Well I saw it.
I thought the story was well done. C S Lewis is amazing, and even in translation to movie, alot of what he tried to say was not lost. Well done to Adamson for the storyline.
I thought the effects could have been better, especially the CGI.. and I thought some of the acting was a bit forced. I can only hope it gets better...
The one thing I really did like was how the white witch's forces were all portrayed as demons and many even as "ancient gods" - baal and so forth - whom C S Lewis would have seen as demonic forces anyway. Very well done.
So, yeah... even with the bad acting and CGI - the movie was still excellent.
King Kong tonite.. I'll post on that tomorrow.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Friday, December 23, 2005
Christmas
Yay.. Christmas.. no holidays for me though, but never mind, i'll live I guess.
Going to go an see Narnia in a few minutes.. I'll post a review after it...
So far.. Boring Potter and the Boring Goblet of Boring.. was.. well.. boring.
Narnia tonight.. King Kong in a day or so.
Big shout out to Lizzeh.. stay well girlfreeeeeeend!
Going to go an see Narnia in a few minutes.. I'll post a review after it...
So far.. Boring Potter and the Boring Goblet of Boring.. was.. well.. boring.
Narnia tonight.. King Kong in a day or so.
Big shout out to Lizzeh.. stay well girlfreeeeeeend!
Monday, December 05, 2005
Christmas and the death penalty
Couple of things..
Christmas.. You know, despite all the other baloney, the western world celebrates Christmas because it is the birthday of Jesus of Nazareth. Alot of people like this holiday.. you get a day off work, governments get alot of extra tax, retailers make about 40% of their years takings around this time of the year, etc. But.. alot of people just want the holiday, and the cash without mentioning Jesus.
Funny eh? Imagine "thanksgiving day" just being "turkey day" with no reason for it. Or independance day just being fireworks day. Or Queens birthday (for us in the Commonwealth) without a Queen. Doesnt make sense really.
Its a remembrance of Jesus birthday. Get over it. Not many people get a holiday named after them, and celebrated for several hundred years. Hell, we measure history by his birth year. Give him a break.
Just as an aside, if God was to appear in totally human form, what would you expect this human to be like? leave a comment. Here's my list:
1. He'd be sinless.
2. He'd do miracles.
3. He'd know and predict the future to a high accuracy.
4. He'd say the most profound and amazing things ever.
5. He would be remembered and acknowledged as a person who changed and/or influenced history more dramatically than any one else.
Death penalty.
Well.. recently (friday) a young aussie guy was put to death for importing heroin into Singapore. I am of the opinion that humans are only allowed to take the life of another IF that person has murdered someone else. See one of my previous blogs on that. Some might argue that ultimately he would be responsible for killing someone thru importing drugs... but thats just guessing. You need CERTAIN proof.
However, in saying that we are also told that we should respect the rules and laws of others. If you break someone elses rules, and its not "accidental" or "ignorance" then, well.. you're stupid and you deserve your punishment.
Should we protest this guys death? Sure, we should point out to Singapore that killing this guy was outside whats acceptable. But did he break the law and deserve to be punished by the laws of the country? Yes.
Christmas.. You know, despite all the other baloney, the western world celebrates Christmas because it is the birthday of Jesus of Nazareth. Alot of people like this holiday.. you get a day off work, governments get alot of extra tax, retailers make about 40% of their years takings around this time of the year, etc. But.. alot of people just want the holiday, and the cash without mentioning Jesus.
Funny eh? Imagine "thanksgiving day" just being "turkey day" with no reason for it. Or independance day just being fireworks day. Or Queens birthday (for us in the Commonwealth) without a Queen. Doesnt make sense really.
Its a remembrance of Jesus birthday. Get over it. Not many people get a holiday named after them, and celebrated for several hundred years. Hell, we measure history by his birth year. Give him a break.
Just as an aside, if God was to appear in totally human form, what would you expect this human to be like? leave a comment. Here's my list:
1. He'd be sinless.
2. He'd do miracles.
3. He'd know and predict the future to a high accuracy.
4. He'd say the most profound and amazing things ever.
5. He would be remembered and acknowledged as a person who changed and/or influenced history more dramatically than any one else.
Death penalty.
Well.. recently (friday) a young aussie guy was put to death for importing heroin into Singapore. I am of the opinion that humans are only allowed to take the life of another IF that person has murdered someone else. See one of my previous blogs on that. Some might argue that ultimately he would be responsible for killing someone thru importing drugs... but thats just guessing. You need CERTAIN proof.
However, in saying that we are also told that we should respect the rules and laws of others. If you break someone elses rules, and its not "accidental" or "ignorance" then, well.. you're stupid and you deserve your punishment.
Should we protest this guys death? Sure, we should point out to Singapore that killing this guy was outside whats acceptable. But did he break the law and deserve to be punished by the laws of the country? Yes.
Friday, November 25, 2005
bored
I'm kinda bored and keep forgetting to post here..
in other news, some wannabe hack named foamy pointed and smiled and somehow managed to start a trend that i seem to have fallen victim to.
In other, other news, it looks like bird flu is coming. I'm going to Canuckia to live with Sliver.. sounds like he has the plan to ride it out. Or maybe I'll just stay here and pretend I am in canuckia.
yeah.. thats more likely.
in other news, some wannabe hack named foamy pointed and smiled and somehow managed to start a trend that i seem to have fallen victim to.
In other, other news, it looks like bird flu is coming. I'm going to Canuckia to live with Sliver.. sounds like he has the plan to ride it out. Or maybe I'll just stay here and pretend I am in canuckia.
yeah.. thats more likely.
Friday, November 11, 2005
why become a christian?
A guy at work asked me this.. man.. what a question.
My answer was, that some time people come to realise their life has no purpose. That there must be something "greater" out there. Not only that, but they realise they aspire to something other than the normal human drudgery, and realise they need something or someone external to influence this.
This leads people to many other belief systems than just Christianity of course.
So, my friend asks, why Christianity then, why not buddism or something else?
Well, another hard one. Christians believe that they have a relationship with a living being. We can talk to, listen to, learn from, and be guided by a living being, by our God. This is something no other religion can offer.
So then he says, "what might convince me then, that God is alive?" - and there is only one answer to that. Virtually ALL Christians, without fail say that they have had at least one experience with God. At some time or another, God makes Himself known, and real to us. Thats why we are convinced. I guess its similar to alien abduction - they think they experienced something real, and nothing can convince them otherwise.
So, he says, what makes God talk to me, if I read the bible alot, or go to Church or pray alot?
Well, sure these things help. Not in a "performance" way, but in a relational way. Christianity is about a relationship with another person, God. The more time and effort you put into the relationship, the more likely it is that communication will take place, and the more harmonius it will be. The more likely you are to be able to discern what is God, and what is "self".
So, whats the bible about, he says. Well, in short its about the relationship between God and humanity. I think of it like a relationship gone wrong. In the beginning, God created the world (with humans on it representing Him, like a viceroy). God is like the husband, and humans are like his bride. But then, humans slept around, and God being the kinda guy he is had to divorce the bride, regardless of the fact that he loves his bride so much.
God then started a process of reconciliation with his bride, because he wants things back the way they were, even to the point of paying off any debts owed because of the adultery. Eventually, those who believe and trust that this is what God is doing, and has done, will finally be restored to their right place as beloved Bride.
My answer was, that some time people come to realise their life has no purpose. That there must be something "greater" out there. Not only that, but they realise they aspire to something other than the normal human drudgery, and realise they need something or someone external to influence this.
This leads people to many other belief systems than just Christianity of course.
So, my friend asks, why Christianity then, why not buddism or something else?
Well, another hard one. Christians believe that they have a relationship with a living being. We can talk to, listen to, learn from, and be guided by a living being, by our God. This is something no other religion can offer.
So then he says, "what might convince me then, that God is alive?" - and there is only one answer to that. Virtually ALL Christians, without fail say that they have had at least one experience with God. At some time or another, God makes Himself known, and real to us. Thats why we are convinced. I guess its similar to alien abduction - they think they experienced something real, and nothing can convince them otherwise.
So, he says, what makes God talk to me, if I read the bible alot, or go to Church or pray alot?
Well, sure these things help. Not in a "performance" way, but in a relational way. Christianity is about a relationship with another person, God. The more time and effort you put into the relationship, the more likely it is that communication will take place, and the more harmonius it will be. The more likely you are to be able to discern what is God, and what is "self".
So, whats the bible about, he says. Well, in short its about the relationship between God and humanity. I think of it like a relationship gone wrong. In the beginning, God created the world (with humans on it representing Him, like a viceroy). God is like the husband, and humans are like his bride. But then, humans slept around, and God being the kinda guy he is had to divorce the bride, regardless of the fact that he loves his bride so much.
God then started a process of reconciliation with his bride, because he wants things back the way they were, even to the point of paying off any debts owed because of the adultery. Eventually, those who believe and trust that this is what God is doing, and has done, will finally be restored to their right place as beloved Bride.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Ode to a Great woman
My Nana died this morning.
She was in her 70's and very ill.
I remember her as this young 60 year old. I used to live with them, I'd come home from parties, and they would be up sitting out the back drinking and playing the Ukelele.
Nana never said a bad word about anyone that I can remember. She always treated everyone the same, as if they were a friend.
She's going to be missed, but she made a huge impact on a lot of peoples lives, and not many people can say that.
Good bye Nana. We love you. You have earned your rest, may it be peaceful.
She was in her 70's and very ill.
I remember her as this young 60 year old. I used to live with them, I'd come home from parties, and they would be up sitting out the back drinking and playing the Ukelele.
Nana never said a bad word about anyone that I can remember. She always treated everyone the same, as if they were a friend.
She's going to be missed, but she made a huge impact on a lot of peoples lives, and not many people can say that.
Good bye Nana. We love you. You have earned your rest, may it be peaceful.
Monday, October 17, 2005
New Government
Well finally.. we got a new government.. hopefully now my student loan tax will disappear..
but.. Winston Peters.. in cabinet?
I dunno about you, I'm terrified. The guy is a madman... I'm a bit concerned at his sanity.
Why do people get into politics anyway? Because they think they can genuinely do a better job of running the country? Or because they think their way of running the country is the best way?
That was the problem with this election. NO ONE seemed to be able to do a better job.. it was just who you thought the lesser of all the evils were. That is, out of the different ways people thought they should run the place, you get to choose the least offensive, or personally most beneficial for you.
NONE of them actually did anything for the country.
but.. Winston Peters.. in cabinet?
I dunno about you, I'm terrified. The guy is a madman... I'm a bit concerned at his sanity.
Why do people get into politics anyway? Because they think they can genuinely do a better job of running the country? Or because they think their way of running the country is the best way?
That was the problem with this election. NO ONE seemed to be able to do a better job.. it was just who you thought the lesser of all the evils were. That is, out of the different ways people thought they should run the place, you get to choose the least offensive, or personally most beneficial for you.
NONE of them actually did anything for the country.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
The earthquake
Some people might rave on about how the world is ending and all these disasters are of biblical proportions and fortold and stuff..
But i'm not gonna.
My heart goes out to those people. Those poor parents digging frantically for their kids in a collapsed school. I can only imagine the panic they experienced.
In other news, i got Debian Linux installed on this machine. Didnt think I'd ever manage to install it...but here I am, and it was, ultimately quite easy. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
But i'm not gonna.
My heart goes out to those people. Those poor parents digging frantically for their kids in a collapsed school. I can only imagine the panic they experienced.
In other news, i got Debian Linux installed on this machine. Didnt think I'd ever manage to install it...but here I am, and it was, ultimately quite easy. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
What is it with computers?
I burnt a copy of slackware linux... but it corrupted and wont install. So i reburned it at work. It still wont install properly.. So i installed mandrake, which I KNOW works, but it failed too. So its my CDwriter thats playing up, as thats what I use to install the stuff.
Gosh darned annoying if I may say so.
So.. I eventually got slackware installed. But.. it wont detect my mouse at all. And none of t he settings will "stick" so something else is screwed up.
Thats how I spent my weekend. Tomorrow I go to work, and guess what? I do it all again with work computers.
*sigh*
Gosh darned annoying if I may say so.
So.. I eventually got slackware installed. But.. it wont detect my mouse at all. And none of t he settings will "stick" so something else is screwed up.
Thats how I spent my weekend. Tomorrow I go to work, and guess what? I do it all again with work computers.
*sigh*
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Finding Neverland
Great movie..
Never used to like Mr Depp all that much.. but lately I have to say... I am finding myself in awe of him.
Gotta guestion... as an op of an IRC channel, I am asked to maintain a "family" atmosphere for this particular channel.
Well... some people complain that we are too strict (the ones who think they should be allowed to be as abusive, rude, foul mouthed and annoying as possible), some dont care (because they are intelligent enough to have a conversation without the above). However, I find that if I let people get away with stuff thats "borderline", they and/or others quickly begin to degenerate.
So.. how much of peoples "intention" should I be required to intuit and police? I mean.. people say stuff thats borderline, but the intention is OBVIOUSLY to push the rules, to shock, and to do so knowing they havent *really* broken a direct rule.
IMHO I have to try and intuit their real intention, the convince them that I know their intention, then find the appropriate action. And do so with out being percieved as anal.
Did I mention these are mostly people between the ages of 17-23?
At least half of them are still in their "rejecting all authority" stage. Hehe.
*sigh*
I'm too old for this I think.
Never used to like Mr Depp all that much.. but lately I have to say... I am finding myself in awe of him.
Gotta guestion... as an op of an IRC channel, I am asked to maintain a "family" atmosphere for this particular channel.
Well... some people complain that we are too strict (the ones who think they should be allowed to be as abusive, rude, foul mouthed and annoying as possible), some dont care (because they are intelligent enough to have a conversation without the above). However, I find that if I let people get away with stuff thats "borderline", they and/or others quickly begin to degenerate.
So.. how much of peoples "intention" should I be required to intuit and police? I mean.. people say stuff thats borderline, but the intention is OBVIOUSLY to push the rules, to shock, and to do so knowing they havent *really* broken a direct rule.
IMHO I have to try and intuit their real intention, the convince them that I know their intention, then find the appropriate action. And do so with out being percieved as anal.
Did I mention these are mostly people between the ages of 17-23?
At least half of them are still in their "rejecting all authority" stage. Hehe.
*sigh*
I'm too old for this I think.
Monday, September 19, 2005
post election blues
Well we got ourselves a hung government..
Some things are clear to me..
1. there are alot of selfish people who will take cash over whats good for the country.
2. NZ (especially the Maori) dont believe we are ready to be "one people" just yet. And I agree. Question to Dr Brash, if you become Prime Minister and your abolishing of Maori seats in Parliament results in a Civil war, or increasing racism and discontent, how will you fix it?
Because.. thats whats going to happen.
3. People are sick of the Labour parties increasing "pc'ishness". Try calling a spade a spade not a "gender neutral digging device"
4. And most importantly.. a large chunk of New Zealand couldnt find anyone worth voting for.. and THAT is a serious indictment on the steaming piles of wombat doo that these people pass off as "policy that the people want".
You know... we're NOT STUPID. We'd far rather that you used the 7 bill to fix the roads, and the health system, and the education system, and the superannuation system, and made it easier to buy your first home, etc etc. We dont mind paying tax if its used to benefit the people of this country. But using it to buy votes SUCKS.
I'm thoroughly sick of the whole thing.
Oh yeah.. and dont get me started on the greens.. the most useless organisation that ever existed.
Some things are clear to me..
1. there are alot of selfish people who will take cash over whats good for the country.
2. NZ (especially the Maori) dont believe we are ready to be "one people" just yet. And I agree. Question to Dr Brash, if you become Prime Minister and your abolishing of Maori seats in Parliament results in a Civil war, or increasing racism and discontent, how will you fix it?
Because.. thats whats going to happen.
3. People are sick of the Labour parties increasing "pc'ishness". Try calling a spade a spade not a "gender neutral digging device"
4. And most importantly.. a large chunk of New Zealand couldnt find anyone worth voting for.. and THAT is a serious indictment on the steaming piles of wombat doo that these people pass off as "policy that the people want".
You know... we're NOT STUPID. We'd far rather that you used the 7 bill to fix the roads, and the health system, and the education system, and the superannuation system, and made it easier to buy your first home, etc etc. We dont mind paying tax if its used to benefit the people of this country. But using it to buy votes SUCKS.
I'm thoroughly sick of the whole thing.
Oh yeah.. and dont get me started on the greens.. the most useless organisation that ever existed.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Well its been awhile
Yeah.. its been a long time. Election tomorrow though. I'm gonna vote for United Future, in the hope that labour gets in, but they wont, so national will and I'll end up with more cash.. so its a win win. :P
You know, I cant understand how so many people live their lives the way they do. They dont seem to have any point.. why study? Why have kids? What do you do? Go to school, study, get a job, drink, take drugs, have a family... but for what? To 'populate the world'? hell, thats been done already. So why?
I dont know.. I used to be like that. I got so stoned for years and years.. i've taken more drugs than timothy leary. I did it firstly to make myself 'happy' - then as time went on, i felt like i could expand my mind and reach some other state of being.. a better person.. and that was my goal.
Didnt work though.
The answer found me eventually though.
You know, I cant understand how so many people live their lives the way they do. They dont seem to have any point.. why study? Why have kids? What do you do? Go to school, study, get a job, drink, take drugs, have a family... but for what? To 'populate the world'? hell, thats been done already. So why?
I dont know.. I used to be like that. I got so stoned for years and years.. i've taken more drugs than timothy leary. I did it firstly to make myself 'happy' - then as time went on, i felt like i could expand my mind and reach some other state of being.. a better person.. and that was my goal.
Didnt work though.
The answer found me eventually though.
Monday, September 12, 2005
pruning...
I'm an expert at pruning. Gardening in general really. If it involves a lawm mower, chain saw, hand saw, or weed killer - i'm yer man. I'd like to say I have a green thumb, but.. I dont :) I dont even have a brown thumb...
well actually.. I do have a green thumb but only when i pick my nose..
euwwwwwwwww
anyway... yeah... yesterday i pruned some trees. I hope they live through it. Some how I dont think they will, as they are less than half the size than when I started.
oh well... perhaps that means I wont have to prune them again later.
well actually.. I do have a green thumb but only when i pick my nose..
euwwwwwwwww
anyway... yeah... yesterday i pruned some trees. I hope they live through it. Some how I dont think they will, as they are less than half the size than when I started.
oh well... perhaps that means I wont have to prune them again later.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Million Dollar Baby
I watched this on the weekend. Thinking.. this has gotta be a load of rubbish. But it wasnt.
I really enjoyed it. Especially the scene in the end where Clint is talking to the priest.. anyone who says Clint cant act.. well... he proves y'all wrong there.
I feel sorry for the people of New Orleans and the surrounding area.
Just goes to show, though, a couple of things:
a: allowing ppl to have guns is a BAD idea.
b: People are NOT basically good... any chance we get, we start doing evil stuff.
Sad. Lift your eyes up to the One who can help you through.
I really enjoyed it. Especially the scene in the end where Clint is talking to the priest.. anyone who says Clint cant act.. well... he proves y'all wrong there.
I feel sorry for the people of New Orleans and the surrounding area.
Just goes to show, though, a couple of things:
a: allowing ppl to have guns is a BAD idea.
b: People are NOT basically good... any chance we get, we start doing evil stuff.
Sad. Lift your eyes up to the One who can help you through.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
TDZK
For those who dont know, its a game I play. www.tdzk.net. For the most part the peopel there are great, made some excellent friends.
But.. it preturbs me. This is a free game. The people who administrate it spend countless hours and $$ to provide it for us. Rather than just say "oh you made a mistake.. and it annoys me but I'll get over it" and move on. People insult, attack and are EXTREMELY rude to the admins. They seem to think its their right to play. They go on and on like a bunch of whiney old women who have nothing better to do with their lives.
It REALLY sucks. I really cant believe that people have so little respect. ESPECIALLY those who are in staff positions, ops, testers, mods etc. You all need to step AWAY from the computer.
But.. it preturbs me. This is a free game. The people who administrate it spend countless hours and $$ to provide it for us. Rather than just say "oh you made a mistake.. and it annoys me but I'll get over it" and move on. People insult, attack and are EXTREMELY rude to the admins. They seem to think its their right to play. They go on and on like a bunch of whiney old women who have nothing better to do with their lives.
It REALLY sucks. I really cant believe that people have so little respect. ESPECIALLY those who are in staff positions, ops, testers, mods etc. You all need to step AWAY from the computer.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Life's a funny old thing
when i was younger.. I was a bit wild.
I thought I would be dead by the time I was 30.
I didnt want a wife, a house, or to save money for my future cuz I wasnt going to have one.
I took more drugs, rode my motorcycle like a madman. Partied hard and all that stupid stuff.
I didnt care, I wasnt going to be around after 30.
On my 30th birthday I found myself sitting on my bed with a knife, crying, and about to cut my wrists when my phone rang. It was a call from a friend I had chatted with on IRC. She called to tell me that it was all going to be ok. Dont do anything silly and when i woke up in the morning I'd wonder what all the fuss was about.
For some reason what she said calmed me. She was really sweet, and caring and I didnt do anything.
One year later I was married.
Two years after my wife and I bought a house.
I'm now 38, I have a good job, a lovely wife, a dog, a cat, 2 cars, a canoe, a house, and most importantly i have the most precious thing in the world. My life.
Thanks Paris. You will always have a special place in my heart.
I thought I would be dead by the time I was 30.
I didnt want a wife, a house, or to save money for my future cuz I wasnt going to have one.
I took more drugs, rode my motorcycle like a madman. Partied hard and all that stupid stuff.
I didnt care, I wasnt going to be around after 30.
On my 30th birthday I found myself sitting on my bed with a knife, crying, and about to cut my wrists when my phone rang. It was a call from a friend I had chatted with on IRC. She called to tell me that it was all going to be ok. Dont do anything silly and when i woke up in the morning I'd wonder what all the fuss was about.
For some reason what she said calmed me. She was really sweet, and caring and I didnt do anything.
One year later I was married.
Two years after my wife and I bought a house.
I'm now 38, I have a good job, a lovely wife, a dog, a cat, 2 cars, a canoe, a house, and most importantly i have the most precious thing in the world. My life.
Thanks Paris. You will always have a special place in my heart.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
The Election Debate, Debate.
Perhaps I see things too simplisitically. Don Brash looked like a fool because he doesnt think it was "the right thing" to yell at and verbally attack Prime Minister Helen Clark in a debate. While she was doing it to him.
Well.
Yeah, he's right.
HOWEVER... He may lose the election because of it. Of course, yelling he probably didnt have any choice in because of the noise, so thats ok. But he STILL could have made his points and looked far less foolish without "attacking" her. Honestly. There is more than 2 ways to skin a cat.
On another note. I should go to Church on Sunday. Its weird, after so many years of going2x every Sunday and so forth, I really have no motivation. Possibly because I am having trouble finding somewhere that feels "homely". I feel like I am struggling Spiritually and I'm fairly sure lack of Church is why. I read the bible and pray still - but there's something about Church. I like how the Psalmist says:
Well.
Yeah, he's right.
HOWEVER... He may lose the election because of it. Of course, yelling he probably didnt have any choice in because of the noise, so thats ok. But he STILL could have made his points and looked far less foolish without "attacking" her. Honestly. There is more than 2 ways to skin a cat.
On another note. I should go to Church on Sunday. Its weird, after so many years of going2x every Sunday and so forth, I really have no motivation. Possibly because I am having trouble finding somewhere that feels "homely". I feel like I am struggling Spiritually and I'm fairly sure lack of Church is why. I read the bible and pray still - but there's something about Church. I like how the Psalmist says:
Ps 73:15 If I had said, "I will talk on in this way," I would have been untrue to the circle of your children. 16 But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I perceived their end. 18 Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. 19 How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors! 20 They are like a dream when one awakes; on awaking you despise their phantomsAfter going into the sanctuary, the Psalmist sees the world differently. He goes on to recount his blessings as one of the chosen, as compared to the fate of the wicked. They might enjoy life now, for awhile, but they ultimately have nothing. The key thing is the Sanctuary. That is where one goes to pray, and to worship, and to hang out with other believers. It is there that our perspective is changed.
Monday, August 22, 2005
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