Clash of Technology with some LGBT thrown in for good measure

So another Wednesday, another blog. Today it's all about the review of the movie I've seen, the book I just finished reading, and a few other things.

Firstly. I went to see Clash of the Titans. Before I give my rating of the movie, I'll go over a few things about it. Warning, this may or may not continue spoilers. Foremost, Perseus was not accompanied on his journey by the clockwork owl. Bad move. Also, the storyline was incredibly choppy compared to the original. (I only say these things based on the fact that I grew up watching the original 1981 Clash of the Titans). Now I've not viewed the original in a long while, but I remember enough of it (I think) to make some comparisons.

The biggest difference is that in the 1981 version, the story was structured similarly to the tales of greek mythology wherein a hero fights against the decree's of the gods because that's what heroes do. In 2010, the whole reason for the movie was that humans had (more or less) declared war on the gods.

In the 1981 version, Calibos was his own character and was cursed by Zeus into a bestial form. In 2010, he was dual-character-ed as the human stepfather of Perseus and his bestial appearance was more his disfigurement from being struck by a Zeus-thrown lightning bolt.

Also, the scene involving the giant scorpions (while incredibly well done, if not a bit long) broke away from the original in that the scorpions came from Calibos' blood as opposed to the blood of Medusa's head.

In 2010 there was a new character/race called the Djinn (according to Wikipedia they are: "gentle and benevolent Sand-Demons with magical powers"). As far as I know there was no such race in the 1981 version. (Ergo, they were added simply to show more special effects.)

Thetis was actually Calibos' mother in the 1981 version, as opposed to some immortal being who want's to help Perseus. Hades was the main protagonist in 2010 as opposed to a jealous Thetis. Calibos was supposed to be married to Andromeda in 1981 and there is no mention of this in 2010 because Calibos is actually the wife of Perseus' mother (as mentioned above).

I could go on and on, but I won't because I don't have that kind of time. Suffice it to say that I was unimpressed with the movie. Now, I will say that normally I don't make such an issue out of some of the issues above, because I understand that sometimes things have to be cut/changed for the sake of prognosticated cinematic success. My reasons for this are is that the 2010 version is billed as a remake of the original 1981 film. It can't be called a remake if the entire storyline is changed. That makes it a whole different movie.

So, I give the Clash of the Titans 2010 a 3 out of 10.

Moving on, I finished Homosexuality and Ethics and I was really let down. I had hoped that it would be a more understandable book for the average person. It turned out that it was more of an academic text riddled with very obscure academic terms and meant more as a reference than anything. So not overall happy with it, but still grateful that I have it as I think it will benefit "the project" in the long run. I was impressed by the varied viewpoints in the book, as I think it makes a good attempt to present those views as dispassionately as possible. I was a little miffed at the constant comparison or supposed connection between homosexuality and pedophilia (which is nothing more than a stereotype). But since the copyright date of the book was 1980 (if I recall correctly) it makes sense. We've made great strides since then, unfortunately not enough.

Next book to read is (I think, unless I decide that something else would be better) this (I didn't want to type the whole title).

So I've also been reading some articles posted on the walls of some of my Facebook friends. This article was interesting, even if it was an opinion piece. I was impressed by the presentation of the idea that homosexuals are just as normal as everyone else. I was also impressed by the information held in the article. As opinion pieces goes I think it states it's point with very little bias, which is good. I also think I agree with one point in the article that once homosexuality comes into the picture, people stop looking at you as a person, and start looking at you only in regards to your sexual orientation, which isn't fair or right, but it is the truth.

I also saw this article from GLAAD (also interestingly enough on the same profile as the story above) and figured it was worth mentioning. I've recently been meeting with an old professor of mine, and while we disagree on Homosexuality (and we agree that we disagree) it doesn't stop him from speaking his mind. I've mentioned that conversion therapy and such is dangerous to people. This comment launched us into a conversation regarding the political pull of the gay rights movement in counseling and mental health. Now, I have to say that I would never subject myself to anything resembling Ex-gay therapy. I've also read some things by Wayne Besen who is a militant opponent of any sort of Ex-gay therapy/Ex-gay ministries. You can find his information regarding these things here. I refuse to put links to any site that would take a reader to anything like an Ex-gay ministry or anything like that, but if you were really interested I would encourage you to do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

Ok, so there's not extra things thrown in for good measure, but that's a lot of writing and opinions. Hopefully I'll have just as much by next week.

[EDIT: It seems like I'm always forgetting something, in this case it was the technology part. Apparently my blackberry broke up with my school email. Since my school email is essentially my business email address this was bad for me. Since my FB account also went through that email, it was kinda important to get email from that account, so I could also get FB notifications on my phone. (all of which is important since I lack a computer.) So, I had to set up an additional GMail account and change my FB contact email. Then I had to make sure that my school email would forward all messages to the new email address. And then I had to set up the new email address on my Blackberry. Basically I had to get some sort of couples therapist for my school email and my Blackberry so that they'll continue to talk. *sigh* Technology is so complicated.]

Settling In

Well, I'm settling into the routine of new job schedule and everything, which is going well I'm happy to report.

I finished reading And the Band Played On earlier this week, and I have to say that I'm rather shocked and incredulous about the whole thing. I don't even want to get into it because it would take way too long and would make me sound like some sort of nutcase.

In the requisite gay news, Ricky Martin finally announced that he was gay. *yawn* Tell us something we haven't known since the late 90s.

I didn't get a chance to write the blog yesterday as I was busy and seem to have twisted my knee. Mental note: refrain from doing that again.

I started reading Homosexuality and Ethics and I have to say that it's a pretty interesting read. It starts out by presenting four different views regarding Homosexuality in the context of Moral Theology a.k.a. Christian Morality, with a few sub views thrown in for good measure.

The copyright date of this book is 1980 which is interesting because I finished reading the section that goes over the viewpoint that homosexual acts (and therefore homosexuality) is intrinsically wrong/evil/sinful and I thought it was interesting that even though these authors present a religiously conservative viewpoint regarding homosexual-ness they also make sure to mention that they are solidly against any civil discrimination regarding homosexuals (in the realm of employment and housing discrimination). They do make a special mention regarding marriage and it is the conservative christian viewpoint regarding gay marriage minus the vitreous bile spewed by the christian right today.

Also, between reading this book about ethics and the previous one about the AIDS epidemic, it made me realize that sometime in the 80s, during the Reagan administration, fundamentalist Christians began to throw their weight around in the political arena. People like Jerry Falwall and Pat Robertson began to infuse their religion with politics (or vice versa) and make a play for power. It was this abominable blend of politics/religion that caused political policy to be influenced by religious morals rather than political needs and justice.

I was thinking about this the other day and when we ask people to sit on a jury, we make sure to require them to put any bias' they may have, regardless of what they are about or where they come from, in order to have them reach a (relatively) impartial ruling. Why can't we require this of our politicians/representatives/justices?

[EDIT: I forgot to apologize. I was going to write a/this blog yesterday, but got busy and really needed to get some sleep. So I went to bed early. Sorry for the schedule change. I will do my best to achieve consistent Wednesday updates. It's just that with only one day off in the middle of the week, I've got a lot to do and only one business day to do it all in.]

Shifting tides of creativity and inspiration

I just got done taking the dogs for a walk, and I wasn't going to post a blog today (I wasn't feeling like it all that much). And now I'm attempting to write and play all at the same time. It may take awhile go get this blog typed, but it will happen.

I haven't researched anything regarding current events to critique (not that I'd have to look hard). But I will add my opinion to the Healthcare thing. All I will say is that the road of change is long and fraught with perils. Not the least of which is/are those who benefit from the current status quo.

In reference to the title of this post, I'm currently still reading And the Band Played On, and I think I've been making some interesting connections in my head. Now, as I said before, I've been thinking a lot, and have had a lot of creativity. But most of it isn't blog worthy (or it is blog worthy, but the subject matter is sensitive or some other reason) ergo, not going to be blogged.

*big sigh* Sorry. Once you start thinking and have a couple of profound thoughts (or subjectively profound) it ends up like an inferno that sweeps across your synapses and all you can do is wait for rain. So I'm waiting.

New information

Alright, now I had thought that there were some bigger changes in my life, but then I started writing and realized that there really weren't all that many HUGE changes. Just a couple.

First off, new job. I love it. I'm good at it. It's full time and I finally have a permanent schedule. I have Saturdays and Wednesdays off, which means that blogging will probably happen on those lazy summer afternoons on Wednesdays. Go me!

Also, in keeping with my time honored tradition of reviewing movies that I've seen in recent weeks (or not so recent) I saw Alice on opening day. I thought it was good, although the beginning of the movie lagged quite a bit (but what can you expect from a stuffy Victorian beginning?) It also had the darkness I expected it would from a Tim Burton film. Although I did think it was a little clunky overall. But that's to be expected considering the content. Although, I also recognized some actors from other things. The actor who plays Alice's mom is this woman, who I recognized by the end of the movie as the wacky lady from Under the Tuscan Sun (great movie!). And the fellow who plays Alice's dad is this guy, who played Borias in Xena. Also, as I was looking I noticed that he was also Celeborn from LOTR. Which I didn't know. Shocking, isn't it.

While we're on the topic of movies, I am rather excited to note that there are a bunch of movies coming out in the rapidly approaching months that I am probably going to see. Because I can. They include (but are not limited too) The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Prince of Persia, and last but not least (at least for me anyway, since I loved the original and just have been too lazy to pick it up on DVD) Clash of the Titans! I'm sure there are some other ones coming out that I'll want to see, but this is the three that I can think of as I'm writing this and watching House from Monday. By the way WOW what a twist, and a little disturbing...

So while I haven't had any news articles or huge opinions to share with you, and no rant this time, I can say with a fair degree of certainty that more is on the way, and soon. Since I have hump day off from here on out, until something really horrible happens. (I can't let you off the hook thinking that I'm totally an optimist, now can I?)

EDIT: I totally forgot (and I can't believe that I did) that I'm also going to see The Last Airbender when it comes out. I've been waiting for this since last year when I heard about it!

I hate lemons, why can't I have chocolate instead...

Well, it finally happened. I think my computer finally decided to die. Which means that until that either gets fixed, or I get a new computer my ability to blog will be severely compromised. I can still use my roommates computer off and on, but that's not like having your own. My external hard drive also died at the same time. Well I'm attempting to be optimistic, and even if I can't get it fixed, I've got the blackberry which should take care of some of the basic essentials of email and such. And now I have a reason to ask for cash for various gift-giving holidays in order to put money to a new computer.

So I'm an avid reader and I have a large stack of books that I've aquired that need to be read. With the good news that I have a full time job (starting in March) which is second shift, I've been attempting to stay up late to get into the schedule. Reading is one way that I'm attempting to remain awake. I've started reading a book given to me by my friend S. Entitled And the Band Played On, written by Randy Shilts, it's proving to be an interesting read. Considering it's about the revelation that AIDS is really an epidemic, the first 12 pages or so read like a horror novel.

And while I've only touched the surface of the whole thing, in the first 15 pages it is made bluntly clear that the fact that AIDS became an epidemic of global proportions is due to indifference, miscommuncation, and fear. And while I came to this realization, it also struck me that here in America there are a lot of things that shouldn't be handled through people playing on fear.

Now I'm going to approach this from a rather religious standpoint, but it seems to me that a vast majority of religious leaders get people to do what they want by playing on their fears. Fear of being different, fear of being the same, fear of being corrupted by that which you don't understand, etc... But to me, being part of a religion, no matter what religion it may be, means that you should be confident enough in what you believe to be able to exist with people who may or may not agree/believe the same as you.

At it's most basic level, Christianity is about love. So why then, is fear used to push adgendas in the religious and political communities? And why are religious organizations using religious based fear to push adgendas that have nothing to do with religion and everything to do with politics?

While I realize that there will always be interplay between religion and politics, I think we need to take a step back from all the debating and all the fighting, and take a serious look at why we are doing (religiously and politcally) the things we are. For too long, I think, the religious majority has been conducting an overture of fear and the political community has waltzed away without regard to the consequenses. Maybe it's time to stop dancing, put our dancing shoes away, and get down to business.

As an endnote, this rant is incomplete. The last two sentances popped into my head and were too good to not write down. So this is an incomplete train of thought and very poorly presented and ill thought out. Perhaps I'll come back to it later, but for now, this is all I've got.

Looking up and what about boys...

Well here I sit, writing yet another blog. Still jobless, still looking for a job, and still attempting to make sense of single life as a 20-something. Although being that I'm approaching a quarter century of life while my mother is simultaneously reaching the half century mark this year, makes for an interesting year. We shall see what happens. I'm pleased to report, however, that the job hunt (and chances at possible employment) seem to be improving. Not only for myself but for a number of friends who recently shared my status as [insert witty synonym for unemployed here]. Met with an old friend a few days back, and got to talking about my pet project about Homosexuality and Lutheranism (there has got to be a more pithy title than that) and she ended up proving herself to be a valuable resource. Needless to say, that if this project of mine ever finds its genesis, she will be amongst the many dedications/special thanks that it will receive.

Now for the requisite rant of my post.

Recently I've seen a number of commercials (or the same commercial numerous times) regarding an interesting phenomenon of "self esteem workshops for girls and young women". [sarcasm]Seriously?[/sarcasm] I recently read a story that a friend posted on Facebook which you can find here which states that he only brought the gun to school so he could "act like a man", at least according to the police spokeswoman.

Now here's my problem with this. We have boys and young men thinking that acting all macho and possessing firearms is a way to feel like a man, but we're advertising on television self esteem workshops for girls (for the purposes of this argument, I'm going to use boys/girls rather than say boys and young men, etc) of the same age? Why isn't there any support for young males out there. They have just as many problems with self esteem, and probably far less role models of what men should be, out there than girls have. I'm wondering if it ever occurred to anyone to do something for/regarding the self esteem and image problems boys feel in addition to those problems that girls feel.

Well that was significantly shorter than I had hoped. But I'm making an attempt to get back into this blogging thing, and come up with witty rants and long (well written) opinions. It seems, though, that I am a bit rusty. Well we'll just have to work on that won't we?

Activity begets activity

So while I'm sitting at home, watching the unyielding inevitable snowstorm of doom come to an end, and supposed frigid temperatures on the way (go frozen slush!) I feel the need to at least let my loyal readers (whoever you are, if you're still hanging around) that I haven't forgotten this blog, I just haven't had the ambition to write.

As the subject of this entry notes, activity begets activity. Being that I remain unemployed and have little to do aside from hang around between hunting for a job that will allow me some form of comfortable living, this lends itself to a lack of ambition/creativity in some other areas of my life.

However, I'm hopeful that in the next few months I'll be able to secure gainful employment, and my desire to report on some little known and not very widely read news stories (and my commentary thereof) will return with full force.

Until then, consider my lack of inspiration/motivation/ambition for this blog much like winter in Alaska. It lasts a long time, and it's very dark. So grab a bottle of hard liquor, hunker down, and pray for daylight.