Movie Madness

The topic of movies came up tonight...

I'll be the first to admit, movies are not my forte.

Movies seem so predictable. So unoriginal. So time consuming. So overrated.

I (usually) can never watch a movie more than once. I think I own one movie...somewhere around here. I'm not a fan of horror, science fiction, animated, or superhero movies. After the Oscars, I'm often left wondering...how did THAT win?

When I do like a movie, it has to be special. Not too long. Not too short. Something that ends, like a book, with a brilliant closing sentence. It has to make you think and piece together the puzzle of the plot as it unfolds before your eyes. Laughter is a bonus. The kind that makes you burst into laughter days after you've seen the movie; during the most awkward moment of the day. A movie that draws real tears. The kind that swell in your eyes before trickling down the cheek. Something that leaves you daydreaming about what could have been or what could be.

Movies are not made like this anymore. The entertainment industry has lost the ability to entertain...to leave me hanging...to make me think...to make me laugh aloud...to steal a tear...to leave me daydreaming.

Here is my "unofficial" list of the good...the bad...and the ugly:

Favorite Comedy: Along Came Polly, Meet the Parents, Hitch, Christmas Vacation (I love situational humor)

Worst Movie: Before Sunset

Favorite Movie(s): Enemy of the State, Derailed, Out of Time, Inside Man, Breach, Finding Forester

Most Disturbing: Mothman Prophecies, The Cell

Biggest Surprise: Paparazzi

Best Chick Flick: Shall We Dance

Best War Movie: Saving Private Ryan, The Patriot, We Were Soldiers

Best Sports Movie: Rudy, The Rookie, Field of Dreams, Coach Carter

Oldie But Goodie: What About Bob?

Cabin Fever

What a Sucker!

What a Sucker from Ryan on Vimeo.

Presidency Day IV: Obama Priorities

After only four days in the White House, President Obama's "true colors" have shown in regards to his stance on the right to life. Since becoming president, Obama's executive orders have been widely publicized by the media; often involving a media circus as Obama signed his name to the paper. However, in this case, there were no cameras, no declarations, no fanfare. In fact, the White House website didn't even update Obama's abortion reversal until almost 24 hours later. There is something to be said for that, but for the thousands of lives that will be affected by the simple swipe of the pen, they have no voice.

Since the passage of Roe v.s. Wade 36 years ago, over 50 million lives have been silenced. 50 million. That is, without a doubt, the biggest human rights disaster in the history of human life.

"Alluding to the American founders, President Barack Obama, in his Inaugural Address, stated: "The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness." This seemed to be a reference to the Declaration of Independence, or at least to the principles in that sacred political document.

The moment I heard those words, I immediately noticed -- as did others who quickly commented -- that Obama neglected two crucial things from the most famous line not only in the Declaration of Independence but in the essence of the American founding: 1) He left out the unalienable right to "Life;" and 2) He left out the words "created" and "Creator" -- the God who "endows" that "Right," a right which is a "self-evident" "truth."" (Paul Kengor)

Barack Obama hasn't saved the world, he's helped to further erode it. Maybe, just maybe, he should open that Lincoln Bible and do some reading.

44

Today, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States. Although I did not support his candidacy, today's inaugural activities were enjoyable to follow as an American. In these uncertain times, the mood of the day was moving. I enjoyed the heavy Christian sentiment as well. Although I question the average citizen's political knowledge, I hope their "political high" carries over to tomorrow. Obama has a lot on his plate. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders and every move will be under the political microscope. I hope he succeeds. I hope he mends a weakened nation. Only time will tell.

America still has a long way to go. America is expecting change from the same government and the same officials that have bankrupted our savings, our retirement, our medicare, our health care, our education system, and our trust. Getting back on the right track will take more than rhetoric and good feelings of hope. It will take dirty hands, tired faces, and determination. This doesn't require us to sacrifice, it requires us to use our potential. Our man-power. Our American spirit.

Transformation must happen.

The talking stops.

The action begins.

Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger

I hate flying. I'd drive anywhere, anytime.

However, if I had the choice of pilots, Sully would be my man.

Chesley Sullenberger is the ex-Air Force pilot who landed his jet-passenger plane on the Hudson River. All 155 people survived this aviation accident because of the tremendous flying skills of Sullenberger.

This pilot needs recognized.

Now, he can finally check 'Yes' for that question on the pilot application that says, "Have you ever had to land an aircraft on a river with over 100 passengers on board?"

God Bless ya Sully!

P90X: Week One

Well, week one is in the books.

WOW

P90X kicks your butt. I am constantly sore. I do not look forward to the workouts. I hate P90X.

But, that's the good part.

P90X works. I already notice subtle differences in my upper body, abs, and overall cardio. If the plan is followed (for 80+ more days!), drastic results seem automatic.

Here is an overview of week one:

Day 1: Chest & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 2: Plyometrics
Day 3: Shoulders & Arms, Ab Ripper X
Day 4: Yoga X
Day 5: Legs & Back, Ab Ripper X
Day 6: Running (my modification)
Day 7: Rest

Workouts are generally 45-75 minutes long; depending on the day. The workouts are intense (a lot of double reps) and the DVDs are really easy to follow. I will follow the above schedule for three weeks and then move onto a recovery week.

Why did I decide to do this again :)

Ryan's Reads

In his book Do The Right Thing, Mike Huckabee reflects on his run for the Oval Office and offers an insight to his political philosophy. Huckabee does an excellent job of explaining his vision for Health Care (a focus on prevention, not reaction) and Taxes (Fair Tax), both of which I strongly support. Although Mike Huckabee is one of my favorite politicians, I was expecting more substance when it came to conservative policies and a renewed vision for the Republican Party. I'm guessing he has four years to refine those thoughts. The book focused more on his run at the Oval Office and positions Huckabee for another run in 2012 (he lays the groundwork by distancing himself from Mitt Romney). If you are a Huckabee fan or want to learn more, it's worth the read.

Next Reads:

Playin' In The Snow

Today was Kayley's first day to play in the snow! Megan, Kayley, and I went outside after the first snow storm of the season. Kayley didn't really know what to think of the white stuff. She didn't really care to walk around in it and she was always checking it out after she got some on her gloves. However, she LOVED sled-riding. We pulled her up and down the yard, drive, and street and even let her go down a few times on her own. Here are some pictures from Kayley's snow adventure:

Why I Like Tim Tebow

The message is in the eye black...

Tim Tebow isn't like every other college athlete. He knows life isn't about football. He knows there is a greater cause. This is a guy that spends his time on mission trips, talking to at-risk kids, and visiting convicts in jail in order to spread the word of God. Most people in his position would have built up his or her ego; Tebow has helped to build the Kingdom of God.

Go Gators! (And that's coming from a Buckeye fan!)

What Really Happened In The Middle East

Epicenter

Alliance For the Future of Israel

In light of the crisis in Israel, I thought that I would pass along some information about an organization that is focusing on ensuring the security of Israel through visionary leadership. The Alliance For the Future of Israel (AFFI) is an organization that is trying to accomplish just that. My wife's aunt is a co-founder of AFFI. We have to come to an understanding that, in regards to the situation at hand, there is much to fault. This stems over many decades of failed policy within the region. Organizations like AFFI have been created to ensure that Israel is guided by the right leaders for the right time. Here is some further information about AFFI:

The Alliance for the Future of Israel is a joint venture of Jewish and Christian believers who are striving to advance the fulfillment of God's prophetic Word regarding the return of His nation, Israel, to Zion; and the rebirth of the modern state Israel.

The Alliance was founded out of the need to ensure the existence of Israel, to promise the security of the Jewish people dwelling in the Holy Land, and guarantee their ability to prevail over the many threats they are facing.

The founders of the Alliance understand that the future of the Jewish people in Zion is based on two main conditions: development of new leadership in Israel, which possesses faith, values and integrity; and intensifying the support of the Judeo-Christian world for the vision of the establishment of a Jewish homeland, with a just and moral society in the Holy Land once again.

The realization of these two conditions is the goal of AFFI's two supported organizations: the Israel Leadership Institute, and the Jerusalem Institute of Justice, in cooperation and mutual support of each other. The courses of action of these two organizations are complementary and are designed to create a new future for Israel. The Israeli Leadership Institute (ILI) educates and develops the future generation of leadership in Israel, which will be dedicated to the re-establishment of an Israel devoted to her prophetic role among the nations of the world. The Jerusalem Institute of Justice (JIJ) leads the struggle for the existence of a just, moral and equal society in Israel, which will empower the society and boost support from, and cooperation with, the Christian world which is dedicated to Israel in the spirit of the prophets of the Bible.

The formation of a just society in Israel, led by elected, brave and visionary leaders is not to be taken for granted. In these two areas a grave crisis currently prevails in Israel, one that threatens the actual existence of Israel as a free, independent, safe and flourishing country.

The leadership crisis and the moral crisis in the Israeli society are directly connected to each other. The leadership in Israel has been characterized in recent years by lack of stability, corruption scandals, failure to stand strong against security threats, and hesitancy in making bold decisions. At the very same time, under this leadership extremist factions demonstrate intolerance and at times even persecution towards minority religious streams.

The Alliance for the Future of Israel will change this reality!

The Alliance is directed at every Jew and Christian of faith, and calls them to take part in the struggle for the future of Israel. The Alliance seeks to enhance the collaboration between all the believers in the vision of the return of Israel to Zion, in order to take action against those who wish to annihilate Israel. The support of Israel will be directed by the Alliance for the Future of Israel towards two main causes: education and the development of leadership; and social public activity for the protection of just values. The benefit gained by working in these two areas will be remarkable. A new generation of leaders will rise up in Israel, who draw their inspiration from the magnificent Biblical past of the people of Israel; and who will then lead a righteous society open for all believers, which will allow the fulfillment of the vision of the redemption of Zion.

The Alliance will deepen the existing connections between the communities of believers in the world and between the Israeli society. The Alliance will act in order to establish a direct and positive influence on Judeo-Christian communities, and their members and leaders; as well as on the leadership and society in Israel. This will further the striving for the fulfillment of their shared vision.

Auto Industry & Economy

As I was watching a NFL playoff game this afternoon, I saw a very peculiar commercial for Hyundai.

The commercial starts off like any other car commercial: fancy car, some numbers flash across the screen, a few awards are listed (I know, these car companies are in debt and begging for money, but still able to run ads every other commercial...that's not the peculiar part though). Then the announcer says, "Today, in addition to our warranty, we're introducing Hyundai Assurance, to show the faith we have in you. Right now, finance or lease any new Hyundai, and if in the next year you lose your income, we'll let you return it."

#1 - Why, thank you Hyundai. How generous.
#2 - Who in there right mind would run out and buy a car after seeing this commercial?
#3 - This is supposed to reassure those when money is tight? Ya, go ahead and by a car...just keep it in the back of your mind that if you lose everything...it's OK to give the car back. No harm no foul.
#4 - I like how somehow the auto industry has made the pitch that we are all in this together. If it wasn't for greedy, incompetent CEO's...my tax money wouldn't be bailing out my own car.
#5 - At least someone is looking out for us. Now if only the mortgage companies start this sales pitch.

Bumming Around

One of the perks of being a teacher?

Two weeks off for Christmas break!

Just hanging out around the house...