This may be my shortest review ever because I can't really think of anything more to say than what is already posted on PluggedInOnline about this animated film.
Still, here is my personal take:
They should have named it "Awesome with a Chance of Awesome!"
I though it was phenomenal and I think you will too.
In Him,
David
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Waterscape Condominiums
Waterscape - the website sells itself! I love this place!
Rachel, the kids and I just spent our second vacation at this huge complex on Okaloosa Island, immediately of Hwy 98 after crossing into Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It is situated right on the Gulf and within a short drive to all of the main attractions in Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
The architects who designed this place had the upper-middle class family in mind and made sure accomodations would be comfortable and amenities plenty. The horseshoe shape of the building ensures that the main recreation area, complete with "Lazy River", waterfall, gym, BBQ grills, three pools, two hot tubs, and plenty of seating would be protected from most of the wind as well as a lot of the sun. Of course, being situated on the Gulf, the white sands of the resorts private stretch of beach are just a short walk over the wooden walkway. This proximity means that some rooms come with a grand view of the Gulf of Mexico. The architects designed every unit to angle towards the Gulf, so even rooms that are on the inside of the horseshoe on the bottom floor have a good chance of seeing the water. The resort offers free internet in seemingly all rooms (bring a Cat 5 cable just in case your unit doesn't provide it) and a free movie rental kiosk that allows each room to check out one free video at a time.
Here are some tips before visiting:
1. The best rooms for accessibility to the amenities are definitely the interior, bottom floor units. The largest units are closest to the Gulf, though they are a little further from the pools. When selecting a room, remember that the recreation area is two-levels, so the room you would want in the lower level recreation area would be a first level room. However, the upper level recreaction area has second level rooms opening out to it. The website has a terrific map that you can use to decide which room you want. Make sure you pick your own room with the ResortQuest agent when you call!
2. Go after labor day! These are very expensive condos and the rates drop significantly after the peak season. Plus, the amenities are more available due to a smaller crowd. You will lose some access to a lot of the fun things in Destin due to them closing their doors for the "winter", but you will not lose the sun or the relaxing.
3. Call the resort to see what they recommend bringing. Under the auspicious of saving money, they had not stocked the room we were in last time with enough toilet paper or liquid soap (powder dishwashing detergent is provided to wash the dishes in the full kitchen's dishwasher). I also recommend bringing laundry detergent for longer stays.
4. Because you are renting a condo, the management is not run like a resort. There is no daily maid service, room service, or a concierge. The front desk (when they are open) will help you with local area questions and local eateries will deliver.
5. Bring pool toys, floaties, etc as well as beach equipment (don't forget a kite!) Umbrellas and beach chairs are provided free of charge and kayaks are rented out. Also, it may be fun to have a cookout one night at one of the poolside BBQ grills, however an easier picnic with sandwiches is just as fun.
6. Sodas on site are expensive ($2/16.9 oz bottle)! Bring your own, but avoid glass bottles of any variety - they are not allowed on the pool deck.
7. Don't plan too many extra activities off-site. Relaxing by the pool or building sand castles is a perfect way for a family with young kids to save money while enjoying their time together. Other than eating out one meal a day, we went fishing from the pier, geo-caching, mini-golfing, and to a movie. I think anything else would have been too much for the time we were there (5 nights).
I hope you'll take my advice and stay there some day - it is really a nice place for young families to relax, refresh, and build memories.
In Him,
David
Rachel, the kids and I just spent our second vacation at this huge complex on Okaloosa Island, immediately of Hwy 98 after crossing into Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It is situated right on the Gulf and within a short drive to all of the main attractions in Destin and Fort Walton Beach.
The architects who designed this place had the upper-middle class family in mind and made sure accomodations would be comfortable and amenities plenty. The horseshoe shape of the building ensures that the main recreation area, complete with "Lazy River", waterfall, gym, BBQ grills, three pools, two hot tubs, and plenty of seating would be protected from most of the wind as well as a lot of the sun. Of course, being situated on the Gulf, the white sands of the resorts private stretch of beach are just a short walk over the wooden walkway. This proximity means that some rooms come with a grand view of the Gulf of Mexico. The architects designed every unit to angle towards the Gulf, so even rooms that are on the inside of the horseshoe on the bottom floor have a good chance of seeing the water. The resort offers free internet in seemingly all rooms (bring a Cat 5 cable just in case your unit doesn't provide it) and a free movie rental kiosk that allows each room to check out one free video at a time.
Here are some tips before visiting:
1. The best rooms for accessibility to the amenities are definitely the interior, bottom floor units. The largest units are closest to the Gulf, though they are a little further from the pools. When selecting a room, remember that the recreation area is two-levels, so the room you would want in the lower level recreation area would be a first level room. However, the upper level recreaction area has second level rooms opening out to it. The website has a terrific map that you can use to decide which room you want. Make sure you pick your own room with the ResortQuest agent when you call!
2. Go after labor day! These are very expensive condos and the rates drop significantly after the peak season. Plus, the amenities are more available due to a smaller crowd. You will lose some access to a lot of the fun things in Destin due to them closing their doors for the "winter", but you will not lose the sun or the relaxing.
3. Call the resort to see what they recommend bringing. Under the auspicious of saving money, they had not stocked the room we were in last time with enough toilet paper or liquid soap (powder dishwashing detergent is provided to wash the dishes in the full kitchen's dishwasher). I also recommend bringing laundry detergent for longer stays.
4. Because you are renting a condo, the management is not run like a resort. There is no daily maid service, room service, or a concierge. The front desk (when they are open) will help you with local area questions and local eateries will deliver.
5. Bring pool toys, floaties, etc as well as beach equipment (don't forget a kite!) Umbrellas and beach chairs are provided free of charge and kayaks are rented out. Also, it may be fun to have a cookout one night at one of the poolside BBQ grills, however an easier picnic with sandwiches is just as fun.
6. Sodas on site are expensive ($2/16.9 oz bottle)! Bring your own, but avoid glass bottles of any variety - they are not allowed on the pool deck.
7. Don't plan too many extra activities off-site. Relaxing by the pool or building sand castles is a perfect way for a family with young kids to save money while enjoying their time together. Other than eating out one meal a day, we went fishing from the pier, geo-caching, mini-golfing, and to a movie. I think anything else would have been too much for the time we were there (5 nights).
I hope you'll take my advice and stay there some day - it is really a nice place for young families to relax, refresh, and build memories.
In Him,
David
Saturday, September 5, 2009
The Soloist
Los Angeles stands out as the principle character in Joe Wright's "The Soloist". Dynamic and alarming, the city of angels even upstages solid performances by mega-stars Robert Downey, Jr., Jamie Foxx, and Catherine Keener. Maybe it was the low-quality, gritty copy I had available to watch and maybe it was my current state of mind (over 200 days since seeing Rachel and the kids), either way, this movie really effected me.
As it is, I am already a sucker for movies involving music. Some of my favorites include "Ray", "August Rush", "Moulin Rouge", and "Singin' in the Rain". In all of those movies the setting made the music. In "The Soloist", however, it was the other way around. The gentle hum of the cello or two-string violin made L.A. L.A. is often decisive - without warning - and yet it can subtly blend from that into an ironically-warm morning hue. This was evident throughout most scenes of the film as Jamie Foxx's portrayal of the schizophrenic homeless Julliard dropout painted the brushtrokes which eventually revealed the portait of a landscape destitute with homelessness and little hope for the lost and wary.
Ultimately, there is some redemption through friendships and Steve Lopez's (Downey) L.A. Times Column, which takes on an interesting role as the film's narrarator. It is not a quick film and not a "date film". Deliberately set time aside to watch this film and don't worry about popcorn or a bunch of friends. The only requirement I will impose is that you definitely watch it with a great sound system and full bass.
As it is, I am already a sucker for movies involving music. Some of my favorites include "Ray", "August Rush", "Moulin Rouge", and "Singin' in the Rain". In all of those movies the setting made the music. In "The Soloist", however, it was the other way around. The gentle hum of the cello or two-string violin made L.A. L.A. is often decisive - without warning - and yet it can subtly blend from that into an ironically-warm morning hue. This was evident throughout most scenes of the film as Jamie Foxx's portrayal of the schizophrenic homeless Julliard dropout painted the brushtrokes which eventually revealed the portait of a landscape destitute with homelessness and little hope for the lost and wary.
Ultimately, there is some redemption through friendships and Steve Lopez's (Downey) L.A. Times Column, which takes on an interesting role as the film's narrarator. It is not a quick film and not a "date film". Deliberately set time aside to watch this film and don't worry about popcorn or a bunch of friends. The only requirement I will impose is that you definitely watch it with a great sound system and full bass.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Unexpected Journey
Thom S. Rainer and his wife, Nellie Jo, set out to discover the lives of those who turned from other religions and their influences to find Christ. Although it is neither a theological treatise, an apologetics primer, nor a Bible study The Unexpected Journey is sure to motivate any reader to explore more via all three.
In my opinion, this book should be required reading for all Christians and it deserves a place on their shelves next to Mere Christianity, Purpose Driven Life, and of course The Holy Bible. Rainer's narrative style and the amazing stories from so many different backgrounds (Satanist, Muslim, Agnostic, to name a few) drove me to the end wishing for more and hoping his afterward would speak of a timeline for a follow-up book.
I hope you will pick up a copy soon and share your thoughts here.
In Him,
David
In my opinion, this book should be required reading for all Christians and it deserves a place on their shelves next to Mere Christianity, Purpose Driven Life, and of course The Holy Bible. Rainer's narrative style and the amazing stories from so many different backgrounds (Satanist, Muslim, Agnostic, to name a few) drove me to the end wishing for more and hoping his afterward would speak of a timeline for a follow-up book.
I hope you will pick up a copy soon and share your thoughts here.
In Him,
David
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Cardinal of the Kremlin
Tom Clancy is well known for his detail-oriented military/government espionage thrillers. In this regard, The Cardinal of the Kremlin is a mainstay. This is Clancy's fourth book and it picks up where The Hunt For Red October left off. Regular allusions to previous events add to the saga of Jack Ryan and his friends and new characters are woven in with clever twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
There are no amazing lessons learned and I did not finish it with a much better feeling than I started with. But, like chocolate, this work satisfied my desire for some just plain fun in reading.
This book covers everything that Clancy is good at - spies, the Navy, special ops, family, the White House, and uber-geeks. The basic premise of the book is that a long-standing spy in Russia gets compromised and Ryan et al work tirelessly to get the agent out safely. Of course, in the meantime Clancy involves the usual potential for worldwide destruction, double agents, super-detailed scientific exchanges, and the occasional sexual innuendo between some of the lower "billed" characters.
If you have read any Clancy (real Clancy) than you will have either already read this one or you need to read it now.
There are no amazing lessons learned and I did not finish it with a much better feeling than I started with. But, like chocolate, this work satisfied my desire for some just plain fun in reading.
This book covers everything that Clancy is good at - spies, the Navy, special ops, family, the White House, and uber-geeks. The basic premise of the book is that a long-standing spy in Russia gets compromised and Ryan et al work tirelessly to get the agent out safely. Of course, in the meantime Clancy involves the usual potential for worldwide destruction, double agents, super-detailed scientific exchanges, and the occasional sexual innuendo between some of the lower "billed" characters.
If you have read any Clancy (real Clancy) than you will have either already read this one or you need to read it now.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Ronald Reagan, How an ordinary man became an extraordinary leader
Ronald Reagan was an extraordinary human. Because of this, I must be very careful not to turn this into a review of him rather than the biography written by Dinesh D'Souza. The single most remarkable aspect of this account was not necessarily the subject (although Reagan stands alone, in my opinion, from the last sixty years of American Presidents) but the sourcing. D'Souza, a domestic policy analyst in the Reagan administration, was certainly close enough to have some personal knowledge of the "Great Communicator" and yet he relied on other people's accounts so much more than his own that I often forgot that he was even there himself.
Interestingly enough, D'Souza addresses this aspect indirectly throughout the biography by consistently describing Reagan as a very private person with few good friends. Reagan's circle was tighter than most (basically him and Nancy) and access to Reagan as a staffer was extremely limited. Against the odds, however, D'Souza produces - and does it in style. He draws on countless stories from heads-of-state, congressmen/women, aides and other administration officials, as well as limited personal experience to paint the mural of a true American hero.
The story of Reagan's life, like most biographies, is presented chronologically, yet D'Souza added a twist. He focused on a certain quality of Reagan during each time period or situation, ending with an answer to the question he poses at the beginning: Was Reagan a great leader? Why/why not?
It was my first real exposure to the president that helped preserve the freedom I had to ride my bike down the road or build a treehouse in my backyard without fear. Reagan made the 80's I remember a memory and not a dream. He comforted me when we lost the Challenger. He also gave me a profound respect for that house on Pennsylvania Ave and its occupants - a respect I still maintain.
The one phrase that invaded my mind with every page was, "And now I know why." See, I had always admired Reagan - probably more because my parents did and I was raised under conservative values - but I never really knew all the details. Now I feel enlightened as well as justified. Reagan was a great man, and Dinesh D'Souza makes it clear.
Now I just need to get my hands on Reagan's autobiography. . . .
Interestingly enough, D'Souza addresses this aspect indirectly throughout the biography by consistently describing Reagan as a very private person with few good friends. Reagan's circle was tighter than most (basically him and Nancy) and access to Reagan as a staffer was extremely limited. Against the odds, however, D'Souza produces - and does it in style. He draws on countless stories from heads-of-state, congressmen/women, aides and other administration officials, as well as limited personal experience to paint the mural of a true American hero.
The story of Reagan's life, like most biographies, is presented chronologically, yet D'Souza added a twist. He focused on a certain quality of Reagan during each time period or situation, ending with an answer to the question he poses at the beginning: Was Reagan a great leader? Why/why not?
It was my first real exposure to the president that helped preserve the freedom I had to ride my bike down the road or build a treehouse in my backyard without fear. Reagan made the 80's I remember a memory and not a dream. He comforted me when we lost the Challenger. He also gave me a profound respect for that house on Pennsylvania Ave and its occupants - a respect I still maintain.
The one phrase that invaded my mind with every page was, "And now I know why." See, I had always admired Reagan - probably more because my parents did and I was raised under conservative values - but I never really knew all the details. Now I feel enlightened as well as justified. Reagan was a great man, and Dinesh D'Souza makes it clear.
Now I just need to get my hands on Reagan's autobiography. . . .
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Ultrasounds
These things are rock solid! I mean, really, how cool is it that we can lather a belly up with slimy-goo, stick a puck on the belly and see what's inside? Awesome! Just yesterday we saw our fourth baby, barely a peanut right now but well on it's way to growing into another baby, ready to face the world on/about September of this year. The kids got to watch this time and it didn't require much in the way of corrective supervision - they were mesmerized! The only thing I don't understand is why clinics can charge so much for a 4-D ultrasound (the nicer one's). Just to flip a switch on the exact same machine to go from 2-D to 4-D, you have to fork over $150. I'm thinking about having Rachel get one for this baby just to see what happens. Maybe the room starts spinning and dancers come out of the walls to usher in your purchase of this technology. Or, maybe they strap you in to a cradle that gently sways as you "fly" through an IMAX-size image of your innards. Whatever it is - it's got to be really good to fork out 150 clams. Besides, the 2-D is already remarkable enough and didn't cost me a dime!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
"Revelation" - Third Day
Also linked from: Mark Lee's blog here!
The album "Time" set a Christian Rock standard in 1999. Since then, I've handed out several copies to spark interest in the longtime Atlanta-based Third Day to much success. The boys from Georgia have had many successes since including a couple Grammy's and an anthem that helped console this country during Hurricane Katrina ("Cry Out to Jesus"). They put out a two-volume "Best of. . ." set in "Chronology" that could have easily capped off their careers, and yet they pressed on in their unique calling. Then came "Revelation".
Mac answers the question that has been on so many fans' minds of late in the very first track. The writing seemed to be on the wall:
1. Third Day had garnered plenty of hardware and made their impression in Christian music equaled by only a few.
2. Mac Powell started a "side" deal with David Nasser ("Glory Revealed")
3. "Chronology Vols I and II" sufficiently covered their discography from 10 years of rock
4. As though it were a requirement in the Christian music world, Third Day finally released a Christmas album with "Christmas Offerings", though it is awesome and not just another campy holiday music cut like so many offer
5. Brad Avery, one of the lead guitarists, left the band about a year ago
And the question was, "Will Third Day split up for Mac to go do the solo thing?"
And the answer: "This is who I am" Even though they had made plenty of public statements that nothing was going to happen other than more great music, this finally set everyone straight. Third Day is a rock band. A really great rock band. And "Revelation" is a great album.
I'm not going to go so far and say it beats "Time", but it is definitely growing on me more and more every time I listen. There are a few tracks that will surely help sustain my faith through an impending deployment - "Born Again" and "Call My Name". The latter can be heard here in a great live acoustic recording. All in all, this is a "must have" for anyone that likes Southern Rock or needs a lift during a rough day. It was tough to see Brad go, but the band, now just four guys, has been blessed with the privilege of continuing in their mission to provide an atmosphere of worship to anyone who will listen. Oh, and they can really play!
The album "Time" set a Christian Rock standard in 1999. Since then, I've handed out several copies to spark interest in the longtime Atlanta-based Third Day to much success. The boys from Georgia have had many successes since including a couple Grammy's and an anthem that helped console this country during Hurricane Katrina ("Cry Out to Jesus"). They put out a two-volume "Best of. . ." set in "Chronology" that could have easily capped off their careers, and yet they pressed on in their unique calling. Then came "Revelation".
Mac answers the question that has been on so many fans' minds of late in the very first track. The writing seemed to be on the wall:
1. Third Day had garnered plenty of hardware and made their impression in Christian music equaled by only a few.
2. Mac Powell started a "side" deal with David Nasser ("Glory Revealed")
3. "Chronology Vols I and II" sufficiently covered their discography from 10 years of rock
4. As though it were a requirement in the Christian music world, Third Day finally released a Christmas album with "Christmas Offerings", though it is awesome and not just another campy holiday music cut like so many offer
5. Brad Avery, one of the lead guitarists, left the band about a year ago
And the question was, "Will Third Day split up for Mac to go do the solo thing?"
And the answer: "This is who I am" Even though they had made plenty of public statements that nothing was going to happen other than more great music, this finally set everyone straight. Third Day is a rock band. A really great rock band. And "Revelation" is a great album.
I'm not going to go so far and say it beats "Time", but it is definitely growing on me more and more every time I listen. There are a few tracks that will surely help sustain my faith through an impending deployment - "Born Again" and "Call My Name". The latter can be heard here in a great live acoustic recording. All in all, this is a "must have" for anyone that likes Southern Rock or needs a lift during a rough day. It was tough to see Brad go, but the band, now just four guys, has been blessed with the privilege of continuing in their mission to provide an atmosphere of worship to anyone who will listen. Oh, and they can really play!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
GT 3 - LSU 38
CPJ (Coach Paul Johnson) said it was a sound beating. I can't agree more with the first-year coach. He is a very no-nonsense kind of guy who knows when he's been licked. Yesterday, the Jackets were licked.
In reality, LSU had a lot more to gain out of a CFA Bowl victory than GT. They had a dismal season returning from a national title last year and Les Miles had something to prove. Boy did he. In every aspect, LSU outplayed GT. Everywhere Tech was strong in the beginning, the Tigers turned around and squashed them the rest of the game (there weren't many areas). In every way that Tech was weak, Miles exploited it (special teams, pass defense, pass offense). Tech certainly didn't help themselves - fumbling several times during key moments like a potential TD or punt-return or getting sloppy and drawing costly fouls when they needed to play clean and gain some momentum.
I thought the play-calling was slightly in favor of the Tigers. Several offensive holding penalties could have been made on LSU, though the only ones I saw came at a time when a Tech win would have made the record books for comebacks in bowl history. Additionally a clean fumble recovery for a Tech TD was called back under the incorrect suspicion that the LSU QB had started passing the ball. Still, how much better does 38-10 sound? Not much.
All in all, this was LSU's game. They have dominated at the Dome in 5 appearances for the CFA bowl and they weren't about to let go of their reign, even after the poor season that got them there. Tech ended the season strong, regardless, with big wins this year over UGA, Miami, and FSU (finally after 30+ years) and they shouldn't lose too much recruiting horsepower from yesterday's game. Congratulations LSU and long live CPJ!
In reality, LSU had a lot more to gain out of a CFA Bowl victory than GT. They had a dismal season returning from a national title last year and Les Miles had something to prove. Boy did he. In every aspect, LSU outplayed GT. Everywhere Tech was strong in the beginning, the Tigers turned around and squashed them the rest of the game (there weren't many areas). In every way that Tech was weak, Miles exploited it (special teams, pass defense, pass offense). Tech certainly didn't help themselves - fumbling several times during key moments like a potential TD or punt-return or getting sloppy and drawing costly fouls when they needed to play clean and gain some momentum.
I thought the play-calling was slightly in favor of the Tigers. Several offensive holding penalties could have been made on LSU, though the only ones I saw came at a time when a Tech win would have made the record books for comebacks in bowl history. Additionally a clean fumble recovery for a Tech TD was called back under the incorrect suspicion that the LSU QB had started passing the ball. Still, how much better does 38-10 sound? Not much.
All in all, this was LSU's game. They have dominated at the Dome in 5 appearances for the CFA bowl and they weren't about to let go of their reign, even after the poor season that got them there. Tech ended the season strong, regardless, with big wins this year over UGA, Miami, and FSU (finally after 30+ years) and they shouldn't lose too much recruiting horsepower from yesterday's game. Congratulations LSU and long live CPJ!
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