Dune series review

 
About a month ago I finished about a month long listening experience. The Dune series by Frank Herbert. The author wrote this six book series before his death. The series has since been carried on by other authors.

Book one: Dune

Dune starts off on a green water filled world called Caladan. In a castle/fortress lives a the Duke Atreides, his Bene-Gesserrit which, (you'll learn more throughout the series) wife, (by all but marriage) named and titled Lady Jessica. And their son Paul, the ducal heir.
The Duke Atreides is forced to leave his planet, by the Emperor, and relocate himself, his family, servants, and military to the planet Arakis (also called "Dune"). Dune is a desert planet (complete desert, no water, no rain, all moisture is captured and reused). It is the dream vision of the native population (called the Fremin) to remake Dune into a paradise planet,though it may take many generations. They will do this by placing collector plates around new plants.

Through strategic and subtle plans the dukes enemies overwhelm the many defenses around the new fortress (a very trusted and un questionable servant becomes the tool of the downfall).
In the after math Paul and his mother manage to escape into the dessert. There they meet up with the locals called the Fremen. After a tense encounter they are invited to join the  Fremen life style in the desert.

When Paul starts to see future events he is regarded as someone out of prophecy or legend. He ultimately "marries a native Fremen named Chaney, leads the Fremen to freedom and power by destroying the Harkonnens that took over the dukedom of dune, then maneuvers him self into being emperor.

My thoughts:

This book was a good listen.  It had stealth, cunning strategy, a completely different universe with different rules and personalities.
I did like being transported to another time and place.  I did however find it difficult understanding the new rules and relationships. It seems that the priorities set forth in the first book of this series are: selective breeding to bring forth the desired traits. Love is not the rule but the exception to it. Religion is only a tool of the powerful, (i.e. The Bene Gesserrit and even Paul Atraides who uses the prophecies and legends about himself and his mother to gain control of all Fremin and ultimately the empire), to control the masses and changes constantly. There is an a constant battle over power for three different races.

Over all this was a fun ride.

Hollywood....leave my entertainment alone

 

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My family does not have cable at our house. As a result we have a large movie/show collection (we like to watch shows as a family). Most of the movies we have are what you could call kids/children's, movies from Pixar,DreamWorks, Disney. We also have DVDs of Dora the explorer, go Diego go, Backyardagains, Blues Clues. If you count movies like Harry Potter and Star Wars as kids movies the add those to the list as well.

Recently I bought Avatar and Star trek. Both of these are really great movies with one big exception....wait for it.... A sex/bed scene. Obviously the directors thought this act would add to the movie in some way, whether it was for a tender moment, i.e. Avatar, or for a funny interaction between characters, i.e. Star Trek. This does not  add to the enjoyment of the show.  The only things this does for my family is cause mom and dad to pay close attention to where the offense is and skip that section, (my kids love Avatar, (they hate when we have to skip something even when they have no idea why), I like Star Trek minus the aforementioned scene).

I have a show that I like, (I watch it on hulu.com), called Stargate Universe. It's about a group of scientist and military personnel that are forced to evacuate a crumbling planet through a stargate. By change of the address on the star gate they end up on a ancient space ship, (Destiny), that is flying through the universe billions of light years from earth. Sound interesting so far.

About every three episodes or so the makers of this unique show find it necessary to introduce a "Bed Scene", (not long of course, (does it need to be long), or show what some characters sexuel preference is, (don't know don't care), to mix up the "emotions" of the show. It disturbs me... I would rather they just get on exploring planets or fixing the ship or fighting random aliens. I don't need to see what happens in bed rooms, (I’m married…I know). The last episode was great; Strategy, tension, and a little helping of true friendship!!!

This pattern of "adding to the emotions" of the show happens in a lot of TV shows with increasing .... With movies and TV shows it just dampens the enjoy ability` of what I am watching.

Did all the mirrors break?

You've seen it before, at public places like a fair, zoo, theme park, or even a mall, the various states of dress that people are wearing, (or rather not wearing). There seems to be a trend in the world to wear less and less.

Last month I went to the zoo with my family, sister in laws family,and mother in law. We wanted to see the new polar bear exhibit. We had great fun. On our way back to the exit, (and throughout the zoo), we were assaulted by several people who, (for reasons unknown), chose not to look in a mirror before leaving their house that morning.  They had clothes, (used very loosely,no that is not a pun), that were made for younger people or were just three sizes to small or what some people would wear to bed. I wanted to yell "Mirror Check".

I know that summer is much warmer than winter, that doesn't mean people need to go around in there underwear or pajamas. When the clothing you are wearing might as well be your swim wear you need to check a mirror.

One may consider whether a piece of clothing is comfortable to go out in. Now I don't nesseccarily mean the feel of the cloth, (though that can be a determining factor), I mean whether you would be comfortable wearing that with your mother/father/preacher around. Another thing to consider  is the many adjustments to the articles on your person, "got to make sure that "this part" is covered", not to mention the feeling of over exposure.  Speaking of adjustments.....seriously guys pull up those pants...no one wants to see those "awesome" underoos you are wearing. And pleeease Keep your shirt on.

 
My wife and I try to teach our children modesty in the way they dress.  We (my wife) go through great lengths to find clothing that fit and or of a modest design. Those items are getting harder to find, (especially for young girls)... Why? Because more and more people are buying the clothes that don't fit right, for themselves and for their children.  Leaving designers to make more ill fitting clothes.

  Teaching moments occur when we are out in public , when we can ask if that person is wearing clothing of a modest design. They also occur when you see young women and men adjust thier clothing, be it straps or waist lines, (get a belt). 

I assure you that it is possible to look nice (sexy even), while still wearing all of your clothes (that cover everything up). It is possible to look "cool" with your pants held up by a belt.
In closing just remember to "mirror check" before going public with today's outfit!