Ciné Live Magazine, originally uploaded by f4moviesdotcom.
Scott and I saw Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (IMDB.com) this evening. I don't know. Maybe I just don't like comic book movies, but this movie was too predictable and boring. At the risk of once again sounding like an old, catty queen, I have to admit that the men's superhero physique was the only aspect that kept my attention.
Oh well, at least it was shorter than Spider-Man 3.
Body Worlds 3, originally uploaded by wweek.media.
Scott, Sheena and I saw Body Worlds 3 at OMSI this evening. Sheena raved about a similar exhibit she saw in Europe a few years ago. We almost took a day trip last fall to see Bodies The Exhibition in Seattle, but we got sick the day we had planned on going. So I've been looking forward to finally seeing this exhibit.
It is an interesting exhibit. The bodies are displayed in very artful poses and there are some amazing displays of human and animal anatomy. However, the posed anatomy became a little monotomous after a while. I suppose if I worked or studied in the health field, it may have been a little more interesting. In the line, I noticed there was a guy in scrubs who was buying a ticket.
Sheena was disappointed that there were not more "freak show" bodies like the exhibit she saw in Germany. She has a good point. The obese person cross section, stroke brain cross section, and the smokers' lungs were definitely the most interesting to me. If anything, there were too many beautiful, athletic bodies posed. There is something dramatic about seeing what happens when the body goes wrong.
I'm glad I went to the exhibit. It was definitely worth seeing, but I hope another more interesting exhibit comes to town.
Stone Pillars of the Earth
Originally uploaded by Rexton
(I couldn't find a good religion-related Star Trek image. However, I did find this photo of a church with Star Trek crests.
Here's a copy of a topic I posted at GCN:
I just saw the last half of the 1968 Star Trek (The Original Series) episode "Bread and Circuses". I was surprised by the overt Christian reference at the end.
[SET-UP: The Enterprise crew visits a planet technologically similar to 20th century Earth, but with a government similar to the Roman Empire. The transcript below is the series' typical final scene in which the cast reflects on the episode's adventure. (Transcript from Chakoteya.net.)]
MCCOY: Captain, I see on your report Flavius was killed. I am sorry. I liked that huge sun worshiper.
SPOCK: I wish we could have examined that belief of his more closely. It seems illogical for a sun worshiper to develop a philosophy of total brotherhood. Sun worship is usually a primitive superstition religion.
UHURA: I'm afraid you have it all wrong, Mister Spock, all of you. I've been monitoring some of their old-style radio waves, the empire spokesman trying to ridicule their religion. But he couldn't. Don't you understand? It's not the sun up in the sky. It's the Son of God.
KIRK: Caesar and Christ. They had them both. And the word is spreading only now.
MCCOY: A philosophy of total love and total brotherhood.
SPOCK: It will replace their imperial Rome, but it will happen in their twentieth century.
KIRK: Wouldn't it be something to watch, to be a part of? To see it happen all over again? Mister Chekov, take us out of orbit. Ahead warp factor one.
CHEKOV: Aye, sir.
The music soars throughout this scene emphasizing how special the realization that this is about the Christ the Son of God. It almost seemed like there should have been an alter call or telephone number at the end.
As a devout Star Trek fan (and Christian), I know I've seen this episode several times previously and vaguely remember seeing this scene. However, watching this scene more carefully now really surprised me for a couple of reasons. First, Star Trek rarely mentions 20th century religion -- in fact in ST:TNG, Picard practically ridicules Earth religions as nothing more than superstitions that are no longer practiced. Secondly, it's so rare today for any commercial TV show to risk offending its advertisers' audience by promoting one religion -- let alone referring to Jesus as the Son of God.
Has anyone else seen this episode?
This is the same episode in which Dr. McCoy jokingly reveals his god complex:
SPOCK: Then the Prime Directive is in full force, Captain?
KIRK: No identification of self or mission. No interference with the social development of said planet.
MCCOY: No references to space, or the fact that there are other worlds, or more advanced civilisations.
KIRK: Let's go.
MCCOY: Once, just once, I'd like to be able to land someplace and say, Behold, I am the Archangel Gabriel.
SPOCK: I fail to see the humour in that situation, Doctor.
MCCOY: Naturally. You could hardly claim to be an angel with those pointed ears, Mister Spock. But say you landed someplace with a pitchfork.
[GUNSHOT INTERRUPTS BANTER]
(UPDATE: I also fixed some typos and grammar issues in my original post.)
Here are a few more pictures Scott (sweber4507) took of the Rose Festival happenings along the waterfront last weekend.
 Picture 559.jpg, originally uploaded by sweber4507. Waterfront at sunset during Rose Festival. |
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 Picture 606.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507 |
 Picture 603.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507 |
 Picture 584 copy.jpg, originally uploaded by sweber4507. |
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 Picture 646 copy.jpg, originally uploaded by sweber4507. Waterfront Park during Rose Festival as seen from the Hawthorne Bridge. |
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 Picture 633.jpg, originally uploaded by sweber4507. Swing ride at the Waterfront Village (aka tacky carnival). |
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 Picture 640.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507 Swing ride in motion. |
 Picture 645.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507 Ferris wheel |
 Picture 620 copy.jpg, originally uploaded by sweber4507. Canadian (far left) and US Navy ships. |
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 IMG_0978.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507 Twin US Navy ships |
 Picture 629 copy.jpg Originally uploaded by sweber4507 Steel Bridge walkway at night. |
Tall Sailing Ships, originally uploaded by sweber4507.
The Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington from the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority engage in a mock sea battle on the Willamette River between the Ross Island (background) and Hawthorne bridges.
Picture 363 copy.jpg, originally uploaded by sweber4507.
On Friday night, Scott I walked the Vera Katz Esplanade-Tom McCall Waterfront Park loop around the Willamette River. I thought it would be fun to see all the navy ships docked for Rose Festival.
With all of the boat activity and festival noise, I was surprised to see so much wildlife on the river. A gaggle of geese floated along the river and approached a Coast Guard patrol boat that was guarding the navy ships. We also watched a pair of beavers swim along the river. (Unfortunately, it was dusk and Scott couldn't get a picture.)
In addition to the above pictures, I'll post some other pictures Scott took as he uploads them (hint, hint).
Just in time for the Portland Rose Festival 100th anniversary grand floral parade tomorrow, the Merc led an effort this evening that could lead to brawls in the morning:
Taping-off public property is unfair and the city should prohibit the practice (which they may do before next year). Scott and I drove-by the Merc's "Civic Clean-Up Crew" gathering this evening, but I thought it would be unwise and mean-spirited to participate (and I was chicken).
Interestingly, old fashion city pride is behind the effort to oppose parade hogs. The very people who are calling for the removal of the tape (such as myself) and also probably the least likely people to watch the long, boring parade.
What's really behind the conflict is the urban/rural conflict. The whole point of going to a civic celebration is to be with people you wouldn't normally be with. Instead, the first thing the suburbanites do is claim their property to avoid having to deal with city dwellers.
So, let's take back the streets! If you really have to reserve a good spot, then do what really is parade tradition and arrive early or camp out.
Scott and I like this clip -- some great trash talk:
(Naughty language, so probably NSFW depending on your workplace.)
Will Ferrell's The Landlord is also really cute.
As Pam mentioned, Jon Stewart made a great observation about the Republicans' irrational and cowardly defense of don't ask, don't tell on last night's Daily Show:
"Yes, apparently the only thing worse for these candidates than another terrorist attack would be a gay hero stopping it."
Here's TDS's coverage of the debate:
Here's one of the Iraqi war veterans the Republicans disparaged:
Here's HRC's transcript:
Former Marine Officer Antonio Agnone Speaks Out Against 2008 Republican Candidates’ Debate
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Hello, my name is Antonio Agnone. I’m a former officer in the United States Marine Corps.
Last night, the Republican candidates for president gathered together for a debate televised live to the world over CNN. They were asked on simple question — raise your hand if you support repealing the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Not a single hand went in the air.
A little over a year ago, I finished my tour of duty in Iraq where I led a platoon of men to seek out and destroy IEDs — the weapon responsible for most of the casualties of American troops. In April, I chose to end my military service because of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
To Republican candidates “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” clearly means an opportunity to score a few political points with an anti-gay base. To me, it meant the end of a career and a family legacy of service. To our country, it meant one less person on the battlefield doing his part to return America’s sons and daughters home safely.
Over 60,000 gay and lesbian Americans are currently serving on active duty around the world. It makes me think about the Arabic-speaking gay soldier on the streets of Baghdad. What must he think when he hears a candidate running to be commander in chief calls his life a “disruptive issue.”
On Tuesday, June 12, in Iowa, I'll join with other veterans to kick off the Human Rights Campaign’s national tour to repeal “Don't Ask, Don't Tell.” The tour starts in the battleground state of Iowa — at the epicenter of presidential politics. Because last night those candidates did more than just not raise their hand. They dishonored my service and the sacrifice of my brothers and sisters. And we’ll never forget.
Agnone is a “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” fellow for the Human Rights Campaign, and on Tuesday, June 12, 2007, in Des Moines, Iowa, he will join other veterans to kick-off a national tour to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”
(Here's a copy of what I posted at GCN.)
IMG_5460-15.jpg, originally uploaded by Saint Anselm College.
According to a HRC press release about last night's CNN Republican presidential debate in NH:
When asked by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer to raise their hand if they support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” not a single Republican candidate’s hand went up in the air. The position of every single Republican candidate on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” not only stands in stark contrast to the unified support of repeal by all Democratic presidential candidates but it is also out-of-step with the majority of the American people.
We're in a time of war. The military is having problems meeting its recruitment goals. Its even lowering its standards and discharging much needed linguists. And yet none of the GOP candidates were willing to reconsider DADT. Some even defended continued discrimination against the men and women who are currently serving (from CNN transcript, clipped and bold added):
[SCOTT SPRADLING, WMUR MODERATOR]: Congressman Paul, a question for you.
Most of our closest allies, including Great Britain and Israel, allow gays and lesbians to openly serve in the military. Is it time to end don't ask/don't tell policy and allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the U.S. military?
[RON] PAUL: I think the current policy is a decent policy.
And the problem that we have with dealing with this subject is we see people as groups, as they belong to certain groups and that they derive their rights as belonging to groups.
We don't get our rights because we're gays or women or minorities. We get our rights from our creator as individuals. So every individual should be treated the same way.
So if there is homosexual behavior in the military that is disruptive, it should be dealt with.
But if there's heterosexual sexual behavior that is disruptive, it should be dealt with.
So it isn't the issue of homosexuality. It's the concept and the understanding of individual rights. If we understood that, we would not be dealing with this very important problem.
(APPLAUSE)
[WOLF BLITZER, CNN MODERATOR]: Governor Huckabee, I want you to weigh in as well.Do you believe it's time to allow homosexuals to serve openly in the United States military?
HUCKABEE: Wolf, I think it's already covered by the Uniform Code of Military Conduct. I think that's what Congressman Paul was saying: It's about conduct; it's not about attitude.
. . . [HUCKABEE ATTEMPTS TO CHANGE TOPIC, BLITZER STEERS HIM BACK TO DADT]
BLITZER: . . . But right now, we're talking about allowing gays to serve openly in the military. But you're opposed to that?
HUCKABEE: I just said I think it's a matter -- it's not -- you don't punish people for their attitudes; you punish them if their behavior creates a problem. And it's already covered by the Uniform Code of Military Conduct.
BLITZER: So you wouldn't change existing policy.
HUCKABEE: What?
BLITZER: You wouldn't change existing policy.
HUCKABEE: I don't think that I would. I think it's already covered by the existing policy that we do have, in fact.
BLITZER: Mayor Giuliani, recently we've learned that several talented trained linguists -- Arabic speakers, Farsi speakers, Urdu speakers -- trained by the U.S. government to learn those languages to help us in the war on terrorism, were dismissed from the military because they announced they were gays or lesbians.
Is that, in your mind, appropriate?
GIULIANI: This is not the time to deal with disruptive issues like this.
Back in 1994 we went through this. And it created a tremendous amount of disruption. Colin Powell, I think, was still the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff before he left at the beginning of the Clinton administration.
He came to the view that this was a good policy.
And I think in time of war, in a time where we're trying to deal with this transition to a new kind of warfare that we have to be fighting -- and we haven't gotten all the way there yet. We need a hybrid army, we need to look at nation-building as part of what we have to teach our military. I don't think this would be the right time to raise these issues.
BLITZER: Thank you.
GIULIANI: And I think we should rely on the judgment of our commanders in a situation like this. They know what's disruptive and what's not. And at a time of war, you don't make fundamental changes like this.
BLITZER: Thank you, Mayor.
Governor Romney, the mayor referred to the don't ask/don't tell policy, which was implemented during the Clinton administration, after Bill Clinton became president.
In 1994, you were quoted as saying that you advocated gays being able to serve openly and honestly in our nation's military.
The question to you is, do you still feel that way?
ROMNEY: No, actually when I first heard of the don't ask/don't tell policy I thought it sounded awfully silly and didn't think that'd be very effective, and I turned out to be wrong.
It's been the policy now in the military for, what, 10, 15 years? And it seems to be working.
And I agree with what Mayor Giuliani said, that this is not the time to put in place a major change, a social experiment, in the middle of a war going on.
I wouldn't change it at this point. We can look at it down the road. But it does seem to me that we have much bigger issues as a nation that we ought to be talking about than that policy right now.
BLITZER: Senator McCain, you've been involved in military matters virtually your whole life. What do you say?
MCCAIN: We have the best-trained, most professional, best- equipped, most efficient, most wonderful military in the history of this country. And I'm proud of every one of them.
(APPLAUSE)
There just aren't enough of them. So I have to rely on our military leadership, in whom we place the responsibility to lead these brave young Americans in combat as we speak.
So I think it would be a terrific mistake to even reopen the issue. It is working, my friends. The policy is working.
And I am convinced that that's the way we can maintain this greatest military. As much as I revere the greatest generation, as much as I love my own generation, this is the very best. Let's not tamper with them.
BLITZER: Is there anyone here who believes gays and lesbians should be allowed to serve openly in the United States military?
If you do, speak up now.
. . .
Stunning, deafening silence.
According to HRC, all of the Democratic candidates support the repeal of DADT.
