"The Golden Compass" - My Editorial

I received several e-mails regarding the new film "The Golden Compass". This film is based on the first book of a trilogy. It was renamed from " The Northern Lights" for the American audience.

The e-mails consisted of people and organizations telling me to NOT see the film and to tell all my friends to do the same. The reason: They say it an "anti-Jesus film", that it is atheistic, they "kill" god in the end and that is also an anti C.S. Lewis and his Narnia series

I always take offense when told that any book or film should not be watched, especially when the people telling me have not read any of the books or have not seen the film. Being against a powerful and organized church that exerts it's power on the people is not the same as being against Jesus Christ or God. That is where you take your opportunity to discuss, exchange ideas and learn. There are teaching moments you can have with kids and this is one of them.

Ignorance, "book burning", etc. have never been a good answer to anything. You can never win someone over to your point of view if you attack them from the "get go" without hearing them out.

If you are a parent that is not sure if your child should see a particular film or read a particular book because of it's content or age appropriateness, then see it or read it yourself first. Then, YOU, as the responsible parent, can make an educated decision. It is always good to discuss films and books with children. You get a different perspective and, as I said before, it is a teaching and learning moment.

Where do you stand on 'The Lord of the Rings Trilogy" and The Harry Potter Series?

RE: THE DARK MATERIALS TRILOGY and PHILLIP PULLMAN

The following are direct quotes from an interview with the author on his website:

Do you believe in God?
I don't know whether there's a God or not. Nobody does, no matter what they say. I think it's perfectly possible to explain how the universe came about without bringing God into it, but I don't know everything, and there may well be a God somewhere, hiding away.
Actually, if he is keeping out of sight, it's because he's ashamed of his followers and all the cruelty and ignorance they're responsible for promoting in his name. If I were him, I'd want nothing to do with them.

Who do you write for - children or adults?
Myself. No-one else. If the story I write turns out to be the sort of thing that children enjoy reading, then well and good. But I don't write for children: I write books that children read. Some clever adults read them too.

You have run into criticism from certain religious groups who regard you as subversive, with the Catholic Herald describing your work as 'worthy of the bonfire.' Do such emotional responses concern or upset you or does it please you to generate strong reactions?
I'm delighted to have brought such excitement into what must be very dull lives.

Other comments from various sources regarding "The Golden Compass":
"This book is set in a world which seems familiar but is also magical; where people's souls are external and take different forms, where bears wear armour and can talk, where the Church is a political systems and in charge of scientific research."

"Originally published in Great Britain as His Dark Materials 1: Northern Lights in 1995, The Golden Compass "forms the first part of a story in three volumes." This book is set in a universe similar to ours but different in several important aspects, one of those differences being that people have tangible souls in the form of animal-shaped "daemons." The second book is to be set in our universe, and the third book will move between the two.The language in The Golden Compass is toned down to a level of readability by a younger audience, but many of its themes and allusions are more than heavy enough for adults: the nature of the soul and where it resides, the corrupting nature of power, the suffocating sternness of a powerful Church. A quote from Paradise Lost precedes the book, and Milton is hardly childish reading. Another interesting aspect of the story is its resistance to categorization. There are corporeal souls, talking polar bears, and flying witches, but there are also scientists studying, classifying and quantifying their universe. It is the same edge-blurring blend of pure fantasy and very soft science fiction that makes a real separation of science fiction and fiction impossible."

Thanks for your time......

Go see the film...or better yet, read the books....

My 100th Blog and the End of 2007 Hurricane Season!

Today is the last day of the 2007 Hurricane Season!

Yeah! Yippee! Hurrah! Woosh! Yeeeepah! We made it through Hurricane Season without a direct hit this year!

(I am thankful and hold in my prayers those that have been affected by the storms this year and those still recovering from previous storms.THE GULF COAST STILL NEEDS HELP!)

Wow. I did not know I would get to 100 in such a short time. Thanks to my friends, family and bloggers who have given me some good advice, contacts, criticism and the occasional giggle and a smile.

I thought I was going to write something profound, but I guess "Thank you" works well. Sometimes having a sense of gratitude is enough. I feel blessed.

Sunny Days

I don't have time right now to update and let you know the goings on of the last week or so and all the upcoming events. So, enjoy some pictures I took on Jacksonville Beach at the beginning of the year.

White Party Events .... The Kick Off...

"The Season" is officially running ahead full stream in South Florida. This week was the opening event for The White Party. There are now two weeks full of a variety of events that are part of the White Party.

Mr. S and I attended the "OUT is INC" event at the remodeled Macy's Store in South Beach. Attendance was limited and you had to RSVP in advance. OUT magazine was one of the sponsors. There was a donation given at the door to benefit Care Resource.

Once inside, the brightly lit store with minimal holiday decorations (that I refer to as a nipple ring accident) was full of the well dressed, well mannered and charming people (including some local television, political and community celebrities) that were not your late night club crowd. Attendees were treated to complimentary Svedka cocktails, a variety of delicious appetizers and music by DJ Pride. Everyone was graciously greeted by Steve Adkins (Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) before the presentation of an INC (International Concepts) runway fashion show. This was emceed by long time White Party hostess, Elaine Lancaster.

Everyone was able to shop during the event. This Macy's store is specifically catering to the South Beach resident and visitor. We were glad to run into people we knew and had a very pleasant evening.

Rita .... Celebrating a Life

Rita passed away Monday night....I received the news early this morning. My church ladies are slowing leaving us. She was my Jenga and Domino rival and partner. She was in her eighties. Her life was dedicated to teaching and the church. She had no living relatives. All of us that knew her and were part of her life are her family.

One could always see her with a smile on her face. Never to be outdone, she was always "dressed to the nines" in hand made lace and linen dresses with matching purse and shoes. I remember she was the first one on the dance floor at the last church social event.

There will be some sadness because she will be missed, but (I believe) she is where she should be. It is what we believe, preach and celebrate. So, I will be happy that she is at peace and in a heavenly place living it up. I don't really mourn the death, but celebrate the life.

Robertson for Giuiani ... Those who cast stones....

This was posted on Thursday, November 08, 2007. To link to the original blog and access to additional links go to: http://blog.beliefnet.com/godspolitics

Robertson for Rudy (by Jim Wallis)

Pat Robertson's endorsement of Rudy Giuliani for president is simply astonishing. Robertson - the television preacher who founded the 700 Club and once ran for president himself - has made opposition to abortion and same sex marriage his political north star and has been a relentless champion of traditional marriage and family values.

Remember Robertson's merciless attacks on President Bill Clinton's lapses of sexual morality with Monica Lewinsky? Or his comments about how the 9/11 attacks were the result of America's tolerance for homosexuals and abortion?

Now Robertson is for Rudy, a thrice married adulterous husband, who is estranged from his own children and is both pro-choice and pro-gay rights. According to Pat Robertson's twisted moral logic, forgiving the social conservative shortcomings of Republicans is a Christian virtue, so long as the same virtue is never applied to Democrats. But Pat thinks Rudy can beat Hillary, and Pat really cares about winning for the Republicans.

What exactly goes on in Pat Robertson's head has puzzled many of us for a long time. This endorsement ranks as one of the most unprincipled in recent political memory. Maybe principles never mattered much to Pat Robertson after all. Perhaps the pro-business economic conservatism of the Republican Party was always more important to the televangelist than saving unborn lives. Robertson's longstanding support of murderous Liberian dictator Charles Taylor and his diamond investments thanks to Zairian dictator Mobutu Sese Seko speak louder than words when it comes to Robertson's ethic of life. And that's not to mention the more than $400 million Robertson's empire made when he sold his International Family Network to Rupert Murdoch, after building it on tax deductible contributions of thousands of CBN donors, many of modest means. He has been putting profits over principles for years.

Richard Land, spokesman for the Southern Baptist Convention, has taken a more consistent position. Land has clearly said that he won't support Giuliani if he becomes the Republican nominee, explaining in a recent Newsweek interview, "I'm not willing or able to violate my moral conscience. It would be like asking an African American to choose between Strom Thurmond and George Wallace, or asking Abe Lincoln to vote for a pro-slavery candidate. I personally can't do it." Land predicts that many social conservatives will just sit out this election if the Republicans decide to run Rudy. That's called standing for principle.

Pat Robertson clearly has taken another position. His endorsement of Rudy Giuliani will seem to many to be unprincipled hypocrisy.

Brithdays and Blessings

I can't believe it's been six years since my dad passed away. This week would have been his 75th birthday. I spent it doing house repairs and cleaning and just overall keeping busy. I am so glad family and friends still remember him fondly with many good memories.

Blessings come in many forms.....family and friends are two of them. It is good to remember and celebrate the lives of people you care about. Even if they do not want a party, cake hear that song , etc. I'm sure they do appreciate being remembered and that you appreciate that they are here.

Time to celebrate the birthdays of those that are here..... Mario (my cousin), Amparo, Nacho, Scotty and Papa Perner all celebrate birthdays this week.

Wednesday was a nice birthday get together at Ditmar's D-Bar for Scott's birthday. It was really good fun with live live Latin music,a DJ, and a show by Geraldine in the main room. Friday there will be a party for Papa Perner (Ditmar's dad).

Happy Birthday to all of you who have one in November. ENJOY!!!

A week of Tricks and Treats....

The Halloween week is over and now I'm getting into Holiday mode. We are in the middle of some home improvements so everything is dusty, messy, and just plain out of order.

Halloween night went much better than expected. The rains from (at the time) Tropical Storm Noel ceased for the evening so all the revelers and costumed people were out all over South Beach. Mr. S and I went to "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". We were a hit!! There were many "virgins" there... We screamed, danced, acted out parts and had our picture taken over and over. We felt like Superstars.

The evening did not end there. We went to the Palace/D-Bar for a bit, Twist and the Heatherette Party (yes, the designers) at the Victor Hotel. Everywhere we went people asked to take our pictures and we did run into other "Rocky's, but not in the "Creation Scene" out fit. I did have on shiny black shorts and a closed leather vest under. I did not get more pictures of the evening because my camera got dropped during the Show and I didn't get it fixed until today.

Next Event: Sleepless Night, Miami Beach. 6pm until 6am. An all night, FREE, cultural event (includes, visual arts, music, cinema, fashion, music, etc) at different venues all over Miami Beach. More info and schedule at: www.sleeplessnight.org

Remember:

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME (This Saturday, November 3....turn your clocks back an hour).

Rain, Rain, Go away...I have a costume to wear!

It's Halloween week and I have already been to one party last Sunday. It was an Emergency Room theme at the Palace. Mr. S was a doctor and I was the patient.

There is a storm brewing in the tropics (Noel). The wind has picked up considerably and we are expecting rain in the middle of the week. I'm hoping it won't dampen (ha ha) our fun on Wednesday, Halloween night. We are going to see "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Colony Theater on Lincoln road. That night there is also a costume parade, but it is always a parade of people to watch on South Beach.

Will post pics later in the week. The Countesses are in town and they have brought out all the good people...and some of the scandalous ones too....

Until later, have a safe and fun week.

A Race, A Show and a Hunt...Oh, My! A busy weekend

Just some pics from the weekend events. The Susan Komen Race for the Cure (Breast Cancer), The Saturday Show at the Palace and The Herald Hunt (A Puzzle Hunt).

Pink Ribbons everywhere...

It is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Many companies and organizations have been advertising special sales and events to benefit different Breast Cancer Organizations. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one of the best known and is the one that organizes the Race for the Cure.

My "women" and I will be participating in the Race/Walk again this year (Saturday, October 20 at Bayfront Park). As I have mentioned before, we will be a group of survivors and supporters and also remember those that are no longer with us. I am very fortunate and proud that the survivors that are in our group are strong women that refused to be casualties and victims. They are active in their treatment and recovery. Some did it for their families, some for other personal reasons, but what they all have in common is that they had support from family and friends.

So far, my collections from sponsors for the Race has been slow (meaning not as much as I collected last year). The good part of this is that many of those that were sponsoring me last year are participants this year, therefore a greater pool of new sponsors.

Again, I will be participating with the Barcardi Team. It's always fun and we get together early for the presentations and to share stories before the event begins.

For the "40's Birthday Girls" this has become the October event and we will all get together after the event for a nice breakfast/brunch. Though, knowing this group, it might turn into a whole other event all together.

If you would like to donate or would like more information about Breast Cancer and upcoming events in your area, news, etc., go to the following site. Thanks and Peace!

http://www.komen.org/

Ups and downs and looking forward...

Been having an emotional, topsy turvey time the last two weeks..... The breakdown would be a funeral of a church friend who was also one of my "moms" ( I made and printed her funeral program and was the head Usher/coordinator at the service), two birthdays, a birth (healthy baby girl), changing travel plans, a friend moving away (to England), good family time and good relationship time. It has been quite cleansing though....I got many feelings out of the way in a short amount of time. It actually helped me put things back into perspective and appreciate all those that have a part of my life. I am re-energized.

It's getting closer to the end of the year so I took a look at some of the resolutions I made for myself at the beginning of the year. I said that 2007 would be: "... the year to rediscover my passion for life and wonder. I will travel. I will take on projects with a purpose. I will cherish friendships and nurture the ones I have. I will take time to do some introspection and feed my Spirit. I will take care of the body that has been given to me. I will take action and not sit by and let things just happen to me. I will speak up, stand up and take the time to care." I am happy to say that I think I have exceeded my own expectations. The resolutions are now part of me and are helping me grow. I will have to keep them up and add to them. Part of the success is making realistic and attainable goals.

Looking ahead for this month:

On the 7th, Mr S. and I will be going to see Patti LuPone in concert at the Knight Concert Hall at the Carnival Center. It will be a nice night out. The title of her show is "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda!"

The 4th is a "meet and greet" for the next mayor of Miami Beach, Matti Bauer. It will be at Halo on Miami Beach from 6pm to 8pm. (Register to vote if you have not done so!!!).

The 20th is "The Susan Komen Race for the Cure" (breast cancer) has become our main October Event. Again, I will be on the Barcardi Team and we will be joined by friends that are survivors and remember those who are no longer with us. Afterwards, we will be having a picnic as a get together. Please donate to the cause if you can.

On the 21st is the "Herald Hunt". This is a free event sponsored by the Miami Herald. It was made up years ago by the columnist/writer/humorist/musician, Dave Barry. It used to be called "The Tropic Hunt" (named after a Sunday section of the local paper). The event is a giant, life size scavenger hunt/puzzle. It is done in a section of Miami and includes life size props, performance artists, etc. I've participated several times and it is always a hoot. This year it is on South Beach. Previous areas have been: Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, South Miami and Coral Gables.

On the 27th is the expected arrival of the glamorous and fabulous "Northern Court" with the Countess Bedelia and the Countess duBarry. The red carpets, body guards, armoured jeweled coaches, sunshine, and Glenlivet have been ordered. The paparazzi will be working overtime.

On the 31st (Halloween), Mr S and I along with 400 other people will be viewing The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the big screen at the completely redone Colony Theater on Lincoln Road. I'm still working on what to wear......Any suggestions? It is a one night only event.

In between the events are the regular church events and meetings, family obligations and drama, and all the other surprises and constants that occur. I hope all of you are well. I will post something with more substance as I find the time to sit at the computer and put my thoughts in writing.... Until then, Peace.

September 11 and a Prayer for Peace

September 11, 2007........most of the country and some of the world recalled and memorialized the tragedy that occurred six years ago. It seems so recent in my memory. One of my cousins was in the Pentagon that day and I recall speaking to her kids in the moments of uncertainty of her whereabouts. I am glad to say she is OK and was able to get to her family later in the evening.

Tuesday evening I participated in an Ecumenical Procession and Vigil for Peace as part of the remembrance of the 9/11 attacks. It was sponsored by the Catholic Radio Station " Radio Paz 830 AM". The procession started at my parish, Todos Los Santos Episcopal Church and then headed to La Ermita de la Caridad (A church by Biscayne Bay next to Viscaya). My priest, Rev. Alejandro Hernandez, welcomed the walkers with songs and prayers. Then, the Catholic Father Alberto Cutie (pronounced cu - tee - eh...but he is a cutie) started off the walk carrying a large wooden cross. We had police escorts all the way. There were even some nuns in the mix.

When the March for Peace reached the bay, there were many more people there waiting to participate in the vigil service. After the service, there was a concert by a diverse group of Christian acts, including Christy Aria, Robert Ekonomow and Caro Fernandez (winner of the "Voice of an Angel").

It's good to see that people can get together for a common cause. Regardless of one's background we can always pray for peace.

Other clergy that were present were retired Episcopal Bishop Onell Soto and his wife (really nice and enjoyable people!!!), The Catholic Bishop Agustin Roman (old, but did the walk), and The Presbyterian Minister Rev. Martin Anorga (A great speaker). Did I mention all this was in Spanish? It was covered by the local Telemundo and Univision Stations for the news.

More information:

Radio Paz: http://www.radiopaz.org/ and http://www.radiopazmusical.com/