Well we are now safely home and time to reflect on The Simpsons Movie … well that is done!
Now I shall preface my comments by stating that I am not as much a fan of The Simpsons as others that I know, and I do not have the innate ability to rattle off lines from the series throughout the years. Most of the time, it’s funny, some of the time I laugh. This pretty much describes my reaction to the movie.
I am sure there were funnier parts of the movie, however there were moments when applause, hootin’ and hollerin’ overwhelmed my ability to hear, so I shall have to watch it again (most likely when it is released on DVD). I’m willing to wait.
We sat in the theatre waiting for the “slushy” moment, alas didn’t appear (I think Ian dreamt about it, so it wasn’t meant to be there).
Following the movie most of the group ventured over to the Cheesecake Factory for a martini or other drink. Good discussion — not about the movie — and an enjoyable evening overall.
I’ve recently started to read his book, and have found it to be a very well written book that challenges to influence of the religious right, and explains how to overcome the hijacking of religion that has occurred over the last ten years or so.
While Rev. Jim didn’t focus too much on the content of his book, he did cover some parts that I have read (and agree with). First, most societal change has been organized by, or strongly influenced by, spiritual – or faith-based – organizations. As Wallis said, and writes in his book, “Lyndon Johnson didn’t become a civil rights leader until Martin Luther King made him one,” (a reference to the actions by Martin Luther King, Jr. leading up to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1966).
Rev. Wallis explained how after he appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, that he received thousands of emails from younger people who told Wallis that “they got it” and understood that religion was not something that was only something for those that supported the religious right. Rev. Wallis provides an insight into the other issues that are religious, or moral value issues, like poverty, the Iraq war, and social justice, many of which were mentioned more times in the Bible than other “important (religious right) issues”like abortion and same-sex marriage.
I’m not convinced that Layton enjoyed himself overly at the event, but we certainly were able to have a in-depth conversation about the things we love to talk about in the car ride home. This is something that I value in my friends, the ability – and willingness – to talk about the “taboo” subjects like religion, sex and politics. The conversations are always refreshing, often challenging, but never boring. To my friends, “thank you!”
American Express is currently donating $1 for any AMEX card holder that signs up for the Members Project. Card members have been able to nominate a charity that will receive up to $5million to bring their idea to life. Currently, there are five finalists, and you can review each of these here.
I’d like to tell you about an exciting project idea featured in The Members Project. It’s called “Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn.” and it’s one of 5 projects still in the running for $1 million to $5 million in American Express funding. I’m supporting this project, because I think it provides something that is needed in our society – educational opportunities.
So if you are an American Express card holder, I encourage you to go vote for this project at www.membersproject.com.
For those aussie friends of mine who occasionally visit. danah boyd, a phenomenal researcher on youth and their relationship with social networks (among other things), is visiting the land downunder. She will be speaking as part of the Education.au series in Brisbane (August 6) and Melbourne (August 8). Registration details here.
This music video appeared on Towleroad a few weeks back, and now that I’m finally getting around to catch up on blogs, I found it. I really like the sound of it (it has a familiar beat), and the words are really great. The singer, Ivri Lider, is an Israeli gay boy who has a great voice, and who is easy on the eyes. Listen through to the end, and note the subtle difference in the words.
Don’t forget to check out Ivri’s official site, and listen to his version of “Nights in White Satin” – a nice version, a little energetic, and electronic!
Thanks to Paul for providing the link to this. This is an incredible action by Sarah McLachlan and her supporters. Watch the video, as it contains figures for what it would have cost to do the video and what impact that money is making on the communities in the world that need the funding.
Garcia named to 3rd term as president of Collin County Gay, Lesbian Alliance
Morris Garcia has been named president of the Collin County Gay and Lesbian Alliance for a third straight year. The election took place at the group’s fourth annual meeting, held June 11, according to a press release. CCGLA also elected Marla Parker as vice president, Dell Mott as secretary and Rosanne Rossetti as treasurer.
While it is great that Morris has been appointed as president, it highlights how many of the current CCGLA board don’t understand the rules that govern CCGLA. Currently (until the board chooses to amend it to suit this latest election), the bylaws state:
Section 5.10. Term Limitations. President and Vice President are limited to two (4) consecutive terms. There shall be no term limitations for Secretary, Treasurer, or other such officers as may be required from time to time. Completion of vacancies shall not constitute a term. After serving (4) consecutive terms, the outgoing President or Vice President may run again for the same office after an absence of one complete year.
This bylaw was recently amended (March 2007), and one assumes it was meant to be adjusted to accommodate Garcia’s intentions on serving as the longest president of CCGLA (an honor formerly held by CCGLA Founder Dawnetta Miller).
Last night, I dragged Layton down to the Wilshire Baptist Church in Dallas to listen to Jim Wallis, the author of God’s Politics. Rev. Wallis was in town as part of the