psychic reader: vistavision

By Steve Hammons

The new movie The Men Who Stare at Goats is bringing expanded awareness to the general public about unconventional and anomalous topics involving human consciousness and the nature of “reality.”

Another film, this one a documentary, is doing the same.

Dutch filmmaker Renée Scheltema’s film Something Unknown is Doing Something We Don’t Know What, like the “Goats” movie, looks at discoveries in modern physics and psychology, remote viewing, telepathy, precognition, psychokinesis, unconventional healing, therapeutic touch, psychic detective work and related subjects.

Scheltema has a background in Dutch TV and has created other documentaries. After her bachelor’s degree in law, she also earned advanced degrees in journalism and criminology.

INTEGRATIVE RESEARCH

In the film, various scientists and researchers give their views about the possibility or probability that unconventional and unusual forces are at work in the Universe and Nature – or at least they seem unusual to many of us.

Some of the people featured in the film include former Apollo astronaut Dr. Edgar Mitchell, former Project STAR GATE researcher Dr. Harold (Hal) Puthoff, University of Arizona professor of psychology Dr. Gary Schwartz, University of California professor emeritus of psychology Charles Tart, parapsychologist Dr. Dean Radin and several other prominent scientists and investigators.

Something Unknown explores reports of phenomena and aspects of human consciousness that seem to defy logic and our general understanding of ourselves and our environments.

Yet, much research into topics like near-death experiences, remote viewing, ESP and other subjects seems to indicate that something truly is going on that should be thoroughly investigated. In addition to any understanding of these phenomena that can be attained, the film serves as a vehicle to communicate to and educate us about these discoveries.

As the title of the film seems to indicate, there is “something” in the Universe and Nature, or perhaps many “somethings,” that are behaving in ways that are unique, puzzling and at times, amazing.

Physicists, psychologists, biologists and other investigators are changing their views of how things work around us and within us – and the interesting connections between the two.

Are these unconventional phenomena really “paranormal” or simply normal and natural?

GETTING UP TO SPEED

Different human cultures certainly approach human consciousness, dreams, visions, the afterlife, Nature and other common experiences in different ways. The modern scientific approaches of Western civilization have often created and reflected a different view of how things work and how Nature operates.

In addition, the divide between “science” and “spirituality” seems, at times, to define a separation that may not really be present at all.

The trends and trajectory of our understanding about human consciousness, biological systems, quantum physics and a wide swath of other studies seem to be moving toward a new way of looking at things – at the “something” and what it is doing.

The general public is now being exposed to more kinds of films, TV programs, books and other information that are getting all of us up to speed on the discoveries and developments in these fields that affects each and every one of us.

These communications efforts, like Something Unknown, seem to be part of the process to inform us, deepen our understanding, enhance our consciousness and … well, “we don’t know what.”

Something Unknown will be shown at the Santa Fe Film Festival on Dec. 3 and 5. The film is also available on DVD. For more information and to view the movie trailer, go to SomethingUnknown.com.

Steve Hammons writes on many topics. For more information, visit these websites: Joint Recon Study Group, Transcendent TV & Media and American Chronicle.

Photo: Ryan Coleman | photography.ryancoleman.ca

By Steve Hammons

The new fact-based fiction movie The Men Who Stare at Goats deals with more than meets the eye. Or at least, we see some subjects touched on in quick and sometimes subtle ways that might trigger more thought.

In other scenes, certain topics are dealt with at length or even hit viewers between the eyes with a cinematic sledgehammer.

Incredibly funny parts of the movie are juxtaposed with the troubling, tragic and frightening.

Besides looking at the concepts of the First Earth Battalion and its real-life outside-the-box leader Army Lt. Col. Jim Channon (played by Jeff Bridges), we also get a glimpse at the Vietnam War years and post-Vietnam U.S. Army. These were dark and difficult times in the military and in America.

Yet, the 1960s and ´70s also brought forth the “human potential movement” which included a variety of touchy-feely human encounter activities, experimentation with mind-altering substances, a renewed interest in planet Earth and the natural environment, as well as the value of peace and human love.

From the troubled years after the Vietnam War to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, moviegoers are asked to consider some basic questions about human beings, the U.S. government and military, and even the forces of good versus “the dark side.”

THE HUMAN MIND

The movie, and the book upon which it is based, bring together various subjects in ways that give us the opportunity to reflect further about the larger, deeper and more complex aspects of the real-life material.

For example, the research and operational activities of Project STARGATE, probably the most widely-known U.S. remote viewing program, was not part of Channon’s First Earth Battalion.

However, as indicated by the scene when George Clooney identifies the contents of a small closed box as “a man sitting in a chair,” remote viewing did turn out to be a real and valid human skill.

Generally speaking, it is a sub-type of ESP, but conducted according to specific and scientific research and operational protocols.

Remote viewing-type skills are related to what we call intuition, gut feelings, instincts and the sixth sense. We probably all have these abilities and can practice and develop them further.

Some of the Project STARGATE personnel reportedly had quite excellent results at times.

On a separate topic, in the movie an entire Army outpost in Iraq is slipped a mind-altering substance, LSD, via the food and water. In fact, during Army and CIA research of LSD a couple of decades ago, unwitting troops, intelligence officers and civilians were reportedly given this substance to test its effects.

The dangers of this and other mind-altering substances is clearly demonstrated in one troubling and shocking scene. This danger is real and was an unfortunate result for many people in the ’60s, ’70s and beyond. In fact, certain mind-altering drugs continue to cause severe health, social and legal problems today.

The often valuable research into human consciousness, from the ’60s to the present, has been marred in many cases by excess, ignorance, misuse and dangerous behavior.

Defining, understanding and separating worthwhile and constructive approaches from stupid and destructive behavior continue to be a challenge now.

VICTORY WITHIN REACH

In the movie, we also get glimpses of the positive potential of human beings, our military and our society.

When the Jeff Bridges character has a near-death experience in Vietnam after being shot, we might wonder about the many reports of similar encounters that have been thoroughly researched and documented. And we might wonder what conclusions can be drawn from them.

The reverence for the Earth through various rituals by some of the characters can also be interpreted as a valid perspective that connects humans with Nature – and helps keep our feet on the ground as well as offering benefits to mental and spiritual health.

Mention in the movie of U.S. military humanitarian operations, peace operations, conflict resolution and similar activities might seem whimsical. However, these activities are now considered important parts of American foreign policy and important missions of the U.S. armed forces.

How fitting that the movie portrays some recent activities in Iraq and Afghanistan as being part of “the dark side.”

The Men Who Stare at Goats is a funny, thought-provoking and very entertaining movie. It moves along quickly, but not like the rapid-fire pacing of a thriller. It is more like a gentle roller-coaster of humor and tragedy, action and more contemplative moments, with representations of good and evil, light and darkness.

Perhaps most importantly, the movie gives us insight into human nature at its best and worst.

The lessons that can be learned from the film, and the stories upon which it is apparently loosely based, are probably more valuable than we might think.

Human consciousness is now changing and evolving in ways that might result in developments so positive that the goals of people like Col. Channon may finally be within reach.

Steve Hammons writes on many topics. For more information, visit these websites: Joint Recon Study Group, Transcendent TV & Media and American Chronicle.

Philip Gardiner’s The Order of the Alchemists takes Reality Films to a new level in terms of both production values and content.

As a writer who enjoys words and analyzing different styles of writing and speaking, I was quite impressed by the narration.

On the arts side, the CGI (computer generated imagery) is a definite step up from earlier productions. And the soundtrack for this DVD is simply beautiful.

Gardiner himself seems to be something of a modern day Gnostic or, at least, an advocate for Gnosticism. But he’s certainly not lost in the clouds as some New Age enthusiasts seem to be. Instead, this film showcases his considerable abilities as a sometimes edgy but never too jagged communicator of ideas.

The DVD begins by looking at the 11^th century bigotry, as Gardiner puts it, of the Roman Catholic Crusades. Gardiner is critical of a Catholic Church that, so he implies, was chiefly concerned with the acquisition of riches and power through means of unsavory aggression.

While watching this part of the video and writing in my notepad,“he points the finger at the Roman Catholic Church” Gardiner soon after adds that Islam, historically speaking, was not exempt from succumbing to the fighting instinct.

But the Catholic power brokers, Gardiner says, started it all.

After this bold kickoff the narrative turns to the Portuguese nobleman Manuel Pinto da Fonseca (1681-1773). Here Gardiner provides a visually rich portrayal of this curious man’s quest for political power alongside his pursuit of the alchemical Elixir of Life.

Throughout his account Gardiner develops a controversial theory dealing with alleged connections between the longstanding Knights of Malta and an assortment of contemporary world powers.

But to avoid a spoiler I won’t reveal Gardiner’s unsettling conclusions.

Suffice it to say that I found The Order of the Alchemists a provocative investigation into some hidden histories that, for all we know, just might need more telling.

–MC

Updated from May 1, 2008 with minor stylistic revisions

Backview Bollywood #39: Meena Kadri

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Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom has invited Bollywood dancers for a first-ever such performance at Buckingham Palace in London, according to reports.

Fifteen minute long performance with three male and five female dancers will be held in the lavish Ballroom, where German composer-organist-conductor-pianist Felix Mendelssohn performed organ recitals for Queen Victoria. It will include seven costume changes and a romantic boy-meets-girl storyline.

The performance has been termed as “sexy and hot”. It will be held in the shadow of red-gold canopy once used in 1911 for Delhi Durbar. It will include a sequence from 1955 Filmfare Award winner “Shree 420” starring Raj Kapoor. Two Indian chefs will work with palace chefs to prepare canapés for guests.

Queen had already seen the Bollywood dancing during a visit to Bradford in the past. Besides Queen and Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip, other members of royal family expected to be present include Duke and Duchess of Wessex and Prince Michael of Kent.

Seeing Queen’s interest in India’s culture, Rajan Zed, acclaimed Hindu statesman, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged her to visit a Hindu temple. Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, further said that traditionally Lord Shiva invented dance who first danced the cosmic tandava. Sage Bharata first codified rules of classic Indian dance in Natya-sastra treatise.

Bollywood dancing is a high energy vibrant dance performed to the Bollywood tracks and is fusion of traditional Indian dances, folk dances (including Bhangra), and western influences; popularized by Bollywood movies which usually feature about seven song-dance sequences, mostly involving two people falling in love. Bollywood dance craze is spreading across USA, Canada and Europe. It is a free dance, an expression of joy, Rajan Zed adds.

Marlee Matlin: Sharon Graphics

What The Bleep Do We Know!? has already been talked about. TIME Magazine called it a “sleeper hit.” Patricia F. Hare’s Consciousness Commentary highlighted it years ago. Several other notables have described it as “compelling” and “absorbing.” So I realized I had to see it.

Early in the film a divorced photographer, Amanda (Marlee Matlin), begins to see herself in double, actually triple, and we suddenly realize we’re in for a subatomic joyride reminiscent of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

While Alice in Wonderland satirizes Victorian society, What the Bleep!? targets organized religion, God as wholly other, the anticipation of heaven and fear of hell, along with more issues bound to irritate some and delight others. The film’s dominant theme is about creating your own reality through focused intent and increased knowledge while jettisoning the old, allegedly oppressive ideas of providence and belief.

We hear a lot in the film about paradigms and, especially, enlarging existing paradigms. Yet ironically the familiar “old-and-fat is out, young-and-thin is in” bigotry runs throughout. This might be the film’s biggest flaw. Aside from that, What The Bleep!? provides a visually rich account of human neurology in relation to memory, thought, emotion, behavior and sexual arousal. Its complicated science is made simple with excellent commentary and above average graphics.

Some viewers might be offended by the use of coarse language. But I felt this was kept in balance and made the film convincing, especially when coming from a person like Matlin who obviously has her heart in the right place.

What the Bleep!? is a bit slow in places (I would have edited the wedding scenes) but on the whole Matlin and the supporting cast make this more than just another new physics, gee whiz documentary. As the film indicates, it’s not about agreeing with everything; it’s more about thinking.

And surely we need more of that.

—MC, August 31 2006 (with a few edits made today)

Steven SPIELBERG (réalisateur): startinghere71

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With new funding from India, Oscar winner Steven Spielberg is ready to move ahead with production and we all shall be able to see six-plus foot invisible rabbit “Harvey” in the near future.

Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed says that they were glad to see the legendary director back in filmmaking. Spielberg has not reportedly produced after Transformers since separating from Paramount Pictures. Deal with India’s Reliance on Monday breathed life back into Spielberg’s dormant DreamWorks Studios and he can now start directing “Harvey”.

Spielberg’s directorial project “Harvey” is remake of Oscar winner James Stewart (The Philadelphia Story) starring 1950 film based on Mary Chase Pulitzer Prize-winning play, about amiable and eccentric bachelor Elwood P. Dowd and his friendship with imaginary Harvey. Oscar nominated Henry Koster (The Bishop’s Wife) directed the 1950 Harvey, which won an Oscar and a Golden Globe.

It is reportedly a co-venture between the new DreamWorks, Disney and 20th Century Fox. Spielberg and Don Gregory (Fire in the Dark) will be the producers. While casting and pre-production is expected to begin immediately, the production will begin in early 2010.

As Oscar winner Tom Hanks (Forrest Gump) has reportedly said no to the role of the polite Dowd, Spielberg will be looking for another likable top-notch leading actor who can convincingly talk to the invisible rabbit.

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Mike Myers (star of The Love Guru) by Alan Light

Keenly protested Hollywood movie “The Love Guru”, released last June and bluntly failed world over, is still reportedly waiting for certification from India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), where it was submitted on November 20 last.

According to reports, its fate is still hanging because of difference of opinion of CBFC film committee members. CBFC is responsible for certifying films suitable for public exhibition in India, where the main character of the movie Guru Pitka was shown to be raised in an ashram. Usually a movie receives certification in a week or two.

According to acclaimed Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, this movie appears to violate various CBFC “guidelines for certification”. He listed the apparently challenged CBFC guidelines in this movie as: “ such dual meaning words as obviously cater to baser instincts are not allowed”; “visuals or words contemptuous of racial, religious or other groups are not presented”; “human sensibilities are not offended by vulgarity, obscenity or depravity”.

Zed, who is the president of Universal Society of Hinduism, stresses that the Cinematograph Act lays down that a film has to be certified keeping “morality” in mind, besides other things. CBFC objectives of film certification are given as… “the medium of film remains responsible and sensitive to the values and standards of society”; “the medium of film provides clean and healthy entertainment”…

Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest movement against “The Love Guru” beginning in March 2008, argues that it is a pure and blatant ridiculing of Hinduism, the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought. No faith, larger or smaller, should be ridiculed at.

Hindus, who earlier called for its worldwide boycott, have also urged its co-producer and leading actor Mike Myers to withdraw “The Love Guru” movie from proposed exhibition in India out of respect for the upset Hindus.

Zed argued that withdrawing the movie from India would also save Mike Myers from further humiliation as the film suffered blunt failure at the box office and also received “worst picture”, “worst actor”, and “worst screenplay” awards at Golden Raspberries.

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops declared “The Love Guru” “morally offensive” and slapped it with its highest rating “O”. “Preview Online”, which calls itself  “informative tool for Christian parents and moviegoers”, gave it Morality Rating of  –4 (Dangerous), which is lowest of five categories, highest being +4. “Christian Spotlight on Entertainment” gave it a Moral Rating of “Very Offensive”. Crosswalk, a Christ-centered corporation, wrote in the movie review, “…slew of seriously wince-inducing jabs at India’s culture (horrible, even when meant in fun)…” Dwight N. Hopkins, Professor of Theology at the University of Chicago Divinity School, has said about the movie, “It exhibits the bodacious, repulsive, iconoclastic, sophomoric, insulting, stereotyping, and illogicality…”

The Ten Commandments by Sylvia Ortiz Domney

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Documentary film “ARTICLE VI: Faith, Politics, America”, in which the scene of protested historic first Hindu prayer in United States Senate appears prominently, is reportedly making the rounds of leading film festivals.

According to Jack R. Donaldson, Director of award winning “Living Biography” who made this film, this documentary will be screened in some of the renowned film festivals in USA and Canada, including Washington DC Independent Film Festival.

The scene when Rajan Zed, Hindu leader, who read this first prayer in the 218 years history of the Senate, was protested, appears prominently in this documentary alongside interviews of protesters and others about their reactions to Hindu prayer in the Senate, besides Zed.

Directed by Bryan D. Hall and Jack R. Donaldson under Living Biography Media banner, this documentary, which took over two years to make, offers an intense discussion of the role of faith in politics and examination of the religious freedom and intolerance in America.

The filmmakers traveled across USA as they interviewed religious voices like national radio host Hugh Hewitt, Former Chief Justice of Alabama Supreme Court Roy Moore, Internet Evangelist Bill Keller, Christian Rights Advocate David French, Pastor Robert Jeffress of Dallas, Richard Land of Southern Baptist Convention, Reverend Flip Benham of Operation Save America, religion professor Randall Balmer of Columbia University, etc.

Rajan Zed has urged world filmmakers to come up with films giving deeper, broader, and more inclusive understanding of religion as religion is a complex component of human life and is arguably the most powerful force in human society.

Donaldson says that Living Biography is interested in making a documentary about race in America and Rajan Zed will be interviewed for that along with others.

Special to Earthpages.org
Expressing concern at the much-anticipated Hollywood movie “Avatar”, Hindus have urged its director James Cameron to be careful when handling Hindu concepts and terminology.

Acclaimed Hindu and Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that “avatar” was one of the central themes of Hinduism and insensitive handling of faith traditions sometimes results in pillaging serious spiritual doctrines and revered symbols and hurting the devotees.

With seasoned and skillful Cameron at the helm, we did not expect any problem, Zed, who is president of Universal Society of Hinduism, said and added that they were just asking for more sensitivity towards faith traditions. If Cameron needed any expertise on Hinduism related issues, he or other Hindu scholars would gladly provide the resources, Zed added.

Rajan Zed explains that “Avatar”, a Sanskrit term, means descent or incarnation. Hinduism is shaped by its traditional belief in the incarnation of Vishnu (the Preserver in Hindu trinity) into ten forms to establish dharma (divine law), which include Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parasurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Kalki (believed to come at the end of present Kaliyuga). Hindus believe that without such intervention, the entire created universe would have gone into decline. Many devotees also regard their respective Gurus as incarnations of the Divine.

In chapter four of ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), Lord Krishna explains the reasons for God’s descent: “Whenever dharma declines and the purpose of life is forgotten, I manifest myself on earth”. Hinduism is the oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and a rich philosophical thought and it should not be taken lightly, Rajan Zed points out.

Budgeted up to $300 million, futuristic “Avatar”, an upcoming digital 3-D science fiction feature film currently under production, is directed and written by Canada born three Oscars winning 54-years old James Francis Cameron of highest-grossing and 11 Oscars carrying “Titanic” fame. In it, a band of humans, two centuries in the future, are pitted in a heroic battle against a distant planet’s indigenous population. It is due to be released in France and Belgium on December 16 and USA on December 18 next.

Cast includes Australia born Sam Worthington (Somersault), Oscar nominated Sigourney Weaver (Aliens), Michelle Rodriguez (Girlfight), Zoe Saldana (Guess Who), Giovanni Ribisi (The Gift), Stephen Lang (Gods and Generals), etc. To be shot in Hawaii, California, and New Zealand; produced by Cameron and Jon Landau under Lightstorm Entertainment; and released by 20th Century Fox; it is Cameron’s first work as director since Titanic (1997). Music in the film is provided by James Horner and editing by John Refoua and Stephen Rivkin. It is claimed to offer a groundbreaking mix of live-action dramatic performances and computer-generated effects. Cameron described it as “adventure with an environmental conscience”.