I watched  a film the other night with my wife. We are both kind of into historical films. This one had many compelling theses.

This film, with Rachel Weisz as Hypatia and Oscar Isaac as Oresetes gives food for thought. I won’t bore you with all the issues, details, and narrative of the film and characters, Hollywood story-line liberties, etc.  Aside from being an engrossing piece of historical [fiction], the thing that really struck me was how much things have not changed.

Alexandria: full of pagan gods, taken over by Romans, who introduced more pagan gods, inhabited by large numbers of Jews, and then Christians over run the city politically, intellectually, and aggressively. The Christians under Cyril systematically eliminate the Pagans, then the Jews, then anyone who is left in a bloody bid for power and control of the city…

In today’s backdrop, I couldn’t help but compare it to our last decade or two of religious and political intolerance, ignorant rants and demagogues. How in the name of a belief, a religion, a whim, humans justify slaughter, murder, and deceit.

And perhaps most interestingly is the way ignorance and blind faith is promulgated to manipulate the masses. Today’s world seems little changed in so many ways.

An interesting thought: We often consider that the Roman empire crumbled for all kind of various reasons. Right-wing [American] zealots like to suggest it was homosexuality that “caused” this crumbling. Watching this film, and thinking about all the following wars of religion, the Inquisition, the annihilation of the American natives, et al, it seems much more plausible it was the adoption of Christianity that brought down the ability of Roman order. Tolerance and reason were thrown out the window followed soon by the dark ages….

When will we learn tolerance, love, and compassion for our fellow man?

We have some friends from work that both mentioned a band called “Fry Sauce” this past week. They were playing at the Sand Trap in Ogden, UT. I think the Sand Trap has been there for a very long time. I remember seeing it as a kid on the ‘vard.

Anyway, we went and it was a lot of fun! Ben Malan on guitar, My “sozie” on drums, etc, etc. It was a fun jammin’ groovy funk band. Not quite sure what to call them in terms of genre. But a lot of fun. As the name suggests, definitely another Utah original.

I got a couple good picks. If you get the chance to check out Fry Sauce, do! I believe they are playing again on April 22, 2011 at the Sand Trap.

For a date night, Jenivee & I went to Rooster’s in Layton.

There are two Rooster’s now: the original on 24th in Ogden, and this one in Layton  just off restaurant-row next to Corbin’s.

I am posting this because it is just always so good. I just love the fries, the burgers, the salads, the desserts. This time, Jenivee got a brew-house burger with Gorgonzola, and I decided to get the rack of lamb after a bit of hesitation. The two dishes together was just over $30.00. Not too bad for a nice meal. And since I am on my famous ELF diet, I took home half the rack for the next day as well.

Delicious as always. If you ever want a good gourmet like meal in a more casual atmosphere and without the gourmet price, give’em a go. You won’t be dissatisfied.