Memorial Day Weekend
This weekend two friends and I had the opportunity to spend some time at the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia (
http://www.dday.org/). It is a moving tribute, although it pales in comparison to the trip I was able to take four years ago to visit Normandy in person. As many times as I've read the events, or seen films depicting what happened, nothing compares to seeing the cliffs at Pont du Hoc, the coast of Omaha beach, and the sheer number of graves at the American Cemetery.
Sadly, it seems too many Americans see this weekend as the "first holiday since February" or the "opening of the local pool" rather than as a day to spend in tribute and reflection at the great sacrifices those who came before us made . . . and the men and women who carry on that great tradition of service in our military today.
It's become the standard line no matter how derisive of the president or the war in Iraq to tag on "but I support the troops." I have to wonder sometimes whether that can really be true. I hope so. And I won't judge them.
Today, I specifically honor my Grandfather, who served in the Army Air Force in Italy and northern Africa during World War II. That truly was the greatest generation.
Thank you, to all who have served in the Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, Army, & Marine Corps. And those in the National Guard and other positions who have an increasing role in the defense of our country.
All in a Year's Time . . .
One year ago this week I was in England (specifically London and a day trip to Oxford) with one of my best friends. Too many memories to recount, but it was a fantastic trip. We walked
all over the city and hit every single thing on our "campaign of London" master schedule plotted out in advance. Well, that's not quite true. We made it to the Bentham Room, but they were decorating for a dance and the fire alarm started sounding when we started investigating behind the wall-length sheets in search of dear Jeremy's auto-icon at the University, so we fled before actually seeing Jeremy. And I managed to miss Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks even though I saw every other exhibit in the "Masters" hall of the British Library. But then again, I have two strong reasons to return. Next year, Oxford will be the main staging area and London will be the day trip!
Let God Be God . . .
Many individuals would do well to remember this thought more often, and in particular an a propos parenthetical "and you're not Him."
It strikes me that many within the "Christian elite" are learning this fact, conscious of the reality that most individuals find us a bit bizarre, and eager to learn from previous mistakes made by others in the same elite in years past.
But on this day -- May 19th -- the opening of the much-anticipated film version of Dan Brown's successful (to put it mildly) novel
The DaVinci Code, this theme seems particularly fitting. I appreciate those within Christianity who are using this moment as an opportunity to discuss what is on the public's mind. I appreciate the willingness to dialogue, to explore the truth, and to answer genuine questions rather than condemn, boycott, and repudiate whole cloth.
I've read
The DaVinci Code twice and enjoyed it both times. I enjoyed
Angels & Demons even better (all the intrigue, none of the blasphemy, as a friend says), but understand why Brown's research-based Indiana Jones style of writing appeals to so many. At the same time, I realize that both stories are exactly what they claim to be . . .
fiction. Ah, but he claims to base so much of the stories on true events, locations, and people, and thus deceives, some say. True, but if all fiction that included true "events, locations, and people" were treated with the same skepticism and eye for uncovering deception, very little of the genre would survive. (Although recent polls contain some reason for alarm; it seems some individuals are very gullible and unable to think for themselves. Even those scholars who aren't professing Christians recognize
The DaVinci Code's premise to be fictional.)
But back to my original theme . . .
As I've read the reviews coming from Cannes and elsewhere over the past few days, I've been struck by the great irony that all the "religious controversy" hype might not be what will shipwreck the film. It just might be that individuals are unwilling to pay $9 to see a poorly done film. And maybe, just maybe, the film version of
The DaVinci Code won't succeed of fail on the basis of its truth or fiction, and its attendant attack on the church and popular history, but on the quality of what makes any film great -- its acting, direction, art photography, script, etc. What transferred well on the page often fails on the big screen, and this film may simply be one more example of that truth.
So perhaps instead of planning boycotts and engaging in ranting attacks of the film, the best strategy is to be prepared to answer honest questions about
The DaVinci Code's claims, and let God handle the popularity and success of the film. He's still on His throne. He's allowed the book to do well, and having it translated to the film isn't going to cause any more "damage" to His reputation or the truth. And perhaps Christians, too, can take a step back and realize that we need not fight every battle or attack everything in society that runs counter to Christianity. Surely there are more threatening evils in the world than a fictional book and movie. If you can't think of any, then you have bigger problems than Ron Howard at this moment.
Two posts in a single week . . .
Life must be good! It's been a little slow lately, so I've had time to focus on what's really important to me . . . like writing. And I am going to be better about adding random thoughts to this blog. Seriously.
I added the last blog, regarding
The Office in an attempt to diversify my topics. I know I write a lot about books, and that's a big part of my life (I have four full-size and four two/three-shelf bookshelves and books are still lined up against the walls). I'm a book-addict. I confess.
Anyway, I'm on a self-imposed "book-buying restriction" until August, so I can catch up reading the books I own, but haven't read yet. Of course, this doesn't stop me from going to the library to check out books that I want to read right now, too! Currently in the middle of
In Cold Blood after having watched
Capote, which was a brilliant film.
But this post wasn't supposed to be about books. It's about the "other stuff" in my life. Right now, that includes helping my co-clerk renovate her home (she's redoing the bathrooms and kitchen, so I've learned how to tile, drywall, plaster, paint, and stain -- well, I already knew how to do the last two, but I'm learning the rest!). Glad it's her house and not mine!
I've also been enjoying the sites of western Virginia. There was a talk at the library (sorry, unintentional literary reference) recently about Moonshine. And, of course, there's the fabulous, though slowly disintegrating, Foamhenge. That's right, it's exactly what you first thought of -- A recreation of Stonehenge made entirely out of foam. Don't believe me? Check it out:
http://www.naturalbridgeva.com/foamhenge.html.
And here's a picture from my recent pilgrimage there:
And when two college friends were visiting me, we were fortunate enough to run across the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile at my local Kroger. Of course, we asked for the mini-whistles, which we were told can only be acquired from one of the Weinermobiles traveling throughout the states at this moment. Who knew? The Weinermobile has an "Oscar Meyer theme song" horn and two enthusiastic recent college grads willing to tell you all about their experiences. Fun times!
For more information on this icon of Americana, check out their website: http://www.kraftfoods.com/om/Wienermobile_main.htm
On that note . . . until the next time!
The Office
No, not my office, but the American version of the BBC success
The Office is, quite simply, the best sitcom on television right now. I know my timing is lousy, but I promise to write again on the subject at the beginning of its third season next fall instead of waiting until the week after the season finale airs.
This show is absolutely brilliant. As with any show, some weeks are better than others, but there are so many gems that it's worth giving a few episodes to discover. What makes this show so good is not just that it eschews modern sitcom antics such as laugh tracks and famous guest stars and, instead, focuses on good writing and multi-dimensional characters.
Although Steve Carell does a fantastic job as the clueless boss, the best moments of the show are the reactions and lines of the supporting characters. They are people we all know, and in some cases reflect our attitudes. And who can't love the Jim and Pam love story? I'm a sucker for a slow-paced, real-life love story, and it doesn't get any better then those two.
So if you happen to stumble upon it on re-runs or DVD, give it a chance this summer. Otherwise, pay attention next Fall -- Thursdays in its new time slot of 8:30pm (ET) on NBC. Although many will say the original series far surpasses this one (and in some ways, it does), the American version has found its own pace and is far cleaner than the BBC one. That's why I prefer it, at least!
For additional insights, check out this site, which does a far better job of relaying all things related to the show:
http://www.lifeintheoffice.com/, as well as the official website:
http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/ (the April Fool's Day mock PSAs are classic --
http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/video/index.shtml#main), and this MySpace site that Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesley) updates regularly during the season as they film:
http://www.myspace.com/pambeesley.
