Wednesday, December 19, 2007

The Family Christmas Plan

So, today I received an e-mail from my mom explaining the plan for when all 20 members of my family get together in a few days.  Overall, she did what she does best: direct and control (and of course, love).  Not only did she effectively divvy out their 7200 s.f. to the proper sub-families, but she also established standards (e.g. all toys, clothes, etc must stay in the appropriate room, kids room should be returned to its current status prior to departure, etc).  Additionally, there is no question as to what meals are covered, which are "potluck" and which ones are on our own.  I'm a guy that needs black and white - clear boundaries of operation and specific objecives.  I can operate with this e-mail in hand, without a doubt.  I give the directions two thumbs up!

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Shrek the Third

Shrek the Third, 2007 - PG

Mike Myers and his crew are settling in to what may prove to be a "Land Before Time-esque" franchise.  It has proven to be a successful formula to date, that is big fat ogres belching, farting, screaming, laughing, being sarcastic and in the end, learning something about themselves while building someone else up.  Same story - just more characters this time.  John Cleese somehow was able to get his Monty Python buddy, Eric Idle, into the picture as Merlin, the outcast magic professor, and Justin Timberlake even made an entrance as a High School loser.  I'm not sure what I thought completely yet, but I did enjoy it - of course.  The long dream sequence with Shrek was a bit overdone and almost scary, and some of the jokes have become a little tired by this third installment, but overall it accomplished its mission of making me laugh and occassionally feel a little gushy inside.  Especially after the last semester I had, the AF classes I took, classes I taught, music I've learned, business trip I had and lack of sleep, this movie was a great way to give my mind a rest!  My favorite line came at the end when a character was trying to make everyone feel good about themselves and then said, "And the only thing standing in the way of becoming that creature . . . .is . . . .you" This character then pointed to some random dude and everyone just about ganged up on him as though that were the guy standing in the way of their success.  OK, you had to be there.  I'm still laughing though.  My recommendation: wait until it's in the "2 for 11" bin at Wal-Mart to pick up a copy.  I know we'll have to if I plan on buying it on our budget!

Friday, November 30, 2007

Third Day / Jars of Clay / Rome, GA

We had the privilege of going to the first show for the Christmas Offerings tour with Third Day and Jars of Clay last night in Rome, GA.  It was a blast (of course) and we met up some friends from TN to make it even more fun!  6th row on stage left was perfect - Rachel had the aisle in case she started going into contractions; thankfully that didn't happen and we got to see the whole show.  The baby did get pretty excited, especially with the bass drum the JoC lead singer bangs like its nobody's business! 

OK, it seems important to provide a more critical review than just "It rocked!", especially considering this was our fifth full-fledged Third Day concert.  So here it is:  All in all, the audience was deeply ministered to - as is the case at every Third Day event.  It is impossible to walk away from these guys, whether they are singing or playing or just chilling by the pool and not be ministered to.  I've had more time with them than most fans (in and out of the concert hall) and I can speak of this as fact.  The concert on Thursday night, though had some glitches.  I believe that they were almost completely due to two factors: 1. it was the first night of the show 2. the Forum in Rome, GA looks older than me.  Number 1 seemed to be the apparent reason for most of the problems.  For instance, the words during one of the songs were completely out of synch after the first couple verses.  The soundguy, to his credit, worked feverishly to get the right words up on the screen, however it was at times a little distracting.  Additionally, Brad Avery's awesome story about the adoption of their fourth daughter was followed by a complete darkout that seemed to contribute to an out-of-synch intro between him and the keyboardist.  During Little Drummer Boy, by Jars of Clay (and this may be my own audible deficiency), the lead singer took to the xylaphone like it was nobody's business, yet for some reason, I couldn't hear it save my life!  Nonetheless, the crowd loved the song and got to its feet by the end.  I think the oddest flub of the evening was when Mac tried to direct the follow spot over to Mark Lee so that he could be introduced.  Instead of following the lead's directions, the spot stayed focused (I think on Brad) and just sat there.  Mac had to tell the dude about four times before he started pointing to the operator and waving the light over to Mark.  It definitely disrupted a bit of the concert flow. 

 You know what, though, most of these issues really pointed to one thing: This was a live show!  It was not Milli Vanilli and things happen when musicians actually peform rather than pretend.  I hope that noone gets too offended by this post, as it is written, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" (Prov. 27:17).  The concert definitely rocked, regardless, and I'm anxiously awaiting the Spring tour dates so I can scoop up some tix for a few close by shows.  God Bless!

Friday, November 16, 2007

Guitar Hero

Just like the real thing - only completely different!  On my business trip to TN, I became wonderfully familiar with Guitar Hero, for Playstation.  In short, It ROCKED!!  I've got to say though, the "expert" level is totally beyond me!  We unlocked all of the 40 songs in Guitar Hero - 2 (I think) on the "medium" level and that was still pretty difficult.  Anyway, it can be quite a workout, though not as much as the Nintendo WII seems to be.  It's really more of a workout for the fingers on the frets - those buttons can build up some serious callouses.   Anyway, I would not recommend buying a PS-2 just to get this game, but I'd definitely recommend hanging out with friends who've already got it!

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Bee Movie

Bee Movie2007 - PG 

Hmm.  On a whim, I went by myself to the local cineplex for an offering of dynamic digital artwork.  I remember when the first previews came out for this movie, with Jerry Seinfeld dressed up in a massive bee costume, being flung around a soundstage with gigantic flowers and a massive mock window.  I remember thinking, the same thing: hmm. 

In short, I give it a 4.  It really wasn't funny enough to be enjoyed by adults and yet the plot seemed a little too complex for younger children to "get".  The graphics was terrific (of course) and the soundtrack was pretty good and the theme was a fairly new concept, it just lacked spunk!  There were very few folks in the theater with me and I think that three folks walked out about after the first 20 minutes (presumably to see a different movie).  I sat through, though, and it did get a little better.  Have you seen it?  What do you think?  If you haven't seen it - wait for it to come out as a rental.  $8.25 was too much!

Best character: Mooseblood, played by Chris Rock

The Holy Bible: New International Version

The Holy Bible: New International Version, GodFirst, the confession - I haven't read it, cover to cover.  I'm closer now than I ever have been, though.  I started about two years ago reading all the way through the New Testament, for a lot of reasons.  I'm sure I've read everything in there at least once, just never in order.  So, that took a while - too long, honestly, and when I got to the last word of Revelation ("Amen"), I thought, "hm, maybe I should just try to finish this whole thing out."  So, I turned to Genesis 1:1, the beginning of a book I've read many many times and started reading it, once again.  This time, however I was intent on finishing.  For whatever selfish reasons, I got all the way to 1 Chronicles and hit a brick wall.  (This was probably six months ago)  Last night,God gave me the strenth to climb the wall and now He's pacing me through all these really weird names.

God loves us, a whole lot.  I know it's easy not to see that, what with all the war that the Bible mentions and the plagues and the anihilation of those who turned from Him.  But, at the end - He did everything because we are his most prized creation.  We are the only thing on this earth that received his spirit to wake up.  Whether we acknowledge it or not - He is in all of us.  The Bible is not full of heroes or saints, as some may believe.  Rather, it is overflowing with common folk, like ourselves, who only see face value.  Person after person, people group after people group, the Bible shows that a moment of humility and an ounce of faith in His plan, rather than our own flimsy ambitions, equate to mountains of blessings that are heaped upon us like burning coals!

That's what I've gotten out of the Bible so far.  Maybe it will change.  If so, I'll keep you posted.

University of Tennessee Hodges Library

University of Tennessee Hodges Library

Praise the Lord for free public internet access at the UT Hodges Library!  The hardest part of the visit is finding parking, and that too has proven to be fairly easy.  Basically, if you get there after 5:00 PM on a weekday (except Fridays before Saturday football games) you can park in the lot right across the street from the massive 6-story library filled with computers, books (hello), a Starbucks and students.  Students EVERYWHERE!  I don't think I ever saw this many students at a Georgia Tech Homecoming Parade, much less the Tech library!  The library has a plethora of quiet reading and group study rooms and has a pretty liberal food/drink policy that is pretty clearly posted.

Next time you are in Knoxville, and you are in the need of two hours of internet access a day, you can find it here - and a latte' to boot!

The Genesis Question

The Genesis Question, Hugh Ross, PhD

Very interesting.  I find it very sad that there is almost a bigger debate going on between Christians who believe in a really old earth and Christians who believe in a really young earth than there is between those who believe in some intelligent design model and those who think it was all odds.

Well, this work focuses on the theories posed by Dr. Hugh Ross, founder of Reasons to Believe, an organization that focuses attention on capturing scientific data that support the Bible, and specifically, the first 11 chapters of Genesis.  For example, the Hebrew word for day, "yom", can actually mean many different things.  Dr. Ross asserts that it's use in the first chapter of Genesis is in reference to "a very long period of time" versus a 24-hour period.  By making this hypotheses, he claims to support everything written from the Bible using a scientific and historical critical approach.

I think that his work lacked some substance.  It seemed like a plausible hypotheses, however there wasn't enough meat to support his skeleton of a theory.  I wrote a critical book review that was not graded very high, but you are welcome to peruse, if it piques your interest.

Regardless, if creation science is your "bag", this book needs to be on your list, as his hypotheses will undoubtedly come up in conversation at some point

Chronology: Volume One

Chronology: Volume One, Third Day

If you have never listened to Third Day before, this is a great starter disc - especially, if you don't care about buying out their entire collection.  Some of it is terrific!  The best aspect, hands down, is the fact that both Volume One and Volume Two come with a DVD of early performances and shows when they were just out of high school!  It's pretty crazy to see how they've changed!  It's also amazing to see that God never has changed - the music they made then was incredible!  Sure, they've gotten better as artists, but the painting hasn't changed much.  This is a great thing, as a lot of artists try to "paint" different images in the hopes of reaching a different crowd (or a different wallet).  Third Day has never seemed to do this.  God is using them in some mighty ways and I look forward to Chronology Volume Three to come out in another ten years!  Thanks, Brad, David, Mac, Mark, Tai, and everyone else who makes their ministry possible!

Cornbread Muffins and Buttermilk

Cornbread Muffins and Buttermilk

Now, I have finally experienced true Southern Livin'.  Only exception would be that these muffins were made from "Jiffy" and not a secret family recipe.  The muffins were just sweet enough to help me choke it all down - buttermilk et al.  You should try it sometime!

The Apprentice

The Apprentice 

Two weeks ago may have been the best episode ever.  The task was unique and it was graded by the Donald, to boot - something that never happens until the final episode in any other given season!  Last week was fun, because it was the final four, and the Donald told them that he would choose his Apprentice before a live audience the next week! - This Sunday!  So, we are excited, to say the least!  I'll let you know how we enjoyed the whole season after next week's show.

4.26.07 I'm a little disappointed James didn't get picked, but I understand the Donald's reasoning.  He was going to take the Atlanta job, too.  Oh, well, there's always next season.

9.10.07 Hmph.  That's what happens anytime I get interested in a T.V. show.  It gets cancelled.

Lone Survivor

Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell

Of course, if you've read any of my blog of late, you will know that I think very highly of this book, its author and the Navy SEALs in general.  The language is a little violent for sensitive eyes and minds, however the author knows where his faith lies and he doesn't mince words about it!  I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning about the stories of heroism that are all throughout the Global War on Terror.  This is one amazing story and you will be moved by the time you read the prologue.  Pay full price, enjoy and let me know what you think!

Stranger Than Fiction

Stranger Than Fiction, 2006 - PG-13

Will Ferrell is joined by a very strong cast in this very well-thought film about a guy who realizes that he is a character in a work of fiction once he starts hearing the voice of the author iterate his every move.  It's a fascinating love story as well and definitely deserves a viewing.  Ferrell is not in the typical type-casting we are used to and he pulls it off well.  I may even buy this one for the collection.  Some of my favorite aspects would be the overlaid graphics flawlessly incorporated, esp. in the first twenty minutes as well as the role played by Emma Thompson.  She is a marvelous actress and really does well as a chain-smoking recluse with writer's block.

The rating is appropriate - definitely some content that is not really appropriate for younger children.  But, I would say that anyone over 14 could see it - though they may not really "get it".  18 is a good age to view and understand.

Happy Feet

Happy Feet, 2006 - PG

Great animation; cute penguins.  I have to say the coolest part (and saddest) is the voiceover provided by the late, great Steve Irwin.  He performed the voice for an elephant seal and the DVD gives you a look at a clip that was originally excluded from the film with his voice talents again.  I really liked the storyline, although a little slow at first, it picked up quickly and drew me into the lives of these furry flightless birds.  I don't want to give any of the plot away as I believe this is a good viewing for just about anybody over the age of 12.  I think that some of the activity by the animated characters is actually a bit too "suggestive" to expose a younger crowd to, only to emulate on the playground.  I will not let my kids watch this anytime soon as they are both a little young to understand the theme and may actually lose some interest during the longer sequences.

The cinematography and animation were unbelievable and definitely made me want to visit Antarctica some day.  Enjoy!

The Total Money Makeover

Total Money Makeover, Dave Ramsey

I have one debt left in this world (other than my mortgage), and it is to my next oldest brother and best man.  He sent me this book in the summer of 2005 and from page 1, my financial life was turned upside down and brought onto a straight and narrow path of success.  Rachel got on board with me and together we got on board with Dave's plan for financial peace, and our family has been changed, forever.  You could consider it an experience akin to being "born again" financially, because that's exactly what's happened since.

God sent more counselors our way; my boss at my previous assignment, a free "Financial Peace" class held by the base chapel, friends who shared our struggles and shared the job of holding eachother accountable, and most importantly - people who are worth giving to, especially when they need it most.  That doesn't make sense?  How could someone who receives your money be a financial counselor?  My answer is simple - they are why I want to be a serious prodigious accumulator of wealth (PAW).  To give, is to receive!  Try it and you will see what I mean!

Dave's personal success story is certainly a good one, but the better stories come, honestly and humbly, from average folks like me.  We read his book, together, following "Baby Steps" and prayed a lot.  14 months later, we paid off over $17,000 in debt, eliminating all debt in our life, and started our financial lives over.  More importantly, we were finally in control of our money!  Ask yourself, "Am I determining where every dollar goes, or am I letting the daily grind decide for me?"  If you answered "yes" to the latter, you need to e-mail me.  I will send you a free hardback copy of this book (as long as you promise to read it) while supplies last!

The Millionaire Next Door

The Millionaire Next Door, Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

This is a must read for ANYONE who wants to become wealthy.  It has been revised many times and I recommend you buy the most current revision, with the most current stats.

Dr. Stanley presents an amazing image of today's American millionaire - usually a self-made businessperson wearing target polos and levis, driving a F-150 with a car seat in the back, living in a decent 10-15 year old home, with loads of cash in a well-diversified portfolio.  In short, you wouldn't recognize the millionaire if you saw them! 

He explains extremely critical terms such as "Prodigious Accumulator of Wealth", "Under-Accumulator of Wealth", and "Economic Outpatient Care".  He sets the boundaries of what it takes to be truly wealthy and challenges the readers to become wealthy as well.

This is an excellent, easy read that will keep you up at nights afterwards worrying about all of your friends who "look" like millionaires and how you can help them wake up out of their coma!

Start Late, Finish Rich

Start Late, Finish Rich, David Bach

I'm working on it.  So far I've got a few questions about some of the stuff he says - doesn't seem to match up with what I've clinged to, so I'm trying to withhold judgment until I finish it.  I'll keep you posted.

Atlantis

Atlantis, David Gibbons

Just a fun novel about the greatest deep-sea diver in the world with millions of dollars of non-profit save the seas/save the world type assets who gets intertwined into an evil empire run by the father of this cute archeologist he hooks up with. . . .anyway, he flies all these jets, the good guys win and discover a whole new civilization while he and the chick hook up.  Same old same old, but fun nonetheless!

(Kind of like "Top Gun" for the sea)