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. . . .
Monday, March 30, 2009
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!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Arrested Development
In an age when television producers have to do so little to earn a captive television audience, this Ron Howard series that ran for three years and has become a DVD/hulu cult classic was a breath of fresh air.
"Arrested Development", cancelled after three years and declining viewership never failed to impress reviewers or the awards society. The premise was simple, as stated at the beginning of every episode: "...And now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together... It's Arrested Development." The development, however, is exquisite and diverse. Viewers picked up later in the series often felt left out, like going to a girlfriend's house for Thanksgiving dinner the first time. On the other hand, the faithful were constantly treated with twists, turns, and allusions built on previous episodes as well as teases hinting at bombshells about to drop in future installments.
What I appreciate most about this series is the depth that the writers went with each and every character, even those who appeared in just a few episodes. This was done mostly by Howard's regular narration of the events in each episode. Often he would talk about something that happened to a bit character in their past and then the screen would change to a newspaper clipping or a television news report or a webpage screenshot reinforcing the history that the narrator is explaining.
The subject matter is beefy and at times a little too left-leaning for my tastes, but everything is presented tastefully. Too often today, laughs are cheap and the "shots" are below-the-belt. A.D. counters this by making strong social statements while paying the high price for careful and genius dialogue and stage direction/camera work that is rare in what is a dying breed - the sitcom.
Although classified as a sitcom, I would say that almost every episode involves more tragedy than triumph. Don't get me wrong - it's funny, really funny. At the same time, though, the almost all characters are so removed from reality that it's hard to root for this team/family. What holds my hopes for the Bluth's together is Michael's (lead, played by Jason Bateman) constant devotion to helping his family out of the rut they've lived in for an indetermined amount of time. The final episode ties up most of the loose ends and triumph eventually comes in the perfect way at the end, but I still can't help but feel sorry for the characters and the desperate situation they always seem to come back to.
I watched all three seasons over the course of about two weeks online. I highly recommend not doing this. My brother made a good point that you need a week to laugh about all the gags and intricacies of each episode. This is only possible now if you have a friend to go through the episodes on a regular basis, which is probably the best way to go. Even though it can be watched straight through, like a movie, each episode should really be savored for all they are worth.
Check out hulu.com or tv.yahoo.com for all episodes for free or buy the complete seasons on DVD. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
"Arrested Development", cancelled after three years and declining viewership never failed to impress reviewers or the awards society. The premise was simple, as stated at the beginning of every episode: "...And now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything, and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together... It's Arrested Development." The development, however, is exquisite and diverse. Viewers picked up later in the series often felt left out, like going to a girlfriend's house for Thanksgiving dinner the first time. On the other hand, the faithful were constantly treated with twists, turns, and allusions built on previous episodes as well as teases hinting at bombshells about to drop in future installments.
What I appreciate most about this series is the depth that the writers went with each and every character, even those who appeared in just a few episodes. This was done mostly by Howard's regular narration of the events in each episode. Often he would talk about something that happened to a bit character in their past and then the screen would change to a newspaper clipping or a television news report or a webpage screenshot reinforcing the history that the narrator is explaining.
The subject matter is beefy and at times a little too left-leaning for my tastes, but everything is presented tastefully. Too often today, laughs are cheap and the "shots" are below-the-belt. A.D. counters this by making strong social statements while paying the high price for careful and genius dialogue and stage direction/camera work that is rare in what is a dying breed - the sitcom.
Although classified as a sitcom, I would say that almost every episode involves more tragedy than triumph. Don't get me wrong - it's funny, really funny. At the same time, though, the almost all characters are so removed from reality that it's hard to root for this team/family. What holds my hopes for the Bluth's together is Michael's (lead, played by Jason Bateman) constant devotion to helping his family out of the rut they've lived in for an indetermined amount of time. The final episode ties up most of the loose ends and triumph eventually comes in the perfect way at the end, but I still can't help but feel sorry for the characters and the desperate situation they always seem to come back to.
I watched all three seasons over the course of about two weeks online. I highly recommend not doing this. My brother made a good point that you need a week to laugh about all the gags and intricacies of each episode. This is only possible now if you have a friend to go through the episodes on a regular basis, which is probably the best way to go. Even though it can be watched straight through, like a movie, each episode should really be savored for all they are worth.
Check out hulu.com or tv.yahoo.com for all episodes for free or buy the complete seasons on DVD. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Hello, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle
For the first time, I, Rachel, am posting a review to the review board! I just have to say a few words about this dear little book by Betty MacDonald! For those of you unfamiliar with Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, she is the lady in a small town in northern America who loves children and always has children playing at her house. Whenever a parent is having a particular difficulty with a child, and they don't know what to do, the parent calls up Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle who has a chest full of all sorts of remedies for a child's unpleasant or unacceptable habits.
Mrs. Semicolon, the most recently troubled parent, ended the last chapter we've read saying about her, "There goes the most wonderful little person in the whole world." And to Mrs. Semicolon there was no doubt that she was, becuase, you see, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle cured her dear Nicholas of being the school bully!
The first story in the book is about Philip Carmody. He is a constant show-off. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's "Show-off Powder" does the trick in curing him, since the powder makes him invisible when he shows off. The next story was about Melody Foxglove who is an incessant cry-baby. All that was needed to cure her was some of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's CRYBABY TONIC. Then of course, Nicholas Semicolon needed Leadership Pills to help his heart and mind even out with his big, strong body.
Of course, it's ridiculous, but it's so endearing somehow. And the children sit on my lap completely engrossed in the stories. If only it was as easy as calling Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle to help you guide the precious life entrusted to you. Thankfully, we do have God's Word and prayer and a multitude of friends and family that also love our children, even when they misbehave or have a nasty attitude or break things or hit other children, or whatever infraction they may commit. I guess the point is that children will be children and we must seek wisdom daily, and never be too busy, to deal with their childishness, because soon they will be grown up.
Mrs. Semicolon, the most recently troubled parent, ended the last chapter we've read saying about her, "There goes the most wonderful little person in the whole world." And to Mrs. Semicolon there was no doubt that she was, becuase, you see, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle cured her dear Nicholas of being the school bully!
The first story in the book is about Philip Carmody. He is a constant show-off. Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's "Show-off Powder" does the trick in curing him, since the powder makes him invisible when he shows off. The next story was about Melody Foxglove who is an incessant cry-baby. All that was needed to cure her was some of Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's CRYBABY TONIC. Then of course, Nicholas Semicolon needed Leadership Pills to help his heart and mind even out with his big, strong body.
Of course, it's ridiculous, but it's so endearing somehow. And the children sit on my lap completely engrossed in the stories. If only it was as easy as calling Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle to help you guide the precious life entrusted to you. Thankfully, we do have God's Word and prayer and a multitude of friends and family that also love our children, even when they misbehave or have a nasty attitude or break things or hit other children, or whatever infraction they may commit. I guess the point is that children will be children and we must seek wisdom daily, and never be too busy, to deal with their childishness, because soon they will be grown up.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, GA
Attendants swarm the front entrance of this swank accomodation in Atlanta's swankiest of communities. Besides offering bottles of water, clothed in Ritz-Carlton labels, they greet you as though you were royalty and ensure that the doors are already propped open, well before you have to consider reaching out your arm. Of course, all of that is no surprise, regardless which Ritz you may be calling home for the night. What makes the Buckhead Ritz stand out is its premier location for some of Atlanta's finest shopping. Claiming a coveted Peachtree address, the Ritz-Carlton in Buckhead, Georgia is directly across the street from Lenox Square Mall to the south and Phipps Plaza to the East - both extremely formidable shopping centers inside the perimeter (I-285). Many believe (incorrectly) that you need to adhere to a certain dress code just to shop at Phipps, yet I've proven that wrong - a few times (It's nice, but it's not Harrod's).
Everything is within reach of this Ritz, including MARTA, and the accomodations were amazing. We only had one kink during our stay. The LodgeNet on-screen entertainment/information system was not working and all told, we had to wait about an hour before we were able to watch Prince Caspian. But, in true R-C style, the front desk and the engineer's office maintained constant communication with us as they worked the problem. I really felt like our room was the only one with the problem based on how they treated me in person and over the phone - so I was blown away to find out that it was a hotel-wide problem! That's the kind of personal care you can expect at any Ritz. The same type of care I've received at the other two Ritz's I've stayed at.
Everything is within reach of this Ritz, including MARTA, and the accomodations were amazing. We only had one kink during our stay. The LodgeNet on-screen entertainment/information system was not working and all told, we had to wait about an hour before we were able to watch Prince Caspian. But, in true R-C style, the front desk and the engineer's office maintained constant communication with us as they worked the problem. I really felt like our room was the only one with the problem based on how they treated me in person and over the phone - so I was blown away to find out that it was a hotel-wide problem! That's the kind of personal care you can expect at any Ritz. The same type of care I've received at the other two Ritz's I've stayed at.
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