Only 6 More Months!

Harry Potter 7 Release Party

This past summer, Lindsey and I went to watch the Harry Potter madness when the final book was released. Here is what we discovered.

Stuff you just need to know about.

A friend of mine, Adam, has done a great job providing some coverage of the WGA (Writers Guild of America) strike taking place right now.

I agree with Adam that this is an important thing to have knowledge about. When one looks at this situation, a strike seems like the only option to the mistreatment that talented writers have been receiving for years.

Let's hope this thing can be resolved soon...

Here is a link Adam found that provides a good summary of the whole strike.

"The War"--Post viewing thoughts

Lindsey and I just spent one month watching Ken Burn's documentary, "The War" over a period of about 16 hours. I can't say this about many things that I've watched, but I have to say that I have had a major mindset change after watching this documentary. We spent 16 hours listening to story after story after story of soldiers, husbands, wives, children, neighbors, and newspaper reporters giving their personal accounts of World War II.

So, why was my watching this such a life shaping event? I was reminded of the great need to listen to others. Before watching "The War" I had respect for veterans, and for people who lived through this situation, but I did not have a "profound" respect for them. It was more of a distant appreciation. Now, after listening to these families share their experiences, I feel like I have a deeper understanding of how HUGE "The War" was and how this season in history dramatically changed millions of lives.

From now on, I am aiming to have a deeper understanding of historical events. This takes time and effort, but it is worth it. In the same way, I am also challenged to listen to others that I personally encounter with the goal of having a deeper empathy, as opposed to having a distant appreciation of their situation.

Who knew all that would come from watching a documentary?!

The Bible Experience Is Here!!!

We made a post about "The Bible Experience" a few months back.... Well, it is now in stores! We are hoping to get it in the next couple of weeks...

Take a closer look at The Bible Experience below!

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i'm learning

Our movie of the moment is "The War", a Ken Burns Film.

This documentary is about World War II and the effects that it had on four American towns. Luverne, Minnesota - Sacramento, California - Mobile, Alabama - Waterbury, Connecticut.

The film takes a closer look at individuals from these towns and how the war affected each of them and their communities.

Jonathan and I are not completely finished with the film (it will take a couple of days watching it here and there), but it's been educational for me. I think that I pretty much zoned out during history class throughout school, so in some ways I'm learning this all for the first time.

Before watching this, my thoughts on WWII went straight to The Holocaust and Hitler - but now I have knowledge about different battles that were fought, racism throughout the world that went on, and to me most importantly - how it affected the individuals that were involved.

This film has given me a desire to watch other documentaries and read literature about historical events.

Anyway - it's a good thing....and i'm feeling smarter :)

Watch this preview of "The War"

May 2008

Here's another one to look forward to.

Remembering "The Pav"

No matter how cliche this song may be, Pavarotti's performances are ones that
can take any song and make it sound incredible.

I am thankful for recordings such as these that will preserve the
God given talent that Luciano Pavarotti had.

Gorillas in the Mist (with Phil Collins)

Apes are getting more and more talented each day.
Not only are they learning to excel in their musical skills, but they are excelling in their good taste in music.

check out our church's new website!

www.ringcommunity.org

First Day of School!!!!

It's my turn to go back to school!!! Tuesday was my first day back at the seminary and it was great to be back on campus. Don't I look excited? Like a Kindergartener on her first day :)

 
 

Psalm 23

"Be Kind Rewind"

A good while ago, I heard about this movie directed by Michel Gondry who directed "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", and I have always thought that it sounded like a really
cool and funny movie.
From the looks of the preview, I'm thinking that it's gonna be pretty good!.


CLICK HERE to watch the preview.

Citizens!

If you don't know much about your potential Presidential candidates...it's time to get started.  I have a lot I need to learn, and this website (OntheIssues.org) , I am finding is a great start!

CLICK HERE to visit the On the Issues website

See this Movie #3

Last night, Lindsey and I watched this documentary called "The Boys of Baraka".  It is about a group of middle school boys in a lower class urban area of Baltimore, Maryland.  The boys are selected to go to a boarding school of sorts in Kenya for two years.

This documentary is shot with gritty honesty, and thus, at times it is painful to watch.  However, I would highly recommend to take time and watch this movie.  If you have a family, watch it with your family and talk about it afterwards. (Just for your info, the movie is rated "R" for a few scenes where the boys and the families speak with rough language.)  If you take time to watch this movie, I guarantee that your eyes will be opened, or at least you will be reminded of the fact that there are kids all over the world (and even in our backdoor)...who are in desparate need to

 be loved.

Fun with the FAM

We just got back from vacation with our family a week or so ago. Here are a couple of pics. The first one you will notice Jonathan and I in the kitchen cooking! Yes, we can cook :) Each family took a night and cooked and we chose to make veggie lasagna. Everything went great, except we forgot to mix in the cottage cheese! Oh well, it was still tasty and nobody got sick...

Family pic, excluding our brother-in-law, Mikal. He was taking the picture.

Kids, kids, and more kids!

and this last one is of Mikal...we can't leave him out!!

The Bible Experience

Last year, a Bible recording was released called the Bible Experience.  It is a reading of the Bible where each person in the Bible is dramatized by an actor or somebody else.

Some of these actors include Angela Basset, Samuel L. Jackson, and Denzel Washington. 

I have listened to it, and I think it is pretty sweet.  Yes, there are a few moments of "cheese" here and there, but this interpretation is one of the better dramatizations of the Bible that I have heard.  So, if you get a chance, try it out.  You can download any of the New Testament right now from iTunes, and the rest will be released in November.

Check out this interview on CBS with Denzel Washington and his wife about their thoughts on the Bible.  (Click Here)

If you happen to be in Austin...

Sorry about the gap between posts lately.  We've been doing a good bit of traveling, and I will also be out of town next week!  Summer is moving at lightening speed!

Anyway, if by any chance you happen to be near Austin, Texas this next weekend, you should take time and check out this arts festival.  It is put on by a really cool guy who works as a minister to artists in Austin.    For More information check out this website. Or this one!

Return of the 500

When my family lived in Italy...these cars were abundant in the streets.  The Fiat 500 was a very popular car not because of it's cool factor but because it was affordable, practical, and could be parked everywhere.  (This may take away my cool factor, but I actually think they are pretty sweet cars.)  These cars had actually not been in distribution since 1975, but now...32 years later...they have returned.

Here is a video of the 2008 Fiat 500...and a little bonus, after that, you can see a little footage of the Old "500"

Also, here is a link to the Fiat 500 Website (CLICK HERE)

See this Movie #2

We're in the middle of summer, and "big-budget" blockbuster movies are all over the place. (And there's a heap  of them that cost a lot of money, and are quite possibly a waste of money to see) I don't know how often you go to the theater, but if I can be so bold to say that if you are to choose one movie to go to this summer, I would suggest Pixar's "Ratatouille".

I don't want to be that guy who hypes up the movie so much, and then you are let down...so I'm just gonna say this:  If you want a sure-shot of entertainment, while also seeing a beautifully animated movie that celebrates living life with passion, determination and pursuit of creativity and excellence...then set aside a couple bucks (well, 8-10 bucks a ticket I guess is more accurate)...and go see this movie!  Let me know what you think!

Oh, the ever changing technological world!

After a few days of Hiatus...I come to you with this INSANE marvel of technology. This post was inspired by a clip linked in another blog. (Which so happens to be Adam's blog: You can find him under the Famous People links)

I am not a huge fan of Microsoft, but I've gotta say that this program in development is like nothing I've ever seen.

So take a second and check out Photosynth on the Microsoft Labs site. Take a second and click on the video link, and then go to the blog to see more information. And if you're adventurous enough, you might even try and download the program.

CLICK HERE

Movie Dork Entry of the Week

If you were to ask me what my favorite movie of all time is, I would definitely say "E.T.". This is one the earliest movies that I remember, I loved it when I was a kid...and now, 25 years later I can still watch it and enjoy it every time.

Twenty-Five years ago today, E.T. debuted in the theaters. If you still haven't seen this movie, go rent it sometime...it pretty much is timeless, and it'll be worth your while.

Photo of the Week

Epcot, originally uploaded by Haegerology.

Epcot

Do You Like Fast Food?

You decide. CLICK HERE FOR MORE

The Return

We are back from our fantastic vacation from this place:

Celebrating our 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY of MARRIAGE!

Gone for the Week

No blogs until June. We'll be gone visiting Uncle Walt.

Picture of the Week

Untitled, originally uploaded by Haegerology.

U2

Here's a little U2 goodness for you...

They're performing at the Cannes Film Festival, which took place not too long ago.

Happy Birthday Invisible Kris

We had a birthday party for one of our friends in our community group, named Kris.

Unfortunately, his boat broke down when he was out at the lake, and he wasn't able to come.

So, to make up, we had a birthday celebration for "invisible" Kris.

I have no words except....

You've GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! (Click here)

My Photo of the Week

A Little Gift

If you have some time on your hands, take some time to listen to this album by Andrew Peterson. Click on the Link and then click on "Open Player". CLICK HERE

The lyrics of this album are some of my favorites!

Hope You Enjoy!

Cool Non-Profit #4

This Non-Profit is INCREDIBLE!

Check it out!

This weekend

Get excited.

crawfish and humidity

Spring is in high gear in Baton Rouge...and along with spring comes two notable things.....humidity and boiled crawfish!! first, let me say that I've had previous experience with humidity, but louisiana is definitely the worst EVER!! I know this because of the shortness of my breath and the HUGEness of my hair.

The second thing I mentioned...boiled crawfish...is something I never really knew about until we moved to Louisiana. Boiled crawfish (along with snoballs and jambalaya) is a staple in this part of the country.

Everyone here kept talking about "going to crawfish boils" and having crawfish for dinner, etc, etc....but I had never had it. I wondered what the big deal was, so when our church announced that they would be having 750 lbs. of crawish at our church-wide "Day in the Park", I was immediately pumped!

After experiencing my FIRST CRAWFISH BOIL on Saturday, I have to say...its my new favorite thing!!

Here's a picture, for those of you that have no idea what boiled crawfish looks like (its usually served with potatoes and corn). mmmm...yum!


It is soooo good! Don't be scared...just try it!

Good Ol' Steve

Mr. Spielberg is my favorite storyteller of all time. Rolling Stone is interviewing highly influential people in the entertainment world and for the next four weeks they are releasing audio clips of interviews.

Here are some of the Spielberg clips.







Oh...and by the way... Only 389 days until this:

Summer is coming!

Summer is coming, and this will be my first reward.

Good ol' Leo

I wonder what I would have felt like if I was in the same class as DaVinci in grade school...

I probably either would have been annoyed at what a freakish genius he was...or

I would have thought he was really really cool because of what a freakish genius he was.


TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WEBSITE

Cool Non-Profit #3

This non-profit is doing some great stuff. I took some time to talk with one of the directors and they are really passionate about going beyond the act of just teaching art, but more so they desire to foster life change for students. It's encouraging to see artists helping kids use their art to make positive contributions to society.

CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE

wear a name tag....gain a friend

I came across a fun idea today called.....The Name Tag Project

Basically, the idea is that you wear a name tag for a week, month, year....however long you choose...and you see how people respond to you.

According to the website... "The Name Tag Project's mission is to have everyone in the world think and treat everyone else in the world like a neighbor. We accomplish our mission by wearing and distributing name tags which serve a tool to facilitate introductions and conversations between people who would ordinarily sit, stand, or walk by silently to build community. We invite others to join us for a month or year, and document and share our experiences at http://www.thenametagproject.com/."

Check it out!!!

Who are the braniacs behind these things?

Have you ever had an interest in an oil-free fryer/boiler/grill?













Or an indoor vegetable garden?




You need to look no more....

just go to the Elextrolux (an appliance company)
Design Lab Website

I just don't understand where these geniuses come
up with these ideas.

Perfect Exercise Video for Me!

I (Lindsey) have been looking for a video to really shape by arm and leg muscles. FINALLY, today, I found one!

Yesterday

Yesterday was Easter, and it was a great day. Usually, holidays aren't a HUGE deal for me (Jonathan). I enjoy them, but for some reason, the specific holiday will come and go and I won't pay too much attention to them. On Friday, I was reading something from one of my great friends and he was reflecting on the importance of Easter, and the Lord used that to help me remember why we even have holidays. It is for the simple reason of "remembering" because we so easily forget. Regarding Easter, I so easily forget about the awesome wonder and power of Jesus' story. As some of y0u know, I love watching movies and reading books etc...and it is because I love the power of story. Yesterday, I re-experienced the truth that Jesus' story, in retrospect, is the most powerful story that has ever existed. And if that wasn't good enough, this story also happens to be true!

How easy is it for me to forget that Jesus' story is so incredible. Is it easy because I've heard it so many times, or is it easy because of my own complacence? I'm not sure what the true reason might be, but yesterday, Lindsey and I spent time reflecting on the account of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, and we both were re-awakened to this amazing story! His story is truly the great epic. And to top it off, WE get to be a part of His story! Jesus death and resurrection was done because God loved all humans, and so the Easter story happened for us! And now, the story continues as we take steps to follow Christ and become more like Him every day! Now that's a stinkin' good story!

"See This Movie" #1

Fact #1: Lindsey and I watch a lot of movies.
Fact #2: Some of these movies are good, and some of them are not good.

In light of these facts, we'd like to take a few moments of your time each week to talk about a movie we've seen that we think you should see.

This week is:
Coal Miner's Daughter

First off, this movie does a GREAT job telling the story about Loretta Lynn and her journey becoming a nationally known country music singer/songwriter.

Looking back at the past couple of years with movies like "Ray" and "Walk the Line" it is obvious that a well told story will motivate the public to gain more interest in the elements of that story, and like those movies, we finished "Coal Miner's Daughter" wanting to know more about her life and listen to more of her music.

Sissy Spacek did an awesome job portraying Loretta Lynn. Honestly, I haven't seen anything with her that I haven't thought she was great, but this movie stuck out to me as one of her stronger ones...and she even did her own singing in the movie. Tommy Lee Jones plays her husband, and he also does an excellent job. With only a few slow spots in the movie, this story will grab you and keep you interested throughout the duration of the story. This movie has an honest simplicity about it that seems to be reflective of Loretta Lynn's life and music. If you have any interest in the history of American popular music, or if you like country music, or if you like good acting, or for that matter, if you just like to watch a good story, I would definitely say that you should see this movie.

Can't get enough of....

Melinda Doolittle!!

We're big fans!

Cool Non-Profit #2

Here's another great non-profit in Seattle. Take a look at the cool stuff they get to do!

CLICK HERE

Cool Person of the Month: Whit

Each month, we want you to meet our friends that we think are a part of the elite league of coolness. This month, we feature Whit. Whit is one of our dearest friends who we think is a stellar individual. He has great taste in film, excellent music skills, and is one of the most loyal people I know.

GET TO KNOW WHIT on:
His BLOG

His MySpace

or even better get to know him in person.

Cool Non-Profit Organization

Check out this non-profit organization. It's doing some really cool things.

CLICK HERE

And the Cute Award Goes to...

Prologue

welcome to haegerology