Laugh, Cry, Eat Popcorn...

Well, Wayne, Since you asked...

So my man Wayne asked in the comment section how I felt about the Oscars. Actually, I thought they were pretty good. of course the big question of the night was will Brokeback Mountain win best picture? I can honestly say that my prediction on this one was spot on. I said Crash would win, and well...
I'm pleased that Crash did win too. Certainly one of my favorite movies of the year. In a way, a film like Crash shows us everything redemptive about this art-form. I dare say that it is more effective transforming one's worldview about racism than many campaigns, slogans, laws, etc. At the same time, it is a beautiful story(s). We are going to do a showing of Crash at Lighthouse later in the month and bring in a specialist on racial reconciliation to speak with us afterwards--I'm really looking forward to this event, join us if you can.

I watched Hustle and Flow Monday night. I thought is was a good flick. I can't get the words, "You know it's hard out here being a pimp" out of my head. My friend James, LOVED it. I did not have that kind of love for it. I'm learning to really value and appreciate DVD's for their bonus footage. In this movie, watching the bonus stuff was so interesting because there is this incredible story behind the story of the film. For example, I doubt you would have ever guessed that the writer/director is white!? But beyond that, DVD's really are a wonderful thing. There is simply so much more than just the film we see in the theater. Like watching a movie with the commentary on can give you a completely different understanding of what a movie is about from the writer/director's perspective.
don't get me wrong, I so love going to the theater. It is church to me. The smells (think popcorn), the sound, the visual, the energy from others. If I could afford it, I would go to the theater for my daily devos. But I can't afford it, so I am a member of Netflix. I must say that I have been quite happy with the service they provide. I've been told Blockbuster's online service is a better deal, but come on people, do you really want to help those corporate %$#@! make more money?
I give Hustle & Flow 3.75 Junior Mints

Genesis/Ignite `06

So we are up at Grand Traverse Resort at the moment. I am on the Design Team of this RCA high school youth event that happens every other year called Genesis. We will duplicate this whole thing again next weekend too. There are about 750 people up this weekend and there will be 12,000 next weekend.
I'm pulling double duty as I'm also speaking for something new called Ignite, which is specifically for post high people. Justin Baker, the worship leader from Bridgeway and friend of Lighthouse is doing the music. I've got the fam up here too. Tami is leading a craft during a free time segment.
The picture above is Elli in her first bathing suite--a two piece! Noah thinks staying in a hotel is very cool.
I'm having a bit of a hard time as I decided to fast from TV for Lent. We have full cable in our room, and I want to watch it pretty bad.
How many of you out there are fasting for Lent?

More Junior Gems

Have you watched this? The guy is literally nuts! Amazing footage. Amazing story of a crazy man wanting the worlds attention who ultimately get eaten by his "friends". I recommend it.
I'll give it 3>75 Junior Mints

North Country was ok. A little disturbing. I HATE rape scenes (I leave the room when they occur) and I thought there would be one in the film so I was on pins and needles the whole time. Assuming you don't like rape scenes either, I'm going to share with you that there are none in this film. My favorite acting in this movie was actually Woody Harrison. If you are from my generation, you love Woody from the Cheers days. I can't think of a good movie he has been in though? However, I liked him in this. Here's a little recommendation: don't watch Grizzly Man & North Country on the same night.
I give it 3.5 Mints

Ernest Shackleton is my new hero. If you are not familiar with this story learn of it immediately. what these guys went through has got to be one of the most amazing adventures of all time. This file, The Endurance is an IMAX and of course, therefore, beautiful. However, like most IMAX films, it is short, only 38 minutes.
I give it 4.25 stars (mainly for its cinematography)

NOVA produced this edition on the story that is great. It goes into way further depth and detail regarding what happened on this journey. It is also shot very well. And there is great bonus footage.
I give it 4.5 mints.

Elizabethtown

I watched Elizabethtown last night. It has been no my Netflix queue for months. I love Cameron Crowe films. I know we use that word "love" too much, but I really mean it. Crowe may be my favorite director/writer, so you can image my anticipation in wanting to see this movie. I was disappointed when it had such a short life in theaters. I had heard that it wasn't very good, but only from people who had not seen it.
So here's my take: Act 1 is pretty bad. It feels contrived. It just misses. Like it is almost good, yet it misses. Act 1 feels like it is trying to be too much like Jerry Maguire. Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst are not so believable in act 1 either. However, somewhere in act 2, I was sold. I got lost in the story and I loved it all the way through to the end.
I think the biggest mistake in this film was casting Orlando Bloom for the lead. His accent would sneak out too much.
Of course, one of the greatest things about Crowe films is the music. The soundtrack is incredible, second only to Garden State, in my opinion.
One last thing, you need to watch the bonus material on Crowe films. He puts so much effort into doing little things that your eye (or ear) may not naturally pick up on like making music fit with scenes, but he often explains these things in the bonus material. For example, I really didn't like Vanilla Sky the first time I saw it. Then I watched it again with his commentary and it totally changed my appreciation for the movie.
I give Elizabethtown a solid 4 Junior Mints

New Coffee House

I found a new coffee house. I've been desperate to find a new place ever since the Urban Mill started charging for parking. Here's the deal, I'M NOT GOING TO SAY THE NAME OF IT because I need this to be a place where I can escape and meet new people. It's a sweet place because it is right by a great lunch spot. This is my second day here. There seems to be quite a few hippies, a few homeless, and several rich white boys like me, but a lot of regulars. They sell fair trade, play good music and it is divided with one section for smoking, plus parking is FREE.

Last Nights Concert

I got to tell you, it wasn't that great. He is an incredible guitarist, but that got old after about 30 minutes. I had a great time hanging out with Gary though. We went to a new bar afterwards called The Woods. It's a cool place b/c they really burn wood there, inside and outside. Even better, the mens urinals have 2-way mirrors that overlook the pool table so when you are peeing you can make sure your opponent doesn't cheat. Whenever Gary and I get together for nights like this, we have great conversation about life's deepest issues. We usually discuss it through the lens of film and music.

Holy Protection?

I

Tim Reynolds Concert Tonight

I'm going to see Tim Reynolds tonight at The Intersection. I'm going with one of my oldest friends, Gary DeKraker (oldest meaning longest friendships, he's the same age as me. I didn't want to take the time to figure out the right way to write that.) Any way, it is kind of weird that I'm going to this concert as I haven't been to a concert in years and I'm not huge fan of Reynolds, but I love DMB and the work he has done on those albums. Plus, it is a small venue and tickets are only $12. I'm pretty excited to be back in the concert scene.

Ok, ok, I'll blog already...get off my back. Guuuy.

So my thousands of readers, uh...ur, I mean tens of readers are getting kinda feisty about my lack of blogging. What can I say? I've been busy. Actually, there are these weird funks I go into where I just feel so barried and behind that I don't mess with blogs, websites, or the like.
So why am I blogging again? Well, I actually feel like I'm getting caught up on some things. For example, I just scheduled the LVM preaching schedule through July! But I'm also doing it because many of you have been busting my chops about not doing it. I'm honored that you all care enough to read about my crap.

At the end of January Tami and I went to one of my favorite places, San Diego, for a RCA church planters conference. Clearly, a highlight was getting to hook up with Nick at some mall in Irvine (sp?). We ate at the Cheesecake Factory--it was yummy.

This is a picture of a Lighthouse meeting. I put it in because it makes us look like we have a lot of people.

I've recently upgraded to a PowerBook from an ibook. I like it, but not as much as I thought I would. Good thing I got a great deal. And yes, this is my actual computer. I just took the picture. I'm rather impressed with my photography skills.

This is Reed Morton. He and his family came to our house Saturday for dinner. The kid is crazy busy. He is climbing on Elli's bouncy thing. Certainly picture and blog worthy.

My two favorite girls. Monday being my day off, we went to a coffee house today while Noah was in school.

Alright, I think that is enough swimming for my first time back in the pool. I do want to do an update on the movies I've watched since my last post. I've seen a lot because I'm trying to get my money's worth from Netflix. Also, I really want to see how many movies i watch in a year. I know better than to make any promises, but that is my plan.

You've Got to Check this Out

My friend, Amanda from Atlanta, just sent me this link. If you like music, you will love this.
click here