There would be no pagans, if we were true Christians." -Saint John Chrysostom.

“The problem with faith ... is it kind of screws up your priorities. Your priorities shouldn’t be about saving your own (butt), which is the focus of Christianity.” So says Bill (Religulous) Maher in a recent edition of Newsweek magazine. Is he right?

Tony Rossi has a good article which looks at some examples of Christians living their faith and providing a good example for those around them.

However, I felt a certain sympathy for Bill Maher who obviously has not been privileged to run into a Christian truly living to the best of their abilities in a Christ-like fashion. It made me think of the quote with which I titled this post.

That in turn made me remember an encounter by Sandra Bullock when meeting the family who lived the original story told in her movie The Blind Side.

Sandra's perceptions of Christians changed with meeting Leigh Anne Tuohy, the woman she portrays in The Blind Side. Leigh Anne showed Sandra the reality of Jesus Christ by simply being herself and being real. Until meeting Leah Anne, Sandra was comfortable in her definition of Christians.

Bullock says she now has "faith in those who say they represent a faith." Through getting to know Leigh Anne, Sandra saw the authenticity of religious faith. "She was so open and honest and forthright," Bullock shares. "And I said, wow, I finally met someone who practices but doesn't preach."

We don't know who is watching when we are going about everyday life. It doesn't need to be something big, although many of the most inspiring examples are big steps of faith that have a big effect.

In each case, however, we notice that it is because the Christians in question were trying their best to follow Jesus' example, not trying to impress someone else. The benefits they appreciated most were those that they themselves felt from their sacrifices. It was that faithfulness that God used to do wonderful works that stood out to others. Which gives us food for thought ... how faithful are we, no matter who is watching. After all, God sees it all. What am I giving Him to work with?

UPDATE
I see that The Anchoress also was meditating on Rossi's piece, in a similar but different way ... as fits right in with her theme of the paradoxes of Christianity.

Simple Pleasures: Outside the Office Window

Chris came over and told me to come look in the window outside his office.

There was a baby Scissor-tailed Fly Catcher. Fully fledged, on a branch, looking much of a muchness with mama who was on a nearby branch. Without the full length of tail though, and without the subtle red feathers around the wing.

This baby showed his recent emergence from the nest as well in the extreme width of opening beak to ... chirp? ... yelp when hopping off a branch into the air. You could imagine that wide maw opening insistently for a worm (or fly?) to be dropped in.

As well, it was adorably laughable when mama suddenly soared skyward and he took off, chirping madly, and flying jerkily too far to the left and overcorrecting too far to the right. It's tough to adapt flight to a really windy day if you haven't done it much.

Later, they both were on branches outside my office window. Mama sat calmly, her steely eye regarding baby as he would launch himself into the air, hover jerkily with much mad chirping and then somehow wind up back on another branch.

Chris said he thought perhaps baby was practicing that famous move which helped name them. You've got to hover to catch flies after all.

St. Paul: He's back, he's manga, and this time ... it's personal

We all know that with St. Paul it was always personal. Right?

This is not specifically Japanese manga, but a graphic novel that should entertain young readers (12+).

Paul's a young Jewish firebrand who kills or captures anyone who follows the new sect of Christianity. His closest friend, Septus, is a renegade Roman officer who helps Paul dominate the countryside. Paul gains a mentor but loses his friends when he finally embraces truth. He faces death at the hands of his closest companion, betrayal, constant danger, and destroyed love. Lose yourself in this epic reimagining of first-century Palestine.

I really enjoyed Paul: Tarsus to Redemption. One thing you've got to admit, scriptural stories are bigger than life (even though they usually were life) and lend themselves very well to dramatic depictions graphically.

The only point that somewhat confused me was the beginning ... who was Paul's blond buddy, why were they going to see the rabbi, and so forth. However, I believe that I was bogged down by my adult knowledge of St. Paul and trying too hard to connect it with the book. Once I "let go" then I was able to fully sink in and enjoy the story telling.

Likewise, I appreciated the ending of the book (is that a potential sweetheart we see on the scene?) completing the story full circle, even though it is clear that Paul will be traveling on. In fact I went back and read the beginning again. Whereupon it all made perfect sense. This graphic novel tweaks St. Paul's story only in the sorts of details that the best storytellers use to make their tales come alive. It is true to Biblical roots.

As I mentioned when I excitedly posted because this book was on the way ... if only Paul had shed some of those streaming manga tears, my joy would have been complete. He comes thiiiiiis close. So near and yet so far. Well there is always volume two to hope for.

I never met a girl yet who didn't enjoy stuff written for the guys, but in case you've got more feminine readers around than I did you might want to check out the upcoming Judith: Captive to Conqueror.

The Israelites have returned to their homeland after the Babylonian captivity, but now a new threat looms on the horizon. Holofernes, the wicked and conniving general of the Assyrian army, is sent to conquer all the world's temples, and now heads toward the Promise Land. But in Bethulia, the one city that stands between the Assyrians and Jerusalem, is Judith, the only woman with enough faith and courage to defend the Temple with her life.

Oh yeah. She's got it going on.

Discounted Subscription to First Things for Their Blog Readers

Hoochee mama, this is what I have been waiting for!

How good a discount is it?

First Things is great at writing but not so canny that they point out you are getting a half-price subscription, so as the advertising person I will do so. Dispensing with the niceties of never using whole numbers as a retailer, essentially you are spending $20 for a $40 subscription.

Via that First Things blogger par excellence, The Anchoress where you will find the all-important discount code!

This Tremendous Lover: Pride and Pride's Offspring

More of This Tremendous Lover. I have never heard this put quite this way or made quite so clear.

All such colored and touching accounts as are given of Eve's weakness owing to the charm of the fruit, to her thirst on a sultry day, to her lack of consideration--are quite incorrect. Since Eve had the gift of integrity, there could be no question of any weakness caused by a rebellion of sense-appetite. On the contrary, she knew clearly--far more clearly than we can imagine--what such a transgression of God's law would mean for herself, for her husband, and for the whole human race of whom she was to be the mother. And yet, "She took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave to her husband who did eat" (Gen 3:6).

... To find the real malice of their sin, we have to look into their minds and try to realize the enormity of their pride and disobedience.

For that was the sin of our first parents--pride and pride's offspring, disobedience. We must remember the perfection of Adam's nature. His mind was endowed with powers and with knowledge that have never been surpassed by any of his fallen children. Unclouded by passion, he saw life clearly; he knew quite well that God had raised him quite gratuitously to a special share in His own divine nature and had made him His friend. He knew further that he was to be the father of the human race, and he was endowed with the wisdom and knowledge necessary for the instruction of his offspring. He knew, too, that his sharing in God's life by grace was dependent on his obedience to God, and he clearly understood that if he lost that grace by the forbidden sin, it was lost not merely for himself, but for his children.

Knowing all that, he calmly and deliberately decided to rebel against God's express command; and by his pride and rebellion he rejected God's plan for the happiness of the whole human race. ...

You would have to read the beginning of the chapter to see how the author leads us to the understanding of Adam's and Eve's natures that he sums up here. Suffice it to say, it is compelling and logical. I don't know why I always thought of Adam and Eve as being just more innocent versions of humans as we are now. It puts a different perspective on what I thought of as them simply being tricked by the serpent. The serpent tricked them into even considering the thought of disobeying but precious little pressure was put to bear when you think about it. It was a deliberate choice. Which is just what we do, whether it is a little or great transgression we undertake. We know deep down if we are headed down a dangerous road. In that we are like our most famous ancestors.

Simple Pleasures: From the Crossword Puzzle

Word from the Algonquian for "white dog."

Answer: opossum

Well, I'll be darned. How perfect, right? I love that ...

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You ...

There are so many things I want to share and, as always, so little time. Unless I blog continually and, as lovely as that would be, there are many, many other things I must do. My personal pledge to myself is to try to share one of these thing a day. You may expect to see, among other things:

• The lemon cake recipe, which was a huge hit
• A review of the movie Moon
• A highlight of Bullenbeisser (yes, you'll just have to wait for that to see what it is)
• Comments about the only review book that Tom has grabbed from my hands (almost) and plunged into with excitement.
• Review of a manga about St. Paul's conversion ... the short version: get it for a kid you know.
• My life and times concocting a "mess of greens" ... thank you CSA for forcing me to get down with that project (seriously ... they are goooood)
• Books I am reading
• Our upcoming house guest and why we don't mind an open-ended visit ...
• Many more excerpts from This Tremendous Lover and a few thoughts thereon
  
• Ummm ... some other stuff which I can't recall right now ... I have a note card somewhere with scribbled notes, I swear

So, yes, I love you and I'm thinking all the time of great stuff to tell you ... and I just don't have time. But it will come ...

This Tremendous Lover: Adapting to Reality

I have been reading This Tremendous Lover by M. Eugene Boylan, O.C.R. This book was provided to me by Tiber River, which is a great book review site run by Aquinas and More online Catholic store.

I am sunk in shame that I received this book so long ago and yet am only now truly reading it. Yet better late than never because this is a highly inspirational and grounding read. So much so that I am going to be sharing excerpts. Truth to tell, I never read this without a pen nearby. It is that good.

A bestseller over 60 years ago, written to act as an introduction to the spiritual life for every day Catholics, this book still speaks to us over the years on a highly practical level. Although sometimes the points Boylan is making have an emphasis that does not strictly apply to our modern lives, it is never a point wasted. As my husband has pointed out when I've read examples to him, quite often those points are still true for people today but they are just not spoken of as much.

With all that background, I bring to you the first excerpt.

There is, however, one conclusion that follows from our principles which seems to be in full agreement with the prescriptions of modern psychology. This science finds, as we do, that the source of much mental trouble and anguish lies in one's incomplete adaptation to reality. Our discussion, starting from the principle of our incorporation in Christ and our vocation to everlasting union with Him in heaven, leads to a practical program of humility, charity, and abandonment to the will of God. By humility, one accepts oneself with all ones' deficiencies; by charity, one "adjusts" oneself to other members of society and lives for them as well as for oneself; by abandonment, one strives to fulfill one's allotted task, and to accept willingly all that Providence allows to happen in one's life. This is in full agreement with modern scientific conclusions; our view has the further advantage of giving a sanction to, and a perfect reason for, such a loving acceptance of reality, and of explaining it in its true context and purpose.

From the preface, This Tremendous Lover
by M. Eugene Boylan, O.C.R.

This struck me, when I read it, with the full force of truth. Why else would we strive as we do in a religion with seemingly impossible goals? Because it is true. Because when we adhere to such a way of life we are finally in line with reality.

Happy Birthday, My Darling Tom

Chocoholic Tom surprised me this year by selecting a Lemon Cake. That is not a photo of my cake but it represents fairly closely how it will look by this afternoon. Yellow cake layers, lemon curd filling (homemade ...), and Lemon Butter Icing. Mmmmm ... delicately tangy and springlike.

Happy Birthday to my dear and darling husband!

In which Davies tells all and plans are made.

Yep, we're back with Episode of 118 of Forgotten Classics ... more of The Riddle of the Sands. Plus a storytelling podcast highlight.

Assam and Darjeeling in Print!

Some of you may recall my extreme enjoyment of Assam and Darjeeling by T.M. Camp. In fact, it became an SFFaudio Essential with my review, which is a rarely bestowed accolade.

The only thing missing was a print copy for those of my acquaintance who I knew would love the story but who, stubbornly, will not listen to podcasts. Let's face it, on occasion I would like to read it myself when a podcast just isn't going to work.

At last, we have the hardback which you see above and the paperback ...


One of the things I knew I would miss in a book was the sense of whimsy which T.M. Camp included in some of the standard statements accompanying each podcast. Looking through the previews you can imagine my delight at finding the whimsy intact beginning with the copyright page, some of which I transcribe below to give you a sample

Except for brief quotations in critical articles or reviews, no part of this book may be used, transmitted, broadcast, or otherwise reproduced in any manner or medium without receiving prior, written permission from the author. Failure to comply is a violation of international copyright law and will incite the fury of the sea to rise up against the nations of the earth, wiping away innocent and villain alike. So don't say we didn't warn you.

Duly noted!

Go read the review and then get yourself a copy. It will be coming to Amazon and Barnes and Noble soon, but if you don't want to wait then just click through on the links above. (Oh, and I meant to mention, it is available on Kindle now.)

Barkeep, I'll Have Another Shrub

Shrub?

Isn't that a bush?

Not necessarily. Find out how to sip a delicious Raspberry Rum Shrub at Meanwhile, Back in the Kitchen.

You Are What You See

I was privileged to read the galley for this book by Scott Nehring and can honestly say that I can't wait for it to come out so I can begin pushing it on everyone. He opens people's eyes to the power of film as a cultural force and unlocks the "key" of story so that you really understand what you are watching (well, ok, I already watched that way ... but I still was riveted by this book).

It is simply fantastic. You will never watch movies the same way again ... click the image to enlarge for readability.

Book Review: Dimiter by William Peter Blatty

Written for SFFaudio, book provided by publisher.

In 1973 a nameless prisoner is being tortured in an Albanian prison, where "grace and hope had never touched." Colonel Vlora, known as "The Interrogator," is frustrated and mystified by a man they have come to call The Prisoner because they cannot even make him speak. Is he an American spy? The solution to this stalemate while expected on one level is a complete surprise on another. This turns out to be emblematic of William Blatty's book. Part 1 is an appropriate foretaste of this complex, suspenseful, and fast paced thriller, which does not shy away from the problem of evil contrasted with the mystery of faith.

The scene shifts to Jerusalem where we meet Moses Mayo, a neurologist, who is investigating a series of seemingly natural deaths that are nevertheless linked. He also is plagued by a gruesome murder, reports of apparitions and mysterious miraculous healings. We also meet Mayo's life-long friend, Peter Meral, an Arab Christian, who is a police detective. Among other things, Meral is investigating a strange car explosion and the mysterious disappearance of the men involved, a CIA cover-up, and a body found at the Tomb of Christ.

The body count climbs and complications arise from the interweaving of all the events. This sounds somewhat like a standard thriller, however, it is anything but. We know the deaths are real but what about the reported miracles? Is everything really connected and, if so, what could possibly be the logical link? The solution is not only surprising but also provides an extremely moving moment of redemption.

Dimiter's suspense keeps the listener fascinated while also raising it above the ordinary by not being afraid to have characters who care about spiritual searching, loss, redemption, and love. The spiritual element will make this work especially interesting to those who are drawn to themes that investigate good versus evil. This is not an element that should surprise those who remember that Blatty is the author of the justly famous horror novel The Exorcist. Although this novel is strictly in the thriller vein, I must admit that I did find the torture scenes rather horrific and did fast forward through a few of them.

The author narrates his work and does such an effective job that I often forgot I was not listening to a professional voice talent. The only downfall was that during fast-paced scenes with more than two male characters, such as CIA interrogations, there was not enough differentiation between all the voices to make it easy to tell when dialogue shifted from one person to another. This was not a huge problem but it did require me to back up a couple of times until I figured out the tempo. Otherwise, William Blatty's reading was a sheer pleasure, especially in voicing his more eccentric characters who he brought to life in a most vivid fashion.

Highly recommended.

Oh, the books I've read ... Part II

Continuing yesterday's book catch up ...

Lords and Ladies by Terry Pratchett
Another favorite for rereading featuring my favorite Lancre witches. I'd almost forgotten this book which is one of the most solid. When crop circles show up everywhere, the witches know that an evil force is once again trying to enter the world and dominate mankind. Problem is that this evil force is one which has a legend ensuring that no one believes they are evil. (#35)

The Status Civilization by Robert Sheckley
Read this for SFFaudio's read-along. It is available free via Project Gutenberg. It is an interesting and definitely a quick read with short chapters. A man awakens in a small sterile room with no memory of his name, his past, or even of planet Earth. Thinking he is in a hospital after an accident, he discovers quickly that he is on a prison ship and it will be landing soon. He doesn't even know what crime he committed. And "landing?" What does that mean? He discovers soon enough.

I must say that as soon as the book seems to dwell too long on a point it is making and I begin to become restless, it suddenly changes up and interests me again. It remained interesting until the end and will provide much food for thought (and conversation at SFFaudio). (#36)

The Language God Talks: On Science and Religion by Herman Wouk
Proper review coming ...
Back of the book description:"More years ago than I care to reckon up, I met Richard Feynman." So begins THE LANGUAGE GOD TALKS, Herman Wouk's gem on navigating the divide between science and religion. In one rich, compact volume, Wouk draws on stories from his life as well as on key events from the 20th century to address the eternal questions of why we are here, what purpose faith serves, and how scientific fact fits into the picture. He relates wonderful conversations he's had with scientists such as Feynman, Murray Gell-Mann, Freeman Dyson, and Steven Weinberg, and brings to life such pivotal moments as the 1969 moon landing and the Challenger disaster. (#37)

Talents, Incorporated by Murray Leinster
Listened to this on SciPodBooks and really enjoyed the concept. Kandar is going to be invaded by the cruel Mekin empire. Captain Bors is helpless to do anything to save the planet until he is approached with amazingly accurate information gathered by Talents, Incorporated. Using his strategic knowledge and their information he works his way toward keeping Kandar free. Watching Bors struggle with his incredulity as the Talents Inc. group's precognitions (and other amazing ways to gather info) prove right each time is fun. Also interesting is the fact that the king constantly wants to surrender to the Mekins, despite winning encounter after encounter with them. Certainly this says something as a commentary about political realities when this book was written. Classic Leinster and a great reading by Mark Nelson, as always. (#38)

The Uninvited by Dorothy Macardle
A brother and sister buy a house together in the English countryside right around WWII and embark on an exploration of sinister hauntings and uncovering the mystery of why the ghosts appear at all. Read aloud on my podcast. (#39)

Doors Open by Ian Rankin
Read a review saying that this is not as gritty as Rankin's usual. I've tried Rankin several times and his grittiness overcame me every time. It was not riveting but this crime caper was entertaining enough and had a twist at the end that I didn't expect. (#40)

Dimiter by William Peter Blatty
Review copy for SFFaudio. Read by William Blatty himself. Blatty is an excellent narrator, which is not always the case for authors. I thoroughly enjoyed this book (well, except for the torture scenes in the beginning). My review will go up at SFFaudio and I will link to it then. (#41)

Finding Martha's Place: My Journey Through Sin, Salvation, and Lots of Soul Food by Martha Hawkins
Full review here. (#42)

What Happens When Two Great Philosophic Minds Meet?

I believe that the one who can convince the other to read Gene Wolfe wins.

Read about John C. Wright's encounter with Peter Kreeft.

I feel a little faint just thinking of it. Two of my favorite modern day philosophers in one room discussing science fiction. Surely there is a God in Heaven. (Now if only I had been a fly on the wall...)

Oh, the books I've read ... Part I

I can't believe it's been since St. Patrick's Day since I've written about books. No wonder there are so many to share. And no wonder this will be in two parts.

March to the Sea by David Weber and John Ringo
A favorite of mine, this continues to follow Bravo Company and the royal heir they are charged to protect, Prince Roger MacClintock, as they battle their way around Marduk where they were marooned. Hostile natives and planetary conditions add to the interest in this retelling of Xenophon's journey as they gradually work their way through the increasingly sophisticated sorts of government and warfare as they go. Additionally, Prince Roger is now shaking off his former spoiled brat attitude and becoming a true leader. Second of a series of four books, this might be my favorite. Might. It's a coin toss between that and the first one, March Upcountry. (#27)

My Love Affair with England: A Traveler's Memoir by Susan Allen Toth
Rather a "forgotten classic" on my own shelves. Casting around for something light to read I came across this book which is truly a love letter to England. A very enjoyable travelogue/memoir, although I do wonder how she manages to find the money, not to mention the time, to do so much traveling abroad. Must be nice. (#28)

The Fathers of the Church by Mike Aquilina
My second time through this fantastic book which makes the Church Fathers so accessible and understandable. Our Catholic women's book club read it and this was one of the most eagerly anticipated books of recent months. Having now finished rereading I can say that twice through is probably not enough. Highly recommended. (#29)

Decider by Dick Francis
I love Dick Francis and picked this up from the library, realizing that I hadn't read anything by him in a while. Although his protagonist's character is always the same as is some proximity to horse racing, despite the many different jobs these plots always remain enjoyable. In this one, as of the first few chapters, the protagonist is emotionally estranged from his wife (although they live under the same roof), has six young sons (five of which seem to be on this adventure with him as of this moment), and holds a few shares in a racetrack that is the center of an entitled family's infighting after the patriarch has died. (#30)

Wild Horses by Dick Francis
Interesting profession this time for the protagonist as a movie maker who is, of course, making a film about horse racing. It opens intriguingly with him visiting a dying friend who was long associated with horseracing (what else?) and who mistakes him for a priest. Wanting to give his last confession, surprising in someone who isn't Catholic, he admits to a terrible crime that is not really able to be understood at the time. Of course they do intertwine very interestingly. (#31)

Murder in the Marais by Cara Black
First in a series about French-American Aimee Leduc who is a private investigator in Paris. Specializing in computer investigation she is displeased to be asked by a local synagogue's representative to investigate something from the ancient Nazi years in Paris. It quickly turns into a murder investigation and then the dead bodies begin to pile up.

This is an interesting first novel. It has realistic views of living in Paris and the Parisians' view of politics (for all I know) while the story takes on different points of view as key players are introduced. However, we mainly see Aimee who must look into a 50-year-old mystery while simultaneously investigating the mayhem it has generated in the present day. All this while dealing with neo-Nazis and occasionally agonizing over her dead father and mother who went AWOL. Rather gritty but interesting enough that I stuck with it, despite the Nazis (which I find tiring), and wound up as a page turner late into the night.

The Forest of Time and Other Stories by Michael F. Flynn
Needed some relief from all that gritty mystery reading I've been doing. Flynn is one of my favorite science fiction writers, using hard science fiction (generally) while exploring the human element. Recently heard a story of his on StarShipSofa and it made me realize that I was missing a big element of his work by never reading any of his short stories. Most of these I found very interesting and well written. There were a few (the Western, the butterfly wings) where they went on too long. I'd gotten the point. However overall very pleasing. (#33)

Maskerade by Terry Pratchett
Reread and thoroughly enjoyed this romp with my favorite witches through the world of opera. Anyone who likes Pratchett will like this. (#34)

This Hurt My Head ... and Made Me Laugh Out Loud

If you've ever wondered how someone like Bonaventure could preserve the eschatological edge of Franciscanism by correcting the excesses of Joachim of Fiore and his early receptors, and by making a subtle Christological shift of Christ from eschatological end to center of creation, then this is the book for you.

Ummm ... yeah, haven't we all wondered that? (Wait, I think reading the wrong blog. I'm getting out my dictionary.)

However, a minor friar actually made sense of it with the very next paragraph and made it apply to every day life. Good on ya, Brother Charles!

Just keep this in mind when you're reading, courtesy of Merriam Webster Dictionary:

Main Entry: es·cha·tol·o·gy

Pronunciation: \ˌes-kə-ˈtä-lə-jē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural es·cha·tol·o·gies

Etymology: Greek eschatos last, farthest

Date: 1844

1 : a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind
2 : a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind; specifically : any of various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment

The Status Civilization Read-Along on SFFaudio

We all read and we all talked about it ... thanks to SFFaudio who had the idea, set up the conversation, recorded it, and made a podcast (some spoilers).

I had a blast although thanks to our conversation I have begun reading The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. Gee, it's only close to 1,000 pages. Why? You'll just have to listen and find out.

Reviewing Pirate Radio: Somewhere There's a Movie Reviewer Who Owes Me Two Hours

Yes, I'm lookin' at you Joe Morgenstern.

This movie has a glorious soundtrack of classic rock and roll.

This movie has top notch actors, all giving their best.

Too bad they forgot to throw in a plot or character development beyond something a first grader might provide. (The mean old man doesn't like music or fun. He's mad at the happy people who like music.)

There are a few amusing scenes and the ambiance works but that is hardly enough to justify the movie.

Wait, did I mention that it was a failed movie in the U.K. that was renamed and marketed in the U.S. with a lie? It is not based on fact, although if they had based it on Radio Luxembourg (on a boat) then they might have a leg to stand on. I did find it amusing that the original pirate radio stations on boats were angling for credibility so they might be able to operate on land and sell advertising. Just about opposite from the point made in the movie.

Also, it would have been nice since this is about rock and roll in 1966 if they had actually only had the DJs play songs from that time period and not later. This drove Tom crazy.

It was especially painful to see Kenneth Branaugh stuck with playing the one-note up-tight British government official. It made me want to send him a donation. Surely poverty was the only reason he took such a thankless part.

I am not opposed to sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll in a movie depending on the context, but please believe me when I say that what is seen in this movie is about as gratuitous and pointless as it gets.

Not worth your time. Buy the sound track and dance with some friends. It is time better spent.