What's so funny 'bout peace, love, and understanding?

This morning at work proved to be extremely entertaining and insightful. Amidst the cover of an exceedingly relaxed atmosphere (one which rarely exists on this unit), four individuals found themselves bickering/arguing/debating, etc. about the topic of religion.

One person assumed the role of being the constant antagonist, playing the "devil's advocate" whenever the opportunity arose. Another took the stance that The Bible is the only truth in this world and that to think otherwise would be "assuming the role of G-d" and demeaning this blessed "truth." All the while, the other two sat back and listened to the whole thing and researching the topics further.

The four people were staff members at Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services... and I was grateful to find that there was another person (or two) who finds that the pathway towards truth and a higher power does NOT necessarily need to travel through the heart of a specific prophet or savior. In fact, as one of the participants in the debate stated, "There is one thing and one thing only that causes bloodshed between religions... and that is the fact that they lose sight of the highest power - G-d... God... Allah... Nirvana... Father... Tao... Yoga... So many religions dwell on topics of prophets and the various topics which separate them from other religious sects while ignoring the one unifying belief that binds all religions together - there is a higher power that exists out there, and we all want to be as close to it as we possibly can."

Well, that may not have been what he said verbatim, but I got the gist of his message captured while adding in a bit of my own flair.

The point being...

Why must religions (particularly referring to Christianity here) feel the need to persuade people to find this "G-d" through their specific means?

We all take different routes... let us all enjoy our own special trips toward this greater power in peace and tranquility without feeling the need to bind and gag others and throw them in the car with us.

After all, how do we know that our car is heading in the right direction?

Love,
Dave

My dream ticket for 2008...

The best of both parties are represented in one lovely package... The young, brilliant, and energetic young Illinois senator will help empower our youth back into the political arena where they belong! Meanwhile, McCain's expertise and willingness to listen will provide the nation with the stability we need to address the difficult issues we face in this election. Altogether, this dynamic duo could take America to new heights and unify a divided nation. No more red and blue... let's go PURPLE!



Love,

Dave



P.S. Do you agree?  Disagree?  Either way, you should go visit http://www.unity08.org and select your own dream ticket for the 2008 elections and let's make this an election for progress, not politics...

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Ignorance Runs Amok Among Alleged Tarantino "Fans"

I often find myself venturing into the realms of the discussion boards on the Internet Movie Database, where I find myself discussing the brilliance of actors and directors alike with intelligent and well-informed film enthusiasts (often EXTREMELY more intelligent than myself). However, when I stumble upon the discussion boards for the films of Quentin Tarantino, I find myself attempting to explain the work of a genius to those who simply fail to understand.

For those who don't get what Tarantino does (and what he does NOT do), I give you the following summary:

Tarantino is a regurgitator, NOT an innovator. He takes in the styles of old films, such as samurai flicks and spaghetti westerns of the 60s and 70s, which he grew up on. He takes a unique story with unique characters and shows the viewer the story through the stylized lens of the exploitation movies he grew up on and continues to overglamorize today. As a writer, his ability to write gritty and seemingly meaningless dialogue is arguably his greatest talent.

* SPOILER ALERT : IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN "GRINDHOUSE" THEN DO NOT READ THIS! *

For example, in the Grindhouse films ("Planet Terror" and "Death Proof"), there are some inconsistencies in the films. In PT, Cherry has a gun attached to her leg which she is somehow "miraculously" able to fire without having to pull the trigger. DP begins with a much more "serious" feel to it, but ends in a style just as over-the-top as PT. During the numerous chase sequences in DP, there are times where the viewer wants to say "Why can't they just stop the car?" Asking such a question would be like watching an old horror movie and asking "Why is she running upstairs when the killer is coming after her?" If the girls were able to stop their car and evade the madman hot on their trail, would that contribute or take-away from the story at hand? Duh. End of story. Logic does not always work in films. That is the motto of exploitation films and, ultimately, the theme behind "Grindhouse."

* SPOILERS ARE OVER : YOU MAY CONTINUE READING *

There. I feel much better now that I have cleared that up. I think it was more of a rant to vent off my own frustration than a lesson in Tarantino stylization in films... but, if it was able to serve as either, than it was a success.

Well, this double-shift is nearly over and I feel like I'm about to collapse. Now, I can go home for about 5 and a half hours before I have to come back again! =D JOY!

G'Night... er, wait. It's morning now.

So...

G'Morning! =D

Love,

Dave

Comics?! NO WAY!

So, here you go... my first comic since childhood! =P (This one is non-fiction!)

Love,
Dave