movie madness

Becky and I subscribe to the Sunday edition of the Detroit Free Press. It's a good paper, but we really only get it for the coupons. However, I was browsing through it when I came across a really good article by Mitch Albom. He reflected on the current trend in the awards ceremonies (and in the media) to celebrate movies that are dark. Not in the sense that Saw IV is getting nominated for an oscar, but that it seems that you have to be "edgy" to be considered good. You have to push the envelope somehow or you just aren't relevant. You can read his article here.

I agree not only that it happening, but that it is an unfortunate trend. I think that it's even more evident in Television. It seems that the only series' which are regularly nominated each push the boundaries of language, sexuality, and morality.

I'm not against this content in film or television. The world is a messed up place filled with messed up people and media should have the freedom to reflect that. However, it doesn't mean that programming that does not push those boundaries are of lesser quality. You don't have to be dirty to be real. A film can be uplifting and oscar-worthy.

Let's hope that in 2008 we can get more quality movies and tv shows made and nominated.

jammin' tunes

I just purchased the new Passion CD and just like MickyDeez "i'm lovin' it" (i should apologize for the poor quality of that joke, but it's too late... it's already on the internet).

Anyway, the songs that immediately stand out to me are "God of this City", "Sing, Sing, Sing", and "We Shine". I really recommend this CD to any fan of the Passion worship movement.



What music are you listening to?

A few 'sippi highlights

I mentioned a few posts ago that i'd try to put up some pictures of our mission trip, so without further ado...

Our Team

(Paul, Josh, Angela, Katrina, Michael, Marty, J.D., Nitin)
(Alex, Janet, Joy, L.J., Evan, Sarah, Melanie, Nick, Kellie, Liz)

Sunset over N'Orleans

9th Ward, New Orleans

9th Ward, New Orleans

Workin' Hard

Sunset on the Gulf

It's a Girl!!!

The result of my poll was 11 votes girl to 6 votes boy, but the the doctors visit was decidedly conclusive... we are having a girl. We are very excited and very scared. I think I'm scared because I feel like we know how to raise boys, how do you raise a girl? At least we've got a little bit of time to figure that out.

Now we've got to think about baby names. Evan's suggestions so far are "h" and "baby jesus". I'm leaning towards "h", but there's just something about that other name.

loving mississippi

i am currently sitting in pass christian, mississippi 10 feet from 2 amish ladies playing a killer game of ping- pong. seriously, they are good. and seriously, i'm in mississippi.

i'm leading our youth group on a missions trip to help the rebuilding effort following hurricane katrina (2 1/2 years later and there's still so much to do).

We made the trip down here in just under 18 hours (amazing travel time for 2 vans full o' teens). Yesterday we went to new orleans and walked the french quarter in beautiful 70 degree weather. Then we drove through the devastated 9th ward... it was a really powerful experience.

Today we have our first full work day and it was tiring, but great. I'm really excited about what God has in store for our team this week. i'll try to add some pictures next time.

What's it gonna be???

On February 18 (just over 2 weeks away) Becky and I have an ultrasound appointment and will be finding out the gender of our unborn child!

I've opened up a new poll for you to guess what it's going to be (or actually, already is). You can only vote once so make it count!

Chewbacca gets Tazed

The title says it all.