"One Force to Rule Them All." A The Lord of the Rings/Star Wars Comparison

Recently New Jersey fell prey to more apocalyptic weather, Winter Storm Nemo. Though the Nor'easter received its name from a lost Pixar fish, we of the East Coast area were completely snowed in. A good friend of mine decided to drop by for a cozy night of wine drinking and stimulating conversation.

Three bottles of wine, two heaping bowls of pasta fagioli, and one giant pile of my Tolkien books splayed across the coffee table later we found ourselves in a "Da Vinci Code" conundrum: how similar is the epic franchise Star Wars to Tolkien's Middle Earth? Within a few hours the comparisons seemed to spill out of us, proving our initial thesis accurate by the night's end. Middle Earth really isn't too far far away from the Star Wars galaxy.

Middle Earth vs. The Galaxy Far Far Away
Both fictional places set the layout for The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. The world of Middle Earth harbors mythical creatures, great mountains, dangerous lands, magical cities, and unexpected journeys.

The galaxy of Star Wars features vast planets of desserts, lush terrain, and even one filled with the cuddly, cunning creatures (Ewoks). Unimaginable creatures and dangers await, but create a beautiful story.

The Ring vs. The Force
The Ring and the Force are the root of both myths. The Ring's existence is based solely upon evil. Those who seem well natured eventually fall under the seductive power of the ring. It cannot be used to produce good. Only the pure of heart have a greater resistance to its charms, like hobbits. Balance can be restored when the ring is destroyed

The Force drives the galaxy, but is more malleable in terms of switching from good to evil. The Jedi Knights use the good of the force to do exactly that... produce good. Sadly, the Force has a dark side proving extremely dangerous. The weak of mind and heart, like Anakin, fall victim wielding only evil deeds. Balance to the force can only be restored when Anakin's evil version, Darth Vader, is dead.

Sauron vs. The Emperor
These two villains struck me as the most obvious comparison. Sauron was the powerful dark lord of Middle Earth that ruled supreme for thousands of years. His evil ways were formed by Melkor who later was known to all as Morgoth. Sauron's lust of ultimate power drives him to create the most powerful of all magic rings. The fires of Mount Doom spat out "the one ring to rule them all". Sauron's physical demise happened in a battle against men and elves, but his spirit remained within the Ring which survived for thousands of years.

The Emperor in Star Wars proves to hold the same amount of malice. Masquerading as Sentor Palpatine for a brief period, his true persona, Darth Sidious emerges overthrowing the Jedi Knights and causing havoc within the galaxy through his Clone Wars. Although he does not wield a ring of power, he chooses to use Anakin Skywalker as his tool to rule.

Gollum (Smeagol) vs. Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker)
A creature very similar to that of Tolkien's hobbits, Smeagol belonged to the River Folk who unfortunately fell victim to the dark side. Upon discovering the Ring of power and murdering his friend of its possession, Smeagol retreats into the mountains forgetting his life, his family, and even his own name. He becomes known as Gollum for the awful choking sound produced when he coughs. The physical altercations of the Ring's power also leave him as a mangled, gangling version of his former self. Somehow, we cannot help but pity this poor creature, and Frodo Baggins feels the same. In an effort to subdue the evil of the Ring, Gollum agrees to help Frodo on his quest to destroy it and reclaim his former title as Smeagol. The battle within Gollum ultimately drives him to bite off Frodo's fingers right before he is tossed into the mountain's fires with the Ring, ending Sauron for good.

Anakin Skywalker appears to us in the beginning as a young, special boy. He has no known father and the force seems to be strong within. Unfortunately the anger he arbors for this mother's murderers and the extreme love he has for Padme drives him to the dark side, much like the Ring drove Smeagol. Anakin eventually goes on a killing spree, murdering young children and causing harm to those he loves. After a brutal destruction of his physical form and betrayal of his mentor, he takes on the persona of Darth Vader, joining up with the dark side. Later he tries to reclaim the good that still sits deeply within by defeating The Emperor, but winds up slicing off Luke's hand before he himself dies.

Frodo Baggins vs. Luke Skywalker
Both characters are considered the heroes of their respected stories. Frodo simply gets awarded the brave task of journeying to destroy the Ring of power. Luke Skywalker knows the only way to restore balance and peace to the galaxy is by taking down Darth Vader. With the aid of his friends, Frodo partakes on an arduous quest filled with terror, death, hopelessness, and uncertainty. Gandalf, Frodo's mentor, bestows and guides him on this journey. He loses a finger in a struggle to Gollum who dies caressing "the precious" thus bringing peace to Middle Earth.

Luke Skywalker also is aided by his friends and band of loyal followers. Obi Wan Kenobi trains Luke in the ways of the force to become a Jedi Knight. Eventually a great battle takes place between Luke and Darth Vader which leaves Luke handless, but with restoration to the galaxy.

Gandalf vs. Obi Wan Kenobi
No two characters in literary history mesh so sweetly together. Gandalf simply is the wise wizard who holds a special place in his heart for the Shire folk. Upon learning about the One Ring residing in Frodo's home, Gandalf entrusts Frodo with the great task of taking it to Mount Doom. Gandalf's great guidance gives Frodo the strength to complete the task at hand. Along their journey through Moria, Gandalf sacrifices himself to the Balrog of Morgoth for the safety of the fellowship,  only to return as Gandalf the White.

Obi Wan Kenobi tried to bring good to Anakin, but was betrayed by his evil. He then turns to Luke, training him in the ways of the force. In a battle with Darth Vader, Obi Wan sacrifices his life for Luke only to come back as a ghost, instructing Luke that his only option is to kill Vader.

Galadriel vs. Yoda
These are the oldest and most psychic of characters in their tales. Galadriel reigns as an elven queen whose age dates back to the time of the Simarils. Frodo seeks her knowledge at the start of his quest where she prophesies what will come to pass if he should fail. Her trust in the little hobbit also helps him to carry on. She eventually leaves this life behind and travels to the Undying Lands with the rest of the elves.

Yoda is considered the oldest and wisest creature within the galaxy. He predicts Anakin's demise to the dark side and retreats into seclusion when the Jedis fall. Obi Wan's ghost instructs Luke to seek out Yoda's guidance where he prophesies to Luke. Not long after, Yoda passes on, but his faith in Luke also gives him strength.

Aragorn vs. Han Solo
Probably my two favorite characters in both works. The mere human Aragorn shines as a symbol for what the race of men should be. He selflessly joins the fellowship, ultimately contributing to its long awaited win. At one point he is considered dead after a nasty tumble off a cliff during a bout with some Orcs. Not only does he assist in the fall of Sauron, but takes up his rightful place on the thrown of Gondor with the help of his friends Legolas the elf and Gimli the dwarf.

Han Solo proves the comedic relief of Star Wars. Also just a human, he agrees to join Luke in the ultimate battle for the galaxy. He too is considered a dead man when an unfortunate experience with carbonite leaves him defenseless. Eventually, with the help of his trusty side kick Chewbacca, he makes a triumphant return to Luke and the gang.

Eowyn vs. Princess Leia
Now, at first a put Arywen and Leia together, but I found them to be less of a fit. Eowyn simply is a woman trying to make a name for herself among men. She refuses to sit ideal and be a house wife while her brother and uncle fight for justice. Disguising herself as a male warrior, she joins her kin in battle and brings down one of the most feared creatures in all three stories: The Witch King. Although her love for Aragorn goes unrequited, she finds solace in the arms of Faramir and proves women can do anything men can.

Princess Leia too is just a woman who does not want to be a trophy. She and Han Solo do fall in love, but she is no damsel in distress. She can fly an air craft, shoot a gun, and seek alliance with a world full of "teddy bears" better than any man can. Leia not only frees Han Solo from his carbonite prisoner, but also helps Luke in his quest.

Merri and Pippin vs. R2D2 and C3PO
All four of these characters have one giant factor in common: they just want to help! Merri and Pippin unexpectedly run into Samwise and Frodo at the start of their journey and wind up sticking around. Merri aids in the defeat of Sauron with the help of the Tree Ents while Pippin goes to battle with the riders of Rohan on the borders of Minas Trith. Although trouble seems to find them, they know exactly how to handle it.

R2D2 and C3PO pair up to form a similar dynamic duo. These two robotic creatures just want to be of service to Luke and the galaxy. Although trouble tends to follow them, like almost being scorched in a vat of molten lava, they have a way of surviving.

I know I know... this was the ultimate geek out. But whether you are true to Tolkien, Star Wars, or neither the similarities are certainly undeniable. Both are truly amazing stories with authentic creatures, worlds, and languages. It is nice to know they reside in the same family. And hey, it was a brain stimulus on a cold, winter's night.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

For the followers of my blog, you are privy to two facts: 1. I work at an art gallery and 2. My derriere has received compliments by male, Las Vegas strippers. These two elements are key ingredients that make up my very fun, yet awkward story (may I just add, this would happen to me).

Every December my gallery hosts a "Holiday Showcase" featuring a particular artist's paintings from our very esteemed collection. Our clients saunter in for a night of French culture and delicious wine. This year we discovered a brilliant Italian artist who paints magnificent still life's, mixing contemporary and Renaissance ideals. Since such a large fan base exists for this particular painter, not only were our loyal customers invited but also patrons of the artist. That being said, with stardom comes the paparazzi.

Among the flash and fast pace photographers scurrying to catch opportune pictures, I saw a young gentleman with dusty blonde hair and light, grey eyes doing the same. Every now and then I would catch his not so subtle glimpses my way. Intrigued by this charming camera man, I was delighted when he finally made his approach to indulge in conversation with myself and friend Ryan. (I will refer to him as "Charming").

Charming: "So how are you this evening? I gather you work here?"

Me: "Yes, I am the associate art director. How do you know the artist?"

Charming: "We have been friends for several years now; great guy."

Me: "So you are a professional photographer I take it?"

Charming: "More like amateur, I am actually an actor."

Me: "Oh, that's fantastic! Anything I would have seen?"

Charming: "I actually do a lot of work for HBO and Cinemax."

Me: "Wow! We love HBO (motioning towards Ryan)... have you been in anything big?"

Now I was expecting these for answers, "Yes, I was that guy in Game of Thrones that fought that battle along side that other guy" or "Yes, I was that guy in TrueBlood that turned into that werewolf and killed that vampire." Instead...

Charming (beaming with pride): "I am actually on late night."

Ryan starts to chuckle.

Me: "Oh, like..."

Charming: "I've been in movies like..." (I'll leave the specifics out, but you can fill in the blanks with witty, porn titles).

Yes dear friends... this charming photographer was none other than a Cinemax soft core porn actor. Completely at a loss for words I eyed Ryan trying to mouth, "Did you hear what I heard?" Ryan mustered up the strength to speak.

Ryan: "Are you IMDB-able?"

Charming: "Why yes! But I wouldn't recommend looking me up on the work computer."

We went on to learn that Charming started his career on the male side of things before taking a straighter path in acting choices. While his family does not completely approve of his profession, I do give him credit. He still works as an actor while building a resume. I too am at the bottom of my professional world working as an assistant. Fortunately the pit of the art world allows my clothes to remain in place. The acting world, on the other hand, does not necessarily happen in that fashion.

As the night drew to a drunken conclusion, we bid Charming a fond farewell after the hand of friendship was extended by invitations to several New York night clubs.

So,  I have been complimented by a stripper AND  hit on by a porn star... what's next?

Weather the Storm

A storm comes in the dark of night. Gusting winds blow houses, trees, and people every which way. Little rain falls but the ocean breaks free of its sandy prison guards and burst onto the streets. Nothing is dry, nothing is salvaged, nothing is left. I have recently suffered at the tyrannical hands of Hurricane Sandy. Living on the Jersey Shore put myself and loved ones right in her outrageous path. Luckily my neighborhood survived with little more than fallen down trees and lasting power outage. I wish I could say everyone weathered without a scratch.

All across the New Jersey coast and 5 New York boroughs Sandy showed her true face. Waters swept onto Hoboken streets. Cumbersome trees snuffed out the lights of New York City. A lake of mud and debris littered Staten Island. The mighty Atlantic etched a new outline of the shore. The devastation left in Sandy's wake has left hundreds dead, thousands homeless, and millions still without power. Never has a storm with such severity hit the East coast.

After the storm passed we were all left in total darkness. Beyond not having light or heat, outside communication was severed. News through transistor radios kept us informed yet shielded the horrible images post hurricane. Nothing could prepare me for those horrifying photographs of my beloved beach town, Sea Bright, in utter despair. This high energy shore stop bustled during its peak months from May to August. Now condemned by the state, Sea Bright will have to build up from the ashes.

If anything good has followed, it is the exhibition of community. Hundreds, in my town alone, have volunteered at make shift shelters collecting and sorting through food, clothes, blankets, and other essentials. A Staten Island coworker of mine lost everything. Within 24 hours our boss organized a donation drive for him and his family. Thanks to the many contributions of the Staten Island community, he and his family have warm clothes on their backs, food in their bellies, and a place to rest their heads at night. It is times like these when we truly witness selflessness, but why do we have to wait?

Please, if you can, help victims in need. With the pending holidays just around the corner this is a fragile time for those who have lost. Donate to your local shelters. Volunteer your spare time. Give back to the community you call home. Let's not stop at that. Hurricane Sandy was a reminder of how precious and fleeting this life is. Don't wait for disaster to lend a hand. Show your community love year round. Whether it be cleaning a local park or aiding those in need, just get out there.

I am proud to call myself a "Jersey Girl,"and no amount of wind, rain, or snow will ever bring this state down!

How Rude Boston!

The last semester of my college career I spent interning at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City. I was lucky enough to meet two amazing girls who fortunately I have kept a running friendship with. Sara Ryan is native to the Golden State and currently resides in Brooklyn. Kendall hales from the Sunshine State and has established herself in Portland, Maine. Over the years the three of us tried with many failed attempts to get together for a complete girls night. The frustration of these non existent unions propelled us to plan an entire girls weekend in the cold, beautiful city of Boston. Sara Ryan and I ventured aboard the Bolt Bus while Kendall met us via train.

The bus ride was extremely pleasant. We chatted about life, catching up with our small anecdotes over the past couple of years. We decided to finish the remainder of our bus trip with the thriller Straw Dogs. This movie left us both with mouths agape and quite literally no words to describe the disturbing state of events that played across the iPad for an hour and a half. After mentally shaking off the movie's images we arrived in Boston! Kendall had already settled into the hotel hours before and we were set on meeting at the hip and trendy restaurant Trade.

Upon exiting the bus terminal we were instantly met with the piercing winter wind Beantown conjures up this time of year. Due to our inaccurate GPS, we were left completely clueless to the restaurant's where-abouts. Dragging our luggage lethargically behind, we made a preemptive strike and hurried to the taxi stand.

A line of pristine, white cabs awaited for our choosing as we finally settled upon one. A "kindly, older gentleman assisted us and our bags into the back of his car (kindly being the operative word here).

"Where to girls?" he said through a thick, Boston accent.

"The restaurant Trade please," Sara Ryan sweetly sang back to him.

"You two have got to be joking... I thought you were nice girls. You realize the restaurant is only four blocks away right?"

"So sorry," I said back very apologetically."We are just here for the weekend from New York and we had no idea. We really are nice girls, I promise!"

"Yeah whatever," he snorted back.

Now... Sara Ryan and I truly believed this cab driver was just on a sarcastic rant to bust our chops since sarcasm is the official language in New York. The rest of the cab we rode in complete silence until Trade loomed closer.

"That'll be $5," the cab driver choked out. 

Sara Ryan paid and gave him a large tip to compensate for this little mishap, which did not seem like a gigantic problem. Without so much as a whisper, he sprinted out of the cab and to the trunk where he reluctantly removed our luggage.

"Thank you so much sir, we really are so sorry," the both of us chimed. Our amount of sweetness to this man would have put sugar to shame.

"Stop apologizing darlings, nothing you can say will make up for the fact you have ruined my night!"

"So... it is utterly impossible then for you to drive the 4 blocks back and wait in line once more at the stand where hundreds of people are leaving the terminal hoping for transportation to their final destinations?!" I thought to myself.

He proceeded to hop back in his taxi and speed away from us as if we were lepers. The dumbfounded looks upon our chilled faces left us in a frozen stupor for a few moments before becoming privy to the ridiculous situation that just took place! This would NEVER happen in New York. NYC taxis may smell and have a non English speaking driver, but negative attitude toward patrons is a foreign element in the New York taxi equation. 

When traveling to Boston here is a bit of advice... all that glitters is not gold. The crisp, white car with "Taxi" written in bold black lettering and an American behind the wheel could just be a charming form of misery looking for company. So know where you are going and when in doubt... just walk!

"A Night Without Time"

In yoga class tonight, our instructor asked for us all to lay quietly on our mats with eyes gently closed, and envision a moment in our lives when we completely lost track of time. He insisted as adults, this is a very difficult task to perform. We grown ups are constantly constrained by schedules: work, school, gym, meetings, appointments... all imprisoning our valued time. Those care free days of child's play are tossed and forgotten; days of hanging out in the grass with only a few friends and our imaginations. It was then time ceased to exist. As I lay on my mat I searched deep into my memory, hoping to find a moment where time simply escaped me recently. That is where my story begins...

 "A Night Without Time"

A long evening of waiting tables left me in a haggard state. My feet ached from their 12 hour stance upon the hard, marble floor. My arms hung limply, fatigued from their balancing act of hot plates and filled cups. My smile however never seemed to falter. The crisp, autumn air left a slight chill upon my cheeks as I climbed into my jeep, loading up the two dinners I had ordered. As the car came to life an old, familiar love song filled the quiet space with its sweet, nostalgic melody. I smirked in delight and speedily drove away.

He was there, already awaiting my arrival. A dark green hood cloaked his handsome face, but could not mask his boyish grin. The excitement of this night renewed my energy, propelling me out of the car and into his welcoming arms. The smell of his sweet skin and heat from his touch steadied my beating heart. Our embrace soon broke in realization of the dinners patiently seated on my passenger's side. After a slight battle with the front door and small talk with my family, the two of us journeyed into the dark of my backyard.

I laid the blankets delicately onto the cool, wet grass watching as his sturdy arms stack the wooden logs onto the fire pit where a warm, glowing flame took center stage. We nestled down next to each other going back and forth between bites of food, talks of our day, and silent glances. I was met by his rugged profile in the fire's light. Those soft lips were hidden by the scurf of his beard, yet his dark, round eyes shone so prominently.  As the food finished, I couldn't help but feel a growing need to be closer. He gingerly stoked the fire before retiring his back fully onto the ground. My head pillowed itself atop his chest while our hands slowly intertwined.

The midnight sky lingered above us ever so clearly. Each star glistened like a diamond with the occasional one falling down to earth hoping to be wished upon. We began playing a little game, counting who could see the most shooting stars. I laid there in tranquility listening to the sweet sound of his heart beating, feeling his chest rise and fall with every breath. His hands lightly grazed up and down my back, making their way to tousle playfully with my hair, stroking back the strays that escaped to my face. I watched the silhouette of his mouth come to life as he spoke to me, learning his secrets and his passions, his fears and his stories; all sculpting this man I was lying beside. I felt his following eyes upon my face as he listened back intently to my replies and personal anecdotes.

The fire slowly died stealing away the warmth we had grown acquainted with. Neither one of us wished to break our hold on each other. I made out traces of our hot breathe dancing upon the cold, October air. He turned to face me, searching for my lips with his in the dark. Strong hands caressed both sides of my face as his body pressed firmly against mine. This tender kiss was interrupted by shivers alerting us to the rapidly declining temperature. We ventured into the security of my home wrapping ourselves in wool blankets and each other on the couch.

***

Suddenly I awoke to a pitch black room, my head bobbing up and down on a moving surface, utterly cocooned. I scanned the darkness when my eyes fell to blinking, red numbers that screamed "4:00 a.m."! He began to stir ever so slightly, eyes fluttering open to my tired smile. His gaze transferred to the demonic numbers as well, believing it merely a funny trick. But... the clock never lies.

"Stay," I said through a sleepy yawn.
"OK," he said gently kissing my forehead and closing his eyes once more.

This was my night without time, and whenever I look to the night sky decorated with a million stars,  I remember... when did time last escape you?

The Devil Inside

How do you learn to trust in a world teeming with devils and deceivers? How do you distinguish between friend and foe? It's like the fable regarding the little boy who cried wolf. The townsmen constantly fell for the boy's lies. When the he actually decided to be truthful, his prophecy fell upon deaf ears. I find myself locked in this battle of learning to trust. Just when I slowly to tear down the brick and stucco wall I have built to encase myself, I find I have let in a lie; there is no wolf. I fear that when truth actually presents itself to me I will not recognize it, discarding what I believe to be a lie masquerading.

St. Anthony, the patron saint of the lost, once found a solution to spotting lies. On his travels he spoke of encountering demons disguised as angels and angels disguised as demons. People implored him, "How could you tell the good from the bad? The angels from the demons?" St. Anthony said, "It is quite easy to tell, for if you feel darkened after meeting the presence, than you were confronted by a demon. If you feel enlightened after meeting the presence, than you were confronted by an angel."

The media has created movies such as Paranormal Activity, The Exorcist, and The Last Rite portraying demonic possessions in a horrific light. Thanks to special affects and the magic of Hollywood, these movies show the ugly, the brutal, and the savage side affects of devil's play. Unfortunately, we all possess a little demonic force within us. That presence grows stronger in some. Most people are powerful enough to excommunicate their demon and resist temptation, therefore exorcising its hold. However, the weak allow for  demonic domination. These people are not spewing out green or walking around with rotating heads; they appear completely normal. Their greed and selfishness allow for total dictation of evil. The only way to confirm a demonic encounter: Gage your feelings.

I am struggling to find meaning in all of this. I want to believe in the good, that people are not malicious or cruel. I want to believe lies are non existent and everyone lives a truthful life. I want to believe people can change. But these are just not so and to believe this is to be a fool. My instincts and heart have never synced up; one constantly beats out the other. I look to the day when my heart will finally catch up with my instincts. Only than will I see truth as truth.

To My Fellow College Grads...

This morning I took a drive and found myself at the beach. I stood on the brink of sand and water while the peaceful waves tumbled around my feet. I stood alone in silence as one thought kept washing back and forth in my mind. I wished I could employee one of the mighty waves to carry me across the ocean and back into the opened arms of Italy. I wished a change in my life would come.

With my school days over a year in the past, I still have yet to find my rightful place in society. It seems every corner of my life: career, stability, love... all remain stagnant. I often find the best example of my current situation to be like a tredmill. While I appear to be moving, it is only an illusion for I am going no where. My only solitude lies in the fact I am not alone in my sentiments. Many friends and fellow college graduates of mine find themselves stuck in these purgatories without the slighest glimpse of escape. I had plans. I had dreams. I dreamed of finishing school, of saving money so I could venture back to Italy for more growth and opportunity, of returning to America as an established transformation of my former self. So far... these dreams are on an indefiant hold. The economy has proven itself a God like force in this current day and age. Money and power allow its rule over every American's life. Unfortunately we college kids are the worst victims, falling hard under the economy's mighty wrath.

I like to compare a four year college education to Michelangelo's "The Last Judgement." In this extremely detailed and dark depiction of Christ's final judgement over humanity, only a select few souls are saved onto Heaven while the remainder forcibly perish in an enternity of despair. Colleges across the country constantly increase tution prices, allowing most middle class Americans to bow out of higher education. This institution has become a privelge for the elite while others fall short of its promise; the promise of a future. Most students today seek the assistance of financial aid, but face uncomfortable loans that haunt and plague their lives with no hopes of an exorcism. Like the puppets of New York's Off Broadway musical "Avenue Q" sing, "Four years of college and plenty of knowledge have earned me this useless degree!" We take these chances and journey off to college with the anticipation a remarkable job will sweep us into an intelligent, sophisticated, and diligent life. BUT with no settled employment opportunties in the near future AND this heavily hanging deficeit, I find myself asking who is better off; who really is "saved"? The high school graduate who took up a trade where money comes in regularly OR Mr./Miss College Grad who spent precious time and money on a degree they must pay off without a job or paycheck?

I am hoping this blog will acts as a beacon of hope for all of my fellow college grads out there and even some others who just want to find their place; to be settled into an adult life. I sometimes feel my money was wasted on an education I have yet to see the results of. It was not. We are only on the edge; merely scratching the surface of what we will become. When I slowly feel the bitter agnst towards my luke warm life congealing in my mind, I take a step back and say, "Things will get better... because they have to. I am not alone." You are not alone. Across this great nation thousands of accomplished students find themselves stuck in the mud with their expensive knowledge. So hold your head high. Keep treking through the flith. And know that the only direction from where we are sitting is up.