100 Days of Barry O.

Of course there is people far more qualified than yours truly to analize this, but I got caught in the spirit of the moment with the 2008 election and right then and there I promised to come back to President Obama within the first 100 days.

This is me and my issues. I'll try to be fair.

The war in Iraq is not over yet, but then, that is exactly what I expected. At least the parameters towards the final safe return of the troops have been established . It has been a suprising turn of events worthy of mention the change of strategy in regards to Afghanistan, which is perhaps, the greatest achievement of this administration in foreign policy.

Latin American issues do not seem to be moving fast enough. The promise of a comprehensive immigration reform within the first 100 days has been delayed, rightfully so in order to deal with more pressing issues, like the economy. That can be forgiven. However, and I consider this the great border fumble is the escalating situation in regards to the cartels. I honestly do not think money should be invested (on USA's part) to try and combat this situation without a guarantee that these contributions will not fall in the wrong hands. Mexico should have more accountability, the USA should not be stuck with the bulk of the effort.

Israel relations, the war on terror that is no longer called War on Terror... thesse issues have not yet been put to the test. I'm just happy... however the ill predictions of Joe Biden still loom over our heads .... LOL

The economy, is a gamble and we all know it. I just hope it all works out. You know W. is not the only cowboy... as Obama has shot a couple of the hip when it comes to dispose of money. It is a 50/50 and I hope it all succeeds, for our own sake.

Then there are the things the press have been covered for good or ill...

Finally there is a first dog... the good about it, the girls are happy... the down side it was not the mutt everybody was hoping for, but is their loss if they didnt get a sato...

Chavez, the hand shake., the book... who the hell cares, had Obama not said hello, then he would have had no manners (palo si boga...)
The Castro brothers are another thing. I guess the big lesson to be learned out of the negotiation table is that all negotiations should be bilateral and that Fidel actually rules the place still.
On the bright isde, it is good to see families being able to connect again.
North Korea... good it didnt come to much, but it wouldn't hurt to be able to get a binding resolution next time.
For the love of God, do not massage the Queen and the King of Saudi is not a dwarf, keep your back straight!!!!
Airforce One is a flying house sir, make sure you know who is at the wheel all the time an don't fly it close to the Statue of Liberty... EVER, AGAIN.

Looking forward to the next 100

Fangirl Attack presents DEATH NOTE

Once in a while I get to police the ventures of the great Ken Ken, when it comes to reading choices. I get to ask the tough questions.

You see, I was meant to review her manga collection and chastise any choices that might be tainted with violent tendencies, etc, etc.

The title "Death Note", sorta rung a bell, so after I sat her down and asked for an explanation, I decided to give the book a try, ended reading it all in one sitting and finding the obviously necessary movie adaptation, becoming an instant fangirl before I could correctly utter the word "Shinigami"

It's been a while since I watched something that is both engrossingly complex and entertaining ant the same time, sorta Agatha Christie for the web generation.

The premise is simple enough: Outside of our range of cognition, tucked away and safeguarded by "folklore" there are death gods. Sometimes, out of boredom or unexplainable need of validation, they will show themselves to humans. These gods carry notebooks around, simple, leatherbound pampleths in which they write the names of people who are meant to die. Once in a while, to feel relieved of their responsibility, they will entrust these notebooks to humans, giving them the mantle of the Grim Reaper for a while, at a very sensible price...

One of these books falls into the hands of a young Law student called Light, who decides to become judge and jury in cases involving unrepentant criminals that had fallen through loopholes and found their way back into the streets.

What starts as one person's definition of justice, quickly becomes a moral dilemma for all : when the dispensation of justice stops being so and becomes a crime itself? Light stares one time too many into the abyss and all hell breaks loose.
Up comes a reclusive detective by the name of L. (played in a disturbing/beautiful/ almost unearthy fashion by Kenichi Matsuyama) and his ultimate goal is to uncover the evil of this Killer of Killers, no matter the cost.

To say anything else about this movie is to delve into plot twists and it is too good a thing to give away. If you have the chance to catch this little piece, please do so. Even if it is a made for TV movie, even if the CGI leaves a tinge of sour note, the story and character development are worth it. Please see it before some studio decides to make it a big budget movie starring Zac Efron and Shia LaBeouf.... I know it will happen

Concerning my judgement on Kendra's reading choices... well, I can be taught a lesson or two by the queen of tweens. In fact I was very proud of her exposition about the actions of people given the opportunity and the responsibility to make the right choices for themselves, as well as for others. She's keeping the book.

The quote:
"The Law has it's limits, as EVERYTHING should"- Shiori

The Little Theology Corner Presents: The Saturday no one ever talks about

It is Holy week again, although it didn't quite feel like. For the first time in a while I had to work on Good Friday. I find myself typing away on Saturday (Sabado de Gloria in Puerto Rico) and for the first time perhaps, I'm just thinking about what this space between Good Friday and Easter Sunday means for me. Looking back, and as close as this week's schedule, I don't recall a single church activity whatsoever. Saturday is a blank slate, what seems to be a meaningless space between the agitation of Friday and the joy of Sunday. And then it hit me.

I read a Psalm this morning . I've read it before- Psalm 88- in fact is a favorite of mine. I call it the Goth Psalm as David was feeling quite comfortable with the whole dark aesthetics concept: "You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; darkness is my only friend."

What a desperate feeling, to be devoured by oblivion and loss.

That is why we do nothing on Saturday, it makes perfect sense. It is a dreadful day, worse than Friday. It is the first day without the Master for his disciples, the day in which all bets are off... if nothing happens tomorrow, then what? It is that moment after the doorposts have been marked in blood, the looooooooooong wait between promise and deliverance... Saturday is a day of choices between uncertainty and certitude. Saturday is a very personal day, to overcome doubt and experience faith. That is always a good thing.

We all have our Saturdays, it is the human thing to do, to fear and doubt and cry bitter abandonment, but it just doesn't stop there, after all we all came to the foot of the cross bound by perfect love and perfect love banishes all fear and opens doors to wonders.