When I first understood this (probably thanks to Isaac Asimov’s books or Carl Sagan’s Cosmos) I thought it was amazing. This presentation is beautiful:
UPDATE 2012-03-16: And here is the 10 questions which inspired it (with an astounding tribute to Isaac Newton):
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Noticed this MySky Guide description while catching up with Doctor Who. It has devoted fans, worshipers maybe?, but never really thought of Doctor Who as a religion!
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I was walking my Mum’s dog in a nearby cemetery* and one aspect struck me. Maybe it is because I don’t have a religion? It seems strange that those who do are/were** catered for by segregated burial areas.
If your religion means you cant mix after death, what hope is there on Earth?
* Dog walking is allowed, with some limitations I’m happy to observe.
** Some of these are historical but the current rules still observe some cultural and religious division.
UPDATE 2011-08-30: I guess Atheists go into Public, Ash or Eco?
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I only knew Derek K. Miller from his blog but have been following his feed for years. That the last post came is no surprise and his view of death matches my own:
“I haven't gone to a better place, or a worse one. I haven't gone anyplace, because Derek doesn't exist anymore. As soon as my body stopped functioning, and the neurons in my brain ceased firing, I made a remarkable transformation: from a living organism to a corpse, like a flower or a mouse that didn't make it through a particularly frosty night. The evidence is clear that once I died, it was over.”
Farewell Derek, although there won’t be any new posts your feed will remain in my reader. Although we never met it was nice to have known you.
The last post - www.penmachine.com - Derek K. Miller
http://www.penmachine.com/2011/05/the-last-post
Here it is. I'm dead, and this is my last post to my blog. In advance, I asked that once my body finally shut down from the punishments of my cancer, then my family and friends publish this prepared message I wrote—the first part of the process of turning this from an active website to an archive…
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If you haven’t already seen Tim Minchin's beat poem about a new age dinner guest, watch it. I prefer the unofficial text version as it’s simple presentation lets the message shine, and what a message.
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This presentation contains inspiration & content from Venganza.org. All rights remain with it’s respective noodley creators.
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Interesting video interview with Kiwi Economist/Investor, Philanthropist and Motorcycle Adventurer Gareth Morgan. Perhaps the most telling point, and one many Kiwis don’t appreciate, is how far from “normal”, in world terms, New Zealand is.
Gareth Morgan Investments - My God.
Chris Nichols tags Gareth as a "secular evangelist" in this interview about beliefs, ethics, and a meaningful life…
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According to Alf Garnett he was…
Come on U.K. TV, this classic deserves a repeat.
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A lovely, and honest, Christmas song (with a White Wine in the Sun southern hemisphere summer feel) from Tim Minchin. Now my second favourite Christmas song ever…
After Fairytales…
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I didn’t realise Ray Comfort was a Kiwi, until I read:
Evolutionist slams Kiwi 'idiot'
A Christchurch-born evangelist has been branded an "idiot" on United States television by prominent atheist Richard Dawkins…
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Although not exotic I know my Fiat Bravo HGT is relatively rare in New Zealand. Only a few dozen were imported in total, have been told maybe twelve of the Mk2 version I have. However something has happened which I’m almost certain will make it unique.
It has been touched by the noodly appendages of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. It seems fitting to have the Pastafarian emblem on a car made in the land of Pasta: a Fiat Bravo HGT 155 FSM!
The FSM emblems, and other merchandise, are available from Ring Of Fire who now ship outside the US (took less than a week to New Zealand!).
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A good Friday post, well any day really!
If you wonder why, look at the FAQ
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Great, even if you don't believe...
Church Sign Generator - Make Your Sign
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All praise his Noodly Wisdom!
"I'd really rather you didn't build multi million-dollar synagogues / churches / temples / mosques / shrines to my noodly goodness when the money could be better spent (take your pick):
1. Ending poverty
2. Curing diseases
3. Living in peace, loving with passion, and lowering the cost of cable"
There is now a Flying Spaghetti Monster Kiva Lending Team which will help do just that.*
RAmen!
* Maybe not the "lowering cost of cable" bit.
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Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin demonstrates she doesn't understand the difference between information and science;
Palin brings creationism debate back into the headlines: Scientific American Blog
"Teach both," Palin has said. "You know, don’t be afraid of information."
Here is some information about creationism and real science;
15 Answers to Creationist Nonsense: Scientific American
Opponents of evolution want to make a place for creationism by tearing down real science, but their arguments don't hold up...
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He is a farewell gift for a skeptical, raving atheist, boss…
The idea came while reading this post on FriendlyAtheist
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Battleground God - www.philosophersnet.com/games/god
Can your beliefs about God make it across TPM's challenging intellectual battleground?
Congratulations! You have been awarded the TPM medal of honour! This is our highest award for outstanding service on the intellectual battleground.
The fact that you progressed through this activity neither being hit nor biting a bullet suggests that your beliefs about God are internally consistent and very well thought out.
However, you avoided both these fates - and in doing so qualify for our highest award. A fine achievement!
How did you do compared to other people?
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He has arrived!
| Shipment | Location | Date | Time |
| International | United States | 06/25/08 | 5:23pm |
| Arrived Abroad | New Zealand | 07/01/08 | 7:29am |
| Out of customs | New Zealand | 07/01/08 | 1:54pm |
| Delivered Abroad | New Zealand | 07/01/08 | 5:18pm |
More to follow…
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I’m watching the Green Wing again, on DVD, and loved this reference to out Noodly Father (thankyoutube for the clip)
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For Graham, my atheist boss, who gave me some long weekend reading: Letter to a Christian Nation
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It seems hard to believe, but..
Mike Huckabee Says [about evolution] "It's Just a Theory" - Sandwalk
Maybe Mr Huckabee should read this
A scientific theory is an established and experimentally verified fact or collection of facts about the world. Unlike the everyday use of the word theory, it is not an unproved idea, or just some theoretical speculation. The latter meaning of a 'theory' in science is called a hypothesis.
www.whatislife.com/glossary/t.htm
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What is it with Hollywood and Scientology?
Bad Astronomy Blog » So much for Will Smith
“Scientology is such tremendous garbage it makes the Moon Hoax look like brain surgery.”
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I just watched “Real Life: Healer Or Hoaxer?” on TVNZ’s TV One. It was billed as an insight into the work of spiritual healer “John of God” (JoG) described in the show notes as: “a man who some call the most powerful spiritual healer since Jesus”. It claimed, in the previews, to ask the question: “Is John of God a miracle worker or a charlatan?”
John of God - Healer or Hoaxer – Top Shelf Productions
Healer or Hoaxer follows these human journeys from a balanced point of view, seeking to answer the question of whether John of God really is one of the world's most powerful spiritual healers, or whether he's just another trickster preying on the weak.
They followed three Kiwis who went to see "JoG" when he visited New Zealand, two of them later following him back to Brazil. As all were facing life threatening illness it’s impossible to criticise them but not the makers of this documentary. As an investigation into the value of Spiritual Healing it was a total waste of time. There was no attempt to quantify the impact of his treatment beyond, understandable, subjective hopeful comments from the patients involved.
The only seemingly critical element were some insipid non-committal comments from a “scientist”, whose name I didn’t catch*, Mark Wilson (a pyschologist and behaviourist) who added little to the exercise. He offered vague explanations of what could be happening if the spiritual healing was working but no critique of the techniques used and their possible impacts. Sadly for those involved the result seemed to be no measurable physical improvement and certainly no miracle cures. The programme failed to challenge JoG or question the outcome.
THANK THE INTERNET, and YouTube, for allowing us to see James Randi’s analysis of a similar ABC sham documentary back in 2005. Since Randi is expert at exposing the physical tricks used JoG a quick Google search found the article and video below. It’s amazing how the local effort duplicated the lack of investigation seen in sham show which inspired Randi’s comments. He explains how JoG relies on carnival tricks and the natural, physical, responses to them to achieve his short term “cures”. It’s also amazing “Top Shelf” didn’t tackle the issues Randi raises or mention his extensive analysis in an hour, actually 44 minutes + adverts, of air time.
In short it was a crap "documentary" with little evidence of critical thinking and a brilliant "Advertorial" for a charlatan. What a waste of a good opportunity.
"John of God." - A JREF Special Analysis - February 18, 2005
Folks, the page previously prepared for this week's slot has been pre-empted so that I can present my observations — and some of those from the public — concerning the February 10th, 2005, showing of the American Broadcasting Company's "Primetime Live" program. It dealt with a man called "John of God" who works out of Brazil. This was a major show that could have been a useful, productive, and informative program, but failed to reach that standard. Read on…Below: James Randi on John of God (aka João Teixeira, the miracle man and João de Deus) and criticizes the way the media portrays "psychics."
Real Life: Healer or Hoaxer – TV ONE | tvnz.co.nz
Wednesday January 9 at 9.30pm on TV ONE
Real Life features some of the more unusual and moving documentaries you'll ever see, covering people both little and large, facing the world with a different perspective.* I didn’t record the program so cant check and there is no reference in the details on the program website. If you know leave a comment or email me using the sidebar link and I will update the post. Post amended 10/01/08
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The evidence mounts for FSM’s claim that pirates and global warming are linked . Click through for a remarkable chart from Google Trends
startling evidence - piracy vs global warming at Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster
I’m amazed, I was thinking that your churches theories on global warming were just a bit off. I was using Google Trends and I came up with a startling chart.
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Does the Flying Spaghetti Monster have a rival?
» The Church of Google
We at the Church of Google believe the search engine Google is the closest humankind has ever come to directly experiencing an actual God (as typically defined). We believe there is much more evidence in favour of Google's divinity than there is for the divinity of other more traditional gods…
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Using DWF + Freewheel to view a deity from any perspective…
RobiNZ CAD Blog: The Flying Spaghetti Monster meets Freewheel
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From Amazon tonight. We recommend:
Recommended because you purchased or rated:
Drive On!: A Social History of the Motor Car by L.J.K. Setright
L.J.K. Setright wasn’t a delusion so must have been a God!
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Just a few hours from possibly the last America’s Cup race for 2007 the news reports are using words like “battle” and “fight” as if they are reporting a war.
While the odds are against Emirates Team New Zealand winning the next three in a row there is a chance. I was thinking what would be the perfect result?
I hope the nine race series goes to 5 – 4, then the best team wins the final race. It doesn’t matter so much which team that is. While rivalry is good I’ve never understood the need to hate the opposition as seems common in so many sports supporters. I can admire and support Emirates Team New Zealand without hating Alinghi or being devastated by them winning. It seems this isn't common as New Zealand usually descends into deep nationwide depression after a sporting loss.
So, whatever happens tonight, may the best team win. I think it’s remarkable given our tiny population and resources that it’s certain to be a Kiwi Skipper.
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So there I am, standing in the book-shop, which even had a 25% off all titles sale, wanting to buy a book. I’m holding "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins and about to head for the counter when I flick through it, scanning the chapter headings, and realise…
I don’t need to read this book.
I’ve got no God to be deluded about.
His word - by David Baddiel, Times Online - Via Richard Dawkins.net
I FIND, AS I GROW OLDER, THAT I AM perhaps not as up to speed with the Zeitgeist as I used to be…… And, worst of all, I have only just started reading The God Delusion.
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This is a brilliant interview with Richard Dawkins from “The Agenda”.
Richard Dawkins | Can We Live by Reason Alone?
Tonight on The Agenda: world-renowned scientist Richard Dawkins and his spirited defense of atheism. Plus: Are we good because of God?
Air Date: Thursday, May 10 2007
PS: Delightful to see a long format serious interview. Something that hasn’t been done on New Zealand TV for years…
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How could the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM) threaten our national icon, the New Zealand Kiwi (Apteryx)?
This submission to a well recognised Government Conservation Agency explains it all:
Hi,
I’m currently reading "The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster” by Bobby Henderson.
It’s the official gospel of the deity known as the “Flying Spaghetti Monster” (FSM) and gives the true story of creation from it’s beginning 5000 years ago to today. While that time period and the process may not quite agree with accepted scientific theory it gives convincing explanations for these anomalies.
Creation, the Big Bang, Dinosaurs, Fossils, Red Shifted Stars, Quantum Physics, String Theory - more correctly spaghetti theory - and the process incorrectly attributed to Evolution are integrated into a total world view guided by the unseen touch of the FSM’s Noodly Tentacles.
It’s a wonderful book that will result in many converting to “Pastafarianism” but there is a risk. I’m concerned non-believers trying to disprove Pastafarianism may impact our threatened national icon – the Kiwi.
The reason for this is material that appears on pages 47 & 48. Its a rebuttal of Evolution titled “Kiwi Birds: Flight-less?”.
It explains the Kiwis inability to fly, conventionally attributed to environmental aspects like plentiful ground feed and a lack of predators, is not proven. Prophet Bobby states that in addition to being spherical Kiwis are also extremely lazy. He contends that they can fly but simply lack motivation and choose not too. He argues, “You’ll never see me running but there is a good chance that I could”.
Later on there is a challenge to evolutionists, “Evolution is just a theory”, to test the “Theory of Kiwi Motivation” as summarised below;
- Requirements: A representative sample of Kiwis, 20 – 30 is suggested, a dump truck and a high cliff.
- Method: Drive the truckload of Kiwis to a high cliff, dump them over the cliff.
- Observation; Record how many Kiwis flap their “useless” wings and fly to safety.
For the sake of the tiny Kiwi population it’s imperative that we avoid hordes of evolutionists performing this test. Of course as a Pastafarian I believe that they will fly safely to roost in trees, for the first time, but it’s possible that our deity has made a slight mistake with Kiwi aerodynamics. Unlike many creators he does not claim to be infallible.
Therefore for the sake of all living Kiwis I must ask if any experiment like this, or other tests of motivation, have ever been done and if so what were the results?
Publishing these may save the needless motivation, or worse, of hundreds of Kiwis.
Regards…
Their response should be considered carefully by Pastafarians and misguided Evolutionists alike:
Here is the Linguini theory of creation turned into Raviolli
If creation occurred 5000 years ago, then the ancient seashell fossils in the rocks of Central Otago must have been put there by the evolutionary army. The coal that has been mined on the West Coast for the last 150 years must have been imported from China and buried there and covered with forests to make it look natural.
Coal formation takes millions of years and it is proven to be the fossilised lycopodium forests of the Carboniferous Period which occurred from about 354 to 290 million years ago during the late Paleozoic Era. . Hence our current problem of releasing 'greenhouse gases' into the atmosphere as we dig the stuff up and release it into the atmosphere at an alarming rate.
The ebb and flow of glaciation, marine sedimentary deposition and plate tectonics must have looked like a million super-charged bulldozers given the state of New Zealand currently
- The size of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps
- The geological distribution of various rock types hundreds of kilometres apart from the same source
- The vegetation cover of New Zealand.
We would have truly been the Shaky Isles! The only thing not moving would have been the moon and stars.
Beech forests have been known to cover certain parts of the islands (pollen records)and then after glaciation retreated, slowly advanced over the ground with their short distance seed dispersion mechanism. If your theory is correct, then the forests must have been turbo charged and leaped over a few mountains to attain their current distribution is such a short time-frame. - If they did not get smacked around by earthquakes and disappearing dinosaurs.
Flying kiwi forebears have long ago decided not to waste their energy on flying.
If the life of a human could be used as an analogy for the evolution of kiwi, then your hypothesis of flying kiwi would be like giving up Rugby at 5 and turning out for the All Blacks at 75 with no training in-between. - You might remember the rules of the game but you wouldn't be any good at it!Don't throw kiwi off cliffs, its not the height that is the problem - It's the sudden stop at the bottom.
Cheers…
To which I responded;
Thanks for your well-reasoned rebuttal. The apparent age, spread and location anomalies can be easily explained by the influence of the FSM's invisible Noodly Tentacles. As he says: Evolution is "just a theory", science is "just a collection of theories"
Regards…
And got a further response;
Scientific theory is based on a series of incidents that meet % of probability that are generally accepted. If science is a 'just a theory' then things like computers would be just a theory and we would be still communicating using smoke signals. Flight itself is a theory that was scientifically reasoned and with the use of fossil fuels, (millions of years old in theory) the age of air transport has become the norm.
Cheers…
So I conclude:
Credits: FSM Gospel Debunking by well recognised Government Conservation Agency, FSM Logo & Gospel via http://www.venganza.org/ – Kiwi Photo by Malene Thyssen, www.mtfoto.dk/malene/ via wikipedia, Miracle ‘toon via northcoastcafe
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"Religion ends and philosophy begins, just as alchemy ends and chemistry begins and astrology ends and astronomy begins." - Christopher Hitchens
onegoodmove: Lou Dobbs - Christopher Hitchens
Lou Dobbs interviews Christopher Hitchens author of God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything…
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Why did Metro file this story on religion under “Weird” news?
What makes The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster and Pastafarians weird?
Student punished for spaghetti beliefs | Metro.co.uk
A student has been suspended from school in America for coming to class dressed as a pirate.
But the disciplinary action has provoked controversy – because the student says that the ban violates his rights, as the pirate costume is part of his religion…Yay, just found the FSM RSS Feed!
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Is that a pass mark, for an atheist?
Congratulations! You know a lot about the Bible - the books, the characters, the events. You are able to remember a lot of what you have heard and read!
Ultimate Bible Quiz
Create MySpace Quizzes
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I wouldn’t wish this on anyone but it’s a sad fact that some will be in the position where they are potential organ donors. New Zealand is desperate for organ donors but it’s important that if you make the decision to be a donor that your relatives are aware of your wishes. Ultimately they may make the final decision when you are not able.
I understand there are cultural and religious reasons for not donating but I think that it’s something that all should consider. At a time when you are beyond help to give life to others is a wonderful act. I’m a registered donor and only wish I could thank whoever donated the kidney that has kept my mum alive for the last 8 years.
Organ Donor Rates Plummet To Record Low - Xtra News
New Zealand is desperately short of organ donors, according to new figures released on Friday…
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“My initials are D.N.A!”Many know Douglas Adams for the Hitchhikers Guide but his talents were many, his intellect vast. From distinguishing A from B, the life & thoughts of a puddle, the importance of sand and how to get a coke from 5,000 miles away Douglas takes a unique and fascinating look at the question “Is there an Artificial God?”
Douglas Adams' Speech at Digital Biota 2
Is there an Artificial God?
In honour of Douglas' memory, Biota.org presents the transcript of his speech at Digital Biota 2, held at Magdelene College Cambridge, in September 1998. I would like to thank Steve Grand for providing this to us. Douglas presented this ''off the cuff'' which only magnifies his true genius in our eyes. -- Bruce Damer (Text & Audio)
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I don’t understand the The Exclusive Brethren Christian Fellowship:
What are they about, other than hypocrisy?
The Exclusive Brethren Christian Fellowship
The Only Site Endorsed by the Exclusive BrethrenTestimony To Government
Exclusive Brethren believe in Government and are subject to it as outlined by Paul in Romans 13:1. They do not live in countries that do not have a Christian Government. Their approach is non-political. They do not vote , but hold Government in the highest respect as God's ministers , used by Him to restrain evil and provide conditions for the promotion of the glad tidings. Exclusive Brethren hold formal prayer meetings every week and include prayers for the support and guidance of right Government which is clearly of God , and also for divine resistance to the devil's efforts to influence it. Contact with members of parliament or congress is encouraged to express a moral viewpoint of legislation in relation to the rights of God and this ongoing communication is found to be acceptable and productive
Separation
The Exclusive Brethren practice separation from evil, recognising this as God's principle of unity. They shun the conduits of evil communications: television, the radio, and the Internet. Their charter is 2 Timothy 2:19 "The Lord knows those that are his; and, Let every one who names the name of the Lord withdraw from iniquity."
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British ethologist, evolutionary theorist, and popular science writer Richard Dawkins has established a web resource for his charitable foundation;
RichardDawkins.net - The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science
“The enlightenment is under threat. So is reason. So is truth. So is science, especially in the schools of America. I am one of those scientists who feels that it is no longer enough just to get on and do science. We have to devote a significant proportion of our time and resources to defending it from deliberate attack from organized ignorance. We even have to go out on the attack ourselves, for the sake of reason and sanity. But it must be a positive attack, for science and reason have so much to give. They are not just useful, they enrich our lives in the same kind of way as the arts do. Promoting science as poetry was one of the things that Carl Sagan did so well, and I aspire to continue his tradition.”
RSS Feed: http://richarddawkins.net/feed.php
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David Byrne’s comments on “Jesus Camp” and the dangers of religious indoctrination, wherever it’s done…
David Byrne Journal: 8.2.06: American Madrassas
“When one sees religion perverted — in the U.S. or in Israel, Pakistan, Afghanistan or India, one wonders if the spiritual seeds, planted by visionaries and enlightened prophets like Jesus, Mohammed, Marx and others, are just too volatile for large societies to deal with.”
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My favourite…
But I don't have to know an answer. I don't feel frightened by not knowing things, by being lost in the mysterious universe without having any purpose — which is the way it really is, as far as I can tell, possibly. It doesn't frighten me
Richard Feynman
See more Atheist Quotes - www.chrisbeach.co.uk
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Darwin Award Candidate?
“Holidaymakers contract malaria after relying on homeopathic pills”
www.nzherald.co.nz
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This explains all; Resurrection, Rabbits and Chocolate Eggs…
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One Good Move has a news clip about the latest move in the South Park/Scientology/Chef battle. Isaac Hayes, Chef, reportedly quit after South Park mocked his “religion”, the Church of Scientology.
Seems it was OK to be Chef, and take the money, while they satirise everything else on the planet but knock a cult and pseudo-science dreamed up by a second rate science fiction writer and that’s a step too far. Matt & Trey respond with The Death of Chef episode using old Chef clips to stand in for Hayes until the character “dies” returning in the form of a Darth Vader parody.
Meanwhile, this week C4 (Channel 4 NZ) back down and apologise for screening the “Bloody Mary” episode a few weeks ago, which rated six times the usual audience. Will they screen “The Death of Chef”?
onegoodmove: The Death of Chef
Broadcaster Apologises for South Park offence - C4 – CanWest MediaWorks NZ
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Joe Bennett: Where Underpants Come from
I'll disclose I'm reading this because it's, in a strange way, about where I work and because I love Joe's writing.
The Best of Car Magazine
A blast from the past but still great reading today. From supercars to not super cars (Ford Capri), tales of CANAM and Formula One from the 60's, and when will the oil run out from the 70's (hint, it should have already) this is a great mix of nostalgia. One of the best articles is a "behind the scenes" look at filming the racing movie "Le Mans". Another highlight is the faithfully reproduced totally sexist advertising!
George Dyson: Darwin Among the Machines: The Evolution of Global Intelligence
I was shocked this book, about the evolution of artificial intelligence, began in New Zealand!
Karl Pilkington: Happyslapped by a Jellyfish: The words of Karl Pilkington
The sticker on the front says "If you think he's a genius, you're an idiot -Rricky Gervais". Karl writes about what he knows, which isn't much but he's been on a few holidays...
It's genius!
Karl Kruszelnicki: Great Mythconceptions: The Science Behind the Myths
Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki is an Aussie "celebrity scientist". This book is a collection of his columns which expose the truth behind many commonly quoted "facts".
Do we really use only 10 percent of our brain? Read this book and you'll find out...
Spike Milligan: Silly Verse for Kids
A classic for children of any age...
Change is Good
Jean-Michel Jarre : The Symphonic Jean-Michel Jarre (2CD Set)
I've always liked Jarre's work, his live concert DVDs especially, but the thought of it done by a symphony orchestra had me wondering: "elevator music"?
This disc proves I was wrong. The symphonic nature of his compositions is expressed brilliantly by superb arrangements. Recommended for more than elevators! You can hear samples, or buy as mp3's, from the Amazon page.
Greg Johnson: Here Comes the Caviar
Brilliant Kiwi artist, now resident in L.A. If you have the chance to see Greg live, don't miss it.
Rudy Sunde: Chants de Marins/Sea Shanties
Rudy is a local artist, writer and bugman (entomologist)
Pat Metheny: One Quiet Night
I liked Norah Jones hit track "Don’t Know Why", but not a fan of hers. Pat's solo guitar version on this album is lovely.
Anna Maria Jopek: Secret
Anna Maria Jopek's first English album is a mix of original and covers. The voice is pure rather than powerful but refreshing.
Rudy Sunde: Songs of New Zealand
Traditional Kiwi music. Rudy is a westie, folk composer/performer and expert on aphids!
Shane Jacobson: Kenny
To say it's Aussie Toilet humour is, well it's accurate, but doesn't do this film justice. Wonderful script, brilliant acting and finely balanced, like a teetering porterloo, mix of humour and pathos. It's nearly as good as "The Castle", my favourite Aussie film.
Christopher Nolan: The Prestige
I didn't know anything about this movie before seeing it but it's one of the best for years. About illusionists, it is packed with constant twists and surprises. Add a great cast, direction and production and you have a must see.
Nick Park: Creature Comforts - The Complete First and Second Seasons
Brilliance of "person-on-the-street" interviews coupled with aardman's outstanding claymation and subtle visual gags
Pat Metheny Group: The Way Up - Live
It's their best performance, their best composition - recorded live in Korea.
Kevin Macdonald: The Last King of Scotland
Great performance by Forest Whitaker. Not pleasant viewing but much more interesting than I expected.
Todd Field: Little Children
Don't expect a happy childhood story. It's confrontational and disturbing but also rewarding. Worth seeing for Kate Winslets performance alone.
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