The Lion is still King

So I've too busy to write...

But after seeing The Lion King in 3D I've decided to make time...lol

It just beat Moneyball for #1 at the box office and it looks to gross over $100 million in just a few weeks.

While the film has a lot of pagan mysticism and the Hakuna Matata philosophy, as presented by the meer cat and wart hog, is a completely irresponsible way of life...the film is a beautifully drawn piece of art about redemption and destiny...Shakespeare would have been proud to have watched his epic tragedy Hamlet turned into a broad, epic, animated classic...

By far, my favorite scene is when the old witch doctor, Rafiki, convinces Simba to return home...

While, as a Christian, I see a huge theological problem in the character, the idea that a "religious" figure would be the motivator, as opposed to Nala, the beautiful lioness, is a refreshing take. So often main characters in films are motivated to win to get the girl, but Rafiki encourages Simba to return home because it is right and because his father deserves to have a son who takes his place, and restore the Pride Lands.

I know it's just a cartoon...but it accomplishes more than most Hollywood dramas could ever dream of.

Here is the clip:

On a side note...I've met the producer of The Lion King, Don Hahn a few times now...here is a picture of me and him at D23:

     

Work. Oy Vey!

Today is Labor Day.

What an ironic holiday when you really think about it.

Because either you are unemployed, which means today is a slap in the face and a reminder of your failure as a human being living in a puritanical society, or you have a job and have to work (on a day meant to not work) or you don't have to work (which means more work for the rest of the week to catch up!)

It's really not fair any way you slice it. But if you have a job consider yourself blessed. Here are some great moments of TV characters getting fired or quiiting their job:

George quitting his job:

Kramer getting fired from a job he doesn't really have:

Homer Simpson's philosophy on work:

Enjoy your day off, America!

Who do you say that I am?

One part of Christian doctrine that I never understood was when pastors would ask their flock to ask others what they think of them. If you want to know how you come across, then ask your friends or co-workers. That seems like common sense, but is it really always biblical? Or even common sensical?

I think about Jesus talking to his disciples in Matthew 16:

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
¹⁵
“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. ¹⁸ And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” ²⁰ Then he ordered his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

If Jesus couldn't get the people to know who he was, how much harder will it be for us to get people to understand who we are?

People will say things about you all the time. Some will lie about you. Some will think you are more fantastic than you ever were. Some will be confused by you. And some will never pay any attention to you. Very few will ever know who you are and how God sees you.

So if others talk. Let 'em talk. If others don't see you how you really are, move on. It didn't seem to bother Jesus, so maybe we can not let us bother us.

Back to school...

It's back to school time again. I know this not because I'm a teacher, but because when I drive around town I no longer have to dodge kids on skateboards trying to run into my large blue North Korean BMW.

With everyone between 5-18 back to school and the college kids moving into dorms and heading back into their apartments, I think we should reflect back on what the purpose of a liberal arts education is.

While many have ideas on the purpose of education, the main purpose is to conform people into society.

It's not to educate. Test scores show that.

It's not to inspire. How many kids are trying to conquer the world these days? Alexander the Great took over the world by 18. Most 16 year olds don't know how to make their bed.

It's not to prepare. How does a few hours a week of a bunch of random subjects really prepare anyone for anything?

No. The purpose of education is to get people used to waking up early, get to their work place, have a lunch break, and then leave in the late afternoon. And for a few dads there are sports, but thats a whole other issue.

Should this be the purpose? Ehhh...maybe. Sure it would be great to think that kids all across America are learning to love math and English and history, but in reality what does a "love of" anything even accomplish?

As an English dude I realize that my degrees (B.A. and M.A.) in literature really don't amount to much outside of academia. It's not like people hear about my Masters Degree and shake in their boots or want to kiss my pinkie toe ring. In reality, loving literature or science or math or history simply doesn't pay the bills or afford the toys. DOING something with literature, science, math or history can pay the bills, but simply teaching people to love such things really doesn't accomplish much.   

So this upcoming school year, try not to just "love" what you are learning...but actually use your knowledge to be better and make the world better around you.

Is it still a blog if I'm not posting and the sadness of mama's boy nerds...

So I haven't posted in a while...mostly because I've been beyond busy...but that doesn't mean I still don't have a lot to say...haha...

This past weekend I was at the D23 Convention (pics coming soon...)

But a few thoughts about nerds.

While at D23, an expo celebrating the past, present, and future or Disney, I saw a man (boy) in his mid 20s waiting in line to meet John Lasseter. My friend had won a contest to meet him, and I was there with her while she waited in line. While there, we saw a man (boy) have his hair combed by his mother as he waited to meet the founder of Pixar.

Yep. A grown man (boy) had his mother, in public, comb his hair and brush it all around before he met John.

Guys...let me tell you right now: if your mom brushes your hair after 8 years old, you are not a man. You just aren't.

She can tell you to comb your hair, but she shouldn't really go beyond that. Here are a few things that by 20 you should be able to do without mommy:

1. Wash your hair
2. Bathe
3. Pack a lunch
4. Date
5. Talk to a girl
6. Talk to your boss
7. Go to the bathroom alone
8. Have a Facebook without giving mom the password
9. Drive anywhere
10. Breathe

Here are a few things your mom is allowed to do for you when you are in your twenties:

1. Make you dinner - this is cool because most men can't even make toast

2. That's about it.

So let's try to grow up gentleman...


 

Is Tom Hanks a saint?

I love Tom Hanks.

Ever since his Busom Buddy days.

But when I read stories like this, I just have to wonder if he's a secular saint?

Now here is my challenge to you.

If you made a piece of art, and people didn't like it, and in fact people spent money to see it, would you give them their money back?

Can you be happy?

Watch this video...NOW! Those who know me know how much I admire Dennis Prager...