Repo! The Genetoc Opera: Film Review

Okay okay, I know it is strange to write a film review on my atheist blog, but it is mine and I shall do as I please. I just had the pleasure of seeing the film Repo! The Genetic Opera. It is set in the future when organ failure plagues humanity. GeneCo has created an organ transplant program that comes at a price. If you are unable to make your payments they send the repo man (played by Anthony Stewart Head) to collect GeneCo's property. His daughter Shilo (Alexa Vega) has a rare blood disease and Nathan a.k.a. the repo man keeps her under constant lock and key for fear of losing her from the same disease that took her mother. Keeping in the tradition of operas, this movie is filled with twists and secrets, and they were fantastic. The characters were so memorable from Rotti Largo, the founder of GeneCo, to his 3 children Luigi, Pavi, and Amber (Paris Hilton) who fight over GeneCo. Also we have Blind Mag (Sarah Brightman) the voice of GeneCo who can only see because of GeneCo's digital retinas, she is set to sing her final opera. My favorite was Grave Robber (Terrance Zdunich writer and creator of Repo!). He is a dealer of street Zydrate, an illegal pain killer made from the dead. He acts as the story teller and oddly enough the voice of reason. The soundtrack is amazing. I mean how can a modern rock opera not be? Head sings his character to perfection having 2 distinct voices one for Nathan and one for the repo man. Vega is endearing and tough and has a realistic voice that makes her songs seem like a slice of real life. Brightman is absolutely gorgeous, I cannot say a bad thing about this movie. The back story of each character is skillfully animated with graphic novel pages done by Zdunich. Only being shown in 8 theaters across the country Repo! is not getting the exposure it should. Sure I don't think the film will appeal to everyone, but I think people are getting sick and tired of the cookie cutter movies out there and Repo! surely is cut from a different mold. If you live in one of the lucky areas where Repo! is playing go see it. Buy the soundtrack, support the movie. If you cannot, atleast visit http://www.repo-opera.com and play around. It's a rock opera! How great is that!?

Traditions

With the holidays coming up I began thinking about certain family traditions, such as turkey dinner, opening presents on Christmas morning, you know, those things that made the holidays memorable to us as children. As I grow older and my family grows larger, and apart, I wonder where the traditions go. Do they go away? Do they change? What is the actual importance of them? I guess for me holidays have no real meaning since I don't believe in religious parts of many of the holidays that are out there. All I have are the traditions that go with them, that's where the meaning is for me. But what do traditions mean? They are just sentimentalized actions we place on a certain day. But as you get older and they change, new people come into them, old people leave, and they bring with them compromise and change. Not getting to spend these upcoming holidays with all the people that I love has made me think about when I will again have the same warm fuzzies that I used to get around the holidays. Will it not be until I have a family of my own? How do you get the ones you love to compromise their traditions to join in with yours? How can I give meaning to these holidays if all I have are empty traditions and no one willing to join in on some new ones?

What's That About?

I just watched an episode of Law and Order: SVU. And in this episode there was a doctor who thought that HIV didn't cause AIDS. There are a lot of people that believe crazy things like that with out looking at the scientific proof. Sure you can't believe everything you read, but I can't
understand why people would choose to ignore scientific proof when it comes to medical and other scientifically based areas of study. It is as if people are looking for an conspiracy. I enjoy a good conspiracy as much as the next person, and sure drug companies could be manufacturing the most expensive placebos I have ever heard of, but why? I take an expensive drug that is not generic in the USA yet, it is $284 (without insurance) for a 30 day supply. It is expensive, but I know that it doesn't cause my problem, it doesn't exacerbate it. It fixes it. It just annoys me that people choose to ignore information to fit into their happy little bubble. I guess that is why I don't believe in gods either. You cannot ignore science, it is the only truth we have in this world...or is that a conspiracy too?

Halloween Horror Movies

I love Halloween! Can anyone recommend to me a good scary movie? I've seen a lot of them over the years. Most I don't find too scary. Gross yes, scary no. Do your best! What can I watch that will scare the shit out of me? Or something really cheezy, I like those too.

Ghost and demon type movies don't really scare me for the reason that I don't believe in them, but I love them anyway, and what is there besides those and murderous slasher flicks anyhow. Please post your suggestions.

Why Admit a Higher Power?

Why is it so important for people to admit that there is a higher power? To me it would be depressing to say this higher power wants to fuck up my life. For me it is liberating to know that I am in charge of what goes on in my life. I really dont understand why AA has to admit there is a higher power. I know that the power doesnt have to be a god, but still. I dont understand how that is helpful. Does that mean you have to let go and say you arent in charge of your disease? I dont get it, but if it helps people than awesome.

Religion in Art

As a person who loves the arts, and hates organized religion, is it strange that I really enjoy religious art work? Particularly dark religious art work? Pieces that show the struggle between man and god, and man questioning god's existence. Even though these works are created by faith filled people, does it joy me to see them struggle with their delusions? But having the education that I have, I also understand that if it weren't for religion, then the arts would not have developed as they had. Maybe I love religious art because of the raw emotion it creates. Even though I don't agree with religious tradition, I do know that they have a place in history and society. Can I bring a piece of artwork with a message of faith and god into my home? I'm not sure. I have not yet. But, I have seen many pieces that could make me cross that line. But for me it is a scary line to cross. What does that make me?

Jesus Comic

A friend showed me this really funny Jesus comic/graphic novel thing. If you haven't seen it you should check it out. Let me know what you think...

http://www.badkarmaproductions.com/jc/

Religious Child Abuse

Okay, so I know that there is the whole separation of church and state right...but should the state interfere when it comes to cult like religions and the well being of small children?  Is it in the best interest of the child to be forced to practice a crazy weird religion when they aren't in the right mindset (age and maturity levels) to decide if this is the religion they want to practice?  In most cases the cults prey on "lost" and vulnerable people, it is a form of brainwashing.  I know there is freedom of speech, and I enjoy that every time I post to this blog.  But when it comes to children I have mixed feelings.  If an adult wants to be in a crazy religion rock on...but when they bring their children into it i feel it is neglect and abusive.  But should the state intervene?

FSM

So I finally got on the Flying Spaghetti Monster boat...you know, the pirate ship and all. I am reading the gospel right now and it is so funny! If they have to teach ID in school as scientifically valid then they must teach FSMish too; it is as simple as that. I can't wait to finish and report back.

rAMEN.

The Fair Tax

Okay okay, I know this is an atheist blog, but I don't feel like posting about lack of belief today. As we speak I am on hold with the fucking IRS. So today I'm going to write about how awesome the Fair Tax would be if we stupid, greedy Americans put it into action. For those of you who do not know what the Fair Tax is, I'll tell you. It would do away with the IRS and the federal income tax. People would no longer be taxes on how much money they make, but how much they spend! That's right, the federal income tax would be replace with a federal sales tax. What turns people off most about this sales tax is that it would be 22%...BUT there is already a 20ish% embedded tax in everything so companies can comply with the IRS tax laws. Well if the Fair Tax was passed, then there would be no embedded tax...thus making everything approximately the same as it is now! The best part is this; you KEEP 100% of your paycheck! You only have to get taxed on new goods and services that you purchase. The other best part is the pre-bate you get every month from the government. That's correct, they'll pay you! You get a predetermined amount of money every month for your family to cover the tax of the necessities such as food and clothing. This seems too good to be true doesn't it? Well it isn't! There will be no more tax evasion. Aliens will be paying taxes, drug dealers, mobsters, hookers, all those who work under the table. That is why they call it the Fair Tax! Everyone pays!!! Okay so the Pros...100% of pay kept; government pre-bate; no evasion by the rich; only taxed on new goods and services; no April tax crunch time; sales tax that equals an embedded tax that will disappear; and you only get taxed on what you buy, so if you don't buy anything, you DON'T pay! Cons..........hmmm....nope, can't think of any. If you are interested in learning more, a really great book to read is Neal Boortz and some other dude's The Fair Tax Book. Or visit http://www.fairtax.org

Community

What is it about the human species that makes us long for community, especially a faith based community. I remember growing up my mother regretted not taking my sister and I to church because we were not part of a youth group where we could meet other kids. Even as an adult, I wonder where people meet each other and the church idea always pops into my head. But I cant go to a place to be singled out by a bunch of believers, I wont meet the kinds of people that I have something in common with. Then I think, "maybe I can join some kind of atheist group." I think that and then I feel like we are stealing the idea of a non-faith based community from the theists. It gets a bit confusing. Can there really be a church for atheists? I know there are groups out there, but are we copying them because we want something they have? I like meeting and talking to other atheists, but amongst ourselves we have so many different beliefs. Would there be service type non-worship? Or would we just sit around talking about how the christians are wrong? That seems so negative. Maybe we could just sit in each others company knowing that we have this one thing in common. I dont know, but being the only person in town with a Darwin Fish on the back of my car makes me feel strange. I do long for a community of atheists, I just have to find the right group.

The Purpose of Prayer

So I think I am beginning to understand the reason that people believe in god and prayer. I mean, I always knew why, but now I am starting to know why. Bad shit happens to people and they, and their friends and family, feel helpless. There is nothing they can do to help. At least when you say a little prayer it is an action you can take. When you believe that there is a reason that bad shit happens it makes life a little less depressing. Now...do I think that praying does anything? No, not in the respect that god answers a prayer. If praying does anything it makes the one praying feel better and less helpless. It is taking the blame and the work out of the hands of the prayer and putting into someone else's hands. It is a relief. How relieving is it to know that the bad things that happen aren't just random and can be aided with a few words?

I like knowing that it is random. Me, and my friends and family didn't do anything to deserve the bad things that happen to us. It just happens, it happens to everyone. But as an atheist, what can we do to not feel so helpless?

Ethics

It was recently my last day of work. I am in sales and here is a question of ethics for you. The last day that I worked was on Sunday the 25th. I took the next week off as vacation making my official last day the 1st of this month. I was working with a couple on an $11,000 deal. I didn't close the deal because it was my last day of work. The couple proceeded to close the deal with the owner of the company's wife. She didn't split the deal with me like you are supposed to when you know you are closing someone else's deal. I can understand her being confused about the split if she thought I was no longer with the company. But when my Director called the office about it and even when I e-mailed her about it they all refused. You split a deal with other consultants when they take a vacation...I just took mine for my very last week. Am I wrong??This is a question of the ethical thing to do. These people were raised with "Christian" values. Some values! What ever makes us money and screws the little people is what these people do. I have better ethics than they do and I am the dirty atheist. Do what is right. Is that so hard?

His Dark Materials

I just finished this series and may I just say WOW! I thought these books were amazingly written with a fantastic theme. It is about the abuse of power, the meaning of life, and it is about love. The stories are about becoming part of everything. That is heaven. That is what I believe. Live your life, atoms to atoms dust to dust. If you haven't read them you should.

A Tie You Can't Break

Today I saw my ex-boyfriend that I hadn't seen in months. I thought it would be strange to see him, let alone talk to him. But much to my surprise it was not. It made me realize that friendship is a tie that I cant break. I mean the romantic relationship can fizzle out if you don't work on it, but I have never been able to disregard a friendship no matter how hard I try. It is like when your pet bites you really hard, but you still love them anyway. No, I dont think that my ex and I will be the best of pals...cause I know I wont be able to be happy for him when he meets someone else, but I cant pretend the closeness is totally gone. Friendship gets dusty, or it is like riding a bike. I can brush it off or get back on and it is the same again...metaphorically speaking. That is when feel the closest with people in my life. I know those ties are still there, even if they are covered with dust. It also makes me content to know that life is about Life and the relationships with people that we have in it. Life shouldn't be about what happens after...

I.D.

Okay, I know it isnt totally the same, but...is it so ridiculous for creationist to be exposed to an alternate theory in school such as the theory of evolution and the big-bang-theory? I mean, I remember learning about Jesus and Mohamed in my history classes. And when you learn about those two, you learn about the religions that go with it. It has been a while since I was in a biology class, but I am pretty sure they just teach about how evolution works, such as survival of the fittest and natural selection. And in physics to learn about the big-bang, they never said it happened, they just speculate that it could have happened. Hello! You are in a science class! You should be able to teach scientific fact (or theory) in such a class without being arrested or fired. I had to learn about god and religion in my schooling, heck when you dont go to church where else are you going to learn it? But you dont hear any atheist kids parents complaining to the school board because their child had to learn about the rise of christianity. And you dont hear us complaining about learning creationist philosophy in English or history class. I've got it! The theists are complaining about having to LEARN something.

Name Calling

So I have recently gotten into a bit of a debate with a christian on a blog I frequent. The post was about how theists think that our lives have no meaning because we dont believe in a god. I made a sarcastic comment about the christian meaning of life that only atheists would really appreciate. This dude comments back saying how I am ignorant and full of hate. WTF. That argument may have had effected me when I was a third grade atheist, but now? That is just why most atheists dislike christian extremism. The only argument this person had was I am ignorant for not picking up a bible. god thinks I am a fool. I like a good religious discussion as much as the next girl, but I think if they want me to take them seriously then they must present evidence or arguments that I can relate too, just as I would try to present information they can relate to. Most likely, we will not believe each other, but, we will be able to relate to the information and better understand the others point. It is these kinds of people (the name callers) who I feel dont really understand what they believe, they follow the herd. The people who create a well put together argument, those are the theists who actually understand and things about their religion and what it means, and how it works. Ask questions, get answers. I really like the theists who ask me questions, and pay attention to what I say back. Just like I am sure they like how I ask questions and get responses. But not this person, nope, I am a poo-poo face for not believing in his god.

Coming Out

I am facing a dilemma about coming out atheist at work and to people in general. I am proud of my atheism, I thought. I have been an atheist forever, but now that I am older, I know the consequences of being a "known" atheist. I am by no means ashamed, but is my religion random people's business? I work with some very religious people. I think they know because I have a Darwin fish on my car. When asked I will gladly tell them I am a non-believer, but I know how people react to it, I don't want to be persecuted by people I see everyday...it would be like high school all over again. My dilemma makes me feel like I am ashamed of my beliefs, but I am really more ashamed that I am scared people will not like me. I shouldn't care what people think, but let's face it, we are social animals.

Life Tests, Not god

My motto is, "Life's tough, get a helmet." The bumps and bruises in life are what make us stronger as individuals. Everyone goes through it. All the bad things that happen in life make me damn sure that there is no supreme being. This is a sick game of chess god is playing if he really is out there. Shit happens, thats it. Sometimes it is good shit, sometimes it is bad shit. Most of the time it is make-you-want-to-slap-people shit. But we learn from every pile we step in, hopefully the species will learn too. And that is why Life is a test, it's not some invisible dude in the sky screwing with our lives. But it is not a test for the individual, it tests the human group. That is why Life is tough, so pack your helmet.

Evolutionarily Speaking

So, evolutionarily speaking sometimes I think that we have gotten so smart that it interferes with natural selection. I am by no means a biologist; I am, just speculating here. But…lets take bad vision for example. I have horrible vision. I know poor vision can be an acquired trait, but I believe it is also inherited. Non-the less, bad visioned people such as myself are “weaker.” But with the invention of glasses we can be equal to others. I am just as glad as the next glasses wearer that I am not lying in a ditch somewhere due to falling in a crevasse, but I wonder, now I will pass on my bad genes to my offspring? This is speaking purely evolutionary…I am happy I’m not dead.

Also, why do people who don’t believe in evolution not really understand it? I understand that they don’t believe it, but they don’t get how it works. Like my Christian friends ask why they can’t see it happen. They don’t understand that we need a reason to change, like environment. And hopefully, for the sake of humanity, natural selection will work for us when our environment changes drastically. PS: you can see it happen, you just have to look at the evidence in the natural history museums!

Do I Hate god?

I would like to know why christians think that I hate god. I read on another blog that some one had a similar experience and I thought I would share my story. I work in a gallery and we have a painting of a last supper scene. It is a really cool piece because it has over 100 story illustrations from the bible in the main figures of the supper. For example, the face of Jesus is the creation of Adam and Eve. I think it is an awesome painting. Over the past year I have sold 5 of those pieces. A person that I work work with and also knew about my atheism made a comment to me about it. He said that since I have sold so many of them that it is a sign from god...I said, "um...I don't think so." Then he told me that they should give me a free one. I excitedly answered that I thought it was an amazing idea. Well he looked shocked! He said, "you'd hang that in your house?!" YES!!! "But you hate god," he commented. Why is it assumed that just because I am an atheist I hate god. Sure I dont believe in a god, but just because I dont believe in santa claus doesn't mean I hate him, and wont hang up santa themed ornaments around the holidays. It is strange. Having studied art for so long it is hard to not have an appreciation for religious art. It is what really started the whole art movement in general...

Horton Hears a What!?

I am a Dr. Seuss freak ok. I just saw the Horton movie and let's just say that they interpreted it differently than I. They made Horton godlike to the Whos, and the Whos godlike to Horton. They had to believe in each other when no one else did. AND the kangaroo was the evil atheistic character who said, "if you can see it, touch it, or feel it, it isnt real," she wants the speck destroyed (okay she wants it destroyed in the book too.) Yeah yeah that is what most of us believe anyway, but she was the bad character and in the book she just thought Horton was strange. In the real story, the Whos know they are on a speck and need help. Horton listens because he has large ears. The story is about democracy, and how every voice counts to make a difference. But it helps if someone capable is listening. So...there it is. The movie was really well done, dont get me wrong I thought it was funny. But, myself and the movie makers differed on our opinions on the interpretation of the story.

...And We're the Evil Ones

I was watching With Out A Trace last night, and i began thinking about what is really considered evil. This episode was about this pedopheliac who kidnapped his niece. It kind of confuses me because the theistic right is so concerned that we are evil (because we haven't accepted jesus christ as lord or whatever) that they seem to forget that there are real people out there who hurt children and animals and everything. People are bombing cities in the name of their gods. the Christians murdered people because they didn't accept the new religion. And we are the ones who are evil?! When was anyone ever killed in the name of atheism? No, South Park does not count. It just seems funny...

The Meaning of My Life

Why does everything have to have a meaning? Is it that important to think that we are superior to all living things? I was reading on someone’s web page that we are above all else…better than whales, better than dogs, better than a mosquito. If we aren’t better, then what is the point of life was one of his arguments. It is like our brains need to think that man is the greatest thing. If I don’t believe in god than I have no purpose in my life. I am on better than the fleas on dogs. I am not connected to anything, past, present, or future. Duh! In my head that makes me feel connected to everything! The DNA in my cells is made out of the same chemicals that make the DNA in whales, dogs, and the mosquito. Every thing is made out of the same stuff! And not just living things…everything on this planet is made out of the same 117 elements. Out of all the things in the entire world it only takes 117 pieces to put together a bazillion different puzzles. We are the same as all things on the whole planet. There may not be an afterlife, but this life is pretty cool because everything is one thing. So when this man generalized and said that life is pointless to us evolutionists he was wrong. He was also wrong when he said evolutionists instead of atheists because some evolutionists believe in a creator.

The purpose in my life is just to make myself, and the people around me, happy without hurting anyone. Is that really so bad? So the human brain is more highly evolved than the other animals on the planet, so what. Does that mean that we are better? To some people, yes. To others, no. Life is life, no matter whose or what’s it is. It means different things to different people. Many believe that the only way human life is important and meaningful is that we are superior and are here for a specific reason. I believe that life is here, and it is not important in the same sense that others believe. It is no more important than anything else. We should use it to be happy, it is equal to the life of all other living things. If we as humans are willing to diminish the lives of the other animals we share the planet with than we should be willing to diminish our own.

Religion and Sex Talk

I think that talking about a person's religious beliefs is a very personal conversation. I know that I prefer talking about it with friends and family. Well, I have a job where religious conversation may come up with strangers. But when people ask me what I believe, they might as well be asking me what my favorite position is. We would never go up to a stranger and say, "excuse me madam, but do you like to be on top?" Albeit not all of us talk openly about sex, but it is a very intimate detail about a person, and I feel that a person's spirituality is too. And sometimes strangers don't ask me about my beliefs, but they readily offer up their's. It is cool that they are so passionate about it, but I never know how to respond. Again, it is such a personal detail about someone. To me they might as well walked up to me and said, "I really like doggy style." I guess this whole blog is a bit contradictory, but hey, I like talking about sex too ;) At least if anyone reads this they know what they area getting into.

Hateful Bumper Sticker

Okay, so I was driving down the street a few weeks ago when I saw a bumper sticker that read, "God Doesn't Believe in Atheists." Well obviously I am not a Christian and don't know all of the teachings, but didn't Jesus preach to love thy enemy or something? Doesn't that song tell small children that Jesus loves them because the bible says so? And that phrase, "God is love." For a person trying to put out a message that people should become Christian, I think they achieved just the opposite. So it pissed me off...a lot. I do not have anything against the different faiths of the world, but I don't think anyone should be putting messages of hate on their cars and then be proud of them. Then in the bookstore I saw a book with the same title God Doesn't Believe in Atheists. So for Christians, to me, these people are being pretty anti-Christian. Sure I drive around with a Darwin Fish on my back bumper, but I am not going to proudly drive around with a sticker that preaches a message of hate and intolerance. So basically it is okay to preach hate, as long as it is against an atheist. Because I know there is freedom of speech and whatnot, but I am pretty sure that no body will really drive around advertising that they hate Muslims, or Jews, or African Americans.

Welcome to my Atheist blog

Hello everyone and welcome to my first blog! Off the bat, my plan for this blog is to be an atheist blog. I am an atheist. I am 23, and as far back as I can remember I haven’t believed in gods. Over the past years, starting in high school, I have realized how important a part religion (or lack of) plays in people’s lives. I have been looked down upon for my beliefs, criticized, and even lost a few friends. I decided to do this blog on Christmas Day 2007 when my father read me a letter to the editor speaking about how atheists are the roots of all evil. We are the reason that there is war, greed, and deceit. This is a place where I can let out my feelings and opinions. I know that I cannot speak for all atheists in the world, but I do know that we are not bad people. We have morals, although, they are not biblically based. We know the definition of right and wrong. Just as you cannot talk a Christian out of believing in god, you cannot talk us into it. I am a normal female, I cry, I love, I have fun, and I rock out.
I have a new found pride in my atheism. I am not ashamed of my beliefs. I don’t have “faith,” not in the obvious sense of the word at least. I have faith that my family will always be there for me, and that science will someday be able to explain what it can’t right now.
In this blog, I want to talk about my life, and how my atheism factors into it. I hope there are other atheists who can find comfort in my writings, and Christians who can see the other side of the religious coin. Thanks for letting me spill my guts.