Published on Thursday, January 31, 2008 .
So, did you watch it? If not, and you’re planning on it, you might want to stop reading as I’ll be posting some not-so-minor spoilers below.
You’ve been warned.
I had some pretty high expectations for tonight’s premiere. Lost has been notorious for over-promising and under-delivering in my opinion – particularly in season two. Last year’s season was pretty solid and definitely ended well.
I loved the show tonight. I feel like we learned quite a bit – we know at least three people who survived, there’s a group called the “Oceanic 6″ and Hurley “should have stayed with Jack.” However, that last point may have nothing to do with tonight’s split and they could just be throwing us for a loop.
Anyway, I’m pretty pumped about the show again. And bummed. Only seven more episodes this season. Dang writers and their desire to better themselves.
Enough gushing. What did you think?
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Published on Thursday, January 24, 2008 .
It’s that time o’ year again.
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Shalom.
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Published on Monday, January 21, 2008 .
Ah, happy Monday my blog-friends. I know that I’m not supposed to blog about the fact I haven’t been blogging, but I am coming off of nearly two weeks without a post; I think something must be said. First, I have been busy. My new job is going really well – I’m going gangbusters (I don’t actually know what that means, but I adore the word). I’m fortunate to be working with some exciting clients and some awesome folks. Secondly, I’m in my blogging Dip. I need to press through the lack of inspiration, meaningful content and desire to blog so I can continue bringing hard-hitting commentaries and posts o’ inspiration. Please bear with me and send encouragement as I work to overcome my Dip.
Some examples of the needed encouragement include an email I received from one George W. Bush through my speaker info request form. Thank you to whomever sent it my way.
Speaking of “email,” I received a hilarious Spam the other day that I can’t wait to share with you. I’m not quite ready yet, but will be soon, I promise.
Speaking of “not quite ready yet,” I can’t believe how well Ron Paul is doing. Second in Nevada, ahead of Giuliani in South Carolina…it’s amazing! There’s no way he’ll win, but at least he’s sticking around long enough to broadcast his ideals – ideals that are much needed in the political non-speak so often trumpeted during the debates. If you’re rich and into giving your money to hopeless causes, you should throw some money his way during today’s fund raiser.
Speaking of “hopeless causes,” how are you handling this writer strike? Anybody started resorting to extreme measures like reading or exercising or talking to loved ones? Yeah, me neither, but I’m getting ridiculously close.
Speaking of “ridiculously close,” Breathe is beginning anew. After our initial misstep, we are pressing on to realize this vision. Since we don’t have a venue for our weekly gathering (a not-too-long-but-relatively-boring story) we are starting smaller and more intimately. Stay tuned for details.
Speaking of “details,” I’d better get ready for work.
What are you musing about this Monday? My poor transitions? The state of the strike? Share!
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Published on Thursday, January 10, 2008 .
I have a guitar. It’s a pretty nice guitar, an Ovation, and I think it sounds pretty. Unfortunately, it only sounds pretty when I actually pick it up and play, which, unfortunately, occurs less and less frequently. So it sits in my office, looking beautiful, but not serving any purpose.
This past Sunday night, Cliff and I launched Breathe, an organization designed to unlock and unleash the latent awesomeness inside each individual. We had a solid turnout, excellent entertainment (thanks Eric and Robert!) and some tasty fries. I think that people were genuinely touched and moved by what they experienced Sunday night.
But Cliff and I weren’t.
If anything, we were both frustrated by what happened — or more accurately what didn’t happen.
Cliff has his reasons for frustration, but I have my own, mostly fueled by my own personal failure with this Breath vision. The amount of effort I’ve put into launching this thing is laughable; the fact that I call myself a visionary or leader for this thing is laughable. Based on my behavior, I have displayed no leadership, creative direction or a dedication to what Breathe is trying to accomplish.
I’m no more a leader than I am a guitarist.
I’ve been invited into an incredible vision. Unfortunately it’s only incredible if I actually pick it up and play. Something I haven’t yet done.
My prayer is that as Breathe moves forward, I don’t allow the vision to sit, looking pretty, but making not a sound.
Any failings you want to confess? Confession loves company, after all.
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Published on Monday, January 7, 2008 .
if God’s people embodied the spirit of Paul’s prayer?
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)
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Published on Thursday, January 3, 2008 .
Here’s my review of “Juno,” the first of two movie reviews I’ll be doing this week. (I’m using the “Ramsey Movie Criteria.”)
Content
“Juno” follows the story of Juno MacGuff, a witty and “offbeat” teen who gets pregnant after becoming “sexually active” with Paulie Bleeker (played by Michael Cera from Arrested Development). She decides to give her baby up for adoption, finding a perfect couple to raise her baby.
“Juno” is a very funny movie, with clever quips and punchy, fairly realistic dialog among its characters. The story is unique and relatively well-conceived. There isn’t a lot (any) action, but the film moves along at a nice pace, never dragging or feeling boring.
The movie is rated PG-13 due to mature thematic material, sexual content and language. There is some fairly foul language and the subject is also mature, but the sexual content is relatively minor, with absolutely no nudity.
Performance
I think that all of the actors did an incredible job playing their part — even Jennifer Garner! Ellen Paige did a phenomenal job brining Juno to life. Michael Cera’s nervous innocence was perfect in this role. Jason Bateman (another AD cast member) was great. J.K. Simmons was natural in the role of Juno’s father. In short, the performances were excellent all around, with no one coming across as too bizarre, stereotypical or exaggerated.
Artistic Value
Artistic value is an interesting category for this type of movie. It’s not what you would call “beautiful” exactly, but its editing and graphics match the quirky feeling of the film nicely. The music is absolutely great (I’m listening to the soundtrack right now).
Outcome
Hayley and I both enjoyed this movie immensely. The ending is satisfying and leaves you feeling encouraged and happy. This film will definitely be purchased by the Ramsey household upon its DVD release.
Rating:
I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars.
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