Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Cloud Atlas: Movie Review By Emily Rose Doran


Because Cloud Atlas (now playing) is such a multifaceted film, it is difficult to determine which of its aspects is most deserving of my immediate attention.

Certainly, its actors must be commended. Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, and Hugo Weaving (to name a few) each adopt several different roles, which, when totaled, must account for nearly twenty individual characters. If that were not impressive enough, each of these characters is from a different period in history, and each possesses a unique personality, intellect, social standing, and vernacular. Hugo Weaving, for example, manages to execute the role of an assassin in one story; then, in another, he dons an apron and converts into a female nurse who intimidates and abuses the residents at an assisted-living home.

Such transformations, however, though achieved brilliantly by the cast, would not have been possible without the physical alterations created using makeup and costumes. Indeed, these modifications enable the actors to morph seamlessly into characters of varied ages, ethnicities, and genders, while maintaining enough of their original features so that they are recognizable. There are a few glitches in this process, of course (Hugo Weaving, try as he may, cannot mask the fact that he is a man, though this only adds to the comedy of that particular story), but, overall, it works very well.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

My Post-Facebook Life ("Post" for Now, Anyway)


I deactivated my Facebook account about one week ago. I was disappointed that I had let myself spend so much time there. So many times throughout the day, when I had a free moment or two, I would sign in and see what was going on with friends, family, and acquaintances. I was also getting annoyed by some of the negativity, such as one friend who seemed to criticize almost every one of my posts, and another who is so far to the left that I was getting nauseous reading her posts. In her defense, I’m sure that my conservative leanings make her sick. I’m also about as pro-life as you can be (except that I believe in capital punishment for heinous crimes when there is no doubt about guilt) and all the sickening news regarding the fight to end abortion was starting to make me very depressed.

There are certain things I really miss about Facebook, so we’ll see how long I can hold out. I really miss a couple friends’ very funny posts about their kids and all the silly things they say. I miss seeing photos of friends and family. I miss the feeling of being connected to these people, most of whom I truly do consider friends, not just acquaintances. So we’ll see how long I can hold out.

On the other hand, I seem to have so much time now that at first, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. That probably sounds ridiculous considering the fact that I am still homeschooling three children, have three part-time jobs, and a lot of household responsibilities. I remembered that I had started writing a book about homeschooling and had made a promise to myself to finish it by April, 2013. I shelved it when we got the horrible news that my father-in-law was dying in April. He passed away in June. So, a few days ago, I remembered the book and the promise to myself and started working on it again. There is a lot of work to be done: a lot of writing and even more rewriting. We’ll see if I can make the deadline; I doubt it.

In the meantime, know that if you are my facebook friend, I miss you! Please send me an e-mail and let me know that you either miss me, too, or you are really glad and relieved that I’m not still on, constantly posting prolife news! ; )

Monday, October 1, 2012

Take a Stand Against Abortion This Weekend


Pro-life advocates have a busy weekend ahead with two important events: Run for Their Lives 5C Charity Walk on Saturday morning and Life Chain on Sunday afternoon.

Run for Their Lives 5C Charity Walk begins with check-in at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 6 at Brighton Church of the Nazarene, 7679 Brighton Road, Brighton. The cost to participate is $20 for the first ticket and $10 for each additional ticket in the same group or family. Included in the fee are a t-shirt and a chocolate treasure map leading walkers one mile into downtown Brighton where they will be instructed to stop in at designated shops for chocolate treats. All proceeds benefit Pregnancy Help Clinic, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending abortion by providing practical help to mothers who are dealing with unplanned pregnancies. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by visiting the following link:  www.PregnancyHelpClinic.com/RunForTHeirLives

Pro-life advocates will have another chance to take a stance against abortion on Sunday, October 7 from 2 to 3 p.m. by standing along Grand River Avenue for the annual Life Chain. Signs with slogans such as “Abortion Kills Children” and “Lord, Forgive Us and Our Nation” will be ready for pick-up at Pregnancy Help Clinic, 7743 W. Grand River in Brighton, starting at 1:30 p.m. the same day. Life Chain is a national event during which participants peacefully stand, holding signs, and pray for an end to abortion.