Alright, limited blogging will ensue.
Going to see X-Men: The Last Stand tonight. I'll post after the film with thoughts, but this film has some major potential. MSNBC has a nice little interactive that gives you some information about the different characters not only in this movie but the previous two.
New to this film are Juggernaut, Kitty Pryde (Shadowcat) and my all time favorite, Colossus.
I also have to note that instead of going to our local theater, which is getting ridiculously expensive, we are going to drive about 10 minutes up I95 to Spotlight Cinemas, where you can catch a first run film very reasonably and also get snacks without taking a second mortgage on the homestead.
Update: The movie was awesome! No spoilers here. I'll leave it up to you to see the movie. The effects were amazing. The only real problem I had with the movie was with what the writers did to a couple of characters.
Ratner, in my opinion, did a great job considering he had to follow in Bryan Singers footsteps, which is a hard act to follow. The movie looked great even though it was a little choppy.
This reviewer thought that Ratner killed the film and that being a mutant in the movie can be a metaphor for homosexuality. What movie did this guy watch, Brokeback Mountain? John Hartl, get a life.
I can't wait to see it again. Fabulous! Worth the full price of admission!
Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday, May 19, 2006
You know the drill...
Yeah, yeah, I know. You've heard this before. No posting in a while.
Well, life have been incredibly busy the last couple of weeks with work and personal stuff. Also, I've picked up a case of DeQuervain's Syndrome as a result of too much typing and well, too much Xbox. Therefore, I'm doing as little typing as possible with plenty of icing, stretching and rest. Therefore no blogging. You can see where this is going.
Off to a wedding rehearsal and dinner tonight. Wedding tomorrow with the reception to follow at the Penobscot Valley Country Club. Should be a good time, especially when we start getting rowdy...
Just reading through the Chronicles of Narnia, which I almost ashamed to say I have never done before. And what I have been missing out on. More to come on this later. All I can say is that if you are a fantasy fan, and never read them, you should. Good stuff!
Well, life have been incredibly busy the last couple of weeks with work and personal stuff. Also, I've picked up a case of DeQuervain's Syndrome as a result of too much typing and well, too much Xbox. Therefore, I'm doing as little typing as possible with plenty of icing, stretching and rest. Therefore no blogging. You can see where this is going.
Off to a wedding rehearsal and dinner tonight. Wedding tomorrow with the reception to follow at the Penobscot Valley Country Club. Should be a good time, especially when we start getting rowdy...
Just reading through the Chronicles of Narnia, which I almost ashamed to say I have never done before. And what I have been missing out on. More to come on this later. All I can say is that if you are a fantasy fan, and never read them, you should. Good stuff!
Friday, May 05, 2006
Irons Sharpens Iron Update
Sorry this update is late in the coming, but like most weeks, this one has been busy.
As you will see in this post, I was heading to Portsmouth, New Hampshire this past weekend to attend the Iron Sharpens Iron conference being held at Bethany Church (amazing facility by the way!).
So I can keep this post relavitely short and focus on the positive, I am going to give you the highlights of the conference for me.
The first was the morning session speaker, Ted Roberts. This guy is an ex-marine fighter pilot and is as real as it gets. If Ted was leading the charge on the very gates of Hell himself, I'd be right there with him.
The other real hightlight for me was Paul Coughlin and the Good Guy Rebellion. In his book, No More Christian Nice Guy, he really strikes at the heart of the matter that being "nice" isn't always a good thing, often leading to fear and passivity, and that being "good" is another thing altogether, and what we should be striving to be.
Men weren't created to by fearful and passive, but are slowly being emasculated by pop culture and believe it or not, the church. Jesus wasn't always "nice", but he is "good". Read the Gospel of Mark to see this in action.
Of course, that doesn't give us men the excuse to be jerks, but his book is really a great guide for living to our true Godly potential.
I have to say it was a great weekend overall and look forward to attending next year.
As you will see in this post, I was heading to Portsmouth, New Hampshire this past weekend to attend the Iron Sharpens Iron conference being held at Bethany Church (amazing facility by the way!).
So I can keep this post relavitely short and focus on the positive, I am going to give you the highlights of the conference for me.
The first was the morning session speaker, Ted Roberts. This guy is an ex-marine fighter pilot and is as real as it gets. If Ted was leading the charge on the very gates of Hell himself, I'd be right there with him.
The other real hightlight for me was Paul Coughlin and the Good Guy Rebellion. In his book, No More Christian Nice Guy, he really strikes at the heart of the matter that being "nice" isn't always a good thing, often leading to fear and passivity, and that being "good" is another thing altogether, and what we should be striving to be.
Men weren't created to by fearful and passive, but are slowly being emasculated by pop culture and believe it or not, the church. Jesus wasn't always "nice", but he is "good". Read the Gospel of Mark to see this in action.
Of course, that doesn't give us men the excuse to be jerks, but his book is really a great guide for living to our true Godly potential.
I have to say it was a great weekend overall and look forward to attending next year.
Make Like a Tree...
Josh Alves latest!!! And in color no less. Weekly readers only got black and white.
Ah, the power of the Web...
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Macs are now susceptible to viruses?
There have been Mac viruses for years, but apparently Mac users are just more creative and don’t have time to mess around with self-propagating viruses that cripple your computer.
The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW), details what the virus really is and as usual, the Main-Stream-Media is late to the party:
Several people have emailed us to point out that CNN is featuring an AP story about the 'first Mac virus' on their front page. It looks like CNN is a little late to the party, since the Mac web already reported about this way back in February. Damien wrote that, 'The bottom line is that this really seems to be a proof-of-concept trojan more than an actual "in the wild, self-propagating" virus. So yeah, it's certainly very interesting, but I'm not about to start watching for the sky to fall.'
The virus detailed in the CNN story is (though they never call it by name) Oompa-Loompa, as coined by Andrew Welch. You get this trojan (it isn't really a virus) by downloading a file that promises to give you a sneak peek at Leopard. You must then decompress the file, and then click on the resulting decompressed file. At that point an application runs that does a variety of things that Andrew details much better than I can.
I wonder what took the AP so long to sensationalize this little 'virus'?
I’ve been a mac user for at least a decade, and have never had a virus. Go figure…
The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW), details what the virus really is and as usual, the Main-Stream-Media is late to the party:
Several people have emailed us to point out that CNN is featuring an AP story about the 'first Mac virus' on their front page. It looks like CNN is a little late to the party, since the Mac web already reported about this way back in February. Damien wrote that, 'The bottom line is that this really seems to be a proof-of-concept trojan more than an actual "in the wild, self-propagating" virus. So yeah, it's certainly very interesting, but I'm not about to start watching for the sky to fall.'
The virus detailed in the CNN story is (though they never call it by name) Oompa-Loompa, as coined by Andrew Welch. You get this trojan (it isn't really a virus) by downloading a file that promises to give you a sneak peek at Leopard. You must then decompress the file, and then click on the resulting decompressed file. At that point an application runs that does a variety of things that Andrew details much better than I can.
I wonder what took the AP so long to sensationalize this little 'virus'?
I’ve been a mac user for at least a decade, and have never had a virus. Go figure…
How Opal Mehta got pulled from the shelves…
Copy or coincidence? Now, while I certainly don’t condone plagiarism (who would?), I wonder if this really is a case of prolific plagiarism or just a young impressionable kid emulating other authors that she enjoys.
I wonder, if you took all the books published in the world and compared them by genre, how many would truly have “similar” wording and phrases. I mean, c’mon, there is no new thing under sun.
Is she guilty? I don’t really know, and don’t much care really. If people want to read it, let them read it. Don’t pull it off the shelves. Don’t kill her deal. Let the readers decide. That could be death enough for her writing by itself.
Give her a chance to pen the second book. It might be all original work, even though I kind of doubt it.
I wonder, if you took all the books published in the world and compared them by genre, how many would truly have “similar” wording and phrases. I mean, c’mon, there is no new thing under sun.
Is she guilty? I don’t really know, and don’t much care really. If people want to read it, let them read it. Don’t pull it off the shelves. Don’t kill her deal. Let the readers decide. That could be death enough for her writing by itself.
Give her a chance to pen the second book. It might be all original work, even though I kind of doubt it.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Iron Sharpens Iron
I'm leaving this afternoon to travel to Portsmouth, New Hampshire to attend the Iron Sharpens Iron conference this weekend, and I am extremely excited.
While the conference is on Saturday, a group of men from our church are headed down tonight to stay over. We'll do the conference tomorrow, stay tomorrow night, attend church in N.H. Sunday morning and then head back home. I am looking forward to some great fellowship with the other guys and with God.
Tunes are essential for any road trip, and I just got Passion: Everything Glorious which will definitely go in the CD player. The newest Passion album features live worship tunes from the likes of Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Charlie Hall, and Matt Redman.
Incredible music. These guys are not only incredible musicians, but they truly have a heart for God. But, this isn't old-school worship, or even like previous Passion albums. This one rocks! Crowder is just amazing! Well worth checking out.
While the conference is on Saturday, a group of men from our church are headed down tonight to stay over. We'll do the conference tomorrow, stay tomorrow night, attend church in N.H. Sunday morning and then head back home. I am looking forward to some great fellowship with the other guys and with God.
Tunes are essential for any road trip, and I just got Passion: Everything Glorious which will definitely go in the CD player. The newest Passion album features live worship tunes from the likes of Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, Charlie Hall, and Matt Redman.
Incredible music. These guys are not only incredible musicians, but they truly have a heart for God. But, this isn't old-school worship, or even like previous Passion albums. This one rocks! Crowder is just amazing! Well worth checking out.
Tastes Like Chicken
The latest from Josh Alves. A good commentary on the high price of gas and what it might take to get some in the days ahead.
Put another tally in nature's win column
What is this week's animal struggle against the inventions of mankind? Crocodile "wins" tussle with chainsaw:
SYDNEY, Australia - A 14.5-foot crocodile mauled a chainsaw a worker was using Friday to clear up debris left by a tropical storm that lashed northern Australia. While the croc and worker were both uninjured, the saw's woodcutting days are over.
SYDNEY, Australia - A 14.5-foot crocodile mauled a chainsaw a worker was using Friday to clear up debris left by a tropical storm that lashed northern Australia. While the croc and worker were both uninjured, the saw's woodcutting days are over.
Monday, April 24, 2006
"Get out of here"
This is the actual Hebrew definition of TomKat's new baby girl. Named "Suri", a Cruise family spokesperson said that the name had its origin in ancient Hebrew. This is puzzling the Israelis.
“I really don’t know what they were thinking when they chose this name. It’s a term that denotes expulsion, like ‘Get out of here’,” said Gideon Goldenberg, a linguistics professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “It’s pretty blunt.”
Suri is a name that spans cultures, and it quite nice in other tongues rather than Hebrew, such as Persian, in which it means "Rose".
TomKat should have done some more research before they claimed a native tongue to the name.
“I really don’t know what they were thinking when they chose this name. It’s a term that denotes expulsion, like ‘Get out of here’,” said Gideon Goldenberg, a linguistics professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “It’s pretty blunt.”
Suri is a name that spans cultures, and it quite nice in other tongues rather than Hebrew, such as Persian, in which it means "Rose".
TomKat should have done some more research before they claimed a native tongue to the name.
Appalachian Impressions
The Mrs. and I just finished watching Appalachian Impression: Hiking the Appalachian Trail by Flagler Films. I got interested in the AT after reading A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson.
I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible professional feel of this video. I think they did a great job of taking a look at the beauty of the 2,173 miles of the AT, while letting people know what an incredibly difficult task it is to thru-hike.
I must admit, for a fleeting moment I had grandious thoughts of hiking the entire thing. I know that this is complete foolishness, and the deal was clinched when they showed someone in the video flicking off his big toenail because they had all rotted off. Uh huh, no 2,200 miles hikes through the woods for me.
Someday I might do "the one hundred miles" trek in Maine, but that is in the distant future.
I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible professional feel of this video. I think they did a great job of taking a look at the beauty of the 2,173 miles of the AT, while letting people know what an incredibly difficult task it is to thru-hike.
I must admit, for a fleeting moment I had grandious thoughts of hiking the entire thing. I know that this is complete foolishness, and the deal was clinched when they showed someone in the video flicking off his big toenail because they had all rotted off. Uh huh, no 2,200 miles hikes through the woods for me.
Someday I might do "the one hundred miles" trek in Maine, but that is in the distant future.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Sorry for the lack of posts
My wife and I are vacation this week, so I really haven't had a lot of time to sit down at the compter and connect the information umbilical. Nor have I really had a desire...
The Mrs. and I had a complete movie fest yesterday, starting early and ending late. We watched five movies yesterday (yes, my eyes are bleeding...). Here they are:
Dreamer- Excellent movie well worth a rental. Kurt Russell is always enjoyable and Dakota Fanning is just an amazing actor.
The Brothers Grimm- Another good one, well worth watching. Great take on the Brothers Grimm. Elements of the classic tales are woven throughout. Plus, Heath Ledger and Matt Damon had great chemistry.
Valiant- Complete and pleasant surprise. Animation was great. Good story. Well worth the time spent.
Chicken Little- Good flick, but not what I expected it to be.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou- Did the actors pay for this movie, or did they get paid to make it? I'm sure they are paying for it somehow. Any funny scene there was, it was in the trailer. It had lots of potential, I mean, c'mon, the cast includes Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe and Cate Blanchette, but it was a horrid movie. Good thing it was only $1!
Of course, there has been plenty of Halo 2 on Xbox Live. Maybe even some tonight! The Mrs. has joined the fray, and boy, is she good with a rocket launcher! She is getting good with the sniper, which even I can't use.
All right, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my vacation. The grind is going to return next week to smack me right in the face...
The Mrs. and I had a complete movie fest yesterday, starting early and ending late. We watched five movies yesterday (yes, my eyes are bleeding...). Here they are:
Dreamer- Excellent movie well worth a rental. Kurt Russell is always enjoyable and Dakota Fanning is just an amazing actor.
The Brothers Grimm- Another good one, well worth watching. Great take on the Brothers Grimm. Elements of the classic tales are woven throughout. Plus, Heath Ledger and Matt Damon had great chemistry.
Valiant- Complete and pleasant surprise. Animation was great. Good story. Well worth the time spent.
Chicken Little- Good flick, but not what I expected it to be.
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou- Did the actors pay for this movie, or did they get paid to make it? I'm sure they are paying for it somehow. Any funny scene there was, it was in the trailer. It had lots of potential, I mean, c'mon, the cast includes Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe and Cate Blanchette, but it was a horrid movie. Good thing it was only $1!
Of course, there has been plenty of Halo 2 on Xbox Live. Maybe even some tonight! The Mrs. has joined the fray, and boy, is she good with a rocket launcher! She is getting good with the sniper, which even I can't use.
All right, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my vacation. The grind is going to return next week to smack me right in the face...
Sunday, April 16, 2006
He is Risen!
Happy Easter everyone! While the Easter Bunny is a fun little fable for the kids, the real reason for Easter is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, come to this Earth as a sacrifice for each of us, to be a victor over death and sin, which we are born into. Today we celebrate Christ's death and resurrection from that death.
The account of Jesus' resurrection from Matthew 28:
Christians, today is a day of joy and celebration, because we have a risen Lord that seeks and saves.
If you are reading this today and don't know Christ the Risen Lord and want to have a personal relationship with him, you can.
The account of Jesus' resurrection from Matthew 28:
Matthew 28
The Resurrection
1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
The Guards' Report
11While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.The Great Commission
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."Christians, today is a day of joy and celebration, because we have a risen Lord that seeks and saves.
If you are reading this today and don't know Christ the Risen Lord and want to have a personal relationship with him, you can.
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday
Not much time for blogging this week as Good Friday and Easter approach. Our church is having a communion service on Good Friday and two services on Easter, so I have been very involved with the music portions of these services, both in picking music and playing.
Hopefully more to come later today.
Hopefully more to come later today.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Katie Couric look alike?
As most of the world probably knows by now, Katie Couric, "America's Sweetheart", is leaving the NBC Today show to anchor the CBS News, and Meredith Vieira has been chosen as her successor.
Is anybody else completely irritated by this? I've talked to plenly of Today Show faithful's that are. What was NBC thinking? Why not hire from within?
Because they were looking for a Katie Couric doppleganger, and they found it with Vieira. Do these two look a lot alike, or is it just me?
What about these other talented women that already work for NBC and in particular, the Today Show?
I have been saying for years that Ann Curry should be the co-anchor with Matt Lauer. Ann and Matt have a great chemistry. Why wasn't she given the nod? Natalie Morales would also be a great choice. Campbell Brown, who co-anchors with Lester Holt on the weekends was passed up why? Because they wanted another bouncy blond to try and lure morning viewers? I watch the Today Show despite Katie Couric, not because of her.
Vieira, whose recent gigs include "The View" and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", isn't going to be half the news prescence at NBC that Couric was.
A poor choice in my opinion.
Is anybody else completely irritated by this? I've talked to plenly of Today Show faithful's that are. What was NBC thinking? Why not hire from within?
Because they were looking for a Katie Couric doppleganger, and they found it with Vieira. Do these two look a lot alike, or is it just me?
What about these other talented women that already work for NBC and in particular, the Today Show?
I have been saying for years that Ann Curry should be the co-anchor with Matt Lauer. Ann and Matt have a great chemistry. Why wasn't she given the nod? Natalie Morales would also be a great choice. Campbell Brown, who co-anchors with Lester Holt on the weekends was passed up why? Because they wanted another bouncy blond to try and lure morning viewers? I watch the Today Show despite Katie Couric, not because of her.
Vieira, whose recent gigs include "The View" and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", isn't going to be half the news prescence at NBC that Couric was.
A poor choice in my opinion.
"Casablanca" top screenplay
The Writer's Guild named Casablanca the best screenplay ever. And I don't blame them. My wife and I watched Casablanca for the first time ever last weekend, and I was blown away. They don't make movies like that anymore, and that isn't necessarily a good thing. It had a great story, action, exotic locale, and well, Bogart and Bergman, a killer duo.
Sure, compared to today's glitzy blockbust movie standards, it was lacking. Unfortunately, modern movies often rely on over-the-top effects and scenes to carry the movie. The screenplay lacks. Not so with Casablanca. An amazing story and the writing team of Epstein, Epstein, and Koch nailed it, despite many obstacles. I plan to add this movie to the collection ASAP.
Oh, by the way, the Writer's Guild also picked out 100 other movies with the "Best Ever" claim. Here is the top 10:
1. CASABLANCA
Screenplay by Julius J. & Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch. Based on the play "Everybody Comes to Rick's" by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison
Sure, compared to today's glitzy blockbust movie standards, it was lacking. Unfortunately, modern movies often rely on over-the-top effects and scenes to carry the movie. The screenplay lacks. Not so with Casablanca. An amazing story and the writing team of Epstein, Epstein, and Koch nailed it, despite many obstacles. I plan to add this movie to the collection ASAP.
Oh, by the way, the Writer's Guild also picked out 100 other movies with the "Best Ever" claim. Here is the top 10:
1. CASABLANCA
Screenplay by Julius J. & Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch. Based on the play "Everybody Comes to Rick's" by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison
2. THE GODFATHER
Screenplay by Mario Puzo and Francis Ford Coppola. Based on the novel by Mario Puzo
3. CHINATOWN
Written by Robert Towne
4. CITIZEN KANE
Written by Herman Mankiewicz and Orson Welles
5. ALL ABOUT EVE
Screenplay by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Based on "The Wisdom of Eve," a short story and radio play by Mary Orr
6. ANNIE HALL
Written by Woody Allen and Marshall Brickman
7. SUNSET BLVD.
Written by Charles Brackett & Billy Wilder and D.M. Marshman, Jr.
8. NETWORK
Written by Paddy Chayefsky
9. SOME LIKE IT HOT
Screenplay by Billy Wilder & I.A.L. Diamond. Based on "Fanfare of Love," a German film written by Robert Thoeren and M. Logan
10. THE GODFATHER II
Screenplay by Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo. Based on Mario Puzo's novel "The Godfather"
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Jesus walks on ice?
These days it seems to be the in thing too once again try to debunk the divinity of Jesus Christ. Michael Baigent has a book out about just that. Most I’ve talked too have determined that he is just plain crazy and has no proof, just tons of speculation. At least he is making some cash right?
So here is yet another attempt to man Jesus merely a man. Did Jesus walk on water? Or ice? Some scientist now seem to think there was a chance that He found an ice patch:
Rare conditions could have conspired to create hard-to-see ice on the Sea of Galilee that a person could have walked on back when Jesus is said to have walked on water, a scientist reported Tuesday.
The study, which examines a combination of favorable water and environmental conditions, proposes that Jesus could have walked on an isolated patch of floating ice on what is now known as Lake Kinneret in northern Israel.
Um, right. Now here is what the book of John has to say:
John 6:18-20 (New International Version)
18. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles,[a] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. 20. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
So, if you believe the Bible, and I do, the boys were three or so miles out in the boat on choppy seas. I believe that the fully divine Jesus walked on the water to the disciples in the boat.
But, just for the sake of argument, let's say it was ice. I'd say it still falls into the miracle category to ride a piece of ice miles out into the Sea of Galilea on some majorly choppy water. And on top of that he used the "ice patch" to get to the boat and got in (John 6:19).
These days it seems to be the in thing too once again try to debunk the divinity of Jesus Christ. Michael Baigent has a book out about just that. Most I’ve talked too have determined that he is just plain crazy and has no proof, just tons of speculation. At least he is making some cash right?
So here is yet another attempt to man Jesus merely a man. Did Jesus walk on water? Or ice? Some scientist now seem to think there was a chance that He found an ice patch:
Rare conditions could have conspired to create hard-to-see ice on the Sea of Galilee that a person could have walked on back when Jesus is said to have walked on water, a scientist reported Tuesday.
The study, which examines a combination of favorable water and environmental conditions, proposes that Jesus could have walked on an isolated patch of floating ice on what is now known as Lake Kinneret in northern Israel.
Um, right. Now here is what the book of John has to say:
John 6:18-20 (New International Version)
18. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19. When they had rowed three or three and a half miles,[a] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were terrified. 20. But he said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid."
So, if you believe the Bible, and I do, the boys were three or so miles out in the boat on choppy seas. I believe that the fully divine Jesus walked on the water to the disciples in the boat.
But, just for the sake of argument, let's say it was ice. I'd say it still falls into the miracle category to ride a piece of ice miles out into the Sea of Galilea on some majorly choppy water. And on top of that he used the "ice patch" to get to the boat and got in (John 6:19).
Friday, March 31, 2006
So, where we gonna eat tonight?
According to a Discovery Channel news post, cockroaches make group decisions. Like what I suppose? Maybe something like this:
Where we gonna eat tonight? The two week old pizza molding on the counter, the three week old spaghetti sauce in the pot on the stove, or are we going to slide under the sink and get some drinks and meet up with some ladies?
Where we gonna eat tonight? The two week old pizza molding on the counter, the three week old spaghetti sauce in the pot on the stove, or are we going to slide under the sink and get some drinks and meet up with some ladies?
Thursday, March 30, 2006
SPACE.com: Noah’s Ark
Wouldn’t it be really something if Noah’s Ark was actually discovered? Rumors and speculations have circulated for years about the Ark’s location and supposed existence, but new satellite images may help solve the mystery.
I know the chances of a wooden boat thousands of years old that came to rest on Mt. Ararat and has somehow been preserved is a long shot, but again, wouldn’t it be cool?
Here is a photo from SPACE.com:
The “anomaly” kinda looks like what we stereotypically think of as the ark…
I know the chances of a wooden boat thousands of years old that came to rest on Mt. Ararat and has somehow been preserved is a long shot, but again, wouldn’t it be cool?
Here is a photo from SPACE.com:
The “anomaly” kinda looks like what we stereotypically think of as the ark…
Clowns are Evil
And here are five bad clowns to prove it:
1. Krusty the Klown- The Simpsons
2. Pennywise- Stephen King’s It
3. Homey D. Clown- In Living Color
4. The Joker- Batman
5. Jack I. Box- Jack in the Box resteraunts
There you have it. These clowns put the creepy in “Creepy Clowns”.
Good News out of Iraq
Islamic Extremists have released American hostage Jill Carroll, of the Christian Science Monitor, after 3 months of captivity. She is healthy (physically anyway) and glad to be free.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
I'm Back!
The long, dry trek through the broadband-less wasteland is officially over!
What I thought was going to be a week turned out to be a whole lot longer. But, I have faster download speeds than I had before and I'm saving a ton of money!!!
Plus I'm going local and stickin' it to the man...
A lot has happened since I last blessed the internet with my thoughts (probably there aren't any readers left to peruse my pages...).
Buck Owens, Stanislaw Lem, Judy Blume, and Kasper Weinberger all died.
An Afghan Christian was on trial because he converted to Christianity. Off with his head (isn't that the answer to everything...).
The DaVinci Code is on trial being sued by Michael Baigent, the same man who just released his book The Jesus Papers. Baigent claims to have proof that Jesus denied his own divinity, didn't die on the cross and resurrect from the dead, and went on to live a long life on this earth with his wife Mary Magdelene. Uh-huh. Right. A long rant is coming on this one, just getting together some materials.
But here is the big story to lead off the triumphant return to blogging: Psycho kitty terrorizes neighbors.
The persecuted kitty's blog might go something like this:
March 30, 2006,
Day 206 of captivity. Implemented Plan Delta as the strange lady that brings horrible smelling fluids into the house approached bringing more foul torture devices to torment me, much to my captor's delight.
I taught her a thing or two. But for some reason I can't go out of the house lately...
What I thought was going to be a week turned out to be a whole lot longer. But, I have faster download speeds than I had before and I'm saving a ton of money!!!
Plus I'm going local and stickin' it to the man...
A lot has happened since I last blessed the internet with my thoughts (probably there aren't any readers left to peruse my pages...).
Buck Owens, Stanislaw Lem, Judy Blume, and Kasper Weinberger all died.
An Afghan Christian was on trial because he converted to Christianity. Off with his head (isn't that the answer to everything...).
The DaVinci Code is on trial being sued by Michael Baigent, the same man who just released his book The Jesus Papers. Baigent claims to have proof that Jesus denied his own divinity, didn't die on the cross and resurrect from the dead, and went on to live a long life on this earth with his wife Mary Magdelene. Uh-huh. Right. A long rant is coming on this one, just getting together some materials.
But here is the big story to lead off the triumphant return to blogging: Psycho kitty terrorizes neighbors.
The persecuted kitty's blog might go something like this:
March 30, 2006,
Day 206 of captivity. Implemented Plan Delta as the strange lady that brings horrible smelling fluids into the house approached bringing more foul torture devices to torment me, much to my captor's delight.
I taught her a thing or two. But for some reason I can't go out of the house lately...
Monday, March 13, 2006
Be back in a week or so
I'm changing ISPs, so I will be offline for at least 7 to 10 days. At least that is what the new company said.
I'm hoping it is more like 30 minutes or so...
I'm hoping it is more like 30 minutes or so...
Ultraviolet
The Mrs. and I are going to see Ultraviolet tonight. It looks visually enticing, seems like it has a good story, and c'mon, it's got Milla Jovovich!!!
I'll let you know how it turns out.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
The book funk is at least over…
I just finished reading Contest by Matt Reilly. Quick and entertaining read. It was his freshman effort and you can tell. Definitely not at good as Ice Station, but still as quick paced.
What happens when you throw 7 contestants into the New York Public Library to compete in the Presidian? Complete mayhem!!! 7 may enter, but only one can leave the victor. The reward for winning: your life!
Great little romp.
No if only the blog funk would come to an end..
What happens when you throw 7 contestants into the New York Public Library to compete in the Presidian? Complete mayhem!!! 7 may enter, but only one can leave the victor. The reward for winning: your life!
Great little romp.
No if only the blog funk would come to an end..
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons…
Last month, the book club at work was reading A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. I had never been involved with the book club before, which is all women, so when they decided to read a book about the Appalachian Trail, I figured I could get into it. It was a great book, and the discussion was interesting as well.
I had a good time and was eagerly anticipating the next book the club would read. My excitement was short lived when I heard we would be reading Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons. I judged the book by its title, figuring it would be about a bunch of man-hating wives getting together to rail about their husbands.
I am glad to say I was very wrong. I told the group I would try a couple of chapters, and if I didn’t like it, I was out for this month. I read a couple of chapters and I was immediately hooked.
Written by Lorna Landvik, the book is about the lives of these women, which makes it extremely interesting. The story follows the lives of the Freesia Court book club, know as Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons, over a thirty year period. We see children born and grow up, husbands leave, and characters come to grip with life events they thought were insurmountable. It is not a book about women bashing and putting down men. Even though there was one husband that upon his introduction in the story you knew he was a mean, nasty, foul creature that would sully the good name of any and all men out there. However, even that scenario plays itself out well in the end.
I identified with Faith, who I would say is the main character of the book. In an effort to come to grips with her troubled past, she begins writing letters to her dead mother, who was a raging alcoholic. Over 30 years the process is very cathartic. I am also the child of an alcoholic, and at one point in my life in an attempt to deal with issues I had with my father, I turned to writing. I kept a journal, often addressing Dad and writing to him, and found it extremely helpful in dealing with my baggage.
This was an excellent story that kept me interested in the characters and their experiences. I highly recommend reading it.
Thursday, March 09, 2006
Death of a blog
Well, I haven’t blogged in a while, and honestly I have had little desire. As I look at the news each day, nothing grabs me, not even this hairy crustacean.
But, here is a vain attempt at some less than deep thought.
I don’t think the much-hyped Origami is going to be as big a seller as Microsoft hopes. Why, you ask? Well, for me, because it runs Windows XP. When Apple creates a portable, handheld computer, we’ll talk.
This story really shouldn’t surprise anyone: Negative Perceptions of Islam Growing.
Well, when you have predominately Islamic countries like Iran wanting to build nukes and cause the U.S. “pain”, it’s hard to portray what should be a peaceful religion as that. When you have Muslims rioting over Danish cartoons (just an excuse for violence, when there should be forgiveness), and Iraqis blowing each other up, it is kind of hard to feel the love. The Middle East is just waiting to tear itself apart. Like most groups, the Muslim majority that is peaceful is getting the shaft from the violent lunatics. It isn’t the first time that the many are negatively effected by the few.
Now on to game time, and this seems as good a time for a rant as any.
As any reader of this blog knows (I know you are few), I have been devoting too much time to playing Halo 2 on Xbox Live. While I thoroughly enjoy the game, I have to say, the people that tend to play it can lean toward the reprobate side of things. When I play a ranked Rumble Pit game, I tend to leave my headset unplugged and enjoy the action. Today, I made the mistake of plugging in to give a listen. I was assaulted by some of the foulest language and demeaning comments I could possibly conceive. I hate to say it, but I was so taken aback it threw me a little off my game, obviously the goal of these foul-mouthed teens.
Was I surprised? Sadly no. This seems to be the norm. Apparently, some members of the Halo community have 1.) way too much time on their hands, 2.) no social lives outside of online gaming, because they certainly don’t have any social skills, and 3.) are hard-wired badly or Mom and Dad failed somewhere in teaching manners to their offspring.
Will this keep me from gaming online? Heck no! I enjoy the down and dirty play as a single in the Pit, but the real fun comes when I get on with my friends, either my local pals or the people of Seasoned Gamers.
In fact, I think there will be a little community of my fellow well-mannered, older gamers on tonight for a little action in the Pit.
But, here is a vain attempt at some less than deep thought.
I don’t think the much-hyped Origami is going to be as big a seller as Microsoft hopes. Why, you ask? Well, for me, because it runs Windows XP. When Apple creates a portable, handheld computer, we’ll talk.
This story really shouldn’t surprise anyone: Negative Perceptions of Islam Growing.
Well, when you have predominately Islamic countries like Iran wanting to build nukes and cause the U.S. “pain”, it’s hard to portray what should be a peaceful religion as that. When you have Muslims rioting over Danish cartoons (just an excuse for violence, when there should be forgiveness), and Iraqis blowing each other up, it is kind of hard to feel the love. The Middle East is just waiting to tear itself apart. Like most groups, the Muslim majority that is peaceful is getting the shaft from the violent lunatics. It isn’t the first time that the many are negatively effected by the few.
Now on to game time, and this seems as good a time for a rant as any.
As any reader of this blog knows (I know you are few), I have been devoting too much time to playing Halo 2 on Xbox Live. While I thoroughly enjoy the game, I have to say, the people that tend to play it can lean toward the reprobate side of things. When I play a ranked Rumble Pit game, I tend to leave my headset unplugged and enjoy the action. Today, I made the mistake of plugging in to give a listen. I was assaulted by some of the foulest language and demeaning comments I could possibly conceive. I hate to say it, but I was so taken aback it threw me a little off my game, obviously the goal of these foul-mouthed teens.
Was I surprised? Sadly no. This seems to be the norm. Apparently, some members of the Halo community have 1.) way too much time on their hands, 2.) no social lives outside of online gaming, because they certainly don’t have any social skills, and 3.) are hard-wired badly or Mom and Dad failed somewhere in teaching manners to their offspring.
Will this keep me from gaming online? Heck no! I enjoy the down and dirty play as a single in the Pit, but the real fun comes when I get on with my friends, either my local pals or the people of Seasoned Gamers.
In fact, I think there will be a little community of my fellow well-mannered, older gamers on tonight for a little action in the Pit.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
In Bit of a Blog Funk
In addition to being in a complete book slump, I am in a blog slump as well. As I peruse the internet each day for interesting tidbits, I just can't seem to find any. Maybe they are hiding. Maybe I am currently living under a large rock in what has become the Frozen Tundra of Maine (went from 50 degrees to -10 in one fell swoop). Cabin fever finally sets in.
I have been busy though. I just finished writing my first worship song. I hope to put a rough cut into Garageband this weekend, and then with the help of the worship team at church put some finishing touches to it, like some vocal harmonies and some guitar fills.
The book club at work has decided to read this gem, and are looking for me to input my male perspective.
I've read the first chapter and no emotional vomitting yet...
I have been busy though. I just finished writing my first worship song. I hope to put a rough cut into Garageband this weekend, and then with the help of the worship team at church put some finishing touches to it, like some vocal harmonies and some guitar fills.
The book club at work has decided to read this gem, and are looking for me to input my male perspective.
I've read the first chapter and no emotional vomitting yet...
Howl’s Moving Castle
This post is not totally precipitated by the release of Howl’s Moving Castle on DVD March 7th. It is actually because I just read the book, which was amazing.
While perusing the local paper, I came across a review of HMC, where the writer lauded the film by celebrated director Hayao Miyazaki as amazing. While muttering out loud about how I needed to see the movie, a very knowledgeable co-worker says to me, “Did you know that it was a book written some time ago and was made into a movie. The book is amazing. I have it if you want to read it.”
I quickly and eagerly agreed since I am in sort of a book funk. The usual suspects (books I reread often) hold no appeal, and nothing was jumping out at me, so this book suggestion came at a great time.
A brief synopsis of the book written by Melissa Hyland (from Nausicca.net):
Howl's Moving Castle is based in a slightly fantasy setting, in that magic
fantastical creatures and many fairy-tale conventions exist. The heroine is
Sophie, who lives with her step-mother and two step-sisters after her father
dies, leaving them his hat-shop. Since they are very poor, the step-mother
decides it would be best to send to of the daughters away where they can be
assured of a good start in life. In fairytale convention, the youngest child
will always suceed best when seeking their fortune, so the youngest daughter
Martha is sent to learn magic with a friendly white witch, while the middle
daughter Lettie begins an apprenticeship with the local baker. Sophie, the
eldest, doesn't have much chance, so she stays on with her mother to help run
the hat-shop, which she will inherit someday.
However, things don't work out as planned. Martha and Lettie use a spell to
switch places, since Lettie wants to learn magic and have adventures while
Martha wants to get married and raise a family. After Sophie discovers this,
she crosses paths with an evil sorceress who for some reason that is not
revealed at first, casts a spell on Sophie that turns her into an old woman and
prevents her from telling anyone about it. Forced to leave the hat shop, Sophie
goes to find some way of breaking the curse and ends up taking refuge at the
moving castle (yes, it is a castle that can move about, and also has a door
that can lead to four different locations). This place belongs to Howl, a
charming yet seemingly irresponsible wizard with a reputation for chasing
pretty girls. The castle is powered by Calcifer, a fire demon who lives in the
hearth and is bound by a contract with Howl. He makes a secret bargain with
Sophie; he will break the curse she is under, if she can find a way to break
the contract as it could destroy him and Howl. Sophie takes a position as
housekeeper and tries to find out what the contract is (Calcifer is also bound
not to tell her what it is), whilst putting up with Howl's annoying behaviour,
and there are further complications when he clashes with the evil sorceress.
Written in 1986 (I believe that is the year) by Diana Wynne Jones, I am amazed at how cool this book is, and definitely recommend it to any fantasy fan. Great characters and story. You burn through every page to see what sort of calamity happens next.
I hope the film is half as good as the book.
While perusing the local paper, I came across a review of HMC, where the writer lauded the film by celebrated director Hayao Miyazaki as amazing. While muttering out loud about how I needed to see the movie, a very knowledgeable co-worker says to me, “Did you know that it was a book written some time ago and was made into a movie. The book is amazing. I have it if you want to read it.”
I quickly and eagerly agreed since I am in sort of a book funk. The usual suspects (books I reread often) hold no appeal, and nothing was jumping out at me, so this book suggestion came at a great time.
A brief synopsis of the book written by Melissa Hyland (from Nausicca.net):
Howl's Moving Castle is based in a slightly fantasy setting, in that magic
fantastical creatures and many fairy-tale conventions exist. The heroine is
Sophie, who lives with her step-mother and two step-sisters after her father
dies, leaving them his hat-shop. Since they are very poor, the step-mother
decides it would be best to send to of the daughters away where they can be
assured of a good start in life. In fairytale convention, the youngest child
will always suceed best when seeking their fortune, so the youngest daughter
Martha is sent to learn magic with a friendly white witch, while the middle
daughter Lettie begins an apprenticeship with the local baker. Sophie, the
eldest, doesn't have much chance, so she stays on with her mother to help run
the hat-shop, which she will inherit someday.
However, things don't work out as planned. Martha and Lettie use a spell to
switch places, since Lettie wants to learn magic and have adventures while
Martha wants to get married and raise a family. After Sophie discovers this,
she crosses paths with an evil sorceress who for some reason that is not
revealed at first, casts a spell on Sophie that turns her into an old woman and
prevents her from telling anyone about it. Forced to leave the hat shop, Sophie
goes to find some way of breaking the curse and ends up taking refuge at the
moving castle (yes, it is a castle that can move about, and also has a door
that can lead to four different locations). This place belongs to Howl, a
charming yet seemingly irresponsible wizard with a reputation for chasing
pretty girls. The castle is powered by Calcifer, a fire demon who lives in the
hearth and is bound by a contract with Howl. He makes a secret bargain with
Sophie; he will break the curse she is under, if she can find a way to break
the contract as it could destroy him and Howl. Sophie takes a position as
housekeeper and tries to find out what the contract is (Calcifer is also bound
not to tell her what it is), whilst putting up with Howl's annoying behaviour,
and there are further complications when he clashes with the evil sorceress.
Written in 1986 (I believe that is the year) by Diana Wynne Jones, I am amazed at how cool this book is, and definitely recommend it to any fantasy fan. Great characters and story. You burn through every page to see what sort of calamity happens next.
I hope the film is half as good as the book.
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