Star Wars Insight

Ever wondered if Star Wars was prophetic? Did Lucas have insight into a future the rest of us had not forseen? Did he know that the world would start caring about their health and eating healthier including more organic and natural foods?

If not, then why else would he have named a character Leia Organa Solo?

Hmmm....

Dead Like Me

If you've never seen it, you should start catching up! I recently came across this series on a commercial/ad somewhere (tv, online, etc) and decided to check it out. It seems it started as a series on Showtime that is now syndicated on the SciFi channel.

After one episode, I was hooked. Although some will likely not find the humor in this show, others will see it. This show is clever and witty and humorous, while at the same time being synical, moody, sometimes dark and twisted. From the episodes I've seen, the show is also thought provoking, encouraging thought about life, circumstance, death, and what comes after.

Oh yeah, you might be wondering what it's about, well here's a high-level. Somewhat angry girl dies oddly and becomes one of several grim reapers. Both she and family left behind have difficulty copping with new situation. Want more? Watch the show on SciFi, currently Tuesdays at 7 and 8 US Eastern time!

You've got to check it out for yourself to really appreciate the cleverness of this show. Give it a try, and enjoy. I told you you would. :)

Note: Having originated on Showtime, there is adult language (f..) at least twice in each episode. The SciFi tv version has been edited (i'm pretty sure), but if you watch the series on DVD it is unedited.

Death at the Door

"Aroused from sleep I slowly opened my eyes as I lay still in bed. Standing in the corner of the room just to the right of the door, and just visible in the light shining in from the hall stood a dark foreboding figure. His face was skeletal, but darker and blurred.

Instantly I knew this figure's intent was not good. Boldly and without hesitation I shouted, 'be gone in the name of Jesus.' The figure seemed to whence, then shrunk sideward and out the door, not turning it's gaze away from me. In the hall it continued to gaze intently at me and I could feel it trying to search my mind for doubt, fear or any other unholy agreement to his cause. But I stood firm in my statement and offered no re-entrance. At last the figure turned away to the right and proceeded down the hall in a clouded veil of darkness. I noted the time; it was exactly 3:17 am."

That's the story my father recounted. It wasn't until two days passed that news would arrived. A restless gentleman in reasonable health had been evidently unable to sleep and walking the halls both for exercise, as his condition was not critical nor terminal, and tire himself. It was at exactly 3:17 am that this gentlemen had fallen over dead in the hall just two doors down to the right from my fathers.

Over the holidays I had the opportunity to read a couple pieces of fiction; something I've not had opportunity to do for some time.

A Series of Unfortunate Events
Book 1 - The Bad Beginning
This proved, a very entertaining story. Aside from what you've already heard or seen in the film adaptation, I'll give no information about the storyline itself. I will say that it is well and cleverly written. It even has educational potential as well. Definitions are provided for a good many words; however they are presented in a manner such that the reader almost doesn't realize they're learning. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series. Somewhat dark, albeit wonderful story that it is, it may not be for all readers (it is after all, a series of unfortunate events).


The Spiderwick Chronicles
Book 1 - The Field Guide
I've only had chance to read the first in the series so far, and very much enjoyed the tale of Boggart. Perhaps my only complaint here is that the story is somewhat short. It feels more that the series of five books should have been bundled as a collection of short stories, as 10 dollars for an hours read seems a little steep.

The author has also written at least one other book (for adults). While reading an excerpt online I realized it was definitely not something that I was comfortable reading. This caused me to take another look at the spiderwick series and although I may not be the quickest to pick up on symbolism and other such methods, I didn't notice anything that would cause me not to read the rest when a few hours leisure can be found. Due to the content I read from the adult work, I would suggest parents read of Spiderwick themselves to make judgment prior to handing it over to the kids.