a movie. The only issue was, they needed a story. The fact that his life would make a boring story causes the author to re examine his life and attempt to edit it. In short, he wants his life to tell a better story.
This is like Bonhoffer's book in that whether he says it or not, Don Miller is talking about obedience. If you set aside your stuff for a moment and follow Christ, your life will not be boring. So though he doesn't use those words specifically, he's talking about being a disciple of Christ.
A Million Miles also earns bonus points for reminding me of an excellent book I read a few years back entitled Man's Search for Meaning. If you ever read Night and got depressed, read Man's Search for Meaning. Victor Frankl is one of my heroes for even trying to give hope in the direst of situations. And every time I get soup from a pot I randomly hope I'll get soup from the bottom. It has yet to become a problem, but you never know.
In the end, all three books and authors refuse to settle for less. And that's definitely worth a recommend.
As a reader and writer, this book spoke my language. If you never wondered what would happen if you broke your everyday routine one day, or you don't frequently ask "what if" and wonder about how tollbooth operators go to the bathroom, or you don't ask "what if I broke my everyday routine to find out how tollbooth operators go to the bathroom" this might not be the book for you. Or simply put, it compares people to characters in a story and gives this idea merit. If you don't think of life in terms of narrative, something like The Cost of Discipleship might be more up your alley. Also a good book, and similar points overall, but a very different approach.
Steve Taylor (yes, it's spelled correctly and therefore a different guy than the lead singer from Aerosmith with the cavernous mouth)and some former stoner (also not Steve Tyler) approached Mr. Miller about making Blue Like Jazz into a movie. The only issue was, they needed a story. The fact that his life would make a boring story causes the author to re examine his life and attempt to edit it. In short, he wants his life to tell a better story.
This is like Bonhoffer's book in that whether he says it or not, Don Miller is talking about obedience. If you set aside your stuff for a moment and follow Christ, your life will not be boring. So though he doesn't use those words specifically, he's talking about being a disciple of Christ.
A Million Miles also earns bonus points for reminding me of an excellent book I read a few years back entitled Man's Search for Meaning. If you ever read Night and got depressed, read Man's Search for Meaning. Victor Frankl is one of my heroes for even trying to give hope in the direst of situations. And every time I get soup from a pot I randomly hope I'll get soup from the bottom. It has yet to become a problem, but you never know.
In the end, all three books and authors refuse to settle for less. And that's definitely worth a recommend.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
For all the Twits Out There
If you have a twitter account, or are willing to whittle away more seconds of your time online I recently joined the club.
http://twitter.com/reeseseater
If I can't possibly get random-er, this should do the trick.
http://twitter.com/reeseseater
If I can't possibly get random-er, this should do the trick.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)