Why the world needs superheroes

I've been trying for a long time to avoid the DC comics vs Marvel Cinematic Universe clash of films. Partly because my heart lies in the Star Wars direction of escapism and partly because I was never a comic geek.

Sure I have enjoyed the Rami directed spiderman and the 4 80's& 90's Batman series. But that's as far as my knowledge went, well till last year. I knew my green goblin from my joker, but no interest in superman of any era and as for the fact the Avengers and X men were in the same world and never heard of Guardians of the Galaxy. But now it's drowning the cinema and partly due to boredom and partly due to curiosity I began to read a bit of the links between characters etc.

Now despite my fondness of Tim Burton's Batman, I will call it now I'm team Marvel. This is no disrespect to DC and the characters as big as Harvey Quinn, the Joker and so on. For me it's just I find Marvel more complicated and thus more comfortable for my brain. I like complicated and messy it's like life itself and sorry DC but Superman is just too good to be valid.

Now that's out the way I will get to the point. The sudden surge of these world's into our lives. Why now? Well there's an answer I can come up with and ask the great Stan Lee if I'm right, and that is we need them. We, the world's society need the hope they offer and to believe in the power of good and bad, in the same way we needed them in comic books during their original outings. For our American readership what is more patriotic than Captain America, the perfect citizen even before the serum he wanted to serve his country for the greater good. For us British there is actually  a Captain Britain and his sister Psylocke. For European audiences there are Thor and the Black Widow and so on. There is multiracial characters sexuality ambitious characters and just plain fantastical characters, silver surfer anyone? What I am saying is there is a hero and or anti hero and quite possibly a villain for everyone. It's a complex cultural study. To be honest I can see many a creditable thesis of cultural reference being able to be written on what is basically and originally childish entertainment and moral propaganda.

Before you think I am being dismissive of this I am not . I am the person who wrote an a level paper of the religious undercurrent of ET in relation to the crucifixion and got a decent grade for it, even if I can never watch the film ever again. I also believe in years to come Star Wars is in the future going to be viewed in the same way we now see the brother Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson moral fairy tales. So I went into these films open minded. But I knew very little and have to play a lot of catch up. Even now I would say my knowledge is a Grade 3 on a 10 point scale but there is a limit to how much will go in, especially when I keep cheering for Harry Osborn over Spiderman, I know I'm warped. I also hold a little reserve when like my beloved Star Wars of see the dam stamp of a mouse over it now. So I do refer to ink rather than film at times. No offence Disney, but it's going to take me years for you to be forgiven for Frozen and that reached song.

Anyway the MCU and comics do hold true to the basic good versus evil story and morals but with one healthy dose of realism, some of the characters if not all of them are flawed beings. The first person who tries to tell me Tony Starke is a good role model will see my flaws. I may be a bit mean picking on him, but he is the most clearly flawed character. However each and everyone one has a touch of humanity in them. Be it wisecracking Deadpool, emotional detachment issues  in Rogue, arrogance of Thor and Loki or just plain anger issues in Hulk. Sure some are hammer up for entertainment purposes as are the construction of the abilities. I mean if there was really a way to turn yourself into a green testosterone wrecking ball via gamma radiation or a gymnast capable of shooting website from a spiders bite then there really would idiots in this world doing so. So the characters are always just that fraction exaggerated to become fiction. However in certain  characters like Iron Man, Falcon, Black Widow and even Professor  X there is that what if factor. Keeping it just on the realms of plausibility in the future evolution. And it is that reason that keeps grown adults hooked as much as children.

By capturing this element the purpose is complete. To give hope and positive propaganda in the source of entertainment without getting completely political with the message. Although anyone who can't see what hydra starting out representing needs a history 101 refresh. DC did get blatantly political with  The Watchmen and I'm sure if I dig deeper into will find the same with Marvel, but hopefully the mouse in their house will limit that on screen. But I digress, they are both a tidy little bundle of hope and inspiration wrapped up in often Lycra and garish colour taste. Although even the colour palette is very carefully constructed of primary colours mixed with metallic and black and white leaving the viewer under little doubt whose is what. With the exception of green, if a character is green or wearing green all bets are off as they can go either way. Green Goblin and Hulk for Marvel and the Riddler or poison Ivy. Black isn't the colour of bad or white the colour of good, but more a definition of a characters inner demons and driving force. It's all very political correct with making viewer aware of just how perfectly they are constructed. It's a way of working via the subconscious.

And that is the reason we need these films more than ever. We need these pedals tool idols to not so much believe in but to reassure us there is a way forward. By not realising just how much they can relate to our real world problems strengthens our addiction to them and by adding that touch of cute and ahh factors with the introduction of characters like baby groot, it is sure to capture even the more resistant of us all. So the reason we need superheroes in our lives is quite simple, for as long as we are struggling in times of darkest desperation we need hope and for some reason hope looks good in Lycra and or armour plating . So matter how old you are or who is your favourite it's ok to love a superhero(s) or in my case anti heros because anything that can offer entertainment and moral compass yet still looks good in tights and makes you laugh, well there is always a need for that.

For those in the UK against the state visit email update

	You’re receiving this email because you signed this petition: “Prevent Donald Trump from making a State Visit to the United Kingdom. The Government has responded to the petition you signed – “Prevent Donald Trump from making a State Visit to the United Kingdom.”. Government responded: HM Government believes the President of the United States should be extended the full courtesy of a State Visit. We look forward to welcoming President Trump once dates and arrangements are finalised. HM Government recognises the strong views expressed by the many signatories of this petition, but does not support this petition. During her visit to the United States on 27 January 2017, the Prime Minister, on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, invited President Trump for a State Visit to the UK later this year. The invitation was accepted. This invitation reflects the importance of the relationship between the United States of America and the United Kingdom. At this stage, final dates have not yet been agreed for the State Visit. Foreign and Commonwealth Office Click this link to view the response online: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/171928?reveal_response=yes This petition has over 100,000 signatures. The Petitions Committee will consider it for a debate. They can also gather further evidence and press the government for action. The Committee is made up of 11 MPs, from political parties in government and in opposition. It is entirely independent of the Government. Find out more about the Committee: https://petition.parliament.uk/help#petitions-committee Thanks, The Petitions team UK Government and Parliament

Different dance

Kind of a different post tonight, only because I fancied a change. Tomorrow is valentine's day, or as I renamed it hallmark holiday no1. Despite being married and having had boyfriends I detest the day. The reason for this is so very complex, but I know I'm not the only one.

Apart from Christmas it is notorious for making the most number of people feel lonely, isolated and unloved. If that isn't a bad enough reason, then it should be. The other is it a completely warped history of the saint, for commercial gain. Second only to Christmas is religion manipulated to commercialism. Here is a quick history of the saint.

Valentine was eventually caught, imprisoned and tortured for performing marriage ceremonies against command of Emperor Claudius the second. There are legends surrounding Valentine's actions while in prison.

"One of the men who was to judge him in line with the Roman law at the time was a man called Asterius, whose daughter was blind. He was supposed to have prayed with and healed the young girl with such astonishing effect that Asterius himself became Christian as a result."

In the year 269 AD, Valentine was sentenced to a three part execution of a beating, stoning, and finally decapitation all because of his stand for Christian marriage. The story goes that the last words he wrote were in a note to Asterius' daughter. He inspired today's romantic missives by signing it, "from your Valentine."

Really cheerful isn't it. Hardly the stuff of red roses, stuffed bears etc. It's a story of suffering and sacrifice for the sake of others.not trying to impress by material gain. 

I remember working in an office were it was a sign of your status how many bunches of flowers were delivered to the workplace. Although I went absolutely mental one year when I couldn't get round my teams desk for interflora deliveries and a life size bear that was a giant fire hazard. Not to mention of the sugar high my team was on for the next 24 hours topped up with cheap plonk overnight. I have to admit I burst that balloon literally and metaphorically, by banning any deliveries to my team during work hours. Not because I hated the fun of it, but for the negative effect it had on others who had no deliveries or choose to keep their lives private.

Apart from that it was the sheer expense of money wasted. If you really love someone, why do you have to break the bank on an overpriced meal, crowed with others all doing the same, or roses that suddenly double in price and are totally out of season. Why not surprise them any time with a posy of their favourite flowers after a hard day, or a day out alone with a quiet meal in and uncrowded restaurant on your anniversary? Why wait till a day in your office calender reminds you of the token spending required?

St Valentine was a priest who gave his life to allow other to love. So in his memory would it not be nicer to take the money you would waste on a bunch of flowers that will be dead by Saturday, and instead give it to a charity in your other half's name. Or just perform a random act of kindness to a stranger. They are more fitting to remember the day and a lot less dividing but more uniting.

From my bed here in London happy valentines day,may your life's be filled by knowing you are loved.

Brain overload

Dorothy: "How can you talk if you haven't got a brain?"

Scarecrow: "I don't know... But some people without brains do an awful lot of talking... don't they?"

The wizard of Oz

I guess today I was wondering where to go now. Having one of those moments when the anger has been replaced with nothing but a void of emotion. Even watching the baftas failed to stir my blood.

I had hit that point of emotion exhaustion that left me totally drained and to be honest done with this world. Fed up of governments antagonising each other at the expense of the human race. I wouldn't say I was ready to check out but I was close to being asked to be put on ice.

 Then I started watching 127 hours, hardly a feel good movie, but it worked. It worked at getting my depressed brain back into the realms of uncomfortable resistance. It's horrifying to think that this film is real and as close to watching the event as I ever want to be. It reminds me of schlinders list and the effect that had on me. The only other film I've filed in my life as no need to rematch unless I have completely lost touch with reality. Both films thanks to stunning performances and excellent film making, have the ability to take me down to the rawest of emotions.

Based on that I started thinking what would lift not just me but those who choose to read what I wrote? What could claw back an element of humour and so this page has got a few quotes to help this.

"All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”

– Gandalf, from Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

I did this with the intention of saying sure we all have our down moments. Tiredness can leave even the best of drained. But that's the whole point of the arts. To revive us, to guide us, inspire us and when needed to uplift us. Although neither of my previous mentioned films are what I would call uplifting, they are a sure good kick in the arse. Unless like me you have vertigo then maybe exchange 127 hours for something as my stomach is still wishing film was as realistic as it now is. But then maybe I needed to be scared stupid at that particular moment.

The whole point is history is constructed by struggles of the human race. We are facing a struggle like people before us did and unfortunately probably people after us will. History is full of it on a global, national and personal level. Maybe we have all got a little complacent in the last 50 years. We have forgotten the struggles of the last two world wars and left it as footnotes in history. There a few left who remember real hardship on mass like they knew during the 40s? Maybe we got careless about our right to vote and choose who we let loose with our democracy?

All in all I think this is all ours wake up call and the alarm bells is ringing loudly folks. So yes if it gets you down take a time out, not a check out. Find something that will give you that kick you need and dust yourself off. It's only right we keep resisting until our goal is achieved or our last breath exhaled.

."Most people live life on the path we set for them. Too afraid to explore any other. But once in a while people like you come along and knock down all the obstacles we put in your way. People who realise free will is a gift that you'll never know how to use until you fight for it." The Adjustment Bureau

Resist the clandestine attacks

To suffer woes which Hope thinks infinite;
To forgive wrongs darker than death or night;
To defy Power, which seems omnipotent;
To love, and bear; to hope till Hope creates
From it's own wreck the thing it contemplates;
Neither to change, not falter, nor repent;
This, like thy glory, Titan, is to be
Good, great and joyous,beautiful and free;
This is alone Life, Joy, Empire, and Victory

Percy Bysshe Shelley

There are a lot of quotes and catch phrases going around, but for some reason I was looking for something more substantial. Something that can turn a negative into a positive. So I went fishing in my Byron and Shelley and found this.

It got me thinking, about the eras of the great poets. The metaphysical poets who lived and wrote in a time when we as a country were swinging between  Catholic and protestant on the whim of the monarch of the time. Then you have the likes of Byron and Shelley and the climate of social upheaval they were living through. Through both periods there was also the very obvious outbreaks of talent in composition and playwright. It's like oppression breeds talent.

Now I studied various arts to varying levels and one of the constant questions is what are the authors trying to project in this piece. But looking at it a different way is it not what they are trying to say but rather what do they feel the need to say?

Another key author who uses the times of oppression is John Steinbeck and his dust bowl trilogy. I always struggling when I had to read of mice and men because I couldn't understand the treatment of Lenny to the point it made me mad with anger. But I went back to it and dubious battle recently and released my anger was because for a brief moment we had moved on from that mentally. Unfortunately recently we have taken a massive leap backwards and those issues are now relevant again.

To be honest I am really scared I will have to reread the great gatsby, a book I loathe, if we take any more leaps backwards. But it is frightening how perceptive some of these artists are at the underlying struggle of the masses when things go horribly wrong. And while the world is paddling furiously to stay afloat great artists emerge to document, create, notated and reflect in the most beautiful way imaginable.

Each has a different style and thus capture the times in different focuses, Remember Constable and Turner were contemporaries as much as Mozart and Haydn were. Very very different styles but both reflections of their social existence. Some people opt to follow the Haydon or Constable fashion, calm, pleasant not wave making focus on the positive, others myself included go the Turner Mozart route of blatantly defying and questioning the conventional. But both ways are just as valid and both offer the same thing. Comfort and reassurance there is a way forward.

The arts in turbulent times are often at their peak, for they are at the core of the resistance. When all else is crumbling and the oppression is being sneaky and achieving their objectives by every means fair and foul. The clandestine attacks are meet, documented and exposed by several if not all the arts. Hence you will find a lot of the great artists of the time being the most vocal. The birth of social media is making this even more obvious with their direct call to arms. They are aware of their audience and choose to help educate them. 

The best way to sum other up is remember any great leader can be brought to his knees by the skill of humour from the jester.

Some wise advice

I don't usually do this but I believe it's a message we can all use.




Wise advice From Bernice king..MLK and Coretta's daughter... (and thank you Judy Epstein for sharing)
Some Wise Advice Circulating:
1. Don't use his name
2. Remember this is a regime and he's not acting alone
3. Do not argue with those who support him--it doesn't work
4. Focus on his policies, not his orange-ness and mental state
5. Keep your message positive...they want the country to be angry and fearful because this is the soil from which their
darkest policies will grow
6. No more helpless/hopeless talk
7. Support artists and the arts
8. Be careful not to spread fake news. Check it!
9. Take care of yourselves
10. Resist!
Keep demonstrations peaceful. In the words of John Lennon, "When it gets down to having to use violence, then you are playing the system’s game. The establishment will irritate you - pull your beard, flick your face - to make you fight! Because once they’ve got you violent, then they know how to handle you. The only thing they don’t know how to handle is non-violence and humor."
When you post or talk about him, don't assign his actions to him, assign them to
"The Republican Administration," or "The Republicans."
This will have several effects: the Republican legislators will either have to take responsibility for their association with him or stand up for what some of them don't like; he will not get the focus of attention he craves; Republican representatives will become very concerned about their re-elections"
Despair is not an option! Be active! Be pro-active!
COPY AND PASTE- DON'T SHARE! GET IT TO THE WIDEST AUDIENCE POSSIBLE!

Many snowflakes make a winter storm

I have been hunting for days to find the origin of this use of the word snowflake, and there seems to be no derivative answer, no one person to blame for coining the phrase. Probable a good thing as at the moment the use of such a term is making my blood boil. More than any other slang term I have had thrown at me for some reason. But I can't work out why such an innocent term is causing such a violent emotional outburst.

There have been many times such slang has been thrown about to define a generation who care to fight back. But none as offensive as snowflake ! For it makes us sound like something transparent and delicate that easily melts and goes away. It's the most insulting of slang, that I have heard for years so like the LGBTQA community fought back but embracing certain terms used against them I seek to start the same process.

For a start let's look at the real definition of the word snowflake.

A snowflake is either a single ice crystal or an aggregation of ice crystals which falls through the Earth's atmosphere as snow.^[1] Each flake nucleates around a dust particle insupersaturated air masses by attracting supercooled cloud water droplets, which freezeand accrete in crystal form. Complex shapes emerge as the flake moves through differing temperature and humidity zones in the atmosphere, such that individual snowflakes differ in detail from one another, but may be categorized in eight broad classifications and at least 80 individual variants. The main constituent shapes for ice crystals, from which combinations may occur, are needle, column, plate and rime. Snowflakes appear white in color despite being made of clear ice. This is due to diffuse reflection of the whole spectrum of light by the small crystal facets. ^[2]

Once snowflakes land and accumulate, they undergo metamorphosis with changes in temperature and coalesce into a snowpack. The characteristics of the snowpack reflect the changed nature of the constituent snow crystals.

When it's broken down like this there are a few positives we can us to turn this on the people who are using to spite us. For a start the snowflake is defined as having complex shapes. A good way of describing the human race, each individual and complex. The snow flake is created by moving through different temperature and humidities, another good description of how a human is created, by traveling through life. The description of a snowflake continues by saying there is a broad 8 deferentials with 80 sub definition. Again as generalise as different geographical origins of humans, or even cultures. 

But the bit I love the most is the way the description says a snowflake is constructed to defuse the whole spectrum of light. Now that is the biggest compliment anyone to say they are able to defuse and reflectthe entire spectrum. Now that makes the biggest insult become the biggest compliment.

Now take one little snow flake all on its own, and it doesn't achieve much other than to look pretty. However many many many flakes all united in the same place at the same time and the effects can vary from mild inconvenience to total chaos with results varying in levels of destruction. As one human shouting on their own does little but a lot gathered together can destroy. A snowstorm can blind anyone, freeze everything  and destroy anything it is way, as long as the climate allows.

Now think about calling so many upset and offended humans snowflakes, in a climate of political and social unrest? You are creating your own snowstorm, with possible repercussions of equal devastion to the system.

Ok I'm still not happy about being called a delicate little snowflake, but at least I know know i a one little flake in a winters torment, and this storming is brewing for the perfect moment to hit and cause complete chaos. Welcome to our winter.