Is it just us, or does everyone seem grouchy these days? Curmudgeonly characters can offer comedic contrast and show us where society can be improved. Join us as we harness their powers for good, rather than getting stuck in a ranting rut!
Backstrom – “created by creator of Bones, Backstrom stars The Office‘s Rainn Wilson as the title character, a boorish, irascible detective who, despite his self-destructive tendencies, is the best crime-solver in Portland.” …Inspired by prickly detective like Kojak and Columbo and the crime-solving family of shows such as NCIS or Bones.
We’re all on a spiritual adventure called “life”, but sometimes we need a book, TV show or movie to show us what our inner landscape can look like. This week, our Pop Conscious gals look at the travels we take through books like Eat Pray Love, The Celestine Prophecy, and Way of the Peaceful Warrior translated to film…and how these books and films inspired Malayna’s spiritual adventure novel, Echoes Across Time. We’ll also explore the deeper lessons of adventure-genre movie franchises like Indiana Jones and The Mummy, and whatever else feels like an adventure at any given time. It all boils down to our own Hero’s Journey!
Indiana Jones:
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)– not Noah’s, but Biblical nonetheless – supernatural + adventure
“Subtler and more interesting, however, is the ark’s biblically based propensity to protect itself when needed. In a fascinating mixture of judgment and mercy, the film’s finale features God saving Indy and instead of Indy saving the ark. When the Nazis sacrilegiously lift the lid, the wrath of God pours out. The entire party of evildoers is horrifically melted and incinerated, then spectacularly (and rather tidily) disposed of in a celestial pillar of fire.
While such gimmickry never appears in the Old Testament, there are many stories of God protecting the ark from falling into the wrongs hands. In 1 and 2 Samuel, a disrespectful handler is killed, a false god is decapitated, three Philistine towns are inflicted with a deadly plague and, most pertinently to Raiders, 70 Israelites are put to death for peeking under the hood. I’d say “put to death” is a pretty apt description for what happens to the Nazis at the end of Raiders.”
Temple of Doom (1984) – Filmed in Sri Lanka! India’s spiritual heritage, British-Indian reference…Thugee cult and Kali
Last Crusade (1989) – Holy Grail, Arthurian Legend, Joseph Campbell & Hero’s Journey,
Crystal Skull – (2008) – South American –
From National Geographic: “There are perhaps a dozen of these rare crystal skulls in private and public collections. Some are crystal clear, others of smoky or colored quartz. Some are actual human size and of very fine detail, while others are smaller and less refined. All are believed to originate from Mexico and Central America.
Many believe these skulls were carved thousands or even tens of thousands of years ago by an ancient Mesoamerican civilization. Others think they may be relics from the legendary island of Atlantis or proof that extraterrestrials visited the Aztec sometime before the Spanish conquest.
An adaptation of James Redfield’s novel about the search for a sacred manuscript in the Peruvian rain forest.
Macchu Pichu
Through a mysterious set of coincidences, he finds himself on an adventure to Peru in search of ancient scrolls, known as the Celestine Prophecy. The prophecy and its nine key insights, predict a new awakening that redefines human life and provides a glimpse into a completely spiritual culture on earth. Resistant at first, skeptical and unsure, John finds that each step he takes, each person he encounters leads him to a new awakening. It is only in this letting go that he finds his destiny and comes to understand the meaning that had escaped him when his adventure began.
Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives
Way of the Peaceful Warrior is based on the story of Dan Millman, a world champion athlete, who journeys into realms of romance and magic, light and darkness, body, mind, and spirit. Guided by a powerful old warrior named Socrates, tempted by an elusive, playful woman named Joy, Dan is led toward a final confrontation that will deliver or destroy him. Join Dan as he learns to live as a peaceful warrior.
Film – Nick Nolte – Peaceful Warrior (2006)
The 4-Minute Peaceful Warrior Workout Premium on-line course by Dan Millman from Daily Om.com
KEYWORDS: “Prophecy” = spiritual adventure – belief in something that was written about before, fate, a journey, steps to be taken, Divine order revealed (mind-idea-expression)
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The Lego Movie (2014)
Left Behind (I) (2014) (The Rapture?)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)
Smallville (2001–2011)
The Matrix (1999)
Cloud Atlas (2012)
Lego movie – An ordinary Lego construction worker, thought to be the prophesied ‘Special’, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil tyrant from gluing the Lego universe into eternal stasis.
Left Behind – the rapture refers to the belief that either before, or simultaneously with, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to earth, believers will be raised from the earth to meet him in the air. Rapture = Latin “carrying Off”, Koine Greek “caught up”… First Thessalonians and how it relates to interpretations of various other biblical passages, such as those from Second Thessalonians and the Book of Revelation.
BOOKS: keyword
And Toto, Too:: The Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Adventure
Do you believe in Dog? And Toto, Too: The Wizard of Oz as a Spiritual Adventure And Toto, Too elevates the familiar and much-loved film, The Wizard of Oz to a higher plane. Nathan G. Castle weaves his own story into the timeless classic with warmth and a delightful sense of humor. At first glance the book’s approach is slightly unconventional and perhaps a touch irreverent, given that the author is a Catholic priest who bravely shares his belief that God loves everybody wildly, extravagantly, beyond belief — and beyond belief systems. In praise of And Toto, Too Scotty McLennan, Dean for Religious Life at Stanford University says, “Father Nathan Castle touches us deeply, right where we are, with a completely unlikely claim — that the tiny, unimpressive dog, Toto from The Wizard of Oz is God on earth — or at least the canine face of God on earth!”
Rev Kristin Powell on Soulstream here on Unity Online Radio did a series about The Wizard of Us: Transformational Lessons from Oz by Jean Houston. Part of why we love Rev. Kristin…
The 13th Disciple: A Spiritual Adventure Hardcover – by Deepak Chopra
When a solid gold reliquary missing from a church in Belgium suddenly resurfaces in America, a young newspaperman begins to investigate the story. At first, it seems like just another case of a treasure stolen during World War II that has resurfaced. But it soon becomes apparent that much more is at stake.
Hidden within the medieval reliquary is a gold box that holds a sacred relic—a single finger bone—from an anonymous saint. Why would the remains of someone unknown to the Church be considered holy? The search for answers leads to a shocking discovery—a dangerous secret known only to a small band of people. If one touches the reliquary, a sacred vision is received—a vision involving a young girl who had a chance encounter with Jesus just before he was crucified.
My choices = Anne Rice books, Anne McCaffrey – being in tune with nature – dragons or crystals. Piers Anthony – Magic in the earth and each of us, express it differently.
Magical Realism – Writers don’t invent new worlds but reveal the magical in this world, as was done by Gabriel García Márquez who wrote the seminal work of the style, One Hundred Years of Solitude.[12] In the binary world of magical realism, the supernatural realm blends with the natural, familiar world.[13]
Vicarious – If something is vicarious, it delivers a feeling or experience from someone else. If your child becomes a big star, you might have a vicarious experience of celebrity.
Vicarious comes from the Latin work vicarius, which means substitute. If you have vicarious enjoyment, you have a second hand thrill. You might get vicarious thrills of adventure by reading your friend’s letters from overseas.
Gotta use some imagination – one of your 12 powers
Second-hand
Tina Turner – What’s love got to do, got to do with it? What’s love but a second hand emotion?
Cousin Violet, Dowager Countess – “I’m too tired for an evening of second–hand emotion.”
Echoes Across Time
Mara is a woman on a mission to follow the unraveling trail of meaning behind her symbolic dreams while trying to save her best friend from self-destruction. Part spiritual adventure, part feminist fairy tale, this modern-day myth takes you through a mystical series of events from America to India, and on to Sri Lanka spanning four generations. Along the way it offers metaphorical explanations for simple mysteries of our lives that make up our identities. From seemingly inexplicable friendships to exotic mixed ancestry, Mara finds the purpose behind it all. Ultimately the tale offers insight into how each of our souls has at least one connection that echoes across time.
Jonas Seaman – Destination Wedding Photographer – a cross-cultural/spiritual adventure. It’s kind of like Carlos Castaneda meets Dora the Explorer. I could especially relate to the character of Mara, because she’s constantly having to surrender herself to the mystery unraveling around her, and to what seems to be the guidance of a higher design. It made me take a look at my own life, as if every seeming random event might have a reason or a meaning, even long layovers in airports. Also, I really like how Malayna Dawn introduces in the story many different cultural and spiritual viewpoints. Throughout the book, the character of Mara seems to keep a keen focus on the similarities of differing cultures and religions, rather than be critical of their differences. That’s so refreshing, and needed in this day and age. Overall a great read. I’d recommend this book to anybody who likes a good, fast paced mystery and archaeological adventure story…
Looking back at the history of Hollywood has been a source of inspiration for us at Pop Conscious, so join in on our discussion about our recent outing to the Hollywood Costumes Exhibition at the Oscar Museum. We’ll play the prediction game, Unity-style, and affirmatively declare what we would like to see more of in pop culture and entertainment in 2015. Join us in shaping our collective future!
Titanic, Moulin Rouge, Marilyn Monroe, Wizard of Oz shoes
As You Wish book by Cary Elwes – Heart is the magic ingredient
Downton Abbey ornaments exchanged at Christmas
NEWish shows I checked out and wanna see more like them:
Agent Carter – 1940’s capable woman agent, after Capt American disappears,
Scorpion – geniuses solve real word, real-world problems
Elementary –
Galavant – Timothy Omundson (Psych) – saw him at the Magic Castle (built 1908)
Predictions:
Geena Davis Institute for Gender in Media – seejane.org – You have the power to change the face of children’s programming. With your help, if she can see it, she can be it. Your donation will further our research efforts and fund continuing curriculum development for young children.
“In a World” – Lake Bell
2015: The year women take back tech
Hedy Lamarr – Invention of Spread Spectrum Technology – women-inventors.com/Hedy-Lamarr
Although better known as an actress, she was also an inventor and a pioneer in the field of wireless communications, along with co-inventor George Anthiel, she developed a “Secret Communications System” to help combat the Nazis in World War II. Lamarr and Anthiel received a patent in 1941, but the enormous significance of their invention was not realized until decades later. It was first implemented on naval ships during the Cuban Missile Crisis and subsequently emerged in numerous military applications. But most importantly, the “spread spectrum” technology that Lamarr helped to invent would galvanize the digital communications boom, forming the technical backbone that makes cellular phones, fax machines and other wireless operations possible.
BFF’s have it all
Tina Fey & Amy Poehler should play us in a new movie.
Bentonville Film Festival – Celebrating Women and Diversity in Film is First to Guarantee Theatrical, Television, Digital and Retail Home Entertainment Distribution for Winning Films – Geena Davis : “my message is to look at the world of the movie and make whatever you were already going to make, already planning to write — maybe it’s already written — but before you cast it, go through and change a bunch of first names to women, figure out where you can add characters of diversity and, bam, you’ve really improved the film and broadened the audience and probably made it much more interesting than it was in the first place.
Shift from lowest common denominator to highest we can reach – celebrating the strength and power within each of us, the heart and the beauty, and not the worst of us. What Oprah did for daytime talk shows, everyone in entertainment can do for whatever media they use. Let’s use pop culture to harness what people are naturally drawn toward and raise them up.
We’re excited to have author Kelsey Timmerman on the show to explore connections between pop culture and the global economy. His books, WHERE AM I WEARING? A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People That Make Our Clothes and WHERE AM I EATING? An Adventure Through the Global Food Economy, tell the stories of the real people behind the items we often take for granted. Kelsey is also the cofounder of the Facing Project, which seeks to connect people through stories to strengthen community. Whether in print or in person, he seeks to connect people around the world, and we love that about him!
Ratatouille (2007) – A rat who can cook makes an unusual alliance with a young kitchen worker at a famous restaurant. [Stars: Brad Garrett, Lou Romano, Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm]
American Pie (1999) – Four teenage boys enter a pact to lose their virginity by prom night. [Stars: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Alyson Hannigan]
Chocolat (2000) – A woman and her daughter open a chocolate shop in a small French village that shakes up the rigid morality of the community. [Stars: Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Carrie-Anne Moss]
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009) – The most delicious event since macaroni met cheese. Inspired by the beloved children’s book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. [Stars: Anna Faris, Bill Hader, Bruce Campbell, James Caan]
Mystic Pizza (1988) – Three teenage girls come of age while working at a pizza parlor in the Connecticut town of Mystic. [Stars: Annabeth Gish, Julia Roberts, Lili Taylor, Vincent D’Onofrio]
Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) – A housewife who is unhappy with her life befriends an old lady in a nursing home and is enthralled by the tales she tells of people she used to know. [Stars: Kathy Bates, Jessica Tandy, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker]
Meatballs (1979) – Wacky hijinks of counselors and campers at a less-than-average summer camp. [Bill Murray!]
Like Water for Chocolate (1992) – The youngest daughter in her family, the beautiful Tita is forbidden to marry her true love, Pedro. Since tradition dictates that Tita must care for her mother, Pedro weds her older sister, Rosaura, though he still loves Tita. The situation creates much tension in the family, and Tita’s powerful emotions begin to surface in fantastical ways through her cooking. As the years pass, unusual circumstances test the enduring love of Pedro and Tita.
Check out Chef Bret Macris at Rose Water Restaurant in Brooklyn!
rosewaterrestaurant.com/
What: Rose Water is a Seasonal American restaurant with a commitment to working with as much local, regional, organic and sustainably raised food as the season will allow.
Chef Bret Macris comes to us from Southern California where he spent many years at LA’s famed Campanile as Chef de Cuisine. He shares our commitment to seasonality and sustainability, and it’s reflected in his cooking – he works at enhancing the flavors of the great products that he sources, making certain not to overwhelm them.
On FB this year: he’s documenting the effort that goes into cooking Thanksgiving for the masses.
“It’ll mostly be on Instagram, but I’ll forward to here. I’ll post on my page obviously and under the hashtag #mydirtythanksgiving you can also ask questions, ask about recipes and whatever TG related and I’ll do my best to answer. No promises, because as you’ll see I won’t have too much time. Hope it’s fun.”
We at Pop Conscious believe in the power of pop culture and the media to influence people positively, so we‘re going to find ways to illustrate the connection between entertainment and enlightenment using the Twelve Powers: Faith, Strength, Wisdom, Love, Power, Imagination, Understanding, Will, Order, Zeal, Elimination, and Life. Can we do it? Tune in and find out!
Pre-Show Notes:
Each one has a human positive, and a human negative, as well as a spiritual expression.Wizard of Oz – Faith, Wisdom/Understanding, Heart, Will & Strength & Power,As Hero’s Journey –
Faith –
Music: George Michael “Faith”
Movie: Steve Martin – Leap of Faith
Count of Monte Cristo – “God believes in you” , Strength, (Revenge)
“If you build it, they will come” Field of Dreams
Strength – Perseverance
Music: “Strong Strong man to ever let you go,” – Rick Astley
Movie: Hulk, Avengers, Superheroes, Mutants – within us, but unknown – superherodb.com
TV: Wrestling, Bionics, Mutants
Wisdom
Music: Schoolhouse rock, It’s in Every One of Us – David Pomeranz, Don’t Eat Yellow Snow – Pop Music Wisdom
Movie: harry Potter’s Dumbledore, Gandalf in the LOTR
TV: Oprah, Daily Show, Perception & Eli Stone – visions,
Mentors: Jiminy Cricket, Fairy Godmother, Merlin, Obi Wan
Love – Harmonizing Force
Music: Higher Love – Steve Winwood, Divine Love Chant – Unity North Choir,
Movie: Butcher’s Wife – “Love is the leap that won’t be denied.” Demi Moore, Jeff Daniels, (…& Malayna Dawn!)
Broadway: Wicked (For Good), Frozen
Power / Mastery of Self
Music: M-Pact, acapella
Movie: The Color Purple,
TV: Downton Abbey, Grey’s Anatomy, talent shows
Imagination
Music: With Imagination, I’ll Get There – Harry Connick Jr. (When Harry Met Sally – 25th Anniversary!) John Lennon – Imagine
Steve Carell as a modern-day Noah in Evan Almighty
Stacy and Malayna look at the creative ways in which the entertainment industry depicts Biblical characters and the stars of the Big Book: God and Jesus. From the flood with Russell Crowe as Noah or Steve Carell in Evan Almighty, Jim Caviezel as Jesus, or his animated South Park counterpart, to George Burns and Morgan Freeman as God, they’ll compare and contrast and look for the metaphysical Truth behind it all.
SHOW NOTES:
About the movie NOAH:
The cast includes representatives from the best of mythological and symbolic films!
Russell Crowe … Noah(Gladiator)
Jennifer Connelly … Naameh (Labyrinth)
Ray Winstone … Tubal-cain (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Beowulf, Hugo)
Anthony Hopkins … Methuselah (Thor, Beowulf)
Emma Watson … Ila (Hermione in Harry Potter)
Logan Lerman … Ham (Percy Jackson)
Douglas Booth … Shem (Romeo & Juliet — with the girl from True Grit)
Biblical:
·Charlton Heston – 10 Commandments as Moses, Ben-Hur as a Gladiator, The Greatest Story Ever Told as John the Baptist – a lot of Caesar related films too.
Pop Conscious 