Today opens "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe."  Though I won't be seeing it till Christmas Eve - I promised my sister - I'm very excited about it.  On my recent flight to Arizona, I purchased a newly published combined volume of all seven Chronicles of Narnia.  Today, I finished reading the last one. 

I read them all as kids, and loved them.  They, along with The Prydain Chronicles, were my introduction to fantasy literature.  Even as a child, I could see the not so subtle allegories to christianity.  In the very first book, Aslan must sacrifice himself to absolve the sons of Adam and daughters of Eve of their sins.  In order to see Aslan, you must have true faith and follow him blindly.  It goes on, and on, and on.

What I didn't notice as a kid, but what stood out clearly today, was the following passage from the last book, "The Last Battle."

Then Aslan turned to them and said: "You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be."

Lucy said, "We're so afraid of being sent away, Aslan.  And you have sent us back into our own world so often."

"No fear of that," said Aslan.  "Have you not guessed?"

Their hearts leapt, and a wild hope rose within them.

"There was a real railway accident," said Aslan softly.  "Your father and mother and all of you are - as you used to call it in the Shadowlands - dead.  The term is over: the holidays have begun.  The dream is ended: this is the morning."

I should mention, for those of you who haven't read these books, or haven't read them recently, Lucy is about 14 when this railway accident happens.  Eustace and Jill, also dead, can't be more than twelve because they are still allowed in Narnia.  Possibly they are younger than that.  Even Peter, the eldest, could only be about 25.  Apparently, the big goal for twelve year olds is to die in a railway accident.  Then you never have to go to school again.  Hooray Death!

In other news, a New York City appellate court overturned a ruling in favor of gay marriage. The original decision had stated that not allowing gay marriage was unconstitutional.  The appellate court determined that the state has an interest in promoting heterosexual marriages that outweighs the need for equal rights.  The quote - are you ready for this - is equally asinine.

The definition of marriage now enshrined in state law, "expresses an important, long-recognized public policy supporting, among other things, procreation, child welfare and social stability - all legitimate state interest," the appellate majority said.

Apparently, people in NYC only get married to have children, and never have children out of wedlock.  Also, all marriages are stable and good for the children's welfare.

Oy Gavolt.