New York and Gay Marriage

Mr. Konecsni's views on Gay Marriage in New York pretty much sum up my views on it: A Pius Man and Gay Marriage (Check his blog out where you can. It's good.)

As for Gay Marriage, I'm okay with it, as long as religious institutions are protected. There might be some lawsuits, but I really don't think that will work (see the Appeals Courts for checks to any activist judges trying to legislate).

But there are bigger issues that I'd rather discuss. Sure, passing Gay Marriage laws in New York feels good, but it doesn't solve the problems that the state currently is facing. The hangover that people will get from passing these laws will be the only real lasting impact it'll have on their lives (asides from the few Gay couples who will marry). Getting taxed out the wazoo has greater impact.

Thus, in closing...good on New York. Now go make something of it.

Really, New York Times? Really?

As per the New York Times new editorial today, they seem to be upset about the Libya war.

Only it's not because Obama's bungled alot of things with it; it's because those dastardly Republicans want to define limits on what Obama can do. Oh, and they're afraid that Congress will force the military to retreat from the NATO led operation. Oh noes! No one can do that to Obama!

Green Lantern Movie Review

Earlier in the night I saw the new Green Lantern movie, and after reading reviews elsewhere, I had a mixed bag of expectations for it. I expected to see some great effects, decent storytelling, and an oddball mixture of casting choices for the characters.

I was generally right. The movie isn't as bad as people have said it is, but it's also not the best thing going this year. It's just okay.

I am a big Green Lantern fan, and have been following the comic for years now. I love the epic scale and scope of the comics, with the Green Lantern Corps fighting against major adversaries (Sinestro, Black Lanterns, Krona, etc.) in what has become one of the great space operas of our time. I'm not sure which of the human Lanterns is my favorite, but Hal Jordan remains quite iconic for me.

The review proper is after the jump

SPOILER ALERT****************

There and Back Again...

It's Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, and at Bag's End.

Awesome. Just awesome. You may do a happy dance, now.

Carry on.

(h/t: http://www.toplessrobot.com/)

So, English fans are upset with the Olympics...

English sports fans are upset with the way that the 2012 Olympics tickets are being sold and handed out. To that, I say: really? They're upset that they got tickets to see beach volleyball, or something they were not interested in.

For one, you got a free ticket! Good for you! Stop complaining. There's a reason http://www.stubhub.com/ exists. Sell the tickets if you don't want them- someone will buy them, and you'll make 100% profit!

I mean, what's wrong with beach volleyball? It's actually alot of fun! And I'm not even talking about watching the girls play....

A Game of Thrones Meets the Muppets

Yes, someone actually made Muppet versions of the characters from A Game of Thrones. It's adorable and sinister all at the same time. Enjoy them here: A Game of Muppets

Oh, and Winter is Coming. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Yes, I'm a Mets fan

Yes, I'm a big sports fan, and I'm a Mets fan. I've been one since the 1980s, in the days of Gary Carter and Darryl Strawberry. Right now, it's tough being a Mets fan, what with the near-misses they've had with the postseason since 2007, and the sheer amount of injuries they've sustained in the past three seasons.

But I can at least count on one thing: Jose Reyes is awesome. I just saw him triple, and then get driven in on a single in tonight's game. He's my pick (not just as a fanboy) for the NL MVP. And he's a free agent in the offseason.

The Mets cannot afford to let him go. He's that good. Don't break my heart again.

D&D Founder's Memorial Fund

Gary Gygax was one of the founders of Dungeons and Dragons, and geeks, nerds, and fantasy fans in general owe him a great deal of gratitude and honor for the work he put in to make it a viable role-playing adventure. He passed away a few years ago, and a memorial statue is being considered.

Go here http://www.gygaxmemorialfund.com/  to check it out. And make sure you bring your D20 with you!

Correction: It is Gygax, not Gynax. My apologies. 

So, we're leaving Afghanistan?

            Today, President Barack Obama called for a gradual draw-down of military forces in Afghanistan (Obama Exit Afghanistan). I’m torn about the actual draw-down, because military officials in the Pentagon are skeptical that this is the time to do so , and the situation in Pakistan isn’t getting any better (Afgan worries about draw down). On the other hand, Usama Bin Laden’s death has helped (along with other issues) to create major problems internally and externally with Al Qaeda and the Taliban. And eventually, the coalition will have to draw itself down. That being said, I have some serious reservations about Obama’s plans.

Ruminations

So far I have posted on some geek stuff, which I fully intend to keep on doing, but I also want to focus on other topics that I love. I'm a historian, and I also follow politics. I don't want to descend into the fever pits of politics, but tackle ideas that I consider important, or worth discussing. What I really want is clarity across the board about ideas, events, issues, and concepts. Plus, honest debate that doesn't refer to Fox News as "Faux News" or sneer at President Obama because  his middle name is "Hussein". I aim to be above that kind of gutter politics. And I'll look at science where I think it's important, too (and not just in politics).

Oh, I still hate George Lucas.  Suck on that, Skywalker Ranch!

And then I'll go back to geeking out over my nerdness.

Falling Skies premiere

About to watch the Falling Skies premiere at 11pm on TNT. I'll let you all know how it is.

UPDATE: The show's good so far, after the premiere. Basically, it's about a rag-tag resistance group who is fighting against an alien invasion, and doing the best they can to hold on, and fight back. It's smart with it's characters, and plays to it's audience well, with references to Americana and nice slice-of-life moments. But it really works well as a tactical set-up of what that kind of apocalyptic war would look like. It's better than most of these kind of shows, so far.

Noah Wylie does a great job as a world-weary former Military History Professor at Boston University, who's now the 2nd in command of the 2nd Massachusetts Militia Regiment. He's trying to remind everyone that human history has many instances of wars where smaller or inferior forces win the day. He frequently cites the American Revolution (which he principally taught in college) as an example. He's right.

 I'm not sure when they'll air the premiere again, but it's worth checking out.

A Game of Thrones ate my bones

Ok, I'm sorry for the bad post-title. I won't do it again.

But damn, is that show good. And not just good, but damn good.

The second season can't come fast enough. But we all must wait for Spring 2012. Bring the DVD/Blu Ray set of the 1st season on already!

Welcome, wonderful world!

I am born again.

This feels like the start of a bad movie. Maybe even a George Lucas produced one.

Dear lord, what have I done?