Feast of the Favorites.

First let me apologize for my absence from OD. I have been increasingly busy and have not had time to read (or post) an entry, and for for that I am truly sorry. I got a few responses from the “Suggestions” entry and I would like to tap just a few really quickly if I may. I will start with an easy one and then move along as quickly as I can.

What is/are your favorite movies and why? ~DragonFly

Well DragonFly, that is a loaded question. I can say that I have many favorites but my actually favorite (at least it has been) is Forrest Gump. I think as far as film is concerned that is Master Class. The acting is WONDERFUL, the directing superb. Everything about it is first class film making. I also enjoyed Braveheart, The Changeling, Finding Neverland, Big Fish and countless others. I am a movie guy a heart and it has been and always be my passion. I will write a more in depth entry someday on how I think film has shaped society.

How about… IF (this point is debatable as well) humankind were created equal, then why is it that some individuals seem to rise easily up the ranks (corporation, socially, studiously, etc.) so quickly while others struggle to advance despite hard work? ~Inmate

What a great question Inmate! I have had this discussion many times before with friends and such and it always comes down to the “Nature versus nurture” debate. I personally believe that nurture plays a very large part in the development of not only the human mind but the spirit as well. A person who faces more challenges in their life tends to be the strongest. As the saying goes “The fire of Hell forges the strongest steel.” I agree with that. Those who start with disadvantage have farther to go to reach an equal level. Think of two bowling balls reaching the pins at the same time. One was thrown from the normal distance and the other from the seating area. To strike the pins at the same time you would have to throw the farther ball faster and harder to make up the lost ground. But when you strike you hit harder and faster. I believe the same is true for human evolution. As far as being born equal, well science tells us that genetic make-up causes greater strengths and weakness in us all. I believe that the phrase “All men are created equal” has more of a spiritual connotation. When we are born each and every one of us is blessed with the gift of choice. We can choose to face our fears, we can choose to be strong when life gets hard, we can choose to believe in a God we can’t see. We are created equal in the eyes of a greater being and in the fabric of a greater cause than who can hit a fastball and who can multiply complex fractions in their head. We are created equal in the fact that every one of us has the right to breath and the right to fight for ourselves (though because of certain political crimes that is not the case around the world).

What do you think the afterlife will consist of? ~Silverstar46

My personal belief? Tough question. I can give advice and theories all day, but to actually share what I believe here is interesting. I think that there is too much at risk and too much emotion in life to be lost at death. I think about the infinite love a man can feel for a woman and the thought that at the time of your passing that ends is unrealistic. Lets conduct an experiment, shall we? Think of something that no one has ever thought of. Think of someone in your family. Now think of them in a silly hat. Now add you favorite fruit floating above there outstretched right hand. Now imagine that they are standing in front of the place you spent your ninth birthday. Okay, you have the image. Now concentrate on it for a moment and think about this, you alone are the ONLY person to have ever had that exact thought. You just created an original moment in an infinite time line. You have altered the state of being for eternity. Do you think that kind of energy can just end with the physical shell you are riding in runs out of gas? Hell no. Taking a biblical stand point, the bible claims we lay and wait for Jesus to return before we are taken from this place. So do we roam as ghosts in that time? Are we in hibernation? How about a type of cryogenics? Either way the human soul/spirit/energy is too powerful to dissipate upon death. I may write again on this point, I feel I did not make my point. Oh well, we all got to think a crazy thought.

What, in your opinion, are the greatest problems and/or greatest benefits to the society we live in today? ~Silverstar46

The greatest benefit to society is organized religion. What was that? Did I hear a boo? What else can give millions hope? What else can give the masses structure? I mean look at Christianity alone. It provides a great set of core values to live by. You can’t ask for more than the promise that upon death you will be greeted at the pearly gates by all your loved ones. Even if it’s not true, safe money takes the chance.

The biggest problem in society today? Well that would be unorganized religion. This includes every person who thinks that Jews, Christians and Muslims don’t pray to the same God. It is the ignorant people that kill in the name of God. How in the name of Will Ferral do you kill in the name of God? That’s like farting in the name of good taste. We are currently at war with countries where thousands die because two religious cults can’t get along. Why can’t you just except the fact that your opposition is going to go to Hell when they eventually die? Why must you hurry them along the wrong path? I mean most religions they try and teach but these assholes are just out to say I told you so. Oh and don’t think for a second I was going to let American Religion off the hook. Oh no! You snotty church folk who walk around with your noses in the air because you attend church on Sunday and spend Monday through Saturday spreading the gossip you heard there. I don’t know when acting like you were better than someone else became a for of ministering to the non-believers. That just seems to drive them away from Christ. Good one, I think driving people away from Christ might get your ass a reserved place in Hell. Think about that next time you think that believing in God somehow makes you exempt from being polite.

Hypothesize why two people would maintain a five year relationship and get engaged when each one has a very strong dislike of the other’s passion to the point where they can barely manage tolerance. ~SolitarySylph

The only answer I can give you is fear and love. The two most powerful emotions known to mankind. And unfortunately the two main ingredients in relationships. That could be that you are too afraid to start over and put all the work in again with someone knew or afraid that you will never feel the love that you once had for that person. It could be so many different combinations of the two that it would be impossible to cover them all.

Or the sex is out of this world. That could be it too.

So that ended up WAY longer than originally intended. I apologize. But thank you for reading along and I promise I will try and be better about reading all of your entries and noting you. Though if you have a question or a comment note me and I will certainly get back to you.

~DK