Here’s long and short of it: IMAX theaters in several southern cities (Texas is listed specifically, so no doubt this includes my IMAX theater here in Dallas.) have opted not to show a film on volcanoes on grounds that it references theory of evolution. Cited are concerns that movie-goers might be offended, or worse still actually learn something. The South’s education reputation didn’t occur by accident after all.

Now granted, I don’t spend a lot of time watching The Discovery Channel, but when was last time you saw a nature program that didn’t reference evolution? They’re absolutely RIFE with it, perhaps because they’re put together by smart people known as “scientists” instead of evangelical, money-hungry preachers. Scientists you see are this weird cult of folks who worship this guy named Einstein and believe in crazy things like scientific method as a way for unraveling mysteries of Earth. They also feel pretty confident that we all got here by a process known as evolution. Fun fact… Pope agrees.

Composers have long described natural world in music: Beethoven wrote his sensual “Pastoral” Symphony, Stravinsky tempestuous “Rite of Spring,” Led Zeppelin “Misty Mountain Hop.” (You may have different examples.) Few, however, can surpass Gustav Holst’s spectacular suite, The Planets, performed tonight by Las Vegas Philharmonic.

Excluding earth, and written before Pluto was designated ninth planet, this work comprises seven movements describing seven other known planets as they relate to classical mythology. Each movement is distinct in style and, according to composer, not related to others musically. However, chosen sequence makes for a very moving and unique musical experience.