.... I'm Baaaack

Vacation was incredibly restful. But, if you know me, you know even my vacations have to be "project-oriented". I read two books and Amy and I watched six movies, along with a ton of relaxing time. I did miss my Internet, though. Here's some random musings from the trip:

* There was a thunderstorm warning that hit when we were leaving town. Rain was pouring. Wind was so strong it was blowing branches off trees. I gotta say, I've driven in at least four hurricanes since I've been back in Miami, and that is the most scared I've ever been driving in Miami. (It still doesn't beat frozen roads in a Texas blizzard.)

* I read a book on blogging (Clear Blogging) by Bob Walsh. Didn't learn that much. However, there was an interview with the CEO of ProBlogger.net, Darren Rowse. Darren (who used to be a pastor of a church in New Zealand), started blogging back in 2002. Bob Walsh (author) speculated that meant that Darren was "one of the first thousand bloggers out there." Darren agreed. This is significant b/c I was doing SushiRocks back in 2002. So theoretically I'm one of the first thousand too! (Please don't read pride into that statement, but if you do, go ahead and give me credit for inventing the Internet too!)

* Leonard Sweet is by far one of my favorite authors (SoulTsunami is one of the reasons I went into ministry). Upon reading Sweet's new book, The Gospel According to Starbucks I discovered that the same principles (EPIC= Experiential, Participatory, Image Driven, Connected) that I loved in SoulTsunami were discussed word for word in TGATStarbucks. Good read, I'll try to blog it this week.

* How do people watch TV without TIVO? Really! If you don't have a DVR PLEASE GET ONE. You waste so much time watching the stupid crap that's on TV. It's so much more enjoyable when you can filter through the crap and only watch what you want...

As for the movies we watched:
* Ocean's 13: Great Flick! Love the Modern Day Rat Pack! They've come a long way from the Frank Sinatra days! It's interesting to watch the cultural differences between Sinatra's Ocean's 11 and where Ocean's 11-13 end up. In Sinatra's Ocean's 11, no one wins (watch the movie, very depressing). Then watch Ocean's 13, where it's not a matter of Clooney's crew winning, but how slick they look doing it.

* Pirates Of The Caribbean (At World's End): Eh, I love the fact that movie trilogies like The Matrix and Star Wars define the rules and conventions of their movies early on (and then stick to it). I love even more that Pirates literally makes up the rules rules as they go. I'm glad I saw it so I can folow the story, but POTC 2 and 3 both left me wanting...

* The Departed: Best mob movie I've seen in years (Disclaimer: I haven't seen many mob movies lately). Any time you put Jack Nicholson in a Martin Scorsese Movie, I'm happy. I had seen all but the last 20 minutes of the movie before, and it was good to get an ending on the film. (Spoiler: For what it was worth, I thought the ending was hilarious... but that's just my sick sense of humor).

* Napoleon Dynamite: Believe it or not, this was the first time I had seen it. Honestly, I know it's a cult-favorite, but really? It was probably the worst MTV film I've seen (once again, haven't seen that many...)

* Lady In The Water: I am a huge Shyamalan fan. I've been through film classes studying this guy. I've taught classes that focused on this guy (and the Auteur Theory). I love this guy, and I can honestly say that this movie STUNK! While it was a good movie, it doesn't belong in the same sentence with Shyamalan's other works. He ran out of gas. Know what the worst thing is? Having expectations put so high that there's no way a person can constantly meet them. Scary stuff. I hear rumor Shyamalan's done making films. If so, that's a sad day for American cinema (one of many sad days to come in American cinema...)

* Kolya: I love subtitles. There aren't many of us left in this country. Great mix of Czech/Russian cinema. It brought me back to film school days. I love movies that make you think.

I guess I got to get away to get things accomplished...

Comments

[Mike Spear]

woah, am I glad you updated this thing. It's been a while but I'm glad you got some well deserved relaxation.

I was doing my fair share of catching up on movies this weekend. I walked into blockbuster hoping to come out with some life changing movies. eh..I did happen to pick up 'Bobby.' I'm not sure if you've seen it, (it's on the day at the hotel when Robert Kennedy was assasinated.) The cast is what caught my attention, not so much the fact that it was written and directed my Emilio Estevez. I don't know much background on the subject, but if you haven't seen it, you should (if only to add it to your "like it" or "hate it" list.) and I'd like to know your thoughts.

[Rhodes]

Dude. this has nothing to do with the post, but thanks for the tip on direct links to podcast. I was digging around looking for it for awhile, but your url beginning suggesting led me straight to it. Thanks!

It's been updated with a nod in your direction.

daniel

[Jeff Reed]

Listen, if it's one thing I know, it's Podcasting.

BTW, readers should check out Rhodes.
http://www.rhodesaudio.blogspot.com/