Bill O'Reilly: Theology makes Catholic Church what it is

Bill O'Reilly: Theology makes Catholic Church what it is

He may not be the most agreeable person in the world, and I certainly can't stand his political views, but I agree with his views on this matter 100%. Indeed, one cannot judge a whole institution based on a couple of miscreants. As the priest said in his homily yesterday afternoon, the Catholic Church is one of the few institutions that can pride itself for remaining true to the teachings of Christ. And for this reason, I will remain faithful to my church.

This is not to say that I condone the abuses committed by some members of the clergy. I believe that they should be prosecuted and, when convicted, be held accountable for their actions. But to condemn the entire Church, and to renounce one's faith, based on these individuals is both absurd and illogical. It would be tantamount to renouncing one's citizenship on the basis of the crimes committed by one's head of state.

The Power of Suggestion

Pearls of wisdom from my friend C, during our conversation on the idiocy of men (specifically 1 and 2):

C: lesson learned, when you find guys you like, don't call them idiots -- they tend to live up to their titles.

G: hahaha true true.

C: call them smart, gorgeous hunks 1 and 2. Use the power of suggestion!

G: duly noted. :)

C: so, kamusta na si SGH1? Smart gorgeous hunk 1?

G: um, wala akong ganun e.

C: well, mangarap ka na rin lang. The power of suggestion, remember? Haha.

Now I'm wondering, if I start calling them Piolo, Derek, and Echo, would the names become self-fulfilling prophecies? :)

Addendum: a few minutes later...

G: omg, we have a new intern in the office. It's a guy. And he's Chinese. :D

C: omg! Si SGH1 na yan!

G: Ang galing ng power of suggestion!

C: well, for sure S na siya kasi he's in a law firm. G is relative. So the H-ness is what you have to make sure of. Tapon ka ng ipis sa direction niya -- works every time hahaha!

Clash of the Titans

The original (1981) version of Clash of the Titans is one of those films that shaped my childhood, alongside Star Wars, The Godfather, Doctor Zhivago, Gone With the Wind, and Ben Hur. When I heard that a remake was going to be released, I was initially excited. However, after hearing the not-so-good reviews from friends who've seen it, I became apprehensive albeit still excited to see it.

Purists would undoubtedly dislike this film, for apart from the names of the characters and the general direction of the plot, the film undeniably deviated from the Perseus myth. I admit, this was disappointing - if the writers would change the essence of the story, why not just make a new one? Greek myths are rife with prophecies of fathers supplanting sons, jealous goddesses venting their wrath on poor mortals, and meddling Olympians, yet we see almost none of these themes in this remake. Indeed this film shouldn't even be called a remake, for it barely resembles the original film.

True, there were great visuals and effects, but this is hardly surprising in this day and age. This could not make up for the simplistic plot and weak dialogue. I went into the theater telling myself to not expect too much, given the bad reviews I've heard, but even with my lowered standards I couldn't help but feel cheated of my 200 bucks. Perhaps I should have waited for this film to be shown on HBO.

Clash of the Gods

Being a bit of a nerd, I was a little excited to watch this new series on The History Channel. The Clash of the Gods is a series which focused on the different gods and goddesses of old, outlining their myths - from their genesis until their eventual decline - and even providing possible factual bases for these stories.

The first episode focused on Zeus, from his rise to power after the defeat of his father, Cronus, until his fall from grace with the advent of Christianity. I enjoyed the bit where the Zeus myth was linked with the ancient disaster at Santorini. The theory is that the Zeus myth - particularly the story of his battle with Cronus - was borne out of this volcanic eruption.

One thing about this series though: it's not for children. When they discuss the myths, they discuss every aspect of it, including the incestuous and violent themes of the myths. Still, it's an entertaining show, and it made me want to burrow through my piles of books and look for battered copy of Mythology by Edith Hamilton.

1602 by Neil Gaiman

Omnia mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis. All things change, and we change with them.

Neil Gaiman was in the country a few weeks ago, and for the first time since he started coming here for signings and whatnots, I wasn't able to (stalk him) attend because I had to WORK. GAH.

Anyway, a couple of days before the event my friend C called me up and told me that she knew someone who could get Neil to sign a book for me. I chose 1602, since this is one of my favorite graphic novels outside the Sandman universe.

What I liked about this book was that one did not need to be thoroughly familiar with the whole Marvel universe to appreciate the story. Sure, a knowledge of the different heroes and villains would help especially since the reader is just thrust into the story without any introductory remarks about the characters, but it's not necessary. After all this is a retelling of the whole Marvel universe, set in Elizabethan England.

I'm also a fan of historical fiction, and to see the likes of Doctor Strange and Peter Parquah/Parker hobnobbing with Queen Elizabeth amused me to no end. And as with all great historical fiction, there is great drama in this work, complete with political intrigues, assassination plots, hostage takings, and even some jealous lovers to spice things up even more. And not to worry, none of the characters spoke in Shakespearean English, so they were all perfectly intelligible.

As with other stories with heroes and villains in it, the plot is simple and predictable: evil villain schemes to gain more power, the world is at the brink of destruction, and the heroes band together to save the day. However this is where the genius that is Neil Gaiman comes in, as he weaves together a complex yet entertaining story that just draws the reader in, compelling him to continue reading until the end is reached.

The themes underlying the book are also far from simple, and while the story is set in the 17th century, the message is undeniably timely. We live in a continually changing world where we are all forced to change and adapt in order to survive. And true, the world is growing darker and scarier, but we as a race have always shown that it is in the darkest times that we become even greater by reaching out to others. Indeed, there is no challenge that we cannot overcome, so long as we work together. And it is truly in the darkest hours of history that people - not necessarily superheroes - emerge to give us hope and show us that not everything is lost.

Carlos Javier (Charles Xavier) was right: from those who have much to give, much is demanded.