When you wish upon a star, as dreamers do...

So, it's the day after Christmas. While I'm not a huge fan of Canada, I think they have the right idea making today a holiday. It's such a strange day for me. Even this year, with my serious lack of holiday spirit. All the work and preparation that lead up to this one day and then suddenly, it's over. Back to the everyday grind. And, even while your tree is still up in the living room, it seems a little less magical. So, here I sit, writing a blog, syncing my ipod, and thinking about next year.

Of course, I've made the typical new years resolutions: get healthier, spend less money, read more books. The same resolutions I make every year. And, every year, I cross my fingers and hope I follow through. Don't look at me like that…you do the same thing. You say, this year I'm going to the gym three times a week, I'll stick to my budget, and finish that novel I started last January (you say that, I don't, I finished last January's novel last January). But, deep in the back of your mind, you know that the variable in all of those resolutions is your own follow through, and you're a little concerned you might get in your own way. You're not alone.

And, I want all the pieces of my life to fall into place. Seriously, is that too much to ask? Sure, I have my goals for the year, just like everyone else. But, here are my hopes for the year. I want to accomplish something that makes me feel really good about myself. I'm not picky about what it is, actually, just something that makes me feel great about being me. I would really like to keep a secret, just one. I'd like to find some way to peacefully coexist with my parents. I would say I'd like to move out, but I'm not that optimistic. I'd also like to peacefully coexist with Wayne State, but the truth is, peacefully or otherwise, I'm stuck there. So, I'd like to learn to love it, no, on second thought, I'd like to just learn. And, lastly, I want to find someone. And, I know I'm not the only one who's hoping for that one to happen.

So, good luck with all your new year's resolutions. I hope you can overcome yourself and actually see their fruition. But, more importantly, I'm really hoping you get all of those things that you are secretly dreaming of, in your heart of hearts. On New Year's Eve, while the rest of you are watching the ball drop, I'm going to be outside, wishing on a star. Wishing for the best year yet, for you and for me.

The Golden Compass

Since I am avoiding studying for my Michigan Politics final, I thought I would write a blog I've been meaning to post for quite some time. I'm sure most of you are aware that last weekend a rather controversial film, The Golden Compass, was released. As always, I figured I'd throw in my two cents for those of you who are willing to listen. I have not seen the film yet, so please note that my opinions are based on the trilogy of books and not the actual film. I will not be seeing the film for sometime because I do not want to contribute to it financially. I will wait until I can rent it for free from Blockbuster.

Anyway, yes, I have read all three books. And, I am not a fan. I am not a fan for several reasons. First of all, I found them boring and a bit tedious. For those of you familiar with my blogs, you know how much I hate Dan Brown. Well, these books were like Dan Brown for kids. I think the books are marketed toward middle schoolers, an maybe even younger, but they contain some scientific themes that will most certainly go over their heads. Some of it went over my head. The characters are concerned with elementary particles, or dust, and the effect they have on children versus their effect on adults. These particles are able to communicate with the more enlightened individuals of society and children. Confused? So was I.

Secondly, as I already mentioned, I think these books are marketed toward a younger generation, but they deal with themes that I think are far too mature for someone so young. Lyra, the main character, and Will, her companion for the second and third books, have a developing romance that seems entirely innocent for quite some time. Until the latter part of the third book, when we see the relationship take a more physical turn. The author does not imply that they have sexual relations, but they do spend a considerable amount of time alone, and do kiss. It is the crossing of this relationship into a more mature realm that causes Lyra to lose her ability to communicate with the dust through her alethiometer, thus signifying that she has passed puberty, essentially.

Also, Lyra is the illegitimate child of Lord Asriel and her mother, Mrs. Coulter. Details of this relationship that I think would be better left alone are not. It is also implied that Mrs. Coulter has had other affairs with other men in order to gain what she needs to continue her experiments. (Experiments that have something to do with disconnecting the soul from the body to see how the dust changes.)

Lastly, the entire trilogy is basically an atheist's argument against God. He confuses the corruption of the institution of the church with the corruption of God, which we as Christians realize is a human institution susceptible to corruption. We can easily separate the two, ..:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Pullman does not. Basically, the trilogy culminates in the good guys (including a few rogue angels, polar bears, and witches led by Lord Asriel) waging a war against the church and God. Eventually, God is destroyed, but he turns out to be a fake, only an angel with delusions of grandeur.

The books are not only poorly written, they are the equivalent of a literary wolf in sheep's clothing. An atheist has wrapped his anti-God beliefs in a cushy little box, complete with fuzzy friends and kids who conquer evil. I do not think this is a mere question of imagination, such as Harry Potter, but rather a purposely dangerously confusing theological argument.

But, if you are looking for some quality entertainment for you kids, nieces and nephews or even yourself, allow me to make some suggestions. Stardust will be available for rent on Tuesday and the latest Harry Potter film came out last week. Gregor the Overlander is a great series, full of imaginative fun and even talking rats and bats. Also, the two Ven Polypheme books are great, although they are a bit more of a challenge.

But, don't take my word for it!