Internet Problems

Internet problems . . . ALL weekend. I am on my niece's computer at her house. Hopefully this gets fixed soon. I think I am going through withdraw.

"Freedom Jazz Dance"

Another thank you to Jim. I thought this was cool. This goes out to all my "Band Geek" friends. I was/am one of you even though I coach football. ">

Spelling ?? Bee

Stan, this picture is for you. Let me know if anything is weird in this spelling bee picture.

Thanks to Jim's Blog Space for this.

Wild Wheelchair Excursion

From Fox News: A man in a wheelchair was pushed, unknowingly, by a semitrailer for miles at speeds of up to 50 MPH. See the full story here.

My "Evan Almighty" Review

"My mom would like this movie." This was my thoughts as I sat through the special screening of Evan Almighty last evening. (Understand, my mother didn't like the movie "Gone With the Wind" because of one line. "They don't need that kind of language", she would exhort.) It was fast-paced and fun. It was clean and, to my surprise, not degrading to the Bible. It was a little predictable at times and yet I laughed a lot more than I thought I might. According to IMBD.com the plot line goes something like this:

The last time we saw Evan Baxter (Steve Carell), he was being tormented by rival Bruce Nolan onscreen, live from their Buffalo TV station. But as time passed and Evan has made up with Bruce, he's gone onto bigger and better things. Newly elected to Washington D.C. as a congressman, Evan has left Buffalo, New York in pursuit of a greater calling. But that calling isn't serving in the illustrious ranks of America's politics, but being summoned by the Almighty himself (Morgan Freeman), who has handed Evan the task of building a new ark, much as Noah did before. With time passing by and his family belittled by Evan's newfound realization, Evan will have to do the work that God has given him in what promises to be an unusual adventure for a man who just wanted to serve his country, might actually be serving humanity.

Not being a professional movie reviewer, I thought the casting was well done and the subtle (and sometimes not to subtle) references to past movies and even the Bible were well done. The only uncomfortable part of the movie for me, being a church staff member, would have been while they were talking about praying. The actors seemed a little out of their element during this part of the movie. However, this in no way distracted from the rest of the experience. Wanda Sykes, "Rita", had a bunch of very laughable lines as did Jonah Hill, "Eugene Tananbaum".

Go to this comedy expecting a light-hearted and yet heartwarming film. If you like comedy, and especially visual comedy, Steve Carrol, "Evan Baxter" and his cohorts have done a great job. And in the end, the producers have made a moving film as well. I would highly recommend that you see Evan Almighty and maybe you will be encouraged.

Guess Who I Met at Evan Almighty

We had a nice time in Baltimore yesterday afternoon/evening for the screening of Evan Almighty. I will post my review later, but I would encourage everyone to see the movie and that's all I will say about that now.

Aaron and I had a good conversation on the 2 and a half hour trip to "Mobtown". We found the Charles Theater and headed toward Inner Harbor. Unfortunately, we were travelling during rush hour, got in the wrong lane and eventually were headed to Washington D.C. After getting turned around, we decided to return to the theater instead of going to our original destination. Next to the theater was "Tapas Teatro" an European Spanish cafe, where we decided to eat. It was perfectness. We sat outside along historic Charles Street. I had Spicy Croquettes de Tapas Teatro, Pan Fried Steak and potatoes. The price was a bit more than I usually pay but it was worth it.

The Charles Theater was really cool. The building has high windows, industrial ceilings, a traditional ticket window and snack counter and boasts 5 theaters. We were some of the first to be seated. About five minutes before the move started a blast from the past entered the theater. Jeremy "Beanie" Heisey, a former youth kid, and three friends walked past me. What a nice surprise. Everyone (even his mom) has called him Beanie since his high school days since he looked a lot like Mr. Bean. (Actually, he now looks a little like "Evan" during his early Noah days in Evan Almighty.) I will post more about this interesting guy at a later time.

We all settled down while the Representative from Universal Pictures announced the movie.

I have a few pics I will post later.

Private Screening

Heading to Baltimore today for the private screening of Evan Almighty today. I will try to blog about it tomorrow.

Over Six Million Seconds To Go

There are less than 1680 hours left until football practice can officially begin! That's 100,800 minutes and six million, forty-eight thousand seconds! I can't wait! Can you tell? Check out www.tigerfootball.cc for more information.

Graduation

I went to the graduation ceremonies of one of the local high schools on Friday to see youth group kids and football players graduate. I was pleased to listen as both of the student speakers shared about their personal faith in Christ. The event was held indoors, which is usually a bummer. However, the gym was air conditioned and very comfortable. I think it would be a good idea to hold the ceremonies there every year - rain or shine.

Blog Your Blessings Sunday #3

I have been blessed to have been raised in this small little town in Central PA. It is almost a perfect place to grow up and/or raise a child. We don't have the crime (except bank robberies and ham thieves) and other social problems of the city and yet we are close enough to be able enjoy the activity and cultural aspect of many different places. I can be in Harrisburg or Williamsport within an hour; Philadelphia and Baltimore within 2.5 hours; and Pittsburgh and New York City within 4 hours. I can be on routes 80, 81 or 83 in less than an hour. We have the best of both worlds here. And I love it!