The Times They Are A-Changing

"Come gather 'round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you
Is worth savin'
Then you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'... "
(Lyrics of the song by Bob Dylan)

This post was inspired by my son John's recent post on his blog (now, where is that Watchmen DVD?).

Yes, things change. In fact, they never, ever stay the same. And time often moves far too quickly!

However, it's only becomes a really big deal when something that is good or useful in your life comes to an end. We mourn it, don't we? Often, we then take the trouble to try and recreate or rebuild it. Sometimes, in vain - it's gone for good. And we have to wait for the next opportunity... which hopefully is just around the corner.

And we don't really mind when bad or troublesome things reach their end. In fact, we are keen to celebrate their passing. It's party time!

The art is learning to embrace change when it happens. Or making it happen, when it doesn't. I blogged about this recently, here.

That's where I struggle - the whole concept of making things happen. It's tough. Some days it feels tougher than others. It sometimes feels like I'm pushing a boulder uphill (hence the picture). Which is interesting - when I went to the 'net to find a picture to illustrate this entry, I got into the Greek myth of Sisyphus, which is where we get the boulder reference from.  His punishment was having to endlessly roll a boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down again. Modern scholars say this has become an analogy for 21st Century life.

Is that how I feel? If I can change anything - can I change that feeling...

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.(The Serenity Prayer)

How did it get so late so soon?

It's night before it's afternoon.

December is here before it's June.

My goodness how the time has flewn.

How did it get so late so soon?
Dr Seuss

Who Watches The Watchmen?

This weekend sees the premiere of one of the most eagerly-awaited comic book adaptations into a Hollywood blockbuster. And it's definitely not for kids. 'Watchmen' is a twelve-issue comic book limited series created by writer Alan Moore, artist Dave Gibbons, and colourist John Higgins. Originally published by DC Comics during 1986-87, it has achieved more lasting fame subsequently as a graphic novel. The story takes place in the Eighties, but this is a world where President Nixon has been in office for multiple terms; where the United States are on the brink of nuclear war with the Soviet Union; where costumed vigilantes exist but have been outlawed. Most of these 'superheroes' are either in retirement or working for the government. The murder of one of these 'heroes' sparks off our story...

The graphic novel has become highly acclaimed by both comics fans and mainstream SF followers alike. The story was thought by many to be 'unfilmable' for over a decade, however Zack Snyder's movie version seems to be getting pretty good reviews so far, remaining true to the original material. It's violent and not an easy story to follow... but it's certainly thought-provoking.

Most modern film versions of the superhero genre set out to explore their source material whilst aiming to depict what life as a hero would be like 'in the real world'. It's not necessary to adapt 'Watchmen' - it's all here. In essence, Moore's original story is about power and its potential for abuse. The title of the series refers to the phrase "Who watches the watchmen?", the English translation of "Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?", the question posed by the Roman satirist Juvenal. The so-called heroes in this story are unpleasant, racist, out of control. They are without compassion, without an accurate 'moral compass'.

A good conversation-starter, this one.