"Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets," Shows The Danger of Unchecked Power

The Institute in Basic Life Principles, or IBLP, was created by Bill Gothard. He and the organizations' teachings are basically a cult of extremist fundamental Christianity. The Duggar family are/were (some family members have broken away) big followers of the IBLP and arguably helped draw people to it with their Discovery/TLC programs. "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets," explores just how the Duggar family and its leader, Jim Bob, created this image of a perfect family whilst carefully leaving out how the unchecked power, "Authority," emphasized by the IBLP is a perfect breeding ground for abuse. The IBLP is heavily explored as well, as this isn't just the Duggars, the producers of this four-part docuseries would tell you the rabbit hole goes dizzyingly deep.

As, "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets," goes on, it is clear that IBLP may be an organization many of us haven't heard of but it has an alarming reach into culture, politics, and like many cults/questionable religions, relies on giving easy answers to tough questions and promises wonderful things (going to heaven, well-behaved children, a successful marriage, etc.) in exchange for blind obedience and a whole lot of money. The Duggars serve as just a single example of how cult-styled organizations can foster many forms of abuse towards basically anyone who questions those in power--the, "Man of the house," in essence. Many people interviewed who know the IBLP express they weren't shocked when the eldest Duggar child, Josh, was revealed to have sexually abused his sisters--that just happens in such a belief system. Things, of course, only get more twisty and flat-out wrong from there.

I wrote about the Duggar family on the blog before their downfall and as it began. I always imagined there were some dark secrets/twisted truths, but I didn't realize just how bad it all was. I always watched their show with a mixture of fascination and horror. This new docuseries talks with relatives, friends, and one daughter who was ready to come forward (Jill), and multiple other people who study cults or were in the IBLP are interviewed as well. This docuseries is enlightening, frightening, and hopefully will help others who are in the thrall of questionable religious/cult beliefs to do the main thing these, "Movements," don't want anyone to do: Question what they're told. Should you have Amazon Prime I'd absolutely recommend viewing this.

5 out of 5 stars.

Flashback Friday: The Opening of, "Drive," Still Mesmerizes

Back in 2012, I observed that, "Drive," was a strange and enjoyable film. I would continue to argue it is a great flick and serves as a fabulous showcase for the acting talents of Ryan Gosling and one of Director Nicolas Winding Refn's better films (if not the best). The entire movie is full of bizarre and gasp-inducing moments (especially some crazy violence) but for my money, the first nine or so minutes are the best due to how it portrays something we've seen in so many films--a car chase--in such a weirdly constrained way. We watch/listen as the Driver (seriously, he is never named) explains if he's given a time and place he'll provide a five-minute window for people and then get them the Hell out of wherever they are safe. After witnessing him getting the car for his next gig we cut to him picking up two men committing a robbery and driving around trying to avoid the police. Basically, the whole scene is shot in the car, and it's wild.

Normally a big car chase will have a camera outside a car, watching as it weaves in and out of traffic in a dramatic fashion. Instead, there is a strange feeling of claustrophobia as we practically sit in the car at the mercy of Gosling's character's skills. We feel trapped in this four-door escape craft as it speeds around the city and then finally ends up in the parking garage for a basketball game right as it concludes and the crowd floods out of the arena--making it all but impossible for the police to figure out where the thieves have gone. At that moment when Gosling steps out of the car and casually strolls off, we finally emerge from the vehicle with him, feeling our own surreal sense of victory and relief that we made it out. Not even 10 minutes have passed in this movie and it's already hooked you in. The opening credits proceed to roll and you realize this crazy ride is just starting. The entire movie is worth viewing, but man, that opening is truly enrapturing.

The First Two Issues of, "Peacemaker Tries Hard," Are a Hoot

"Peacemaker Tries Hard," is a comic that will appeal to a variety of people. If you like the work of the very talented writer (and artist, but not on this comic) Kyle Starks, you're in for a treat. Should you be a fan of legendary artist Steve Pugh, you'll have fun. Perhaps you enjoyed the most recent, "Suicide Squad," movie and/or its, "Peacemaker," spin-off sequel? Well, this nails almost the exact same tone in its story of Chris Smith (his civilian name) struggling to make friends and otherwise feel appreciated for his unending quest for peace via extreme violence.

The second issue came out this week and between the debut and this follow-up, I'm simply having a blast with this mini-series. It is under DC's Black Label so it doesn't shy away from swear words, violence, and otherwise being over-the-top in its action while managing to feel a bit melancholy and grounded as its apparent despite all his bluster, Peacemaker really just wants a buddy. The first issue has him finding a dog who enjoys his company, but then Bruce Wayne (that's the dog's name) ends up kidnapped by a funny villain with an elaborate plan and things get increasingly zanier. The entire time Steve Pugh's art is just gorgeous so I tip my hat to him for such beautiful illustrations. Between how funny Stark's writing is and the beauty of Pugh's art this mini-series has been a treat already. I can't wait for the next issues!

5 out of 5 stars.

The Missouri Family Health Council Has Launched Their Free EC Project

The Missouri Family Health Council is a nonprofit in the state of--where else?--Missouri. They are dedicated to ensuring every Missourian has access to affordable healthcare and health education, including sexual health. They lead The Right Time Initiative which, "...seeks to empower every Missourian to take control of their own health by improving information about, and reducing barriers to, contraceptive services. The initiative provides free or low-cost birth control to all who need it, while addressing the persistent health disparities in unintended pregnancy and among marginalized populations." Recently, the MFHC launched the Free EC Project.

With reproductive rights being rolled back in numerous states (Missouri included) it is important to remember that emergency contraception (AKA Plan B) is still legal. The MFHC has partnered with a number of health centers and community partners to distribute free emergency contraception kits. At no cost to those who request them, a person will receive (confidentially) individually-packaged kits containing two doses of levonorgestrel emergency contraception (an over-the-counter medication that as I said is also known as Plan B), safer sex supplies (e.g. condoms and lube), sexual health education and consent resources, and connections to healthcare providers who can see individuals for affordable prices regardless of if they have insurance or lack it. 

As someone who worked in Public Health and has specifically worked in Sexual Health, I think this is a fantastic program to help people who otherwise might be too nervous to go publically buy EC (or could face danger in some form if they do), can't afford it, or have whatever reason for needing emergency contraception. Even in a state such as Missouri--which has extremely regressive policies regarding sexual health, gender-affirming care, and more as the list goes on--it shows how important the work is of an organization such as the Missouri Family Health Council. 

If you want to learn more or happen to live in Missouri and need free EC you can check out this link. Should you want to support the MFHC in any fashion you can learn how at this link too. I applaud them for their tireless work!

Starbucks is Expanding Their Olive Oil-Infused Drinks to More Cities

Some months ago Starbucks began trying out olive oil-infused coffees in various locations. Called Oleato drinks, the reception seemed mixed. There were folks who dug it, some found it gross, and a number of people bluntly said the drinks gave them awful diarrhea. I guess there was enough positive feedback, however, because Starbucks is expanding Oleato's availability. That said, I'm unsure how interested I would be in drinks with a spoonful of olive oil or cold foam infused with the stuff. Nowadays I just drink my coffee black and drink a lot of blonde roast or cold brew as that gives me less heartburn than the darker blends. Perhaps because I keep it simple because I just don't have a desire for a spoonful of olive oil to be stirred into my beverage. Plus, the idea of suddenly crapping my pants shortly after enjoying my drink is less than appealing as well. If folks like it (the taste of olive oil-infused coffee, not pooping themselves) then more power to them. I'm good with an iced blonde roast Americano minus any Oleato for now, however.

Apple Announced the Vision Pro and I (As Always) Have Thoughts

I've never been that interested in Virtual Reality headsets. If we could make VR work like the Holodeck in Star Trek, I'd be down for that--although everyone would be annoying to listen too as they remarked, "Hey, this is just the Holodeck!" This resulted in me not caring about Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, PlayStation Vr, or Cyberview Express. I made that last one up, but if you're as disinterested in VR as I am, you probably didn't even realize it. This long-winded intro leads me to discuss how Apple announced the Vision Pro today, and I gave a disinterested sigh to all of it.

Apple makes great products, there is no question about that. I am sure their, "Facial computer," which costs a whopping $3,500 will be of the highest quality and work spectacularly. It sounds like it will have lots of bells and whistles. I just don't care and never have been big on the idea of strapping a headset to my nogging even if it lets me be further immersed in virtual worlds, bring up data sheets, or whatever. I've changed my mind on stuff before--I used to "Not get," the Nintendo Switch before digging it. That said, I just had to give the Switch a chance to learn to love it. I've sampled VR and never found it especially appealing. The technology has its proponents, but lots of folk seem unsure about it. The comment section on Kotaku had folks remarking the fact this is an Apple product means it probably won't be able to do any PC games and it'll be walled in for just Apple games, products, and so forth. Some other people said the quiet part out loud about how this might really appeal to viewers of pornography--but that's always been a hush-hush aspect of VR--the big companies prefer it not be openly discussed even though I'd imagine that has at times helped spur a number of sales.

I imagine people with deep pockets who adore Apple and its products will eat this up. Massive corporations might give it a try to see how it helps optimize productivity (or other buzzwords). Will this have mainstream, appeal, however? I honestly cannot say as who knew the iPhone would become as massive as it did? Then again, the iPhone now can be had with various deals you cut via your phone provider for a more reasonable price. Apple's Watch is pretty popular too and I was unsure how it would do. Basically, I'm saying I know better than to ever bet against Apple (rare flop like Newton aside) and if anyone is going to finally crack the VR space it'll be them. That said, I'm just as hesitant to bet on Apple in this case too. Once this thing is for sale in 2024 or so and regular folks--well, regular folks with money to burn--can try it out that'll be the real test.

J. Michael Straczynski is Returning to Marvel to Write a, "Captain America," Comic

J. Michael Straczynski is a writer I have mixed feelings about. I've written before about how I found a lot of his work terrible but then sometimes he'd create an absolute masterpiece like (some of), "Supreme Power." He also did a God-awful run on, "Superman," shit the bed when he concluded, "The Twelve," had, a misfire of, "Thor," and his, "Amazing Spider-Man," run started with promise. Still, it fell apart when (and it wasn't totally his fault, there was editorial interference) it concluded as Mephisto undid the marriage of Peter Parker and Mary Jane. Yeah, that happened. Straczynski hadn't done anything with Marvel after the Spidey fiasco so it's been years since he was there (instead there has been work with DC and other publishers). However, he's returning to Marvel for the latest relaunch of, "Captain America," and it sounds...kind of interesting?

Straczynski does this thing where he starts a story strong and it just ends terribly. Even though I liked a lot of, "Supreme Power," for example, it was never finished by him (other writers had to wrap it up and then the lead-up to, "Secret Wars," literally obliterated the Universe it took place in back in 2014/2015 or so). His take on, "Captain America," apparently is going to feature an examination of Steve Roger's life after his parents died but before he became Captain America and will look at the rise of the Nazi party in America pre-WWII (before we officially fought the Nazis many Americans actually were big supporters of them) and how there are alarming parallels to today as white nationalism gains an dangerous foothold in our Country. 

Looking both at the past and how it is disturbingly reflected in the present with a prominent living symbol of our nation, Captain America himself, sounds fascinating. Will Straczynski screw it all up 3/4 of the way through, however? I'm hesitant to give him yet another chance, but I kind of want to see where this goes. Plus, with Jesús Saiz as the artist, it will at least look great.

John Carpenter Has Directed a New Television Show, and He Did it Remotely!

I'm a massive fan of John Carpenter. The man has made some fantastic movies and still likes to make music when he isn't busy playing video-games. He is 75 and hasn't directed anything for years, but he let slip that he's back, at least to some degree. Yep, a new television program (maybe streaming, details are scarce right now) called, "John Carptenter's Suburban Screams," is in the works--and Carpenter directed it remotely of all things. It was shot in Prague but he never left his house, assumably being Zoomed-in/Skyped-in. This could mean he minimally contributed in his, "Direction," or he could have been very hands-on even though it would've been virtual, "Hands," in this metaphor. Still, anything with John Carpenter's involvement--be it a movie/show/whatever--is quite welcome by us Carpenter fans. I'm excited to learn more as further news is revealed!

Pride Month in 2023 is Needed More Than Ever

It's June and Pride Month. In 2023 it is clear why Pride is needed more than ever. Anti-LGBTQ sentiment seems to be everywhere. A number of politicians want to make it impossible to function in society as a gay/bi/trans person with all kinds of absurd laws. Random hateful people scream with rage if a company has items that express support for LGBTQ individuals and it's disturbing. Bigots feel emboldened to shoot up Budweiser beer cans or tear down displays at Target and their disgusting statements of loathing are said with little concern for others. 

Some people ask why we need Pride, and I tell them to just look at the state of the World today. It would be nice if being LGBTQ was just another aspect of a person in the same way some of us are left-handed, and some of us have different colored eyes--just an interesting fact about people. However, our LGBTQ friends continue to face persecution so we have to fight harder than ever to help them fight against the tide of hate. I've been asked why a cisgender and straight male like myself cares about LGBTQ folks and the simple answer is I'm a human with empathy and not a jerk. I guess there are just a lot of people out there who'd rather hate anything different from them than try to understand and empathize, and that's quite a tragedy.

The, "Fable," Franchise (Maybe) Ain't Dead Yet

I really liked the first three, "Fable," video-games. Created by Lionhead Studios and spearheaded by a man who is half respected game developer and half walking punchline--Peter Molyneux--the games had Molyneux's usual grand promises before turning out to be solidly fun if not ground-shaking revolutions (seriously, he always had crazy promises about his games). Ever since he founded 22cans, Molyneux hasn't been involved in any of the other Fable works (a miserable Kinect spin-off and some teased games that ended up canceled along with...a collectible card game). The franchise seemed dead and buried to me despite the occasional tease or promise that something was coming from 2018 to now. Based on some new teasers, perhaps there is concrete proof of a new, "Fable," game. Yah?

Molyneux, for his flaws, gives his games a unique vibe and personality--like other big creators including Hideo Kojima. Will a big, "Fables," game without his involvement feel the same or just have a generic fantasy world vibe? Between teases of this and a possible, "Psychonauts 3," Microsoft clearly has some projects coming down the pipeline. Here's hoping if they are intended for Gamepass they will be good--just look at one huge recent misfire ("Redfall," was terrible) and a hit clearly would be nice.