While I Was Out

I got caught up on a couple of things at my internship and the instructor for the only class I am taking cancelled one of our major assignments, so here I am. What’s more, hundreds many a handful a couple of my beloved readers have written to ask when I plan to return, so here I find myself. What did I miss? Well: This twitter thing has caught on something fierce, a development which I absolutely did not expect. I won’t be taking this up, however. I can’t imagine that my life is that interesting minute by minute, even to me. I’m sure that I missed blogging on some other things, but for the life of me I can’t think of them right now. Consider this an invitation to do an open thread in the comments.

Books

I recently finished Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse by Victor Gischler. I think whether or not this book is for you will depend on your response to the title, because it delivers exactly what the title promises: an action-packed post-apocalyptic satire set in a future US where the most powerful business, bordering on a fiefdom, is a strip bar franchise. The humor is dark but the characters are endearing. Right now I am reading L.A. Outlaws by T. Jefferson Parker. So far, it is a good read with an interesting plot and believable characters. More after I finish it (maybe).

 TV

Battlestar Galactica came to its eagerly anticipated ending, and the results were interesting: neither the GREATEST ENDING OF ALL TIME as some critics have trumpeted nor a complete failure as other critics insist. Spoilers below:

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Begin spoiler. I was glad that the long-suffering Colonials finally got the best of the Cylons and found a new home (which as it happens is our Earth some 150,000 years ago). I was surprised at the overt spirituality of the final three hours, as it is revealed that much of what has happened over the course of the series occurred as the result of some pretty heavy-handed divine providence. While I am always happy to see faith treated seriously in books, movies, or TV (especially in a science fiction show) I was slightly disappointed as the way that it was handled seemed a little sloppy and sappy. Regardless, it was a life-affirming, bittersweet ending to one of the best TV shows in general and one of the top five sci-fi shows ever. End spoiler

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MOVIES

Watchmen, of course. As a fan of the graphic novel I enjoyed it. Director Zack Snyder did his best to reproduce the book, sometimes frame for frame on-screen with mixed results. The actors looked like flesh-and-blood reproductions of their drawn counterparts and each nailed their respective character to a tee. However, the best was Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach. He became the character in his voice, body language, and demeanor; he was simply (and I don’t use this word often) brilliant. In the end my opinion is best summed up by my brother’s statement as we walked out of the theatre: It was as good as it could possibly be.

Christine and I recently watched Appaloosa, and dug it. It’s a classic western story of lawmen (Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen) come to clean up a town run by a wealthy, despicable rancher (Jeremy Irons). However, there are plot-twists aplenty that will hold the viewer’s attention, hilarious (if crude) dialogue, and genuine tension over the outcome. As with any good western, there are plenty of visceral pleasures in the majority of shots and, did you see that cast I listed? 

POLITICS

President Obama continues to suck according to right wingers, and can do absolutely no wrong whatsoever according to left wingers. And on this farce called American politics goes.

FAITH AND RELIGION

Apparently, Christian influence in America is waning. Raise your hand if this surprises you. No one? Okay, moving on. I think that in the long run, this could be a good thing for the faith in the US. If this trend continues, then we will see a drop in the numbers of “cultural Christians” i.e. those who identify themselves as believers because Mom and Dad took them to church on Christmas and Easter, or because they are Americans, or whatever. A Christian population that is less political, less comfortable with the culture (or putting out schlocky imitations of the culture), less entitled (because God loves America firstest and bestest!) and less likely to serve as “useful idiots” for either the right or the left is a population that will be far more Christ-like, in my opinion.

The progressive and traditionalist wings of the churches of Christ are attempting a dialogue over at Grace Conversation. I hope that this proves to be a productive effort. If history is any indication, probably not, but us believers never hope in vain, right?

SCHOOL

Less than a month and I am done. Completely. ‘Nuff said. As I prepare to end this stage of my life, look for me to get a little sentimental as I consider the experience and the many fine people who have come into my life during the course of it.

MUSIC

I am so behind on what is new and good it’s not even funny. Recommendations from those who know what I like would be welcome in the comments. However, I am very excited about the long overdue return of the Arc Angels (with thanks to Matt S for making me aware of this).

FAMILY

Christine is well and currently out of town on business, but she will be home Friday. Max somehow managed to catch kennel cough even though we had him vaccinated months ago and have never put him in a kennel. I am stuffing cough suppressant and antibiotics down his throat and it’s as much fun as it sounds like.

So what’s new with you?

Filed under: Books, Faith and Religion, Geek Stuff, Movies, Music, Politics, School, Uncategorized, America, Appaloosa, Arc Angels, Barack Obama, Battlestar Galactica, blogging, Christianity, churches of Christ, Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse, Grace Conversation, Jackie Earle Haley, L.A. Outlaws, progressive, T. Jefferson Parker, traditionalist, Twitter, Victor Gischler, Watchmen