October 2022

At the movies: Triangle of Sadness is a sometimes rocky but always compelling voyage

In talking about why Titanic proved so interesting to moviegoers, writer/ director James Cameron has said that he saw the ship as functioning as a microcosm of the world. Viewers could see the lines between classes in modern societies sharper than ever in the context of a ship, while the people who were most impacted first by the ship sinking were also the ones most disadvantaged financially, just as the impoverished are the ones who first experience the devastation of climate change. Filmmaker Ruben Östlund has returned with Triangle of Sadness, another social satire from this director distinguished in his filmography by embracing Cameron’s concept of a big ship working as a metaphor for broader society. Within Triangle of Sadness, though, there’s a tad more on-screen vomit and excrement compared to the movie where Jack and Rose fell in love.

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SGLY: Lake house lessons

I took a long weekend to unwind at the invitation of a generous couple. This couple is friends with my mom, who also went. Upon accepting their invitation, I felt like I would be extra baggage; however, from the first step into their lake house, I was treated as a welcomed guest. It was not long before I realized I was not extra baggage; I was holding excess baggage.

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Moments with the minister: Saint or ain’t: what are you?

October 31, a day worth celebrating. No, not the Protestant Revolution occasioned by Martin Luther posting his 95 theses on the door of Wittenberg Castle in 1517. Certainly not Samhein, the high holy day of the Wiccans. All Hallows Eve, a.k.a. Halloween, is the day believers in Christ prepare to commemorate the saints of yore on All Saints Day, November first, and- by so doing- draw encouragement for our own lives. (Hebrews 12:1) I have heard people say, because of some moral weakness, “I’m no saint- just somebody trying to live right.” Some would define a saint as a person who lives an impeccable life, fully devoted to Christ, and perhaps associated with verifiable miracles. Then, there are those who withhold judgment, and assume that everyone who has accepted Christ as Lord and Savior is a saint, flaws and all.

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Brother’s angry outbursts hit at home and at work

Dear Abby: I have a brother I can’t seem to get along with anymore. Sometimes he’s OK, but most of the time he’s not. I visited him recently for a cookout, and it wasn’t good. He got into an argument with his wife, shattered a glass, tried to fight me out of the blue, and talked about extremist topics -- all in front of his young, impressionable kids. I worry about his three boys and want to have a serious talk with him about getting some therapy.

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What Grows in Your Yard?

Other than Walt Disney World, Epcot Center, the occasional hurricane, resorts and beaches, Florida ranks #2 in the US in the ornamental plant industry. Florida also ranks at the top in ecosystem devastation. Over twelve hundred plant species have been introduced. Six hundred native species are now endangered or threatened.

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Sylvia Acevedo is Austin College Posey Leadership Honoree for Spring 2023

Austin College President Steven P. O’Day announces the 2023 Austin College Posey Leadership Award recipient is Sylvia Acevedo, a former NASA engineer, an executive with tech giants, and an advocate for educational equality. She will receive her award after her presentation to students, faculty, and community guests on April 13 at 11 a.m. in the Clifford J. Grum Sanctuary of Wynne Chapel at Austin College. The event is open to the public at no charge.

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