Eye on Faith

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

'Raging Bull' still raging?

Jake LaMotta in 1952 (Public Domain)

According to a 2014 review of Raging Bull by Paul D. Miller, there may be no rest for the weary, and maybe not even for the dead.

After years “of being at war with everyone all the time,” Jake LaMotta (at least his cinematic version) was certainly weary. When he wasn’t beating up on others, he was beating up on himself. Willing to endure “horrific” punishment in the ring, LaMotta believed that such “judgment” was deserved.

Miller observed that there is no happily-ever-after for LaMotta in this movie, only an aching progression toward doom. Perhaps this was LaMotta’s actual fate - hopefully not. Hopefully, rage became realization, and realization became redemption.

Resources

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/schaeffersghost/2014/05/no-savior-for-the-raging-b

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

When 'bad' is good

Fidget Spinner (Photo by Arni Dagur)

The Ten Commandments do not directly address behaviors such as fidgeting and daydreaming.

Nevertheless, many humans have come to the conclusion that such pastimes are downright bad. We are taught from grade school onward to sit quietly and pay attention.

But who knew that fidgeting can actually “increase your metabolism,” and that daydreaming can help to “boost your

problem solving abilities”? And while we’re (sort of) on the subject, did you know that losing your temper can be healthy? That “a messy environment can be good for productivity”? And that saying no can help to prioritize that which is truly important?

So go ahead and stretch those “bads” just a bit. See whether that pile on your desk makes you chug right along. Turn down that tantalizing offer to chair yet another committee, and put your feet up instead. There now, isn’t that better? Life can be good if allowed some wiggle room.

Resources

http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/wellness/10-bad-habits-that-are-actually-good-for-you/ar-AArNUma?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=BHEA000

Monday, September 18, 2017

Beach bunny defends furry friends

Lettuce Ladies (Public Domain)

Pamela Anderson, Baywatch babe extraordinaire, has been exposing the fashion fur trade for years.

She recently wrote an open letter to Kim Kardashian, urging her friend to swear “off fur this winter.” Appealing to Kardashian’s “big beautiful heart,” Anderson stated: I think you’d be horrified to learn that every single fur farm that PETA [People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals] has exposed has been beyond cruel.

Anderson mentioned that Melania Trump and Gisele Bundchen have already decided “to stop wearing fur.” She also gave some horrifying descriptions of fur-farm

conditions.

Anderson has used her celebrity status for the good of animal-kind. She’s been championing their rights for years. This past July, she even “offered the mayor of Jackson Mississippi free vegan lunches…”

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/pamela-anderson-urges-kim-kardashian-to-stop-wearing-fur/ar-AAs4JEI?li=BBnb2gh