Sunday, November 23, 2003
Tuesday, November 18, 2003
Another review on "One Man's Hero"
Political Film Society : Review of One Man's Hero.
For a country that is supposedly "... one nation, under God..." we sometimes sure didn't (don't) act like it.
Political Film Society : Review of One Man's Hero.
For a country that is supposedly "... one nation, under God..." we sometimes sure didn't (don't) act like it.
Movie Review : One Man's Hero
So I watched the movie this past weekend, after buying it from Wal-Mart for $5.88... quite a bargain, no? Well, at least I thought so, heck... if I had rented it, it would have cost me $4 and change, so at least by shucking out a couple more bucks, I got to keep the flick. However, if it had cost much more, I might be less lenient in this review of mine. Historically, from what I have gathered, the basis for the movie is correct, but after that it's anyone's guess. Why? Because John Reilly, after mustering out of the Mexican Army, was never heard from again. So basically when we "follow" his life throughout the movie, it is some nice guesswork, but not much else. Obviously, since it concerns the war between the United States and Mexico there is a good deal of action, but the choreography is horrendous. I think my friends and I growing up did a better job of "play fighting" than these guys did in the movie. The obligatory love story intertwined throughout the story also didn't do much for me. Poetic license? Perhaps, but the director of this story needs to have his license revoked then methinks. I truly appreciated the sentiment of the story, to point out the injustices that the United States performed against Irish Catholics at the time, and also to Mexico, but I feel as if the just plain 'ol bad acting masks that. If this movie is re-released, it won't make much and it wouldn't be out for very long. Trust me. If you don't believe me, rent or buy the movie and see for yourself.
Rating: C+
So I watched the movie this past weekend, after buying it from Wal-Mart for $5.88... quite a bargain, no? Well, at least I thought so, heck... if I had rented it, it would have cost me $4 and change, so at least by shucking out a couple more bucks, I got to keep the flick. However, if it had cost much more, I might be less lenient in this review of mine. Historically, from what I have gathered, the basis for the movie is correct, but after that it's anyone's guess. Why? Because John Reilly, after mustering out of the Mexican Army, was never heard from again. So basically when we "follow" his life throughout the movie, it is some nice guesswork, but not much else. Obviously, since it concerns the war between the United States and Mexico there is a good deal of action, but the choreography is horrendous. I think my friends and I growing up did a better job of "play fighting" than these guys did in the movie. The obligatory love story intertwined throughout the story also didn't do much for me. Poetic license? Perhaps, but the director of this story needs to have his license revoked then methinks. I truly appreciated the sentiment of the story, to point out the injustices that the United States performed against Irish Catholics at the time, and also to Mexico, but I feel as if the just plain 'ol bad acting masks that. If this movie is re-released, it won't make much and it wouldn't be out for very long. Trust me. If you don't believe me, rent or buy the movie and see for yourself.
Rating: C+
Monday, November 17, 2003
It's worse than I thought...
Below, I mentioned that the owner of Delightful Delerium was a KU fan. As the subject of this blog entry states, it's much worse than that. She's a KU alumni. Oy vey! :)
Below, I mentioned that the owner of Delightful Delerium was a KU fan. As the subject of this blog entry states, it's much worse than that. She's a KU alumni. Oy vey! :)
Ciao Amos!
Well, I said good-bye to Amos this weekend. Amos? Yes, Amos... you know, the cat. Searched for his actual owners, but didn't see any signs anywhere in the neighborhood where I live or in the local stores. Amos and Boomer didn't look like they would get along very well. Boomer, I guess, is a bit set in her ways, having been my keeper for over five years now and wasn't about to share me with anyone else. Just as well I suppose, as I don't spend near as much time sporting around with the Boom-ster as I should. Anyways, sent Amos packing with a friend of mine. The latest report, he has already bitten everyone in her family.
Hmmm, that's not a good sign, is it?
Well, I said good-bye to Amos this weekend. Amos? Yes, Amos... you know, the cat. Searched for his actual owners, but didn't see any signs anywhere in the neighborhood where I live or in the local stores. Amos and Boomer didn't look like they would get along very well. Boomer, I guess, is a bit set in her ways, having been my keeper for over five years now and wasn't about to share me with anyone else. Just as well I suppose, as I don't spend near as much time sporting around with the Boom-ster as I should. Anyways, sent Amos packing with a friend of mine. The latest report, he has already bitten everyone in her family.
Hmmm, that's not a good sign, is it?
Friday, November 14, 2003
I've been adopted...
... well, if my parents find out about this they won't be happy, but they really don't have to worry because it's not really a legal adoption. I've been adopted by a cat. Yep, for those of you who know that I'm a dog lover (and have seen me debate the superiority of the canine species over the feline species [I need to close that debate up, don't I?]) you'll be surprised to know that I even let a cat into my house.
So how did it happen? Well, I was coming home from the grocery store last night and had pulled up into my parking spot. Groceries in hand, I was exiting my car when I feel something brush up against my leg. Not knowing what it was, I proceed to look down and come face to face with a white ball of fur looking back at me.
I didn't expect that.
I jumped backwards.
The ball of fur continued to sit there and stare at me.
Well, I figured the little fellow had a home and was just a bit friendly, so I proceeded to walk to my door. He followed me. I unlocked the door, entered my house and closed the door behind me.
After putting my groceries away, my curiousity got the best of me and I made my way back to the front door to see if the little fella was still there. I opened the door and there he was, sitting there in front of my glass storm door, peering in at me. I opened the storm door and he nonchalantly made his way inside, peering at my furniture and occassionally turning to me and meow-ing.
Being the Franciscan-at-heart that I am, I made my way to Wal-Mart and bought some cat food for the little guy. Upon returning, I inspected him a bit more thoroughly. He's been declawed (front paws only) and he has some cuts on his ears and his face. Given that, and by the way he ate, I'm thinking he's been outside for a few days without food and shelter. He had a flea collar on, so I'm thinking he has an owner, somewhere, but driving around a bit last night and this morning before work didn't turn up any leads as to who the owner may be. At any rate, I picked up a litter box and some kitty litter (which I was impressed to seehim use) and I suppose I'll keep him until I can either find him a home or his owner. Now the question is... what should I name him in the meantime?
Oh, and how do I introduce him to Boomer?
THAT should be fun.
... well, if my parents find out about this they won't be happy, but they really don't have to worry because it's not really a legal adoption. I've been adopted by a cat. Yep, for those of you who know that I'm a dog lover (and have seen me debate the superiority of the canine species over the feline species [I need to close that debate up, don't I?]) you'll be surprised to know that I even let a cat into my house.
So how did it happen? Well, I was coming home from the grocery store last night and had pulled up into my parking spot. Groceries in hand, I was exiting my car when I feel something brush up against my leg. Not knowing what it was, I proceed to look down and come face to face with a white ball of fur looking back at me.
I didn't expect that.
I jumped backwards.
The ball of fur continued to sit there and stare at me.
Well, I figured the little fellow had a home and was just a bit friendly, so I proceeded to walk to my door. He followed me. I unlocked the door, entered my house and closed the door behind me.
After putting my groceries away, my curiousity got the best of me and I made my way back to the front door to see if the little fella was still there. I opened the door and there he was, sitting there in front of my glass storm door, peering in at me. I opened the storm door and he nonchalantly made his way inside, peering at my furniture and occassionally turning to me and meow-ing.
Being the Franciscan-at-heart that I am, I made my way to Wal-Mart and bought some cat food for the little guy. Upon returning, I inspected him a bit more thoroughly. He's been declawed (front paws only) and he has some cuts on his ears and his face. Given that, and by the way he ate, I'm thinking he's been outside for a few days without food and shelter. He had a flea collar on, so I'm thinking he has an owner, somewhere, but driving around a bit last night and this morning before work didn't turn up any leads as to who the owner may be. At any rate, I picked up a litter box and some kitty litter (which I was impressed to seehim use) and I suppose I'll keep him until I can either find him a home or his owner. Now the question is... what should I name him in the meantime?
Oh, and how do I introduce him to Boomer?
THAT should be fun.
Newest addition to the Plugs and Props section
My newest addition goes to hyping BODYwear. They sell T-shirts, caps, winter hats, sweatshirts and bumper stickers. The stuff they have is awesome, and Catholic to boot. This stuff they have would make awesome Christmas presents, especially for your kids. Check em out!
My newest addition goes to hyping BODYwear. They sell T-shirts, caps, winter hats, sweatshirts and bumper stickers. The stuff they have is awesome, and Catholic to boot. This stuff they have would make awesome Christmas presents, especially for your kids. Check em out!
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
If I read this correctly...
... what the LCMS is saying is, "Yes, the Pope is the Anti-Christ, more or less, you know, like it's been the widely held belief of Lutherans for over 400+ years but it sounds kinda silly to say that so... next question?"
... what the LCMS is saying is, "Yes, the Pope is the Anti-Christ, more or less, you know, like it's been the widely held belief of Lutherans for over 400+ years but it sounds kinda silly to say that so... next question?"
A welcome to all those...
... who have stopped by from Delightful Delerium.
My only problem is, given my allegiance to the University of Oklahoma (as both a current student and also an alumni), she appears to be a KU fan.
Well, not everyone can be perfect, right? ;)
... who have stopped by from Delightful Delerium.
My only problem is, given my allegiance to the University of Oklahoma (as both a current student and also an alumni), she appears to be a KU fan.
Well, not everyone can be perfect, right? ;)
Given what I posted below...
... next thing we know, people will be saying they belong to the Jedi Religion.
... next thing we know, people will be saying they belong to the Jedi Religion.
Errrr...
Is this what passes for education in liberal arts colleges nowadays?
Is this what passes for education in liberal arts colleges nowadays?
REL 111 Topics in Religion: Religions of Star Trek
This course explores major themes in the study of religion using Star Trek as a primary source, along with more traditional, written texts. Selected excerpts from the original series, the Next Generation series, Deep Space Nine and Voyager will be viewed and discussed. Star Trek will be presented as a media forum for public debate on changing attitudes towards the role of religion in our culture over the past thirty years. It has presented constructions of meaning and value across cultures, highlighting themes fundamental to our understanding of religions. These themes include: the nature of the divine, the role of myth and ritual, evolution in both the spiritual and biological sense, the role of technology in our understanding of religious systems, attitudes toward "other" religions, and the transformative power of religious experience.
Meets general academic requirement R.
It was so good the first time...
... that I'll repeat myself (or rather St. John Chrysostom) again:
Let the mouth also fast from disgraceful speeches and railings. For what does it profit if we abstain from fish and fowl and yet bite and devour our brothers and sisters? The evil speaker eats the flesh of his brother and bites the body of his neighbor.
Why? What's so important about this comment? Well, it reminds me of a conversation I had with an Orthodox brother of mine on an internet messageboard recently. There was a particular forum at this board where I was trying to refrain from posting in, because it was serving as an occassion of sin for me. My Orthodox brother told me to consider it a fast, to which I replied:
[D]on't we typically fast from things that we enjoy?
To which he replied:
So true, in that we enjoy our passions as fallen sinners. IIRC we are also to fast from that which we abhor, i.e. sin and the desire to rip someone a new you-know-what because he or she has denigrated our faith and our Lord.
Upon further review of his comments, I came to a conclusion I should have come to a long time earlier:
I guess I never saw the avoidance of sin as fasting before. Definitely gives me a better appreciation and understanding of this practice. Also, when it comes right down to it, typically we sin because it feels good and it satisfies urges that are not conducive to us living lives worthy of Christ, so giving up sin (which is a good thing in and of itself) and it's relationship to fasting should've clicked in my mind earlier... it just never did. So, I suppose I am fasting.
He closed with:
Let us fast with a fast pleasing to the Lord. This is the true fast: the casting off of evil, the bridling of the tongue, the cutting off of anger, the cessation of lusts, evil talking, lies and cursing. The stopping of these is the fast true and acceptable. (Monday Vespers of the First Week of Great Lent)
Posting the quote from St. John Chrysostom today jogged my memory of that discussion. And with that, I propose that we all consider making a true fast. A true fast, as St. Ambrose states, is repentance: True repentance is to cease to sin.
I, for one, long for true repentance.
... that I'll repeat myself (or rather St. John Chrysostom) again:
Let the mouth also fast from disgraceful speeches and railings. For what does it profit if we abstain from fish and fowl and yet bite and devour our brothers and sisters? The evil speaker eats the flesh of his brother and bites the body of his neighbor.
Why? What's so important about this comment? Well, it reminds me of a conversation I had with an Orthodox brother of mine on an internet messageboard recently. There was a particular forum at this board where I was trying to refrain from posting in, because it was serving as an occassion of sin for me. My Orthodox brother told me to consider it a fast, to which I replied:
[D]on't we typically fast from things that we enjoy?
To which he replied:
So true, in that we enjoy our passions as fallen sinners. IIRC we are also to fast from that which we abhor, i.e. sin and the desire to rip someone a new you-know-what because he or she has denigrated our faith and our Lord.
Upon further review of his comments, I came to a conclusion I should have come to a long time earlier:
I guess I never saw the avoidance of sin as fasting before. Definitely gives me a better appreciation and understanding of this practice. Also, when it comes right down to it, typically we sin because it feels good and it satisfies urges that are not conducive to us living lives worthy of Christ, so giving up sin (which is a good thing in and of itself) and it's relationship to fasting should've clicked in my mind earlier... it just never did. So, I suppose I am fasting.
He closed with:
Let us fast with a fast pleasing to the Lord. This is the true fast: the casting off of evil, the bridling of the tongue, the cutting off of anger, the cessation of lusts, evil talking, lies and cursing. The stopping of these is the fast true and acceptable. (Monday Vespers of the First Week of Great Lent)
Posting the quote from St. John Chrysostom today jogged my memory of that discussion. And with that, I propose that we all consider making a true fast. A true fast, as St. Ambrose states, is repentance: True repentance is to cease to sin.
I, for one, long for true repentance.
While we're on the subject...
In case you hadn't heard, or been in the dark like I have, The Passion of Christ has found a distributor in Newmarket Films and will open on February 25th, Ash Wednesday.
In case you hadn't heard, or been in the dark like I have, The Passion of Christ has found a distributor in Newmarket Films and will open on February 25th, Ash Wednesday.
Ok...
... so I didn't get to see the movie One Man's Hero last night. You know, life got in the way of things. So, instead of reading my opinion of the movie, here's something much more useful and life-altering...
Quotes from the Saints
Let the mouth also fast from disgraceful speeches and railings. For what does it profit if we abstain from fish and fowl and yet bite and devour our brothers and sisters? The evil speaker eats the flesh of his brother and bites the body of his neighbor. -- Saint John Chrysostom
Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness, and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause. -- St. John of Kanty
The value of life does not depend upon the place we occupy. It depends upon the way we occupy that place. -- St. Thérèse de Lisieux
So, how are we going to occupy our place today?
... so I didn't get to see the movie One Man's Hero last night. You know, life got in the way of things. So, instead of reading my opinion of the movie, here's something much more useful and life-altering...
Quotes from the Saints
Let the mouth also fast from disgraceful speeches and railings. For what does it profit if we abstain from fish and fowl and yet bite and devour our brothers and sisters? The evil speaker eats the flesh of his brother and bites the body of his neighbor. -- Saint John Chrysostom
Fight all error, but do it with good humor, patience, kindness, and love. Harshness will damage your own soul and spoil the best cause. -- St. John of Kanty
The value of life does not depend upon the place we occupy. It depends upon the way we occupy that place. -- St. Thérèse de Lisieux
So, how are we going to occupy our place today?
Tuesday, November 11, 2003
G.K.C. Wisdom
1. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.
2. If there were no God, there would be no atheists.
3. A puritan is a person who pours righteous indignation into the wrong things.
4. The word "good" has many meanings. For example, if a man were to shoot his grandmother at a range of five hundred yards, I should call him a good shot, but not necessarily a good man.
5. A stiff apology is a second insult... The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; he wants to be healed because he has been hurt.
1. The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because they are generally the same people.
2. If there were no God, there would be no atheists.
3. A puritan is a person who pours righteous indignation into the wrong things.
4. The word "good" has many meanings. For example, if a man were to shoot his grandmother at a range of five hundred yards, I should call him a good shot, but not necessarily a good man.
5. A stiff apology is a second insult... The injured party does not want to be compensated because he has been wronged; he wants to be healed because he has been hurt.
One Man's Hero
Mr. Bettinelli, over at his blog talks about a movie that was basically sent straight to video by Hollywood because it had too much of a pro-Catholic message to it. There is a movement afoot which is seeking to petition MGM to re-release the movie to theatre's across the United States. However, rather than waiting for the movie to be re-released, I went to Wal-Mart and picked it up for $5.88. I'll watch it tonight and come back with a review for people.
Mr. Bettinelli, over at his blog talks about a movie that was basically sent straight to video by Hollywood because it had too much of a pro-Catholic message to it. There is a movement afoot which is seeking to petition MGM to re-release the movie to theatre's across the United States. However, rather than waiting for the movie to be re-released, I went to Wal-Mart and picked it up for $5.88. I'll watch it tonight and come back with a review for people.
Monday, November 10, 2003
Oh, isn't...
...this ironic?
Come on Mr. Robinson, you were happy for the Episcopal Church to literally "look the other way" when they handed you a mitre and didn't say a word about you buggering another man, but now that you're in place, entrenched in the position, you want them to find a voice that would only expose them for the hypocrites that they (and you) are?
Give me a break.
...this ironic?
Facing criticism himself as the Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop, the Rev. V. Gene Robinson says he wants the church to seek out the disenfranchised and speak out on moral issues.
Come on Mr. Robinson, you were happy for the Episcopal Church to literally "look the other way" when they handed you a mitre and didn't say a word about you buggering another man, but now that you're in place, entrenched in the position, you want them to find a voice that would only expose them for the hypocrites that they (and you) are?
Give me a break.
Friday, November 07, 2003
Call me crazy but...
If I were to see someone cut in half by machine gun fire, I'm thinking I might not be able to do my job very well either.
If I were to see someone cut in half by machine gun fire, I'm thinking I might not be able to do my job very well either.
Thursday, November 06, 2003
"Let us take our place, dear brothers and sisters, at the school of the saints, who are the great interpreters of true Eucharistic piety. In them the theology of the Eucharist takes on all the splendour of a lived reality; it becomes 'contagious' and, in a manner of speaking, it 'warms our hearts'. Above all, let us listen to Mary Most Holy, in whom the mystery of the Eucharist appears, more than in anyone else, as a mystery of light. Gazing upon Mary, we come to know the transforming power present in the Eucharist. In her we see the world renewed in love. Contemplating her, assumed body and soul into heaven, we see opening up before us those 'new heavens' and that 'new earth' which will appear at the second coming of Christ. Here below, the Eucharist represents their pledge, and in a certain way, their anticipation: 'Veni, Domine Iesu!' (Rev 22:20)." - Pope John Paul II, Encyclical on the Eucharist #62
