Kids are the same the world round but I think the fact that this is in French makes it even more adorable ... a little girl and too much candy, via Melanie.
Too much candy from Capucha on Vimeo.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Superhero Highlight: Some Villains
Who do these superheroes, devised by Hannah and Jenny (more about that can be found here as well as the first description) fight? Ask and you shall receive!
Super Villains
The Jeweler
Strengths: The Jeweler is made completely out of diamonds, so he is sharp, and strong, and can blind people because he is so shiny.
Weaknesses: Because diamonds are the hardest substance, nothing can cut him but a diamond saw; however, a diamond saw is why he lost his hand years ago. Also, being made of diamonds can slow a man down
Backstory: The Jeweler was not always the villainous ne'er-do-well that we see before us today, he used to be a decent, honest, hard working man. That is, however, until one spring the prices of diamonds skyrocketed, and many grooms had no choice but to resort to the unthinkable. They tracked down the Jeweler, cut off his hand for their own personal uses, and left him for dead. After he was nursed back to health by a gypsy, The Jeweler decided that he could not forgive society for how they turned on him and became the most dreaded villain in his fair town.
Ultimate plot: To rebuild his hand to be the master key for all nuclear missile launch sites
Peasant Man
Strengths: Peasant man has the power of controlling rats and lighting torches in an instant.
Weaknesses: He cannot bear the touch of soap, and has an overwhelming desire to cultivate the land
Backstory: Peasant Man lived his life in poverty, always under the jurisdiction of someone else. He spent his days farming and cooking and cleaning for the Lords and Ladies until he decided that he could take no more. He froze himself in some ice so that he could be awakened in a more progressive age, only to find that he reverts to his old habits of inciting revolutions and farming for others.
Ultimate plot: To overthrow the government
Static Shock
Strengths: Static Shock can cultivate static like none other. He is forever shocking people, in the most annoying of ways.
Weaknesses: Because his sole power comes from the static electricity around us, he does not enjoy hairspray, due to its static-effects. He also cannot be near daffodils for obvious reasons.
Backstory: Static Shock was somewhat of an outcast throughout school. People were always afraid to get near him because he was just always shocking everyone, and no one wants a friend that is constantly hurting them. So, alone he was, until a young lady decided to take pity on him and keep him company. Static Shock thought it was true love, Veronica thought it was free food. Static Shock took it hard when Veronica said she just was not that into him, and immediately resorted to a life of crime.
Ultimate plot: To ruin Veronica’s prom picture by making her hair super frizzy.
Airhead
Strengths: Airhead has the power to breathe thrice concentrated helium, which comes in handy when she can escape something by flying off in her self-blown balloon
Weaknesses: Airhead can sometimes be that stereotype of girls that we all hate, in the sense that her weaknesses are cute boys and large words. She also is not a fan of fire.
Backstory: People always wondered why Airhead’s voice was so high, but it wasn’t until she was helping set up for a carnival that her true power was discovered. She was helping blow up balloons, but rather than sink to the ground like everyone else’s did, hers rose higher and higher to the top of the ceiling, as if they were filled with helium. This may have explained some things, but it still did not keep the other children from laughing at her silly voice. Due to her humiliation, she sunk into the world of evil to escape her woes, and is now a conniving villain feared by all.
Ultimate plot: To kidnap a fashion designer by suspending her limo with weather balloons and make her design clothes for her.
Sonic Boom
Strength: Sonic Boom has the power to amplify speakers
Weaknesses: She cannot handle listening to easy listening, elevator muzak or NPR
Backstory: In her youth, Sonic Boom was a rebellious rabble rouser. She loved protests and awareness functions and the like. However, a lot of other people also enjoyed these things, and were a bit more assertive than she was, so she missed a lot of opportunities. Then one day, getting ready for a rally, the speaker she was messing with exploded, sending waves of electricity surging through her body. From that moment on, she had the power to amplify speakers to dangerous volumes if she so chose. So she realized that with her power, she would become the most influential mind in the protesting world.
Ultimate plot: To destroy free speech
The Bedtime Bandit
Strength: When the sun is down, The Bedtime Bandit has the power to alter what is written in a book.
Weaknesses: Whatever he changes, changes back to the original version at dawn, so it is all very short term. Also, he is allergic to paper, so he cannot actually touch the books.
Backstory: As a lad, his mother never read him stories at night. Instead, she had his older brother do the job; however, the older brother was mean and would read scary stories to The Bedtime Bandit. Fortunately, his older brother was not creative, so when a fairy godmother bestowed the power to change the written word upon The Bedtime Bandit, the brother would have to read whatever The Bedtime Bandit changed the text to, because he could not think of anything on his own. But now, the brother would read a nice story, then be quite a bully to his younger brother, leading him to a life of crime.
Ultimate plot: To brainwash children by rewriting their books
Strengths: The Jeweler is made completely out of diamonds, so he is sharp, and strong, and can blind people because he is so shiny.
Weaknesses: Because diamonds are the hardest substance, nothing can cut him but a diamond saw; however, a diamond saw is why he lost his hand years ago. Also, being made of diamonds can slow a man down
Backstory: The Jeweler was not always the villainous ne'er-do-well that we see before us today, he used to be a decent, honest, hard working man. That is, however, until one spring the prices of diamonds skyrocketed, and many grooms had no choice but to resort to the unthinkable. They tracked down the Jeweler, cut off his hand for their own personal uses, and left him for dead. After he was nursed back to health by a gypsy, The Jeweler decided that he could not forgive society for how they turned on him and became the most dreaded villain in his fair town.
Ultimate plot: To rebuild his hand to be the master key for all nuclear missile launch sites
Peasant Man
Strengths: Peasant man has the power of controlling rats and lighting torches in an instant.
Weaknesses: He cannot bear the touch of soap, and has an overwhelming desire to cultivate the land
Backstory: Peasant Man lived his life in poverty, always under the jurisdiction of someone else. He spent his days farming and cooking and cleaning for the Lords and Ladies until he decided that he could take no more. He froze himself in some ice so that he could be awakened in a more progressive age, only to find that he reverts to his old habits of inciting revolutions and farming for others.
Ultimate plot: To overthrow the government
Static Shock
Strengths: Static Shock can cultivate static like none other. He is forever shocking people, in the most annoying of ways.
Weaknesses: Because his sole power comes from the static electricity around us, he does not enjoy hairspray, due to its static-effects. He also cannot be near daffodils for obvious reasons.
Backstory: Static Shock was somewhat of an outcast throughout school. People were always afraid to get near him because he was just always shocking everyone, and no one wants a friend that is constantly hurting them. So, alone he was, until a young lady decided to take pity on him and keep him company. Static Shock thought it was true love, Veronica thought it was free food. Static Shock took it hard when Veronica said she just was not that into him, and immediately resorted to a life of crime.
Ultimate plot: To ruin Veronica’s prom picture by making her hair super frizzy.
Airhead
Strengths: Airhead has the power to breathe thrice concentrated helium, which comes in handy when she can escape something by flying off in her self-blown balloon
Weaknesses: Airhead can sometimes be that stereotype of girls that we all hate, in the sense that her weaknesses are cute boys and large words. She also is not a fan of fire.
Backstory: People always wondered why Airhead’s voice was so high, but it wasn’t until she was helping set up for a carnival that her true power was discovered. She was helping blow up balloons, but rather than sink to the ground like everyone else’s did, hers rose higher and higher to the top of the ceiling, as if they were filled with helium. This may have explained some things, but it still did not keep the other children from laughing at her silly voice. Due to her humiliation, she sunk into the world of evil to escape her woes, and is now a conniving villain feared by all.
Ultimate plot: To kidnap a fashion designer by suspending her limo with weather balloons and make her design clothes for her.
Sonic Boom
Strength: Sonic Boom has the power to amplify speakers
Weaknesses: She cannot handle listening to easy listening, elevator muzak or NPR
Backstory: In her youth, Sonic Boom was a rebellious rabble rouser. She loved protests and awareness functions and the like. However, a lot of other people also enjoyed these things, and were a bit more assertive than she was, so she missed a lot of opportunities. Then one day, getting ready for a rally, the speaker she was messing with exploded, sending waves of electricity surging through her body. From that moment on, she had the power to amplify speakers to dangerous volumes if she so chose. So she realized that with her power, she would become the most influential mind in the protesting world.
Ultimate plot: To destroy free speech
The Bedtime Bandit
Strength: When the sun is down, The Bedtime Bandit has the power to alter what is written in a book.
Weaknesses: Whatever he changes, changes back to the original version at dawn, so it is all very short term. Also, he is allergic to paper, so he cannot actually touch the books.
Backstory: As a lad, his mother never read him stories at night. Instead, she had his older brother do the job; however, the older brother was mean and would read scary stories to The Bedtime Bandit. Fortunately, his older brother was not creative, so when a fairy godmother bestowed the power to change the written word upon The Bedtime Bandit, the brother would have to read whatever The Bedtime Bandit changed the text to, because he could not think of anything on his own. But now, the brother would read a nice story, then be quite a bully to his younger brother, leading him to a life of crime.
Ultimate plot: To brainwash children by rewriting their books
Worth a Thousand Words
I know there are lots of Karin Jurick fans out there ... click through on the link to see more of her art.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Superhero Highlight: Hunky McDreamboat
Continuing the stories of superheroes devised by Hannah and Jenny (more about that can be found here as well as the first description)
Hunky McDreamboat
Power: Superhuman suaveness, the ability to literally charm a person off their feet
Power: Superhuman suaveness, the ability to literally charm a person off their feet
Backstory: Once mean, course, and unrefined, he met a young lady (a gorgeous young lady at that) who loved to read and lived in a small, provincial town. Unable to win her with his beastly ways, his talking candlestick and dresser referred him to charm school. As an educated man, he quickly mastereHunkyd the art of charm, got his masters, with a minor in urbane, witty conversation, and went on to receive a PhD in debonairity. Upon his graduation, he began to abuse his powers, charming salesladies in to giving him several free samples . . . of EVERYTHING! However, one day he chanced upon his true love again, only this time she was squarely in harm’s way, being held up by a dastardly vixen. Hunky McDreamboat came to the rescue, using his charm to disarm the vamp. Ever since that day, Hunky McDreamboat has used his powers for good. Also, he totally got the girl.
Cover: Mild-mannered male model (and a handsome male model at that)
Cover name: Max Maxwell
Introduction to partner: One day, Hunky McDreamboat awoke in a panic to the sound of the garbage truck driving away. Realizing he had forgotten to put out the garbage the night before, he jumped out of bed, with immaculate hair and no morning breath of which to speak. He grabbed the garbage can with his meticulously manicured hands and dashed handsomely out the door. He ran after the truck, sweat glistening on his forehead and well-toned bare chest, causing much female commotion, and many a swoon, from the houses along the alley. As Hunky McDreamboat was (and still is) in fabulous shape, he quickly overtook the garbage truck. The garbageman (and a handsome garbageman at that), none other than . . . The Drossinator, saw Hunky McDreamboat’s struggle and effortlessly lifted the garbage can into the truck with his mind. After discovering each other’s powers, and in the interest of avoiding another similar situation, they formed an alliance of righteousness, and have been fighting crime together ever since.
Cover name: Max Maxwell
Introduction to partner: One day, Hunky McDreamboat awoke in a panic to the sound of the garbage truck driving away. Realizing he had forgotten to put out the garbage the night before, he jumped out of bed, with immaculate hair and no morning breath of which to speak. He grabbed the garbage can with his meticulously manicured hands and dashed handsomely out the door. He ran after the truck, sweat glistening on his forehead and well-toned bare chest, causing much female commotion, and many a swoon, from the houses along the alley. As Hunky McDreamboat was (and still is) in fabulous shape, he quickly overtook the garbage truck. The garbageman (and a handsome garbageman at that), none other than . . . The Drossinator, saw Hunky McDreamboat’s struggle and effortlessly lifted the garbage can into the truck with his mind. After discovering each other’s powers, and in the interest of avoiding another similar situation, they formed an alliance of righteousness, and have been fighting crime together ever since.
Archnemesis: Fabio
Monday, June 30, 2008
Worth a Thousand Words
Since we were just speaking about creativity, art, and the human spirit in the Wall-E review, what is better than this? Check out Pavement Picasso's photostream for some more amazing art.
Wall-E: A Celebration of What Makes Life Worth Living
By now anyone who cares to read a review (and I have plenty of good ones here) knows that Wall-E is a cautionary tale against consumerism, big business, and disregard for the environment. Wall-E is the last of the robots left behind to clean up the earth; a little fellow who does his duty but leaves room to delight in what his curiosity brings to light.What you may not know is that this is the movie that can also make you anxious about a cockroach's fate (something I surely thought impossible), delight in the indomitable human spirit, and leave you feeling both joy and hope about the future. This is a big accomplishment.
As big an accomplishment is that the movie is largely without human dialogue, aside from the last part of the movie. In the finest tradition of old cartoons such as Road Runner or Bugs Bunny (which the opening short takes us back to in both style and story line), this movie expresses creativity in using sounds and actions to show us exactly how fine an art storytelling can be. We saw the movie with an audience of perhaps 1/3 children (that in itself is an accomplishment for an animated movie under the Disney flag) and never once did we hear anyone plaintively asking, "What is happening?"
Additional creativity is unleashed in the first half of the closing credits where the movie's storyline continues as reflected through the development of art. Not only is it a delight to watch but a clearer underline to the point of mankind's creative spirit could not be made.
Interestingly, this movie blends in images of real people. We only see them via holographs as recordings but they are there to underscore specific important points and to speak to the people in their future.
The movie is full of science fiction references for those who know where to look. Even those who don't like the genre will recognize the reference to 2001's Hal which is used to great effect. Those who know a bit more will recognize some of my favorite references, such as to Aliens in the airlock scene and to a favorite episode of Futurama when they recognize Sigorney Weaver's voice as that of the ship. I know I picked up very few of these references and will be checking out the trivia page at IMDB to find the rest.
There are two criticisms I have seen in reviews that I think are incorrect.
One is that this is a gnostic movie and not a "Christian" movie. Untrue. From time immemorial we have told and loved the story of the humble oddball not following the accepted way ... it is he who shines the light on where everyone else has gotten off track. It is Everyman's story and, ultimately, it holds the seeds of truth to allow us to recognize Christ's story as Truth itself. This story is in that fine tradition of showing what is best in man. Wall-E epitomizes curiosity, creativity, love of art, self-expression, a desire to love and be loved, and self-sacrifice for those he loves in cause of the bigger picture. Christians do not need to have it spelled out more than that. Read the Christianity Today and Catholic Exchange reviews from the link above.
Secondly, I have seen the people in the movie characterized as lazy slobs who only care about consuming more and more. The point, which is made very subtly, is that these people had their lives change little by little until they didn't know there was another way to live. The scenes with John and Mary show this most clearly with the Captain's realizations and the scenes of the babies reinforcing the point. They are not the way they are by choice as they make other choices when the blinders are knocked off and they can see the light of having more than one path.
I also would like to add that, although this movie clearly is against consumerism and big business, it is fair. Big business is shown to try to fix their mistakes. They do a very bad job but they clearly meant it all for the best. They are not shown as evil or plotting. They are simply run by people who lost track of balance. That the people in the movie's past were their victims was through their own choice (here I am applying the message to our own lives as we are meant to).
This movie joins my favorites from Pixar and makes a trinity of good watching which should speak to us as modern men about the choices we make and living thoughtfully: The Incredibles, Ratatouille, and ... now ... Wall-E.
Highly recommended.
Update -- Spoilers!
A commenter made an excellent point that had escaped me entirely and I will quote it here:
... one part I haven't seen commented on was when Eve goes into hibernation (or whatever that was) and Walle takes such good care of her, even though she cannot respond.
It made me think of how we need to take care of the frail among us. The image of Terri Schaivo came immediately to mind.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Jubilee of St. Paul
Today marks not only the feast of St. Peter and St. Paul, but also the beginning of the Jubilee of St. Paul, the 2,000th anniversary of St. Paul.
When announcing this Jubilee last year, the Pope said (in part):
I always have a bit of a fellow feeling with Paul as he was a convert who literally was struck by Jesus with a dope slap to get him to see the light (as it were). I have been so convinced many times that I knew just what was going on and then had to be dope slapped by God to really take in reality. As for Paul's never give up, never say die spirit ... yep, I can relate there as well. For better or for worse. But what doesn't kill us keeps us humble, right? And that ain't bad ...
Speaking of St. Paul, Fallen Sparrow is taking a look at Toad's addictive personality in The Wind in the Willows, as well as the loyal love of his friends despite all Toad's treachery and bad habits. He then directs us to Romans and has some good thoughts about Paul himself.
When announcing this Jubilee last year, the Pope said (in part):
[...]Amy Welborn has a very nice reflection on this Pauline year as well as tons and tons of links.
Dear brothers and sisters, as in early times, today too Christ needs apostles ready to sacrifice themselves. He needs witnesses and martyrs like St Paul. Paul, a former violent persecutor of Christians, when he fell to the ground dazzled by the divine light on the road to Damascus, did not hesitate to change sides to the Crucified One and followed him without second thoughts. He lived and worked for Christ, for him he suffered and died. How timely his example is today!
And for this very reason I am pleased to announce officially that we shall be dedicating a special Jubilee Year to the Apostle Paul from 28 June 2008 to 29 June 2009, on the occasion of the bimillennium of his birth, which historians have placed between the years 7 and 10 A.D.
It will be possible to celebrate this "Pauline Year" in a privileged way in Rome where the sarcophagus which, by the unanimous opinion of experts and an undisputed tradition, preserves the remains of the Apostle Paul, has been preserved beneath the Papal Altar of this Basilica for 20 centuries.
It will thus be possible to have a series of liturgical, cultural and ecumenical events taking place at the Papal Basilica and at the adjacent Benedictine Abbey, as well as various pastoral and social initiatives, all inspired by Pauline spirituality.
In addition, special attention will be given to penitential pilgrimages that will be organized to the Apostle's tomb to find in it spiritual benefit. Study conventions and special publications on Pauline texts will also be promoted in order to make ever more widely known the immense wealth of the teaching they contain, a true patrimony of humanity redeemed by Christ.
Furthermore, in every part of the world, similar initiatives will be implemented in the dioceses, shrines and places of worship, by Religious and by the educational institutions and social-assistance centres which are named after St Paul or inspired by him and his teaching.
Lastly, there is one particular aspect to which special attention must be paid during the celebration of the various moments of the 2,000th Pauline anniversary: I am referring to the ecumenical dimension. The Apostle to the Gentiles, who was especially committed to taking the Good News to all peoples, left no stones unturned for unity and harmony among all Christians.
May he deign to guide and protect us in this bimillenial celebration, helping us to progress in the humble and sincere search for the full unity of all the members of Christ's Mystical Body. Amen.
I always have a bit of a fellow feeling with Paul as he was a convert who literally was struck by Jesus with a dope slap to get him to see the light (as it were). I have been so convinced many times that I knew just what was going on and then had to be dope slapped by God to really take in reality. As for Paul's never give up, never say die spirit ... yep, I can relate there as well. For better or for worse. But what doesn't kill us keeps us humble, right? And that ain't bad ...
Speaking of St. Paul, Fallen Sparrow is taking a look at Toad's addictive personality in The Wind in the Willows, as well as the loyal love of his friends despite all Toad's treachery and bad habits. He then directs us to Romans and has some good thoughts about Paul himself.
Worth a Thousand Words
Shown by permission from the talented Remo Savisaar. See more by clicking through on the link above.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Odd Thomas, Action Hero
I had done so much racing, jumping, crawling, running, dodging, scuttling, climbing, and swimming that I ached from head to foot and felt my energy ebbing.Can you tell that Dean Koontz has been watching the Bourne Trilogy movies? I never thought about this before but the Odd Thomas books each do have an encapsulated "story style" about them. The first book is like the horror movie in the small town, the second definitely looms in my mind as a haunted house (or haunted castle would be more accurate), and the third is the "isolated in the mountains and snow storm and there's something big out there trying to eat us" horror story. This one is the "action movie" thriller story.
During the evening, I had developed considerable admiration for Matt Damon. In spite of his amnesia and in spite of being opposed by numerous nefarious government goons with infinite resources at their command, he waded through squads of ruthless assassins, killing them or sometimes letting them live but making them wish they had never dedicated themselves to fascist ideologies, and he just kept going, indomitable and undiminished.
Here I was, a pathetic excuse for a paladin, complaining about exhaustion when I had not yet even been through a car crash. Already Matt Damon would have been through six. ...Odd Hours by Dean Koontz
As such it is humorous and also startling at times. For one thing I never knew that Odd had it in him to be so ruthless. It seemed not quite in character to me. The omnipresent fog was a character in its own right and the people popping in and out of the limited visibility added to the isolated feeling that Odd had as he prowled the town looking for answers.
This is the smallest story and the least effective, in my opinion. I still enjoyed it but would not recommend it to those who don't already love Odd as a character. For those who do, it is a perfect "beach book" read.
The fact that it is a shallower, smaller story doesn't mean that Koontz still has much to say. He slips in plenty of choice observations such as this.
I have only been in a position to overhear bad men conspiring to commit evil deeds, and on every occasion, they had been pretty much like Joey and Utgard. Those who choose to livie criminal lives are not the brightest among us.Brother, you just said a mouthful.
This truth inspires a question: If evil geniuses are so rare, why do so many bad people get away with so many crimes against their fellow citizens and, when they become leaders of nations, against humanity?
Edmund Burke provided the answer in 1795: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
I would only add this: It is also essential that good men and women not be educated and propagandized into believing that real evil is a myth and that all malevolent behavior is merely the result of a broken family's or a failed society's shortcomings, amenable to cure by counseling and by the application of new economic theory.
Odd Hours by Dean Koontz
All the Reviews I Can't Read Yet for WALL-E
I have eagerly been reading the beginning and ending of WALL-E reviews ... I really don't want to know more than the trailers have told me. I am printing these out and looking forward to reading the middles after I have seen the movie. By the way, Jeffrey Overstreet warns us that Roger Ebert's review gives a giant spoiler right in the middle with no warning. Bad critic!
I don't usually do this with more than one or two trusted sources but everything I've read so far makes me think that this is going to be something extraordinary ... here are some snippets in case you are similarly curious.
Rod Bennett at Catholic Exchange
Via Catholic Media Review.
In addition to Stanton's insights, he has links to many reviews that make fascinating points such as this tidbit from Moises Chiullan.
I don't usually do this with more than one or two trusted sources but everything I've read so far makes me think that this is going to be something extraordinary ... here are some snippets in case you are similarly curious.
Rod Bennett at Catholic Exchange
Via Catholic Media Review.
Christianity TodayPixar Animation Studio was founded in the 1980s by media moguls George Lucas and Steve Jobs, but whether they knew it or not, the guys who made their latest film release WALL*E (in theatres tomorrow) were working for God. So says this reviewer, anyway.
It’s not heresy. Catholics have been saying since at least the 2nd Century that God sometimes uses secular voices to speak to the world, especially when it comes to unreached peoples or neglected truths. Writing about the poets and mythmakers of ancient Greece, St. Justin Martyr put it this way, c. 155 AD: “Even unwillingly, these men were on your account forced to say many things by God’s compassion for mankind…For all these writers were able to see realities darkly through the sowing of the implanted word that was in them.” Well, storytelling techniques have certainly come a long way since the days of Pindar and Sophocles — WALL*E pushes the high-tech art of computer generated graphics to hitherto undreamed of heights — but God’s willingness to communicate vital realities via the mediums of myth and fable has apparently continued unabated. WALL*E (directed by Finding Nemo’s Andrew Stanton) is funny, touching, beautiful, clever, and wildly entertaining — but it may also be the most powerful warning against consumerism, idolatry, and addiction to luxury ever to be offered in a mainstream film. ...
This is science fiction the way science fiction is meant to be. It creates a world that's clearly not our own, but it's totally believable as the place we're headed, maybe a hundred years down the line. But it's not cynical or misanthropic; like the best sci-fi, it uses these imaginative conceits to ask big questions about our world and our humanity. It's a movie about love amidst chaos, about the dangers of unchecked greed and the forces that overcome it. ...Jeffrey Overstreet's interview with Andrew Stanton
And it is absolutely not a political movie, no matter how hard a small faction of political bloggers might try to pin it as one. Yes, it has a message about the environment—take care of it. And yes, it has a message about capitalism—too much of it can be sinful. These aren't political points; they're very basic moral ones, and no rational Christian has any grounds on which to object to them.
But even more than a great work of sci-fi, this is a great work of cinema. WALL•E is Pixar's boldest, bravest film yet, opening with half an hour in which no dialogue occurs. Much of the story is told, then, only through images, and in this regard, it's the most sophisticated and subtle film Pixar has yet made. ...
And yet, the greatest feat of WALL•E—its most seemingly-impossible achievement—might be this: Despite the fact that it's hard science fiction, that it paints a dystopian picture of our future, that it's subtle and sophisticated, and that it's very light on dialogue, it's every bit the crowd-pleaser that we've come to expect from this studio—funny, romantic, imaginative, and utterly gripping. This is Pixar's magic. ...
In addition to Stanton's insights, he has links to many reviews that make fascinating points such as this tidbit from Moises Chiullan.
The movie is more fundamentally about what it is to exist and believe in hope. Every science fiction film with a desolate Earth as a backdrop does not make that its main focus, and neither does WALL*E. I’ve let WALL*E roll around in my head for around a week and a half since seeing it, and I can’t shake it (a good thing). It would be one thing if I were exploding with praise the day after seeing it, but the fact that it’s still as captivating almost two weeks later, to me, means the movie has to be the real deal. This movie falls under the Important Cinema banner regardless of what piece of its narrative you fall in love with. This really could be one of the movies people will still argue about in 25, 50, or 100 years.First Showing's Review: The First Perfect Movie of 2008
Movies have the ability to make us feel every possible emotion. There are times we cry, times we laugh, times we love and times that we are scared out of our wits. With all the different feelings that I experience during the many films I watch, it wasn't until after seeing Wall-E that I realized there is one emotion that movies so rarely make me feel. The emotion that I'm talking about is joy. To be honest, Wall-E has so consumed my thoughts that I can't even bring another movie to mind that has made me feel the pure joy that I felt during or after seeing Pixar's Wall-E. ...
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Thursday, June 26, 2008
Casting Call for Obama ... It's Funny Because It's True
Brilliantly put by Rob Long from his radio show KCRW's Martini Shot. This is a snippet. Then go read or listen to the whole thing (another one that is no more than 3 minutes long ... Long is always eminently enjoyable).
But just because Hollywood is unable to make some big casting decisions, there's no reason why everyone else can't.
Barack Obama, for instance, is busy with a casting problem of his own. He's looking for a…well, not a lead, but a strong supporting player. Someone with real chops of his -- or her -- own, who could maybe handle a spinoff in a few years, who knows how to deliver a joke, and who isn't supposed to be the star. Obama is the star. He's where the heat is. He's looking for the best friend character, the anchor.
It Started Here. Let It End Here. ... And the Closing of the Aaron Women's Health Center.
First of all, there will be a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, June 28, for the closing of the Aaron Women's Health center.
Secondly, Leticia noticed something that I didn't even connect. I quote her post in its entirety but go to her place to comment and see the links.
However, I am not clueless enough to think that our prayers and fasting did more than support the very evident hands-on work of the people willing to go stand on sidewalks outside the clinic while praying or offering help to mothers-to-be.
I am not clueless enough to think that our prayers and fasting did more than add to the swell that is already there from the faithful across the nation and around the world in working to stop the slaughter of babes.
What I am is grateful that Leticia showed me that connection, that what we do in prayer does make a difference ... both for those for whom we pray and for ourselves in our walk with God.
My fasting this month may be the usual combination of willingness and annoyance (I am nothing if not human) but it will certainly have just a bit more awareness that what I am doing will make a difference somehow.
And if anyone else wants a personal way to work for the end to abortion we invite them to join us every first Friday in fasting, praying, and adoration for this cause.
Special thanks to Mark Windsor for conceiving of this effort and enrolling me in it.
Update:
Mark asked that I pass this on - "No thanks to me. All glory to God! His will be done. (And I couldn't be happier!)"
Amen, brothah!
A Mass of Thanksgiving and Prayer Service for the closing of Aaron’s will be celebrated by Rev. Msgr. Mark Seitz at 8:00 am on Saturday, June 28, at St. Rita Catholic Church, located at 12521 Inwood Rd., Dallas. St. Rita was the location of the opening Mass and kickoff rally for the 40 Days Vigil held in 2004-05. Following Mass we will take buses to Aaron’s for a closing prayer service and then return to St. Rita Sweeney Hall for a reception. All are invited to attend.Laura has some more on this as she is a sidewalk counselor (or maybe finishing up her training) and has the scoop.
Secondly, Leticia noticed something that I didn't even connect. I quote her post in its entirety but go to her place to comment and see the links.
Last year, I remember Julie at Happy Catholic's post, It started here, let it end here, an initiative of prayer and fasting by Dallas, Texas Catholic bloggers to end abortion. Since Norma McCorvey of Roe v Wade was from Texas, these bloggers took responsibility for the Supreme Court Decision and began a vigil of prayer and sacrifice to end abortion.I am just that clueless. It didn't occur to me to connect that clinic's closing with the intention for which we have prayed and fasted for over a year now. (I figure I'm a lifer on the deal anyway ... or until it ends. Either way.)
This is one of the first fruits of their efforts, and thousands of others whose prayers stormed Heaven to end the killing at this mill. Well done!
NOW let's imitate them in our area.
I live in the abortion capitol of the world, so I have my work cut out for me.
Here's the story.
Our Lady of Victory, pray for us!
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
However, I am not clueless enough to think that our prayers and fasting did more than support the very evident hands-on work of the people willing to go stand on sidewalks outside the clinic while praying or offering help to mothers-to-be.
I am not clueless enough to think that our prayers and fasting did more than add to the swell that is already there from the faithful across the nation and around the world in working to stop the slaughter of babes.
What I am is grateful that Leticia showed me that connection, that what we do in prayer does make a difference ... both for those for whom we pray and for ourselves in our walk with God.
My fasting this month may be the usual combination of willingness and annoyance (I am nothing if not human) but it will certainly have just a bit more awareness that what I am doing will make a difference somehow.
And if anyone else wants a personal way to work for the end to abortion we invite them to join us every first Friday in fasting, praying, and adoration for this cause.
Special thanks to Mark Windsor for conceiving of this effort and enrolling me in it.
Update:
Mark asked that I pass this on - "No thanks to me. All glory to God! His will be done. (And I couldn't be happier!)"
Amen, brothah!
Our Foster Child Puppy
Hannah brought her home without warning last night ... a six-week-old, round bellied, white puppy ... except for those two black circles around her eyes.
This baby came to the vet where Hannah works two weeks ago from the emergency vet clinic where she was found dropped off in a box (maybe? sadly, H has a lot of these sorts of stories so I may be getting this one confused with another). She was chock-full of worms at 4-weeks old. She's also been spending her time in a spare room at the vet's clinic and her evenings alone in a crate at the clinic. So we understood when Hannah wanted to give her some company last night.
She's sturdy, full of spunk, still has puppy breath and ... of course ... is completely adorable.
I took one look and began calling her Patches. While telling Hannah that she was our foster-puppy and that the clinic should be working on finding her a real home.
The cat took one look, puffed to twice her size and hissed warningly. At which the puppy wisely backed away. The cat began seeking high ground ... everywhere ... the better to keep an eye on this new threat.
The big black dog, who thinks he's a little dog, is terrified of our cat. He took one look at the puppy and must have thought, "That is little. Wait a minute! The devil (a.k.a. cat) is little. Therefore, that = devil." And spent the rest of the evening and this morning avoiding her, only taking time out to approach for little sniffs when her back was turned ... the better to assess this new threat.
The Boxer took one look and knew that this was a good deal ... interesting, fun, and maybe, just maybe, good for playing with. Sadly she doesn't really understand how to play with such a tiny puppy. The puppy was game to a certain extent but also didn't understand how to play with a giant!
Tom took one look and (I have a feeling) began dialing to his "No new pets" statements. Though he quite agreeably served as a soft napping spot when she just couldn't keep going any more.
Fun!
Postscript: I think it is a very bad sign that here in my office I feel as if I should still be getting a little puppy breath fix.
This baby came to the vet where Hannah works two weeks ago from the emergency vet clinic where she was found dropped off in a box (maybe? sadly, H has a lot of these sorts of stories so I may be getting this one confused with another). She was chock-full of worms at 4-weeks old. She's also been spending her time in a spare room at the vet's clinic and her evenings alone in a crate at the clinic. So we understood when Hannah wanted to give her some company last night.
She's sturdy, full of spunk, still has puppy breath and ... of course ... is completely adorable.
I took one look and began calling her Patches. While telling Hannah that she was our foster-puppy and that the clinic should be working on finding her a real home.
The cat took one look, puffed to twice her size and hissed warningly. At which the puppy wisely backed away. The cat began seeking high ground ... everywhere ... the better to keep an eye on this new threat.
The big black dog, who thinks he's a little dog, is terrified of our cat. He took one look at the puppy and must have thought, "That is little. Wait a minute! The devil (a.k.a. cat) is little. Therefore, that = devil." And spent the rest of the evening and this morning avoiding her, only taking time out to approach for little sniffs when her back was turned ... the better to assess this new threat.
The Boxer took one look and knew that this was a good deal ... interesting, fun, and maybe, just maybe, good for playing with. Sadly she doesn't really understand how to play with such a tiny puppy. The puppy was game to a certain extent but also didn't understand how to play with a giant!
Tom took one look and (I have a feeling) began dialing to his "No new pets" statements. Though he quite agreeably served as a soft napping spot when she just couldn't keep going any more.
Fun!
Postscript: I think it is a very bad sign that here in my office I feel as if I should still be getting a little puppy breath fix.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Scott Simon on Obama
Just had a chance to listen to Scott Simon's Reflections on Race and the Presidential Election.
It's only 3 minutes long so it isn't a chore to go click and listen right on your computer.
I guess it is sad that I was so surprised at his column. Because he was saying on NPR what many knew but didn't dare say out loud ... for the very reason Simon cites at the end of his piece.
As I said, go and listen.
It's only 3 minutes long so it isn't a chore to go click and listen right on your computer.
I guess it is sad that I was so surprised at his column. Because he was saying on NPR what many knew but didn't dare say out loud ... for the very reason Simon cites at the end of his piece.
As I said, go and listen.
Problem Solved ... Refreshingly
From The Curt Jester comes this vignette of a problem ... (natch, the whole story is at his place)
As announced in the Saint Joan of Arc bulletin last week:... and a refreshing response to a letter of complaint to the diocese. It is sad that we are surprised by this straight forward and faithful answer. This is just a snippet so do go read it all.
Pride Week at SJA: Please join us on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 pm in the church for a prayer service to celebrate and give thanks for the gifts of our Gay / Lesbian / Bisexual / Transgendered community. Celebrate with us in prayer and song - we'll be joined by guest musician and SJA favorite Ann Reed. This service is part of Pride week in the Twin Cities. FFI on the week's events contact Julie Madden at the Parish Center. ...
... We apologize that you were scandalized by these violations of Church teaching but assure you that our Archbishop will not permit such infractions to be repeated or to continue.
An Invitation for Art Lovers in Pasadena
Any regular readers know that I'm a fan ... and would be there in a New York minute if we were anywhere near this ... as instructed I am passing it on to any other art lovers who will be in the area.Belinda Del Pesco
New Work: Paintings & PrintmakingArtists' Reception
Sunday, June 29 • 4:00 -6:00 pmGale's Restaurant
452 South Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91105
PH: 626/432-6705
Hours: Tues-Thurs 11:30am-9:00pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-10:00pm
Sun 5:00pm-9:00pm
Closed Monday50 Pieces of Original Art
Watercolors & Hand Pulled Printmaking
Preview selected work;
Web Site
Daily Art Blog
Treat yourself to a delicious Northern Italian dinner at Gale's after the reception.
For more information, call: 818-640-3475 or email: bdelpesco@mac.com
Feel free to forward this invitation to any art-lovers you know.
Yet one more reason to love Ray Bradbury's writing
"Lord, how they've changed things in our 'parlors' these days. Christ is one of the 'family' now. I often wonder if God recognizes His own son the way we've dressed him up, or is it dressed him down? He's a regular peppermint stick now, all sugar-crystal and saccharine when he isn't making veiled references to certain commercial products that every worshiper absolutely needs."Going into my quote journal. Found at SF Gospel where a nice contrast is made between the above and ... wait for it ... Rick Warren. Go and read.Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
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